Friday, December 19, 2014

Random Lit. . . Bittersweet by Shewanda Pugh

 
 
In the aftermath of one tragic and uncertain night, Edy and Hassan shut out the chaos with a kiss. But when Hassan's traditionalist mother sees that kiss … well, a nightmare of a different sort begins. After all, he still has an arranged marriage on the horizon.
Love attacks the glue of their two bonded families; while the slow tug of success pulls Edy and Hassan in opposite directions. After denying their feelings for so long, they now have each other, but are forced to ask themselves if being together is worth it.
 
 
Review
 
5*
 
Shewanda Pugh has completely shifted the paradigm with Bittersweet; entirely enthralling. The amount of angst, frustration and overwhelming teenage hormones had me yanking at my hair! I loved the dynamics between Edy and Hassan; and to think they're teenagers!!!

I felt like I was able to connect with the growth of the characters between this book and the last. They were more mature, but at the same time they had that “I’m still a child” vibe. I loved the fact that even when it seemed like Edy and Hassan were growing apart and others could possibly encroaching on their territory, they were able to smooth things out and get back on track with their true selves.

The grandparents were a welcomed interruption to life. I would have loved for there to be more interaction with the connection spurned between Edy and her grandparents. On the same note of more interaction, I feel cheated on the aspect of Edy and Wyatt. I felt like there was so much left unsaid; so much more that needs to be explored.

I have to say that all in all, Shewanda has delivered yet again; as though I expected anything less! She has definitely put herself into that category where I’ll buy her books without even knowing what they’re about. Her name as an author is her best asset and I can’t wait to see what she does next. BRAVO DIVA!!!

 

 
Stalk Shewanda Here

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Random Lit. . . Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan

 
Synopsis:
 
Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. But she never felt ready to face them---until now. Defying the Auran Council and everything she's been taught, Llona must learn to use her power over light as a weapon if she wants to survive.

Review

*5 Stars*
 
I must admit, I cheated myself out of a boatload of entertainment by not reading this book as soon as I got it. I had it for roughly three weeks before I even cracked it open, but boy once I did...OH-EM-GEE!!! This book was absolutely enthralling. The characters were well developed and the story line flowed extremely well.
 
I loved the fact that this wasn't one of those stories where the heroine was helpless and weak while ascending into her powers. Llona was a kick-ass force to be reckined with from the time that she felt an immediate threat from enemies. I wanted so much more for her and Christian, but I thought their tale was told as it should have been. Nothing between them was rushed and they got to know each instead of diving head first.

The only thing I didn't like was how secretive Christian was in the beginning. I understand that secrets make for mystery which makes for great books (as this one is), but I felt that he would have been better off if he had told her up front what was going on, what was expected of her, and what she was truly up against. Also, the synopsis could have been a little more informative.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to others. It was a beautiful twist on para-romance that is most enjoyable. Well done Rachel McClellan!
 
Lashanta Charles (The Kindle Book Review)


Author Info

Kindle Purchase Link
 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Random Lit...New Release Splitting Karma







 

 
 
Connect with LaShanta Charles:

Order Links:



 

Pre-Order Link:
Available November 11, 2014

Splitting Karma Synopsis:

Taylor Williams didn't grow up with the loving parents, white picket fence, and a dog. She’s struggled to get where she is and knows that with all she's endured, life can only get better. At 28 years old, she hails as one of the country's top divorce lawyers and is ready to slow down and start a family with her husband. The only problem is he shuts her out and has treated her like everything but a wife since the night he came across her and his boss in a compromising situation. In spite of her innocence, she's determined to make it up to him.
Isaac Warren is bad business; the kind of bad business that requires focus and determination in order to stay alive. It’s also the kind that caused him to shut himself off from serious relationships after the brutal murder of his fiancé three years ago. Now his cold exterior keeps him at bay from everyone except those he considers family and right now that list doesn't have room for anything more than the occasional tryst and nothing more, especially not with the highly acclaimed lawyer he's accidentally stumbled upon.

*This novel is only recommended for readers 17 and older*

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Random Lit...with Keta Diablo


Chasing the Dead, Book 1
Series – Bannister Brothers

"If the Ghost can't have Sacheen, no one will."

Author – Keta Diablo

Genre – Western Romance (Paranormal)
Publication Date – October 20, 2014
Publisher – Keta Diablo
Cover Artist – Willsin Rowe

~*~
About the Book

The Apache kidnapped me to dispel an evil ghost from their village. If I tell them I don't possess the same skills my madre did, they'll cut my throat and feed me to the dogs. Celesta was the best spirit chaser in all of New Mexico before she died.

