Review: On Distant Shores

On Distant Shores (Wings of the Nightingale - Book 2) by Sarah Sundin

Publication Date: 08/01/2013
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Revell Books
Genre: Historical Inspirational Fiction
Pages: 432
ISBN-10: 0800720822
ISBN-13: 978-0800720827

(Received for an honest review from Revell Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, ChristianBook, IndieBound

Sarah Sundin on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest

Books in the series:

With Every Letter (2012), On Distant Shores (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from On Distant Shores, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

Caught between the war raging around them and the battles within, two souls long for peace—and a love that remains true.

Lt. Georgiana Taylor has everything she could want. A boyfriend back home, a loving family, and a challenging job as a flight nurse. But in July 1943, Georgie's cozy life gets more complicated when she meets pharmacist Sgt. John Hutchinson.

Hutch resents the lack of respect he gets as a noncommissioned serviceman and hates how the war keeps him from his fiancée. While Georgie and Hutch share a love of the starry night skies over Sicily, their lives back home are falling apart. Can they weather the hurt and betrayal? Or will the pressures of war destroy the fragile connection they've made?

With her signature attention to detail and her talent for bringing characters together, Sarah Sundin weaves an exciting tale of emotion, action, and romance that will leave you wanting more.

Thoughts:

Inspirational author Sarah Sundin brings readers the second book in her Wings of the Nightingale series, On Distant Shores. The series features a World War II setting and the lives of the flight nurses who served their country and their God during those turbulent times. Sundin's attention to detail seems effortless and her characterizations are realistic and believable. Her research is evident in every page of this romantic book, with a message. Fans of Sundin's work will not be disappointed and new readers will fall in love with the passionate characters and dramatic setting. 

There were several things that I really enjoyed about this novel. Sarah Sundin always does her homework. She knows the ins and outs of World War II like the back of her hand. She is able to use her historical knowledge and background to give her books a very authentic and credible feel. 

On Distant Shores focuses on the life of a flight nurse and a mobile pharmacist during the war. Both jobs were extremely important on the war front and Sundin does a fantastic job of showing the urgency and life and death situations that her characters were facing. It was so realistic at times readers will be able to imagine the sound of the bombs and smell of smoke in the air. Sundin is a master at making the reader feel like they are right in the middle of the action and in this case the war. 

Georgie and Hutch were both excellent characters. What I think I liked most about Georgie was the personal growth she goes through in this story. Georgie has taken on the job of flight nurse during WWII. This was a hazardous job that meant taking your life in your hands on a daily basis. Though Georgie was scared and realized she had bitten off more than she could chew, she persevered and trusted in God to protect her. She began to realize that she wasn't very good at making decisions and that she had relied on other people in her life to tell her what to do. A lot of Georgie's growth dealt with the fact that she needed to trust herself and her own heart in deciding the course of her life. Sundin did a wonderful job showing Georgie's struggle and how she became aware of her issues and solved them. She was a character that readers will be able to identify with and understand.

The romance between Hutch and Georigie was very pure and wholesome, yet it had a real urgency about it, just like the situation they found themselves in the war. Hutch was very passionate about everything in his life from his work as a pharmacist to his relationship with Georgie. He had this zest for life that could not be dampened by the war. But there was a certain amount of pressure that continued to build between these two characters that was palpable. I liked the fact that Sundin was able to show their growing love for each other in romantic way without spoiling it with too much intimate detail. It left a little to the imagination which is often a novel concept in today's writing. 

Sundin is always able to get her overall Christian inspirational message across in a way that doesn't beret the reader. She is subtle but doesn't shy away from the fact that her characters were relying on God to see them through. I liked the fact that she referenced Abraham and Issac and was able to show the reader a little something about the Bible that they may not have considered before. Sundin does an excellent job of getting her point across to the reader. This is a book that will appeal to romance readers of all kinds, with it's romantic appeal as well as it's underlying message.

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller, from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California, with her husband and three children. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Giveaway Details:

Since I am unable to offer a giveaway for this title I found a really great giveaway for you to enter. Sarah Sundin is giving away a copy of both books in the series and a $200.00 Visa Cash Card to use toward a couples weekend get away. All you have to do is visit Sarah's Facebook page before September 2nd and hit "LIKE". The winners announcement will take place during Sarah's Facebook author chat party on September 3rd. Attend the party for other chances to win, a book chat, trivia and a look at the next book in this wonderful series! 

