Blog Tour + Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Vendetta by Autumn Karr & Sienna Lane

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Vendetta by Sienna Lane & Autumn Karr

Title: Vendetta
Authors: Autumn Karr and Sienna Lane
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Forbidden)
Release Date:  December 15, 2013
Tour Organized by: As the Pages Turn
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Please note: this is not dark romance.

I am not a good man.

I have lied and cheated and stolen. I’ve decided between life or death, like it was my due. None of it matters, not anymore. These are not my sins.

I see her raise her hands, the dark metal she’s clutching reflecting the moonlight. Her finger trembles as she cocks the gun pointed at me. Her eyes are cold, determined, but I know.

I know her.

My name is Devon Andre and I confess my sin. I am not a good man because this is the woman I love.

She pulls the trigger.

* Standalone contemporary romance.
* Mature reader advised due to sexual content and strong language.

Purchase Link:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • B&N • iTunes • Kobo

review

Vendetta is one hell of a book. It’s fast-paced and intense, and hello, have you read that blurb? Now that is the way to hook a reader in. Vendetta was nothing like I expected, with both good and bad parts, but overall, it’s a book that I’d recommend to those who like angst and mafia books.

Devon and Leighton are very much like Romeo and Juliet. They both belong to opposing mob families, and they are supposed to hate each other. Devon even more so, because Leighton’s father supposedly killed Devon’s family. Vendetta is told through both Devon and Leighton’s POVs, and I absolutely loved their voices. They’re distinct, and so easy to read and connect with (even with the whole mob aspect).

Vendetta Teaser 6

Leighton gets kidnapped by Devon, and Devon holds her hostage in his family’s home. She’s not treated poorly, but she doesn’t get to do anything. Devon has been waiting for the day when he can finally get revenge for his family’s death, and even with Leighton in his hands, he can’t kill her. There’s an entire mystery that surrounds Devon and Leighton, as if they have history, and we learn throughout the book just who these two people really are and they’re relationship with one another. Do they hate each other? Or do they love each other? There’s a very thin line between those two questions, and I really enjoyed reading and learning more about Leighton and Devon.

And oh my gosh, the action and intensity of the book is incredible! It’s heart-pounding for sure. I wasn’t too into the romance, because I couldn’t really feel the connection between Leighton and Devon, but the plot and action were amazing. I loved this part of the book. There were so many twists, and the book is very fast-paced once the action starts. There’s death and murder and even more kidnappings, and I couldn’t put Vendetta down for a second.

Vendetta Teaser 1

I’ll admit, I wish the romance could have been better. I’m still not sure how I feel about Devon and Leighton. I have mixed feelings about this book, but the blurb and story hooked me in, and the writing was great, so I’m in between a 3 and a 4.

3.5 hearts!

3.5-hearts

lacey

excerpt

I shake my head, muttering another curse. I should have just left her there. It’s not like I have an overwhelming urge to play her knight in shining armor. God knows she’s not a damsel in distress. The woman is poison, like all the Moores are. Unfortunately, despite what people think about me, I can’t stand men hitting women, and I’m sure as fuck George wouldn’t have minded taking another swing at her. We may be criminals, but we’re not complete assholes.

She moans again as I put her in the backseat of my black SUV and buckle her in. I round the back, and open up the trunk, looking for something to bind her with. I shake off the fleeting thought that maybe she wouldn’t fight me. It’s Leighton Moore, for fuck’s sake, of course she would.

Fishing out the cable ties, I go back and secure her wrists, then her ankles. It doesn’t seem like enough. I don’t want to see her eyes when she wakes up, which could be any second now, so I remind myself to hurry the fuck up. I take off the scarf from around her neck, feeling the silk under my fingers for just a second. Then I pull out my pocketknife, and slice it in half. I blindfold her, and then gag her with the other half.

At this point I know it’s probably overkill, but I’ve never kidnapped a woman before, so who knows? Plus, it’s Leighton. She’s not just any woman.

Of course I know Leighton Moore. I only wish I didn’t.

I knew who she was the first time I laid my eyes on her. It didn’t make any fucking difference in the grand scheme of things. I was doomed to keep seeing her and not being able to do anything about it.

Shaking off that thought, I finally get in the car and start it, backing out and getting the hell away from this place.

When I’m far enough away, I pull over into a secluded woodland area on the side of the road and just sit there, my car idling. What the fuck do I do with her? I could take her to my place, I guess, but I’m barely ever there. Most of the time I’m either at my uncle’s house or I’m out, working. I take out my phone and stare at it, contemplating. I glance back at her, and realize I have no choice. I have to call my uncle.

about the authors

Sienna Lane and Autumn Karr are two friends with a joint love of reading, writing, candy, and Disney heroes (and Disney songs, of course.)

