REVIEW: Laura Wright's ETERNAL CAPTIVE (Mark of the Vampire Bk 3)

Title: ETERNAL CAPTIVE
Series: Mark of the Vampire (Book 3)
Author: Laura Wright
Format: Mass Market Paperback
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: February 7, 2012
ISBN: 0451235878
Buy ETERNAL CAPTIVE from Amazon
My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 37.5/40 = 93%Synopsis

Since feeding her his blood, Lucian Roman has struggled with his obsession with Bronwyn Kettler-fighting an uncontrollable desire to kill her, if he has to, and the vampire she has sworn to wed. But when a dangerous enemy threatens Bronwyn, only Lucian can save her life. Even if it means sacrificing his own... (from Goodreads.com)

My Review

Lucian Roman has finally found his match in Bronwyn Kettler. She is feisty, strong willed, beautiful, and about to belong to another. Ever since Luca tasted Bronwyn blood, she's gotten under his skin. He can't get her out of his mind. What would you do if the person you know you're supposed to be with was destined for another? What would you be willing to give up to be with this person. And is it all worth it, if being with that special someone would turn you into the the person you have despised all your life, The Breading Male.

I have been waiting patiently for Lucian Roman to have his chance to tell his story. He has been my favorite Roman brother through out this entire series. What girl doesn't like a smart, cocky, bad boy. From the beginning of the story, you never see Luca ever settling down with anyone. It was his temperament, attitude, and the pesky fact of him becoming the Breading Male. In ETERNAL CAPTIVE, Luca is transformed into a new person. While the wit and snark still remain, he becomes this mature person that I never thought possible. When he returns to the credenti were he was born, the layers of his shell really start to fall way. He's willing to give up everything to save those who he loves, even if it hurts him.

Bronwyn Kettler's character has so many layers. When Brownwyn steps into this story, she's a very buttoned up, prissy, prim, Sandra Dee -type character. She made me crazy, and I never blamed Alexander a bit for not being interested in her in the first book. Over time, Bronwyn opened herself up, and made me love her. She became the strong, smart, driven women she was always meant to be.

The secondary characters in this story really bring ETERNAL CAPTIVE to life. The Roman brothers have such a spectacular dynamic, considering they each came from a broken home. They have built new lives together with new friends, family, and lovers. I'm completely wrapped up in both Gray and Dillon's separate and joint storylines. I'm so in love with these two, that my next read will probably be ETERNAL BLOOD (Mark of the Vampire #2.5). I, also, love the newest members the Roman brothers have added to their fold. I have a feeling that there might just be future books based around these guys, and I'll be there to read it when it comes out.

ETERNAL CAPRIVE is a story of personal growth and risking it all for the one you love. I was touched by this stories sense of family, love, and perseverance. It's funny, smart, sexy, and heart felt all at the same time. Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down! It has twists and turns, that kept me up way past my bedtime reading. ETERNAL CAPRIVE is a must read for Paranormal Romance Fans!

WebsitesLaura Wright's Websites
Laura Wright's Twitter
Laura Wright's Blog
Buy ETERNAL CAPTIVE from Amazon

REVIEW: Shannon Stacey's EXCLUSIVELY YOURS (The Kowalskis Bk1)

Title: EXCLUSIVELY YOURS (The Kowalskis Bk1)
Author: Shannon Stacey
Release Date: January 2012
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Harlequin (Imprint: HQNbooks)
Language: English
ISBN: 9780373776788




My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover Art: 4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 37.5/40 = 94%


Synopsis

"When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.
He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever." (from Goodreads)

My Review(Review contains minor spoilers)
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We all remember our first love as a teenage, but rarely do we ever get the chance to see if that love can be rekindled as an adult. Recluse author and sex bachelor, Joe Kowalski, wanted to get back to together his high school love, Keri Daniels. So, he had to use a little creativity and manipulation to get Keri to spend time with him. He also may have used his family to help change Keri’s mind. Sometimes the end really does justify the means when it comes to true love.

I absolutely adored Joe. He’s rugged, smart, sexy, and determined. He has had trouble in his past, but with the help of his family he was able to get his life back together. I appreciate his drive and passion. Keri broke his heart when she left him all of those years ago. There is something to be said about a man who is able to get past that and try to move forward again with the same person.

