Free Today and Tomorrow THE MARRIAGE PRICE by ALMA KATSU

"THE MARRIAGE PRICE", a Taker story, is FREE on Kindle August 7th & 8th. The story takes place in the days prior to Jonathan's marriage to his child bride Evangeline, and is told through Evangeline's eyes. FYI, this one is intended for mature audiences and is only 13 pages in length.

Synopsis:

DREAMS CAN COME TRUE—BUT THE PRICE IS STEEP 

In this short story from THE TAKER saga, Evangeline McDougal is the luckiest girl in St. Andrew, Maine. She’s to wed Jonathan St. Andrew, eldest son of the town’s founder and heir to the timber business that has made the St. Andrews one of the wealthiest families in the state.

Nor does it hurt that her bridegroom is so very handsome. Irresistible, in fact. And when rumors fly about her husband-to-be and several of the other girls in town... What is Evangeline to think? There is a price to pay for her marriage to Jonathan, but surely it is worth the cost.

Isn’t it?

A Chat with the Very Talented Julie Garwood about 'Sweet Talk' , Romance, and Writing

Julie Garwood

Check out her website at: http://www.juliegarwood.com/#

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=JulieGarwood ( @JulieGarwood )

Follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JulieGarwood

With tens of millions of books in print and numerous New York Times bestsellers, Julie Garwood has clearly earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers. Her reputation as a masterful storyteller is solidly founded in her ability to deliver stories with appealing characters, powerful emotions, and surprising plot twists. Readers claim that it's the humor as well as the poignancy of her novels that keep them laughing, crying and thoroughly entertained. Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, Kansas and is currently working on her next novel. When her schedule allows time away from family and career, she devotes her efforts to promoting literacy, and especially enjoys sharing her love of reading with student groups.
For more information, visit Ms. Garwood's site at www.juliegarwood.com

(Photo and biography taken from the Simon & Schuster website: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Julie-Garwood/1075688/biography )

The Interview

Lisarenee: Several years ago you made the switch from historical romances to romantic suspense novels. It seemed like you were not alone in doing so. I noticed several other authors did so as well. What prompted you to do so? Was there some sort of industry shift or did you just wish to try something different to challenge yourself?

Julie: I loved the historical novels, but I had come up with an idea for a book that I really wanted to write. Even though I tried to make it historical, I realized it had to be in a contemporary setting. This story kept gnawing at me, so I finally sat down and wrote it. When HEARTBREAKER came out, the reader response was so positive, the publishers asked for another contemporary romantic suspense novel. Right now I'm committed to writing several more contemporary novels, but I hope to get back to medieval Scotland at some point. I'm always a little homesick for the Highlands.

Lisarenee: I've noticed a lot of your historical romance fans will read your romantic suspense novels and then comment in their reviews that they wished you'd go back to writing historical romances. I get a chuckle from this because they obviously must like your romantic suspense books because I notice time and time again they keep reading them. I can only imagine as an author you need to have thick skin to take the bad reviews, with the good, as well as have a good sense of humor to see past some of it. What makes me curious, however, is what made you decide not to write under a pseudonym? I've seen a lot of authors do that when they switch sub-genres and was wondering if that was something you even considered at the time?

Julie: It never occurred to me to use a pseudonym. Years ago, I wrote a book for an Emily Chase series, but that's the only time I didn't use my real name. People have told me that I have a distinct voice in my work, so if I used another name, they'd probably know who it was anyway. I don't read reviews. I'm not thick-skinned, and reviews, whether they're good or bad, take my mind off my work. I've decided it's best if I don't read them and just focus on doing the best job I can.

Lisarenee: When you first started writing your romantic suspense novels, you used to really give your readers a look into the mindset of the killers. I've heard from other authors that it is sometimes the funnest part to write because it's so challenging and different from what they usually write. Is that true for you as well?

Julie: Getting inside the mind of a killer is fascinating. It can be challenging for a writer, but it's also fun because you can go to the extreme. When I started writing contemporary novels, I focused more on the suspense and wanted the reader to know what the villain was thinking. I've lightened up some since then. There are enough sick things happening in the world. I'll still write stories with a mystery or an element of suspense, but I want to concentrate more on the humor and the romance.

Lisarenee:  In Sweet Talk, one of your characters is suspected of running a Ponzi scheme. I suspect this part of the story was inspired by the Berni Madoff scandal that was so highly publicized and talked about?

