Reading Between the Wines Book Club: 4/1/12

Monday, April 30, 2012

Review: Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Fantasy Lover
(Dark-Hunter 0)
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Paperback, 352 pages
Published February 2nd 2002 by St. Martin's Press (first published January 31st 2002)
ISBN 0312979975

Dear Reader,
Being trapped in a bedroom with a woman is a grand thing. Being trapped in hundreds of bedrooms over two thousand years isn't. And being cursed into a book as a love-slave for eternity can ruin even a Spartan warrior's day.
As a love-slave, I know everything about women. How to touch them, how to savor them, and most of all, how to pleasure them. But when I was summoned to fulfill Grace Alexander's sexual fantasies, I found the first woman in history who saw me as a man with a tormented past. She alone bothered to take me out of the bedroom and onto the world. She taught me to love again.
But I was not born to love. I was cursed to walk eternity alone. As a general, I had long ago accepted my sentence. Yet now I have found Grace--the one thing my wounded heart cannot survive without. Sure, love can heal all wounds, but can it break a two-thousand-year-old curse?
Julian of Macedon

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Crystal’s Thoughts:
Sherrilyn Kenyon’s start to the Dark Hunter’s series is everything I had hoped for and more!

Tuesdays have never been so sexy!Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky below so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!

Blood Law (Blood Moon Rising Trilogy, #1)

For all eternity, only one thing shall separate them—until the Blood Law is avenged…

The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations.
One woman stands at the center of it all. As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.

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Crystal's Review

Hi Sandy and welcome to Mythology month! When thinking of authors that take mythology and blend it into their writing I thought of you. The Shadow Reader which was released this past October is about the fae. Did you do a lot of research when you decided to start writing this book?

I’m not sure if I should admit this, but I did zero research when I started writing The Shadow Reader. Unless you call reading books by Melissa Marr, Richelle Mead, Seanan McGuire, and Patricia Briggs research? Those books are where I gathered most of my knowledge about the fae. I loved their books, and how different the fae/faery were from one story to another (more on that below!).

Angel on Fire by Jacquie Johnson (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Hello lovelies, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Please welcome author, Jacquie Johnson, who is joining us with her debut novel of Angel on Fire!

How to Create a Good Villain

It’s actually rather easy. I start with my personal history, particularly with my ex-boyfriends. Okay, so none of them were evil but a few broke my heart. The thought of getting even stimulates the imagination and my mind starts piecing together the character’s features and mannerisms. Creating a super villain might require an ex-husband though so I’m putting my husband on notice. I need an extra devious villain for the novel I’m currently planning.

More seriously though, I do character sketches regularly in my head based on people I meet or read about. Whether I am at the grocery store, the gym, or my eldest daughter’s school, I am constantly on the look-out for people with unusual traits and mannerisms. I add those characteristics to the figure I am creating and start thinking about the character’s motivation and what makes him … or her in some cases … tick. Even a villain needs a good reason for his behavior. Sometimes he is just crazy but more often than not, I prefer to provide a more concrete explanation.

Review: Blood Law by Karin Tabke

Blood Law
(Blood Moon Rising Trilogy #1)
by Karin Tabke
Paperback, 323 pages
Published May 3rd 2011 by Berkley Trade
ISBN 0425240924

For all eternity, only one thing shall separate them—until the Blood Law is avenged…
The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations.
One woman stands at the center of it all.
As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.

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Crystal’s Thoughts:
Rafael Vulkasin killed his twin brother’s Chosen One fourteen years ago, a slayer who put Lucien Mondragon under her spell and would have destroyed the pack. But Lucien would not believe Rafael that his love was a slayer and so they fought to the death as their wolves. When their pack’s healer asked the great spirits to spare them they did but only under the condition that Rafael would live his nights as a man and his days as a wolf and Lucien vice versa until the Blood Law is avenged. To do that, Rafael must take a mate and sacrifice his Chosen One to Lucien. Rafael has refused though to sacrifice an innocent for his brother’s revenge and so the brothers live as enemies, with the packs split and each an alpha of their own. The great Rising is coming though, the battle between Slayers and Lycans and if the brothers cannot reunite then their nation has no hope of coming out victorious.

