Monday, April 29, 2013

RBTL Presents: Beautiful Freaks




Title: Beautiful Freaks
Author: Katie M. John
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: YA/ Paranormal/ Gothic/ Romance
Publisher: Little Bird Publishing House, London Release
Date: Ebook October 2012 Print February 2013 Edition/Formats Available In : Currently just ebook print coming soon Feb 14 2013.
** A PARANORMAL GOTHIC DETECTIVE TALE ***
Between these pages you will find yourself transported back in time to the high Gothic.
Victorian London.
The year is 1899 and both the century and the Queen are dying.
As the London populace is gripped by a terrifying series of paranormal murders, eighteen year old Kaspian Blackthorne finds himself on a decadent journey of self discovery. Victorian London is a place where appearance is everything, but sometimes appearances can be deceiving. Behind the grand houses, carriages and silks, London is a dark labyrinth of sorrow and violence.
Amongst the gambling dens, dancehalls, and brothels you'll find No 7, known to its members as Eve's; the most exclusive club in London, infamous for its 'Palace of Beautiful Freaks'.
Each exhibit has a history, each their own unique story.


Amazon UK | Amazon US |  Smashwords | Goodreads
Blog | Beautiful Freaks Website |  Website |  Facebook Page: Beautiful Freaks |  Twitter | Goodreads

Katie. M John is a writer of YA, Dark Fairytales, Contemporary Paranormal Fantasy and Horror. She lives in the London suburbs, is married to a dashingly handsome giant and is mummy to a 3ft Mud-puddle Fairy. Katie likes to write whilst eating Jaffa cakes and listening to her i-Pod. Katie's Contemporary Arthurian series, 'The Knight Trilogy' was launched in December 2010 with the release of 'The Forest of Adventures' and the subsequent release of 'Immortal Beloved' in 2011. Both books have been in the UK top 10 Amazon charts for Contemporary Fantasy and Fairytales. The final book 'Star Fire' was released this summer. She has recently released a standalone YA novel called 'Beautiful Freaks', a steam punk, Victorian Gothic detective fairytale in London, which has gained a loyal fan base. She is currently working on a seven book series called the ‘Pentacle Chronicles’, a tale of witchcraft and other supernatural happenings in a quaint English village. She is a founding member of Dark Heart & Night Shade; a twice yearly anthology publication that showcases emerging YA talent.

This story is a puzzle that comes together very nicely. In the beginning we meet Kaspian, an 18 year old, who lost his parents at a young age. Living with his guardian, Kaspian is immersed into the paranormal world where he learns he has abilities...and must learn to control them.

Eve is the owner of an exclusive establishment, Club No. 7. She is very intriguing and mysterious throughout the story. When Kaspian meets her for the first time, it is love at first sight. With all the stories twisting and turning in the book they all start to come together...but will Eve love Kaspian in return?  

This is a dark and suspenseful story that draws all the different characters together when there is a series of murders. The characters grow with the story and the plot is keeps the pages turning to find out what is going to happen.




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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Spot Light: The Orb of Truth


“It’s a cross between Lord of the Rings and the Wizard of OZ where you will be swept away into a magical land of Dwarves, Elves, and Halflings.”
—Brae Wyckoff

Voted #1 BEST fantasy book under the radar!
Voted #1 Best Christian Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book!
Voted #1 Best Indie Fantasy Book!

Synopsis:
In the hundreds of years since the Holy City disappeared, darkness has fallen over the land. Human kingdoms have seized control of the realm, scattering the other races into hiding.
Bridazak, a skilled thief, and his friends, a Dwarf and a fellow Ordakian, have dared to remain within the human communities and live relatively quiet lives, until they discover a mysterious, magical artifact. The three friends are thrust into an adventure that will challenge their faith, their purpose, and their destiny as they chase a forgotten and lost prophecy across the realm of Ruauck-El, where they hope to discover the origins of the strange item and their place in its history.
An ancient, unknown enemy threatens the completion of their journey at every turn. Bridazak is about to face the biggest adventure of his life, one that may change the known realm, and answer the questions he has carried all his life. Will they unlock the truth?

