Lusting for Covers (92)

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

To view complete instructions on how to participate, as well as grab the HTML code for the graphic, see this page first!

Once you are ready to join the fun,

please fill out Mister Linky below with

your name/blog name and the direct

link to your Lusting for Covers for this

week!

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's my candidate for the week:
 

 

Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord by Tiffany Clare
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (April 30, 2013)

Series: Dangerous Rogues, 2

Genre: Historical Romance

Sorry, no blurb available at this time! 

 

 



 

Where to Buy*:  

Amazon | Kindle | BN

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Why?

Simple--I love her dress. The color, the cut, everything. Remember, I'm a blue gal myself, so this dress (and therefore cover) is more than I can resist. :)

I haven't had the chance to read any of Tiffany's books, but I'm putting them all on my list now--and they all seem to have gorgeous covers much like this one. 

This is the second in her new series; no blurb yet, but I'd buy it just for the dress. Yes, I'm a CoverWhore, remember?

 

Talking Books: "The Siren" Giveaway!

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (July 31, 2012)

Series: The Original Sinners, 1

Genre: Erotica (Contemporary)

Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book...if it ever sees the light of day.

Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal.

Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him...or returning to his bed?

Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.

 

 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads | Find the Series

A NOTE TO ALL READERS--in case you didn't already know, Tiffany's books are not for everyone. I'm sorry, but it's the truth. I don't want to scare you away from her books, but be prepared--it may not be your thing. And that's okay. But at least give it a try--if nothing else, try her many freebie stories that relate to the Original Sinners series. If you end up loving her work, then I have only one thing to say: You are welcome. If not, well, I'm sorry, and I hope you still trust my opinion on other books in the future! :)

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Thoughts:

....Hold on. Still trying to get my thoughts and emotions all lined up. I think even if I waited a month, I'd still be reeling from THE SIREN, though...

M'k, here we go. Where to start?


Well, first I have to thank the wonderful kink-pimps, Kati and Jamie from RRFTLOR. If they hadn't threatened to flog me convinced me I had to start THE SIREN, like RIGHT NOW, I may not be writing this post. Mainly because, as you know, my Mt. TBR does not allow for buying many new books anymore, but I broke down and bought Tiffany's book, and bumped it way up to the top of my list for the week. Thanks, ladies! :) You shameless sluts, you! :D



Nothing about this book is simple, and I am not a writer--I don't have the words nor the talent to accurately explain why this book is so awesome. All I can do is tell you how it made me feel, how it made me think. I can only hope that's enough to convey to you how much I loved it. And how much I wanted to hate it, but couldn't.

This is not a romance novel, in any sense of the word. And yet...it is, in a twisted, kinky, dark way. But there's not a HEA, or at least not a traditional one. And it's bound to change, as the series continues. That's just the way it is. Don't say I didn't warn you...

THE SIREN was, simply put, an amazing, if darkly emotional, journey, and I loved every moment of it. It's like nothing I've read before, and while that was both surprising and off putting at times, looking back, I wouldn't have changed one moment of it. Nope. Everything was done the way it was for a reason, and I trust Ms. Reisz (though I'll admit, I may be slightly frightened of her....), and while it may have been hard to accept, deep down I understood.

This is so much more than just a kinky sex book. Sooo much more. Really, other than the obvious BDSM elements, the book wasn't nearly as, well, shockingly erotic as I had pictured it. Is that a good or bad thing? Depends on your view, I guess. Inside this very dark world that Reisz is introducing us to (or at least those of us who belong to the vanilla group...), a lot can be learned, about love and living and everything in between. It's as real as it is fantastical, a guilty pleasure for many, and perhaps even real fantasies for others. It's honest, it's blunt, and yet it has its moments of humor (dark, dirty humor, perhaps, but humor nonetheless). :D

By the end of this book, Reisz had me, completely.

Oh sure, I may have  cursed at her, yelled and screamed, perhaps even begged this scene or another to turn out different, while realizing that it would never work that way. But... I was loving Zach, glad that he was able to work things out with Grace; I was crying for Wes, and wishing I had him to myself; I was drooling a bit over Kingsley, though I don't think I can handle all his awesome kink; I was curious about Griffin, as well as Michael. And I was fearful intrigued by Søren--I'm not sure yet if I can ever fully understand him, but I wish to find out (though perhaps not in real life, I'm a baby when it comes to pain....). In short, I don't believe there was any character or element of this story that didn't capture my attention, in one way or another.


