The Dream Series (Books 1-5) by JJ DiBenedetto

When I was asked to read all 5 books in a series, what did you think I said?  Well I love to read, so of course I said yes!  But then the panic set in.  What if I didn't like the first one?  I promised I'd read them so would I dread reading all 5?  When would I find time to read all 5?  Well thankfully, JJ DiBenedetto told me to take my time and read them at my leisure and then review them.  As I read each one, I did review them on Goodreads and Amazon, but I decided the my blog post was about all 5. 

So was reading this series torture?  Far from it!

The series starts with Dream Student and introduces us to Sara Barnes, a pre-med student who begins to have some very strange dreams.  It doesn't take long for Sara to realize that these aren't her dreams, they are other people's dreams and she is witnessing them.  One of the first dreams she finds herself in is that of Brian Alderson.  She's not sure who he is, but he's dreaming about Sara.  She isn't quite sure what to think.  But when she sees Brian in person for the first time, she feels an instant connection.  And I guess you could say that the rest is history!

But not all of Sara's dreams are so happy.  She finds herself inside the dreams of a killer!  But how does she stop him?  She can't exactly go to the police and tell them about her dreams.  They'll have her locked up in the looney bin!  Sara tells her roommate Beth and Brian about these dreams and together, they know that they must find a way to stop the killer...as soon as they figure out who he is.

Get Dream Student for your Kindle

Next, Dream Doctor, takes along as Sara goes through med school.  But wait, what about her and Brian?  Are they still together?  Well, it's not easy being a newlywed and going through med school, but neither is catching a killer.  Sara had hoped that her crazy dreams were a thing of the past, but she can't get off that easily.  And once again, the dreams start.  Is someone trying to kill her least favorite professor?  And if so, who and why?  Looks like Sara and Brian are going for another crazy ride through someone else's dreams.

And I literally laughed out loud at one point:
And if she so much as a puts a hand on him, I'll cut her heart out.  I know how to do it, too.  I've been reading ahead - the instructions are right there in Grant's Dissector.  Page 75

So yes, while this series is a paranormal work of fiction involving murder and intrigue, there are some parts that will just make you laugh.  And some that will make you cry.  It is so well written that you'll will enjoy a wide range of emotions.

Get Dream Doctor for your Kindle

Medical School is over and now it's time for Sara to start her residency and from the name of book 3, Dream Child, you can probably figure out that her and Brian have started a family.  And once again, Sara is having the dreams, but there is a twist!  She's not the only one in the family who can witness someone else's dreams.  And this time, those dreams get Sara and Brian tied up in politics and the mob.  Because apparently being a doctor and a rocket scientist just aren't exciting enough.

Get Dream Family for your Kindle

Book 4, Dream Family, was heartbreaking for me.  With everything that Sara and Brian and even Lizzy had been through, this was the toughest one for me to handle.  I felt as though Sara's entire life was being torn apart.  Remember how I mentioned earlier that there would be things that would make you cry?  Yep, this one most certainly did that.  But please, do not let that stop you from reading.  My husband read the books along with me and for a while, he was ahead of me.  He said that I wasn't going to like book 4, but despite all the tears and the heartache, I think I probably liked it the best because it really made me feel even more than the others did.

Of course, Sara still has the dreams, but she's also living a nightmare. 

Get Dream Family for Kindle

And finally, we have Waking Dream.   Brian has a very important presentation coming up and Sara finds herself inside her husband's dream.  But this time she's not alone.  And it's not someone from her family who has joined her in this dream.  It's a Lady in Red who appears to have the same ability of visiting other people's dreams.  What is she doing in Brian's dream?  And why does she keep running away as soon as she spots Sara?    Who is the Lady in Red, what is she hiding and how does it impact Sara's family? 

Get Waking Dream for Kindle

Now you've probably noticed that my summaries of each book got smaller and smaller as I worked through the series.  That's because, I don't want to give too much away.  I've seen several reviews that said you could read each book as a standalone, but I really don't think you want to do that.  You really want to read the entire series.

This series is so very well written.  The characters are beautifully developed - every single one of them.  There are no throwaway characters.  Every single one is an integral part of the story.  Sara and Brian's parents, their kids, their siblings, Beth, all her classmates and teachers and coworkers.   Even all the "bad guys". 

I have so enjoyed following Sara and Brian's story, because while it is mainly her story, she wouldn't be who she is without him by her side.  And I'm pretty sure she'd agree with me on that one!  But we're not done with the Alderson family yet.  James "JJ" DiBenedetto surprised me at the end of Waking Dream when he commented that Book 6 will be out sometime in 2014!  That's right...Sara is still dreaming and we get to keep following along.

I'm giving this entire series 4+ stars.  I highly recommend it for anyone who likes paranormal, suspense, intrigue and the supernatural.  Oh who am I kidding?  I recommend it for anyone!

