Agonize by Xavier Neal

Book Description:

Tony Reed has always felt second best. To his family. To his best friend. To every girl he's dated. But when Lex "Lix" Jones, an indie rock star, convinces him to let go of his inhibitions and have a little fun, Tony quickly has a critical decision to make. Are they meant to live in a world of passion together or should he be left alone to agonize? 

A Senses Series novel. 

REVIEW:

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

Agonize can be read as a stand alone,  however, the full story contained within the prior novels are worth the money and time. I am committed to the Senses series by Xavier Neal.  Her characters are so well-known and loved that the author has been writing these stand alone novels per request of her readers.

The emotional atmosphere in Agonize geld a different allure to me from the former books in this series.  I am, however,  biased. I am a die hard Logan Maxx fan. This story is about Maxx's nerdy best friend Tony and his relationship with Indie Rock Star,  Lex. He married Lex on a whim in Vegas. That is part of the difference here. Lex isn't known before this story as with the other Senses characters.  She has to be felt out,  explored, before acceptance can be considered.

I was whole heartedly agreeing with Maxx during her little outburst and on her silent treatments toward Tony. Who gets married in Vegas and stays married?  She's looking out for him. The others are more accepting,  but they aren't as close to Tony as Maxx. And Logan is just happy to have her pregnancy rage directed at someone other than himself.

I did warm to Lex's "you can't bring me down" attitude. Inside she may have been vulnerability personified, but her exterior didn't break in front of the snoot and snotty. She scored major points for taking interest in Tony's geeky tradition's.

The graphic, sexual content is amped up a few notches in this novel. If you've read the previous novels, that statement alone will have you immersed in this story. Enjoy! I did.

Another 5 stars for Xavier Neal!  Keeping writing those stories that make us swoon!

Lucid: Brightest Kind of Darkness (BOOK #2)

BOOK DESCRIPTION:


Book Description

Publication Date: July 8, 2012

Once Nara combines her prophetic ability with Ethan’s power to outsmart Fate at his own deadly cat-and-mouse game, she’s more determined than ever to help Ethan learn the meaning behind the raven sword tattoo that suddenly appeared on his back after their confrontation with Fate.

During her quest to uncover the tattoo’s secrets, Nara enlists the help of some new friends and discovers her own surprising connection to Ethan.

While Nara digs deeper into the mystery, her desire for answers leads her down a dangerous path full of powerful and ruthless enemies. Swept into an age-old battle, Nara quickly learns that keeping one’s enemies close can be a necessary evil, making an intangible enemy she can control far more preferable to the human enemies she can’t.

Author's note: The BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series is a YA/New Adult crossover series. It's best suited for readers 16+. See P.T. Michelle's Amazon author page for a detailed listing of the books in the BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series.

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Excerpt from LUCID (BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS, book 2)

“What’d he say to you?” Ethan said in a low tone.

I tilted my head and decided to tell him the truth. “He thinks you’re bad for me. That you’ll consume me.”

Ethan’s gaze narrowed sideways and his jaw muscle jumped.

I ran my finger along the twitching muscle. “Do you plan to consume me, Ethan?”

His gaze snapped back to mine and he clasped my shoulders, pulling me so close I had to crane my neck to meet his darkened gaze. “Not in the way he meant.”

Every bone in my body melted at the heated look in his gaze as he stared at my lips with hungry intent. But instead of kissing me, he pressed his lips tenderly to my forehead and spoke in a desperate whisper, “You totally break me apart, Nara. You’re the only one who has the power to do that. You consume me.”

REVIEW:

****SPOILERS****

The first time reading Lucid there was an air of skepticism rolling around. Ethan will not be a present force in Nara's life for a great portion of the book. On top of that, Drystan, a foreign exchange student from Wales, becomes a prominent presence in her life. You'll have to read it yourself to be clued in on whether anyone acts on the attraction between them.  

Drystan actually turns out to be a witty, charasmatic character of intrigue with a few trucks of his own.  He is written to blend with the characters and overall prose. I cannot fathom a Brightest Kind of Darkness novel that doesn't include him. He's is absolutely perfect inclusion to this story.  