THE SIREN has a lot to offer, and if you dare to step outside your comfort zone and join the underground world for a few hours, you will enjoy it. Perhaps not sexually, although if you do, great. I don't believe this will ever equal pleasure to me like it does for Nora and her group. But I enjoyed it because it is nothing like my life, nothing like what I read or love. It was a fantasy journey, one that I was able to take without submitting to any Doms, without receiving any beatings. The only injury I received from reading THE SIREN is purely emotional, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now please excuse me while I take a few days to rest, prepare myself for diving into THE ANGEL. And until then, I'm off to pour over all Tiffany's short stories. Yes, I'm now addicted. Thanks, Tiffany, thanks.

Because I loved this book so much, and

wish to share the pain/pleasure of it with

others, I'm going to give ONE e-copy of

THE SIREN to a lucky reader!

 

Winner's choice of NOOK or Kindle.

 

 

 

How to Enter:

 

• Fill out the Rafflecopter's first option [Mandatory]
• Leave a comment below [Optional, Extra entry]
• Fill out the rest of the Rafflecopter [Optional, Extra entries]

Giveaway ends October 6th!

Winner will be picked via Rafflecopter after October 7th. Winner will be announced and contacted within a few days. If I do not hear back from the winner within 48 hours (from the time the email is sent), another winner will be choosen.

 

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Here's my question for you, dear readers:

Regardless of your personal lifestyle, does Nora's world sound intriguing to you? Why? And if it doesn't, would you still be willing to try it (the books, that is, not the lifestyle)?







Enjoy!   




Until Next Time,








*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[ARC Review]: "Until There Was You"

Until There Was You by Jessica Scott

Publisher: Loveswept (October 8, 2012)

Series: Coming Home, 2

Genre: Contemporary Romance--Military

He plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed army captains will prove that opposites attract . . .

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Captain Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. From that moment on, though, Evan has been at odds with her, through two deployments to Iraq and back again. But when he is asked to train a team prepping for combat alongside Claire, battle-worn Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to earn the rank on her chest. In Evan, Claire sees a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. When the mission forces them together, Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye.

He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.

 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Publisher

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

I knew going into this book that I would love it. I've heard nothing but praise about Jessica Scott's first book (Because of You). And everyone was right—Scott is truly talented, creating a wonderful, emotional story. I look forward to going back and reading her debut, as well as anxiously awaiting her next novel!

Claire and Evan's story is anything but easy. They each have a lot of personal baggage to overcome before they can have their HEA. At times, it seems almost impossible—between their demons and loyalty to the army, how can they work through their relationship? But in the end they do, of course, and the journey to that point is touching.

I loved that Evan wasn't a perfect hero. As Claire jokingly called him, he was Captain America, practically perfect, a man who follows the rules. But this is how he deals with his mistake from the past, the one that haunts him to this day—the one that he has inked onto his skin, both in memory and as penance....

Claire has her own secrets, and they've defined who she is today. Tough, but underneath it all she's unsure, lonely, and terrified to trust anyone again. I liked that about her, it made her more believable.

Plus, let's not forget Reza (Iaconelli), Claire's one true friend. He's very flawed.

Evan watched as Iaconelli worked his way through the formation. He trusted Iaconelli more than any other warrior in his formation. His skill on the battlefield was unnatural, but it kept his men alive, and Evan couldn't help but wonder at the cost of that skill. Had the descent into hell been worth it? Iaconelli was the warrior Ajax personified and more deeply flawed than any Greek hero. A nagging voice whispered in Evan's ear that Iaconelli was a grenade with the pin already pulled, simply waiting for the handle to be released to explode. "He needs help," Evan said.

 

Like Claire, I was frustrated with him, wanting him to stop. But she doesn't know how to help him without hurting him, their friendship, or his position. Evan, although not quiet as good a friend as Claire is, also cares for Reza, and struggles with how to help him.

Evan approached Iaconelli after the last vehicle rumbled out of the assembly area. He didn't know what he was going to say or even how to start.

