VBT: REVIEW & GIVEAWAY - TAKEN BY THE PASSION BY MAXINE MANSFIELD

TAKEN BY THE PASSION

*BY*

*MAXINE MANSFIELD*

BLURB:

Lizbeth wasn't given a choice whom to marry. She'd been betrothed to the, stubborn, arrogant, egotistical, Adan Hammerstrike, barbarian prince, heir to the throne of Alaria, and...and...murderer, since the day she'd been born. But, did that mean she wasn't entitled to follow her own dreams? Especially if those dreams could keep those she cared for safe? And so what if Adan had grown from the troll of a little boy he'd been into a ridiculously handsome, sexy man. Her heart could resist him, couldn't it?

The last thing on Albrath, Adan ever wanted was to be saddled for all of eternity to the screeching, boring, lackluster, Lizbeth Soulenticer. Though her beauty's beyond compare, there are only so many turns of the hourglass in a night to enjoy it. The rest of the unbearable time, he'll be forced to contend with her silly, hero worship, and her stupid pet choices. But, Adan is a man bound by duty and honor, and he will do what he must, even though he longs for a mate who will challenge him in bed and out. Not that he'll give her his heart, mind you, at least not until they both find themselves Taken by the Passion.

REVIEW:

Taken by the Passion
The Academy Series

This book was a cute, fun, and creative read. Taken by the Passion had everything, Dragons, gnomes, elves, and trolls. Add a sexy prince desperate, and determined to have his wife see him for the man he has become. You have one of the best fantasy romance novels I have ever read.

I giggled my way through this book. The writing is excellent, and unexpected. This is the first book I have read by Maxine Mansfield, and I will definitely be picking up her other books in this series. The woman knows how to write.

The heroine Lizbeth is sassy, brave, and totally owned her role in this story. In the beginning I didn't think she was as strong as she turned out to be. Adan was sexy, passionate, determined, and absolutely believed in what he wanted with Lizbeth.

The relationship was fun, complex, and engaging. The sexual tension was just right, and the many erotic scenes were sizzling hot, and fit in with the story just right. I understand this book is part of a series, but it truly stands alone. I am anxious to read the other books, now that I have read this one.

The secondary characters were fun as well, and they truly define friendship. And I have to say, the Gnomes were hilarious! They gave me plenty of laugh out loud moments.

This was a thoroughly satisfying read, and the ending was just perfect.

5 STARS / 5

Excerpt:

He held out a hand toward her. "Spend this one night with me, Lizbeth, and  if you still feel the same in  the morning, we'll talk about you possibly going to the Academy and taking a few classes now and  then. After all, how would it look to my family and friends if my brand new wife took off before the sun rises on her wedding night? I have appearances to uphold, we both do."

Lizbeth sizzled with anger. "I don't like you, remember? I couldn't care less how this looks to anybody, and...and...and, I won't spend this night or any other with you, until I have to, even on a bet."

Adan grinned. "Really? Not even on a bet? What if a bet was to get you exactly what you say you want most? A life of your own without a moment's interference from me until the day I do become king?"

Lizbeth shook her head and turned to leave, yet Adan's next words not only stopped her forward motion but had her turning and facing him once more.

"I never took you for a coward, Lizbeth, guess I was wrong. You say you know me better than I know myself. I say prove it, Lizard. If you can manage to answer ten...no make that five questions about me correctly, you win."

His grin grew even bigger. "And if you win, not only will I escort you to the front gate and wave you through the portal on your way to the Academy, I'll be happy to inform my family and friends that you're leaving me. That you find a dusty, old institution more sexually appealing than you do your own husband, and rightly so."

The grin disappeared from his face. "But, if you don't answer all of the questions correctly, you'll spend this one night, this entire night, willingly in my bed, in my arms, as my wife, in every sense of the word. Deal?"

He held out his hand again, and Lizbeth stared at it. Her fingers itched with the temptation to take him up on his offer. A life without interference or being under Adan's thumb, even for a short while, was more than a little tempting. Could she trust him, though? Lizbeth hesitated, weighing her options. Other than being a bunny killer, Adan Hammerstrike was

known far and wide for his word. Once he gave it, he never took it back. She'd spent the majority of every day, for as long as she could remember, learning everything there was to know about the arrogant barbarian prince. She couldn't lose, and this was an opportunity she couldn't afford to pass up.

Lizbeth smiled as she shook his hand. "Deal."

 GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Maxine will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble GC (winner's choice) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

FOLLOW the tour and comment; the more YOU comment, the better YOUR chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/06/virtual-review-tour-taken-by-passion-by.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 Hi, my name is Maxine Mansfield and I write romantic fantasy. I live in the far northern state of Alaska where the summer days are long and the winter nights even longer.  I have one very special man, our three equally special children, and six delightful grandchildren in my life. Not to mention a very bossy African Grey parrot named Gabriel.

Oh, and Gnomes! many, many gnomes.

Links:

http://www.maxinemansfield.com/blog.html

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https://twitter.com/LeekyShortz

https://www.facebook.com/authorMaxineMansfield

http://www.amazon.com/Taken-Passion-Academy-Series-ebook

http://www.amazon.com/Taken-Passion-Maxine-Mansfield

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/wildcatalog_v151