Title: Death of a Waterfall

Author: Kara Leigh Miller

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press

Release Date: June 8, 2013

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Teghan Jacobs & Donnie Marks

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 I was captivated upon opening the first page… – Jen

Twenty year old, college freshman, Teghan Jacobs didn’t think anything could be worse than learning she’s pregnant by a man she’s been dating less than six months. Boy, was she wrong. Her mother, who’s drowning in the river of denial, refuses to take a side on the issue. Her overbearing, manipulative father threatens to disown her and cut her off from her trust fund if she doesn’t have an abortion.

Donnie Marks couldn’t be happier. The woman he loves, the woman he fought so hard to be with, is going to have his baby. Life has never been better. But when she shows up in his dorm, sobbing and heartbroken, he learns the horrible truth of what happened. He vows to get revenge on the man who’s responsible: Teghan’s father.

Oh my God…. I don’t even know where to begin with this book… It’s devastatingly heartbreaking. The whirlwind romance between Teghan and Donnie is fantastic. They have ups and downs and great sex! I wish it was a stand alone though! The cliffy I was just left with is gonna leave me hungover for a minute. I am astonished at the audacity of her father, his cruel ways of intervening are far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. This young woman is stripped of her soul because of her father’s actions. She doesn’t know how to cope with all that she has lost, and honestly, I wouldn’t know either. I was captivated upon opening the first page. Donnie loves Teghan, with everything that he is watching play out he feels more and more helpless…  Can their love stand the  test of time… or is it too little, too late? I just can’t get over it, it’s so mind blowing!

Kara is a multi-published erotic romance author who isn’t afraid to fling the bedroom door wide open and jump into bed with her characters. Represented by Dawn Dowdle of The Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Kara loves to write contemporary romance, erotica, and young adult romance. Currently she has several full-length novels in the works, a series of novellas, and a handful of short stories. An active member of the CNY Writers Haven and the CNY Romance Writers, Kara is also the Managing Editor for the Surge and Romance Imprints at Anaiah Press.

To learn more about Kara, or to find links to her other published works, please visit her website: Kara Leigh Miller You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

        Is there any length you would NOT go to protect your family? 

Title: Punctured, Bruised and Barely Tattooed

Author: Jade C. Jamison

Published Date: September 30, 2014

Pages: 172

Steam Rating: Risqué

Genre: NA/Adult/Erotica

Main Characters: Kory McCallister & Stone Bowman

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Talk about perfect combination —-

Little bit Alpha… Little bit Sweetheart…

Stone Bowman is THE man! -Jen

**COMPANION NOVEL to the TANGLED WEB series**                     

Kory McCallister has had her eyes on tattoo artist Stone Bowman for quite some time—so long, in fact, that no other guy will do. Stone pushes every turn-on button Kory has—he’s tattooed from head to toe; he’s hot; he’s funny and charming; and he’s also mysterious. So when Kory’s friends dare her to ask Stone out on a date, she can’t believe she actually finds the guts to do it.

More surprising? He takes her up on the offer.

She discovers that, while his past might not be quite as dark or mysterious as she’d imagined, it’s bigger than she’d expected, and it’s something she will need to contend with if she decides she wants to keep him around to color her life for good.

Phew! I really enjoyed this book. The setting and back story behind the characters was intriguing and captivating…. But it’s fast pace didn’t linger on and on until it became repetitive. Which was a really nice change. Some authors feel the need to explain every single detail… Which is okay… But the expert way that Jade gets to the point without dwelling, made it more real. She had me feeling as though Kory was a real girlfriend of mine. That she just needed an outlet to finally tell her story…  like she just needed to get it out in order to expel the demons from her mind and finally get some peace. I felt her need pour through the pages. She is funny and sarcastic and extremely down to earth. And even though she suffered a terribly traumatic childhood she chooses to push through so that she can finally move forward. Don’t get me wrong, she definitely struggles with opening up – but when it finally happens, you can’t help but feel the angst leave her heart.

Stone fit perfectly with her. He revelled in the fact that she was different from all the other women in his life. She wasn’t there because of Malevolent Disorder or Spawn… She was there because of him. Just Stone. His demons make him more real. His struggles to get where he is now are heartbreaking. While his past is not as soul wrenching as hers, it is still a bone deep story to behold.  Which caused him to be guarded as well. Confiding in each other helps them both put things behind them.

Okay, now on to the good stuff heeheehee…. Can I just say HELL YES!

Talk about perfect combination —- Little bit Alpha… Little bit Sweetheart… Stone Bowman is THE man! He can sense what Kory needs before she even realizes it herself. They seriously could start a fire they are so hot together! Shit, these two had me reeling for more! The care he takes with her when she needs him to be gentle – The strength he gives when she doesn’t want to think… It’s effin panty melting! He is a GOD. Kory is one lucky ass chick.

And thus begins my love affair with Jade’s writing. I am a 100%  stalker  ummm….. fan.  I can’t wait to embark on my next adventure within her pages. If you haven’t discovered the genius that is Jade C. Jamison – what the hell are you waiting for? An invitation? Well, here it is:                                       

GET HER BOOKS NOW. You will not be disappointed. Get ready to fangirl babes… She rocked my literary world!

Jade C. Jamison was born and raised in Colorado and has decided she likes it enough to stay forever. Jade’s day job is teaching Creative Writing, but teaching doesn’t stop her from doing a little writing herself.

Unfortunately, there’s no one genre that quite fits her writing. Her work has been labeled romance, erotica, suspense, and women’s fiction, and the latter is probably the safest and closest description. But you’ll see that her writing doesn’t quite fit any of those genres.

You’ll have to discover Jade’s writing for yourself to decide if you like it.

Show me your tattoos! I wanna see whatchya got!

Title: The Year We Fell Down

Author: Sarina Bowen

Series: Ivy Years

Published by: Rennie Road Books

Date published: March 20, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Sports

Book Length: 268 pages

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Corey & Hartley

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 “These two have a relationship that goes far beyond the physical. Far beyond sex. Corey and Hartley are the definition of soul mates at it’s very core and I happily award them the MFEO stamp of approval!” ~Becca

The sport she loves is out of reach. The boy she loves has someone else.

What now?

She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead.

Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He’s way out of Corey’s league.

Also, he’s taken.

Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in the “gimp ghetto” of McHerrin Hall. Over tequila, perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands.

They’re just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she’s falling. Hard.

But will Hartley set aside his trophy girl to love someone as broken as Corey? If he won’t, she will need to find the courage to make a life for herself at Harkness — one which does not revolve around the sport she can no longer play, or the brown-eyed boy who’s afraid to love her back.

After reading The Understatement of the Year, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in this series! I just totally fell in love with Sarina Bowen’s writing style and these characters.

The Year We Fell Down is an emotional roller coaster of a story. While the plot line has been done, friends to lovers, this one was definitely unique and fun! This is one of those books that is sort of hard to review without spoilers…but I’m going to give it my best shot!

From the blurb you know that Corey is in a wheelchair and can’t follow her dream of playing hockey. You also know that her next door neighbor in the “gimp” rooms is the super hot Hartley…who just happens to have a girlfriend.

These two bond and the friendship that blooms between them is inseparable. It’s uplifting. It’s strong. It’s absolutely 100% perfect…except for the longing. The want. Hartley’s trophy girl girlfriend is a total bitch…and the way their relationship is set up with her in Paris is absolutely mind boggling! I can’t believe that he lets himself be in a relationship like this…but I digress…

spoilers…all that jazz! Not going there!

So anyways, where was I? Oh yeah! Their friendship! Seeing these two grow and bond over their “gimpness” is sweet and emotional. I love that Hartley is so damn thoughtful…even though he does have his dumb jock moments that make me want to smack him upside the head! I mean come on man…you had to have known she would…

Crap! There I go again! Sorry rambling into ALMOST spoilers…

Okay back on track Becs!

Lets move on from their relationship a little so that I don’t spoil stuff for ya!

This book has one damn amazing story of not giving up. Of not letting go of your dreams and of reaching for what you want…even if it does seem impossible.

Corey is one of the strongest, most well developed female characters I have read in a long damn time. Just reading this book and seeing the story through her eyes made me realize how lucky I am…how many things I take for granted and how thankful I should be For that I want to say a HUGE thank you to Sarina Bowen! 

Be prepared for a lot of tears. A lot of angst and struggles. Oh and I can’t forget to mention that you will need to be prepared for a shit ton of sexual tension! I mean…just damn! There aren’t a lot of ‘steamy’ sex scenes in this book…but honestly there didn’t need to be!

The scenes that are there are written beautifully and don’t feel forced. The characters are so real and so raw that any more would have ruined things. These two have a relationship that goes far beyond the physical. Far beyond sex. Corey and Hartley are the definition of soul mates at it’s very core and I happily award them the MFEO stamp of approval!

If you haven’t given this book…this series a chance yet, trust me, head on over to Amazon and pick it up like right now! No seriously…why are you still here?? Go NOW!

Check out the other books in the series

Sarina Bowen makes her home in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where she lives with her family, eight chickens and a large pile of skis and hockey equipment. She is a graduate of Yale University.  

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What would you do if everything you wanted was taken from you? How would you handle loving someone that is with someone else?

Title: The Understatement of the Year

Author: Sarina Bowen

Series: Ivy Years

Published by: Rennie Road Books

Date published: Sept. 29, 2014

Genres: LGBT, Contemporary, Sports

Book Length: 281 pages

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Graham & Rikker

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“I cannot get over how well written this story was. It was so realistic, so raw and so emotional that once I got started reading it I just couldn’t stop.” ~Becca

What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexuality from everyone. Including himself.

So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.

Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE. NO CLIFFHANGERS. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Warning: unlike the other books in this series, this heartbreaking love story is about two guys. Contains sexual situations, dance music, snarky t-shirts and a poker-playing grandmother.

This was only my second gay romance novel and I have to say that I adored it! I totally read this series all wrong and absolutely out of order…however, it really didn’t matter

In the Understatement of the Year we meet Graham and Rikker who were best friends during their childhood and adolescent years. They fell in love as teenagers. Unfortunately, something horrible and sadly realistic happens that causes Rikker to be sent away and Graham to second guess everything about himself. Because of this, Graham hides who he is. He forces himself to date girls and lives a very exhausting and carefully planned life. He honestly thinks that he has everything under control. When Rikker, his first, and if he’s honest only, love joins his hockey team he fears that his carefully laid plans and perfectly choreographed lies are about to be thrown out of the window.

I LOVE that this story is told in a dual POV. Getting to see things from both Graham and Rikker’s perspective really adds a whole new level to the story that other wise would have been lacking. Getting to see the team and college life through Graham, who is terrified of even saying the word gay, and Rikker, who was unwillingly outed at his last college, is absolutely epic.

I cannot get over how well written this story was. It was so realistic, so raw and so emotional that once I got started reading it I just couldn’t stop.

The sex….just damn!

These sex scenes are HOT, HOT, HOT with a side of steamy!

The flow of the romance is realistic and believable. It isn’t easy for them and there are some pretty big hurdles that they have to jump over. I have to say that I wanted to beat the shit out of Graham on several occasions! I mean seriously…poor Rikker just kept putting himself out there and Graham just…well yeah I’m not saying more than that because well…spoilers!

Anyways…where was I? Oh yeah…

These two guys are far from perfect and their relationship has it’s flaws and hiccups. However, when they finally do get over their obstacles and give in to the sexual tension that is so strong you can taste it…trust me…it’s something you won’t want to miss out on!

The love that Graham and Rikker have for one another is so amazingly sweet. For two big bad hockey players they definitely have a sweet side that keeps you begging for more.

The way this book ends is just OOOO EEMMM GGGEEE sweet! You will seriously need a box of tissues to stop the tears and snot from taking over your face…yep…gross I know! But trust me, this book is just that damn good! It absolutely rocked my world and made me want more! I was super sad to know that I was done with their story and would like to say that I am totally up for a follow up story for these two!

Sarina Bowen makes her home in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where she lives with her family, eight chickens and a large pile of skis and hockey equipment. She is a graduate of Yale University.  

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What would you do if an old flame, that could ruin the world you created for yourself, waltzed back into your life?

 D

Title: Drops of Rain
Author: Kathryn Andrews
Publish Date: August 11, 2014
Pages: 312 ebook
Series: Hale Brothers

Genres: YA/NA – Contemporary 

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Ali Rain & Drew Hale 

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“I loved this book… It confronts issues that are close to my heart. You will fall in love with Ali and Drew and root for them to break though the heartache that threatens to engulf them. Be prepared ladies… ” ~Jen 

Ali Rain

Sometimes I think to myself, “How did I get here?” Then the pain hits and I remember…it’s because she’s gone. I now live in a new town, go to a new school, and I’m supposed to be moving on with my new life.

Only, I no longer know who I am anymore.

Dancing is all I have left and every day I feel completely alone. Silence has become the theme song to my life. She said to find some joy and light, but I don’t know how. Mostly, I feel surrounded in darkness…that is until I meet him.

Drew Hale

I have only one goal, in 298 days I’m going to drive away from this small beach town and never return. People are always watching me closely, too close, and I’m tired of wearing a mask. I need to be free. Swimming is my ticket out of here and I remind myself daily to fly under the radar, stick to my routine, and under no circumstances let anything distract me. I’m not as perfect as they think, most days I am drowning in guilt. I’m not sure I will ever be able to escape the feelings of shame, worthlessness, and just being unwanted…that is until I meet her.

Drops of Rain is a beautifully written coming of age story about surviving tragedy and fighting back. It grips your heart and holds it hostage until the future plays out. What would you do if your life suddenly got turned inside out and was spinning in a vortex you had no control over? Would you succumb to the silence? Embrace the loneliness? Or would you fight to change the future even if the world seemed as though it was fighting against you?

There’s something about him… She can’t quit thinking about his eyes, his taut body, and his oh so soft lips. She wants to be pulled from the depths of her depression… Can Drew Hale be the one to pull her from the silence? 

What is it about her that causes his mind to become completely lost in thoughts of her… Her legs wrapped around him, her tiny frame holding onto him, and the sadness in her eyes. Everything about Ali Rain makes him want what he thinks he doesn’t deserve.

I loved this book… It confronts issues that are close to my heart. You will fall in love with Ali and Drew and root for them to break though the heartache that threatens to engulf them. Be prepared ladies… There’s nothing like taking a trip down memory lane – back to your high school days. That’s exactly where Drops of Rain took me… From your first love to your first heartbreak, you will experience an emotional roller coaster that will leave you wanting more.

 Over ten years ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.

Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run six half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says, I am a runner. I do, therefore I am.

 I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life:cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes . . . writing.        

 I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories . . . then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.

 I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race, it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.

In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell . . . all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.

Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.

           ** Next Release**

Starless Nights – Beau’s Story
        Expected Release – –

          November 2014    

           **Keep your eyes out! **              

If you could go back and redo something that may have changed the course of your life… Would you?

Title: Up for Grabs

Author: Heather Young-Nichols

Series: Not yet…but I’m begging for it!

Published by: Swoon Romance

Date published: May 6, 2014

Genres: Contemporary

Book Length: 179 pages

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Flannery & Cain

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“Up For Grabs is hot, sweet, romantic, hilarious and just a plain out perfect and fun read!” ~Becca

When Flannery Tate left home for a college halfway across the country in Michigan, she’d only planned on getting an education. But when Cain Dorsey walked into her life, she had no choice but to fall for him. However, what’s a girl to do when her scholarship well runs dry? Return home? Get a job?

Flannery gets creative. She decides to sell the most precious and valuable thing she can – her virginity – to the highest bidder. When Cain discovers her plan, their world crumbles. Will they be able to move past her betrayal and find a way back to each other? Or, is this the beginning of the end? UP FOR GRABS is a story of love, heartbreak and truth

This is a hard book to talk about without spoiling anything! I guess the basics that you need to know are this:

• 100% epic love story
• It’s hilarious!
• Well developed and addictive characters.
• A story line that held me hostage and wouldn’t let go!
• I WANT MORE!

Yep…that about covers it! Up For Grabs is hot, sweet, romantic, hilarious and just a plain out perfect and fun read! Head on over to Amazon and get your copy now!

If you want more check out my video review above!

Heather Young-Nichols was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan and graduated from nearby Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in sociology. The only thing that rivals her love of reading and writing is her love of baseball. When not with her husband and three kids or the cat that likes to bite, she is working to bring the characters in her head to life.

Don’t forget to check out our Monthly Giveaway page to see what else is included in this awesome giveaway!

Heather Young-Nichols is giving away an E-copy of Up for Grabs as well as some swag!

What would you give up to be with the person you loved?

Heather will be stopping by tomorrow to do our very first AuthorsTalk post, don’t miss out on her take on Writer’s Block!

Title: 9th Life

Author: Wendy Beck

Series: The Naming of Legends

Published by: Indie

Date published: April 11, 2014

Genres: Paranormal (Shifters), SCI-FI & Fantasy

Book Length: 274 pages

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Bastian and Skyler Ashcraft

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“The story is thought provoking, engaging, fun, easy to read and lovable! The extreme depths that this book goes to are mind blowing!” ~Becca

PROCEEDS FROM 9TH LIFE GO TO 
GOOD MEWS NO-KILL CAGE-FREE CAT SHELTER

~ Concerning Zookeepers ~
Working with the wild is a diverse calling. You learn to scale heights and sedate hurts, rate scars and skin rats, celebrate life and suffer loss. Animals are freer with their acceptance and adoration, also fiercer when angered or threatened. All in all, it’s a safe way to live passionately.
So Skyler thought.
Then he came. Lines were blurred.

~ Concerning Shapeshifters ~
Being a shapeshifter is to know life at its depths. The initiated know the truth. It’s all One. Form is an idea. Ideas can be changed. 
But all ideas are not equal.
So Bastian learned.
Then he found her. Lines were crossed.

Skyler Ashcraft never could have guessed the line crossed when she drugged an injured lynx. What Bastian was didn’t even footnote in her zookeeper’s manual. But it did nearly overshadow what he hid.
Secrets are like lines. They divide.
Before and After. Truth or Lie.
Life or Death.

NOTE: New Adult is a diverse genre. 9th Life contains no sex, but the rest of the series does. Mild language throughout. (I get asked about these things a lot so thought I’d share.)

I’m not huge on shifter books, if I am being 100% honest I can’t even really explain why I don’t care for them but I think it has something to do with the romance in them sometimes blurring that line between human and animal and bestiality… So when I got the chance to review 9th Life I was a little bit hesitant. I went over to GoodReads and checked the blurb, I read a few reviews and then I realized that I was hooked already! I simply HAD to read this book!

To put it mildly, 9th Life is NOT simply another shape-shifter romance! Wendy Beck takes this book to an entirely new level with her writing style. The dialog is just so real, if not a bit witty and well “smart-assy” (what it’s a word…okay so it’s totally not a word, but it should be!) especially if you take the internal-dialog into account! It is easy to see how Wendy’s zookeeper background helps to shape the story into something unique and amazing! The descriptions of animals and the world-building are so complex and charming that you will find yourself often forgetting that this is not a true story and you are not really there! The story is thought provoking, engaging, fun, easy to read and lovable! The extreme depths that this book goes to are mind blowing! It makes you think about how life exists, how our physical bodies are affected by matter and energy, and most of all how we can impact our destiny, or fate, with our thoughts and actions. Wendy manages not only all of that, but also works in one amaze-balls romance!

Bastian and Sklyer definitely deserve the MFEO stamp of approval!

Skyler and Bastian are such realistic and deep characters that you will find yourself lost and longing to know more! The chemistry between these two literally left me breathless!

Skyler is a zookeeper…whose life is about to change in ways that she never could have imagined! It’s hard to explain a lot about Skyler and Bastian without spoilers so honestly this part of the review may be shorter than you are used to. When Skyler rescues a lynx that rescued her from a hunter (confusing I know…) her life is thrown upside down in the best of ways!

Bastian is our hero, our shape-shifter, and the amount of details and build up for him is extraordinary! I adore the fact that Wendy went with cats, it’s just a new and un-tapped market on the shifter side of things. I mean a Lynx is a beautiful creature and the way she describes him is just so in depth and perfect that you can’t help but fall in love with him! Watching his reactions to Skyler’s world and culture is just precious and endearing and his honesty and forwardness brings the relationship to a new level.

The romance flows so smoothly and slowly that it is easy to fall in love yourself! I would compare the pace and romance style to that of Ull and Kristia in S.T. Bende’s Elsker Saga! The friendship and bond that Bastian and Skyler form is precious and daunting. As the book moves forward into the second half, the romance gets a little more steamy and we learn of true feelings and breaking hearts. Just like with Ull and Kristia, there are things that hold Bastian back from pursuing Skyler fully. As these revelations came about, I found myself reeling, spinning, and biting my lip as I waited for the next page to reveal something that would fix things. 

I will admit that the first few chapters of this book were a bit difficult to read. Wendy’s writing style is very unique and real and it took me a bit to get used to. Oh, but once I was used to it…the story bloomed into this amazing world! As I read more and more, so much became clear to me and still more questions would pop up! What a way to write and keep your reader wanting more! I still cannot get over how wonderful this book is! It gets you thinking about the world around you, the possibilities for change, the uselessness of the material things that we have in excess…it is a real eye opener!

9th Life left me with a happy and yet heavy heart, willing to give up my “9th Life” to get my hands on the next book in the series, and crossing my fingers that things go smoothly for Bastian and Skyler because they deserve a happily ever after!

If you are looking for a wonderful, fun and steamy shifter romance that is intense, filled to exploding with action, and emotional conflict then this is definitely the book for you!

Zookeeper-turned-author Wendy Beck is more accustomed to wrestling gators than grammar. She has a conservation biology degree from Oglethorpe University and learned a whole lot of hands-on studying killer whales in Puget Sound, loggerhead sea turtles on Cumberland Island, and everything else at Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove. She went on to serve as the animal caretaker for Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail in Athens for four years before moving back to the Atlanta area to care for the wildest animal of all—her son.

She lives with the love of her life and personal hero, Mike, and can be found reading, writing, practicing kriya yoga, or creating whimsy out of fondant… out of the Lego collection… or sometimes out of both.
Member of the RWA and serves as Membership Chair of the Georgia Romance Writers

What is this extra time you speak of? Because I’m indie published, there’s a mind-numbing amount to do and learn and relearn. I read when I can and hope to find a better balance of time once the learning curves aren’t quite so all-consuming.

I’m almost finished with a novella that overlaps The Naming of Legends trilogy. It’s called Rebound, and it has had the most incredible response from the beta readers. I think I may have given Sky & Bastian a challenge for role of favorite couple. Sky and Bastian’s story plays a huge role in the novella since Rebound is about a couple you don’t realize that you’ve already met.  

Beyond Bastian, of course. He’s my perfect (and inspired by my incredible husband). I’d have to say Dean Holder from Colleen Hoover’sHopeless. 

He was kneeling before me, sliding his hands over my calves, effectively shutting me up. One by one, he pulled my shoes and socks off. I couldn’t suppress a moan at how good it felt to be free after being confined for so long.

“Please don’t make me put those back on.”

“Do I have the ability to make you do anything?”

“I’m scared to answer that.”

“Kiss me.” I leaned in, but an inch away, he said, “Wait.” I went to lean back and he whispered, “Don’t move.”

He placed my hand on his chest, and it felt as if he were running… or terrified.

“Feel that? That’s what you do to me. This moment here, the breath before you touch me. That’s what’s undeniable. I’m beyond confidence, beyond honesty, and far too tempted to slip beyond respecting you.”

I swallowed before whispering, “Respect is overrated.”

“Kiss me quick, Sky.”

“Make me.”

His grip on my wrist snapped forward, yanking me off the bed to land on top of him, the other hand in my hair forcing our lips that last inch. He was heat and cinnamon, the breath you thought you couldn’t take. He gentled quick enough, too quick, but not before I knew the truth.

He could make me do anything.

The amazing Wendy Beck is giving away a signed promo card, earrings & an e-book of 9th Life!

If you could shape-shift into an animal what would it be? 

Title: Elsker

Author: S.T. Bende

Series: The Elsker Saga

Published by: S.T. Bende

Date published: May 29, 2014

Genres: Paranormal New Adult

Steam Rating: Sweet

Main Characters: Ull Myhr and Kristia Tostenson

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 “And like a fairytale Prince Charming, Ull Myhr had me believing again in Happily Ever After.”

You don’t win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way. Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University in Wales she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting. Hes an honest to goodness Norse God–an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. Kristia’s crazy visions are the only thing that can save their realms.

Her orderly life just got very messy.

Ull had me at Hei Hei

By Dylan Quinn

S.T. Bende’s spin on the often-overlooked Norse Mythology genre was sweet and quick to read. As an English teacher, I’ve spent years teaching the Greek traditions and was not as familiar with Norse until S.T. Bende came along. That said, the Avengers and of course—Thor, have quickly become regulars on movie night in my house.

As Elsker begins, we’re introduced to college student Kristia Tostenson. With her psychic visions of a not so exciting future, she dreams of a new start. Not interested in becoming a crazy cat lady, she decides at the urging of her best friend Ardis to apply for a study abroad program, choosing Cardiff University in Whales. This begins her journey to the U.K. where she immediately comes face to face with her destiny. And let me say, what a lucky girl she is!

Her first day in England she meets Ull Myhr, a beautifully mysterious man everyone wants to get to know better including Kristia (did I mention he’s H.O.T.?). After a few weeks of Ull trying to resist getting involved (mostly to avoid involving her in his fate—isn’t he sweet?), he eventually caves thus beginning their whirlwind romance.

Things develop quickly for the two. While attending a mythology class together the pieces to his identity puzzle unravel. Despite the fact that their romance is short and sweet, it works well enough mostly because as Tur alludes, they were destined for each other. Ultimately, Ull accepts his fate; that he is meant to be with Kristia just as he accepts the prophecy that he is destined to die in the Ragnarok battle that has been hanging over his head for eternity.

Though not as much action as Tur, Elsker moved along quickly. The relationship between Kristia and Ull wasn’t instant love, but sparks flew from the beginning. I wasn’t as put off with how quickly the relationship moved either. Kristia’s lack of experience in relationships explained this, as did their prophesied destiny. The only thing that was a bit too rushed for me was her acceptance of his identity. She didn’t seem to struggle long, accepting Ull as a god from Asgard but considering Ull, who cares, right?! I LOVED him.

Although not considered a steamy romance, there was still plenty of steamy anticipation in Elsker to keep me turning pages. Though most new adult readers have certain ‘sexpectations’ in the genre, I don’t feel there is a need in every story and that is certainly the case for Elsker. The vivid scenes were hopelessly romantic between Kristia and Ull, making them totally swoon-worthy. Just check out the teaser below of their sexy make-out session in the castle!

Overall, Elsker was an adorably sweet romance that had me blushing from page one. The boys are hot, the girls are fun and even without sex, it was steamy in it’s own right as the anticipation kept me turning pages. And like a fairytale Prince Charming, Ull Myhr had me believing again in Happily Ever After.

S.T. Bende

Before finding domestic bliss in suburbia, ST Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee) and Europe… where she became overly fond of McVities cookies. Her love of Scandinavian culture and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired the books of The Elsker Saga (Tur, Elsker, Endre and Tro). She hopes her characters make you smile and that one day, pastries will be considered a health food.

Find ST on Twitter @stbende  or her blog, http://stbende.blogspot.com. While you’re at it, introduce yourself to @UllMhyr. When he’s not saving the cosmos from dark elves, he loves meeting new friends. Especially the human kind. I can attest to that!

“Are you sure you will be all right on the stairs?” Ull stood in the grand hall of Cardiff Castle, glancing at the four-inch, shiny death-traps Victoria called shoes. Since Ull’s eyes practically bugged out of his face when he picked me up, I had no intention of changing into the emergency flats I’d stuck in my purse. Victoria had scored another hit.

“Probably not. Walk behind me in case I fall?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

“On our right, the coats of arms,” continued the tour guide. He’d been talking for a good five minutes and I couldn’t remember a single word. That was because Ull had started stroking the small of my back when our tour began, and it took all my concentration just to stay upright.

“The castle is gorgeous.” I admired the stonework as we made our way toward the stairs. There I shifted focus to my feet, staring at each step until I’d reached the top. “Made it.”

“And I was so hoping I would get to catch you.” Ull came up next to me and skimmed my hand with the pads of his fingers.

“Well, the night is young and these shoes are high. You may still get your chance.”

“Tease.” Ull kissed my palm.

“Um.” I swayed on the heels and he chuckled.

“Come, Miss Tostenson. We are losing the group.”

“Right.”

We walked the long corridor framed with paintings. All of the history in these walls was kind of overwhelming. The castle was two thousand years old. The oldest thing we had back in Nehalem was probably the Homestead. Cardiff Castle had about eighteen hundred years on that farm.

“This place is huge,” I whispered when we’d caught up to the tour. “I can’t imagine living here. How could you ever get comfortable?”

“You get used to it,” Ull shrugged. “Find little corners to make your own.”

“How on earth could anyone get used to all of this?”

“When you are stuck in it every day it gets old. Trust me.”

“Right.” Like Ull was an authority on royal dwellings. “Living in a castle sounds sooo terrible.”

“Depends on the day.”

“What does that mean?”

“Just that these walls did more than keep people out — they kept people in, too.”

I thought about my vision from Friday night — of Ull and me in a meadow by a castle. Huh.

“Where did you say your family lived, exactly?” I probed.

But Ull bristled. I’d hit a nerve. “Come Kristia, we have lost our group again.” He gently pulled me down the hall.

“You may have noticed the Animal Wall in front of the Castle. Though William Burges designed the Wall in 1866, it was not constructed until 1890 — nine years after Burges’s death.” The guide lifted an eyebrow as we caught up. “Please do try to stay with the tour,” he admonished before turning down another corridor. The rest of the group followed closely.

“Sorry.” I ducked my head.

Ull raised a corner of his mouth in a smile. “Why, Kristia, you are blushing.”

“And?” I lifted my chin, and took a step back so I stood against the wall.

“It is sweet.” Ull paused and lifted a finger to my cheek. My knees buckled and he grabbed my arm to steady me. The touch sent shockwaves straight to my head, leaving me with the unnerving sensation of being underwater. I lost my bearings again and Ull wrapped both hands around my waist to stop my fall.

“Sorry,” I mouthed. “Must be the shoes.” I couldn’t stop staring at his eyes. They almost looked nervous.

“Must be.” He ran his finger along my jaw, stopping to grasp my chin between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes focused on my mouth and my heartbeat accelerated. He ran his thumb lightly over my lips. They parted under his touch. A wave of heat shot from my lower lip straight to my abdomen, creating a slow burn that wasn’t altogether uncomfortable. I watched as his eyes slowly moved down then back up, lingering at the neckline of my dress. Victoria had been right about the push-up bra.

“Must be,” I repeated.

Ull drew his eyes away from my cleavage and took a step closer. He leaned one forearm against the wall, leaving me enveloped between the cold stone and his warm chest. I was suddenly very dizzy.

“Kristia,” he spoke in a whisper.

“Yes?” I whispered back. Ull was looking at me with an intensity I wasn’t prepared for. He stepped in, closing the last inch between us.

“Look at me.” He spoke again, lifting my chin so my lips were tilted towards his. If his body hadn’t been pressed against mine, I would have collapsed in a heap that instant. Instead, I took a shaky breath as Ull dropped his head. He ran his nose along my jaw line, pausing when he reached my ear. He breathed in, the cool air sending a shiver down my neck. With painstaking slowness he drew his nose across my cheek until our lips were almost touching. Now when I looked into his eyes I saw something entirely different. He was strong. Confident. And very much in control.

I let out a small sigh and immediately he covered my mouth with his. It wasn’t a gentle kiss — it was commanding, almost forceful. I melted against him as he claimed my lips, moved down my jaw to consume my neck. My insides throbbed. In that moment, I would have done absolutely anything he asked me to.

“Kristia,” he whispered again.

“Mmm.” It was the best I could muster by way of response.

“I think we need to stop.”

In God’s name, why?

“Will you be joining the rest of my tour, or shall I leave the two of you here?” The guide stood at the end of the corridor, literally tapping his foot. Oops.

Ull placed his hands around my waist to right me. I smoothed my hair and straightened my dress, my cheeks burning the whole time.

“Great timing,” I muttered. Just when things were getting good.

“Do not worry Kristia.” Ull winked. “We have all the time in the world.”

I sure hoped so.

The lovely ST Bende is giving away one copy of EACH novel in this series! That means 1-Tur, 1-Elsker and 1-Endre, to be released mid-July!

Here is a sneak peak of the cover for the follow-up, Endre releasing later this month…