Wait For You Book Review

Synopsis:

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

Review:

Wow!  I loved this book.  My only regret is that I waited so long to read it. Avery Morgansten's decision to attend college far from her home in Texas is not about choosing the best school.  She is running from a horrific incident that branded her a whore in her hometown...an incident that took place 5 years ago at a Halloween party when she was only 14 years old.   Avery is starting over where no one knows her.  She left everything behind in Texas including parents who did not stand up for her or believe her when everyone branded her a liar and a whore.  Their loyalty and her silence were bought with money and at such a young age, she had no choice but to do what she was told.  Now, she finally has the chance to escape the nightmare that has become her life.

Late for class on her first day, she literally runs into Cam in the hallway and the rocky road for this couple begins.  Her attraction to Cam is immediate, intense, and surprising to her.  Avery has never had a date - never kissed a boy and she is 19 years old.  She doesn't know how to do relationships and furthermore, she is afraid to try.  And now someone is sending her threatening emails and phone calls...someone from the past.  Someone who knows her darkest secret.

Cam is every girl's dream - a gorgeous, sexy man who can stop a girl's heart with just a smile...a beautiful man both inside and out.  No one can resist his blue eyes and killer smile, but Avery knows he is not meant for her...no one is.  She finds it hard to understand when Cam begins an active campaign to get her to accept a date with him.   In the meantime, he becomes her best friend and is determined to show Avery that they can build a future together.  However, she cannot and will not let go of the past and trust him with her dark secrets.  What Avery doesn't know is that Cam has secrets too.  

This book is beautifully written.  It is a poignant story that is funny at times.  The plot and character development are superb and kept me literally flipping pages into the night.  And just when you think you have it all figured out, this author will surprise you!  What a beautiful romance story that deals with some dark issues.  The only negative thing about the book is a few editing issues but they are not severe enough to hinder your enjoyment of this book.  It goes on my Favorites shelf and is a must read!

Rating: 5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra 

Dragon Bound Book Review

Synopsis:

Half-human and half-Wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the Wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful—and passionate—of the Elder Races.

As the most feared and respected of the Wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they've ignited in each other.

Pia knows she must repay Dragos for her trespass, but refuses to become his slave—although she cannot deny wanting him, body and soul.


My Review:

This was my first venture into the world of dragon shifters, since I generally prefer the wolf shifters, but it won't be my last!  At the very least, I will be reading the rest of The Elder Races series.  Thea Harrison has written a magical yet gripping story where heroes come in many shapes, sizes, and forms and stalk and rule many lands - from high rise buildings in modern day cities to mystical lands only dreamed of in fairy tales.  The world building in Dragon Bound is so vivid and real that not only can you visualize it, you can scent it.  The plot the author weaves is intricate, rich with characters in both human and mythical form that are thrown together by circumstances not always of their own choosing.  They are at times determined, stubborn, passionate, and funny.  

Pia (1/2 human & 1/2 wyr) is a woman schooled from birth to hide herself and her powers from everyone...and even she doesn't fully understand what she is or how great her powers are.  A bad decision with an ex-boyfriend leads her to steal an item from the hoard of the most powerful Elder of all - Dragos.  As the saying goes, Pia is caught between a rock and a hard place.  I loved this heroine.  Pia is determined, intelligent, spunky, and funny...a refreshing character that is willing to go toe-to-toe with the mighty dragon.  Poor Dragos never really stood a chance!

Dragos is in a word - Magnificient!  What a man/creature!  Harrison's description of him in both man and dragon form is so vivid & real that you cannot help but believe that this gorgeous, domineering alpha male can change into a mythical dragon right before your eyes.  Both passionate and feared,  Dragos is truly King of all the Elders and accustomed to having everyone recognize that fact, but the mighty dragon has met his match in Pia.  The chemistry between them is sizzling as they must stand together to fight enemies that want them both dead as well as fight their growing attraction for one another.  While Pia helps Dragos open up to new possibilities including love, Dragos helps her discover her own true magical and beautiful self.   The cast of secondary characters in Dragon Bound is also outstanding and deserving of a lead spot in future books.   

Dragon Bound is a riveting read with mesmerizing characters, an intricate plot, and yes, some passionate love scenes!  What more can you ask for?  This is a must read!

Rating: 4 Beautiful ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra 

It's a holiday give-a-way!  You can enter to win this beautiful bracelet in our Nancy Gideon By Moonlight Goodreads group.



