The Heart of War ( Book 1 & 2 ) - Lisa Beth Darling

http://www.moonsmusings.com/ 

Inside the heart of every warrior breathes the soul of a hero--even within The Heart of War.

Meet Ares God of War is the greatest Warrior the world has ever known, he's also moody, grumpy, dominant, ravenously sexual,and above all, built like a Greek God.

Suspected of killing his Daughter in-Law, Psyche, and long in exile from Olympus, the solitude of Ares' island is interrupted when Magdalena MacLeod a brash and sometimes manipulative Fey washes up on Ares' island after believing she's been shipwrecked. There is no wreck and her memory of events is sketchy at best. Branded with a golden chastity belt bearing the mark of Cernunnos, Celtic God of the Forest and Death, Alena has been on the run from the Great Horned God for 200 years. As Ares and Alena grow closer discord erupts on the island as his head woman, Kat, plots to get rid of Alena and the Olympians plot to use her in their endeavor to discover who killed Artemis. Ares will have to choose between his Divinely Dysfunctional Family, his pride, and Alena before dueling to the death with the God of the Forest.
Come along for an epic adventure of erotica, steamy romance, and drama in this Modern Day Greek Tragedy. Battle Ancient Gods and Fall in Love along side Ares God of War and Alena MacLeod. Theirs is a love that will rock the world from the heights of Olympus to the Celtic moors.

The Heart of War 

The God of War, Ares, has been living in exile on his private island for over 200 years for crimes he was falsely accused of.  Ares seems to be a bit bored with life even though he has his harem to occupy him, but never being fully satisfied, and incapable of love.  That is until a mysterious fey woman washes up on the shores of his island. 

Magdalena, or as Ares ends up calling her, Alena has been running from her past and her betrothed, Cernunnos for the past 200 years or so, and with good reason…*shivers*.  She has been through so much in her time, but the most horrible of events started about 7 years ago.  After washing up on Ares’s island,  it seems she has lost the memory of the events that happened that led up to her arrival on the island.

Ares is determined to find out more about Alena, and in doing so he takes a trip to the refugee camp in Africa where she’s been for the past 7 years, in effort to fill in the gaps of her memory. What he didn’t expect to find out were the horrible details of what had been her life in Africa, and all the wonderful things she did to help the people there, and just how courageous the little Celt really is.  It seemed that with every detail he uncovered Ares lost a piece of his heart to Alena. 

I really enjoyed watching these two fall in love.  And after Alena finds her slice of happiness in the hell that her life has been,  life or should I say, the Olympians throw her a curve ball and hell is once again beating down her door.  I don’t think I have ever read a heroine more tortured than Alena.  She has been through some horrible, horrible events and yet remains so strong, courageous, and protective of those that are weaker, and those she loves.  (whether they deserve it or not).

There are so many things that happen in this book, I could spoil something at every turn.  I will say that this book is different than anything I’ve read, and it is not for the faint at heart.  It is violent, bloody, and full of betrayal.

3.5 Stars

Do you know 'Damien'? Raven makes that kid look like an angel.

The "Of War"-series picks up in part I of this II-part sequel when Ares and Alena try to settle down on Olympus and await the birth of their son, Raven.

Haunted by prophetic visions along with a body and mind that are starting to betray her, Alena struggles to enjoy what should be a happy and blessed occasion. The relentless hostility from the other Olympians make her yearn to be back on their cozy island home, far away from all the bickering and backstabbing that makes up Life on mighty Mount Olympus.

Knowing of Zeus' unabashed hatred for Alena and the Celts, Ares becomes convinced Zeus is causing these visions and the breakdown of Alena's mind. To appease his Father, the God of Gods, Ares enters into a wicked blood pact ensuring the safety of his wife and unborn son. A pact that could cost the God of War everything he holds dear. 

Child of War-A God is Born

As life on Olympus gets more and more complicated, both Alena and Ares make the best of the situation. Until....Their is son is born. It seems everything and everyone up on Olympus is E.V.I.L. (then again,if u read the first book, you already know that) Nothing is made easy for this couple. In the previous book, Alena is thriving for her life almost near death. Ares' mother now realizes her son has finally found love. She's willing to help Alena and heal her, only on one condition.If  she saves Alena,Ares would move himself, his wife and his unborn son to live on Olympus. What seemed fair and doable, turns out for the worst with twists and many heartaches  while the story unfolds.

