November 22, 2014 by Tina Williams

WEEKEND BLITZ ~ Exposed Ezine Release (includes giveaway)

One of the most enjoyable aspects of blogging is the opportunity it gives us both to share awesome books with readers out there who are, like us, trying to find their next read or new author. We therefore jumped at the opportunity to share the release of a new Ezine, *Exposed* a venture between author N.J. Cole and publicist Bobby Kim, which contains a selection of hot short stories from independent authors. Read on to find out more and enter the giveaway. Tina and Caroline ❤

Welcome to the Exposed Ezine Release Weekend Blitz! A Quarterly magazine where amazing authors bring you outstanding stories! And yes, there’s a giveaway too!

“Exposed,” an electronic magazine featuring short stories from hot, independent authors, is Butterfly Publishing’s debut publication. Giving readers a glimpse into each author’s writing style and stories, Exposed does just what the title suggests, exposes readers to new titles and new authors. With its low cost and varied content, every reader is sure to find something he or she enjoys.

Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in a quaint little Seattle apartment. For the first time Nix is finally able to spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for the first time everything is perfect. Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid. But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys. Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules cost her everything?

Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, and has spent the last thirteen years with her partner, Cedric.

French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English.

Besides working full time and being a mother, Jude has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.

Her first novella, Under the Sun was published at the end of July 2013.It is part of an anthology called Heat Wave. Her second novella, Wonderland, was published in March 2014 and has hit the bestselling rank. Lost Dreams, a military romance, was published in May 2014, Body, Ink, and Soul in late June 2014 and Ophelia in October 2014.

At fifteen years old, Nick DiMarco got news that changed his life – he was going to be a father. Stepping up, he took custody and raised his little girl, whom everyone calls Harley. Hard work and determination gave him the lifestyle he wanted for the two of them. Now, twenty-one years later he’s flying Harley and some of her friends to the Bahamas for an amazing birthday bash. As a special treat, he invites Victoria, Harley’s long lost best friend from elementary school to surprise her. When the flight carrying Harley and her friends is delayed due to weather, Nick finds himself alone with Victoria who has grown into a beautiful woman. What starts out as a few hour delay grows as a hurricane develops just off the coast. The storm brewing outside is nothing compared to the passion brewing between Nick and Victoria as each tries to fight the attraction of a forbidden love affair.

NJ Cole is the author of five published books, Midnight Caller, Midnight Eternal, Landslide, Second Chances and Yes, Mistress. Unlike many of today’s authors, she chooses to write in first person, allowing the readers to experience life through the eyes of the unique characters that live in her head. Her love of those characters and respect for their stories come through loud and clear in her writing. With over two million reads of her online work in the past year NJ Cole is clearly an up and coming author.

Be sure to subscribe to her blog for all her books:NJColeauthor.com

What happens when a natural submissive bumps into a polished Dom while spending a day at the beach? Wild, hot, explicit sex! Explore Steve’s seduction of Maya in this exhilarating tale. Warning, graphic language, some forced situations.

Fossbrook, author of Broken Tides, is a UK based writer of erotic fiction. He has been writing for a number of years but it wasn’t until his collaboration with Cole that he believed his stories might just be worth reading.

In his spare time Fossbrook is a huge sports fan and loves the occasional glass of wine.

Reeling after being blindsided by a bitter divorce, club manager Chase Milligan relocates from his home in Austin to Dallas, to start a new life. Soon he finds his interest captured again. But who is Baylee Andrews? What dark secrets is she hiding? Will delving into her mysteries bring heal Chase’s heart and faith, or will he find himself embroiled in more trouble than ever before?

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPOSED DESIGN

Bobby Kim is a publicist to several independent authors. He markets, formats and analyzes current trends to help promote books to their fullest potential. He co-founded Butterfly Publishing with author NJ Cole. After meeting various authors in 2013, Butterfly Publishing, an independent publishing house, was launched in 2014. Bobby Kim has been known to put pen to paper, so to speak, and fellow collaborators would not be surprised to see some of his own work appear in his magazine in the next few issues.

BUY LINK TO EXPOSED MAGAZINE: Only $ 2.00 EXPOSED! BUY NOW

GIVEAWAY!

5 lucky people will win the first issue FREE! Just Enter the rafflecopter giveaway below and GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 22, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) (Duty & Desire #3) by C.J. Pinard

Blurb: Miranda Cates finally graduates from college and is excited to begin her dream career in law enforcement. After the final betrayal and heartbreak of her college boyfriend, Chris, she moves back home with a firm plan in place for her life.

However, the life she has carefully mapped out for herself takes a serious left turn. Miranda finds she not only has to be strong for herself, but for the daughter who hadn’t been part of her plan.

Determined to still believe in true love, life throws Miranda one more wicked curveball. She meets Jace Lawless, a hot minor league baseball player, whose warm aqua eyes and big dimple have her unraveling her carefully laid plans. A man who may be just be too good to be true.

Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) is book 3 in the Duty & Desire series, and while it is recommended to read the books in order, it’s not necessary.

REVIEW

Oh, yes! This is my favourite of the Duty & Desire series so far. In this third instalment, we follow Cara’s best friend, Miranda, and how she fares with both her private life and work. After being let down by Chris (twice!), Miranda finds it very difficult to trust again. And now it isn’t just herself to think about but her young daughter too. Miranda begins to settle with the idea that she’ll never find the right one.

At the same time, Miranda is fresh out of college, looking for work with the FBI, but having to take on a role a little closer to home that is a little less desirable. But, despite some of the challenges that Miranda faces, C.J. Pinard has made Miranda’s story a very fun read, that is light, refreshing and very uplifting.

I love how C.J. Pinard has focused on Miranda’s worklife, her transition from college to employment, her new role as a single mom as well as her lovelife. As the reader is taken through all of these areas of Miranda’s life it makes the character very believable, very real and the reader feels as though Miranda is a close friend of their own.

It is also a delight to still be hearing of Cara too (from Books 1 & 2, Patriotic Duty and Tour of Duty), and we see more of the relationship that these two friends have, and what brought them together to begin with. We also get to find out Miranda’s feelings towards Cara’s hottie, Riley.

There are times that Miranda doesn’t get to see Cara much as Cara moves away, however these two girls are extremely close. Their work lives, young children and the opposite sex (not to forget the wine!) bring these girls closer than anyone else is to them. They have fun having takeaways in and visiting a few bars when they have a break from their little ones. Some of the fun that these girls shared made me laugh out loud at times, and at the very least smile.

“Baseball? I’d rather watch paint dry.”

I laughed. “Me too. But there are hot guys at the minor league games.”

She was quiet for a minute. “Can I bring my Kindle?”

I was confused. “Your what?”

“My Kindle. My electronic reader.”

I shook my head. “What the hell ever. I don’t care. Just go with me. I hope the hot men in tight pants will distract you from any electronic devices you plan on bringing with you.”

I heard her shift the phone to her other ear. ” I was gonna make a joke about electronic devices, but I’d better not.”

I smiled. “Yeah, especially the battery-operated kind, right?”

“You are so bad! I would never bring that kind in public.”

“Of course not,” I mumbled under my breath.

It is very easy for the reader to dislike Chris because of the way he has treated Miranda. But whilst Miranda loses hope of keeping one man for real, the reader doesn’t. And when Jace Lawless enters her life, it is an eyebrow raising moment. Being a hot minor league baseball player, he has the looks, the charisma and probably a thousand girls ogling over him. Although sexy as hell, not the ideal man for Miranda, or will there be more to him than meets the eye?

Boots Beneath My Bed is a book that could be read in one sitting, and even though I didn’t I found myself always looking forward to hearing of Miranda’s life, just like I would a friend I hadn’t seen for a while and wanted to catch up with. I certainly felt like I was a third friend to Cara and Miranda. The reader can truly relax with these reads and feel great after. I am looking forward to the fourth book of the series!

A copy of Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) (Duty & Desire #3) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can also find Books 1 & 2 available!

Patriotic Duty (Duty & Desire 1) series previously entitled ‘When Riley Met Cara’

Blurb: Newly divorced party girl Cara Reid just wants to have fun. Much too young to even be a divorcee, she and her bestie, Miranda, set off to have fun and maybe a few casual hookups and live life. One night at a military bar, Cara meets Riley Forrester, a hot Army soldier who makes her melt with one look of his deep ocean blue eyes. But Riley is only staying the summer in California and then has to go back to Colorado when it’s over. Cara tells herself he’s just a summer fling and is determined to enjoy herself and let him go once the summer is over. But when Riley receives orders he wasn’t expecting, she’s forced to make a decision on whether she’s going to be there for him when he gets back, or move on with her life. What she wasn’t expecting was to fall so hard for the beautiful soldier boy, and now she’s faced with accepting her feelings or letting him go.

For readers 18+. Contains adult content.

Our review link

Amazon US link – currently FREE (please be aware prices are subject to change)

Amazon UK link – currently FREE (please be aware prices are subject to change)

Tour of Duty (Duty & Desire #2)

Blurb: Army Sergeant Riley Forrester knew all about love, loss, and pain. He knew the love of a woman just to lose it. He had spent the best summer of his life with a beautiful single mother named Cara Reid, and then desperately needed her love to get him through a long, cold deployment. When things went horribly wrong overseas, he decided it was best to let Cara go and let her move on with her life. Cara wouldn’t be forgotten that easily, though. She had seeped her way into his heart and his dreams, and Riley knew he’d never love another like her. Contains adult content, for readers 18 and older. Also contains minor scenes of war.