To learn more about James "JJ" DiBenedetto, check out his page on Amazon.com


I shared the Kindle links within the reviews for each book.  And I'm happy to say that they are available for Nook! 
Dream Student
Dream Doctor
Dream Child
Dream Family
Waking Dream


Also, they are available on Smashwords or in Paperback!
 
Happy Reading!!

Cover Reveal - Private Show (Part 2 in the The Private Series) by Danielle Torella

 

 

Private Show

By: Danielle Torella

Coming late fall / early Winter!

Short excerpt:

I kiss her forehead, “Here, let me pour you a cup.” I step over to my coffee maker and I pour the dark liquid into her mug. Handing it to her she smiles.

“Did you pick this out for me?”

The mug I got for her is pink with a vintage camera on it, with a heart in the lens and it reads “smile.” I thought it suited her. She sets the hot mug down and picks up the vanilla syrup and pours it in, adds a little cream and stirs it slowly. How someone can make getting coffee look so sexy is beyond me, but damn…

I grab my own cup and I like my coffee black, so I get to sit back and watch her work her magic. She continues onto the whip cream and I can’t help but think about using it on her body and licking it all off. She even uses the caramel to drizzle on the top and my mind goes where the whipped cream did. She looks up into my eyes and gives me the biggest smile I have ever seen on her face and my heart skips a beat. They say it’s the little things that make you fall in love with someone…

She takes a sip of the drink and leaves a dollop of cream on her nose. I reach out to her, and put my hand on her cheek, using my thumb I wipe it and lick it off. I sit back on my stool and watch her go on with my layout. She grabs a vanilla almond biscotti and dips it in her coffee. Bringing up a scoop of whipped cream in the end, then she puts it in her mouth slowly and takes a bite.

Fuck me.

 

Little Bio from Danielle:

Hi! I am Danielle live in Western New York with my husband and two sons. I never knew I had a dream to become a writer until I started becoming obsessed with reading in the last two years. The obsession began with Twilight and then matured to Fifty Shades. While used to reading mainstream best sellers, found a new love for indie authors. My first book idea started from a dream I had one night and became obsessed with the story and started writing. Now having arguments with the people in my head and loving every moment of it, even when they take control of the story. I released Private Message June 2013 and I am in the process of releasing its sequel Private Show late fall/early winter!

 

 

 

Goodreads: add Private Show to your TBR list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18104474-private-show

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authordanielletorella

 

Read Private Message before Private show is released

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Private-Message-ebook/dp/B00D2CQIZE/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1380761178&sr=8-1&keywords=danielle+torella

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/private-message-danielle-torella/1115475523?ean=2940016532912

Cover Reveal - Let Love Heal by Melissa Collins (Release date 10/28/13)

On October 28, Melissa Collins will be releasing the third book in her Love series.  And today, we're helping to reveal the cover and the book blurb! 

Perfection.  We all strive for it, but what happens when the desire to be perfect consumes you?  What happens when the need to bury your mistakes blinds you?

Melanie Crane has always been the perfect daughter, friend, student – she’s been perfect at everything, in fact.  But when she lets her insecurities, the ones that she keeps hidden from everyone, get the best of her, she falters in her pursuit of perfection.  Melanie crumples under the pressure and buries her pain.  Numbed by sadness and guilt, she is determined never to let anyone find out how broken she really is.

Bryan Mahoney may appear to have everything in order.  He’s charming, witty and completely swoon-worthy. In short, Bryan has life all figured out, but appearances can be deceiving.  When the landscape of Bryan’s family changes in an instant, he’s left to pick up the pieces.

Not all bruises leave a mark. Now, weary and afraid, Melanie and Bryan must find a way to let love heal their broken and jaded hearts.

 

And she is even giving us a sneak peek at the prologue!http://www.wattpad.com/25653055-let-love-heal-prologue#.Uj-DxoasiSo

 

And look - A Giveaway!!

Link:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzgwYzNhYTYzNjA3OTZmNzYyNGM0MmM5ZWY0YWQ2OjEy/

 

About the Author:

I’ve always been an avid reader.  Majoring in English Literature was a no brainer.  Becoming a teacher and instilling my love for reading into my students was also a no brainer.  I’ve spent the last ten years teaching and I’ve loved (mostly) every minute of it.  When I was home on maternity leave for my third son, I discovered a new genre that sparked my creativity.  My passion for writing sprang from my love of reading and once I knew I had a story to tell, I couldn’t wait to get it out there.  I only hope that my readers enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/MelissaCollins.Author

Web – www.melissacollinsauthor.com

 

Keep reading to learn more about the first two books in the series:

Let Love In:

What would happen if you lost everything?  If the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally were no longer there for you, how would your world change? 

That’s exactly what happened to Madeleine Becker when her parents died when she was ten years old.  Ripped from her home and everything that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again.  The only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can't get hurt if she doesn't fall in love.

That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He understands Maddy's pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate his world.  Maddy's inner strength, snarky personality and breath taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past.