I would like to welcome author, Cheryl Douglas, who is joining us today with her novel, Fearless, with Bewitching Book Tours. Enjoy!

Building Characters

by Cheryl Douglas

Every writer is different, some write intensive outlines, and others don’t use outlines at all. I read about an award winning author recently who sits down to write a book without knowing what the book is going to be about. I mean, he’s clueless when he sits down in front of his computer to type the first chapter. He writes two scenes a day, seven days a week, and never thinks more than two scenes ahead. Some of his books evolve into series, while others are stand-alone titles. I love the method to his madness, but unfortunately, I’m one of those writers who rely on outlines to get the job done. My outline usually evolves into something completely different, and I’m okay with that as long as I have a jumping off point.

Tour: The Slayer by Theresa Meyers (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Hello lovelies! I would like you to please give a warm welcome this morning to the wonderful romance author, Theresa Meyers, who is joining us on tour for her second novel in The Legend Chronicles series, The Slayer!

Ten Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Fall For a Hunter
By Theresa Meyers

Make no mistake, Hunters, like the Jackson brothers in my Legend Chronicles series, are hunky, protective, all-guts-or-no-glory kind of guys, but if you ever consider falling for one, you might want to think again. When I first met the guys and got a peak at their world, I was stunned by how early they were brought into “the life” and what they’d suffered even when still young. While it makes them fantastic heroes, it makes them not as good as boyfriends. Here’s a quirky list of ten reasons you shouldn’t fall for a Hunter.

10. Hunters are Deadly. If you are a Darkin female (vampire, demon, ghost, shapeshifter or the like), falling for a Hunter can be deadly. Not only will he be on edge around you, he’d be impossible to bring to a family get-together for fear of killing off your relations. If you’re human, he’s likely bringing trouble to your door. Watch out.

9. Hunter are Workaholics. If you are looking for a man who will listen to you, be home on time and be there when you need him, don’t fall for a Hunter. They’re about the job, 100% of the time. He’ll likely be sharpening his weapons or cleaning his gun while you’re talking to him, and never be sure when he’ll be home, or if he’ll even make it home alive.

Tour: Second Chance by Debbie Gould (Spotlight)

Hello lovelies, today I am happy to be a part of romantic suspense author, Debbie Gould's, tour for her recent release of Second Chance. This is a novella and you can check out the blurb below and then we have an excerpt for you to whet your appetite with, enjoy!

Lieutenant Colin Beckett, US Air Force special ops, lost his wife in childbirth while off on a mission. Two years later, he’s still trying to come to grips with the guilt that tortures him. And to complicate matters, he finds himself undeniably attracted to his wife's sister, Emily. Struggling with his desire, he tells himself he doesn’t deserve a second chance with such an amazing woman.Emily wants Colin in her life and her bed. Enlisting the help of Colin's teammate's and Madame Eve's 1 Night Stand dating service, she plans to prove to Colin he can have everything he lost once again.
Will their one night lead to the happy ending she longs for or the loneliness he thinks he deserves?

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow #26

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!

How to join in:

-You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.

-Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.

-Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.

-List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’

-Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post

-Visit the other blogs on the list and say 'Hi!' Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. J It’s always nice to spread the 18 & Over Book Blogging love!

-Contact me (readingbetweenthewines10 at gmail dot com) with any questions!

Question of the Week: We all know that in romance, authors each have their own unique phrases when referring to those special man and lady bits or the act of those bits getting together. ;) What is one or a few of the silliest phrases you have read?

Please give a warm welcome to historical fiction author, Dora Levy Mossanen, who is joining us with her recent release of The Last Romanov. I've always been intrigued by this moment in history and must admit that 'Anastasia' is still one of my favorite movies. ;) I hope you enjoy the post that Dora has for us today and make sure to enter the giveaway at the end to score your own copy of this title!

