Mini Reviews:The Green Ember, You Are Mine and More

So with reading and reviewing so many books, I am running out of days in which to share them with you.  I am going to start posting Mini Reviews of books that I read through out the month but couldn't find the time to post on the last Sunday of each month.

 

Obviously it is not the last Sunday of the month, that would be tomorrow, but as tomorrow kicks off Banned Book Week and I have things already planned and scheduled for that I thought I would instead post my mini reviews today. 

 

 

An anthromorphism fantasy quest that kept forgetting the characters were rabbits and not humans (hint to author: rabbits have paws not hands, even if they are doing human things with them). One Paw and a Stump Wag

Full Review

 

 

Final book in the Beasts of Olympus series (at least so far) and I hope so too. It was an okay one just not great and I can see younger readers growing bored. Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

Full Review

 

 

A short Thriller Romance that could draw me into the sub-genre. Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Full Review

 

 

 

Even though it is a short read it has a satisfying conflict and resolution that is unique and fun. Four Paws

Full Review

 

 



Author Feature: After Dark Review of Can't Stay Away by Lilly Avalon

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

 

 

 

Synopsis: "Piper Winchester is fresh out of college. With only three weeks until her father remarries and five weeks until her first business venture launches, she's got her hands full. She certainly doesn't need any distractions to get in the way of building the future her father's always wanted for her. But when a familiar boy with bright green eyes walks back into her life, she's thrown for a loop.

Four years ago, Chase MacKenzie left for college without looking back. He didn't mean to disturb the peace then, and he definitely doesn't want to do that now. Once he lays his eyes on Piper again, there's no way he can leave without fixing what went wrong in the past. Although she's more determined than ever to push him away, he still manages to get under her skin. Regardless of what happens between them, there's one thing that will always be standing in their way...

He's about to become her stepbrother."

My Review: I don't think I have ever read a book quite like this one and I really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy a step sibling romance, but the way this one is set up really works. There is clear history between Chase and Piper, while you don't really get to see that initial interaction and getting to know you period, you don't really feel like you need it. The characters had their own personalities and were well developed, while I was not a fan of Piper (I just can't stand for females that allow others to take advantage or let themselves be walked all over) I did enjoy the development of her character throughout the book. I LOVED the sub-characters, for me they really added a big bonus to the book, Theo, Nathan & Charlie were each fantastic and I want more of them. All in all a great read, plenty of steam, some emotional journey and interesting characters and plot line.  

 

My Rating: I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book but having read all of Lilly Avalon's other books I shouldn't have worried. I love how she manages to integrate steamy moments and tension into the story without dropping the plot line. I give this a rating of Four Paws.

 

 

 

You can find out more about Lilly Avalon and her books on her Goodreads Page and Blog.

 

You can get your own copy of Can't Stay Away in print and digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

 

 Don't forget to check out my interview with Lilly Avalon and enter the giveaway HERE.  The giveaway ends at midnight tonight!

 

 

Thank you all for joining me for this author feature with Lilly Avalon!



Author Feature: After Dark Quick Fire with Lilly Avalon & Novella Reviews

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

 

So while we had a nice interview with Lilly Avalon on Tuesday (See HERE) I thought it would be fun to have her answer some quick fire after dark style questions about the perfect stud. So here we go . . .

 

Long or short hair?
~Long

Tattoos or piercings or neither?
~Neither, but I'm cool with either

What color eyes?
~Green

Works with his hands or office job?
~With his hands

Accent?
~British

Jeans & Tshirt, Button down and slacks or board shorts?
~Jeans & T-shirt

If historical what weapon? Sword or Bow and Arrow?
~Bow and Arrow

What would be the best part to unwrap (besides the obvious) Chest? Abs? Arms? Butt? Back?

~Butt, always always always

 

 

Haha wasn't that fun?! It was quite an entertaining way to kick off tonight.  I also have reviews of a few of Lilly's novellas.

 

 

 

 

Synopsis: "Every time Hazel Bell goes on a date, she returns home unhappy and disenchanted about love. At least her best friend Adrian Williams is always there for her, even more so now that they're roommates. After both of them have a bad night out, they decide to just relax and forget the world for awhile. It's been a long time since they've been alone together. They certainly weren't counting on the close quarters bringing out hidden desires. Now it appears their platonic friendship is being put to the test—one that neither can resist. By the end of the night, will it be the end for Hazel and Adrian—or a new beginning?

