Create Something Magical

As an avid reader who always has herself knee deep in books the only thing more exciting than that release date you have been waiting for, is going to a reader conference.  I must say that I am still a bit new to these events but I always have lots of fun.  As most readers of romance know that our fellow readers can be few and far between.  Walking into a conference I know one thing is that I have at least one thing in common with everyone there.  We all share a love for reading.  Now tastes may differ but the passion is bright.  Not only can you meet that author you love and share a moment with them.  You get a chance to start friendship over reading!  Over the weekend I attended the Liberty States Fiction Writers- Create Something Magical Conference in Iselin, NJ.

My weekend started out with the lovely Kim Rocha and her Book Obsessed Chicks threw a Sylvia Day House Party! We talked all kinds books and got to know each other a bit.  I indulged in the beyond amazing Sangria that Kim made.  I will confess the Sangria was the best stuff on earth!  I meet some wonderful ladies and had a ton of laughs.

Photos from Kim Rocha

Saturday morning started out with registration and some mingle time before the first reader panel.  I attended Romance Family Feud with Laura Kaye, Damon Suede, Shephanie Julian and Elisabeth Staab.



The game was a hoot. The authors polled reader and played like the real feud!  Some of the poll answers were not what I thought they would be.   I believe the authors had as much fun as the readers!

Next up was lunch with keynote speaker and author Goddess Sherrilyn Kenyon!



Ms. Kenyon was in pain from two bulging disks in her back but she delivered a speech that both made me laugh and cry with a smile on her face.  This was special for me.  Ms. Kenyon is the author that got me reading romance with her Dark-Hunter series.  After lunch Sherry gave the readers a bit of time Q & A time.  No, she did not give any spoilers.  She had all us readers laughing as she always does.  I love this woman!

After talking with Sherry and readers was Naughty Party Games for  Wicked  Readers with Judi Fennell, Stephanie Julian, Eliza  Knight and Cat Johnson!  Pictionary for romance reader!  Sorry peeps, I was having so much fun  that I forgot to take pic!!  Just imaginehave to draw your favorite hero!  After Pictionary was Book Cover Bingo with Christi Barth, Laura  Kaye, Joya Fields and Eliza Knight.  What a fun game!  I have never been in a panel that was so quite!

The next event of the day was the big book signing!  This is the fun part!  This is where all the awesome books we have been hearing about all day we get to pick up and get some author time.





Oh my goodness!  What a day!  And it was still not over yet.  After the signing there was a pizza party for the reader and writers! We had to refuel before we rocked out 80's style with The Book Obsessed Chicks!





Sherry even came and hung out with us for a while.  Baskets were raffled off and I was a lucky winner!

I can't even put into words fun much fun I had at this event.  I got to meet some wonderful people who were just amazing.  I thank them for sharing their passion for reading with me and willingness to talk with a stranger.  Many many hugs to the lovely Kim for letting into her wonderful group of women that are just as fun and crazy, just the way I like!

The Book Obsessed Chicks departing photo.  Taken by Kim's son Daniel.

This woman helped make my weekend awesome!  Many hugs KIM!!!

Its a wonderful feeling leaving an event like this knowing you have made friends, have stories to share and are taking home at least a months worth of reading.  LOL!

Desperate Housewives Of Olympus by Saranna DeWylde

Desperate Housewives of Olympus

A riotous romp through Olympus with goddesses for the 21st century. When a new goddess moves to Ambrosia Lane, Hera decides she's finally had enough of her philandering husband. She offers herself and the crown of gods to Hades. Hades doesn't want the crown, but he'll take Hera. (Often and twice on Sunday.) He's a heartless bastard--having had Aphrodite rip it out so he'd stop loving Persephone after he set her free. Persephone is scheming to get back to Tartarus with the aid of Thanatos, who trips on his leather trench coat and falls in love with her. Thanatos' titan mother, Nyx thinks she's past all the drama until she turns up pregnant. Demeter has secrets of her own and the new goddess Abstinence lands in a steaming centaur pile when she falls for the King of the Gods himself whose own dark needs could tear them apart. Come along for the ride as these goddesses take control of their Fate (or so they think) and find their Happily Ever Afters.



4 of 5 Stars

Ms. DeWylde gives the reader over the top romance and humor in her book, Desperate Housewives of Olympus.  Have you ever wondered what its like for the Goddess wives sitting up on Olympus.   Come to find out they are a lot like us, with their everyday woes and issues, but they have a bit more bang to them.  Ms. DeWylde takes what we have perceived the Gods and Goddesses and throws that out the window and just makes them more fun.  Yes, each is still the god or goddess of their area, but the personalities are so much more.   Each featured God or Goddess or the story surprised me in some way.  I fell in love with Hades and connected with Demeter with all the growth her had to go through.

If you like Greek Mythology with some humor and hotness to boot, Saranna DeWydle’s Desperate Housewives of Olympus is for you. I laughed so much while reading.  At times there were a few who will remain nameless at had me wanted me to knock the upside their heads, but men will do that.  Gods or not, I like that Ms. DeWylde gave a new look to Greek mythology.  This was my book club read for February and I have to say all us ladies enjoyed the read.