I’ve experienced my own fair share of wars and revolutions. I lived through Israel’s War of Independence, when food was rationed and bombs, sirens and blackouts were part of daily life. My family decided to move to Iran. A week later, Mossadeg’s 1953 Coup d’état turned Tehran’s streets into an inferno. The shah and his then wife, Soraya, fled to Italy. Bronze and marble statues of the Shah, in proud stances, on horseback, donning military uniforms and saluting his people, were tied with ropes, uprooted from their foundation, and urinated on in public. And then, with the help of the CIA, the Shah returned to Iran, divorced Soraya, wed Farah Diba and presented his people with a much-anticipated heir to the throne. In 1967 the Shah decided it was time to crown himself and his wife. Ah! The unbelievable pomp, the excess, the handsome horses drawing jewel-encrusted carriages, the scintillating gem-studded crowns and gold-encrusted gowns! The seeming invincibility of the Shahanshah Kind of Kings as he delivered a speech on the occasion of 2,500 year celebration of the Persian Empire: “Rest in peace Cyrus for we are awake and will always stay awake.” Twelve years later, Ayatollah Khomeini’s 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled the Pahlavi Dynasty. Once again, I was forced to leave a country that had become home. I settled in America. Went back to school and became a writer, one whose fabric is woven with the colorful threads of the different cultures she experienced. So, it’s not surprising that I was attracted to a time period in Russian history that saw its own share of pomp and glory alongside untold poverty and despair, which was followed by wars and revolutions and political upheavals that ended in the fall of the three-hundred-year-old Romanov Dynasty. How on earth, I wanted to know, did Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra and their five children end up in the cellar of “The House of Special Purpose”? How could the powerful Romanov Dynasty with its pomp and splendor and unimaginable pageantry prove so fragile? How could both Nicholas II and Mohammad Reza Shah be so isolated from the reality of their people, be in such deep denial that they failed to predict what was coming? These were the questions I set out to answer in The Last Romanov.

Bloodright by Karin Tabke (Guest Post)

Please give a warm welcome to national bestselling and award-winning author, Karin Tabke! Karin is joining us with her recent release of Bloodright, enjoy!

I’m A Nurturer

There, I said it. For me to say that took some self-realization, because my husband will tell you I’m not a good nurse or overly sympathetic to people’s problems. And since that is true, I never considered myself a nurturer. But I have come to discover, I am, in a very big way.

While hubby takes care of things, I take care of living breathing entities. Kids, granddaughter, pets, extended family, friends. I’m the one everyone comes to, for what I’m not exactly sure. Perhaps it’s my honesty. My friends will tell you I don’t mince words. It is what it is and I don’t’ shade it. I’m the reasonable voice amongst the chaotic ones. My kids know if they have a hurt I will soothe it and make it all better. They know mom is good for a home cooked meal, advice, warranted or not, and that she is not bashful about getting into their business.

Kiss of the Vampire
(Warriors of the Rift #1)
by Cynthia Garner
Paperback, 352 pages
Published February 1st 2012 by Forever
ISBN 0446585114

Warriors of the Rift
Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.
Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .
Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

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Khelsey’s Thoughts:

Mariana by Susanna Kearsley (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to author Susanna Kearsley who is celebrating the re-release of her novel, Mariana. Enjoy!

Can no sex be sexy?

Every once in a while I’ll get called on the fact that my books have no sex in them. No sex that readers can actually see, that is. I’ve had my love scenes described as “fade-to-black”, “closing the bedroom door”, and (my personal favorite) “one-foot-on-the-floor”, in a nod to the old Hays Code that used to dictate the morals of Hollywood movies.

When people ask me why I do this, I usually just joke that both of my grandmothers were still alive when my first books were published, and I’d have been given the third degree if I had written a racy scene, but the truth is that I didn’t set out to write books with the bedroom door closed—I just learned that I’m not good at writing the scenes where the door is left open.