Review: Cowboy Seeks a Bride

Cowboy Seeks a Bride (Spikes & Spurs - Book 7) by Carolyn Brown

Publication Date: 08/06/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Western Romance
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 1402270216
ISBN-13: 978-1402270215

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Carolyn Brown on the WEB: Website, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Love Drunk Cowboy (2011), Red's Hot Cowboy (2011), Darn Good Cowboy Christmas (2011), One Hot Cowboy Wedding (2012), Mistletoe Cowboy (2012), Just a Cowboy and His Baby (2012), Cowboy Seeks a Bride (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Cowboy Seeks a Bride, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

He's Tough as Nails and Ready to Ride...

Rancher Dewar O'Donnell is just an old-fashioned cowboy at heart, and he can't wait to reenact the historic Chisholm Trail ride with his buddies. The trial-run cattle drive for a reality TV show sounds like a great time—until H.B. McKay pulls up in her slick red sports car...

She's Way Out of Her Element...

Haley McKay is a feisty, high-powered businesswoman with the power suit and stiletto heels to prove it. She's keen to research her company's hot new idea for a reality TV show—but mount up with a bunch of modern-day cowboys? Are they kidding?

It's too late to back out now, so Haley sets out to prove that it will take more than snakes, storms, and stampedes to make her back down.

Besides, sleeping under the stars with Dewar O'Donnell could prove mighty interesting...

Thoughts:

What is it about cowboys? There is just something inherently swoon worthy about a strong man in a cowboy hat and Carolyn Brown knows just how to pick'em. The final book in Brown's very popular Spikes & Spurs series, Cowboy Seeks a Bride, is available now. Brown's cowboys are loyal, hard-working and hot! Her city girls gone country are always classy and full of surprises. It's no surprise that this romance is full of passion, love and humor. Brown scores once again!

I read a lot of books. I mean a lot. Sometimes 5 or 6 a week or even more. I read just about every genre out there, but I honestly like some better than others. Contemporary romance isn't usually my cup of tea. It's okay, but not what I would consider a favorite, unless you are talking about Carolyn Brown. Brown's books have a contemporary setting but still have old-fashioned values, hard working people and of course cowboys. 

Before reading Brown's books I hadn't really thought that much about their still being cowboys around, but of course there are, ranches still exist and rodeo's still go on. I had just forgotten the allure of the open range and joy of reading about men and woman who are still taming the west so to speak. Brown does a fantastic job bringing sassy city girls into contact with strong cowboys and bringing them together even though they are so fundamentally different. Every Carolyn Brown western romance holds that same good feeling you get when know that two people who may never have crossed paths with get their happy ending.

Cowboy Seeks a Bride is no exception to that rule. City girl meets a cowboy she can't resist. This story not only brings two very different people together, but two very different worlds. Dewar O'Donnell is your typical western cowboy looking forward to reenacting the famous Chisholm Trail ride with his buddies. The kicker is, Hayley McKay works for a company who is doing research for a new reality TV show featuring cowboys. Two totally different worlds. I love the way that Brown is able to show both sides of the coin. Dewar's world of horses and trail rides vs. Hayley's high-powered executive world of TV productions and big city life. The contrast is both appealing and fun to read about.

Both of the main characters have strong personalities and unfailing loyalty to their own worlds. It is almost like a clash of wills between these two. Both passionate and fiery, in the bedroom and out. Brown is able to capture the untamed spirit in both of them and show the reader how amazing a relationship between two very different people can be. Opposites most certainly connect in this one. 

Hayley won't back down even though a business suit and heels isn't exactly trail gear. Dewar is determined to make sure snakes, storms and stampedes do not get the best of her. The romance is both steamy and tender. I loved the way that Dewar looked out for Hayley and wanted to see her make it. He wasn't vindictive nor did he look at her with a snicker and laugh about how she'd never be able to do it. He supported her and showed her exactly what she could do. A great romantic hero.

Brown uses a lot of humor and comical situations in her books to add a lightness and fun element to the read. I always look forward to that part of any of Brown's books. Sometimes you understand the urgency of the circumstances but you also see the humor in every mistake and stumble. Brown does an excellent job of making romance... fun!

Cowboy Seeks a Bride is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Carolyn Brown is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with more than sixty books published. She writes bestselling single title cowboy and country music mass market romances, as well as women's fiction. Born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma, Carolyn and her husband now make their home in the town of Davis, Oklahoma.