Zeus father of Ares, still doesn't like the fare existence of Ares ever being born, yet alone accepting  Alena,it's like accepting the devil to his table. Zeus has it made up in his mind that Alena is a Fae from the Dark Kingdom,whom has put a spell on his son, to make Ares fall in love with her. My question is, "Is she a Dark Fae,or isn't she?" How Alena deals with Ares' family,is beyond words. Ares' and Alena's child is not much welcomed on Olympus either, Zeus and Apollo (Ares' uncle) both think the baby is nothing but a Mud-Blood, they make it known  he's an outcast just like his mother, and both  men have a devious plan on making Ares' and Alena's son an Olympian, but one made with hatred, not to grow and be King.That is why when Ares' and Alena's son is born, Zeus wants to gift their son as "God of the Damned" Which Alena puts the stop to it when presenting they're son a few days after he's born. What Alena doesn't know, if her son was to be God of the Damned, he would be able to bring his father to his knees and into death.

Zeus has no heart (IMO) he's out to do things for his own personnel gain, he's known for screwing with his children's lives and has no bounds, including the happiness he takes in by being so cruel.

Blood Vows, Treachery, Adultery, Murder,Secrets,Lies, Treason, Sorrow and Hatred. This about sums up what you'll read in this novel, there's enough to keep you on your toes and make you wanna continue reading and not put the book down. Most of all, there's love between Ares,Alena and their Son Raven, but to a certain extent.Ares and Alena's love for one another weakens as the story continues, I'm not sure it's enough to hold them together. Their situation alone tore my heart to shreds, neither one deserves all this heartache. There's only so much Ares and Alena can deal with. Everything in their lives starts to tumble and fall around them more so when their son  Raven is born. He's powerful,strong,and out of control. Raven being, half Olympian,one-quarter Human,and one-quarter Fey,makes him a walking disaster waiting to happen.

Can the lives of the Olympians truly either come to an end, or will there be a Happily Ever After? I do hope for an  HEA. The ending to this novel ended with heartache and I expect more to follow. I'm now prepared for what's to happen next. I'm just crossing my fingers, Ares,Alena and Raven can put the pieces together and stay strong.

Elizabeth Hoyt Interview and Giveaway!

I am very pleased to introduce Ms. Elizabeth Hoyt. I was first introduced to Ms. Hoyt’s writing when I read the Princes Trilogy. 


From book one I was hooked to the style of writing and the tortured heroes that tend to come along with them.  So when Elizabeth Hoyt agreed to come and do an interview on our blog, I was needless to say jumping around my house doing my rather geeky and uncoordinated


:HAPPY DANCE: 

So without further ado, I would welcome Elizabeth Hoyt to our blog. Thank you Elizabeth for stopping by our blog today.

******************

   The Princes Trilogy was my first ever read written by you. I loved the entire trilogy and would recommend them to anyone! Where did the idea for the trilogy come from and were the titles something that you envisioned early on?

Yup, I usually start with the titles for my books. I was doing research into the Georgian period and and found out that there were all these early scientific societies. I thought a series of books about gentlemen connected by their interest in agricultural innovation would be interesting. Fortunately, I didn’t pitch it that way because it sounds pretty boring! ;-)

 I love historical books; I would love to be able to jump back in time to experience even just for a moment what it was like to live in Regency Times. I often ask friends of mine; if you could go back or forward in time, which would it be and why? And even though I’m certain I know your pick, I ask you: If you could go forward or back in time, which would it be and what would you do when you got there?

I’d love to visit Georgian London and see the sights! I think I’d just walk around and gawk. ;-)

  Do you have to do alot of research into your novels to make sure you get everything correct: etc; Clothing, speech, food.....

Research is kind of an ongoing thing. I like to visit museums when on vacation, for instance, and check out portraits from the time period or, if I’m lucky, examples of furniture and dress. I also usually have a research book on my bedside table to dip into. (Mr. Hoyt recently brought home London 1753 by Sheila O’Connell for me!) If I have a specific question while I’m writing the internet is a wonderful resource!

 Where do you like to write your stories? Is it a cluttered mess like my desk is? *hangs head in shame*... Any picture would be a great visual.

I just got a “new” office (we rearranged space in our house.) with a new lovely desk. I try not to keep it too cluttered on the surface, but you should (or should NOT) see the drawers!

I also sometimes meet a friend at a coffee shop to write—a change of scenery is nice.

 Your most recent release is Scandalous Desires: is there anything you would like to tell us about your new book?

SCANDALOUS DESIRES is about Mickey O’Connor, a ruthless Thames River pirate and Silence Hollingbrook, a widow he wronged terribly in the past. Here’s the back blurb:

Can a pirate learn . . .

River Pirate ‘Charming’ Mickey O’Connor has lifted himself from the depths of the slums to be the King of St. Giles. Anything he wants he gets—with one exception. Silence Hollingbrook has been haunting his dreams ever since she spent a single night in his bed.

That the only true treasure . . . 

Once Silence was willing to sacrifice anything to save the man she loved. Now a widow, she’s finally found peace when Charming Mickey comes storming back into her life with an offer she can’t refuse. But this time she won’t be the only one paying the price for his sins.

