Jessica Gibson (Blood and Sacrifice)

Blood and Sacrifice

by

Jessica Gibson 

Blog Tour!

 

I'm happy to be participating in the Blood and Sacrifice Blog Tour!

I've read both books in this series, and I gotta say, I'm betting you'll love them as much as I did. Jessica has a way of just pulling you into the story from the very beginning.

I don't want to give anything away--but I can guarantee you that you'll want to put this series on your keeper shelf.  For those of us that love vampire stories--this is one you'll be sure to remember.

 

Blood and Sacrifice

Author: Jessica Gibson

Series: Blood Ties Novella Series (#2)

Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Self Published

Release Date: May 2013

Edition/Formats Available In: Ebook

Blurb/Synopsis:

Bronwyn left everything behind when she left with Ronan. She became what he needed her to be and forgot the rest. Too bad the past won't stay in the past.

Rider bursts back into her life uninvited, and is not the man she remembers. There is an edge to him that was not there before. Bronwyn is torn by guilt over what he has become and anger at being blamed for it.

When Ronan ended his maker’s life, he inherited a line of vampires and a whole set of problems to go along with it. Bronwyn must decide if their love is worth it, worth the killing, and the constant disruption of their lives.

Is love enough? Can Bronwyn find herself again and strike a balance between who she wants to be and who Ronan needs her to be? Or will she lose herself all over again?

Be sure to get your copy of Blood and Sacrifice!

Amazon

Goodreads

 

Not sure you want it yet?  Well, here's a little teaser for you :)

 

The music had changed to a slightly slower song, the beat was seductive and slow. Ronan pulled her to her feet and led her out onto the floor, pressing her body firmly against his. They swayed to the music and Ronan’s hands slid across the bare skin of her back, coming to rest just above the swell of her butt, right where the fabric of her dress ended. “What’s to stop me from taking you right now?” he whispered into her ear.

Bronwyn laughed. “As much as I would like to let you do that, I don’t think I’m too keen on letting your employees see me in the altogether being nailed by their boss.”

“We could go back into the office.” There was an edge to his voice, a hunger.

“What’s with you tonight?” She leaned back and looked at him.

“Wearing a dress like that and you have to ask?”

“It keeps all the right bits hidden.”

“Not by much.” He growled, his fangs grazed her neck.

“Ronan,” she warned.

“Hm?” His lips replaced his fangs on the soft skin of her neck.

“I’m serious. Not here.”

He continued to ignore her, pressing kisses from her collarbone to her ear. “Don’t worry love, nothing is going to happen.”

She sighed and let him continue.

 

 

About Jessica!

Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she's down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the "someday" section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write.

Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future.

Aside from writing, she runs an online event planning business called the Release Day Diva. In addition to novels, Jessica writes and maintains the blog Book on the Bright Side. Keep up with Jessica and her latest releases and events on her blog.

Jessican's Links:

Blog
Book Blog
Facebook
Goodreads
Website
Twitter

Be sure to click the link below for the GIVEAWAY associated with this BLOG TOUR!

She's giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card and COPIES of the Book!

Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Other Titles by Jessica:

 

Blood Ties Novella Series

Blood Lust 0.5

Love and Blood 1

Blood and Sacrifice 2

 Boston Witches

Mark of the Witches

Chasing the Witch

 

