Blog Tour: DARK HUNGER by Christine Feehan

 

New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan's Carpathian classic goes manga—this edition of Dark Hunger includes the original novella which inspired the manga and a new note from the author!

Christine Feehan has reinvented the vampire novel with her #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian novels. Now, she and Berkley take her “out-of-the-ordinary” (Booklist) series in a thrilling direction that’s more graphic than ever....

He is Riordan...Carpathian male. Immortal. Seer. Now trapped and cage, his honor is compromised by his captors. They’re in his mind. They’re in his blood. And not one can withstand his desire for revenge.

She is Juliette...A beautiful activist devoted to the liberation of animals from the foul and humid confines of a secret, jungle lab. What she has stumbled upon is unexpected—a prisoner like no other she has ever seen. Or touched.

She will release him from his bonds. He will release her from her inhibitions. Each has a voracious appetite that must be sated....

DARK HUNGER was first published in 2004 as a novella in the anthology, Hot Blooded. Readers can now experience Feehan’s Carpathian classic as never before with this stunning edition, which includes the original novella which inspired the manga and a new note from the author.

Click here to take a peak of the book that Christine shared on her FB page! 

Available for purchase at 

Amazon Paperback | Barnes and Noble Paperback | Books-A-Million | Bookshop | Walmart

Viviana's Review: 

I had read the novella when it initially came out. The Manga provides a different feel as you're "seeing" the character. Thus enhancing the story a bit. This is an awesome addition for fans of Christine Feehan! 

Rating: 4 Stars - I REALLY LIKED IT

About The Author

photo credit: Michael Greene

I live on the beautiful Northern California coast and draw much inspiration from the beauty around me. I've always been a writer, for as long as I remember. My sisters were forced to read all of my books from the time I could write a story on paper.

I love family. I love my brothers and sisters, my children, my grandchildren and my great grandchildren. My home was always full of kids and children give me so much joy.

I also love my "sisters of the heart", those friends who have supported me through my life, laughed with me, cried with me and loved me regardless of how crazy my life got. I am a strong supporter of women helping each other which is why I became a third degree black belt and taught self-defense to women who'd been abused.

I love people and dogs, good books and great coffee and I'm lucky to know just how blessed I am.

Connect with Christine  at 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Hot Holiday Nights by Jaci Burton

Hot Holiday Nights 
(Play-by-Play Series, #10.5)
by Jaci Burton

Blurb: 
Victoria Baldwin is a successful sports agent who always puts work first—unless she’s on vacation. Then it’s all about play. On holiday in Hawaii over Christmas, she meets Alex McConnell, a successful young surfer on the islands for a surfing competition. She couldn’t think of a better vacation fling. But when she meets Ben Reynolds, Alex’s manager, she realizes she wants both men. This could be her hottest holiday ever, and the vacation that changes her life.

Available for purchase at 

   

Viviana's Review: 

This was a good, interesting and quick read. A novella in the Play-by-Play Series, which I recently picked up in book #9 can be read as a standalone. 

Things that stand out with this series remain the same for this novella: great covers, steamy and hot scenes, heroines that are strong, know what they want and do not apologize for it and heroes that are alpha males but not complete asses and are not only hot but overall great guys! 

So at first I thought Victoria had to make a choice between Alex and Ben, but apparently, no… she doesn’t. While I wasn’t prepared for a ménage, it wasn’t a turn off or a negative. I enjoyed the story overall. All the characters are well written and as a reader, you’ll like each of them for different reason. However, due to the fact that this is a novella, things happen a bit too fast for me and I mean more the emotional attachments that are form that lead to pretty big decision making events in the end. It all worked out of course (this is a romance and thus a HEA is a must, right?) but the quick “I love you” with all three of them and how no one questioned the fact that all three were okay with way the relationship had develop…. Not one of them …. But other than that… lol… 

Again, if you’re in it for the quick read and good story, you’re going to enjoy this novella. Don’t over think it. Otherwise, you’re going to be like me and have that “hmm… seriously, not one of you is going to ask?” LOL. 

Rating: 3.5 Stars - I REALLY LIKED IT 

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: The Taming of the Billionaire by Jessica Clare

The Taming of the Billionaire

(Billionaires and Bridesmaids #2)

By Jessica Clare

Blurb: 

The New York Times bestselling author of The Billionaire and the Virgin returns with a tale of Shakespearean-style seduction…

Edie’s an overbearing cat behaviorist who’s not big on people. Magnus is a newly-rich game developer who likes to be in control. When the two of them meet at Gretchen and Hunter’s masquerade engagement party, the loathing is mutual. Unfortunately for them—and everyone else—they’re in the wedding party together and must deal with each other for the next few months.

But when Magnus’s younger brother falls for Edie’s sister, he begs for his brother’s help in concocting a plan to win her over. If Magnus can keep the prickly Edie occupied, his brother will have time to woo Edie’s sister. Of course, Magnus isn’t interested in the slightest, but Edie is…intriguing. And stubborn. And smart. And sexy. And they might have more in common than they thought.

