SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab the novel/novella your currently reading
Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
Share the SECOND sentence from that page
Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want
Her ice cold hands barely felt the keys in her hands.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!
Today I'm turning my blog over to Judy Serrano author of "First Blood," which happens to be the SECOND BOOK in her Linked Series!!
ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will from March 2 - 26, 2015 -- Giveaway will run until March 27, 2015]
"First Blood" [Linked Series, Book 2] by Judy Serrano
Author's Book Description :
Linked ~ First Blood (Book 2)
Diamond never asked to be a vampire. Unfortunately for her, her transition requires her to have her first blood given to her by a full-blooded, male vampire. Her father takes her to Dante, the kingpin of the vampire mafia, who is a close and old friend of the family, to do the job. After much resistance, Dante accepts and their worlds are turned upside down. Dante unexpectedly links to Diamond, causing a connection that appears to be unbreakable. The only known cure for vampirism is when a vampire links to the soul of a human: the soul that once belonged to them.
Diamond is discovered to have a special and unique bloodline, which makes her extremely valuable to the vampire species. As more and more vampires become aware of her gift, the race is on to see who can gain control of her first. With her first blood gone, her new love hovering, and a rival gang hanging in the midst, it is all Diamond can do to stay safe. Will her link to Dante save her, or put her in more danger than she can handle. Sometimes true love is worth the risk.
** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **
About the Author :
Judy Serrano graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce with a BA in English. She is currently working on finishing up her masters degree and becoming a certified teacher for high school English. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. She is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications and writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series, The Linked Series, and "Ivy Vines, Visions."
Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, five dogs and now one cat. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when able.
I am not a vampire, but the voices in my head tell me otherwise. My cold skin, my hunger for red meat, it was all a sign. My sister, Sapphire, seemed to miss the whole experience. No symptoms at all. No waking up at night in cold sweats, no sores in her mouth, or pain in her teeth. Why did she always get so lucky? It wasn’t fair.
The rain drizzled before us as a thick fog enveloped the taxi. I looked out the window, trying to steady my hands before we arrived. The guards let us through a tall, Iron Gate, and my sister reached over and grabbed my hand. “It’ll be okay, Diamond. This is what she wanted.” I nodded. It was always about what she wanted. No one else had any say.
“She’s right, you know,” my father added. “You’ll like him. Everyone does.”
I nodded again, still unable to speak. My father’s best friends accompanied us. Ashley, Kyle, and Rex. He wasn’t sure how Dante would take the news and he needed some backup. Kyle was ridiculously sexy. Broad shoulders and muscles other men envied. He had dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, with the bluest eyes I had ever seen. Rex was tall and slender with short spiked, blond hair. Also handsome but he may as well have had “womanizer” stamped on his forehead. He knew nothing of commitment and wore it well. Ashley was blond and gorgeous. I couldn’t understand how none of them ever claimed her. She was about 5 foot 6, thin, and tough as nails. Personally, I had always thought she was in love with my father, but my mother didn’t like to talk about her, so it was just speculation on my part.
The car pulled up to what looked like an old mansion. It was something you might see in an old movie. Terror ripped through me as the car stopped. My dad got out and held the door open for us. We approached the entrance, and my father rapped on the door using an old doorknocker. There was no bell.
A man opened the door and looked at my father. “Cliff,” he started. “You look well.” Then his face dropped. “Oh no… I’m sorry, Cliff. We hadn’t heard.”
“Thank you,” he answered. “Is Dante home? I need to see him.” [CLICK HERE to read more of this excerpt]
Today I'm turning my blog over to Diana Green, with a review of her novel "Dragon Wife," which happens to be the FIRST BOOK in her Dragon Clan Series!!
ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from March 10 - 31, 2015 -- Giveaway will run until April 3, 2015]
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 218; Kindle Edition - File Size: 470 KB | Expected Release Date: August 11, 2014 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions
"Dragon Wife" [Dragon Clan Series, Book 1] by Diana Green
Author's Book Description : The clan is waking. After centuries of spellbound sleep, dragon-shifters are returning to the mountains. They are few in number, and the outside world has become overrun with humans.
Huroth, the dragon chieftain, recognizes a need for his kind to adapt, by forming alliances and mate-bonds with humans, but his clan is divided.
From the first time she meets him, Lady Orwenna is drawn to the magnificent chieftain. The mind link he forms with her is both fascinating and frightening, as is the powerful attraction she feels for him. If only she knew what was in his heart.