Is there anything else that inspired this story?

Julie: It was actually a whole array of financial schemes that inspired this story. We'd heard so much about the problems caused by the mortgage crisis and out-of-control financial institutions and companies like Enron, I decided to write a book that characterized the greed and showed the effects it had on innocent victims.

Lisarenee: Sweet Talk begins with 4 girls all being part of a test trial for some sort of experimental drug treatment of an illness that is thought to be incurable. Is Sweet Talk the first in a series?

Julie: Not right now. I loved these girls, and I think they each would make a terrific story, but they'll have to wait. I have several other projects to work on first.

Lisarenee:  Besides a steamy chemistry between the main characters, what do you feel are some of the most important elements to crafting a good romance novel?

Julie: Of course the hero and heroine have to have a sexual attraction. And it's important for the reader to feel that emotional tie and to empathize with them, so I give them certain traits that make them people I would like to know. For example: they must have a sense of humor, and they must be loyal.

Lisarenee:  There seems to be a trend lately in books to make the heroines more real by making them less perfect. Some accuse your romances of containing heroines that are a little too perfect. I personally like both the flawed heroine and the fantasy perfect heroine. Each brings something different to a story. Sometimes I can connect with the heroine more when she's flawed while other times it's nice to know no matter how perfect they may appear on the outside, they still have some of the same issues as the rest of us. What are some of the characteristics you feel make for the best heroines? What are your thoughts on your heroines being too perfect?

Julie: I've tried to create heroines who have qualities that I admire, but I've never thought of them as perfect. They all are flawed in one way or another. In SWEET TALK, for example, Olivia is insecure and has issues from feeling abandoned as a child. She also has a bit of a temper and loses her cool on occasion. Love is blind, however, so the hero might know these weaknesses are there, but he chooses to see past them.

Lisarenee: Are you presently working on any new books and, if so, is there anything you can share with us about it?

Julie: I'm working on two trilogies. The first is about three sisters and the second is about three brothers.

In the story I'm currently writing, the heroine is a food critic, so she has strong opinions, and the hero is a bit of a nerd. Thus far, they've been a lot of fun.

Lisarenee:

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. For those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure, Sweet Talk is out in stores today. 

Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
To read my 5 rose review of Sweet Talk Click Here.

Book Synopsis:
Attorney and IRS agent Olivia Mackenzie is the kind of tough, wise-cracking, powerful woman fans expect from a Garwood protagonist—but this time she has outdone herself. Olivia is not just any woman, she is every woman; flawed in the familiar ways so many of us are.

On the trail of an elaborate Ponzi scheme, one that threatens to ruin the lives of naïve and unsuspecting victims, Olivia suddenly finds her own life is in danger after she asks questions of the wrong people. She is accustomed to fighting for the underdog, but being vulnerable herself is a very different story. Smart enough to know when enough is enough, Olivia calls for reinforcements.

When she meets FBI Agent Grayson Kincaid there is an immediate and obvious attraction, palpable on both sides. Together they make an excellent team to fight corruption but Olivia is also fighting the immediate and intense attraction she feels for Agent Kincaid, and that may be a battle she is bound to lose.

Winner's of the Forever's Darkness Falls Blog Tour

I was delighted to be giving away two books that I love. 

The Winners of 'Shadow Rising' by Kendra Leigh Castle and 'Secret of the Wolf' by Cynthia Garner are:

1) Rachel F.

2) Donna S. 

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Thank you to everyone who entered, especially to the authors who wrote the wonderful books and to Forever Romance for sponsoring the giveaway.

Secret of the Wolf (Warriors of the Rift, #2) by Cynthia Garner

• Title: Secret of the Wolf (Warriors of the Rift)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Gener: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Paperback, 336 pages
• Publisher: Forever (June 26, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0446585122
• ISBN-13: 978-0446585125
• Author's Website:  http://cynthiagarnerbooks.com/  
• Notes: Books for this book tour never made their way to me from the publisher and I ended up buying them. That is why this review is being created and posted later than I planned. I just purchased this one last night. Hopefully I'll do the book justice while suffering from lack of sleep. lol Oh the suffering we'll endure for the love of a good book. lol

Victoria (Tori) Joseph is a preternatural (pret) that crossed over to our dimension during the influx of 1866. Every 73 years the Moore-Creasy-Devon Comet creates a dimensional Rift as it makes its way across the solar system. When that happens supernatural being ascend upon the earth hijacking human bodies thereby taking control and suppressing the human being that once possessed it. Referred to as the Influx, it has been happening for years and no one can predict what supernatural creatures these body snatchers (aka EDs - Extra Dimensionals) will become until the full possession takes place. Some are political exiles, some have left for religious reasons, but the majority were banned from their world for being criminals of the worst kind. Many see this as their second chance and attempt to reform and meld into society while others don't wish to give up their bad habits. It's the latter that the Council of Preternaturals hope to stop.

