January 21, 2014 by Caroline Barker

VAMPIRE SEEKER GIVEAWAY: 2 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER!

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU ALL WHO ENTERED!

There’s only 2 days left to enter our Tim O’Rourke’s ‘VAMPIRE SEEKER (Samantha Carter, Book 1)’ Giveaway! The lucky winner will receive a SIGNED paperback copy of the book, that was released by Piatkus/Little Brown last week! All you need to do is add your name in the comments box below before Thursday 23rd January. The winner will then be randomly selected and notified thereafter.

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE 🙂

Check out the blurb below and our review here.

Book Blurb: Samantha Carter believes that a vampire is responsible for the brutal deaths of four women in Whitechapel, London, England. Each murder is identical to those committed a hundred years before by a very different serial killer.

Desperate to prove the killer’s identity, Samantha follows him onto a late night tube train. But Samantha doesn’t reach the next station and finds herself on a very different journey, where she discovers vampires are very real and far more dangerous than she had ever imagined. To stay alive, Samantha needs to figure out why things have gone so terribly wrong for her – and more importantly, why she is out of time?

‘Vampire Seeker’ is Book One in the Samantha Carter Series.

January 20, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Tour of Duty (When Riley Met Cara #2) by C.J. Pinard

Tour of Duty

After loving the first book of this fantastic sweet, contemporary romance series, I adore C.J. Pinard’s ‘Tour of Duty (When Riley Met Cara #2)’. A little darker and serious than before, Tour of Duty is hotter and more sensual as well as taking heart-warming to another level.

Hot soldier, Riley, is to be in California for the summer only, before he is due back in Colorado to prepare for his next tour. During a night out he meets single mum and recent divorcee, Cara Reid. However, after spending a night with Cara he begins to realise he wants to spend his whole summer with her. But what will happen once the summer is over and his nine month tour of Afghanistan begins?

Whereas the first story, Patriotic Duty, introduced the characters and was told from Cara’s point of view, in Tour of Duty we enter the mind of Riley, seeing their relationship from his point of view. The reader has an insight into the basic daily routine that Riley has when on tour in Afghanistan and his feelings and emotions he has for Cara (from meeting her, spending summer with her and leaving Cara to tour Afghanistan). Being in Riley’s mind was HOTTER and more SEXIER than Cara’s, as everything appears more dramatic and the more direct, hands-on approach. Oh yes, I LOVED this one even more!!!

As suspected, Tour of Duty is a little darker and dramatic than Patriotic Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 1) as the reader truly understands the danger that Riley is in when on tour, experiencing every moment that Riley has in Afghanistan. The reader fully appreciates his need to protect Cara from knowing all of the horrors of war. However, the reader is still provided with the fun, cheeky and hot aspects of their relationship, as in Book 1. And I love how C.J. Pinard can fill her romantic novels with so many emotions. C.J. also has the ability to write some fantastic HOT scenes and, although these characters are falling quite seriously for each other, these scenes are so fun to read, adding a little enlightenment to the fear that their relationship may not last.

Cara is enjoying her summer of fun with Riley, although underneath fearing his departure. I love how Cara is so relaxed and can be herself around Riley. She is fun and very lovable, and as any parent would, she takes care in introducing Riley to her son. Riley is very sweet, although can appear the strong, silent type when he wants to protect Cara from being hurt, as he too fears his departure may mean the end for them. Cara is his world and the reader feels his sincerity towards her throughout the story.

The characters are quite real in many senses. They are a bundle of emotion, going through the extremes of love and in some ways may be flawed. Their longing to protect each other, especially on Riley’s side, can mean miscommunication or lack of communication, causing both sides to feel neglected, paranoid and hurt at times. This does make the characters easy to relate to and also, reading both books of the series, will show the thoughts and mind set of each character throughout each step of their relationship. This allows the reader to be completely understanding of Cara and Riley, wanting for them both so much to forget their fears and just go for it!

Tour of Duty is a short, sweet contemporary romance and it is an absolute pleasure to read a sexy, romantic story told from the male’s side and realising all of their true emotions. To sum up, Riley is that hot, cute soldier from Book 1 who’s looking for more than somewhere to spend the night or the summer – he wants to spend his life with Cara Reid. Due to the hot love scenes this book is recommended for those above the age of 18 yrs.

A Reader’s Review Blog received a copy of Tour of Duty from the author in return for an honest and fair review.

You can find Tour of Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 2) by C.J. Pinard on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Smashwords.

You can currently find Book 1, Patriotic Duty on Amazon US for $1.23 and Amazon UK for 75p. (Prices subject to change.)

If you would like to contact C.J. Pinard you can reach her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CJPinardAuthor or you can e-mail her at cjpinardauthor@gmail.com.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 16, 2014 by Tina Williams

Not Another Soldier,by Samantha Holt

A Hot, Sexy and Suspenseful Read!

Sensual Military Romance

Samantha Holt writes fabulous medieval romances and she has now produced her first full length contemporary romance in Not Another Soldier. Once again she has penned a super sensual read, simmering with sexual tension and hot love making scenes, in a plot containing strong characters, danger and suspense.

In Not Another Soldier – Sienna has just buried her husband Rob, a Marine, the very man whom she was about to divorce due to her unhappiness with their marriage. Rob’s best friend Nick, also in the military, has been drawn to Sienna for years and has disliked how Rob treated her. Both Sienna and Nick have been aware of their mutual attraction, as Sienna’s marriage crumbled around her, but have refused to acknowledge it, valuing their own friendship. Nick has never made a move on Sienna, being an honourable man and loyal to his friend. Similarly Sienna has stayed true to her marriage vows. Nick feels that now all bets are off and determines to make Sienna his. However, despite her attraction to Nick, Sienna resolves not to get involved with another soldier, believing that it can only lead to isolation and unhappiness.

Emotions run high after Rob’s death and Nick and Sienna succumb to their mutual attraction in some emotional and smoking hot scenes! Sienna tries to stick to her guns and is determined to remain a singleton for a while, to regain her self-confidence and independence and not get involved with another military man. Yet Nick is not so easily rebuffed, and when Sienna is in danger due to the criminal activities of her deceased husband he will use everything in his arsenal to protect her. NOTHING will prevent him from making Sienna his woman, not the ghost of Nick, not Sienna herself and certainly not a drugs cartel from Rob’s past, which is putting Sienna’s life at risk. When danger closes in, Nick wants to be there to protect her. However, will she let him into her heart and life and realise that he is NOT just another soldier and nothing at all like her deceased husband? Also will she survive the attention that she has attracted from the leader of the drugs ring?

I absolutely ADORED Nick! He is loyal and honourable and above all single minded in his determination to protect Sienna and to overcome her doubts to ensure that they have a future together. I liked that he was honest with her about his feelings, and whilst respecting her views he never gives up on her and takes every opportunity he is presented with to foster a physical and emotional bond between them. A determined Alpha male, with a heart of gold, is just SO SEXY! He is conscious of the injury to his leg that he sustained whilst serving for his country but loves Sienna even more for the fact that she neither pities him nor puts him on a pedestal for it. Sienna has been through a lot during her marriage and her self-confidence has been eroded. Despite this she is a strong and sassy character. Her attraction to Nick, which she finds impossible not to succumb to, wars with her determination to maintain her independence and she feels that everything is happening too quickly.

