Showing posts with label Elizabeth Hunter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elizabeth Hunter. Show all posts

Thursday, September 13, 2012

{Cover Reveal} Building From Ashes by Elizabeth Hunter

I don't know how many of you read Elizabeth's Elemental Mysteries Series, but Wow! I'm looking forward to her next series An Elemental World. Building From Ashes is the first in her new series, and the cover is simply amazing. I seriously urge you to check out her Elemental Mysteries Series...so so so good. And Gio is to die for. And Building From Ashes revolves around Gio's best friend, Carwyn. He ranked among everyone's favorite character in the first series. I'm excited to know he gets his own book, or books, as the case may be.
ELEMENTAL MYSTERIES   ELIZABETH HUNTER WRITES   
 
Coming on October 23rd, the first book in the expanded Elemental World series
by Elizabeth Hunter
BUILDING FROM ASHES
Synopsis:

For a thousand years, powerful earth vampire Carwyn ap Bryn has served others. God. His family. His friends. But tragedy and loss disrupt his peaceful existence, causing him to question everything he has committed his eternity to.

Brigid Connor has known about vampires since they rescued her from a painful childhood. But not even their vast elemental power can save her from the demons that torment her

As loyalties are tested and new paths are forged, a lurking danger slowly grows in the Elemental World. Carwyn and Brigid will learn that even secrets revealed can come back to haunt you when you least expect it.
Excerpt:

She focused on the flames as the dog’s excited barks grew. Soon, he was circling a rise in the hill, jumping and dancing in the moonlight.

“Madoc?” What was he on about? He never reacted like this when Tavish was approaching. “What is it, you mad beast?”

The fire drifted away, and Brigid’s heart began to pick up a slow beat as she saw the ground shift under Madoc’s feet. What the—

The ground burst open with a shout as Madoc pounced. Brigid ran over, her arms lit, ready to burn whatever had attacked her dog. She immediately halted when she heard the familiar laugh and the loud voice.

“I heard you barking from twenty feet below, you mad hound! Haven’t you ever heard of the element of surprise? I’ll not be taking you on any missions of stealth, you can be sure of that.”

His dark red hair was flaked with dirt, and his skin was black with mud, but when Carwyn turned to her, there was no mistaking his vivid blue eyes. She broke into a smile just as he rose to his feet. She started toward him, but he only held up a finger.

“One moment,” he said with a grin. Then he stripped off his shirt, tossed it onto grass and dove into the water with glee. Madoc barked along the edge of the lake, waiting for his master to emerge.

He was back.

Her heart was racing now. Did he remember it had been a year? Did he come back for her?

She banished the thought from her mind. Of course he didn’t come back for her. Not like that. He was watching out for her. Like… a priest. Or a friend. Which he was. A priest. A friendly priest.

Then he rose from the lake, the water scattering from his arms as he pushed back his unruly wet hair. Rivulets ran over the dark freckles on his shoulders and down his torso. Thick muscles flexed as the cool moon reflected off the solid planes of his chest. Dark red hair ran in a line down his flat stomach and into dripping wet trousers that covered his hips and muscular legs. Brigid was struck again by his size. Carwyn was enormous. Tall as a small tree and solid as the earth he controlled. He should have been intimidating. But he wasn’t.

He was back.

Damn it.

Priest! Her mind yelled. But Father Jacob didn’t look anything like that. Had Carwyn always had so many muscles? There seemed to be more than the last time she had seen him. Did that happen with vampires? Had he been… working out? He strode toward her with a smile.

“Surprised to see me? Despite this mutt’s warning?”

“Um…” Wasn’t there some rule that priests had to be thin and academic?

“Brigid?”

Or fat and jolly? Safe and approachable?

Carwyn was standing in front of her. “Are you all right?”

“I’m… fine!” she squeaked.

“Are you sure? Sorry I gave you a start.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. Father Carwyn ap Bryn was approachable, all right, but not for any reasons the pope would approve of.
I'm going to tell you right now, that I am one of Elizabeth's biggest fans. I highly recommend picking up the books in her first series. I doubt you'll be disappointed. Her characters are amazing and her world building, fantastic. 

