February 28, 2014 by Tina Williams

* BLOG TOUR * Discovered, by Kim Black

Erotic Contemporary Romance

Today we welcome Kim Black’s Discovered Blog Tour to A Readers Review Blog! This book involves a woman scorned, who is done with love, and a sexy French billionaire who takes an interest in her. Scroll down for a synopsis of the book and to read an excerpt. You can also find the links to the book trailers and purchase links, learn about the author and enter the fabulous GIVEAWAY! The novella is also available at a special discounted price for the duration of the tour – details at the end of the post. 🙂

Please note, Discovered is a hot erotic romance and by reading any further you are confirming that you are over the age of 18.

synopsis

Emily Roberts was done with men! She believed she was content with just focusing on her career. After Adam, her ex, cheated on her with not one but two of her co-workers, Emily fled from her former workplace, forgoing her internship and decided to start anew.

Though her decision to write off love had held up for over a year, her chastity belt would soon be put to the test when Julien Belmont, a French billionaire, takes an interest in her.

In one night, she questions everything she believes and though she is determined that he is no different from the rest, she finds herself in a world wind of affairs, lies and a tug of war between old and new men…

Can she learn to love again or will she flee from Julien, who she admits is the best lover she has ever had?

Julien Belmont is a gorgeous, commanding, and passionate Frenchman who enjoys his freedom. His ever growing sexual hunger makes it so his appetite is never quite quenched. At last not until he meets Emily. One night with her changes everything he has ever believed in.

Will his past destroy his potential future with Emily? Or will the fire between them burn eternal!

Note: This book is the first part of a series and is designed to be read in order.

~~INTENDED FOR ADULTS 18 AND ABOVE~~

This book contains erotic content and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

goodreads

purchase links

amazon us | amazon uk | amazon ca | B&n

excerpt (for age 18+ only)

I exited the car and walked over to him, grabbing him by his silk blue tie and led him to my door. As we entered, Julien, a little predictably, was all over me, tugging and pulling, kneading my skin with his strong hands. We were still tangled together, his lips devouring mine, as he kicked the door shut. Oh how I missed you!

Reluctantly, I pulled away, prying his greedy hands away, and pulling on his tie as I led him into my bedroom. I could feel his intense eyes probing me from behind. Yes, Julien… this was now my show, I’m in charge, I told myself. That first night he was the one who conquered my body but tonight I would seek my revenge on him, exploring him completely.

I brought him to the side of the bed, pulling on him so that his face was inches from mine. I brushed my lips lightly against his as I said, “Don’t move.”

I slid my body onto the queen sized bed, facing him. I loved the animalistic and passionate desire in his eyes as he watched me.

“Slowly take off your clothes Julien,” I commanded.

He groaned softly as he did as he was told. He unzipped and dropped his pants, letting them fall to his feet. His erection sprung out from the confines of his boxers, engorged and ready for attention; and oh what a delightful sight it was! Built perfectly it was long and thick, jerking eagerly as I looked him over. Each time it twitched, my mouth watered at the thought of taking him into my hungry mouth. He removed his pinstriped navy jacket and tossed it aside before finally taking off his shirt and tie, standing completely nude before me. The sight of him melted my insides and a flow of liquid oozed freely between my legs.

“Do you want me Julien?” I asked as I moved closer to the edge of the bed. I watched as his breathing increased, his eyes barely open, but still intense with greedy, lusty desire. The unhinged animalistic man, that had taken me so roughly before, was near the surface and burning to take control but I was not ready to let him take over just yet. Slowly I undressed, leisurely unbuttoning my shirt and slipping my skirt off. I made sure to linger longer than usual, watching as his breath caught in his throat each time an article of my clothing was removed.

“Emily…” he groaned as my bra came off, almost sounding like he was in pain. I left my thong panties on just to extend his torment. He had to wait just a little longer for that. This was definitely my show now and I wanted to take full advantage.

“You didn’t answer my question Julien,” I teased as I nested my legs in between his, inching closer and closer to his engorged thick erection and taking him into my hand. My eyes never left his.

He hissed in agony. “Yes I want you Mon chaton, my kitten. Why must you torture me so?” he said as his eyes closed tightly, tilting his head back. I knew that men like Julien weren’t used to relinquishing power to their women. He was the dominator, but not tonight. Tonight, he would submit first and maybe, just maybe, I would restore the balance of power.