I also see why Joe was so single-minded when it came to getting Keri back. He knows that she is brilliant, passionate, and caring beneath the hard exterior that she has built around herself over the years. It was awesome to see that their chemistry was just as hot as it was all those years ago. Keri was able to grow leaps and bounds emotional in this story. She began this story with her heart encased in ice, but slowly she let Joe and his family get close enough to her to thaw her heart. She was able to get past their mistakes and other issues to find a way to be together.

I really enjoyed the dynamic of the Kowalski family. They love, fight, and play hard. It should be said, that the family that camps together, stays together. I believe that the sense of family helped Keri get past some of her fears from the past and make the decision to finally move forward with Joe.

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS is a sweet, sexy, funny tale of rekindling romance with a cast of characters that you can’t help loving. I simply adore the Kowalski clan and can’t wait to read the next Kowalski adventure! This is a must read for anyone looking for all funny, touching contemporary romance.



Website

Purchase EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
Shannon Stacey’s Website
Shannon Stacey’s Twitter
Harlequin’s Website

REVIEW: Megan Hart's COLLIDE

Title: COLLIDE
Author: Megan Hart
Release Date: 06/28/2011
List Price: $14.95
Publisher: Harlequin - Spice
Language: English
Reading Level: Adult
ISBN-10: 0373605579
ISBN-13: 978-0373605576




My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 4/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4.5/5

Overall: 36.5/40 = 91%


Synopsis

A childhood accident left Emmaline vulnerable to disturbing fugue states that last only minutes, but feel like an eternity. The blackouts are unsettling but manageable…until she meets Johnny Dellasandro.

The reclusive painter gained notoriety in the '70s for his debauched lifestyle and raunchy art films. His naked body has achieved cult status, especially in Emm's mind—she's obsessed with the man, who's grown even sexier with age. Today Johnny shuns the spotlight and Emm in particular…until she falls into a fugue on his doorstep.

In that moment she's transported back thirty years, crashing a party at Johnny's place in his wild-man heyday— the night is a blur of flesh and heat that lingers on her skin long after she's woken to the present.

It happens again and again, each time-slip another mind-blowing orgy, and soon Emm can't stop, though every episode leaves her weaker and weaker. She's frightened by what's happening to her, but she's even more terrified of losing this portal to the Johnny she wants so badly. The one who wants her, too, and takes her—every chance he gets.

My Review

When I picked up this book, I was unsure how I was going to feel about reading this story with it‘s slightly sci-fi twist and turns. For me, most of Megan Hart’s stories are realistic, touching, and poignant. I go back and read them over-and-over again, because they touch me so deeply. I have to admit, COLLIDE has earned a spot on my bookshelf next to my other Megan Hart favorites.

Emmaline is a truly broken character. She suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a childhood accident. Now Emm suffers from lapses in time, which she calls fugues. During these fugues she loses touch with her body and the reality going on around her. They can be as simple as zoning out and as complex as finding herself in an alternate universe. Emm had been fugue free long enough to move out of her parents house, and get a job on her own. The smell of oranges was Emm’s first sign that the fugues were coming back. Once the fugues start to involve fantasies of 70’s movie sex symbol and present neighbor Johnny Dellasandro, Emm questions whether having the fugues were a bad thing. Her fantasies feel so real to her, and she has to asks herself how can they not be real.

Johnny f*ucking Dellasandro! I loved him in his past and present incarnation. Young-Johnny, is cocky, sexy, and enjoys every bit of his fame. He opened his home and life to his creative group of friends. His fame lead him down a road littered with drugs, alcohol, and depression. Present-Johnny is more private, aloof, and has learned from a majority of his mistakes. He’s lived the fame and fortune. Now all he wants is to live his life out of the spotlight and concentrate on his art. Even when present-Johnny was being cold and aloof, there is just something the draws you in. For me, reading about Johnny was like pealing off the layers of an onion, each chapter you discovered more and more about who is his and who he was. Both young and present-Johnny are sexy for their reasons. Why wouldn’t Emm want them both.

I enjoyed that Megan did not try to hide correlations between time travel stories like, The Time Traveler’s Wife and Dr. Who. Not only did she welcome the parallels, she brought them to light in this book. She used them as a reference to help the reader understand the story better. I felt that these references to pop culture references help the readers relate to this story.