1001 Dark Nights: Forever Wicked by Shayla Black

Forever Wicked

Wicked Lovers, Book 7.75

They had nothing in common but a desperate passion…

Billionaire Jason Denning lived life fast and hard in a world where anything could be bought and sold, even affection. But all that changed when he met “Greta,” a beautiful stranger ready to explore her hidden desires. From a blue collar family, Gia Angelotti wore a badge, fought for right—and opened herself utterly to love him. Blindsided and falling hard, Jason does the first impulsive thing of his life and hustles her to the altar.

Until a second chance proved that forever could be theirs.

Then tragedy ripped Jason’s new bride from his arms and out of his life. When he finds Gia again, he gives her a choice: spend the three weeks before their first anniversary with him or forfeit the money she receives from their marriage. Reluctantly, she agrees to once again put herself at his mercy and return to his bed. But having her right where he wants her is dangerous for Jason’s peace of mind. No matter how hard he tries, he finds himself falling for her again. Will he learn to trust that their love is real before Gia leaves again for good?

5 of 5 Stars

From the moment we got our first glimpse of Jason and Greta in Logan's book of the wicked lover series, I knew there had to be more to the two of them than the dominant submissive relationship. They are the opposites attract couple.

Jason Denning is the powerful and wealthy man who is used to getting what he wants, pretty much when he wants it. He is also a sexy Dom at our favorite club, Dominion. He comes from the corporate high class world where things like marriages and children are arranged and contracted. Love is not a word Jason knows the meaning to. Jason has to learn that there are things money can’t buy.

Gia Angelotti aka Greta, is what you would call a good woman. She a civil worker, kind hearted and loyal beyond belief to her family, but she also had secret needs. Joining club Dominion To express and learn about personal side, Gia got more than what was included with her monthly dues. Her connection with Jason lead to be more just a dominant submissive relationship, he got her to marry him. On their wedding night, while eloping in Vegas a tragic accident the falls upon Gia’s family. She leaves to care for her family. Meanwhile not speaking with Jason for almost a year.

Jason and Gia have to have one of my favorite stories from the wicked lover series. Touching, thought-provoking, emotional and sexy as hell, these to go on a roller coaster ride that shakes up both their lives. They both are so different and I think that what makes them so good together. He wants nothing more to have that woman by his side to be able to provide for her.

Gia wants to be loved, not just take care of. Gia is special because she gets to teach Jason what love truly is and that money can’t buy true happiness.

A must read for anyone who enjoys the Wicked Lover Series or a good d/s story.

Claimed By: Stacey Kennedy

Claimed

Stacey Kennedy

Club Sin Series #1

Presley Flynn is ripe to experience her secret fantasies . . . and Dmitri Pratt wants nothing more than to fulfill them. Once inside the elite Club Sin in Las Vegas, Presley is nervous but excited—and determined to surrender to her every desire. Dmitri is her Master, and his touch is like fire. With each careful, calculated caress, he unleashes her wildest inhibitions, giving her unimagined pleasure.

Presley is different than the other submissives Dmitri has mastered. The BDSM lifestyle is new to her, and so are the games they play at Club Sin. From the start, Presley stirs emotions in him far beyond the raw purity between a dom and the perfect sub. For the ecstasy they share goes beyond the dungeon igniting a passion that claims the very depths of the heart.



5 of 5 Stars

Prepare to want to be claimed.

Stacy Kennedy delivered one hell of a story in her first book of the club Sin series claimed.
Presley Flynn gives of her life and moves to Vegas to be with a guy. Well I have been in her place before with that and like Presley my situation didn't work out so well either.  Presley is a courageous and sweet character. She knew there was something missing from her previous relationship. She takes a leap of faith and goes out and seeks the forbidden fantasies that she's been reading about in her books.

Dmitri, oh my goodness, I believe that I have found my new book boyfriend.  He's the manager of one of those flashy Vegas casinos. He also owns Club Sin, an exclusive BDSM club.  I want to say that I am not in the lifestyle but it does intrigue me, more than I'm willing to admit. In my opinion I found Dmitri to be the perfect Don.  He’s dominant but not domineering, alpha without being to alpha and able to read a sub like it was second nature.   He just made me want to melt.  From the moment he appeared on the page, he’s presence sucked me in and make me fall in love.

I love Claimed.  This will be one I will be taking about and recommending for a long time.  A quick and sexy read that keeps you on the edge!  I loved that this story had a very “real” feel to it.  Dmitri and Presley will keep you turning the pages just to see where he can take her next.

Serious Ink By: Ranae Rose

Title: Serious Ink

Author: Ranae Rose

Series: Inked in the Steal City #5

www.ranaerose.com

Hard times mean hard choices, but falling for Noah Wilder is easy. Beneath his suit and tie, he’s seriously inked and seriously irresistible. When he walks into the Hot Ink Tattoo Studio, the attraction between him and studio receptionist Zoe is mutual – and fierce. And after the opportunity to ditch her demeaning second job to work for him instead arises, suddenly he’s her boss … and much more. With lines blurred in every way imaginable, can she balance passion and professionalism with doing what’s best for her struggling family?

