UtopYA Day 25

reEmergent by A.M. Hargrove

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Xarrid Yarrister is barely surviving...he’s living a life in hell.
The love of his life, Saylan, has vanished into thin air, and his telepathic powers can’t connect with her mind.

Saylan, a Guardian of Vesturon, doesn’t know herself anymore. Kidnapped by the Xanthians, she’s had a robotic chip implanted in her brain and is now a prisoner in her own body, lacking free will, at the beck and call of her cruel masters. 

For over a year Xarrid has been on the hunt. The Guardians have searched everywhere for her, but when they finally bring her home, Xarrid discovers her memory is gone. He’s determined to restore his love’s mind back to its healthy state. Removing the chip can cost Saylan her life, but doing nothing will cause irreparable brain damage. What choice will Xarrid make and how steep of a price will Saylan have to pay?

Review of reEmergent

*if you haven't read Survival, Ressurection, or Determinant, this review will be a spoiler!*

I can't believe this series is over!  When you follow a series from beginning to end there is almost this sadness when you read the final 'the end'.  Thankfully it was a great end that did not disappoint whatsoever.  I'm sad to see The Guardians of Vesturon series come to a close, but I got to say I was completely satisfied.

Poor Xarrid.  You can't help feel bad for him.  His mate was kidnapped in Determinant and they can't find her.  Luckily it didn't take to long to locate her, but once they did she didn't remember anything.  Xarrid and Saylan have to work really hard to get back what they once had, and her trauma from being kidnapped threatens them ever having that relationship back.

It was great getting a glimpse into the characters lives that I had fallen for in the previous books in the series.  Rykerion and January have a cute little toddler and Rykerion is still giving Jurek the death stare.  Rayn and Maddie get a nice little surprise.  Maddie is still as strong as ever when she insists to join the mission on Earth.

When I started the book I was like but A.M. what about Sharra?  She still doesn't have a mate and thats just wrong.  Little did I know she definitely did not forget about the only girl of the royal family.  Sharra and Zander have a great bond.  I love that the series has soulmates and Sharra finally ran into hers.  They are both powerful Guardians and a great match.

I love Jurek in this book.  Man I did not like him in Determinant he was a jerk most of the time and then I warmed up to him when I read the Dark Waltz.  In reEmergent he plays such a big role in helping the Yarristers.  I love that we get to see this soft side to him even though he still holds up his authority and domineering side too.  You get to see that his hardened heart still cares for others!  <3 Jurek.

The ending ends with many happily ever afters but does leave some room.  I can't wait to see where Hargrove goes with the Praestani Series (starting with Dark Waltz).  I still think Tesslar should end up with me!  I mean how perfect would it be?  Tess <3 Tesslar ;)

*5 Stars*

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Review & Excerpt: Shattered Edge

Shattered Edge by A.M. Hargrove

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Their trial relationship was meant to last six months, but things didn’t quite work out the way they planned...

Justin Middleton, who has left a string of broken hearts across the state of South Carolina, has only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning Terri Mitchell’s heart in six months. That’s all the time she’s given him...six short months. If he can’t do it by then, they’ll go their separate ways. 

Terri Mitchell knows she’s lost her mind when she even suggested this harebrained scheme. She finally thinks her heart is on the mend from her past encounter with Justin. However, when he shows up at her house late one night looking deliciously sexy and irresistible, her iron will to fight him vanishes and the words tumble from her lips before she’s barely aware of what she’s done. 

Within weeks, both of them find themselves passionately involved, but when Terri’s brother, Preston, shows up, mysterious things begin to happen, turning their blissful world into something dark and dangerous.

Review

Disaster strikes for Terri Mitchell and Justin Middleton near the end of the Edge of Disaster before they even got a chance to try to have the love they deserve. Shattered Edge is the story of Justin and Terri's attempt at making their own love story.

I'm so glad AM continued this story for Justin and Terri! They just couldn't catch a break in Edge of Disaster and you couldn't help but root for them. The chemistry between them has always been strong but Oh my goodness in Shattered Edge you can cut the passion in the room with a knife. The time they were apart between the two books only made their connection stronger and you just couldn't help telling the characters to just go for it and that they deserved each others love.

Solid 4.5 Stars on this one! I'm definitely between ratings because the fact that I couldn't put this book down makes me want to give it 5, but a few times I wanted the characters to get out of bed some for a little expansion on the plot so I just settled with 4.5! 

Anyway back to those characters not being able to get out of bed...this book was HOT SEXY STEAMY. Sometimes I just wanted to be like Oh my gawd please come get into my bed! Can I please get a Middleton brother of my very own?! AM did you hear that? Okay just checking.

BIG KABOOOM close to the end. Like seriously didn't see that one coming at all. I kinda had a feeling things were going too smoothly for too long, but I didn't think there would be such a game changer so close to the end! I can't even begin to describe this one to you so I guess you got to read it to find out! 

