RELEASE DAY!!!!! SWAMP SNIPER (Miss Fortune #3) by Jana DeLeon

(I'm on Jana Deleon's Street Team) 

BLURB:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jana DeLeon, the third book in the Miss Fortune Mystery series.

When only a crack shot will do…

In the two weeks CIA assassin Fortune Redding has been hiding in Sinful, Louisiana, she’s been harassed, poisoned, and shot at…and that was the easy part. But now, she’s about to face her biggest challenge since setting foot in the tiny bayou town.

When mayoral candidate Ted Williams is murdered, everyone is surprised. Ted was a blowhole and a Yankee, but those usually weren’t good reasons to kill someone. When Sinful Ladies Society leader Ida Belle becomes the lead suspect in the crime, Fortune knows she’s got to solve a murder and save one of the only friends she’s ever had.

But as the investigation begins, more and more secrets surface, and Fortune realizes that sometimes nothing is as it seems.


Praise for Jana DeLeon:

“DeLeon is excellent at weaving comedy, suspense and spicy romance into one compelling story.” – RT Book Reviews

“I don’t know where she comes up with this funny stuff, but I can’t wait to read the next book…” – Night Owl Reviews

“Jana DeLeon has a breezy style with enough of a comic touch to leave you smiling.” – The Romance Reader

“Son of a gun, we’re having fun in the bayou!” – Fresh Fiction

“The quirky characters keep the action moving…” – Barbara Vey, Publisher’s Weekly Blogger


To learn more about Jana and her books visit her at these places:
http://janadeleon.com
http://facebook.com/janadeleonauthor
@JanaDeLeon

For my reviews of Louisiana Longshot and Lethal Bayou Beauty, click on Jana DeLeon's name on the sidebar.  This series is laugh-out-loud funny!

For a limited time, get Louisiana Longshot (Miss Fortune #1) for 99 cents!

                                                    
      

MY SPY (HQ: TEXAS #2) by Dana Marton

(I work for the author and received the book for free.)

BLURB:

The stakes are higher and the danger is bigger in Dana Marton's HQ: Texas miniseries.

A mission gone wrong forced injured soldier Jamie Cassidy to start anew…and run right into the path of deputy sheriff Bree Tridle. The sassy, sexy Texan was as determined to uncover a local money-laundering scheme as Jamie was to keep her safe from the stalker hot on her trail. But Jamie, now an undercover operative, was also on a covert mission of his own: track smugglers threatening to bring terrorists into the U.S. Could Jamie's and Bree's cases be related? When a deadly attack on Bree's home escalates the danger and their attraction, Jamie and Bree must face their enemies together to save not only their country, but their one chance at love.

REVIEW:
MY SPY was selected as a Top Pick by Romantic Times magazine and I can see why!  Dana Marton has written an incredible romantic suspense and made the ex-military hero relevant in the most raw, real, and honest manner - he's a former soldier who lost his legs while serving his country.  A true hero in every sense of the word, Jamie Cassidy may have recovered physically and been cleared for mission duty using state-of-the-art prosthetics, but his spirit is still damaged.  He is bitter, angry and surly, and believes a relationship with a woman is now out of the question.  Although he trained his body for every function, both without legs and with his prosthetics, the most intimate act is something he thinks no woman will ever want to deal with.
Bree Tridle is just the woman to prove Jamie wrong.  She's not impressed or flustered by his surly attitude, and her sunny disposition and calm demeanor eventually put Jamie at ease.  She is the guardian of her twenty-three year old autistic sister, and Jamie sees that Bree carries what could be a heavy burden with love and grace.  She loves and accepts what is, and this clarity of vision and heart encompasses Jamie as well.
 The continuing mystery of Coyote's identity, and the location and time of the terrorist activity, is advanced nicely in MY SPY, and it contrasts nicely with the local crimes of the small town, and the return of a stalker from Bree's past.
The romance is, as always, top notch.  Jamie and Bree are well-matched, both professionally and personally.  And I loved that Jamie respected Bree's abilities, and even while being protective of and concerned for her, he never tried to stop her, and treated her as a partner.  That kind of respect just increased the sexiness factor and by the time their relationship becomes physical the tension was intense.
I'm really looking forward to the last book in the series, SPY IN THE SADDLE.

Click on the author's name on the sidebar to the right for more reviews!

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MOST ELIGIBLE SPY by Dana Marton (HQ: TEXAS #1)

     

(I work for the author, and received the book for free.)


Blurb:

Her protector proves he's much more than a cowboy spy in Dana Marton's first novel of her HQ: Texas series.

