Astrid, The Dragonslayer's Blacksmith ~ Last Day FREE!

Astrid constantly worries about her place in the village of Guell.  She loves being the apprentice of Guell’s blacksmith, Temple.  But Temple bought her from a childseller many years ago, which means Astrid has no blood kin in Guell.  If anything should happen to Temple she’s likely to lose her home, her work, and her sweetheart, DiStephan, the dragonslayer’s son.

One day Astrid’s worst fear comes true when Temple and DiStephan fail to return from a short journey to a nearby village.  A teenage boy named Finehurst arrives in Guell, claiming to be Temple’s nephew and rightful heir – and insisting that he saw Temple and DiStephan killed by a dragon.  The villagers are divided in their opinion of Finehurst, but Astrid is soon thrown out of her own home, desperate to find a way to regain it.  Before the dragonslayer goes in search of his missing son DiStephan and Astrid’s mentor Temple, he sets forth a challenge for Finehurst and Astrid to prove their blacksmithing skills by forging a dagger.  Normally, Astrid would be confident, but the village’s iron supplies are so low that she doesn’t know how she can possibly make a dagger that can prove her worth.

Astrid, The Dragonslayer’s Blacksmith is an all new mini novel that takes place in Resa Nelson’s Dragonslayer world (the 4-book series includes The Dragonslayer’s Sword, The Iron Maiden, The Stone of Darkness, and The Dragon’s Egg).  Appropriate for adults and teens, ages 14 and up.  Visit Resa Nelson’s website at www.resanelson.com.  Follow her on Twitter @ResaNelson.

Grab your OWN copy HERE!

Be sure to check out Resa's previous stops here at Dark Obsession Chronicles!

The Dragon's Egg with guest post!

Do Not Meddle in the Affairs of Dragons...

Quintessentially Q Blog Tour + Links to Giveaways ~ Ne Pas Moi Libre!

Series Info:

Quintessentially Q is the second book in the Monsters In The Dark Series

Release Date: December 15th, 2013
Genre: New Adult Erotic Suspense Romance

 
“All my life, I battled with the knowledge I was twisted… fucked up to want something so deliciously dark—wrong on so many levels. But then slave fifty-eight entered my world. Hissing, fighting, with a core of iron, she showed me an existence where two wrongs make a right."Tess is Q’s completely. Q is Tess’s irrevocably. But now, they must learn the boundaries of their unconventional relationship, while Tess seeks vengeance on the men who sold her. Q made a blood-oath to deliver their corpses at Tess’s feet, and that’s just what he’ll do.

He may be a monster, but he’s Tess’s monster.

Buy Links For Tears of Tess:

Amazon US: http://goo.gl/KWNI7t

Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/IC7TPS

Itunes: http://goo.gl/P3RyrP

Goodreads Link For Tears Of Tess: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18134894-tears-of-tess

Goodreads Link For Quintessentially Q: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18398089-quintessentially-q

Tears of Tess Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI1azW2ydUo#t=0

My Thoughts:

Now, I have to admit here... I'm not done yet.  I really anticipated SO MUCH more reading time, and less (like NO) other non-reading issues to monopolize my time.  Alas, the best laid plans are like a siren's song to Murphy's Law.  But I digress... back to Quintessentially Q.  I was so eager for this book.  Tears of Tess was among my absolute favorite reads of 2013, and I pining for more Q.

I remember during my reading of Tears of Tess, that I never (fully) 'got' the series name 'Monsters in the Dark'.  Yes, humanity does include some seriously deranged people that could easily use the term 'monster' to describe them - and there are characters like that in Tears of Tess.  But with Q being the second book, I just didn't think it would be as dark, somehow, since the 'slave' bit was basically consensual at this point.  WRONG.  Wrong, wrong, wrong.  As much as I love, nay, j'adore Q, he is one scary alpha male.  It's almost insidious how he climbs under your skin and past your defenses... you want to submit, want to love him, want to believe the best in him.  But he, himself, IS a 'Monster in the Dark' as well as Tess.  It only took me 25% into Quintessentially Q to be rocked by this thought.  They belong with each other, to each other, but at the same time are each other's 'Monster'.