If HOT STEAMY and some sweaty romance is your kind of book, then you will love it! 

and now for a little excerpt to give you a little taste of Justin and Terri...

Terri

My best friend was getting married in ten minutes. I was about to walk down the aisle as her maid of honor and I’d never been so nervous in my entire life. My palms were pretty much dripping water and I only hoped my dress wasn’t stained beneath my arms, because I was sure that about right now I was having massive antiperspirant failure. I had practiced walking in these shoes for two solid weeks at physical therapy. My therapists had convinced me (I actually made them pinky swear to me) that I could do this. At this moment I was quite certain that they had fed me some boldfaced lies. I knew when I took my first few steps, that I would stumble, then my bad leg would give out, and I would go rolling instead of walking down that aisle. 

Crap in a handbasket!

I looked at Tana, the wedding director, and she nodded, signaling it was my turn. My grip tightened on my bouquet of fresh cut flowers. I was surprised the damn stems weren’t crushed by now. No doubt my fingers would be green by the time the ceremony was over.  

My left foot went out, followed by my right. Okay, I had this. I repeated this mantra...left, right, left, right, until I was up at the altar and taking my place next to the spot where Lexi would stand. 

I smiled and I’m sure it reached my ears, because I swear I could feel my earrings tickling my cheeks. Then I forgot the promise I made to myself. I totally blanked out because I was so excited about the stupid fact that I had made it down the aisle without looking gimpy. I let my eyes wander across the altar and damn if they didn’t land directly on him. 

Shiz!

He looked like the dude in the Ralph Lauren Polo ad...tall dark and alluring. Dressed in a black tux, he was perfect. Justin Middleton, brother of the groom and best man...my heartbreaking nemesis.  I suppose nemesis is relatively harsh, but heartbreaker isn’t. I had dreaded this day now for months. I should be happy for Lexi...she’d been my bestie since freshman year at UVA. But I was pulling the selfish card today. I tried not to, but everything I did was useless. I pasted a smile back on my face and jerked my head to the back of the church so I could watch Lexi walk down the aisle. 

Damn, that girl looked gorgeous. Her dress was really something. I’d never seen a bride where anything close to that. Originality...pure and simple. Her dress had an illusion neckline, making it appear sleeveless and off the shoulders, when it actually had sheer fabric that afforded a boat neckline. The dress was fitted and had fabric beads sewn onto it until it hit mid thigh where it was covered in layers of chiffon and stiff ribbon, giving it a totally off the charts look. And she was getting married in the church every Charlestonian would give their left hand...hell their right hand too...to get married in. St. Phillips was the church on every Charleston postcard ever made. You had to be connected to get married there. And the Middletons were certainly connected. Hell, they were Charleston. South of Broad, blue blooded born and bred. Lexi sure lucked out here. 

And Pearce...didn’t he look yummy? Not nearly as yummy as Justin, but girls all over South Carolina would be grieving today because one of the most eligible bachelors, not to mention one of the wealthiest, was getting hitched.  Once again, Lexi sure lucked out. But if anyone deserved it, Lexi did. 

  Now, I sure wish the show could get a move on, because I would love for this thing to get the hell over with. I only had enough plastic smiles to last for a certain amount of time and once they ran out, I was gonna have to hit the road.  I hated to be so snarky about this, but I couldn’t stand around with this happy assed face when I was cracking to pieces on the inside.

The happy couple said their vows and damn it all, I started crying. Thank God the Tana gave us a list with a bag at the rehearsal last night, which included waterproof mascara and eyeliner, or I would’ve looked like Rocky raccoon, resident maid of honor and side kick to Bullwinkle. Yeah, this was gonna be fun.

  Now, I had to look forward to picture time and more plastic smiles. I pulled up my bootstraps and watched as Lexi and Pearce walked down the aisle as Dr. and Mrs. Middleton. Oh good lord, they looked so happy. I really couldn’t help the true smile that formed then, because looking at them made me believe in it all...their love was nothing short of bursting from them.

I heard a throat clearing and looked up to see Justin waiting with his arm bent. I’d been so engrossed in watching the happy couple, I’d forgotten I had to walk arm in arm with him.

Well, isn’t this a crap storm?

I didn’t have time to prepare myself. When I put my hand on his arm, I felt the jolt all the way to my toes. I forced myself to look at my feet, when all I wanted to do was to fall into his eyes...his perfectly gorgeous eyes. Lexi always called Pearce, Smoky Eyes, because he had gray eyes. Well, Justin’s were gray too, but his were the color of the sea, right before a storm hit. Deep, dark bluish gray and every time I looked at them I was pulled into their depths...just like I would imagine the sea as it would call to me.  Mysterious, with things unknown lurking below the surface. That was Justin. Beautiful and sometimes frightening because he made me feel things I’d never felt before. 