Surprisingly enough,  there is still a relaxing and fun reading atmosphere.  There are more intriguing plot twists and Nara appears to be in over her head. Before, Fate was enemy number one. Now, a number of mysterious people are trying to kill Nara off while Ethan is away.

In the midst of all the craziness Nara begins training with Drystan.  Another point I find unique about the story is the kind of training. Ethan makes his appearance toward to the end and the changes in his misdemeanor heat things up between them substantially.   

I doubt I will fill satiated long after this series ends. Lucid is the perfect second installment for the perfect paranormal romance. 

A well deserved 5 stars!

Ethan: Brightest Kind of Darkness prequel

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Ethan Harris never thought monsters and darkness would consume his daily thoughts, but every night the same visions repeat in his dreams. He’s careful to project a semblance of normalcy, keeping the suffocating darkness locked inside. As much as he wishes he could focus on girls, sports, and cars like other seventeen-year-olds, nothing distracts him from his own demons or shines through.

Until Nara Collins crosses his path. The blonde fascinates and intrigues him, giving him a measure of peace he’s never felt before.

When Ethan discovers there’s more to Nara than she allows others to see, that she might have a unique secret of her own, suddenly his world comes into focus.

Note: ETHAN is a novella PREQUEL to BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS. This story will give some of Ethan’s background and lead up until the day he and Nara talk for the first time. BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS is a YA/New Adult crossover series. This book is best suited for 16+. See P.T. Michelle's Amazon author page for a detailed listing of the books in the BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series.




REVIEW:
It's always exciting when an author presents the opportunity to read from your book boyfriend's point of view. What I absolutely love about "Ethan", is that the author is proficient enough in her writing that it can read before or after the first installment in the Brightest Kind of Darkness series.  I'm sure it's preferable to read it before, it is a prequel after all, but I enjoyed reading it after. It only deepened the connection with the male protagonist.  

"Ethan" takes place right before he started school with Nara and ends where they spoke for the first time. It's a preview of his life before Nara made an entrance and we get the nitty-gritty on just how infatuated he is with her. It's also a revelation of his heart breaking trials. Ethan truly has a beautiful heart. This book lays the foundation for other events to take place in future books. It would be best to not pass it up. I couldn't fathom why anyone would even think it. 

To add to the list of its many perks, it is FREE! 
Here's the link on Amazon!  Grab your copy NOW!!!!

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B0FJBQI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1427395768&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=p.t.+michelle&dpPl=1&dpID=51jsyMLC7mL&ref=plSrch

5 Stars!!!

Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

** GRAB the FREE prequel, ETHAN, and enjoy it along with BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS!**

Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate...until she dreams a future she can't ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

Author's note: The BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series is a YA/New Adult crossover series. This book is best suited for readers 14+. See P.T. Michelle's Amazon author page for a detailed listing of the books in the BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series.

EXCERPT from BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS

Once we'd stowed my stuff in the back of my car, Ethan opened the car door and waited for me to get in. Even though I wanted to ask him so many questions, I was afraid to speak. It felt like we'd moved to a whole new level in our friendship, but I wasn't sure what that level was.

Every nerve ending urged me to hug him, to show my appreciation, but I was unsure. Would he pull away? I didn't need any more rejection in my life. "Thank you for being there," I said in an unsteady voice.

Ethan clasped my wrist and pulled me into his arms, holding me close. "I'll always be here for you."

I shuddered against his chest, mumbling into his flannel shirt. "You weren't at school and I didn't see you after practice. I thought for sure no one would hear me scream when those guys finally got their hands on--"

Warm fingers tilted my chin up. "I had something to do today, but I'd never leave you hanging. When I saw your stuff on the field and then I heard a guy yelling, 'She went this way,' in the woods..." he paused, tensing. "I freaked."