My hands were still on him as I stroked his manhood softly; inching closer, my mouth hovered over him, allowing my hot breath to caress his mushroomed head, causing him to let out a deep, guttural groan.

“How much Julien? How much do you want me baby?” I asked while looking up at him through my lashes. Before he could open his mouth to answer, my lips took him whole. My tongue massaging him with purpose as his body went rigid in agony and pleasure. Oh how I missed him, I thought again.

Slowly I worked him, sucking, and licking; taking him deeper and deeper as his hands found their way to my hair, and guided me down his thick, lovely shaft. His sharp indrawn breath pleased me as I took him in all the way. I knew he was close because a small squirt of liquid caressed my tongue, letting me know I had to stop. I pulled away, letting out a popping sound from the release of suction.

“Don’t,” he cried out, wanting for more.

“Ah, patience Mon amour,” I giggled as I recalled him saying those same words to me when I whimpered for more from him. I felt powerful, sexy and I loved it!

Realizing my chosen phrase, his lips curled up, “Mean, mean woman you are Emily…” he teased.

Slowly I turned over onto all fours. I liked the obedient Julien but it was time to summon the primal animal within him and I knew just what would do the trick. I perked my ass up in the air, giving him a lovely view, my mound wet and dripping with excitement. Come for me Julien, let that animal out.

He groaned and slowly walked up to me, attempting to grab me, but I moved away, “Tsk, tsk, tsk… Didn’t I tell you not to move,” I said, my face turned to him with my ass still in the air. “You don’t want to get punished, do you?” I scowled playfully.

To my surprise, he stepped back, although I could see I was testing his patience. It wouldn’t be long before that primal animal inside of him came rushing to the surface, commanding its power back and taking me just the way it had before. I had just a few more minutes so I had to make it count. Determined, I brought my hand to my mound, caressing my nub as he watched, with his chest flaring up and down, and his eyes seemingly mesmerized.

“Tell me Julien, do you like what I’m doing?” I asked, half teasing but fully aroused.

He grunted, “Ah huh…” his eyes were fixated on my swollen mound as I teased my aching nub.

It was now or never. I slid my finger through my silken folds, feeling my body clench around it, moaning in enjoyment and felt him itching to move closer but halting. I pulled my finger out of me and brought it to my mouth, licking it painfully slow, and tasting my sweet essence. Bingo!

book trailer

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LAHEUiAtB0

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdI7sxWKoYM

about the author

Kim was born and raised in the great state of New York. She is a newly self-published author.

She has always believed that one day she would become an author. She enjoyed reading and writing all of her life and had always felt that it was somewhat of a calling for her. At age 28, she had no idea that she would become an Erotic Romance Author, mostly because she just got into reading Romances and instantly fell in love with the genre.

Kim enjoys the passions of love and believes that there is no greater feeling than the initial jilt we get when we first meet that right person. Wanting to provide romance readers with stories that they can feel and get lost in, Kim decided in September 2013 to become a published author. Her first debut novel is “DISCOVERED” which will be a part of “The Cover Series,” debuted on December 28th 2013.

When she is not writing, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family and reading. Her favorite books are always romance based with a healthy dose of erotica. ♥

contact kim

WEBSITE: http://kimblackbooks.wordpress.com/

PERSONAL FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kimblackauthor

FAN PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/KimBlackAuthorPage

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/kimblackbooks

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/kimblack

SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KimBlackBooks

AMAZON: http://amazon.com/author/kimblack

giveaway

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February 26, 2014 by Tina Williams

Connected by the Sea and Breaking through the Waves, Hawaiian Crush Series, by E. L. Todd

Sexy, Gripping and Intense Read!

New Adult Contemporary Romance

This hot and sexy New Adult romance, set in the beautiful island of Hawaii is way more than it first seems. It not only examines love and lust and the importance of trust and friendship, but also delves into the darker issues of loss, guilt, jealousy, violence and abuse.

Book Blurb: Sydney is attending University of Hawaii on Oahu where she’s majoring in Marine Biology. She loves her friends, her job, and her school. Since her ex-boyfriend cheated on her six months ago, she hasn’t moved on to anybody new yet. When Coen catches her eye, she’s immediately attracted to him in a very carnal way. She refuses to let herself feel that way because he’s a heartbreaker just like her ex was. But when she’s called to her professor’s office because she’s asked to tutor someone, she doesn’t realize it’s Coen. Will he convince her that he really is boyfriend material or will he turn out just as she suspects?

