Anna Hackett's Blog, page 26

April 1, 2013

Full Throttle Reviews: Pooka in My Pantry by R.L. Naquin

Review by Marcia @ Bookswagger


Pooka in My Pantry (Monster Haven, Book Two), R.L. Naquin Zoey Donovan—empath, wedding planner, go-to girl for monsters with personal problems—has been marked twice for pickup by Death. On both occasions, Riley the smoking-hot reaper has refused to follow through. For his breach of protocol, Riley is now on probation. For her refusal to die on schedule, Zoey’s right to live is challenged. She will have to undergo a life-or-death trial, but she won’t know when or where it will happen…

Staying alive might not be so difficult if the Leprechaun Mafia hadn’t strolled into town. Now every business owner with the slightest connection to the supernatural community is being threatened with the most appalling bad luck if they don’t pay up. Mirrors are smashed, bodies are dropping, and Zoey’s still got clients waiting for fabric samples.

With a little luck, she might be able to save everyone and still have time for a second attempt at a decent first date with her favorite reaper.

Bookswagger Marcia: Five Crowns, major swagger a must read. I almost hate that I signed up for an author interview.  Because I loved this book, it is a fiver. I just tend to give five star reviews with author interviews on blog sites the side eye ya right…But gosh darn it I am now one, so commence with the side eye. I loved Pooka in My Pantry the second, in A Monster Haven series. You can’t go wrong with a funny Urban Fantasy in my book…well you can but R.L. Naquin didn’t. All the characters from the first book in the series, A Monster in My Closet (see previous review) are back.  The time span picks up six weeks from book one.

All the usual suspects are back with a few new additions like Gremlins, the Leprechaun Mafia (all boob height), of course our hot hero the reaper Riley. Riley and Zoey are still trying to get in their first date while she is under a 13 day period of bad luck which makes everything interesting. We get some new monsters, our old monsters, good luck vs. bad luck making for a great read.  Fans of the series will also get a few more clues into Clara, Zoey’s mothers disappearance, I so want to tell you what happened. If you read it, come back we can dish.

Review at Bookswagger including an interview with the author! bookswagger

Marcia: A lover of trashy romances, aliens, werewolves and anything that goes bump in the night. Happy Endings Required. For more of Marcia's reviews check out Bookswagger.
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Published on April 01, 2013 10:00

March 29, 2013

A novella, a novel and an anthology

Love sneaky short stories and novellas that you can read like lightning? Check out these action-packed short stories, novellas and short novels recently released or on sale now:




Zero Gravity Outcasts by Kay Keppler

Length: Novella
Genre: Sci-fi
Price: $3.03
Link




 




Braden (Tales of the Shareem) by Allyson James

Length: Short Novel

Genre: Sci-fi

Price: $1.99
Link



 
 


Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh
 
Length: Anthology - four novellas
Genre: Futuristic/Paranormal
Price: $7.99
Link


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Published on March 29, 2013 10:00

March 27, 2013

Book Spotlight: Betrayed

A clash of cultures, smoking hot Roman warriors and magical Druid heroines...take a look at BETRAYED by Christina Phillips. This is some sexy fantasy-historical romance, part of Christina's Forbidden series.

In 51 A.D., Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legions. Even though she is drawn to her captor, she’s determined to escape and complete her mission for the Briton king and her duty to Arianrhod, the goddess she is bound to.

The tough Roman warrior who captures her is far from the brutal barbarian she expects. His touch inflames her desires and passion burns between them. Though Nimue does not accept her enslavement, her heart surrenders to her enemy. When Arianrhod appears to her in the form of an owl, Nimue knows the union is blessed.

Roman warrior Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. Though enslaving her goes against his heart, he’s determined to make her his. No woman has ever heated his blood as she does. But when he discovers her true nature as one who actually communes with the gods, his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he’s ever believed in.





 And you're luck, because there are two earlier books in the series and another, TAINTED, coming soon.



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Published on March 27, 2013 10:36

March 25, 2013

Full Throttle Reviews: Protecting What's His by Tessa Bailey

Review by Nina @ Nina's Literary Escape

Mini Review: Protecting What's His (Line of Duty #1) by Tessa Bailey
She’s running from the law, and the law wants her bad.

The opportunity was just too damn delicious for Ginger Peet to pass up. The purse full of money she finds—$50,000 to be exact—could give her and her teen sister the new start they need. So she grabs the cash, her gothy sibling, and their life-sized statue of Dolly Parton, and blows outta Nashville in a cloud of dust.  

Chicago, here we come...

Turns out, Chicago has some pretty hot cops. Hot, intense, naughty-lookin’ cops like Derek Tyler, who looks like he could eat a girl up and leave her begging for more. And more. Tempting as he is, getting involved with the sexy homicide lieutenant next door poses a teensy problem for a gal who’s on the lam. But one thing is certain—Derek’s onto her, and he wants more than just a taste.