It was an uncomfortable feeling for him. His goal was always to do the right thing. To follow the rules. But with Reza, the rules were no longer clear cut. Sure, it would look like an easy choice to someone who hadn't served. Turn him in, get him sent to rehab. But that would mean disregarding the combat awards on his chest, ignoring the nearly fifty months in combat he had served and reducing the hero who stood before him to little more than an alcoholic

 

I'm very curious about Reza—and I would love to read his story! :)

Until There Was You also had a playful air to it at times. Here are a just a few of my favorite quotes.





"Rexa said I should just tell you I'm crazy and ask you to put up with me." She pressed her lips together, biting back the sting of emotion. "But that's not really the entire truth." She breathed deeply, smiling tremulously. "I miss your cock when it's not around. And the rest of you isn't half bad, either."

 

And a few pages later (after a very nice smexy scene)...

Shaking her head slowly, she reached between their bodies. Slowly she slid her hand over his erection. "Does this mean I get to keep your penis around?"

"You can do whatever you want to it, so long as it doesn't involve hot wax or shaving."

"I shaved for you."

Evan laughed. "You've never seen a bald cock. It looks like a plucked chicken."

4 STARS! Jessica Scott has captured my attention, and I'm now a fan for life! Sexy yet playful, emotional and complex, Until There Was You is a great book to read, and one that I will be recommending to others! I'll admit I probably understood very little of the army lingo used, but I didn't mind—it added a depth to the story and showed me that this was written by an author who knows this world, rather than someone who just Googled a phrase or two. I look forward to many years of new books from Ms. Scott!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All quotes are property of the author, I do not claim them.
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Enjoy!



Until Next Time,
 



*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Interview and Giveaway with Jean Hart Stewart!

 

WELCOME TO THE BLOG, JEAN! :)

Love living in California, even though I’m a transplant. Love writing and all it entails, crazy characters demanding to be let loose on the page, long hours of research, every bit of it. I raised two children and spent about twenty years in real estate before I summoned the courage to quit and do what I always wanted to do, WRITE! While he was alive my husband was my first-stop editor and biggest fan. Now that my children are accustomed to my writing sexy novels they’re equally supportive.

 

I’m currently writing my 30th book, tentatively named Daunting Pursuit. I’ve done historicals, a series of romances with Druids, another with Mages, and I’ve started a new series where the new hero has Elfin blood. He’s fun, as well as tall, lithe and gifted. And did I say sexy? My elves are my first venture into writing erotic, and it’s harder than you think as well as fun. I’m blessed as well as lucky. Do write me with any questions to jswriter@earthlink.net. I love to hear from readers!

 

 

 
Where to Find Jean:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The_Book_Queen: Hi Jean! Can you tell us a little about yourself? Bonus--if you hadn't become a writer, what else would you have done?

Jean: I live fairly quietly now since I'm a widow of two years. My kids are absolutely wonderful, don't know what I'd do without them. I've got a huge e-mail list, but can always add friends so spend mornings on email and late afternoon and evenings writing. My daughter and I are indefatigable bargain hunters, and we do sales, second hand shops, fun places to shop. If I hadn't become an author? You know, I really can't answer that. I can't imagine living without writing. Writing is such an essential part of me. (I'm glad to hear that, Jean--that tell me that you really love what you do! And my condolences; I'm glad to hear that you have such wonderful  children though! :) )

 

TBQ: You are working on a new series with EC (Passionate Pursuits). Can you tell us a little bit about the series, especially the newest book from it?

J:  This is a series about point eared, very sexy elves. The first book, Fiery Pursuit takes place in 1898. I plan on a series of eight. Stormy Pursuit is already out, Forbidden Pursuit is under edit and I love the cover. The fourth one, Dangerous Pursuit, is in my editor's hands, and I'm quite well along with Daunting Pursuit, book five. Stormy is about the twin daughters of Lars and Sophie, the protagonists of Fiery, and they almost botch up both their lives. Everyone comes close to disaster and death, until they invoke their courage and their elfin powers. Stormy has a lot of action, sexual and otherwise.

 

TBQ: I know we all hate this question, author and reader alike. :) But I have to ask: What are a few of your favorite books and/or authors?