It's beautiful and frightening as hell in the most unexpected way.  It's more of a 'tangible fear' than many... I mean, zombies may make me shiver, and large mutant spiders make my skin crawl... but the reality is, human trafficking is a REAL thing.  Rape is ALWAYS a possibility that could happen to anyone.  Dealing with the aftermath of abuse, being turned into property is not outside the realm of possibility for your friends, family, and you (and me).  That's what is SO bone-chilling about this.  In addition, there are people out there that are just hard-wired differently.  People that can't get off without pain, without causing pain, without controlling or being controlled, without stepping outside the bounds of 'normal' society.  Q practically personifies these type of people, and that is terrifying.

I already am clutched in it's spell, in it's thrall.  Monsters in the Dark, viola! 

I received a free eBook via CBL Tours and Pepper Winters in exchange for an unbiased review.

Current Rating 

(not final as I've not completed it quite yet)

Author Bio:
Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.
She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.
Her debut book Tears of Tess will be followed with Quintessentially Q. You didn’t think Q could stop so soon, did you? Her other two titles, Last Shadow and Broken Chance will be coming soon.

Author's Website: http://pepperwinters.wordpress.com/

Author's Twitter: https://twitter.com/pepperwinters

Author's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepper-Winters/539976006062848

Author's Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7151973.Pepper_Winters

Author's Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pepperwinters/

Giveaways:

Signed Paperback of QQ and signed swag pack: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepper-Winters/539976006062848?id=539976006062848&sk=app_228910107186452

Two signed paperbacks: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/71929-quintessentially-q

WILD Release ~ Steam Up Your Holiday!

Title: Wild

Author: Adriane Leigh

Expected Release Date: December 13, 2013

Genre: Erotic Romance

Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets

About the Book

Kat Kennedy moved to the rugged coast of Maine to start a new life, but encountered much more than she bargained for in dark, dangerous, and seductive Lane Wild… 

Desire and temptation smolder before she succumbs to her darkest fantasies with the captivating stranger. She doesn't expect to see him again after an explosive one-night stand leaves her breathless and craving more, but just like lightning in the darkness, he shows up in her life at the most unpredictable moments. A sensual game of cat and mouse ensues before the attraction between them reaches a fever pitch—the magnetism combustible, the sexual tension nearly unbearable—and Kat finally abandons inhibition and explores the cunning, selfish, and sexual side of a world she's never known. They have the perfect non-relationship—passion-fueled nights with no strings attached—until lifegets real and the past and present collide in a dangerous storm of lust and obsession.

For a Preview of the Prologue 

(included in the cover reveal), 

click here.

My Thoughts:

     Now I'm not sure if y'all have cottoned on... but I've become a BIG fangirl of Adriane's books.  I'll admit, it was a rocky start for me with the Lace series (but that is another story all together) but then once I read the Mourning series- that was it.  Adriane has me as a rabid, auto-buy fan after that series; she caught me hook, line, and sinker.  So, once I found out about this new HOT romance... and let's face it, just look at that cover, I was chomping at the bit to sink my teeth into Wild.

     I suppose not every book is going to please everybody equally - although, don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed Wild, but I didn't love it with the passion of a thousand suns like I did with the Mourning series.  Was I fanning myself despite the low temperatures outside?  YES!  On just the hotness scale (from one to ten) Wild goes to an '11'.  Maybe even 11½.  Shoot, there might not be enough numbers to describe how your panties could spontaneously combust into flames.  Despite all this scorching across the pages... have no fear, there is not some raunchy *boom*chicka*bow-wow* background track to the book (well, not loudly, anyway.)

