~~Hell's Phoenix-by Gracen Miller~~

~~HOLY COW!! Top pick all the way!! Hell’s Phoenix is a MUST read. It is the 2’nd in Gracen Miller’s Road to Hell series…. And yes you really do need to read the first book first. Pandora’s Box comes first and that is where she lets us know who her characters are and gives us an inkling of their myriad powers, but don’t think you are going to be bored with details, cause Gracen just doesn’t roll that way. I was hooked from page 1. Pandora is where I fell for Madison, Phoenix, Amos, Zen and Micah… well you will probably fall for each of the other characters as well but, hey everyone needs their favorites… just don’t expect to choose only one. Once I finished Pandora’s Box I didn’t even pretend to put my E-reader down, there just was no waiting for Hell‘s Phoenix! Pandora had a little steam and a lot of teasing, but Gracen definitely kicked up the heat several notches in Hell’s Phoenix. I’m lucky my tablet didn’t fog over ;) Another thing I didn’t expect was to root for the bad guy some, I mean who really roots for the bad guy? But then again Micah is not your ordinary bad guy, he is a fallen Angel and totally and utterly hawt!

　

~~So, in Hell’s Phoenix Madison has to come up with a plan to rescue Phoenix from Hell and Micah’s evil grasp…even knowing that Nix has fallen from grace, and has been doing Micah’s bidding. Believe me when I say, Micah’s hell is not somewhere you want to be. It is gross and creepy, definitely a 10 for eew factor. Of course nothing goes as planned….and when does it ever? Fortunately for us Mad’s won’t let a few...several...setbacks get in the way of saving Nix and returning him to his family and friends. Getting herself out of Hell presents a bit more of a problem. So it’s a good thing she has friends in high places, cause she is definitely going to need them. I don’t want give away much of what is in Hell’s Phoenix as it will spoil some of the things that happen in book 1- Pandora’s Box. I promise that if you pick up The Road to Hell series you won’t put it down again. Then you will go on face book and beg Gracen to hurry up with the next book already!!

　

Check out the first three chapters of Hell’s Phoenix by clicking on the link below, or copy and paste it to you browser address bar~http://madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com/p/hells-phoenix-3-chapters.html

As a bonus I will include the link for the first three chapters of Pandora’s Box as well~
http://madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com/p/pandoras-box-coming-8-19-2011.html

You can check out the fabulously naughty Gracen Miller at the link below, but you have to be at least 18 years old~
http://www.gracenmiller.webs.com/

Reclaimed by Diane Alberts

Navigating a shadowy world she never knew existed; Sabrina fights for her new found love...and her life........

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This story is about Sabrina and Isaac or is it Ethan? (You'll understand when you read the book *wink*) .......From the moment I read the first line I was hooked.  

Sabrina had just recently moved to England, the house she bought just felt right, like it was meant to be hers but she couldn't understand why.   Within the first couple days, she mets the man of her dreams and I mean literally met the man IN her dreams.  There's interesting turn of events that keeps you turning the page.  It has great characters and a mixture of contemporary romance, suspense, action, and sadness.  I couldn't wait to see how the story was going to end.  I hope there will be other books that follow this one...Fantastic story Ms. Alberts :) 

Check out Diane Alberts here...........

http://dianealberts.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-Alberts/121705201245084

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Excerpt

 A strange stillness sat in the air outside Sabrina’s house. No trees swayed in the breeze, no animals scampered in the forest, as if the world itself had come to a halt.

Uneasiness rolled over her, and she studied Isaac out of the corner of her eye. Surprisingly, he seemed to be as tense as her. He gripped her arm tighter than necessary, and his lips were pressed together as well. She could feel the tension pulsating off his body, and she got taken back into her dreams. For the first time in real life, he made her shiver in apprehension. As if sensing her fear, he shot her a quick grin.

“Well, I had a lovely evening.” He spoke over his shoulder as he practically dragged her to the door. She stumbled in an attempt to keep up with his pace. At the door he pointedly stared at her, causing her to realize he waited for her to open it. She fumbled through the mess she called a purse to find the key. She turned to him and smiled as she studied him through the cover of her eyelashes.

“Would you like to come in for a nightcap? I have wine…or coffee…or tea, or….” She stuttered to a stop, unsure of what to say.