COLLIDE, like many other of Megan’s books, grabs hold of the readers and doesn’t let go until the last page. This book was unique, sexy, and dark. I enjoyed it so much, that I had a very hard time putting it down each night. I would tell myself just one more chapter, and then I’d read another two or three chapters. I’d come home from work and want to jump right back into the Johnny’s world. Bravo Megan Hart!



Websites

Buy COLLIDE Here
Except from COLLIDE
Megan Hart’s Website
Megan’s Blog
Megan’s Twitter

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Michelle Rowen's BLOODLUST (Nightshade Bk 2)

Title: BLOODLUST (Nightshade Bk 2)
Author: Michelle Rowen
Narrator: Cynthia Holloway
Release Date: July 19, 2011
Format: MP3 Audiobook CD
Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
List Price: $29.99
Publisher: Tantor Media
ISBN-10: 145265297X
ISBN-13: 978-1452652979



My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Narration 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4.5/5

Overall: 40.5/45 = 90%


Synopsis

One taste is all it takes...

For those who feast on blood, Jillian Conrad is a fatal attraction. After being injected with a serum that made her blood both irresistible and deadly to vampires, she was used as a pawn to assassinate the vampire king. Now, the vampires want her eliminated.

Hunted and unable to return to her old life, Jillian desperately seeks to prevent the poison in her veins from killing her. And she must find a way to help her dhampyr protector, Declan, whose exposure to the serum has split his personality into one part uncontrolled desire, and one part stone-cold killer.

But an even greater danger is rising. The Amarantos---a secret society of vampires---are seeking the infant daughter of the slain king to complete their quest for true immortality. And if they succeed, no one, living or undead, will escape the darkness.

My Review

I really enjoy reading about Jillian, the reluctant heroin. She is just your run-of-the-mill 20-something temp secretary. She doesn’t know who she is or what she really wants to be. I actually see a bit of myself in her, as well. Jillian is thrust into the world of vamps and damps, and she doesn’t look back. She has accepts the role that she has been given, and strives to use her gifts in a more positive way then they were initially meant for. Her love life is a complete mess, and that is one of my favorite parts of this book. She cares for Declan, but she’s clearly drawn to Matthias.

My feelings for Declan aren’t quite as clear. He’s not the usual urban fantasy sexy hero. I give Michelle Rowen major points for going against the grain. He’s not tall, dark, and smoldering. Declan is strong, gruff, and loyal as his ties will allow him to be. I love him for his flaws, but sometimes his stubbornness makes me crazy. He feels that he need to be the one so single-handedly save the day. For this book most of all, I feel sad for Declan. He is forced into a situation that makes him do things against his own will. He is left no other choice then to go after those he loves and trusts. I clung to his moments of clarity, when he gets to be himself with Jillian. I hope to get more of those in the future.

Where do I start with Matthias? He might just be my favorite character of all in this series. He is the stereotypical sexy, cocky vamp. Just as soon as you start to believe that that is all he is, he turns around and does something selfless that you would never expect! I love seeing the emotional bits and pieces that Matthias hides deep down. Also there is nothing I enjoy more then a juicy love triangle! He makes a very valiant effort in seducing Jillian. I have to admit that part of me enjoys the time that they spend together. Can you say, sexy bathroon scene? Yes, please!

One of my favorite parts of this book is that us moves so quickly. Every time that I felt like I could catch my breath, Jillian would walk right back into harms way. I had a very hard time putting this book down, because of all of the action. I also love that Michelle Rowen does an amazing job misdirecting the reader. You truly believe that something is fact, and then you begin to hate a certain character. Next thing you know you’re completely shocked when the truth is reveled.

Cynthia Holloway, as always, lends a sense of high emotion, sexuality, and passion to her narration of BLOODLUST. She has such and amazing range of character voices, that bring this story to life. Her stellar performance brought this story to a higher level for me. She made this almost 9 hour audiobook fly by for me.

BLOODLUST, has a wonderful mix of dark adventure and steamy sexuality. It’s a must read for all urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers!


