March 16, 2014 by Tina Williams

Our Next Reads!

We have a host of exciting reads coming up over the next few weeks which cover a huge variety of genres from some super authors! Read on for the book blurb. Tina 🙂

The Dragon’s Heart, Dragon Lore, #1, by Eden Ashe (urban fantasy romance)

The dragon-shifter king will do anything to keep his mate alive…even if it means war. After millennia as king of the dragon-shifters, Daniel Ashborne wants a little peace and quiet, especially from the beautiful Hollywood starlet who haunts his memories. His escape tactics end abruptly when he is calledd to the ER to save the one woman he wants to forget, but who now bears his mark.

Shelby Kincade’s life and movie career were nearly destroyed when Daniel vanished a year ago. Now he’s back, claiming they have been accidentally mated. Getting over him once was hard enough, but she must choose either the life of her dreams or the man she can’t live without.

With peace finally on the horizon between the dragon-shifters and the Hunters, an assassination attempt on the dragon king and his mate shatters everything. Tensions rebuild as Daniel and his loyal team of shifters try to discover who put out the hit. Enemy and ally lines are crossed, but in the end–after the battle ash has settled–no one could have foreseen who has plotted for their own gain.

CONTENT WARNING: Graphic fight scenes, lots of great sex, and hot, hot, hot dragon men.

Seconds Before Sunrise, #2 in The Timely Death Trilogy, by Shannon A Thompson (YA paranormal romance)

Two nightmares. One memory.

“Chaos within destiny. It was the definition of our love.”

Eric has weeks before his final battle when he’s in an accident. Forced to face his human side, he knows he can’t survive if he fights alone. But he doesn’t want to surrender, even if he becomes the sacrifice for war.

Jessica’s memory isn’t the only thing she’s lost. Her desire to find her parents is gone and so is her confidence. But when fate leaves nightmares behind, she decides to find the boy she sees in them, even if it risks her sanity.

Wind Raven, Agents of the Crown #3, by Regan Walker (regency romance)

Ordered by the Prince Regent into the Caribbean, English sea captain and former privateer Jean Nicholas Powell has no time for women onboard the Wind Raven, especially not Tara McConnell. The impudent American forced herself aboard, and so she’ll get more than she bargained for: Instead of a direct sail to Baltimore, she’ll join their quest to investigate a rampaging pirate, the infamous Roberto Cofresi. But the hoyden thinks she can crew with his men, and though he bans her from the rigging, Nick is captivated watching her lithe, luscious movements on deck. Facing high seas, storms, cutthroats and the endless unknown, he must protect his ship, his passenger, his crew. But on this voyage, with this woman, there is a greater danger: to his heart.

30 Days to Syn, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo (erotic romance)

The ad reads: Young woman (American only) willing to engage in domination roleplay. No BDSM. Salary: $1,000,000 upon completion of contract. Length of employment: 30 consecutive nights.
Drowning in debt, Melina Wynth is going under for the third time. With a dead-end job and a disabled brother dependent on her, the ad in the paper could be the lifeline to keep her from sinking. Reeling in her courage, she casts her line.
Synjyn McGregor is a shark—a very wealthy shark from Down Under—and his bite could prove to be her undoing. But Lina is determined she isn’t going to allow him to get away. The length of employment might read thirty nights, but she suspects he is fishing for something more.
Synjyn needs a woman who will love him—mentally and physically—as never before. A woman whose touch will not only put the billionaire in his place but keep him there…begging for more. He will quickly realize Lina is made for Syn.

Living Life Backwards, by Peter Wells (literary fiction)

Having spent his childhood in a barren emotional wasteland
overseen by a father who valued order above feeling, Bill finally meets a woman who leads him to a place he can call home. Arriving in the small coastal town in England with his new wife, he finds that he is quickly assimilated into her community and extended family. With his somewhat murky past behind him, he forg…more Having spent his childhood in a barren emotional wasteland
overseen by a father who valued order above feeling, Bill finally meets a woman who leads him to a place he can call home. Arriving in the small coastal town in England with his new wife, he finds that he is quickly assimilated into her community and extended family. With his somewhat murky past behind him, he forges a new life within a solid, caring community and discovers what being valued means. As it happens, his wife appears to be overly interested in “organizing” everything and everyone around her, including her young cousin who is the apple of her father’s eye.

Within the garden of Eden Bill knows he can show no interest in this apple called Misty. He knows the price of doing so, and the value of what he now enjoys. Will that be enough to protect him from desire? Luck is with him: she has no interest in him. But what if circumstances where to change and she looked at her world and him with new eyes. Would he cling to common sense?

With the hand of a surgeon, Peter Wells gently probes the thoughts of the mundane to seek those corners that still long for adventure. Those bits and pieces of each of us that gaze out on the world and find something to settle on and wonder… Tenderly touching the wounded, lonely parts of his characters’ hearts, Peter gently leads them to a destiny they never could have imagined on their own.

When an Obsession knocks on the doors of your Paradise, should they remain closed?

Claiming the Rebel’s Heart, Alison Stuart (historical romance)

Herefordshire, England 1643

As the English Civil War divides England and tears families apart, Kinton Lacey castle is one of the brave few loyal to the roundhead cause.

With her father away, Deliverance Felton will do whatever it takes to defend her family home against the royalist forces ranged against it. She can shoot and wield a sword as well as any man and anything she needs to know about siege warfare she has learned from a book…but no book can prepare her for what is to come.

Captain Luke Collyer, soldier of fortune and a man with his own reasons for loyalty to the parliamentary cause, is sent to relieve the castle. Everything he knows about siege warfare in general and women in particular he has learned from experience, but when it comes to Deliverance Felton has he met his match?

Deliverance will not give up her command lightly and Luke will have to face a challenge to his authority as fierce as the cavalier foe outside the walls. He will do whatever it takes to win Deliverance’s trust but will he run the risk of losing his own, well guarded, heart?

Cry Heaven Cry Hell…The Return of Miss Mary Weather by Deno Sandz (horror)

From the original novel in 2001: “Miss Mary Weather: A Southern Nightmare,” a sequel arises. In a rural black community in the Deep South, there is a myth of a woman who is the most terrifying female creature ever unleashed in this world. Will’s battles with the evil woman continue from childhood to adulthood. The protagonist, Will defeats her: however his eldest son begins dreaming of the evil woman’s return. +++Now, after many years of forgetfulness and the tragic death of Will Sr. and his wife, Miss Mary Weather has truly returned bringing perdition and no absolution with her to collect more souls and to finally destroy the bloodline of the one man who defeated her….making the world as we know it, “Cry Heaven, Cry Hell.”