And as far as he’s concerned, possession is nine-tenths of the law.

★★★★★
I can't even express in words how much I love this book so I'll just let the gifs do the talking for me. First of all, Tessa Bailey deserves a standing ovation for an amazing debut novel!!!


If you already haven't guessed it, I loved Protecting What's His. It is definitely one of my favorite/best reads of 2013 so far. This book gets 5 stars from me. I couldn't give it anything less. It really couldn't have been more perfect.
Do yourself a favor and read this book this instant!!! 

Check out Nina's awesome gif review here
 
My name's Nina and I love to read. The number one genre that I love is romance. For more of Nina's reviews check out Nina's Literary Escape.
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Published on March 25, 2013 10:00

March 22, 2013

This Week's Short and not so Sweet

Love sneaky short stories and novellas that you can read like lightning? Check out these action-packed short stories, novellas and short novels recently released or on sale now:



Conquest by Rebecca York

Length: Short Story
Genre: Sci-fi
Price: $0.99
Link











Prince of Passion by Donna Grant


Length: Short Story

Genre: Paranormal

Price: $0.99
Link










Borderline by Robert Appleton
 
Length: Short Story
Genre: Sci-fi (note: this is straight sci-fi not romance)
Price: $0.00 (FREE until 25th March)
Link
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Published on March 22, 2013 09:28

March 20, 2013

2013 Q1 Action Movie Round Up

Well, the first quarter of 2013 is almost over. Wow, that went fast! Anyway, since March is racing to a close, I thought I'd take a look at the action movies that came out over the last few months and what March still has up its sleeve.

Image: MGM/ParamountHansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
A fairy tale re-telling. Pros: Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton star. I like the premise: Hansel and Gretel grow up to become witch-hunting bounty hunters. It has crossbows!

Unfortunately the ratings and critics have not been kind. 3.9/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.4/10 on IMDb. I don't care...I still want to see it!

A Good Day to Die Hard
This is the 5th installment in the Die Hard series. Pros: We all know this is going to have plenty of hard-core action. And action fav, Bruce Willis. Again I like the premise, John McClane goes to help his wayward son, Jack in Russia. Only to discover Jack is a highly-trained CIA agent.

Again, the ratings are not good. 4/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and 5.7/10 on IMDb. Hmmm, I'm not a die hard Die Hard fan, but I'll probably watch this one eventually. If only to check out Aussie actor, Jai Courtney.

Jack the Giant Slayer
Another fairy tale given the Hollywood treatment. Pros: A fun fantasy adventure. Ewan McGregor...I could listen to him speak all day long.

This one has fared a little better with the reviews. 5.7/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.6/10 on IMDb. I can't say Nicholas Hoult really does it for me and I'm a little wary of the special effects (the trailer didn't do it for me). This one is a maybe from me until someone I know tells me they loved it.

Oz the Great and Powerful
Disney's latest darling is doing well at the Box Office. Pros: Great cast with three fab ladies in lead roles - Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams and Mila Kunis. And come on, who doesn't love Oz.

I'll confess, I am completely ambivalent towards James Franco and I'm wary of some cheesiness, but other than that, I definitely will check this one out. 6/10 at Rotten Tomatoes and 7/10 at IMDb.



Coming Soon in March
March still has a few more action movies coming! Watch out for:

~ Olympus Has Fallen starring Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman and Aaron Eckhart.

~ G.I. Joe: Retaliation starring Bruce Willis (the man is unstoppable!), Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson (love The Rock!)

~ The Host starring Saoirse Ronan (the girl from The Lovely Bones) and some young guys. This is based on a book by Stephanie Meyer (of Twilight fame)...almost enough to turn me away but, I like the sci-fi premise of aliens taking over our bodies and erasing memories.

And don't forget to check the FULL THROTTLE MOVIES - 2013 CALENDAR at the top of the blog for more action movies coming in 2013.
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Published on March 20, 2013 10:00

March 18, 2013

Full Throttle Reviews: Once Bitten, Forever Burned by Eve Langlais and Stacey Kennedy

Review by Nina @ Nina's Literary Escape

Once Bitten, Forever Burned by Eve Langlais and Stacey Kennedy

A mini anthology containing:
 
DEVON'S REDEMPTION by Eve Langlais
Bethany lost her one and only love to a war overseas. As if that weren’t bad enough, a brutal attack and claiming by a Lycan makes her life a living hell. She lives only for revenge until the day love comes back into her life and promises to rescue her from her misery. However, the mate who forced her isn’t about to let her go.

Devon died on the battlefield only to be reborn as a creature of the night. He fights to stay away from his one true love, but when he caves to his desire and sees her again, he discovers redemption is possible even for one who walks in darkness.