Nightshade Series

Nightshade (Nightshade #1) — June 6, 2011
Bloodlust (Nightshade #2) – July 19, 2011


Related Websites

Buy BLOODLUST on Audiobook
Michelle Rowen’s Website
Michelle Rowen’s Twitter
Tantor Audio Website

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Nalini Singh's SLAVE TO SENSATION (Psy-Changeling Bk 1)

Title: SLAVE TO SENSATION
Author: Nalini Singh
Narrator: Angela Dawe
Release Date: May 4, 2011
List Price: $29.99
Audio CD: Unabridged,MP3 - Unabridged CD edition
Publisher: Tantor Media
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1452652015
ISBN-13: 978-1452652016


My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Narrations 4/5
Cover Art: 4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4/5

Overall: 40.5/45 = 90%


Synopsis

THE HOT NEW NAME IN PARANORMAL ROMANCE.

Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart.
In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabilitation" - the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was...
Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion - and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities - or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation...

My Review
(THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS)
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Sascha Dunca is a broken Psy, but she can never let anyone know it. The Psy have been conditioned not to feel any emotions, and have varying levels of psychic powers. They see themselves as higher beings on the evolutionary chain then the Changelings (shape shifters) and the humans. If the Psy every discovered Sascha’s weekness they would rehabilitate her, which is a fate worse then death. Nikita Duncan is Sascha’s mother, a member of the Psy Council, and the head of the Duncan family. Nikita and Sascha are about to ink a business deal with Lucas Hunter, wereleopard and alpha of the DarkRiver Clan. Lucas has own agenda. He wants gather information on the Psy community and hunt down the Psy that has been kidnapping and murdering Changeling women. Can Sascha and Lucas see past their differences long enough to solve these murders and possibly form a friendship?

In a literary climate overwhelmed with vampires novels, Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Series is a breath of fresh air! While I felt that the world-building in the beginning of this book felt a bit heavy, it was necessary to set up this extraordinary world. Believe me, it well worth pushing through the first couple chapters.

I love the complex and sexy character that is Lucas Hunter. At a very young age, he had to step-up into an alpha role, due to a per tragedy. He was smart enough to listen to the elders of his pack to help him do what is best for his clan. Not only is he strong physically, but he has a sensitive side. He believed in Sascha, even when she didn’t believe in herself. He helped her become who she was always meant to be.

The deeper that Sascha becomes involved with Lucas and the rest of the DarkRiver Clan, the more in-touch she becomes with her emotions and feelings. She has built up so many walls so that she can still pass as a normal Psy, that it was hard for her to see what she truly was. As a listener, it broke my heart to see Sascha spiral out of control. Even though she thinks she’s about to lose herself, she gives everything that she has left to help recover the missing Changeling.

This is my first audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe, and I was amazed by what I heard. Her ability to capture every character, from the cold Psy to the emotion-filled Changelings, was incredible! Her pacing and voice techniques were terrific.

I was completely captivated by Nalini Singh’s Psy-Chagelings world. She built layers upon layers of amazing primary and secondary characters. I cannot wait to see how they develop throughout the rest of this series. For those readers who also haven’t had a chance to check out her Guild Hunter Series, take this opportunity to dive into another well thought out paranormal-romance series.



Psy-Changeling Series
1. Slave To Sensation (September 2006)
2. Visions of Heat (March 2007)
3. Caressed By Ice (September 2007)
4. Mine to Possess (Feb 2008)
5. Hostage to Pleasure (September 2008)
6. Branded By Fire (July 2009)
7. Blaze of Memory (November 2009)
8. Bonds of Justice (July 2010)
9. Play of Passion (November 2010)
10. Kiss of Snow (May 31,2011)



Related Websites

Nalini Singh - Website
Nalini Singh - Blog
Nalini Singh - Twitter
Buy Slave to Sensation on Audiobook
Angela Dawe - Narrator
Psy-Changeling Series' Character Guide

Chloe Neill's BITING COLD Blog Tour & Scavenger Hunt Giveaway

 

The Nice Girl's book blog has teamed up with fellow book bloggers as part of Chloe Neill's BITING COLD Blog Tour and Scavenger Hunt.  There will be reviews, and prizes, and a book quote...Oh my! 