Our review link

Amazon US link

Amazon UK link

AUTHOR LINKS

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

November 21, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Caroline’s Current Reads – Nov ’14

Hello readers, it has been a while since I have made a list of my current reads, and although you are probably aware of our recent reviews, I thought it would be a great idea to share what my reads are going to be between now and the New Year.

There is a nice collection of contemporary romances, chick-lits, sci-fi, paranormal, crime, as well as a travel/non-fiction. If you are a fan of historical romances and/or erotica there will also be reviews from Tina and a current reads post from her soon.

Amongst my reads there is the newly released, A Way From Heart to Heart (a contemporary romance), from the amazing Helena Fairfax, All I Want for Christmas by Amy Silver (to add some festive cheer) and books from Torrid Books (an imprint of Start Publishing) and Wattle Publishing!

We hope you enjoy them!

Caroline 🙂

Cursed & Obsession (Cursed Trilogy, #1 &2) by Georgina Hannan, Young Adult horror/paranormal

Cursed blurb: A young adult story about a group of four friends who embark on a holiday together to the georgeous countryside of Dartmoor, Devon. Each of them hoping for an adventure, something they will always remember. However, it isn’t long before they get what they want.

The group are plagued by noises after hearing the myths and legends of the area. Is it just overactive imaginations or is there a visitor in the spare room who is trying to get their attention?

Join the group on a spectacular journey as they discover what Dartmoor has to offer.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Obsession blurb: There’s a fine line between Obsession and Madness.

After a strange and exciting holiday, Daisy is looking forward to the new start University life will bring.

A life changing assignment makes her question the fine line between Obsession and Madness.

Can she tell the difference?

Can you?

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

A Way From Heart to Heart by Helena Fairfax, contemporary romance

Blurb: After the death of her husband in Afghanistan, Kate Hemingway’s world collapses around her. Kate’s free time is spent with a charity for teenage girls, helping them mend their broken lives – which is ironic, since her own life is fractured beyond repair.

Reserved, ex-public school journalist Paul Farrell is everything Kate and her teenage charges aren’t. But when Paul agrees to help Kate with her charity, he makes a stunning revelation that changes everything.

But can Kate take a risk with her son’s happiness as well as her own?

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

The Girl In Between (The Girl In Between #1) by Laekan Zea Kemp, fantasy

Blurb: Bryn Reyes is a real life sleeping beauty. Afflicted with Klein-Levin Syndrome, she suffers episodes of prolonged sleep that steal weeks, and sometimes even months, from her life. But unlike most KLS patients, she doesn’t spend each episode in a catatonic state or wake up with no recollection of the time she’s missed. Instead, Bryn spends half her life in an alternate reality made up of her memories. For Bryn, the past is a place, until one day a boy she’s never met before washes up on the illusory beach of her dreams with no memory of who he is.

But the appearance of this strange boy isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Bryn’s symptoms are worsening, her body weakening as she’s plagued by hallucinations even while awake. Her only hope of finding a cure is to undergo experimental treatment created by a German specialist. But when Dr. Banz reveals that he knows more about her strange symptoms than he originally let on, Bryn learns that the boy in her head might actually be the key to understanding what’s happening to her, and worse, that if she doesn’t find out his identity before it’s too late, they both may not survive.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

All I Want for Christmas by Amy Silver, chick-lit/contemporary holiday romance

It’s Bea’s first Christmas with her baby son, and this year she’s determined to do everything right. But there is still so much to do: the Christmas menu needs refining; her café, The Honey Pot, needs decorating; and she’s invited the whole neighbourhood to a party on Christmas Day. She really doesn’t have time to get involved in two new people’s lives, let alone fall in love…

When Olivia gets knocked over in the street, however, Bea can’t help bringing her into The Honey Pot and getting to know her. Olivia’s life is even more hectic than her own, and with her fiancé’s entire family over from Ireland for Christmas, she shouldn’t be lingering in the cosy warmth of Bea’s café. Chloe, on the other hand, has nowhere else to go. Her affair with a married man has alienated her friends, and left her lonelier than ever.

But Christmas is a magical time, and in the fragrant atmosphere of The Honey Pot, anything can happen: new friends can be made, hearts can heal, and romance can finally blossom…

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Tequila & Tea Bags by Laura Barnard, chick-lit/contemporary romantic comedy

Blurb: Sent to live with her cousin Elsie in the Yorkshire countryside, Rose has only one thing on her mind; joining her friends as a club rep in Mexico.

When she hears about a council incentive offering the promise of free flights to the person who clocks the most volunteering hours at the local care home, she’s got her plan set.

But she doesn’t plan on bonding with the old ladies, going after the village bad boy and trying to persuade Elsie not to become a Nun.

Soon she’s questioning who her real friends are and whether her old life is one she wants to return to.

Can the village win her over and will she win the chance to leave it behind? Will she even want to?

