Immortal Danger Contest

The Demon King And I Review

Gillian Caruthers, along with her three sisters, are Guardian Keys. Their job is to protect Earth by guarding portals that beings from other worlds would use to infiltrate our world. Each sister is trained and has the power to protect Earth from certain beings. Gillian’s job is to guard against demons, people like King Arath.

King Arath is the king of the demons and the last person Gillian needs to have a crush on. But he’s not your typical evil demon, he’s really sweet! Gillian is having dreams about people close to her being murdered and after one dream turns out to be reality, she alerts the police. The murders seem to be the work of demons. Somehow other world beings are coming through the portals and murdering humans.

King Arath has the ability to always know what is going on in his world and doesn’t think the culprit is a demon. But Gillian has other ideas and is determined to protect herself and her family from these dangerous beings. When the bad guys hit close to home, Gillian is left with an ultimatum that she isn’t sure she can deal with. Will Gillian’s family make it out alive or will the beings from other worlds cause havoc on Earth?

Gillian finds her attraction to King Arath growing and doesn’t know how to handle it. How can two people from different worlds find love together when neither can live in the other’s world? When Gillian discovers the truth behind King Arath’s past she decides not to tell him what she knows. The war is on and King Arath is in a dangerous situation. Will he make it out alive or will a rogue demon put an end to his life once and for all?

THE DEMON KING AND I is the first book in a delightful new paranormal romance series. The story is told in first person point of view by the heroine, Gillian. There is a fun breezy flow to Candace Havens novel with a dash of chick lit that makes THE DEMON KING AND I a lighter read then your typical urban fantasy type book.

The storyline is slightly reminiscent of Yasmine Galenorn’s Otherworld Series as both books have a group of sisters with powers who protect the portals from otherworld beings. While Galenorn’s books are dark and gritty, Haven’s book is like a ray of sunshine on a dreary day. I enjoyed reading about a kind hearted demon and found it a refreshing change of pace.

Overall, THE DEMON KING AND I took me out of my book slump and was a pleasure to read. I would definitely recommend this book to romance readers who enjoy a fast paced paranormal with a chick lit flavor to it.

Fragile Review

Devon Manning survived an abusive childhood, life on the streets, and dabbling with drugs. Now that her life is changed for the better, she works as a social worker saving kids from abusive families. The work is extremely emotional for Devon and she has never forgotten her past abuse and everything she has suffered. But instead of being a victim, she is a survivor and is determined to save as many children as possible from abuse.

Luke Rafferty left the Army after suffering a gun shot to his leg. He became a doctor and left his Army friends behind and has tried to move on with his life. But every couple months, there’s a funeral for one of his old friends and it brings back all the memories.

Then there’s Luke’s twin brother who is emotionally unstable because of his abusive childhood and from seeing too much while in the Army. All of Luke’s friends seem to resent him for leaving them behind to fight the war by themselves but that was his choice. Now Luke is working long shifts in the ER and is interested in a pretty social worker named Devon who he frequently sees at the hospital.

When Devon and Luke begin dating, Devon has no idea how her life will drastically change. Someone is stalking her, or at least Devon and Luke seem to think so. Is someone really out to get Devon or is her mind playing tricks on her? Will Devon and Luke be able to have a lasting relationship or will something come between them?

Fragile is a fast paced book that sizzles with suspense and sexual tension equally. The characters are nicely developed and their pasts bring an interesting aspect to the story. While I normally dislike books involving any type of abuse, I couldn’t help but root for the heroine to finally find some happiness in her life.

Fragile is a romantic suspense but it is not a happy romantic type of story. The tone is rather depressing and sad at times, throw in some sex scenes, danger, suspense, and then a happily ever after. I did enjoy this book but there is only so much you can put your character through and I thought it was a bit too much.

I disliked the constant repeating of lines such as Devon reminding Luke over and over again that she isn’t fragile (hence the title). Also when a paragraph would end with a sentence, the same sentence would be repeated word for word in the next paragraph with a different character thinking it. These small nuances took away from the story and I couldn’t help but groan whenever Devon called Luke ‘’slick.’’ Overall, Fragile is a well written book but its faults outweigh the positives.

Demon Mistress

Flirting with Temptation Review

Babette Robinson has a problem with commitment. It doesn’t matter if it’s committing to one hair color, job, or man, she just doesn’t commit. After leaving yet another job, Babette decides to start her own business. She’s always had a talent for understanding people’s mannerisms and match making. So Babette decides to start a Love Doctor business where she helps put couples back together again after a break up. The business is doing great until a rich socialite named Kitty Carelle shows up needing Babette’s services.

Kitty is willing to pay Babette three times her normal fees if she could reconcile her relationship with a man named Jeff Eubanks. Babette has bills to pay and desperately needs this job but she has a conflict of interest. Jeff is Babette’s ex boyfriend, the one man she truly loved, the one who got away. How can Babette help Kitty get back together with Jeff when she still has feelings for him herself?