Before long, it becomes a challenge between the two of them to see who will be tamed first. But how’s Edie going to react when she finds out that Magnus is using her? And how’s Magnus going to handle the fact that he’s fallen for a cat lady?

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review: 

The second book in the Billionaires and Bridesmaids series and it does not disappoint.  The author, Jessica Clare continues to bring a breath of fresh air to an otherwise saturated genre and trope.  This is truly the only “Billionaire” anything I read.  In this story our heroine is stated to be a “cat lady” while our hero is an actual gamer who, after selling a game becomes a billionaire.  Not your traditional trope.  Thank you Jessica!

Edie, the heroine is a cat behaviorist who gets along better with felines than with people.  I don’t blame her!  It seems she is constantly surrounded by individuals who are mean spirited or out for themselves and use her.  However, she doesn’t cower or allow others to walk all over her.  She calls them out on their stupidity or childish behavior  and during a particular scene it’s freaking priceless!  Though she is blinded to the way her sister is dependent on her and this is a major issue.

Magnus, our hero is smart and sexy.  He’s also sweet and a good brother.  So when his brother comes up with a scheme to get a girl, while Magnus hesitates he still helps him out.  So starts Edie and Magnus’s relationship.  However, he feels guilty about starting things with  false pretenses and hurting her feelings.  His brother, Levi, is whiny and childish.

Edie’s sister Bianca was a manipulative gold digger, looking out only for herself.  She puts on a good show but Edie’s BFF saw through the act.  Gretchen also calls her out on it and tries to get Edie to see things how they truly are.  Between Levi and Bianca you don’t know which one you want to smack first and then most.

I mentioned how Jessica brings a breath of fresh air to the saturated Billionaire trope.  She brings a sense of truth…  In the previous book in the series, the heroine was “too tall” according to society standards.  In the spinoff series “The Billionaire Boys Club” one of the billionaires was disfigured and one of the heroines was curvy.  In The Taming of the Billionaire, the heroine has a limp due to an injury.

Also, each of the billionaires actually work.  They do actual work.  Traditionally, in the Billionaire genre, the billionaire doesn’t seem to do any “work”.  It’s nice to see them actually having to do work and earn their living.

Magnus and Edie are a very cute couple.  However, I was waiting for him to come clean about how things got started.  It was going to be interesting to see how it’s all going to play out.  When everything does blow up Magnus does a wonderful job of groveling.  It was brilliant!

Overall a great continuation of the series.  Can’t wait for the next book.  

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Night's Blaze (Dark Kings #5) by Donna Grant

Night's Blaze 
(Dark Kings Series, Bk #5) 
By Donna Grant

Blurb: 
That one simple kiss slayed him as nothing in his very, very long life had ever done. It physically hurt him to release her and turn his back on everything she offered, but it was for the best.

A KING WHO WALKS IN DARKNESS

The Rhys who has existed for centuries is gone. Stripped of his ability to shift forms, Rhys can no longer embody the majestic, powerful dragon he was at birth. Cut off from his heritage by one of his own, this Dragon King must remain a man, haunted by demons who torment his every waking moment. The darkness would swallow him whole . . . except a woman so beautiful and haunted becomes the one beam of light in his world...

A DESIRE THAT WILL NOT BE DENIED

Lily Ross is taking the first step in building a new life for herself. Still reeling from a relationship that nearly broke her spirit, Lily is wary of her attraction to brawny, brooding Rhys. The passion burning so brightly between them is a potent temptation, but any entanglement is destined to end in disaster. Yet when a spectre from Lily’s past threatens their growing bond, Rhys is forced to choose with his heart, or lose this woman who has become his one chance at salvation...

Available For Purchase at 

         

 Viviana's Review: 
Another great addition to the series! Picks right where the previous books left off and continues to leave you wanting more! Donna continues leaving the readers mystified with which Dragon King was Rhi's Lover and just when you think you've figured it out, bang... nope. BUT perhaps, we have finally had a clue! Well, at least Kelly, from Books-n-Kisses and I think we have an idea. Needless to say, we're going to corner Donna at the RT Convention and see if she'll give up the information because this is KILLING US!!!!!!

Rhys has been a yummy, I mean interesting character from the very beginning. Mysterious, yet made to be a playboy, but we knew there had to be more to him than that. In "Night's Blaze" we finally get the insight we've been searching for and we're not disappointed. He's very protective of those he loves and he is self sacrificing. There isn't anything he wouldn't do to protect Lily and what he does in "Night's Blaze" is epic.

I was impressed with Lily. She comes across as a delicate, dwindling flower, but she's not. She's got spunk and can hold her own! While she's soft spoken, she's extremely intelligent and has an inner strength that we don't know about until we learn her story! She was a great match for Rhys and their story was filled with action! She

The other thing I'm enjoying immensely about this series is the mix of Kings, Warriors, Druids, and Fae! They keep things interesting and with a genre where there are little surprises left, Donna keeps them coming!! There were a few of them in this book alone! Some you just had to book the eReader down and go 'WOW! Didn't see that coming' and in the case where you have friends reading the same book, I had Kelly messaging me "DID YOU FINISH reading the book?" Me: Yes, why? Kelly: WTF?!?!?! Did she really..... and I'm not going to share the rest of the conversation since it would be a spoiler but I'll leave you a hint... the ending.

