Cover reveal & news! JUST A LITTLE NUDGE

This book doesn't come out until February 17th, 2015, but I love the cover too much to not share it with you lovely folks. Just a Little Nudge is a 40,000 word novella, and the start to a new psy agents series. It takes place in the same world as the Arcadia series, and you will see some characters crossover, but it is definitely not for a young adult audience! Think of it as an adult spin-off series.

Book description:

Marley Sexton never aspired to be a stripper. She even chose the stage name Misty Showers as a joke, thinking she’d make a few quick bucks and move on to greener pastures. Three years later, Marley’s still stripping. It’s the only job she can land that will put a dent in her mother’s mounting medical bills.

It’s also the only job where she feels justified parting fools from their money with a little talent she calls nudging.

As psychic powers go, nudging isn’t impressive. Marley can’t get people to do anything they’re not already inclined to do. Useful for making a seedy customer grab a larger bill from his wallet, but not strong enough to ditch a drug cartel that’s on her tail.

Marley is in over her head. She’s not big on trusting people, especially a strange man with a gun, a badge, and a story that doesn’t quite add up. JC Moreno figures out that Marley may have taken the nudge a little too far. But how? Whoever the guy actually works for, one thing’s for certain. He has a history with the cartel and an agenda of his own. Although the suspicion between Marley and JC runs both ways, maybe they can work together to both get what they want…if they don’t get killed in the process.

**** Recommended for ages 17+. Contains naughty things like f-bombs, violence and sex. ****

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/.../23840621-just-a-little-nudge

Smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/501642

Want to read it before 2/17/15? Just a Little Nudge will be included in the Psychic Storm bundle with nine other awesome urban fantasy authors, which releases on 2/3/15. 

NINE BY NIGHT Newsletter Subscription Drive & Giveaway!!!! #AmReading

Soooooo....this happened last weekend.

Yes, you are seeing that right. Our box set, NINE BY NIGHT, was #1 on Barnes & Noble NOOK this weekend. Woot, woot! We also came pretty close to cracking the Amazon Top 100, which is HUGE!!!! 

So as a thank you, we NINE BY NIGHT authors are hosting a fantabulous giveaway to share our success. Enter to win over $500 in gift cards, book swag and other prizes. All you have to do is sign up for our news letters -- and since we all write urban fantasy, so that's pretty cool, right? 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

And if you haven't picked up NINE BY NIGHT yet, you can do so at the following retailers: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MBOFBWU

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nine-by-night-sm-reine/1120036206

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=k9UmBAAAQBAJ

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nine-by-night-multi-author/id899869932

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/nine-by-night-a-multi-author-urban-fantasy-bundle-of-kickass-heroines-adventure-magic

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/457085 

Omnilit: https://www.omnilit.com/product-ninebynightamultiauthorurbanfantasybundleofkickassheroinesadventuremagic-1584229-166.html

Readers benefit when authors work together #AmReading

Readers may not be aware of this, but the book industry is unique from most other businesses in that authors love to support other authors. I’m sure this seems strange; authors are after all, direct competitors when it comes to selling their products (books). It’s not like you see Coke and Pepsi joining together for cross promotions. So why does it work so well for books?

It comes down to the readers. Readers don’t read one book, love it and then never read another book for the rest of their life. No, they read a book, love it and try to find another book they will love just as much. For this reason, the more active readers are, the more books they read, the higher book sales are for everyone.

Recently, I was asked to participate in a book bundle called Nine By Night that consists of nine novels, written by nine urban fantasy authors, priced very low at 99¢. Why would authors do this? I mean, it’s practically giving our work away. Easy. Because each of us brings our own fan bases to the table, and we are able to introduce our fans to other great authors. “Collaborating with other authors is a great way to connect with new readers and cross-promote. Plus, it's fun to hang out with other people who write in your genre!” says author Althea Sharp.

You might think getting together nine creative-types to work on a joint project like this would be difficult, but the Nine By Night experience has been great! Each of us has different strengths we bring to the table. Some of us are good at the technical work of formatting and publishing, while others are stronger at marketing and promotion. “I always learn something new when I collaborate with other authors,” says author Boone Brux. “Seeing how others they approach writing or a new release inspires me to tweak my own approach.” The diverse group gives us a lot of talent to draw from.

When asked about how the collaborative experience has been for her, author Lindsey Buroker said, “This is my first time doing a collaborative project, but I've been impressed with all the work people have done already. There's only so much you can do in terms of marketing and promotion on your own, but we have an opportunity to reach a much greater audience since nine people will be plugging the bundle to their email lists and social media contacts. It's already been a great experience!”

For readers, book bundles are great because they give an affordable way to discover new authors that they might otherwise not have taken a chance on. Since most bundles are organized by a common genre or theme, it’s less risky to purchase a bundle when it contains at least one author that you already are familiar with.

Nine By Night: A Multi-Author Urban Fantasy Bundle of Kickass Heroines, Adventure, & Magic is available now everywhere e-books are sold.

Get Nine By Night today for only 99¢

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MBOFBWU

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nine-by-night-sm-reine/1120036206

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=k9UmBAAAQBAJ

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nine-by-night-multi-author/id899869932

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/nine-by-night-a-multi-author-urban-fantasy-bundle-of-kickass-heroines-adventure-magic

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/457085

Omnilit: https://www.omnilit.com/product-ninebynightamultiauthorurbanfantasybundleofkickassheroinesadventuremagic-1584229-166.html

RELEASE DAY!! Nine books, Nine Authors -- 99 cents!! #UrbanFantasy

Nine books. Nine bestselling authors. Nine heroines that take names—and chances—while confronting dark foes, whether by force of arms or magic, that threaten their entire world.

Over two-thousand pages of epic reading await! Let the adventures begin.

From NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author, SM REINE, WITCH HUNT –– Shaman on the run. Isobel Stonecrow speaks with the dead...for the right price. She brings closure to the bereaved and heals broken hearts. But when she resurrects someone for the wrong client, she ends up on the OPA's most wanted list.

From NYT and USA Today Bestselling author, C.J. ELLISSON, DEATH’S SERVANT –– Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his werewolf alpha one too many times. He returns to Virginia to find work and meets a young waitress, Raine. As their relationship progresses, Jon's embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle.

From bestselling author, LINDSAY BUROKER, TORRENT –– When Delia chose to major in archaeology, she imagined herself as the female Indiana Jones of the Southwest. She didn't imagine herself stumbling across decapitated bodies in old mine shafts or learning that monsters are real…

From bestselling author, ANTHEA SHARP, SPARK –– What if a high-tech game was a gateway to the treacherous Realm of Faerie? Superstar gamer Spark Jaxley's life might look easy, but she's part of an elite few who guard a shocking secret; the Realm of Faerie exists, and its dark magic is desperate for a foothold in the mortal world.

From bestselling authors BOONE BRUX and C.J. ELLISSON, DEATH TIMES TWO –– The V V Inn has a ghost problem. New grim reaper, Lisa Carron, accepts the job. She quickly learns the hotel is full of the dearly departed—and she’s 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.

From bestselling author, JC ANDRIJESKI, ROOK: ALLIE’S WAR EPISODES 1-4 –– Like most humans, Allie distanced herself from Seers, a race of human-like beings discovered on Earth. Yanked out of her life by the mysterious Revik, Allie finds out her blood may not be as “human” as she thought, the world is nothing like it appears to be...and she has more in common with Seers than she ever wanted to believe.

From bestselling author, ANNIE BELLET, JUSTICE CALLING –– Gamer. Nerd. Sorceress. Jade Crow lives a quiet life running her comic book and game store in Wylde, Idaho. After twenty-five years fleeing from a powerful sorcerer who wants to eat her heart and take her powers, quiet suits her just fine. Surrounded by friends who are even less human than she is, Jade figures she's finally safe. As long as she doesn't use her magic…

From bestselling author, JESI LEA RYAN, ARCADIA’S GIFT –– Teenager Arcadia (Cady) Day’s family tragedy unleashes a hidden power. After experiencing what can only be called a psychic episode, her home life crumbles. As her emotional control slips away, Cady begins to suspect that her first psychic episode was just the beginning…

From Urban Fantasy author, KARA LEGEND, WILD NIGHT ROAD –– One innocent hex sets off a chain reaction of trouble among the shifters of the Kinraven that threatens war between werewolves, seraphim and witches. Lilith Darke will do anything to be free of her seraphim master. All hell breaks loose when rival packs face off only to discover a new, deadly threat that will take all their magick to survive.

Get yours today for only 99¢!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MBOFBWU

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nine-by-night-sm-reine/1120036206

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=k9UmBAAAQBAJ

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nine-by-night-multi-author/id899869932

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/nine-by-night-a-multi-author-urban-fantasy-bundle-of-kickass-heroines-adventure-magic

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/457085

Omnilit: https://www.omnilit.com/product-ninebynightamultiauthorurbanfantasybundleofkickassheroinesadventuremagic-1584229-166.html

Cover Reveal - NINE BY NIGHT #AmReading #UrbanFantasy

Another fabulous cover by Damonza! What do you think?

NINE BY NIGHT

About NINE BY NIGHT

"From vampires to empaths, to the grim reaper himself, this bundle will keep you on the edge of your seat. I dare you to try and put it down!" SHANNON MAYER - author of THE RYLEE ADAMSON NOVELS and THE NEVERMORE TRILOGY

Nine books. Nine bestselling authors. Nine heroines that take names—and chances—while confronting dark foes, whether by force of arms or magic, that threaten their entire world.

Over two-thousand pages of epic reading await! Let the adventures begin.

From NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author, SM REINE, WITCH HUNT –– Shaman on the run. Isobel Stonecrow speaks with the dead...for the right price. She brings closure to the bereaved and heals broken hearts. But when she resurrects someone for the wrong client, she ends up on the OPA's most wanted list.

From NYT and USA Today Bestselling author, CJ ELLISSON, DEATH’S SERVANT –– Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his werewolf alpha one too many times. He returns to Virginia to find work and meets a young waitress, Raine. As their relationship progresses, Jon's embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle.

From bestselling author, LINDSAY BUROKER, TORRENT –– When Delia chose to major in archaeology, she imagined herself as the female Indiana Jones of the Southwest. She didn't imagine herself stumbling across decapitated bodies in old mine shafts or learning that monsters are real…

From bestselling author, ANTHEA SHARP, SPARK –– What if a high-tech game was a gateway to the treacherous Realm of Faerie? Superstar gamer Spark Jaxley's life might look easy, but she's part of an elite few who guard a shocking secret; the Realm of Faerie exists, and its dark magic is desperate for a foothold in the mortal world.

From bestselling authors BOONE BRUX and CJ ELLISSON, DEATH TIMES TWO –– The V V Inn has a ghost problem. New grim reaper, Lisa Carron, accepts the job. She quickly learns the hotel is full of the dearly departed—and she’s 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.

From bestselling author, JC ANDRIJESKI, ROOK: ALLIE’S WAR EPISODES 1-4 –– Like most humans, Allie distanced herself from Seers, a race of human-like beings discovered on Earth. Yanked out of her life by the mysterious Revik, Allie finds out her blood may not be as “human” as she thought, the world is nothing like it appears to be...and she has more in common with Seers than she ever wanted to believe.

From bestselling author, ANNIE BELLET, JUSTICE CALLING –– Gamer. Nerd. Sorceress. Jade Crow lives a quiet life running her comic book and game store in Wylde, Idaho. After twenty-five years fleeing from a powerful sorcerer who wants to eat her heart and take her powers, quiet suits her just fine. Surrounded by friends who are even less human than she is, Jade figures she's finally safe. As long as she doesn't use her magic…

From bestselling author, JESI LEA RYAN, ARCADIA’S GIFT –– Teenager Arcadia (Cady) Day’s family tragedy unleashes a hidden power. After experiencing what can only be called a psychic episode, her home life crumbles. As her emotional control slips away, Cady begins to suspect that her first psychic episode was just the beginning…

From Urban Fantasy author, KARA LEGEND, WILD NIGHT ROAD –– One innocent hex sets off a chain reaction of trouble among the shifters of the Kinraven that threatens war between werewolves, seraphim and witches. Lilith Darke will do anything to be free of her seraphim master. All hell breaks loose when rival packs face off only to discover a new, deadly threat that will take all their magick to survive.

NINE BY NIGHT releases 8/03/2014 on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other e-book retailers. 

Sucker Literary Magazine Blog Hop: The Writing Process #AmWriting

I was asked to participate in the Sucker Magazine Blog Hop by one of my very favorite young adult authors, Mike Mullin. If you haven't read his Ashfall series yet, I highly recommend you checking it out. 

Here is a link to Mike's blog hop post. BLOG HOP

So I was asked as part of this project to answer a few questions on my writing. 

1. What am I working on? 

I am currently working on the third and final book in my Arcadia series, Arcadia's Choice. Writing endings is always the hardest part of the novel process. I can write beginnings all day long. I have several partial manuscripts with the first eight or ten chapters written and then abandoned. But writing the last 20% of a book is agonizing for me. Since Arcadia's Choice is the last book in a series, I'm finding it ten times harder to finish. I think it has to do with wrapping up all the plot lines in a way that not only makes sense, but leaves readers with a feeling of satisfaction. 

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

There are two main ways my Arcadia series is different from other YA paranormal books on the market. First, while categorized as paranormal or science fiction, I've tried to make the story as realistic as possible. This means it is as much a family drama as it is paranormal. I have tried ever step of the way to make Cady and her friends feel like real people with real problems. I have given a scientific explanation for the existence of psychic gifts. it's important to me that these stories seem real. 

The second way the series differs from other paranormal stories is because my main character is a psychic empath. Most psychic stories revolve around telepaths or kinetics or something else sexy and cool. Empathy is a quiet gift. It's not visual at all. (Reason #87 why my books will never be made into movies.) Empaths in literature are rare, and when they are present, they are either minor supporting characters or empathy is just one of the character's many talents. Cady's only psychic gift is empathy, and emotion worker. She feels the emotions of people around her, absorbs the emotional energy and channels that energy out in various ways. 

3. Why do I write what I do?

While I do write some adult literature, I have an affinity for writing about teens. I think this is because the teen years are such a dynamic time for most people. There are a lot of really important things going on in the lives of teens that lend to creating some really great stories. 

I decided to write about psychics because I wanted to write a paranormal that was based in realism. Yes, I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but I don't see it that way. Look, we all know vampires don't exist. Sorry, but they don't. Neither to werewolves, faeries, trolls, etc. Disappointing, I know. But what about psychics? The human mind is a vast, uncharted place. Even scientists don't know the full extent of what we are capable of. Many people around the world claim some measure of psychic abilities. There is even documented evidence to support the existence of these abilities. So I wanted to write a story where these was a scientific/genetic explanation for these abilities, and write them in the most realistic way possible. 

4. How does my writing process work? 

I probably do everything "wrong". I don't outline or plot or make elaborate, color-coded timelines. I get an idea for a character and a situation, and then I obsess about it for a while before giving in and writing the first few chapters. Usually, I don't even know what the plot will be at that first writing. It's more about getting a character out of my head and onto paper before I forget about it. Come to think of it, I think this is why I have such a hard time writing endings. 

I also am not a regular, every day sort of writer. Like a lot of writers, I have a mundane day job that takes a lot of mental energy. I find it hard to stick to an everyday writing schedule. I tend to write mostly on the weekends. 

Okay, so now is the time when I direct you to the next stops on the Blog Hop. I have asked a few amazing authors to take up the reigns behind me.  First, is Tawdra Kandle, who is not only an amazing author, but she is also one of my editors. :)  Tawdra has a new duet of books out. 

Here is a link to Tawdra's blog: http://tawdrakandle.com/

Next on the blog hop is DelSheree Gladden. I asked DelSheree to take part in the blog hop because not only is she a wonderful writer, but she is also incredibly supportive of other authors. This woman must have a plethora of good karma built up! My favorite book by DelSheree is WICKED HUNGER with happens to be free on Kindle right now. 

The link to DelSheree's blog: http://delshereegladden.blogspot.com/

I hope you all take the time to check these authors out. They are fab! 

Review: IMMUNE by @TheShannonMayer 5 stars!!!! #AmReading #UrbanFantasy

Immune (Rylee Adamson #2)

**Warning** I'm so sorry Mom, this one will be no good for you to read either. There is a full on sex scene (nipples and everything), violence and well, lots of bad words. You know-- the ones you used to wash my mouth out with soap for? Consider yourself warned.

Underestimating demons is a bad idea, and it's a mistake Rylee may pay for with not only her life, but the life of a child who has gone missing.

That is, unless she allows O'Shea to help her; trusting the man who once sought for a way to bring her down.

If only life were that simple. And in Rylee's world, it rarely is.

(Amazon product description)

This series is so freaking amazing!  

Immune is the perfect follow up to Priceless.  It was funny, sexy and action-packed.  I actually laughed out loud so much my cat got up and left the bed. 

Finally, a heroine who doesn’t annoy me.  Rylee is the perfect combination of loyal, intelligent, compassionate and kick-ass. Many times, the heroines in urban fantasy novels tend to be so tough or snarky that they come off as unlikable.  Rylee is a smart-ass for sure, but she isn’t insulting.  Well, I guess the she gets a little sassy with the bad guys, but then it’s just hilarious.  (The seven dwarves comment was the best!)  The other cool thing about Rylee is she is not afraid of a little gore.  Blood , guts, troll crap...nothing fazes her.  Good thing too, because that girl can’t stay clean.    

Priceless fans will be glad that we get a lot more of O’Shea’s character in this book.  From the beginning of Priceless to the end of Immune, he goes through the most character growth and change.  It makes me excited to see what Mayer has in store for him in the third book.  I sort of wish his scenes would’ve been written in first person like Rylee’s.  I felt a little bit distant from him even when we were in his head.  It wasn’t a bad thing, just noticeable.  I’m sure there is a reason for it.  Readers will love the way the relationship between him and Rylee develops in throughout this book.

Alex the submissive werewolf also has an expanded role in this book.  I don’t like dogs, but I want an Alex so bad!!!!  He is sweet and unintentionally hilarious.  I would love to know more about him.  Perhaps if enough readers pressure the author, maybe she will give us a short story of Alex’s transition someday.  (Hint, hint.) 

As with Priceless, the only character I didn’t like was Milly.  Thankfully, her role in Immune is pretty small.  I have my fingers crossed that Eve, the thousand pound harpy, sits on her in book three.

Much of this review focuses on character because that is the most important thing to me in most books I read, but I wouldn’t be doing the book justice if I didn’t mention the non-stop action.  I felt like I was on a roller coaster from the first chapter until the end of the book.  Rylee finds herself battling vampires, demons, werewolves and trolls.  To help her in her quest is her posse made up of O’Shea, Alex, and the orphaned harpy, Eve.  Then there are those characters who are not totally #TeamRylee, but who aid her for their own reasons.  The combination adds depth to the story. 

Overall, I give Immune...

Plot - 5 bookmarks

Character development - 12 bookmarks (It’s my review. If I want to give 12 out of 5, I will!)

Love story - 5 bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Gemma Arterton (Rylee), David Boreanaz (O'Shea), Blake Lively (Milly), Frances McDormand (Giselle), James Marsters (Doran), “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (Dox), Selma Hayek (Louisa)

Get your Kindles ready on 3/6/13! IMMUNE the sequel to PRICELESS by @TheShannonMayer releases!

Mark March 6th on your calendars, folks!  

I am so excited this week for the release of IMMUNE, the sequel to Shannon Mayer's best selling urban fantasy novel PRICELESS.  Shannon Mayer was one of my new favorite authors in 2012.  PRICELESS had strong characters, an exciting plot, a healthy dose of comic relief and the coolest take on werewolves I've ever read. (If you would like to check out my review of PRICELESS, here is the link.)

About Immune

*Warning* I’m so sorry Mom, this one will be no good for you to read either. There is a full on sex scene (nipples and everything), violence and well, lots of bad words. You know— the ones you used to wash my mouth out with soap for? Consider yourself warned.

Underestimating demons is a bad idea, and it’s a mistake Rylee may pay for with not only her life, but the life of a child who has gone missing.

That is, unless she allows O’Shea to help her; trusting the man who once sought for a way to bring her down.

If only life were that simple. And in Rylee’s world, it rarely is.

****

To help celebrate her new release, the author is running two giveaways on her blog with incredible prizes.  

Shannon, why don't you tell my readers about the giveaway? 

*turns blog over to Shannon Mayer*

Reader & Fan Appreciation Giveaway

Because my readers and fans are so incredibly loyal, I want to show you JUST how much I appreciate all of you!  What do you say to a GIVEAWAY?

• THREE winners will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card AND a SIGNED copy of Priceless 

All you have to do is enter the Reader & Fan Appreciation Giveaway on my WEBSITE HERE.  I'll just ask you to like my Facebook page, share on Facebook & Twitter etc.  Easy stuff for some GREAT prizes!

Reviewer Appreciation Giveaway

Okay, so you didn't think I would forget about my AMAZING reviewers, did you??  Do you think you all deserve a special giveaway for the extra work you put in for me?  Well I do...so here's what I've got for you!  You could win:

• ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER: iPAD Mini or $250 Amazon Gift Card, a SIGNED copy of Priceless & the winner's name will appear in the THIRD book

In Addition to the Grand Prize Winner, the following prizes will also be up for grabs:

• TWO winners will receive a SIGNED copy of Priceless AND their name will appear in the THIRD book
• TWO SIGNED copies of Priceless
• ONE SKYPE Chat with Shannon Mayer 

All you have to do is enter the Reviewer Appreciation Giveaway on my WEBSITE HERE by writing your review, posting to your blog, Amazon etc. and entering it's link in the giveaway.  A valid link to your review is REQUIRED to be eligible for the Reviewer Appreciation Giveaway.  All in day's work for you all for some INCREDIBLE prizes!

About the Author

Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.

Social Media links:

Blog: http://shannonmayer.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ShannonMayerAuthor

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5172000.Shannon_Mayer

5 Stars for PRICELESS by Shannon Mayer @TheShannonMayer #Kindle

When children go missing without a trace, there is only one person who can find them.

Welcome to the world of Rylee Adamson, a woman with unique abilities, some wild friends and a unstoppable drive to save those who can't save themselves.

But when the details of a missing child duplicate that of her worst case, things start to get freaky. And not in a good way.

(Amazon description)

So my hubby walked in last night to find me laying on the floor of the living room laughing over my Kindle.  If that isn’t the sign of a good book, I don’t know what is. 

Priceless is the perfect blend of everything I like in a book--a kick-ass heroine, intriguing mystery, an assortment of paranormal creatures, well-timed comic relief and a red hot lust/hate relationship. 

Rylee is my kind of heroine.  She has supernatural talent, yet is fallibly human.  I like that things don’t always go her way...well ever.  But whether she is leading high speed car chases running from the law, fighting harpies with her trusty blades or going toe-to-toe with magic wielding kidnappers, she’s somehow able to maintain her softness--or maybe a better word is compassion.  After having been abandoned first by her biological parents and again by her adoptive parents, Rylee knows what it’s like to be alone in the world.  As a result, she has dedicated her whole life to helping those in need.  It goes deeper than just rescuing missing children; she is like a beacon to those in need.  This adds a surprising amount of emotional depth to the story.

Regular readers of my reviews know I’m all about the love story.  My favorites are those that are able to balance lust, affection and antagonism. The relationship between Rylee and Agent O’Shea has all of these elements.  Our first introduction to O’Shea is as the FBI agent who has been trying for ten years to prove Rylee murdered her little sister.  She didn’t do it, but O’Shea is too haunted by the unsolved case to see past his prejudice against Rylee.  When the tables turn and he is forced to place his trust in her, O’Shea finds everything he has even known about the world turned upside down.  I loved the way the author handled this relationship.  There is no insta-love here, more like a slow burn.  This is a love story that is meant to roll out over the course of a series, not wrap up with a nice tight bow at the end of the book.  I am so excited to see what happens with this couple.

One of the other strengths of this book is the use of humor.  The dark subject matter and gruesomeness of this story could have caused the book to be too heavy.  Witty dialog and Rylee’s sidekick, Alex the werewolf, keep the book from taking itself too seriously.  Remember my husband walking in on me laughing at my Kindle?  Yeah, that was Alex.  

About the only character that I didn’t like was Rylee’s best friend Milly.  She’s a witch--literally.  Even though the two are as close as sisters, she dumps Rylee because her Coven doesn’t want her to associate with people outside their group.  (This isn’t really a spoiler.  It happens right at the beginning of the book.)  I found Milly to be weak and annoying.  Her efforts to redeem herself at the end of the book fell flat with me.  I assume as the series goes on Milly will either develop a spine or do something so stupid Rylee will sick Alex on her. 

All in all, Priceless is an amazing start to a fun new urban fantasy series.  I can’t wait to see where this is going!

Plot - 5 bookmarks (lots of action!)

Character development - 4 1/2 bookmarks (Lots of depth to Rylee. Now we need to see where O’Shea how O’Shea is going to grow.)