"You got to me just in time." I tried to smile but my lips trembled. "Who knew knights wore flannel shirts and Led Zeppelin tees?" I knew I sounded like a goof, but I didn't care. I wanted him to know how much his rescue meant to me.

Ethan leaned close and I closed my eyes as he lightly kissed my cheekbone, then my forehead. He had no idea that his gentle kiss had melted something inside me, how much I craved the physical connection. His warm lips lingered against my skin for a second before he took a step back and shoved his hands in his jean pockets.

"I'm no hero, Nara." His gaze narrowed briefly toward the woods. "Go home. I'll see you tomorrow."

REVIEW:

*****BEWARE THE SPOILERS*****

As of late, I have been diving into one book after another,  searching for a story with enough allure to dominate my attention. After too many futile attempts, I decided to  read a series that has been on my top five for the YA Paranormal Romance genre for the last couple of years. One year, and a couple hundred books later, the Brightest Kind of Darkness series still holds the spot for the most unique premise of the stories I've read. It is well-written,  has a meticulous plot development,  and the character development is immaculate.  

Inara and Ethan are both gifted with unusual abilities unbeknownst to the few who are closest to them. Where Inara's abilities shine, Ethan's are the stuff of nightmares.  Impressive these days is finding a book without an instantaneous love match. There is attraction between the two, an undeniable passion to understand one another,  but the author takes her time in letting Ethan and Nara trust one another and grow together. I love that! I loved the journey of discovering their backgrounds, while basking in the intense emotional atmosphere every time they interacted 

Ethan's tactics and desire to both protect and get close to Nara melted my heart. The trials of his life were merciless and there was a profound pleasure in knowing Nara had the ability to calm him in impossible ways. 

The exterior of Nara's life appears pretty close to perfection.  Understanding the monotony she's faces each day, much more than a normal teenager, along with hiding the things that make her different shines a new perspective. She is a character I'd have as my best friend in a heart beat. She's the compassion to Ethan's old soul. She is intelligent, loving, considerate, sweet, and mature for her age. She's the perfect heroine. 

 The Brightest Kind of Darkness is so well-developed and easily visualized, it garners the amazing ability for one to easily visit the emotions of first love through the male and female protagonist's. Every single one of the characters have personalities distinct from one another, that are mostly endearing and enjoyable to read. Every one of the books in this series will have a place in my book shelf.  I will forever obsess of this series and follow the author's writing career because of it. P.T. Michelle is a refreshing, highly-talented author, who will never see the end of my praises.  

*****OTHER NEWS****

P.T. Michelle also had a New Adult,  Contemporary Romance series titled, "In The Shadows. "  I have a tendency to keep a watchful eye on the author's Facebook page and have seen where it has ranked a best seller, right next to the Fifty Shades of Gray series. I'm beyond anxious to discover what else P.T. has in store. 

Breaking Dragon by Jordan Marie

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Nicole

At one time, I had everything I wanted in life. Or I thought I did, but I lived in black and white. Then, he exploded into my world. Dragon.

He’s hot-blooded, cocky, stubborn as hell, and he drives me crazy. With him everything is more...It’s more vibrant, more exciting, more...real.

Suddenly I have everything to lose. In fact, I’m terrified that I might not be strong enough to hold on to it all. Because I’m learning with life, there are no hearts and flowers. Sometimes, there is just darkness. 
---
Dragon

There’s one thing I know about life. You have to grab it by the throat and go at it full throttle.

Thrown away with the garbage on the day I was born, hooked on crack before I even take my first breath and doing what I had to do just to survive—

That’s who I am. 
I’m the filth your mother warned you about. 

The Savage MC is the only family I’ve ever had, the only ones I can depend on.
Then she walks into my life. Nicole. 
Nothing like what I expected, sassy, smart and sexy as hell. She’s everything I could want and more. 

Our worlds don’t mix. I’m only going to drag her down.
She should have never let me touch her…

Life can tear you into shreds, make you bend until you break.
Sometimes, you have to face death, so you can live.

REVIEW:

Breaking Dragon is my first MC novel!

