Unwrapping: Review of SECRETS OF THE JAGUAR, book three in the Immortals in Alameda series by Jaye Shields

Already a big fan of Jaye Shields’ Immortals in Alameda series, I knew I had to read SECRETS OF THE JAGUAR to complete the series. When Jaye told me that this was actually her very first book, I considered that as I read it but soon discovered that her talent was there from the start.

***I purchased this one for my own personal reading but am presenting an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for SECRETS OF THE JAGUAR:

Michelle looks like the girl next door, but she can grow some wicked claws and fur, too for that matter. Hiding out in a small island town, Michelle guards her secret—that she’s a were-jaguar.

Duncan had spent the last eighty years being eternally young, and eternally lonely. Being a vampire has meant a meaningless existence, so when he discovers a were-jaguar in town, Duncan sees her less as a freak, and more like a gift.

Throughout her life, Michelle faced constant betrayal, but Duncan refuses to leave her alone. Together, they venture to Mexico where the ancient Mayan past holds the key to her existence. But when Duncan realizes an Aztec army of vampires needs Michelle’s blood to perform an ancient ritual, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her. But falling in love could be the most dangerous game—for Michelle, it could mean the greatest betrayal.

*              *             *             *              *

Michelle lives a quiet life, always hoping to not be noticed for fear that her past will catch up to her. She goes to school, searches for a job to help pay her bills, and enjoys a romp on the beach through the anise that grows nearby. By romp, I mean on all fours, the sea breeze rustling her black fur, and the scent of anise filling her nostrils and sparking her animal nature with a desire to roll in it – like any cat would enjoy. Michelle is a were-jaguar and can’t afford for anyone to learn her secret for when her adopted parents did, they sent the government to kill her.

Duncan is a lonely man. His eighty years of living as a vampire hasn’t been the most wonderful existence. He’s never grasped his more dangerous side, he hates having to feed on humans and only does it when he absolutely has to and then only takes a little. When he discovers a beautiful black jaguar stalking the beach, he’s intrigued enough to find out more. His discovery lightens his life, his heart, and draws he and the beautiful Michelle, whose existence as a jaguar now becomes of paramount importance for him to protect, into danger that threatens both of their lives – both alive and dead.

SECRETS OF THE JAGUAR by Jaye Shields is actually quite amazing. I love how she conjured a vampire who even as he thinks of himself as a monster is actually a gentle soul and a gentle man. He despises feeding on humans and so never ingests enough blood to fulfill his own abilities. He seeks out animal blood from butchers rather than suckle his sustenance from strangers in alleys. At times, you simply forget that Duncan is a vampire at all. But when it matters most, Duncan finds his warrior side and just as Michelle taps into her animal, he becomes her greatest defender.

I love how Jaye incorporates her knowledge of Mayan history and archaeology into the story extending the adventure while tapping into the past to merge with the present. Her characters are as full-bodied as if this was actually written as the third book in the series rather than being her first. Where I see the debutante in Jaye is when it came to the sex scenes. In SECRETS OF THE FOG and SECRETS OF THE SKY, she was easy and comfortable with the sexiness of her characters but in SECRETS OF THE JAGUAR, we are treated to a more pan to the clouds in the sky kind of sexuality. We never actually experience Michelle and Duncan consummating their desire but are instead teased with the idea. This is perfect for those of you who appreciate a more timid level of sexuality in your romances.

SECRETS OF THE JAGUAR works excellently as a stand-alone, as well as part of the Immortals in Alameda series, so go ahead and indulge in an adventurous journey to find Michelle’s roots, the meaning of her existence, and the danger that surrounds her people. I highly recommend SECRETS OF THE JAGUAR by Jaye Shields because it’s an amazing story that demonstrates the raw talent that this extraordinary author has had from the beginning.

Happy Reading Everyone!

SECRETS OF THE JAGUAR, an Immortals in Alameda novel by Jaye Shields, Crimson Romance, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links or cover below for purchasing information

   

And A Copy of SECRETS OF THE SKY by Jaye Shields goes to ...