Giveaway Details:

I wasn't able to provide a giveaway for this title, but today is the last day of Carolyn's blog tour for Cowboy Seeks a Bride. She is guest posting and answering questions at Fresh Fiction. You can leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of her book, but you only have TODAY to do it! So get busy... LOL!

Fresh Fiction also provides a plethora of other giveaways each month, be sure to check out their contest page while you are there!

Review: The Icing on the Cake

The Icing on the Cake (Weddings by Design - Book 2) by Janice Thompson

Publication Date: 08/15/2013
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Revell Books
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0800721535
ISBN-13: 978-0800721534

(Received for an honest review from Revell Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, ChristianBook, IndieBound

Janice Thompson on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest 

Books in the series:

Picture Perfect (2013), The Icing on the Cake (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from The Icing on the Cake, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

Scarlet isn't sure if she has just the right ingredients for true love—or utter disaster
Scarlet Lindsey is busy making her dreams come true. She's moved her bakery to a prime spot on Galveston's most popular street, she's planning an extravagant cake for her best friend's wedding, and she has a great relationship with Bella Neeley, the island's most popular wedding coordinator. Business is booming and Scarlet is enjoying the ride.

But when Bella's dangerously handsome brother Armando breezes into her life, Scarlet is faced with a sticky situation. Should she stay with the safe, sweet guy who's been a fixture in her life for years? Or will this brash Italian hunk melt her guarded heart?

Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what you love best—bridal-business drama laced with laughs.

Thoughts:

Author Janice Thompson brings love and laughter to readers in her latest book in the Weddings by Design series, The Icing on the Cake. A sweet, romantic story filled with every little girl's dream... the perfect wedding! Thompson knows weddings inside and out and readers will find her wacky writing style over the top and full of fun. Thompson's use of humor is exceptional and her vision for this series melds both romance and comedy in such a delightful way that readers will have tears of laughter in their eyes. A romantic comedy to lighten your day!

When I'm looking for a light read, with a lot of fun and wild antics in it, I look no further than author Janice Thompson. Thompson has been perfecting her brand of romantic comedy for a long time and she continues to get better with every book. The Icing on the Cake is the second book in the Weddings By Design series. This series is a spin off from the Weddings by Bella series that was a hugely popular for Thompson. If readers remember Bella's handsome and debonair brother Armando they will love this book. 

The heroine for this series, Scarlet Lindsay is a baker extraordinaire. She has a shop in Galveston, Texas where she creates wedding cakes to die for. Thompson knows weddings, whether it is extravagant themes or dream wedding cakes, she knows how to write about it. Her knack for knowing just what would make a wedding special and memorable is something I wish I had. With two teenage daughters, I imagine I'm going to have a bit of wedding planning to do in my future. Thompson just has a way with weddings.

Another of her great strengths is humor. Thompson must have been born with an extra funny bone, because she has a natural skill for knowing what the reader will find funny. When I first started reading Thompson's books I thought they were a little too over the top but as I continued reading I really go into all the crazy antics and situations that Thompson added to her stories to make them fun and entertaining. She adds humor in the circumstances, in the dialogue between characters and anywhere else she can figure out how to put it in and she comes up with a wonderful lighthearted style I don't think readers can find from any other author. She's a one of a kind!

Bella and the gang are of course back in this book as well, which will delight fans of Thompson's series featuring Bella and her themed weddings. It was like catching up with old friends and readers will quickly fall in love with Scarlet. The Icing on the Cake features her relationship with Bella's brother, Armando. Chaos certainly ensues as usual with this crazy family and the addition of Scarlet's bakery is nothing short of amazing. 

Thompson writes about the city of Galveston with love in every word. I loved reading about the city and the characters that Thompson has created. If you are looking for a fun, down to earth read about one of my favorite subjects... weddings! This is it!

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect. She lives in Texas.
Visit www.janiceathompson.com for more information.

Giveaway Details: 

This is a new feature I'm adding this week. I can't always provide a giveaway for every title I review, but often times other bloggers can!

Here's your chance to win a copy of The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson featured on the Writing for Christ, the Audience of one blog written by author Casey Herringshaw:

Giveaway! The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson!

Review: Plain Fear: Forgiven

Plain Fear: Forgiven (Plain Fear - Book 3) by Leanna Ellis














Publication Date:08/06/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Landmark
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 1402279795
ISBN-13: 978-1402279799

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Landmark)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Leanna Ellis on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Forsaken (2011), Forbidden (2012), Forgiven (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Plain Fear: Forgiven, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

What Must We Sacrifice to be Forgiven?