Well, this series is one sexy read! The chemistry between Sydney and Coen just sizzles off the page. Early on in the first novel we see how Sydney is attracted to Coen, who has the reputation of being a player. When they are unexpectedly brought together in the role of tutor and pupil their mutual attraction ignites and they are drawn together in some scorching and passionate scenes. Coen wants to make their relationship official, but the situation is complicated due to Sydney finally realising that her best friend Henry is deeply in love with her and she fears that knowing she is with another will destroy him. Added to this complication is Coen’s ex-girlfriend, who is convinced that Coen is hers and wants him back. The first book also hints at issues from Sydney’s past which haunt her and resurface in the second instalment. Can she accept Coen as her one and only before it is too late and can she trust him with her secrets? The road to Sydney and Coen’s HEA is certainly fraught with difficulties.

Sydney is a role model for all young women. She is a star pupil, good at her job and loves the island, the sea and its wildlife. She also values the ties of friendship and is especially concerned about how Henry will react when he finds out about her relationship with Coen. Although she appears strong she has a hidden vulnerability due to events in the past, which we come to comprehend more fully as the series progresses.

Coen is simply drop dead gorgeous! He is an alpha male with a big heart and falls deeply for Sydney, attracted to her beauty inside and out. I really felt his frustration with how Sydney dealt with Henry’s feelings for her and the fact that she concealed their relationship, although I came to understand her own personal reasons for it as the plot unfolded. The love making scenes between Sydney and Coen were super hot, sensual and descriptive (very little being left to the imagination) and make this series definitely for readers over 18. At times the sex fest was such that I had to pause and take a break and catch a breath to calm my racing heart!

The way the author described the characters and their behaviour was realistic overall. The pacing was good as was the story arc and romance. I also liked the element of suspense – what was Sydney afraid of from her past and would it come back to haunt her and would she finally get together with Coen? The secondary characters were also well defined and I enjoyed the descriptions of the island and its wildlife, especially the scenes on the beach and in the sea. The series is a great read any time of the year to bring some sunshine and romance into your life and I recommend it to adult readers, particularly those who love New Adult reads.

PS – Henry gets his own book too in Connected by the Tide. 🙂

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Copies of these books were given to me by the author for he purpose of a fair and honest review.

Connect with the Author:

https://www.facebook.com/ELTodd42

http://eltodd42.blogspot.co.uk/

Purchase Links:

Amazon US

http://www.amazon.com/Connected-Sea-Hawaiian-Crush-1-ebook/dp/B00I4JXQXC/ref=la_B00EO8FWYS_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393436195&sr=1-4

http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Through-Waves-Hawaiian-Crush-ebook/dp/B00I4FZR56/ref=la_B00EO8FWYS_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393436195&sr=1-3

Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Connected-Sea-Hawaiian-Crush-1-ebook/dp/B00I4JXQXC/ref=la_B00EO8FWYS_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393436511&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Through-Waves-Hawaiian-Crush-ebook/dp/B00I4FZR56/ref=la_B00EO8FWYS_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393436511&sr=1-4

February 26, 2014 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL Unforgiven: A Forbidden Bond Novel – Book 2, by Cat Miller

Sexy New Paranormal Romance Series!

This series promises to be a must read for fans of vamps and the paranormal! The first book in this series, Unbound, will be released on April 1st, followed by the second book, Unforgiven. We are lucky today to be able to give you a peek of the gorgeous cover for this book, due out on May 27th. Read on for the book blurb and buy links for book 1 so that you can get ahead and reserve this series for your ‘to read’ pile! You can also check out the links for the author, Cat Miller.

Tina. 🙂

Unbound: A Forbidden Bond Novel – Book 1

Girl gone wild…

College is supposed to be a time of discovery, but Danielle Vaughn never imaged it would be like this: heightened senses, supernatural powers, and a sudden craving for human blood. Dani is a demi-vamp, the daughter of a human psychic and a vampire noble, a living secret kept hidden for twenty-one years.

As Dani’s heritage manifests itself, her thirst for blood is matched only by her hunger for Chase Diedrick. But as the son of the Vampire Council’s most powerful ruling family, Chase is already promised to another. Dani saw Council politics destroy her mother’s life; she won’t let the same thing happen to her. Besides, there’s no shortage of men who are eager to satisfy her every need, including the alluring vampire Kayden.