J: Big Groan!!! So many. Mary Balogh, Jane Austin, Stephanie Laurens, Susan Johnson, Ann Rice...you can see I have varied tastes. (Nothing wrong with that! :) )

 

TBQ: We all love falling for the hero---tell us, what makes the perfect hero for you?

 

J: Honor, I think that comes first. He may keep it hidden but it's gotta be there. Looks, of course, I go for the tall, dark, and handsome types. And definitely, brains, even if he hides that for a while, too. (TDH are always perfect, and brains and honor are a given, too!)

 

 

TBQ: What's next?

 

J: I've already pretty much covered this. But I'm anxious for Forbidden Pursuit to come out. I've tried to make it as steamy as the cover. Hope I succeeded.

SPEED ROUND:

 

A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa?

Island.  Can I please have my computer and one of my heroes with me? (Your wish is my commmand!)

 

Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet “my-heart-skips-a-beat” one?
That’s easy too. Spicy, please.

 

Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?
I think the highlander.  Unless the English lord is also sexy, then it’s a toss-up.

 

Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?
Hot summer days, please.

 

Where would your dream house be: in the city, where all the action is OR nestled in the mountain where you can enjoy the quiet and the wilderness?
A very small city, please, not too bustling, but access to museums and music.

 

If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?
Regency.  Both my historicals are set there and the time period fascinates me.

 

Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?

Blurb.  It gives a better idea of the book, although the cover can easily make you read the blurb. I didn’t really answer that, did I?

 

Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build Up?)

Sorry I can’t pick. Love them both (Nothing wrong with that at all! :D )

 

And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about yourself:

Me, wacky?  Let’s see. 

• I adore Cadillac Margueritas. 
• I love dirty jokes if they aren’t raunchy, I simply crack up at some of them. 
• I have to ride herd on my impulse to own every beautiful purse I see, especially if it’s on sale.

 

The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, Jean, and please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)

 

J: I’d really love to know if my readers prefer a book in a series or one that’s not. All my series book are stand alone but you can follow the characters through each series. Is that as attractive to you as it is to me as a writer?  Why? I’m on the grandchildren now with my Eflin series, and they and their friends will probably fill out the series, or maybe I’ll go to the next generation.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Forbidden Pursuit by Jean Hart Stewart

Publication Date: Unknown

Series: The Passionate Pursuits, 3

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Unoffical Blurb

Arden and Mattias are the sons of Count Lars Erricksen, that most powerful elf. Like all elfin descendants, they possess the peaked ears that mark their unique abilities. They are also as handsome as their father, with thick hair hanging to their shoulders. When they wish, they can elevate their ears to peak through their gorgeous hair.

 

Mattias makes the mistake of visiting a brothel, and incurs the enmity of the pimp, Rick, who controls Coco, a young girl powerless to disobey his commands. When they try to entrap Matt, he calls on his father’s and brother’s help. Rick is enraged and beats Coco for her failure, and Lars knows he will soon have to save her.

Arden goes to their country estate near Dover, his beloved Alfheim. While swimming he meets Brielle, the daughter of a French diplomat. He instantly knows she is the woman pre-ordained for him, as all elves do. When she accompanies her father to London he vows to follow her in a few days and claim her as his own. Instead he is detained several weeks by Lars bringing him both his beloved brother and a badly injured Coco to cure them of Rick’s abuse. When Arden finally arrives in London, Brielle refuses to even see him or hear his excuses.

 

So now we have Matt and Coco seriously injured, Brielle pregnant, although Arden doesn’t yet know that, and Brielle refusing to even talk to him since he’s broken his word to her. And Rick, hating the elves, is still loose to cause more damage by trying to capture Brielle or anyone else he can torture.

It’s a big mess, and Arden must call on every elfin power he has to save them all.

 

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Jean is offering up a great prize!

ONE lucky commenter will win their choice of ANY book listed on Jean's website!

And if there's a big turn out, she'll even add a second winner, who will also get to pick a book!

How to Enter:

• Leave a comment on this post, with your email address--answer Jean's question or ask one of your own! [Mandatory]

Giveaway is open INT, and will end October 3rd! Winner will be picked via Random.org and announced the following day. Good Luck!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

Thanks for stopping by, Jean! :) I loved finding out more about you and your books, and I look forward to reading them sometime soon!




