Semper Mine Book Blast!

Award Winning author, Lizzy Ford, gives us an emotional, sexy read with her first Sons of A Marine captain tortured by the death of his men in Iraq returns home and falls in love with the sister of one of the slain, who blames him for the massacre that killed her brother. SEMPER MINE, is a standalone novel in the Sons of War contemporary military romance series. 

 War novel, SEMPER MINE. Want to get to know Lizzy better? Check out this exclusive interview!

 Rafflecopter code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

  About SEMPER MINE:

“A freak accident landed both of the Khavalov twins under my command, just before a routine mission turned into a nightmare. I brought home one twin in a coffin and the other in a coma missing his leg. I did everything right – and still people died. I can’t forget that night or how many lives it changed, including mine. 

It’s natural for their sister, Katya, to blame me. I made one decision in the middle of a firefight, and it shattered her sheltered world. I’m the ice to her fire, and when we first meet, it’s not pretty. I don’t fear war or death, and I am definitely not going to let a beautiful woman with a quick temper and broken heart scare me off, either. I know she’s hurting, and I’m determined to make sure she’s okay. It’s the least I can do for the twins. 

I may have failed them that night, but I won’t fail her. What I’m not counting on: the feelings she ignites within me.” – Captain Sawyer Mathis

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Also in the Sons of War series: SOLDIER MINE, coming fall 2014!

About Lizzy Ford:

 Lizzy Ford is the author of over thirty books written for young adult and adult romance readers, to include the internationally bestselling “Rhyn Trilogy,” “Witchling Series” and the “War of Gods” series. Lizzy has focused on keeping her readers happy by producing brilliant, gritty romances that remind people why true love is a trial worth enduring. Lizzy’s books can be found on every major ereader library, to include: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Sony and Smashwords. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, three dogs and a cat.

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Fast Track by Julia Garwood

Book Description:

A corrupt congressman, a mother’s secrets, and a sizzling romance ignite passion and suspense in the new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood. 

Cordelia Kane has always been a daddy’s girl—her father raised her alone after her mother died in a car crash when Cordelia was just two years old. So when he has a serious heart attack, Cordelia is devastated, and the emotion is only intensified by the confusion she feels when he reveals the shocking truth about her mother.

Cordelia can’t suppress her curiosity about the woman who gave birth to her, and when she discovers the answers to her questions lie in Sydney, Australia, she travels there to get them.

Hotel magnate Aiden Madison is Cordelia’s best friend’s older brother. He’s oblivious to the fact that she’s had a crush on him for years. When he gets railroaded into taking her along to Sydney on his company jet, he unknowingly puts her life at risk. He’s recently angered a powerful congressman by refusing to purchase overvalued land. Congressman Chambers is not a man to let such an offense slide, and he has the resources to get even and to get what he wants.

In Australia sparks are flying between Cordelia and Aiden, but multiple attempts on Aiden’s life are made while Cordelia is with him, and he realizes he must put a stop to the madness before he loses the thing he values most.

My Thoughts:
Great book.  Cordelia has always had a crush on Aiden, but has decided that it is time to move on.  Her father raised her after her mother 'died' in a car accident.  Now, her father, on his deathbed, tells her the truth about her mother.  Aiden has always taken care of Cordelia, along with the rest of his family.  She has always just been his little sister's best friend.  Now that she has decided to move on, she doesn't call him for her needs and that frustrates him beyond belief.  He takes her with him to Australia, where he is opening a new hotel and where her birth mother lives.  With an angry senator after him, his attraction to Cordelia isn't well timed, but he must keep her safe.
I liked coming back to these characters.  I have loved this series and grown to love all the characters.  Aiden has always been such a strong 'take charge' guy with a wonderful heart.  Cordelia is gorgeous but always wanted Aiden, who didn't think of her that way at all, and now is determined to move past it.  The romance, especially with a 'third wheel' added in was great.  The suspense was superbly written.  This author has done a wonderful job with this series of books and I cannot wait to read more from her.
5/5.  Great suspense and romance!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep

Book Description:

In book eleven of her New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series, author Jennifer Estep continues “one of the best urban fantasy series going on the market” (Fresh Fiction).

Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target.