God, she sounded like such an idiot.

Nightcap?

Who the heck said nightcap anymore?

“While I’d love to take you up on that offer, I have something I have to take care of tonight. Could I get a rain check? For say,tomorrow night? We could do a movie and wine? Or is tomorrow too soon in the dating world?”

“No, not too soon at all. I’d love to see you tomorrow.”She tried to hide her disappointment behind a bright smile. “You can call me,and we’ll firm up a time. Good night.”

She turned to go inside and got caught off-guard when he grabbed her elbow and spun her to face him. It happened so quickly she leaned back against the door in confusion; one hand on the doorknob and the other braced against the cool steel of the door. He moved his body closer to hers and placed his hand at her head. His other hand cupped her cheek while his thumb stroked her jaw line. All thought fled as his body pressed against hers, and a small swoosh of air escaped her lips at his touch.

“I didn’t think it even possible for you to grow more beautiful, but you have proven me wrong.” When his lips met hers, she lost all thought, all ability to move. She’d somehow been tied to this spot—this man.

Santa's Wayward Elf by Paige Tyler

Being one of Santa’s elves isn’t all sugar plums and candy canes.



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This story is about Sosie the not-so-average elf and Derek the hot New York cop. Sosie gets stranded in New York while on her way to the South Pole. She became intrigued by the BP (big people) world and decided to take a walk while the sled is being repaired, but finds herself in some trouble inside a dance club, where Derek Clayton comes to the rescue.  With the transport sled having accidentally left her behind, she finds herself staying with Derek at his place.  Things heat up between the two and a love blossoms.  This a cute story with many emotions and quite a few cold showers. This puts a whole new twist to being Naughty or Nice ;) Kudos to Ms. Tyler, I couldn't put the book down. 

 Check out Paige Tyler at...

 http://www.facebook.com/PaigeTylerAuthor

 http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/

Untouched by Sara Humphreys

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If you are a lover of all things paranormal, then "Untouched, the second book in The Amoveo Legend Series, by the beautiful Sara Humphreys, should not be missed! Ms. Humphreys captivated me with "Unleashed", the first in the series, and she has kept me completely enraptured with "Untouched". She writes with a familiarity & witty dark humor that you only normally see with long time authors and she draws you in from the very first page.
Kerry is a beautiful, intelligent, but untouchable high-fashion model, struggling with her psychic talents, which she looks at as being a curse, not a gift.. Dante, an utterly sensual, mesmerizing Amoveo Fox shifter, is full of depth, character & an attraction that grabs you right from the start. The chemistry between Dante & Kerry is deliciously steamy and explosive. The action & drama scenes are so compelling and attention-getting that I couldn't even put the book down until they were over! Kerry struggles to make it through her everyday world, unable to touch people because of excruciatingly painful visions.. Dante was hired by Kerry's best friend, Samantha, to keep Kerry safe on her latest modeling shoot in New Orleans.. From the moment these two start verbally sparring, you will instantly be hooked. Kerry has had to keep people at a distance her whole life & she has no intention of letting Dante in, either. But something about the man captures her attention like no one else ever has before & she can't help but be drawn to him, even as she is trying to deal with a sinister evil that has set it's sights on Kerry & Dante and won't stop until they are dead. Can these two pull together & manage to save each other, their own lives and still manage to fall into that heart stopping, beautiful, forever love that we all dream about? You need to grab this book right away & find out!! 
Sara Humphreys is an intelligent, friendly, funny & beautiful (inside & out!) author who writes truly mesmerizing stories that keep you addicted til the very end... And I'm definitely addicted to this amazing new series & can't wait for the next installment! Thank you, Sara, for bringing the hunky, heroic & oh-so-sexy Amoveo men into our lives!! 

