Review: ARC of Wicked Enchantment by Anya Bast

Wicked Enchantment
Berkley Sensation
A Dark Magic Novel
ISBN-10: 0425232018
ISBN-13: 978-0425232019
Release Date: January 5, 2010

The Blurb:

When you’re a half incubus, your reputation precedes you…

All eyes are on Gabriel Mac Braire the day he makes his first appearance in the Seelie Court, including those of Aislinn Finvarra. Despite deep bitterness over her last failed relationship, Aislinn cannot help but be curious about the half incubus who is known to possess dark magick, both lethal and sexual in nature. Rumors abound of the women who have become enslaved to his irresistible charms.

So when the Summer Queen of the fae orders Aislinn herself to act as his guide in the court, she is understandably on guard. She’s fallen under the spell of far less persuasive men before. In addition, Gabriel might be more than he seems and his true mission is far from innocent.

This time, Aislinn must protect not only her heart, but her very life…

All this information was obtained from Ms. Bast's site --->> here.

This book was given to me by Ms Bast for a review. The thoughts below are all my own.

Going into this review, I read her short story in Hot For The Holiday's - Sweet Enchantment.
You do not HAVE to read this one first, but it did set the stage for the characters and the world I was fixing to step in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ms. Bast has created an amazing world; one I have not found myself diving into yet. This story was a pleasure to read and I easily slipped away to the world of the Seelie Court. I have to admit thought that I had a lot to learn of this world.

Let's start this off...

Please meet, Aislinn Christiana Guinevere Finvarra.
Aislinn, is a woman who is thought to have pure Seelie blood. She resides pretty high in the Summer Queen's Rose Tower. Enjoying all of life's luxuries, going to balls and parties. Not having to work, shopping all day if she wanted. She had money in the bank - from her family and from court. The higher you reside, the higher your status in the Rose community.

Her father died years ago and her mother's only care is about their social status.
Her best friend, Bella, the only one she truly ever trusted, was banished to the Shadow King's court with her lover, Ronan. She is kind of alone in this world. She does have a couple of friends, but no one to really count on. So imagine living in a world where you really do not have anyone you can lean on, talk to, share with and all everyone wants to do is party and gossip.

Aislinn is a real woman, honest to the core and guarded with her deepest secrets. After being publicly dumped by an ass of a guy, Kendal, who just used her to climb the social ladder, she made sure to keep her heart off limits too. Remember, in the Rose Tower, social status is everything. So, after him, she swore off men.

As far as Aislinn's secret that she kept guarded, if the Summer Queen would have found out what she was capable of, she would have been kicked out of the Rose Tower a long time ago. I can not tell you what the secret is, but I will tell you this ~ she freaking rocks when she learns her full powers.

But Aislinn discovers another secret about her life and she owes it all to one man...

Please meet Gabriel Cionaodh Marcus Mac Braire.
Oh my Danu (The primary goddess of the Tuatha De' Danann)...
Gabriel is a freaking walking talking live ~ Sex on a Stick man!!! He is half incubus and half Unseelie. That made him even more dangerous. His reputation proceeded him where ever he went. "The rumors went that he was catnip to females and - when his special magick was wielded at full force between the sheets - he possessed the power to enslave a woman."
Wow, can you imagine catnip for women... That is powerful.
But do not forget he belonged to the Black Tower.

Gabriel was seeking permanent resident in the Rose Tower and to do that he had to petition for the Summer Queen's approval. The Summer Queen love taking from the Shadow King and to have a delicious man candy around her side of town... well, what's not to want. The queen would give him her decision in a week and while he waited to hear of the queen's decision, Aislinn was chosen to be his "tour guide" while he was there. These two got off on the wrong foot, but the chemistry was well played between them. Being half incubus has its plus side, which he was hoping would pay off with Aislinn... But as we discover, Aislinn is just not that into him. At least that is how it is in the beginning.
The story takes a turn... Gabriel makes Aislinn feel things she hasn't felt. He makes her think about what her life has truly become or where does she truly want to go.
Aislinn in return, makes Gabriel realize that sometimes people actually do say what is on their mind. She also makes Gabriel realize what it is that is missing in his life.
The two of these have secrets they try to hide from each other - but how long can they keep their secrets. And what will happen when they come to light.

