Review: Betrayal's Shadow by KH LeMoyne

Betrayal's Shadow ~ The Guardians of Eden Book 1 by KH LeMoyne

*purchased this book

Amazon Product Description:
What would you do to save your people from extinction?
What if your race held the key to mankind’s future?
One Guardian will risk hell to change the future.

Descended from a race of Guardians created in the far edges of Eden, Turen’s people have survived the last two hundred years, quarantined by plague to Eden’s Sanctum. Risking death to save his people from eternal damnation, Turen chooses capture at the hands of his enemy to seek answers to change the future. Living in secrecy with no mates and no offspring, they fail to deliver on their covenant for mankind, the ability to replenish and heal human souls through the birth of their Guardian children. 

Mia Bowman’s full human lineage decrees her off limits for knowledge of Guardian’s secret race. But her uncontrollable nocturnal visits to Turen’s prison cell and her strong sense of justice leave her with little choice but to help. She can heed Turen’s warning and stay clear of his people’s problems or she can ferret out the lies and unravel an ancient tale of murder and deceit. As the complications escalate, the two forbidden lovers race to stop a fatal end to the Guardian line. But it may require their ultimate sacrifice to stop the betrayal and save the Guardian race. 
My thoughts:
This incredible story is not your average tale of good versus evil.  This story is so much more than that.  It is a story of the seduction of power and it's ability to taint vision and truth.  The horrifying reality of a twisted sense of commitment and a covenant gone wrong.  It is a story of struggle and sacrifice on a journey to find the truth buried in betrayal, and the price of failure is extinction.  
We are introduced to a woman (Mia) who finds herself involuntarily drawn into the terrifying realm of a prison and once there meets a man (Turin) who she, for reasons unknown, is drawn to save.  Once they meet, another element is added to our story. The power of love.  
KH LeMoyne has created a gripping tale of deceit and betrayal, love, loss, compassion, courage and the all consuming desire to fight for what you believe in.
I fell in love with the characters.  Each of them brings something vital to the story.  
I found myself laughing and crying throughout the story as my heart bled and rejoiced with them as they struggled. 
The characters KH LeMoyne has given us are beings that could only come from the vivid and creative imagination of a writer with a storytellers heart and the talent to bring them to life on paper for us all.  

Review: Embraced by Blood ~ Laurie London

Embraced by Blood by Laurie London

***NetGalley book

Amazon Product Description:
Alfonso Serrano is a hunted man. For months he's managed to elude the Darkbloods, vengeful foes who won't rest until he's dead. But he still craves one dangerous temptation: Lily DeGraff, the sexy Guardian agent he'll risk anything to protect.

Lily is a wanted woman. Her talent for tracking Sweet—a rare blood type that's addictive to vampires—makes her a prime target for enemy capture. Her only hope is the stealthy vampire operative who stole into her bed…then left her in despair. Danger aside, Lily won't let Alfonso near her heart again—until an irresistible hunger threatens to draw them back together… and into an assassin's snare.

My thoughts:
I truly enjoyed the first book in this series, Bonded by Blood, but I LOVED this one!  
Again, London has given us characters to really sink our teeth in (pardon the pun!).  
We were given glimpses of both Lily and Alfonso in the first book, but this is their story and it does not disappoint!!!
Alfonso and Lily are absolutely incredible characters.  Their ability and willingness to sacrifice and fight are only two of the characteristics that make you fall in love with them.  
Alfonso is the ultimate "guy" and always trying to make up for what he sees as his own faults and failures.  He is sexy and attractive, driven and noble.  He is misunderstood just enough that your heart goes out to him.  He is fierce in his desire to protect those he loves.
Lily is the kind of woman we all desire to be.  Strong, courageous, loyal, skilled, fierce, and capable.  Of course she doesn't believe all that.  
The relationship between Lily and Alfonso started long before this story and we are given enough background and details to easily read this book without having read the first one.  
The blood oath that Alfonso has taken risks all as the assassin finds him and realizes the connections between Lily and Alfonso.  They battle more than just the assassin to ensure the safety of loved ones and even the hope of a future!
The story is filled with deception, feelings of betrayal and danger.  On top of all that of course their is desire, need and love.  This is a fantastic read, but not one for the non-adult reader!  It's a hot one!
***a bit of a spoiler below...(It may seem a bit jagged here, as I have pulled pieces out, but when you read the story it will all make sense!).

These are the lines that make me completely love Lily!  

"...what he heard was the sound of a boot making contact with a body. Hard."
"That's for killing my friend...(thunk)"
"That's for threatening my daughter...(thunk)"
"And this...is for putting my man through hell."

Freedom Giveaway Hop!

This is stop #46 on The Freedom Giveaway Hop!

Click HERE to go to the whole linkly list!

First things first - I know you are all wondering about the giveaway right?!!! 

I am giving away EIGHT (8) ebooks from Leanore Elliott!  There will be EIGHT (8) winners!