In fact, comment on this post to win the first book in The Elemental Series, A Hidden Fire. If you've already read the first novel, you can pick one of the other three! Every single book is to die for. Contest ends 9/21/12

Book 1 - A Hidden Fire
Book 2 - This Same Earth
Book 3 - The Force of Wind 
(I don't know why I haven't reviewed this book, because it was my favorite!)
Book 4 - A Fall of Water

Thursday, August 9, 2012

{Book Spotlight} Relaunch of Elemental Mysteries by Elizabeth Hunter

Oh my goodness! Elizabeth has revised her covers for the Elemental Mystery series and Wow!!! I don't know how many of you have started this series, but I've read all four books and they are amazing. I do want to stress that this is an Adult Series. 

Also, Elizabeth wanted to mention that A Hidden Fire, the first book in the series is free right now on Smashwords. It will be for the month of August! Go HERE to download it for free!


I absolutely love the way she has blended her original covers with hints of the models. These are extremely well written and intriguing books! Check them out!!!



Tuesday, June 5, 2012

{Book Tour} A Fall of Water by Elizabeth Hunter

I don't know if I've ever mentioned the vast greatness of this series. When Elizabeth asks me to take part in one of her blog tours, I always say yes. If you haven't read the Elemental Mysteries, I suggest you do so immediately! Be sure you run over to The Grand Prize Page and enter to win your choice of a signed copy of A Fall of Water or a complete set of the Elemental Mysteries E-books! Simple entry...just answer the question on the page!


Title: A Fall of Water
Series: Elemental Mysteries #4
Author: Elizabeth Hunter
Self Published
June 5, 2012


Synopsis:

“No secret stays hidden forever.”

Still grieving from their loss in the far East, Giovanni Vecchio and Beatrice De Novo discover that for them, all roads really do lead to Rome. But nothing is quite as it seems in the Eternal City. Joined by Carwyn and Tenzin, unexpected clashes greet them almost immediately, and rivalries churn beneath the glittering facade of the old Roman court. They quickly realize that allies might be enemies, and ancient rivals could hold the key to a deadly secret.

Giovanni and Beatrice will be forced to call on old alliances, ancient power, and fierce cunning to survive for the eternity they both desire. Sometimes, finding the end means going back to the beginning. Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water finally meet with devastating results in the conclusion of the Elemental Mysteries.



Excerpt
“You move differently here.”

“I what?” Giovanni blinked and looked around as they walked up the Via dei Condotti, past the luxury shops, headed toward the ristorante where Matt had chosen to meet them after their walking tour with Ben.

“You move differently.” She slid an arm around his waist, keeping pace with easy strides.  “I don’t know, you’re more... Italian, I guess.”

“Beatrice, I am a Florentine. I will always be a Florentine.”

“But see,” she poked his side. “Like that. In L.A. you would just say you’re Italian. But here, you’re Florentine.”

“So?” He frowned. “I’m in Rome. There is a difference. Is there something wrong with this?”

“No, it’s cute.”

“Cute?”

“And you walk different, too. You’re not in as much of a hurry here.”

He just grunted at her, no doubt thinking she was imagining it, but she wasn’t.  He looked... lighter, somehow. Comfortable. In California, she often thought Giovanni seemed more British than Italian, but here, he gestured more. His accent was stronger. His shoulders were more expressive, and his eyes more languorous.

“Whatever it is, it’s hot. So go with it.”

“Oh?” He grinned. “Is that so?”

“Yes.”

He leaned down and whispered something very dirty in her ear.  If she could have blushed, she would have. Then he nipped at her ear and murmured, “Does it sound better in Italian?”

“Yes.”

He pinched her waist and kept walking. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Thursday, May 10, 2012

{Cover Reveal} A Fall of Water by Elizabeth Hunter

Guys, I've go to tell you, Elizabeth Hunter's Elemental Mysteries series is one of my favorite series ever. She is a self-published with some serious talent. A Fall of Water is the fourth and final book of the series and I cannot wait to see what Gio and Bea have in store for us this one last time.



“No secret stays hidden forever.”

Still grieving from their loss in the far East, Giovanni Vecchio and Beatrice De Novo discover that for them, all roads really do lead to Rome. But nothing is quite as it seems in the Eternal City. Joined by Carwyn and Tenzin, unexpected clashes greet them almost immediately, and rivalries churn beneath the glittering facade of the old Roman court. They quickly realize that allies might be enemies, and ancient rivals could hold the key to a deadly secret.