Ms. Bast knows how to turn up the heat in her story.
This story is full of twist and turns. Some I did not even see coming. The change of heart, the putting yourself out there, finding out who your real friends are, having someone stab you in the back and the omgosh... hot sex !!! Ms. Bast really put her characters through the loop in this book. Oh what a ride this was to read. And you must not forget... this story is also packed with some action as well!!!

This is an amazing story. You have Aislinn, who is trying to figuring out "where do I fit in" in this world; of which side do I belong? Then you have Gabriel, who is fighting his own personal demons. The two come together and explode on the pages before you. The side characters are just as awesome as the main two characters. Especially in the latter scenes of battle. One of the elements I found refreshing was that you will notice is true friendship. Now don't let me lead you to believe that this story is just a friendship story... Ohhh no **shaking my finger**.... This story is freaking smoking hot with romance and sex... but the aspect of the friendship touched my heart. And the hot scenes were enough to leave this Hussy very purrrrsatisfied!!!
Ms. Bast did a brilliant job with have the right amount of angst within the characters to make the story hot and believable. I am looking forward to more of this series... (crossing my fingers that there is more **please please please**)!

My only blah feeling was that the world building was a little much, but I understood why the process was a bit much because it was needed for me to know the who and what of this story.

Berkley Sensation
ISBN-10: 0515147001
ISBN-13: 978-0515147001
Release Date: September 29, 2009

Anya’s novella is titled Sweet Enchantment. It provides a first taste of the world in which my new Dark Magick series is set.

This is Bella & Ronan's story... It is a sweet, passionate read!
I suggest reading this one first. Just to get familiar with the wonderful world of the Dark Magic! You will not regret it!

For more information, please visit Ms. Anya Bast's web site --->>> here.
You will find a lot of thing there... Her blog is there. She has some FREE Reads there too!!

I have a Christmas Story for you....

From my hussy heart to yours...
Merry Christmas!

I have written a quick little short story.
Head over to Naughty in the Backseat --->>> here to read it and let me know what you think!!!

It is one hot little read... Might get you in the mood for some more Santa Hussy Clause!!!!!!!!!
Pppssssttt.... Mandi ~ for you honey, just enough hair on his chest!!! Ummm Smexy Yummy!
And I just had too!!!! This was too funny!
Now if you missed the post the other day... You might want to check it out!!!!

**UPDATE** Christmas Pick'her UPper...

***UPDATE***
Santa has passed by my house...
Mr. Kring out did himself this year.
The man I married (with the help from daughter) got me a day at a spa!!!
OMG!!! yea, that was my reaction!
Brooke busted up with, "It is a day away from us Mom." With a big cheesy grin on her face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May your day be filled with lots of love, laughter, food and naps some where in the middle!
I love you guys dearly ~ and wish you and your family a very blessed day for Christmas and the weekend!!! Be safe my dear friends! Hugs to you all!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


For those of your that have been around my place know that I was a little down on my luck. Everything is okay, I am better; with the help of some wonderful friends, my mood has lifted. This is my first Christmas in blogland and I did not want to be a party pooper and miss it!
So, I commerce the Christmas spirit on my blog.

Being the hussy that I am...
Of course my Christmas Spirit is none other than a hottie!
~ Okay maybe a couple... Okay okay.. maybe a few! Damn!
Would you not agree that this is Christmas Spirit??
Please meet Kring...
I mean, just look at him.

He was not to happy with me to take him out of my bed completely nakked...
I did bribe him with some very naughty treats that I told him I read about in a few of my books that I wanted to try... **insert evil grin**

"Kring, lately I had been in a funk and not feeling in the mood." I said in an exhausted breath.

"Smutty Clause, how can you not feel in the mood when I am here, babe?"
He looked a little hurt... Great, now I had to soothe his ego...
"Kring, not that mood... although if you want... "
He shoots me this look..."Smutty, I know what you need to put in the mood..." He says an edge of sexiness he knows I can not resist.... Damn him...
"Kring, I just mean that I have not been in the Christmas spirit lately.
I am not sure why or how this has happened... but it has and I do not like it,"
I said pouting and putting my hands on my hips to saw some defiance.