The Saint Who Stole My Heart

(Regency Rogues #4)

by Stefanie Sloane

Paperback, 304 pages

Published April 24th 2012 by Random House

ISBN 9780345531148

ARC Courtesy of NetGalley

Possessed of a brilliant mind and a love for puzzles, Dashiell Matthews, Viscount Carrington, is a crucial member of the elite Young Corinthians spy league.Assuming the façade of an addle-brained Adonis, he hunts for a notorious London murderer known as the Bishop. When fate causes him to cross paths with Miss Elena Barnes, Dash discovers an enigma that will prove delightfully intoxicating to unravel: a voluptuous beauty as intelligent as she is fearless. Only the lure of a collection of rare books bequeathed to her family by Dash’s late father could tempt Elena from her cozy rural life to the crush and vanity of London. But if Elena finds his lordship to be the most impossibly beautiful man she’s ever seen, he also seems to be the stupidest. Which made her body’s shameless response to his masterful seduction all the more unfathomable. Yet when she discovers Dash’s mission to track the dangerous Bishop, she willingly risks everything—her trust, her heart, her very life—to join him.

Goodreads

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Lexi's Thoughts:

With the opening scene being a murder scene you might expect The Saint Who Stole My Heart to be a mystery, thriller, who-done-it type of book. And there is some of that, but mostly you get a great love story between a book loving woman and a danger courting man. Could two people seemingly so different have anything in common or any attraction?

Sexy Snippets: Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye

"I need to come, so bad. Please?" She bit her bottom lip at her brazenness. Caden growled, "Mmm, yes." His hands flashed to her hips. He tried to pull her onto his lap, but her skirt was too tight. Her thighs couldn't spread enough to straddle him. "Can I-"He didn't need to ask. Makenna's hands were already at the sides of her thighs hitching her skirt up so she could put her legs over his. She was shaky with want and anticipation. He helped guide her. They both moaned in needy satisfaction when the heated junctions of her thighs settled over the bulge in his jeans.

This was SUCH a great read and it is still only $0.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, sale ends tonight though I believe. Now its your turn, show me your sexy and link up below!

Review: Enraptured by Elisabeth Naughton

Enraptured
(Eternal Guardians #4)
by Elisabeth Naughton
Mass Market Paperback, 402 pages
Published April 3rd 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published April 1st 2012)
ISBN 1402262124
ARC Courtesy of Publisher

Orpheus may have joined the elite protectors known as Eternal Guardians, but they've never trusted whose side he's really on. And the half-daemon couldn't care less. Orpheus has only one goal: rescue his brother from the Underworld. He's not expecting a woman to get in the way, especially not one sent by Zeus to seduce, entrap, and then ultimately destroy him. A woman who will dredge up a past he doesn't remember, a love that once condemned him, and a dark and deadly secret as old as the Eternal Guardians themselves.

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Crystal’s Thoughts:
Enraptured is a dark, sexy and gripping read that will leave you addicted to these Eternal Guardians if you weren’t already!

Welcome back! Today author WJ Craft is joining us with her book, Chicks in Charge, and a custom flash fic to go with our Mythology Romance theme this month. Enjoy!

At Last

by WJ Craft

She lay weeping and shaking on the forest floor, too tired to run, too

exhausted to care any longer that they were almost upon her. She could

hear the chase hounds baying, but it was impossible to tell how far

off they were. It didn’t matter anyway, she hadn’t the strength to

stand.

The snapping of a branch made her look up, the weariness clear in her

eyes as her hands clutched at the dried leaves under her.

“M’lady.”

The voice was deep, almost baritone, and held a gentle strength. As he

parted the thick undergrowth with perfectly muscled arms, she could

see a kindness and concern in his brown eyes that she had never seen

in a man before. A tiny spark of hope kindled inside her.

Good morning! Today I would like to introduce you to MechMan by L J Garland and whet your appetite with a little excerpt. Enjoy!