Giovanni and Beatrice will be forced to call on old alliances, ancient power, and fierce cunning to survive for the eternity they both desire. Sometimes, finding the end means going back to the beginning. Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water finally meet with devastating results in the conclusion of the Elemental Mysteries.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

{Blog Tour} Elemental Mysteries Series Blog Tour


WooHoo! It's time for the Elemental Mysteries Blog Tour. Have any of you read this series? Or part of this series? If not...stick around, check out my interview with Bea, follow a link to my interview with Gio, check out the rest of the tour...then immediately go buy the first three books.

My other reviews of the Elemental Mysteries Books:
A Hidden Fire
This Same Earth

Oh, but don't forget to enter for your chance to win This Same Earth...the second book in the Elemental Mysteries Series.

So, let's see what Bea has been up to lately, shall we?

Kristin:  Bea, I want to welcome you to Better Read Than Dead. This is an exciting day for my readers…as they are big fans of yours.

B: Thanks! It's nice to be here. I'm so glad that your readers are enjoying our books.

As you may or may not know…Gio dropped by my humble little blog in early December. He’s very charming, but illusive – as you must already know. I’m hoping maybe you shed a little more light into your adventures.
Bea:  Hmm, well, I'm not sure how much Elizabeth is going to want me to tell you. I'm sure you know that she just finished the first draft of book four. I can tell you that after The Force of Wind we're going back to Gio's old neighborhood, and everyone is in on the action. (Yes, girls, that means Carwyn is back!)
Kristin:  For my readers who haven’t read the Elemental Mystery Series, do you mind telling them a little about why they should read this truly amazing group of novels?
Bea:  Thanks for calling them 'amazing!' It's been quite a ride. If you like paranormal romance, and like it with some mystery and history mixed in, then you should check out the books. They're a little different than what you might have read before. Plus, you can meet Gio. And Gio... well, let's just say that he's worth knowing.
Kristin:  So, Bea…you seemed to handle your immersion into the paranormal world quite well. I’m sure there are things that you still question from time-to-time. Can you tell us a little about this experience?
Bea: I wish that I'd developed Batman-like skills as soon as I got in this world, but unfortunately, I didn't. Luckily, I've taken some time, had some more training, and... you might say that I'm a bit more prepared in The Force of Wind. As for things I question? I still have a lot of questions, Kristin! Will we ever find this book? Will Gio kill Lorenzo? Will I ever understand the allure of professional wrestling? (I'm going to say 'no' on that last one.)
Kristin:  It’s no secret that your relationship with Gio has been, at best, tumultuous. You kept a journal (or two) in Chile in which you wrote about your love life and sometimes, even your hatred for Gio. Deep down what were you hoping to accomplish with these entries?

Bea: You know, the hardest part of our time apart was not being able to talk to him. Even before I loved him, he was my friend. And he just... got me. It's hard to find people that really understand you. I knew he read those journals. I could almost see him trailing his finger along the page like he does sometimes. So, I suppose I just wanted him to understand me. Understand what I was going on in my life, and why I had moved on. Or tried to.

Kristin:  Carwyn is one of my favorite characters and I know the two of you are very close. Tell us the best thing about him…in your eyes.
Bea: A lot of people see Carwyn's humor, but not as many see his strength or his loyalty. He's one of my best friends. Even when Gio was gone, he stayed around. He let me know what was going on (as much as he could). And he's incredibly strong—well, obviously, he can move mountains! But even more than that, he has a strong heart.
Kristin:  I know that you are super busy answering tons of interview questions for your upcoming blog tour…so I’m going to keep this pretty short. I asked Gio to sum up his feelings for you in three words – he used only two – Tesoro mio. Can you use three words to tell us how you feel about Gio?
Bea: Only three words, huh? Hmm, he's better at this than I am. Love, for one. Home. Balance. I think that's it.
Kristin:  Is there anything else you would like to tell us? Anything about your upcoming adventures or your romance or…anything else?
Bea: I have a feeling that you know some of the secrets that are revealed in The Force of Wind, Kristin! But you're not going to get me to spill. The book is really exciting. A lot happens, and I think readers of the series will be thrilled. Lots of action. Lots of romance. Highs and lows and everything in between. And the fourth book, the last one for Gio and me, will be out in June. After that? Well, I hear that you Carwyn fans might be getting a book featuring your favorite vampire, so stay tuned for more information about that.                              
                         *Wink, Wink* All I'm saying is...The Force of Wind is my favorite book yet.