Detroit "Dragon" West is the most intimidating and intense Alpha male to cross my path.  His history is tragic and he survives the only way he knows how: with as little emotional ties as possible. 

Having been raised by patents who practically have ice running through their veins,  Nicole isn't easily swayed by Dragon. Their attraction is palpable,  but she's not interested in his money or title.  The logic of Dragon still being a stranger tends to push her desire for him to the back burner. 

I absolutely adore Nicole.  She's a riot and a sweetheart. There is always something to get dominate attention.  If it's not humor it is amazing sex scenes.  If not the sex scenes, the heavy emotional allure. Did I mention the sex scenes are AMAZING?  

Breaking Dragon is filled with action, heavily laced with humor,  and a love that kept pushed me over the edge. I'll read it time and again whilst waiting for the much anticipated Saving Dancer. 

COMING SOON:

Touch of the Irish Part 1, Dragon's Lair by Savannah Morgan

BOOK DESCRIPTION :

Eros has done it now. 

After a fight with Psyche, Eros went on a drunken rampage shooting his leaden arrows at perspective lovers. On Valentine's Day, no less! Now that he and Psyche have made up, Eros is scrambling to find some way to save his victims. 

Where does cupid turn for help? 

To none other than his ex-flame Aine, Goddess of the Faeries. Aine has things well under control until she realizes three names were left off her list of victims.

Now Candice Lipton, Samantha Porter, and Marissa Garcia are in need of a little majickal help from Aine, Queen of the Faeries, and her fey trainees.

In this first installment, we meet Candice Lipton, a woman having one helluva time, both professionally and personally. Alone in the city, she lost her job a few days before Valentine's Day. If that wasn't bad enough, on the most romantic day of the year. she walked in on her boyfriend, Ethan, in bed with his best friend, David. Oh the heart ache. Now Candice is trying to get her life back on track. Is it possible all she needs is a little help from Sheridan, a Pixie Faerie in training, and Drake Fallen, a smokin' hot Dragon with a few problems of his own? 

REVIEW:

Savannah Morgan is quite the wordsmith.  Her talent and accurate description's are always welcome. The prose in Touch of the Irish part 1 is unique and effectively captivating.  The characters are humorous and believable. The sexual content of this particular novella is a little too strong for my personal taste,  but I have no doubt that more than most will will find it insatiable.  

Sheridan, Canice's fairy is my favorite character.  There were a couple of times I literally laughed out loud. The Morrigan and Aine are great for light-hearted bantering. 

What I find particularly endearing about Drake, the dragon king and the last dragon in existence,  is his kindness.  I swooned over him and respected him. That is particularly important to me with a male protagonist.  

I am extremely grateful that Morgan did not photoshop Candice's image. She's more than relatable.  She is realistic and I would thoroughly enjoy more realistic women in today's novels. Candice's bad luck is that of epic proportions.  I truly sympathized for her character.  Drake is exactly what she needed in her life. I wanted to do a victory dance when they met. 

Intrigue soars even higher when I discovered there is an amazing plot twist in the book. 

There is also no cliffhanger to dwell on. The next two parts of Touch of the Irish are about the other two females Eros thwarted as a result of his sulking tantrum. 

Touch of the Irish part 1 receives a well-deserved 5 stars! I admittedly wavered between four and five. There were just aspects of the sex scene I couldn't get on board with, however, they were sizzling hot and well-written. I also cannot wait to read part two! 

Caelihn: An Otherworld Novel #7 by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

Book Description:


I had always known moving to Eilé would be dangerous, and that I might die some strange, unnatural death. Mostly, I imagined eventually being hunted down by Mikael and Moira for another game of sacrifice the Lorehnin girl. Who would have thought I’d go out like this? A living, breathing lightning rod, calmly accepting my fate like some maiden meekly submitting to her martyrdom. I almost snorted. I guess I could start kicking and screaming if I wanted to. Then again, it might be nice to die with some dignity intact.


