Hey, everyone. I just wanted to write up a quick post to update you all on what’s been going on in my life.
On January 1st, my beloved papaw passed away suddenly. He was the best grandfather I could have ever asked for and my family is heartbroken that he’s gone. The world shines just a little less bright now that he’s not in it, but I take comfort in knowing he’s with Jesus. Needless to say, my parents and my husband packed up that night and took off the next morning. My husband and I stayed for about a week, where we had his memorial. Several years ago, I sang “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” at their church’s revival and ever since then, Papaw had said he wanted me to sing that song at his funeral…so, I did. It was easily one of the hardest things I’ve done, but I made it through and I hope I made him proud.
Anyway, it’s been an incredibly rough start to the new year. I’m behind on some reviews and had to back out of a beta read that I knew I just wasn’t in the headspace to work on, so If I’m supposed to be reading and reviewing for you, all I ask is that you grace me with a little bit of patience. I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things, but I’m devastated. My papaw was one of the best men I’d ever known and I miss him terribly. I wish I’d had more time with him. I know I need to contact a few people personally, but to be honest I just haven’t had the heart to yet. I’ll be doing my best to get ahold of any of you that I need to in the next week or so, but I wanted to make sure I wrote up a blog post to fill everyone in on what’s going on. I’m not sure who all will see it, but it’s here nonetheless.
Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this. Our hearts are heavy and our lives a little less enriched without Papaw in them. <3
I received an advanced/review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content and honesty of my review.
This book is suitable for 18+ due to mature content.
I once was told vampires are immortal but not invincible. I’m about to find out how true that is.
Thrust deep into the politics and intrigue of vampire society, I’m doing my best to keep my head above water and prove I belong here.
But the threat from the shades is growing. Inside the castle walls, whispers and stares follow me everywhere I go, and I'm pretty sure the king wants me dead.
The three vampire men who saved my life are the only ones I trust.
So why don’t they seem to trust themselves around me?
This is book two in The Vampires' Fae Series, a medium-burn reverse harem story intended for ages 18+. This book contains strong language, sexual situations, magical threats, and a heroine who doesn't have to choose between her men.
**Please note that there may be spoilers in this review if you haven’t read the first book**
Gah, have I mentioned how much I love Sadie Moss and her books?
This book starts out shortly after the first ends and we get to learn more about where Mal came from. It’s a completely different world in King Carrick’s castle. His subjects are bloodthirsty and the king himself is eager to punish his wayward son for what he deems rebellion against the vampire race. Along with this line of thinking, he decides the only way he’s going to allow Willow to stay within the vampire community is if she competes in three challenges to prove she’s strong enough to hack it as a vampire.
This book had a lot of action and it was written so well that I felt like I was watching an action movie inside my mind. That’s probably why the second challenge was so awful for me to read. Willow ended up fighting my biggest phobia and it was written entirely. too. freaking. well. I’m impressed with the level of imagery Sadie includes, but I was also somewhat terrified while reading this scene, lol.
As tends to happen, the plans the guys and Willow had ended up going bottom up and when it’s discovered that she has fae blood, a whole new level of chaos and menacing enemies are brought to light–most within their shared living space. And to top it all off, terrifying monsters are starting a war, controlled by two enormously powerful beings Willow and the boys know very little about.
There are a few sexy times in this book that … whew … I thought my kindle would catch fire at one point. And Sol’s ability to love her so deeply in his own unique way … ugh. It’s no secret that he’s my favorite, lol, so I was swooning hard.core. during their first love scene. I mean, I’ll be honest and tell you that I’m super happy this is a #whychoose story because I love all the guys in their own way, but dang, Sol has really taken my heart. *happy sigh*
I also want to point out that I’m incredibly impressed by the fact that I can tell this was written by Sadie Moss, but it’s not a carbon copy of her previous series. She’s managed to create something completely different while still retaining her own unique “voice” and for someone who reads A L O T, this is a huge distinction of what I feel separates a decent writer from a truly gifted one.