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding (contemporary romance, chick-lit, humour)

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

What do you do when your girlfriend’s sixtieth birthday party is the same day as your boyfriend’s thirtieth? Is it better to die of Botox or die of loneliness because you’re so wrinkly? Is it wrong to lie about your age when online dating? Is it morally wrong to have a blow-dry when one of your children has head lice? Is it normal to be too vain to put on your reading glasses when checking your toy boy for head lice? Does the Dalai Lama actually tweet or is it his assistant? Is it normal to get fewer followers the more you tweet? Is technology now the fifth element? Or is that wood? If you put lip plumper on your hands do you get plump hands? Is sleeping with someone after two dates and six weeks of texting the same as getting married after two meetings and six months of letter writing in Jane Austen’s day? Pondering these and other modern dilemmas, Bridget Jones stumbles through the challenges of loss, single motherhood, tweeting, texting, technology, and rediscovering her sexuality in—Warning! Bad, outdated phrase approaching!—middle age.

Animus by Thomas Evans (crime)

A family is torn in half when a careless killer evades justice. Jason McDowell’s bad choice to drive to work drunk one morning leaves a father dead, a daughter in a coma and her twin sister and mother to try and pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Three years later, while Jason has gone on with his life, ignorant of the struggles of his victims, someone has decided it is time for him to face justice.

Bounty Hunter by S.J. Hollis (fantasy)

What do you do when your magic makes you a target? Run. Fight. Die.

14-year-old Kai Koson had nothing to do with the apocalypse, thank you very much. He was just a baby the day a coven of blood witches ripped a hole in the universe and the demons fell screaming from the sky. Earth and its magic perished. Witchkind was hunted and annihilated.

Now, because he was born a witch, Kai must spend his life running and fighting for survival. Even his own uncle seems determined to abandon him.

With nothing left to lose, Kai runs away and joins a team of galactic bounty hunters. But instead of providing an escape, it sets Kai on a path that will destroy everything he believes about himself and the apocalypse, transforming him into the most wanted teenager in the galaxy.

Written with humour, imagination and darkness, Bounty Hunter and its protagonist Kai Koson stand confidently beside Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl, Alex Rider, Young Bond, Mortal Engines and Harry Potter.

21 Hours by Dustin Stevens (thriller, suspense)

Felix “O” O’Connor is an ex-con from central Ohio that has spent the seven years since being released from prison working on a ranch in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. Rarely does he venture out into the world and never does it come looking for him. Both of those things change when his twin sister Alexa “Lex” Borden calls from Columbus, Ohio to ask for his help.

Earlier that afternoon, she and her husband were both beaten unconscious and their two year old daughter abducted from their front yard. Nobody saw a thing, the police are stumped, and it is a well known statistic that if a child isn’t found in the first 48 hours, they rarely are.

O immediately drives back to Ohio and finds himself with just 21 hours to find his beloved niece before potentially losing her forever. Plunging himself into a world he’d long ago left behind, he crosses paths with criminal masterminds, human traffickers, gun runners, drug smugglers, blood-thirsty spectators and suspicious detectives all in the name of bringing her home.

When It Happens to You by Molly Ringwald (contemporary, chick-lit)

When it happens to you, you will be surprised. That thing they say about how you knew all the time, but just weren’t facing it? That might be the case, but nevertheless, there you will be.

Molly Ringwald mines the complexities of modern relationships in this gripping and nuanced collection of interlinked stories. Writing with a deep compassion for human imperfection, Ringwald follows a Los Angeles family and their friends and neighbors while they negotiate the hazardous terrain of everyday life—revealing the deceptions, heartbreak, and vulnerability familiar to us all.

In “The Harvest Moon,” a stay-at-home mom grapples with age, infertility, and an increasingly distant husband. In “Ursa Minor,” a former children’s television star tries to rebuild his life after being hospitalized for “exhaustion.” An elderly woman mourns the loss of her husband and her estranged relationship with her daughter in “The Little One.” In “My Olivia,” a single mother finds untapped reserves of strength to protect her flamboyant six-year-old son who wishes only to wear dresses and be addressed as Olivia. And in the devastating title story, a betrayed wife chronicles her pain and alienation, leading to an eviscerating denouement.

As the lives of these characters converge and diverge in unexpected ways, Ringwald reveals a startling eye for the universality of loss, love, and the search for connection. An unflinching yet poignant examination of the intricacies of the human heart, When It Happens to You is an auspicious literary debut.

March 14, 2014 by Tina Williams

Once Upon a Hero: Tales of Love Throughout History, by C. N. Bird, Samantha Holt, Em Taylor and Lily Magee

Sensual History Lessons in Love!

50,000 word collection of four short stories

History lessons at school were never this hot! Revisit them with the aid of this anthology, which features romantic and sensual tales which span history from Ancient Roman times through to Medieval Scotland, Regency England and the battlefields between Russia and Napoleon’s army. The collection includes Pompeii by C.N. Bird, Hunting His Highland Lass by Samantha Holt, A Love Remembered by Em Taylor and An Honourable Enemy by Lily Magee. Read on for the burb and my thoughts on each story and the swoon worthy heroes – Victus, Rory, Ben and Amaury!

Pompeii by C.N. Bird

Blurb: 69 A.D.
Following the loss of her father and her mother years later, Hadriana is saved from a life of prostitution by her closest friend Victus. Through rebuilding and many loves, one night finds them unable to resist their feelings for one another any longer. With their new found affection and moving forward in their lives, the city of Pompeii seemingly doesn’t have a happy ending in store.

My Review: I found this tale both sweet and sensual and from what I have read of events in Pompeii, well researched, evoking a good sense of place and time. The romance between Hadriana and Victus is a slow burn (they are childhood friends), but when the flames ignite they really do burn hot! Victus, is very much Hadriana’s saviour and although she becomes very aware of him as a man, she despairs that he will ever return her feelings, believing he loves another. I enjoyed how they each revealed their love for each other and the passion that burnt between them and I held my breath as I waited to see if their love could survive the momentous events that were about to befall them and the other citizens of Pompeii.

Hunting His Highland Lass by Samantha Holt

Blurb: Scotland, 1292
Rory MacPherson has returned home to find his castle overrun by the English and his timid wife missing. So when he hears of her tales of bravery, he’s just a little surprised. But his main concern is whether she is still alive or has been captured. Upon discovering her intention to run to her father’s and to leave their affectionless marriage for good, Rory realises just how much sweet Isla means to him. Can the warrior get past his fears of being too rough for her?