Don't forget Jean's Question!
I’d reallylove to know if my readers prefer a book in a series or one that’s not. All my series book are stand alone but you can follow the characters through each series. Is that as attractive to you as it is to me as a writer? Why?







Enjoy!   






Until Next Time,



 



   *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[ARC Review]: "The Lady Risks All"

The Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens

Publisher: Avon (September 25, 2012)

Genre: Historical Romance

Neville Roscoe, notorious and enigmatic, lives resolutely outside society, bound only by his own code of honor - until challenged by his desire for the one woman he cannot have.

Miranda Clifford is a lady imprisoned by rigid respectability - until tempted by a passion beyond her power to deny.

Flung together in peril, through danger and intrigue, they discover a love impossible to ignore ... or keep
 

 


Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Webiste | Excerpt

Add it on GoodReads!

My Review:

I've been a fan of Stephanie Laurens since I picked up “Devil's Bride” years ago (back when I was still a teenager and had to sneak my romance novels...). I quickly devoured most of her books, and while I liked some more than others, overall I really enjoyed her books.

I haven't read one of her books in a few years now; I'm behind on many of her series. And so I was looking forward to reading The Lady Risks All. But, after a few chapters, I found myself losing interest in the book. Oh don't get me wrong—it wasn't a bad book, but it simply wasn't one that I loved. In the end, I was flipping pages, as the story seemed to drag on and I just wanted to move on to a new book.

I think reading The Lady Risks All showed me that a reader can love an author without necessarily loving every book that she was writes. Despite the fact that this particular book was just “okay”, I'll still come back to read Laurens' other books in the future, as well as reread her previous books. But, for me at least, The Lady Risks All was missing something—whether it was in the writing, the plot or the characters, it's hard for me to say. Instead of diving into the book and not wishing to come out of it, I found myself just skimming this one, waiting for it to change, hoping that by the end I'd be in love. Sadly, this didn't happen.

3 STARS! Here's the thing: if you are already a fan of Laurens' novels, you may like this one, perhaps even more than I did. If you have yet to read any of her books, this is not the one I would personally recommend for you to start with—many of her previous novels are, I feel, much better than this one. Start with her backlist; leave this one for a later date.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~
I received this eARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~






Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


 


*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Lusting for Covers (91)

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

To view complete instructions on how to participate, as well as grab the HTML code for the graphic, see this page first!

Once you are ready to join the fun, please fill out Mister Linky below with your name/blog name and the direct link to your Lusting for Covers for this week!

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's my candidate for the week:
 

 

King of the Damned by Juliana Stone
Publisher: Avon (November 27th, 2012)

Series: The League of Guardians, 2

Genre: Paranormal Romance

For millennia the struggle between light and dark, between the upper and lower realms, has been policed by a secret group of warriors culled from every fabric of existence. They are both otherworld and human, male and female. They are light and dark themselves and known to each other as the League of Guardians. Their pledge, to protect the line between dominions and make sure neither side grows too powerful. If they fall, so shall the earth, the heavens and hell. And there will be no more.

With darkness all around him, The League of Guardians is his only means of redemption…

Azaiel, the fallen, has been given a second chance to atone for the sins of his past. With demons gathering and threatening the league, he must find out if their circle has been breached. What he doesn’t foresee is a woman—a fierce warrior—who will turn his world upside down and awaken his tortured soul.

Rowan James is a powerful witch out to avenge the death of her beloved grandmother, but she needs an ally. Will she be able to trust a man with secrets as dark as the sorrow in his eyes? Loving Rowan means risking salvation and yet Azaiel cannot ignore the hunger burning hot between them—his one last chance at happiness. With danger all around them, will these two desperate souls finally find love in each other? Or be forever damned… 

 

 
 

Where to Buy*:  

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! 

Why?

As I told Juliana a few weeks ago--sexy man + sexy tattoo + blue cover = happy CoverWhore! Any complaints? ;) I didn't think so!