What can I say? I’m a big Sadie Moss fan and if the first two books in this series are any indication, then that’s not going to change any time soon. 😉
I highly, highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance and who doesn’t want to have to choose between each of her love interests who are each amazing in their own right. And as always, if you do read, please feel free to come back and let me know what you thought in the comments below 🙂
This book took me by surprise. I was instantly intrigued by the blurb, but sometimes science fiction is a little difficult for me to get into, so I wasn’t sure if I would end up feeling like I had to drag myself through it or if I would enjoy it. Thankfully, it was the latter, and as soon as I got into the story, I found myself unable to put the book down. It had a bit of a The Maze Runner and Maximum Ride kind of feel for me, which is definitely a plus because I’m a fan of both series 🙂
Lezah is imprisoned in one of the most famous prisons known to futuristic America and the only thing she knows for sure is that the countdown on the bracelet she wears says she has six days until her execution. She has no memory of being thrown into prison, nor does she remember what she’s done to end up there. All she remembers is her family and the deep-seated knowledge that she has to get out of there to find them. So, she makes a plan. She’s going to escape the inescapable prison.
Along the way, Lezah gains a couple new friends, a hot guy she used to go to school with and isn’t sure she can trust, and his roommate whom she’s almost positive she can’t trust. Each person is in the prison for a reason and each one is determined to escape along with Lezah.
Without giving too much away, there are a few surprises within the book that were quite clever and helped move the story along at a pretty quick pace. There were so many interesting elements to this book, including the setting of a futuristic America and a whole lot of artificial intelligence. There were also several loose ends left at the end, so I’m hoping the author will continue this story in at least a sequel to answer any remaining questions.
All in all, I enjoyed this book 🙂 I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys science fiction and young adult. And as always, if you read, please let me know in the comments below!
**Coming early 2019**
Happy reading!
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She never wanted to hurt anyone, but they hurt her first. Now, she must protect the one person she can still count on—herself.
On the run from anyone who knows her face, Fiona crosses paths with a man whose eyes seem just as haunted as her own.
She could save him…but he could destroy her. It’s a choice she’s had before, but last time she chose wrong.
Logan
Logan North is done.
His life is over.
Eventually, they’ll catch him and kill him. And honestly, he can’t see much reason why that’d be a bad thing.
The only thing keeping him moving, is the girl who seems to need him more than she realizes.
He had no intention of ever helping anyone again. Not after the last time went so wrong. But, Fiona may make him rethink his plan.
One last good deed before he surrenders to his fate. One last mistake before she gives into her dark nature.
About Kiersten Modglin
Kiersten Modglin is a suspense author who enjoys dabbling in all the subgenres. A Netflix addict, Shonda Rhimes superfan, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys raining days spent with her nose in a book. More than anything, she loves reading & creating life-changing stories.
Sunny’s outlook on the holidays isn’t so merry, but when she gets roped into playing Mrs. Claus for the local hospital, she discovers Christmas miracles aren’t just reserved for the children.
Note:This is a standalone short story with plenty of heat to chase away that winter chill, an HEA, and NO cliffhangers!
ABOUT J.C. VALENTINE
J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.
Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.
Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! http://bit.ly/1KxXWWB
How did I get talked into this? Looking back, I know exactly where things went sideways. I should have skipped that last mimosa.
It started with Roberta’s retirement party. She wasn’t exactly the likable sort—kind of stodgy, rigid. But she was also like everyone’s grandmother, which is why everyone tolerated her. That and she made an amazing pineapple upside-down cake that made everyone look forward to the monthly potluck.
I would miss those cakes, but Roberta was eloping with some Polynesian guy she’d met in one of those outdoor yoga sessions, and apparently, it was love at first downward dog.
So yeah…
Seventy-year-old Roberta found love, and here I am, thirty-four, single as a Pringle, and not a prospect in sight. Hence the drinking. And also why I’m standing here in front of the storage closet while Travis rummages through dusty old boxes to find the Santa outfit I somehow got roped into wearing.
I am severely displeased.
The first thing I did when I arrived at the office this morning while nursing a hangover was tried to get out of it. Travis wouldn’t hear of it. Apparently, every year they get some poor schmuck to agree to dress up and play Santato the kids down at the children’s hospital, and it usually falls to the newest member of the team.