I want to thank Bea for dropping by Better Read Than Dead today. She was so kind to take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few of my questions.

Seriously everyone, read this series. Pure delight. But for now...enter to win an e-book of This Same Earth. Giveaway ends March 13, 2012.



Sunday, December 11, 2011

Winners and Upcoming Giveaways

Yay! I have more winners.

Persephone from Persephone's Winged Reviews won Shattered Dreams by Ellie James
and
Livia from Butterfly-o-Meter Books is the winner of A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth by Elizabeth Hunter

Thanks to Lindsay Cummings from St. Martin's Press for the signed bookmark headed to Persephone!
And another big thanks to Elizabeth Hunter for donating her wonderful books for this giveaway.

Thank you to all my readers who signed up for these giveaways. Better luck next time. 
Speaking of next time...


Intoxicated by Books



This giveaway begins tonight at midnight! Be sure you drop by and get entered to win any book of your choosing for $15 or less from The Book Depository.
 
I have three more big giveaways coming up so stay tuned!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Interview (and Giveaway) with Giovanni Vecchio from This Same Earth

 A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth by Elizabeth Hunter
The Elemental Mysteries, Books 1 & 2

Today is a very exciting day here at Better Read Than Dead. I have the pleasure of welcoming the sexy fire-vampire, Giovanni Vecchio, to my little home on the web. We are going to see if we can find out what drives the enigma that is Gio. Hopefully, he will let us in on a few of his secrets. In case you haven't met Gio before...check out my reviews of A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth. This series is intriguing, mysterious, and sensuous.


Kristin: Welcome to Better Read Than Dead Dr. Vecchio. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and tell us a little about yourself and possibly give us some insight into the enigma that is Giovanni Vecchio.

Giovanni: Thank you for having me, Kristin. It's a pleasure to be here. I've heard a few of your readers may be considered...fans. I'm very flattered that they have read Beatrice's and my first book. (My assistant, Ms. Hunter, is also quite pleased.)

Kristin: I want to talk a little about Beatrice’s journals she wrote you in Chile. How did you feel when you read the things she wrote – especially the parts about her love life or her deep hatred for you that seeped out at times?

Giovanni: I respect Beatrice enough to know she is entitled to her own life and her own opinions, and I expected her to be angry with me. Whatever romantic interests she had in the time we were separated are inconsequential. I am more interested in her future.

Kristin: I know you believed you were doing Beatrice a favor by leaving her for all that time. Do you still believe it was the right thing to do or do you regret not having that time with her?

Giovanni: I regretted every day we spent apart. But it is often necessary to think of the future instead of...indulging in immediate pleasures.

Kristin: Tell us the truth…how often did you spy on her?

Giovanni: I'm not sure I know what you are talking about. Whatever security I hired to guard Beatrice in the time we were apart was for her protection. She is, after all, under my aegis. It will always be my responsibility to protect her.

**Hmmm…I wonder if you’re not a tad bit in denial. I believe there is more to this than you aegis.

Kristin: Was there ever a point that you thought you had lost her for good? That she wouldn’t forgive you?

Giovanni: I'm a confident man. And I've been told I can be very...persuasive. (Incidentally, my assistant just rolled her eyes at me. She pretends she is immune to my charms, but I know better.)

Kristin: Some horrific things happen to Carwyn and his family. Do you believe he will ever be the fun-loving jokester we all love or has this trauma been too much?

Giovanni: I have known Carwyn for hundreds of years. He may be fun-loving, but he's also extremely wise, resilient, and far tougher than many people realize. I'm very confident he and his family will recover from their loss. On a lighter note, I've ordered the Best of Wrestlemania DVDs for him as a Christmas present this year. That and needling me about my love life are sure to cheer him up eventually.

***You two and your Wrestelmania. I feel for Beatrice and Ben. Of course, Ben is a boy so he will probably join in all the hoopla. Poor Bea.

Kristin: So you scoured the world, looking for Beatrice’s father. You adopted Ben. Obviously you missed Beatrice greatly. What else can you tell us about your adventures?

Giovanni: Hmm, I don't believe in “showing my hand,” but let's just say that I plan for the future. Especially when those I care about may be at risk. I take the protection of those I love very seriously.