Lies in a woman's heart?

When his past comes back to torment him, Mickey must keep Silence safe from a merciless enemy, while wrestling with the delicious hold this widow  has on his heart. And in the face of mounting danger, both will have to surrender to something even more terrifying . . . true love.

I hope you like it!

Thank you once again for joining us.

Thank you! ;-)

Elizabeth Hoyt has been very generous in offering up a paper back copy of her newly released

SCANDALOUS DESIRES

Tender Loving Care - Jennifer Greene

When tragedy strikes, Zoe Anderson finds herself in the one role she never expected to have: mother. Sharing guardianship of four-year-old twins with sexy Rafe Kirkland is a responsibility she simply cannot accept. Rafe is just going to have to take care of the boys himself.
Rafe's not prepared to be a single parent either, but deserting the children is not an option—and he's never been as attracted to a woman as he is to their godmother. He proposes a solution: Zoe and the boys will move in with him, at least until other arrangements can be made. Or until he can convince her to make their temporary family permanent.
Zoe reluctantly agrees to the plan, but even after she loses her heart to the twins, she can't possibly take that emotional risk with Rafe…
Previously published.

Zoe Anderson and Rafe Kirkland have big shoes to fill as guardians to, two adorable 4year old twin boys, Aaron and Parker. Their best friends Janet and Jonathon,died suddenly in a tragic accident. So as they had asked in their will,if there was ever a situation like this ever happened,they asked if the godparents to their children would take care of them. They're not legally obligated to make a home for the twins. Neither of them signed anything. Ethically, morally and legally,being guardians simply means supervising the caretaking of the children.

Both Zoe and Rafe,never consider having or taking care of children of their own.So the thought to them is devastating.They have no parenting skills and have no idea how to raise and be a partaker to anyone besides themselves. As selfish as Zoe thinks she is,she comes to realize,if both she and Rafe declined the guardianship to the boys, the little ones could end up in an orphanage or foster home. The thought alone makes Zoe sick to her stomach,she could never allow it. Rafe feels the same exact way,and he wasn't in the position to take on a whole different lifestyle of taking care of kids,but deep down he knew he would prepared to take care of the boys with no attachments,but he would just rather have had support from the one woman who his best friend trusted with their twin boys. So Rafe decides the best option is to adapt 3weeks at his place and 3weeks at hers and afterwards decide who the children are best be left with,Him or Zoe.

Straight off hand,Zoe tells Rafe,she's incapable of having kids of her own physically.Three years ago, she had an infection that got out of hand, and following that an operation. Because of it,she knew exactly why her best friend Janet had written her in as a guardian in case anything happened to her. Janet knew her kids would be the only chance Zoe,would have to have children.Only Zoe,thinks Janet was wrong about making that judgment call. Bringing her explanation to a conclusion. She explains how she built a life that doesn't include kids.

Rafe,is a very understanding and sweet guy,he sees no matter how much Zoe puts her self down,she's an amazing and strong woman in his eyes.He's determined to make her see,she can love and be loved. Once he gets around her tough barriers he offers her honesty, intimacy and allure of yielding to a man who needed her, just her.(which he does quite well) ,she would be crazy not to love him! A man who doesn't mind that she can not bare his children and still love and adores her IS A KEEPER!

As for the two monster/adorable 4year old twin boys,they made Zoe and Rafe fall immensely in love with them. Aaron and Parker, for two small fragile and not so fragile kids,took it like champs losing their parents but happy beyond measures for gaining another pair in return. Zoe and Rafe gave them all the comfort they need plus more.

It was a sweet contemporary romance novel.The story plot was comparable to many other novels I've read,but I loved the authors writing style and enjoyed every moment reading it. So if I were to ask myself "Will I read another novel by this author gain?" My answer would be "YES!"

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match

  

Elena & Rhonda's Joint Review

 Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
YA, Contemporary Romance


Bitter Sweet Love!

Rhonda: This book was simply wonderful!!! Not since Perfect Chemistry has a Young Adult book captured my attention this way.  On a whim I opened this book up to finally read it, and WOW, I was hooked from the opening pages.  This was such an emotional journey of ups and downs, and I was constantly on edge waiting for that detrimental moment when everything was truly going to go up in flames.

Elena: That is so true Rhonda! I'm a huge "Funtes Brothers" Fan, so I had to jump on Rhonda's  wagon and read this novel.Especially when she was teasing me on how good the book is. Lol!! She did not disappoint with this Rec. It's PERFECTION! Exactly what I like to read in a YA novel.

Rhonda: Abby Abernathy is running from her past in every way, from her parentage, to who she is.  She and her best friend America run off to Eastern University, where she can start fresh.  And almost immediately she runs straight into Travis Maddox, who smacks of everything she’s running from. Abby already knows the scoop on Travis and what a ho dog he is. Travis is a bad boy in every sense,  he’s doesn’t hide what he is, and has no shame… at all!!! He fights in a traveling fight ring called The Circle where bets are made, and this is how he makes his living.