*Here All Along is an 8000 word erotica short story*"

Synopsis: This is a fun and steamy quick read. It is a short story so you don't get a lot of backstory, just basically one scene, but you don't miss it at all. The characters are well developed and ones you can really enjoy and connect with. The storyline felt familiar like something I have read before but again I enjoyed it so much that I really didn't mind.

 

My Rating: I really enjoyed this book, it was such a quick and entertaining read. Just right for a nice bedtime story. I give it a rating of Four Paws!

 

You can obtain your own copy of Here All Along in digital format for FREE from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

 

 

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Synopsis: "All of her friends know her as Dana Darling, the clean romance writer. She's never written a steamy novel, not even in her head, but now her publisher needs her to write one. It doesn't appear too difficult at first, but then Dana's lack of sexual knowledge creates writer's block.

That's where her friend Landon comes in. She needs pointers on positions and dirty talk, and he owes her a favor. They agree that it's strictly business and clothes are mandatory, but once they get to work, it's another story entirely... one that's being written between the sheets and not on paper.

*More Than Words is an erotica novella*"

My Review: I really loved this story, it was a light, steamy and quick read. I really enjoyed the concept of the story about need to research for a novel. It is a short story that you can read in one sitting, which normally leaves the reader wanting more, but this one completely fulfills. You aren't left wondering at backstory or with unresolved questions, you would certainly like more time with the characters but you are still satisfied with the ending.   

 

My Rating: This has been my favorite of Lilly's books so far. I found it to be steamy and yet great at moving the storyline along.  I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

 



 

You can obtain your own copy of More Than Words in digital format for FREE from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

 

 

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Synopsis: "After spending the last year pining for her boss, Sara has decided it's time to move on. What's the point of waiting around for Brandon when it's considered inappropriate work behavior to date? A night on the town should be just the thing she needs to get her mind off him—that is, until Brandon shows up."

 

My Review: This book starts out as something familiar, the classic office lusting but then takes quite a turn. It is a very short read but it certainly keeps you reading to see what will happen next. We don't get to know the characters very well or watch the relationship develop but you don't really miss it. You not left feeling unfulfilled but still wanting more.

 

My Rating: This was another great novella, a quick read to enjoy in a single sitting. I give this one a rating of Four Paws!

 

The only way to read Irresistibly Yours is for FREE on Wattpad.

 

 

 

 

 

You can find out more about Lilly Avalon and her books on her Goodreads Page and Blog.

 

Don't forget to check out my interview with Lilly Avalon and enter the giveaway HERE

Author Feature: After Dark Review of Resist and Longing by Lilly Avalon

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

 

 

Synopsis: "Allegra Maxwell is sick of the monotony of life. It's all work and no play, and right now she wants to play. She shows up at her company's yearly meeting with one goal in mind: have a one night stand with a stranger. What she doesn't count on is Devlin Pierce walking through the door.

When Allegra first met Devlin, she knew he would be nothing but trouble. After he proved her theory true last year, she made a vow to avoid him at all costs. He's the last person she wants to see, and he knows it. He refuses to leave her alone though. As much as she tries to fight it, the pull he has on her is undeniable. Her ability to resist him proves impossible when Devlin makes her an offer she can't refuse.

One night. That's all he asks. That's all she wants. Or is it?

*Resist is a 21,000 word erotica novella, and the first of a three book series*"

My Review: I have had all of Lilly Avalon's books sitting on my TBR for far too long, I am so glad I finally took the plunge. This book was a quick read that pulls you into the story. I loved that Allegra was a strong and confident female character, too often the females are naïve to bedroom adventures but she knows what she wants and goes after it. I didn't quite get a full grasp of Devlin but hope that in the future books I will learn more.

 

My Rating: This was a great first book, especially being on the shorter side. We got a taste for the characters and the tension between them. It definitely left me reaching for the next book. I give it a rating of Four Paws!

 

 

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Here is the review of the second book, if you don't want to be spoiled about the first book stop reading here!

 

 

 

Synopsis: "It's been two months since Allegra walked out of Devlin's hotel room. Well, two months and five days, but she's not counting. She needs to move on, but before she can, Devlin shows up again...as her new coworker.