Babette decides to take the job, but she is worried her feelings for Jeff will cause problems. After arriving at the beach resort where Jeff lives, matters become even worse. Jeff has given Babette an ultimatum. If she can last one week without flirting with any guys, he will consider talking to Kitty. But if Babette even whistles at one man, then the deal is off. The reasoning behind this deal is that Jeff feels women can not commit to anything and if Babette, the ultimate non-committal person can commit, then there is hope for him and Kitty.

Will Babette make it through seven days of no flirting or will her close proximity to Jeff drive her truly insane with lust? Will Babette reconcile the relationship or will she steal Jeff for herself?

Flirting with Temptation is a romantic, funny, heart warming story by one of my favorite authors Kelley St. John. While the outcome of the story was kind of predictable, I still greatly enjoyed reading this contemporary romance. The side story of Babette’s grandmother searching for love again after losing her husband was very touching. Everything fit together nicely and I will definitely be on the look out for Kelley St. John’s next book. I highly recommend Flirting with Temptation to romance readers who enjoy a sweet romance that will make them smile.

Reviews Coming Soon..

Due to getting sick and being in and out of the hospital and being busy with work, I haven't had much reading time lately. More reviews coming soon..

Night's Master Review

Kathy McKenna has had enough of the war between the vampires and werewolves, so she has moved to a small town in the Midwest called Oak Hollow. She bought a log house and opened a used and new bookstore that she runs all by herself.

Business is lacking but after a visit from a vampire named Rafe Cordova, sales pick up a little. Rafe has made his attraction for Kathy well known, and he isn’t shy about asking her out. But the last thing Kathy wants to do is to get into a relationship with a vampire!

Rafe continues to visit Kathy in the hopes of winning her over. In the mean time the town is full of paranormal beings, just the sort of thing Kathy was trying to get away from. The war is still brewing and now there are hunters who will stop at nothing to eradicate the world of paranormal beings.

Kathy finds her life in danger because of her association with Rafe. Will everyone make it out alive or will Kathy become another casualty in this brutal war?

NIGHT’S MASTER by Amanda Ashley was the first book that I’ve read by this extremely talented author. I was hooked from the first page and immensely impressed with the writing. The dialogue flows brilliantly, the romance is hot, the danger is scary, and the suspense is exciting.

While I normally shy away from longer books, this one being a heavy 364 pages, I didn’t want the book to end. There were no boring spots where I yawn and yearn to skip over nonsense. NIGHT’S MASTER is perfection from the beginning to the end. Overall I adored and loved everything about this book and can’t wait to read all of Amanda Ashley’s backlist books!

Blog Roll Title

FYI: My blog comes up as Enchanted by Books on my blog roll because it was newly added. If my name is already on your blog roll it will still read What I Am Reading, unless you delete and re -add it. If you chose to re- add it so it reads with the correct name, I would be SO greatful! Thanks!

Introducing My Revamped Blog!

Well my blog has been overhauled! What do you think of the new name and new look?!! I am completely in love with it. I love the name and the picture is perfect! Thank you Carolyn and Wendy for all of your help with this complicated computer stuff!

Name My Blog Contest

CONTEST CLOSED! CAROLYN IS THE WINNER! THANKS EVERYONE!

I need a new name for my blog. Something with the word reviews in it or something about books. For instance some names I love that are already taken though, Bitten by Books and Literary Escapism. It doesn't have to have the word reviews in it but it would be nice. So please help me.

The best name wins their choice of a $10 Amazon or B&N Giftcard direct to your email. I want the name to be one I can really use on my blog, so please be advised I will be using the name you suggest. Please make it something fantastic because I am drawing a blank on a name!

All of my blogger friends and authors are elgible to enter. This contest is open to anyone who can think up a name for my blog for me! So go ahead and enter. Give me multiple names, anything. Help!

One More Bite Contest

Contest at this link to win Jennifer Rardin's new book One More Bite, book 5 in her series. Hurry over and enter!!!

Evermore Review

Ever Bloom has been given a second chance at life but she doesn’t think she deserves it. She is the sole survivor of a car accident that killed her parents and little sister. Now Ever has moved in with her aunt in California and is going to a new school. Since the tragic deaths, Ever has acquired a psychic gift that she doesn’t particularly like. She has the ability to read people’s minds, see their auras, and a simple touch tells her a person’s darkest secrets.

Ever was once a popular cheerleader when she lived in Oregon but ever since the accident and her new gifts, she has become a loner and hides under baggy clothes, sunglasses, and an IPOD. The music helps to silence the noise of hearing everyone’s thoughts. She’s become an outcast and only has two good friends while all the popular girls make fun of Ever on a daily basis. But when a gorgeous new boy named Damen Auguste enrolls in her school, Ever has a new reason for getting up in the morning.

Damen is very unusual and has a lot of secrets but the one that he is open with is his fondness for Ever. The whole world stops when Damen talks to her and the connection between them is undeniable. Even though Ever’s friend Haven has already called dibs on Damen, Ever can’t help but feel oddly attracted to him. There are several other girls in Damen’s life but somehow he always ends up gazing at Ever and making her feel like she’s never felt before. Can Ever and Damen have a relationship together or will his secrets cause problems for them? What is Damen’s dark secret and will Ever still want him when she discovers the truth?