Title: BITING COLD
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #6
Author: Chloe Neill
List Price: $15.00
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: NAL Trade; 1 edition (August 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451237013
ISBN-13: 978-0451237019
Buy BITING COLD on Amazon.com





Synopsis

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

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Scavenger Hunt 

The fun doesn’t stop here. Want more chances to win? 

Below, you’ll find a key word. Each participant in the Biting Cold Blog Tour has one, and when you put them all together in order, you’ll find a quote from a Chicagoland Vampires novel.  

That quote is the passcode you’ll need to enter the Biting Cold Scavenger Hunt Giveaway, which will begin on August 11, 2012 on Chloe’s web site. The giveaway will end at midnight on August 17, 2012.

What are the Scavenger Hunt Giveaway prizes?

• A complete set of Chicagoland Vampires audiobook CDs (generously provided by Tantor Audio)
• A $25 CafePress gift card you can use in the Chicagoland Vampires store
• Autographed copies of DRINK DEEP and CHARMFALL
• A Chicagoland Vampires tote bag with other Chicagoland Vampires swag, including a mouse pad, bookmarks, and stickers!

TO 

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Chloe Neill's Books

Chicagoland Vampire Series (Adult Series)

• Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, #1)
• Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires, #2)
• Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #3)
• Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #4)
• Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, #5)
• Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires #6)

Dark Elite Series (YA Series)

• Firespell  (Dark Elite, #1)
• Hexbound  (Dark Elite, #2)
• Charmfall  (Dark Elite, #3) 
  

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Biting Cold Blog Tour and Scavenger Hunt Schedule 
 

July 30, 2012
Paperback dolls

July 31, 2012
The Book Nympho

August 1, 2012
AwesomeSauce Book Club
Addicted 2 Heroines

August 2, 2012
The Peasants Revolt
Literary Escapism

August 3, 2012
Mystifying Paranormal Reviews
Herding Cats & Burning Soup

August 6, 2012
Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
All the Fun Starts After Dark

August 7, 2012
Nice Girls Don’t Read Naughty Books
YA Reads

August 8, 2012
Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust
Happy Tales & Tails

August 9, 2012
Oh, Paper Pages!

August 10, 2012
Ms. Vain’s Paranormal Fantasy

August 11, 2012 – Scavenger Hunt Contest Entries Start
August 17, 2012 – Scavenger Hunt Contest Entries Close 

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I've just recieved BITING COLD and lets just say it starts off with a real bang!  Check back next week for my review of BITING COLD.  Good luck readers and happy hunting!

E-BOOK RELEASE: Molly Harper's DRIVING MR. DEAD

Title: DRIVING MR. DEAD
Author: Molly Harper
Format: Kindle eBook Edition
List Price: $1.99
Release Date: January 31, 2012
File Size: 601 KB
Publisher: Pocket Books
ASIN: B0064CLU0C
Buy DRIVING MR. DEAD from Amazon



Synopsis

HELL ON WHEELS

After failing as a magician's assistant, a photographer, and most recently, a bride, Miranda Puckett takes a position as a driver for Beeline, Half-Moon Hollow's premiere vampire concierge service.

Miranda's assignment? Driving Collin Sutherland, the world's most fastidious vampire from Washington to Kentucky, so he can deliver a mysterious black case to Council official Ophelia Lambert.

Collin, a paranoid, aristocratic vampire with a debilitating fear of flying, refuses to let the case out of his sight. Miranda needs this time on the road to decide whether to permanently cut her ties with the fiance that had an "emotional affair" with a childhood pal, but Collin’s neatnik tendencies are driving her around the bend. The man acts as if leaving a fast food wrapped on the passenger seat is reason for a full-on CDC de-contamination scrub-down of the car. All she can do is promise to stop intentionally doing the things that make his stiff upper lip twitch with irritation.

As more and more mishaps occur on the road trip from hell, Miranda and Collin work together to meet his delivery deadline. Hotel rooms are destroyed. Beloved cars are defiled. And somewhere along the line, client-driver hostilities become snarky flirtation.

Will Collin and Miranda make it to the Hollow in one piece? And if they do, will Miranda leave old, safe relationships behind for something new and well, just plain weird? (from Goodreads)

Websites

Molly Harper's Website
Molly Harper's Twitter
Molly Harper's Blog