The book is a fantastic read, with an exciting but credible plot, characters who you can believe in and great pacing which maintained my interest throughout. As with all Samantha Holt’s writing sexual tension oozes from the page whenever the hero and heroine appear together and the love making scenes are sexy, sensual and sublime. The novel is written in the first person and whole chapters are recounted either from the POV of Sienna or Nick. I felt that this gave the novel a more contemporary feel and also worked well as it allowed the reader to get into the minds and the motivations of the two main characters and view the different scenes through their eyes. The element of suspense and danger in the novel certainly added to my enjoyment. I feel that this author has found another sub genre of romance in which she can showcase her writing talents.

If you like your contemporary romances to be sensual and contain strong characters and an element of suspense then this is definitely a read that you should consider. I expect that readers who are already fans of Samantha Holt’s historical romances will enjoy her foray into contemporary romance as well as readers of contemporary romances who are new to her work. I sincerely hope that she will be writing more full length contemporary romances.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase links: Amazon UK Amazon US

Find and connect with Samantha Holt:

https://www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

http://www.samanthaholt.org.uk/

http://www.samanthaholtauthor.blogspot.co.uk

January 13, 2014 by Tina Williams

Dark Reaper, #9 in the WesternWind series, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

Super Dark Fantasy Romance featuring Badass Werewolf Cowboys!

Erotic Paranormal Romance – Graphic Sexual content/language 18+/Adult Read

When I was contacted by Charlotte Boyett-Compo to review some of her recent releases I was thrilled big time, having previously enjoyed some of her dark fantasy romances. This author is the creator of the Reapers, handsome and deadly Alpha shape shifters, whose bloodlust can only be controlled by withholding or providing sustenance, and who can only be tamed and saved from themselves by the female destined to be their mate. The first of Charlotte’s novels up for review on our site is Dark Reaper, a super hot Post Apocalyptic Dark Fantasy romance, featuring a badass werewolf cowboy hero battling an entity so evil that even Hell is too good for it, whilst trying to protect the inhabitants of Terra and his Lady.

Here is the book blurb for Dark Reaper from the author’s site:

Iden Belial, the youngest Reaper, finds a great evil in Land’s End. He also finds Kallista, his mate, the woman the Goddess intends for him, and the only way he can claim her from her disapproving mother is to sate his lust and make her his.

But when they are torn apart by the Nikkeson, a demon that brings death and destruction to everything it touches, part of its wickedness is left inside him, warping the warrior and twisting him to its own evil ends. The Shadowlords of the Citadel are determined to heal him, but what Iden needs is the touch of his wife – the only one whose loving and sensual touch can truly make him whole again.

This epic tale of good versus evil is a dark and erotic one and immensely rich and original in terms of its characters and plot. There are vivid, stomach-churning scenes of death, destruction and depravity as the Nikkeson wreaks havoc on Terra. These sickening scenes contrast sharply with the erotic but sweet romance between Iden and Kallista, who are instantly in love and in lust with one another. Kallista needs no persuading to let Iden claim her against the wishes of her mother, a woman who is vehemently opposed to the match and also to Iden’s attempts to save the community.

When, due to the actions of the Nikkeson and unexpected treachery, Kallista is taken from him, Iden cannot shake off the evil that becomes a part of him and he returns to the Citadel, a broken man. His friends attempt to purge him of the evil inside him, in some tortuous scenes, and contemplate how to rid Terra of the demon. Many surprises are in store for Iden and the other characters we are introduced to and the scene is also set for the next book in the series, Sins of the Reaper.

I loved Iden, a Lupine Reaper. He is strong and selfless as he attempts to save Kallista and the people of Land’s End. His tears when he believes that he has failed in his mission are heartbreaking to witness. I found Kallista to be a worthy mate in all respects, being wise beyond her years. Although young, pure and innocent she knows exactly what she wants and what she wants is Iden! There are some explicit and erotic love making scenes which I enjoyed immensely due to their imaginative action and dialogue!

I also adored Kheelan, the High Lord, whose secondary romance plays a major part of this tale. Kheelan, who believes that he will forever remain unmated, discovers that his destined mate, Annie, is already amongst the inhabitants of the Citadel. And what a fiery, humorous and passionate match it is! Both parties are completely blindsided by their attraction, although their romance is also tinged with a degree of heartache as they have both loved and lost in the past. I found that their relationship provided a great contrast to the romance between the younger couple.

There is a great cast of supporting characters: the High Council, based at the Citadel; the Shadowlords; Gatekeepers; the High Lord and one of the Ridge Lords, to mention a few. The Goddess of War, Life and Death, Morrigunia, creator of many of the Reapers and her mate, The Father-God, Jee yn Ayr also play their part in the tale and we learn that their personalities are just as complex as those of the other characters.

I enjoyed the tale, but felt that my pleasure would have been enhanced by reading the previous books in the series, which I now am on a mission to read! I will be reviewing Sins of the Reaper, the next book in the series very soon. Dark Reaper will appeal to lovers of Dark Fantasy/Science Fiction and the paranormal who enjoy a dark, original, erotic and romantic read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Publisher Ellora’s Cave http://www.ellorascave.com/dark-reaper.html

Edited by Rebecca Hill

Cover design by Syneca

About the Author

Charlotte Boyett-Compo is the author of over 80 books. She writes novels that encompass science-fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romantica, Horror, Mystery, Thriler and Post –Apocalyptic Western novels. She is the creator of the Reaper, handome and deadly Alpha male shapeshifters with tortured souls that can only be tamed by the female destined to be their mate.

http://www.windlegends.com

January 11, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Tim O’Rourke’s Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1) release & signed paperback GIVEAWAY!!!

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU ALL WHO ENTERED!

To celebrate the release of author Tim O’Rourke’s first publication, Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1), by major publishing house Piatkus/Little Brown on THURSDAY 16TH JANUARY 2014 we are hosting a GIVEAWAY for one lucky winner to receive a signed paperback copy of this brilliant story. (Please check out book blurb and our review below.)

To win a copy all you have to do is add your name below in the comments box, or visit us on Facebook and add your name there. Closing date is Thursday 23rd January 2014 and the winner will be randomly selected thereafter! Good luck, guys!

Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1) Book Blurb: Samantha Carter believes that a vampire is responsible for the brutal deaths of four women in Whitechapel, London, England. Each murder is identical to those committed a hundred years before by a very different serial killer.

‘Vampire Seeker’ is Book One in the Samantha Carter Series.

Below is my review (previously posted on 19th March 2013):-

I thought Tim O’Rourke had me with the Keira Hudson series. I thought the same again when I read ‘Moonlight’, from his Moon Trilogy, and then in his latest series, Sydney Hart, in the novel ‘Witch’. ‘Vampire Seeker’ is no exception to the rule. It’s wacky, adventurous, action-packed, fun and gory. From a vampire seeker in London, 2012, to a cowgirl in the Wild West in 1888, Samantha Carter is a brilliant heroine.

‘Vampire Seeker’ begins with Samantha following a Jack the Ripper copy-cat killer in London 2012. Samantha believes that the killer is a vampire and, as she has had an obsession in trying to prove their very existence, when she hears of the latest murder via a police scanner she exploits the situation by tracking him down. This is a very brave and courageous move, and even though risky, Sammy is on a mission for what she believes in. She is studying criminology but reading about, researching and studying vampires is her thing. She cannot let this moment pass. She is so close to the truth.