Though fear of capture drove Isla out, it’s the fear of returning to her marriage that keeps her travelling across the unforgiving Highlands. Not that doesn’t care for her husband, but she can no longer bear desiring a man who clearly doesn’t want her. Believing that he must be sharing his bed with another lass, Isla plans to beg her father for refuge from the English…and her husband. But the journey is dangerous and Rory is a determined man. Will he even let her go?

My Review: I lapped up this romantic tale, where Rory attempts to woo his wife and convince her to return home with him. I liked how the circumstances compelled the couple to open up to each other and overcome the misunderstandings that existed between them. They eventually do in a hot and sensual coming together amongst the heather, where Rory convinces Isla that she is the only woman for him and Isla reassures Rory that she welcomes his embrace! I loved the single mindedness of Rory as he pursues his wife through the countryside, bent on ensuring her safety and return and the fact that Isla is a lot stronger and more resourceful than he imagines. The danger presented by the English soldiers roaming the ountryside where the drama takes place added suspense to the tale.

A Love Remembered by Em Taylor

Blurb: England, 1811
When Lord Benedict Mallory is lost at sea while fighting in His Majesty’s Navy, Lady Cassandra Strong knows her happy ever after with the handsome duke’s son will never be. That is until she spots her friend’s footman. He bears a striking resemblance to the Lord who was presumed drowned.

A chance encounter with the newly restored Earl leaves Cassy with no option but to marry Lord Benedict. Can they overcome his loss of memory and forge a marriage for themselves?

My Review: I enjoyed the strong physical attraction between Ben and Cassy, evidenced in a number of sensual scenes, where propriety is cast aside! Ben is a hero who has a good heart, but also struggles with the loss of his memory, which affects many aspects of his life, not just his recollections of Cassy. Cassy is a strong heroine who is resolute in her support for Ben and although she is ecstatic that he is very much alive he does not recognise her and I really felt for her. I loved how the couple strove to make up for lost time and lost memories. A heart felt and sensual tale.

An Honourable Enemy by Lily Magee

Blurb: Russia, 1812
War has been kind to Capitaine Amaury de Poitiers. With every victory over the Russians, Napoleon’s Grande Army brings ever greater glory to France. Highly regarded by both his superiors and his men, his career looks set to soar.

When he is tasked with guarding a prisoner of war critical to the war effort, an archduchess no less, Amaury finds himself enchanted by her. The only surviving member of her family, the proud Katinka of Viasma is overwhelmed by grief and the desire for revenge upon the French for her family’s death. Despite her initial hostility, Amaury finds himself becoming ever more drawn to this feisty, angry yet fragile young woman and is overcome by the need to protect her.

Katinka in turn finds herself confused by her increasing attraction to the witty, chivalrous capitaine who refuses to give up on her despite her temper.

Their longing for each other is undeniable but both of them know that the barriers between them are great. Amaury finds himself torn between his mission, his love and his honour. Katinka is a noblewoman and he is but a common soldier. To be together could cost Katinka everything.

Can Amaury and Katinka ever overcome the barriers of war and class that separate them?

My Review: Amaury is a man that you would definitely want on your side, not to mention in your arms if you ever find yourself being held prisoner! Katinka is a strong and resourceful heroine worthy of a hero’s embrace and I loved how she dealt with Amaury and how she coped with the situation she finds herself in, being both brave and resourceful. This story is clearly one of love at first sight between the hero and the heroine and there are a lot of passionate scenes packed into it. I hankered after their HEA, mindful of the many barriers between them: the war between their respective countries; their class differences and the fact that Katinka could well become is a pawn in the warnegotiations. The tale also gave the reader a taste of conditions experienced during the Russian winter by the French troops.

I recommend this anthology to readers who enjoy sensual and romantic tales set in an historical context.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Authors

Samantha Holt

https://www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

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

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

Em Taylor

http://romanticregency.weebly.com/

March 14, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR Forever Doomed, by Mary Ann Kempher

A Readers Review Blog is THRILLED to be participating in the blog tour for FOREVER DOOMED, a sexy romantic suspense. Read on for the book blurb, an exciting excerpt and 10 fun facts about the author Mary Ann Kempher!

book blurb

It’s not wise to wander the cruise ship Forever alone at night. You might not live to see daylight.

Detective Jack Harney agrees to do an old Army buddy a favor. Curt Noble had some personal business to attend to, he didn’t say what. What he did say was he needed someone to temporarily take over his duties as head of security on the struggling cruise ship Forever. Jack hesitates, but he owes Curt his life so agrees. He’s told the worst mischief he can expect to encounter will be the occasional shoplifter, or drunk. Instead, one week into the cruise, a beautiful red head and a member of the crew are ruthlessly murdered. Are the two murders connected? It’s up to Jack to find out. He must find the killer before the ship returns to Tampa’s port, or worse, before another dead body is found. This won’t be easy. The ship is old, it’s security systems outdated, and clues are few, or so it seems at first

It’s not just a sense of obligation that motivates Jack to agree to Curt’s request;

Jack moved thousands of miles, started over, and still can’t get Amy O’Brian out of his heart or mind. When she shows up on the ship, as part of a large wedding party, Jack must fight to stay focused. To make matters worse, Amy isn’t his only distraction; a sexy and mysterious woman has made it her mission to seduce Jack.

As the body count rises, and time slips away, Jack has to ask himself, “Did someone commit the perfect crime?”

forever doomed

maryann kempher

goodreads

purchase links

amazon us | amazon uk | barnes & Noble | kobo

excerpt

She quickly opened the pantry door and stepped inside. Oh good, my cake. By the sound of the wind, rain, and even the occasional thunder, she could tell the back door had finally been opened. She cracked the pantry door an inch and peeked out. A tall, muscular man was there, he was making a sandwich. She’d wait him out. The lights in the kitchen flickered on and off, then on again. Suddenly, another man entered the kitchen. Jeez, I’m never gonna get out of here.

“What are you doing in here?” she heard him ask. His tone concerned her. He seemed annoyed, maybe even angry. At least I’m not the only person in the kitchen that’s not supposed to be here.

The other man didn’t answer. He picked up a rolling pin and hit the guy on the side of the head, hard. The man fell to the floor with a thud. His head lay outside where she was hiding. Through the crack in the door, she could see blood on the side of his head, his eyes wide open and vacant. She swallowed hard and willed herself not to freak out. She’d need all her composure so she didn’t give herself away. She watched, shocked, as the man rushed to the kitchen’s swinging doors, looked out, then quickly returned. He picked up the dead guy and walked outside.

