Category: Uncategorized

Blurb:

Her Magick is destined but true love forbidden.

After beautiful Sylver Kyllienne Brady meets death at the hands of her boyfriend, Roland Parks, she transcends into Summerland. There, she reunites with her mother and finds her soul mate, Zander. Pulled back to the earthly plane, she must embark on a journey of discovery. She uncovers a truth. She is the descendent of a long lineage of powerful Witches. She must learn to control her power, protect the family’s Amulet and Book of Shadows. Sylver has no idea what awaits her. And, this is only part of her discovery.

Lives unravel as secrets are discovered and mysteries unfold.

Everything changes when she meets Zander Emmett –a vampire. Zander is gorgeous, exotic, sexy and unbelievably wealthy. He is also the one person a witch, such as Sylver, must avoid. Their love is forbidden but their souls draw them together like a magnet. Their bodies ignite, passion soars and their souls are left discovering, not only each other, but their destiny. His life holds secrets and enticing mysteries of his own that propel the parallels of their worlds to climaxing heights.

Will their colliding worlds separate them? Will Sylver embrace her destiny? Will realizing what is expected of her and falling soul-fully in love with Zander – the vampire she is forbidden to love just leave her breathless?

Or, will she forever be Shattered Into Beautiful?

Review:

I am going to start off with telling you that I was given a copy of this for review.  That being said, I don’t know where to begin.  I am Sylver.  For all intents and purposes, I am her.  I understand her pain and I understand what drives her.  The brutality she suffered was mine as well.  I am Sylver. 

I understood Sylver’s link to Zander.  The power that draws you into eyes that mesmerize you into forgetting your pain and accepting the destiny stretching out in front of you.  The depth of their connection spans time and space.  It is a bond that cannot be broken or be denied.  Forbidden is not relevant.

Betrayal is a guarantee when happiness and family is involved.  It seems to be the thing that keeps the balance for all of us.  I actually had to stop reading to email Mel.  I had to let her know how deep this book moved me.  I know everyone sees each book differently and I respect that but this book touched me in a way I wasn’t expecting. 

I have faced death in ways that can’t be measured.  I have fought my own demons and still had them come back for more.  I am Sylver.  Thank you, Mel.  You are showing us that just because evil comes into your life and takes your final breath, doesn’t mean it is the end.  You can be reborn.

Rated 5 Kisses

Blurb:

The bad guys are licking their wounds leaving Claire and James to enjoy what promises to be a merry Christmas. Until a traitor among them delivers Stephen and Claire into enemy hands.

Past lovers, obligations and rivalries compete, all the while the bond between Claire and James grows and Claire is pulled further toward the vampire side. James is growing dependent upon her to feed his humanity, and the boundary that separates them is no longer clear.

A potential husband and a job working for the Court threaten to take Claire’s newfound control over her life from her and stick her firmly under someone else’s thumb. She must try to keep her wits about herself enough to figure out what she wants before the ability to decide is gone forever, and try not to get any of her loved ones killed in the process.

Review:

This is a series that keeps it coming!  Claire and James are bonded and the relationship is developing quicker than either had planned.  Claire moves in with James and struggles to maintain her humanity with the development of their connection.  Being “marked” is usually done through bites but it seems like these two have developed a “psychic mark” that allows them to blend together.

Betrayal is the name of this game and I have to tell you that I was lead to believe one thing and it turned in a completely different direction!  Love when that happens.  Stephen’s character is growing by leaps and bounds and I am anxious to see if he finds the love he is looking for.

Stoked to discover what happens to this dynamic family in the third book, Secrets!!

Rated 4 Kisses

I read ALL of the comments on here. Good, bad and amazing. Imagine my surprise when the lovely Jhobell Kristyl at Book Maven’s Picks nominated me for the Sunshine Award!!!

The rules (according to her site) are:

• Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog. (Did that) 🙂

• Answer 10 questions about yourself. (Not a fan of talking about me, but I will do it!)

• Must nominate 10 other bloggers.  (How do I pick just 10?!?)

• Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs.  Let them know that they are awesome and being nominated!
  

• Share the love and link the person who nominated you.

My questions:

• Favorite food:  Pizza.  I would have it ten times a week if my husband and boys didn’t complain so much!

• Favorite season:  Winter.  I love how crisp and clean everything is.

• Favorite song:  I love music.  I am an ecclectic and listen to just about everything but right now I am sitting here listening to Cowboys and Angels by Dustin Lynch.  I saw him in concert a few weeks ago and this song was about his grandparents.  I was writing a story in my head to go with the lyrics and it struck a chord.