With the police on her tail, as she is seen near the crime scene, she follows the stranger she believes a vampire and murderer as quickly and quietly as she can. She ends up at a Tube station and boarding a train she sees the stranger take. With only moments before the police reach her she pushes her way through the carriages to find her ‘vampire’. Throughout the following pages words are exchanged and then there is a bright light….

….when she wakes, Sammy is in the Wild West in 1888. She is dressed in denim and can handle a gun or two very well. She is in a tricky situation as soon as she wakes, with a gang of men lying around her that she has supposedly killed and another man behaving in a threatening manner towards her who has disarmed her and ready to take advantage. It is at this point that Samantha meets the Preacher, Louise, Zoe and Harry, a group of possible outlaws that treat Samantha as if she were one of their own.

To elaborate any further would completely spoil the story, however Samantha needs to work out how she arrived in the Wild West in 1888, why she woke up there and how she can get back to London, 2012. Is it connected to the murders taking place, or the possible vampire she had followed? Or is it all a dream?

Sammy’s character is very strong. She is a decisive gal with ambition and courage. She handles herself well in most situations and stands up to the other characters in the novel. Although she isn’t easily pushed around or deceived easily she still retains her femininity and sexiness. Samantha is wise and is able to pick up skills very quickly, despite having to get used to a new way of life.

Throughout ‘Vampire Seeker’ there are many action scenes that are quick-paced, violent, gory and sickening. This all adds to the thrill and excitement and the pace of the novel. Tim’s writing is so clear to the reader that although you are using your own imagination, the details of these action sequences are still vivid and clear from the writing. Every movement made can be imagined easily, allowing the reader to live in the moment themselves.

With Tim’s books that I have read thus far I have felt alive when reading them, as if beside the characters, like I am there with them. With ‘Vampire Seeker’ I felt most of this, however I not only wanted to be there with Samantha but I wanted to be Samantha Carter. I wanted to know how it would feel to shoot pistols and ride a horse in denims, belonging to a group of possible outlaws. Would I want to stay in the Wild West, 1888, or return to London in 2012?

Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1) ‘Vampire Seeker’ not only makes for such a great read, but it captivates the imagination so much that you can see it, you can feel it. I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of fantasy every few pages where one minute it is like the TV series ‘Life on Mars’, the next ‘Back to the Future Part III’. The only difference being that here we have a female lead character. I have been watching a few westerns on TV recently, such as ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Hell on Wheels’, and reading Vampire Seeker simply tied in with this theme with the added bonus of the faster, more adventurous pace, along with the paranormal direction. There are also so many twists and turns that one direction that the novel took made me think of the movie ‘From Dusk ’til Dawn’ but I will not elaborate too much here, other than to say that a relationship between certain characters have similar circumstances.

The Preacher character is almost like a father-figure type character in my mind. He is out on a mission himself with his fellow riders and he is a leader. Samantha is helped by the Preacher and although he, Zoe and Louise have been friendly and accepting of Samantha, taking her in as one of their own, Sammy has her doubts about the group as the story unfolds and questions the Faith of the Preacher.

And then there is Harry, Harry Turner. I can definitely see why this novel is for new/young adults, 17 yrs plus, as the sexual tension is very hot and intense. If you are looking for a romance theme, or at least the hope of one with a strong and silent type cowboy you will not be disappointed. He is like Clint Eastwood in ‘High Plains Drifter’, which funnily enough has an almost paranormal feel but not in quite the same way that ‘Vampire Seeker’ has. Aside from Samantha, Harry is my favourite character that I cannot live without. I am just dying to know just how bad he is. I can honestly say that if the action and gore don’t get the blood pumping, Harry certainly will!

I need to read the sequel right now. I cannot wait for the release date!

‘Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book One)’ was received gratefully from the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Check out the Amazon UK and Amazon US links!

Don’t forget to add your name below for a chance to win a SIGNED Paperback!!! Good luck 🙂

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

P.S. You can always check out our reviews of some of Tim’s other works here!

January 10, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Summer in Rye (novella) by Lucy Oliver

Summer in Rye

Book blurb: A tragedy brought Eva Brookwell and Samuel Shaw back into each other’s lives. But will lies from the past destroy their chances of a future?

Left penniless after the death of her philandering father, Eva Brookwell takes a job as a governess at Rye Hall, but didn’t expect to find her young charges scarred and blinded from smallpox. Rye Hall is an unhappy house with a tyrannical master and Eva is forced to turn to her pupils’ uncle, Samuel Shaw for help.

Eva and Samuel had once been engaged, until his lies drove them apart. Still in love with him, Eva knows she could never trust him again; however he is her only ally in the dark and disturbed household she now lives in.

Absolutely gripping, high intensity and powerful novella! It will certainly steam up your cold January evening!

Summer in Rye is an exceptionally captivating historical love story, with truly good, strong characters that instantly draw the reader in. It has a hot and steamy moment, with the ongoing tension that Eva is feeling for all of the right AND wrong reasons. This intensity continues through the whole story as Eva battles her feelings for Samuel against her fear of the future turning out the only way she can possibly see it to be.

It must be quite tragic and embarrassing for Eva, coming from a well-to-do family, having to work as a governess for a family that are already only too aware of her downfall. However, Eva is a strong woman and holds her head high. Although not made to feel too welcome by Lady Florence Shaw (Samuel’s sister-in-law), after meeting the children she feels compelled to ensure their wellbeing and make a living to support her mother and sister.

For this novella, Lucy Oliver has packed a great deal of emotion and described the relationship that Eva has with each character really well. There are only a few characters but the reader is provided with a great idea of who they are and what they care most for. Eva clearly has to decide on her feelings for Samuel, try to maintain a civil relationship with Florence and also be aware of the intentions of Edward, Samuel’s brother, towards her.

Eva’s feelings for Samuel may only be explored in one moment. It is very erotic and sensual, with the reader believing that this will be the only time these two greatly matched people will ever be as one. Eva finds it difficult to follow her heart entirely and decides to have what she can, while she can – without the risk that she may someday marry Samuel, for him to gallivant with mistresses and push her aside just as her father did to her mother.

Despite of all the doubts that Eva has regarding Samuel’s love, it is pretty obvious to the reader that he thinks fondly of her from the first time the reader is acquainted with him. It isn’t too long before we realise that Samuel loves everything there is to love about Eva. As a reader, I longed to strongly urge Eva to just go and be with him. He is hers, completely. The feelings that these two characters have are overwhelmingly strong. And I love that Eva keeps him at arms length mostly and considers her family. She is using her mind but instinct should surely show her to follow her heart on this occasion.

The story’s novella length is perfect as the story continues at a steady pace with every intensity and passion you can imagine. There is certainly no opportunity for the mind to wander anywhere else. Lucy Oliver’s writing style is quite direct and easy to follow, at a good pace and leaves the reader intrigued with the characters and how they feel for each other.

There is no reason why Summer in Rye couldn’t be a Top Seller. I would certainly like to read more of Lucy Oliver’s work in the future.

