Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Book Review

Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Jaz Parks #1) by Jennifer Rardin

What is it about:
I'm Jaz Parks. My boss is Vayl, born in Romania in 1744. Died there too, at the hand of his vampire wife, Liliana. But that's ancient history. For the moment Vayl works for the C.I.A. doing what he does best--assassination. And I help. You could say I'm an Assistant Assassin. But then I'd have to kick your ass.

Our current assignment seemed easy. Get close to a Miami plastic surgeon named Assan, a charmer with ties to terrorism that run deeper than a buried body. Find out what he's meeting with that can help him and his comrades bring America to her knees. And then close his beady little eyes forever. Why is it that nothing's ever as easy as it seems?

What did I think of it:
I heard many good things about this series before starting this book and was thinking I would certainly like it.

Well.....
I really liked Jaz and Vayl and the chemistry between them, I'll give the book that. Otherwise it felt very chaotic, both storywise and how it was written. I had difficulty keeping my attention on the story because of that. I'm still not quite sure what the bad guys wanted and why, I will confess.

Chances of me continuing this series are slim, but I will be fair enough to say I would give book two a try if I came across it in a sale to see if the chaos in this book is because of inexperience or if it's just Rardin's style.

Why should you read it:
Jaz and Vayl are really cool characters.

Sucker Punch - Movie Review

Sucker Punch

What is it about:
A young girl is institutionalized by her abusive stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the mental facility.

What did I think of it:
If you want a well thought out story do not go see this movie. If on the other hand you want a movie with stunningly beautiful visuals (including the scantily clad ladies who act in this movie), great special effects and lots of cool action this is your movie. Really: this movie is a feast for the eyes and on top of that it has World War One Steampunk Zombies as well! I must admit I had expected more from the story, but in the end I wasn't disappointed as the visuals and kick-ass action more than enough made up for the lack of strong plot.

Why should you see it:
World War One Steampunk Zombies!!

Echoes and Illusions - Guestpost by Mila Ramos

Today's post is by Mila Ramos, author of the short story collection Echoes and Illusions (among others). In this post you get to meet the characters from the story The Seventh Legend.

Mila, welcome to Pearls Cast Before a McPig

--------------------------------


Hello everyone!
Thank you all so much for having a great time on this tour! I sure am! Well seeing as I don’t want to keep you from the two people of the spotlight, I’ll just turn things over to Alana and Drew.

Thank you to this wonderful Pearls Cast Before a McPig for being my host today. So without further adu I give you Alana and Drew!

The Seventh Legend
Part of the Echoes and Illusions Anthology.


Duty and honor before everything.

Hi, I’m Alana Legend and I have a couple questions for you. What would you do if you knew the hero never finished his tale and the evil was real? What if the curse attached meant an eternity trapped in another world? What if because of that curse, the woman you were meant the man you loved, the man you thought you loved would never safe?

These are the questions all the time running through my mind. I know whatever is in my head is suppose to unlock an ancient story, and kill that evil. What that exact thing is I don’t know but I do know it has to do with a man that I just…I can’t even describe him, but I do know that I don’t know what the hell I was thinking getting involved with him long ago. Who knows maybe I’ll finally learn my lesson.

But if Drew Becket is involved I’ll kill him first and ask questions later. Why did my sister ever think I needed his help?


Not everything is about duty and honor.

Drew Beckett here and there is a few things I know; Alana is harder on herself than what she lets you in on and the woman has got it all wrong about what’s going on. Now I know you’re thinking “Drew, she just said…” yeah, yeah, yeah, but let me tell you this, nothing is what it seems. As much as the infamous Legend up there wants to make you think one thing, I’ve unfortunately found out a different side to the story.
While she has those questions running through her mind, I only have one problem running through mine. How can one woman with so much power be so damn blind?
You’re probably thinking I’m an ass and you’re right but if you knew just how much Alana actually needed me, you’d rethink those thoughts my dear friend. And need me she does…stubborn woman. Besides, I have a promise to her sister to uphold, whether she likes it or not.


What is real and what is rumored. Discover the truth in Echoes and Illusions.

Meet Alana Legend
Age: Late 20’s
Body Type: I have the traits of a Legend, dark brown hair, caramel tone complexion, dark almond shaped eyes or as Drew says “soulful” *rolls eyes* I’m athletically toned and possess a particular poise and elegance. With the things I do, I need it.
Personality: Dedicated and focused. Life hasn’t always given to me on a plate. I can’t lose my focus or else…yeah let’s just not go there. It doesn’t mean I don’t know how to have fun just right now I can’t focus on that, I have work to do.
Background: In the community, simply a Legend. I’m a Psi-ter, pretty much I’m the glorious gift of generations. Oh yip-ee.
Special Talent: Enhanced special abilities; paranormal enhancements of sight, speed, etc. It sounds so simple. Do you have an hour?
Best Trait: My best trait is living up to my destiny.
What would she die for: I’d die for my sister Maggie.

