The Iron Maiden by Resa Nelson

The Iron Maiden [The Dragonslayer Series #2]

By Resa Nelson

http://www.resanelson.com/

From Resa Nelson:

Astrid is reluctant to travel the winter route beyond the Northlands, even though it’s her duty. She’d rather stay home in her village, surrounded by friends and neighbors. Ignoring the bonds of tradition, she decides to spend the cold winter months in the warmth of her blacksmithing shop. Why should she leave the comfort of her cottage to serve and protect foreigners who might raid and harm her native Northlands?

Everything changes when a traveling merchant steals Starlight, the first dragonslayer’s sword Astrid forged and her last link to her sweetheart DiStephan. Having no time to alert her friends, Astrid races in pursuit of the merchant, determined to reclaim Starlight as her own and return home in time for dinner. Instead, her quest leads her to new lands, unexpected friendships with foreigners, and a harrowing encounter with the damage done by the followers of a new god that considers women as nothing more than servants to men. All the while, she must be ready to face any dragon traveling the winter route.

In Book 2 of the Dragonslayer series, Astrid must learn that deciding who she is isn’t a decision she can make just once. It’s a decision she must make every day.

Alexia’s Review:

Holy cow! I thought book 1, The Dragonslayer’s Sword was epic, but this book is AWESOME! This series just keeps on getting better.

Again with the rollercoaster ride with my emotions, there were times that I got SO angry that I had to put the book down to take a breather before carrying on. The characters yet again blew my mind!

Astrid has learnt so much about herself in this book. She made new friends, lost friends and returned to old friends. She is truly awe-inspiring - a strong and powerful woman.

Resa, I would just like to thank you personally for this book, it wasn’t just a story to read, The Iron Maiden is so much more. Thank you!! I learnt so much while reading this novel. The ending is freaking awesome! I whole heartedly recommend this book to all readers… you won’t be sorry.

Delicious – make mine a double

The Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson

The Dragonslayer’s Sword [The  Dragonslayer Series #1]

By Resa Nelson

http://www.resanelson.com/

From Goodreads:

For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover-the dragonslayer-disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning. Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?

Alexia’s Review:

This medieval fantasy novel knocked my socks off – seriously! Resa Nelson is an amazingly talented author. I would love to take a walk through her mind and see how she creates her characters and books. What a storyline… sheesh, totally original and freaking epic.

Astrid has had such a hard life growing up and yet she prevails and comes out at the top. Her true passion in life is being a blacksmith and of course her soft spot for DiStephan. She is AMAZING!! I can go on and on about how cool Astrid is but you’ll just have to read the book to find out ;). – Yes, I just said that *grins* DiStephan and Astrid become close and form a unique bond. I adore him, I mean, who doesn’t love a dragonslayer??

This book took me on a rollercoaster ride with my emotions and I felt connected to the characters. The Dragonslayer’s Sword captured my interest from the get go… ups and downs; twists and turns – one word: EPIC!

Superb cocktail creation

Fairy Fun by Anita Philmar

Fairy Fun

By Anita Philmar

From Goodreads:

Dedrick Forester, Prince of Endole, is fast approaching the end of his fairy cycle, which means losing his ability to fly, transforming into a wood gnome, and having to choose a mate. Until then he just wants to have fun...and lots of sex.

King Rosewood of Evermore is determined to see his daughter wed, but Chloe loves the freedom of fairy flight too much to settle down as a frumpy old wood gnome. She escapes and spreads her wings to reach new heights...like air sex with a stranger.

Combine her passion with Dedrick’s and sparks light up the sky. Both discover pleasure beyond their wildest fantasies. But neither is prepared for the emotional connection. Now Dedrick must convince Chloe that losing her wings doesn't mean there aren't other ways to fly?

Alexia’s Review:

Fairy Fun is a reading snack – there is no major storyline to follow, it’s quick and easy. This book has a lot of raunchy sex scenes with a fun twist to it.

Dedrick is a super hot fairy that enjoys a lot of sex. He is in two minds about finding a mate – he enjoys his freedom and the one night stands but at the same time he needs to settle down… he then meets Chloe who alters his perception of being in a relationship.

Chloe is a fun loving fairy that loves her freedom and flying. She doesn’t want to get married and lose her wings but her parents are pushing her to choose a mate. Chloe and Dedrick have a little fun for an evening and she leaves it at that… however Dedrick has different plans for her, he wants to keep her by his side and convince her that marriage to him won’t be so bad.

These two characters have a short and sweet courtship and all is well in the world. I enjoyed Anita Philmar’s writing style but feel that this particular book could have had a stronger story line.

 Adequately tantalizing

Blood Warrior by H.D. Gordon

Blood Warrior [The Alexa Montgomery Saga #1]

By H.D Gordon

http://hdgordon.com/

From  Goodreads:

When her home is attacked by murderous vampires, 17-year-old Alexa is forced to leave her mother for dead in order to save her sister. She soon learns that she is the last known member of an elite race of supernatural Warriors, and is thrust into a world full of vampires and werewolves who all seem to regard her as some sort of savior. Meanwhile, Alexa battles a monster within herself that seeks to gain control; a monster that seeks blood. 

The hidden city she finds herself in appears perfect, but Alexa's instincts tell her that all is not right within its walls. When she is asked to attend a school of fighters, whose exams consist of gladiator-style competitions, she must decide who she can trust among the smiling faces. And, when she meets Kayden, a vampire she feels undeniably drawn to, she must decide if she can trust herself.

Alexia’s Review:

This book is freaking EPIC! I honestly have no words - I finished Blood Warrior a few days ago, and I’ve been struggling to put my thoughts and feelings into words. I did not want this book to end - EVER!