     I think some of my reservations reside in the characters.  Now, usually I love me some alpha, bad boy 'player' in my fictional books... and I've read some SERIOUS alpha stuff in my day.  But Lane Wild had to grow on me... he's got 'alpha' and 'player' and 'bad boy' in SPADES I tell you!  But somehow, I had trouble trusting that there was that underlying heart of gold. He's one of those 'GREAT on paper in a fictional story' but put him in a room with me in real life, and I'd likely be alternating between climbing him like some brauny mountain and scratching his face off.  And Kat... dig that she was a redhead (I have some serious unresolved jealousy issues about my mother's red hair that she did NOT pass on to me), I understood the reasoning behind her 'issues' and why it made her react the way she did... but I just was having a harder time getting really comfortable with them.  I didn't dislike them, but I would be bosom buddies with them, either.  Maybe it's just simple jealously of how darned hot they are together!

     Overall: It's like taking a Nicholas Sparks romance, and mixing in an erotic film (notice I said erotic, and NOT porn.)

I received an ARC from Adriane Leigh in exchange for an unbiased review.

About the Author

Adriane Leigh was born and raised in a snowbank in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and now lives amongst the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan lakeshore. She graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare or Chaucer. Adriane is married to a tall, dark and handsome guy, plays mama to two sweet baby girls, and is a voracious reader and knitter.

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Pinterest

For only $0.99 (SPECIAL RELEASE PRICE) you, too, can steam up your holiday season!  

Oh, yes, there will be melting!

Switch Holiday Party Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Switch by Janelle Stalder

Description:

All’s fair in love and war.

Two thirds of the world's population has been wiped out, devastated by the worst war earth has ever seen. Still standing amongst the ruins is a mind reader who finds herself on the wrong side of the war. Everyone does what they must to survive. When the rebels bent on bringing down the New World leader start to rise up, it is her job to make sure they stay down where they belong. That is, until one rebel sneaks past her defenses and into her heart. Love will blossom from the ashes, but will it be enough to save them, or will it mean the end of them both?




Review:
Here is my original review (written amidst reading Switch during the blog tour- original post here):

I have to admit, I'm still reading this.  Life popped up, as it often does, and threw a wrench in my reading schedule.  But, I stayed up WAY past my bedtime, and with a catnap of a good night's sleep, finished today.  The end is a near dizzy pace, and am I even surprised by the end at this point?  I think not.

I really enjoyed the ensemble cast, how worlds collided, crap hit the fan, and there seemed a (less than) 5 degrees of separation between the survivors (both in charge, and the population being pushed down 'by the man'.)  I was engaged and eager to finish, especially to see the wild tangles of stories get finally woven together into one.  While the mechanics and history of the 'New World' is left somewhat ambiguous, my inner rebel was wanting to start a battle against both 'the man' and 'the rebels'.  Somehow, a line from Romeo and Juliet comes to mind, "All are punished."  That describes both sides of the fight- they are both power hungry, and flawed, and cold, and neither will provide a worthwhile future.

There are a moments that didn't work for me... well, I guess a better word would be tone.  I felt, especially in the beginning when we are still somewhat disoriented as to where the book is, geographically; the dialect, colloquialisms, slang, and other phrases didn't give a sense (even post-switch) of the region like I felt it should.  After about a third of the book, they do appear more often, but I still wish I got to see a little more lovely 'accent'.

One thing that I do have to give kudos to- I never react how I expect I would to certain characters.  Like you think 'rebels' and I get visions of Luke in a storm trooper outfit, and Lando in his cape, and the Princess with her matching bun earwarmers... all happy things.  But when it comes to this war, except for a few key players, I'm just against the war all together.  Dammed either way it seems- between a rock and a hard place.  I think I need some rose colored glasses to make me see the hope.  Maybe some Ewokes, too.  Although the male hotness does help.  

Overall, 4 BadAss stars and a smidgen extra!