There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight…

My Thoughts:

I love this series!  Gin is back and her new enemy is right there on the edges of everything.  The new drug being pushed is being pushed a little too close to home for her peace of mind.  Burn is terrible and addictive, and getting people killed all around.  Gin steps in when an employee is being pushed but steps into more than she planned.  Now she isn't just getting a sample for her sister or helping out an employee, she is facing down a major player who doesn't plan to lose.

I was so excited that the Spider was back.  The story was good, and packed with plenty of action.  I wasn't overly thrilled with how Bria was acting but then again, it was supposed to be a change in character for her.  Fin was his ever-charming self and all the others were there to complete the circle.  Added in is the new 'bad guy' that Gin is going to have to deal with.  I liked the ending to this one that is somewhat bittersweet and a perfect setup for the next book.
This is a 5/5.  If you haven't read the series up to this point, you will still enjoy the book, but if you've been following the series, it is a must read!

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Guardians Inc by Julian Rosado-Machin

Book Description:
GUARDIANS INC.: THE CYPHER is two stories in one. A glimpse into a multinational company that is in reality the oldest of secret societies, one that spans close to seven thousand years of existence, weaving in and out of history, guiding and protecting humanity from creatures and forces that most of us believe are only mythology and fairy tales.
The other is the story of Thomas Byrne, a young man thrust into secrets he shouldn’t be aware of and dangers he shouldn’t face but, that he ultimately will, for he is a Cypher. The only one who can steer humanity’s future.
The ultimate conspiracy theory is that Magic is real. Kept in check by technology but, every five hundred years the balance can shift and, if it does, technology will fail and those creatures we’ve driven into myth will come back with a vengeance.
To protect the present, Guardians Incorporated needs to know the future.

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good YA Science Fiction.  Thomas, along with his grandfather, gets a job working at a huge library, which is part of Guardians Inc.  This is when all the excitement begins.  Thomas discovers that Guardians Inc. is much more than it appears to be.  They are to keep the balance between magic and technology in balance.  Thomas is discovered to be  a Cypher.  Now, it is just the time that the balance could be tipped and everything in the world change.
Honestly, the book started out a bit slow, but the characters and story line were good.  I completely enjoyed Thomas and his grandfather's relationship.  It was a true family connection.  I also liked that though Thomas is young, he was ready to do whatever he could.  The supporting characters intrigued me as well and I do hope there is more of them in the following books.
This was a 4/5 for me.   I will definitely read the next in the series and I think most YA readers that enjoy the science fiction/fantasy will like it. Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PumpUpYourBook).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:

Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can’t see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don’t know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.

When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can’t ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work– something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.

As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments’ downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.

My Thoughts:
I was happy to go back to the 'Inn'.  Naomi is in contact with Tobe, and no one knows.  She is also a woman that people tend to underestimate.  Tobe has secrets that are needed to convict a guilty party.  Mim is still writing for the paper.  All of them want to keep their secrets but secrets can only be kept for so long especially when variable change.
I absolutely loved being back and visiting all these characters again.  Also that the author didn't rush in and answer all the questions that have been lingering.  Instead it all unfolded perfectly and we got the answers we've been waiting on.  I'm sad that the series has ended but completely enjoyed it and plan to go back and re-read the whole thing again soon.
This was a 5/5.  Especially if you've read the previous books in the series.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via litfuse).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

How to Marry a Cowboy by Carolyn Brown

Book Description:

This cowboy's met his match, and he's gonna put a ring on it

Rancher Mason Harper's two little girls want nothing more than a mama of their own. So when a pretty woman appears on his front porch in a tattered wedding dress, he can't help but wonder if it's fate.
Annie Rose Boudreau is in a downright hellish mess. She's just a few steps ahead of the lowlife ex who's been hot on her heels, but she's tired of running, and nannying Mason's two sweet girls may be just what she needs. As her days on the ranch fly by, and the nights with Mason get hotter, Annie Rose decides that she's going to stay... for a lifetime.

