(ARC Review) Veil of Shadows by Shiloh Walker

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VEIL OF SHADOWS
Author: Shiloh Walker
Source: Contest win from author

  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Berkley (September 7, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0425236358
  • ISBN-13: 978-0425236352

SYNOPSIS:
(from authors website)

From an author known for her “romantic spine tinglers” comes the thrilling follow-up to Through the Veil, featuring a beautiful captain who’s lost her magic—and the stranger who will either be her great love, or her greatest enemy…

With demons running amok throughout the forests and mountains, a rebel army has been established to win back the land—and a new soldier has appeared out of nowhere to join them.

His name is Xan, and his past is a mystery to everyone, including Laisyn Caar—a beautiful captain in the rebel army—who is shocked by the powerful, all-consuming desire she feels in his presence.

But now isn’t the time for distraction. The future of her land—and of her people—is in her hands. On top of that, she’s been stripped of her magic—and without it she feels like part of her soul has been stolen away.

But when she discovers the dark secrets of Xan’s agenda, it will be up to her to determine whether the man she’s starting to love is a friend of her people—or a dreaded enemy…

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading the first book in this series, I knew I had to read this book.  I begged, I pleaded and I entered the contest from the author and I won an ARC of this book for review.  I jumped into reading this book and didn’t want to let go of it!

Even though this is the second book in this series, within the first chapter the author explains things so well, that this could be read as a stand alone book without worry.  Author Shiloh Walker does beautifully creating the world that you step into that it leaves you without confusion.  When an author can describe and tell a story that is so well written, it is like stepping into that world instead of reading it.  This is what the author has done and I felt like I was in this world along with the characters.

I loved both Xan and Syn.  The hot scenes with the both of them were wonderful and emotionally charged with instant attraction for both.  I knew I would love Syn from the moment in the first chapter when she is explaining the drill to the refugee’s and has to set one of them straight.  She doesn’t take any crap from anyone and she isn’t afraid to let them know either.  Xan was just as intriguing and sensual on top of that.  I loved everything about him.  When both of them were together, the pages could have caught on fire with all the heated battles, witty dialogue, and sexual tension that they brought to the story.

I cannot wait for more of this series from this author.  I know for a fact that whatever the author brings to us next in the series, which I am hoping is a story for one of the great side characters we meet, will be a suspenseful yet intriguing romance with the great world of paranormal that the author writes so well!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

(ARC Review) Hell, Yeah by Carolyn Brown

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HELL, YEAH
Author: Carolyn Brown
Source: Sourcebooks
*I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402239270
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402239274

SYNOPSIS:

She’s finally found a place that feels like home…

When Cathy O’Dell buys the Honky Tonk, the nights of cowboys and country tunes come together to create the home she’s always wanted. Then in walks a ruggedly handsome oil man who tempts her to trade in the happiness she’s found at the Honky Tonk for a life on the road with him…

He lives the good life…

Gorgeous and rich, Travis Henry travels the country unearthing oil wells and then moving on. Then the beautiful blue-eyed new owner of the Honky Tonk beer joint becomes his best friend and so much more. When his job is done in Texas, how is he ever going to hit the road without her?

MY THOUGHTS:

If you have read any of the author’s previous country romance books, you probably knew you had to run and snag this book from the bookstore.  When this book arrived in my mailbox, my reaction was Hell, Yeah!  The author has a special talent for writing some hot country boy books. 

In the latest installment, we get to meet Travis and Cathy.  Travis is the down and dirty cowboy that you instantly picture in your head.  I loved how the author brought him to life on the pages and made him fumble his way through not only the romance, but coming to terms with settling down over bachelorhood.  Cathy enjoys her independence. She isn’t looking for a man to settle down with and she certainly wasn’t looking for love.  Both characters held their own and didn’t want certain things.  Yet, the more the two were together, you could see the transformation between them both.

I loved this installment in the series, and it left me hungry for more.  Carolyn Brown brings sexy back with wrangler butts that will drive you nuts!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

(ARC Review) The Candidates by Inara Scott

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THE CANDIDATES
Delcroix Academy #1
Author: Inara Scott
Source: Around the World Tours

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (August 24, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1423116364
  • ISBN-13: 978-1423116363

SYNOPSIS:

Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that’s not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia’s mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just…happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt.  So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden.

 
But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia’s days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats’ kids and child geniuses–not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies.  So why are they treating Dancia like she’s special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome.
 
And then there’s her mysterious new friend Jack, who can’t stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what.  But Dancia isn’t convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her “gift” than they’re letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it…But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy.
 