Raven is on a suicide mission. Jex is a biomech on a mission to save humanity. They discover their mutual passion to destroy the enemy isn’t their only desire.A war against the Darch has raged for years, and humanity is on the verge of extinction. Scientists have created biomechs to supplement as warriors, but it’s just a temporary fix on what appears an insurmountable problem. One desperate scientist injects JXS241, a biomech warrior, with what he hopes is the solution for mankind’s survival. But the biomech is captured by the enemy.Raven Nirvanni survives on the fringes of a shattered culture. While on a self-imposed suicide mission to annihilate an enemy destroyer, she encounters the imprisoned biomech. Deciding the fate of humanity far outweighs the destruction of a single ship, she recues him and decides to ensure he reaches his destination.With the enemy anticipating their every move, Raven is completely taken aback when she realizes she’s falling for JXS241. But can she really love a machine? And if so, can he reciprocate?

Hello lovelies and welcome to the Spring Fling Blog Hop hosted by myself and author Selena Blake as well as Laurie from Bitten by Paranormal Romance! This hop will run from April 23rd - 27th and feature many wonderful bloggers giving away bookish delights! Thank you to Selena for putting this together, as well as the fabulous Annette, and all the bloggers/authors who are participating!

Now onto the good stuff!I will be giveaway two books to one winner today, featuring one of my favorite things...Highlanders!!!Here's some smexiness to get you drooling.... *ahem* I mean started!

Early Review: Turn to Me by Tiffany A. Snow

Turn to Me by Tiffany A. Snow

Kindle Edition, 311 pages

Published April 2012

ISBN 0985374209

Courtesy of Author

When Kathleen Turner, office runner for the prestigious Indianapolis law firm of Kirk & Trent, started dating the boss she knew the risks. Senior Partner Blane Kirk is known for being a notorious player - the Baskin Robbins of dating with a different flavor every month. Kathleen is the happiest she’s been in a long time, especially as Christmas approaches, but she’s always known there was a termination date on her relationship with Blane.
She just didn’t expect that termination to be her funeral.
A festive afternoon of Christmas tree shopping turns life-threatening when Kathleen and Blane become targets for an unknown gunman. They make it home alive, but Kathleen realizes her boyfriend has been keeping secrets. The deadly kind.
Blane’s current case is drawing heated debate and stirring the pot of public fury. Kathleen is horrified by the threats – and worse – being directed at him. A former Navy SEAL stands accused of the wrongful death of an American citizen during a military operation overseas. The case has far-reaching political and military implications. Someone with a lot of money, and even more clout, wants Blane to lose.
As dead bodies of people connected to the defense start piling up, it becomes painfully obvious that disappearing witnesses and altered testimony are no longer enough for whoever is intent on guaranteeing the SEAL gets convicted. Kathleen and Kade, Blane’s brother and ex-FBI-agent-turned-assassin-for-hire, are on the trail of the killer.
Unfortunately for Kathleen, he’s already moved for the end-game – by painting a target on her...and pulling the trigger.

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Jolene's Thoughts:
Kathleen Turner finds it difficult that Blane Kirk, high profile lawyer with aspirations to public office, former Navy Seal and all around charmer, would choose to be with her; Kathleen Turner, runner for his law firm and bartender. She's been dating Blane for six weeks now, though feels that this fantasy may come crashing down any minute, just seeing the warmth in his eyes when he looks at her, seems to ease her worry. As comfortable as her life may seem to be at the moment, there is always someone who wants her dead.........

North of Heartbreak by Julie Rowe
ebook, 103 pages
Published April 16th 2012 by Carina Press
ISBN13 9781426893629
Courtesy of Author & Book Tour Company

Since her divorce, Willa Hayes has thrown herself into her work as a nurse practitioner in the remote town of Stony Creek, Alaska. She's regained her self-confidence and her heart is almost healed. Then her newfound peace is shaken by the arrival of sexy flyboy Liam Reynolds. Willa can't deny she's instantly, intensely attracted to him—even if she's convinced he's yet another Mr. Wrong.
Liam has his own reasons for fleeing to the isolation of the north, and a relationship is the last thing he wants. He wasn't counting on being drawn to the pretty nurse who accompanies patients on his flights to southern hospitals.
Fortunately, the temptation—and the desire to avoid anything serious—is mutual. So the pair comes up with an arrangement: sensual, steamy, no-strings fun. But when things heat up on a cold Alaskan night, the rules of the game may change forever...