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Let-Love-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00CPE10JY/

 

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Love-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00CPE10JY/

Apple iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/let-love-in/id646604599?ls=1

Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1046637564?ean=2940016671178

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Let-Love-In/book-CADu6AR31EqasVWUJ9jYPQ/page1.html?s=5z1FZ__9BkyuWMcnSyk_2A&r=2

Let Love Stay:

If you’re lucky, you’ll fall in love – truly, madly and deeply in love.  But what happens when that honest and pure love isn’t enough to erase your fears?  What happens when your past rears its ugly head and threatens your future? 

Maddy and Reid had that kind of love – the all-encompassing, Earth shattering, once in a lifetime kind of love.  Then life happened.  Old wounds that were thought to be long healed and scabbed over are ripped opened and they are forced to face the possibility that, maybe, they are not strong enough to fight their demons and embrace the light. 

Together, they found out what love is, but now they will each need to heal on their own before they can ever be together again.  They must face their fears and beat down their pasts in order to find their way through this crazy uphill battle called love. 

They’ve let love in, but now, they need to find out how to Let Love Stay. 

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Let-Love-Stay-Series-ebook/dp/B00E5TQ0CY/

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Love-Stay-Series-ebook/dp/B00E5TQ0CY/

Apple iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/let-love-stay/id678728030?mt=11

Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/let-love-stay-melissa-collins/1116225393?ean=2940148456940

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Books/let-love-stay

 

Reflect Me by K.B. Webb

Any time I'm asked to read and review for someone, I'm always a little nervous.  What if I hate it?  Well thankfully, that hasn't happened yet!  But rest assured, I'm always honest.  I'm not going to claim to like something when I really don't.  It won't be easy to write a negative review, but if I have to do it, I will. 

But that's not what you're going to get here.

Reflect Me was a good story and I'm glad I was asked to read it.  On Amazon and Goodreads, I gave it 4 Stars. 

It's a story about Molly.  A young woman who just gave birth to her daughter Lyric and feels like she has to suffer through a miserable life with the loser of a sperm donor, Brian, for her daughter's sake.  But fate works in funny ways and when an old friend of Brian's moves back to town, Molly does begin to wonder if maybe, just maybe, she deserves better.  Logan is a dream!  And it's hard to believe that someone like him could have ever been friends with a loser like Brian.  Logan shows Molly that she does deserve better.

I was left with some questions, like why didn't anyone else in Molly's life see what a complete loser Brian was and put him in his place?  Why did it have to wait until Logan came into her life for the rest of them to see what he was doing to her?  Well I guess if they all did something before Logan, there wouldn't have been much of a story.

And I have to share my favorite line from the book:
My Mom used to always tell me that there was no better mirror than someone who truly loved you. I wanted to be Molly's mirror.
I know, right?  Don't you wish a guy felt that way about you? 

You can find Reflect Me for your Kindle on Amazon or you can get the paperback at Amazon. 

And for you Nook users, here it is at Barnes & Noble.

To learn more about the author, K.B. Webb, check her out on Facebook!


I hope you enjoy Reflect Me.  I know I'm looking forward to reading more great stuff from K.B. Webb! 

Cover Reveal - Protect Me by Jennifer Culbreth

This was actually revealed last night on Facebook, but since I can't blog on my Kindle (hate that, but some reason it won't let me post to the blog), I had to wait until this morning to get on the computer and post it. 

But here it is...the new cover for Protect Me by Jennifer Culbreth.  I have to say, I really like this revision. 

And here's the blurb about the book:

Abbi Hastings had never been fearless. She'd been firmly entangled in her small town roots her entire life until an unexpected inheritance provided her a chance to escape. As she took the only opportunity she’d have to get out, Abbi left her world behind and boarded the plane with her one way ticket to Los Angeles.

Relentless and fighting for her own independence, it all goes to hell when fate throws a twist into her plans. Everything changes the day she accidentally falls into the arms of Ryan. Tall, dark eyed, and handsome CEO of LA’s hottest bodyguard service who is fighting some dark demons of his own.

Can Abbi take a leap of faith and dare to experience all that the world has to offer, accepting that fate has brought her here into the arms of the man who will protect her? Protect her mind, body, and soul.


And here's where you can purchase (because you should, you really should!  I reviewed it in August, so look back at my blog review to see what I had to say.)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Protect-Me-Protected-Love-ebook/dp/B00E98ZPXQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375643904&sr=1-2&keywords=protect+me

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protect-me-jennifer-culbreth/1116259653?ean=2940148778509

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/protect-me-2

Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/4370943

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E98ZPXQ

Cover Reveal: Tempt by Cambria Hebert

Title: TEMPT
Author: Cambria Hebert
Cover Designer: Mae I Design
Release Date: October 14, 2013
Series: Take It Off series - Note: the Take It Off series is a series of stand alones. Each book is its own story.
Genre: New adult contemporary - due to graphic language and sexual content this book is recommended for readers 18+.