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SHE SHOULD BE SEEN, BUT NEVER TOUCHED…
Kerry Smithson’s modeling career ensures that she will be admired from afar, which is essential since mere human touch sparks blinding pain and terrifying visions. 
EVERY GOOD MODEL NEEDS A HEAVENLY BODYGUARD…
Dante Coltari is hired to protect Kerry from those who know who she is—or more importantly what she is—and want her dead because of it. Nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of keeping her safe. But, strangely, his lightest touch brings her exquisite pleasure rather than pain, and Dante and Kerry have an otherwordly connection that might just pull them through.
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Excerpt: 

The music from the lively band flowed lightly around Kerry and the rest of the wedding guests. She sipped the cool, crisp champagne as she watched Samantha dance with her new husband and could practically feel their happiness mixed with the late summer breeze. Her gaze drifted over the intimate group of guests gathered around the bride and groom. They all had that same serene look while they watched Malcolm and Samantha share their first dance as husband and wife. He towered over her as he twirled her around the dance floor, and the sound of her laughter peppered the air.

The two of them hadn’t taken their eyes off each other for one second. If Kerry didn’t know any better, she’d swear they were reading each other’s minds. She chuckled quietly and sipped her champagne from the delicate crystal flute. The guests were limited to only thirty or so close friends and family members. Her own parents had sent their regrets from Europe, which was something of a relief. Kerry could only handle them in limited doses and didn’t want their chilly demeanor ruining such a beautiful day for Sam.
“May I have this dance?”
The deep voice rolled over her like sudden thunder in the distance. She jumped with a yelp and splashed champagne onto her red satin gown. “Shit,” she hissed under her breath. Kerry brushed at the droplets, which were now making dark stains on her dress, and shot an irritated glance at Malcolm’s best man, Dante. “I don’t dance.” Something about this guy threw her off balance. Kerry prided herself on her ability to stay in control, and this guy rattled her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I’d have that effect on you.”
The amusement in his voice made her want to punch him square in the mouth.
Or kiss him. Shit, she was in trouble.
She glared at him through narrowed eyes and put on her most stuck-up and obnoxious tone, hoping she could frighten him away. “Don’t flatter yourself, Tarzan. I got startled. That’s all.”
He had moved in next to her without a sound. How long had he been standing there? He didn’t go away, but instead, he moved in closer, just a breath away from her. The warmth of his body whispered along her bare arm and all the little hairs stood on end. She was terrified he’d touch her and at the same time worried he wouldn’t. She quickly turned her attention back to Malcolm and Sam, trying to ignore him, but failing miserably.
He was a difficult man to ignore. At five foot ten, she was usually taller than most men, and this guy towered over her, even in her Jimmy Choos. He was massive, well over six feet tall-a solid wall of muscle. He had a handsome, masculine face with the most enormous amber eyes she’d ever seen. His thick auburn hair was almost the exact same color as his eyes.
Not that she’d noticed him or anything.
Kerry scolded herself. There was absolutely no point in getting all hot and bothered over some guy she’d never be able to touch. I must be the oldest living virgin that isn’t officially a nun. She drained what was left of her drink.
Her goal was to be as horrible to him as possible and get him to go away. Dante smiled as though he knew she was doing her best to upset him, and she could feel his gaze wander down the length of her body.
“You’ll dance with me. Maybe not today,” he whispered seductively into her ear. “But eventually… you and I will dance.”
Kerry turned to give the arrogant bastard a piece of her mind, but he was gone. Vanished, it seemed, into
thin air. Her breath came quickly, and her eyes darted around the tent. Her body still quivered from the soft whisper, laden with innuendo. She was horrified that everyone in the tent would see how he’d thrown her entire body into overdrive. Her cheeks burned with anger, fear, and lust-a potent combination. Kerry straightened her back in an effort to calm her quaking limbs as a welcome voice wafted over her.
“Well now, missy. I hope you’re going to keep coming to visit me even though our girl is married off.”
Kerry let out the breath she’d been holding and smiled at Sam’s grandmother Nonie. “C’mon Nonie, you’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Kerry placed the empty flute on a passing waiter’s tray and quickly scooped up a fresh glass. Perhaps a little more booze would calm her nerves.
“Well, you know you’ve always been like a granddaughter to me. You and Samantha are practically sisters, so you can’t blame an old lady for worrying.” She smiled up at Kerry with twinkling eyes that reminded her of the summer ocean.
“Well, since Sam and Malcolm aren’t even going on a honeymoon, and they’re living right next door to you… I don’t think you’ll be that lonely.” Kerry took a fresh swig of the champagne and hoped she didn’t sound as jealous as she felt. “I have to leave tomorrow for a photo shoot in New Orleans, but I’ll be back after that. To be very honest,” she said with a sigh, “I’m getting really burnt out and sick of traveling.”