Many thanks to Nancy for providing this beautiful, one-of-a-kind ReMaryD Original 'By Moonlight' holiday bracelet for a group holiday give-a-way! This bracelet features wolves, trees, moons, and fleur du lis...it is stretchy but will be sized for the winner. A beautiful holiday gift for yourself or others!! This give-a-way will begin Dec. 9 at 12am and close Dec. 23 at 12am EST. How can you win this gorgeous bracelet? Let me count the ways...

1 - You can enter the give-a-way by posting a comment in any thread in our Nancy Gideon by Moonlight group anytime between 12/9 and 12/22. You will receive one point (contest entry) for each thread you post in during the contest time period. (Exp. If you post in 12 different threads during this time period, you receive 12 entries.)

2 - You can earn 10 extra points (contest entries) by inviting a friend to join our group if they join and mention your name as the friend who invited them in our 'Welcome & Introduce Yourself' thread. You will earn 10 points for each friend who joins. All new members who join during this time period will have their name entered into a drawing for an ebook copy of Prince of Shadow (all formats except Kindle). We have 5 copies to give away. New members can also earn a chance to win the bracelet by posting in any group thread during the contest time period.

3 - Members can earn 12 extra points (contest entries) by writing a review on any of Nancy's books and posting the review on Barnes & Noble and/or Amazon. After writing and posting your book review, just post the name of the book you reviewed and where you posted it in our 'Book Reviews - Holiday Contest' thread to receive 12 more contest entries. You can receive 12 extra entries for each review you write & post on either of the above sites.

Winners will be drawn by random drawing from all qualifying names on Dec. 23 and announced on this group's Administration thread. Winners must respond within 5 days of contest winners announcement providing a valid mailing and/or email address. All decisions final. 

Follow link below to join our group and enter the contest!

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/109994-nancy-gideon-by-moonlight

The Scribe Book Review

Synopsis:

Hidden at the crossroads of the world, an ancient race battles to protect humanity, even as it dies from within.

Ava Matheson came to Istanbul looking for answers, but others came looking for her. A reckless warrior guards her steps, but will Malachi’s own past blind him to the truth of who Ava might be? While ancient forces gather around them, both Ava and Malachi search for answers.

Whispering voices. Deadly touch. Their passion should be impossible... or it could be the only thing that will keep them alive.

THE SCRIBE is the first book in the Irin Chronicles, the new paranormal romance series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries.

My Review:

After finishing The Scribe, my heart was racing.  I felt like I was on a runaway train with no way to get off.  I would have done anything to have book 2 in my hands at that moment, as I read the last page and frantically looked for more.  Elizabeth Hunter has woven a beautiful fantasy of good vs. evil with a compelling storyline filled with action, mystery, and romance that will leave you begging for more.

Ava is a strong willed woman with a delightful wit about her and a desperate desire to escape the voices she hears in her head, in a language she doesn't understand.  She often travels alone, working as a professional photographer and living life in self-imposed isolation, battling her fears that she just may be insane.  The only way Ava can quiet the voices in her head is to leave crowds of people behind.  In an attempt to find help for her affliction, she travels to Turkey, seeking the services of a mysterious specialist who claims to have helped others with her condition.  The peace Ava hopes to find in Istanbul is shattered as she realizes she is being followed, and her life is in danger.  As a result of these events, she meets Malachi who pretends to be a bodyguard hired by her family to protect her.  Ava has no idea that he is much, much more than just a bodyguard.

Malachi has a very secretive, mysterious, powerful and dangerous air about him from the first moment he appears in this story.  You know right away that there is much more to this man than you can see on the outside and are mesmerized by the waves of passion rolling off him and the sense of vulnerability that even his powerful exterior cannot hide. Malachi is one of those special characters that you just can't help but be drawn to - those special heroes who will earn his spot on your favorites shelf.

When Ava and Malachi meet in Istanbul, the chemistry is sizzling, and the story kicks into high gear as he seeks to protect her from unknown forces and help her discover who and what she is.  As the story unfolds, we also learn who and what Malachi is.  Thus, a world of powerful "other beings" is revealed as Elizabeth Hunter weaves her story of tragedies, both past and present, loss, hope, love, life and death.  You will become entralled with the story of Malachi and Ava and the journey for truths that they set out upon.

What works about this story?  Everything!  The characters, the fantasy, the romance, the suspense, the plot...even the setting adds to the awesomeness of this book!

What doesn't work?  I can't think of a thing that doesn't work about The Scribe.  It does deliver a heartbreaking shock near the end but leaves you with hope for the future as you anxiously await book 2, The Singer, due out sometime in the spring of 2014.

I could not put this book down.  I do not give 5 star/heart ratings easily, however; this book was a Page Turner book for me and receives a spot on my favorites list and shelf.  A Must Read!