***This is a new adult contemporary novel and contains sexual content and graphic language. It is not intended for young adult readers.***

Honor Calhoun never thought her life would ever be like the books she writes for a living. One morning while out for a run, she learns not all bad things are plots in novels. Some horrors can actually come true.

She faces off with a persistent attacker, holds her own, but in the end is taken hostage and thrown into a hole. In the middle of the woods.

But Honor didn’t go down there alone.

She took her kidnapper’s phone with her. But with a spotty signal and a dying battery, hope is slim.
Nathan Reed is an active duty Marine stationed at a small reservist base in Pennsylvania. All he wants is a calm and uneventful duty station where he can forget the memories of his time in a war-torn country.

But a single text changes everything.

Nathan becomes Honor’s only hope for survival, and he has to go against the clock, push aside his past, and take on a mission for a girl he’s never met.

Both of them want freedom… but they have to survive long enough to obtain it.

Previous books in the series:

Sometimes the blogger just wants to read!

I bet you're wondering if I've done any reading lately since I haven't blogged much.  Trust me, I have.  Sometimes I just read for fun and while I may enjoy what I'm reading, I don't feel the desire to blog about it.  I still reviewed stuff on Amazon and Goodreads, but I just didn't feel like blogging about it. 

I'm also reading a series and I've told the author that while I do plan to blog about it, I want to wait until I finish the entire series before I do so. 

So have no fear, I'm still reading plenty of stuff.  I do talk about some of it on my Facebook page, so you can always check there if you're looking for some words from me.  In the meantime:

Tease by Cambria Hebert

Wow!  Just WOW!!

He lifted me off his chest and pinned me with his dark molten stare.  "At first, maybe.  But then I spent five minutes with you and in those five minutes I realized you weren't just a warm body...you weren't just the kind of girl I could get out of my system with a fling.  I'm not really sure what any of that means... but I do knot I'm not going to fuck this up by sleeping with you too fast."

And that's how he claimed the first piece of my heart.

Can I just say, I think he claimed mine too.  (Shhh, don't tell my husband.)  I think every woman who reads Tease will fall in love with Cam.  He is hot and sexy, says all the right things.  He will absolutely sweep you off your feet. 

And that dimple... I wanted to lick it.

Sigh....

"It's not my job to tell you what to do."
"Then what is your job?" I said, arching a brow.
"To tell you that you're beautiful.  To kiss you.  To love you."

OMG!  How could you not fall in love with that?  Is it getting warm in here? 


Ok, where was I?  I absolutely loved Tease.  The first book I read by Cambria Hebert was Torch, which was the first in her Take It Off series.  Tease is the second in the series, but they are really standalone books.  I really enjoyed Torch, but for me, Tease was so much hotter. 

Harlow is a broke college student who decides to get a job as a stripper to make some extra money.  She's never quite sure that this is the right job for her, but when she meets Cam, she might decide stripping is the best thing that ever happened to her. 

Tease had my pulse pounding, my heart racing and my body temperature rising!

Read it!  Trust me.  It definitely got 5 stars from me!

Get Tease for your Kindle from Amazon

Or for your Nook from Barnes & Noble

And check out Cambria Hebert on Facebook at:  Cambria Hebert

Or you can check out her homepage for more info about her and all of her fabulous books, which are quickly being added to my to-be-read list:  http://cambriahebert.com/


And of course, stay tuned here for more reviews and other info about Cambria in the future!! 

Happy Reading!!

Finding Olivia by Micalea Smeltzer

They (whoever they are) always say that you can't judge a book by its cover, but don't we all do just that?  I will admit that I bought Finding Olivia because of the cover.  It has the beautiful Kim Tallman on the cover.  And it was designed by Regina Wamba who create the most gorgeous covers I've ever seen.  So of course, I had to buy it.

But guess what!?!  Not only did I love the cover, but I loved the book too.  Micalea Smeltzer created such wonderful characters.  Olivia...you can't help but love her.  And Trace!  (sigh)  Trace may be every girl's dream.  The interaction between them is fun, playful, full of love.  It's just real!

And who knew that a flat tire could change your life?  It certainly changed Olivia and Trace's lives. 

Every decision, every moment, has the opportunity to change the course of our lives.
One moment can change everything.
For me, that moment was when I met Trace. 

 

Olivia Owens lived a very sheltered life as a preacher's daughter and all she ever wanted was to live, to make mistakes, to find herself.  She goes away to college to get away from that life and she makes a "Live List", all the things that she wants to do that has never been able to do.  But by the start of her sophomore year of college, she still only has 4 things crossed off her list.  When a flat tire leads her to Trace, her whole life changes but so does his. 

 

Olivia hasn't told anyone about her list, but for some reason, she tells Trace.  And it's probably the best decision she has ever made as he not only helps her cross things off the list, but he saves her life! 

 

"Don't do that," he murmured,
reaching up to brush my long hair
behind my ear. 
"Never hide your face from me."
Trace



 

If you are looking for characters you'll love, you'll find them here.  I laughed, I cried, I got angry and I even giggled a few times.  This is definitely one worth reading.  I'm so glad I judged a book by it's cover.