Leanore Elliott { Erotic - Paranormal Author } 

The Soul Trilogy   The Beasts Series   The Nowhere Series

                AUTHORS HELPING AUTHORS NETWORK

The Giveaway is open July 1 - 7, 2011 ~ To enter:

1. Must be a follower of The Wormhole

2. Must be at least 18 years old.

3. Must fill out the form below.

Good Luck!

I have had the opportunity to interview Leanore Elliott - 

- Please welcome her!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? At age 6. Yes, was writing shorts at that age. Was a full-fledged verbal storyteller by ten years old.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer? Lots! Baker, Chef and Pastry Chef. Food server for Marriott's and even Denny's. Owned three restaurants and managed countless others. I've even cooked for thousands of Boy and Girl Scouts at camps. I was known as Momma Bear to the LA county Girl Scout Association.

? How long does it take you to write a book? I've been known to write a full novel in three weeks time. Did that for six books in a row, I wrote ten novels in 2010 and I've already written 4 novellas this year as well as two short stories.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? I get the story idea from a dream and I feel if I don't start it right away, I'll lose it. The other is, I won't allow any plot or story changes by editors. They can change all else, but I'm superstitious about the story itself.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write? No, I have a by the seat of your pants way of writing and I just let it flow.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters? From dreams and once I saw an old John Wayne film and by accident, it had the Griffith Observatory, up on a mountain in the backdrop while he rode across the plain. If gave me the idea for my Western Paranormal story.

? How do you decide what you want to write about? I don't. I believe I have a muse and she decides and she spins it. I am nothing but a glorified editor.

? What books have most influenced your life? Romance novels of course and tons of them in my past. However, I have not read a full book since I took up writing professionally. Five years now, I guess because I don't have to. I get to read and write at the same time!

? What do you like to do when you are not writing? I'm obsessed with writing and all else has been shoved aside. I do cook and garden though. Hubby and I love to watch all the old classic in movies, especially old westerns.

? What is your favorite comfort food? That freaking awesome chocolate!

? What do you think makes a good story? Intrigue, mystery and a lot of suspense. Two people who are at odds, and then have feelings for each other. Some hot scenes and great action. I also must write paranormal, I've tried to write a contemporary story and it always takes that paranormal turn.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why? Emily Dickinson, my hero. Why? She changed the way people looked at female authors.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again? I've read the Flame and The Flower many times in the past. It's old I know, but it influenced me early on. I loved that book.

Fun random questions: 

·        dogs or cats? One dog and plenty of cats!

·        Coffee or tea? Both but coffee a lot.

·        Dark or milk chocolate? Both, and again; throw in some white chocolate as well and I'm so there!

·        Rocks or flowers? I garden flowers but I have a rock collection?

·        Night or day? Night… always night.

·        Favorite color? Red, have to admit it--Red bold and flashing and any variation of it, love burgundy.

·        Crayons or markers? Markers, they flow better and I'm all about the flow. (wink)

·        Pens or pencils? Pens, only I can never find one when I need it.

You can check out my reviews of Beholder and Lace and Leather by clicking HERE.

Thanks so much to Leanore for the fantastic interview and you all for reading it!

***you can buy Leanore Elliott's books on Amazon ***

Leanore's Amazon Listmania
Leanore's Website

These are some of the titles offered :

The Beholder, Realm of Fire, Soul Sacrifice, Soul Betrayal, Soul Redemption, Nowhere Arizona, Beast series Book 1: Beasts of Forever, and Beast series Book 2: Beasts of Desire

Review: Bonded by Blood by Laurie London

Bonded by Blood by Laurie London

*purchased this book

Amazon Product Description:
In this sizzling, sexy novel, debut author Laurie London invites readers into the Sweetblood world...

Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for
supremacy--Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity and Darkbloods, rogues who kill
like their ancient ancestors. 

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she's cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations--vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.

For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him--and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her....
My thoughts:
The author takes the reader on an adventure filled with mystery, danger, romance, need, and desire.  What stands out for me are the characters!  She has created her vampires to be sexy, strong, honorable and driven.  She has given her vampires the ability to not only exist in the human world but thrive there.  Mackenzie is a rare sweet blood, both appealing and addicting to all vampires, and Dom is a vampire!  The attraction between the two is electric! Their relationship is hot, hot, hot!   Dom is fabulous and Mackenzie is simply wonderful.  The supporting characters throughout the book are strong and add volumes to the story. 
The story is fast paced, putting the book down wasn't even a consideration.  I found myself completely immersed into Mackenzie and Dom's world, hanging on each sentence while the story unfolded for me.  
*If this is what we are getting as a debut - I can't imagine what is in store for us!  Incredible!  

Blog Tour: Replay by Keira Lea (Giveaway too!)

Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the

Replay Blog Tour!

Keira Lea released her debut novel in April 2011. She is a devoted fan of the TV show FRINGE, a card-carrying member of the Apple cult, and a mother to two human children and three feline ones. She is working on a sequel to Replay.

You can check out my review HERE!