Kristin: Lorenzo is a sore subject, I know. However, I wonder if there would ever be a way you could forgive him? Is there a chance he could change for the better?

Giovanni: Carwyn would say that there is always a chance for redemption. I, however, believe that the past best predicts the future. Judge a man, or a vampire, by his actions. That's all I'll say about Lorenzo.

Kristin: I would like to know a bit more about Gemma. Did you believe Beatrice when she revealed Gemma’s true feelings for you? Did it change anything for you, knowing?

Giovanni: I trust Beatrice’s judgment implicitly. She's very perceptive about human nature. Gemma has been a friend for hundreds of years; I still consider her one. Whatever...other feelings she may have do not affect me. (Kristin, my assistant just muttered something about “oblivious men.”)

***I’m thinking your assistant may be on to something. Just saying…

Kristin: Can you sum up your feelings for Beatrice in three words?

            Giovanni: I'm a man of few words; I can tell you in two. Tesoro mio. She is my treasure.

Kristin: Being a vampire, I’m not sure of your traditions; but, is there a chance you would ever marry Beatrice? If so, what would your ideal wedding be?

Giovanni: There is as much variety of tradition in the vampire world as there is in the human one. I may be a vampire, but my best friend is a priest. What do you think? As for ceremonies, I have no opinion on them. It is the act, not the ceremony surrounding it that is important.

Kristin: I know you are a very busy man. You have monsters to hunt, a nephew to take care of, and a beautiful woman craving your attention. One last question…can you tell us anything of what we should expect in The Force of Wind which is expected to make an appearance in March 2012?

Giovanni: I think you should expect the unexpected for our next adventure. We'll travel somewhere you might not have predicted. Also, a very old friend of mine might be playing a much larger part in our mystery. Incidentally, I've heard the next book has been called quite “steamy” by some of Ms. Hunter's readers. That, of course, is their opinion.

***Ah, steamy. That is definitely something to look forward to.

Gio, thank you so much for stopping by my home on the web. Also, please send a great big thank you to your assistant for typing these answers so you didn’t fry her computer. I have a feeling she is very fond of it…if I know anything about authors. (Gio and electricity don't play well together.)

Synopsis:

"No secret stays hidden forever."

A phone call from an old friend sets Dr. Giovanni Vecchio back on the path of a mystery he’d abandoned years before.  He never expected a young librarian could hold the key to the search, nor could he have expected the danger she would attract.  Now he and Beatrice De Novo will follow a twisted maze that leads from the archives of a university library, through the fires of Renaissance Florence, and toward a confrontation they never could have predicted.

A Hidden Fire is a paranormal mystery/romance for adult readers.  It is the first book in the Elemental Mysteries Series.



Synopsis:

Beatrice De Novo thought she had left the supernatural world behind…for the most part. But when the past becomes the present, will she leave her quiet life in Los Angeles to follow a mystery she thought had abandoned her? Where has Giovanni Vecchio been, and why has he returned? Giovanni has his own questions, and he’s looking to her for answers.

The sequel to A Hidden Fire will reunite Beatrice and Giovanni to continue their search through the past while both wrestle with the future. When the world as you knew it has changed forever, is there any way you can turn back?

This Same Earth is the second book in the Elemental Mysteries series. It is a paranormal romance/mystery for adult readers.

*Just fill out the Rafflecopter to enter to win.  To make sure it's the right Rafflecopter...click HERE!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

This Same Earth by Elizabeth Hunter


Title: This Same Earth
Series: Elemental Mysteries #2
Author: Elizabeth Hunter
Independently Published
December 7, 2011
 
Website ǀ Facebook ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble
Synopsis:

Beatrice De Novo thought she had left the supernatural world behind…for the most part. But when the past becomes the present, will she leave her quiet life in Los Angeles to follow a mystery she thought had abandoned her? Where has Giovanni Vecchio been, and why has he returned? Giovanni has his own questions, and he’s looking to her for answers.

The sequel to A Hidden Fire will reunite Beatrice and Giovanni to continue their search through the past while both wrestle with the future. When the world as you knew it has changed forever, is there any way you can turn back?

This Same Earth is the second book in the Elemental Mysteries series. It is a paranormal romance/mystery for adult readers.


