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Monday, January 31

Review: Wolf Unbound by Lauren Dane

Overshadowed by the rising threat of the werewolf mafia, Ben and Tegan struggle to stand united. Werewolf Enforcer Tegan Warden has been alone since the death of her mate four years ago. Until she meets Ben Stoner at a local club and she feels something she thought died inside her. Things move very quickly and she finds herself mated to a human man whos not altogether sure he wants a forever kind of love with a woman hes just met. Ben realizes in short order Tegan is not only worth forever love, but a woman wholl stand at his side without tolerating anything other than a full partnership. In the bedroom its another story, as Ben has finally found a sexual submissive with a spark, and Tegan a man worthy of her submission. Together they work toward building a permanent relationship even as the specter of danger from the Pellini Group grows in the world of wolves. All around them, the rising violence threatens the Packs and the only thing they know for certain is one another. (excerpt from Goodreads)
 Wolf Unbound is the fourth book in Lauren Dane's Cascadia Wolves series. Let me just say that Ms. Dane can write one heck of a love scene. And just when you think the smexiness is done, Ms. Dane throughs in a few more scenes for good measure. Yes, I feel scandalized, but in no way is that a bad thing {hee, hee}! 

Tegan is a wolf with a wounded heart. After her husband and mate dies, she herself has little to live for, each day being a constant struggle. As far as finding love again, Tegan is resolved on it not happening. That is, of course, until Tegan meets Ben Stoner in a BDSM club, of all places. {snortz!} Yup, one thing leads to another and hey, what do ya know, Ben & Tegan are mates!! One problem...Ben is human! Both Ben & Tegan face alot of obstacles as new mates, but in the end they realize being apart from each other hurts way more than being together. Of course they fight and bicker, but with time they come to really love each other, which, by the way, Dane writes beautifully.

This book had me so excited! The beginning was awesome and although the middle, was a tad slow, I remained engrossed! The ending, however, left me saying, WTF!! Yup, this is one of those books that just ends! There was no resolution to be had.. The bad guys are still running the streets, the family is still at war, and so many other unanswered questions has left me with that dumbfound WTF look on my face. There I said it. Even though I am frustrated with the ending, I will continue on with the next book, Standoff, featuring Pack leader, Cade Warren,  if for nothing else than to see if we get any type of resolution. [See Mom, told ya I'm not a quitter!! {blows rasberries!!}]

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5


Book Info
Title: Wolf Unbound (Cascadia Wolves series #4)
Author: Lauren Dane
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (252 pages)
Published: January, 2009 



Saturday, January 29

In My Mailbox #1

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. This post is where us book junkees get to show off our "New" books. These books can be purchased, won, sent to us for review, whatever, as long s their new.

So, without further ado, in my mailbox this week is.......


 Trinity and Reveleation are the first two books in the De La Vega Cats series, and one that is certainly new to me!! Meow!! Time to take a break from the vamps and werewolves and spend a little QT with the kittys!! Yeah, I can't wait to dive right into these!! Big thanks goes out to Author, Lauren Dane for pimping these books in her giveaway, and more importantly, picking yours truly as the winner!!! Yeah me!!

Next in my mailbox is a book I purchased, Nalini Singh's Slave to Sensation, (Psy-Changeling Series #1). Yes, I am  officially on a Nalini Singh kick. There, I said it!! I know this series has been out for a while now, but hey, better late than never, right? Anywho, here's the blurb from Barnes & Noble:
THE HOT NEW NAME IN PARANORMAL ROMANCE.

Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart. Born a Psy, Sascha Duncan must hide the emotions which mark her as flawed. But a passionate Changeling will tempt her to reveal everything-and risk her very soul.

Have you read any of these? If so, share your thoughts!!

Thursday, January 27

Third Sentence Thursday! #1

Third Sentence Thursday 

I found this meme online and imediately said, "count me in." Third Sentence Thursday is a fairly new weekly meme hosted by Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books. Each week, Kitty posts a different question/task surrounding the third sentence of a current read. In this weeks post, the goal is to provide an overall review of the third sentence. So, here it is: 

Collapsing at the base of a large tree, she stretched to rub her spine along the bark, a growl of pleasure darting from her muzzle.