My Thoughts:
This was an ok romance.  Annie Rose wakes up on the front porch of Mason Harper by his twin girls.  The girls couldn't have been more excited about getting a new 'mama' for their birthday.  Annie Rose was in a wedding dress and Mason isn't sure what to make of the situation or the way he reacts to her.  With two little hellcats for girls and the need for a nanny, Mason hires her for a couple days to see how it works and maybe, just maybe fate played a part and Annie Rose is exactly what he and the girls need in their lives.
I liked the theory behind the book.  Rancher needs help and woman with a past, needing to hide, shows up.  There were several ways this story could have gone.  The books the girls wrote to Annie Rose were adorable and I loved that part.  My problem was the chemistry between Annie Rose and Mason.  The two of them do fit together and the author brings them together in a good way, it just didn't ring true for me.  Also, the fact that Mason let the girls run wild and suddenly with Annie Rose there, they have rules and he actually enforces them, didn't seem realistic.  I did like the goat lesson though!
This was a 3/5 for me.  I enjoyed it some, but it wasn't enthralling.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Stone of Destiny by Laura Howard

Book Description:
Allison thought it was crazy enough when she found out her father, Liam, wasn't entirely human. But now she has to join his magical allies to unravel his former mistress's plans. Aoife wants to keep Allison's parents apart forever.

Despite Allison's efforts to keep Ethan, the only guy she's ever cared about, out of this supernatural mess, fate keeps throwing him back into the mix. 

Will Allison be able to find the amulet that holds the enchantment Aoife placed on Liam and destroy it? Are Ethan' s feelings for Allison strong enough to endure the magic of the Tuatha De Danaan?

My Thoughts:
This book picks up right where book one in the series leaves off.  Allison has found out that Aoife has escaped.  Now, Allison has had a lot come her way in a short period of time, learning about a 'new' land and that she is a part of it.  Aoife is determined to keep Allison's parents apart and if she succeeds, Allison's mother will never get better.  Finding and destroying the amulet in the land of Tuatha De Danaan, will be no piece of cake but Allison must do it.
I really enjoyed this new land that the author brought us to.  Her characters are good and I was surprised by Ethan's changes.  He is being a complete jerk to Allison, but maybe it isn't his true feelings he is expressing and someone else is involved.  I liked that the author recapped book one, just in case, but I still say you have to read it first to completely enjoy and understand this book.  The author has a magical writing style that will pull you in and keep you captivated in this land.  
This is a 4/5 for me.  I really enjoyed it, but don't start the series with this book!  Go read book 1, the Forgotten Ones, first!

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via Lady Amber's Tours).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Firewall by DiAnn Mills

Book Description:

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.

My Thoughts:
Good book.  Taryn is going on her honeymoon.  At the airport, a bomb explodes and she wakes up to find her new husband missing and that they are the main suspects in the bombing.  Grayson is the agent in charge of investigating the bombing.  Everything points to Taryn and her husband but he believes she is telling him the truth.  Investigating, he has to trust her to find what truly happened, but is that wise?
I have to admit, i wasn't sure how I would like this book, but it was a good one.  I did have issues with the romance with one married.  Honestly though, I did like both the main characters.  The author did a great job with the plot and weaving everything together.  Taryn is a strong woman and Grayson is a great man.
This was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Shades of Chaos by Cameron Jace, Katie Salidas, Alexia Purdy, Megan Duncan, Nadege Richardson, & Chrystalla Thoma

Book Description:
Dare yourself to enter into post-apocalyptic future with this gritty collection of first-in-a-series books by six bestselling authors! Discover unique worlds packed with non-stop action, adventure, and suspense set against a gritty, futuristic backdrop. 

NOTE: Together, these books have over 320 5-star reviews on Amazon! 
Over 1400 pages of stories, with *exclusive* content from Alexia Purdy, Katie Salidas, and Chrystalla Thoma! 
Best for ages 16 and up~ 

I AM Alive: I am not my heart rate. I am not my skills. I am not how I look like. My name is Decca Tenderstone. I live in a future America where teenagers are ranked on a scale from 1 to 10 on graduation day. There has never been a 10. Those below the rank of 5 are considered Monsters, a liability to society. The system says I am a Monster. I will not let them kill me. I will survive. 

Initiation: Being a Vampire is a crime punishable by eternal servitude in the arena as a Gladiator of the Iron Gate. Mira, a newly turned vampire, must prove she has what it takes to survive in the human's world. It's kill or be killed. Immortality is not guaranteed. 

Dissension: In the aftermath of the great cataclysm, vampires are enslaved by humans and used for blood sport as gladiators in the arena. Mira is undefeated, uncompromising, and unbreakable, but when an escape attempt leads her into the path of the city’s Regent, her destiny is changed forever. 

Finding Hope: After the death of the one person he called mother, Elei leaves the Trashlands of Ost for the city – looking for other people and for answers. But he soon finds out that people are complicated and answers hard to come by... 

