**A Few of My Favs of 2013 GIVEAWAY**

Hey y'all! As 2013 winds down, I thought a giveaway would be a great way to send out the year. So I'm sharing a few of my favorite reads of this year with y'all. :)

Of course, I can't share ALL of my favs because that's a BIG list. :) But here is a list of a few of my favorites, listed by author, from 2013. You can click on the title to read my review.

Erica Crouch

Ignite

Dannika Dark

Sterling

C.J. Duggan

The Boys of Summer

J.A. Huss (it's not cheating ~ they're all different genres, 

plus y'all know I'm a fangirl!)

Losing Francesca

Fledge (#2 I Am Just Junco ~ because #1 is *free*)

Tragic

Tasha Ivey

Every Breath

Robyn Jones

Soul Walker

Megan Joel Peterson

The Children and the Blood

Diane Rinella

Love's Forbidden Flower

Mimi Strong

Stardust

Ginger Voight

Fierce

Seriously, this isn't even close to including all my many, many favorites of 2013. I might have to do a New Year's giveaway. ;) Anyway, here's the deal...there are TWO giveaways:

The first one is for SIGNED paperbacks of Tragic and Every Breath! ONE winner will get a signed copy of Tragic and ONE winner will get a signed copy of Every Breath. Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, this giveaway is only open to U.S. 

BUT the second giveaway is for ebook copies of the other eight books on my list. EIGHT lucky readers will win ONE ebook from my favorites list. 

That means there are TEN winners in all!

So, go forth and enter! Good luck! ;)

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**Spotlight & Interview ~ Tears of Heaven ~ RA McCandless**

Tears of Heaven by RA McCandless
Release Date: December 4, 2013
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Synopsis
In the past, the children of angels and humans, the Nephilim, were allowed to lead their lives as they willed. But they proved too strong, too ambitious, and too cunning for their own good. They became warlords, conquerors and emperors. They caused war and strife until the Throne stepped in and forced them to submit to Its will, or die. 

Unlike most of her fellows, Del, one of the first Nephilim, had no interest in conquest and domination. In the ancient past, prior to the Throne's interdiction, she met and fell in love with Dami, a Mediterranean ship captain and trader. Together, they face down pirates and storms and try to create a future together. 

In the present, Del unwillingly works for the Throne, obeying the commands of the angel Ahadiel. She helps to keep the world safe from the horrors of escaped demons. At the same time, she keeps herself in the Throne's good graces. Whenever a rogue demon breaks free from Hell, she and her partner, Marrin, another Nephilim, work together to banish it. 

Thrilling danger, fast-paced adventure, high-seas action, and heart-warming romance fill this novel, with a page-turning story that won't let you put it down.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Most of my background is still considered classified, which is a shame. Some of the stories are really funny. But, I can tell you that I was born under a wandering star that led me to a degree in Communication and English with an emphasis on creative writing. I’ve always been a sucker the fantastical and the paranormal, and that figures prominently into what I read and what I write. 

I try to deal with real characters in a real world with real danger, but add the elements of the fantastic or the supernatural. It’s our world, but better.

What do you do when you are not writing?

When not writing, or doing writing research, which my wife calls “reading”, I solved world peace and taught our nation’s children to read. Those stories haven’t made it to press yet, so I’m not surprised you haven’t heard it. To stay in shape, I eat cookies, drink chocolate milk and watch “Phineas and Ferb” with my three boys. It’s extremely hard work, but I feel a real sense of duty to family. Who else is going to take care of me in my old age! Sometimes, if I’m feeling really energetic, I’ll watch my wife work.

For a less sweat-soaked event, I like to run. I’ve been competing in 5ks and 10ks for the past twenty years, and they’re a lot of fun. Southern California really lends itself to year-round training and racing, and it’s a great excuse to listen to some stories on my iPod while watching scenery fly by.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

My parents had a copy of the Encyclopedia Galactica, and I can remember spending hours reading about the quadrillions of people and history throughout the galaxy. I would also recommend Necronomicon Ex Mortis. It’s a little hard to find these days, but if you can get an original copy with the author notes, it’s well worth it. Tolkien’s The Hobbit was given to me as a gift and really opened the castle gates of fantasy to me. Suddenly, there was a whole world of swords, magic and fantastical creatures to meet. Immediately after I finished, I took all the money I had and biked down to the bookstore to buy everything else Tolkien had written. I had no idea I was getting the seminal fantasy series: The Lord of the Rings.