 

 

THANK YOU EVERYONE

for taking the time to visit with

with our lovely guests,

Morgana and Melissandra Reed.

 

They were a delight to have visit.

Thank you, Jaye, for allowing them to visit

with me and I hope everyone will

check out this awesome series -

it's got something for everyone

not just the paranormal fans.

 

 As promised, one lucky commenter is

going to win a digital copy

of this fabulous paranormal romance
starring some very sexy immortals,

SECRETS OF THE SKY by Jaye Shields,

so without further ado,

the winner is:

 

 

 

 

 

ROWENA MAY O'SULLIVAN

 

 

 

 

 

 Congrats to Rowena, she has been notified by email

and she has until the end of the day

Thursday, February 21, 2013 to get back to me or I will be forced to

draw another name at random to present the prize to in her place.

 So please check your SPAM folder so you don't miss the message.

Congratulations, Rowena and thank you to everyone who visited and played.

Happy Reading Everyone!

 

Btw - I've got some new advertisers on the blog including

Teleflora, Gooseberry Patch, and a lovely cosmetics company

that does NO Animal Testing and donates to PitBull Rescue,

called 100% Pure -

so I hope you'll check 'em out, if you're interested.

Happy Saturday!

Wacky Wednesday: A Visit With the Reed Sisters from the IMMORTALS IN ALAMEDA Series by Jaye Shields SECRETS OF THE SKY Blog Tour

The Owen Sisters from PRACTICAL MAGIC

Have you ever seen the movie PRACTICAL MAGIC, a story about the Owens sisters, witches who play around with black magic after accidentally killing a man only to bring back something intensely more dangerous? Do you remember the aunts - Fran and Jet? Well, we are about to visit with two incredible women who are also aunts and remind me so greatly of the adorable Owens aunts in the movie - just as quirky, just as incorrigible, just as beautiful - only blond!

Morgana and Melissandra Reed are aunts to Sparrow Reed, the heroine of Jaye Shields' newest release, and the book we are celebrating with a two week Blog Tour, SECRETS OF THE SKY. If you're interested in visiting any of the other stops along the Tour, please click HERE but hurry back because these lovely ladies are about to join us. We first met them in SECRETS OF THE FOG by Jaye Shields, book one in the series. They nearly stole the show then and are even more adorable in this fabulous new romance that had me in tears by the end. If you'd like to read my review of SECRETS OF THE SKY, click HERE but hurry back, I think I hear the Reed Sisters arriving.

One day, a while back, November 28, 2012 to be exact, Jaye Shields and I took you on a trip to a coffee shop where we met Sparrow Reed and her aunts, Morgana and Melissandra. Well, we are fortunate enough to have these two lovely ladies with us today. They are not only loads of fun, wise with their advice but also happen to be Wiccans - witches, if you're wondering.

Please join me in welcoming the Reed sisters, Morgana and Melissandra, to UNWRAPPING ROMANCE ...

*Two stunning women, one with a head full of silver blond curly hair and the other with a mane of long silver streaked blond waves, enter together arm in arm. They take a moment to peruse the covers with sexy, bare-chested men on them. A few giggles erupt and they whisper to each other.*

Amy:  Hello Morgana ... nice to meet you, Melissandra, *shaking hands with each woman*
It's a real delight to have you both with us today. I've so enjoyed meeting you through Ms. Shields' stories about your lives and your adventures involving the Knights of the Fog.

Perhaps you would like to tell us a little bit about yourselves for those who might not have met you yet.

Melissandra: *the younger of the two sisters pats her wild mane of hair. The scent of patchouli wafts through the room.*
My name is Melissandra, and I’m the beautiful one.

Morgana: *the remaining sister and elder of the two, extends a hand.*
I’m the sane one.

Melissandra: *grins* If you're so sane, you would have let Sodor carry you up the mountain last week instead of claiming dignity.

*turns to me and shakes her head*
Who goes on an epic uphill hike and turns down a handsome immortal who offers to carry her?