I haven't had the chance yet to read any of Juliana's books, but they are all on my list and I am dying to do so! No matter the series, or genre, they all sound great! I think it's safe to say, even without having read them myself yet, that if you haven't tried her books, GO BUY THEM NOW! You can thank me later--or curse me, if you must. :D




 

Talking Books

My Fellow Readers,

The other day I was reading a few reviews for a book I was about to read. Many mentioned that they didn't like the book much because the hero was a total jackass, an alpha-hole, etc. Now, I still read the book (A Rogue By Any Other Name) and I actually liked it, though I'll be the first to admit that Michael was indeed quite an ass to Penelope (and everyone else).

However, I started to wonder.... Which is better? A book where the hero is such a jerk that we hate him (or hate to love him) OR a book where the hero has about as much definition as a cardboard cutout?

That's kind of a hard question, simply because no one loves a jerk for a hero--I mean, that's an oxymoron! But who would want a man who elicits NO response, positive or negative? Not me! So perhaps the alpha-hole is the better choice...But there are requirements!

• The alpha-hole cannot be too much of a, well, alpha-hole. :) There must be a boundary line, and if he crosses...well, that's it!
• The alpha-hole must either have a reason why he is this way or must have had a tortured childhood. This doesn't excuse his behavior, but it does help us to understand him a bit more.
• The alpha-hole must be redeemed, some how, and preferably not on the very last page of the book. Also, it must be enough of a redemption to over come his worst as seen earlier in the book!
• The alpha-hole must not continue to be an alpha-hole (and never to the heroine) into the HEA. No--just no.

I'm sure there are a few other "requirements"--what would you add (or take away) from this list?

Now, I must say--as bad as an alpha-hole can be, the one thing I cannot stand is when the A-H has a heroine who simply lets him push her around, insult her, etc. If the hero is going to be such a dick before he's tamed, then the heroine should be strong enough to fight back, she shouldn't just take his sh*t and smile. That will make me throw the book for good!

Why do we continue to put up with the alpha-holes then if they are such assholes? It's simple--when done correctly, there is nothing better than watching a A-H finally fall to his knees for his woman. And as we all know, the worst they are, the harder they fall! :D That is why we continue to read about such men, right ladies?

Please chime in--let me know if I'm wrong (I'm okay with that!) or if you agree. What was the worst alpha-hole you came across? Share, please!




Enjoy!   


Until Next Time,
 
*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Novel Quotes

Novel Quotes is a new weekly post where I will be sharing with you some of the best quotes I found while reading. They may be funny, sexy, romantic, or just plain "what the---?". Enjoy!

"First, I thought we'd already established that I am not a gentleman. That ship sailed long ago. And second, you'd be surprised what gentlemen do...and what ladies enjoy."
 

~Lord Bourne (Michael)
 

 

"I feel like I should have a formation and make the platoon sergeants demonstrate how to put on a condom the correct way."

~Evan Loehr

 

 

Eleanor's breathing slowly settled. She blinked and raised her head. All she saw were thousands of books stacked and shelved and neatly scattered. Daniel was still inside her.

"God I love a man who reads," she breathed and laid her head on the desk spent.

~Eleanor

 

 




May I just say that I can't believe I've waited this long to start reading Tiffany's books. Wow. :) I'll be starting The Siren next week, and I cannot wait. If you enjoy dirty, filthy, crack-tastic erotica, pick up her books NOW! If that's not your thing...well, don't worry. But I'd still say try at least one of the many free stories she has on her website before you say "No!"

Did you find any great quotes this week? If so, please share in the comments!

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,


*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Blog Tour: Spotlight and Giveaway with Tina Donahue!

 

WELCOME TO THE BLOG, TINA! :)

 

Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic romacnes (Adored, Lush Velvet Nights and Deep, Dark Delicious) were named finalists in 

the 2011 EPIC competition. The French review site, Blue Moon reviews, chose her erotic romance Sensual Stranger as their Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category). The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for Lush Velvet Nights, and two of her titles (The Yearning and Deep, Dark, Delicious) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011 and 2012). Take Me Away and Adored both won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). Tina is featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.

 

 
Where to Find Tina:

Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

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Illicit Desire by Tina Honahue

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (September 25, 2012)

Series: Outlawed Realm, 2

Genre: Paranormal Romance (Erotica)

Once a sex slave marked for termination, Lukan was miraculously liberated from E4’s Pleasure Palace, where E2’s fine, upstanding rulers secretly indulge their cravings for every imaginable vice. But freedom is not enough.

