ARC Review: Wolf Moon

I'm so behind with Lisa Kessler's Moon Series, but better late than never. I have read the first book (Adam's story) and the sixth book (Logan's story), but when an email came through asking if I wanted to read the newest and seventh book (Luke's story), I couldn't resist. Check out my review below.

Title: Wolf Moon
Series: Moon Series
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Release Date: February 6, 2017
Pages: 248
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | BN

Blurb:

As the last Pack member without a mate, Luke Reynolds has become an outsider. When he takes a job as the head horse trainer in Sedona, Arizona, he’s looking forward to starting a new life. But everything changes the night he finds a beautiful woman stranded on the side of the highway.

Raven Wood has been bitten and turned against her will. Luckily, her spirit is stronger than most, and she has every intention of escaping the Sedona Pack. Somehow. The sexy lone wolf who rescues her might be just the answer she’s looking for.

But the Sedona Pack Alpha has a mission, and unless Luke and Raven can stop him, they’ll lose everything.

Action-packed and quite epic!

I have been reading this series out of order, and this has been the third book I've read from the series. I must say that this was my favorite book so far! I loved it so much!

Chapter 1 was such a great example of how to write a proper story. If that doesn't sell this book to you, I don't know what would.

Luke was afraid he'd never find his mate, but when he did, wow, what a dilemma!

There was a part when Luke was beaten to a pulp and he couldn't fight back. That was such a gruesome thing to read, but it was necessary. I thought it only strengthened his resolve to successfully infiltrate the pack of misguided wolves led by a sinister Alpha. 

Raven was a headstrong woman who was bitten to become part of an army of werewolves. The instinct to protect was just as present as it was inside Luke's. It was so energizing reading about Raven and Luke trying to protect each other. 

One of my favorite things from this book was in chapter one when the author inserted all kinds of ironic things that the readers would have already known, but Raven didn't. It was fun waiting for her to piece things together and figure things out.

Raven: "You're very sexy when you lift saddles like they weigh nothing."

Luke: "And just so you know... I lift saddles multiple times a day."

Raven: "Is that a challenge?"

Luke: "Nah. Just thought you might want to know."

Another thing I really enjoyed was how Luke kept trying to teach other wolves in the pack he'd infiltrated how to properly greet each other. I thought it was so honorable and... right. 

I also really enjoyed the part when they all turned under a full moon and someone had to bite Luke's tail in order to prevent him from giving away his cover. It would seem that his wolf wasn't in on the secret ;)

Overall, this book made me glad I started reading paranormal romance again. That's not to say I'd actively seek them out now, but I'm glad I'm reading this series. 

"I'd rather have a little place so I can keep accidentally bumping into you."

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ARC Review: Legend of Love

I'm really enjoying Lisa Kessler's The Muse Chronicles series. Check out my review of the second book below!

Title: Legend of Love
Series: The Muse Chronicles, #2
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Lisa's Lair
Release Date: December 5, 2016
Pages: 256
Buy Links: Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | BN | ARe

Blurb:

Callie O'Connor's life has never been the same since the Muse of Epic Poetry came alive inside of her. Now she's on the other side of the country, working as civilian psychologist for the Navy, and leading her Muse sisters in their quest to reopen the Theater of the Muses.

But nothing could have prepared her for Hunter Armstrong. He's a Navy SEAL, driven, confident, and dangerous. And he plans to do more than just protect her.

The gods couldn't have picked a better Guardian. But as Hunter soon discovers, Callie has some skeletons of her own in the closet, and loving her could lead to his destruction. 

I had a book hungover days after I finished this book. 

Right from the very start, I was hooked. Hunter and Callie already had an epic banter, and it was literally not even ten pages in. This book was such a page turner. I loved the amount of action, romance, and depth in this book. There wasn't a dull moment at all.

Hunter was a great guy overall. He was noble, kind, and protective. I was really impressed when he used his Navy SEAL skills during some difficult times. I thought it was so hot; I could clearly picture him in my head, dripping from being in the water. *fans self*

Callie was headstrong and a bit misled by her own self. She had the biggest fear of hurting the people she most cared about, so she kept pushing Hunter away. I was glad to know that Hunter was totally into doing all the things that were considered a bad idea by saner people.

I loved the cameo of the main characters from the first book, Lure of Obsession. Being able to work together was cool, and a little foreshadowing of a future hero was awesome. I'm sure you'll figure it out when you read the book. 

That said, I highly recommend you pick up this book. It can stand alone, but of course, it's better to read in order. 

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ARC Review: Lure of Obsession

If I wasn't mistaken, Lisa was the very first author I'd met in person. From the start, she was so lovely, and then I read her books and they were such a joy to immerse myself into. And then the time came when she approached me to edit her newest book, and I was only too happy to accept. Aside from being an editor, I enjoyed reading the book, so check out my review below!

Title: Lure of Obsession
Series: The Muse Chronicles, #1
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Lisa's Lair (Self-Pub)
Release Date: August 1, 2016
Pages: 266
Buy Links: Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | BN

Blurb:

The Prophecy - "Every generation the nine daughters of Zeus are reborn, and with their rebirth are also nine Guardians. They will be marked by the gods, and given gifts to protect his treasure. Their abilities will only be unlocked when they find their muse." 

Melanie Jacoby teaches English at Crystal City High School. She's also the reborn Muse of Tragic Poetry, but she isn't prepared for the tragedy of finding her roommate dead at the bottom of the stairs.

Nate Malone is the detective assigned to the case, but as the evidence points to an accidental fall, the visions begin. He sees a killer in a gold Kronos mask.

