Review: SHADOW BOUND by Erin Kellison

Review: SHADOW BOUND by Erin Kellison

Death

Some people will do anything to avoid it. Even trade their immortal souls for endless existence.

Wraiths

Secretly, inexorably, they are infiltrating our world, sucking the essence out of unsuspecting victims with their hideous parody of a kiss.

Segue

Adam Thorne founded the Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something hauntingly different about Talia O’Brien, her unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow.

Twilight

This is the place between life and what comes after - a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door.

Publisher: Dorchester

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Single Title/Series: SHADOW BOUND is book one in the Shadow Series.

Cover Thoughts: I'm really lovin' the mysterious beauty of this cover. It also portrays an inspiring likeness of the heroine and her powers serving as a fantastic reference for the description within. While its not my favorite, the cover does adequately convey the tone of the novel.

Why I Read It: I received an Advanced Review Copy from the publisher.

My Review:

Talia O'Brian is on the run for her life. A being not wholly of this world with her strange abilities to feel emotions with a touch and gather shadows with a thought, Talia has withstood an uncomprehending loneliness that most could never imagine let alone endure. With no one to turn to and no safe haven to hide, Talia is instead forced to flee city to city from the clutches of soul-sucking monsters on the hunt. They're after her and Talia can only guess that they know she's not entirely human and hope to utilize her gifts. When Talia is trapped by a monster within a stifling alley in the midst of an Arizona summer, it takes everything she has to keep conscious and hold the shadows securely around her but her hope fails when a man stumbles across her whispering her name. It's then that Talia can only feel an overwhelming sorrow that this stranger will soon die along with her.

Searching endlessly for Dr. Talia O'Brian, Adam Thorne has become desperate. Burdened for eight long years with the consuming need to bring about his brother's demise, Adam is sure that Talia holds the key to his success. Her dissertation on near-death experiences references a source having known a being called Shadowman. As a wraith, a changed human that feeds upon the souls of others, Adam's brother has mumbled the name Shadowman in fear early on in his capture. Now, after sacrificing eight grueling years of his life, after witnessing the deaths of his parents at the hands of his monster of a brother, as well as the pouring of millions of the Throne legacy into wraith research, Adam is not about to give up even when he finds Talia near death with heat-stroke and in the filthy hands of the immortal monsters he's so desperate to destroy. Plucking her off the streets and whisking her away to Segue Institute, Adam's wraith research headquarters, he soon discovers that Talia has more than just answers. She's the weapon he's been searching for. Finally he's found the means to destroy the wraiths that are so determined to enslave humanity.

Overwhelmed by the sheer masculinity that emanates in thick dark waves off Adam's person, Talia knows she's in real trouble of loosing her heart despite the fact that her instincts are roaring with the sour reality that she's undoubtedly a lab rat. A being to be dissected, tested, understood and then utilized to the fullest extreme. Already feeling cornered, Adam's tangible and burning determination to end his brother's life leaves Talia even more shaken and desperate to run. The horrifying experiences that Adam has been forced to endure by the very person he should have been able trust above all others, now has him craving murder. Having gone beyond a merciless death, Adam is now consumed by the whispers that call for a painful end for his wraith of a brother. Not wanting to be the weapon Adam is determined to wield, Talia formulates her escape but when people she's just met sacrifice their lives to keep her safe, Talia begins to build the resolute determination needed to fulfill a destiny that she's only just beginning to understand.

Irritated that he meets the woman of his dreams in the midst of a war against immortal monsters, Adam doggedly tries to restrain the flaming desire that burns with raging intensity for Talia. For eight years he's been consumed with only one person, his brother, now Talia has taken residence in his thoughts plaguing him with haunting dreams of another life, one where they could have loved each other undaunted and without the stain of fear and death. But when it's death knocking heatedly at their door, both Talia and Adam can't hold back the flood of yearning that explodes between them. To hell with thinking another life, another time. Their time is now and once they seize each other, once they allow themselves to be caught in the maelstrom of their love, it's then that they become unstoppable.

My Thoughts:

SHADOW BOUND is unlike any other reading experience I've had to date. Its a fast paced, heart pounding, gut wrenching, nail biting, awe inspiring thrill ride that will leave you begging for more and more.

Adam Thorne is a hero of heroes. Kellison leaves little to the imagination regarding his raw masculinity that becomes a pulsating aphrodisiac for both the heroine and the reader. His fierce predatory nature dominates as he sets his sites on Talia where nothing can deflect the sharpness of his locked gaze. He's stubborn, determined, a bit over-bearing but its all a product of his heart and the fierce drive he feels to protect what's important. Adam is heat and sex incarnate as his essence explodes off the page along with his determination to put an end to the war that threatens humanity. But what decidedly comes across most is Adam's all consuming desire and love for Talia. This is a man that does nothing half way so ladies, get ready to fall in love.

Talia, in most aspects, resembles a typical fantasy heroine with her reluctance to face her destiny and her fears regarding the power she wields. It takes drastic events to sharpen her focus and to finally bring to light the fact that she's capable of defeating the threat at hand. Instead, what makes Talia unique is her shadow altering powers, her heritage, and the destiny that awaits her. The twist Kellison put on the Fae and the crossing humans make from Earth to Heaven is incredibly fascinating and as tantalizing detail after tantalizing detail is unveiled, your investment in the book, the heroine and her plight, becomes absolute.

A warning: the evil in SHADOW BOUND isn't stymied or overshadowed. It's laid out in all its gory and horrifying details. The body count is steep and the author shows no mercy on both beloved secondary characters and villains alike. Thus, the love scenes are borne of adrenaline and the very stark reality that Adam and Talia have a high death probability making their need fierce and palpable. This is a story where your trust will be betrayed and your heart will hurt, but your love and faith in Adam and Talia doesn't falter, it only builds.

For fantasy lovers that desire a heart pounding thrill ride, a hero to dominate over all heroes, a uniquely powerful heroine, all swirling around a core of intense romance, look no farther than SHADOW BOUND.

A

More Reviews:

Parajunkee's View: 4/4
Super Reader Girl's Book Reviews
Blog with Bite: 3/4
Novel Addiction: 4/5
The Book Lush: 3/5
The Discriminating Fangirl: 4.5/5
My Overstuffed Bookshelf: 5/5
Anna's Book Blog: 4/5
Dark Wyrm Reads: 5/5
The Book Girl: 4/5

Coming Soon:

SHADOW FALL by Erin Kellison

Shadow Series Book Two

Releases July 27, 2010

Sacrifice

Custo Santovari accepted pain, blood, even death, to save his best friend. But a man with all his sins just isn't cut out to be an angel.