I think one conclusion I can draw from this is for all those doubtful ones amongst us to go and grab the bull by it’s horns. Go grab your man, girls, before you miss that chance. Sometimes it is good to follow your heart, especially when it is being heard by another!

A copy of Summer in Rye was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Summer in Rye is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 9, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Update by Caroline

Hi readers, I hope it has been a fantastic start of the New Year for you. I can’t believe that October last year A Reader’s Review Blog had it’s first birthday and on 15th January our Facebook page will also turn 1! It has been an exciting journey for Tina and myself having fun reading, reviewing and socialising with many of our followers, readers and authors alike. We would also like to say a huge ‘Thank you’ to author, Samantha Holt, who has recently held a fantastic giveaway on her site and shown her appreciation by spreading the word of bloggers she has been working with. Due to this we have noticed a great deal of traffic come our way (via Facebook, Twitter and our blog) and would like to welcome every one of you who have visited us on this amazing journey through books!

If you haven’t already you can check out our Top Reads of 2013 below:-

Caroline’s Top Reads for 2013 Tina’s Top Reads for 2013

This week, on Wednesday 15th January, I am happy to say will be Tim O’Rourke’s first paperback release from major publishing house Little Brown/Piatkus with Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1). To celebrate this release we will be hosting a main feature over the following days, including the book blurb, our review and a GIVEAWAY of a signed paperback! We wish Tim every success 🙂

And so, below you will find the journey that Tina and myself have been on over the last month with reviews we have written, followed by a small selection of books we will be reviewing in the very near future. As our current reading lists are lengthy we will be posting a separate list with our current ‘to-reads’ on. As always, I am sure that there will be something for everyone! (Please click on titles to read our reviews.)

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella) by Christine S. Feldman (reviewed by Caroline)

Trish Ackerly never expected to cross paths with Ian Rafferty again, but when she spots the former bully of her childhood years through her bakery window, she thinks she may just have been given the best Christmas gift ever: the opportunity to finally give Ian the comeuppance he deserves.

But clearly she does not have a knack for this whole revenge thing, because before she can make good on her plans, Trish gets inadvertently drawn into Ian’s life in an unexpected way that lets her see just how different the man is from the boy he used to be. In fact, much to her astonishment, she actually starts to like the guy.

A lot.

Trouble is, Ian doesn’t know who she really is, and explaining it to him is going to be a little difficult now—which is bad news, because Trish is starting to realize that all she really wants for Christmas this year…is Ian.

Demonica by Will Davis (reviewed by Caroline)

When spoilt eighteen year old Miranda suffers a terrible accident she survives, but her face is hideously scarred.

Unable to bear what has happened to her, she locks herself away. Her only companions are Veronica, her cruel and beautiful mother, and Nelly, the sympathetic housekeeper.

As time passes Veronica inflicts cruelty after cruelty on her disfigured daughter. Lonely and filled with despair, Miranda is astonished when Bernard, Veronica’s handsome younger boyfriend, takes an interest in her circumstances.

For Bernard believes there is an operation that can restore Miranda’s face. But it will involve committing an unspeakable crime. A decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life…

In the tradition of Angela Carter and Daphne du Maurier, Demonica is a terrifying modern fairy tale.

To Have and to Hold & Reluctant Rapture (101 Nights Series, Books 1 & 2) by Kellyann Zuzulo (reviewed by Tina)

To Have and To Hold is the first instalment in the ongoing tale of love, lust, lies and loyalty that surround a beautiful genie living in the New Jersey suburbs. There will be four more episodes in the 101 Nights series.

Conspiracies abound, and enemies lie in wait. Introduced to her new husband-of-convenience, Dr. Jason Masters, Amani must decide if their chemistry will save her world…or end his.

Reluctant Rapture: The wedding night was a blaze of ecstasy, but soon Amani feels the white picket fences of her suburban prison closing in. Worse, while she had no misconceptions that this was a love match, she can’t help but be alarmed by her husband’s emotional past—and the woman who threatens to emerge from it. But a true friend waits in the wings, and a better connection to the man she wed.

Lightning Strike (short read) by Beverly Ovalle (reviewed by Tina)

For generations Levi’s family had guarded a sacred glen in the mountains. Still far from man this isolated area was a favorite spot of his grandfather. Levi grew up listening to his tales and fell in love without ever having stepped foot there.

Now Levi’s family, led by his grandmother, wanted to sell the land. With only his grandfather and Levi against it, Levi has to prove to the rest of the family why they needed to continue their guardianship. Believing in his grandfather’s tales despite himself, Levi went armed with his camera and his well-known expertise behind the lens and headed out for proof.

Providing that proof and protecting the secrets of the glen from the world, Gaia needs to convince Levi to continue that protection. Daphnaie, the embodiment of his every dream, is sent to show him why, stealing his heart in the process to save her world.

Stilts (Tessa Dark Trilogy #1) by Tim O’Rourke (reviewed by Caroline)

‘Stilts’ is the first book in a new dystopian trilogy by #1 bestselling author Tim O’Rourke.

While eighteen-year-old, Tessa Dark was serving her prison sentence for murder, the world beyond her cell walls changed forever. The thunder came and destroyed the world she had once known.

Trapped inside the prison and faced with no future, Tessa’s only glimmer of hope is her friendship with fellow inmate Joe McBride.

Despite Tessa’s fear, Joe decides to go beyond the prison walls to seek help. But when he fails to return, Tessa is determined to go and search for him.

To gain her freedom, Tessa must first learn to walk, run, and fight on stilts if she is to survive the new and terrifying world on the other side of the prison walls.

Lightpoints by Peter Kassan (reviewed by Caroline)

What if you suddenly discovered you had a sense-and powers-that almost no one else in the world did? When Amanda Lindner Nichols, a 24-year-old graphic artist living with her husband in Queens, New York, is revived from a near-death experience, she discovers she perceives everyone around her as points of light-but not with her eyes. She soon learns she can not only perceive the life energy of others, but she can give and take it. With the help of others like her, she brings her husband Chris to the brink of death and back to bestow on him the same remarkable faculty, and they’re the happiest they’ve been. But not for long. All over the world, people who’ve been revived from their own near-death experience at just the right moment discover themselves with these same unusual powers. They find ways to use them-some for good and some for evil. When Amanda and Chris encounter a ruthless group of gangsters with the same faculty, tragedy follows-and Amanda faces the greatest challenge of her life.

The Twelfth Night Wager by Regan Walker (reviewed by Tina)

THE REDHEADED RAKE
It was a dull day at White’s, the day he agreed to the wager: seduce bed and walk away from the lovely Lady Leisterfield, all by Twelfth Night. This holiday season, Christopher St. Ives, Viscount Eustace, planned to give himself a gift.

THE INNOCENT WIDOW
She was too proper by half—or so was the accusation of her friends, which was why her father had to find her a husband. But Lord Leisterfield was now gone a year, and Grace was at last shedding the drab colors of mourning. The house felt empty, more so during the coming Christmastide, and so tonight her coming out would begin with a scandalous piece of theater. The play would attract rogues, or so promised her friend the dowager countess. It would indeed. The night would bring about the greatest danger—and the greatest happiness—that Grace had ever known.

Her Savage Scot (Highland Warrior Chronicles #1) by Christina Phillips by (reviewed by Tina)

In Her Savage Scot, when tough Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.

Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.

When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

Buckle Down (3 erotic cowboy novellas) by Samantha Holt, CV Madison and JT Seate (reviewed by Tina)

An anthology

Her Dream Cowboy

Talked into experiencing ranch life for herself by her best friend, Sophie comes all the way from England to Nevada, alone. But while her friend may have abandoned her, her guide for the week promises to stick close to her side.

A guide who just happens to be an honest to goodness, sexy cowboy.

Luke Harper is a busy man. He’s dedicated years to turning his ranch into a successful holiday business. He’s yet to find a woman who can deal with the realities of dating a cowboy. In his experience, they’re all after a dream. But Sophie proves too tempting for her own good and Luke can’t help wondering if the gorgeous woman would be willing to give him a chance.

Or is she just looking for a dream cowboy too?

The Layover

Security officer and avowed city boy Reno Locke drops into The Meeting Place for a little loving to fill his off hours. Country boy Wilder Henderson swings through to blow off a little steam after winning a rodeo competition. Locke finally works up the nerve to hit on Wilder and Locke takes Wilder back to his room. He finds out this urban cowboy is just what he was looking for during The Layover.

Faith, Hope and Charity

True grit and humor accompany sex and cowboy clichés in this adventurous western set in the New Mexico Territory. A young girl wants to run off with a sexy cowboy, but her daddy doesn’t approve. Not only that, but Daddy’s a Territorial Marshall who wants to kill poor Johnny for taking advantage of his daughter. With the chance of a fresh start and an interesting future, will love conquer all?

In the old west, a young couple have plotted a future rendezvous for any chance of a life together, if only poor Johnny isn’t gunned down first by Faith’s father who is out for the cowboy’s blood.

Johnny, a wrangler, and Faith, the apple of her mother and father’s eye, meet at a fiesta in a small New Mexico town. She’s different from any girl Johnny’s ever met, the kind of girl that tickles the thought of settling down. At a late night rendezvous, they reveal everything there is to know about each other, except for one ominous circumstance. Faith’s father is the Territorial Marshall and he doesn’t take kindly to what happened between the young couple along a riverbank. The Marshall sets out on a quest to make the young cowboy answer for his misdeeds and bring an end to this sudden, lovesick couple’s plans to reunite. While Johnny dodges the man in search of blood, a train awaits the couple if they are allowed to carry out their plan. But philosophies are bound to clash during the final showdown between generational attitudes.

Where Secrets Lie (Where Secrets Lie series #1) by Ebony Kent (reviewed by Tina Williams)

When Detective Kara Everitt’s sister Alyssa becomes enthralled by a clan of vampires, Kara must choose to become a slave to the head vampire Michael Caswell in order to protect and save her sister. Hating vampires is in Kara’s blood, but as she grows to know Michael, she finds herself falling for the brooding vampire.

Unfortunately, being part of the Caswell Clan isn’t all romance and glamor. New threats emerge, and Kara realizes this is no longer a simple rescue mission. Despite the danger, Kara refuses to stop fighting to protect herself, her sister and her new family.

One Way or Another You Will Pay (You Will Pay, Book 2) by Eve Rabi (reviewed by Tina)

Years ago, I managed to flee my abusive husband, fell in love with a beautiful man called Bear and was blissfully happy.
My ex-husband Tom was livid and promised to get back at me.
He did. He murdered my baby. My gut told me it was him behind the murder, but I just couldn’t prove it, so he got away with it.
Then, he quietly found a way to send me to prison.
When I got out of prison, together with Bear, I fought back and found a way to turn the tables on Tom. I sent him to prison for more than thirty years.
I am now happier than I have been in my whole life.
But Tom, even though he’s behind bars, is determined to have the last word. He has found a way to wedge himself in my life once again and is threatening my marriage and my children.
Something has to be done. Something final, this time.
Warning: Contains violence, sex scenes and strong language.
Before you read this book, please read the first part of this story in, You Will Pay For Leaving me.
It’s free on amazon and smashwords!!!
Here are the links:
http://www.amazon.com/You-Will-Pay-Fo…
http://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Will-Pay-…
http://www.amazon.com.au/You-Will-Pay…

Gentleman Traitor by Alan Williams (reviewed by Caroline)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WORLD’S MOST NOTORIOUS MASTER-SPY COMES IN FROM THE RUSSIAN COLD?

After years of exile in Russia, Kim Philby has had enough. He wants out. But where can he go? He knows too much to be let loose. Above all, he knows too much about his old accomplices who still operate at the highest levels of the British Establishment, occupying top Whitehall positions. So once he sticks his nose outside his privileged Soviet lair, the old wolf’s as good as dead. MI6, the KGB – above all, MI6 – will ruthlessly hunt him down. But Philby is, after all, one of the most skilful agents of all time. So he risks it.

Vicious power politics in London and Moscow… murder beside the Black Sea… bloody massacres in the heart of Africa – as Philby makes his break, violent death follows him. And British Intelligence is threatened with the exposure of the greatest infamy in its history…

Spy fiction from the same stable as Ian Fleming’s James Bond.

Our following reads are going to be:-

(Please click on titles to view on Goodreads)

Summer in Rye (novella) by Lucy Oliver (Caroline to review)

A tragedy brought Eva Brookwell and Samuel Shaw back into each other’s lives. But will lies from the past destroy their chances of a future?

Tour of Duty (When Riley Met Cara 2) by C.J. Pinard (Caroline to review)

Army Sergeant Riley Forrester knew all about love, loss, and pain. He knew the love of a woman just to lose it. He had spent the best summer of his life with a beautiful single mother named Cara Reid, and then desperately needed her love to get him through a long, cold deployment. When things went horribly wrong overseas, he decided it was best to let Cara go and let her move on with her life. Cara wouldn’t be forgotten that easily, though. She had seeped her way into his heart and his dreams and Riley knew he’d never love another like her.

Contains adult content, for readers 18 and older. Also contains minor scenes of war.

The Drake Equation by Heather Walsh (Caroline to review)

She’s a Democrat, he’s a Republican. She spends her days fighting global warming at an environmental non-profit, he makes his living doing PR for Bell Motors and their fleet of SUVs. But as soon as they meet, Emily Crossley and Robert Drake realize they have encountered their intellectual match. You’re never challenged, he tells her. You’ve surrounded yourself in a cocoon of people who think exactly the same way you do. She hurls the same accusation back at him, and the fiery debates begin. Despite both of their attempts to derail it, there is no denying that they are falling in love. But their relationship is threatened by political differences, Robert’s excessive work hours, and Emily’s fear of losing her identity as she falls deeper in love. Can their love survive? The Drake Equation is a tale of modern love and all its complexities.

The Lakeside Legacy by Jean Jennett (Caroline to review)

What Krista Lucas finds when she arrives in picturesque Camden, South Carolina, is beyond all expectations. Her biological father, a man she never knew, has left her a large house in town and beautiful lakeside wooded acreage. How he came to own the property is a mystery Krista needs to solve for her own peace of mind.

Jake Thornton maintains that his family owns the house and land, and he can prove it with a document his own father left.

… Or can he?

Jake isn’t the only one with an interest in the property. His three brothers are ready and eager to develop the land, and nothing is going to stop them.

Including Krista Lucas.