Amy: *smiling sheepishly* I certainly wouldn't but then I'm not Morgana.

Um ... I noticed your appreciation of the gorgeous men that grace so many romance novels but you've got some gorgeous men surrounding you in Alameda and the amazing realms to which you've been allowed to visit. Have you any favorites among the Knights of the Fog? Perhaps you'd like to have one of your own. *wink*

Melissandra: Hell yes, I'd like one of my own!

*smacking her hands together, rubbing them together fast enough to ignite a fire*

 

Morgana: She's already got our vacation planned. *winks across the table at me*

But with all the patchouli the handsome knights will be able to smell her coming from a mile away and run for cover. 

 

*she smooths out her tye-dye dress and grins wickedly*

 

Which is when I plan on strolling into the portal realm smelling like roses.

 

Amy: *hiding a giggle behind my hand before clearing my throat*

I understand you're now wearing rings that provide you the same immortality that the Knights are afforded. Do you see this good fortune changing your lives any - other than living forever, that is?

Melissandra: Yeah, thank God I don't have to look any older than I do now. My niece already seems to think that I'm too old for most of the hotties I spot on the streets. *shaking her head in dismay*

Morgana: I'm still not sure if I'm going to use mine. *staring down at the jewel on her finger*

Melissandra: *glancing over at her sister with love and admiration*  Whatever you decide, sister, you know I am with you.

Morgana: *turning toward her sister, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips* I know.

Amy: *a little overwhelmed by the love these two sisters have for each other*
Ahem, well, you're both very brave ... I mean, you put yourself into the middle of battles with demons, dragons, and vampires. Now that you're immortal, do you see yourself continuing to fight alongside Sparrow, Rowen, Tera and Sabin or will you use it in some even more noble fashion?

Morgana: I said this once before and I'll say it again, knitters can kick ass, too!

Amy: *laughing*  I will never doubt that, Morgana!  *wink*
As sisters, you're obviously also best friends, and as Wiccans, your talents are extensive. So, I'm sure my readers are as curious as I am about what the future holds for you both. Has Ms. Shields given you any insight into your futures or have you cast any spells to see what's in store for you?

Morgana: *shaking her head* Not at all. The best part of life is being surprised. I don't want to know what's coming.

Melissandra: *smiling* Unless a Knight of the Fog has decided to come seduce me. Then I'd like a heads up to make sure I'm looking my foxiest, perhaps dye some of my gray strands to a ... less gray color.

Amy: *enjoying these lovely ladies so much* I'm sure that any one of the Knights would be more than happy to accept you as your beautiful self just the way you are, Melissandra.
You're both wonderful guests and I've so enjoyed having you visit today, is there any advice that you'd like to give me, and my dear readers, about living life to its fullest for you both certainly enjoy life very much?

Melissandra and Morgana put their heads together and in unison proclaim:

HOLD NOTHING BACK AND MAKE NO APOLOGIES!

Amy: LOL! Truly great advice! Morgana, Melissandra, thank you so very much for taking time out of your busy day to join us here. May your days be filled with joy, laughter, and lots of gorgeous men!

Morgana and Melissandra:    Thanks Darling!

As they leave they giggle, loop arms and blow kisses over their shoulders!

Amy: Wow! They are so much fun!

I hope you've enjoyed our visit with these two amazing ladies that give a whole new meaning to sisterhood. To help Jaye Shield celebrate the release of her amazing new paranormal romance, SECRET OF THE SKY, in which the Reed Sisters play a role in helping rid the human realm of some very scary and evil creatures, we're going to have a GIVEAWAY!

I asked Morgana and Melissandra about immortality - I got the impression that it really wasn't something that is as inviting to them as we might think. How about you?

 

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE IMMORTAL, WOULD YOU TAKE IT?

 

Leave me a comment giving me your thoughts on this topic to enter for a chance to win a digital copy of SECRETS OF THE SKY by Jaye Shields. Looking forward to your thoughts on immortality!