Mystery

One moment he's fleeing Heaven; the next, he's waking up stark naked in Manhattan. In the middle of a war. Called there by a woman who's desperately afraid of the dark.

Shadow

It gathers around Annabella as she performs, filled with fantastic images of another world, bringing both a golden hero and a nightmare lover.

Wolf

He pursues her relentlessly, twisting her desires even as she gives herself to the man she loves. Because each of us has a wild side, and Annabella is about to unleash the beast.

Guest Post with Tessa Adams & Giveaway!

DARK EMBERS by Tessa Adams

Releases July 6, 2010

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Prince Dylan MacLeod is one of the last pure-blood dragon shape- shifters-and ruler of a dying race, the Dragonstar clan. It falls to him to protect his people and their ancient magic. But he has one important duty: to provide an heir...

Like all dragons, Dylan, who has a dark, rampant sexual appetite, can only procreate with his destined mate-for whom he's searched for the last five hundred years. But his quest is delayed when a disease sweeps through the Dragonstars, and Dylan must venture to the human world to find a cure. He tracks down bio-chemist Phoebe Quillum, never imagining the beautiful scientist would be the mate he's been seeking. But even with the fate of the clan on their shoulders, Phoebe and Dylan are overcome by their sexual desire.

Their passion turns to something truer, but when Phoebe is kidnapped by Dylan's oldest enemy, he must risk everything for his love and his clan...

EXCERPT

********************************************************************

Hey everyone! Please join me in welcoming Tessa Adams/Tracy Wolff to Lovin' Me Some Romance!

Guest Post:

I’m so excited to be here today—I love this blog and all of the great covers and interesting facts VampFanGirl digs up for her readers *blushing* Thanks Tessa!. I’ve been writing as Tracy Wolff for the last couple of years—doing contemporaries and erotic suspense, so I’ll admit to being a little nervous about introducing my new pen name, Tessa Adams—especially as it’s kicking off a brand new, paranormal series for me: Dragon’s Heat.

Now, I’ve been a fan of paranormal romance for years—from Christine Feehan to Sherrilyn Kenyon to Patricia Briggs to JR Ward, I’m a huge fan of the genre. Which is why, when my editor approached me about doing a paranormal series, I completely jumped on the idea.

And while I love me some vampires, I have to admit my favorite paranormal creatures really are shapeshifters. There’s nothing sexier to me than a super-studly, super-hot guy who has a bunch of animal instincts running around inside him—which is why I came up with my Dragon Heat series. They are modern day dragons living in the deserts of New Mexico, and trying desperately to survive a virus that is ravaging their species (not to mention war with other dragon clans). The first book, which comes out next week, is Dark Embers and I’ve just finished work on Hidden Embers, the second book in the series.

But enough about me—what I really wanted to talk about today are some of my favorite shapeshifter series. Like I said above, if its paranormal I pretty much read it, but I have to admit to having some tried and true favorites. So with no further ado, here’s my list:

1. Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series: I love these books. Seriously love everything about them. The wolves, the cats, the Psy—and the chemistry between them. What’s not to love? My favorite book to date is still Caressed by Ice (the third in the series) but Hostage to Pleasure runs a close second. Not that I don’t buy the other books the second they come out and read them in one sitting …

2. Patricia Briggs’s Mercy series: I just recently discovered Mercy, and ended up whipping through the entire six book series in a week. While this falls more in the range of urban fantasy than paranormal romance, I have to write about it because Briggs does such a kick-ass job with Mercy (a coyote shifter mechanic) stuck with an Alpha wolf for a mate, a Fae for a best friend and a vampire with a VW bus who has a serious crush on her. Briggs has tackled some really difficult issues in these books and done so beautifully—I can’t recommend them highly enough.

3. Sunny’s Mona Lisa series: I fell in love with Sunny’s writing from the first chapter of the first book and have stayed that way through all four of them—and her new Lucinda series as well. She is an incredible writer who makes even the most unsympathetic characters completely sympathetic.

4. Sophie Renwick’s Velvet series: Sophie is a fellow NAL writer and very good friend of mine and I have to admit to being completely hooked on her brand new Paranormal series. The first book, Velvet Haven, hit the shelves a few months ago and each of the subsequent books will feature a different kind of shifter in her mythical world of Anywnn.

5. Allyson James’s Stormwalker. This is a brand new Urban Fantasy story, with a kickass heroine who draws power from lighting and her dragon lover. Allyson has created an incredible world in the southwestern desert, one filled with Native American magic and fascinating relationships. I can’t wait for the second book to hit the shelves.

So, as I’m getting to launch my own paranormal shifter series, I thought I would ask you who your favorite shifters are. Who is your favorite author/shifter character of all time? Though I didn’t mention her Dark Hunter series above (because much of it is vampires), I think my absolute favorite shifter is Vane Kattalakis from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Night Play. He is the most amazing hero I’ve ever read and the fact that he is half wolf makes it even better ;) So leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Dark Embers and Tease Me, my most recent Tracy Wolff book.


VFG's Answer: Oh gawd, that's a tough one to answer Tessa because like you, I love me some shifters. Their voracius animal halfs make for some super delicious alpha heroes, not to mention all the fabulous authors who pen their lucious selves onto the pages. And ooh girl, I love me some Vane too!!! I have to agree that Nalini Singh has a collection of shifters that I'd love to have an ogRy with. No joke on that one. And Sophie Renwick definitely has some bitable hero shifters. Yeah, I'd have to say that those two are my faves. Can we have a tie? ;)

Giveaway Details:

*Answer Tessa's Question along with a Current Email Address*

**Contest Open to US and Canada Only**

***Must be 18 or Older to Enter***

****Contest Closes Monday, July 5th at Midnight U.S. Pacific Standard Time and Winners will be Chosen Randomly and Announced Tuesday, July 6th****

*Promo* THE ETERNAL ONES by Kirsten Miller

THE ETERNAL ONES by Kirsten Miller

Releases August 10, 2010

Genre: Young Adult

Haven Moore can't control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother's house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

For any who frequent my blog, its obvious that I don't read much if any Young Adult genre books. Of course I had to and did jump on the Twilight bandwagon. What woman didn't? However, after the subsequent explosion of Young Adult books, I can't help but think that the market will soon be saturated resulting in a diluted and lackluster product after the publisher's harried attempt to make available as many books as possible.