Rating:  5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra 

Quotes:

"I understand.  It's part of the reason I came back.  This city...It feeds the soul."

A strange fluttering started in her chest.  "I didn't know my soul was hungry."

"Didn't you?"  He smiled.  "Hmmm."
♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥

"I thought I was crazy for a long time.  My whole life, really.  It's hard to leave that behind, even with all of you telling me that I'm not."

"Why?"

"Don't get me wrong."  She shook her head.  "I know it should be a relief.  But there's a part of me that still doesn't believe it.  A part that thinks I'm locked in a room somewhere because my delusions have finally taken over.  The voices have finally won, and this is all a kind of dream that my mind is using to cope."
♥       ♥        ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥      ♥      ♥

"Is that what you think?"  His voice fell, and he put his hand on the side of her neck.  Immediately, her pulse roared.  Her mind went silent.  There was only him.  His scent and touch.  The rest of the world went quiet when his thumb stroked the base of her throat.  

"You really think I have no claim on you?"

She swallowed with effort; her eyes locked on the stormy grey in his.  "None."

"Really, Ava?"  He leaned down, his breath whispering across her cheek.  "How do you feel when I touch you, canim?"
♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥

"When you find your power," he murmured in her ear as he stretched out beside her on the narrow bed, "you will sing to me.  And I will feel your magic as you feel mine."
♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥       ♥      ♥
         

Nightfall Book Review

 Synopsis:

Roarke is in love with Mr. Wrong.

His name is Richard Tiernan. He is deadly handsome, darkly brilliant, and devastatingly attractive to women. He has been convicted of killing his wife, and his children have disappeared. Now he wants to make Cassidy the latest victim of his powers of seduction and secret agenda.

Cassidy knows all this. But still she chooses to surrender her heart and soul to a lover whose reasons for wanting her are as mysterious as the violent act that branded his a murderer. Cassidy is his now, to do with what he wishes...as he leads her through a labyrinth of desire that is her only path to the terrifying truth.


My Review:

Nightfall was my introduction to the book world of Anne Stuart, and I'm now a fan.  From the very first page through the last page, I lived in this world of dark, psychotic madness, sucked in so deep that I was unable to let go.  I had to keep turning pages, desperately trying to find out the truth about Richard Tiernan, convicted (he confessed) of taking a butcher knife and brutally murdering his pregnant wife, and suspected in the deaths of his two young children who have disappeared as well as his former lover.  Then we meet insecure, innocent, boring Cassidy Roarke, sacrificed by her own father as he will do anything to write his next bestseller - even make a deal with the devil.  His deal is to deliver his daughter to Richard in exchange for the exclusive rights to write his story, but why does the dark, moody, manipulative, dangerous  Richard want Cassidy?  What is he looking for?  Richard is out of jail on appeal and living with Cassidy's father when her father suddenly calls her home.  Cassidy returns home, walking into an empty house...empty except for a convicted murderer who is lurking and waiting for her in the shadows.  And thus the mind games begin.  

Richard has a master plan...Cassidy needs to figure out what it is in order to survive.  Along the road to discovering all the horrific truths, she falls in love with a man who will be put to death in three months...a man who refuses to fight his death sentence...a man who both terrifies her and yet draws her to him like a moth to a flame.  She knows she will lose everything - her heart, her soul, her sanity and possibly her life if she doesn't run and so she tries...time and time again.  But her heart and soul will not allow her to resist the magnetic pull he has on her.  Richard has nothing and yet everything to lose.  He wants Cassidy like he's never wanted or needed another woman...but for what?  What is his mysterious plan for her?  This is a book of mind games...and nothing is as it seems.  Anne Stuart has crafted a story of murder, lies, deceit and guilt and intertwined it with a story of  love, desire, truth, and strong characters who are pushed to their absolute limit.  A must read for lovers of romance/suspense.  This book goes on my Favorites List!

Rating:  5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra 

Welcome to my Haunted House & Blog Hop~Enter at your own risk!

Welcome!  I'm happy to be hosting the Nancy Gideon Haunted House Blog Hop this week!  Enter if you dare to enjoy some of my favorite scary movies, spooky music, Halloween memories, and plenty of Bad Boys! 

I have such fond memories of Halloween.  Dressing up and roaming the neighborhood with my friends was both fun and scary!  My brother and his friends often hid behind trees to jump out and scare us when we walked by.  We did exactly what they wanted by screaming and running for our lives!  Later, we would wander home to dig through our bag of treats and sink our teeth into our favorite candy...then argue over who got the best and the most!  That's what brothers and sisters do!