 

GIVEAWAY PRIZE:

 

One Digital Copy of SECRETS OF THE SKY by Jaye Shields in any ebook format

 

Blurb for SECRETS OF THE SKY:

 

Sparrow Reed might look like an angel, but she’s a witch with a back full of enchanted tattoos and she’s not afraid to use them. When her best friend’s life is threatened by an evil Goddess, Sparrow joins an epic battle against the demons sent to destroy her home. She never realized that the night she almost died, her life would truly begin.

Rowen Aerion of the Knights of the Fog was sent to the human realm to tip the balance in an unfair fight. But when he arrives on Alcatraz Island to aid the mortal humans, he sees an angel fighting demons. But she’s not an angel, she’s human. And according to a soothsayer, his love for her will mean her demise.

Sparrow is thrust into a world she never imagined existed, yet nothing thrills her like the handsome warrior who refuses her seduction. When Rowen’s rejection sends Sparrow into the arms of a dangerous rebel, Rowen must decide which is more dangerous, the oracle’s grim warning, or forsaking his heart’s sole desire.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

**This Giveaway is OPEN TO EVERYONE - international included. (Void where prohibited by law).

**You must leave a comment and a valid email address to be entered in the Giveaway. Please remember the magic formula for entry:

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR VISITING!

**This Giveaway will run until 11:30PM EST, Friday, February 15, 2013, at which time one lucky commenter will chosen by randomizer to win a digital copy of SECRETS OF THE SKY by Jaye Shields. The winner will be notified by email and announced on a special Saturday post. If I do not hear from the winner by end of day Thursday, February 21, 2013, I will be forced to run the randomizer again and a new winner will be chosen from the remaining entries. Thank you and GOOD LUCK!

Happy Reading Everyone!

SECRETS OF THE SKY, book two in the Immortals In Alameda series by Jaye Shields, Crimson Romance, and available in ebook formats.

SECRETS OF THE FOG, book one in the Immortals In Alameda series by Jaye Shields, Crimson Romance, and available in ebook formats.

                                                                             

Unwrapping: Review of SECRETS OF THE SKY, an Immortals In Alameda novel by Jaye Shields

I am one of the tour hosts for the SECRETS OF THE SKY by Jaye Shields Blog Tour and to get us in the mood for my day, which is Wacky Wednesday when the adorable Reed sisters from the Immortals In Alameda series will be visiting me, I'm pleased to review this extraordinary story that lives in this the second book in this amazing fantasy/paranormal series. If you aren't familiar with the series yet, please feel free to check out my review of the first book - SECRETS OF THE FOG.

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for SECRETS OF THE SKY:

Sparrow Reed might look like an angel, but she’s a witch with a back full of enchanted tattoos and she’s not afraid to use them. When her best friend’s life is threatened by an evil Goddess, Sparrow joins an epic battle against the demons sent to destroy her home. She never realized that the night she almost died, her life would truly begin.

Rowen Aerion of the Knights of the Fog was sent to the human realm to tip the balance in an unfair fight. But when he arrives on Alcatraz Island to aid the mortal humans, he sees an angel fighting demons. But she’s not an angel, she’s human. And according to a soothsayer, his love for her will mean her demise.

Sparrow is thrust into a world she never imagined existed, yet nothing thrills her like the handsome warrior who refuses her seduction. When Rowen’s rejection sends Sparrow into the arms of a dangerous rebel, Rowen must decide which is more dangerous, the oracle’s grim warning, or forsaking his heart’s sole desire.
 
                                             *                   *                   *                   *                    *                    *

If you read SECRETS OF THE FOG by Jaye Shields, you know that Sparrow, Tera, the Knights of the Fog, the aunts, a vampire & shifter as well as a quetzalem, battled Chaos and her demons to protect the human world. You know that Tera and Sabin had their happily-ever-after and that Sparrow was saved from death by the blood of Pyrrhus, the sexy quetzalem/dragon. You know that in the last chapter, Sparrow left several frantic messages about her mother, Egret, having gone missing. I love that Jaye takes us back not only to that time at the beginning of SECRETS OF THE SKY, but also gives a backstory for Sparrow's mother, Egret. We're given a glimpse into the secret of Sparrow Reed's father and why this petite blond witch with a back full of bird tattoos is so special. 