Rex Rising: In a world where parasites create new human races, Elei leads a peaceful life as aircar driver — until a mysterious attack on his boss sends him fleeing with a bullet in his side and the fleet at his heels. 

Resonant: As the first days of the end of humanity tumble across the City of Las Vegas, turning everyone into vampire-like creatures, April Tate will find out what it really means to survive. 

Reign of Blood: April Tate is a seventeen-year-old ferocious vampire killer who lives in the remains of Las Vegas one year after a viral epidemic has left the world decimated. After her family is abducted, her world tilts when she discovers they're not truly alone. 

Released: After a demon apocalypse kills everyone they know, 17-year old Abby Phillips, her brother and her friend Max flee their home to travel through the wastelands of America, chasing a radio transmissions of a resistance offering shelter. But soon enough Abby and her companions discover what awaits them is much worse they could have ever imagined. 

Burning Bridges: In a world divided between Hunters and Warriors, where prisoners are forced to fight in the arena until death, young Princess Echo must fight to find out who she really is and to put a world that has been swallowed by lies back together again.

My Thoughts:
This is a wonderful set of books.  Each author brings their own original book in the set and each has their own 'voice'.  I can honestly say that I enjoyed all of these books.  From fighting to stay alive and scream as a Monster to Vampires fighting for their lives.  Each of them has plenty of action and adventure.  Mostly characters trying to stay alive and sometimes falling in love.  I honestly can't say enough good about these books.  I thoroughly enjoyed them and will write individual reviews for each book.  My suggestion is to get this set and enjoy!  I know I certainly did.
I rate this a 5/5.  This group of books is great, but if one doesn't suit you, there are still five others that you will likely enjoy!

Thank you to the authors for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Shades of Chaos is only $0.99 at Amazon

The Underworld Book Cover Reveal!!!!

Book Description:

The time has come for Gabriel to claim his underworld. Accompanied by the deceptive Dark One, he risks everything to find his mate and take his place as the deity Death.

Between him and the only woman he’s ever loved: a handful of rebelling death dealers, the deity Karma and the Dark One’s mate, a human-turned-demon who holds his soul in the palm of her hand.

Time is running out, and Gabriel has one chance to make things right, even if it means letting go of the last part of him that’s human.

Party Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/530761167045782/?ref=br_tf

Good Reads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18219235-the-underworld

Mind Games by Christine Amsden

Book Description:
Beware your heart and soul…

Evan broke Cassie’s heart two months ago, and she still doesn’t know why. She throws herself into family, friends and her new job at the sheriff’s department, but nothing helps. The only thing that finally allows her heal and move on is the love of a new man, mind mage Matthew Blair. Cassie finds him... irresistible

Matthew may also be the only one who can help keep the nonmagical residents of Eagle Rock from going crazy over the murder of a beloved pastor’s wife. It looks like a sorcerer is to blame, but while Cassie tries to figure out who, others take matters into their own hands. With tensions running so hot, a single spark might set Eagle Rock ablaze.

My Thoughts:
I was happy to be back with Cassie Scot!  She is still no closer to understanding why Evan dumped her than when it happened but she is going to distract herself with work and move on.  In this, she meets Matthew, a mind mage.  The town of Eagle Rock is completely in an uproar over the murder of the preacher's wife by someone they believe to be a sorcerer.  Cassie has to figure out what happened and who killed the lady before the residents start in a direction that cannot be altered.
I absolutely love the mixture in these books and they do not disappoint.  Cassie's confusion then attraction to Matthew are blended with the mystery and suspense of the investigation.  I love Evan, but I have issues with him as well.  I also have issues with Michael.  The tie between Evan and Cassie, I want to get stronger and them to be together, but I'm not certain it will ever work out the way I want.  The author does a good job with grabbing your attention and just pulling you through the book.  Once you start reading it, you won't want to stop. 
Absolutely a 4/5.  If you haven't read the first 2 in the series, I suggest doing that first so you understand more about the book.  If you are a fan of the series already, it is a must read!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Double Danger by Dee Davis

Book Description:

Ignoring his instincts once cost Simon a vital op-and the life of his best friend, Ryan. Now as escalating, violent attacks hit A-Tac, another person he loves is in danger. Homeland Security agent Jillian Montgomery's investigation has suddenly brought her back into Simon's life, and unless they can learn to trust each other, their dangerous mission will fail.
After her husband Ryan's death, Jillian dedicates herself to saving others. She can't afford to be tempted by Simon, even though his every touch reignites the desire they once shared. But in the last desperate minutes before disaster strikes, their second chance at love might be the most lethal trap of all . . .