Why are readers going to love Tears of Heaven?

Thrilling danger, fast-paced adventure, high-seas action, and heart-warming romance fill Tears of Heaven, with a page-turning story that won't let you put it down. Pirates buckle on their swashes and big Nordic warriors swing heavy sword. There’s a little something for everyone in the book, plus a few twists, turns and some laughs. Oh, and demons. Nasty, scary, slashing, biting demons. Who doesn’t love demons?

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Oh, we’re back to the classified stuff! My handler tells me that I can say there are definitely some elements that happened in real life, some conversations that are taken from memory as closely as they occurred. A few characters are based on people that I’ve encountered through my years, some actual and some imagined.

Tears of Heaven is history as it should have happened.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

Through all the iterations of Tears of Heaven, the juxtaposition between the past and the present was a constant. Del’s story is complex and doesn’t hinge on any one defining event, but is a growth of a series of events that impacted her in different ways. I wanted to show the difference between Del from the ancient past, and Del in the modern world. She wasn’t always the way she is, and she is still growing. That should be true of any character that isn’t dead. Even the Campbellian Mentor shouldn’t be a stagnant creature.

What project are you working on now?

I’ve been writing (hopefully) strong female characters for a couple of decades now. I didn’t set out to do so. There was no conscious effort to make my work specifically male or female. My very first, very immature story was about my group of friends. Because I was, have been and always will be interested in heroic fantasy, it was in a heroic fantasy setting. Everyone carried swords, everyone was heroic with their swords, and that was essentially that. It was a story meant for my friends, and I thought highly of all of them, regardless of their gender.

The Second Cut follows up on my tradition of heroic characters regardless of gender. This historical fantasy is about Tomoe Gozen, a female samurai acclaimed to be more than a match for any warrior of her time. No one is quite certain what happened to her after her daimyo was defeated, which I thought was a great place for a fictional account. Keeping in mind the historical information that we know, I’ve been working to craft a tale of adventure, duty, honor and romance as Tomoe Gozen tries to fulfill her last duty.

Thanks, RA!

R.A. McCandless has been a writer both professionally and creatively for nearly two decades. He was born under a wandering star that led him to a degree in Communication and English with a focus on creative writing. He is the author of Tears of Heaven and The Second Cut (due 2014), and continues to research and write historical and genre fiction.

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Wild Child Publishing

**Sidekick Showcase #25 ~ Grinch-y**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************
For the month of December, Jaclyn has given us a some creative license. We can pick any character that fits a Christmas-y theme...angel, elf, jolly, Grinch-y, etc. This week I've had myself a J.A. Huss lovefest! And Ford is just so...Ford. 
So I went with the theme...Grinch-y

My pick is
Ford Aston
from J.A. Huss' Rook & Ronin Trilogy, 
and Ford spin-offs, Slack and Taut

I fell for Ford in Manic...there's just something about him. He's known and been friends and/or business associates with Ronin and Spencer since high school. (He's actually been friends with Spencer since kindergarten.) He's never short on snark, rarely has a kind word to offer. He's a genius. He's anti-social. And he uses these traits to take what he wants. The man lives in the same city as his mom but rarely sees her. He doesn't do relationships - he has pets. 

Then he meets Rook...and 

"his shrunken heart grew three sizes." 

He's such an a$$hole sometimes but then he turns around and does something so compassionate...like read The Secret Garden to Rook. (Granted, that wasn't a totally selfless action...he was trying to win Rook.) But Ford is loyal - like it's the most important value to him. Period. (like Max was loyal to the Grinch) And he will ALWAYS be loyal to Ronin and Spencer...and Rook.

Ford is a multi-faceted man. He's...interesting. In Slack, I got a deeper look into Ford's psyche. And I fell even harder for him!