She wasn’t thinking straight. Should she wait, see if he was coming back? Should she run like hell and hope he didn’t see? She did what any good stripper would do. She went to the other side of her cake, bent down, and with all her strength pushed that cake out of the pantry, through the kitchen, and out of the cafeteria. She pulled up the hood up on her overcoat and kept it there until she arrived at her destination.

ten fun facts about maryann

1. I spent my honeymoon in Saudi Arabia. Someone approached our guide and offered to buy me.

2. I spent a year in Korea, about 90 miles from Seoul.

3. I’ve written two books. My first is a romance with a murder mystery, my second is a mystery with a dash of romance.

4. I grew up in Milwaukee Wisconsin, but moved to Reno NV when I was 15 years old.

5. My first job was at the Circus Circus casino in Reno. On their second floor, they have arcade games similar to a carnival, and a stage where acts are performed. I worked all the different games.

6. I’ve been married for 21 years.

7. My favorite food is spicy squid. My least favorite is cabbage.

8. I love to travel, but don’t get to do it as much as I’d like. My last big trip was to New York City. My last mini-trip was to St. Augustine Florida.

9. My first book is entered into a contest hosted by Romance Writers of America. Fingers crossed.

10. My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice.

about the author

MaryAnn Kempher loves to write mystery with a dash of romance. She spent her teen years spent living in Reno NV where her first book, Mocha, Moonlight, and Murder is set. The setting for her second book, Forever Doomed, was inspired by her love of the ocean. Her writing influences include favorite authors Agatha Christie, Jane Austen and Janet Evanovich. Her guilty pleasures include any and all sweets, including a good cup of Mocha. She is married with two children.

contact maryann

facebook | website | twitter | goodreads

previous books

goodreads

Instead of feeding her late-night appetite, a midnight food run nearly gets 28-year-old Katherine O’Brian killed. She’s the only person to see the man who brutally murdered a local woman, and the killer is hell-bent on making sure she doesn’t talk.

Scott Mitchell left a broken engagement behind when he moved to Reno, and the last thing he needs is more melodrama. But when he and Katherine are paired for a college project, that’s what he gets. It can be very distracting when someone is out to kill your lab partner. Together, they try to figure out what the police haven’t been able to—the identity of the murderer. Passion flares, but with Katherine’s life in danger, romance seems like more than a bad idea.

Scott and Katherine will face jealousy, misunderstandings, lust, and rivals, not to mention attempted murder—and all before their first real date

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March 10, 2014 by Tina Williams

Dark Indiscretions, by Shakuita Johnson

Fun and Fast Paced Urban Fantasy!

Adult content

Dark Indiscretions is a fun read, containing a fresh take on the world of supernatural beings. Although it contains some dark themes, it is also full of humour, feisty females, alpha males and characters whom the reader grows to love despite their many flaws. Due to the inclusion of some hot love making, including m/m scenes, the book is an adult read.

Book Blurb (summary)

What happens when your family is scarier than any nightmare and you don’t want to follow in their footsteps? Do you stay or rebel and have them turn on you? Jennifer Johnston experiences first hand why whispers are spoken in the dark about her species’ being evil when she was just a century old. What should have been another family argument over why she didn’t want to keep the bloodlines “pure” by marrying her brother turned into a nightmare and left her with more than tortured memories.

Jackson Dawls and Taylor Durham have been pack mates, best friends, and the other’s mate for as long as they could remember. A deadly species all their own but even they feared Mystics and their cruel and barbaric ways, but unforeseen circumstances bring them face to face with not one but a few. Will their lives be in danger or is something great and unexpected awaiting them? They also have to stay under the radar of the human society that is set out to destroy those they believe to be a danger to mankind.

When the three meet long ago secrets are brought to the light. Not only do they Jackson, Taylor and Jenny have to learn to get along with each other because they are fated mates, but someone is stalking Jennifer and performing sinister acts. Jennifer must seek guidance from old acquaintances and form unexpected alliances. She is met with riddles and startling revelations that she never would have imagined possible.

My Review

In Dark Indiscretions supernatural beings co-exist with human kind. Jennifer Johnston, the heroine, is a Mystic (a Vampyra Shapeshifting Witch). Jennifer is not typical of her race, who take pleasure in sadistic behaviour and who are regarded as evil by other supernatural beings. Instead, she has a conscience and does her utmost to resist the pull of the evil that nevertheless resides within her. Despite this, she is capable of great evil if the need arises.

Jennifer’s battle to go against the wishes of her family and not engage in an incestuous relationship sets the scene for the events in this novel. Even when she believes that she has escaped the evil that is her family she finds herself being stalked unrelentlessly by an unknown enemy. This happens at the same time that she discovers that instead of one fated mate she is ‘blessed’ with two, who happen to be Dylias, werewolves. Not only that but her mates, Jackson and Taylor, have themselves been mated for a long time and are deeply committed to each other. Who is staking Jennifer and how can she escape from her past, which still haunts her? Also will Jackson and Taylor find room for Jennifer and how will they cope with being mated to a Mystic, a race they despise?

There is much violence, danger and suspense in the novel, as Jennifer discovers the identity of her stalker and with the aid of Jackson, Taylor and others seek to destroy him before he destroys someone very dear to her. However, he is not going down without a fight. Jennifer and her mates must seek the help of others to succeed and we are introduced to a number of other characters as the tale plays out. There is also plenty of snarky humour and a number of smoking hot lovemaking scenes, notably between Jackson and Taylor, which I loved.

I enjoyed the character of Jennifer, the heroine. Although strong, she does struggle with the potential for evil that resides within her and also experiences trauma from past events. Krista, the other Mystic we are introduced to his novel, finds it far more difficult to curb her race’s natural instincts and it will be interesting to see how the author takes her story forward. It is Jackson and Taylor who stole the show for me however, as they are just so yummy! I enjoyed their reaction when they found out that Jennifer was their mate and I hope the author will explore the dynamics of how their existing relationship accommodates Jennifer a little more in the next instalment.