“You’re going on a shoot already? Well now, don’t you think you’re jumping back into things awfully fast?” Nonie’s voice hovered somewhere between panic and anger. Kerry couldn’t quite tell which was going to win out. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Nonie, so she kept her eyes trained on the happy couple.
“I’m fine, Nonie. Sheesh, did you and Sam go to the same worrywart school? I’m not in any more danger from AJ. My cousin was obsessed with Sam, remember? I just got in his way,” she said flippantly. “He’s long gone from here anyway. Every cop in Rhode Island has his picture, and Westerly is a small town. I mean, for Christ’s sake, Millie’s even got his picture up at the diner with a big danger sign plastered above it. I’d be more worried about Samantha.”
Nonie’s mouth set in a grim line. “Samantha will be fine. She’s stronger than you think, and besides she has Malcolm. I worry about you, Kerry. You shouldn’t be traveling by yourself. You just never know what can happen, and I would think you’ve learned that as a result of recent events.”
Kerry rolled her eyes at the scolding tone and turned to face Nonie. She looked into her worry-filled eyes set in a soft, wrinkled face, and any irritation she felt melted away with the ocean breeze. She had the overwhelming urge to scoop the old woman up in a hug but knew the cost would be too great. Instead she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and turned quickly to face the calm, blue sea.
Nonie and Sam were the only two people in the world she really loved, and she’d almost lost them both because of AJ. He’d been completely obsessed with Samantha and had coerced Kerry into luring her into his sick trap. Her mind drifted to that awful night. She had fought back as much as she could, but he’d overpowered her. She was disgusted with herself because if she had touched him before that, just once, she would’ve seen what he was up to. She would’ve seen through the facade to the evil underneath, but she’d been too weak. Her stomach roiled at the memory of her cowardice.
Samantha’s bright laughter tumbled through the air and brought a smile to her lips. Nonie was right. Sam would be fine. If it weren’t for Malcolm, AJ would’ve killed them both. He’d scared the little worm off, and there’d been no trace of him in the weeks following the attack. It was as though he’d vanished from the face of the earth. Samantha had been hurt because of her, and she would never forgive herself for that.
Nonie stood silently by her side as they watched the waves roll gently onto the sand. Kerry wanted to tell Nonie and Sam the truth, but was terrified at what they would think. They were all that she had, and she couldn’t afford to lose them. What was she supposed to say? Hey, guess what? I have visions when I touch people. Oh, by the way, it’s so painful I want to vomit. How about a hug? They would think she’s insane just like her twisted cousin AJ. She cringed at the very thought of it.
If she lost them, then she would really be alone. Kerry pulled the burgundy wrap tightly around her as the cool ocean breeze picked up. She shivered, knowing it wasn’t from the wind. Taking a deep breath, she finally broke the silence.
“I’ll be careful, Nonie. Listen. I’m going to New Orleans not Iraq. I’ll be perfectly safe.”
“Yes, you will.” Samantha’s all too chipper tone came over Kerry’s other shoulder. “Malcolm and I have hired someone to make certain that is the case.”
Kerry narrowed her eyes and looked warily at Samantha. “What are you babbling about? Has marriage made you lose your senses already?”
“Oh, I make her crazy. There’s no doubt about that,” Malcolm said softly. He stood behind Sam with his arms wrapped around her waist and nibbled on her ear.
“Malcolm,” Sam giggled. “Cut it out. This is serious.” Kerry rolled her eyes but couldn’t resist smiling at them and fought the urge to look around for Dante. “You two are gonna frighten the guests. Get a room. Jeez.”
“What my lovely bride is trying to tell you is that we’ve taken measures to be sure you’re kept safe on this next trip. It’s only been a few weeks since the unfortunate events of late. We just want to be certain that you have an extra measure of security. That’s all.”
Kerry eyed the three of them one at a time. Each of their faces held steely resolve, and she saw there was no point in arguing. “I can see that I’m being totally ganged up on. Aren’t I?”
“Yes!” Samantha wriggled out of Malcolm’s embrace, popped up on her toes, and planted a quick kiss on Kerry’s cheek. The wolf image whisked fleetingly through Kerry’s mind, leaving as quickly as it came, and she shook her head as Malcolm led Samantha back to the dance floor. “It better not be some crotchety old cop or something,” she shouted after them.
“I’m not crotchety or a cop.” Dante’s deep, male voice rolled over her, and she was instantly aware of his body behind hers. So close. Too close. Kerry held her breath and whipped around to face him.
“No way!” She placed her hands firmly on her hips and glared up at him defiantly.
“Inferno Securities has the highest reputation. We’ve provided personal security for kings and queens. I’m sure I can handle a princess like you.” Dante delivered a wicked grin and remained stone still, unwilling to retreat. He smiled as her deep brown eyes flashed angrily back at him.
He might be there to protect her, but little did she know, she was the one who would be saving him.
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Review done by blogger: Vicki Rose, for several web sites, including this one.