Since I was hired in just after the New Year, that poor, unsuspecting fool happens to be me.
Plus, I’m the only one, supposedly, who doesn’t have out-of-town plans. I’m “it” by default on more than one level.
Lucky me.
“Found it!”
I snap to attention as Travis climbs over boxes on his way over to me, holding a mass of red fabric over his head like a trophy.
I groan, depressed at the thought of having to put that thing on. I can already smell the mothballs. “Just what I need to make it look like I put on an extra fifty pounds instead of ten.” It’s a holiday tradition, eating cookies and fudge and pies. My sweet tooth cannot be denied, so every year I pack on a little extra insulation to get me through the cold winter months.
Travis gives me a flirty smile and wink as he hands over what I now realize is a lot less red than I’d originally thought. “You’ll look anything but fat in this, trust me.”
The way he said that makes me completely distrustful of him. Narrowing my eyes, I reluctantly accept the offering, shaking it out as I say suspiciously, “What is that supposed to me—oh…”
This is not the Santa suit I’d expected. It’s…well… “I think you went to the wrong costume shop, little buddy,” I say sarcastically, because this has to be a joke. “I think you need to go back in there and find the rest of it.”
Travis’s smile is positively wicked now. “That is the rest of it.”
My eyes widen, and I look at it again. “Where did you find this thing, Strippers R Us? I can’t wear this!”
Like the asshole big-brother-type that he is, Travis playfully pokes the end of my nose. “You sure can, hon, and you’ll do it with a smile on your face and merry little laugh, too.” Closing up the closet, he locks it back up and brushes by me. “Make sure you dry-clean that thing before you put it on. It’s been around the block a few times.”
His mockingly jolly laugh makes me want to sprint after him, tackle him to the floor and jab my elbow into his ribs a few times. But as much as we were all family, office violence was just as frowned upon by human resources as workplace romances.
I’d just have to find my revenge another way. Until I did, it looked as though I was cursed to play Mrs. Santa.
I received an advanced/review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content and honesty of my review.
This book is suitable for 18+ due to mature content.
Sunny’s outlook on the holidays isn’t so merry, but when she gets roped into playing Mrs. Claus for the local hospital, she discovers Christmas miracles aren’t just reserved for the children.
Note: This is a standalone short story with plenty of heat to chase away that winter chill, an HEA, and NO cliffhangers!
This was a short and to-the-point story that somehow managed to have a lot of depth and heat, despite the small length. I’m normally one for long books, but I have to say that Ms. Valentine packed a whole lot in a small amount and I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. This is a second chance romance, and you get enough of their backstory to know what went down between them without feeling lost about how they react to each other in the present.
Since this is a novella and not a full-length novel, I’m not going to give as much of an overview as I normally would so if you want to read it, you can feel like I’m not telling the full story 🙂 However, I will say that Sunny’s narration was both witty and vulnerable; she’d been hurt in the past and while she thought she had gotten over it, she hasn’t, and it’s shaped quite a bit of who she is now. Kyle is sweet and sexy and there’s more to his story than you think at first.
I enjoyed this story. There were a couple of surprisingly poignant points made about relationships and the blessings of life that actually made me stop and think.
This is a perfect read for a cozy afternoon by the fireplace with your choice of hot beverage. Don’t have a fireplace? No worries; this novella will be sure to keep you warm instead 😉
Happy reading!!
Follow me for more book-related reviews, news, and more! 🙂
I received an advanced/review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content and honesty of my review.
This book is suitable for 18+ due to mature content.
Five years...
It's been five years since the world's entire female population mysteriously changed into shambling, flesh-eating undead. For Esperanza Costales, that means coping with the loss of her mother, surviving in the Tennessee wilderness with her father and brother, and wondering whether or not she's the last living woman on Earth.
Esperanza and her family have adapted and learned to count their blessings, but when a group of escaped convicts led by a crazed psychopath named Frankie stumble upon their camp and kidnap her and her father, her new life is thrown into chaos. By taking advantage of a late-night zombie attack, she barely escapes captivity and flees into the forest, alone.