Unfortunately, Dani also has no shortage of enemies. Her heightened powers of telepathy and telekinesis attract the attention of a rogue vamp who preys on gifted vampires, absorbing their skills along with their lifeblood. Now, Dani must seek the Council’s help to quickly master her new vampire life…or risk losing it.

http://amzn.com/B00FPTJX7W

www.catmillerbooks.com

www.facebook.com/catmillerwriter

https://twitter.com/CatMillerAuthor

February 21, 2014 by Tina Williams

A Saint’s Salvation, by Beverly Ovalle

A Love and Life Affirming Sensual Read!

Contemporary/Military Romance – Novella (61 pages)

I jumped at the chance to review author Beverly Ovalle’s new release, her contemporary romance, A Saint’s Salvation. I was immediately drawn to the fact that the book tackles the issues of physical and psychological trauma which the men and women in military service risk every day, as they put their lives on the line. I was also curious to see how a contemporary tale would compare with the author’s previous novellas in erotic romance which I enjoyed so much, Dragons’ Mate and Lightning Strike (scroll down for links to our reviews).

Book Blurb

Corporal Nicholas ‘Saint’ Santiago need to go home to reclaim the man he used to be. To be the man he was before Operation Enduring Freedom slowly hardened his heart. He needs to reconnect to the values and the reasons he is doing what he does. Saint also needs to try to forget the courageous woman he knows was meant to be his.

Petty Officer Angelina Jones’ life changed the moment Saint saved her life. She survived the blast but now has to deal with the fact that she will never be whole. Knowing Saint received a ‘Dear John’ letter, Angelina has no intention of being his rebound romance. She needs to be loved for herself. She needs to forget about the one man she knows was meant to be hers.

They each try to find someone to help them forget.

However, fate has plans for the two of them.

My Review

I loved how A Saint’s Salvation is bursting with pride that we all have in our service men and women. It also highlights the many scars that they may bear, physically and emotionally, upon their return from active service, in what I feel is a realistic way and how important it is for them to reconnect with civilian life to aid the healing process.

At the start of the novella, the hero Nick has reached a low point, after receiving a ‘Dear John’ letter from his childhood sweetheart and having been ground down by the horrors of war. It is only when he saves the life of Petty Officer Angelina Jones, a doctor, that he believes that life is worth living again, as he realises exactly how much her cares for her. On his return to the US, fate brings them unexpectedly together again and there are some hot and sensual scenes as mutual attraction and desire, hitherto repressed, finally ignite. These scenes are both passionate and tender and downright SMOKING HOT! Angelina is one lucky girl!

I enjoyed the character of both the hero and heroine immensely. They are both strong characters, attempting to cope with their war inflicted wounds in their own way. Despite the strength they show they are also vulnerable and I found the passages where they share their inner fears with each other immensely touching. Nick is a hero who every girl would be proud to call their own and has a wicked sense of humour. He also knows exactly what Angelina needs to help her rediscover her confidence and self-worth as a woman and how to persuade her that he is serious about her. Angelina welcomes the fact that Nick sees her as a woman, injury or no injury. They are both very believable characters and a memorable couple.

I recommend A Saint’s Salvation to readers of contemporary and sensual romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of A Saint’s Salvation was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Published by Secret Cravings Publishing

Cover Artist: Dawne Dominique

Purchase Links

Secret Cravings Publishing

Amazon US Amazon UK

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyOvalleAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SslySmileSomebodyLovesYou?ref=hl

Website: http://SSLYblog.wordpress.com

For our reviews of Beverly Ovalle’s erotic romance novellas, Dragons’ Mate and Lightning Strike click on the links:

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2013/04/17/dragons-mate-by-beverly-ovalle/

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2013/12/05/lightning-strike-by-beverly-ovalle/

February 21, 2014 by Caroline Barker

You Might Just Get It (short story) by Julia Barrett

Short, contemporary erotic romance (Recommended for readers 17rs+)

Book blurb: Kate has locked herself out of her new apartment building for the third time in a week. She’s on the stoop in the rain, barefoot, shivering and soaked to the skin. Her neighbour, Eric, arrives home in the nick of time and lets her in. That’s twice now he’s saved the day. When he invites her for a quick supper, how can she say no?
Eric has been waiting for an opportunity to get to know Kate. His kitchen window faces hers across the courtyard and he noticed her right away. How could he not, with her lovely halo of short curls and her beautiful smile? When he finds her stranded on the stoop, he gets to play the hero. When she agrees to his dinner invitation, he hopes he’ll get to play a lot more than that.