Tori is the werewolf liaison to the Council of Preternatural. A werewolf appears to be terrorizing the Scottsdale area leaving behind no DNA evidence. The rogue, as it's believed to be, is dousing the wounds of the victim with bleach and sprinking the area with ammonia to hinder the scent trail he or she may have left behind. The attacks appear to be random, but aimed at changing humans to werewolves. With each new attack the violence seems to escalate. Tori and others of the Council have been brought in to help investigate the attacks and find the attacker. 

Besides trying to save the world from rogue werewolves, Tori is also attempting to figure out how a device that Tobais stole communicates between our world and the preternatural dimension. Not only did Tobias manage to take the device, but he also managed to snatch the schematics for it. Tori was a radio communication technician during World War II and it was hoped she could figure out how the device works, but she quickly realizes the device seems to function more like a computer than like a radio. That goes well beyond her area of expertise. She'll have to ask Dante, the tall dark and sexy human cop, who has a better grasp on the workings of a computer for help. Oh the things one must do for their jobs. Sometimes you've just got to grin and bear it.     

______________________

I am truly loving this series and the spin Ms. Garner put on where paranormal beings come from. 'Secret of the Wolf' takes place a month after 'Kiss of the Vampire' ends. Tobais and Nix are now married and we get a glimpse of how Nix is dealing with her newly made vampire half. Additionally, there are only a few months left before the Rift is once again opened allowing new prets to snatch the bodies of defenseless humans. Tensions are running high and the question of who and how many people will be taken over permeates the atmosphere. 

Tori is a loyal, smart and strong woman. She's recently been reunited with her brother whom she hasn't seen in nearly a hundred and fifty years. In 1866, when they'd first crossed over into this world, there was no way to find your friends or relatives who'd crossed over with you. She's now attempting to reestablish her relationship with him. She's ecstatic about reconnecting with him. She'd missed having family around.

Dante is a cop who's very family oriented and an all around good guy. He's also led Tori on a merry dance as whenever the two start to get close, he starts to pull away. He's partly leery of her preternatural state and partly afraid he doesn't have the time to commit himself totally to a relationship. He's been taking care of his sister who'd recently survived a bought with breast cancer and a divorce.  He also fears what will happen when the Rift opens up. What if he's overtaken by a pret? Does he take a chance at Tori's heart being broken or live in the moment while he still can? 

Why is the book called 'Secret of the Wolf'? Well, I believe it's because Tori (a wereWOLF) sits on some information that might help capture the rogue werewolf. She doesn't want to make any harsh decisions until she has something a little more solid to go on. She'll have to live with the consequences of her actions if her suspicions turn out to be correct.

Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. I'm thoroughly enjoying the world Ms. Garner has created. I'm intrigued as to how the Rift will affect everything when it finally comes to be. I loved the quick pace, all the action and drama, and the mystery of who was converting people to werewolves and why. I loved witnessing the sexual tension between Dante and Tori that is so strong everyone around them could practically feel the heat from it. While I still have many questions as to how everything dealing with prets works, I'm hopeful we'll get closer to the answers with the next book. This is a series I HIGHLY recommend. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one scored a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of Series:

Shadow Rising (Dark Dynasties #3) by Kendra Leigh Castle

• Title: Shadow Rising (Dark Dynasties)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• Format: Paperback, 368 pages
• Publisher: Forever (July 31, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 1455511641
• ISBN-13: 978-1455511648
• Author's Website:  http://www.kendraleighcastle.com/
• 
  

The Grigori are a secretive group. Of all the vampires dynasties in existence, they are the most mysterious, secretive, reclusive and feared. With males of the dynasty standing "nearly seven feet tall, broad-chested, and well muscled". They are a fearsome looking lot. The most curious thing about the dynasty is no female Grigori has ever been sighted out in the world. That is, until now.