Injured, frightened, and separated from her family, Esperanza nearly loses hope until she encounters a group of four men. Jason, Derek, Roland, and Joseph have survived the world's end by putting aside old feelings and embracing their harsh new reality, but their routine is shattered when Esperanza enters their lives and brings into question everything they thought they knew about the Apocalypse.
As Esperanza and the men learn more about one another and themselves, will they be able to form a bond strong enough to survive attacks by the undead and pursuit by Frankie's gang? Will Esperanza ever see her family again? And in a world full of zombies and psychos, will a woman and four men be able to find love through despair?
ADVISORY: This book is a Reverse Harem romance book. This means the main heroine will end up with multiple male partners. It is NOT traditional romance. Please be advised.
TRIGGER WARNING: -No- forced intercourse occurs in this book, but it does contain scenes of said nature which may be intense enough to cause a trigger response in sexual assault survivors.
This book was absolutely i n c r e d i b l e. Honestly, I’m not sure if my review will do this book justice, but I’m going to try.
If you know me at all–or if you’ve read any of my reviews over the last few months–then you know that one of my all-time favorite worlds in fiction is post-apocalypse. So then you take romance, which is arguably my favorite genre to read, and add in the post-apocalyptic setting, and I am down.
This was one of the most creative stories I’ve read. It takes place after a breakout of the zombie virus five years prior–which, for some reason, only targets the females of the population–and for all she knows, Esperanza is the last living female on earth. Through a few deadly challenges that she miraculously manages to survive, she finds herself in the company of four men, who, though intrigued and attracted to the first woman they’ve seen in years, don’t want to kill her–or worse, rape her–like every other man she’s had the misfortune of running into. Instead, these men welcome her into their little group of misfits, giving her the first real taste of family she’s had since she’d been separated from her father and brother.
The love that grows between Esperanza and the men is such a lovely thing. She has an instant connection with all of them, but when she begins a relationship with one of the men, she’s convinced she has to set aside her feelings for the other three and only be with the one. The emotional turmoil she and the other men go through when their feelings only continue to grow stronger was written beautifully. I loved how the author made their situation dire–as it obviously would be when you’re running from not only the walking dead, but psychopathic humans intent on causing you harm in some form or another–but he also represented the characters’ growing affections and love so well. They form this sweet little family that’s somehow tough as nails while still being loving and comforting.
And Esperanza … she’s awesome. I have to say, I was a little worried that she was going to have a completely jaded personality and be just a tad overly tough, you know what I mean? But she was a perfect blend of soft and badass. Her character really came to life for me, and by the time I finished the book, I honestly felt like I’d made a new friend. Obviously, I loved the guys, as well, but Esperanza was definitely my favorite character.
Honestly, I just adored this story. I’m pretty floored that this was a debut novel; the writing is nearly flawless and the entire book was so imaginative and creative that I felt completely immersed in the world that Mr. Lee built. I’m so impressed and holy crap, that effing cliffhanger at the end! Oi. I cannot wait to read the next book! A.J. Lee is definitely going to be an author I’ll be following.
I highly recommend this book for any fellow post-apocalyptic/zombie/reverse harem fans. And if you do end up reading the book, come back and let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy reading!!
Follow me for more book-related reviews, news, and more! 🙂
I received an advanced/review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content and honesty of my review.
This book is suitable for 18+ due to mature content.
They found me nearly dead. To save me, they had to turn me…
When I moved to New York after a bad divorce, I planned to re-invent myself… I just had no idea the ‘new me’ would be a vampire.
Or that the three (yes, three!) vampires who turned me would be the hottest, most frustrating men I’d ever met.
Now creepy shadow monsters are stalking me, and I don’t know why. But teaming up with these dangerously sexy brothers may be my best chance for survival, even though being around them does weird things to my heart.
The old me was too scared to even start dating again.
The new me?
She wants to devour all three of them.
This is the first book in The Vampires' Fae Series, a medium-burn reverse harem story intended for ages 18+. This book contains strong language, sexual situations, and a heroine who doesn't have to choose between her men.