You Might Just Get It is a short, hot and fun contemporary read. It’s only 15 pages long and easily fits in-between some lengthier novels, making it refreshing and handy if you only have a few minutes to spare. Due to the content I would recommend it for readers of 17 yrs plus.

Although it doesn’t mention it in the blurb this book does cover age difference, as Kate is in her early forties and Eric in his twenties. I found this area of the story interesting as not too many authors explore these types of situations. Kate is an attractive, sexy woman who certainly is young at heart, and Eric likes a woman with experience and maturity. He quite possibly regards Kate as a challenge, to see if he can win her affections over. It is obvious that Eric is serious about Kate. Julia Barrett has written this well and made these characters believable.

However, some aspects were a little too convenient for my liking; the woman he liked happened to be the one he could help and she doesn’t take her time in getting to know him. Although for a short read, initially written as a Cougar story, it is understandable that the characters become intimate fairly quickly.

I am still unsure how I feel about Eric’s character. He’s a young guy that finds himself attracted to his neighbour. But as they share dinner together and it is revealed how he sees her through his window, it does seem a little creepy and stalker-ish! And then, as they become intimate, my feelings change again as he leaves you spellbound and totally into the story. With a few more pages to delve into the lives of Eric and Kate a little more, the reader would feel a little closer to the characters.

You Might Just Get It makes a great, few minutes read. It is hot, sensual and very physical throughout as well as being well written. Don’t let it get away!

You can find You Might Just Get It on Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

February 20, 2014 by Tina Williams

Not Another Soldier, by Samantha Holt

We are THRILLED to welcome Samantha Holt to A Readers Review Blog today. Samantha has long been one of our favourite authors of historical romance and now she has published her first full length contemporary romantic suspense, NOT ANOTHER SOLDIER, which we reviewed a few weeks ago. We are showcasing this today by participating in the book’s blog tour organised by My Family’s Heart Reviews and Tours.

Read on for the book blurb and purchase links and read a super hot teaser which will have you panting for more! Also find out how to connect with Samantha and enter the giveaway to win some super prizes. Tina and Caroline 🙂

Title: Not Another Solider
Author: Samantha Holt
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Release Date: 17th January 2014

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?

AMAZON KINDLE | GOODREADS

Drawing in a breath, I open the door. Hopefully Nick’s all settled and I won’t even have to—

He’s sitting on my bed.

Damn the man. He studies me, slow and languorously, and I flex my fingers, longing to splay my hands across myself. My simple PJs now feel sexy and I’m definitely showing off too much skin.

“Can I—” I cough. “Is everything okay?”

Nick nods slowly, his eyes saying everything is more than okay. My skin heats and I hope he can’t see the redness that’s no doubt in my cheeks and on my chest.

“Yeah,” he says finally, gaze lingering on my bare legs. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m fine.”

Though I don’t sound fine. Having your heart going the same rate as a freight train or your blood boiling beneath your skin probably isn’t fine. But that wasn’t what he meant.

He doesn’t look convinced.

“It’s been a crazy day and I am a little shaken but I’m okay, I swear. I just need a little rest and I need to get this place back to normal and then I’ll be great.”

Nick takes a moment to study me once more and stands. “All right. Just checkin’.”

“Oh.” I go to my closet. “Here’s some blankets.” I draw out two old ones that I usually use if the temperature drops and pass them over.

“Thanks.” He takes them from me.

“Do you need something to sleep in?” I bend down and rummage through the bottom drawer. “I might have some old T-shirts.” I find one and come up to standing.

His eyes are wary and he looks tense, slightly like he’s going to explode at any moment.

Baffled, I thrust out the T-shirt. “It’s one of Rob’s. I don’t know why I still have them really. Or would it be weird wearing his stuff?” He doesn’t respond so I hesitate before turning around and chucking the T-shirt back in the drawer. That was a stupid idea. “Sorry, guess it would be.”

With a wry laugh, he nods. “Yeah, I don’t want to be wearing his stuff, but I got to tell you, babe, I’m more worried about your night clothes.”