Moses Mann didn't need to be in an interrogation room to be intimidating. Molly Rogers found that out the hard way. Her brother had been accused of smuggling and murder, and now Moses considered her a suspect, as well. But what type of dirty little secrets did he expect to find in a single mother's life?

Moses was no ordinary agent poking around Texas border country. And he kept finding new reasons to bring his investigation to Molly's farm. Yet trusting him—especially around her son—came so easily. She finally had someone who would speak up for her. Even if he was an undercover agent with secrets buried deep in his soul….


REVIEW:
Oh, how I loved Moses and Molly.  Well, specifically Mo.  A lot.  He's a fantastic hero - big, strong, quiet, brave, kind. And unsure of how to talk and act when it comes to Molly, which was completely endearing and sweet.  He's instantly attracted to Molly while interrogating her, even when he thinks she's hiding information.  But that attraction soon deepens into respect as he realizes Molly had no clue her brother was involved in smuggling. 
As Mo and his team continue to track the smugglers and the rumored terrorist activity, Mo realizes Molly's ranch somehow holds the key, attracting dangerous nighttime activity, which kicks his protective instincts into overdrive where Molly and her son Logan are concerned.
For her part, Molly resents the huge, strong man who seems to be more than a federal agent paper-pusher.  His muscles and intimidating size conceal a kind and caring heart, and when he steps in and helps Logan with a bullying situation at school, Molly starts to see the real Mo.
Both Mo and Molly were fascinating and believable characters, because they were so complex and imperfect.  Molly is stubbornly holding on to her faith that her brother was innocent, when all the evidence points to his criminal activity.  She is trying to hold her head high and ignore the whispers of the small town, while working her butt off to keep the ranch running and the bills paid. As her blind faith in her brother is chipped away by the mounting evidence, she doubts her judgment.
Mo had no intentions of getting involved with a woman, but is completely blindsided by his feelings, and begins to re-evaluate his life plans.  His workaholic mentality, and his need to fulfill his foster father's unrealized dreams are suddenly viewed from a different perspective, as he sees what is missing from those plans. The warm home created by Molly for herself and her son, makes Mo realize he wants that for himself, as much as he wants Molly and Logan.  It's hard to believe Mo is insecure about anything, but he has no idea how to be romantic, or how to woo Molly.  This, of course, was completely endearing.
A wonderful, sweet, sexy love story and a great mystery - I absolutely loved it!

Next in the series is MY SPY releasing 10/1/13 and SPY IN THE SADDLE on 11/1/13:
   

Click on the author's name on the sidebar to the right for more reviews!

Buy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

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Fashionably Dead (Hot Damned Series #1) by Robyn Peterman

(I purchased this book.)

Blurb:
Vampyres don’t exist. They absolutely do not exist.

At least I didn’t think they did ‘til I tried to quit smoking and ended up Undead. Who in the hell did I screw over in a former life that my getting healthy equates with dead?

Now I’m a Vampyre. Yes, we exist whether we want to or not. However, I have to admit, the perks aren’t bad. My girls no longer jiggle, my ass is higher than a kite and the latest Prada keeps finding its way to my wardrobe. On the downside, I’m stuck with an obscenely profane Guardian Angel who looks like Oprah and a Fairy Fighting Coach who’s teaching me to annihilate like the Terminator.

To complicate matters, my libido has increased to Vampyric proportions and my attraction to a hotter than Satan’s underpants killer rogue Vampyre is not only dangerous . . . it’s possibly deadly. For real dead. Permanent death isn’t on my agenda. Avoiding him is my only option. Of course, since he thinks I’m his, it’s easier said than done. Like THAT’S not enough to deal with, all the other Vampyres think I’m some sort of Chosen One.

Holy Hell, if I’m in charge of saving an entire race of blood suckers, the Undead are in for one hell of a ride.

Review:
From the delightfully warped and foul-mouthed mind of author Robyn Peterman comes Fashionably Dead , a fun, paranormal romance tale that introduces my new imaginary BFF Astrid.  Astrid is a gorgeous, art-teaching, rather aimless, single gal with an unholy love of Prada and a mouth that would make a sailor blush.  She's never known her father, and her mother is a stone-cold bitch who can't stand the sight of her daughter.  After Astrid is changed into a Vampyre, she meets her bombastic guardian angel, Pam, who affectionately yells at Astrid, preferring to call her by some really creative Ass-word monikers.  Throw in a 2,000 year old Fairy Warrior, her not-quite-human best friend Gemma, and a Vampyre hierarchy right there in Kentucky, and you've got the setting for one rollicking, rowdy romp.
Astrid is mouthy, funny and trying to figure out her life being Undead.  Her new family makeup of best friend, guardian angel and fairy is soon joined by strange little ceiling monsters, and Astrid soaks in all the love she has missed since her Nana died, just as she learns that she's the Chosen One and intended eternal mate of a smoking-hot Vampyre Prince.  But before she can take care of THAT business, Astrid still has to show up at the senior center to teach her art class to horny senior citizens, deal with her nasty mother who has informed Astrid that she's dying this coming Friday, and figure out how to identify and avoid Rogue Vampyres.
It was laugh-out-loud snickering funny, super-hot and sexy, and I even teared up a bit when Astrid tried to come to terms with her desperate need to please her hateful mother.  All in all a wonderful escape!