With Krista’s life in danger, whose side will Jake take? His family … or Krista? Will the truth be discovered in time?

Early readers have said that The Lakeside Legacy has it all: suspense, danger, mystery, romance … and love.

The Lakeside Legacy is the first book in the South Carolina Romantic Suspense series.

WARNING: This book contains graphic sexual descriptions.

Stray by Mark Matthews (Caroline to review)

Therapist Tomas Cleaves is many years sober from his addiction but is now losing his mind. There are voices in his head and the occasional seizure, and then his wife has a miscarriage on the same day his client dies of a heroin overdose. Tom becomes certain that the addicts he treats must have infected the womb of his wife.

Lost and bitter after the miscarriage, Tom is in desperate need of a client who can give him some hope.

James White is one such client — a newly orphaned alcoholic dead bent on drinking again until he gets discharged and finds himself rescuing lost strays at the next door animal shelter. Can James find a reason to live by rescuing the throw-away pets of the city?

A gritty novel with an edge yet surprisingly gentle and sweet, Stray will take you through the dog fighting dens and crack houses of Detroit where Stray souls can find connections in the most unusual of places.

Dark Reaper (WesternWind #8) by Charlotte Boyett-Compo (Tina to review)

Not Another Soldier by Samantha Holt (Tina to review)

“I’ve just buried my husband. I was going to divorce him and now he’s dead.”

After five years as a military wife, Sienna is moving on. She’s keen to leave behind the misery of her marriage to Rob but for some reason the past won’t let her go. It doesn’t help that her closest friend, Nick, is also a soldier. Unfortunately Sienna is struggling to deny her attraction to the sexy marine, even knowing there can be no future in it. When the injured soldier admits he wants her just as badly, and has always wanted her, the fight to control her feelings becomes harder.

And now she’s learning things about her late husband that surprise even her. When the secrets of Rob’s life come to light, Sienna finds herself involved with some very nasty people and Nick is determined to protect her, no matter what.

As the danger grows to both her heart and her life, Sienna needs to decide if it was the army that was the problem or her late husband. Is Nick worth the heartache of being a military spouse again? And will he be able to protect her from the ring of drug dealers slowly closing in?

Rain by Nicole Hurley-Moore (Tina to review)

1216 AD
Nuri is caught between heaven and hell. Two men fight for her love and her soul. The first is Maras, an elemental being who follows the storms. The second is Brother Erebus, a pious monk whose tortured soul is twisted by his desire for her. But Nuri may sacrifice more than her heart when the Church brands her angel a demon. As Brother Erebus will do anything to protect her soul from the silver haired devil, even if he has to crush her body to do it.

And last, but not least……

By Force (Forever Fae #1) by Sara Hubbard (Tina to review)

Isame wanted freedom: the freedom to travel, the freedom to explore, but most of all, the freedom to choose the life she wanted over the life—and the husband—her parents had chosen for her. But when Isame leaves home to accept another man’s proposal, she happens across five fierce, handsome warriors. She wonders why they’ve travelled so far from home, but she never imagines their purpose might have something to do with her. Not even after they kidnap her.

Remmie is a man of honor and fierce loyalty. So when his king commands him to find a specific young woman on the island of Copaxa, he’s prepared to obey. But he’s not prepared for the woman to change everything. Isame is special. He can see it from the start. But how can one puny woman make him question everything he’s always known, including the rightness of doing what he’s promised?

Happy reading, guys! And thanks again for the ongoing support 🙂

Caroline and Tina 🙂

January 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Gentleman Traitor by Alan Williams

Alan Williams’ ‘Gentleman Traitor’ Book Blurb (followed by review):

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WORLD’S MOST NOTORIOUS MASTER-SPY COMES IN FROM THE RUSSIAN COLD?

Spy fiction from the same stable as Ian Fleming’s James Bond.

Originally released in 1974, Gentleman Traitor has been re-released in December 2013 by Hashtag Books.

I have to say that Gentleman Traitor was an on/off/on read for me, although I did read this over the busy festive period. The very first chapter gripped me with it’s drama and violence, after what was thought to be a group of terrorists entering a busy hotel in Africa, opening fire and killing every soul there, including youngsters! This was quite horrific and at one point in particular with young girls involved, it was quite emotional and tragic.

I just had to read on and longed to find out who was behind this attack. Were the culprits terrorists with serious political issues or could there be some other explanation to this horror? However, the following chapters focused on journalist, Barry Cayle, who was set to write a book on spy and traitor, Kim Philby, who had been living in exile in Russia for the last few years with a reputation of a man who likes a drink or two. Although the initial chapters were of interest and a great basis and background for the remainder of the story, I was a little disappointed that there was no more mention of the event from the first chapter and that the pace of the book was a little slower than I had expected.

The reader follows Cayle’s journey through most of the first half of the story and we find out about Philby’s desired comeback and the story picks up again at a nice pace as Cayle gets to meet Philby. Alan Williams describes the distances that Philby (and anyone connected to him) needs to make to keep everything under wraps extremely well and clear, making it a nice read to follow at the same time as providing the reader with a more complete picture of Philby’s way of life and everything he has to consider before making a move. There are moments in Gentleman Traitor when you simply just don’t know what is going to happen and when, making it an intense read at parts.

I like Cayle’s enthusiasm and determination to acquaint himself with Philby as much as he can. Cayle knows he is in dangerous waters but he still has this drive to discover as much as he can and to be as close as he can if and when anything should happen. Philby, although a traitor, doesn’t seem to be a character the reader dislikes. He has his problems and, knowing he is a hunted man, he has to go to extremes to avoid capture or even death. These events unfold in tragic and disastrous ways for some others, which is incredibly sad and unfortunate for those involved. However, I found myself wanting him to be able to make it through all of this and be able to live the rest of his life in a more relaxed manner and completely disconnected from the British and Russian Establishments.

I must admit a little more speed would have been welcomed during the first section but I must hand it to Alan Williams that he has written this novel well. With a great deal of politics continuing in the background of the main plot, involving the USSR’s KGB and the British MI5 and MI6 and also the geographical scope covering Europe and Africa mostly, one cannot doubt that Alan had extensive knowledge in this area. (I have later came to realise that Alan was in fact a great journalist himself, corresponding from across the globe, and at times when tensions must have been high, in Vietnam, for example.) It was also quite exciting to discover that Kim Philby was a real-life spy who did live in Russia. A character I am sure Alan Williams met once, briefly in Beirut. If so, this explains the storyline of Cayle and Philby, i.e. Cayle is possibly a fictional character based on Williams himself.

After hoping for a little more action in the first half, I did find the latter chapters somewhat fast moving and exciting in comparison. This half of the book certainly goes into the details of Philby’s ‘escape’ from Russia. From hijacking planes, travelling through Scandinavia, keeping an extremely low profile and maintaining an alias this second half becomes quite tense and gripping at times! Without wanting to spoil the ending, I have to say that I was surprised at the ending but found it interesting and liked it a great deal. For me, it was left open with a chance to write a sequel, however, I do like the idea that the reader can still ask questions and perhaps make up their own ending. This is not to say that on the most part stories weren’t wrapped up, because in many respects they were. The story truly came full circle.