Samuel Fisher has committed a sin of biblical proportions—he killed his own brother, Jacob. Haunted by guilt and talked by a vampire out for his soul, Samuel starts down the same dark path of destruction that led to his brother's death.

A captivating coming-of-age story unlike any other, Plain Fear: Forgiven pits redemption against temptation, love against fear, and simple faith against the intricacies of sin and salvation. In the gripping final battle between hunters and vampires, Samuel must choose where his loyalties lie. The lives of those he loves—as well as his own ultimate forgiveness—hangs in the balance.

Thoughts:

Inspirational fiction author Leanna Ellis was thinking a long way out of the box when she created the Plain Fear series. A paranormal series based on the simplistic lifestyle of the Amish, combined with the haunting elegance of vampires. Her vision resounded with both paranormal romance and inspirational readers with this ultimate tale of good vs. evil. The final book in the series, Plain Fear: Forgiven concludes this ground breaking series and blends the two genres so masterfully that it is hard to tell which one the book actually fits into. An amazing finale to a very charismatic and suspenseful series!

Leanna Ellis has long been a favorite of mine in the inspirational fiction genre. Being a fan of paranormal writing as well, I was extremely excited to see where Ellis would take this Amish/Vampire romance. I was certainly not disappointed. Plain Fear is a series that redefines what readers might consider inspirational. Even though some of the characters are "undead" these books still have the same underlying issues that any inspirational novel might have: good vs. evil, faith vs. unbelief, love vs. hate and even redemption vs. eternal loss. Ellis has done something many readers may not have thought possible. She has used characters and ideas that many in the inspirational community would consider taboo, to show the power of love and of God. Well done!

Plain Fear: Forgiven is the final book in the Plain Fear series. It wraps up the complete circle of the series, going from being utterly forsaken to being forgiven. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the hero, Samuel struggle against the dark side of his nature, which would lead him down the same path his brother Jacob succumbed to. But they will also see his determination to live up to the tenets of his faith. This book not only has the elements of good and evil but it is also filled with suspense and romance, giving the reader a very complex story that will stick with them for a long time. 

Ellis' portrayal of the Amish is done with a deft hand. She does not make the simple lifestyle of the Amish people into something evil by adding the vampire element. She still shows these people as people of faith and understanding. Who often stand in the gap between the materialistic world and the a world of simple pleasures and meaning that has fallen by the wayside. She shows the faith and love of this remarkable group of people with grace, while showing the dark, seductive side of life through the eyes of her vampire characters. The stark contrast is amazing to see brought out in the pages of this book and the others in the series. 

I can honestly say that after reading this series I have reflected more about my own life and faith. Samuel shows that even those who believe they are on a righteous path have to make tough decisions and must live with the consequences of each decision they make. Even though this series may not be in the inspirational market, I think it holds true value in that arena as well as the paranormal market. If haven't read this series... What are you waiting for?

Plain Fear: Forgiven is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

Check out the sidebar for your chance to win all 3-books in the series!

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag! That's the highest praise I can give...

About the Author:

Deep in the heart not only describes where Leanna Ellis lives in Texas but also the way she writes. Her books, whether romance, inspirational, women's fiction, or paranormal, are infused with heartfelt emotion. Having written twenty published novels, Ellis has won many awards including the National Readers Choice Award and the Maggie Award.

When not chasing vampires through the darkened recesses of her mind or roping and riding along with her characters through sun-drenched plains, she stays busy driving her children to their multitude of activities, figuring out what to make for dinner (or where to order takeout), chasing her menagerie of crazy pets around the house, and researching the next idea.

Interview and 3-Book Giveaway: Leanna Ellis

Please join me in welcoming Leanna Ellis to Debbie's Book Bag today. Leanna is here promoting her book, Plain Fear: Forgiven. This is the third book in Ellis' Amish/Vampire themed series. I was priviledged to get to ask Leanna some questions. I hope you enjoy the interview and check out the giveaway details for your chance to win all three books in this exciting series.

DEB: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
LEANNA: Hi! Thanks for having me here today! I’m a wife, mother, writer, and taxi driver (which is code that my kids aren’t old enough to drive yet). I spend a lot of time on the road, sitting outside kid activities in my car, while my kids are singing, dancing, acting, and fencing. Yes, I allow one of my children to play with swords. So while I’m waiting for them, I’m playing with my characters, writing on my laptop, and revising. 