Another Sadie Moss series that will no doubt sink its claws into me and refuse to let go–not that I’m complaining! I became a huge fan of Sadie’s from the first book of hers I read (click here for that review!) and in my opinion, her books just keep getting better.
Saved by Blood had me from the first page. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop, and I had it read in a day. I loved everything about this story. From the characters to the storyline to the unique supernaturals involved–including the monsters–everything about this book was great.
Willow is trying to rediscover herself after a failed marriage. She’s working as a waitress at a bar by night and a bakery in the morning. Her passion is baking and she has dreams of opening a bakery of her own one day. While life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, she’s making the most of what she has in the best way she can. And aside from fighting off the advances of random drunks, her life is pretty normal, albeit a bit lonely. All that changes one night when she’s attacked and left for dead by something made of nightmares.
Enter our heroes–Jerrett, Malcolm, and Sol–three super sexy, vastly different vampires brought together to form a kind of brotherhood. When they stumble upon Willow, she’s knocking on death’s door and they have two options–turn her or let her die. As I’m sure you can figure out, after a short internal debate for one of the brothers, they decide they can’t let her die. The story that follows is, of course, an interesting one.
This book was entertaining, sexy, at times a little bit frightening, and it had some amazing characters. One of the things I loved most about this book was the fact that one of the characters–Sol–is blind. You would think that’d be a handicap, but he sees in ways that his brothers can’t and it adds such a unique and fascinating layer to his character. It was also impossible to choose a favorite guy in this book, which is why the whole #whychoose thing is amaaaazing.
I loved this book and I would highly recommend it for any fans of paranormal romance who don’t want the heroine to have to choose between the guys. I can’t wait for the next book!
A vampire desperate to escape his past. A wolf shifter determined to protect her future.
A killer on the loose.
One year ago, wolf shifter Emma accepted her dream job teaching PE at a Norwegian international school, finally freeing herself from her mother’s incessant matchmaking. As the alpha’s heir, walking away from her pack, from her obligations—potentially even her fated mate—weighed heavy on her heart. But deep down, she knew it was the right decision.
Unfortunately, her sacrifice may have been for nothing—because the new history teacher has fangs.
With a reputation for kidnapping and selling shifters to research labs, a vampire is the last thing Emma needs in her life, but she refuses to be intimidated. This is her territory and she’s not going anywhere, so that grumpy, gorgeous vampire can suck it.
Forced together at a prestigious boarding school, two supernatural enemies are torn between ripping each other’s clothes off…
And ripping each other apart.
Eager for a fresh start, vampire Calder accepts an invitation to teach history at a private school above the Arctic Circle. Its remote location appeals to his sensibilities, and years of practice have taught him how to charm his human colleagues, but a certain gym teacher is seriously trying his last nerve.
All Calder wants to do is teach, so if the strikingly beautiful shifter refuses to see him as anything but the big bad vampire, perhaps he ought to lean into the part and really give her a show.
As summer turns to winter, humans disappear from nearby villages, gone without a trace and presumed missing—or worse.
Only one thing is certain: there are dark days ahead.
Even for creatures of the night.
Dark Days is a standalone enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance duet. While Book 1 has a cliffhanger, all will be resolved with a supernatural happily-ever-after in Book 2.
My least favorite staff member had been assigned as a floater, helping wherever he could. Calder had shown up this afternoon the most dressed-down I had ever seen him, sporting a pair of dark jeans and a plain white T-shirt, just fitted enough to contour the muscular outline of his figure. I blamed Casual Friday, the last day of our homecoming spirit week, which had also included such hits as Crazy Hair Day, Crazy Hat Day—the works.
Predictably, there had been a squabble over where the vampire would be placed, groups of teenage girls bickering with one another until Calder graciously offered to share his time between everyone. I’d just rolled my eyes and done my best to ignore him, but he was kind of difficult to ignore with all that muscle normally hidden beneath a three-piece tweed suit on display.