This Same Earth is exactly what I have come to expect from the brilliant Elizabeth Hunter - fierce, sexy, and mysterious. This is the second book in the Elemental Mysteries Series, a series delving into a complete new world of vampires. The mystical creatures are able to call on one of the elements: earth, air, water, or fire to aid with anything from lighting a fire to battling their enemies. Their abilities coincide with their element, obviously. The lovely Beatrice stumbled into this world in A Hidden Fire, only to find herself deserted by the one she loved. In this installment, she will be forced to face her past and make decisions that will change her life forever.

Beatrice has grown into a beautiful young woman and has attempted to put the past behind her. She has a great job, owns a quaint little home, and has normal friends - including a boyfriend she loves. Gio disappeared from her life the day she moved to California and she despises him because of it. She suspects he has had a behind-the-scenes role in her life over the years; what she doesn't know is how great that role has been. She has no idea the extents he has taken to assure that she is safe. The people Beatrice has surrounded herself with all these years may not be what they seem.

When the past waltzes back into her life as nothing has changed, Bea finds herself buried in turmoil over her feelings for Gio. She is determined that he will earn her trust again, that he will not just up and disappear again, leaving her broken once again. The romantic tension between these two lurches up a few notches as Bea is determined to remain friends and avoid all romantic feelings for the fire vampire while Gio is determined to have Beatrice back in his life as much more than friends. Who will win, I wonder?

Just as the two are making their way to becoming friends, Lorenzo strikes again...killing someone dear to Gio. Beatrice is determined to be a part of this journey in every way. We tag along with Gio and Bea as they tromp through Europe, seeking justice and freedom, meeting an eclectic group of characters who provide both stability and chaos throughout the adventure. Some you will love and others you will hate. And have no fear...many of the old characters make appearances as time moves forward.

Ms. Hunter's phenomenal world building skills drop you deep into a world fraught with fantastical creatures, frightening circumstances, and unyielding love. This is an unique and addicting series.

The Force of Wind makes it's debut in March of 2012. I am not sure I can wait that long.

Check out my review of the first book, A Hidden Fire.



Friday, November 25, 2011

Follow Friday - 11/25/11


If you are new to the #FF fun, Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Rachel of Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

This weeks features are:

Books and Beyond
The Book Addict


Q: It’s Thanksgiving Day(Weekend) in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for – blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?

First, Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. Even if you don't live in the United States you can still tell us what you are thankful for. Right?

I have so much to show my appreciation for. I have two beautiful daughters who make my life what it is today. As a teenager I never wanted children. I just never imagined that they would complete my life in the way they have. There has never been a day that goes by that I don't thank God for blessing me with them. Of course, there are those days that I am begging God for the patience to deal with them...I'm certain they pray for the patience to deal with me too. I am also very grateful for my wonderful parents who are still there for me every single day. My husband and I will be celebrating our 17th anniversary tomorrow. If not for his love and support, I would not have been able to be the mother I am today.

Okay...on to the blogging things I am thankful for. I have been blogging for about six months and have been so very lucky to make some wonderful friends. April from Books4Juliet, Angela from Reading Angel, Pixie from The Bookaholic, and Kristin from KristinCanRead are just a few of these blogging people.

I often review independently published books and have had the honor of working with some of the nicest, kindest authors around.  
 All of these lovely ladies have written books worthy of your time. Top 5 traditionally published series I am, oh so thankful for this year:
And last, but certainly not least...I am thankful to all my wonderful followers who make writing this blog worthwhile!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter


Title: A Hidden Fire
Series: An Elemental Mystery
Author: Elizabeth Hunter
Copyright 2011 by Elizabeth Hunter
Released: October 13, 2011
The Elemental Mystery Website
Elizabeth on Twitter
A Hidden Fire on Goodreads
A Hidden Fire at Amazon
A Hidden Fire at Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

"No secret stays hidden forever."

A phone call from an old friend sets Dr. Giovanni Vecchio back on the path of a mystery he’d abandoned years before.  He never expected a young librarian could hold the key to the search, nor could he have expected the danger she would attract.  Now he and Beatrice De Novo will follow a twisted maze that leads from the archives of a university library, through the fires of Renaissance Florence, and toward a confrontation they never could have predicted.

A Hidden Fire is a paranormal mystery/romance for adult readers.  It is the first book in the Elemental Mysteries Series.