Once I realised that Gentleman Traitor was written in 1974, before I began to read the book, I did consider how I would find the language of the era and questioned whether or not this would be a difficult story to follow. But, as I mentioned above Williams has written this thriller well. It is easy to follow, informative of some political views of the day and well explained. As I was born a good eight years after the original novel, my knowledge of the political states of the countries involved and the espionage that went along with it is very little. For instance, I was aware of the KGB in the USSR but only as I was an avid fan of the fictional tv series ‘The Professionals’ CI5 (the re-runs in the late 1990’s). Many of the episodes focused on foreign politics and MI5/6 and the KGB and more. Gentleman Traitor has made me more interested in the politics of the 1970’s, even if just to gain a small background knowledge.

I did carry out a little digging and found this great article on Alan Williams, and also found out some more ‘facts’ on Wiki.

Gentleman Traitor is available in Kindle edition on Amazon UK for 77p, and on Amazon US for $1.25. (Prices are correct at the time of posting but are subject to change.) You can also find paperback copies of Gentleman Traitor on Amazon too!

Gentleman Traitor was received gratefully by publisher, Hashtag Books, in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 6, 2014 by Tina Williams

One Way or Another You Will Pay, by Eve Rabi

Revenge of the Master Manipulator!

This novel is once again an original, emotional and compulsive work from Eve Rabi. It is a read that her fans will not want to miss and those who enjoy thrillers and dark romantic suspense will also enjoy. Do not read after the first paragraph if you want to avoid spoilers for book 1, You Will Pay- For Leaving Me (currently FREE on Amazon US and Amazon UK and Smashwords). Please note that as it describes scenes and the repercussions of domestic abuse, this series does contain scenes of violence and threat, some of it sexual.

In this and the previous instalment in the tale, You Will Pay: She Left her Abusive Husband He Took Revenge, (click title for our review), the author tackles the difficult and often taboo subject of domestic abuse. The abuser in this story is a sociopath who seeks brutal revenge on his wife who leaves him after years of abuse. There are harrowing scenes of threats, violence and murder and although not an easy read the ability of Eve Rabi to weave a compulsive and addictive story containing real life issues and characters with whom the reader can identify with is once more underlined. The remainder of this review contains spoilers for book 1.

In book 1, You Will Pay – For Leaving Me, we met Arena, married to businessman Tom. Tom likes to control Arena, from how she dresses to how she wears her hair and who she socialises with. His control also extends to their son Warren and after Arena becomes pregnant and their daughter Sasha is born, his behaviour turns violent. Arena finally takes the plunge and leaves him to make a new life for herself and her children. However, Tom dishes out the most terrible revenge imaginable on Arena and her family and is truly beyond redemption. Arena and Bear, the new man in her life, dish out their own revenge on Tom, which I absolutely loved! After the end of book 1, I was sort of happy that Tom had been incarcerated, although secretly I would have preferred him to have been AT LEAST 6 ft under! The fact that he was in prison due to the actions of Arena and Bear I regarded as natural justice after his sickening crimes against Arena and baby Sasha.

In book 2, Arena and Bear are happily married, living with Warren, Tom and Arena’s son, Bear’s daughter Amy, by his first marriage, and their own baby Savannah. All is fine and dandy apart from a series of abusive and threatening letters that Arena begins to receive from Tom, trying to persuade her to bring Warren to visit him. Arena does not respond to his letters and they abruptly cease. After a brief respite, the tenor of the letters changes and Tom claims that he is suffering from terminal cancer and that he needs to see Warren before he dies. Arena is torn between her hatred and distrust of Tom and the fact that he is in effect making a deathbed request that it would be heartless to ignore. After all what can he possibly do to her if she does visit as he is behind bars?

You need to read the book to see how Arena copes with the situation and the consequences of her decision on whether or not to acquiesce to Tom’s request. What I will reveal is that this instalment and Tom’s actions are just as chilling as book 1, as even from his prison cell Tom attempts to bring Arena, Bear and their family to their knees. Arena and Bear’s love is tested to the full and lives are put on the line. Once again this stellar read contains some intense and dark moments and once again I read it into the small hours.

I enjoyed finding out more about Bear in this book, such as what makes him tick, his relationship with Arena and how he seeks to protect her and their family from Tom. I felt for them both when they were faced with the terrible consequences of Tom’s actions and there were some truly heart rending scenes. I also enjoyed the character of Ritchie, Arena’s brother who supported them and the pivotal role played by the character of Ingrid.

This is perhaps one of Eve Rabi’s darkest works to date, Nevertheless it still contains her trademark scenes of intense love between the hero and heroine, the survival of a strong woman who survives against the odds, self-sacrifice, heart rending emotional scenes and a plot where the reader has absolutely no chance of predicting what will happen next, let alone the outcome.

I strongly rrecommend this book to fans of Eve Rabi and also to those who are not adverse to reading about difficult issues and examining the darker side of humanity.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase links: Smashwords Amazon US Amazon UK

Eve Rabi’s website

Eve Rabi Facebook

January 3, 2014 by Tina Williams

Tina’s Top Reads of 2013

It has been so very difficult to select my fave reads from the fantastic books that I have read during the last year. However here they are after much deliberation! I have listed my top picks by genre and as I read across the sub genres of romance there are a fair few of them. If you click on the book title you will be taken to my review. Please note that some reads contain adult material as in erotic romances and some may deal with difficult or sensitive issues. Where this is the case I have indicated this below or in the full review.

If you have read any of the books listed I would love to hear from you. Tina 🙂

Historical Romance

Borderland Beauty #2 in The Borderland Legacy Series, by Samantha Holt – a sensual Medieval romance set in Northumbria. Besotted Lord versus Lady Scorned: Lord Dominic learns of a marriage contract, pledging him to a neighbour’s daughter, an agreement that he and the lady concerned are unaware of. Sparks fly when Dominic invites her and his family to visit his keep at Christmas, under the ever present threat of the violent activities of the border reivers.

Bella’s Betrothal, by Anne Stenhouse – Engaging Sweet Regency Romance: Contains murder, attempted kidnap and evil intent, family secrets, gossip and mayhem and much wit and humour between the hero and heroine. Also one of the best opening lines that I have ever read!

The Forbidden Series by Christina Phillips – Erotic Paranormal Historical Romance, Betrayed #3 and Tainted, #4: Containing Lush Eroticism and Riveting Romance, which pair ememies and transform them into lovers against all the odds. Betrayed tells of a beautiful and passionate love between Tacitus, a Roman Tribune and Nimue, a priestess from the Druid nobility, whom the Romans are pledged to eradicate. In Tainted, Druid warrior Gawain and Roman aristocrat Antonia enter into what they both believe is a brief liaison based on lust. However, Cupid has other ideas, but their love endangers the life of Gawain and others and treachery is afoot.

Racing with the Wind and Against the Wind, Agents of the Crown Series, #1 and #2, by Regan Walker. These novels show the reader the ballrooms and great houses of Regency England and the danger and excitement of a post Napoleonic Paris, during the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. Also witness the introduction of repressive laws in England, as the government believe that revolution will spread amongst a populace who are unhappy with poor harvests and the loss of their livelihood. Against this backdrop are tales of passion , danger and intrigue, involving agents working for the Prince Regent and the women who fall for them.