Meet Andrew Beckett
Nickname: Drew or Pain in the ass, as Alana likes to say.
Age: Early 30’s
Body Type: I’m 6’5” as far as height, but as to body type I’m on the same level of strength as Alana. Even though that woman might think she doesn’t need a man by her side, she does…more than she cares to admit.
Hair Color/ Eye Color: Jet black hair and green eyes. I’ve been told they change depending on my mood but seeing as I can’t see that myself I’ll take people’s word on it.
Background: Alana’s family and mine are somewhat the same but really do you want to know all those details? Just know that I can hold my own, especially when that little spitfire is involved.
Current Occupation: Lately it seems as the voice of rationale.
What does He want: Catch the bad guy, get the girl. You know the usual superhero stuff.

-------------------------

About Echoes and Illusions:


Echoes & Illusions:
Ebook and Print

Reel-to-Real
A curious invitation mystifies acclaimed movie critic Moira Castle. In an industry where word of mouth is reality, Moira comes back home to the unexpected. Memories surge as an old movie reel and theater owner Toren McCann hold answers that have lain quiet for far too long.

The Seventh Legend
Some stories are based on legend, some on rumor. Some stories are real. For a young woman her childhood book has something more than imagined. The book contains the story of a real hero facing an unimaginable evil that’s been after since she was a child.

The Watchers
In a world where duty and honor are binding and crucial Selene, a Coven Enforcer, has to choose between the life she knows and the life she yearns. On a dark and stormy night Selene learns that some rules are meant to be broken, even immortal ones.

Smoke & Mirrors
Dr. Ana Fiore has earned her reputation “Dr. Ice” by her solid work and rigid personality. Sent to a conference for determination of Chief of Staff, she is snowed in with rival and colleague Dr. Dakota Hastings. Face-to-face with Dakota, she learns she isn’t the only expert at illusion.

About Mila:


Mila was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At an early age she learned the valuable secrets books contained. It all started with the Lois Duncan book, “A Gift of Magic.” Mysterious worlds, far away places helped nourish different ideas and concepts of the real world. It was through this that she discovered a whole new realm of depth.

The books ranged, and as they did so did her love for different types. Starting with William Shakespeare, Mila went through all the literary bests; William Blake, Joseph Conrad, Anais Nin, Leo Tolstoy, Ayn Rand, Maya Angelou, Victor Hugo. Until one day she read a book that changed her life, her first true romance book where characters were real, came to life, and could be the person next door. From there the world expanded from Nora Roberts, Karen Marie Moning, JR Ward, and beyond. With these authors, her writing took a new turn to role group playing and writing in the paranormal scene. Through this, the stories had more vivid ideas and better yet were actually getting heard.

She currently working on her doctorate in Organic Chemistry and resides in Texas, with her husband, family, friends. Her favorite genres are: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Erotica and anything her mind concocts. Crazy and silly as the ideas she sometimes has, her heart is as true as gold and hopes her readers enjoy the stories she writes as much as she loves to write them.


This post is part of the Echoes and Illusions Book Tour by Bewitching Book Tours

Awakened by a Kiss - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Awakened by a Kiss (Fiery Tales #1) by Lila DiPasqua

What is it about:
Three classic fairytales—“Sleeping Beauty,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Little Red Riding Hood”—cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist….

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d’Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss—and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress—and this time, he has no intention of letting her go…

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger…

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants—and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King’s private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was—and more than man enough for her...

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
In one word: Wow!
I knew these stories were loosely based on fairytales and reading the series title Fiery Tales I expected a lot of romance. I didn't expect them to be as hot, steamy and delightfully smutty as they turned out to be. As for the fairytale element: the stories contain some elements of the original fairytale, but they're more historical romances than fairytales. I can't say I minded though. These stories are hot, romantic and have droolworthy Alpha males and strong heroines who know how to stand up for themselves. Although I enjoyed all three of the stories, Bewitching in Boots is my favourite as the whole concept of the story spoke to me the most. That being said: I'm so going to read the next book in this series, The Princess in His Bed, if I can get my hands on it.

Why should you read it:
Steamy romances, Alpha males, what more could you want?

Guestpost and Character Interview by Ami Blackwelder

Eloquent Enraptures and author Ami Blackwelder proudly presents the six part science fiction/paranormal romance saga! Like nothing you have ever experienced!


Shifters of 2040:

“I’m pregnant. Her eyes peered over the edge of the cloth and confronted her mirrored reflection with that truth. I’m pregnant…by a SHIFTER. Oh, god!”