***

Ford checks his watch. "Well, Ms. Walsh, you're quite late, I made special reservations at an exclusive restaurant downtown to celebrate our partnership, so they all went ahead." Then he disdainfully looks down at my clothes and winces. "You'll need to dress."  -Ford to Rook, Manic, Loc 172-176

"I always thought Ronin liked the dumb ones, you know?..."You come off as pretty smart, plus you don't seem to have any life issues that he can fix, so I just can't picture the two of you together."  -Ford to Roon, Manic, Loc 438

"It's not that I don't or can't feel things like that. It's that I don't want to. I just don't care about people." He throws up his hands. "That's my dirtiest secret and now you have it. I just don't give a fuck about people, I really don't."  -Ford to Rook, Panic, Loc 200

I am the first to admit that my rules are unreasonable. My behavior is atrocious. My indifference is derogatory. But if the pets don't care, why should I?  -Ford, Slack, Loc 119

I'm the son of a psychiatrist, socially unacceptable genius, con-man hacker, film producer.  -Ford, Slack, Loc 450

I'm not capable of much empathy, but I can fake it. And they never know the difference, so what the fuck. It doesn't cost me anything to pretend to understand and be nice.  -Ford, Slack, Loc 940

**Jumble Your Genres Reading Challenge**

Hey y'all! So since I did sooo well with the Clean Out Your E-Reader Challenge (we'll ignore the fact that I sucked at every other challenge I attempted to participate in this year ;), I've decided to challenge myself with the Jumble Your Genres Reading Challenge in 2014. I do tend to get stuck in one genre, but I truly do read most anything! And I figure I can stick to reading ONE book a month. (we shall see, eh?)

This challenge is being hosted by Readers Live a Thousand Lives, Lovin Los Libros, and Corry the Book Crazed Girl. You can click on their link to learn all the details and to sign up for this awesome challenge!

These are the genres by month:

January ~ Young Adult

February ~ Contemporary

March ~ Urban Fantasy

April ~ Middle Grade

May ~ Dystopian

June ~ High Fantasy

July ~ Adult

August ~ Paranormal

September ~ Romance

October ~ Sci-Fi

November ~ Historical Fiction

December ~ New Adult

**Merry Christmas**

I wish y'all a very Merry Christmas! 

Thanks so much for making my book blogging journey so rewarding! I have enjoyed making new friends and discussing books, authors, kick-ass heroines, and book boyfriends with y'all. And I'm looking forward to sharing great books in 2014!

**Teaser Tuesday**

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Ford Aston is not too picky about what he wants out of Christmas. He’s not into this holiday—like at all. He doesn’t do presents, or family dinners, or parties, or church. 

He does pets. And he’s got one lined up for Christmas Eve. In fact, it’s the highlight of his day. And if he can get through drop-in visits, nosy twelve year olds, an inappropriate conversation with his best friend’s girlfriend, dinner with a family that’s not his, and a party at his mother’s house—well, he might just get home in time to enjoy himself with a stranger and make it all OK.

SLACK: A Day in the Life of Ford Aston, is a prequel to TAUT: The Ford Book, and can be read as a standalone novella.

SLACK released on December 18, 2013 and TAUT releases on January 20, 2014

**My Teaser**

"Sitting with Ronin at lunch was enough to give any guy an inferiority complex, but add in my social limitaions to that mess, and it was torture for me." Ford, Slack, Loc 159

**Review ~ The Fiery Heart ~ Richelle Mead**

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead
Bloodlines #4
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased in Hardcover
Rating: 5 Worms

Synopsis
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Timesbestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

Richelle Mead delivered another wholly satisfying read. It was intense, exciting, sweet, tender, and shocking. I loved every moment and am eager to read the next book. :) 

There's so much going on in this book but I think my favorite thing about The Fiery Heart is the maturing of the characters that takes place. I admire Sydney more and more with every book. Sydney really has to balance all the elements of her life now that her worlds are colliding with Zoe's arrival. Her feelings for Adrian grow intense and I delighted in watching the continuing evolution of her beliefs about dhampirs and Moroi. Zoe, and the imminent divorce of their parents, prove to be trying for Sydney. She wants to be a sister to Zoe buy finds it difficult when having to deal with Alchemist propaganda - not to mention Sydney's having to hide her new relationship with Adrian. 

Adrian has been undergoing a transformation for awhile but the changes he exhibits in The Fiery Heart were truly remarkable. He is certainly no longer that young man only concerned with his selfish desires. The extent to which he feels for Sydney was on full display. Even Trey and Evangeline, and Eddie and Jill show some maturity by making some headway in changing their thinking on the matters of mixing races.