Already I'm bombarded by the overwhelming number of choices within the genre which has ultimately left me too frighted to even bother venturing into that area of the bookstore. Well that and the narrow-eyed looks I receive from the hormonal teens whom have already staked their claim upon their young, dreamy heroes. It's cool girls *holds hands up* I ain't poaching! In my romances, my hero and heroine get have sex. Hah!! Take that! ...anyway.

So yeah, combined with that and my general thought that too much of a good thing can't be good, I've steered clear of the genre. But then I got this review request for THE ETERNAL ONES by Kirsten Miller. There's just something so compelling about reincarnation and fate. They are two extremely bold concepts that people either shun or believe and that choice can often define who you are in the face of others. When I researched the novel, I found myself wholly sucked in resulting in my immediate acceptance of it for review.

Interestingly enough, the cover isn't as eye catching as the million other Young Adult novels. I'm actually really encouraged by this. Rather then being snared by something pretty, this plain cover gives me hope that the good stuff truly lies underneath. In any event, I'm excited to read this book and I think it might appeal to many of you reading my blog.

While you won't be seeing my review of THE ETERNAL ONES until much closer to its August 10th release date, there are some early reviews available. Here are a few if you're interested:

Only Sexy Books Allowed: 4/5
And Anything Bookish: 4.3/5
All-Consuming Books: C
Michelle's Book Blog: 5/5

Christine Wells' SWEETEST LITTLE SIN Winners!

And the two winners to receive a signed copy of Christine Wells' SWEETEST LITTLE SIN are...

deenar116 (Please email me!), who said...

Looking forward to reading your books Christine! I believe that THEY will be my sweetest little sin!

And...

latishajean, who said...

I have to say my sweetest sin is cheesecake can't live with out it my favorite thanks for this great giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you so much to all the entrants. Your participation means the world. And of course, a GIANT thank you and hugs to Christine Wells for answering all my interview questions, responding to comments, and providing the stellar giveaways!

********************************************************************
SWEETEST LITTLE SIN by Christine Wells

A Marquis' Betrayal

Lady Louisa Brooke has many suitors, but the only man for her is the wild and ruthless Marquis of Jardine. When Jardine suddenly abandons her after a long-standing liaison, he leaves her with nothing except the secret they share. Her future in ruins, Louisa recklessly accepts a mission from the head of the secret service and becomes embroiled in a perilous operation in which nothing is as it seems...

A Lady's Revenge

The Marquis of Jardine is determined to destroy the criminal mastermind who's sworn vengeance against all he holds dear. But when he hears that Louisa is to wed a dangerous enemy, Jardine is tortured by jealousy and fear for her safety. He tracks her down, only to discover that her mission collides with his.

A Love that Won't Be Denied

Together, Louisa and Jardine must now foil a plan to betray the secret service and escape a diabolical revenge. But can they put the past behind them, and take the greatest risk of all--on love?

REVIEW
INTERVIEW

Movie Review: THE WOLFMAN

Title: THE WOLFMAN

Released: February 2010

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving

My Review: The date: 1891. The place: the eerie fog shrouded Victorian hamlet of Blackmoor where a crazed beast has murdered a number of villagers as well as the local nobleman's son. However, before Ben Talbot's mauled body is discovered, his fiancée, Gwen Conliffe (Emily Blunt), pleads with his brother, Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro), to help in the search. Estranged from the family for several years after his father, Sir John Talbot (Anthony Hopkins), condemned him to an insane asylum, Lawrence is at first unwilling to return to Blackmoor and the dark past that surely awaits but his regret soon drives him back. Sadly, the moment Lawrence arrives home, his father coldly informs him that Ben's body has been found and the horrific cause of death is unlike any has ever seen before.

Frantic suspicions burn rampant amongst the terrified townspeople conjuring tales of werewolves and gypsy magic. Thinking he may find answers regarding his brother's death, Lawrence sets out for the discussed gypsy camp and is soon met with a macabre scene of blood and gore. After his heroic attempts lead him to a fearsome creature's embrace, Lawrence is savagely bitten and near death himself. Nursed diligently by Gwen, Lawrence awakens days later to find the once gaping wound betwixt his shoulder and neck miraculously and completely healed. Frighted of his new found strength and acutely alert senses, Lawrence finds comfort in Gwen but when her presence stimulates a fierce primal desire of terrifying heights, Lawrence banishes her from Blackmoor for fear of her safety.

Lurking about his father's dilapidated estate, Lawrence's instincts fire rapidly with the distinct feeling that someone knows something of his strange condition but when the full moon arises, answers come too late leaving Lawrence to succumb to his worst nightmare. As the animal nature of the beast overpowers and obliterates the man within, leaving nothing but the desire to hunt and maim, Lawrence is merely a shadow of himself. Come morning, when his blood-soaked escapades are discovered, the townspeople of Blackmoor capture the filthy and confused Lawrence. Committed once again to the insane asylum, he's told that he's a monster. A product of his own delusions, the same delusions, oddly enough, that he had as a child which resulted in his previous visit of years past. Lawrence, however, knows what he's suffering from is far worse than mere delusion. He's a werewolf and if he doesn't convince the doctors to put him out of his misery, they'll all soon be dead. Slashed to bloody bits like his brother. There's only one person that has the hope of saving Lawrence, and that's Gwen. She's the only one with the key to his salvation.

My Thoughts:

Watching THE WOLFMAN is like falling magically into a Gothic historical romance. The fog laden land, crumbling mansion, and suspicious townsfolk set the stage for a "who done it" thriller that will have you biting your nails in suspense. Mix in a sensual romance and a darkly mysterious hero and you're left with a wonderful concoction of romance reader bliss.

Benicio Del Toro, whose swarthy dark looks fit perfectly with his character's gypsy heritage, was an interesting role choice. Having only ever seen Del Toro in movies where his native Hispanic accent rolls as thick as honey off his tongue, his American accent for THE WOLFMAN was shocking to say the least. And to answer your sudden question, Lawrence Talbot lived out his adolescent years in America during his long estrangement from his father. What makes Del Toro magic for the role, in addition to his dark rugged looks, is his hulking size. Suddenly he's the hero of every historical romance when his studly physique results in him towering over the pasty British gentry. As I sat watching the thick maleness of Del Toro ride a hulking black steed with his long coattails flailing behind him - he became my walking fantasy - once I adapted to his American accent that is.

