NeuroticThoughts on Raven's Kiss

Raven's Kiss
Author: Toni LoTempio
Released: April 11, 2011
Available from: amazon b&n smashwords
Target Age: Adult due to some sexual content
Source: I received this book for an honest review as part of the Book Lovin' Bitches ebook tour
Summary from Goodreads:

Raven Grace was a college senior with ambitions of a career in law enforcement when she met the demon Aega, whose bite turned her from mortal to Shapeshifter. Now a member of the Recovery Organization, Raven keeps the peace between humans and errant Hellhounds, trolls, wizards and the like while trying to track down Aega and bring him to justice. After a particularly dicey encounter one night with a Hellhound, she goes to the aid of a girl who’s been attacked and near death—and is amazed to find Aega’s bite mark on the girl’s arm. Determined to get to the bottom of this, she revisits the victim’s apartment and there discovers her closet is a portal to a parallel universe, where people she knows lead vastly different lives. She also gets a glimpse of the Recovery Captain there—a six foot, redheaded Scotsman named Finn McPhee, whose sexy accent and even sexier bod sets her senses aflame. Seeking answers, Finn takes Raven to the magickal underworld, where an ancient fae informs them the demon’s quest is rooted in Scottish mythology and magick. As they delve deeper into legend, the truth comes to light—Aega is only a pawn, subservient to another, darker demon…a being who knows the truth about Raven’s heritage, and who orchestrated her return to this parallel universe for the ultimate showdown. Now, Finn and Raven find their passion for one another must take a backseat to Raven’s battle with a dark force who won’t be satisfied until he’s claimed her soul for his very own…

 

                                                    I LIKED IT!

Raven's Kiss started out the tiniest bit slow, but  picked up wonderfully once Raven discovers the portal to a parallel universe. The idea of the same people in a parallel universe isn't a new idea, but I really loved the way Toni LoTempio wrote the characters in the bizarro universe. Raven's character is tough, brave, and just a little messed up. She harbors a raging hate for the demon Aega, with good reason, and is letting her feelings about him run her life. Finn McPhee is a sexy, fun character that despite not really believing Raven's story of being from another universe, still sets out to help her. I love reading a book that has a man with an accent, I can just hear it in my head the whole time. Once Raven and Finn started working together in the book, I was hooked. The two of them had great chemistry, and I loved their banter. My biggest and really only problem with Raven's Kiss was at the end of the book when Raven and Finn got up close and personal. I the found scenes to be a little crass and not really sexy.  I think I would have liked this to have been the kind of book where they had a super, steamy hot kiss and then the lights go out and we know what happened, but we aren't told what happened. I would recommend this book to the ADULT, urban fantasy, paranormal romance lovers out there. 

Teaser Tuesday (6/21/2011) Raven's Kiss

Raven's Kiss
Author: Toni LoTempio
Teaser from Page: 68


She leaned into me, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, and thrust her finger under my nose. "You've been holding out on me. You know who your Knight of Swords is, eh?"

Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences. (today I did stick to the rule)

I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments.

Guest Post – Author Toni LoTempio & Giveaway

Hey, I’m Toni LoTempio, paranormal romance/YA fantasy author!  I’d like to thank you for letting me guest post today.

First, I’d like to tell you all a little bit about my latest book, RAVEN’S KISS.

Some people might not like Raven at first glance. She’s a mortal girl who was turned into a Shapeshifter from a demon’s bite, and she’s a little bitter, to put it mildly.  When her boss suggests she take a little “vacation” she runs smack dab into a mystery that she hopes will lead her to finally capture the demon who turned her. Raven discovers a portal that leads her into parallel time – a world where the people she knows lead vastly different lives.

She also meets the Recovery Captain in that world – a six foot redheaded Scotsman named Finn McPhee. (fun fact:  I named this character after HP Mallory’s son).   Although they butt heads at first, they can’t deny their attraction to each other, an attraction that deepens as they get closer and closer to unraveling the mystery surrounding the connection between Raven and a rash of serial killings…..

And don’t you just love that cover! It was designed by the fabulous Kimberly Killion!

A Little Toni Trivia

How did I get into writing?  Well, I’ve dabbled in it since I was very young.  I used to read Superman comic books and then rewrite the ending when I didn’t like it (usually making Supes much more romantic with Lois)  I actually wrote a novel while in High School that eventually, 40 years later and about twice as many rewrites, was published (Witch’s Pawn, Echelon Press) but then I got married and as they say, life got in the way.  Fast forward about twenty years, and I was at a seminar with a friend.   We were emailing back and forth and she said to me, “You know, you should be a writer”.  That’s when it hit me – I am!

Then I began more writing, and the arduous search for an agent (which I finally got in 2008 – unfortunately, it didn’t last long). Last year, on the advice of HP Mallory, I self published NO REST FOR THE WICCA – and here I am today!

Currently single, I work full time and live in Clifton, NJ, with  my muses:  Rocco, Maxx, Gata and Trixie.  (Rocco is also known as Rocco the SciFi Blogging Cat and has appeared on the SciFi Saturday Night website and radio show, and also on the Kids Need To Read website where he holds the distinction of being the first (and possibly only!) blogging cat to support this charity!)

You can find out more info on my books and upcoming events on my website, www.tonilotempio.webs.com, or on my blog www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com
(Actually, it’s Rocco’s blog but he does let me post) I am also the suspense columnist for NIGHT OWL REVIEWS MAGAZINE, so if you’re a suspense author or if you have a suspense author you’d like me to do a column on, feel free to contact me at tlotempio@aol.com

Once again, thank you all for reading, and you can look forward to many more “indies” in the months ahead!

Final Stop Giveaway!

As a thanks to tour followers, Toni is offering ONE lucky winner a signed copy of Raven's Kiss and to name a character in a future book after them! Make sure you visit each stop and visit Toni's blog for more details.

BUT WAIT you can win your very own copy of Raven's Kiss by just entering you name and email address below.  I'll pick a winner and have it posted here on the blog on June 28th.