Overall, a fantastic read. Great character development! The over arching story arc continues to expand, thrilling and intriguing the readers while the individual story lines of each character draws the readers in wanting more. New characters are introduced which only keep you guessing as to what's going to happen next and those in play leave you wondering what will become of them. I couldn't put this down!

Rating: 4.5: LOVED IT Very Much

Disclaimer: 

We received a complimentary copy of the book from St. Martin's Paperbacks, in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Reaper's Stand by Joanna Wylde

Reaper's Stand
(Reapers MC Series, Book #4)
by Joanna Wylde
Narrated by Tatiana Sokolov, Sean Crisden

Blurb:
As Reapers Motorcycle Club president, Reese “Picnic” Hayes has given his entire life to the club. After losing his wife, he knew he’d never love another woman. And with two daughters to raise and a club to manage, that was just fine with him. These days, Reese keeps his relationships free and easy—he definitely doesn't want to waste his time on a glorified cleaning lady like London Armstrong.

Too bad he’s completely obsessed with her.

Besides running her own business, London’s got her junkie cousin’s daughter to look after—a more reckless than average eighteen-year-old. Sure she’s attracted to the Reapers’ president, but she’s not stupid. Reese Hayes is a criminal and a thug. But when her young cousin gets caught up with a ruthless drug cartel, Reese might be the only man who can help her. Now London has to make the hardest decision of her life—how far will she go to save her family?

Available for purchase at 

      

Viviana's Review:

First time reading Joanna Wylde and loved it. Great story with great characters. I haven't read the previous books and while I wasn't lost I did feel like I was missing some of the connection so I would recommend reading the previous book. Yes, you can read this as a stand alone, but honestly, I'm guessing the previous books are just as good as this one so why would you want to?

Book Review: Quarterback Draw (Play by Play #9) by Jaci Burton

Quarterback Draw 
(Play by Play #9) 
By Jaci Burton
Narrated by Lucy Malone 

Blurb: 
Playing For Keeps

Grant Cassidy knows how to be a football star—flash that dazzling smile, throw the winning pass, get the girl. But while the hot quarterback loves the game and the lifestyle, no woman has come close to catching his heart. Then he matches wits with a smart, gorgeous model, and Grant finds himself wanting more than a fling.

Supermodel Katrina Koslova might live in a world of glitz and camera flashes, but she works hard to provide for the family that relies on her. She doesn't have time for fun—much less a boyfriend—but Grant seems determined to be the exception to Katrina’s rule.

Their explosive chemistry is undeniable, but Katrina’s afraid to let go and rely on anyone but herself. Grant intends to ease her fears and prove he’s a man of style and substance.

      

Viviana's Review: 
Let me start by saying I've always LOVED the covers of this series and they have always grabbed my attention enough to pick them up and read the blurb. The blurb have also intrigued me, but as the saying goes, too many book never enough time and I've been trying to be oh so good with not over committing myself with reviews. However, when the opportunity came up to review "Quarterback Draw", again, great cover, awesome blurb... OMG - its the 9th book in the series!!! Uhm... can I commit to a new series? How lost am I going to be if I haven't read the previous ones? Do I HAVE to read the previous ones (okay... for many us book-a-holics, if we start a new series mid-way, we WILL go back to the beginning. Its just who we are!!)?  Do I have the capacity to fall in love with a new bookboyfriend? BREATHE!!!! I PMed my fabulous friend and fellow book blogger Kelly from Books-N-Kisses and asked about the series to get her input and yup, she raved about "Quarterback Draw". You can check out her review here if you're curious. 

Book Review: Spice by Seressia Glass

Spice 
By Seressia Glass
Narrated by: Elizabeth Hart

Blurb:
Nadia Spiceland works in the business of temptation. The confections she crafts at the Sugar and Spice Bakery and Café lure in the locals. But one customer is interested in more than just her delectable sticky buns……

Kane Sullivan teaches human sexuality at the nearby college, where coeds are clamoring for seats in his lectures. Nadia is reluctant to his advances, yet she also has needs. Who better to fulfill them than the man who’s referred to as “Dr. Sex” by his female students?

Soon Kane creates a hunger in Nadia that nothing can satiate. It weakens her, and that’s something she cannot risk. Not again. But Kane’s masterful touch might just be powerful enough to melt her heart—and free her to trust again……

MATURE AUDIENCE

Available at 

      

Viviana's Review: 

Not sure why there is a 'warning' for Mature Audience. Maybe people thought this was a new adult at one time or another, but this obviously not a NA. I struggled with this book in the beginning and couldn't figure out if it was a "narrator" issue (how they chose to portray the characters or if it was the book itself.  Decided to continue listening and I was able to figure it out.