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Bethany’s Heart (Unearthly World #3) by C.L. Scholey, sci-fi romance

Blurb: Amidst the snow and icy wasteland, Earth has become a watery grave to many. Zargonnii warriors Finn and Blu search for any remaining human females. Luck abounds and six females are found struggling to survive. The moment his blazing red eyes settle onto Bethany Finn feels in his heart she is the one he wants to end his loneliness. When Bethany encounters two massive aliens, eyes alight, long white hair wildly flying, she knows the pair are either death or salvation. Their encounter leads Bethany on the wildest adventure of her life. After the Zargonnii ship is annihilated by the enemy a shuttle leads Finn and Bethany straight into the path of peril more times than the couple care to count.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Dead of Night (The Tom Mariner series, #7) by Chris Collett, crime drama/procedural investigation

Blurb: When a young woman disappears on her way home from work, Detective Inspector Tom Mariner tackles his most challenging investigation yet”
18-year-old Grace Clifton vanishes on her way home from work in the centre of Birmingham late at night, the case is remarkable in that not a single witness comes forward. The more he has to deal with Grace s wealthy and overbearing father, Council Leader Bob Clifton, the more Tom Mariner is inclined to believe that Grace left of her own accord.
Then the package arrives. It contains Grace s clothes, neatly pressed and laundered. A second woman disappears. And a disturbing pattern begins to emerge.
Still adapting to a new investigation team and struggling to pull its members together, Detective Inspector Mariner is about to tackle one of his strangest, most challenging cases to date.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Love Bites: A Collection of Short Stories by Valeria Kogan, romance

Blurb: Love Bites is the provocative debut collection of short stories by Valeria Kogan. From heartbreak to redemption, Love Bites provides a spellbinding interpretation of love and friendship, glamour and guilt, secrets and deceit. Each story provides a captivating insight into the world of love; its profound impact and effect; and how women relate to their partners. This cleverly constructed collection of short stories will leave you tantalized and yearning for more. Love Bites is a must-read for every modern woman, reader of romance and romantic enthusiast.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Travel Bites by The Hungry Traveller, non-fiction

Travel Bites is a collection of short stories that criss-cross the globe. It is the first work by The Hungry Traveller who has combined his two great life passions: travelling and eating!

The Hungry Traveller has been travelling for the last fifteen years and, along the way, has experienced many different sights, tastes, smells and cultures. Central to his travel experiences has been the role of food. Through his unique and very personal style of storytelling, you too can share in the highs and the lows of his stories from around the world. At the end of each story is a recipe for a dish inspired by his adventure.

Travel Bites will capture your imagination and curiosity; and will leave you yearning to plan your next holiday, adventure or escape!

The Hungry Traveller is a travelling enthusiast who loves to eat! When travelling, he enjoys meeting new people and engaging with locals to learn about their culture, history and the food that they eat. He is ‘currently between trips’, saving money, but always has his passport on hand, ready for his next adventure! He always likes to hear about other peoples’ travel experiences and your thoughts on his book!

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

November 21, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR + REVIEW ~ Bend, Don’t Break, by Skye Callahan (includes excerpt and giveaway)

Bend don’t Break

Skye Callahan

Genre: Dark Erotic Romance

Available November 18, 2014

Synopsis

I thought I was done.

my End

I couldn’t take my eyes off her as the bullet tore through me, leaving me with nothing but the hope that I had done enough to save her. The darkness tried to engulf me—to brand me as its own and drag me to my fate.

my Darkness

Waking to see her tear-stained face above me was enough to make my heart stutter. I was alive and free from that place—but not from the toll it had taken on my mind and body.

my Strength

My story should have ended, but one woman kept standing in the way of that. The only way I could have her was to find a way to put the darkness to rest.

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Excerpt #1

“She’s fine,” Dr. Combs assured me. “But I don’t think it would be in the best interest for either of you to see each other. You put yourself in a dangerous situation with her.”

Put myself? Last I checked I wasn’t the one to drag her into the Retreat. “I kept her alive and slightly less broken than she would have otherwise been.”

“The two of you adapted to a horrible situation, found comfort in each other—”

I didn’t want to hear it.

Stockholm Syndrome.

I wondered if the captor could get it, too. Was I even the captor? It seemed like I’d lost control of the situation long ago.

But I’d still been the one to beat her, rape her, bend her will.

Just like she’d bent mine.

I wanted her back so bad I couldn’t breathe. The more we talked about it, the worse it got. The harsh reality of it all forced me to face the possibility that I had to walk away if I wanted to do what was in her best interest.

“How long until I can talk to Trent?” I tried again, drawing back a modicum of control by changing the course of the conversation.

Dr. Combs sighed and snapped her portfolio closed. “If it’ll get you to talk, I’ll make the arrangements on one condition.”

I’d already sold my soul, there weren’t many more concessions I had left to give.

“I need to know you’re not going to try to reach out to Rose—or anyone else.”

Did that mean there was a chance she’d see me? Or was Dr. Combs convinced I’d stalk and abduct her anyway? That was quite a laughable possibility, but some sick-as-fuck part of me considered it.