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Visit Sara at:  http://novelromance.net/

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

    

   Jacinda has always been special. She’s a fire breather, something her Draki pride has not seen in centuries. A fact that they seem to think gives them the right to control her life. But Jacinda isn’t just special, she’s also a rebel. She does not like being told where she can’t go, when she can’t fly, and especially who she’s suppose to love, or at least marry someday. It’s because of this rebellious side of her nature that she decides to fly, just once, in the morning sunlight. It’s pride rule that the Draki, descendents of the long extinct dragons, are only allowed to fly under the cover of night. Flying in the sunlight is dangerous, not only could they be seen by humans but also by Hunters, and if a draki is seen by a hunter the chances are slim that they’ll make it back to the pride alive.
    Jacinda decides to brave the dangers but she realizes, when she hears the thump, thump of helicopter blades, that the rules are worth following. The hunters have spotted her. She tries desperately to out run them but they manage to injure her wing. That leaves her only the option to run and hide. She does manage to find a hiding spot but not fast enough. They have an idea of where she is and they send in one of the hunters to look for her. It’s a boy, not much older then her and when their eyes meet she realizes that its not cruelty in his face but curiosity. For some reason, he doesn’t alert the other hunters but instead studies her. She studies him back and is surprised to realize that he’s beautiful. He reaches out to touch her and a spark flies between them and he whispers one word before he leaves her in her hiding spot alone.
    As Jacinda makes her way back to her pride she can’t stop thinking about that strange hunter but that quickly changes as her pride comes to meet her, along with her mother. They’re all furious. Risking herself, the gem of the pride, just to fly in the daylight. The pride threatens severe punishment and that threat seems to fill her mother with terror. Once safely back home with her twin sister, Tamra, her mother informs the girls that they are leaving the pride. Jacinda is horrified, Tamra is thrilled. Tamra never manifested during puberty so she is basically just human but the pride is Jacinda’s life, as much as she hates how controlling they are she can’t imagine living with out them, outside of her mountains. She has no choice however, as always.
    Jacinda’s mother takes her daughters to a desert city where Jacinda can feel her draki shriveling inside of her. The draki need the earth’s life to stay strong and here, in the barren place, there is no sustenance. Just when she feels like hope is gone, she sees the hunter from the day that changed everything at her school and he seems to strengthen her draki. They’re drawn to each other from their first glance even though he doesn‘t seem to recognize her. This strange reaction may be exactly what Jacinda needs to give her mother and sister the chance at the life they’ve always wanted. There’s just one problem, Will’s not the only hunter in her school and with all the prying eyes around it may not be so easy to keep all that she is hidden inside.


    Firelight is an amazingly imaginative book. I haven’t read anything quite like it. I’ve always been a fan of dragons but this twist is something new and interesting. I was caught right from the beginning. Jacinda is an intriguing character. She’s a strong minded individual who is not willing to let anyone rule her life, not even her mother and sister. At the same time, she wants so badly to make her mother and sister happy and tries to change for them. But, ultimately, she can only be herself. It’s a common theme in books, to be yourself at all costs, especially for YA books but it never seems to get old. I am excited to read the next book in the trilogy, Vanish. It promises as much excitement as Firelight and, of course, I’m anxious to know what’s going to happen in the new and complicated relationship of Will and Jacinda.



Visit Sophie at: http://www.sophiejordan.net/