*I received a free copy of Switch in exchange for an unbiased review*

And now that I've completely finished Switch and a beta read of Masked (book #2), here are my thoughts:

Well... shoot.  This was going to just be about Switch, but I have book #2 just running amok in my head.  So, how about things that I just ADORE about this series, and Janelle Stalder as a writer?  
• She does fabulous ensemble cast books.  Even people that are 'not nice' (or let's face it, downright evil) end up being favorite characters (well, there is an exception to every rule.)
• From all my previous readings (of Janelle's work) being YA (her Eden series)... she has found that line to walk that can be oh-so-hot without devolving into straight out porn.  I love those spicy moments, and am cheering her adult writing on!
• I feel in this new series, there is a little bit of a 1st book in series syndrome.  It only goes up, and gets stronger from Switch, and even Switch still gets a rock-solid rating of 4♥'s from me.
• Her endings can be a bit cliffy, and that's OK.  Often, I'll rail against authors that continually give us evil cliffhangers (Fever series, anyone?) but somehow... I'm OK with hers.  Can't fully explain why, but I'm not rabid and angry.  It seems like it needs to end like that.

... and in regard to my last paragraph of my 'original' review- trust me.  There IS hope.  Really, against all odds... there is.

Enter to Win! 

• of 5 ecopies of Switch by Janelle Stalder


a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Janelle Stalder was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. At an early age she developed a love for literature. Her debut novel, Eden, was the first book in a series of four, released in September of 2011. The second book, Eden-West, was released in July of 2012, and the third book, Eden-South was released in March of 2013. The fourth book of the Eden Series, Eden-East, will be release at the end of 2013. She is a strong supporter of other independent authors, and loves to interact with her readers. When she's not writing, Janelle is at home with her husband, two children, Aiden and Elora, and her two furry children, Alice and Lily. She now resides in the small town in Ontario in her old, possibly haunted, century home.

Social Links:  
Website ● Twitter ● Facebook ● Goodreads 

Buy Links:
Amazon ● B&N  ● Smashwords  ● Kobo  

Tour Coordinator:



Please check out the other stops on this tour today:

                                       

This Holiday Party Blog tour is being run in conjunction with the 

4th annual Holiday Party in Erotic Enchants on goodreads.com.  

Check out the entire schedule of the 18 Holiday Party Blog Tour stops & participating bloggers HERE.

Join the party and win from a prize pool of over 1,500 books and prizes by these generous authors!

This post contains Affiliate Links.

Changing Course Cover Reveal!

Title: Changing Course (Wrecked and Ruined #1)

Author: Aly Martinez

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Expected Release Date: January 29, 2014

Cover Designer: Ashbee Designs

Add to Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18753789-changing-course

Synopsis

I met Sarah Kate Erickson when I was 21 years old. I was lucky enough to keep her for seven years before a tragic accident stole her from me. She didn’t die, but sometimes I think it would have been easier if she had.

I lived in a haze for those four years after the accident. Catering to her every need, even though she hated the very sight of my face. I tried to hold on to her and the future that we were supposed to build together. But you can’t hold on to someone that doesn’t exist anymore.

It wasn’t until I met Jesse Addison, a barista at the local coffee shop, that I realized I didn’t just lose Sarah that tragic night, I lost myself as well. Jesse taught me how to let go of the past and learn to love again. But what happens when your past haunts your present and the woman you used to love refuses to accept the woman you can’t live without?

**Intended for readers 18+. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.**

Prologue

"Sarah, don't do this. Damn it! Stay with me." I reach over and gently brush her blood soaked hair off her forehead. Even in this horrific moment, I'm in absolute awe of how beautiful she looks. Bleeding and broken, unmoving in my arms she is still the most mesmerizing woman I have ever laid eyes on. Deep down, I know this just the husk of my wife. My Sarah would never have done this to herself. More importantly, she never would have done this to me. Maybe it takes this level of madness, but I finally realize that I have lost her completely. Whether she lives or dies, Sarah is gone. This is not the woman who made me laugh more in seven years than the rest of my life combined. She definitely isn't the woman who I spent years planning a future with, a future that now no longer exists. I feel a heavy weight in my chest at my silent confession, but oddly enough I also feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. I have watched this woman disintegrate in front of my eyes for almost seven months; everyday losing her a little more. The light in her eyes fading, while piece by piece and bit by bit, she lost grip of reality. Mentally, emotionally, and now physically, she's left me. My Sarah died seven months ago on her way home from dinner, and I will never see her walk back into my life. Suddenly, I can't breathe. I'm terrified, and not only because Sarah might finally succeed in taking her own life. I'm paralyzed by the realization that my life is spiraling down in a free fall headed straight for misery and the only thing I can think to do is anchor myself to this dying woman. I love Sarah with all my heart, but I am clinging not to the woman in my arms but rather to the life I thought we were going to have together. I have to accept that she isn't there anymore. Her heart might still be beating but the bloody, confused, emotionally lost woman I am holding now is only the shell of my first and only love. "Where the fuck is that ambulance!" I yell as loud as my cracking voice will allow. Stroking the little bit of her unmarred skin that I'm able to reach, I whisper in her ear, "Hang on baby." Then I repeat the one sentence I have said almost daily since the tragic event that stole her from me. Maybe I say it for her, maybe just for me, but I know it is the biggest lie I have ever uttered. "Just hang on baby, it's all going to be okay."