My Thoughts:
I love the A-Tac books.  Simon is part of A-Tac and still feels like an outsider.  While getting a checkup for his busted leg, he runs into someone from his past that he never expected to see again.  J.J. the woman he loved and lost to his best friend, the friend whose death was Simon's fault.  Through a twisted series of events Simon and J.J. are partnered to stop the latest threat from the Consortium.  Both have issues because of the past and they need to work through it to have a future, but the also have to solve the case for there to be any chance of that.I love the team and how they work together.  Simon and J.J. were the focus of this book, but we also get the other members of the team working with them and helping them.  It was sad that Simon and J.J. had been in love for years but because of circumstances, they hadn't pursued the relationship because each thought the other didn't want it.  The story line was good, seeing both the good guys and the bad guys agenda and knowing it had to work out somehow.  Simon and J.J. coming together was easy but them actually being together was something both had to work at.  I can't wait for the next in this series!
This was a solid 4/5 for just a romance, suspense and adventure.  If you are into the series, it is a 5/5.  

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine

Fatal Desire by Valerie Twombly

Book Description:
Caleb is dark, hot, and commanding in human form. As a dragon, he’s a force to be reckoned with. When he witnesses the slave Lileta being beaten by his Overlord Odage, he nearly comes unglued. Without understanding why, he asks to take the slave as his own, but soon realizes his longing is more than an attraction to a beautiful woman. In a sick twist of fate, the gods have given him a demon as his mate—one he can never touch unless he wishes his own death. His only choice is to grant her freedom.
Lileta wanted to kill Caleb, but when she is freed by this tempting male, her anger turns to a desire that can only prove fatal. Even if she could claim him as her own, her dark past makes her unworthy of his love.
When their paths continue to intertwine, spiraling them to the brink of passion, can they resist the yearnings burning within them, or will they submit to their fatal desire?


My Thoughts:
This was a hot romance.  Caleb is a dragon shifter who is suddenly mated to a demon, the slave Lileta.  He witnesses her beating and has to save her and have her for his own.  The two of them may be mates but they can't do anything about it without it killing him.  Lileta is a strong demon whose life was stripped from her along with her power and now she is mated against what she wants, to a man she can't have.  I love the twisted mating of the two who can never be....or can they?  The question hanging there, knowing they can't be together but the desire obviously there, it was so great.  The big surprise with Lileta's family wasn't what I was expecting at all.  I love the banter between characters and how Caleb wanted to protect her and Lileta was rebelling against it.  The story line was good, the characters were spectacular and I hope the next book is about who I'm thinking it will be!
This is a 4/5.  Can't wait to see what happens next to these characters. Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via RABT).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Impulsion by Jamie Magee

Book Description:
With a glance Wyatt Doran stole Harley Tatum’s heart. With each summer that passed, touch by touch, they robbed each other’s innocence, birthing a love that was so deep that it scorched within. Without warning, they were ripped from the clutches of each other, placed in lives that were worlds apart. Only to cross paths after a freak accident where Harley’s horse rig was flipped. An accident that Wyatt Doran, from fire station 32, responded.
The tension was immediate, the emotions were raw. One breath told them they were not the same as before, one touch…changed their world.

My Thoughts:
I always love Jamie Magee's books and Impulsion was no exception!  Harley and Wyatt are in love as teenagers, but they get ripped apart and their lives go separate ways.  Years later, their lives cross paths because of an accident.  Harley's accident brings Wyatt running to the scene (he is a firefighter now).  During her recovery, they discover they aren't the same as they were as teenagers, but they may just be better together now.
This book had a bit of everything in it.  The romance was sweet and hot.  Wyatt and Harley are both great characters.  He is a strong 'rough and tumble' kinda guy.  She is a stubborn, strong chick.  Together they are great.  They have to work through issues and they aren't perfect but they truly belong together.  I liked that I pretty much knew how the book would end but there were plenty of twists and turns to get there.
Absolutely a 5/5.  Can't wait for more from this author!

Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book (via LadyAmbers Reviews).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.