Evermore is the first book in a new Young Adult Series called The Immortals. The writing is eloquent, the characters come alive, and the romance is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. There are many similarities to compare Evermore to Twilight but I enjoyed Evermore immensely more. The first person point of view is intimate and the narration by Ever is strong with emotions and feeling. She is confused and going through a lot and the reader can feel her angst come through in her passages.

I read Evermore in less then two days and could not put it down all weekend. I read for hours at a time and was completely addicted to the writing from the first page. I would without a doubt recommend Evermore to readers who are looking for a book that will captivate them from the first word to the last. The next book in this series, Blue Moon will be out in August 2009. Overall, Evermore is a superb novel that left me breathless, satisfied, and yearning for more.

Pre order Evermore on Amazon

Visit Alyson Noel's Website

Man of the House Review

Lincoln Menner is every woman’s dream husband. He cooks healthy meals from scratch, he cleans the house thoroughly on a daily basis, and he takes great care of his wife and daughter. His wife, Josephine Menner works as a hospital administrator which means she is hardly ever home and can be away for days at a time. Lincoln doesn’t mind being a stay at home dad and he takes pride in being the one to care for his family. That is until the family moves from NY to Florida and things completely change.

The kitchen and the entire house are being renovated and this does not make for comfortable living. But instead of staying elsewhere during the remodel, the Menner family continues to live in their mangled home. One of the workers, Rod, is a manly man and Lincoln starts to wonder if he has become too girly with baking, PTA, and all the motherly things he does. Lincoln decides that he wants to be like Rod and completely transforms both inside and out from house husband to super fit and undoating husband.

After one too many pressure cooker meals, Lincoln’s daughter Violet has had enough. Where has her wonderful father gone to? The sweet caring father that she’s loved all of her life has now become a construction worker type who hangs out at Hooters and drinks beer! Will Violet and Josephine be able to convince Lincoln that he was a better person before his transformation?

In the mean time Violet’s teacher is starting to notice Lincoln. She doesn’t care that he is married and begins the steps into landing her man. Will Lincoln fall for the teacher’s charm or will the old Lincoln return and put an end to this odd woman’s obsession?

Several hurricanes are coming through Florida and Lincoln isn’t even worried anymore. Normally he would be running around making sure everything is safe and secure but now he doesn’t even seem to care. Will the Menners make it through the hurricane safely and will Lincoln return to his former self?

Man of the House is a hilarious, compulsive read that I thoroughly inhaled in two sittings. The first book with the Menner family was Househusband but Man of the House can be read as a stand alone story. Although the book is fiction, it is primarily an autobiographical take on Ad Hudler’s life. There are four different points of view with each chapter alternating perspective told by the mother, father, daughter and teacher.

I found the writing to flow easily and the storyline kept my interest. Watching Lincoln transform was funny and touching at the same time. After devoting fourteen years to being at his family’s every beck and call, he’s finally decided he doesn’t like who he’s become. Following Lincoln down his journey to self discovery was a great trip and I can’t wait to read the next book by Ad Hudler.

Visit Ad Hudler's Website
Buy Man of the House on Amazon

I Shot You Babe Cover

Check out Leslie Langtry's next book! She has the cutest covers for this series. I Shot You Babe is due out in July. I couldn't find any info on Amazon yet but I know it's part of her series.

Fragile Excerpt

Excerpt:

Sometimes the last thing you want is exactly what you need…

“Okay, you wanna be literal? Devon, are you avoiding me?”

Damn, where in the hell is an interruption when you need one? she thought irritably. A sardonic little voice in her head said, Chicken. To that voice, Devon thought back, Damn right.

She’d meant it when she told Luke Rafferty he was a complication she didn’t need in her life. She’d meant it even though she wished she wasn’t such a fricking coward. Devon just didn’t know if she was ready to handle the ups and downs that came with anything more than a casual friendship. Casual friendships–that was all she had. And it was damn lonely, too.

Then you need to do something about it.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she looked Luke square in the eye and said, “Yeah, I’ve been dodging you.”

He blinked, a little taken aback by her honest response. “Do I take that to mean you changed your mind?” he asked, his gray eyes narrowing on her face.

“I don’t know. Yes. No–” Devon blew out a breath, feeling like a fool. And a coward. Damn it, she liked this guy. He was funny, he made her smile and the way he was with kids just totally melted her heart. But she was too much a coward to do anything about it. Shuffling her feet, she shoved her hands into the pockets of her blazer and said, “Yes, I’d changed my mind. Then I changed it back. Right now I’m kind of caught in the in between.”

Luke reached up, brushed a strand of her hair away from her face. His hand lingered and Devon could have sworn electricity jumped between them, just from that simple touch. He felt it, too. She could see it in the way his eyes darkened, the way he hissed in a breath. His body changed, too, tensing and from the corner of her eyes, she could see his other hand close into a fist. The hand that had brushed her hair back from her face slid backward, curving around her neck.

“We really shouldn’t keep ignoring this, Devon. It’s not going away.”

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