And then there's the marvelous Emily Blunt. With her patrician facial structure and wide sensual mouth, little needs be done to transform this modern woman into a Victorian-era lady. While her character, Gwen, has little history to provide to the role accept the fact that she was engaged to Lawrence's murdered brother, Blunt breathes a rich and abundant life into her. She captures the screen with such ease that your enchantment with her plight is immediate. Manipulating the subtlest of facial expressions, the viewer can easily ascertain every one of Gwen's emotions. The love she felt for her dead fiancée, her wariness of Sir John Talbot, and the burgeoning love for Lawrence is played out beautifully upon her face. Gwen is a woman of vulnerabilities along with a palpable fear but it's her desire to help Lawrence that eclipses all else becoming an acute source of determination and bravery. Gwen is the light to Lawrence's darkness. She is his champion, protector and ultimately his savior.

Sir Anthony Hopkins. Funny the difference his title would have meant in Victorian England verses the modern era. A seasoned and brilliant actor, Hopkins gives THE WOLFMAN a much needed credibility alongside the other relative unknowns. As Sir John Talbot, he's a man that you desperately want to trust as a fatherly figure but in truth, that trust was smashed from the beginning with his son's estrangement. A mystery all to himself, it's the disrepair of Sir John's once grand estate that gives the viewer an uncanny glimpse into his soul. He's rotting away from heartache, from loneliness, from desperation. By far, it's his character whose essence bleeds life into the scenes making the very walls of the dilapidated Talbot Hall pulse with darkness. A shell of his former self, Sir John is all that happens when life is allowed to sweep over like a tornado, shredding one's existence.

Beyond its superior cast, THE WOLFMAN is also richly layered in authentic detail. The insane asylum is particularly interesting with its portrayal of the hedonist manner with the which the ailed brain was managed in all its macabre delights. In addition, the special effects, with their bone snapping clarity, offered a visually stunning and gruesome Victorian werewolf. And finally, Talbot Hall is incredible with its Gothic beauty and spectacular scenery. One truly is immersed back in time with this lovely horror of a film.

For Gothic historical romance readers, THE WOLFMAN is a must see!

B+

Fun Facts:

Benicio Del Toro's WOLFMAN makeup took approximately 3 hours to apply and 1 hour to remove.

Talbot Hall is really Chatsworth House located in the Peak District of Derbyshire, England. (It was also used in the 2005 film adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with Keira Knightly and 2008s THE DUCHESS, also with Keira Knightly)

Benicio Del Toro is a huge fan of the original film, and remained attached to the remake ever since it was first announced in 2006 and passed through the hands of several directors.

Inspector Abberline is a fictionalization of an actual historical person. He was the Scotland Yard Inspector that investigated London's 'Jack the Ripper' murders in the late 1880s. His past is mentioned in the film.

Many actors, including Gene Simmons and David Lee Roth, were called in to do the Wolfman's howls.

Fun Facts from Internet Movie Database. To view these facts as well as more, click HERE.

Interview with Christine Wells & Giveaway

SWEETEST LITTLE SIN by Christine Wells

A Marquis' Betrayal

Lady Louisa Brooke has many suitors, but the only man for her is the wild and ruthless Marquis of Jardine. When Jardine suddenly abandons her after a long-standing liaison, he leaves her with nothing except the secret they share. Her future in ruins, Louisa recklessly accepts a mission from the head of the secret service and becomes embroiled in a perilous operation in which nothing is as it seems...

A Lady's Revenge

The Marquis of Jardine is determined to destroy the criminal mastermind who's sworn vengeance against all he holds dear. But when he hears that Louisa is to wed a dangerous enemy, Jardine is tortured by jealousy and fear for her safety. He tracks her down, only to discover that her mission collides with his.

A Love that Won't Be Denied

Together, Louisa and Jardine must now foil a plan to betray the secret service and escape a diabolical revenge. But can they put the past behind them, and take the greatest risk of all--on love?

REVIEW

********************************************************************

My Interview:

Christine! I'm so thrilled to host you on my blog again. Welcome!

Thanks so much for having me, Ashley! I love your site and I'm thrilled to be back. Hi everyone!

Jardine. Gawd, I was trying to wait to discuss him but I can't! Not only does he steal every scene he's in, he's stealing this interview as well! What was your first thought when he walked onto the pages of THE DANGEROUS DUKE? For most authors, a magnetic character such as Jardine is the best thing to ever happen to them, but I have to imagine some groaning when he makes his appearance in the midst of another hero's story. What was the experience like for you?

Haha, Ashley, yes Jardine is just one of those 'force of nature' characters who appears on the stage and you simply can't tone him down. He is who he is. I probably should have tried harder, though, for the good of the main story. He was meant to be a foil for the hero, Max's character. Jardine's the spy who stops at nothing; Max wrestles with questions of honour and eventually sees he can't reconcile his personal values with the life of a spy. Jardine's character actually requires a lot of energy to write--it often feels as if I need a rest after dealing with him! As a secondary character he was a lot of fun. As a hero, he was exhausting!

The mystery surrounding Jardine is incredibly thick and while its sexy as hell, the trait also made me wonder if he was just as mysterious to you. Did you have to pry from him detail by agonizing detail, or was he "talkative"?

Oh, I have this funny thing where I don't interact with my characters at all. I don't even try to delve into their history. They walk onto the page fully formed and then their history is revealed to me as I'm writing. I have an idea of what their secret is, but not the full picture until later in the book. Then I might go back and layer in little hints here and there, to make it more interesting.

Louisa and her tumultuous emotions where Jardine is concerned were extremely palpable for me. She and her feelings were so real and spot on with the surrounding circumstances that it caused me to really empathize and immerse myself entirely within her shoes. What was the experience like for you writing her character? Did she pour as fluidly through your imagination as she did onto the pages?

Louisa is far braver and smarter than I would ever be, but throughout, I identified with her choices. She was always a crack shot and a good horsewoman, but she wasn't going to become a seasoned spy overnight. I did my best to make her believable, yet admirable. I liked that she didn't sit around and whine when Jardine left her. She took action. She's that kind of woman.