Book Trailer

Excerpt #2

She came around the corner on hands and knees, and I saw her face visibly pale as soon as she saw the chain in my hands, but she approached anyway. Stubborn, belligerent, and brave.

Three traits that’d get her killed.

I dropped the chain to the floor next to the bed. “Come up here.”

She paused, but finally climbed onto the bed and straddled my lap as I directed, and damned if I didn’t feel like I was losing it. The bruises from her encounter with Gabe’s buffoons were starting to set in, but she pulled back and shut herself off as I examined her.

Such a degrading way to make sure nothing was broken, but if she didn’t believe my act, no one else would either. I realized the plug in her ass was probably growing even more uncomfortable with time, especially if she hadn’t experimented with them before.

Not that I could ask since I wasn’t supposed to care.

“Hate me all you want, Sugar,” I said, hoping to get her to walk a fine line between trust and fear where she might listen. “I’m the only ally you have.”

“Ally…?” she whispered, “You’re going to hurt me.” Her eyes filled again, but she blinked it away and held back just like she had in the basement, and I couldn’t face her any longer.

“I am,” I lifted her off of me, flipping her over. “Ass up.”

Even though she kept up her protective walls, I saw her body visibly relax when I pulled the plug free and sat it on the side table. It was going to be hard enough for her to kneel through dinner. I hoped the threat of it might make her more compliant.

The mix of vulnerability countered with her impossible stubbornness had an aphrodisiac effect on me. I had been convinced this was the only way we’d survive, but for the first time, I truly considered the effect it was going to have on both of us.

My Review

Gripping and Emotional

Five Star Indulgence

An 18+ read. Warning: This isn’t your rainbows and love sonnets kind of romance. This story explores topics of abduction and slavery, and contains explicit scenes of graphic violence and (non-con/dub-con) sex. Please note: If you are thinking about reading this series, as this review relates to the continuation of James’ and Rose’s story, it contains some spoilers for the first instalment, Irrevocable.

I found Skye Callahan’s dark erotic romance, Irrevocable one fantastic read, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC for its sequel, Bend, Don’t Break as part of the Blog Tour organized by Everything Marie. I could not wait to see how James (aka Kirk), the undercover cop and Rose (aka Silver), the woman who found herself abducted and enslaved by him in the ‘Retreat’ adjusted to normal life again and how the deep psychological torment of their experiences impacted on their relationship.

This book is told through the eyes of James as he adapts to life outside the ‘Retreat’. It also deals with his feelings for and relationship with Rose and the ongoing criminal investigations. Initially all James can think about is Rose and he struggles to follow the advice of his psychologist, to maintain his distance and allow them both time to heal. He is also haunted by the time he spent undercover and experiences many symptoms of PTSD: nightmares; flashbacks and anger.

When danger threatens and James can keep away from Rose no longer, they are reunited and decide to take things slowly and try and become friends, before resuming their sexual relationship. James is full of guilt and angst at what he put her through, despite the need to do it to keep her alive and also so as not to blow his cover. His feelings towards Rose are intense and complex – he is very possessive of her and wants to protect her, sometimes from himself, and he is wary of his own dark desire to gain pleasure from her willing submission…..

I loved the character of Rose. She is a strong woman and she both trusts and understands James more than he does himself and is also very protective of him. She does not take any nonsense from him and accepts that his darker desires are part of his make-up. It is not long before they begin to succumb to their mutual attraction and there are a number of passionate and toe curling scenes as James and Rose test if their relationship is ready to accommodate James’ needs.

The characterizations of both Rose and James are expertly done and I also enjoyed the supporting characters, particularly Trent, his partner. We also get brief glimpses of Miles, who played a big role in Irrevocable. Whilst much of the book focuses on James and his relationship with Rose, there are also significant elements of danger and suspense to the read, as first James, then Rose gets drawn into dealing with the aftermath of events that closed down the ‘Retreat’. The further they get drawn in the more their safety becomes compromised.

If you have read Irrevocable then you will certainly want to read Bend Don’t Break. If you are new to this series and like dark, erotic, deeply psychological romances, then go get your hands on it, you are in for one ‘helluva’ ride!

Reviewed by Tina Williams (please note that a copy of this book was given to me for a fair and honest review as part of this blog tour).

Synopsis

Goodreads

Sometimes when you can’t go back, the only way out is to descend into the darkness.

my Captor

When I woke in that place, I just wanted to survive. But survival came at a cost, for which they demanded my will and body.

my Master

With pain came acceptance. Fully-dependent on the man who claimed me, I learned to appreciate what I had-life and relative safety.

my Protector

I watched him spill blood and tend my injuries. With betrayal came a revelation.

The only way out was to bring them all down or die trying.