“What?”

“If you’re sleeping like that,” he motions with one hand down me, “then it’s going to make me sleeping there,” now he points to the couch, “a real trial. ‘Cause when you bend over in those shorts, all I want to do is take you to bed and peel them from you.”

Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls and husband who is a trained bodyguard and ex-soldier (Yes, seriously!). She traditionally writes historical romances involving chivalrous knights and hot highlanders, but occasionally dabbles in contemporary romance. When she reluctantly leaves her computer, she enjoys exploring old ruins and indulging an early midlife crisis. Adrenaline filled suggestions for the bucket list are always welcome!

Find Samantha on Facebook

Prizes
1 Paperback copy of Not Another Soldier
3 x $2.99 ebook of readers choice

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February 18, 2014 by Tina Williams

Blood Mate, by Kitty Thomas

Dark and Intense Fairy Tale!

Literary Erotica 18+/Adult read

This is another mind blowing, intense and deeply psychlogical read from Kitty Thomas. Readers of this author will be familiar with her imaginative literary erotica. For my part, I am still working my way through her backlist, having read Tender Mercies, Submissive Fairy Tales and Big Sky. At times I like a dark read that blurs the boundaries between wrong and right, moral and immoral and good and evil and few can equal this author. Kitty Thomas’ books always provoke a moral dilemma in my head, which stays with me long after I have read the book!

In Blood Mate we have a powerful and ancient vampire August, formerly a pious man, who was turned against his will and who bears a terrible curse. He must drink the blood of his terrified human victims night after night, his desperate efforts to end his life being fruitless. The only way that his torment can be assuaged is to find his one and only blood mate, a woman whose mind he cannot enthral but who will be able to satisfy his blood-lust each night, negating his desire for another’s blood, and remain with him for eternity.

But hey, this is in no way your usual tortured vamp meets his mate affair, leading to a HEA. In fact if a neat and tidy HEA is what you are after than this is not the book for you. This is Kitty Thomas and Nicole, the heroine of this story does not play ball and fall at the vampire’s feet, despite her physical attraction to him, for she has already found her soul mate, her husband Dominic, and she is not giving him up without a fight! What follows is a dark and twisted tale examining love, blood-lust, desperation, guilt, torment, sanity and jealousy, peppered with scenes of eroticism and violence which literally took my breath away and had me questioning what was right and what was wrong.

August is a vampire who will go to any lengths to ensure that Nicole accepts him as his blood mate and the lengths he goes to are not romantic by any means. Despite his actions I do have some sympathy towards him as he does retain a spark of humanity. It is this spark of humanity, coupled with the wish to not harm his mate, that drives the plot in directions that only this author could envisage.

Nicole‘s husband Dominic, a strong and sympathetic character, is also a key player in the development of the plot and the ending took me completely by surprise and I have not stopped thinking about it since! I will not say any more as to do so would spoil the plot for those that are tempted to buy the book for a truly entertaining and thought-provoking read. Do not just take my word for it but check reviews elsewhere– just be sure to put on your big girl’s pants if this is your first Kitty Thomas book!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Amazon US:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Mate-Kitty-Thomas-ebook/dp/B00I3QKPHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392576085&sr=8-1&keywords=kitty+thomas

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Mate-Kitty-Thomas-ebook/dp/B00I3QKPHQ

Author’s Website: http://kittythomas.com/

February 17, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Stray by Mark Matthews

A Gritty, Realistic, Touching and Emotional Journey (Recommended for more adult readers (17yrs+) due to the subject matter.)

Book Blurb: 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.

Review

In between the fantasy, paranormal and romance reads I always enjoy a book that brings me back down to earth. Even though still a fictional story, Stray is a little more realistic, focusing on the unfortunates that are too easily pulled down into drug and alcohol addiction. However, amid the darkness and despair of some, Stray also offers hope and a brighter side with some very sweet, emotional and touching moments.

The story opens up following the Tom’s life, along with some of his clients. Tom constantly beats himself up. He’s trying his best to counsel his clients and guide them to a life of sobriety, yet he can’t control them. At times it seems that there is no hope for some of them. During the tragic times Tom tends to blame himself and links these moments with his wife’s miscarriage, thinking maybe if he hadn’t let his clients down the miscarriage wouldn’t have happened. The affect that this has on Tom’s state of mind is quite concerning. The voices in his head become more frequent and there are times when the reader may question whether Tom himself will remain sober or not.