 

This was the first thing I've read by Micalea Smeltzer, but it won't be the last.

 

Here is the book blurb:

New Adult Contemporary Romance intended for readers 18+.

How far would you go to find yourself?

That’s the question that’s been haunting Olivia Owens for years.

All Olivia has ever wanted to do is live and make mistakes, but her preacher father has made that impossible. She believes that her years at college will be her ticket into the real world and her chance to be wild and spontaneous.

But she’s never been able to do it on her own.

At the start of her sophomore year, she only has four things crossed off her Live List, but that’s all about to change thanks to a chance encounter with Trace Wentworth. She’s about to learn that there’s more to this reformed bad boy than just his looks and panty dropping smile.

Trace can’t explain what it is that draws him to Olivia.

All he knows is that he wants to get to know the girl with the sad smile but sparkle in her eyes.

When she tells him about her list, he knows that this is his chance to get to know Olivia Owens. Trace is determined to show Olivia that she can do all the things she’s ever wanted to do. So, he begins to help her cross things off her list, even the more outlandish requests.

What happens along the way is more than what Olivia or Trace ever expected.

Love, laughs, and a list.

That’s the name of the game when you’re Finding Olivia.

 

And to learn more about Micalea Smeltzer, you can find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/MicaleaSmeltzerfanpage

or her website:
http://micaleasmeltzer.com/

 

You can purchase Finding Olivia on Amazon for just $2.99 currently.  Sorry for you Nook folks, but it is not yet available for Nook. 

 

I hope you love it as much as I did!  5 stars!!

 

Happy Reading!

 

 

 





Sneak Peak at Fire & Ice (Lacey Weathford) - Coming Sept. 8th.

Because I just can't get enough and because I can't wait for everyone to read it, how about a little sneak peak inside?

Less than 2 weeks now! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 8th! That's when the Fire & Ice MAGIC begins!!
***
It was after lunch and I felt her before I saw her this time; the jumble of her emotions washed over me. She was running late and in a hurry to get to class. Searching around quickly, I spotted her coming through the main door. Grabbing the strap to her backpack, she shifted it higher on her shoulder and started walking faster.
“Ouch! Watch where you’re going!” Another student seethed when she accidentally hit him with her backpack. Her face flooded with color.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” She stopped, apologizing sincerely. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”...
“Whatever, dork,” the guy grumbled, continuing on his way.
Hurt washed through her and I had to resist the urge to run after the guy. He could stand to learn a few manners.
Portia glanced around to see if anyone else had noticed the encounter. She quickly caught me staring. I turned away nonchalantly, hoping it would appear as if I hadn’t seen anything or didn’t care.
Her thoughts immediately changed as she continued on her way. "There’s the new guy, again. What did Shelly say his name was? Van? Vance! That was it. He’s so hot. Love the leather jacket. Ugh! I’ve got to stop."
"No, you don’t," I thought as I continued down the hallway behind her. "I like hearing what you have to say."
I suddenly wondered if she could hear or feel me too. That’s something I should probably try to find out, immediately. It would be bad if she could and suddenly started freaking out because she didn’t know what was going on.
“Portia,” I called to her forcefully through the mental link, but she didn’t even break her stride. Guess that answered my question.
Ironically, she entered the same classroom I was headed to. I chuckled to myself. If I’d only gone to class after lunch yesterday, I could’ve experimented to my heart’s content. Oh, well. Live and learn. I could play with my new toy today. This might be fun. Guys always wished they knew what girls were thinking. Here was my chance to find out. ***
Book of Shadows: Fire & Ice, available Sept 8, 2013 from Lacey Weatherford Books/Moonstruck Media.

Are you ready???  <3

Want another Sneak Peek?

Here's a little peek at the print interior for Fire & Ice!! You don't want to miss Vance's story! Fall in love all over again!!  

And how about some early reviews, because maybe mine just wasn't enough.  :)

Are YOU excited yet??

“Vance Mangum landed a place on my all-time favorite book boyfriend list, and no one has been able to bump him off of it. I honestly can't put into words how much I loved Fire &... Ice, and how excited I am for the next installment of Book of Shadows!!!”
- Christina Silcox, Literary Redemption


“What did I think of Fire & Ice? Well, if you could see my face right now, I think you'd know. I am completely, undeniably, irrevocably in love with these characters!”
-Raquel Auriemma, Roc n’ Read


“Oh my gosh! I absolutely loved this side of Vance! I think I love him even more now. Is that even possible?”
-Valerie Higgins, Book Minions


“Vance Mangum will have you swooning so hard, you’ll wish you were Portia. This must-read romance will capture your heart and soul, leaving you begging for MORE!”
- Belinda Boring, Bestselling Author of The Mystic Wolves