Review of FORBIDDEN

Forbidden by Jacquelyn Frank is a book I picked up from NetGalley a while back. Due to health issues, I added it to my queue, but hadn't ever read it. Boy, am I glad I did! Jacquelyn is a new author for me, but her work is just excellent. In this first book in the series, FORBIDDEN, we are introduced to a world filled with mysticism and magic. The ancient Egyptians that were mummified are now tethered to Earth. They reside in the Ether until they find a willing host to Blend with. War has been raging for hundreds of centuries... Unlike what you might imagine from watching Stargate, these relationships aren't like the ones you'd think of with the Go'uld. It's not a relationship where the host is subjugated--they live in harmony. The reward for the mortal is a long life and good health. The royals are awaiting the awakening of the Pharohs Menes and his love, Hapshepsut. When Cleo, the prophetess, sends Ram to New York, he believes it's to help protect his kings love. Docia Waverly has led a rather uneventful life. It's one she's considered boring thus far. But, when she's shoved off a NY bridge to her death, she wakes to find herself in the Ether. There, she meets an Egyptian woman that offers her a new chance at life if she will agree to sharing her body. Docia, deciding she has much to live for, agrees. When she awakens, she believes she's just had a very strange near-death experience. But days later, the same people that attempted to kill her before are after her again. A huge golden warrior comes to her rescue and takes her away to safety. It's only then that she learns that what she experienced was no dream. She's been paired with an Egyptian and is now a Bodywalker. Ram has guarded his queen through eleven lifetimes. This time is different. This time, he finds himself having feelings for his queen that aren't at all platonic. Danger unfolds as evil Bodywalkers try to kill Docia before she can fully Blend. I found this story to be both intriguing and full of action. I was hooked from the very first page. Apparently, this is a spin-off series from the Nightwalker series. As an avid reader, I find that I'm easily bored with books that seem to be telling the same tale I've read a million times before. This was not the case with Forbidden. The author has a wonderful voice. The setting and story were engaging and the plot had twists and turns that kept me turning pages. I read this in one sitting--I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to any that love a good paranormal romance and those that enjoy a series with returning characters. We also meet Docia's brother, Jackson in this book. He'll have his own story in book two of the series. I'd give this a 5star rating. I can't wait for the next in the series-and will be going back to read the other series by Ms. Frank.

Review of Something Witchy This Way Comes by HP Mallory

Fans of HP Mallory will not be disappointed with this last installment to the Jolie Wilkins Series.
Mallory, an up and coming new author, and one to watch. The Wilkins series will be sure to be on the keeper shelf of any reader that loves romance with paranormal/urban fantasy twists.

Jolie had always known she had paranormal abilities; after all, she's run her own business using those talents. Her life changes drastically when she discovers her talents are far more than what she'd thought. Not only does she have powers, but she's a witch. Her love interest, Rand, is the one that takes her under his wing to introduce her to the life in the Underworld.

Now, at last, many of the burning questions will be answered.  Will she pick the hot and sexy vampire Sinjin or the equally sexy warlock, Rand Balfour? will she finally accept her role as queen of the underworld or will  she find a way to rid herself of a position she never wanted?

I won't spoil the book by answering those questions, but what I can tell you unequivocally is that Mallory has created a world so rich in detail that you can quite literally feel yourself in it.  her characters are rich, three-dimensional and full of life.

One of my favorite things about the series overall has been the growth of Jolie Wilkins under the tutelage of Rand Balfour and Sinjin Sinclair.

Few surpass the talent Mallory shows in creating a world so rich. She's able to portray feelings and desires of her characters that truly make the reader become immersed in her world. I'm quite sure I'm not the only one sad to know this is the last in the series--though I hear there is a spin-off series I'll be anxiously awaiting.
There are few authors that are an auto-buy on my list.  Mallory is one of them. From the first book I read of hers, Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, I was hooked.

There are several criteria necessary for me to rate a book with 5 stars. A believable and well-written plot, characters that are three dimensional, the ability not to info-dump while telling a truly compelling story. And, lastly, of course, characters I care about.  Mallory hit my 5 in all areas.

I'm an avid romance reader, and love paranormal romance, but this book is even more.  The level of detail she shows in her writing literally bring the words off the pages. I found myself unable to stop once I began the book.

Even though this is the last of the series, we learn so much more about Jolie than we have in the other books. She's left an ending that will make a spin-off series a pleasure to read. I can barely wait.

While I did receive this copy via Net Galley to review, I'd have bought it in a heartbeat.
Be sure to read the other books in the series as well. 


5/5 Stars. A MUST READ. This title can be pre-ordered here: Amazon Link

The Rebellious Princess Chooses Two Lovers by Carolyn Rosewood

The Rebellious Princess Chooses Two Lovers by Carolyn Rosewood

Buy Amazon: The Rebellious Princes Chooses Two Lovers

 

Blurb:

 

In a post-apocalyptic world where pseudo-medieval kingdoms have once again evolved. Princess Cadence of the New West Dominion, a woman used to getting as much sex as she wants, is being forced to choose just one lover, and to keep face with the other kingdoms her parents are insisting he be a real prince.