He leaned his tall frame down to my smaller one so he could whisper to me, “You were perfect when you walked down the aisle, Terri. You made me proud.”

That caused my head to jerk up. I shouldn’t have done that because my eyes landed right on his. And there I was, falling into them...deeply, dramatically, and yes, painfully.

“God, you’re beautiful.” Three simple words that nearly made me cry. I felt my lower lip tremble, but forced myself to smile instead.

“Thanks. You clean up pretty good yourself,” my voice trembled.

He smiled and it felt like someone lifted all the blinds and curtains in the church. The light just entered and blazed around him. He was that kind of beautiful. I knew I needed to get away from him. That’s the sort of effect he had on me. 

Suddenly, I was back there again...last March.

“Ms. Mitchell, we’re taking you into surgery. You were in a car accident and your leg was broken. We’re going to fix you right up.”

Car accident? Where was Justin? Was he okay? Surgery? The next thing I knew I woke up again in a room and there were my mom and dad.

Several surgeries later, that damn wheelchair, physical therapy and Justin...Justin. God, why couldn’t I forget him? Things had been moving along so well until that wreck. All those surgeries and he couldn’t stop blaming himself. And then Lexi catching him with those two girls and my heart nearly breaking. Yeah, my leg had been broken and I’d been left with a twisted mass of scars, but my heart was the one that felt more damaged.

We reached the back of the church and were whisked off to the side by Tana and the photographer to where pictures would be taken. I was hoping they could put this thing on fast forward, get to the reception, have a little face time with Lexi and get the heck outta Dodge. That was my plan anyway.

Picture after picture and tons of pasted smiles later (I hope Lex didn’t shoot my ass when she saw these pictures), we finally hopped in the limos and left for the reception at the Charleston Yacht and Harbor Club.

I mingled with some of the guests, and made my way around to chat with Lexi and Pearce for a while, but before long, the throbbing in my leg and the aches and pains, had me hunting a chair. I spied one back in the corner so I walked, or at least gave my best imitation of one, over to it and blew out a huge puff of air when the weight left that leg. I was happy Lexi had approved the long dresses that we wore since they hid the scars that covered my disfigured limb. I absently rubbed it, like I often did, wishing for a huge bag of ice.  They ought to invent Spanx you could cram an ice bag into for people like me. Maybe I could join forces with the Spanx lady and we could come out with Spanx on Ice. I bet those professional ice skaters would love that! We could even make a version for hockey players.

“You must have something terrifically funny on your mind by the look on your face.”

That voice of his made me want to strip off every thread of clothing and run naked through the streets yelling, “Take me, take me!” Crap! What kind of sexy did that man have working?

“I guess so. I was thinking about a joint venture with the Spanx lady.  We could call it Spanx on Ice.”

“What?” he asked, bewilderment clouding his eyes.

“You know...for my leg.”

“Oh.” He smiled, nodded and acted like he was with me. I knew better from his odd expression.  He didn’t get it at all. 

“Do you even know what Spanx are?”

“No clue.”

I burst out laughing. “Never mind then. They’re something no man should ever know about.”

“Hmm, now I’m intrigued.”

“Oh God! Don’t be.” The last thing I needed was for Justin Middleton to see me in a pair of Spanx. 

Mother of God save me now!

Stalk AM Hargrove

A.M. Hargrove, Author

A.M.'s Blog

Edge of Disaster

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Dark Waltz, A Praestani 

Novel

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So what do you think?! Excited about reading Shattered Edge?  Have you read it and have any thoughts?

Review: Edge of Disaster

Edge of Disaster by A.M. Hargrove

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Alexia Hammond, broken and destroyed by a tragedy she can’t seem to recover from, is on a downward spiral toward destruction. A life of partying, alcohol, drugs and men has brought her near the edge of disaster. That is until one night while at work as a waitress in an upscale restaurant, she falls under the spell of one of her customers, Pearce Middleton. Once she gazes into his smoky gray eyes, her life takes on new meaning. But can she put her past behind her and allow herself to fall for the exciting and gorgeous Pearce, or will her lewd behavior come back to haunt her and ruin her chances of happiness forever?

Review:

The Edge of Disaster was fast-paced HOTNESS that I couldn't put down!
I read this book in one sitting (or laying in bed in my case)!  The book starts out with Alexia waking up and leaving the bed of a couple of guys, so at that moment it made me curious- What made her this way? I couldn't wait to find out the answer, so I read cover to cover.

I love the first scene with Pearce.  There is an obvious connection between the two characters and the way A.M. describes him had me swooning! I would describe their relationship as insta-attraction.  It takes Alexia awhile to trust Pearce and his intentions.

As you can tell from the cover, the book is Hot.  OMG those parts yeah just HOT.  All I wanted to do was do a few re-reads, if you know what I mean!