DEB: What was your inspiration for this book and the series?
LEANNA: It all started with a joke. I was signing books at a multi-author event and the biggest sellers were the vampire and Amish books, so I told a friend of mine I should write an Amish/vampire story. We laughed. But a seed was planted in my brain and soon a character was rattling around in there, poking me, trying to tell me his story. And like most characters, he wouldn’t be quiet. This was not a series I wanted to write and I tried to not write it for a long time. But I fell in love with the heart of the store with the characters, so then it became a compulsion. Thankfully, when I gathered the courage to approach my agent with the idea, she loved it, and then my editor loved it too.

DEB: Is this the final book in the series or will there be more?
LEANNA: This is the final book in the Plain Fear series, and I feel very satisfied with the complete story. I’m very blessed that I was able to tell it. And it showed me I really like writing suspense. It also reminded me how much I like writing romance.

DEB: What are the major pro's and con's about writing vampire characters?
LEANNA: The biggest pro is that it’s just plain ol’ fun writing about vampires! Anything can happen! The worst part is that sometimes it makes it difficult for me to walk around my house in the dark at night. I tend to turn lights on and leave them on. 

DEB: What do you say to readers who are surprised that you are writing this kind of series?
LEANNA: Most have been intrigued, but from all my books readers know I think a little outside of the box. Okay, way outside the box. At the heart of the story is a good versus evil battle, and readers from the inspirational market can definitely recognize that kind of a tale.

DEB: Do you have a favorite genre or author that you like to read for pleasure?
LEANNA: I am such an eclectic reader. Because I have teenagers now, I’ve been reading more and more YA novels. I also really like to read historical fiction.

DEB: Tell us about your first experiences with getting published.
LEANNA: Plain Fear: Forgiven is my 20th book, so that tells you how long ago I sold that first one. Way back in 1995. I was working in an office as a receptionist, and an editor called to offer me a contract on my book, Strong, Silent Cowboy. Not long after that, I got a call that the same book was in the finals of the Golden Heart Award through Romance Writers of America. So it was a very exciting time. Since then, I got the rights to those first few books back. I have e-pubbed Strong, Silent Cowboy and its sequel, Christmas in July. And I am working on e-pubbing three more. It’s a very exciting time for writers because there are so many options available to us now. Back when I first published, if that book hadn’t sold there wasn’t another publisher who would publish that type of story. The market was very limited. But now, with the World Wide Web and e-readers, publishing is like the frontier with so many possibilities.

DEB: Do you have advice for new writers?
LEANNA: My best advice is to write, write, write. You learn the most by doing. So write. And then rewrite. Then write some more. But keep writing.

DEB: Tell us something readers may not know about you.
LEANNA: When I graduated college, I became a teacher, and I taught school (reading) for five years. Even though I loved the kids, teaching was draining. I wanted to do something else. My sister suggested I write, because I was always writing in my journal. Words are powerful. She planted a seed in my heart that took root and grew. I’m so glad she did!

DEB: What are you working on right now? 
LEANNA:  I’m working on getting three more books released for e-readers. So those will be coming soon! I’m also working on a new sweet romance trilogy and I’m also working on a gothic, which has the feel of the Plain Fear series but minus the vampires and Amish.

LEANNA: Thanks so much for having me here today! 

DEB: Look for my review of Plain Fear: Forgiven later today!

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for all three books in the series: Plain Fear: Forsaken, Plain Fear: Forbidden, and Plain Fear: Forgiven by Leanna Ellis.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, September 4th.

1. Please leave a comment with the title of your favorite Amish title or your favorite Vampire title.

2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review: Jaguar Fever

Jaguar Fever (Heart of the Jaguar - Book 2) by Terry Spear

Publication Date: 08/06/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 1402266952
ISBN-13: 978-1402266959

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Terry Spear on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Savage Hunger (2012), Jaguar Fever (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Jaguar Fever, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

She's being pursued by everyone, in more ways than one.

Even in an exotic world of humans, jaguars, and tantalizing creatures who shift between the two, Maya Anderson stands out from the crowd. Interest from human suitors is bad enough, but when male shifters give chase, the real trouble starts.

Who's the hunter and who's the prey?