Gem of Gravane, by Amber Dane, #1 in The Northern Knights Series – medieval romance: Love and Passion Amidst Treachery and Betrayal: Knight Aric Clayton comes to claim the conquered Saxon demesne of Gravane and its lady Danielle a year after having been gifted it by King William. Danielle has a slight affliction and is wary of men and Aric has no wish to marry, which bodes ill for a happy union. Violence and treachery wait in the wings.

Her Savage Scot, #1 in The Highland Warrior Chronicles, by Christina Phillips – erotic historical romance with a hint of the paranormal: Political Intrique, Innocent Deception and Blinding Passion collide, when Scots warrior Connor Mackenzie travels to the land of the Picts on a mission for his king and falls for Aila, a Pictish widow. He spends a passionate night in her arms, only to discover that she is the Pictish princess that is destined to marry his half-brother, the Prince of Dal Riada.

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart, by Samantha Holt – Sensual Medieval Paranormal Romance: Faerie Magic Reunites Friends as Lovers: Captive/captor romance with a spirited heroine and a gorgeous Scot with a meddling faerie on a mission of her own.

Wolfkeeper’s Woman, by Lisa Day –Western historical romance: Passionate and Heart rending romance between homesteader Cassie and Wolfkeeper, a native American warrior, whose raiding party kills her husband and who gifts her baby son to another. Fantastic captor/captive romance, where the heroine must adapt to another culture and rely on her enemy to survive.

The One Knight Collection, by Samantha Holt – sensual Historical Romance: Four novellas created around the theme of if you had one night to prove your love could you?

Paranormal Romance

The Bad Death, by Naima Haviland, part of her vampire trilogy and prequel/sequel to Bloodroom: Gothic Masterpiece of Dark Romance, Horror and Suspense. Set in South Carolina in 1788, an African beauty emerges from the family crypt of plantation owner Julian Mouret. She enthrals him with her tale of peril and flight and he, fearing for her sanity, determines to keep her safe as a series of horrifying mutilation murders ensues, indicating to the slaves the presence of shape-shifting blood-sucking supernatural creatures. Anika becomes empowered to end the rampage, but at stake is not only her own life but the soul of the man she is coming to love.

Lover At Last, by JR Ward, #11 in The Black Dagger Brotherhoood Series: Here Blay and Quinn finally get together. I have found that this series keeps getting better, incorporating elements of dark fantasy as well as paranormal romance and introducing ever more fascinating characters and complex plotlines.

The Zubis Chronicles, by Kellyann Zuzulo – paranormal romance and romantic suspense: The Genie Ignites #1:and The Genie Smolders, #2 tell of a young American woman, Bethany, who is recruited by a secret society to help it eradicate all genies. In doing so she is reunited with a three thousand year old genie who was her lover in a past incarnation she is unaware of. Once again an age old conflict between human and the Jinn is reignited.

101 Nights Series, by Kellyann Zuzulo, #1 To Have and To Hold and #2, Reluctant Rapture – paranormal romance and romantic suspense: Sassy and Sexy Marriage of Convenience: The hero is a human and the heroine a genie. Set in the New Jersey Suburbs and full of sensuality, treachery and suspense as the future of the world and Jinnistan, home of the genies, is at stake.

Minutes Before Sunset, by Shannon Thompson, #1 in The Timely Death Trilogy – New Adult Paranormal Romance: Elemental Power Stuggle between Dark and Light. It is an amazingly well crafted and multifaceted novel with a fantastic hero and heroine and memorable supporting characters.

Bloodlaw and Bloodright, #1 and #2 in the Blood Moon Rising Trilogy, by Karin Tabke: Erotic Paranormal Romance. This tells the tale of a human Falon and two alpha wolves destined to love her against a background of war looming with the slayer. I found it a fast paced, sexy and addictive read.

Futuristic/Sci Fi Romance

Heart of Obsidian, by Nalini Singh, # 12 in the Psy- Changeling Series: Dark, Dangerous and Oh So Seductive! A dark and deadly tortured hero, Kaleb, with the potential to be the saviour or the destroyer of the Psy race and the world of humans and Changelings. The outcome rests on his relationship with Sahara, a powerful Psy in her own right, held captive for 7 years and rescued by Kaleb. They share a dark and horrific past. Yet how will she react when she remembers Kaleb’s role in it?

Joshua’s Tree, by N.W Harris: A Wild Ride through a Future Earth – Young Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy: An unlikely hero who inadvertently travels to the future and meets a kick-ass heroine who accompanies him on a quest that he knows nothing about. Contains descriptions of a strange landscape and cannibalistic creatures and includes non-stop action as the hero comes closer to fulfilling his destiny.

FantasyRomance

Hunter on a Moonless Night, by Elena Han – Dark and Erotic Fantasy Romance: Lord Duinel returns to his ancestral home, with a terrible secret, a curse which manifests on the night of the first black moon. He meets the young woman Nimae and is drawn to her, yet it is Nimae who becomes his prey in a deadly game.

Lightning Strike, by Beverly Ovalle – erotic fantasy romance: A Hot Little Number: Covers the pleasures of lovemaking al fresco between Levi, a 21^st century hottie and Daphnaie, a tree sprite sent by Gaia to persuade him to continue to give his family’s protection of her sacred glen.

Contemporary Romance

Gringa: In the Clutches of a Ruthless Drug Lord,#1-#4, by Eve Rabi – American Payton agrees to be a drug lord’s woman to save the life of villagers in Mexico. Her life will be and so will the lives of those around her. The first book that I read by Eve Rabi and it blew me away with its combination of larger than life, truly unforgettable characters, humour, violence, and a plot line that took me on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride.

You Will Pay – She Left her Abusive Husband, He Took Revenge, by Eve Rabi,#1 and #2: A Dark and Intense Journey: Deals with the impact of domestic abuse on a woman and her children and how she seeks to escape that life. However, she did not bargain on the reaction of her abusive husband, who apart from being an abuser, has sociopathic tendencies, with deadly and horrific consequences.

My Brother My Rival, ~1, All out of Love and #2 How Can I not Love You? Torn Between Two Brothers: I laughed one minute and cried the next. A young woman is torn between two brothers as the author explores the pull of romantic versus familial love in her trademark indomitable style. Prepare for an emotional ride.

The Silk Romance, by Helena Fairfax – Sweet Contemporary Romance: Gallic Charm in the City of Silk: A romance between a rich sophisticated Frenchman and an impoverished Englishwoman. What future do they have together when their different worlds collide?

The Antique Love, by Helena Fairfax – Sweet Contemporary Romance. A financial high-flyer, Kurt, from Wyoming, believes that he can select a wife based on rationality and logic, having no time for romance. However, his beliefs are put to the test when he asks Penny, who works in antiques and who values feelings and emotions and is anything but rational, to furnish his home.

Luscious and Lethal, The Gilded River Chronicles, by Mary Raimes Curtis. A great book to curl up with, containing a lively romance between two complex individuals, set against the ever present threat of sinister events on the shores of the Atlantic.

The Fall of the Misanthrope: I Bitch therefore I am. by Louise Wise – Romancing the Dark Side of Chick-Lit. A retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella in a modern day setting. It is a deeply romantic and insightful tale, which deals with the difficult issues of loss and grief and the healing power of love, whilst containing a fair degree of humour and well drawn characters.