I don't want to spoil it for you because it is a shorter book so there isn't much to say without spoiling, but I can give you this:
Antagonist in the form of really bad guys- Check
HOT AND STEAMY- Check
Sweet Romance- Check
Strong but Tainted Heroine- Check
Hot Doctor- Check

Yeah I know I have you convinced now!

If you're a part of the UtopYA 2013 Reading Challenge, this book qualifies as one of the awesome books you can count towards it!

Teaser and Playlist from Dark Waltz

Dark Waltz by A.M. Hargrove

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--A sizzling legend of loss, lust and love. 

It’s the year 2030 and the human population has been annihilated by a virulent form of small pox. Liasare Davidson is desperately searching for her brother, who has been missing for three months. It’s been eighteen years since she was evacuated from Earth and she is horrified to see it’s become a cesspool of unimaginable things.

In her quest to find her brother, she meets Jurek, a powerful and enigmatic being that frightens her, yet she is unable to resist. When things begin to unfold between them, they both discover a paralyzing truth that puts Liasare at grave risk. She must make a choice to join Jurek and find her brother or fulfill a role she believes she is ill equipped to undertake.

Not only do I have a Teaser from Dark Waltz today, I have a teaser from the book in Liasare's point of view and the same scene from Jurek's hot point of view! Enjoy :)

Teaser from Dark Waltz by A.M. Hargrove

“Going somewhere?” that husky voice asked.

Crapitty crap!

She sucked in her breath and dropped her weapon, as his voice startled her. Before her brain could comprehend what was happening, she felt her body swirling through a vortex. She finally came to rest in another place.

Disoriented and dizzy, she tried to focus on her surroundings, but everything seemed to tilt sideways.  She reached out her hand to stop herself from falling, but only succeeded in grabbing a fistful of air.  Not knowing which way was up or down, she tried, unsuccessfully, to break her fall. Instead, she felt her breath leave her body in a whoosh as she slammed into the ground.  

Fighting for oxygen, her diaphragm wouldn’t cooperate with her brain’s commands.  Worse yet, she felt a pair of hands latch onto her waist, drag her to her feet and ram her back into a wall.  Her head hung down as she fought to draw in precious oxygen, yet found she was still unable to do so.  Then the asshole had the nerve to jam his arm straight into her diaphragm and start demanding things of her.

“Who do you work for?”

Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, like a poor fish that had been hauled out of the water, desperate to be thrown back in.

“I’ll ask again, who do you work for?” he bit out each word with precision.

Things began to turn grey and hazy as the lack of air finally took its toll on her brain.  She knew she was going to pass out.

Double crapitty crap!

Her head lolled to the side and...blink, lights out.

Jurek looked at her and cursed, “What the f**k?” 

He hadn’t realized she was so close to losing it.  He laid her out on the floor and looked at her for a moment.  She wasn’t beautiful in that traditional, cookie-cutter sense, but there was something about her that enticed him.  Her chestnut mane for one, and Jurek had always been a sucker for women with beautiful hair, but those hazel eyes of hers were something else.  Her full lips were kissably soft, he thought, as he ran his thumb along her mouth.  He finally placed his hand on her forehead and in seconds, she came to, moaning.  

Her eyes fluttered open and when the recognition in them flickered, those hazel eyes shot sparks of gold.  Hovering before her was the dark haired man from the bar.  She wouldn’t have had to open her eyes to know it was him since every cell in her body was on fire with his power.  

Soft black hair hung close to his shoulders and he wore it brushed back off his face.  Liasare briefly wondered if it would feel as soft as it looked.  He had a bit of scruff on his face; he obviously hadn’t bothered to shave in the last couple of days.  His lips were full and sensuous and definitely made for kissing.  In fact, Liasare could imagine running her tongue along that lower lip of his, tugging on it and gently sucking it.  What made her nearly lose it were his eyes.  They were extraordinary.  Lavender, rimmed in indigo with flecks of silver swirling within their depths, Liasare had never seen anything so stunning in her life.  

Regaining her senses, Liasare flew to her feet and threw a right uppercut that connected beneath Jurek’s jaw.  Had he been a lesser man, it would have laid him out.  Then she spun on her heel and began the motion for an intended groin kick, but his quick reflexes caught her leg before it connected and he flicked it off with his hand.

“You flaming asshole.  Who do you think you are?  You f**king knock the wind out of me and then you do it again for shits and giggles?  Who the hell do you think you are?”  

“Watch your language and I’m asking the questions here.”

“Not anymore,” Liasare hissed as she turned to head out of the building.  

Before she could take another step, an arm snaked out and grabbed her around the waist.  He pulled her tightly against his chest and whispered huskily into her ear, “I asked you a question.  I want to know who you’re working for and I don’t intend to let you go until I get an answer.”

His voice washed over her with that electrifying intense heat.  She felt her skin erupt in a million goose bumps as every hair on her body stood at attention.