Does he want her for the woman she is, or for her magical abilities? When war breaks out between kingdoms and ancient enemies of the dragons resurface, the clan will be tested. In the midst of uncertainty, can Huroth and Orwenna find their way together?
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Set in a mystical world where old world nobility meets magic and dragon shutters, you follow two individuals who connect during remarkable circumstances and who are trying to carve out better paths for themselves by whatever means they can.
I was intensely drawn to this novel from its prologue and onward. So much so, that I completed reading it in a day! With its fascinating plot and fun characters, I could not get enough! In addition, I really liked how Orwenna (Wen) & Huroth fell in love. Especially I liked that Wen was able to hold onto her new scene of self and purpose throughout the time she was falling for Huroth and how he liked her even more for it.
I definitely recommend this novel to those who like paranormal slightly historical (in their values and traditions) romances.
-- On a side note –-
If you liked reading about "mind linking" type of novels--like Ms. Cantrell's "Mindlink" novel--I'd also recommend this to you!
“I don’t have to explain myself, not even to you. It was my decision to come here, and while it may have been rash, everything has worked out. I found you, and now you know of the invasion. Story over.”
“Story not over,” he corrected. “You still have to make it out of these mountains with your skin intact. I don’t want your blood on my hands.”
“It won’t be!”
“If I leave you alone now, knowing the situation, I’m as good as digging your grave. I’ll have to come with you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Is that so?” He let out a dry laugh. “Right now, you don’t even have a horse.”
“Whose fault is that?” she snapped, almost immediately looking sorry.
“Forgive me,” she said, taking a deep breath. “That was unfair. I called you here, and you’re only concerned for my safety. My nerves are just a little thin right now.”
“Not surprising, all things considered.”
Privately, he respected her stamina. It was no small thing, making a solitary trek through these mountains, and still having fire power enough to argue at the end of the day. ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Diana, then please check out her website.
About the Author :
Since her childhood, growing up in New Zealand, Diana has been an avid storyteller. For years she enjoyed teaching art and special education, while continuing to write as a hobby. After she developed chronic fatigue syndrome, a career change was necessary, but happily this led her to become a professional author.
Diana’s books are mostly paranormal romance, in the fantasy and science fiction sub-genres. She has been a finalist for the CRW Award of Excellence and the Aspen Gold Published Novel Contest. At present, she lives in beautiful Washington State, where she writes for the Wild Rose Press.
Book Excerpt :
The gathering grew quiet as sounds of boot heels on stone echoed from the entryway. A man strode in alone, though to call him a man seemed less than sufficient. There was such raw power about him, such majesty in his bearing. No one could mistake his identity. This was the black dragon, shifted to man-like form, just as legend described. Orwenna felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck.
“I am Huroth, son of Huren,” he announced, his voice rich and deep. He faced the king, down the long silent hall. “I am chieftain of the dragons who dwell in the Drake’s Teeth Mountains. We offer an alliance to the kingdom of Rhelaun. How do you answer?”
“You are most welcome, honored guest.” The King bowed as he spoke then beckoned the chieftain. “Please, come and talk with me, so we can decide how this alliance should be arranged.”
As Huroth advanced towards the throne, he made an impressive picture. He was tall and broad shouldered, wearing dark leather armor and a heavy fur-lined cloak. His hair tumbled in a thick black mane, his eyes the pale blue of glacier ice. They swept over the courtiers, coolly assessing.
When those eyes came to rest on Orwenna, she felt time slow. Everyone else, all her surroundings, faded to nothing.
And who might you be?
She heard the words in her head, as surely as if he’d spoken aloud. Without consciously choosing, she responded in kind.
Orwenna.
His eyes widened in surprise, and he paused mid-step. Apparently, he had not expected her to hear his musing nor be able to answer.
There is an aura of magic about you. He sent the thought, his gaze on her as sharp as a hawk’s.
That’s from my mother. She didn’t know how she spoke directly into his mind. It made her a little dizzy, like too much wine.
Who is your mother?
Sister to the king and the mage, Vardis.
I see.
He considered a moment, before nodding respectfully to her and continuing down the hall. Those nearby gave Orwenna odd looks, and she realized how strange her encounter with Huroth must have seemed. To everyone else, they would have appeared to be simply standing, watching one another without speaking.
How long had it been…one minute…five? She couldn’t guess. All she knew was that it changed her. Reality had shifted and would never be quite the same again. Dragons lived, breathed, and walked upon the land like lords of men. She had spoken mind to mind with one, his fierce eyes locked on hers. It was not an experience she would soon forget.