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Crystal’s Thoughts:

Now I would like to welcome romance and erotic romance author, Jennifer Probst, who is joining is for her recent release of Play Me!

Short, Sexy, and Successful by Jennifer Probst

First off, let me thank you for letting me guest post today at your fabulous site – it’s always a pleasure to visit!

I’d like to talk a bit about character and the structure of the short format. With my Steele Brother series for Decadent’s 1Night Stand stories, a full and satisfying premise must be introduced, given a conflict, then end in happily ever after.

Since I’m writing erotic, I also need to throw in lots of great sex scenes that add to the storyline and increase the character’s relationship in a believable way.

Oh, and I have to complete the task in less than 15,000 words.

No problem.

What’s the best way to accomplish all the items listed above?

Write strong characters and they drive the story. Write a hero and heroine who snap off the page, make you believe in them, and keep you entertained for a few hours. How?

Here’s a quick overview of three main elements to help you accomplish the goal.

Please give a warm welcome to romance author, Julie Rowe, who is joining us with her book North of Heartbreak!

What I Learned About Heroes From Abraham Lincoln

By Julie Rowe

The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. - Abraham Lincoln.

During his lifetime, Abraham Lincoln worked as a farmer, rail-splitter, flatboatman, storekeeper, postmaster, surveyor, the elected Captain of his company in the Black Hawk War (where he only fought mosquitoes), a self-taught lawyer and finally a President of the United States. Elected President twice, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared all slaves within the Confederacy forever free on January 1, 1863. He was assassinated on Good Friday, April 14, 1865.

Guest Review: Edge of Passion by Tina Folsom

Edge of Passion by Tina Folsom

eBook, 273 pages

Publisher: Tina Folsom (March 7, 2012)

ISBN: 1475019122

Synopsis:

“Able to render themselves invisible, immortal Cloak Warriors like Aiden have been protecting humans from the dark power of the Demons of Fear for centuries. But the demons might soon have a powerful tool in their hands to seduce humans to the dark side. And the person to provide them with this elixir is the human scientist Leila. Unbeknownst to her, the drug she’s developing to cure Alzheimer’s has the unexpected side effect of weakening the mind’s resistance to the influence of demons.
The Council of Cloak Warriors is divided, some of them believing the only safe way to eradicate this threat is to eliminate its inventor, others are bent on protecting the human scientist. Aiden is a loyal Cloak Warrior who accepts the assignment to protect her despite his own beliefs that humans can't be trusted. However, when her life is endangered, his beliefs shift, and he’s drawn into a battle whose participants are unknown: is he fighting the demons or his fellow Cloak Warriors?
Forbidden desire flares between Aiden and Leila as they are forced to rely on the only people they can trust: each other. And even if he can save her and defeat their enemies, a union between them might be the most dangerous undertaking of all.”(www.goodreads.com)

Purchase at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Nook

Fiona's Thoughts:

Please give a warm welcome to erotica and erotic romance author, Emily Cale!

Writing with Wine

Given that my post today is on Reading Between the Wines, I thought I'd talk about wine. If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably heard me mention my love of wine one or two hundred times. I'm a strong believer in having a glass in the evening to help melt away the stress of the day. Nothing else is as helpful in making sure I can forget about the looming to-do list at my day job and focus on my writing instead. So I thought I'd talk about some of my favorite varieties.

Moscato: I discovered this sweet white by accident in the store one day. Now I hear about it from everyone. It's the perfect fun and flirty wine that I buy for girl's night or for writing happy scenes.