The pairing of a beautiful hero with a plain heroine is one of my all time favorite romance themes. Jardine mentions that he was felled by Louisa's warrior-woman eyes followed quickly by her intelligence and bravery. He sees in her what many do not making this aspect of his nature something I sincerely loved. Why go this route with your characters? Why was Louisa not the typical, stunningly gorgeous heroine that the Historical Romance genre generally demands?

I think we all love the idea of this devastatingly beautiful man in love with a woman who is not classically beautiful. In a way, Jardine is such an extraordinary hero that Louisa's force of character, her ability to stand up to him, make her beautiful to him. Classical beauties are a dime a dozen--being a handsome, wealthy marquis, Jardine can take his pick of them. Louisa is unique. But I didn't set out with a plan to write a popular trope. Louisa's lack of beauty was as irrelevant to me as it was to Jardine. I didn't think about it much; she just appeared, and she wasn't a winsome young thing, and that was that.

Ferny Hall, the home of the villainous Mr. Radleigh, is a strange collision of the Orient meets England and was a character all in and of itself. A phantasmagoria, as Louisa describes it, with Hindu Goddesses and erotic temples. Why the strange and multifaceted setting for Jarndine's and Louisa's story? What was its inspiration?

I wanted to show that Radleigh had more money than taste and because I had so much of the book occurring on this estate, I looked for an eccentric style of house. I found Sezincote, which is like the Prince Regent's Brighton Pavilion, only built earlier. It was the house that actually inspired the Brighton Pavilion some years later. You can see Sezincote here: http://www.sezincote.co.uk/ I stole quite a few of its features for Radleigh's home, although Sezincote doesn't boast a temple with erotic carvings all over it! That was my little addition:) I think it's gorgeous, but the Beau Monde probably turned their noses up at it at the time!

Speaking of villains, you sure do write some scary ones! SWEETEST LITTLE SIN in particular contains some awful villains. How difficult, if at all, is it to write these types of characters especially the ones that enjoy hurting women?

It's a difficult place to go as a writer and I'm not a suspense writer per se so I haven't made a study of this type of personality. But I think the key to that kind of character is to remember that they are wholly and completely self-absorbed. They don't care about anyone else. They just want what they want and they won't let anyone stop them getting it. The villain I really enjoy writing is always the mastermind, however. I love a clever villain!

I had mentioned in my review of THE DANGEROUS DUKE, that each sentence is crafted with such authenticity, whisking away readers to another time, that I pictured you toiling endlessly over each one. How much research do you allot for your novels? How do you format your words with such perfection that one can really grasp the culture of your historical settings?

Oh, what a lovely compliment! I do try to strive for an authentic voice that is still very smooth and readable for the modern reader but I don't really labor over each word. I think as a writer you find your natural voice fits somewhere and mine seems to fit in historicals. I have a fairly good general knowledge of the period built up over years of fascination with Regency England. When something comes up for a particular book, I'll chase down out of print copies of books and information on the Internet, but usually I do that as I write. Small items, I look up as I go and sometimes, when I'm really stuck, I ask my friends at the Beau Monde. They can usually point me in the right direction!

And finally, what's next for Christine Wells? Is it perhaps Vane's troubled brother, Nick? *waggles brows*

I could tell you, but then I'd have to send Jardine to kill you! LOL Seriously, I have the most fantastic surprise coming and I'm very excited about it but I'm not allowed to tell anyone yet! It's killing me, but when I'm given the green light, I'll be sure to let you know! *Doh! I hate waiting!*

Giveaway Details:

I'd love to give away two signed copies of SWEETEST LITTLE SIN to anyone who can tell me what's your Sweetest Little Sin??

Thank you so much for having me!

Cheers,
Christine

*Answer Christine's Question along with a Current Email Address*

**Contest Open to USA Only**

***Must be 18 or Older to Enter***

****Contest Closes Monday, June 21st at Midnight U.S. Pacific Standard Time and Winners will be Chosen Randomly and Announced Tuesday, June 22nd****

Review: SWEETEST LITTLE SIN by Christine Wells

Review: SWEETEST LITTLE SIN by Christine Wells

A Marquis' Betrayal

Lady Louisa Brooke has many suitors, but the only man for her is the wild and ruthless Marquis of Jardine. When Jardine suddenly abandons her after a long-standing liaison, he leaves her with nothing except the secret they share. Her future in ruins, Louisa recklessly accepts a mission from the head of the secret service and becomes embroiled in a perilous operation in which nothing is as it seems...

A Lady's Revenge

The Marquis of Jardine is determined to destroy the criminal mastermind who's sworn vengeance against all he holds dear. But when he hears that Louisa is to wed a dangerous enemy, Jardine is tortured by jealousy and fear for her safety. He tracks her down, only to discover that her mission collides with his.

A Love that Won't Be Denied

Together, Louisa and Jardine must now foil a plan to betray the secret service and escape a diabolical revenge. But can they put the past behind them, and take the greatest risk of all--on love?

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Historical Romance

Single Title/Series: SWEETEST LITTLE SIN is a stand alone novel, however, I do recommend reading THE DANGEROUS DUKE first. The hero and heroine's story really starts with that novel and while its not entirely necessary, it can enhance the reading experience of SLS. In addition, some secondary characters have received their own books prior to its publication.

Cover Thoughts: Pretty but generic. However, I've seen this book at the bookstore and the blue definitely stands out in a crowd.

Why I Read It: I purchased this book. SWEETEST LITTLE SIN was a MUST read for me after reading about the hero and heroine, Jardine and Louisa, in THE DANGEROUS DUKE.

My Review:

Lady Louisa Brooke has waited eight long excruciating years for the Marquis of Jardine to renounce his life-endangering job at England's Home Office and finally provide her with the marriage and family he once vowed. Now, after time has successfully completed its erosion of her once formidable strength to grasp tightly to Jardine's promises, Louisa only wishes to be rid of him and what ultimately proved to be a pack of lies, all of which she'd foolishly built her life around. Having forsaken years that she'll never get back, Louisa refuses to wait a moment longer to start living and when the Home Office comes knocking on her door, she answers it with relish.

Jardine has loved and feared for Louisa from the first moment he was felled by her warrior-woman eyes. Knowing that his enemies wouldn't think twice before abducting Louisa if their passion for one another became public, Jardine instead makes promises of forever then promptly leaves resulting in eight years of cat and mouse. While he hates that he's had to hurt her, Jardine's beastly possessive nature refuses to let her find happiness with another. Louisa is his and always will be. But when a deadly enemy proves to be closer now more than ever, Jardine knows that he must drive Louisa away once and for all or risk loosing her in the worst way. He must put an end to their liaison as well as her dreams for he'd rather Louisa be vibrantly alive than dead. However, he never dreamed that she'd promptly set her cap on one Mr. Radleigh; a man that Jardine suspects of much more than mere treason but more importantly, Radleigh could lead him to an even more fearsome enemy whose motive is a dark and personal revenge.