Clearly there is a significant psychological element to this drama with Tom’s voices and seizures, the effect that the death of his clients have on him and his wife’s miscarriage. As well as the way in which love affects him – love for his wife, unborn child, clients and even those poor strays from the animal shelter opposite the treatment centre. It is these thoughts and feelings that help the reader to relate to the characters.

I was a little confused to begin with as it appeared that some areas of the story were a part of Tom’s memory as he reminisced, and then the reader would be brought back to the present. As the story continues it all becomes clearer and we follow each character’s life which later leads to a dramatic turn of events.

Although quite a serious read there are some heart-warming moments that provide the reader and some of the characters hope for a better future and faith that they can rise up from the rut they are stuck in by staying sober and rebuilding their life with work and relationships. James is a great example of this and my favourite character.

James leaves therapy and could go down either of two paths. He could return home and return to his addiction or he could explore a new life. After hearing the dogs in the animal shelter near to the Treatment Centre, he decides to take a look. In doing so he meets Rachel (Ra) and learns of a job vacancy that surely he’d be suitable for. During James’ time working for the animal shelter the reader has an incite into similarities between the strays and that of an addict. The stray dogs are occasionally re-homed, but many are given an injected drug to end their struggle.

Ra is another of my favourite characters. She is a saviour without realising. She helps rescue the strays of the city, including James. Is there hope for a little romance here? And in many ways, Tom’s character is similar to Ra, in that they both try to save lost souls by re-homing or therapy but sadly very few seem to move on to a better life. Stray is a perfect example of how a life can save another, whether it be through friends, family, children and/or indeed pets and animals.

One of my favourite aspects of Stray is the way in which each character’s story is connected to another. Some connections are more subtle than others but many are connected to Tom, Treatment Centre and/or the animal shelter and pet dogs that some of the characters have or have had.

Stray opens the mind to the ideas that some addicts may have – if things go wrong it must be their fault. It can appear to some that they have high ego’s in thinking that the world evolves around them by always thinking they are at the fore of all problems, and yet in contrast, they don’t deem themselves worthy. It’s a vicious circle, a dark rut that many find impossible to break free from. Stray shows the ups and downs -addiction at it’s worst and those that have beaten it.

Mark Matthews, a therapist himself, has written with delicacy and care. The dark moments are written in such a way that the reader is completely aware of the scene, however Matthews has written so carefully as to not horrify or appal the reader. I congratulate the author on writing in a very sensitive manner. For what is such a serious subject matter, Stray is quite refreshing at times albeit gritty and realistic.

A copy of Stray was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Stray is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

February 17, 2014 by Tina Williams

Love in the Time of the Dead, by Tera Shanley

Zombruary Tour Special!!!

Love in the Time of the Dead

By: Tera Shanley

Genre: Zombie/Dystopian Romance

Available in paperback and e-book from Omnific Publishing.

Be afraid, be VERY afraid! We at A Reader’s Review Blog have put our big girl pants on and invited Tera Shanley to share details of her awesome novel, Love in the Time of the Dead. Tera is running a Zombruary Tour this month, where you can check out the blurb for her book, admire her unforgettable cover (the image has been ricocheting around inside my head since I saw it) and find out more about and connect with the author. You can also enter the Rafflecopter in which prizes of 2 ebooks of the novel are up for grabs! Link at the end of this post. We hope that you enjoy the sound of this book as much as we do!

Tina 🙂

Blurb

Laney Landry has been fighting Deads alongside her brother and friends for three years. But she has a secret. She’s immune to Dead bites and has to find the right people to trust with the information. Her team rallies around her to find a doctor who can extract a vaccine from Laney which could fight the virus that ended the world.

Sean Daniels leads a colony that provides her team with much needed shelter and supplies. He is obviously interested in Laney. The question is whether he’s only intrigued by her as a source for the possible vaccine, or for something more. Tests for the cure might push her body beyond what it can endure, and just as she faces a ghost from her past, her longtime teammate Derek Mitchell hints at an interest in more than just her Dead slaying abilities.

Two honorable and alluring men – one colossal decision to make. Despite historically bad taste in men, can she rise above the chaos of the apocalypse and choose the one who deserves her heart? The right choice could mean the difference between surviving…and living.