Damn him, she thought.  How can he have this kind of power over me? F**k!

“You have no idea Brownie.”

“Brownie?  

“Mmm.  Brownie.  For that glorious mane of hair you have.”  His hand spanned across her stomach and she felt a million butterflies suddenly erupt as he hugged her tightly against him.

“I’ll bet you taste better than one too.”  If she could have turned around she would have seen the corners of his mouth turn up as he baited her.

Thoughts of Liasare....by Jurek

I took one look at her and knew I was in serious trouble.  The way she went after those Xanthians and then later in the bar...well, it was my undoing.  I felt myself unraveling.  Not one thread at a time, but all at once.  She had complete control over me, though I didn’t let her know that.  I acted like the complete ass she accused me of being.  I had to.  It was either that or let my emotions overtake me and then I would have been absolutely worthless.  I hid behind that wall of pretensive callousness until she broke it down, brick by brick.  She accomplished what no other woman had been able to for quite some time. Everything about her turned my bones to liquid. Her thick mane of lustrous hair, those warm hazel eyes that shot golden sparks when she was fired up about something and her touch...God her skin was like silk.  I knew after one touch I had to have more. 

It was sometimes amusing to watch her hide behind her facade of bravery.  She acted so tough when I knew all along she was frightened by everything. This was apparent in the foul language she liked to use. I told her I would keep her safe, but what I didn’t tell her was that I would go to any lengths to do so.  She didn’t trust me one bit and I understood why.  What she didn’t know...couldn’t know and wouldn’t know until I deemed it necessary was that she was mine and only mine and heaven help those who would try to keep her from me.

Here is the Playlist :D 

*this post is part of the Follower Giveaway of Epicness*

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Cover Reveal: Dark Waltz by A.M. Hargrove

Guess what I have for you today?! 

Yeah you guessed it because it's in that super witty title up there ^^^^!

I have for you the Cover Reveal of Dark Waltz by A.M. Hargrove!!!!

Can I get a Woot Woot?! 

Anyway many of you know that I love this chick and I'm a super fan of her Guardians of Vesturon series!

Now I'm really excited about this new series because it's a spin off from one of the characters from Deteminant.

Anyway I guess I should show you this SEXY cover now!?

Are you sure you're ready?

What do you think about THAT?! HOT right?!

now here is the blurb so you can know what you're getting into after you get past this cover!

Add it to on your Goodreads

Dark Waltz--A sizzling legend of loss, lust and love. 

It’s the year 2030 and the human population has been annihilated by a virulent form of small pox.  Liasare Davidson is desperately searching for her brother, who has been missing for three months.  It’s been eighteen years since she was evacuated from Earth and she is horrified to see it’s become a cesspool of unimaginable things.

In her quest to find her brother, she meets Jurek, a powerful and enigmatic being that frightens her, yet she is unable to resist.  When things begin to unfold between them, they both discover a paralyzing truth that puts Liasare at grave risk.  She must make a choice to join Jurek and find her brother or fulfill a role she believes she is ill equipped to undertake.  

How about a little teaser!?

Now, please enjoy an excerpt from A.M. Hargrove’s latest book, Dark Waltz, a Praestani Novel, to be released November 2012.

Dark Waltz, A Praestani Novel

by A.M. Hargrove

“Going somewhere?” that husky voice asked.

Crapitty crap!

She sucked in her breath and dropped her annihilator, as his voice startled her. Before her brain could comprehend what was happening, she felt her body swirling through a vortex. She finally came to rest in another place.

Disoriented and dizzy, she tried to focus on her surroundings, but everything seemed to tilt sideways.  She reached out her hand to stop herself from falling, but only succeeded in grabbing a fistful of air.  Not knowing which way was up or down, she tried, unsuccessfully, to break her fall. Instead, she felt her breath leave her body in a whoosh as she slammed into the ground.  

Fighting for oxygen, her diaphragm wouldn’t cooperate with her brain’s commands.  Worse yet, she felt a pair of hands latch onto her waist, drag her to her feet and ram her back into a wall.  Her head hung down as she fought to draw in precious oxygen, yet found she was still unable to do so.  Then the asshole had the nerve to jam his arm straight into her diaphragm and start demanding things of her.

“Who do you work for?”

Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, like a poor fish that had been hauled out of the water, desperate to be thrown back in.

“I’ll ask again, who do you work for?” he bit out each word with precision.

Things began to turn grey and hazy as the lack of air finally took its toll on her brain.  She knew she was going to pass out.

Double crapitty crap!

Her head lolled to the side and...blink, lights out.

Jurek looked at her and cursed, “What the fuck?” 