When they aren’t scheming against fictional characters, or talking about their favourite books, you can find them ogling tattooed models and trying to figure out how to get them to do a cover shoot for their next book.

Together they wrote VENDETTA, releasing this December, and hopefully many more books to come.They love to hear from readers, so don’t hesitate to contact them through their Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/18TGRU9).

Connect with Sienna and Autumn
Facebook • Sienna’s Goodreads • Sienna’s Facebook • Autumn’s Goodreads • Autumn’s Facebook • Blog

giveaway

Autumn & Sienna are offering up the following:
(2) Signed copy of Vendetta
(2) $10 Amazon Vouchers
(5) eBook copy of Vendetta
(2) Vendetta swag pack

The tour wide giveaway is open internationally.  Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST 01/20/2014.

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Review: Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 18th 2012
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible … again.

Maria freaking V. Snyder does it again! Scent of Magic is another excellent book in the Healer series, which I am totally in love with. Maria V. Snyder does fantasy so perfectly–if you’re looking to read a fantasy book, you must read Maria V. Snyder. And oh my, Scent of Magic was just too good.

To be honest, I was a bit worried, because in the blurb, it says “And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.” When I saw that, I went NOOOO, because I adore Kerrick, and I wanted more of him and Avry. They FINALLY got together at the very end of Touch of Power, and it made be so happy. But it’s not only the romance I love about them. The author writes them in a way that is so perfect–it’s the way they work together, how they’re so kickass and strong independently and together that really appeals to me. The Healer series is not a romance, but a fantasy book with romance in it. Which is perfect for me!

Okay, okay, back to me being worried. Was I worried? Yes. Did I need to be worried? Absolutely not. Imagine my surprise when I saw after chapter one the word KERRICK at the top of the page! Yes, we get Kerrick’s POV! Technically, it’s third person, but who cares? We get to see Kerrick’s side of the story, since he and Avry don’t get to physically be together. Avry is believed to be dead by everyone, and only Kerrick knows differently. And they have to use this advantage to fight against Tohon, the evil, intriguing megalomaniac. Avry must go back to find her sister while Kerrick must go to meet up with Prince Ryne to make battle plans.

I loved reading Kerrick’s POV, and learning more about him since we didn’t get very much in the first book. I like the way he thinks, the clever way he plans everything. He’s a very straightforward man, and his top priorities are Avry and helping Prince Ryne defeat Tohon. He makes me swoon so freaking hard. Love this man.

Avry is equally fantastic as well. While trying to make amends with her sister, Avry disguises herself and joins Estrid’s army (who is an ally of Ryne). She integrates herself into the soldiers’ lives, becoming familiar with them, and even developing friendships. Avry also has to teach these soldiers how to successfully move about silently while out on the battlefield. I was glad to see that Avry and Kerrick still managed to be grow independently, and does a lot of growth in this second novel. I admired her even more–she can heal people and fight people with her swords!

Scent of Magic is just divine. But fair warning, there is a KILLER cliffhanger at the end! Other than that, this book is definitely not a disappointment for fans of the first book. It’s an excellent sequel, and the plot is just brilliant! Twist after twist that I did not see coming, and there’s non-stop action. 4 hearts!

4-hearts

lacey

Reading Order: Healer series

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

#1 ~ Touch of Power: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Scent of Magic: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Taste of Darkness: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Review: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 20th 2011
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life….

It’s been FOREVER since I’ve read a YA book, and a fantasy one at that, but what better way to get back in the genre than with Maria V. Snyder? I adored Poison Study, which is the only book I’ve ever read from the author, but Maria V. Snyder can do fantasy like no other. Reading Touch of Power just reminded me of how much I love fantasy books. I miss that genre!

As a healer, 20-year-old Avry has the power to take away other people’s injuries, and assume them as her own. If they have a broken bone, she can use her healing magic to fix it back, but she’ll have a broken bone herself. Even dire injuries that are fatal wouldn’t be fatal to Avry because her healing powers improve and speed up her recovery. But as miraculous as her powers are, healers like her have been hunted ever since the devastating plague broke out. Healers couldn’t heal those infected with the plague without dying themselves, which is abnormal. And so Avry has been on the run for 3 years trying to survive, except she gets caught by a group of men who want to use her powers to save a prince who might be able to save the kingdom from being taken over by an evil tyrant.

Avry is a fairly impressive heroine. She’s tough, she’s loyal, and she’s very adamant about using her powers for good. She’s not afraid to take on any illness or injury, no matter how dire, but she refuses to help save Prince Ryne for certain reasons. The gang who kidnaps her (Kerrick, Belen, Flea, Quian, and Loren) try to convince her to change her mind, but ultimately, they force her to travel with them across the land to get to the prince.

adored Kerrick. The second I read “Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own” from the blurb, I knew there was going to be some tension going on between him and Avry. Kerrick is a cold-hearted man in the beginning of their journey, only wanting to use Avry for her powers, not even viewing her as a person, but as the group travel across dangerous terrain, fighting against enemies and creatures, and fighting for people worth saving, he lets down his defenses. He starts to have a heart (not that he’d let anyone know), but as their leader, he has to be tough and ruthless. And I loved that Maria V. Snyder was able to build up the romance without even focusing on it. And even if there was no romance, I’d still be content with the book, because the plot is just that good!