This sentence belongs to Lauren Dane's, Wolf Unbound. The fourth book of the Cascadia Wolves series, Wolf Unbound features Cascadia sister Tegan. Tegan is a wolf with a wounded heart. After her husband and mate dies, she's unlcear about what the future will hold for her. As far as finding love again, Tegan is resolved on it being a "no go." All of this changes when her deceased mate, seeks her out in a dream only to tell her that he wants  her to move on with her life. In this third sentence, Tegan has just gone for a run in her wolf skin and newly sated, decides to take a nap. Little does Tegan know that Lucas is setting her free and what transpires between them during this short time is powerful on a multitude of both spiritual and emotional levels. 

There you have it!! So far, I am enjoying this book. Lauren Dane has a way of keeping her books short and sweet, which, surprisingly, I have come to love. Wolf Unbound is a great edition to the Cascadia series and I can't wait to find out what happens to Tegan as she explores the world of heartache and new found love.

Book Info
Title: Wolf Unbound (Cascadia Wolves series #4)
Author: Lauren Dane
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (252 pages)
Published: January, 2009 

Wednesday, January 26

I LOVE Goodreads!


This morning, while updating my library shelf on Goodreads via the iphone application I came across the coolest feature. A built in Scanner!!

Yup, next time your in the book store, just scan the book and TaaDaaa! The book magically appears on your Goodreads page.With the click of a button you can: add the book to your bookshelf, see reviews, author info, ratings, etc. Wow, what a time-saver. I think I'm in love!!

Ettore from the Goodreads blog says: The scanner is available in the iPhone app under My Books. After each scan you will see the book title and cover appear at the top of the screen: if you tap on that, you can quickly see reviews about the book you just scanned. Regardless, all your scans will be saved in a list that you can browse once you close the scanner. From there, you can add them to your shelves or simply read the reviews whenever you want. Post Link
 
**It works! It really, really works! Check out what I scanned!**





Monday, January 24

Review: Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh


Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders. The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed… (blurb from goodreads)

First and foremost, the cover of this book is absolutely and positively gorgeous! The cover artist, Tony Mauro is pure genius. Archangel's Consort is the third book in Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series and I could hardly wait to get my hands on this bad boy. Imagine the excitement I felt when I received the book via mail a week prior to the scheduled release date. Hats off and a big Jerzee fist pump goes out to Barnes & Noble. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

 For the most part, this review is spoiler free.
What intrigued me most about Archangel's Consort, is the writing. Singh's writing style is Dark, Passionate, Sensual, Emotional, Highly Descriptive...and so much more. As a reader, I felt the emotions of the characters, even the minor ones, as though I was living in their shoes.

Now that Elena is back in New York, she reluctantly realizes how much her life has changed in such a short time. Elena is not just an angel. She is the first ever "made" angel in history as well as the consort to her  Archangel, Raphael. The passion between Elena and Raphael is on full blast, and the love Elena feels for her angel is both powerful and intense. Elena's emotions are laid bare in this book, revealing a damaged girl who continues to harbor feelings of fear, resentment, and hurt from her childhood. So many things come to light, especially when Elena's father reveals a family secret, one that Elena must face head on.

Raphael, in my opinion, turns over a new leaf in Archangel's Consort. Raphael is an angel in love and has no qualms about hiding it, nor demolishing those that seek to destroy his relationship with Elena. A softer, more compassionate side to Raphael is revealed, much different from the overly intense Raphael in book #1, Angel's Blood. On more than one occasion, Raphael even jokes around with Elena. As their bond grows, however, Raphael finds it harder and harder to heal himself after injury. In addition, massive storms, crazy vampires, and murders are happening all over the world. Raphael knows immediately who the threat is, his own mother, the monster of all monsters. Raphael knows what must be done, but what alludes him is if he has the strength and heart to do it.

Archangel's Consort confirmed how much I absolutely love this series and I cannot wait to read it again and again. I loved the intensity of the characters, the romance, the emotions, the lurking threat of doom, and so much more. Also, Illium gets some stage time, and as always, Bluebells shines. Dmitri, Jason, and Aodhan also pop in and out, along with  Illium's mother, Hummingbird, which by the way, I'm dying to know her secrets, because apparently she's got alot of them. My only complaint with Archangel's Consort would have to be the pacing, which could have been a bit faster. Other than that, this was a wonderful read. Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series is a "must" for all Paranormal Romance fans. Next up is Dmitri's story, Archangel's Blade scheduled to release September of 2011' and I cannot be more excited!!