CRUZ'S SALVATION by Stacey Kennedy

Cruz understands torment. A mortal turned vampire in the war, he has suffered untold loneliness and despair. That is until he meets Kiara—a werewolf he’s forbidden to love.

Though Kiara needs Cruz, and wants him forever, werewolves and vampires are bitter enemies. To make matters worse, her Alpha, also her father, suspects that Kiara pines for a mate. Mistaking her sadness for the longing she feels for Cruz, he sets out to give her all the happiness he can provide.

Together, Kiara and Cruz will have to fight against the rules placed upon them to hold onto their love. But an unwanted visitor creates a complication neither of them planned for. Milo, Kiara’s chosen mate, has come to stake his claim. Now, not only are lives at risk, but hearts are threatened and dreams hang in the balance.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once Bitten, Forever Burned is an anthology involving two stories by two different authors. These two stories deals with forbidden love between a vampire and a werewolf and their struggles to be together. The first of the anthology is Devon's Redemption by Eve Langlais and the second story is Cruz's Salvation by Stacey Kennedy. As you read these short stories you can see a connection between the two, but they can very well be stand alone reads.

Devon's Redemption was a very emotional read, yet it had its sexy moments. This story is darker compared to Cruz's Salvation as it deals with physical abuse and mentions of rape. My heart just broke for Bethany throughout the story; she was truly a tortured heroine as her life was made into a living hell by her maker. But rest assured she does get her revenge and a HEA with her man, Devon.

The second short story, Cruz's Salvation was probably my favorite out of the two. It was hot, action-packed, and well-written. Cruz and Kiara's story was truly a paranormal spin of the classic Romeo and Juliet tale. Cruz is the Vampire and Kiara is the daughter of the Alpha. Both are fiercely in love, but are forbidden to be together and so their secret love affair begins. However, rest assured that these two lovers did not have a tragic ending except for a happily ever after.

In the end, I applaud both of these authors on two stories well-written. The characters were well-developed in both stories as well as the plot and storyline. The pace for both was good the the stories flowed smoothly. They were both entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of them.

Review at Nina's Literary Escape
 
My name's Nina and I love to read. The number one genre that I love is romance. For more of Nina's reviews check out Nina's Literary Escape.
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Published on March 18, 2013 10:00

March 15, 2013

Book Spotlight: Colonist's Wife

If you're looking for some sexy sci-fi romance, author Kylie Scott has a new release from Ellora's Cave, COLONIST'S WIFE.

It’s 2088, and having testified in a gangland murder trial, nowhere on Earth is safe for Louise. Witness Protection has organized a new identity and a marriage contract for her on the mining colony of Esther, one of the moons circling Jupiter. The man who meets her there is not the groom she expected.

Adam Elliot is neither sweet nor sincere, and he looks like he was hosed off a barroom floor. But soon a memorial service reveals Adam’s soft underbelly. Throw some stellar sex into the mix and the two decide that maybe marriage to each other might not be so bad after all.
 
But an assassin is already at work. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues on the planet’s frozen surface. Louise is determined to live long enough to draw the maniac away from the husband she might just have fallen for.

A Romantica® futuristic erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave34,000 words 

And if you like a few laughs, than check out Kylie's hilarious A Cheat's Guide to 'Colonist's Wife' - it is soooo funny. Especially the ladybugs....
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Published on March 15, 2013 09:11

March 13, 2013

Hot Paranormal Short Fiction

Love sneaky short stories and novellas that you can read like lightning? Check out these action-packed short stories, novellas and short novels recently released or on sale now:

The weekly short fiction round up is early this week because one story is only free until Friday! Don't miss out!




Taboo Kisses by Gracen Miller

Length: Short Novel
Genre: Erotic Paranormal
Price: $2.99
Link









The Werewolf Society Box Set byLisa Renee Jones


Length: Set of three short stories
Genre: Paranormal

Price: $0.99
Link








Sealed with a Kiss by Eleni Konstantine
 
Length: Short Story
Genre: Paranormal
Price: $0.99 (or FREE at Smashwords with code: ZY68S until 15th March)
Link
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Published on March 13, 2013 10:06

March 11, 2013

Author Spotlight: Sexy Sci-fi by S.E. Smith

If you're after some sci-fi romance, then check out these series from author, S.E. Smith:

Dragon Lords of Valdier Series

~ Dragon lords, warships, dragon symbiots and true mates


Lords of Kassis Series

~ Abduction, aliens, circus performers and assasins





Cosmos' Gateway Series

~ Prime warriors, portals, faraway galaxies and bond mates



S. E. Smith enjoys the art of writing and being a storyteller who shares love and laughter through her works. She likes to travel and go camping in between working on computers and spending time with her family. Readers can check out her website at http://sesmithfl.com.
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Published on March 11, 2013 10:00