I found Dark Indiscretions to be a promising start to a new series. I liked how the author had taken the vampire myth and put her own spin on it and I am looking forward to reading Monsters Unleashed, the forthcoming novel. I recommend this series to readers of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Indiscretions-Shakuita-Johnson-ebook/dp/B00H5DODE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386381480&sr=8-1&keywords=dark+indiscretions

Connect with the Author:

Blog: http://www.dark-indiscretions.com

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/b3arcat26/

Facebook Book Series page: http://www.facebook.com/darkindiscretions

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sljay1184

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7504850.Shakuita_Johnson

http://reachforthestarsmarketing.com/

March 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

After Wimbledon by Jennifer Gilby Roberts – Author Post, book blurb & GIVEAWAY!!!

Jennifer Gilby Roberts Introduces After Wimbledon

Hi everyone!

I’m Jennifer Gilby Roberts and I’m the author of After Wimbledon. Unlike my first novel (The Dr Pepper Prophecies), which I wrote mostly to prove to myself I could do it, writing After Wimbledon was about working through my feelings after I’d been agonizing with a decision. Add to that my obsession-of-the-moment – tennis – and I created this. Don’t worry, I cut out most of the angsting!

My main character, Lucy, is a tennis pro trying to decide whether to retire, break up with her boyfriend and pursue the man she’s admired from afar for years. All while playing in the Wimbledon Championships – the tournament she’s always dreamed of winning and never has. Could it be this year? And what will she decide? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Jennifer

PS: I’ve added an extract below and details of a giveaway I’m running where you can win a copy!

Extract

Sneaking into the hotel as best I can, I’m relieved that no one seems to be paying attention to me. Apparently, someone more famous has done something appalling. I must try to find out whom and thank them.

‘Lucy!’

I jump, but relax when I see it’s Libby.

‘I’m so glad I finally caught up with you,’ she says. She’s wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a monkey holding a snapped pencil on it. Underneath the picture it says ‘Write No Evil.’

‘I couldn’t believe it when I read that article,’ she continues. ‘I just wanted to make sure you knew that I had nothing to do with it.’

I turn my back to the lobby. ‘I never thought you did.’

‘Oh, good. I was worried because of that chat in the bar. Remember, with Adrienne? I thought you might think… well, never mind. That man’s a sleazebag, don’t worry about him.’

I discreetly look around. ‘Are there still journalists hanging around?’

Libby pulls a face. ‘Yes, but you’re not the one they’re chasing today.’

‘What?’

Libby rummages in her shoulder bag and produces a magazine. ‘You think you’ve got problems.’

The first thing I notice is a picture of Sam. That’s enough to get my attention. But there’s a second photo. Of his ex Julia… holding a baby. A baby about a year old, with blond hair and blue eyes who looks… exactly like Sam.