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Book Information
Title: Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter #3)
Author: Nalini Singh
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Published: January 25, 2011
Paperback, 324 pages

New to this series?? Make sure you check out the first two books in Guild Hunter series, Angel's Blood and Angel's Kiss


Saturday, January 22

Love Sucks Winner

 ** And the winner is..... Lacey!! **


Thanks to everyone that particpated!! Congrats Lacey, I'll be contacting you shortly.

Now that 2011' is here, I want to celebrate!!!  Anyone excited for the second half of the Vampire Diaries, Season 2 to air on Thursday, 1/27/11? I sure am! To tie ya over, I have some Vampire Swag to Giveaway.


This Giveaway includes:

Vampire themed "Live Forever" Reading Light
Vampire Diaries "Love Sucks" Book Mark
Vampire Diaries Card Game

Friday, January 21

Love Sucks: Vampire Diaries Giveaway

Last Day to ENTER....

Now that 2011' is here, I want to celebrate!!! {raises wine glass, Cheers!} Anyone excited for the second half of the Vampire Diaries, Season 2 to air on Thursday, 1/27/11? I sure am! To tie ya over, I have some Vampire Swag to Giveaway.


This Giveaway includes:

Vampire themed "Live Forever" Reading Light
Vampire Diaries "Love Sucks" Book Mark
Vampire Diaries Card Game

This contest will run from Friday, 1/7 thru Friday 1/21 at 11:59 PM, est. The winner (chosen at random) will be announced via email on Saturday, 1/22.  To claim the prize, please contact me (nocturnalbites@hotmail.com) within 72 hours of initial notification.

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada!

Best Of Luck!!

Monday, January 10

Review: Enforcer by Lauren Dane


Nina Reyes is a just barely reformed grifter who has left her past and her criminal record behind. That is until her brother shows up on her doorstep with some rogue werewolves out to kill him.

Nina gets further drawn into the web of intrigue when Lex Warden, Cascadia Pack's Enforcer, comes to her for help and she ends up needing his protection.

There are missing viral agents, the werewolf mafia, death threats, arson and a whole lot of scorching sex and acerbic wit between them.

Welcome to the Northwest and Cascadia Pack. (Excerpt from Goodreads)

Enforcer is the first book in Lauren Dane's Cascadia Wolves, a series surrounding the Warden family werewolf pack.

Nina Reyes has lead a tough life...Her parents die when she is a teenager, she gets stuck raising her younger brother, and ends up homeless.. all within a short time span. To survive, Nina turns to crime, more specifically, computer hacking, which she finds she is surprisingly good at. Despite her talent, Nina knows what she does is wrong, and vows to quit just as soon as she has enough money saved for her and her brother to get a fresh start in a new town. Unfortunately, her brother Ryan gets in with the wrong crowd and while at a bar one night, gets bit by a werewolf. Just when Nina thinks she can finally go on with her life, her brother shows up on her doorstep with rogue werewolves out to kill him. Once again, Nina vows to do whatever it takes to protect him.

Lex Warden is the enforcer and also second in command to one of the largest werewolf packs in the country. His reputation precedes him as being the most ruthless enforcer alive, and as such, is treated by fellow pack mates with the utmost respect. Lex suspects that Nina's brother is involved with rogue werewolves, and as his position dictates, sets off to question Ryan. Lex ends up on Nina's doorstep and is immediately taken aback. There is something about Nina that captures Lex's full attention, aside from the gun she so eloquently aims at his man goods. One thing leads to another, and the revelation that Nina is Lex's life mate becomes evident all too soon. Lex makes it his mission to claim Nina, in both body and soul.

I loved this book. Only 164 pages long, a lot smaller than what I normally read, Enforcer had all the elements of a 300 page book, minus the page after page of unnecessary back story and dialogue. For me, Nina is such a likeable character. She is smart, streetwise, sarcastic, and has a comeback for everything. Nina's term of endearment for her mate being Scooby is just one example of her "SmartAssery." Lex is the perfect match for her. He is strong, brave, and mostly stubborn, and combined with Nina's strong will make for some great reading entertainment, including extremely hot bedroom scenes. Did I mention really hot "in between the sheets" scenes? Whoa baby, and one scene in particular involving a bed, Nina, Lex, and a certain someone else left me with my mouth a gaping. One word....TRIBOND! {Hee, hee. You'll have to read to find out who the said third party is!!}This is such a fun book. Fan's of Larisa Ione and Kresley Cole will appreciate this series!