Another of my favorite aspects of The Fiery Heart? Getting Adrian's POV. Thank you, Ms. Mead, for allowing us inside Adrian's head. I adored getting his side of the story. I already though Adrian was swoon-worthy but he's even more swoon-y now!

I enjoyed watching Sydney's abilities using magic improve, as well as how her opinions of the use of magic change. Adrian, whose cockiness is a way to hide his insecurities, gained some pride and confidence in using Spirit - especially in terms of figuring out possible protections against Strigoi. 

We get glimpses of characters from Vampire Academy and are introduced to new ones as Sydney and company move closer to making discoveries that could be world altering. This portion of the story was exciting and I enjoyed the brief visits with some of my favorite characters from previous books. I love Ms. Mead's ability to tie in characters we know and love in such a seamless way.

That ending was quite a whopper! But I kinda expected it honestly. I loved Sydney's message to Adrian and I'm ever hopeful for these two...

"Centrum Permanebit"

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #24 ~ Nutcracker**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************
For the month of December, Jaclyn has given us a some creative license. We can pick any character that fits a Christmas-y theme...angel, elf, jolly, Grinch-y, etc. This week I may be stretching it a bit...Nutcracker ~ ne Ball-Buster ;)

My pick is
Harlow Reed, Nutcracking BFF of Alex Meyer
from L.B. Simmons' Mending Hearts Series

I chose Harlow because she is one kick-ass woman! Harlow epitomizes the adage 'full of piss and vinegar'. I said in my review of Running on Empty that every girl needs a BFF like Hawlow because she's always got Alex's back, will always tell her how she sees it, and loves Alex so much she'll do anything for her! Including cracking a few nuts! ;)

***

"What are we calling this morning's hair creation? This has got to be one of the worst hair days you've had in the last, um, what" Thirty days?" Harlow, Running on Empty

"I'm just wondering if you would like to have a chance to go on the offensive before I start my assessment of the situation," Harlow states matter-of-factly." Harlow, Running on Empty

"I called you because she wasn't getting any better and I thought maybe you could get through to her. But if I knew this was going to happen, I would have dropped all communication with you a long time ago. Bastard!" Harlow, Running on Empty

**Spotlight Interview ~ Death Times Two ~ Boone Brux & C.J. Ellisson**

Hey y'all! So Ms. Ellisson kindly agreed to do an interview with me to be posted along with my review of Death Times Two. But me being me and all, I got the interview questions to her too late. She was kind of to answer them anyway, so here is my interview. :)

***

What made you & Boone decide to collaborate on this novel?

We'd dreamed of writing together for a long time. If we had known how much fun it was going to be I bet we would have done it a lot sooner!

How did the collaboration process work for y'all?

We plotted the book out together in several brainstorming sessions. Then we put the basics into an outline, one that we tweaked while creating the book. I'd write a chapter then she would… it was fast paced and a blast!

Will you do this sort of project again?

Most definitely! We're already plotting more projects we could co-author down the line. After the holidays we hope to get some outlines and plots formed and ready to go.

What are you working on now? 

I'm working on Vanilla Twist, the follow up story to Heather and Tony's relationship first explored in Vanilla on Top.

Boone Brux is an Amazon bestselling author in both fantasy and series romance genres. She began writing in an attempt to ward off the slow decomposition of her mental state while taking care of her twin toddlers. It soon became clear that storytelling was her true calling.

Her books range from medieval fantasy filled with demon’s and hot heroes to humorous paranormal and spicy contemporary romances. Though she loves writing romance, Boone much prefers stories where she gets to kill somebody or blow something up.

She lives in the beautiful and rugged state of Alaska with her husband, two kids, their dog Oreo, and her black cat Velma Underfoot. Not to mention the numerous wild creatures that lounge in her backyard.