Investigating the black marketing trade of exotic animals keeps Wade Patterson more than busy. When he and Maya both get entangled in a steamy jungle mission, it becomes impossible to tell who is being hunted or who the hunters are. Wade is desperate to survive this deadly game of cat and mouse. But it's Maya's piercing eyes that keep him awake at night.

Thoughts:

Terry Spear shifts her focus from wolves to jaguars in her latest book in the Heart of the Jaguar series, Jaguar Fever. Spear is well known for her writing on wolves and pack dynamics. A change to Jaguars is an interesting departure for her and shows her great love of wild animals and her versatility as a writer. With a military shifter unit focused on finding a ring of jaguar poachers, this novel has everything from romance, to suspense. Fans of Spear's writing will embrace this series and new readers will be fascinated by Spear's laser sharp focus  on these big cats.

I can honestly say I've never read a Terry Spear book, that I didn't love. Spear is arguably one of the best paranormal romance writers out there. She has a knack for getting deep in the psyche of her characters, in both human and animal form. Her research is unparalleled, no matter whether she is focused on wolves or jaguars, or any other paranormal character. Readers who are looking for an author who is serious about the paranormal will love Spear's writing.

Jaguar Fever is the second book in Spear's new Heart of the Jaguar series. I liked the fact that Spear introduced the leading couple for this book, in the first book in the series but did not go too much into detail about them. Wade and Maya had good chemistry in Savage Hunger but left the passion for Jaguar Fever. Spear introduces several new jaguar shifters in this book, which likely means we will see many more titles in this series. I love a good long lived series and it gives me a good feeling to know this one may be more than just a short trilogy.

Maya is such a good heroine. She is inquisitive and likable. After finding out that she and her brother Connor are not the only jaguar shifters she is ready to accept her new family and wants to find out more about them. She also wants to have fun. She has a very untamed spirit and can hold her own with the best of them. Wade certainly has his hands full with Maya. Though he is most definitely very alpha, Wade understands Maya's need for independence and he supports her completely.

Wade is a sexy shifter. He is confident and sure of himself, but he does lord his abilities over others. He is part of military unit that is trying to stop a ring of animal traffickers. He and his brother David are on the case and want to protect Maya and her family. Wade knows what he wants and in this case it's Maya. Getting her to realize she wants him back is the problem. I liked the fact that he got frustrated with her but still accepted her for who she was. The two of them together was an explosive combination. The passion was hot and Spear always delivers on a good love scene.

The premise of the book, was entertaining and suspenseful. I liked the whole idea of a group of shifters hunting other shifters. It was unexpected and provided a sense of urgency that was needed to carry the book. I found all of the information on big game animals and how they are bought and sold as prey to hunting ranches and that sort of thing very interesting. Spear's research in evident in every part of this book. It is also a feast for the senses. Spear has a way of writing that makes the reader feel like they are experiencing the book as well as reading it. From feeling the jungle vegetation against their skin, to hearing the purring of the big cats, the reader is right in the middle of the action. 

Spear has another hit on her hands with this one. I can't recommend it enough. She is a wonderful paranormal romance author than anyone who loves the genre will fall in love with.

Jaguar Fever is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm obviously giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over two dozen paranormal romance novels and medieval Highland historical romances. In 2008 Heart of the Wolf was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world. She lives in Crawford, Texas.

Winner's Post!

It's been awhile since we've had a winner's post. It's been busy around here with school starting back and that sort of thing. 

I want to thank everyone who participated in these giveaways. The winners were chosen by random.org. Winners will be notified later today by email and publishers will be sent the winners information no later than tomorrow.

Paradise Valley by Rosanne Bittner
Winner: Rita Wray

Laced With Poison by Meg London
Winner: Brooke Bumgardner

A Spy to Die For by Kris DeLake
Winner: bn100

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan
Winner: Carol Wong

Final Sentence by Daryl Wood Gerber
Winner: deb soliz

Woof at the Door by Laura Morrigan
Winner: Linda Rima

Yarn to Go by Betty Hectman
Winner: Helen Livermore

One Dead Cookie by Virginia Lowell
Winner: Charlotte Wills

Rubbed Out by Riley Adams
Winner: Anne Berger

Tulle Death do us Part by Annette Blair
Winner: Lisa Garrett

Murder on the Half Shelf by Lorna Barrett
Winner: Michelle Fidler

Dyeing Wishes by Molly MacRae
Winner: Mary Vehlies

A Custom Fit Crime by Melissa Bourbon
Winner: Carol M.

Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong
Winner: Nora Adrienne