"Well hon, what'cha want me to do?" Oh, you gotta love a man that wants to help.

I used my best sweet eyes, knowing I'm about to ask for a huge favor... one I probably will be paying for - for a long while (and yea enjoying it too)...
Batting eyelashes...
"Kring baby..." with so much sweetness in my voice, "I was figuring with everyone away for the holidays, they may be checking in a time or two here at my place to see what is going on. Some are in areas that will be below freezing and they'll need some thawing out. Others will just simply need something to smile about after having to deal with - in laws, kids driving them nuts, battery operated KID toys, cooking, dishes, cleaning, and things like that. They will need a break... So... I would like for you to gather up the some boys from the shop... and help entertain my fellow guest who follow me..." I said so sweetly.

He cocked an eyebrow up and asked in his husky voice, "Entertain huh?""Yea, entertain..." not sure if he was going to go for it... so I had to hurry...
"I was just thinking that maybe you could get the boys to serve the ladies there winter desires..." putting in all the sweetness I had to that last part.

Looking at Kring, I could tell where he wanted to go back... and before I lost to a great cause... he was going to pick me up off my feet...
"Kring baby... I promise to be your Ms. Kring forever if you do this for me..."
I have to give up so much... humffff...
His smile got wide, his ego flared... along with other things... but he agreed...
So here you go ladies...
He has promised me a couple of men that will melt any cold that might come your way.
He has promised some laughs along the way too.
You gotta love a man that knows how to make you smile, laugh and get hot under the collar all that the same time!!!!

From Ms. Cecile "Trouble Maker" Smutty Hussy
~ I am wishing you a smutty, hot, sexy, fun filled, all your desires come true Christmas!!!





Now from me...
I am wishing you a very blessed, warm, loved, happy, contented,
Merry Christmas...
May your plate never be empty, may your glass always be filled, may your tummies feel full, and may your hearts be filled with all the love of your family and friends that surround you!!!!!! Merry Christmas My Dear Friends!
May God be with you and your family as you all travel where ever you may go!

Reviewette: Winter Awakening by Amanda McIntyre

WINTER'S DESIRE
First book in the Celtic Spice anthologies-
Amanda McIntyre, Charlotte Featherstone, Kristi Astor
ISBN-13: 978-0-373-60535-4
Harlequin Spice-Books
www.Spice-Books.com
November 2009

Winter Desire-Harlequin Spice November 2009

I can remember your strength and your gentleness. A strange combination, to be sure, but a potent and intoxicating one . Your pale blue eyes will haunt me for the rest of my days…for ours is a passion indulged only in darkness and ends now with the first shaft of daylight on the dawn of midwinter.

On Solstice eve long ago, a Druid priestess and Norse warrior succumb to forbidden, erotic desire. Their passion is one that neither death, decree—nor time—can tear asunder.

Now three women of later centuries, Sabeline, Sinead, and Aisling begin their own sensual journeys, awakened by the ancient power of the priestess’s words—

“Burn bright of winter’s desire.”

*Winter Awakening (Dark Ages)

Sabeline experiences surprisingly unbridled nights with her betrothed’s best friend in a lusty medieval tale...

It was the celebration of the betrothal that would align Wales and England, but Sabeline was aware of her intended's promiscuous ways and so turns to his friend, not looking for more than companionship, but with a stolen kiss beneath a full moon, finding a passion that both deny until they meet years later at the appointed time of her marriage to the Norman Lord. One touch, and a spark ignites between the ill-fated pair. Torn between duty and desire, they succumb to their passions in secret, until fate turns a blind eye and they must seek the powers greater than themselves to quell the evil that threatens their very lives.

This is all obtained from Ms. Amanda McIntyre site.

This book is mine. Just like this review. This is done for my own purpose and all personal thoughts are my own. Now on to what you came here for...

My Review:

This is one story out of three in this sweet, hot, sexy anthology. Since this is a short story, my review will be short and sweet. I do not like to give to much a way.

Wales, 1119

In this time period, I always have to remind myself of the standards back then. A woman of virtue was a virgin when she got married. A man could have any number of mistresses and that was deemed okay. Women were not allowed to speak up either. So, when I begin a story, I always have to remind myself of these few things.