While Radleigh reeks of a perverse evil making Louisa shiver internally with fear, she gathers strength from finally having found a much needed purpose with the Home Office. No matter that their requirement of Louisa is trivial and she longs for more responsibility, she'll not shirk her duty and instead surpasses their demands by agreeing to marry Radleigh in order to secure an invitation to his country estate. The engagement wouldn't have been her choice but to decline would have proven her disinterest and therefore negated her chance for the Home Office's required invitation. What proves to be the most difficult with regards to Louisa's mission, however, is that she absolutely must not disclose a single shred of information to anyone. When Jardine makes a predictably arrogant attempt to curtail Louisa's engagement, she at first thrills in her heart that he may be jealous, but he soon smashes that hopeful notion. He didn't lie when he told he no longer loved her. Instead Jardine thinks her inept which only makes Louisa's smearing of his face within her pending nuptials all the more satisfying - sham wedding or not.

Frightened by the strange coincidence of Louisa becoming engaged to Radleigh, Jardine smells something foul afoot and gains his own invitation to the Radleigh country estate. Once there Jardine plans to no only protect Louisa but to find a very important list - one that documents the identities of each and every agent working or having worked for the Home Office. Radleigh plans on selling the list to the highest bidder but Jardine has every intention of seizing it for himself to use as bait for another dastardly enemy carrying a personal vendetta. Its the perfect opportunity for Jardine to wipe clean the danger that has stalked him relentlessly resulting in the infernal need to hide his love for Louisa. In the meantime, Jardine stalks Louisa as he tries to unveil the secret for her being with Radleigh. She's too smart to not notice Radleigh's radiating evil. Rather she's at the estate for another purpose and Jardine will go to any length to discover what that purpose is.

No sooner does Louisa arrive at Radleigh's estate when she realizes she's in way over her head. With her trust in Jardine having been obliterated, it's impossible for Louisa to disclose her reasons for being engaged to the nefarious Radleigh. With no one else privy to the mission, it leaves Louisa no choice but to obtain the list of agents Radleigh's hiding on her own - her brother's and Jardine's life may depend on it. Dogged by Jardine at every turn, Louisa does her best to search the estate for the list but to no avail. When friends soon begin to turn foe, Louisa is struck with the realization that everything comes down to her winning Jardine's heart once and for all. Together they just might make it out of this rancid entanglement alive but apart, they'll forever forfeit their right to love.

My Thoughts:

SWEETEST LITTLE SIN is sweet non-stop action. Nary a pause for breath between heartbreak, betrayal, and death, SLS certainly doesn't bore but its also not my favorite by Christine Wells. While I predicted Jardine to be deeply embedded within the spy element of the Home Office, I was a bit disappointed at the extent with which Wells' took it. The spy-thriller element saturates the novel beyond what I would have liked but it was nonetheless entertaining. My real hope, however, was for a central character driven plot rather then espionage but Jardine still stole the show.

A devilishly dark and dangerously magnetic hero, Jardine encapsulates all that and more. Having no real morals, no regret and no recompense for what his life has become as an agent, he is what he is and doesn't ever apologize for it. Why would we want him to? There's only one person that can crack Jardine's rigid control and that's Louisa. A force to be reckoned with in her own right, Louisa is my kind of heroine. She's skilled in horsemanship and weaponry as apposed to the pianoforte and water colors. She's smart with a biting wit and like Jardine, she's unapologetic for who she is. Apart the two are incredibly lonely and a bitter half of themselves and its only with each other that they become complete. It truly is a wonderful hero and heroine pairing.

Unfortuantely, I thought that the thick espionage plot overshadowed the combustible heat between Jardine and Louisa that ignited so passionately upon the pages of A DANGEROUS DUKE. I was disappointed that it took nearly two hundred pages to get to the heat and the build up prior to it was more then frustrating for its lack there of. Again, I think the spy elements were just too strong and therefore commandeered a hefty portion of the stage.

However, I'm still in love with Christine Wells. Despite my gripes, the plotting is still amazing. Abundant in detail with an incredible flow regardless of its rich and complicated material, SWEETEST LITTLE SIN embodies an epic feel. For a limited page count, this woman can pack it in!

For historical romance readers craving thick thriller plots, devilish heroes, and frightening villains, look no farther than SWEETEST LITTLE SIN.

B

More Reviews:

Fiction Vixen Book Reviews: 3.5/5
ck2s kwips and kritiques: 4/5
The Season Blog
The Romance Dish: 4.5/5
Smexy Books: 4/5

Review: THE DANGEROUS DUKE by Christine Wells

Review: THE DANGEROUS DUKE by Christine Wells

She seeks justice. He, revenge. And they'll never guess what they'll find.

A Daring Diary

Trapped in a loveless marriage, Lady Kate Fairchild found refuge in her diary, scene of her fantasy affair. And now, even though her husband's death has set her free, no suitor can thrill Kate quite like her phantom lover – until a duke with a murky past sears her with his gaze...

A Dangerous Duke

Maxwell Brooke, Duke of Lyle, is hunting the arsonists who killed his family – and Kate's brother knows where they hide. But when jailing him proves futile, Max kidnaps Kate, demanding as ransom her brother's cooperation. Still, Max never counted on Kate's rapier wit and heated kisses – and soon, desire wars with duty, even as real danger stalks his captive lady...

A Delicious Deceit

When Kate threatens to publish a tell-all diary if her brother remains imprisoned, Max hopes to protect her from the powerful men she intends to expose. Stealing the diary, he spirits her off to a country estate. But the diary is nothing like he expected – and when Max discovers Kate's sensual secrets, he can't resist exploiting them in every way...

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Historical Romance

Single Title/Series: THE DANGEROUS DUKE is a stand alone novel, however, secondary characters have received their own books since its publication.

Cover Thoughts: As beautifully elegant as it is romantic, I believe I'd be compelled to pick up the novel if glimpsed randomly at the book store. The setting and pose of the models are quite unique and combined with the bright shading, who could say no?