But Fashionably Dead at Amazon.
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Robyn Peterman's website.
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Dark Lycan (Dark Series #24) by Christine Feehan

(I purchased this book.)

Blurb:

“The erotic, gripping series that has defined an entire genre” (J. R. Ward) continues as #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan links the fates of two strangers bound by a secret in the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains…

Tatijana of the Dragonseekers spent centuries encased in ice with her sister, trapped in limbo between life and death, never speaking to a soul other than those who tormented her. Now, she has been freed from her frozen prison by an unknown descendent. Awakened in human form, Tatijana yearns to explore the modern world in which she now lives—a world with more mysteries than she is prepared for.

Fenris Dalka has returned to the Carpathian Mountains after a long absence to be with his brother. He is scarred by centuries of battle, and every hard-won victory. But the real reason for his return home could prove deadly if discovered by the wrong man—or woman. Upon his arrival, he is compelled by a beautiful and enigmatic stranger who carries the scent of fresh earth, of forest, of the night itself.

In time Tatijana and Fenris will discover all that unites them—their secrets and pasts, their predators, and the hot flush of passion that stirs their souls. Yet just as surely, seduced into the silvery darkness of a full-moon night, they’ll also discover everything ancient and evil that exists to destroy them.

Review:
Dark Lycan is the 24th book in the immensely popular Carpathian series, and it's also the start of a trilogy within the series focusing on the Carpathian/Lycan hybrids.
After 23 previous Carpathian novels, Feehan has produced a novel that feels fresh and familiar, an unlikely combination.  She's infused new blood into her Carpathians (literally and figuratively) with the creation of a new species that brings with it a new and powerful enemy in the form of the Sange Rau, a vampire/werewolf hybrid with the heightened abilities of both.  Just as Carpathian hunters who choose the darkness turn into vampires, Lycans who choose their dark side turn into rogue werewolves.  The mixed blood individuals are stronger, faster and smarter, and the Lycans don't care if they're good or evil, they want them all dead.
Fen is a classic Feehan alpha male, with an edge - after years of living with the wolves, he is what the Lycans call Sange Rau, but he also has found his lifemate, meaning he's superpowerful but not evil.  Although he's a new character to the series (as far as I know), his history was detailed and interesting, and a bit more than the standard "ancient warrior with incredible strength and skill as a hunter" background. 
Tatijana has come out of the healing Earth two years after her rescue from the ice caves, drawn by Fen's presence.  Although she craves freedom after centuries of imprisonment, Tatijana quickly falls in love with Fen, fighting by his side and defending him to the Carpathians, who question why he has returned at the same time as the evil vampire Sange Rau. I thought Tatijana was a little too comfortable with people, and society, after spending her entire life encased in an ice cave.  I understood her need for freedom, but wandering to a rough bar to dance alone seems like an odd way to taste freedom, even though she was under the lifemate compulsion to go there.  So as much as I liked Tatijana as a character, her behavior seemed at odds with her history.
The Lycans have their own hierarchy and elite hunters, and in Dark Lycan we meet Zev, the best of the best.  He knows Fen as a fellow Lycan, and is falling hard for Branislava toward the end of this book. I can't wait to see what happens with those two, and to learn more about the elusive Lycan world as a counterpart to the Carpathians.
One of the positive aspects of Feehan's stories can also be a negative, and that is her repetitive use of phrases. She uses the exact same phrasing repeatedly in each story to describe her heroes and heroines.  Most often I appreciate this, as it really cements the intensity of the personality traits and physical characteristics, helping to solidify the character in my mind's eye.  But after a while it makes me think "yeah yeah yeah" and makes me want to skim paragraphs.  That being said, her word-building is fantastic and so believable, and I think her consistent use of repetition is the reason - any casual Dark Series reader (is there such a person?) has a crystal clear vision of the Carpathians, their world and their enemies as a result.
Anyway, bottom line is I loved Dark Lycan and the fresh feel to this series, which is an unbelievable feat this far along.  Along with the legion of Dark fans, I can't wait for Dark Wolf to finally see Skyler and Dimitri's story.

Next up in the series is Skyler and Dimitri's story,  Dark Wolf, releasing in January.