Ariane has lived nine hundred years in seclusion in the Grigori palace. Never being allowed to venture off the palace grounds. Sam, her dearest friend, had disappeared without a trace somewhere in the world outside the palace gates and Ariane isn't allowed to look for him. Without him around to keep her sane she's decided to leave the palace. She's determined to find Sam and venture out into the great unknown. Doing so will seal her fate. If she is ever found or attempts to return to the palace she will  probably never live to tell her tale. "The Grigori did not take kindly to deserters."

Damien Tremaine was a master thief and assassin and a member of the House of Shadows. He was hired to find Sammael (Sam) for the Grigori. It was the first request the Grigori had ever made to the House of Shadows for help. Damien was warned he might "run across one of their women who who has taken it upon herself to look for this Sammael personally." He was told not to help her and let them know where she could be found. He figured that would be a piece of cake, but he'd never met the likes of her--Ariane.

What Ariane and Damien could never have imagined was that events had been set in motion that could unleash something that, if not stopped, could rise bringing with it a shadow of darkness.

     "So many secrets you don't know. Secrets in the sand...in your blood."...
     "Why are you hunting me?" she asked. Just because I have the...the blood of one of the ancients? It shouldn't matter. None of them will ever claim me. I'm nothing, no one. I don't know any secrets like you said."
     "Because," Oren said, black blood leaking from one corner of his mouth, "every one of us is a living secret, Ariane. And you are a Pathetic Grigori, but the ancient blood brightens your soul. You...you are perfect to stop the Rising...for another hundred..."...
     "He stirs and hungers beneath the sand."

_______________  

I truly love this series. It's got an underlying complexity to it that isn't hard to follow or understand, but makes it more enjoyable to read. The series is like a puzzle with a gazillion pieces that we slowly put together piece by piece with each new book.

I loved how Ariane finally decided to take charge of her life and leave the safe haven she'd lived in for over 900 years. I also loved seeing the tightly wound secrets about how she became a vampire, and who sired her slowly unravel as the story progressed. For most of her life she was treated as if she was imperfect because unlike the other Grigori, she was in touch with her feelings. They saw that as a weakness, but Sam had felt it was an asset.

On the surface, Damien seems like he is the wrong person for Ariane, but somehow she sees past the man he portrays himself as and sees him for the man he truly is. Damien is an intriguing character who has issues from when he was turned. As a human he'd been an aristocrat and was happy with his life. Not so with his new life as a vampire. Over the years he'd gotten himself to a point where he didn't care about anything. Slowly, he's been starting to reconnect with others and is coming back to life, so to speak.

I loved watching the interaction between Damien and Ariane. They come from dynasties that are on the opposite ends of the vampire hierarchy. Damien is a Cait Sith, a dynasty thought to be one of the lowliest among vampires. Ariane, on the other hand, is a Grigori and is thought to have one of the purest bloodline among vampires. He felt he needed to protect her but she'd been trained to fight. It was fun to see Damien attempt to control Ariane and how she refused to be. She'd been controlled all her life and she was done with that.

My favorite secondary character is Sammael. I would love to learn more about him because while he's one of the ancient Grigori, he seems different from the rest of his brethren. He's encouraged Ariane over the years to hold on to her humanity which the others see as a imperfection. I have a feeling there's a really good story behind him that Ms. Castle has yet to reveal.

Overall, I loved the book and gave it 5 out of 5 roses. It had a lot of action, secrets and twists and turns. I enjoyed finding out more about the Dark Dynasty world Ms. Castle created. While we learn a lot about the Grigori in this book, I think there is still a lot we don't yet know. Not all my questions were answered, but I'm hoping more will be revealed in the next book. Additionally, I loved how in the midst of chaos Damien and Ariane fell in love. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one got a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of Series:

Giveaway - Forever's Darkness Falls Blog Tour

Kendra Leigh Castle

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KendraLCastle

Follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kendraleighcastle

Check out her website: http://kendraleighcastle.com/

Kendra Leigh Castle was born and raised in the far and frozen reaches of Northern New York, where there was plenty of time to cultivate her love of reading thanks to the six-month-long winters. Sneaking off with selections from her mother’s vast collection of romance novels came naturally and fairly early, and a lifelong love of the Happily Ever After was born. After graduating from SUNY Oswego (where it also snowed a lot) with a teaching degree, Kendra ran off with a handsome young Navy fighter pilot and has somehow accumulated three children, three dogs, and one enormous cat during their many moves.