Excerpt From Replay

by Keira Lea

I’ll admit that I’m a little disappointed that Patrick brought me to the Mediocre Theater Café for our date. Don’t get me wrong; this is, like, my place now. Almost as good as The Echo. But eating a half-stale sandwich is hardly my idea of a romantic dinner. I’m starting to realize that mediocre refers to the food, not the movies.

Well, I guess a date’s a date.

Looking Patrick in the eye is still weird for me. For months, I have tried to keep him from knowing that I was staring. When he goes to the counter to pick up our order, I focus on the movie screen so that I don’t accidentally gawk. I can’t help but to take a few peeks, though.

If I had to use only one word to describe Patrick, it would be relaxed. The guy does not seem to have a nerve in his body. As he walks between the crowded tables, he speaks to everyone he knows, pausing the right amount of time to say hi but not get caught up in a conversation. He smiles and nods at friends across the room. If I tried to do that, I would trip over a chair leg and land in someone’s lap at the precise second they try to take a sip of soup, leaving me with a faceful of broccoli and cheese.

Before Patrick returns with our food, I take a few cleansing breaths—being extra careful not to hit a breathing pattern that will trigger the chronokinesis—to stop my heart from beating so fast. On the third one, though, something goes terribly wrong, and I end up with a wicked case of hiccups. Oh, crap. A deep-breathing complication.

I hold my breath. (I think that’s what got me into this mess, though.)

Hiccup.

I try to suddenly think of the scariest thing ever. (My mother at five in the morning.)

Hiccup.

I stick my fingers in my ears. (What? I’ve heard it works.)

Hiccup.

Super crap. Okay, here’s the plan. As soon as Patrick gets back to the table, I will grab one of the water glasses and drink as much as I can. The hiccups will be washed away, and he will be none the wiser.

Hiccup. Hiccup. Hiccup. Here he comes.

“I hope these are okay. The bread looks a little dry, but you can’t get much better here. Sorry,” he says when he’s five feet away from the table. He’s balancing two sandwich plates and two glasses of water on an absurdly small tray.

I jump up and grab the water from him, almost upsetting the tray. I gulp down half of one of the glasses as he puts our plates on the table. It seems to be working. I tip up the glass for a little more just to make sure, and that’s when it happens.

An avalanche.

The ice water crashes into my face and slides down my shirt. I gasp when it hits my bare skin.

“Are you okay?” Patrick says, mopping my chest with a napkin. My flat, nonexistent, boy chest. Lovely. I keep waiting to hear, “Say, are there any new developments?” like Bill Murray says to Gilda in the Lisa Loopner sketches.

I respond with another resounding hiccup and then run to the ladies room.

Drying my shirt in front of the air dryer is an almost futile activity. Why am I such a klutzy geek? Why can’t I have just a tiny portion of Miranda’s grace? It’s no wonder Patrick never asked me out before this. I don’t even know why he took me out tonight. What I do know is that he will never do it again. As casual as he is, I’m sure he won’t risk being seen with clown girl in public again because no amount of self-ease can surmount the level of embarrassment I’m capable of producing.

After a few minutes of jabbing at the button on the dryer over and over, I realize that someone is knocking on the door. Thinking some poor girl is trying to get in while I’m standing here indulging in my little pity party, I turn around and open it.

It’s Patrick, of course. “Are you okay?” he says.

Involuntarily, I look down. The dryer did little to help my shirt. It sticks to my skin like damp newspaper. I cross my arms over my chest, not sure why I’m bothering. It’s not like he’s going to see anything that … well, anything.

“I think I’ve got a button-up shirt in my car,” he says. “You could wear it like a jacket until your shirt dries.”

“Okay, thanks,” I say, hoping he will leave before I melt into a puddle of shame on the floor.

Despite Patrick’s shirt, I start to shiver when we sit down again. In my embarrassed misery, the thought sneaks in before I can stop it: Maybe I can fix this. True, Patrick is digging into his mediocre sandwich like nothing has happened, but it’s our first date. I waited a long time for this. I want it to be perfect. A second chance is all I need.

After that day with Quinn’s unexpected change in clothes, I shouldn’t be doing this. That experience and all the others have made it clear I don’t have control over this thing yet.

You can buy a copy of Replay for $0.99 at Amazon or at Barnes and Noble

You can win a copy by filling out this form:



Thanks for stopping by!
The next stop on the tour is: June 30 –The Musings of M.D Christie 

Follower Location Update!

Over the weekend, I posted "Where are you from Dear Follower" in hopes of finding out where my followers are all located.  I am pleased that some of you have filled out the form and I was thrilled to find out the answer.
So...

This is a shout out to all those who have filled out the form!  LOVE YA!  Special greetings to those non-bloggers that said they were "just a reader" - so not true!

International followers from: 

Australia, UK, Malaysia, Austria, Philippines, Ontario, Lithuania,

US followers from:  

Tennessee, NH, Kentucky, Georgia, PA, Virginia, 

a couple fellow Minnesotans, Utah, Indiana, Idaho, Texas, Michigan

I hope I get more responses!  Click HERE to go the post.