I go numb.

~~~

After Wimbledon is available on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites and Barnes & Noble

You can win an e-copy of After Wimbledon, and many other great ebooks, in the Chick Lit Ebook Giveaway on Jennifer Gilby Roberts’ blog, 1-14 March 2014.

Find Jennifer Gilby Roberts on her b log, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, Wattpad and Amazon.

March 7, 2014 by Tina Williams

Hallows End, A Sarah Chase Novel, Part One of the Prophecy Trilogy, by Leo Craven

Thrilling and Addictive Dark Urban Fantasy!

Leo Craven has a talent for original writing, which enters the realms of dark fantasy, horror, sci-fi and the paranormal. His eclectic works can be sampled on his website (scroll down to the section entitled ‘Connect with the Author’ for the link). Hallows End is his first novel, published in January. It is not only a Dark Urban Fantasy, with a kick -ass heroine and a fantastic cast of magical and paranormal creatures, but also contains a great deal of mystery and suspense, which links past events on Earth to the present in what I found to be an addictive and thrilling read!

Book Blurb

In the mysterious town of Hallows End, a vigilante police detective, Sarah Chase, finds herself immersed in a world where myth and legend are reality. As Sarah discovers the secrets of the town and its residents, she also learns of her family’s ties to an ancient prophecy that could soon determine the fate of all humans and ‘immortals’. A suspenseful thrill-ride that builds toward a shocking climax, the first book of the “Prophecy Trilogy” will leave the reader eagerly anticipating Sarah Chase’s next adventure.

My Review

Hallows End is a fabulous first instalment to Leo Craven’s Prophecy Trilogy. The heroine, Sarah Chase, a police detective, is aware of the existence of creatures such as werewolves and vampires and hunts these monsters down to prevent their wanton destruction of human life. Whilst in hot pursuit of a werewolf suspect, she is compelled to enter the mysterious town of Hallows End, where she finds that werewolves and vampires are just the tip of the iceberg. Sarah meets the enigmatic Dr Nemitz and makes the acquaintance of many other mysterious characters and she very soon realises that it is no accident that she was drawn to Hallows End.

An ancient prophecy is revealed to her and she learns that a great evil strives to enslave the human race. Sarah makes a number of startling discoveries, not least about her past and will have to decide where her loyalties lie. I will not reveal any more about the plot – suffice to say that it sucked me in completely!

Sarah is a strong heroine who can hold her own in a fight. She is physically and mentally fit and willing to face danger to achieve her goals. She is also a modern, sexually liberated woman who knows how to satisfy her needs! It will be interesting to see how she will fare in subsequent instalments when faced with creatures imbued with great magic and evil. I am intrigued by her past and although we are given snippets of it throughout the novel, I am interested in learning more about what makes her tick in future instalments. We are introduced to a number of other characters as the plot progresses, some of them on the side of good, some who are allied with evil and others who have their own agendas. All of these characters are more than what they appear to be and play a key role in the tale. The novel becomes darker and more mysterious as it progresses as Sarah’s choices and the actions of others bear fruit and the extent of the evil that exists is revealed.

Although the focus of the tale is in the present day world, I loved how the author devoted whole chapters here and there to key events and characters in the past, notably those dealing with lord Artair, his part in the prophecy and his battles and those of his men, with evil. I also liked how the author referenced ancient myths, magic and legends in creating the world. The novel is a dark fantasy and there are bloody and violent scenes throughout. The scenes are vivid and well described and I could easily imagine them playing out in my head.

All in all Hallows End is a thrilling and entertaining read, which I found difficult to put down and I recommend it to lovers of Urban Fantasy and paranormal reads. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Connect with the Author

http://leocraven.com/

https://www.facebook.com/leo.craven

Purchase Links – book now available in e-book and paperback

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hallows-End-Sarah-Chase-Craven-ebook/dp/B00HDIR29O

http://www.amazon.com/Hallows-End-Sarah-Chase-Craven-ebook/dp/B00HDIR29O

March 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Review Round Up

Hi readers, Spring is certainly in the air here in the UK, as the weather is gradually becoming warmer and the days are so much lighter. The air feels so much fresher – time to go for more walks and maybe think about having a read in the garden! I can’t believe it’s been over a month since our last review round-up and this time we have thirteen fantastic books to remind you about, covering a whole range of genres: romantic suspense, erotic romance, comedy, chick-lit, psychological drama and contemporary! (Please click on titles below for our review.)

We hope that you enjoy our site and our reviews. Please remember we are also on Facebook (where we’re almost at 500 ‘Likes’!) and on Twitter if you’d like to share some love!

Thanks guys, and happy reading 🙂

Caroline and Tina xx

The Lakeside Legacy (A South Carolina Romantic Suspense #1) by Jean Jennett (reviewed by Caroline)

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.

Sins of the Reaper (WesternWind Series #10) by Charlotte Boyett-Compo, Dark Erotic Fantasy (reviewed by Tina)

Brothers reunited. Lovers claimed. Warriors from all over the mega-verse coming together to combat an evil that would enslave and destroy them all. Amazeen warrioress Penthe will allow no man to best her. She slakes her lust with a succession of lovers, vowing she will never mate. Yet when she meets the Panthera cat shifter Bane, she may have met her match. Bane is riddled with scars, of the body and the soul, but Penthe vows that her warrior spirit and womanly body will help to make him whole again. Inside Scoop: This book contains graphic scenes of sexual torture, references to child abuse and the extensive violence that is part and parcel of the Reapers’ harsh world, as well as erotic male/male flirtation.

Baby, You’re as Sweet as 3.14159265 (101 Funny Love Advice Answers, 20 Sexy Stories, & Lots of Jokes) by HogWild, adult comedy (reviewed by Caroline)

WARNING: Content may not be suitable for people offended by naughty words, honest thoughts about love, and sexual thoughts of sextastic sex with sexy people.

(Edited synopsis due to rude words that may not be suitable for all) From the book…

A lot of girls like a guy who is a bad-ass. That’s why my conversations with women go like this:

GIRL: I like a man of danger.

ME: Come back to my place and we’ll open the .exe attachments in my email!

—

Dear Shirtless Guy in his Profile Picture, you REALLY want to impress girls? Get a job and pose in front of your cubicle.

—

They say you can get a girl to like you, if you can make her jealous. So I make sure the girl sees me with a pretty expensive handbag!

—

Girls like when you tell them about the adorable things that children do. For instance, like when my little nephew asked me, “When babies are in the tummy do they use mommy’s belly button as a window?”

Cute!

Thank God he didn’t ask what they use as a door

The Silk Romance by Helena Fairfax, romantic suspense (reviewed by Caroline, plus links to Tina’s review)

Sophie Challoner is sensible and hard-working, and a devoted carer of her father. One night her grandmother throws a ball for her in Paris…and Sophie does something reckless that she can never forget.
Jean-Luc Olivier is not a man to treat lightly. And so when fate takes a hand years after the ball, and reunites him with Sophie in Lyon, he is determined not to let her go a second time.
But it seems the fates are conspiring against their happiness. Jean-Luc has secrets of his own. And when disaster strikes at home in London, Sophie is faced with a choice—stay in this glamorous world with the man she loves, or return to her family to keep a sacred promise she made her mother.

The Harlot (Taskill Witches #1) by Saskia Walker, erotic historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

It is a dark era, and a lusty lass will do what she must to survive. Even if it means bartering flesh for a palmful of coins.

Forced to watch her mother burn at the stake as a witch, Jessie Taskill was separated from her siblings in the aftermath. Jessie is similarly gifted, ripe with a powerful magic that must stay hidden. When she’s accused by a rival of witchcraft, Jessie finds herself behind prison walls, awaiting certain death with a roguish priest unlike any man of the cloth she has known.