• Favorite drink:  I love hurricanes.  They are fabulous when you are out with the girls but I like the captain and diet coke any other time.

• Favorite color:  Mine is actually three.  I like black, pink and red.  Any variation or combination works for me.

• Favorite Hobby:  Reading.  It is truly an obsession with me.  I read two to four books a day on average and never leave home without my kindle or a print book somewhere on me.

• Favorite date activity:  I love to go to the movies and then to starbucks to talk about what happened.

• Favorite Snack:  Chocolate.  Doesn’t matter what as long as its chocolate.

• Favorite Movie:  The Princess Bride.  To me it is the perfect romance. 🙂 

• Favorite Temptation:  My husband, William.  He is my perfect romance hero.  After 13 years together, I can’t imagine my personal romance getting any better but he surprises me daily. 

My nominees in no particular ranking:

• Puretextuality.com

• A Tasty Read

• saywhatsavannahmae

• Bookend 2 Bookend

• Tam’s Two Cents

• Girls ❤ Books

• Tears of Crimson

• Toot’s Book Reviews

• Save Your Money for Books!

• Unwrapping Romance

Congratulations to these amazing bloggers for all their amazing reviews, kind thoughts and inspiration in the blogging world!  I am excited I can share the Sunshine Award with them!  A special thank you to Jhobell Kristyl for sharing this award with me.  It is beyond humbling and I am grateful!

Brandy

 

Blurb:

All she wanted was to disappear…

Claire Martin is an empath. She’s lived her entire life as a slave to a constant barrage of emotions that weren’t hers. Off to college, she hopes simply to blend with the crowd where she can best hide her curse. Within her first few weeks at school Claire meets Stephen Andrews, a small, fragile looking boy who changes her life forever. 



Stephen, a boy with a secret of his own, instantly recognizes Claire for what she is. It is through Stephen’s aid that Claire meets James, a vampire with a talent of his own. As soon as they touch, their abilities connect in a way that has not occurred in over three hundred years forming a bond that cannot be broken.

Review:

Very nice to read a story of vampires and humans that is not a Twilight repeat!  Claire has the power of an empath and I can tell you that  I would not want it.  Feeling every emotion that comes from a person has got to be difficult. 

This is the first in a trilogy and I can’t wait to get started on the next one.  Stephen has developed into a character that I would love to see have his own spinoff.  I want spoil the excitement of discovering his secret but I was not expecting it. 

James on the other hand, yummy!  I was a little shocked at the instant connection between the two main characters but as you dig into the story, you can feel the love that resonates from the pages. 

Rated 4 Kisses

 

Blurb:

Sara’s been preparing for this moment her whole life—she just never believed it would actually happen. With her bug-out bag and emergency food already in her truck, her only goal is to get to her family’s hidden bunker and wait out the pandemic that’s hit every major cruise ship port in the US. But her plan quickly falls apart. She’s out of gas, her route to the bunker is now a two-lane parking lot with no alternative in sight, and her only weapon is a pocketknife. For an experienced prepper, she’s made every rookie mistake.

Dane believes he’s safe in his cabin, off the beaten path and in the woods with his own source for water, electricity and an endless supply of food to hunt. After finding Sara stranded and alone, he’s suddenly not only providing for and protecting himself, but also the girl who wandered out of the woods and into his life. When looters come looking to take what he has, Sara and Dane’s only option is to make a run for their last hope—the bunker.

Can Sara and Dane find safety in each other’s arms and will they survive long enough to escape to a future together?

Review:

What a great story!  Heather always knows how to wrap you up in a story!  Sara is the type of person I would like to be.  Always prepared and ready for anything.  When the worst actually happens, Sara believes she is prepared and heads to the safety of her familys bunker.  What she doesn’t take into consideration is that she didn’t fill her gas tank and the highway is a parking lot.

Dane realizes something is going on when he sees the news and heads back to his cabin in the woods.  He wasn’t expecting to find a lost woman there.  Taking Sara back to his cabin is the right thing to do.  Sara knows the fate of her family is in her hands.  Trust is not an option.

LOVE it!  This is a short read and I have to say it really makes you wonder.  I would love to have more from this couple!  Enjoy!

Rated 4 Bookworms

Blurb:

Zoricah, the draconian demigoddess, has limited time to uncover a series of killings before one of her own meets the same fate. Determined not to let that happen, Zoricah has no other choice but to ask for the help of her race’s archenemy.