“You'll find yourself bound to Fire & Ice; I couldn't put it down! Another spell has been cast by Lacey Weatherford and I'm left wanting more!!”
- Toni Blair, Reader


“I just finished reading Fire & Ice and it made me fall in love with Vance all over again. Lacey, you sucked me in!”
-JoAnna Montoya, Book Minions


“Fire & Ice was the icing on the cake for me. It reminded me of my love for Vance . . . and re-enforced why Lacey Weatherford is a best selling author. She has an ability to create a whole character world that keeps the reader engaged, as if this was truly happening."
- Lisa Markson, The Paranormal Bookworm

Book of Shadows: Fire & Ice, available Sept. 8, 2013 from Lacey Weatherford Books/Moonstruck MediaSee More

I really hope you want to read this as much as I did.  I can not wait for it's release and I'm telling you now, I will be buying a print copy and reading it again! 

Book of Shadows: Fire & Ice by Lacey Weatherford

Several months ago, I found Lacey Weatherford and my life has never been the same.  It is because of her that I discovered a whole new world of books and authors.  And it is also because of her that I started this blog, which is probably a surprise to her as well.  :)

I honestly don't remember how I stumbled upon her and her books.  I wish I did.  But I do know that the first book of hers that I read was:

This is the first in the Of Witches and Warlocks series.  (And this was before the new cover, which is shown here.  As some of you know, I absolutely LOVE the new covers.  Regina Wamba is a cover photo genius and Kim and Aaron are just so beautiful as Portia and Vance.)  After I finished reading The Trouble with Spells, I immediately downloaded the next in the series and then the next until I'd read them all.  And then I read everything else she had written.

 

And when she released Smitten back in June, it was the first book I reviewed for my brand new blog.  (My Smitten blog post.)  I was certainly smitten with Lacey and I wanted the world to know about her too. 

 

And now, here we are in August.  the summer is winding down and we're looking ahead to the fall.  And what am I looking forward to?  Lacey's next release.  Book of Shadows: Fire & Ice!  (If we're Facebook friends, you have probably noticed my cover photo is the cover of Fire & Ice.  Yes, I am that excited about its release!)

 

But I'll let you in on a little secret...I've already read it.  (Insert big cheesy grin here.)  And what did I think?  Well, if you could see my face right now, I think you'd know.  I am truly, madly, deeply...oh wait, that's a song. I can't use that. I am completely, indeniably, irrevocably in love with these characters and with Lacey!

 

I don't care that I'm 43 years old and this is considered a Young Adult Paranormal Romance. A good book is a good book is a good book! If you love a good book, a good romance...then you should read this. And even if you don't think it's for you, why not read it anyway. You might just surprise yourself. Do I expect everyone to love it as much as I do? Well no, because that's unrealistic. But you never know!

As soon as I finished, I wanted to read it again.  Amazing!  Wonderful!  I loved these characters in OWAW and reading the story thru Vance's eyes makes me love them even more.  From beginning to end, my emotions were taken on one incredible ride.

Yes, Book of Shadows: Fire & Ice is The Trouble with Spells told in a whole new way.   It is from Vance's point of view.  We learn more about Vance's history, more about him personally and we get to see, hear and feel everything that he felt from the first time he saw Portia right through to...oh wait, I can't tell you how this ends.  That wouldn't be fair, but if you've read The Trouble with Spells, then you have some idea how the first book ends.  And if you haven't read it, you really should. 

Lacey is an amazing storyteller and she has promised us that Book of Shadows will also encompass 5 books so we can watch everything unfold through Vance's eyes.  This was a fantastic story when it was Portia's story, but something tells me that it will be kicked up a notch coming from Vance.  I can not wait!

Book of Shadows: Fire & Ice releases on Sunday, September 8th.  You do not want to miss this one.

 

Don't forget...that's Sunday, September 8th!  Get ready!

Oh...and I am giving this 5 full stars our of 5! 

Happy Reading!




Lacey Weatherford

USA TODAY Bestselling Author
 

#1 Best Selling YA Romance- Of Witches and Warlocks series

#1 BestSelling YA Contemporary, Top 100 Best Book of 2012, Voted #1 Book of the Year- Chasing Nikki

#1 Hot New Release Fantasy- A Midsummer Night's Fling

#1 Hot New Release YA Contemporary- Crush

#1 Movers & Shakers Finding Chase (Chasing Nikki #2)

#1 Hot New Release NA Contemporary- Smitten

http://www.laceyweatherfordbooks.com

Torch by Cambria Hebert

**Note:  I received an ARC of Torch in exchange for an honest review.**

SURPRISE:  This book was not supposed to be released until Aug. 23rd, but it has been released early, so get it now!!!Torch on Amazon

So here's my honest review.

This book starts off HOT!  That's because there's a fire.  ;-)  I bet you thought I meant something else didn't you.  Don't worry, that comes later...hint, hint.

This is Cambria Hebert's first trip into Contemporary Romance and let me tell you, it should not be her last. 