The most I can hope for is that Emmett, my fiancé, will rescue me. Is he capable of such a thing? Poppy must not have thought so because he sent Deacon Bannister to save me. Deacon…the man who walked away days before our wedding a year ago. The man who still melts my bones after one look.

We're running for our lives from Uday, the vaporous ghoul tracking us. He wants Sacheen, the beautiful maiden banished from the Apache village who travels with us. The warrior killed her father when Sacheen refused to marry him, and then Sacheen's brother killed Uday.

The ghost's powers grow stronger every minute on our journey back to El Vaquero...and so does my love for Deacon.
Madrid Arrende

~*~
Excerpt

A shadow hovered near the fires, ducking in between stalks of cacti and other scrub brush. Maddie drew a deep breath and ambled forward with Elan beside her. Amid the dissonant chants and prayers, warriors brandishing spears and shields hollered into the gray mist. Maddie squinted, hoping to catch sight of the ghoul the others couldn't see. Only powerful shamans and spirit chasers had trained themselves to look upon the face of a dead spirit. A ripple of fear spread through her limbs and shivered down her spine when la fantasma appeared before her.
A mass of black patterns and swirls marred his enraged face. His eyes were hollow and black until a den of serpents slithered from the sockets–a deception the spirit had learned in his brief time in the underworld.
Maddie swallowed hard and sneaked a glance at Elan. Standing tall and looking formidable, she had to admire the man's courage. "It is you he seeks to destroy, Elan, to forge a path to Sacheen. I will go forth on my own now."
Elan shook his head, his expression one of disbelief. "Why would you put yourself in such danger? We wait and see what the dead man will do."
"No. It is what he wants, for all in the village to fear him. Only then does his true power unfold. I will meet his challenge; let him know I am here to banish him back to the dead." "Although I cannot", she whispered under her breath.
The ghost twisted and turned, retreating back from the fire, only to appear seconds later at another location in camp. He screamed and howled, the otherworldly sounds rumbling through the village like a murderous dust storm.
 Maddie shrugged aside Elan's grip on her elbow and walked forward. "Madre, be with me," she said to the ground. The moon had not shown its face this night but a smattering of a million stars gave enough light for Maddie to focus on the grim outline of the wretch. "Lift up your eyes dead spirit and hear my words."
An inhuman screech sent a blast of wind in her direction. It lashed her face and whipped her long hair into a frenzy.
"You are small and weak. I do not fear you!" she screamed, bewildered by the words spewing from her mouth. "The wolf has sung your passing and the bear has grumbled low. Sing your death song and return to the underworld."
The wailing chants of the shamans echoed behind her.
Ignoring her warning, Elan suddenly appeared beside her, only to be struck to the ground when the ghoul unleashed a stream of lightning spikes from the sky. Elan moaned, clutched his broken arm and attempted to rise.
"Stay down!" Maddie ground out between clenched teeth.
Her mother's voice rode the crest of her fear. Be strong, Madrid, try again.
Her knees shook and her spine curled, but she took another step forward. "Your breath has moved to another world. You must remain with it. Do you hear me, dead spirit? You are no longer welcome here. Your relatives have said farewell and so must you, never to return."
A refrain from the Apache against her back bolstered her courage—a roar of cheers and the synchronized trampling of moccasins beating the ground.
 Torrents of rain fell from the sky, pounding Maddie into the earth beneath her feet. Wet dirt spiraled up her nose and debilitating pain wracked her body. A hand clamped over her arm. When Maddie realized it belonged to Elan, a sigh of relief mingled with the cold blast of air surrounding them. Sacheen's brother pulled her against his wet body and crawled toward camp, dragging her with him.
A triumphant scream from the ghost rent the air, pitching the warriors into a cowering retreat. The cold, gray dawn swept over camp. Shivering with despair, Maddie turned to Elan. "His power is great."
Out of breath and still clutching his arm, he nodded.
"Maddie raised a fist to the sky. "We have failed this night, dead spirit, but we will not the next time we meet."

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Random Lit with Christi Williams - Getting It Right

Getting It Right
by
Christi Williams


**Genre: Sensual Contemporary Western Romance**

Last of a long line of agrarian witches, Selene Pertunda thinks she will never meet the right man...until with the help of a little magic, she finds Beck McNeal.