He hadn’t realized she was so close to losing it.  He laid her out on the floor and looked at her for a moment.  She wasn’t beautiful in that traditional, cookie-cutter sense, but there was something about her that enticed him.  Her chestnut mane for one, and Jurek had always been a sucker for women with beautiful hair, but those hazel eyes of hers were something else.  Her full lips were kissably soft, he thought, as he ran his thumb along her mouth.  He finally placed his hand on her forehead and in seconds, she came to, moaning.  

Her eyes fluttered open and when the recognition in them flickered, those hazel eyes shot sparks of gold.  Hovering before her was the dark haired man from the bar.  She wouldn’t have had to open her eyes to know it was him since every cell in her body was on fire with his power.  

Soft black hair hung close to his shoulders and he wore it brushed back off his face.  Liasare briefly wondered if it would feel as soft as it looked.  He had a bit of scruff on his face; he obviously hadn’t bothered to shave in the last couple of days.  His lips were full and sensuous and definitely made for kissing.  In fact, Liasare could imagine running her tongue along that lower lip of his, tugging on it and gently sucking it.  What made her nearly lose it were his eyes.  They were extraordinary.  Lavender, rimmed in indigo with flecks of silver swirling within their depths, Liasare had never seen anything so stunning in her life.  

Regaining her senses, Liasare flew to her feet and threw a right uppercut that connected beneath Jurek’s jaw.  Had he been a lesser man, it would have laid him out.  Then she spun on her heel and began the motion for an intended groin kick, but his quick reflexes caught her leg before it connected and he flicked it off with his hand.

“You flaming asshole.  Who do you think you are?  You fucking knock the wind out of me and then you do it again for shits and giggles?  Who the hell do you think you are?”  

“Watch your language and I’m asking the questions here.”

“Not anymore,” Liasare hissed as she turned to head out of the building.  

Before she could take another step, an arm snaked out and grabbed her around the waist.  He pulled her tightly against his chest and whispered huskily into her ear, “I asked you a question.  I want to know who you’re working for and I don’t intend to let you go until I get an answer.”

His voice washed over her with that electrifying intense heat.  She felt her skin erupt in a million goose bumps as every hair on her body stood at attention.

Damn him, she thought.  How can he have this kind of power over me? Fuck!

“You have no idea Brownie.”

“Brownie?  

“Mmm.  Brownie.  For that glorious mane of hair you have.”  His hand spanned across her stomach and she felt a million butterflies suddenly erupt as he hugged her tightly against him.

“I’ll bet you taste better than one too.”  If she could have turned around she would have seen the corners of his mouth turn up as he baited her.

You can find A.M. Hargrove and more information about Dark Waltz and her other books at her website 

Author Links

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A.M.'s Blog
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We LOVE comments!!! Tell us what you think! Will this be going on your TBR?  Does this sounds like your kind of book?  What were your thoughts on the cover/teaser/blurb?

Determinant Blog Tour: Review & GIVEAWAY

Hey sorry guys! I was suppose to have this review up yesterday! I apologize for the lateness especially since this time I had actually read the book on time! :D ANYWAY I hope you are all enjoying this blog tour and if this is the first stop you've seen, I hope you check out the rest of the tour because it's awesome! *psssst* there is a GIVEAWAY at the bottom of the post too!

Determinant by A.M. Hargrove

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January St. Davis, on her own since the age of sixteen and struggling to stay in college, thinks she’s scored in a major way when she lands a paid summer internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. One evening, after working an especially long shift, a chance encounter with a group of mysterious men alters the course of her life.

Rykerian Yarrister, a Guardian of Vesturon with unearthly powers and impossibly gorgeous looks, finds himself at odds over the human female he recently saved from certain death. When it seems he is on the verge of winning her over, she is ripped from his hands by a strange and powerful being, threatening to destroy her if his demands are not met.

Do Rykerian and the Guardians have the ability to meet this fierce barbarian’s ultimatums, or will January suffer a horrid demise?

My Review

When I first heard that Determinant was coming out, my first thought was where is Hargrove going with this...I thought Resurrection pretty much resolved Maddie and Rayn's issues, but I love them so I was ready to read some more books starring them AND then I saw that it wasn't Maddie and Rayn's story after all.  It's Rykerian's, Rayn's brother, story.  Then my mind was all like...okay let's give this a try because it's either going to be a bust or bomb (the good kind).  GUESS WHAT?! It's the BOMB! 

Determinant is my favorite book in the Guardian of Vesturon series.  I loved that it was almost a fresh story on top of the developed world from the first 2 books.  There are just so many new elements to this book!  You get new characters, a different, closer perspective to the war that is going on, and a new species (if that's what you can call Jurek).  

If you've read Survival, you MIGHT remember that January is Maddie's roommie in college.  I loved how that part of their life was tied into the story.  Determinant starts before that so you'll get a little bit of her back story.  I love January's strength.  It's shown from the very first chapter in the glimpse of her childhood.  It's heart-breaking what she went through yet she made it out on top.  That is until her life was shaken up a bit by Rykerian.  