Elena: This couple will leave your draw dropping with their confusing relationship. Abby sees right through Travis and knows the real man he is and always will be. She promises herself not to fall for his charms. But who can't?  Rhonda and I gushed over his nickname for Abby, "Pigeon" That says a whole lot. Lol!! Travis is an irresistible cutie pie! Travis isn't used to the hard-to get chicks, he's more of a chick magnet, no one refuses him. Except, now  he's met his challenge, Abby. Abby changes Travis in so many ways, but at times she's too dumb to realize she's truly special to him.

Rhonda:  I agree Elena,  Travis and Abby are completely dysfunctional, but so perfect together.  They had my emotions in a state of chaos all the time, they had my heart breaking on several occasions for each other. I was angry with both of them on several occasions but my heart just kept rooting for them to finally get their act together even when there was one obstacle after another constantly being thrown in their way, and at times they were their own worst enemy.  

Elena: Friendships, Heartaches, Tears, Love, Devotion, you name it,this book will throw it at you in such a manner you'll have a Love / Hate relationship with  the characters and enjoy the plot of the story just because it made your toes curl.

Rhonda:  You are so right Elena, there were times when I didn't think my heart could take anymore, but I was so in love with the story and characters that I had to keep going because I just had to know what was going to happen.  Jamie McGuire knocked this one out of the park!  One of the best YA novels I've ever read, and I must give a shout out to the secondary characters, Shep and America.  These two were so much fun and I think they gave the story a good balance.

Elena: Trust me,you don't know what you're missing till you've read the novel and realize you can't bookmark your page in fear you'll miss what's gonna happen next. It'll suck you in and spit you out feeling whole. I Loved It!

5 ++++ Awesome Stars!! 
 

Heart Of Darkness - Lauren Dane

Meriel Owen, next in line to control the largest organization of witches in the country, is asked to investigate the owner of a notorious club reportedly siphoning magic from the font of the Clan. It’s a direct violation of the Clan Code of Conduct, but one look at Dominic Bright and Meriel’s willing to make a deal. One taste of the sexually feral outlaw witch, and she’s eager to go further: he’s her bond mate, a legal conduit into the world of Clan witches and their magic.

Playing by the rules isn’t Dominic’s style, but bonding with Meriel—night after explosive night—is. However, Meriel has unwittingly invited someone else into her world: Dominic’s mother, a dangerous and poisonously influential magic addict whose lust for death and power corrupts all she touches. Now her shadow is closing in on Meriel, her Clan, and the man Meriel loves, and it’s casting them all into the inescapable heart of darkness.

Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane

Bound by Magick, book 1

I absolutely loved this book!!!

Lauren Dane has created a story with a lot of the elements I love. A great story / plot, romance, suspense, action, and oh so sexy. Dane puts us in a world where Vampires and Were have come out of the closet… so to speak, but witches still remain a secret.  There are different types of witches and the most powerful of them are the council witches especially after they find and bond with their bond-mate. There are different clans across the country and Clan Owen in Seattle is the focus of our story.

Meriel Owen is sexy, smart, funny, independent, protective, ambitious, confident, and is a kick-ass powerful witch who is next in line to run Clan Owen.  Meriel is an attorney, and after finding out that the new club in town Heart of Darkness has been stealing power from Clan Owen’s font to strengthen his wards at the club, she heads to the club to handle the situation with the owner.  As she comes face to face with the club owner Dominic Bright, the sparks start to fly… literally.  Dominic is a smart businessman, a sharp dresser, a brawler, protective, possessive, and damn sexy!  There are some surprises in store as far as Dominic is concerned, some good, some bad.  Meriel and Dominic were so much fun to read, the chemistry was great between them and they balanced each other out so nicely. Whatever situations arise, they seem to give each other a different perspective on things instead of seeing things one sided.  One of the things I liked most about Dominic was that he has no issues learning new things about his magick, and learning from women. It was fun seeing a woman being the dominant power too.

As the story unfolds there are “stuck” witches causing all sorts of problems. (the stuck witches would be the equivalent of a rogue vampire)  Witches across the country are turning up dead or missing.  These stuck witches have teamed up with Mages and some humans and are siphoning magick from witches for the addiction of the stuck witches.  Now they have shown up in Seattle and the Owen Clan must take them out before one of their own gets hurt, or killed.

Let me give props to the great cast of secondary characters as well; Simon, Nell, and Edwina, and Tim, they were a great compliment to the story.

I enjoyed this book so much, in fact it was my first ever Lauren Dane book, and definitely won’t be my last.  Lauren Dane has gained a new fan, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.