Purchase Links

Reviews

“Not only did Irrevocable gut me, it took me on a roller coaster ride full of emotions that I usually don’t experience while reading romances…. You start to hate, you start to sympathize, and you begin to fall in love in every way. Ms. Callahan has turned my world upside down with her writing. Dark, sensual, and at times overwhelming, Irrevocable will bring you on a dark journey that you will never forget.” Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads TOP PICK of 2014!

“You HAVE to read this book. It really is one of the best that I have read in a while, and definitely one of the best of 2014. It has everything I look for in a dark read. The twist that the author throws in is, just wow. I just cannot emphasis just how much I love this book!” Alicia, Mean Girls Luv Books

“Finally a good DARK read, that has it ALL…!! Overall – the characters drew me in, the situation jangled my nerves, the sexy scenes were HOT, and the story just blew me away.” Shelby, Wicked Reads

“Beautifully written! Great characters and story line. Skye made me a fan of dark reads. A must read for all who dare to step out of the light and into the darkness!” Summer’s Book Blog

About the Author

Skye Callahan was born and raised in rural Ohio and has had an insatiable love of reading and writing since she was young. Thanks to the encouragement of teachers, family, and friends, she has found her passion in immersing herself in the imaginary worlds of the characters who live in her head.

Most of her early stories were paranormal, and although the paranormal world still has a special place in her imagination, her interest in BDSM and dark romance has led her to expand her writing endeavors.

Before she began writing full-time, she earned a M.A. in Public History and worked for a non-profit business consulting center. When she’s not indulging the voices in her head, she’s enjoying life with her husband and two ferrets.

Contact Skye Callahan

Other Works from Skye Callahan

Bound and Unbroken

Genre: BDSM Romance

Goodreads

Lena is about to discover pleasure in the things she can’t control.

To get even with her roommate for dragging her to a sports bar on a Friday night, Lena begins flirting with the handsome stranger who sits at the bar next to her. Their anonymous conversation leads to a shared cab ride, but Lena’s conscience puts a damper on the evening—leaving the near-fling to become a memory. Until she finds him roaming the halls of the school where she teaches.

Will she submit to his desires?

Eric’s only reason for returning to his hometown is to care for his recently orphaned nephew. He knew the return would involve dredging up his past with family and friends, but he didn’t expect a lone girl to capture his interest and offer an escape within his new life.

Will his binds be enough to keep her?

Purchase Links

Amazon | B&N

Fractured Legacy

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Goodreads

Kaylyn Anderson’s fascination with abandoned places and dark creatures kindled her work as a paranormal investigator. But when dreams begin to distort reality, she questions what is real and pulls away from everyone she trusts. The opportunity to investigate the Teague Hotel–a long-abandoned landmark that has always piqued her curiosity–provides a chance to redeem herself. Unraveling the hotel’s secrets won’t be easy, but Kaylyn soon finds herself the target of a dark entity that has been trapped in the building for decades.If Kaylyn stands any chance of defeating the spirit, she’ll have to accept that her fears are real and convince fellow investigators that she hasn’t lost her mind.

Purchase Links

Amazon | B&N

Beyond the Divide

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Goodreads

Despite unanswered questions about the nameless entity that tried to steal her life, Kaylyn returns to the only kind of normal life she knows and takes on a new paranormal case.After investing everything they have in a farm, an unsuspecting family discovers that their problems run much deeper than the poor upkeep of the house and land. Can Kaylyn and the other investigators uncover what’s behind the growing malicious activity? And how will they all deal with new warnings from beyond the divide?

Purchase Links

Amazon | B&N

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November 20, 2014 by Tina Williams

~BLOG TOUR~ To Avenge Her Highland Warrior by Samantha Holt (includes excerpt and giveaway)

A big welcome today to Samantha Holt’s recent Highland Romance, To Avenge Her Highland Warrior. Scroll down to read the book blurb, an excerpt and enter the giveaway where a medieval inspired necklace is up for grabs!

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – To Avenge Her Highland Warrior
SERIES – Highland Fae Chronicles #3
AUTHOR – Samantha Holt
GENRE – Historical Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – 18th October
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 60000

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Lorna lost everything to war. Her home, her wealth… her lover. And now she wants revenge.

When her hasty plan throws her at the mercy of her enemy’s men, she holds little hope of returning to her kin and fears death is around the corner. But could her salvation lie in the arms of her dark captor?

Logan has little time to be dealing with a stubborn noble woman. His orders are to prepare for war. His laird—the man he owes his life to—intends to join forces with the Norse and bring a battle to Scotland that will see the fate of the country forever changed. Scarred, and with no memory of his past, Logan is determined to forge a new future for himself as well as prove his loyalty to the laird.

But the beautiful lass has him questioning his previous life and his goals. When she starts claiming he once loved her, he knows he’s being manipulated and she’s taking advantage of his memory loss. So why is it so hard to resist the idea of having once been her lover?

With the threat of impending war—a battle that promises to bring slaughter to her family—can Lorna persuade Logan to believe her, and is the bitter man he’s become even worth saving?