Author Bio

Tera Shanley writes in sub-genres that stretch from Paranormal Romance, to Historic Western Romance, to Apocalyptic (zombie) Romance. The common theme? She loves love! A self-proclaimed bookworm, she was raised in small town Texas and could often be found decorating a table at the local library. She currently lives in Dallas with her husband and two young children and when she isn’t busy running around after her family, she’s writing a new story or devouring a good book. Any spare time is dedicated to chocolate licking, rifle slinging, friend hugging, and the great outdoors. For more information about Tera and her work, visit www.terashanley.com.

Author Links

Website: http://www.terashanley.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/terashanley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terashanley.author?ref=hl

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7212904.Tera_Shanley

Blog: http://www.terashanley.blogspot.com/

Buy Links

Kindle:http://www.amazon.com/Love-Time-Dead-Tera-Shanley-ebook/dp/B00G2KFKMU/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1382382615

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Time-Dead-Tera-Shanley-ebook/dp/B00G2KFKMU

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-in-the-time-of-the-dead-tera-shanley/1117193723?ean=9781623420581

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Time-Dead-Tera-Shanley/dp/162342058X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1382382615&sr=8-1

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Win 2 ebooks of Love in the Time of the Dead and some Zombie themed swag by entering the Rafflecopter!

Just click on the link. Good luck! Tina 🙂

Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/YTFkNGRjYjNhYjg3OGQ0NjkyZjRkZTRjMGM1ZGE1OjE=/

February 15, 2014 by Tina Williams

Cover Reveal for Beautiful and Broken, by Sara Hubbard and Author Post

A perfect read for Valentine’s week-end or all year round!

New Adult/Chick Lit

Today we welcome author Sara Hubbard to our blog. Sara’s here to share with us some inside information on her experience of writing and publishing her new release, Beautiful and Broken, a New Adult/Chick Lit read, perfect for curling up with at any time of the year! You can also have a look at the gorgeous cover and find out about the book’s characters, including the hero and heroine, Sawyer and Molly. I can tell you that after these teasers below the book has definitely made it to my ‘to read list!’ Over to you Sara! Tina 🙂

Thank you, A Reader’s Review blog, for having me on your blog today! I have lots to talk about…namely my new release. Ahem. For those of you who aren’t familiar with me, I have published a couple of books with a small press and recently decided to go the self-publishing route. This book is the very first book I published on my own, and it won’t be the last. The freedom that comes with self-publishing is kind of addictive. Plus, I got to choose my editor and cover! And I love my cover. What do you think?

I wrote most of this novel during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Of course, I had to cut 30,000 words and then beef it back up again, but I’m happy with how it turned out. If I could describe it to you in a few words, I would say it’s chick lit/new adult. I’m told it’s humorous but then it also has a sweet love story to it…complete with a tattooed, swoon-worthy, professional boxer named Sawyer. My heroine, Molly, has enough going on in her life to be pulled into Sawyer’s orbit, but she can’t seem to stay away from him because their chemistry is undeniable. This story might be exactly what you’re looking for this Valentine’s Day weekend. I couldn’t help but put the shameless plug in there…so sue me. No. Please don’t. Want to know more about my characters? Here goes:

Who would play Sawyer in a movie? Josh Harnett, only bulkier.

Who would play Molly in a movie? Emma Stone

Why is Molly’s best friend obsessed with testicles? Um…I think you’ll have to read the book to understand the question…and the answer.

When Molly gets a tooth embedded in her skull, does the doctor really sell it on eBay? Hmm…I think he saves it. Creepy. Yes, I know.

On the back cover, we learn that Molly’s family pushes her to get back together with her ex? Why would they do that? Sometimes, social connections and money overshadow what’s most important in life: happiness.

Now that I’ve left you sufficiently teased, I truly hope you’ll check out Beautiful and Broken. It was a pleasure to write and I hope it will be a pleasure for you to read.

Thanks again!

Thank you for joining us today Sara. Your latest release has certainly intrigued us and we wish you the very best with it.

Tina and Caroline 🙂

Buy links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Broken-Sara-Hubbard-ebook/dp/B00ICQWDJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392426992&sr=8-1&keywords=beautiful+and+broken

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beautiful-Broken-Sara-Hubbard-ebook/dp/B00ICQWDJ0

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/beautiful-and-broken

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-and-broken-sara-hubbard/1118599071?ean=2940148173311

iTunes: coming soon!