Why I Read It: I fell in love with Christine Wells and her characters after reading WICKED LITTLE GAME. Her books have the wonderful combination of dramatic emotional intensity and steaming hot physical encounters, both of which propel the plot. In fact, she reminds me greatly of Lisa Valdez and if you like one then you're bound to enjoy the other. Knowing that THE DANGEROUS DUKE showcased the main characters of Christine's recent release,SWEETEST LITTLE SIN, as secondary characters, I thought it would be helpful and fun to read it first.

My Review:

Lady Kate Fairchild is willing to go to desperate extremes in order to free her brother from prison. As the Lyle parish vicar, Stephan is accused of withholding information regarding the identities of the arsonists that burned the Duke of Lyle's seat to the ground - killing several family members. Knowing that her brother will martyr himself before revealing the names of those that Lyle seeks, for he'll surely be sending the accused to their death, Kate turns to blackmail. As the widow of a once affluent politician, Kate has mentally retained many incriminating anecdotes that could easily bring down a few members of the peerage. After exhausting all other avenues, blackmail appears to be the best and last choice, that is until she incurs the wrath of the Home Office and the Duke of Lyle himself.

Working his last mission for the Home Office due to his recent defaulted inheritance as the new Duke of Lyle, Maxwell Brooke is determined to acquire the identities of the arsonists that destroyed his ducal seat in addition to several family members - unfamiliar people to Max but nonetheless family. Determined to imprison Lady Kate's stubborn brother for as long as feasibly possible, Max hopes to hurry matters along by seducing the lady in question into convincing her brother to spill the information he so desperately seeks. However, he never anticipated his lustful but inconvenient reaction to the clever minded, gorgeous slip of a woman. Kate's quick intelligence both infuriates and fascinates Max while her sharp tongue and bald remarks ignites his temper right along side his flaming desire. Determining that Kate is entirely too smart and too desperate for her own good after revealing her plans to print a tell-all memoir, Max fears for her safety and swiftly organizes his procurement of said memoir as well as the Lady Kate herself.

Initially, Kate worries that her spotless reputation faces irreparable damage in the hands of the duke whom of which has the shocking ability to turn her sharp mind slow with lust. Never has she felt a passion this sharp, not even with her phantom lover. Sexually repressed within her loveless marriage, Kate took her pleasure in a diary that documented all her erotic fantasies. There she found solace in the arms of her made-up lover but what Max makes her feel surpasses all of her fantasies. Terrified by her rampant emotions, Kate thinks of nothing but escape until her many refusals of Max's ardor leads her straight towards a killer's embrace.

When Max's falsities for abducting Kate turns to reality and she truly does become the prey of a killer, he's convinced that his ill-timed lust prevented him from ensuring her proper protection and resolves to maintain distance. Emotional entanglements are never conducive to a successful mission but Kate's vulnerabilities and overall shock after near death propels them both into each others arms seeking comfort and release. When the details of the Kate's stolen diary reveals not the incriminating facts that she's threatened, but rather years worth of pent up sexual frustration, Max becomes convinced that his lust is to blame once again since it's obvious that he's gone about his carnal pursuits all wrong. Kate's documented her wants of a slow and sensual lover not the fierce ravishment he's subjected her to, treating her as though a common trollop. Resolving to treat Kate like her phantom lover as well as that which her station deserves, Max fights to restrain the dark possessive nature within him that demands release.

Kate, confused by Max's sudden cooling ardor, fights to build confidence and explain to him that she rather experience more of the possessive, overwhelming love making he'd originally demanded. While he still sates her every desire, somehow she's left unsatisfied. While a distance inevitably begins to expand with Max's clamped hold on his lust and Kate's fear of what his reaction will be to her dark needs, an enemy soon gains the upper hand forcing them each to face who they really are or loose each other forever.

My Thoughts:

THE DANGEROUS DUKE, while a seamless romance with a wonderfully developed hero and heroine, unfortunately became a bit overshadowed by two very interesting secondary characters. Lady Louisa, Max's sister, and Jardine, a Marquis whose connections led him to work for the Home Office, are embroiled in a thrilling game of cat and mouse. Jardine's extremely possessive nature combined with Louisa's desperation to maintain distance, soon propels the reader's own desperation to speed to the next scene containing the two. The forbidden passion and underlying current of a deep history leaves one begging for more, thus thrusting Max and Kate into the background. Jardine is one of those magnetic characters that commands full attention of the reader whenever he walks on stage. One can't help but have their eyes completely captured by his beauty, his dangerous bad-boy appeal so a warning: Be prepared to fall in love.

Unfortunately by the end, I cared little for Max and Kate but instead held bated breath between theirs and Jardine's and Louisa's scenes. It was their romance I became desperate to read and therefore sadly - yet successfully - ending my connection with Max and Kate. Their trials became trivial in the face of Jardine's and Louisa's complicated connection.

Aside from the above, I'm still in awe of Christine Wells and her unbelievable talent as a writer for she brings a distinct authenticity to her novels. Her grasp of the language, culture and rules whisks you wonderfully away to a whole other time and place. I imagine that she must toil over each and every sentence because from beginning to end, this novel is supremely polished and complete.

A wonderful diversion, THE DANGEROUS DUKE, combines thrilling action, sweet romance and two brilliant secondary characters that make it a complete pleasure from start to finish. Enjoy!

B-

More Reviews:

The Good, The Bad, and The Unread

Laura Bickle's EMBERS Winners!

And the ten lucky winners of EMBERS by Laura Bickle are...

bev
Chelsea B. (Please email me)
flychild7
Martha Lawson
Lisa R
katsrus
Melissa B.
JenM
Deedles
Barb P

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you to all for entering! And a big thank you to Laura Bickle for participating in the interview and for commenting throughout the contest's four day run! And finally a giant thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing the ten books for the giveaway!

********************************************************************

EMBERS by Laura Bickle

Unemployment, despair, anger--visible and invisible unrest feed the undercurrent of Detroit's unease. A city increasingly invaded by phantoms now faces a malevolent force that further stokes fear and chaos throughout the city.

Anya Kalinczyk spends her days as an arson investigator with the Detroit Fire Department, and her nights pursuing malicious spirits with a team of eccentric ghost hunters. Anya--who is the rarest type of psychic medium, a Lantern--suspects a supernatural arsonist is setting blazes to summon a fiery ancient entity that will leave the city in cinders. By Devil's Night, the spell will be complete, unless Anya--with the help of her salamander familiar and the paranormal investigating team --can stop it.