Whatever the outcome of the battle, a certain interfering faery is resolved to see fate back on its correct path. And that means forcing Lorna and Logan together—no matter their differences.

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK

EXCERPT

Logan clenched his jaw and the roar of the storm sounded closer. He had to leave yet his feet refused to move. Why stay? Why torture himself further? His heart pounded against his chest. In the next flash, he was close once more. Within touching distance. He saw her features more clearly now. The distress in her eyes, the golden strands of hair curling around her pointed chin. The fan of her lashes lowered and lifted in one slow sweep until her gaze locked onto his.

“Logan,” she whispered, voice tremulous, but he did not know if that was a plea for him to leave or come closer.
“Logan,” she tried again.

The shaky quality of her voice pulled at his gut. His gaze traced the curl that flowed over one shoulder and down, caressing her gentle curves like a lover—like he once had apparently. His palms tingled with the need to feel the soft give of her flesh beneath him.

The next flash highlighted her trembling form. The fragile hollow of her neck fluttered with her pulse and his mouth grew dry with the need to press his lips to it.

Damn her. Like a siren, she lured him in.

He almost backed away. How long they had been standing like that he knew not. It may have been moments—a mere few flashes of lightening—but the thickening of the air between them seemed to slow time.

The tremble of her lips gripped his heart, squeezed it hard and painfully. An aggravating need to take care of her ate into him, softened him to her.

Logan closed the gap. The next rumble lined up with him gripping her upper arms and pushing her back against the wall. She gasped, the sound clear to him even as the skies crashed about them. Hot anger mingled with need. It burned through him and set his nerve endings alight. How dare she have such a hold over him, how dare she make him want her?

Soft, delicate breasts pressed against him. Slim thighs quaked against his. With a hiss of breath, he lowered his mouth to hers as she stared up at him. Before his lips met hers, her eyes flashed with a plea, but was she begging him to kiss her or leave her be? He couldn’t decide what he wanted either, but she left him with little choice.
The first touch made him wonder if he had not indeed been struck by lightning. Frissons shot through him, curled into his blood and fired his fury and lust. Lorna released a tiny sound and he pressed his lips hard to hers this time. She whimpered. Her lips felt hot beneath his. Her taste threatened to drown him.

Satisfaction settled in his gut when she arched into him. He kept hold of her arms, allowing little movement but that up thrust of breasts and hips into him made him hiss and press harder. He coaxed her lips apart, and she gasped when he invaded the heated recesses of her mouth. Logan kissed her deeply, with little apology. He needed this, needed her.

For our recent review, click on the link:

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/11/18/review-to-avenge-her-highland-warrior-3-in-the-highland-fae-chronicles-by-samantha-holt/

AUTHOR BIO

Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls and husband who is a trained bodyguard and ex-soldier. She enjoys writing historical romance involving chivalrous knights, hot highlanders and cravatted men, but sometimes gets lured away by bad boy bikers, soldiers and other heroic modern men.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

Medieval inspired necklace (pic attached)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This blast was organized and hosted by

November 19, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Cold Call by Colin Llewelyn Chapman

Title: Cold Call

Author: Colin Llewelyn Chapman

Release Date: October 2014

Publisher: Percy Publishing

Genre: Dark crime/thriller

Length: 300 pages

Synopsis: Wealthy entrepreneur Robin Bradford had it all – the house, the cars, the fine dining – and he lost it all. All except Lizzie, his perfect, loving girlfriend. Down on his luck and with no immediate prospects in business, Robin’s energies found another outlet, Just a little something spicy to bide his time until his financial world recovered, leading him down a very seedy path, onto a very rocky road. Time however was all he had, and all he was going to get.

Due to violence, drug references and sexual content, readers are recommended to be of 18yrs+.

REVIEW

Cold Call reeled me in from the very beginning, opening up with the discovery of a body within the first few pages, the emergency services being called, and then introducing the reader to the main character, Robin Bradford. In the very first chapter the pace is set for the rest of the book and the writing style is direct, easy to follow but with a dark, gritty and full storyline.

After losing his wealthy lifestyle due to recession and having to downsize his home, lose his cars, etc, Robin now works as a cold call salesman from his own kitchen, meeting clients when necessary. His loving girlfriend, Lizzie, has stayed with him throughout the hard times and keeps a part time job for herself. But with more time on his hands, and his physical relationship with Lizzie not always being quite as he’d like, Robin begins to spice things up a bit for himself, which leads to terrifying consequences for some.

The first victim, Katja, is discovered by her neighbour, Adam, who finds her mutilated body after noticing her front door ajar. He goes in to warn her of the dangers of leaving her door open when he realises a warning is too late. This scene is gritty and gory. The description and dialogue feels very real, making the reader easily imagine that they are there with Adam and experiencing it all firsthand.