Dominic of the Northern Free Zone has been sent a royal invitation by Queen Sasha and King Lassiter by mistake. He's bored at home, and has heard of Cadence and her skills in the bedroom, so he dresses the part of a prince and sets off for her castle.

It soon becomes apparent she's more than he bargained for - in and out of the bedroom - and when he realizes she has a soft spot for Ethan, one of the royal gardeners, and that the man is totally besotted with her, he invites Ethan to join them in bed.

Review:

This is not any fairytale you heard as a child.

This book is written like a classic fairytale with a couple of very important twists. I love how Ms. Rosewood gave this fairytale a post-apocalyptic setting. And the princess in this story is no blushing virgin, but a passionate woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it.

The story begins with "Once upon a time..." and each chapter has a similar heading such as: "The Princess took a stroll in the garden." This book has it all. The fairytale dreams and the desert settings of a future land. The "princes" (there are two of course) are no Princes at all. One is a servant and one is pretending to be a Prince. In my book they were both Prince Charming, each able to love Cadence in their own distinct way. Of course their is the usual royal intrigue and melodrama, complete with plenty of hot steamy love scenes. This story is not for a child or the faint of heart. Cadence's Princes take her firmly in hand and show her who is boss. That's just the way she likes it.

I loved this book. It has the headstrong heroine, an alpha hero, and a compassionate hero. What's not to love about this book? The shortness. *pout* I would love to read more about this fairytale land of Princes, Princesses and gardeners sneaking into your bedroom. Maybe one with a stable hand...Just some food for thought, Ms. Rosewood. If you plan to continue this as a series, I will be first in line to buy.

Review by Ursula Avery

Wicked Weekend by Gillian Archer

Wicked Weekend by Gillian Archer

Buy Amazon:Wicked Weekend

Buy BN: Wicked Weekend

Blurb:

 

Why did Lauren Vaughn introduce her sister to the man she herself was crazy about? Now Lauren is watching the happy couple at their combined bachelor/bachelorette party—while Lauren sits all alone at the bar. Until she spots a hot stranger with the telltale black handkerchief in his pocket: the signal for "seeks no-strings affair with sexy submissive." Lauren can't take her eyes off him. So when he comes over, she kicks her inner good girl to the curb and follows Jamie Forman to his room, where he makes her scream with pleasure all night long.

But Jamie is a complicated man. He can't handle how desperately he wants her in his bed—and his life. It's up to Lauren to teach him how to make all night last forever.

Review:

 

This book was a short but hot read. The sex was steamy and the overall story was good. The heroines sister was a bitch and I am happy to see she got what she deserved. And I was relieved that Lauren realized how lucky she was to haved dodged that bullet. As far as Jamie, he is definitely a tortured hero: my favorite kind!

I kind of felt that the H/H had a lot of baggage and the story was really too short to explain it away. Also I was a little confused about the "flagging" thing. I don't know if it wasn't better explained because the author assumes a prior knowledge of it all (which I don't have) or maybe she only felt that she explained it enough for the story. In that case, I guess she did, but I like to know details. And that is my failing. I like short stories because they are fast to read, but sometimes I feel like I don't get enough details. Again, my problem. I don't want to stop reading novellas or short stories, but so many of them leave me wanting more.

This book is the first in a series so I am hoping in the future books there will be more explaining of "flagging" Overall, I did enjoy the book. As I explained most of the issues I had with it, were my own personal preference issues. I recommend you give this book a try. I will be looking out for book two in the series.

Review by Ursula Avery

Worth The Scandal by Karen Erickson

Worth The Scandal by Karen Erickson

Buy Amazon:  Worth The Scandal

Buy BN: Worth The Scandal

Blurb:

"Strictly business? Try telling that to her heart..."

"Worth It, Book 1"

Alexander Worth, President and CEO of Worth Luxury Goods, is a man never to be crossed. His unwavering sense of responsibility to the family business requires him to always be in complete and utter control. Until it comes to Tessa Crawford.

She's quietly professional, shy, voluptuous...and she works for him. Which means she is the one woman he must never touch, no matter how hard his gut twists with need for her.