Mel is the next target. 

The Order of the Titans are eager to bring about the return of the Golden Age of Man, and they're prepared to kill the Muses to complete their mission. But Nate's desire to protect Mel is almost as strong as his hunger for her. 

And tragedy isn't part of his plan.

A fresh new series that was touching, romantic, and a little bit cute. 

When I first read the premise of this series, I knew I wanted to read it. I didn't read a lot of mythology books, but this one sounded interesting, besides the fact that Ms. Kessler wrote it. I liked the idea of Zeus' daughters living on Earth and inspiring people to move forward in the world. I truly appreciated the romance aspect of this book as well. The guardian thing was awesome, especially because he was a cop -- a man in uniform was always hot, right?

I loved the conversations in the book because they were light; not too serious. Melanie had such a way with words that made me giggle at times, even during sexy time ;)

There was also something to be said about Nate's willingness to help Melanie. He felt very protective of her, not to mention the undeniable attraction between them.

Since Melanie was the Muse of Tragic Poetry, it only made sense that she was a teacher who taught poetry. My favorite part was when one of her students read out loud. I might have shed a tear or two after reading that scene. It was so beautiful.

There was also a nice little surprise in the book that I thought the readers would really love. If you were looking for a new, fresh series to lose yourself into, I would highly recommend this one. I, for one, couldn't wait for the next books in the series. I heard there would be many more men in uniform.

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RWA16: Day 2 - July 14

I brought my new roommate with me on the second day. We were so late because I got the times wrong! I totally missed the Kensington signing and I was so bummed, but I did make it towards the end of the Indie Signing. I met Crista McHugh, finally! She had three awards at her table -- what a legend! The rest of the authors I planned to see already left :'(

I saw Sorcha Mowbray hanging out so I chatted with her for a bit. She advised that I go back and see who else I could meet, so I did. Someone told me that the books were actually free and my mind was blown to bits. I was so excited that I got to meet authors AND get their books to read! I ended up with three books, all romantic suspense -- my faves!

After I met everyone I could, I texted my client Pamela DuMond to see if she wanted to meet up. Thankfully, I caught her just in time before she went on to her meeting. What a lovely woman. She was talking about me to her friend Angie Fox while I was still there. My heart swelled in gratitude. Oh, did I mention I brought her a Chocolate Chocolate Chip bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes? One of her main character is a baker so I thought it was only appropriate ;)

After meeting Pam, I waited an hour for a special author. I really just wanted a hug and a selfie, but she didn't see my tweet until later, but no worries, I waited with my roommie anyway. When I finally saw her, it gave me pure joy. Who wouldn't be happy to see Lisa Kessler? That woman beamed happiness!

Overall, Day 2 was a success. I had fun even though we were so late!

Giveaway: I posted two giveaways on my Twitter. Check them out below. Winners chosen 7/19/16 (or longer if no one enters lol)
2 Winners https://twitter.com/ariannecruz07/status/754893111717801988 1 Winner https://twitter.com/ariannecruz07/status/754892255987511298

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ARC Review: Blue Moon

I swear, Lisa Kessler is one of the few authors that could get me to read a paranormal romance these days... I'm so glad I did!!! #TeamLogan

Title: Blue Moon
Series: The Moon Series, #6
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Release Date: June 27, 2016
Pages: ~300
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | Kobo | iBooks | Entangled |

Blurb:

She’s his muse, his mate, and completely off-limits…

He’s a jerk, a recluse, and her newest assignment. 

Until he broke her heart, Vivianna Lopez loved Logan Reynolds.

Five years later, she’s an aspiring music journalist and he’s the camera-shy lead singer of Logan and the Howlers. 

Armed with a backstage pass, Vivi’s back in her hometown of Reno, nestled in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada mountains. She must score an interview with Logan to land her dream job - otherwise it’s back to Boston, with no scoop and no job. It’s just business–at least that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Logan still loves Vivi, his soul mate, but there’s something even she doesn’t know about him: He turns into a werewolf every full moon and a secret organization is hunting down his Pack. 

Vivi may not have Logan’s senses, but she can sniff out that he’s hiding something. He knows it’s only a matter of time before the truth about him - and his Pack - is revealed. 

And then he really will lose her.

I love the chemistry between the characters. You know it's true love when the passion is still explosive even after a few years. Plus, who doesn't love a sexy rockstar?

There's something about starting over that gives a fresh spin to things, and Logan and Vivi definitely needed a fresh start. I really appreciated Logan's patience when Vivi was confused or scared to try again. I also loved the support that the Pack provided Logan when he needed it most.

I couldn't put this book down. Every page had either romance or action injected in it, and putting it down gave a jolt of pain every time. If I'm not mistaken, this might be the first book that I've read of this series, and now I want to read the rest. What rock was I hiding under that I didn't realize how amazing this series was?!

Did I mention Logan was such a beautiful wolf with blue eyes. Ooh, I'd love to have him as a pet if I could ;)

Anyway, I can't wait for Luke's story, but to be fair, I'd rather keep him to myself. 

Want a taste of the story? Check out the little excerpt below:

He frowned. "Did I hurt you?"

I shook my head, warm all over. "No."

He bent to kiss away the tear. "Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just happy, and maybe a little scared."

A wrinkle formed between his eyebrows. "Why are you scared?"

"Because..." I could barely get the words out. No man would've been able to hear them, but my guy was a werewolf, and he had no trouble. "Because you feel like my Logan again."

His eyes shone with tears he didn't let fall. "Anna, I was a stupid, angry, terrified kid, but even after I walked away, I have always been yours. Always."

*heart eyes emoji*

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