Now with these things in mind, we meet Sabeline - she is in her early twenties. By an agreement between her father and the king of England, she is to marry a Marcher Lord; that would create an alliance to form a barrier against the warring tribes of the north. Lord Benedict is the man for the job. "...his brazen courage and his skills on the field of battle had won him the king's favor. And so the arrangement was made." This was to be a union for political reasons, not romantic reasoning. So, are we to believe that these two will fall in love and live happily ever after or will the course of a winter's desire intervene...

This is an awesome love story. A story of hidden desire, a love that knows no boundaries. What things we would do for the love of a lifetime?

Sabeline is a strong woman. After the lost of her mother and her brother, that left just her and her father. She knows that the town people kind of look down on her, because what was intended to be passed down to her brother - the son, the man of the house - is now passed down to her, a mere woman. So, the arranged married between her and Benedict is thought to be a good power move. Knowing her duty to marry is not for love, but for country is very noble; but by the Winter's God she is willing to see it through because it is the right thing to do. Knowing that her intended, Benedict has a roaming eye does not sit well with her either. She tries all she can to win his affection. She even learns ways of pleasing a man from her cousin Margaret. Sabeline even goes to Benedict's friend, Lord Ranulf for help. But what do you do when your intended has the eye for everyone else but you? Just because their marriage is for political gain, does that mean that love can not be in the mix... right?

There was one part of the story that did kinda bother me a bit. Sabeline confused me a bit; in a passage that is taking place in the present, she is very unsure of the ways of pleasing a man and very bashful to be observing what unfolds in front of her; but we see her three years previous and she is a very bold young lady with a very blunt tongue. I am not sure what turn of events happened in between those three years to put the bashfulness in her manner, but it was noted.

Lord Benedict is a man that adds the drama to this story. He is a playboy, never quiet able to satisfy his sexual hunger. He takes his pleasure as often as he pleases and with whom ever he pleases. Knowing that he is going to be married soon does not change his ways. I am not a fan of Benedict's character. There is no love in his heart, except for himself and his appetite of women. His motives are thought to be his devotion for his king and country; however as the story unfolds we learn some very devious motives behind a very devious man.

Lord Ranulf's duty is to serves as the kings witness to the union of the marriage. Ranulf is a man of honor, code and devotion. He was chosen by the king to oversee this marriage. Ranulf gained his own title of knight through his reputation in tournament play. It was not handed down to him like Lord Benedict. Ranulf is seventeen years Benedict senior. He was ordered to train Benedict in the way of battle and knighthood. Although, Ranulf sometimes felt like he was playing nursemaid to Benedict and for that - his blooded boiled. This man intrigued me more than I would like to say. I saw his core emotions and it made me want to reach out and take him in my arms. His heart and soul were in the right place... but was it at the right time?

Now that you have met the three main characters... The story is told... An arranged married for the political reasons, no love of any kind between Sabeline and Benedict. The couple were set to marry in three years, after the men finished their crusade of securing military presence along the border region. During the three years, Benedict would write letters to Sabeline how ever often he could... or at least Sabeline thinks that the words are from Benedict. The three years pass.. and the men return home.

A woman of virtue, a man of honor and a playboy with his own agenda... What would become of these three on the night of the Winter Solstice?

This story is written in first person through Sabeline and Ranulf. I am a first person POV kinda girl. It allows me in the mind of the characters; for some, they find this a bit distracting, but I absolutely love it. I love both, the emotional and power struggle in this story. Ms. Amanda made me feel Sabeline's heart and soul. I felt her emotions as they would have been my own. Then she turned me around to see what was in Ranulf's mind. This is again, another great story by Ms. Amanda! The sex scenes were steamy enough to heat up any cold night you might have. There is even one in there that may rock your boat...!!! So, if you are looking for something to warm up your night and get your blood pressure up a couple of numbers... Get this book!!!!

Because you never know what can come of a wish upon a Winter's Solstice....


**I do not have the reviews ready for the other two stories, but as soon as I do, I will have them up**

Please take pleasure in reading the excerpt that lures us into the world of Sabeline at Ms. A's sitere --->> here.