A few scant months ago Robyn Dunbarre, with the help of Devlin O’Brolaigh, managed to escape the claws of a sadistic Otherworldly mage with her life barely intact. Now living in Eilé, Robyn is eager to track down her Lorehnin roots. Devlin believes they should start searching among the Amsíhría, the women of the Otherworld with the power to appease Eilé’s wild, and sometimes volatile, weather.


On their journey to the Amsíhr Mountains, Robyn and Devlin visit Luathara Castle. The time spent with Meghan and Cade is meant to be a calm and relaxing break from their recent trouble in the mortal world, but Robyn soon learns that not all has been peaceful in Eilé either, and that the stubborn well of her own Lorehnin magic is finally ready to leave its mark on the Otherworld.

Review: 


Robyn's story picks up a month after Lorehnin ends. It is a day before they begin their journey to visit Meghan and Cade at Luathara,  before heading to the Ashmire Mountains to learn of her heritage and hopefully find her mother.
Robyn's anxiousness regarding her unique magic and whether it will ever do her bidding grows daily. She was simply meant to live with Devlin and Enorah, Cade's sister, in the Wield. I have to admit that the more that is discovered of just how unique Robyn and her magic may be, the less I want her to go to Amsihr.  I'm starting to believe she was left in the mortal world for a good reason and things are going to be a little crazy.

I was uber excited about venturing into Eilé again and ecstatic about seeing Meghan and Cade.  Eilé has become a place of terror instead of the peace I had imagined after Cade and Meghan's HEA ending. Everyone is always tense and on their toes for the continous strings of catastrophe.  Regardless,  if you've missed Meghan and Cade as much as I have then you have to read this! They are in the story far more than I had anticipated.  Is this girl complaining? Not for one second!

This novella is more lengthy than it had originally been planned. Yet, something else you won't find me complaining over. It only means Jenna Elizabeth Johnson couldn't help including some nice surprises for her reader's.  It's a great little read for Otherworld fans.  I seriously wouldn't think of passing it up!

Dark Phoenix (Phoenix Series) (Volume 2) by Elise Faber

                                                               Synopsis:

Black magic. Immoral monsters. Death. And bone-deep, soul-to-soul love with a green-eyed man hell-bent on owning every part of her heart. 

Daughtry’s life changed forever when she bonded with Cody and began to control her visions. Yet as she masters her magic, those very same abilities threaten to harm the people she holds most dear. 

When an opportunity arises for her to fix a past wrong, does she dare risk using her magic in order to set things right again? 

A soul sweeping darkness is lurking at the Colony, making the choice for her and threatening the world she’s built for herself. But Daughtry soon discovers that if she’s to have the future and love she’s always wanted, she must fight for it.

                                                            ***********

                                                                Review:

Dark Phoenix is the second installment in an alluring, paranormal romance series for which a reader can lose themselves time and again.  The prose effectively creates an atmosphere of intrigue and an  addictive romance between Cody and Daughtry. I honestly could not satiate my growing obsession with the male protagonist in this incredible fantasy world.  

A key component in the prose is of Cody and Daughtry's magic being stronger together through their bond. Unfortunately,  outsiders with magic creates nail biting tension of devastating proportions.  The character's vulnerabilities are methodically preyed upon in a manner that just might be the end of their soul deep connection. 

I've always adored the Fae realm and their stories of magic. Elise Faber easily made her way to my top ten favorite author's via this series. I take all elements of the story into consideration. I am, however, extremely particular about the allure of a story. Faber nailed it. 

Keep in mind that this series is strictly for 18+ readers! The explicit sex scenes will have parents agreeing...and sneaking away to live vicariously through Daughtry's perspective.  I've never been so jealous of a fictional character! 

Dark Phoenix is what I like to call, "book shelf worthy. " If I'm not going to read it more than 5 times I will not buy it. Look no further if you are seeking magic, romance, and action.