In reality, Gregor Ramsay is as far from holy as the devil himself, but his promise of freedom in return for her services may be her salvation. Locked into a dubious agreement, Jessie resents his plan to have her seduce and ruin his lifelong enemy. Especially when Gregor’s lust for her is so compelling. She may agree to be his pawn, even as she plots to use him just as he is using her.

The Father (Joshua’s Tree Trilogy, Book II) by N. W. Harris, Sci-Fi/ Fantasy/Futuristic (reviewed by Tina)

After discovering he’s destined to annihilate nearly all life, Joshua must take charge of a cannibalistic army of mutants with hopes of starting a civil war that will end the reign of evil—or bear the responsibility for destroying the few good people who remain on the planet. Captured by the leader of the sweepers, Josh learns he will grow up to be a genetic engineer responsible for creating the monsters. The Father recruits him to lead an army of sweepers against the evil generals who resist the termination of the sweeper experiment originally designed to bring an end to a global war that threatened to render the planet uninhabitable. At first repulsed by his telepathic ability to control the sweepers, Josh becomes addicted to the power to control thousands of the creatures at once. Believing him dead, Nadia rejoins her people, where she struggles to gain respect while leading them to safety. Inadvertently pursuing her across the land, Josh may not be able to stop his sweepers from destroying Nadia and her dwindling tribe when they collide in battle.

Stray by Mark Matthews, psychological drama (reviewed by Caroline)

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.

Blood Mate by Kitty Thomas, erotic (reviewed by Tina)

Blood Mate, a dark fairy tale…

Nicole has been happily married to big shot attorney, Dominic Rose for ten years, but soon after their anniversary he grows cold—as if she doesn’t exist. Meanwhile, another man has been pursuing her far too intently for comfort.

August Corinth is a six-hundred-year-old vampire, cursed to kill and suffer the pain of his victims each night until he can find the one woman who can resist his thrall, his blood mate. Once he’s found her, there are no lines he won’t cross to claim the promised salvation even if it means taking away everything and everyone she loves.

You Might Just Get It (short story) by Julia Barrett, erotic romance (reviewed by Caroline)

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.

A Saint’s Salvation by Beverly Ovalle, contemporary, military romance (reviewed by Tina)

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.

Connected by the Sea/Break Through the Waves (Books 1 & 2) by E.L. Todd, New Adult Contemporary Romance (reviewed by Tina)

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?

The Baby & the Bride (The Debt & the Doormat #2) by Laura Barnard, chick-lit, comedy, rom-com, contemporary romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Poppy and Jazz’s lives sound perfect on paper. Jazz has a new baby and Poppy’s getting married. But their realities are very different.

Poppy must strive to keep her cool new job with crazy hours, while trying to keep Ryan happy. Before she knows it her wedding has got out of control, thanks to her mother, the runners at work are bullying her, her parents are in financial difficulty and she’s doubting everything and everyone she ever knew.

Meanwhile Jazz is struggling with motherhood, something a credit card won’t fix. Why won’t this baby give her a break? Will Jazz be able to cope before she loses it?

And will Poppy make it down the aisle? Will Ryan even be waiting?

Portrait of Woman in Ink: A Tattoo Storybook by Kelly I. Hitchcock, contemporary short stories (reviewed by Caroline)

Twelve women, twelve tattoos, and a narrative thread that weaves them all together, Portrait of Woman in Ink: A Tattoo Storybook is a collection of stories that answers that lingering question in the back of your mind when you see an inked woman: what does your tattoo mean (or perhaps – what were you thinking)? From a parent’s suicide to the birth of an unlikely child, the stories behind why women tattoo themselves are literally worn on (and sometimes under) their sleeves, and retold on these pages.

Complete with artwork from the original tattoo artists and a foreword by Dr. Marta Vicente, one of academia’s foremost voices in Women’s Studies, this series of literary vignettes celebrates real, everyday women and their tattoos that, while they may seem insignificant at the time, are a symbol of the larger struggles and triumphs that make them who they are. These stories explore the idea of tattoos bringing together women from different worlds, and teaching them how these worlds might not be as far apart as they think.

March 5, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Portrait of Woman in Ink: A Tattoo Storybook by Kelly I. Hitchcock (blurb and review)

Book blurb: Twelve women, twelve tattoos, and a narrative thread that weaves them all together, Portrait of Woman in Ink: A Tattoo Storybook is a collection of stories that answers that lingering question in the back of your mind when you see an inked woman: what does your tattoo mean (or perhaps – what were you thinking)? From a parent’s suicide to the birth of an unlikely child, the stories behind why women tattoo themselves are literally worn on (and sometimes under) their sleeves, and retold on these pages.

REVIEW:

Portrait of Woman: A Tattoo Storybook appealed to me as it was like no book I had read before. There is a chain of twelve fictional short stories, each one focusing on a separate main female character who subsequently decides to have a tattoo based on life events at the time. It is a group of interlinking stories behind each character and each tattoo. And the links between the stories are excellent as they are characters from previous stories.

After reading the first story and beginning the second I could really enjoy how the main character of the second story followed on from story 1, rather than have completely fresh characters. Each woman has been (or is going through) their own life changing moments and, although fictional, Kelly I. Hitchcock has written very real characters and stories.

Having tattoo’s myself I appreciate how there is a story behind each one, a great deal of influence and thought goes into having them, not forgetting the experience itself. Therefore, I found it easy to relate to Portrait of Woman. A single tattoo can tell a story of one event/stage in a person’s life that leaves an imprint not only on the body but on the mind too! It is a reminder, a feeling that no one else completely understands but you. This book takes you to those places, those events in these women’s lives.

I cannot carry on without mentioning the beautiful illustrations at the beginning of each short story of the tattoo that the particular story is regarding. This provides the reader with a visual, an idea of the kind of tattoo the characters wants/has, and in many cases as idea of the story/meaning. It is obvious that the author has planned each story, each tattoo, each character and each link very well. This enables each story to flow into the next with ease.

Portrait of Woman in Ink is written well with easy to follow short stories. The short story factor makes it easier for the reader to read in instalments if you haven’t the chance to read for lengthy periods. Each story provides enough details about the main characters’ life for the reader to have an understanding and hopefully relate to the character. However, I did find myself wanting a little more in some instances where I thought the author could have elaborated on the experience of having the tattoo done and maybe gone into detail about what family and friends thoughts were on the tattoo’s.

Kelly I. Hitchcock will really open your mind about tattoo’s and those that have them. This book surely made me think about each of mine! Whether it be to educate, help relate to or indeed influence a decision you will be left thinking about the various styles and meanings of tattoos. And if you enjoy life-like stories this could be a great book for you.

A copy of Portrait of Woman in Ink: A Tattoo Storybook (published by Bird Brain Publishing) was received gratefully for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

You can purchase Kelly I. Hitchcock’s Portrait of Woman in Ink: A Tattoo Storybook at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 5, 2014 by Tina Williams

SPOTLIGHT Dancing on Air, Nicole Hurley-Moore: Includes Excerpt and Giveaway

Cinderella meets Swan Lake!

We are DELIGHTED to be taking part in the blog tour for Nicole Hurley-Moore’s historical romance Dancing on Air. In today’s spotlight you can find out about the book, read an excerpt and connect with the author. There is also an author giveaway. Scroll down for more information. Tina 🙂

TITLE– Dancing on Air
AUTHOR– Nicole Hurley-Moore
GENRE– Historical Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – 1st November 2013
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 182 pages
PUBLISHER – Escape Publishing – Harlequin Enterprises

Book Blurb/Synopsis –
Cinderella meets Swan Lake in a cross-class, Victorian novel about a ballerina, an aristocrat, and the space in between them.

