IBC Masquerade: Cherished by Belinda Boring

Blog Tour de Force's October’s Masquerade has begun! Running all of this week, Masquerade showcases two authors each day for six days (now through October 22). Readers go to their websites, read their featured guest post and guess who the author is. What's great about this? Not only do you learn about new authors and their books, you can have fun! And every commenter receives an ebook for FREE! In addition, there's a giveaway for a KINDLE.

Reader Girls is honored to rerun our review of Cherished by Belinda Boring in conjunction with Masquerade. 

All of the participating authors are holding their own unique giveaway and Belinda will give one lucky reader a A Mystic Wolves Prize Pack (book mark, books, poster, book bag, stuffed wolf and goodies) so head on over to Belinda's site.

Cherished Blurb: For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn’t happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she’s lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can’t find her, and most of all, where she’ll never have to see the look of blame in Mason’s eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved. 

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy’s thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he’s ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind Darcy just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is… Cherished?
Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 78 KB
Publisher: Moonstruck Media (August 26, 2011)

Laurie's review: Call the folks over at Merriam Webster and let them know of an immediate change: the word "romance" should now include a cover picture of Cherished. Seriously, I haven't read such a truly romantic story in a long time.

When we left werewolf Darcy in Without Mercy, she was just beginning to deal with the aftermath of the terrible ordeal of losing Jasmine and embracing the wolf inside her for retribution.

Cherished takes place directly after and we see Darcy suffering with her actions, the pain of losing someone close, and wondering whether she is tough enough to make it as the mate of their pack's alpha, Mason. Cherished opens with a gut wrenching, emotional scene between Darcy and Mason and never gives up throughout. We witness the meaning of true love: the raw emotions and feelings, the touches and kisses, and the looks and longing shared between two soul mates. What's incredible is they never consummate their relationship--their mating ceremony is still a month away.

The novella flows from scene to scene and seems to unravel in real time. Darcy's outbursts, insecurities, concerns--everything is voiced and brought out into the open. The reader gets to see this young woman at her worst, and with Mason's love and care, her best. There is so much dialogue between this couple, I couldn't help but really like them. And Mason, can a hunky guy get anymore perfect? Tough exterior, business-minded when needed, protective of his pride and his mate, caring enough to sit in the dark, breaking a meeting to take his woman for a run to a scenic spot, he is incredibly swoonworthy, sexy and sublime. Mason is a powerful Alpha and yet with Darcy, there is such a tender side to him which makes him endearing.

While I was enjoying Darcy and Mason, I was wondering if anything else would happen and by the end I realized it had: Ms. Boring had set me up for the next part of her Mystic Wolves series. With the introduction of the Enforcer Devlin, vampire leader Zane and witch Vivien, as well as noting Darcy's problem with her mental connection to Mason, I need to know what happens next (could I see some more of Daniel too, please?).

Belinda Boring must be an unabashed romantic because she has brought back Romance to paranormal romance novellas with Cherished, a story one can reread again and again to savor the feelings and sensations of a young wolf couple as they cope with betrayal, deal with loss, and strengthen an already strong relationship. Darcy and Mason have my vote for Most Romantic Couple of the Year. Highly recommended.

Rating: Loved it.

Favorite excerpt: Very hard to pick just one so here's one I really, really liked.
"I gave myself over, allowing him to lead, holding nothing back. It was pure emotion and chemistry between us, the magic of who we were to each other left tingling in the air. We were to be mated, bound together through centuries of tradition, but it was way more than that. Mason and I had a soul deep connection that over time would grow stronger and impenetrable. I loved this man and I poured it all into our kiss."

Cover comment: I like the alternating covers. Darcy is featured on the first; Mason on this one. Simple photo and silhouette. With the power of the words inside, the cover is appropriate. I like it.

Book source: From the author for my totally honest and I do mean honest review during a book tour. (Original review can be found here.)

Book Buying Links: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Smashwords 

Author Bio: A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

Don't forget the Giveaways!!!!

Every commenter gets an ebook copy. Comment below and leave your email addy, then head on over to Belinda's site to enter her Mystic Wolves gift pack. Thanks for stopping by and showing your support. 

Enjoy the Masquerade all of this week and then read all of your new free books over the weekend!