Sparrow Reed is independant, tough, and able to take care of herself - most of the time - but heartbroken, after enjoying some amazing physical activites with the gorgeous and sexy Rowen Aerion, a Knight of the Fog who she first met on the battlefield then encounters again when she, Tera, and the aunts, as well as Duncan and Michelle travel to the mystical Kingdom of Hy-Breasal to be honored by the High King with the gifts of rings of immortality, she decides she doesn't need anyone's help to find her missing mother. Angry, disappointed and determined to prove she doesn't need Rowen after he refused her, she throws away her ring at just the wrong time. Now, armed only with her cunning skills, her ability to transform into birds, and a companion who, until her recent encounters with Rowen, had been her seducer in her dreams, Sparrow finds herself in a very wrong, very dangerous realm.

While Sparrow and Pyrrhus attempt to survive the dangerous Canicus Realm, Rowen discovers that Sparrow is most likely in danger and, the oracle's warning be damned, he cannot allow this incredible woman who has very much wormed her way into his heart perish without him doing something to save her. Unfortunately, all does not go well and now, it's not only Sparrow and Pyrrhus whose lives are on the line but Rowen's also when they're all captured by dragon hunters.

SECRETS OF THE SKY by Jaye Shields is so action-packed that it's hard to catch your breath except when you're forced to put this amazing story down. Had I the opportunity, I know I never would have put it down because I was so captured by the story of Rowan and Sparrow, as well as the second romance that belongs to Sparrow's mother, Egret - I'm not saying any more because it's a spoiler. Amazing characters abound in this series, the aunts - Morgana and Melissandra Reed - the fellow Knights of the Fog, and Pyrrhus, the Quetzalem who you begin to think is not such a good guy until he proves himself to be just that and more, and then - the bad guys, who are truly nasty! The aunts still fascinate us and make us laugh because they are just so adorable but we get to know Egret a bit better and learn of her lost love.

I highly recommend SECRETS OF THE SKY, the second book in the Immortals In Alameda series by Jaye Shields to anyone who loves a splendid mix of fantasy/mythology and paranormal elements, splendid characters - both main and secondary- action, action, and more action, and a romance that will have sighing with relief, as well as a secondary romance that will have you reaching for tissues. I'm going to be totally honest and tell you that this ending tore me up emotionally. I could barely read the last chapter through my tears. At one point, I was actually sobbing. This was the most emotionally charged ending I've ever read and I've read many that have left me in tears but never one that made me sob.

Happy Reading Everyone and I hope you'll come by on Wednesday when the aunts, Morgana and Melissandra Reed, will be visiting to give us a little insight into the world of the Immortals In Alameda! You know that's going to be a Wacky Wednesday!

SECRETS OF THE SKY, book two in the Immortals In Alameda series by Jaye Shields, Crimson Romance, available now in ebook formats.

                                                                                       

Unwrapping: Review of SECRETS OF THE FOG by Jaye Shields

Last month, I introduced you to a new writer who happens to also frequent this blog which I'm very pleased about. This debut writer is Jaye Shields. She has already thrilled many readers with her debut work, CONFESSIONS OF A SEX DEMON, but I'm pleased to say that her talents don't end with sex demons. I was recently asked to read an eARC of her upcoming release, SECRETS OF THE FOG, book one in the Immortals in Alameda series. So, of course, I jumped at the chance. Jaye Shields hooked me with this one -  again.

***eARC supplied by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review

Blurb for SECRETS OF THE FOG:

A Sexual Goddess + Giant Tree = Dryad. Or at least that’s how Tera was born.