Here's the book blurb:
If you can’t take the heat… stay away from the flame.
Katie Parks has been on her own since the age of fifteen. All she’s ever wanted is a place to call her own—a life that is wholly hers that no one can take away. She thought she finally had it, but with the strike of a single match, everything she worked so hard for is reduced to a pile of smoking ash. And she almost is too.
Now she’s being stalked by someone who’s decided it’s her time to die. The only thing standing in the path of her blazing death is sexy firefighter Holt Arkain.
Katie’s body might be safe with Holt… but her heart is another story.
As the danger heats up, sparks fly and the only thing Katie knows for sure is that her whole life is about to go up in flames.

*Torch is the first book in the Take It Off series. The Take It Off series can be read out of order. Each book in this series is a stand alone.

***This is a new adult contemporary novel and contains sexual content and graphic language. It is not intended for young adult readers.***

I have to say that I love Katie.  She's a fiery redhead (like me, even if I pay for my red and hers comes naturally.)  She's witty and quick with a comeback (like me.)  It's like Cambria has met me and decided I'm just so awesome that she had to write a book about me.  Ok, maybe not.  Katie is only 22, an only child who lost her mother, didn't know her father and spent several years in a foster home.  But she does love to shop at Target.  (My husband is afraid that if they ever build a Super Target near us, he'll never see me again.)  Oh, and there is someone trying to kill her although she has no idea why.  I don't think I'm on anyone's hit list.

But let's talk about Holt!  Who doesn't love a firefighter?  He literally saves Katie's life, but is it just a case of him being in the right place at the right time or is it just too much of a coincidence?  Can he protect her or is he trying to kill her? 

You'll have to read it to find out.  I really loved the story.  I especially loved that I had no clue as to who was trying to kill her for much of the book. 

Oh, as for that other heat...at one point, Katie asks Hoyt why he's helping her and he tells her and then he says "Kiss me Katie!"  At that point, I wanted to kiss the man.  I don't care that he was a character in a book.  I was this close to leaning over and grabbing my husband for a kiss...which I'm sure he would not have minded, but I may have given him a heart attack, so I refrained.  I had to read that scene twice because I loved it so much. 

Interested yet?  In Katie and Hoyt, not me and my husband.  ;)

Torch is the first in the Take it Off series, but each book is going to be it's own standalone so you don't need to reach them each in order.  But since Torch is available now, why not get it? 


So again, here is is on Amazon:  Torch by Cambria Hebert
And at Barnes & Noble:  Torch for your Nook

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  I'm giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars! 

Happy Reading!!

To learn more about Cambria, you can find her on her Facebook page.
Or her Website.

Updated to add:   I have to share one more picture with a little teaser in it from Cambria.  Now can you feel the heat?

Protect Me by Jennifer Culbreth

I think I've found a new book boyfriend.  His name is Ryan!  Oh wait, you don't know what a book boyfriend is?  Think about it.  How many times have you read a book and thought, "wish I had a guy like that"?  Well, that's a book boyfriend.  A character that you just fall in love with. 

So let me tell you about Ryan Dixon.  He is perfect!  He's gorgeous.  (I know, it's a book and I can't really see him.  But trust me, the image that I have in my head when I read about him is GORGEOUS!)  He's smart, owns a very successful business, so he's rich too.  He's a former Army Ranger so you know he's fit!  And he's funny and sweet, yet still all male.  Who wouldn't fall in love with someone like that?

Abbi certainly fell for him.  But she doesn't think he'd ever be interested in her...a George country girl who up and moves to L.A. to start over.  She works in a club, which is where she first meets Ryan, who is providing security to some rap musician.  That's his business...protection. 

When they meet, they are both drawn to each other, but they both try to fight it.  Neither seems to think they are good enough for each other.  Abbi because she's just a country girl and Ryan is so successful and probably considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the area.  And Ryan doesn't think he deserves Abbi because of the things he's done in his past, specifically while in the military. 

When something horrible happens to Abbi, Ryan realizes that he needs to stop fighting his feelings.  All he wants to do now is protect her.  But can he? 

Protect Me is the first book from Jennifer Culbreth and at times, you can tell that she's working things out, but she still writes a great book for a beginner and I know that she's only going to get better.  You'll find heat and passion, suspense and danger and love and family all wrapped up in this story.  I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars. 

And I have high hopes for her next release, Cherish Me, which will be out later this year.  It's going to be even steamier and I suspect that Jace will soon be added to my list of Book Boyfriends.   

Here is a teaser from Cherish Me:

Get started on the series now. 
Pick up Protect Me at Amazon for your Kindle by clicking here:
Protect Me for Kindle

Or for your Nook at B&N:
Protect Me for Nook

Amazon also has it available in Paperback if you prefer. 