About the Author

I’m a 32 year old wife and stay at home mom to four kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. My life is crazy, which is probably why I drink entirely too much wine. Oh who am I kidding, I had a love affair with wine long before the kids came along. I was born and raised in Savannah Georgia, but we recently moved to Chicago. Let me tell you, this southern girl was not ready for the cold weather up here! I’m an avid reader, but I haven’t always been that way. A few years ago my sister loaned me her Nook Color, and it changed my life forever. In the span of about two years, I read over 500 books. My newfound love of reading led me to start a book blog with two of my best friends. (Insert shameless plug here: WhiteZinBookends.com). Through WZ Bookends, I've had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing authors, bloggers, and readers out there. Now that I have taken the leap into writing my own book, they’ve all shown me endless amounts of encouragement and support. While driving home from Walmart one day in late October, a story embedded itself in my head and would not let go. It spiraled out of control until I finally opened my laptop and started writing. This journey has been a wild ride filled with tears, hand cramps, and tons of laughs. I love company, so follow me at one of the social links below and join me aboard this crazy train!  

Connect with Aly

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email | Goodreads

Giveaway

(2) $25 Amazon Gift Cards

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

FIVE ARCs of DARKEST DAY by Emi Gayle Giveaway!

J. Taylor Publishing are giving away FIVE ARCs of Darkest Day by Emi Gayle!

Check it out!

Mac Thorne’s time as a Changeling is coming to an end. It may have taken eighteen years, but Mac did finally manage to do what the Council wanted: she chose a teacher and renounced the in-between. There’s just one last step. She must say goodbye to her human. Forever. After being challenged in every way possible, Mac leaves what she thought would be the easiest task for the last possible moment. As midnight on July fourth draws near, though, she hasn’t found a way to give up Winn Thomas. Nor does she want to. With time running out, Mac stands at a literal crossroads. Choose Winn, and she’ll be stripped of the only family she’s ever known — vampires, dragons, and her favorite demon. Even her own mother. Accept her position on the Council and rule as an equal to her twelve peers, and she’ll forget Winn ever existed. Independence and freedom have never before been so limiting. In this final chapter of the 19th Year Trilogy, it’s time for Mac to decide. Responsibility? Or Love?

DARKEST DAY is the third installment in the 19^th Year Trilogy, featuring Changeling Mac Thorne and her hot-geeky boyfriend Winn Thomas. And J. Taylor Publishing is giving away FIVE ARC copies.

To YOU!

You don’t even have to be a book blogger!

Nope, so long as you are willing to leave an honest review between the dates December 23^rd 2013 – January 6^th 2014, you are eligible to enter.

Interested?

Then just fill out the form and keep your fingers crossed.

Enter Here!

~~~~~

Other books in the series: About Emi Gayle: Emi Gayle just wants to be young again. She lives vicariously through her youthful characters, while simultaneously acting as chief-Mom to her teenaged son and searching for a way to keep her two daughters from ever reaching the dreaded teen years. Ironically, those years were some of Emi's favorite times. She met the man of her dreams at 14, was engaged to him at 19, married him at 20 and she's still in love with him to this day. She'll never forget what it was like to fall in love at such a young age — emotions she wants everyone to feel.