Read more Dark Lycan reviews on Goodreads.

Check out Christine Feehan's website HERE.

Christine Feehan is a powerhouse writer of the paranormal romance genre, and currently is actively writing four series:  Carpathians (Dark Series), Ghostwalkers, Leopard Series, and Sea Haven series ( of which there are two subseries).  Fans new to Feehan are in for a treat, as she is prolific and very, very good.    The Dark series and the Leopard series deal with vampires, shapeshifters, mages and werewolves.  Both have an extensive and multi-layered back story full of far-ranging conspiracies, evil plots and action, as does the Ghostwalker series.  The Ghostwalkers are elite special forces soldiers who have been psychically and genetically altered, creating amazing abilities and gifts. If you like military ops books with lots of romance, sex and action you will love these books.  The Sea Haven series deal with seven psychically gifted sisters.

Deathwatch by Dana Marton (Broslin Creek Series #1)

(I work for the author and received a free copy of the book.)

Blurb:

A thrilling new full-size novel from the author of DEATHSCAPE  (#1 Amazon Romantic Suspense Bestseller!) Here is Murph's story, at last, due to reader demand.

The only person who can identify the most notorious hit man in the country, Kate Bridges is running for her life. Murphy Dolan is in the Army Reserves, returning from his 2nd tour of duty, only to find a stranger hiding in his house. She's scared spitless. He's completely burned-out on violence. Neither of them has any trust left to give. 

Review:

Deathwatch begins with an emotional punch as Kate attends her own funeral, as the FBI attempts to flush out the elite assassin who is after her.  When that plan blows up (literally!) Kate finds herself on the run to protect herself and her family.  Surviving for over a year by moving frequently and taking no-questions-asked jobs, Kate ends up in Broslin Creek, where she rents out Murph's house from his brother.  Murph is a local police officer who is deployed overseas.  When he arrives home early wounded and exhausted late at night, he finds the beautiful Kate in his bed.
I loved Murph and Kate's story.  Both are exhausted and stressed from their ordeals, wary of others and trying to survive.  Murph is suffering from his physical wounds and PTSD, and isn't able to go back to his job with the Broslin Creek police department.   Kate is lonely and has been on the run for a year, living in constant terror from being hunted.  When she finally decides to trust Murph with her real identity, he decides to help her make a stand and draw the killer out.  As their mutual attraction intensifies, the danger escalates as the killer makes his presence in Broslin Creek known.
Dana Marton excels at writing believable, relatable characters, and Kate and Murph are no exception.  Both are smart, capable, scarred, and strong.  Kate is tough and clever, but her year on the run has taken its toll on her psyche, and she is barely able to trust Murph.  Murph realizes how brittle her nerves are, and it brings out a fierce protective streak in him, helping him to forget his own bitterness about his situation.  Their relationship is sexy as hell, and as the suspense builds to an incredible level every action by other characters seems suspicious.  A compelling and exciting read!

Although this is the third novel in the popular Broslin Creek series, chronologically it takes place first, and can easily be read as a standalone book.

Buy Deathwatch from Amazon.

Check out Dana Marton on Facebook.

Check out the Broslin Creek Series on Facebook.

The Vampire With The Dragon Tattoo (Love At Stake Series #14) by Kerrelyn Sparks

(I purchased this book.)

Blurb:

He's out of control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo . . .

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored . . . ?

Review:
Ah, Dougal.  A sexy three hundred year old Scottish warrior-vampire with a heart that is loyal and true.  When he was still human, and a slave in China, Dougal fell in love with a woman only to lose her to death.  For three hundred years he has loved her and missed her, until Dr. Leah Chin arrives at Romatech and he sees his lost love in Leah.  The fact that Leah also feels inexplicably aware of and drawn to Dougal creates an instant connection between them and pretty soon a sweet and sexy romance has started.  Dougal's letters to Leah are some of the most romantic words I have read in a very long time. 
Leah also happens to be a genius scientist, and soon she has developed a serum to reverse the damage done to Asian soldiers by the demon Darafer.  The Vamps gather together with the shifters and head off to a remote Japanese island, in preparation for battle with Darafer, and the evil vampire Lords in the area.
The 14th entry in the series feels comfortable and familiar, and the inevitable battle is a great excuse to bring together almost all the Vamps, the shifters, the AWOL Vietnam vamp Russell, and the Were-Tiger world.  Throw in the angels, the demon Darafer, and now God Warriors, and it feels like a Love At Stake family reunion.  The HEA ending is inevitable, the tone is light, fast and fun, and the romance sexy and sweet.  What's not to like?

Read my other reviews of Kerrelyn Sparks' Love At Stake by clicking on the author's name on the sidebar..

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