Website ~ Blog ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter

C.J. Ellisson is the USA Today Bestselling author of the NYT Bestselling book, Vanilla on Top, the bestselling V V Inn series, and several erotica shorts. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze. Unlike most full-time authors, she's also battling severe chronic illness. C.J. works daily to put her Lupus into remission and continues to fight numerous bacterial infections while her immune system slowly attacks her body. She turned to writing when she could no longer work outside the home and claims the escape of penning contemporary fantasy, erotica, and erotic romance has helped save her sanity.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

**Review ~ Reality ~ Dani Hart**

Reality by Dani Hart
The Life of Arie Series #1
Release Date: September 23, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Source: I received an ecopy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3 Worms

Synopsis
I am Arie Belle and up until my mother’s unexpected and mysterious death my life had been pretty simple, but then things became dark and, at times, hopeless. Even my uncanny ability to communicate with nature had turned its back on me. My only saving grace is my lifetime friendship with the boy next door, River, whom I had always thought of as my soul mate up until my eighteenth birthday when everything seemed to change. My body tingles with heightened sensations and my emotions veer out of control. They are further tested when Ashe, a beautiful stranger with a powerful draw, enters my life and challenges my heart and soul. Amidst the rush of feelings after years of numbness, my true destiny slowly unravels and my journey to find out what I am, to find my mother’s killer, and stop my own death becomes a frantic rush before the next full moon. 


This powerful story encaptures the true meaning of love and the dark corners of life that can either suck you in or save you.

Reality is the first in a series and the premise for this series is unique. I enjoyed the story and will continue the series. However, I was left feeling a little dissatisfied. I really liked the idea of Reality but by the end of the story, I had just as many questions as I had at the beginning.

Arie, our heroine, is still mourning the loss of her mom when we meet her. She had a gloriously simple life - loving mother, loyal best friend/boyfriend, and a special affinity with nature - up until her 16th birthday. That's the day she lost her mom. And she still hasn't recovered. She's now approaching her 18th birthday, and weird things are starting to occur. As the story continues, it becomes clear that Arie is not your average girl.

That's really the only thing that becomes clear. Arie is made aware of her TWO very different realities. The one in the human world, where River has always been by her side, she has her mom's bookstore to run, and he house filled with all the memories of her life with her mom. And the one she once inhabited, where her dad lives, and where is is expected to ascend and save so many people. Dealing with this new knowledge of her life is difficult for Arie. Particularly as her emotions, which were already heightened, become increasingly so as the full moon approaches. She also must figure out how to deal with her feelings for River and Ashe.

The supporting cast of characters include River, who loves Aris and would do anything for her, Starling, who befriended Aries after Arie's mom died, Tevon, Arie's dad, Amary, a little girl uniquely intertwined in Arie's life, and the mysterious Ashe, who makes Arie feel more alive than she ever has. All these characters add to Arie's story, but I do hope to become better acquainted with them as the series continues. I also was intrigued with the butterflies that area a constant in Arie's life. The meaning behind their presence was interesting.

Overall, I liked Reality. As I said, the story is a unique concept. I found it and the characters fascinating. But I am frustrated by the fact that after finishing the novel, it's still unclear exactly what's going on. I'm still not sure I understand exactly what Arie is or how her ascension will save others. Her affinity with nature wasn't fully explained. Of course, that means I'll be reading the next installment hoping to find the answers.

“I saw River staring at me as I watched the butterflies. I turned to him and got caught within the depths of his eyes. His stare bore deep into my soul. We sat like that for what seemed an eternity. My body burned from the inside out. My heart raced. My mind was anticipating what my body wanted. I couldn't think. All I could do was stare into his eyes, begging for him to feel the same way. The butterflies continued to circle around us, but they seemed to be fluttering faster as if they were anticipating the moment too. Right at the moment I thought my body was going to explode if something didn't happen, he took his hand and grazed the side of my face. His touch sent electric shocks through my cheek and down my body. His hand followed my jaw line and his thumb outlined my lips on its way to my neck. He gripped the back of my neck gently and leaned into me as he pulled my face toward his. He paused and looked into my eyes as if waiting for me to say no. I didn't think I could wait any longer for this moment to happen. My heart was pounding so hard I felt like I could barely breathe. The eternal pause ended and his lips brushed mine. I thought I was going to pass out as I inhaled him. How could one moment be so intense! He brushed his lips against mine for a few moments as if, again, waiting for me to protest. I couldn't handle it anymore. I pressed my lips against his and he responded back. I felt like that kissed lasted for hours. It was so soft and slow and perfect.”