Seeing him at work every day is enough to make her lose her mind. Allegra tries to stay away from Devlin, knowing the effect he has on her, but she can't. The more she's around him, the more she's tempted to have something more with him. After everything that's happened in the past, it's a slippery slope that may land her in a place she never wants to revisit. Something is happening to her heart, though. A longing is building up that isn't one-sided...and doesn't feel temporary.

He wants her. She wants a forever. Is it possible to have it all?

*Longing is a full-length erotica novel, and the sequel to Resist*"

My Review: After reading Resist I was very curious as to where the storyline would take Devlin and Allegra so had to pick this one up right away. I enjoyed the development of the relationship and particularly Devlin's character development. I must say while I loved Allegra in the previous book I did not enjoy her in this book. I found the roadblock to the relationship to be a little bit of a weak excuse on her part and should not caused her as much trauma as it did in the book. I did really enjoy her family though and they made some really great sub-characters that I would love to learn more about. With all that said it was a good story with a lot more development in the story than the previous book but that certainly didn't cause a drop in the sexual tension or steam in the book.

 

My Rating: I definitely am glad to have gotten to know Devlin better in this book but Allegra lost a lot of her appeal for me in this one, she lost that confidence that I loved in the first book.  I give this one a rating of Three Paws.

 

You can find out more about Lilly Avalon and her books on her Goodreads Page and Blog.

 

You can get your own copy of Resist in Print or Digital format from Barnes & Noble or Amazon.  You can also get a copy of Longing in digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

 

Don't forget to check out my interview with Lilly Avalon and enter the giveaway HERE



Author Feature: After Dark Review of Unexpected by Lilly Avalon

 

Synopsis: "Ever had one of those days? Alina Lyons is having one. Everything keeps falling apart and going wrong. Just when she thinks it couldn't get worse, it does. After a case of mistaken identity and a broken heart, she finds herself questioning the things she thought she knew. She wonders who she can turn to or trust anymore.

An unlikely bond with her former best friend's ex, Ryan Wilcox, sends her life in a new direction. He offers her a place to stay while she gets her life back on track. His friendship is exactly what she's been missing—what she's been needing. Alina's never felt this alive. As time goes by, the dynamic of their relationship becomes more than either of them expected. A few innocent kisses could lead them in a new direction, but are they prepared for what's on the other side?

Only one way to find out."

My Review: I found this one to be very entertaining, from the quirky voice of the writing to the fun characters and the pop culture/ nostalgic references it was fun. This one certainly starts out with a bang and then reels things back quite a bit to allow tension to slowly build and simmer. I like how it wasn't instalove but it was instant attraction. I did find some of the flirting and romantic interactions to be a little high school and made up out of a dream but it did work well in the story itself. There was a balance of both sexual tension and innocence that fits well into the new adult genre. This was a great summer read, it was light, flirty and fun.

 

My Rating: I rather enjoyed this book and the quirkiness of the characters.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!

 

 

You can find out more about Lilly Avalon and her books on her Goodreads Page and Blog.

 

You can get your own copy of Unexpected in print and digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

 

 

Don't forget to check out my interview with Lilly Avalon and enter the giveaway HERE

Author Feature: Interview with Lilly Avalon and Giveaway

So I have been wanting to do a big author feature for all of you for some time, and I couldn't have picked anyone better to feature than Lilly Avalon! I have been reading all of her books and stashing away my reviews, as well as some goodies for a giveaway just for this feature.  I do want you all to note that Lilly Avalon writes contemporary erotic romances, so while I can't post everything in after dark hours, posts may contain after dark (adult) elements.

 

Today I have for you an interview with Lilly Avalon (who if you don't know made a big announcement on her blog last week).  Be sure to stay until the end for a giveaway, I will also be posting reviews each night for the next few days!  So shall we get into this interview?!

 

 

Ang: So you just had a big announcement on your blog last week (LINK HERE) about your real name.  What made you choose the name Lilly Avalon for your pen name?

 

Lilly Avalon: Ah, well this was actually kinda fun. I wrote down a bunch of potential names, first and last, and started saying different ones together. For some reason Avalon stood out to me, so I focused on finding the right name that flows with it. Lilly was the only one that truly fit together with it.