While stationed in a remote corner of the Nevada desert, Kendra penned her first romance, and a career often spent working in fuzzy slippers and pajamas was born. Her work has garnered both critical praise and award nominations, but the best part has been connecting with readers who share her love of dark romance (not to mention heroes with sharp, pointed teeth). Kendra currently lives in Maryland, and can usually be found curled up with her laptop and yet another cup of coffee working on her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be contacted via email or her Facebook page. (Information gotten off of Kendra's website)

The Dark Dynasties Series

Dark Awakening (Dark Dynasties #1)
Enter the world of the Dark Dynasties...

For centuries, shapeshifting vampire Tynan MacGillivray has prowled the night as an outcast, valued only for his ferocious hunting skills. When a feud among the immortals escalates into all-out war, he is ordered by his ruthless queen to locate a Seer - a human woman with a special gift - who can secure victory for their clan. Ty's search leads him to a quiet New England town, but once he has the Seer in his grasp, her touch awakens within him a hunger like he's never known...

Lily Quinn has always been different. Since childhood, she's had vivid nightmares and an eerie sixth sense. When a sexy, silver-eyed stranger demands her help, Lily plunges into a new world of danger and sensuality. With Ty, she discovers sizzling passions she cannot deny and powers she cannot control. Soon, it is clear that Lily is much more than a Seer - she holds the key to ancient secrets and unthinkable destruction. But will a vampire's vow of eternal protection stop these evil forces...or unleash her dark destiny?

Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties #2)
Two separate worlds ...

One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn - if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity... just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith - and Lyra and Jaden's love - may never recover from the deadly blow...
(Please note both descriptions were taken from the back of the respective books.)

Shadow Rising (Dark Dynasties #3)

Ancient Secrets, Dark Passions...

As one of the Grigori, a noble vampire dynasty shrouded in mystery, Ariane has spent her life hidden away in the desert. Like all of her kind, she is a watcher, fated to observe, forbidden to act. Yet when her best friend, Sammael, vanishes, she defies all rules and flees her safe haven to bring him home.

A shape-shifting assassin for the House of Shadows, Damien Tremaine is hired to locate Sammael. His hunt for the wayward Grigori leads him to Ariane, the rogue vamp who stands between him and his bounty. Damien never lets emotion interfere with his work, but a single touch from the sexy, beguiling vampire shatters his self-control. Drawn together by their common goal, what begins as an alliance of necessity soon becomes one of desire. But when the secret at the dark heart of the Grigori comes to light, Damien and Ariane must make a choice that could bind them eternally...or tear them—and everything they care about—apart.

Coming 2013

Immortal Craving (Dark Dynasties #4)

The last-and most lethal-of his kind . . .

Wild, uncontrollable, and powerful, the lion-shifting Rakshasa were hunted down by vicious rival vampires who feared their dark, magical abilities. Somehow one survived, and now, after centuries of hiding, Tasmin Singh reemerges as fierce and fearless as ever at the door of the Lilim queen, seeking answers . . . and sanctuary.

The human best friend to a vampire queen, Bay Harper traded her quiet, comfortable life for a world filled with immortal assassins, warring werewolves . . . and this hauntingly sexy shifter. Only Bay's gentle touch can subdue Tasmin's inner demons, even as he brings out a passion and sensuality she never imagined she could feel. But when a bloody struggle threatens to tear them apart, can Bay risk everything on her faith in him-or will his dark side be stronger than even their all-consuming desire?

Cynthia Garner

Follow her on Twitter: @CynthiaGarner

Check out her website: http://cynthiagarnerbooks.com/

Cynthia Garner discovered her love for making up stories when her sixth grade teacher told the class to write a story that began “It was a dark and stormy night…” With that Cynthia's love for all things paranormal was born. When she's not working her day job as a mostly mild-mannered human resources manager, she's on her laptop writing or playing way too much Solitaire. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Cynthia now lives in the desert Southwest. (Information obtained from the back of her current book 'Kiss of the Vampire') For your information, Cynthia also writes erotic romances under the pen name Sherrill Quinn.

The Warriors of the Rift Series

Kiss of the Vampire
(Warriors of the Rift #1)

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos. 

Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .

Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

           Secret of the Wolf
     (Warriors of the Rift #2)

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.