My passion for writing started at a very young age. It started with a multitude of diaries as soon as I could write well, then poetry, then short stories. I received my BA at USC in Theatre with an unofficial minor in writing. While at USC I wrote my first screenplay and post-graduation I was hired to write another screenplay, which I did successfully. I have since started several books, but have never had the courage or time to finish them. I missed it, but I was discouraged from my years in the industry and I was scared to go back, so I had convinced myself I was too busy and it would be a waste of time. Then I started reading again which reignited my passion for writing. I started writing a story that had been brewing inside of me over the years. The characters were slowly developing and itching to break out onto paper, so in the summer of 2011 I wrote the first two chapters. Life got busy again and my passion was pushed aside, but then I met an amazing person who loved my story and encouraged me to start writing again. With that said, I am in a happier place now. I am fulfilling my inner desire and passion to write while raising a family and living life. Thank you so much for your support! And I hope to keep the stories coming!!!

Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Twitter

**Spotlight & Review ~ Death Times Two ~ Boone Brux & C.J. Ellisson**

Death Times Two by Boone Brux & C.J. Ellisson
A Grim Reality and V V Inn Novella
Release Date: December 18, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: I received an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4 Worms

Synopsis

The V V Inn has a ghost problem. When the lurking specters draw the attention of Constantine, head of Grim Reaper Services, he calls in the only local who can return the remote resort to its former tranquility, Lisa Carron—resident Alaskan reaper.

Still new to the death gig, Lisa accepts the job. After all, how much trouble could one ghost be? Once at the hotel, she learns that not only is the inn full of the dearly departed, she’ll also be working for vampires. Throw in Asa, a young vamp hot enough to melt the Arctic ice, and Lisa realizes she’s way out of her element.

Asa didn’t know what to expect when told a reaper would be working on the property, but Lisa certainly wasn’t it. Blond and curvy, she’s very easy on the eyes.  Tasked with helping her, Asa soon realizes that not only can she provide the dead a peaceful passing, but offer him solace in a way no other woman can.

**Death Times Two is currently available as one of 8 novellas in the Paranormal Nights boxed set. It is available for ONLY 99 CENTS! It will be available as stand-alone January 16, 2014.**

Having read the first few V V Inn novels and liking them, and one-clicking a few of Ms. Brux's novels ~ although I haven't read them yet ~ my curiosity was definitely piqued when Death Times Two came up for review. I was not disappointed! Even though I've yet to read a Grim Reality novel, I was not lost at any point in this story. I already knew I loved Ms. Ellisson's work, and now I'm eager to get started on Ms. Brux's. :)

Death Times Two relates the story of Lisa, a grim reaper and widowed mother of 3, traveling to the V V Inn to reap a few ghosts. Asa, a vampire who was converted against his will, is a part of Vivian's seethe. He is unable to find a lover after several botched romantic encounters. Asa is assigned as Lisa's helper. There is an immediate attraction between the two but it's put on the back burner, to simmer if you will, until Lisa's job is complete. The action revolves around the reaping and also ignites quickly. However, like Lisa and Asa's romance, it builds slowly towards the climax.

Death Times Two is a quick and entertaining read. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Lisa and Asa and how it healed them both in some ways, even if only a little bit. I also really liked the dual POV. It allows the story to move seamlessly between the two characters - and worlds. And is also offers deeper character development for Lisa and Asa, which is a plus in such a short read. I hope the authors collaborate again. :)

Boone Brux is an Amazon bestselling author in both fantasy and series romance genres. She began writing in an attempt to ward off the slow decomposition of her mental state while taking care of her twin toddlers. It soon became clear that storytelling was her true calling.

Her books range from medieval fantasy filled with demon’s and hot heroes to humorous paranormal and spicy contemporary romances. Though she loves writing romance, Boone much prefers stories where she gets to kill somebody or blow something up.

She lives in the beautiful and rugged state of Alaska with her husband, two kids, their dog Oreo, and her black cat Velma Underfoot. Not to mention the numerous wild creatures that lounge in her backyard.

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C.J. Ellisson is the USA Today Bestselling author of the NYT Bestselling book, Vanilla on Top, the bestselling V V Inn series, and several erotica shorts. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze. Unlike most full-time authors, she's also battling severe chronic illness. C.J. works daily to put her Lupus into remission and continues to fight numerous bacterial infections while her immune system slowly attacks her body. She turned to writing when she could no longer work outside the home and claims the escape of penning contemporary fantasy, erotica, and erotic romance has helped save her sanity.

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