When Rykerian saves her, her life changes a bit.  Okay so maybe when I say a bit that's a little bit of a understatement.  She is introduced to a whole new world.  I liked how she was so skeptical about it all because even though I wanted to shake her and say all the evidence is right there in front of your face, it was more natural to be as freaked as she was.

Let's talk Jurek...well he is a jerk...maybe.  I really haven't formed my whole opinion about him.  I guess I will just have to read his new series coming soon to completely form my opinion.  so more about him later.

Determinant is a great read for any paranormal romance lover that is looking for something different to read.  Like me, you will find that the Guardians of Vesturon will be your kind of aliens! 

Tour Schedule 

October 8

Danasquare.blogspot.com - Review

www.thewitchesbrew.biz/blog - Promo Post

October 9

http://booksbycenteno.com - Excerpt Reveal

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com - Promo Post

tessmw.blogspot.com - Review

October 10

http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com - Review

http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot.com.au/ - Excerpt Reveal

http://www.crossroadreviews.com/ - Promo Post

October 11

http://literarygetaway.blogspot.com/ - Review

October 12

http://karalovesreading.blogspot.com/ - Review

http://drennanspitzer.com/ - Review

October 13

http://www.kainas.com - Review

http://aliaaelnashar.blogspot.com - Review

http://joie-joiedelire.blogspot.com/ - Author Interview

http;//www.mommyandwelikeit.com - Review 

Giveaway

Enter this awesome tour wide Giveaway!!!!

*pssst* BTW Beginnings and Survival (the prequel and 1st book of the series) aren't in the giveaway because they are FREE!!! so GRAB THEM! While the tour is still going on!

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Interview with Jurek and Rykerian

Tonight I have a character interview for you with Jurek and Rykerian!!! Hope you enjoy the interview and the eye candy!!!

T: Thank you Jurek and Rykerian for joining me today! I know how uncomfortable this might be for you but y'all are both looking handsome today *smiles

J: Thanks for having us

R: Yes, thank you Tess for your kind invitation *scowls at Jurek*

T: How about we start off with telling those who haven't met you in Determinant a little about yourself?

R: Well, as you know, I'm a Guardian of Vesturon, sworn to protect the universe from the like of creatures such as him. *jerks head toward J*

J: *throws head back and laughs* Protects? Is that what you think you do?  Causes more problems is more like it! Really Rykerian, you can do better than that!

T: Now, now Jurek behave. y'all are suppose to be attempting to get along. 

Jurek (David Gandy)

Now Jurek why don't you go ahead and tell the lovely readers about yourself. 

J:  Tess, I'll do my best to behave around you.  I can't make any promises around you know who though. As for me, I'm just your everyday kind of guy.  *smiles*

R: Excuse me.  Ms. Watson, he will do anything except behave.  Furthermore, he is everything but an 'everyday kind of guy.'  He is a kidnapper, a scoundrel, and your worst nightmare.

J:  I resent that remark.  I am NOT a scoundrel.  Go and ask your mate!  She will tell you the truth.  I treated her with the respect she deserved, which is more than I can say for you!

R: *jumps to feet* Do NOT bring my mate into this you fool!

J:  Oh, who's the real fool now? All you Guardians think you are so high and mighty, when the truth of it is you are nothing but a bunch of bumbling idiots most of the time.  

R:  Bumbling idiots?  If we are such idiots, why is it we were the ones you called on to do your dirty work?

J:  If you had listened to me before, you wouldn't have to ask me that.  You know perfectly well the reason I came to you was because of your success in breaking your brother out of the Xanthian prison in the past.  Can we please put this behind us so Tess can have her interview?

Rykerian (Jessie Pavelka)

R: I hate to admit it but you are correct.  Please forgive me Ms. Watson.  Have you another question for me?

T: *mumbles* Oh deary what have I gotten myself into? 

Yes I have many questions for you…like how can y'all be so freakin' hot? Jk you don't have to answer that one unless you want to *raises eye brows* ;)

J:  So, Tess, you think I'm hot, do you?  Are you doing anything later tonight?

R: *clears throat* Ms. Watson, I highly suggest, in your best interest of course, that you decline Mr. Herdekian's offer.  I have it on good authority that he is quite the libertine.

J: Libertine? Oh for heaven's sake Rykerian, I asked the lady out for dinner.  What did you think I had in mind? You bloody Guardians will be the death of me yet.

R: That would be my pleasure, if I knew it would not upset my mate so much.

J: *growls*

R: Did you just growl at me?

J:  Yes, and you're quite fortunate that's all I did.

T: Well Jurek thanks for the offer but I'm thinking I may be a little young for you…

Maybe we can find a neutral topic to talk about…how about what is your favorite device thingy since y'all are so much more advanced in technology than us earthlings.