My blog hop giveaway is a $20 Gift ECard from Amazon or Barnes & Noble - winner's choice.  The contest is open Oct. 23 - 30.  The winner will be announced within 2 days after close of contest.  A valid email address must be provided during contest entry.  You may enter the contest below via Rafflecopter.  
 
Happy Haunting, and I'll be sure to leave the lights on for you!  When you finish here, hop on over to the next stop on the blog hop to enter another trick or treat giveaway!  You can find those addresses below.  You can also enjoy the festivities at our Goodreads group Haunted House at Nancy Gideon By Moonlight 

Movies now showing in the Poltergeist Parlor...Enter at your own risk!

Nothing says Haunted Halloween quite like scary movies.  You know - the ones you watch with your eyes squeezed closed...the ones that make you jump at every little sound...the ones that make you double check your door locks...the ones that make you sleep with your lights on!  Remember these movies?

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

One of the scariest movies because: Adolescence is tough enough without worrying about razor-armed Freddy Krueger killing hormonal teens in their sleep.

What the critics say: "Tailor made for those who like their gore leavened with thought-provoking ideas—something that is a rarity in this genre."—James Berardinelli

The Shining (1980)

One of the scariest movies because: Jack Nicholson is seriously freaky as crazed novelist Jack Torrance, who [spoiler alert] tries to chop his family to little bits after a particularly stressful winter.

What the critics say: "Scaring the viewer is easy... What is harder is to accentuate the horrifying aspects of things that are familiar... Kubrick isn't out for screams, but he manages to make his movie thoroughly              unnerving by keeping the horror so close to home."—Janet Maslin

 

The Exorcist (1973)

One of the scariest movies because: Terrible, terrible things come out of a little girl's mouth (which happens to be attached to a spinning head, thanks to a demonic possession). Audiences were so affected by this fearsome film that some theaters even provided "Exorcist barf bags."

What the critics say: "The climactic sequences assault the senses and the intellect with pure cinematic terror. "—Variety

Carrie (1976)

One of the scariest movies because: Thanks to inspired directing from Brian De Palma, every moment in this film is filled with dread as the story inches toward its big, bloody finish.

What the critics say: "Brian De Palma's Carrie is an absolutely spellbinding horror movie, with a shock at the end that's the best thing along those lines since the shark leaped aboard in Jaws."—Roger Ebert

Jaws...1975

Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" is a sensationally effective action picture, a scary thriller that works all the better because it's populated with characters that have been developed into human beings we get to know and care about. It's a film that's as frightening as "The Exorcist" and yet it's a nicer kind of fright, somehow more fun because we're being scared by an outdoor-adventure saga instead of by a brimstone-and-vomit devil. - Roger Ebert.

You can find a slideshow and movie trailers for most of these movies at:   Scary Movies Slideshow & Movie Trailers

Enjoy & don't forget to leave the lights on! 

Visit Nancy Gideon's Haunted Open House & Blog Hop for more fun and giveaways!  Drop in on the other bloggers.  I know they will be waiting for you!

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Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Whatcha Gonna Do?

We all love the Bad Boys...you know the ones I'm talking about - big, powerful, bad*ss, alpha males who are usually carrying some emotional baggage.  Shifters, Vampires, Demons, Angels, or Mere Mortals...there's at least one for us all, stealing our hearts and making us weak in the knees.  They are only a book away - enjoy!

 Shifter Max Savoie from the By Moonlight series.  A powerful, sexy, dangerous predator who will make you howl at the moon and go weak in the knees.  Max is a personal favorite!  I would love to hear him whisper, "sha" in my ear.

  Vlad - Prince of the Night...Oh my, just looking at the cover makes me shiver.  A vampire who can control fire -  big, powerful, sexy, and arrogant.  Bad Boy!

 Zsadist - One of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, a former blood slave - Dark, tortured, angry, emotionally damaged vampire who is feared by both humans and other vampires.   Hands off...Giulia says he belongs to her!

 Remington "Riptide" (Remy) - a mere mortal?  Not on your life...Remy is a powerful, dangerous, underground boxer.  He's emotionally damaged and needs someone to love him and be his "real".  I volunteer!

Kane "Tack" Allen- President of Chaos Motorcycle Club and one bad, tattooed biker!  Dangerous, bossy, and sexy as sin...a real alpha male.

Roarke - just Roarke - Rich, powerful, emotionally damaged, devastatingly handsome with those Irish blue eyes - definite "bad boy"!  I love his "heart"...ultimate hero, for sure!






So...a shifter, 2 vampires, a boxer, a biker, and a rich, gorgeous CEO...that's my Bad Boys for this month.  I will feature some more soon.  Leave me a comment if there's a Bad Boy you think is deserving of a spot on the list...I'll see what I can do!