He left his heart behind with Arez. Within her fragrant, heated caress, he knew everything denied him. Rapture, contentment, tenderness…and love. Desperate to have her back in his arms, he embarks on a dangerous mission to deliver his untamed temptress from the certain death she does not know awaits her.

Within her velvet cage Arez knew only carnal submission and loneliness—until Lukan. But he has disappeared, and she senses something different in the way the supreme ruler is using her. Then, as if Lukan felt her longing for his strong arms and fevered kisses, he is there to sweep her from this twilight dimension to another.

But true freedom lies just out of his grasp. To reach the last portal—and their destiny—Lukan\and Arez must first outwit an army of predators that hunt them. Human, subhuman…and monsters.
Warning: Features a lusty guy who makes Greek gods look wimpy, and a wanton woman who lives for scorching sex. When these two get it on, watch out, they ain’t playing at lust or love.
 

 
Where to Buy*;

Kindle | NOOK | Publisher

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Illicit Desire by Tina Donahue

Excerpt

*Caution: Steamy!*

She’d whispered before he could. “Take me as though you mean it. I know you do.”

As always, her assurance surprised him. So did the playful tone beneath the smokiness of her voice.

“You know?” he whispered in return, running his hands down her lush hips to her buttocks. Cupping the cheeks, he pulled her into him, proving his strength, demanding she yield. “How? You’re able to read thoughts?”

“I can read your body,” she countered, grinding hers into his, biting his shoulder lightly.

He pushed to his toes at her hot tongue licking his skin.

The sensuous move was no match for her suckling his throat. Tingles shot down Lukan’s back and to the top of his head. On his prolonged sigh, she breathed, “You can’t hide your hunger for me. You stare as though I’m your ration of food.”

Her words had made him smile, a gift stronger than the tastiest morsel or life-giving water. Eager to tease in return, he said, “Tonight, you are my meal.”

He dropped to his knees, wordlessly directing Arez to part her legs. She complied. Not because she was a slave expected to entertain her captors, but because she demanded what Lukan did—a connection between them that enriched the sex and surpassed it, nourishing the soul. He pressed his face to her dark curls, so earthy like the rest of her, smelling of lust and life.

She moaned at him licking her mound. Deliberately, Lukan avoided her clit, determined to draw out her anticipation and longing for him. To affirm it in the only way he knew. How many times had he wanted to give up a week’s ration of food for the thrill of searching her face as she searched his? To have the privilege of looking into her eyes in order to see what was in her heart. That he mattered. He was important to her. He had a name. They had hope. A future.

He swallowed and moved around the hologram, absorbed with what it showed—his fingers running down the length of Arez’s cleft, already damp with her excitement, her moisture slick and warm.

More than a dozen candles burned around the stage. In the flickering flames, perspiration shone on her shoulders and beneath her weighty breasts. Torn between tasting her skin’s sweet saltiness and focusing on her nub, he’d settled on the latter, inhaling deeply of her sex, cleansed and oiled for his use. Wanting her to smell of him, he teased her nub with the tip of his tongue.

Arez’s mouth sagged opened on her throaty grunt, the noise telling Lukan how much he’d pleased her.

Sounds of approval rose from E2’s rulers. Several of them left their chairs, moving closer for a better view.

As he’d been trained, Lukan spread her vulva to show the men her rigid clit, scarlet with her rising passion. At a measured pace, he licked the hard rise of flesh, then retreated, just as he liked and the rulers most often demanded. They wanted their slaves to earn the privilege of climax. A captive’s frustration heightened a master’s experience.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

One randomly drawn commenter from each tour stop will win one ebook from Tina’s extensive backlist in whatever e-format the winner wants.

*Please Note: Illicit Desire will NOT be included in choice of book.

How to Enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post (with email addy, which just makes it easier to notify if you win). [Mandatory]
2. Check out the other stops on the tour and leave comments--more comments = better chance of winning! [Optional]

Giveaway ends 9/28 (tour ends on this day as well).

Winners will be randomly choosen and notified soon after. Good Luck!

Follow the rest of the tour!


 

Have you read any of Tina's previous books? If so, please share which one(s) and your thoughts on them! :) If not, are you adding them to your GR list right now?

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,
 

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!