Alexa is my hero. I take my hat off to her for pulling through and being so strong for herself and her sister during an extremely difficult and traumatic time in their lives. Alexa is an “I am Woman, hear me roar” kind of chick, that kicks ass and takes names. She totally rocked my world with her adventures and self discovery. She dominated big time!  

Kayden (AKA hotness monster dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with all things unbelievably sexy and tantalizing!)… he has a mysterious and dark vibe going on, which totally does it for me. The chemistry between Kayden and Alexa is awesome and mouth watering.

Jackson is so cute. I have to admit that the whole ‘darling’ pet name irritated me, but that’s just me – you know, I have a name… use it. He is so sweet and supportive towards Alexa and encourages her decisions.

H.D. Gordon… where have you been all my life? I seriously can’t wait for the next installment in this saga. This is most definitely an author and series I’ll be following!

Delicious – make mine a double

Survival by A.M. Hargrove

Survival [The Guardians of Vesturon Series #1]

By A.M. Hargrove

http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com/

From Goodreads:

Survival (Book 1 of the Guardians of Vesturon), a YA paranormal romance

"Maybe I was caught between the two worlds. I was having serious trouble distinguishing fantasy from reality."

While on a backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, nineteen-year-old Maddie Pearce finds her world has been thrown into a vortex and is madly spinning toward the impossible. Abducted by a mad psychopath, Maddie narrowly escapes with her life. But that is only the beginning. Her mysterious rescuer introduces her to a world that Maddie has difficulty accepting as reality. Will this strikingly gorgeous stranger be the key to her future or will she return to her mundane world, scarred from her experience? Follow Maddie as she is forced to make difficult decisions that carry her to mysterious places only to find that perhaps it was all for nothing.

Alexia’s Review:

I have to admit I’ve never liked reading novels about aliens, the whole three eyes, big heads and green bodies theme just never worked for me, but when the alien looks and acts human it’s a different story. Survival is a very interesting read and different to what I usually read, which was a nice change in pace.

Madeline, or rather, Maddie was dealt a heavy blow at a very young age, then a few years later another tragedy strikes. The reader goes through all those emotions with Maddie as well as on the journey of recovery and discovery. Maddie is a born and bred fighter – such an amazing zest for life. She loves adventures and the outdoors. Maddie strongly believes she is a bad luck charm… she has so many mishaps – I caught myself giggling hysterically at some of the ‘accidents’ that involve her.

The male lead character is Rayn… he finds Maddie when she is in a very bad predicament and is instantly attracted to her. They form a bond that is unbreakable. Together they are an unstoppable force and fight for their relationship. They compliment each other so perfectly.

All in all, Survival is a good read and I enjoyed the different spin on the aliens theme. This book ends on a monster of a cliffhanger with Maddie’s life hanging on the line…

Superb cocktail creation

Ramblings of a Day-dreamer: WINNERS!!

I would just like to say a HUGE thank you to Terra Harmony for being so generous to giveaway five books of Water, The Akasha Series and a BIG thank you to all the peeps that have entered. Now on to the winners…

Congratulations to the winners of Water by Terra Harmony

Natasha Ann

Midnight

Martina Bookaholic

Silvana

Deb Novack

Please note: An email will be sent to each of you, you have 24 hours to reply in order to receive the book. The winners were announced in no particular order. Terra has a MONSTER surprise for the winners!! J

Bridger by Megan Curd

Bridger

By Megan Curd

http://www.megancurd.com

From Goodreads:

Ashlyn McVean doesn't believe in fairy tales. That is, until Ashlyn is thrown into the crosshairs of grudges her grandmother created long ago. After finding out she is one of two people able to cross between faerie realms, Ashlyn is faced with trying to understand her abilities, along with navigating a new relationship with her boyfriend, Liam. As if being on a centuries old hit list and dealing with crazed pixies isn't enough, her new abilities mean trouble for Liam. Knowing her new life puts everyone she loves in danger, Ashlyn must decide what's most important in her life between friends, family, love, and ultimately, realms.

Alexia’s Review:

Let me start off by saying - I’m not usually that ‘into’ fairy / faery books, but this book converted me! Megan Curd put a different twist to the whole faery theme. I had fun reading this book.

Ashlyn went through a major tragedy in the beginning of the book and to be honest I thought it was weird to start a book with such an intense scene, but it paid off. She was devastated and dealt with the outcome as best she could, which she did very admirably. She gets thrown into this ‘new’ world of Irish folklore that turns out to be true. She handles each situation very well after a rocky start. Her best friend turns out to be a big B-with-an-itch, but Ash prevails. She turns to her new found family and together they kick ass. Ashlyn has about 3 guys wanting her – Liam, Reese & Antony.

Liam is Ashlyn’s hot-tamale. Oooh… if I were a little younger I would so jump on that boat! He is dark, handsome and mysterious – who doesn’t like that? Liam and Ash have an instant connection *cue fireworks and fluttering butterflies*. He is a great Protector and Ashlyn is a very lucky lady.

Reese is one of Ash’s best friends but he has always had a crush on her. He is always there to pick her up when she’s feeling down. Reese is a great friend but Liam has left his mark on Ashlyn pretty well.

Antony… hmmm… I’m so curious about him. He has this mysterious / uninterested vibe going. He seems to want Ashlyn and I’m excited to see how these two characters interact with each other hopefully in the sequel, Traitor.

Overall this was a great read and I really enjoyed Megan Curd’s writing style. Definitely an author I’ll be following in the future.

 Superb cocktail creation