5 Stars

Phoenix Rising (Volume 1) by Elise Faber

                                                                   SYNOPSIS:

For Daughtry a simple brush of skin is devastating. With every touch her mind is flooded with visions of death. Then she is pursued by enemies who would force her to use those visions for their own gain. In an instant her entire world changes and instead of hiding from her life, she has to fight for the freedom to live it. But with the fight comes the opportunity to recognize her power’s full potential and maybe, just maybe, a chance to find her true love.

                                                                             ************************

                                                                                       REVIEW:


I am a picky reader who sometimes feels bored with the monotony I might find in some books. For me, books must be well-written, have intellectual elements of intrigue, and have heavy and light emotional atmospheres. I was reminded of my love for the written word through Elise Faber's 'Phoenix Rising. ' I have read through both books this series has to offer thus far obsessively.  I live for books like these!

Faber grabs my attention from the first page using the element of intrigue.  She uses vivid detail in describing Daughtry's ability to foresee and alter a person's impending demise.  How awesome is that? A couple of hunky men with mysteries make their entrance and I am hooked.  

I found myself flipping back to the point in the story where Daughtry and Cody meet several times.  The hot/cold attraction is irresistible.  There were moments, however, that the scenes changed from hot to cold so quickly I suffered emotional whiplash. The prose is so effective that it didn't bother as much as it normally would have and we don't see this happening further into the this story or the next. 

I love am an avid fan of the Fae and am delighted to reveal a new, amazing series to my fellow reader's.  I love the characters,  the mysteries,  the romance, and the fighting.  I have a new favorite author to stalk!

5 Stars

Insanity by Xavier Neal

Synopsis:

When Clint "Grim" Walker left for elite training, he never expected the opportunity that was waiting. Suddenly the only thing he's ever wanted for his career collides with the only woman he's ever loved. Will Clint be able to survive his biggest challenge yet, or be left to suffer pure insanity?

Review:

Can someone please help me why this book is only 238 pages!?!? Please? It's one those books you never want to end. It is freaking amazing! I love how the author literally changed everything up. I love the first two books in this series, but Insanity shows how much she has excelled as an author.  

Insanity has the twists and turns to keep the prose interesting from start to finish. The allure of Clint and Haven's chaotic relationship is intense and oh so sweet. The progress they both make as individuals with more to contribute to the other partner in the relationship is beyond satisfactory. They are presented with opportunities to over come their nightmates, face their fears, and finally enjoy their life together. 

 Falling in love with Clint and loving Haven, and the rest of the family, more has been made possible with the release of Insanity.

5 Stars

A Spellbound Christmas by A. Payne and N.D. Taylor

SYNPOSIS:

This book occurs between The Collector's Treasure and The Gatekeeper's Key, but it may be read as a standalone series of short stories. Stories 1 and 3 contain adult content. 

Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas! Take a step away from reality and enjoy these magical holiday-themed paranormal stories starring characters from A Spellbound Consortium. 

A wizard cowboy named Noah enjoys a special night with his lady on Christmas Eve. Lachlan, the fairy hound, makes a new friend in the most unlikely place. The psychic journalist Krys has a special dance with the object of her affection. 

You're in for a treat with three very different stories and three unique holiday wishes.

                                              ****************************************

                                                                                               REVIEW:

The first story introduces Liv and Noah in "An Unforgettable Christmas."
Though it is more of a short Christmas erotica, it was an enjoyable read. The execution of the graphic scenes pulled at a yearning while including minute details creating just enough curiosity to desire getting acquainted with the key characters.  It's well written and I seriously doubt it to disappoint readers who already follow this story-line.  

The next story, "The Christmas Puppy", may contain the paranormal intrigue, but it's essence is directed toward perspectives. With the beginning feeling so vague I felt slightly hesitant about approaching it. I'm glad I did. I relate to it personally and emotionally.  I loved it.  

"A Night to Remember" is the story that reeled me in at an unrelenting pace. I adore the characters and absolutely need to understand everything involving their roles. The heated chemistry between Krys and Jean Luc is fantastic!  

You definitely get more than your money's worth here.  I am excited to have new authors to invest in and if not for other obligations,  like sleep, I would already be reading their other works.

4.5 Stars