"The One You Want" [The Original Heartbreakers Series, Book 0.5] by Gena Showalter
Author's Book Description : Kenna Starr will do anything to overcome her bad-girl past in Gena Showalter's "The One You Want." Dane Michaelson is rich, sexy and plays hard, exactly the kind of guy she needs to avoid, but he's used to getting what he wants, and he wants her.
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Childhood acquaintances, because of their parents’ longtime affair, Dane & Kenna (Freckles) find that they have a stronger connection to one another then they would have expected once they meet again years later. However, will their budding relationship be able to withstand small town gossip, their parents’ remarks, and the distance that is already between them?
As I was already, a fan of Ms. Showalter before I read this novella it was hard not to enjoy it. So, I wasn't surprised that Dane, Kenna, and their story quickly enraptured me. It was erotically sweet and had a great buildup for its upcoming series. In addition, Kenna's fun/silly bucket list that Dane tried to assist with made this novella even more enjoyable to read!
Even though it wasn't a "main plot point," the only part where I feel this novella is left a bit hanging about Dane’s mother as I think there should be another interaction with her because of everything she did to knock Kenna down a peg. As she went out of her way to hurt Kenna's financial stability and other then having it being noted there wasn't much else done about it in the novella, which felt a bit wrong.
Nevertheless, I recommend this novella and series to those who like contemporary romances! I cannot wait to see where this series will take us next!
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
"I'd like a moment of your time," he said.
She opened her mouth, closed it, then took a step away from him. He got the distinct impression she meant to refuse him, which amazed him. Women more often than not did whatever he asked. Of course, they either worked for him, so he was paying them, or they were dating him, so he was screwing them.
"Please," he added, and the word felt foreign on his tongue.
Her shoulders slumped just a little. "Oh, all right."
He almost grinned. Almost. "Your enthusiasm is heartwarming." ~ within Chapter 2
Jessie Kay rolled her eyes. "Go bang the hottie. We'll be fine."
"What does bang mean?" Norrie asked.
"It means to punch him," Kenna said, and told herself it wasn't actually a lie. "But that would be rude, so I'm not going to do it."
"You're so nice, Momma." ~ within Chapter 3
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Gena, then please check out her website.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 150; Kindle Edition - File Size: 316 KB | Expected Release Date: April 24, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley
"Copper King" [Takhini Shifters Series, Book 1] by Vivian Arend
Authors' Book Description :Originally published in the Alphas After Dark Boxset
Three things make billionaire Jim Halcyon’s to-do list: women, work…and more women. It’s a perfect agenda for a rich shifter who has no problem letting his inner grizzly out to play. From the bright lights of Vegas, to the sophisticated action of New York—he’s got the money and the power to do anything he wants.
Anything, except resist the lure of Lady Luck, an ancient copper coin he gambles yearly to possess. Jim is determined to regain control of the pretty penny, and damn if he’ll let any bit of eye candy distract him from his goal. Not even the mesmerizing woman in the middle of the casino floor with the shimmering hair and enormous green eyes.
With a life-changing move ahead of her, Lillie’s finagled a temporary layover en route to her future. She’s got five days to soak in new experiences, and while Vegas is too big and shiny and loud for her shy bear self, she’s eager to do this up right. It’s the last chance she’s got to let her hair down.
Until his challenge begins, Jim is more than willing to oblige Lillie’s wish for a final fling. Only Lady Luck has some twists of fate planned for them both…
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! While on a yearly meet up with his best friend, Jim, runs into a woman who sparks up his life, but without them realizing their relationship seems to be growing into something more than a fling. But are they ready to settle down, or will the choice be suddenly taken out of their hands?
Lillie & Jim's connection is instantaneous and I loved how they playfully got to know one another. In addition, how their relationship finally ended up was very sweet!
I recommend this to those who are fans of Ms. Arend and/or like paranormal romances!!
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
She wanted someone to sweep her off her feet and rock her world all night long.
Like that was ever going to happen.
Her gaze stuttered to a stop at the approach of one of the finest masculine specimens she'd seem in her life, as if her fantasy man had come to life. Maybe this was like Disneyland, where all her dreams could come true. When you wish upon a star...
Dream or not, watching the dark-haired man stalk down the casino aisle was an exercise in sheer pleasure. ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Vivian, then please check out her website.
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MY Second Sentence Saturday :