I loved the other characters as well. The six of them bond through their travels, and they end up building a camaraderie and caring for one another. And sometimes the gang is just hilarious! I admit I was chuckling at parts, because they pick on each other all the time. Their group isn’t just based on duty, but also on friendship.

There’s so much going on in this book, and there are so many twists and turns, and I highly enjoyed it! I love how even though it’s a fantasy book, and there are people with magical powers, all the characters still felt believable. I could connect with Avry, and I really admired her character. Kerrick is freaking awesome, along with the rest of the gang, and there’s a nasty villain who’s complicated and intriguing. The only thing I wasn’t too fond of was the writing. Or should I say Avry’s narration? Either way, it’s didn’t really sound like a 20-year-old woman, but the story was still able hook me in so I overlooked that. Other than that, Touch of Power is a wonderful fantasy novel that I highly recommend to fantasy lovers and non-fantasy lovers alike!

4-hearts

lacey

Reading Order: Healer series

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

#1 ~ Touch of Power: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Scent of Magic: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Taste of Darkness: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Review: Reaver by Larissa Ione

Reaver by Larissa Ione

Reaver by Larissa Ione
Series: Demonica #10 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 17th 2013
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

WARRIOR OF HEAVEN

Reaver is an angel with a past, a record, and a less-than-heavenly attitude. Powerful enough to fight alongside the fiercest battle angels-and crazy enough to risk his wings on a one-way mission to hell-he’s agreed to go where no angel has ever gone before…to steal the most seductive and dangerous prize of Satan himself.

ANGEL OF HELL

Harvester is one of the Fallen, a once-heroic angel who sacrificed her wings to work as an undercover agent in hell. But now her cover has been blown, and she’s been doomed to an eternity of agonizing torture. Even if Reaver can snatch her away from Satan’s lair, even if they can fight their way out of the underworld’s darkest depths, there is one thing Harvester can never escape-her newfound thirst for an angel’s blood…

Reaver is pure freaking awesome! It’s intense, exciting, and sexy, and another excellent addition to the incredible Lords of Deliverance series. Larissa Ione is a master at paranormal romance. To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve read any books from that genre, but what better way to go than with Larissa Ione? I adore her writing, which had me laughing out loud numerous times, and since you know it’s Larissa Ione, it’s hot hot hot! Scorching hot, really. Reaver is one sexy angel.

In Reaver, the fifth book of the series, we finally, finally get the whole truth with Reaver and Harvester’s past. And let me tell you, it’s truly heartbreaking. Both Reaver and Harvester have made terrible mistakes, and accepted the consequences, but at least they own up to them. At the beginning of the story, Harvester is taken by Satan (her father!) and tortured for being a traitor. She used to be an angel, but she gave up her wings to become a fallen angel and work as an undercover agent in hell. And guess who goes to rescue her? Reaver!

Reaver has always been a side character in the previous books, but now he’s up front and center, and I truly wasn’t disappointed with his story. He’s a hilarious character, so snarky and sarcastic, but he’s a good guy at heart. All he really wants is to get back his memories of the past. Well, that’s maybe not all he wants. Ever since finding out that Harvester has been working on the good side, he can’t get her out of his head.

I really liked Harvester’s character. She has a lot of depth, and she’s very complicated. But I loved how she’s so tough and badass. Her time in hell has hardened her heart, and because of her past with Reaver, she hates him, even though she’s attracted to him. They have an incredible chemistry together. The only thing I wish could be better was if there was more Harvester and Reaver time. I liked that they have history together, but I really wanted more romance! But the action and twists and turns were so good that I forgave that part. Even though there wasn’t as much romance as I wanted, I knew that Reaver and Harvester were perfect for each other. They are crazy hot together, but they can also be sweet, and I adored that part of their relationship.

And the action! Oh my god, it was crazy intense. Reaver kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time reading, and there were things that I never saw coming. What a wild ride Reaver is. It’s thrilling, heart-pounding, hot, intense, and everything I expected for these two incredibly complex angels. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with Reaver.