MY THOUGHTS:
Paranormal. Magical Powers. Private School. Good vs. Evil. 
Those are the base elements to this book.  I had my eye on this book for a while, and then when it was offered on the tour site, I jumped at the chance to sign up! I loved this book so much.  This one hasn’t even been released yet and I am wishing the next installment would hurry and release as well!
Dancia is a loner.  She tries to fade into the background and not be friends with anyone.  She has known she has a power, but it seems to hurt people because she can’t control it.  When the recruiters from Delcroix Academy come to her house where she lives with her Grandmother, she can’t believe they want her to attend their exclusive and private school.  Her Grandmother doesn’t have much money, Dancia doesn’t have the best grades, and she doesn’t have any special skill that they would be aware of.  When she decides to attend anyway, she feels out of place and crushing on the student recruiter, Cam.  He seems to take a special interest in her and she wants to believe that he likes her.  Then she meets Jack.  He is, in a way like her.  He comes from no money or famous family.  He has no real skills that are as obvious as the other students either.  They become friends and spend time together. 
Cam is hesitant in Dancia being friends with Jack.  Cam has secrets of his own, and knows that Jack can be a danger to Dancia and everyone else.  When Jack reveals to Dancia what Cam is hiding, she forces Cam to explain things.  She can’t believe what he reveals, but all if it is confirmed by the head master of the school.  
Without giving too much away, it basically boils down to Cam vs. Jack and Dancia making the decision of what to choose for her life. I felt sad for one of the boys and wished it could have turned out differently for him.  I tried cheering him on from outside the book, but the author already had her decision on the way the story would end.  A great ending that will leave you wanting more of this amazing school and people involved!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

(ARC Review) Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear

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SEDUCED BY THE WOLF

Author: Terry Spear
Source: Sourcebooks
* I received this book free 
of charge in exchange for 
an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402237537
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402237539
SYNOPSIS:
His first priority is to protect his pack…

Werewolf pack leader Leidolf Wildhaven has just taken over a demoralized pack. With rogue wolves on the loose causing havoc and the authorities from the zoo suddenly zeroing in on the local wolf population, the last thing he needs in his territory is a do-gooder female, no matter how beautiful and enticing she is…
She’ll do anything to help wolves…

Biologist Cassie Roux has dedicated her life to protecting wolves in the wild. On a desperate mission to help a she-wolf with newborn pups, the last thing Cassie needs right now is a nosy and entirely too attractive werewolf pack leader trying to track her down…
With rogue wolves and hunters threatening at every turn, Cassie and Leidolf may find their attraction the most dangerous force of all…
MY THOUGHTS:
Where do I start with this book?  I love this series! This author has the writing of werewolves and romance mastered!  You can’t help but fall in love with Leidolf, the Alpha of a previously abused pack.  He also runs a ranch but as soon as he sees Cassie, he is so captivated by her that nothing can hold as interest like she does.  Between the romance, the paranormal and the suspense, I finished this book so fast that I wanted to start reading it again!  Did I mention how much I love this series? 
The cover itself is amazing! I loved all of the covers so far in this series. I love the colors, the mountain scene in the background, the wolf face and that handsome model! You instantly know that there is going to be adventure, paranormal and a steamy Alpha just by looking at the cover.  Once you start the book, you also won’t be able to put it down!
To author Terry Spear– PLEASE hurry up with your writing!  I can’t get enough of this amazing series!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

COLTERS’ WOMAN by Maya Banks

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COLTERS’ WOMAN
Author: Maya Banks
Source: Purchased at Store

  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Samhain Publishing (January 1, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1599983508
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599983509

SYNOPSIS:

Adam, Ethan and Ryan aren’t looking for women. They’re looking for a woman. One woman to share their lives and their beds. They don’t want a casual romp in the hay, they want the woman who will complete them and they’re losing hope of finding her. That is, until Adam finds Holly lying in the snow just yards from their cabin. He knows she’s different the minute he holds her in his arms. But before Adam gets his hopes up, he knows he has to gauge his brothers’ reactions. Soon it’s evident that she’s the one. There are a few problems, however: convincing her she belongs with them and keeping her safe from the man who wants her dead.

MY THOUGHTS:

After many recommendations for this book, I finally caved and got it. Wow! All those recommendations were right!  First of all, look at that cover! Who wouldn’t want to sit down and read a book about those three men?  Those eyes an all three of them are telling you to read it!

I loved each one of the characters of this book.  It’s hard to pick a favorite. Each brother has his own personality that makes you fall for them.  Adam is the serious older brother that likes to have everything planned and in order. Ethan is the laid back and smooth talking fun brother.  Ryan is the tormented and closed off brother that has been through hell with a problem with trusting people.  Holly is the naive and soft spoken woman they have been looking for.  She is on the run after watching her husband murder someone on their wedding night.  Adam finds her in the snow, barely alive, by their ranch. He brings her into the cabin and all the brothers agree that she is the one. They have been waiting for the perfect woman to love and they know they have found her.

I loved this book so much. The only problem I had was how easily Holly accepted everything with the brothers.  It was an unusual arrangement and most women would want to think about it longer than a few hours.  I am looking to forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS