Where The Wicked Read.... My Spot To Talk About, Review, Share My Love Of Books, and Anything Else That Comes To Mind..

Monday, May 28, 2012

A Memorial Day Tribute - You Are Not Forgotten




 MEMORIAL DAY 2012
 FOR OUR TROOPS (both past and present, but particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan at present)

Though I don't know your name
And I have never seen your face
I shed tears for you.

Though my memories don't contain a time
We shared together
I miss you.

Though we are not related
You are in my thoughts.

When I'm eating, or taking a shower, or doing housework,
I think of you, knowing how much you wish you could be at home,
Your stomach full, doing mundane chores such as cleaning your house,
Clean from a fresh shower.

Though you are at terrible risk, and perhaps may not survive,
You are NEVER ALONE, and will always be alive
If only in our spirits, hopes and memories, our dreams for your future.

There are MILLIONS of people praying for you tonight
And throughout the day.

Praying for your safely and return as a whole person
In mind, body and spirit.

We are crying because we know. We know you are scared, and lonely.
And that you'd give anything to see your family, to hug you mother, father.
Your child, sister, brother, aunt, uncle.

To be showered with love and comfort,
Instead of sand and shrapnel.

We long for you too, with an ache so desperate as to make us insane.
To touch your face, see your smile; share your laughter and your tears.

We love you so much soldiers, you cannot know. You cannot fathom the swelling of pride in our chest as we think of you.
Of your courage and your sacrifice, the hope that you can come home soon.

And those that have returned, we have not forgotten you; you are in our prayers,
That you may recover from your experience and be healed.

No matter what anyone says, not matter the reason you are there,
You are a UNITED STATES SOLDIER, and you make us PROUD!!
Every day for that beautiful flag, for our great fortune to be Americans.

There are no politics, no scandals, no mistakes, NOTHING, which can diminish the sentiment we have for you.
And even as democracy permits free speech, as it should, which some may use to make judgments or cast aspersions,
Remember always, we know you'd rather be on the couch debating it with us than spending your days trying just to stay alive.

Let no "freedom of speech' EVER make you doubt the American people's faith in and love for you.
We are PROUD!

I've never met you, but I want you to know that I love you.
I'm praying for you.
I honor you.
I'm waiting for your return.

On this Memorial Day, 2007, and every day,
Please know that you are being though of.
WE MISS YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU and keep you until the day we can celebrate face to face.

 ~  © 2007 Brooke O'Neill Emery ~


 

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Blog Tour & Giveaway - Spectral By. Shannon Duffy





Title: Spectral
Author: Shannon Duffy
Publisher: Tribute Books (April 4,2012)
Genre: YA, Paranormal 
Age: 14 and Up
Reviewer: Tawania



BLURB:
Convinced she’s a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe — the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they’ve been lying to her all along.

As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she’ll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.  

REVIEW:
Spectral was an exciting read from the beginning to end. I was drawn in after only a few pages, and didn't put the book down until I was finished. This story really had me turning the pages. It's really hard to believe that this is the author's debut novel. I would have thought after reading this story that she has always been a writer.

Jewel Rose is your typical 16 year old teenager, but her problems sure aren't typical. She has spent her whole life on the run living as Gypsy's believing her family is in the witness protection program. All she longs for is a normal life for her, and her little brother Jayden, but she doesn't see that happening anytime soon. It's not safe for her and her family, and all of a sudden they are forced to move again.

This move is a little harder for Jewel, she had just started to make real friends at her school. Her seventeenth birthday is coming up in a month, and that's the day that all is to be revealed. Jewel wants to know what it is that her family is involved in, that has caused their life to be like it is. She never gets real answers from her parents, they are always vague. The one thing her parents always drill in her is 1. Don't forget your new name, 2. Never show your strange birthmark to anyone, it's to identifying. Jewel is tired of all the secrecy, and sets out to get answers on her own.

Upon entering her new school, Jewel meets two people right away Trish, and Chase. They are both friendly to her, and she is grateful. She is instantly attracted to the jock Chase, and he likes her too. Then she meets Roman, and she is instantly drawn to him as well. He is new to town like her, and has a air of mystery that she can't resist. Jewel is confused about her attraction to Roman, and in the beginning can't decide which one she wants more.

Roman is sweet, and protective of her. He finally admits to Jewel that he knows who she is, what she is, and that he was sent to protect her. At first it freaks her out, but the more she gets to know him, the more she trust him. This sends Jewel on a journey of discovery, about who she is , what she is, and what the consequences will be if she doesn't discover the whole truth. 

After doing a little eavesdropping, and research, Jewel discovers that she is a Spectral. A special kind of witch, and that is the reason her life is in danger. Worse she discovers Roman hasn't exactly been honest with her, and she's running out of people she can trust. Jewel realizes that she has to be strong, and her journey of discovery will take her from the warm shores of Florida, to the Kremlin in Russia, and finally the heart of Venice, Italy. Will Jewel live to see her seventeenth birthday, and the truth revealed? Read Spectral and find out.

I'm at a loss of words to explain how much I enjoyed this book. Was it wonderful? Brilliant? Exciting? All of the above? Yes, yes it was! This story drew me in completely after only a few pages, I didn't want to put it down, and finished it in one sitting. The author did an amazing job with the world building, and I loved the new take on witches. I don't really read witch stories, or YA that much,  but I have to say I'm starting to love it.

You see Jewel grow so much in this story, she grows from this naive teenage girl, to this strong confident young adult. I love the chemistry between her, and Roman. I thought they were great together, and was rooting for them the whole time. The romance was sweet, and genuine in my eyes. I liked Chase as a character, and good friend, but I just couldn't see him with Jewel. This story did take me on a emotional roller coaster though. Some of the revelations were heart stopping, and some of the twist in the story I didn't see coming at all.

I also loved the relationship between Jewel, and her little brother Jayden. It was so cute, and sweet. I felt like the love, affection, and protectiveness was completely genuine. When I finished this book, I had a big goofy grin on my face, and was very pleased with the ending, and the general outcome of the book. I had no lingering questions, and was just happy about how the events unfolded.

I would definitely recommend Spectral to anyone who wants to be swept away inside an exciting, thrilling page turner. I would even recommend it to people who don't normally read YA. That's how much I enjoyed it.

*****5STARS!

BUY LINKS: Kindle Nook Smashwords

ABOUT TH AUTHOR:

 
Shannon Duffy writes young adult and middle grade fiction. She grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada and now lives in Ontario, Canada. She is the mom of one boy, Gabriel, her angel. She loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions-shopping. She is the author of the young adult paranormal romance, Spectral. Her upcoming middle grade fantasy novel, Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of the Valta is scheduled for a January 2013 release. 

Places to find Shannon on the Web:


GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I loved this book so much, I'm giving away a ebook copy purchased by me. Your choice of kindle or nook. Don't you just love that cover? It really draws you in, and after you read the book you will realize the significance of the butterfly.
Just leave a comment about what you think about the cover, and don't forget to leave your email. I will pick a winner on Monday May 28, 2012. This Giveaway is international. Void where prohibited.





 




Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Tuesday's Featured New Releases

Hi All,

Here are a peek at some new release that I can't wait to get my hands on. These titles release today.

Fierce Love by Phoebe Conn
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel, ISBN: 978-1-60928-833-4
Price: $5.50 Limited time sale-priced for $3.85

BLURB:
Their affair is the main attraction…and the distraction a killer has waited for.

Magdalena Aragon never thought she'd answer the summons of a father she's never known. The world-famous, many-times-married matador has provided everything she needs–except his time. There's only one reason she packs her bags for Spain: what her psychologist calls "closure".

In spite of herself, she's drawn in by her father's charm, irresistible despite his desperate illness. Then there's his handsome protégé, a rising star in a sport she hates, yet he sets her passions on fire.

With a past as shadowy as his Gypsy heritage, Rafael Mondragon has always had to fight for what he wants. His freedom, his dream to become a star in the bull ring, and now his mentor's daughter, who stirs his every dark desire.

Certain she won't be staying long, Maggie escapes from the craziness of her newly discovered, fractured family to indulge in a red-hot fling. After all, Rafael is the last man she could ever love. Her heart has other ideas.

The heat from their affair captures the attention of the wrong people–the tabloids, and someone who has a twisted sense of honor. By the time Rafael realizes Maggie is the real target, it could be too late to save her.
Product Warnings: Hot sex, dangerous secrets, men who challenge death for sport. 




Worlds Apart by Barbara Elsborg
Genre: Paranormal, Red Hots!!!, Ménage & More
Length: Plus Novel, ISBN: 978-1-60928-830-3
Price: $6.50 Limited time sale-priced for $4.55


BLURB:

Love has never been so close–or seemed so far away.

I love you. Niall is in hiding, but not from the police. He's trapped between the world he longs for and a place he can't leave behind. Cursed to hold his tongue, unable to claim what he wants until  it's given, he's allowed one year to capture his heart's desire. But speaking those three simple words, the most important words in his life, might very well kill him.

I can't love you. As a private investigator, Taylor walks daily through the ashes of love burned out.  He's witnessed the aftermath of love–destroyed marriages and wrecked lives that leave behind nothing but bitter memories of betrayal. He's convinced that love will never plant a seed in his heart–until Niall sparks a completely unexpected reaction in both mind and body.

I want to love you. Roo has spent her entire life bouncing from relationship to relationship, offering her heart only to get it trampled on. When she finds herself out in the cold again, she discovers love can come from the most surprising of places. Her choices are simple. Do the right thing. Do the wrong thing. Do nothing. The wrong choice could be simply devastating…  

Product Warnings: Beware faeries with killer tattoos and girls dressed as chickens–broken hearts can follow… Or lots of love. And lots of sex–three-way, two-way, every which way. But no chicken sex. Thank god.



St. Martin's Press
June 2012
On Sale: May 22, 2012
368 pages
ISBN: 0312552483
EAN: 9780312552480

BLURB:


A MYSTERY OUT OF TIME
Gwynn Austin has no idea why her father has disappeared on a mysterious trip to Scotland.  When she goes on a desperate mission to search for him she finds more than she bargains for in a ruggedly handsome, wickedly exciting Highlander who exudes danger and mystery. And when she discovers her own link to Scotland, she’ll have to trust her heart to help lead her….
A LEGEND IN THE FLESH
Propelled through time by powerful Druid Magic, Logan Hamilton uses his immortality and powers of the god inside him to help prevent the awakening of an ancient evil in the modern world. He never expects to find help in the form of a beautiful, alluring, and all too tempting woman whose passion and strength matches his own. Together, Logan and Gywnn must fight for their love—before a demon from the past destroys them both…

I Look forward to enjoying these books, and hope that you do too.

HAPPY READING!!





Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Featured New Release: Parker's Honor (Cowboys & Supernaturals) By. Mandy M. Roth

Hi All,

Today's Featured New Release is written by one of my very favorite authors, Mandy M. Roth writing as Rory Michaels. I'm looking forward to reading this story. If it's anything like Ms. Roth's previous books, I know it will be hard to put down, and a joy to read.

BLURB:

Sometimes honor comes with a price. Sometimes is comes with love…

Doctor Parker MacSweeny treats the folks of Prospect Springs. He's well respected, has a reputation as being a fine doctor and tends to anyone who crosses his threshold—even if they aren't in good standing with the law. He's lived an adventurous life, bedding lots of ladies, never thinking of settling down with just one. He's been content with his practice and going several towns over to take advantage of the brothels there. He doesn't like mixing business and pleasure.

When a woman comes to town masquerading as someone from Parker's past, everything changes. She's not who she first claims to be—hell, she's not even who she says she is next. The beautiful, strong, amazingly talented woman gets his thoughts all jumbled and his groin hard. She's more than she appears to be and he damn well plans on uncovering all her secrets and then getting her to accept his claim. One proves easier than the other.

Warning: This novella contains strong language and shape shifting cowboys of the future who will melt your socks off. This novella also has explicit, graphic sexual content and is not for the faint of heart.

EXCERPT:

Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site. 

They pulled their horses to a stop just on the other side of the Sheriff’s Station. Since Parker was fairly sure his brother, Jonathan, who also happened to be the sheriff, was going to get himself killed, Prospect Springs would most likely be looking for a new sheriff soon. The announcement could read, “Last one got himself killed dead over a woman, try not to think with your prick too.” 
 
Their cousin dismounted from his steed and adjusted his Shady Brady. “I’m with Sawbones,” Eli said, calling Parker a favorite nickname of his. “This isn’t your smartest idea to date, Jonathan.” His jet-black hair, a MacSweeny trait, hit the tops of his shoulders, covering the collar of his duster. 
 
Jonathan ignored them, storming towards the stage coach stopping area. His spurs clicked against the wooden planks covering a section of the street to cut down on the muddy areas. He came to a stop near the General Store, his inhuman colored gaze scanning the horizon for signs of trouble.
 
As natural born shifters, the MacSweeny boys were normally driven by their emotions, but even this was absurd. They might be able to walk on all fours when the time called for it, but they had a brain—one Jonathan seemed insistent on not using any time soon. At the rate he was going, Jonathan was going to out them to every single resident of Prospect Springs.
It wasn’t as if the boys hid what they were so much as they chose long ago not to advertise it. Too much trouble could come from claiming their supernatural sides outright. Certain church folk already thought they were touched by the devil. Adding fuel to the fire seemed foolish. As it stood, most townsfolk understood the boys meant no harm and were, in fact, good boys who just tended to get into a bit of a kick up every now and then. What young men didn’t?
With a sigh, Parker followed with Eli close at his heels. “Think you’re going to end up representin’ him on murder charges?”
Eli lifted a brow. “Probably. What I’m wondering is if that will come before or after you’ve got to try to fix him back up again, Doc.”
“If this blowhard gets himself hung over this, I’m not doctorin’ shit,” Parker stated clearly. “Hell, I might very well kill him myself before the day is over.”
“You and me both, cousin,” Eli said with a low whistle.
When they reached the staging area, Parker’s senses lit. The sweet scent of lilacs filled the air. It was mixed with honey and coming from someone close. Not only that, it was making his cock respond at an alarming rate. None of the females in town had that kind of pull over him. This was something new.
 
His brother reached out, grabbing a woman in a light blue dress, keeping her from falling. Parker’s inner beast uncoiled, responding so fiercely that he had to do a double take. A growl tore free of him as Jonathan’s hands met the woman’s hips. Jonathan glanced over at him, his golden eyes holding concern and a fair amount of surprise. It took every ounce of control Parker possessed to avoid yelling mine and ripping the woman from his brother’s arms.
 
“Molly, come, it’s not safe,” Preacher Cogan said softly as he made a move to take the woman from Jonathan.
 
“Molly?” His brother stiffened, staring down at the female. “Molly? No. You’re not…”
Parker missed the rest of it. He was too busy fixating on the woman. Why the hell would his body respond to Molly Cogan in that way? Sure, the gal was good looking. Always had been, but she was off limits. She was Jonathan’s woman. There had never been any question of that. Well, no one but Jonathan and Molly questioned it that is. They were as stubborn as a bull backed in a penned yard with a throne in his ass.

Parker’s gaze slid over the beauty in his brother’s arms. Hot damn. Molly certainly had matured since they’d last seen her some ten years prior. Her creamy breasts were there, lifted just right in the blue dress she wore, tempting every man in sight. An odd, feral desire to attack anyone stupid enough to look came over him. Parker had to adjust himself just to be able to move again.
 
“Coming, Daddy,” the woman said, grabbing for her father, the preacher. She hurried off in the direction of the General Store. Parker slid up alongside his brother and whistled. “Hot damn, little brother. If you don’t want to fuck her, I will.”
“Fuck who?” Jonathan questioned.

Parker had expected to be answered with a fist to the face. Not a softly spoken question. He poked his brother. “Ain’t ya gonna yell at me for talking about Molly that way?” 
 
“Show some respect for the lady, Parker,” Jonathan quipped. “I’ll kick your damn teeth down your throat if you ever talk about Molly that way. She’s mine. Understand that now. I won’t tell you again.”

“Yours?” Eli asked as he joined them. He glanced around, bringing attention to the fact there were a whole lot of people who didn’t belong in Prospect Springs gathered around, looking rowdy and up to no good. “Looks to me like we’ve got ourselves some outsiders here. They don’t seem like a friendly bunch either. Reckon that means we don’t have to pretend to be the welcoming sorts.”
 
“Aww, and I had my ‘Prospect Springs is the Greatest Place in the Territory Speech’ all ready to go. Big, fancy words and all,” Parker said, laughing. “Damn shame I’m not going to get to use it.”
 
“She’s here,” Jonathan said, his beast rising to the point Parker was aware of it.
Parker held his breath, worried Jonathan would do something stupid, like lose control and shift in front of the town.
 
“Who?” Eli asked.

Jonathan’s chest heaved. “Molly.”

“Uh, no shit, really?” Parker questioned with a snort. “My dick is still hard after seeing her in that blue dress. I wanted to lick the tops of her breasts before sinking deep into her. I always knew she was a looker, but she never had that sort of effect on me.”
 
“That was not Molly,” Jonathan snapped. “If it had been, you’d be trying to find your head because I’d have knocked it clean off.” 
 
Judge William Wheeler approached, going straight for Jonathan. There was not a hair out of place. His gray suit was neatly pressed and he looked pristine, as always. Parker would have disliked the guy for that alone, but William was a stand up kind of guy. He was also Molly’s uncle. He was a might sight better than her father who had an odd outlook.
 
“Evening, Judge,” Jonathan said. “It’s quite a turnout your niece has got here. A lot of folks must be happy to see her come home after all these years."
 
William nodded. “Evening.” He leaned into Jonathan and whispered. “My niece is in grave danger. I believe these men who appeared out of nowhere are seeking her. I’ve heard rumors about a price on her head. Looks as though they’ve come to try to cash in on it.” 
 
Anger rippled through Parker and a low growl emanated from the back of his throat. “No one is layin’ a hand on her.” He stared in the distance, in the direction the woman in the blue dress had headed off in, his silver gaze going hard.
 
A deliberate smile moved over William’s face. “I believe the men think as you do, Parker, that the woman in blue is my niece. She is not.”
Told ya,” Jonathan blabbered, sounding like a child. He focused on William. “What do you mean, they appeared out of nowhere?” 
 
“They transported here, Jon. Without the use of a Frontier Stall,” William replied, tipping his hat somewhat.
 “Outlaws?” Eli asked. 
 
William gave a nod. “I suspect so. They didn’t travel by means of regular transport, so I assume they don’t have the right papers. There’s something else. If my niece should reveal herself here none of you boys are to let the people she’s with know what you are. Understand?”
 
Curious, Parker posed a question, “Meaning?”
 
William’s gaze hardened. “Meaning, I have always known the MacSweeny family is different. You know that. Keep it to yourselves, boys. I’ve no idea what her companions’ views are on the supernatural. I would like to think she’d only surround herself with open-minded individuals, but I never thought I’d receive news that my lil’ princess ran away from boarding school and disappeared without a trace.”

Parker noticed his brother’s moment of silent panic and almost said something. William beat him to it. The judge patted his brother’s shoulder in an encouraging manner.

“Son, I have known you since you were just a baby. I knew you’d try to find her. I also knew my niece needed to find herself before she gives herself to a man for the rest of her life. She needed time to heal. To grow. To become a woman, Jon. Now, I have managed to find a few things out about her and her acquaintances. I know enough to warn you all not to reveal you’re anything but human. I’m not sure she can protect you all if put in the situation to have to. Lord knows the girl will die trying.” 
 
Jonathan laughed. “I’m sorry, Judge, but did you just comment on Molly protecting us? She’s just a woman, what—”

The band of outlaws moved in quickly. Suddenly, they were all wielding large semi-automatic weapons. One let off some rounds, up into the air, pulling the focus to him. “We’ll not hurt any of you nice folks if ya just point us in the direction of a Miss Molly Cogan or her fiance Cole Griffin.” 
 
Gerald William, the no good son-of-a-bitch, wanting to marry Molly, pivoted, peering down the end of his nose. “I am Molly’s fiance.” 
 
“Like hell you are,” a male yelled from somewhere beyond the immediate crowd. The newcomer wore a wide brim, brown, leather hat and a long brown jacket. He pushed it aside, revealing a Special Marshal issued weapon and badge. 
 
“Who the hell are you?” Gerald demanded. 
A sinful smile slipped over the newcomer’s face. It was as if he was hoping for a fight with Gerald. “I’m Cole Griffin. The man those dirt bags are looking for.” 
 
Parker pursed his lips, wondering if he was going to have to restrain his brother any time soon. As the outlaws reacted, all aiming at the newcomer, Parker actually breathed a sigh of relief. If they killed the guy it would keep Jonathan out of the mess.
 
The smell that had driven him nearly to the brink of shifting returned as the female in the blue dress came rushing out of the General Store, heading towards the newcomer. “Cole, what’s going…?”
“That’s her! That’s Molly!” one of the outlaws shouted.
 
The outlaws shifted their focus to her, all weapons now aiming in her direction. Parker lost control then, growling, concerned only with her safety. As her tiny pink tongue darted out and over her lower lip, his growl changed from one of protection to one of hunger. He wanted that woman like he’d never wanted a woman before in his life.