About the Author:
Brae Wyckoff was born and raised in San Diego, CA and is working toward a Psychology degree. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Jill, for 20 years, and they have three children; Tommy, Michelle, and Brittany. He has a beautiful grandson named Avery. Brae has been an avid gamer since 1985. His passion for mysterious realms and the supernatural inspired him to write The Orb of Truth, the first in a series of fantasy action adventures. Brae describes The Orb of Truth as a cross between the Lord of the Rings and the Wizard of OZ where you will be swept away into a magical land of Dwarves, Elves, and Halflings.





Author Links



Excerpt:

Chapter 5: Lonely Tear

Dulgin went off to settle things with the stable caretaker and then they walked into the Lady Luck Inn. The stone building was a two-story structure with a thatched roof and double paned windows. It was very plain outside; a simple sign dangled above the entryway. Inside was much the same; nothing adorned the walls, and a few small tables were set around a fireplace where sparkling embers faded. There stood a small registry station to the left of them, but no one was present. All was quiet, like the town. A dim light from behind the counter in a back room mingled with the darkness of the main lobby. They tried to peek over the human-sized wooden counter to see where the innkeeper might be. They had hoped their entrance had alerted someone, but not a soul stirred from the back room.
“There is no one here, late night travelers,” said a creaky, unknown voice from behind them near the fireplace. “Come, sit by the fire while you wait for the innkeeper,” the midget voice spoke again.
The fire suddenly erupted, illuminating the lodge enough to see more clearly. In the light, they recognized that the small creature was a Deep Gnome, an underground race with wood-brown skin, pure white hair, gray-blue eyes, and a plump nose, pitted and almost three inches in length. Smaller than the Ordakians, he was only three feet tall. He wore earth-toned clothing, leather boots adorned with strange writings, shiny gold bracers around its arms, and a small, thin, dark brown cape that was slung over his left shoulder.  The Deep Gnome glared at them with a cocky confidence.
“Who are you?” Bridazak asked suspiciously.
“My name is Mudd, but you can call me Aloysius Davadander Ashenkoombi, for short.”
The Dwarf and Daks looked at each other, bewildered and confused.
“I don't like him,” whispered Dulgin.
“And I don't care,” the mysterious Gnome grinned, apparently hearing the Dwarf's comment from across the room.
“What do you want?” asked Bridazak.
“I wanted to see with my own eyes the ones that are causing so much grief.”
“Grief with whom?” Dulgin questioned as he took a step forward.
“Yes, an interesting question indeed,” he sighed, “You have no idea what is happening, do you?”
“No, we don't.  But we would appreciate some answers,” chimed Bridazak as he moved into the sitting room and sat on the end of one of the benches. His friends followed, but did not sit.
“Things are changing rapidly--things that no one can stop. You, Bridazak, have awakened the destiny of this realm. The prophecy has been unleashed. I have seen much over my thousand years, and have found that men of all races are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. The blackest darkness is reserved for most, but for what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.”  Mudd narrowed his eye slits while staring intently toward Bridazak.
“Since you know who I am, are you the one Ember spoke of?” asked the Ordakian.
“Not even close, but interesting that you should mention her name. She told you of him, didn't she? Now I see that she has granted you protection, for what it is worth,” Mudd pointed at the medallion around Bridazak's neck.
“What is it worth?” Spilf’s interest piqued at the thought of getting a few more coins in their purses.
“Worthless to those it was not given to, and no help in preventing me from locating you. What matters now is the time of the prophecy. It has called out for centuries, but none have heard, until now. I will give you a word of advice before I depart. Keep moving, because as I found you, so can others. You can stay in my room, if you dare, and the key I leave behind opens more than one door.” The mysterious gnome became blurry and slowly transformed into a ghostly image. He produced a soft aura as he rose from the chair and hovered.
“The creatures of this world never cease to amaze me. We will see if you are one of them.” Mudd flew up higher and then soared down toward the group. They ducked and watched the apparition as he plummeted into the roaring fire. A burst of flame erupted, and then reduced to its original dying embers. Spilf noticed a glint of gold, and upon inspection, discovered a golden key on the chair where Mudd sat.
Bridazak sighed as he put his hands over his face. “What have I gotten us into?”