R: Brilliant, Ms. Watson.  My favorite device would be my shadar because it is can accomplish so many things.  It can teleport, it can be used as a communicator to store massive amounts of data when necessary, it is also an annihilator, it can assess a person's health status among other things.  There isn't much it cannot do.

J: The Vesturions are so primitive that they need devices to function.  Our species can do all of the above without any such devices. However, we do have a system we use called a transmuter that can transform a room into any room you would like it to be.  I use this technology on Lare-Stell base where we are limited on space. So, for example, my personal quarters can consist of a bedroom, bathroom, living area, dining area, when in reality, it is only one tiny room.  By the way Tess, you have wounded me.

T: Well I must say Jurek you were definitely NOT my favorite person in Determinant…it took me quite awhile to be able to tolerate you so we will just call it payback…

I think my favorite would have to be the doctor robots or maybe the jet ski/snowmobile things that can fly…

Anyway next question…out of all the planets and atmospheres and solar systems and all that is out there in the universe, what is your favorite?

R: I'd have to say Vesturon.  Of course, most will say I am biased. *scowls at Jurek* But, it is often said that Vesturon is much like Eden or paradise.  It is a truly beautiful place that can only be described after one has visited there.  Ms. Watson, I would ask that you speak to both January and Maddie about this, since they originated from Earth, they can attest to the true beauty of Vesturon.

J:  On this we agree. However, I would like to add that my home, which will remain undisclosed at this time, rivals the beauty of Vesturon.

R:  What, no snide comments? No rude gestures?

J:  As I said, I agree that Vesturon is a beautiful place.  What else would you want from me?

R:  Hrumph!

J:  Stop acting like an adolescent!

R:  I am not acting like an adolescent!

J:  Are too!

R:  Am not!

T: Oh dear I guess boys will always be boys, right?  Well we better wrap this up! Any last words to the readers Rykerian and Jurek?

J: I suppose it wasn't the best idea to have us both in the same room at the same time, but I must say Tess, you are quite the brave one to pull this off! 

R: Ms. Waston, please accept my apologies for my appalling behavior and that of Mr. Herdekian. Of course, one could expect no less from a Praestani.

J: You had to get that last dig in, didn't you Guardian?  Always the pompous ass.  

How HOT was that??? Were you able to read the interview with that eye candy staring at you? Well I hope so because this is definitely one of my favorite posts I have EVER had on the blog! Please tell me you are now convinced that you need to read Determinant!!! 

A Letter from January

If you have seen me on twitter or my last few posts you will know I'm currently obsessing over the 3rd book in The Guardians of Vesturon Series, Determinant!!! Well like yesterday I have another special treat for you from this book! January, on of the main characters from Determinant, has written you a letter!  Check it out and don't forget to enter that giveaway!

Letter from January

Dear Readers:

You first met me in Survival, if you read it of course.  I was one of Maddie’s roommates.  Don’t worry though if you haven’t read it. Determinant is a story unto itself, and it’s about Rykerian and me and how we met and fell in love.  Without going into too much detail and spoiling all the fun, I will say this.  Rykerian really did save me, in more ways than one.  But it didn’t come without a price.  You know how those Guardians are *wink* (possessive, controlling, demanding, need I say more)? 

When I first saw him, I thought he was my guardian angel.  What can I say?  The man is smokin’ hot. *Fans self rapidly*  Uh huh!  Trade places with me and you’ll see.  Okay, forget I said that.  There’s no way in hell I’m letting anyone trade places with me...ever!

So anyway, when I finally figure out that he’s the real deal, he’s not yanking my chain, and he feels the same way I do, the world goes to hell in a hand basket.  Go figure.  My life story, right.  

Yeah, well, Determinant is a crazy ride.  You’ll meet this new guy named Jurek and he’s a scary mess.  Rykerian pretty much hates him, but that’s too bad.  He’ll just have to deal with it.  

There are lots of surprises for you, and I’d love to tell you all about them, but if I did, they wouldn’t be surprises then would they?  I will say this.  There is one scene where my normally reserved and controlled Rykerian is so out of sorts that if it weren’t for his dear sweet mother, he would most likely have run through the streets of Vesturon naked.  There, have I peaked your interest just a bit?  I hope so :)

See you in the pages of Determinant!

Yours,

January St. Davis

Thank you January for sending this in! Readers I hope you do meet January soon.  She is awesome! Also here is yesterday's post just in case you missed getting a glimpse into January's BFF's head! 

Giveaway

there will be 3 winners with this giveaway 1 Grand Prize and 2 Second Place winners

the Grand Prize winner will get a $20 Amazon Gift Card and an e-copy of Resurrection and Determinant!!!

the second place winners will get an e-copy of Determinant and Resurrection

this giveaway is INT

following is not mandatory but it is appreciated

fill out the rafflecopter to enter or you can enter here at Annie's website 

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