Lisette yearns for freedom, security and love, but none are offered on the run-down stage of The Imperial Theatre. Instead she has hard work, a tyrannical aunt, and the hope of one day becoming a prima ballerina. Dancing on the stage she catches the attention of two powerful men: Lord Gainswith and Lord De Vale.

Lord Evander Gainswith never expected to fall in love, let alone with a woman so wholly unacceptable to his family and his peers. The sinister Lord De Vale covets Lisette’s youth and strength, and is willing to pay well for it. Lisette may dance roles in fairy tales and fantasies, but the real world is about to intrude, bringing with it the harsh realities of life for a young girl with dreams of rising above the demimonde.

Amazon Kindle Link | Barnes & Nobles | iTunes | Goodreads

London, 1884

Lisette was weightless as she leapt into a grand jeté across the stage. She was free and in that moment her heart soared past the walls of the Imperial Theatre. She landed lightly and began the fouetté en tournant, whipping her leg from fourth position to behind her knee; she created impetus to spin on pointe. After the eight revolutions, she planted her feet and lifted her hand in the air, stopping in front of her aunt. There was a slight wobble in her legs and she tried not to wince. Fixing a smile on her face, she prayed that her aunt had not noticed. Lisette had wanted perfection but had fallen short.
A trickle of sweat slid its way down the middle of her back. Her heart beat rapidly and she tried to catch her breath as her aunt stepped forward.
Marie Devoré regarded her niece for a second. Her eyes bore into Lisette’s before she raised her hand and slapped her across the face.
Lisette’s head jerked to the side as the burning sting radiated over her cheek.
‘What was that? A farce…? A comedy, perhaps?’
‘No, Aunt Marie, I am sorry that I wobbled,’ she said as she looked at the well‐worn wooden floor and resisted the urge to cradle her cheek.
‘When you finish, the movement must be sleek, clean and set in stone, without any trace of a tremble.’
‘Yes, Aunt.’
‘Go, out of my sight. Prepare the costumes for tonight’s performance,’ Marie said with a wave of her thin hand. ‘You will practice again tomorrow. Without the wobble.’
Lisette bowed her head before running off into the wings of the stage. She ran as fast as she could past the burgundy velvet curtains, beneath the scenery fly and the rigging, down the narrow flight of stairs that ran beneath the stage, until she was in the cool and narrow corridor, which led deeper into the bowels of the theatre. Her cheek burned but it was the sting of failure that hurt all the more.

Nicole has always been a lover of fairy tales, history and romance. She grew up in Melbourne and has travelled extensively, whilst living her life through the romance of books. Her first passion in life has always been her family, but after studying and achieving a History degree and Honours in Medieval Literature, she devoted her time to writing historical romance.

She is a full time writer who lives in the Central Highlands of Victoria with her family, where they live in the peaceful surrounds of a semi‐rural town.

Amazon Author Page | Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
$25 Amazon Gift Card (click on the link to enter)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Organized By:

March 4, 2014 by Tina Williams

SPOTLIGHT A Saint’s Salvation, by Beverly Ovalle

A Contemporary/Military Romance

A BIG welcome today to author Beverly Ovalle who writes romances which literally sizzle off the page! A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to review Beverly’s latest release, A Saint’s Salvation, and today Beverly is sharing the book blurb, an excerpt, a trailer and some fun facts which spotlight some insider information. You can find the link to my review of A Saint’s Salvation and our reviews of Beverly’s other books at the end of this post. Tina 🙂

Angel’s life changed the minute Saint saved her from a grenade. Now Saint has a second chance to prove he’s the man for her.

A SAINT’S SALVATION

by Beverly Ovalle

Published by Secret Cravings Publishing

Released February 10, 2014

Blurb:

Corporal Nicholas ‘Saint’ Santiago needs 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.

They each try to find someone to help them forget.

But what does fate have planned for them?

Excerpt:

A shout from Hamilton brought him back to the here and now. “Hey, Saint, do you see any trouble coming?” On guard at the west wall, Nick shook his head. Not that it was much of a wall, a couple of sandbags holding up a makeshift bullet riddled wooden fence, an illusion of safety and security.

“No, it all looks clear.” Well, as clear as normal, Nick thought. The Seabees and the Army Corp of Engineers had done their best to give them a clear line of site, but the rubble of buildings and piles of rock where there used to be a town never seemed to go away. Rebels constantly hid there, randomly firing at their FOB, a forward operating base in Helmand Provence, making it almost impossible to build a more secure perimeter.

Nick could see kids playing in the dirt. In the distance the locals were harvesting the poppy fields. Some of the largest poppy fields in the world were right outside the walls of the FOB. Beautiful when in bloom, they were more pervasive and did more damage than the terrorists.

“Anymore threats?”

“When aren’t there threats?” Every damn day there were threats. “Why, is there a problem?”

“The brass is making noise. When they do something stupid, we end up paying for it.” Hamilton sounded disgusted. As Hamilton spoke, shots were fired over and through the fence, adding more holes to the dilapidated barrier. Nick and Hamilton hit the ground, rolling toward the sandbags to return fire through the cracks. “See what I mean?”

“Yeah it’s been a while since they shot at us, at least a couple of days.” Nick’s sarcasm caused Hamilton to laugh.

“Probably someone is coming to pick up something from the poppy fields and they want to keep us from seeing who.” Hamilton glanced at him. “You doing okay?”

“Gettin’ there. It was just a shock, ya know?”

“Yeah, damn women. The least they could do is be faithful while we’re out here fighting.”

“Yeah, it sucks. I just can’t help thinking it’s my fault.”

“Fuck. How the hell could it be? You weren’t even there. The bitch knew you were gone, were going to be gone.” They fired shots, aiming at the muzzle flash in the distance. More Marines headed their way, sprinting from cover to cover. Perez came running, bringing out ammo and providing more fire power.

Another crack and Perez went down with a cry.

“Fuck! Medic! Man down!” The cry went out, passed through until the call went to the corpsman, while Nick tried to stem the blood flow. Hands pushed his away. Nick looked up. Petty Officer Jones, better known as Doc, had bandages ready.

“Help me roll this on until we can get him out of here.” Her voice sent a ripple through him. Nick had always ignored the attraction he had felt for her. He’d had his girl back home, and fraternization out here could get him thrown in the brig. Not to mention the brig out here was a hell hole.

Nick was leery about approaching Doc now. The Dear John letter had been a shock. He had known Leila for years. Hell, they had been friends since they were little. Her betrayal was unexpected. Nick didn’t even really know Doc. He could trust her with his life, but he wasn’t ready for another go around with his heart, no matter the attraction he felt.

Nick looked toward the fence line, rifle at the ready. Shots were firing sporadically around him. That’s when he saw it, the trail from a grenade launcher, unmistakable. Shit!

Fun Facts:

The name was changed less than two weeks before publication!

A Saint’s Salvation was inspired by my son’s tattoo

His tattoo says ‘St. Nicholas’ – the original of my book

A Saint’s Salvation took me eight months to write!

The name of A Saint’s Salvation was my editor’s suggestion

The teasers were made from photos from Afghanistan

The Marine in the teasers is my son

He only gave me permission to use his photo because he loves me

He only gave me permission if I cut off his head! LOL

Author Bio:

Beverly Ovalle lives in Wisconsin with her husband Edmond of 24 years and two Chinese Water Dragons. Having her own Dragons is expected as she is dragon crazy and anyone that walks in her house can tell. Her son Nicholas visits when he is on leave from the Marines. Her daughter Susannah visits to grocery shop in the pantry and to see what might be cooking for dinner.

Beverly has traveled around the world thanks to five years in the US Navy and has worked for the government in one capacity or another for the past 30 years. Beverly and her brothers have travelled most of the continental United States as children due to the station wagon from Hell. Still active with veterans, she is adjutant for her local AMVETS.

Beverly has been reading romances since her Aunt introduced her to the gothic romance in the fourth grade and is still reading every chance she gets.