And here is the book blurb (also known as the description):
Abbi Hastings had never been fearless. She'd been firmly tangled in her small town roots her entire life until an unexpected inheritance provided her a chance to escape. As she took the only chance she’d have to get out, Abbi left all of the what if’s behind as she boarded the plane with her one way ticket to Los Angeles.
...
Relentless to not fail and fighting for her own independence, it all goes to hell when fate throws a curve in her path. Everything changed the day she accidentally falls into the arms of Ryan Dixon. The tall, dark eyed, and handsome CEO of LA’s hottest bodyguard service who is fighting his own dark demons.

Can Abbi let go of her fears to take a leap of faith and allow Ryan to protect her? From what, she doesn’t yet know…

Show more

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And if you want to learn more about Jennifer Culbreth, you can follow her on Facebook at:
Jennifer Culbreth on Facebook

Happy Reading!!

Note:  I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review...and that is my honest review! 

Turn on a Dime by Tiffany A. Snow

Have you ever read a book and wondered what it would be like if it was told from someone else's point of view?  In your favorite romance, did you ever wonder what was going through his mind?  Well Tiffany Snow did just that with Turn on a Dime and it was AMAZING!

Turn on a Dime is No Turning Back from Blane's point of view.  So now you might be thinking, "why would I want to read the same thing I've already read?"  Trust me, you want to read this.

Tiffany is a master storyteller.  While you will already know the basic story, you will see and feel it in a whole new way.  And that is something special. 

But wait, have you read No Turning Back yet?  What are you waiting for?  Didn't you read my Blog post a few weeks ago about the Kathleen Turner series?  I told you that this is my favorite series ever.  I told you how I couldn't wait for the rest of the series and for Blane's POV and then Kade's POC.  I told you how these books dragged me in, wrapped themselves around me and refused to let go.  So why haven't you read them yet?  What do I have to say to make you realize that your library is not complete without these amazingly wonderful books?  Just go buy them already.

Here's a brief synopsis of the story.  Kathleen Turner is a young woman who moves to Indianapolis from a small Indiana town shortly after losing her Mom to cancer and having lost her Dad years earlier.  She works at a prominent law firm by day and a local bar by night.  When her friend and neighbor is murdered, Kat finds herself wrapped up in a mystery and she doesn't know who to trust.

Blane Kirk is a partner in the firm and after Kathleen lands in his lap (literally), he finds himself dranw to her and is constantly struggling to protect her and to convince her that she can trust him. 

And then there is the dark and dangerous Kade.  What is his part in all of this?  What secrets is he keeping?  You will have to read the story to find out. 

If you've already read the series, then you know about Kade, and Turn on a Dime will give you an even deeper insight into Kade and Blane's history.  You will love it.  Trust me!

To learn more about Tiffany A. Snow, visit her website:  http://tiffanyasnow.com/
Find her on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/TiffanyASnow

99 Cent Sale!

I thought I'd share a few books with you that you can grab right now for just 99 cents.  So did through your seat cushions, add up your pennies, and buy a book or two.  (Note: these are all on Amazon since I have a Kindle.) 

From Kamery Solomon:

Zeus (The God Chronicles 1)  -  I gave this one 5 stars. 
http://www.amazon.com/Zeus-The-God-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00BK77VSG/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375969209&sr=1-2&keywords=kamery+solomon

Poseidon (The God Chronicles 2) - just released on Aug. 4.  (Review coming soon.)  Get it now before the price goes up.
http://www.amazon.com/Poseidon-The-God-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00EBNSBCG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375969209&sr=1-3&keywords=kamery+solomon

And while we're at it, how about a FREE book?  Kamery's novella, Forever is currently free.
http://www.amazon.com/Forever-ebook/dp/B00AQ5L0Z8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375969209&sr=1-1&keywords=kamery+solomon


From Lacey Weatherford:

Smitten, the follow-up to the best-selling Crush (which is at $2.99, in case you haven't read that one yet)
http://www.amazon.com/Smitten-Crush-ebook/dp/B00DJSQYJQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375969372&sr=1-1&keywords=Lacey+Weatherford

Faery Kissed, Lacey's Novella
http://www.amazon.com/Faery-Kissed-ebook/dp/B00AO7XFGA/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375969508&sr=1-6&keywords=Lacey+Weatherford


From Belinda Boring  (who is not the least bit boring)


Mystic Wolves #1 (first in the series)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mystic-Wolves-ebook/dp/B006ZR04LC/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375969609&sr=1-3&keywords=Belinda+boring

Broken Promiseshttp://www.amazon.com/Broken-Promises-Brianna-Series-ebook/dp/B009MILPTG/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375969863&sr=1-7&keywords=Belinda+boring

And her latest and greatest, Loving Liberty, which I reviewed recently:
http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Promises-Brianna-Series-ebook/dp/B009MILPTG/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375969863&sr=1-7&keywords=Belinda+boring

And we can't forget Belinda's novella, Enchanted Hearts
http://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Hearts-Series-ebook/dp/B00AOISSYI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375970020&sr=8-2&keywords=belinda+boring+forever+changed

So there you are.  Some fabulous books that won't break the bank!