When the Dryad Tera’s friends inform her that the portal on Alcatraz Island is buzzing with an arrival, she thinks her goddess mother has come to visit. When Tera arrives at the portal to welcome her, she doesn’t find her mother, she finds a gigantic otherworldly warrior causing mass destruction among the San Francisco tourists. Being a Forest Dryad born from the Goddess of the Hunt has its perks, and kicking ass is one of them.

Sabin is six-feet-six of hard-bodied soldier, used to subduing demons twice his size. One day after chasing an elusive smoke demon through a portal into the human realm, Sabin is brought to his knees by a beautiful woman, literally. After arriving at a pier full of dead bodies, Tera issues a passionate smack-down before Sabin can explain that he’s the good guy.

He’s just in time: as an ancient grudge has come to life. Eris, the Goddess of Chaos, has held a bitter hatred for Tera’s mother, Artemis, for over 400 years – and now she’s ready to destroy all Dryads – including Tera.

                     *                    *                    *                    *                    *                    *

Tera is a Forest Dryad who has come to live in Alameda after meeting her friend, Sparrow. The Dryad don't normally leave the forest but Tera wanted more. Now, she lives a happy life with her adopted family of Wiccans that include Sparrow, Sparrow's mother Egret, and her aunts Morgana and Melissandre. Tera protects her city and its inhabitants like she once protected her forest and her Dryad sisters. Only now her enemies are the vampires that sometimes creep through the city and leech their existence off the humans.

Sabin is a warrior guardian of the Fog Realm, a Knight who guards the portals that open between the realms and allow some to travel through and others to keep in. As a Knight of the Fog Realm, he is immortal. When he finds himself suddenly pushed through a portal along with a demon, Sabin has no idea how is life, his very long life, is about to change. Intent on destroying the demon and protecting the more fragile humans on which the demon preys, Sabin never expects to find himself attacked by a warrior woman in the form of a Forest Dryad named Agrotera. He more certainly doesn't expect his heart to be captured by a woman who has been raised to despise men even more than demons and vampires.

SECRETS OF THE FOG by Jaye Shields is captivating, inspiring, and action-packed nearly from the first page. The aunts immediately caught my attention and reminded me of the adorable Owens sisters in Alice Hoffman's PRACTICAL MAGIC, endearing me to the characters as easily as the teasing, loving banter between Tera and Sparrow. Being a huge fan of magick and witches, I was already captured by the camaraderie of the main characters but when introduced to Sabin, and his merry Knights of the Fog Realm, I knew I was in love. Jaye Shields has taken paranormal romance to a new level with Dryads, Witches, Demons, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Goddesses and realms that wander in and out of our Human world leaving us wondering about some of the strange things that do happen in our world that can never be explained or discovered.

SECRETS OF THE FOG by Jaye Shields introduces us to a series that is more than just vampires and werewolves as we are used to in paranormal romance. It's much more. It brings in the stories of ancient mythologies, celtic tales, and the world of magick. Jaye Shields has proven that she has a vivid and expansive imagination that can treat us to a travel visit to San Francisco or through the fog and mists that surround and captivate the imagination as their secrets swirl around the city on the bay. Strong female characters who can hold their own and aid the men while fighting demons . Women who draw us in to cheer and wish that we could trade places with them. These are women who we'd love to have as friends and sisters. We laugh with them. We cry with them. And then we share their triumphs and pride. All while falling in love with the most incredibly sexy immortals ever to grace our pages.

I highly recommend SECRETS OF THE FOG, book one in the Immortals in Alameda series, by Jaye Shields to anyone who loves the stories of the gods and goddesses from ancient Greece or other mythologies, including those of the Forest and the ancient Celts. If you've never delved into the paranormal romance genre but would like to dip your toe in - this is a great one to start with - but be forewarned - once you do, you will be hooked and eagerly awaiting the next, as I am. 

Happy Reading Everyone!

SECRETS OF THE FOG, book one in the Immortals in Alameda series by Jaye Shields, Crimson Romance, upcoming release date, October 29, 2012, available in ebook formats.