Pinot Noir: I have to admit that it took me a long time to start liking red wine. I'll still pick a white over a red most days of the week, but I've found myself more and more drawn toward this specific red. It goes well with the dark chocolate that I usually eat a pound of during revisions. Even though it isn't sweet, it always reminds me of dessert.

Sauvignon Blanc: This is my all time favorite variety of wine. When I first started drinking, this was always my standby at the liquor store. It is a nice not-too-dry white wine that I tend to drink a lot when writing. It pairs well with just about any scene and it works for the parties I throw too.

Welcome to mythology month here at Reading Between the Wines Jessica, fortuitous that your book Magic Unchained was released this month.

Thanks so much for inviting me!

This is book seven in your Nightkeepers series which brings together prophecy, gods, demons and warriors. Sounds like the perfect ingredients for bringing to life an old myth/legend. Did you research a lot of Mayan (or Aztec serpent worship) mythology before you started the series?

Absolutely! Actually, it was a little bit the other way around, as I’ve always been fascinated with Mayan and Aztec mythology (I spent some time ruin ratting as a kid and it really made an impression), so when I came across a reference to the potential 2012 doomsday of the Mayan calendar, I was like, ‘Score! An excuse to read up on Mayan mythology and call it work!’ And thus the Nightkeepers (modern day men and women who are busting butt—and making love-fueled magic magic—to save us from the 2012 doomsday) were born.

Guest Review: Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward

Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #10)

Lover Reborn, by J. R. Ward, Black Dagger Brotherhood #11

Synopsis:

"Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment is a heartbroken shadow of the vampire leader he once was. Brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel, he fights again with ruthless vengeance- and is unprepared for a new tragedy. Seeing his beloved in dreams—trapped in a cold, desolate netherworld—he turns to the angel to save his former mate, only to despair at the path he himself must take to set her free. As war with the lessers rages, and a new clan of vampires vies for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between an unforgettable past, and a future that he doesn’t know he can live with… but can’t seem to turn away from." [Goodreads]

Purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kindle

Fiona's Review!
After waiting eons for some sort of resolution for Tohrment and our beloved Wellsie, I could finally rest my weary heart, knowing it worked out the way it needed to.

Today I am jumping up and down-excited to have author Laura Kaye join us for our mythology feature! Among some other truly fabulous novels, Laura is the author of the Hearts of Anemoi series which is a must-read! You can check out my review of the first book, North of Need, HERE. Enjoy!

The Mythology of the Anemoi

By Laura Kaye

I’m so glad I get to help celebrate mythology romance here at Reading Between the Wines Book Club! I love any opportunity to come hang out here, so thanks to Crystal for the invitation!

My new Hearts of the Anemoi contemporary fantasy romance series features two books to date: NORTH OF NEED and WEST OF WANT (available for pre-orders, releases 7/10). The Anemoi were directional wind gods (north/south/east/west) that the Greeks associated with the seasons. This first book is about Owen Winters (ancient name Eoghan) who is a snow god in the employ of the Supreme God of the North Wind and Winter, Boreas. The second book is about Zephyros Martius, the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring. This is the first time I’ve based characters and a world around Greek mythology, and the mythology has contributed such wonderful backstory and conflict to the characters. Here are some examples:

Bared to you by Sylvia Day
Paperback, 360 pages
Published April 3rd 2012
ISBN 0985114606
Courtesy of NetGalley

“Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart…” (Goodreads)

Purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon Kindle, Amazon and The Book Depository

Fiona’s Thoughts:
The relationship between Eva and Gideon is a total emotional rollercoaster ride that rivals Disneyworld’s Space Mountain. Ups, downs, lefts, rights, turns, and spins. Sylvia Day’s story of confliction, compassion, and compromise left me feeling every possible emotion every single time I put it down. The raw sexuality was undeniably incredible and I loved it! There were no innuendos; everything was primal and yet exceptionally tasteful! Their dialogue, alone, made me shiver!

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