Tardieh, the Vampire King, has long learnt not to trust the Dragons but when the flames of passion ignite between him and Zoricah, he finds himself torn between overwhelming sexual heat and his centuries-old distrust.

Together they have to overcome their own prejudices before it is too late for their races and their love.

Review:

Wow! Talk about hot! And I’m not just talking about the dragon fire!

Zoricah, demigoddess, leader of the dracos, is on a mission to stop the maniac who is abducting and killing women of all kinds – draco and vampires alike. In her efforts, she tracks down Tardieh, king of the vampires, to enlist his help. Two hundred years ago, she saved his life, and she’s banking on that debt, but dracos and vampires are sworn enemies, and he harbors suspicions that Zoricah is the one behind his father’s murder.

Miscommunications aside, they unite to save draco Drew’s twin sister. When they find her, Deirdre is pregnant with some hybrid being that is slowly killing her, just as the other women were before they died from the monster inside of them.

The two join forces with their small groups of elite fighters and track down the man responsible. At least, they think they do. The tension between the two groups is believable and suspenseful. It adds a dynamic that really enhances the story.

This book was fantastic. The romance was steamy, the story was gripping, and the whole thing was bursting at the seams with creativity. I have to admit, I was worried when I saw there was a short glossary at the beginning of the story. But Ms. Phoenix is wonderful at inserting short explanations in with the made-up words so I never once had to look back at the glossary. And her lore is amazing. She has created a world where I would definitely like to live!!

There are surprises at every turn in this book, and it will keep you wanting more. Including the cliff-hanger epilogue!

I’m giving this book 5 Zs. I’m certain you will enjoy it as much as I did!

EXCERPT FROM AMAZON:

Paris-born Danielle Bretancourt von Hoffman is a modern young woman with a natural gift. In the language of perfumery, she is a Nose, with the rare ability to recognize thousands of essences by memory.

The year is 1939, and on the day that England declares war on Germany, Danielle and her family are caught in the midst of a raging disaster sweeping across Europe.

Her life takes a tragic turn when her husband and their only son are stranded behind enemy lines. Summoning her courage, she spies for the French resistance, but is forced to flee Europe with fragments of her family. Destitute, she mines her talents to create a magnificent perfume that captures the hearts of Hollywood stars, then gambles to win wealth and success as a couturier. Her intelligence and flair attracts the adoration of Jonathan Newell-Grey, head of England’s top shipping conglomerate, and Cameron Murphy, Hollywood’s most charismatic star.

Danielle charts her course through devastating wartime losses and revenge; lustful lovers and loveless marriages; and valiant struggles to reunite her family. Set between privileged lifestyles and gritty realities, here is one woman’s story of courage, spirit, and resilience.

Q&A WITH JAN MORAN:

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Set between privileged lifestyles and gritty realities, Scent of Triumph is one woman’s story of courage, spirit, and resilience.

Please tell us a little about your book. Why is it a must-read?

Scent of Triumph is a character-driven story set against a tumultuous time of history—World War II. The protagonist, Danielle Bretancourt, is the kind of modern young woman that you really want to know, and, despite her mistakes, that you can root for. She’s a hard worker, cherishes her family, and longs for a partner. She’s wonderfully creative and has a sense of innate sense of style—even I envy her for that! 

Why did you want to become a writer?

As a child, I was an avid reader. Writers were my rock stars! Books were my passport to exotic locales and fascinating characters.

What inspires your writing?

Travel always inspires me—I love to explore new cities, countries, and cultures that I can share with readers. Strong female protagonists and entrepreneurs who forge their own paths to success are also a source of inspiration. Finally, I like to learn something fascinating along the way, about history, unusual careers, or interesting people.

Question: When did your love of perfumery first begin?

My love of perfumery was seeded by my mother and grandmother, who never left the house without perfume and lipstick. Fortunately, they had excellent taste and were generous with their knowledge.

 What are you working on now?

Several fiction and nonfiction projects. I have a couple of new novels underway, which will take readers to fabulous international locations and delve into sexy new stories. I’ll make announcements on my website, blog, Facebook and Twitter. Stay tuned on http://www.janmoran.com, where I’ll post previews. Better yet, sign up for my every-so-often newsletter.

Can you tell us something about yourself that people might not know?