After rising above her disadvantaged childhood, Tessa knows the last thing she should do is risk throwing it all away by falling into bed with her sexy boss. But on an extended European business trip, all self-imposed barriers burn away in the heat of their sizzling chemistry.

Once back home, though, whispers of corporate espionage turn into full-blown scandal-and Tessa finds out the hard way where Alex's loyalties lie. Determined to soldier on, she picks herself up and carries on with a secret, yet welcomed burden. Never guessing that Alex will make a reappearance in her life, ready to show her once and for all that family does, indeed, come first.

Warning: Contains a sweet-yet-strong woman, and a bossy alpha male brought to his knees by the woman he desperately loves. Involves enough begging and groveling that the reader may be tempted to "accidentally" leave it for her significant other to "find." For instructional purposes only, of course

Review:

 

I can't begin to tell you how I loved this book. But I am sure going to try. I knew going in that Alex was going to make me want to slap his handsome, arrogant face. Ms. Erickson did not disappoint! I was drawn into this book and wasn't able to put it down until I finished. (Thanks a lot Karen for the super late night and long ass day at work that followed.)

The drama, the emotion, and the sex! All the intensity! I loved it. We also got a satisfying glimpse of the other two Worth brothers. I just know their stories are going to be equally fantastic.

In the scene where Alex fires Tessa, as she is riding the elevator down, I was there. I could literally picture her doing the slow slide down the wall and the expression on the security guard's face when those doors opened. I was right there with Tessa, feeling like the world had just ended for her. Ms. Erickson has a way of writing a scene, in fact the whole book, so that you are right there. You ARE Tessa. My heart wrenched and tears threatened.

I absolutely love reading books that make me feel the emotions as the character is experiencing them. And Ms. Erickson certainly does not disappoint in this. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Worth It series. The other two brothers are as flawed as Alex and I am especially looking forward to how the author will redeem Rhett Worth. Well done Ms. Erickson!

Review by Ursula Avery

Play Nice by Gemma Halliday

Play Nice by Gemma Halliday

AMAZON: Play Nice

BARNES & NOBLE: Play Nice

Blurb:

 

She faked her death to escape life as an assassin. But now her enemies have tracked her down, and this time they want her to stay dead.

Anya Danielovich was a highly-trained killing machine in her former life. But that was a long time ago. Today she's just Anna Smith - a single, thirtysomething woman living in San Francisco with an undemanding day job, a loving, if dim-witted, dog, and a simple desire to lead a simple better life. But she's still haunted by her past - the people she killed, the mentor she betrayed, the woman she was. She's taken care to cover her tracks, but she's beginning to feel like she's being watched...
 

 

Nick Dade is a hired gunman, the best of the best. He's read Anya's file inside-out and, after weeks of surveillance, he's ready to pull the trigger...until someone else beats him to the punch. With his agenda shattered, Nick suddenly finds himself thrown together with the woman he's been sent to eliminate. Who is she really? Who hired the second hit? And who can he trust? Together Nick and Anna find themselves embroiled in a web of deceit and desire as an unknown enemy - one with dangerous ties to Anna's former life, and a present-day political assassination - closes in. To unravel the truth, Anna must face her past even if that means risking both Dade's life and her own...for good this time.

Review:

I got an advance copy of this story to review and boy am I ever glad! I have been a huge Gemma Halliday fan since I picked up the very first book in the High Heels Mystery series. So when I had the chance to read her latest, I jumped at it.

A total departure from the zany, friend-centric stories in the High Heels series, Play Nice is a non-stop thrill ride from page one. The story of an assasin trying to leave her former life behind is full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book was really high voltage and I found myself reading faster and faster, both in an effort to keep up with the super fast action and to find out what was going to happen next.

Of course, you can not write a review about this book and not mention the explosive chemistry between Anna and Nick. The sparks fly fast and furious with these two. All this despite the fact that he was sent to kill her and she will do anything to get away.I am trying really hard to be careful what I say so as not to give anything away.

When I got done reading this story, I felt as though I had run a marathon. The fast pace and plot twists left me feeling mentally exhausted and satisfied all at the same time. This story was fantastic and I can not wait to see what happens next in this series! I can't say it any stronger than this: Go buy the book. Now. I see you still sitting there. Get going! It is seriously worth it.

Review by Ursula Avery