Anya's accustomed to danger and believes herself inured to loneliness and loss. But this time she's risking everything: her city, her soul, and a man who sees and accepts her for everything she is. Keeping all three safe will be the biggest challenge she's ever faced.

REVIEW
INTERVIEW
READ AN EXCERPT
FREE STORY OF SPARKY

Review: A BREATH OF MAGIC by Tracy Madison

Review: A BREATH OF MAGIC by Tracy Madison

Available Now!

Chloe Nichols is holding her breath. All her life, finding true happiness with a family has seemed as easy as...well, snagging a bubble off the wind—a bubble that her current boyfriend seems dead set on bursting. Yes, every time Chloe mentions her one true desire, Kyle shoots down her hopes. But he hasn’t reckoned with the awesome power of Gypsy magic, or with loyal kith and kin. One way or another, Chloe’s going to get her happily-ever-after. One could sometimes be found after you’d convinced a man he loves you, right? All Fate needs is a little puff in the right direction...

Publisher: Dorchester Publishing

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Single Title/Series: A BREATH OF MAGIC is Book Three in the Magic Series but it can also very easily be read as a stand alone novel.

Cover Thoughts: Enchanting is a word that immediately comes to mind when I look at this cover. Its just so vibrantly colored and really catches the eye. Plus, it hints to the heroine's magical gift which is a total bonus in my opinion when a cover adequately conveys the plot within.

Why I Read It: I was offered a copy for review by the publisher.

My Review:

Chloe Nichols is a desperate woman. Despite the newly found distant blood relation with her long time best friend, Alice, along with the outpouring of love and acceptance from her newly acquired family, there's still a gaping hole in Chloe's heart that needs filling. It also doesn't help that her magic has yet to make an appearance; if in fact it ever will. Feeling left out on a whole bunch of different and complicated levels, Chloe is opting for action rather than await fate and all the uncertainty that entails. Coercing her cousin Elizabeth to bake a magical cake that'll ease her boyfriend's commitment fears, Chloe plans to propose and get started on her life despite the niggling doubts that constantly assail her. And she's not the only one. With the dire circumstances calling for extreme measures, Chloe's family launch an intervention that puts her on the path to four very different fates but only one can hold the key to all her dreams.

Enter Ben Malone. A drop dead gorgeous hunk of man meat that can heat a woman from head to toe with one glance, Ben ensnares Chloe in his web completely by chance. Never in her entire life has Chloe felt this way for a man and the effect has the ability to throw all her carefully rushed plans with her boyfriend out the window. It's also at this time that Chloe's magic bursts free along with a startling side effect of the dead seeking her out for help. The first ghost to plead her case: A teenage girl and she's some how connected to Ben. What Chloe soon realizes is that this path towards her happiness isn't going to be easy but rather there's a whole boatload of trouble that needs to be sorted out before any Happily Ever After can be attained.

Trouble Number One: Chloe discovers quickly that Ben is her fated mate. Alice, her cousin and best friend paints the future and she has a portrait of Chloe and Ben at the their wedding day. Not only does Chloe marvel at the happiness she views in her own painted face, she also falls directly into the painting feeling emotionally the powerful love that she has for Ben. Grasping onto this fate with wild abandon and a healthy does of desperation, Chloe is soon thoughtlessly trampling a few hearts and toes to get to her final destination.

Trouble Number Two: Ben is Chloe's complete opposite. He's a man of black and white while Chloe's new age spirituality allows her to view the world in a million shades of grey. He's all about numbers which have added up nicely for him in the form of a big beautiful home while Chloe is still clipping coupons and lives in a tiny apartment that can barely be dubbed livable. Finally, Chloe is recently being visited by ghosts and has also has come into her magic while Ben doesn't and can't and won't...

Trouble Number Three: Ben has a lot of emotional baggage. Without Chloe's magical gift to impart her will on others, he may never have even agreed to go out with her. This bit of "urging" on Chloe's part has her "pushing" Ben over and over again - all of which are little things but due to her need for him and their future that is fated, Chloe can't subdue her desperate emotions which consequently drive her magic. Frighteningly enough, there's a crazy ease with which Chloe can use her magic. To will someone to do what you want is a dangerous gift if used without a strong personal will power of one's own. With Chloe's desperation driving her magic, she's not stopping at all to think about the consequences but rather forges ahead while leaving a burning wake behind her. But the blaze catches up with her soon enough.

All of Chloe's troubles lead her to face each one of the four fates that Alice has painted and while only one leads to ultimate happiness, one also reveals the possibility of Chloe losing everything including her new family. If she doesn't control her emotions and the magic with she wields thoughtlessly over the will of others, Chloe will lose everything she holds dear. She must cease her crazed desperation for a happily forever after and learn to appreciate what she has already which is the love of a wonderful family. Chloe must first discover who she is, embrace her findings and live life. Only then will she be able to claim Ben as hers.

My Thoughts:

A BREATH OF MAGIC was exactly that, a breath of magic - or rather a book of magic. Told in first person, this is Chloe's story through and through about her growth from a terribly uncertain woman to one that fights adversities of her own making to eventually become a woman strong of heart and soul. A better person really.

Initially, I wasn't a fan of Chloe at all. She reeked horribly of desperation and the journey via her POV was often cloying but it soon became apparent that Chloe's character growth was going to be intense and eventually I learned to just hang on for what proved to be one wild ride. While desperate and a bit frantic, Chloe quickly turned endearing with her openness to others, her unfailing love for those that need help as well as her determination to bring light to Ben's darkened existence. In addition, her magic proved to be incredibly layered and really reflected who she was as a person. Her desperation was evident in her power to change another's will. Her tenacious will to help others magically manifested in her ability to help those that were trapped within the inbetween. For me, this is what made this paranormal unique. One's gifts didn't rest solely with the physical but was instead completely character and emotionally driven.

A BREATH OF MAGIC is a quirky and fun romance, one that conjures laughter and tears leaving you a true fan of the author. Be prepared to simultaneously wish to both strangle and hug Chloe while she makes many mistakes as well as good decisions. All in all this is a story about a woman for women and it can't get much better then that.

Oh yeah, the hero is totally hot and a magic all unto himself. Enjoy!

B+

More Reviews:

The Book Girl: 4/5
Anna's Book Blog: 5/5
Fiction Vixen Book Reviews: 4/5