A lot of people might know that I’ve written earlier nonfiction books on fragrances, Fabulous Fragrances I & II, which grew into the immensely popular Scentsa touch-screen fragrance and skincare finders in Sephora stores around the world, but not many people know that I’ve also guided the creative effort on a fine perfume, and blended several artisan scents. These incredible experiences helped me breathe life into the character of Danielle Bretancourt, a French perfumer, in Scent of Triumph.

 What’s the best fan letter you’ve received?

They’re ALL the best! I cherish (and save!) every letter I receive, and am so touched when people take time out their busy day to write to me. I love it when people share memories or places they’ve visited, or stories of a perfume that touched their soul—perhaps one that a beloved family member once wore. What an incredible honor to receive a letter—especially today! Email? Works for me, too! And I love to send fan letters, too.

Where did the idea come from for your books?

Most of my ideas stem from my personal experience, although my books are not autobiographical per se. But in both Scent of Triumph and Hostile Beauty you will learn about places I’ve lived and traveled (such as Paris, Beverly Hills, New York), the work I’ve done in perfume and beauty, period fashions, history, and more. I don’t like to drop designer names or labels simply for the sake of doing so, but I will when it’s germane to characterization, setting, or historical reference. I also like to include details about what it’s like to create a product, run a business, and obtain funding–keys aspects of any entrepreneur’s experience. My characters are quite entrepreneurial, and I suppose that stems from my own experience as well.

What can modern women learn from your protagonist, Danielle Bretancourt?

The story of Danielle Bretancourt is really the story of a woman’s journey on the entrepreneur’s path. It’s a story of creativity and innovation, and of courage of convictions. Since the story begins in 1939, I had to understand the challenges that faced women at that time, such as the lack of credit or borrowing power for women who wanted to start their own business, among others. While opportunities have improved for women around the world, there are still so many women who suffer from inequalities, lack of knowledge, poor access to capital, and cultural oppression.

For this story, I drew on memories from my mother, grandmother, and great grandmother – their memories of joy over gaining the right to vote, owning property in their name, and creating their own income. The challenges they faced and overcame inspired me to become an entrepreneur, and to help spread the word today about women’s entrepreneurial efforts as a positive economic force for change.

 We love the romantic aspect of Scent of Triumph, so tell us, what is your favorite romantic scent?

When I was writing Scent of Triumph, I created a cast of characters and imagined what fragrances they would wear? How would perfume add to their characterization? What would their choices reveal about them? I used fragrances to reveal a character’s personality, heritage, or psychological nature. For example, Tabac Blond, and Jicky were considered fairly avant-garde in the first part of the twentieth century, so I gave these fabulous vintage scents to two of the more extravagant characters in the books. Personally, I adore Mitsouko, so this one has a special passage in the book, too.

If you were casting a movie for Scent of Triumph, who would you cast?

It’s open to interpretation, but here’s a start:

Danielle Bretancourt: Keira Knightley, Audrey Tatou, Emma Stone

Jonathan Newell-Grey: Chris Hemsworth

Max von Hoffman: Jude Law

Cameron Murphy: Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds

Marie Bretancourt: Meryl Streep, Juliette Binoche

Erica Evans: Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek

 What were your first career dreams?

A ballerina or a model! My mother studied under Russian ballet masters and danced in the Houston, Texas ballet. I entered ballet classes at the age of three, and continued until adulthood. However, I’m petite; I never gained enough height for a career in either ballet or modeling!

 What sports do you like to do?

In the winter, I love to visit the mountains to ski. My favorite destinations are Queenstown, New Zealand, Mammoth Lakes, California, and Vail, Colorado. Otherwise, you can find me walking by the ocean at home in San Diego, riding a bike, or in a pilates or zumba class at the gym. I love to swim, too.

 What are your favorite colors?

Red, red, and red!

REVIEW:

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated. 

I enjoyed this book!  It is a story of Danielle Bretancourt who is a french perfumer and it is set in World War II.  This is an amazingly accurate story that draws you in and immerses you in the passion and pain that Danielle experiences. 

I cried when the ship was attacked and lives were lost and I cheered when she began her new life in America.  This is a woman that has the strength to fight for what she believes is right and to carry on when life kicks her down.  Her knowledge of scents allows her to discover a whole new world and her and her family’s place in it.  The story ends the way I would expect it to in a rather traditional way but the journey was an intricate weaving of words that took my breath away.

Jan Moran is an amazing storyteller and I am in rapture of her way with words. 

Rated 4 Bookworms

 

 

Jan Moran is offering an awesome giveaway!  Click HERE to check it out!!