This is what we can expect next from Ms. Amanda... You gotta love this cover... Alone it is hussy worthy!!! If you want a private lesson on what this book is about, please go --->> here.

Hope you enjoyed the review... Now, what are you waiting for... Don't walk, run to the nearest book store and get this book!!!!

Book Review: Life After 187 by Wade

Life After 187 by Wade J. Halverson
Subject :FICTION / Adventure
Pages: 236
Book Format:Trade Book 6x9

Description

Sentenced to life in prison when he executes the men who murdered his wife, Kane Silver is singled out by the warden for his fi ghting ability. Along with inmates Valentino Lopez and Si’Ling Lee, Kane is drafted into service and forced to fi ght for money in high-stakes tournaments. But when the three friends escape during a New Year’s Eve match in Lake Tahoe— saving the warden’s life in the process—their situation becomes more complicated. Their status undetermined, they vanish underground and sign on to help a young woman whose parents are being held by an Argentinean drug kingpin. Follow Kane and his friends as they compete and grow closer while rediscovering what it means to be free. From Lake Tahoe and the western United States to Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and Thailand, Life After 187 takes readers on an exhilarating ride fi lled with big money, intense action, justice, and the pursuit of honor.

This information has been obtained from:
Xlibis

This book was given to me by the author, Mr. Halverson for review. The thoughts that are expressed are solely mine and mine alone. Now on the review...

This book is kick ass. There is some steamy sex, a hell’va lot of action, and the courage of a true man. Please meet Kane Silver. Now, this book was not very high on the romance, but I will tell you that Kane made it to my Sex On A Stick Man status. How you might ask... I will let the story unfold.

Kane was raised in a military family all his life, moving from one post to another with his family. His father made the military his career; so Kane was raised to be the best the best could be. Kane followed in his father's footsteps. At the age of 25 years old, Kane's fellow comrades deemed him a Greek statue. He was in awesome shape, good looking and I my words, just plain hot. But it was not just his physical features that drew me to him, no. It was the man himself. He was all a man should be and more. He was the perfect gentleman, the perfect soldier, and all around great guy. But I do not want you to think that they man was all that perfect, for he was not ~ no one is.

Kane meet Melinda when he was serving in the Persian Gulf war. They hit it off instantly ~ love at first sight. I have to give my hat off to Mr. Wade for bringing the characters to life for me. I could see the love that Kane and Melinda shared. How deep it ran and how true it was. The depht of how they truly adored each other.
One day, like any other, all that changed. Kane's world was rocked and not in a good way. One afternoon, four men decided to break into Kane's house; with the Melinda inside. Well, the events that unfold broke my heart and had tears in my eyes. But the story did not end there.

No, Mr. Wade pushed farther into the depths of how far would a man go to do the right thing. Kane's life changed. I do not want to give away to much of the book, but know that I found myself rooting for Kane through the whole thing. The thing that may bore some women are the fighting scenes. I watch a lot of mma(mixed martial arts) shows and such, so for me, this was awesome. I felt like I was standing on the side of Kane and his opponent, watching them fight. I felt like I was right there when Kane would be doing his daily workouts. Mr. Wade did a brilliant job at luring into the intoxicating tale of Kane's journey in life.

I can honestly say this was an awesome book. The ride it took me one and where it ended, I never saw that coming. The love that is in the book is simply amazing. First with his wife, then you see it trickled down to his friends. Family. The loyalty to everyone Kane comes into contact with is not lost either. He is a man of honor and code and most of all respect.

A man who would defend me no matter the cost, honor his own values and morals, treat everyone with the respect they deserve, fight for his friends and love with all his heart is definitely a sex on a stick man to me. So, if you would like to meet a man of such description, I think you should definitely go out and get this book. It definitely leaving you feeling a sense of satisfaction and it will leave a smile on your face.

Mr. Wade, I appreciate you allowing me the time to read and review your book and I look forward to many more. Good luck to you sir!

Please feel free to visit Mr. Halverson's site --->> here.
You can also go to Amazon.com to buy the book and see other reviews of this book --->>> here.
And you can also find Mr. Halverson on Goodreads --->>> here.

Hope you enjoyed the review!!!