 

Ang: They really do fit together, I love how the name rolls off the tongue.

 

 

Ang: When and what made you decide to venture into writing erotic romance?

 

Lilly Avalon: After I published my debut book as Jessica Sankiewicz, I got to thinking about all the erotic romances I read and how much I wanted to write a few. I didn't feel comfortable putting it under my real name, especially since my first book was a clean YA/NA crossover. So I went with the pen name route instead.

 

 

Ang: What is your favorite part about writing these "After Dark" books? What is the most difficult? (I honestly picture you breaking into it like More Than Words)

 

Lilly Avalon: Haha! That's actually what I was thinking when I wrote More Than Words, how much I wanted to test things out in real life before I wrote them. Like when I wrote a shower sex scene, it would have been good to know how not sexy it actually is. My favorite part of it is making the story have depth along with sexytimes. The sexytimes are great to have, but if I don't have plot and emotion tying everything together, it just doesn't feel right. Every time I started a new book I would be all "I'm gonna make this thing so sexy, it'll make Fifty Shades look like a child's book"... but then I write the story and get so attached to my characters that I can't make it be anything less than an actual romance.

 

Ang: I do tend to lean more towards the character driven books, I like how you focus more on their development and forward movement in the plot line instead of getting hung up on the sexy scenes.

 

Ang: You have both standalone (at least so far) books, novellas and one series started so far. Which do you like writing better, revisiting favorite character and continuing their stories or creating new characters and throwing them into new situations?

 

Lilly Avalon: That's a tough one. It's sort of a toss-up right now. I loved writing more of Allegra and Devlin in the Resist series, but I have so many other individual stories that I want to tell. My latest, Can't Stay Away, is going to be a standalone series, which was fully unintentional when I wrote it. I actually had the idea for the second book before CSA, but as I wrote CSA, the characters weaved their way in naturally.

 

Ang: As someone who just recently finished Can't Stay Away, I am screaming yes to the sub-characters getting their own stories!! (My Review of CSA will be up on Friday)

 

 

Ang: Who are some of your favorite "After Dark" authors? Who do you read when you need a dose of inspiration?

 

Lilly Avalon: Ooh! I love Roni Loren. She writes amazingly sexy stories, including believable menage with happy endings (the Loving on the Edge series). Sawyer Bennett has great erotica and includes a little bit of BDSM, menage, and voyeurism (The Wicked Horse series).

 

Ang: So those are all new to me authors, thank you very much for adding to my massive TBR pile :P

 

Ang: You have your first in person author event coming up, are you nervous? Excited? What are you looking forward to the most? How have you prepared?

 

Lilly Avalon: I'm both nervous AND excited! I'll be sharing a table with an author friend, which will be kind of amazing to finally meet her after all these years. I can't wait to connect with bloggers and authors, talk about books and maybe sell a few of my own. Not long ago I got two more books formatted for paperback, so I'll have 3 different books to offer readers. Plus, I finally designed and purchased business cards and bookmarks. I invested in a few things for my table, like baskets to display the books and swag. I can't wait to set it all up!

 

Ang: I wish I could attend, it sounds like a fun event! For those of you in Ohio or nearby areas might want to check out the Glass City Author Event.

 

Ang: When can we expect an new book from you? I know you have been working on a winter themed book and I can't wait!

 

Lilly Avalon: Ah! Well, if I can get my booty moving on it, I'll be able to have that one out in winter, either December/January. I hope, I hope! I just need to set aside more time to get the first draft done.

 

Ang: What is next for Lilly Avalon? Can we expect to see more in the coming new year?

 

Lilly Avalon: That's a good question, lol! I haven't decided what's next yet. There are a couple ideas that have been begging for my attention, but I'm undecided on which I would want to do, or if I want to do something else entirely. Knowing me, I'll come up with a brand new idea right after the winter novella and start that one instead.

 

Ang: That all sounds great, I am sure we will all love whatever you decide to give us next! Thank you so much for stopping by today. 

 

To all of you readers, be sure to check in again this week, Thursday Night I will have another special Quick Fire questions with Lilly that is sure to be entertaining!

 

 

I hope you have all enjoyed this interview with Lilly Avalon, I also hope you will check out some of her books. I will have reviews of all of her books posted between now and Friday so you can find the ones that interest you. In the mean time check out her Goodreads Page and Blog. 