Action - 5 bookmarks

Love story - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Gemma Arterton (Rylee), David Boreanaz (O’Shea), Blake Lively (Milly), Frances McDormand (Giselle)

Review: ‘Anna Dressed in Blood’ by Kendare Blake

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

(Amazon product description)

I loved this book!  Cas has one of the best voices of a teenage boy that I’ve read in a really long time.  I’ve noticed a trend lately in authors wanting their characters to be “snarky,” but not every writer can write convincing snark...most come across like they’re trying too hard.  Cas’s voice was natural and relaxed.  He was funny, without trying to be.  Another great thing about Cas is he’s supposed to be this kick-ass ghost killer, yet the first time he meets Anna, she wipes the floor with him. I love it! 

Anna is a brilliant character.  She is terrifying and gory and homicidal...all of the things teen heroines are not.  The author took a real risk with her, but the risk paid off.  Anna transforms into a sympathetic character through the course of the novel, drawing the reader into her story and the mystery behind her death. 

Rounding out the cast are several other interesting and well-developed characters.  Cas’s mom is a Wiccan who hates what her son does and fears for his safety, yet she still leads him around the country from job to job, ghost to ghost.  Carmel starts off as a shallow popular girl, but turns into a loyal and trustworthy friend.  Thomas comes across as the stereotypical nerd, but he runs head first into Anna’s house to drag an unconscious Cas to safety. 

But for many readers, the characterization might take a backseat to the action and gore, of which there are plenty!  This novel is fun, but it is a horror novel.  It is a long way from the teen paranormal romances that are so popular these days.  I think the book will appeal to boys and girls equally.  The fight scenes are well done, and the details of blood and rotting corpses are not glossed over.  There is enough humor to keep the story from being too scary, so all but the most squeamish readers will be able to handle it. 

Overall, I give Anna Dressed In Blood...

Plot - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Character development - 12 bookmarks (Okay, I know my scale only goes up to 5, but this is my blog post, and I can rate the way I want. :)  )

Fight sceens - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Blood & guts - 5 bookmarks

Romance - 3 1/2 bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Jamie Campbell Bower (Cas- as long as he can pull off and American accent), Lucy Hale (Anna), Sarah Gadon (Carmel), Aaron Johnson (Thomas), Diego Boneta (Will)

Review: ‘Fantasy Lover’ by Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Dear Reader,

Being trapped in a bedroom with a woman is a grand thing. Being trapped in hundreds of bedrooms over two thousand years isn't. And being cursed into a book as a love-slave for eternity can ruin even a Spartan warrior's day.

As a love-slave, I know everything about women. How to touch them, how to savor them, and most of all, how to pleasure them. But when I was summoned to fulfill Grace Alexander's sexual fantasies, I found the first woman in history who saw me as a man with a tormented past. She alone bothered to take me out of the bedroom and onto the world. She taught me to love again.

But I was not born to love. I was cursed to walk eternity alone. As a general, I had long ago accepted my sentence. Yet now I have found Grace--the one thing my wounded heart cannot survive without. Sure, love can heal all wounds, but can it break a two-thousand-year-old curse?

Julian of Macedon”

(Back cover blurb)

I’ve been wanting to read the Sherrilyn Kenyon books for ages!  While Fantasy Lover is not technically part of the Dark Hunter series, it takes place in the same world, and serves as a prequel. 

Let me start by saying, this story sucked me in quickly and didn’t let go.  (I read it on one sitting.)  I have been a little bored with my romantic heroines lately, but I really liked Grace.  She was smart, kind, flawed and very realistic.  Okay, so it is another book with a sexually inexperienced female with a total sex-god male, but I’ll let that go because the rest of the book was so good. 

Julian also had a surprising amount of depth to him.  He starts as this drop dead gorgeous love-slave, who women are mysteriously drawn to, but there is so much more to him than his looks.  Julian is courageous and fearful, strong and vulnerable.  Kenyon does an excellent job of explaining his complicated history and the relationships between those in the ancient world without churning out pages and pages of info dumps. 

I also love the idea of bringing the Greek mythology to urban fantasy.  I've always had a fascination with the Greeks and it's great to see them given a fresh spin for a modern audience. 

My only criticism of the book has to do with a certain repetitive element in the writing.  Many, many sentences started with the phrase, “Never before had she....”  Why the passive voice?  What’s wrong with “She never...?”  You might think this is a picky point, and you are probably right.  It just jumped out at me.

Overall, I give Fantasy Lover...

Plot - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Character development - 4 bookmarks

Love story - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Sex scenes - 4 bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Alexander Skarsgaard (Julian), Katie Featherston (Grace)

Review: 'Storm Born' by Richelle Mead

Just so you know, I have a total author crush on Richelle Mead.  I could go on and on about her action packed plots, interesting characters, dry touches of humor and incredible world building...but I won't.  Let's just say that Storm Born, the first book in the Dark Swan series is every bit as wonderful as the rest of her books.

Eugenie Markham, known as Odile to the Otherworld, is a shaman-for-hire.  She works to rid people of pesky spirits and creatures by banishing them back to the Otherworld, or if they are really naughty, to their deaths.  Along the way, she has built up a deadly reputation among the Fae community who rule the Otherworld.  When she starts stumbling upon creatures who not only know her real name, but want to have sex with her, she knows something is wrong.  A little investigation turns up a secret of her parentage and a prophesy that her heir (when she has one) will fulfill...something she must stop at all costs.

The world of the Dark Swan is very different from Mead's other books, because a significant amount of the story takes place in the Otherworld, a parallel world where the Fae and other magical creatures were forced into when the humans kicked them out of Earth.  The Fae, or Gentry as they are referred to, abhor human technology.  They draw power from nature and magic.  Humans used to have magic, but lost it when they turned their back on it in favor of technology.  Very interesting concept.

As with Mead's other books, there is a fair amount of romance and sex.  While fending off the advances of every creep in the Otherworld, she meets two men who seem to like her for more than what power she could give them if they impregnate her.  The first is Kiyo, a half-kitsun, whom she is immediately drawn to and has great chemistry with.  But when Kiyo breaks her trust, she is not quick to forgive.  The other man in her life is Dorian, a Fae king.  Eugenie does not trust him either, knowing full well he is all about power and himself, but she finds herself having to rely on him anyway.  I can feel this ramping up to a love-triangle which will span the whole series.  Both men have faults and good points.  While I find myself rooting for Kiyo at the moment, that may change.

The sex was hot and prevalent, but it also advanced the story.  I like a good sex scene as much as anyone else, but I love them when they serve a purpose for the character or plot.  Eugenie has power and control issues which both men bring out in her.  As the story progresses, you can see these issues cropping up outside the bedroom, too.  Brilliantly done!

I also have to say a little something about the fabulous supporting characters.  First, her roommate Tim was hilarious!  He is of polish decent, but pretends to be Native American.  He drops references to The Great Spirit and crap all of the time when he's talking.  I find this funny because I have some family members who act like this when we only have a tiny bit of Native blood in us and are several generations away from the reservation. 

I also LOVE her spirit minion, V.  (I can't remember his name, but I know it started with a V.)  He absolutely hates Eugenie and resents being bonded to her.  He keeps promising her that when he's able to break free, he will kill her slowly and painfully.  Unfortunately for him, while he is bonded, he must protect her from harm and is unable to lie to her.  This makes him her greatest ally, even with his hatred.  I found V hilarious and endearing.  I just know something cool is going to happen with him and Eugenie in the future.  It would be really neat if he were able to break free of his curse and they fall in love. 

Another really cool supporting character was Wil, an obsessive-compulsive conspiracy theorist who hires Eugenie to rescue his sister who has been kidnapped into the Otherworld.  Wil is such a freak that it's impossible not to laugh at him.

Dang, this is turning into a really long review, huh?  Told you I can't get enough of Richelle Mead!  The bottom line is if you like dark urban fantasy and don't mind steamy sex, this is a perfect book for you.

Overall, I give Storm Born...

Plot - 4 1/2 bookmarks (full of action)

Character development - 5 bookmarks (even the supporting characters had personality)

Love story - 4 bookmarks (I still love Georgina Kincaid and Seth from her Succubus series better, but the sexual tension is great!)

World Building - 4 bookmarks (There is a lot of explaining that Mead has to do to paint the picture, but the world is well thought out and she delivered that information without resorting to an info dump.)

Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Bryce Dallas Howard (Eugenie), a younger Dean Cane (Kiyo), Eric Dane (Dorian), Alexander Skarsgaard (Aeson)