(To read more of this chapter, head over to Amazon to get your copy today)






Friday, April 26, 2013

RBTL Presents: Aphrodite's Secret



Title: Aphrodite’s Secret
Author: Samantha Ketteman
Series: The Forgotten (Book 1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher:  Self Published
Release Date: Feb 28 2013
Edition/Formats Available In:  E~book  & Print

My Rating:   

Kaira, still reeling from the loss of her younger sister in a tragic boating accident, lives in the dark world of exotic dancing for survival. When one man enters her life, her world is turned upside down and inside out, where reality and fantasy seem to intertwine.
Kaira feels the eyes of a striking man watching her every move on stage. Zane is a scarred man with many secrets, one of which is the knowledge of who and what Kaira really is and the danger she will face.
While Zane fights a subconscious battle about what to tell her and whether he cares enough to get involved, another has noticed her as well. An Ithacan, sent to destroy her for what she is and take her powers to the God that has commanded all Forgotten be exterminated. The God intends to absorb her powers and rule absolutely.
Before Kaira realizes what is coming for her, she finds herself tumbling into a world where a scarred man that she is inexplicably attracted to will become her only hope. A hideous creature, one such as she’s never seen, is hunting her and trying his best to destroy everything and everyone she knows to get what he wants for his Master, and only Zane knows why.
While Kaira thinks it coincidence that Zane shows up at the club the girls like to frequent after work, Zane uses the planned interception to explore the pull that he feels towards Kaira, when he has cared for no one but himself for so many years. After finally meeting, Zane notices that the Ithacan has also followed and as their eyes meet, they both know that the battle for her soul will come; who will win is less important as the insistence Zane feels to tell Kaira who and what she is before she ends up like her sister.


I don't normally mention covers in my reviews, but I absolutely love this one. It is attention grabbing with beautiful coloring. Now on to the story...I enjoy reading anything and everything about the Mythological Gods and this story is right up there with some of my favorites. Although there are editing issues with the book, I was able to get by and dive into the world the author was creating. I liked the fact that Kaira could look past Zane's scars and be attracted to him for who he was. The synopsis pretty much tells us what the story is about, so I wont repeat any of that and I don't give spoilers in my reviews. So, I will say that I really enjoyed the character and world building in this story. The plot is very well thought out, well paced and kept my attention. I am really looking forward to getting to know some of the secondary characters and glad to have been able to read book one in this series. When is book two coming???
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Aphrodites-Secret-Novel-Forgotten-ebook/dp/B00BLVB9M0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362676963&sr=8-1&keywords=Samantha+Ketteman
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17458055-aphrodite-s-secret

Samantha Ketteman has resided in southern Illinois for 7 years, (though still claims to be an Alabama girl), with her husband and three crazy demon children. She started reading novels at a very young age and decided two years ago to write for herself. She is working on The Forgotten series, as well as two others. She is a caffiene addict, insomniac, and general basketcase most of the time. When she's not writing, she's thinking of writing, much to the chagrin of her husband who has to listen to her paranormal ramblings.








Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Ketteman/e/B00BM30CUW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Blog
http://samanthaketteman.blogspot.com/
Facebook Author Page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samantha-Ketteman-Author-Page/334974643286916
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https://www.facebook.com/samantha.ketteman.9
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Twitter
https://twitter.com/SamKetteman


  Kaira smiled, gave Ronnie a little hug, and hurried in the back door of the club,
down the hall, and into the dancers’ dressing room. Great, I get to follow Honey, she
thought. Honey had never liked Kaira, was downright mean and hateful to her. Not a
great way to start off the night. When she had to follow Honey, she worked hard not to
get too many tips, even going as far as pretending not to see the money waving at her
from the end of the stage. If she made too much in tips, it would further enrage Honey
and she would have to hear the woman’s tirade about how she was offering special
services after hours in order to gain more tips during her show. Everyone knew that
Jonathon, the owner of Diamond Darlins, would never allow such activities, but it never
stopped Honey from insinuating it before.
  Kaira sighed, placing her knock-off designer bag on the top of her assigned
vanity and sank into the overstuffed but still comfortable zebra patterned seat. Just
another night, you can do this, she thought. This was one of the best clubs she had ever
worked in, and she had always had to deal with women like Honey in every club. The
difference was, in those clubs, the rules weren’t nearly as strict and the customers weren’t
nearly as monitored either. What kind of name is Honey anyway, she thought. There was
always some version of the name Honey, or something similar that women seemed to
automatically associate with exotic dancing. Couldn’t they come up with something
original, she mused?

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

RBTL Presents: Take Me



Title: Take Me
Author: T.A. Grey
Series: The Untouchables (# 1)
Genre: Paranormal Erotic (high heat level with graphic language)
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: Feb 28 2013
Edition/Formats Available In:  E~Book

My Rating:  
She makes his blood burn
Dominic Blackmoore meets the woman who captures his mind and body with a look and he’s instantly taken with her. When he was ordered to take another mate quickly after separating from his ex, he loathed the idea. However, after catching sight of his bruid he quickly changes his mind. He finds her utterly captivating, sensually erotic, and yearns to learn everything about her.
But she’s not his bruid                                                                                                                   
The woman he’s mistaken as his bruid is none other than the event planner, Felicity Shaw, for his mating ceremony. Now Dominic will do everything it takes, even lie to the woman he craves, to keep her at his side. He needs to mate with his bruid in order to win his political campaign but he finds himself falling in love with Felicity Shaw. In the end he must choose between work or love. He may make the right decision, but is it too late to save his lies from hurting Felicity?
He takes her breath away
Felicity Shaw wants more in life. She’ll even lie to get it, which is exactly how she lands a job with the illustrious Blackmoore family. However, it’s the head of the vampire household, Dominic Blackmoore, that has her heart racing and breath catching. The man consumes her unlike anyone ever has before. She can’t resist him though she tries. As she’s forced to work with Dominic she tries to keep away from him but he doesn’t make things easy.

She may want him with a passion she’s never experienced before, but she will not be with him when he’s mating to another woman. It’s either her or no one. But one terrible lies seals their fates together in ways neither of them imagined, threatening their love and the very fabric of their relationship.


Hot, hot, hot. I am quickly becoming a fan of T.A. Grey. She has a way with creating a great world and adding great characters with all the right chemistry. The story quickly draws us into a love triangle where Dominic is forced to choose the woman he is supposed to mate with over the woman he is extremely attracted to. Dominic is a dominating vampire with lots of sexy brothers who are also introduced into the story. I don’t give spoilers, but did I mention that this book is hot? You won’t regret sitting down and burying your nose in this book. I know I loved it!

T.A. Grey

I love to write the kind of stories that will keep you up late at night and make your heart pound. It’s my goal in writing to make each new book better, more exciting, more action-packed, not only to test myself as a writer but to keep thrilling you. I’m always trying to push the boundaries with my imagination, and yours, to create something new and different.
If you’re a fan of paranormal romance novels then you’ll love my Bellum Sisters Trilogy. This isn’t your typical romance story, so be prepared for a kick of heat and tons of action. The Bellum Sisters Trilogy has received excellent reviews from paranormal bloggers and two of the three books are Top Picks from Night Owl Reviews.
Now, if you like shorter books with quite a bit of heat, humor, and action then I’d recommend the Kategan Alphas series. This erotic series features the sexy Kategan family and all the lucky men and women who get to meet them and complete their lives.
Visit my website to learn more about me and my books at:


Facebook Author Page
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Website
 

ARe
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
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Excerpt #1
 “How could you?”
It took even less time than she would have expected to see regret flash across his face. That alone made her flinch like she’d taken a punch to the gut. His head jerked towards the front of the house at the sound of high heels coming their way.
“You know how I feel, Felicity. God damn it!” As if that made any of this better. As if that erased her shame or changed anything.
He pulled his pants up and with a little adjusting managed to make his suit look neatly pressed as if he’d just put it on. Even his hair looked freshly combed and smooth, not a single hair out of place. She had no doubt how she looked though—like she’d just been fucked against a door.
He knew where this would lead them, how this would hurt her. Yet he did it anyway, he touched her. A tear she couldn’t contain slid down her cheek. He wiped it away with his thumb, his face softening.
“Don’t cry, sweets.”
She couldn’t stand the endearment. Not now, not when her whole heart was breaking.
The footsteps came closer for which she thanked the stars. It helped her to get her bearings and move, no easy feat after feeling him inside her body for the first time.
“Don’t ever touch me again,” she said, not meeting his eyes. She meant it and she knew he heard the conviction in her voice. He’d never touch her again after that. She was done.
Quickly, she slipped in the garage door. She knew she should flee but some sickness inside her made her pause outside the door. She stayed silent and listened.
“Ah, there you are. I didn’t know if you were here yet,” a warm, feminine voice said.
“Julianna, it’s good to see you.” She could hear the smile in Dom’s voice and knew it was forced. The sound of kissing was like a lethal blow to her heart. She staggered back a step as her heart stopped beating for one agonizing moment. She’d bet money that Julianna didn’t know that his smile was forced, the kiss not real.
She probably didn’t know anything about him and, if she did, it didn’t matter because no one loved Dom like she did. No one. Not even his Julianna, the woman he was to mate with—his bruid.
Another tear slid down her cheek. She wanted to sob but first she had to escape. She could never be around Dom again; no matter how much she loved him or what he promised. Yet, a part of her knew the thought was fruitless. He would never leave her alone now. He’d find her. He wouldn’t give up on her. It was in his nature.
But he didn’t love her.
And he was mating with another woman.



Fictional Candy April 20
House Millar April 21
Read2Review April 22
Amazing Books  April 25
Beloved Books  April 25
Vault Girl April 26
To Be Thode April 27




Wednesday, April 17, 2013

FMB Presents: Flyover



Title: Flyover
Series: 1 Night Stand
Author: Desiree Holt
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Format: Ebook
Length: 33 pages

Buy Links: Amazon | Decadent Publishing | B&N |

My Rating:



Enroute to their 1Night Stand dates, Chelsea Haller and Alec Ramsey are stranded in the airport during an unexpected snowstorm.

It doesn’t take long to discover they’re each other’s one-night stand. Lucky for them, they’re drawn together by sizzling electricity and soon forget the icy snow. As the heat between them nearly melts the sheets in Alec’s hotel room, their night of erotic adventure surpasses anything they expected from a 1Night Stand.

The author constructed an instantaneous connection between two strangers so passionate that even with the length constriction, just 33 pages, the romance is infinite. Once again Ms. Holt delivered… two characters that are completed devoted to each other. -- Books Books and More Books
 