 

Lilly Avalon is the author of the RESIST series as well as other erotic romances. She's somewhere in the midst of her twenties and lives mostly in the stories in her head. When she's not enveloped in the worlds she creates, she's out in the real world making stories happen. That or reading other romances. It's a toss-up.

 

You can also follow Lilly Avalon for all of her updates, new releases and sales on books on Facebook and Twitter @Lilly_Avalon.

 

 

 

So how about a little giveaway?!  I have some signed goodies and more for two of you lucky readers! I will have two prizes . . .

 

First we have Signed cards for Resist, Longing and Can't Stay Away as well as a $10 Amazon gift card (that is enough to purchase nearly all of Lilly Avalon's ebooks now)

 

Second we have another signed card for resist as well as signed small cards for Longing and Can't Stay Away, a Can't Stay Away sticker and a kindle ebook for your choice of Lilly Avalon's books. 

 

 

Of course with anything else we have rules
~You must be 18 or older to enter (Lilly Avalon's books are adult books)
~Enter the giveaway via the below Rafflecopter methods
 ~This is open internationally too (any incurred customs fees are your responsibility)
~Giveaway ends midnight on Sept. 23rd, (I will be contacting you via email after the announcement for delivery information)

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Magic Tree House Monday: Book 33 - Carnival at Candlelight

Welcome to Magic Tree House Monday!

Each Monday (other than when special events are planned) I will review one book of the Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne.

 

Book 33 sends Jack and Annie on another mission all on their own with just the help of their research books and a little ingenuity and a touch of magic. They head back in time to Venice where they must figure out a way to save the city from a massive flood.

 

 

 

My Review: I must say now that I am a little further into the Merlin Missions part of the Magic Tree House series I am beginning to enjoy how it is progressing. We now know that the series continues in 4 book mini sets within the series. I also like how we have returned in this book to the research books and problem solving. There is still a much bigger element of fantasy in this book that in the original Magic Tree House books but it integrates into the history perfectly. This wasn't exactly my favorite book in the series so far but I think part of it was that the previous book was one of the best.

My Rating: While this was still a great book, on the tails of the previous book it just couldn't hold up. I give this one a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Winter of the Ice Wizard by Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House)
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Bear to Want by Amy Lamont (After Dark)
Just Critters Who Care by Mercer Mayer (Early Reader)
Pug in a Truck by Nancy Coffelt (Bedtime Story)
Dragon Age: The Silent Grove   by David Gaider (Graphic Novel)
 

 Books Finished Last Week:

Reviews will be posted at a later date

The Green Ember = 3pts
You Are Mine = 3pts
Carnival at Candlelight = 5pts
Saga Vol. 4 = 3pts
Can't Stay Away = 3pts
Fly = 1pt
Trucks = 1pt
 

Currently Reading:

One Lavender Ribbon by Heather Burch - Audio - 46%



 Books to be Read Soon:

Tale of Elske by Cynthia Voigt

 

Total Points Earned
      215 points + 19 points + 10 bonus points (completing Audio Challenge) = 244 points

Total Points Earned this Year: 1029
Total Points Spent this Year: 789

Pages Read/ Time Listened
207:54 Hours Listened (7:55 listened this week)
34,961 Pages Read (734 this week)

Books Added to Shelves



Interesting Tidbits on the Web:


 



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I managed to keep my reading consistent even though it was still an insanely busy week in the office and at home. Poor Munchkin had a rough week, he got his vaccine shots and the flu shot on Tuesday during his 4 year check up and was pretty miserable for the rest of the week. As a surprise he got his first book subscription which loved and we had to read the books immediately.

I have been busy working on some upcoming blog plans and planning in general. I have fallen back in love with my planners and have been busy creating clips and dashboards for the seasons. I have also been making extras to put up in my Etsy shop, which I am determined to get back up and running before the end of October!

Anyway, I have some exciting news for you . . . all this week I will be having an author feature.  I have been busy reading and reviewing all of Lilly Avalon's books, I also have an interview and a giveaway for you this week! So starting tomorrow, all regularly scheduled posts will be put on hold during this event (in fact they will be put on hold for two weeks since next week is Banned Book Week).