Attraction is a powerful thing. So is former fighter Noah’s drive to make his growing mixed martial arts promotion company succeed, and if business happens to coincide with pleasure, so much the better. Tattooed beauty Zoe Ramsey is all his when she’s not working at Hot Ink – for twenty hours a week, anyway. When circumstances bring them close faster than they ever imagined, can he make her see that he’s just as serious about her as he is about the business he’s poured his heart and soul into?

4 Stars

My first impression of Noah was beyond who I thought that he would be. Walking into the tattoo shop with confidence, looking hot and was as wonderful as could be.  Yes, he is a man that knows what he wants and will not hesitate to go for what he wants. He also has a kind and caring heart. He looks out for those he cares for. Having the background of a mixed martial artist he's built, fit and sexy as hell. You would think that would make him a bad ass but he’s almost the perfect gentleman.

I have gotten to know and love Zoe through previous installments of the Inked in the Steal City series. Zoe is just wonderful character. She has a good heart, fun to be around, independent, beautiful, and very loyal and family oriented. She will go out of her way to do anything to help her family. Even to the point of self-sacrifice. Zoe is also unique, in that she has celiac disease.  I loved that Ms. Rose gave us a gluten free character.  Some by choice and others for health, people have to deal with in everyday life.  That is a nice touch added for reader to be to relate to in their reading.

Zoe and Noah were meant to be in my book.  I don’t want to say it was love at first sight but something was there.  From their first meeting at the tattoo shop, to the way he accommodate her by not eating food she couldn’t have in front of her.   The two complemented each other. Noah has his moments of being a man where they like to take control and try to make everything right.  Zoe is an independent woman and needed someone to stand by your side. From the steamy scenes in the bedroom to tender moments of being coming a couple Ms. Rose gave us a tantalizing read. Noah and Zoe make you want them to fall in love!



I received a complimentary eCopy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Ink Reunited

Ink Reunited By: Carrie Ann Ryan

From the streets of New Orleans and the heat of Midnight Ink, comes the happy ever after for a character whose story was begged to be told.

Sassy Bordeaux is the Midnight Ink receptionist, honorary godmother, best friend to many, and matchmaker expert. In the past two months, she’s watched eight couples fall in love, make mistakes, and find their happy endings. Though she might have had hand in each of those, she’s yet to find the peace she’s desired. When the men from her past come into Midnight Ink, she’s forced to face what she left behind and what could happen if she lets go of her pain and finds a future she deserves.

Rafe Chavez and Ian Steele remember their time with Sassy like it was yesterday, yet have worked hard to move on. Or at least try to. Now they’re both back in New Orleans for the woman they loved and for the connection they shared with each other. It will take more than the usual groveling, pleading and begging for these three to overcome their history, but once they take that step, the streets of New Orleans will never be the same.

4 Stars

I just love everything about Sassy!  From when I first read about her in the stories in Midnight Ink, I knew there was something more too why I liked her so much.   Sassy is not just her name, it’s who she is.  She has a commanding presence.  She has a wonderful heart and can see the good in people.  She is also one hell of a matchmaker. She will sacrifice herself for the good of others.  Sassy is one of those people that you just can’t help but to like.

Carrie Ann Ryan delivers Sassy story with the powerful emotions that she is known for.  Giving her not just one, but two loves pulls at your heart string even more.  Combining three people from different paths in life falling in love, parting and trying reuniting their passion had me holding back the tears.  How could Sassy not love both Ian and Rafe, they both have quality that will make your smile and touch your soul.

A sassy love story that pulls at your heart!

An e-copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review!

Up From The Grave By: Jeaniene Frost

The Grave Ends Here.  Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones.  They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war...

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights.  Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death...because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences.  And if they fail, their lives--and those of everyone they hold dear-- will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

Final novel in the Night Huntress series.

As most readers of the Night Huntress series, I have come to love Cat and Bones.  Know the series was going to end sadden me a bit.  Ms. Frost created some amazing stories and gave us characters that we will be taking about for years to come.

With that said, Up From the Grave was everything that I expected from a Night Huntress novel.  A great plot, that had twists that this reader did not see coming. Surprises around every corner.  Lots of hard core vampire action that Cat and Bones are known for.  We get to visit with Cat and Bones friends that we have come to know and love.  The only thing that I can truly say that I was disappointed with in the book was it did kinda lack in the steamy scenes that has made me love Bones.

Ms. Frost did a wonderful justice to the ending book of the Night Huntress.  I got all my questions answered.  We went on hell of a ride.  Over many books in the series Bones asks Cat over and over to trust him.  He asked one more time for Cat to trust him and she does.  I was so happy to see that Cat did trust the one she loves and with that trust Cat and Bones got their happily ever after.