Named for the Goddess of Desire, can she dream of lasting happiness with only one man?
   Selene Pertunda has no trouble attracting a man. She just can’t seem to find the right one. From abusive husband Robert to tattooed bad boy lover Kevin, Selene draws men to her like bears to her honeypot. The problem is that none of them proves to be a good fit.
   Sure she will never find a shared happiness, Selene has no way to suspect she’s drawn the attention of a powerful goddess. So she scoffs at the idea that the handsome man who begins to  play a large part in her life could be her destiny. After all, what could worldly, educated Beck McNeal want with a small-town girl like Selene?
   Selene and Beck try to their best to resist the inexplicable mutual magnetism flaring between them. But can two ordinary people avoid the decree of the Goddess of Desire?

Getting It Right is the first novel-length work in the Wyoming Series of contemporary romances by Christi Williams.

Click this Amazon pre-order link for Getting It Right!

Other books by Christi Williams:
   "To the One I Never Forgot" is a short story that launched the Wyoming Series. Gianna and Zack were too young for love when they were separated. Now, all grown up, can Gianna be reunited with the one she never forgot?
   Christi Williams is also the author of two novels and a novella in the Hawk Point Romances series. Take a Chance on Love is the story of the chance encounter of widow Chancie de Leur and hot Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper Micah Taylor. Perilous Promises is Perris and Noah Dalton's story of recovery from breast cancer and the effort to revive their formerly wonderful marriage. The novella Clay's Quest is the tale of a hot Wyoming cop who comes up with a wacky plan to save his marriage when he just won't accept that his beautiful wife wants to find someone else to father her baby.

Christi writes sensual, entertaining love stories of unforgettable modern Western men and women. Readers say...Sensual: "Taken a touchy subject and made it heartfelt and humorous, but she's made it H.O.T.!!" Humorous: "Cracked me up!" Love: "To be loved like that!" Stories: "Character driven fiction."


 Links to Take a Chance on Love:

Links to Perilous Promises:

Links to Clay's Quest:

Link to “To the One I Never Forgot”:

To celebrate the upcoming release of
Getting It Right
Win!
$50 Amazon gift certificate!









Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Random Lit with...ME!!!! Splitting Karma, October 21


Connect with LaShanta Charles:

Pre-Order Links:

Splitting Karma Synopsis:

Taylor Williams didn't grow up with the loving parents, white picket fence, and a dog. She’s struggled to get where she is and knows that with all she's endured, life can only get better. At 28 years old, she hails as one of the country's top divorce lawyers and is ready to slow down and start a family with her husband. The only problem is he shuts her out and has treated her like everything but a wife since the night he came across her and his boss in a compromising situation. In spite of her innocence, she's determined to make it up to him.
Isaac Warren is bad business; the kind of bad business that requires focus and determination in order to stay alive. It’s also the kind that caused him to shut himself off from serious relationships after the brutal murder of his fiancé three years ago. Now his cold exterior keeps him at bay from everyone except those he considers family and right now that list doesn't have room for anything more than the occasional tryst and nothing more, especially not with the highly acclaimed lawyer he's accidentally stumbled upon.
*This novel is only recommended for readers 17 and older*

Excerpt:

My eyes flew open as I quickly sat up in the bed. What was that noise, a door slamming? I scanned the dark bedroom and waited for another sound. The voice I heard shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did.
                  “Where the hell is my dinner?” Aaron’s voice boomed through the house.
                  I scrambled from the bed, falling to the floor, my feet tangled in a mess of sheets and blankets. Ignoring the pain in my wrist and hip from my ungraceful fall, I slipped my robe on and practically ran down the flight of stairs.
                  “Taylor, get your ass down here! A good wife wouldn’t let her husband go hungry!”
                  I spotted him standing in front of the open refrigerator, his back to me. Without a word I made my way to the oven where his food was already fixed and waiting. I could feel his eyes on me, tracking my every movement as I slipped in front of him and grabbed a beer from the fridge. I refused to meet his eyes. Instead I stole a glance at the time on the microwave. It was a quarter past three. Working late again, huh? “I made you shrimp carbonara. I hope you like it,” I said as I placed the beer and food on the island in the center of the kitchen. Finally meeting his eyes, I pulled the stool out for him. He said nothing, simply stared at me. My heart pounded in my chest. Why wasn’t he responding? “I kept it warm for you,” I said as I closed the refrigerator and took his hand. Without protest, he let me guide him to his seat. I tried to give him a quick peck on his lips, but he turned his head away. A smirk played at the corner of his lip. My lips settled for his cheek and I stepped back. “How was your day?” I asked.
                  “I want to take a shower when I’m done eating,” he replied.
                  And just like that, I was dismissed. I took my time going upstairs, hoping he’d call me back. I could at least get a hug, right? I knew that would never happen, but that didn’t stop me from lingering on the stairs. The only sound that came from his direction was the fork as it scraped the plate and the occasional soft thud from him placing his beer bottle on the counter after he sipped. By the time he made it to our bedroom I had a fresh pair of boxers and pajama bottoms laid out for him and the shower was the perfect temperature. He undressed as he made his way past me in silence. I quickly scooped up the trail of clothes he left in his wake. While he showered I tossed his towel into the dryer, so that it’d be warm for him when he used it.
                  “Dinner was actually very good. I’m impressed,” he said when he finally emerged from the bathroom.
                  “Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.” I tried not to be, but I was mesmerized by his body. At 32 years old, he looked just as good as he did when we first met and he was only 25. His smooth, brown skin pulled tight against muscles that teased me with their presence. Not big and bulky, but just right for his 6’ 4” frame. His wavy hair was always kept cut low, cropped close to his head. Beautiful brown eyes stared back at me from behind dark lashes. If he’d smile - which I knew he wouldn’t - I’d see perfect teeth lined up behind those thick lips. He glanced at the boxers on the bed then smiled smugly as I gave them to him. I snapped my mouth shut, realizing he knew I was admiring him.
                  “Take that off,” he commanded.
                  I glanced down at the nightie I wore under my robe then back at him. My confusion allowed him a moment of amusement. With that same smug smile locked in place, he removed the towel that hung loosely from his waist.
                  “Your turn,” he challenged.
                  My heartbeat picked up its pace again as I hesitantly removed my clothes. He closed the gap between us and let his fingertips skim across my chest. I fought the urge to touch him, while silently begging him to touch me more. I hoped against all odds that this wasn’t as far as he would go. He hadn’t made love to me in months. He still blamed me for his embarrassment. He blamed me for his boss’s actions. My only crime was accompanying my husband to his firm’s annual charity banquet in the evening gown that he picked out for me. I looked beautiful in it. It gave me curves where I knew I had little to none. It gave me a confidence boost that I knew I didn’t even need. Well, at least not at that time. Right now a confidence boost would be greatly appreciated. When Aaron’s boss, Bryan, told me he wanted me to help him with some of the evening’s presentations, I was flattered and honored. I agreed to retrieve the notes for a speech he had forgotten in his office, but when I got there he cornered me and tried to kiss me. I’d never been in a situation like that, so I had no idea what to do. When I pushed him away and slapped him, he came back even stronger. My body froze in fear as his hands gripped every part of me that he could touch. When he tried to force his tongue into my mouth I bit him. He laughed and went for my neck. Over his shoulder I saw Aaron and the two other partners from the firm standing in the doorway. One of the other partners, Kaleb, asked what was going on. I tried to tell them he attacked me, but he assured them it was just an innocent hug. He said I’d had a little too much wine – I only had one glass and I didn’t even get to finish it - and he’d caught me when I tripped. A hug was my way of thanking him. Aaron hadn’t said a thing. He only stared at me, rage carefully concealed within his gaze. Of course he hadn’t said anything. He was up for a promotion to become a partner at the firm; his lifelong dream. He’d given Bryan and the others a tight smile before reaching for my hand and telling them he had to take his drunken wife home. That was six months ago…six long and lonely months.
                  “I can’t even make love to you anymore,” Aaron whispered as he slipped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer him, my body flush against his. The erection that should have been pressing against me was nowhere to be found. For Christ’s sake, we’re both naked!
                  “Aaron, please? You can.” My pleas fell on deaf ears. He let me go and slipped his boxers on.
                  “Wake me up at seven,” he said as he climbs into our bed.
                  “You know I didn’t betray you, Aaron.”
                  “Taylor, I’m going to sleep. I have a long day ahead of me.”
                  “Aaron, please? Just talk to me. I didn’t do anything wrong. You can’t keep shutting me out like this,” I pleaded. I was innocent. I was there for him. I was put into that situation because of him. I’m his wife. He was supposed to protect me. It didn’t matter if his career was on the line. His marriage should have been his priority. I should have been his main concern. Instead he blamed me. He told me I was lying; Bryan would never do anything like that. Instead of protecting me when I needed him, he turned his back on me and made me out to be the culprit. I didn’t think I would survive that. I still don’t think I will. “Aaron?” Silence was my companion.
The promotion decision wasn’t supposed to be made until two months later, but the partners announced Aaron as the recipient that following Monday. I pushed my feelings aside and became the supportive spouse; celebrations and lavish outings with my husband and the man who attacked me. Posing for pictures, being nice, and accepting keep quiet gifts like the perfect little wife. Aaron had shunned me since then. I made it my mission to get him to forgive me, but it still hadn’t happened. Six months is a long time to bear the burden of an act you didn’t commit. I put my nightie back on and climbed into bed. Although I longed for it, sleep abandoned me.