As a werewolf liaison to the Council of Preternaturals, Tori Joseph is used to straddling the world between humans and immortals. She plays by the rules and always delivers justice, no matter the cost. But after a string of increasingly brutal attacks results in humans turning into werewolves, Tori doesn't reveal her horrifying suspicion: Someone very close to her might be responsible.

Investigating the paranormal violence, no-nonsense detective Dante MacMillan believes Tori is hiding something. His search for the truth draws him into greater danger as he gets closer to the dark realm of the immortals-and to the sexy werewolf who stirs his primal lust. Now with evil closing in around them, Dante must convince Tori to trust him . . . before her deadly secret destroys them both.

COMING 2013

       Heart of the Demon 
    (Warriors of the Rift #3)


Demon Finn Evnissyen and fey princess Keira O’Brien go undercover to expose the person behind the rift device and put an end to whatever plans he or she may have. They are reluctant allies then lovers as the danger of the situation heightens the closer they get to the bad guy. If they survive, they must overcome their distrust and differences and find out if a fairy princess and a demon can have a happily-ever-after.

GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away to two winners one copy of Secret of the Wolf by Cynthia Garner -AND- one copy of Shadow Rising by Kendra Leigh Castle.

Rules for eligibility:

Only residents of the US who are 18 or older are eligible.

Please leave either your email address or a link to your Goodreads profile so I may get in contact with you to get your mailing address. **No P.O. Boxes, please**.

Become a follower of my blog, if you aren't already.

Winner will be randomly chosen. Giveaway ends August 5th, midnight eastern time. Only one winner per person and per address. Winners will be posted on my blog and notified by email or message posted to them via Goodreads. Winners will have 24 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. I need to get the names and addresses of the winners to the publisher by the 8th. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Early Review of The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar by Susanna Carr

• Title: The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar (Harlequin Presents Extra)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• Format: Paperback, 192 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (August 7, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0373528787
• ISBN-13: 978-0373528783

Author's Website: http://www.susannacarr.com/
Notes: Received a copy of the book from the author.


Zoë Martin was desperate to get away from her uncle. She'd been raised in the US and when her parents died her uncle Tareef came and collected her and took her back to Jazaar with him. He'd promised to look after her, but instead had stolen her inheritance, abused her when she rebelled, and made her a servant in his household. Her only possible escape was to marry and attempt to escape on her honeymoon. She thought it was a good plan until she met her betrothed--Sheikh ibn Shihab Nadir, aka The Beast. A nickname he'd earned two years ago when he rejected his previous bride.

Sheikh Nadir had agreed to the marriage to Zoë for political reasons. Her family's tribe was a highly respected and influential one. The marriage was to ensure good relations between Nadir's family and the tribe. He had rejected a bride from the tribe two years ago and this was his way of making amends. His plan was to marry her, consummate the marriage, and then send her away in the Sultan's palace never to lay eyes on her again.

Falling in love was never part of either of their plans.

__________________

This was a fun book. Zoë was in an impossible situation doing what she can to get out of it. Before she'd come to live with her uncle she had dreams and aspirations of becoming a doctor like her parents. Now she's just looking for a way out. Her husband-to-be is thought to be a little too modern in his thinking and making her his bride was meant to be an insult. Nadir had entrusted the picking of a wife to the tribe and instead of picking a Jazaari bride suitable for a sheikh, they chose an outcast from the tribe--Zoë. Things could have gone very bad for Zoë and she could of found herself in an even worse situation than before, but thankfully Nadir wasn't just forward thinking when it came to business dealings.

What I liked about this book is that Ms. Carr did not sweep some of the issues of the Arab world under the rug for the sake of the romance, but brought them to light. Abuse of woman does happen, with women having little or no rights to prevent it. We've all seen the stories. Ms. Carr, however, delicately balances the romance with a dose of reality. While Nadir seemed a little too westernized and modern for his people, he was still a little bit backward in his way of thinking. Zoë and Nadir had to try to blend two distinctly different cultures and beliefs together to make their marriage work. I'm glad that in the end Zoë didn't have to sacrifice her dreams to be with her husband or choose between the two.

Overall, I gave this romance a 3 1/2 out of 5 roses. I liked both the main characters and how Nadir did his best to try to accommodate Zoë while dealing with a world (Jazaar) not yet ready to join the modern ways of thinking. I also liked how Nadir didn't leap to conclusions or act before he got all the facts. I loved the relationship the two shared and how he ended up respecting and seeking out her opinion on matters. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale this one gets a Steam rating-too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.