5 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: Demonica series

  
  Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione
Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione
Reaver by Larissa Ione Azagoth by Larissa Ione Revenant by Larissa Ione Hades by Larisas Ione

#1 ~ Pleasure Unbound: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Desire Unchained: EbookPaperback • AudibleGoodreads
#3 ~ Passioned Unleashed: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Ecstasy Unveiled: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Sin Undone: Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#6 ~ Eternal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Immortal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Lethal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ Rogue Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Reaver: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10.5 ~ Azagoth: EbookPaperbackGoodreads
#11 ~ Revenant: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#11.5 ~ Hades: My Review • EbookPaperbackGoodreads


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Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Rome by Jay Crownover

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Rome by jay Crownover

Title: Rome
Series: Marked Men #3 (full reading order below)
Author: Jay Crownover
Genre: New Adult
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing
Event organized byLiterati Author Services, Inc.
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Cora Lewis is a whole lot of fun, and she knows how to keep her tattooed bad boy friends in line. But all that flash and sass hide the fact that she’s never gotten over the way her first love broke her heart. Now she has a plan to make sure that never happens again: She’s only going to fall in love with someone perfect.

Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He’s stubborn and rigid, he’s bossy and has come back from his final tour of duty fundamentally broken. Rome’s used to filling a role: big brother, doting son, super soldier; and now none of these fit anymore. Now he’s just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes the only color on his bleak horizon.

Perfect isn’t in the cards for these two, but imperfect might just last forever . . .

Purchase Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Barnes and Noble • iTunes • Indie Bound

review

I have to say that I had the best time reading Rome! I was so excited to read Rule’s brother’s book, and it doesn’t disappoint. If you thought Rule Archer was hot, wait until you read about Rome. The romance was slow, but sweet, and went straight to my heart. Cora and Rome are perfect for each other, and I highly enjoyed their story!

Rome is not his usual self at the beginning of the book. He’s usually more easy-going and friendly, but leaving the army hasn’t been good for him. He feels like he has no purpose anymore. Oh, this poor, sexy man has so many demons. He has to deal with what he went through in the war, and now he has to cope with the fact that the people he loves dearly don’t really need him that much anymore. Rule and Shaw and everyone else love Rome, without a doubt, but they don’t need him to take care of them anymore. Rome, the loyal, protective, sweet man that he is, feels lost. But when he meets Cora, and a bar owner named Brite, he starts to have a purpose in life again.

Cora was a bit frustrating, but she grew on me later on. This tough-as-nails body modifier has been dealt a crappy hand in the romance department, and has vowed to never settle for less than Mr. Perfect. She wants the best and certainly deserves a person who will give all of himself and his love to her when she is willing to do the same, but her standards might be a little high, or at least skewed. And all of her previous notions of Mr. Perfect start to dissolve when she meets Rome.

…I could see the idea of Mr. Perfect, this fictional ideal I had built up in my head, start to tatter under the force of everything that was Rome Archer.

Cora and Rome are not perfect people, and are in fact quite broken, but together, they make something sweet and beautiful. Because of each other, they learn more about themselves, and they support and heal each other only in the way these two characters can. And they’re just so freaking cute! I thought it was adorable that a feisty, tiny Tinkerbell of a woman and a big, hulking, protective man fell for each other. Opposites really do attract, huh? And they have an incredibly hot chemistry together!

Rome is another fantastic addition to Jay Crownover’s Marked Men series. And another amazing part to the book? We get tons more of the other characters, especially Rule and Shaw (who are my favorite!). Now I’m so, so excited for Nash’s story, which is next!

Favorite quote:

“Love isn’t perfect. It’s hard work and sometimes it’s more effort to be in love than it is to just run away. If you keep looking for perfect, the real thing is going to pass right by you.”

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Marked Men series

Rule by Jay Crownover Jet by Jay Crownover Rome by jay Crownover
Nash by Jay Crownover Rowdy by Jay Crownover

#1 ~ Rule: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Jet: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Rome: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Nash: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Rowdy: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Oct. 21, 2014)
#6 ~ Asa: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (April 14, 2015)

about the author

Jay CrownoverI’m supposed to share interesting details about myself so that my readers get to know me so here we go in no particular order: I’m an natural redhead even though I haven’t seen my real hair color in years, I’m a big fan of tattoos and have a half sleeve on either arm and various other pieces all over the place, I’ve been in the bar industry since I was in college and it has always offered interesting insight into how men and women interact with each other, I have 3 dogs that are all crazy, I live in Colorado and love the snow, I love music and in all reality wish I could be a rock star not a writer or a bartender but I have zero talent so there is that.

I love to write, love to read and all I’m interested in is a good story with interesting characters that make the reader feel something.

Connect with Jay:  Facebook • Twitter • Website Goodreads 

giveaway

First Prize: Jay’s iPod with her library and Nash’s playlist before anyone else has it. All Three Marked Men books signed Rule, Jet and Rome
Second Prize: $25.00 Gift Card Amazon with signed copies of all Three Marked Men Books Rule, Jet and Rome
Third Prize: All Three Marked Men books signed Rule, Jet and Rome and swag
Fourth and Fifth Prize: Signed Copy of Rome and Swag

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