    He walked up behind her and hesitated a moment before resting his hands on her shoulders. When she didn’t try to shrug him off or move away, he knew she felt the same attraction he did. Was he moving too fast? Hell, sex was the main item on the night’s agenda, anyway. They both knew it. If she shut him down he’d be no worse off than before.
But she didn’t. When he brushed aside her thick mane of hair and skimmed his lips over the soft skin of her neck, a shiver ran through her. A silent acceptance of his touch. God, she smelled so good, like flowers and the ocean and sin. He licked her skin lightly then nibbled on the lobe of one ear.
She pressed back against him and he turned her to face him, studying her for a moment then brushed his mouth over hers. Her lips were lush and full and tempting, with the feel of soft velvet. Tracing the seam of them with the tip of his tongue, he urged her to open for him and thrust inside her.
Jesus!
Her mouth was hot and liquid, her tongue dancing like a live wire. He moved his hands up and down her back, feeling the heat of her through the fabric of the dress. She gripped his biceps with her fingers and when she pressed her lower body against his, every nerve in his body fired. He wanted to go slow, take it easy. Give her the chance to get used to him. They’d barely gotten to know each other. But his body and brain were engaged in a fierce battle for control.
 
Desiree Holt’s writing is flavored with the rich experiences of her life, including a long stretch in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her, many of whom might recognize themselves in the pages of her stories. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award for best BDSM book of the year, winner of the Holt Medallion, multiple winner of the Whipped Cream Book of the Week Award and is published by five different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.”

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest: desiree01holt | Goodreads |

"Coming Soon"



Tuesday, April 16, 2013

RBTL Presents: Finding Hope





Title: Finding Hope
Author: Krystal Shannan
Series: Pool of Souls (#2)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 10
Edition/Formats Available In: E~Book
Number of Pages: 185

Rating: 

Warning: The plot thickens with a passel of pissed off Olympians, but Ares and Aphrodite are in for a double dose of trouble! More Olympians join the mix in Finding Hope: Pool of Souls Book 2. A jewel addict, a kick-ass possibly-virgin huntress, and an insatiable ancient oracle are just a few. But don’t worry; Ares and Aphrodite are still front and center.Addison Connelly has given up on men. She is disappointed yet again when her best friend tries to play matchmaker, and the match falls flat…or does it? Her friend knows all Addison needs is a chance, a little hope, and maybe a dropkick in the right direction. With an extra push from Aphrodite, will this lonely soul learn to trust again? Or will she run from the only man who could make her happy?Adrian Colter, Nashville Police Detective and certifiable bachelor, puts his foot in his mouth in a big way when his roommate’s fiancé tries to match him up with her best friend. After making a horrible first impression, can he earn the trust of a woman who won’t speak a civil word to him?Adrian isn’t the only one trying to earn the trust of a beautiful woman. While Ares fights to rebuild the trust he lost thousands of years ago with the Goddess of Love, his parents do what they do best —show off their greed and selfishness. Will he find the hope and forgiveness he so desperate seeks or will his parents destroy his chance at happiness?



Krystal Shannan is a born, raised, and current TEXAN. She is married to a wonderful man who supports her dream of writing and allows her to spend many evening and weekend hours glued to her laptop. During the day she moonlights as an elementary music teacher. In addition to a doting husband, a young daughter is also part of the picture and keeps her hopping! An ornery little Welsh Corgi completes the household. Krystal has been writing stories since she could hold a pencil. She has always dreamed of writing romance and sharing the "movies in her head" with the world. If she's not writing, she's reading -historical, paranormal, action, adventure -anything she can get her hands on that ends with a Happily Ever After! If you are interested in receiving emails when new new books are released, please sign up for my distribution list by visiting www.krystalshannan.com and clicking the "contact" tab.

I really enjoyed reading book one of this series and book two was not a disappointment. The author was able to carry the story line on into book two which is a stand alone. The characters is great and I love how they interact with one another. The sex scenes are well written with just enough description to get the imagination going. What I like most about the story is that we learn more about the God's and the...I guess the best word to use is politics...that goes on among people who want more power. Keep 'em coming!  I'm ready for book three!


Krystal Shannan Love and Destiny in all Realms Author of
Chasing Sam Vegas Mates Vegas Mates Book 1 
Open House: Pool of Souls Book 1 
A Very Russian Christmas