My only complaint with Enforcer is that the ending was too abrupt. I felt there should have been more resolution, especially since the events leading up to the ending were pretty intense. I guess I'll have to read book #2, Reluctant, to see what happens next.

Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5

Book Information
Title: Enforcer (Cascadia Wolves #1)
Author: Lauren Dane
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Published: April 2006

Friday, January 7

Love Sucks: Vampire Diaries Giveaway

Now that 2011' is here, I want to celebrate!!! {raises wine glass, Cheers!} Anyone excited for the second half of the Vampire Diaries, Season 2 to air on Thursday, 1/27/11? I sure am! To tie ya over, I have some Vampire Swag to Giveaway.


This Giveaway includes:

Vampire themed "Live Forever" Reading Light
Vampire Diaries "Love Sucks" Book Mark
Vampire Diaries Card Game

This contest will run from Friday, 1/7 thru Friday 1/21 at 11:59 PM, est. The winner (chosen at random) will be announced via email on Saturday, 1/22.  To claim the prize, please contact me (nocturnalbites@hotmail.com) within 72 hours of initial notification.

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada!

Best Of Luck!!

Wednesday, January 5

Review: Bonded by Blood (Laurie London)

Synopsis via Author's website

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy—Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity and Darkblood rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors.

Now, Guardian team leader Dominic Serrano will be forced to choose between the vengeance he craves and the woman he can’t live without…

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she’s cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.

For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her…

First things first.... Check out the Fangs on this hottie!! {Yowsers!} Bonded by Blood is Laurie London's debut novel in her totally awesome Sweetblood series. From the first chapter, I was glued to my Nook, anxiously awaiting the turn of each page. That is how much I enjoyed this book. 

The heroine of this story, Mackenzie Foster-Shaw is awesome. She's kick-arse, sexy, strong-willed, and compassionate. Despite the fact that Mackenzie is marked for death, she lives each day to the fullest. London does an amazing job of developing Mackenzie's character and providing just enough back-story without disrupting the main plot of the story.

Dominic is my type of vampire. Tall, dark, and fangtastically handsome without the typical vampire brooding and cheesy leather duster! Dominic is a vampire on a mission, one that does not include the sweet-blooded Mackenzie. Fate has different plans for Dominic and after just one glimpse of Mackenzie, it becomes evident that she is his saviour. Dom's journey with Mackenzie begins with a little game of Cat & Mouse and very quickly develops into an intimate relationship. P.S... The romance scenes, and yes, there are plenty, are HAWT! {blushes}

My favorite part of Bonded by Blood is the side characters... mainly Dominic's fellow team guardians, who also provide most of the comic relief in this story. A note at the end of the book reveals that book # 2 in London's  Sweetblood series, Embraced by Blood, (TBR 07/2011') will feature two of my favorite characters... Dominic's estranged brother, Alfonso and fellow guardian teammate,  Lily. This should be a good one, especially because both Alfonso and Lily come with some "soon to be revealed" baggage! Bring on the Drama.

Calling all Vampire and PNR romance fans out there: This book is a must read. Lara Adrian's Midnight breed and Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress World fans will  appreciate Bonded by Blood!!






Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5

Book Information
Title: Bonded by Blood (pre-order here)
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 2/01/2011
**Book provided by Harlequin via NetGalley for review purposes** 




Monday, January 3

Winners, Winners, Winners...

The Winners of the Twilight Eclipse Swag Giveaway are:

Team Jacob - CARMEL (rabidreads@gmail.com)

Team Edward - SARAH (sarah.tennyson@gmail.com)


Congratulations and big Thanks goes out to everyone that participated!!

Saturday, January 1

Last Call: Twilight Eclipse Giveaway!!

Only ONE day left to enter.....

Winner to be announced 01/03/2011

Calling all Twihards... Eclipse, the movie comes out in stores today, so what better way to celebrate than with a Giveaway!!

Are you Team Jacob? Team Edward? No worries, I have you both covered. I'm supporting both teams today and giving away (1) Jacob Eclipse Pen and Keychain set and (1) Edward Pen and Keychain set! I will be choosing two winners, so make sure you tell me which team you support!!


Rules: Fill out the Form below.

**This giveaway ends on 01/02/2011 at 11:59 pm (est)**. Winners will be notified via email on 01/03/2011. To claim prize, please contact me (nocturnalbites@hotmail.com) within 72 hours of initial notification.

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada, sorry guys...I'll include International contestants next time!!

Best of Luck!!

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