In “The Shifters of 2040,” Scientist Melissa Marn finds her world swirling on its axis with that one revelation. Shifters — a sentient alien species of light — look to Earth for refuge. In doing so, both shifters and humans are forced to confront prejudice, betrayal, adversity and oppression.

Methodical scientist, Melissa Marn, and her coworker, Dr. Bruce Wilder, conduct experiments on the shifters. Through her pregnancy, she becomes more compassionate and humane and finds herself defending the very species she’s supposed to eradicate.

One of the hybrids, Diamond, falls in love with Keenan, a soldier trained to kill her. Between the four, the reader is led from conflict to resolution, from despair to hope, from loneliness to love.

Much of the book’s originality lies in the shifters, common characters in science fiction, but whose origins are rarely explained. In this series, their alien DNA allows them to metamorphose into not just wolves, but a variety of animals. As the plot unfolds, the shifters discover they can have children with humans — hybrids.

Strengths of the novel include the complex characters, its writing style of poetic prose and rich description, and the well developed, thought-provoking, yet highly entertaining plot. This fast paced book will appeal to the young adult and adult market. It fits nicely into the paranormal romance and science fiction romance genres and would make a great movie, a captivating TV series and an intriguing video game.

Readers will enjoy the fresh approach and original concept of the world thirty years from now, and will find the characters come to life in their minds long after they read “The End.”


Shifter Evolutions video and purchase options at her website.

The Shifters of 2040 Character Interview:
This interview will be conducted for the characters of the Shifters of 2040. Scientist Melissa Marn and the hybrid Diamond.

Do you always love what you can’t have?
Melissa Marn: The Smithsonian, Bruce Wilder. I guess I do. But my life is controlled by the SCM now, by my father and General Raul. They decided this fate for me. If I had my way, I’d run off with Bruce somewhere far away...
Diamond: I fell in love with the enemy on accident. I didn’t plan to love Keenan, the military soldier sworn to kill me and my kind. He didn’t plan to love me. We just happened.

If you were a quality?
Melissa Marn: The River. I am methodical like waves. I do the job needed to be done, whatever the cost of erosion, and flow continually. Close to the Earth, but I am cold, because the SCM coaxed me since fifteen, and trained me since twenty-five.
Diamond: The Hawk. This is my other half, the beast inside of me, that the humans fear. I fly above the world and watch. Silent, and steady, but strong.

If you were a flaw?
Melissa Marn: Ice. I am cold, and hard. And too easily I melt and conform to the shape I am enclosed in, that prisoner the SCM has built around my life.
Diamond: The Heart. I feel too much. Emotions explode inside of me, and I sense my heart will be the end of me one day. If I could only feel less...

Do you always walk on the moral slippery slope?
Melissa Marn: It’s my job! It’s all I know. And if I didn’t do it, someone else would. What then? I know the shifters are more than the SCM tells us they are. They must feel something. But what? My curiosity and scientific training drives me. I have to find answers to my questions. I have to perform my duty!
Diamond: But I love him! I know being with him draws danger to my kind, to my family. My sister. But he would never betray me, willingly. I know he loves me too. And though I am sworn to stay away from him, from all SCM, my heart dominates my head.

Favorite food?
Melissa Marn: The Italian restaurant Little Milan. Bruce and I have shared many discussions, heated arguments, and romantic memories there.
Diamond: Mice...I am half hawk.

Amazon Prints Kindle Nook


This post is part of Bewitching Book Tours

Rot and Ruin - Book Review

Rot & Ruin (Benny Imura #1) by Jonathan Maberry

What is it about:
In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human.

What did I think of it:
Can I just say: Awesome!!
Seriously, this book is amazing. Part of the story I already knew as this book expands on the novella 'Family Business' that was published in The New Dead: A Zombie Anthology, but I totally didn't mind as Maberry's writing, world building and characterisation are wonderful and because this book gives so much more. I admire how Maberry manages to write a kick-ass zombie story that at the same time tackles issues like family, coming of age and human nature and does so in a totally natural way. I also really like how Maberry sets the story in a time frame where zombies have become a fact of life instead of during the first outbreak. As I already mentioned the world building is amazing: Maberry creates a very believable post-apocalyptic society filled with people who feel so real and familiar you have an instant connection with them. Although Benny Imura is the lead character I will confess that his brother Tom was my favourite character from the start: Tom rocks! That being said, Benny certainly is a cool character as well and I will keep an eye out for the next book as I want more!

Why should you read it:
It's got zombies and zombie hunters!

Yet Another Winner

Winnie, the winner of the Oracle giveaway told me she won Rogue Oracle at another giveaway, so she only claims the signed copy of Dark Oracle.

This means I got to draw a second winner who'll get the signed copy of Rogue Oracle!

And the lucky winner is:
Katie Dalton

Congrats to Katie and thanks to Winnie!



Stay tuned for a review of my latest zombie read later today