I couldn’t blame the girls for fighting over him, either. The guy was gorgeous. They just didn’t know he was a vampiric ass beneath that shiny, hunky veneer.
After giving my precious gymnasium a onceover, the transformation for the upcoming dance making my inner wolf grumble, I folded the sheet of paper in half again and made my way to the far back corner, toward the door that would open to a hallway, my hallway, at the end of which sat my office. Hopefully the internet would have a suggestion or two for “cooler”, more “authentic”, on-theme drink names to appease the senior class president.
Never mind that she and the student council had come up with these ones in the first place.
One of the major items out of place during the prep stages were the chairs. Stacked some fifteen high, they sat bunched together in the back corner, and a crew of seniors had been moving them into the gym all afternoon, lugging the large black and gold chairs up from the storage room one or two at a time. As I neared the towers, my first thought was that they were stacked too high—that it wasn’t safe.
A suspicion proven correct mere moments later when someone on the other side of the chair wall tripped, their shoes squeaking out a familiar cry, followed by the clunk of chairs colliding with chairs. The row to my immediate left teetered, stacked too precariously tall, and I staggered back, tensed, waiting to catch the damn things, then pretend it had hurt me to do so.
Only the stack never fell.
Because some gorgeous vampire dick stopped it.
Calder appeared out of nowhere, his back to the stack, catching and righting it again in the span of about five seconds. It was a risk, using his speed around all these humans, but the music faintly whumping from the AV club’s speakers carried on, as did the chatter, the clatter of furniture, like nothing had ever happened.
“You okay?” I called, Calder and I no more than a foot apart, my heart in my throat as he stared me down, for once neither smarmy nor smirking.
“Yeah, I’m good,” the culprit on the other side called back, and I caught his shadow moving beneath the chair legs, marching back and forth, walking it off. “Tripped over my own feet.”
“These are stacked too high,” I said, still holding Calder’s gaze, unable to tear myself away, my stomach looping. “Cut them down by half so they don’t fall on someone.”
“Yes, Miss Kingsley.”
Calder smelled earthy today. Sandalwood. Oakmoss. Musk. My cheeks peppered with heat the longer I breathed him in, and when he eased away from the tower of chairs, I took a sizeable step back, crinkling the paper in my hand.
“I could have caught that,” I muttered, then ducked my head down and made a beeline for the nearby door. The metal handle squeaked when I gripped it, but the brightly lit corridor on the other side was mercifully silent. As soon as the door closed, the chaos outside disappeared. His scent vanished. Smoothing a hand over my loose waves, I dragged in a deep breath, then exhaled it slowly, making my way by the trio of closed, locked grey doors, beyond which was all my equipment. Balls. Netting. Rackets. The final door, way at the end of the hall, offered me guaranteed sanctuary, a private place to quiet my hammering heart.
The handle squeaked again, and I whirled around at the sound. Calder stalked in, letting the door slam shut behind him, and I turned away, unable to withstand that dark, brooding look for a second longer than necessary. If he wanted a proper thank-you for doing something I honestly could have done myself, he’d be waiting a long time.
I hadn’t made it more than three steps closer to my office before his hand snapped around my elbow, and my inner wolf snarled when he yanked me back and shoved me against the wall. Hackles up, my lips peeled back as the crumpled paper fluttered to the ground, forgotten at our feet. Calder caged me in with a hand on either side of my shoulders, his face ducking down to meet my eyeline…
Keep up to date with the enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance duet by signing up for Liz Meldon’s mailing list. You’ll receive exclusive content and news regarding Calder and Emma’s steamy romance + paranormal romance deals on release day.
Liz is a Canadian author who grew up in the Middle East. She has a degree in Bioarchaeology from Western University, and when she isn’t writing about her own snarky characters, she is reading about other people’s snarky characters, babying her herb garden, loitering on social media, or taking care of her furbabies. Liz dabbles in both paranormal and contemporary erotic romance. Her paranormals are usually dark and angsty, and her contemporaries are stress-free smutfests, but you’ll find both full of feels. Most of all, she loves writing realistic characters in fantastical settings.
Me and Papaw at my high school open house in 2009