5 Stars!!! *Adult Paranormal Romance

A Hidden Fire is saturated with mystery, intrigue, and romance. To be quite honest…this book will make my paranormal romance top ten list of 2011. The characters are enigmatic and brimming with charisma. Every character has a specific purpose in the story, they are important and multidimensional. The romance is slow and builds with a burning intensity throughout the book.  And the mystery…well, it just keeps going and going and going…and then at the end, it continues. The sequel cannot come out soon enough for me. A Hidden Fire is to say the very least…intense.

Let’s say hello to the characters, shall we?

  • Giovanni Vecchio is an Italian god; at least he looks like one. Rich, sexy, and mysterious is a completely accurate description of Gio. His weekly trips to the Special Collections reading room at the Houston University library unearth a long lost collection of letters and poetry. This collection will complicate every part of Gio’s life…as well as others.
  • Beatrice De Novo is beautiful and intelligent. She is snippy, sarcastic, and made me laugh so hard. Her job at the library entwines her fate with Gio’s. B, as she prefers to be called, has had a difficult life. Her father died when she was young and she is left the haunting feeling that he is still around. She is a strong heroin and will bring feeling to Gio’s heart.
  • Casper appears to be Gio’s butler; however, the more you learn about Gio, the more you realize that Casper is family. Casper cares deeply about Gio’s well-being and attempts to help him find the life he has always deserved. I loved Casper because he tells it like it is. He doesn’t let Gio pull anything over on him and forces Gio to answer for his actions.
  • Stephen De Novo found something he shouldn’t of. He paid with his life…in one form or another.
  • Carwyn, a great friend to Gio, is probably my favorite character. He is a Welsh Priest who has lived a long time. Funny and flirtatious, he is able to give Beatrice some of the answers she is looking for. He believes that each person should tell their own story.  He and Beatrice are great as friends…he can read her like a book and knows exactly what to say.
  • Isadora De Novo is Beatrice’s only living family member. She and Beatrice have become very close since her grandfather’s passing. Isadora has been keeping a huge secret that may bring much unwanted strife to Beatrice’s life.
  • Tenzin remains a mystery to me. She is very old and powerful. A very close friend of Gio and Carwyn. She fights by their side to obtain something extremely important to Gio. Tenzin is an odd one, but I loved her.
  • Lorenzo is the pain in Gio’s ass. He seeks power and seizes any opportunity to cause Gio discord.
Elizabeth combined the lore of elementals with the lore of vampires and created an out-of-this-world world. I was extremely interested in the creation of these immortal creatures. Being from Texas, I appreciated the location of the story and became more interested as she took her characters from Houston to Greece to Chili ending in California. The author did a great job of pulling local culture into each of these locations.

The romance that is portrayed is not immediate and overwhelming. It simmers slowly until it engulfs you in its entirety and leaves you a tad bit disappointed, not in the story or the romance, but in the situation. I wanted what Beatrice wanted…I wanted Gio to fight for her. I suspect he has his reasons for his actions, but it doesn’t mean I agree. Ugh…men.  There is plenty of humor sprinkled throughout the book to leave you smiling right before the tears come.

For fans of vampires or elementals…I highly recommend A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter. I don’t believe you will be disappointed.

JUST IN - BOOK TWO WILL BE RELEASED IN DECEMBER. NO LONG WAITS FOR THE SEQUEL!

Two of my favorite quotes:

“Right,” she frowned. “Right. No one would believe me because vampires aren’t real.”…He chuckled in amusement. “Everyone knows that.”

Carwyn rolled his eyes. “Silly B, love is friendship…just with less clothes, which is far more brilliant.”




*I was given a free e-copy of A Hidden Fire by the author in return for my honest review.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

This Week at Better Read Than Dead

So many things happening this week on the blog. I am super excited to be a part of the Huge Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! Tons of giveaways all week. Make sure you hit as many stops at possible!


I am participating in two Virtual Blog Tours with giveaways also.

10/23/11 - Thin Air Author Interview and Giveaway
10/24/11 - Thin Air Review






10/25/11 - Blood Bound Review and Giveaway

 
10/26/11 - A Hidden Fire Review
11/27/11 - Shift Review
10/28/11 - Dreamfever Review
10/29/11 - TBR Intervention and Covet Review

This may be my busiest week yet! 

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