The reader is given glimpses into what could have happened but not enough to know the full details. This allows the flexibility for twists and the reader to guess the motive, the culprit and how exactly the murder was carried out. This does become more apparent as the story moves on with the police investigation and forensics.

The story switches easily from the police officers involved, the forensic team and the crime scenes to Robin’s life, making it easy for the reader to keep up with all involved and you really sense that the author has left nothing out. I can understand Cold Call being likened to Martina Cole and Luther (BBC TV series), as it does read like a crime drama for tv.

I particularly loved reading how the investigation grew, from the very first murder scene, right the way through to the very end. The development is gradual, with DNA tests results being waited on, new crime scenes to record and compare notes with and even flaws within the characters that can slow down the investigation. This again makes it very realistic.

As the story continues so does the tension and suspense. Robin’s hunger for more spice, more control and more dominance drives the story even more, making for a more seedier read that becomes increasingly more dangerous. It also becomes clear that there is more to Robin’s actions than meets the eye. The recession and loss of his high class lifestyle has a deep impact on his dignity and pride. His extra ‘marital’ activities are psychologically allowing him to feel powerful and in control once again. But just how far will he go?

Cold Call is written well and clearly, easy to read and follow, at the same time as having a well-planned and detailed storyline with likeable and realistic characters. The pace is perfect, with dialogue and storyline flowing nicely at a rate that allows the reader to take in the information but never allowing the reader to switch off. And, as the story comes to an end, there are unexpected events which will surprise the reader. I would certainly like to read more from Colin Llewelyn Chapman as Cold Call is a fantastic debut.

A copy of Cold Call was provided by Percy Publishing in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

To read an excerpt of Cold Call please click here: EXCERPT

AUTHOR BIO

Colin, 45, has worked in Construction throughout his career. He has three children aged from 12 to 18, and two step-children. Son of a former gamekeeper, he is still a country boy at heart! He described his childhood as “brilliant”, benefiting as he did from fantastic loving parents, and the joy of growing up in the beautiful Essex countryside.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Twitter: @ColinLChapman

Facebook: Colin Llewelyn Chapman-Author

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

November 18, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ To Avenge Her Highland Warrior (#3 in the Highland Fae Chronicles), by Samantha Holt

Sensual Captor/Captive Highland Romance

Containing a sprinkling of faery magic!

Book Blurb

Lorna lost everything to war. Her home, her wealth… her lover. And now she wants revenge. When her hasty plan throws her at the mercy of her enemy’s men, she holds little hope of returning to her kin and fears death is around the corner. But could her salvation lie in the arms of her dark captor? Logan has little time to be dealing with a stubborn noble woman. His orders are to prepare for war. His laird—the man he owes his life to—intends to join forces with the Norse and bring a battle to Scotland that will see the fate of the country forever changed. Scarred, and with no memory of his past, Logan is determined to forge a new future for himself as well as prove his loyalty to the laird. But the beautiful lass has him questioning his previous life and his goals. When she starts claiming he once loved her, he knows he’s being manipulated and she’s taking advantage of his memory loss. So why is it so hard to resist the idea of having once been her lover? With the threat of impending war—a battle that promises to bring slaughter to her family—can Lorna persuade Logan to believe her, and is the bitter man he’s become even worth saving? Whatever the outcome of the battle, a certain interfering faery is resolved to see fate back on its correct path. And that means forcing Lorna and Logan together—no matter their differences.

My Review

Captor/Captive Romance with a Torn and Tortured Hero

Sensual Historical Romance (with a sprinkling of faery magic….)

To Avenge Her Highland Warrior, the third and final book in Samantha Holt’s Highland Fae Chronicles is a sensual and heart rending captor/captive romance. It can be read as a ‘standalone’, although I do however, highly recommend the whole series (check out the links below).

The novel is a combustible mix of revenge, passion and redemption, sprinkled with a little fairy magic and I loved it! It contains a dark, torn and tortured alpha hero and a strong and vulnerable heroine who belong together, but who fate has torn apart.

The faery Tiele, determined to put this wrong to right, has a battle royal on her hands to reconcile these two lovers due to events that have transpired. Her task is all the more difficult for she has sworn off the direct use of her powers, as the use of such magic in the past has resulted in unforeseen consequences.

As soon as the book opens I was drawn in – the heroine Lorna, who is widowed, is in dire straits, captive in the bowels of her former home that was brutally wrestled from her by her brother-in-law. Having failed in her mission to kill this usurper she now awaits his punishment. Imagine her surprise and relief when she finds that the man in charge of the keep whilst its master is absent is none other than Logan, the man who once loved her, the man who she had rejected and believed slain in the battle for her home.

Yet there is no happy reunion between the couple as this man is a far cry from the Logan who adored her. Instead he is a cold and distant stranger, his memory erased by the injuries he sustained during battle. He views his captive as little more than the spoilt and manipulative woman his Laird tells him she is, and he does not recall how he once loved his former mistress from afar. Whatever Lorna says she cannot help him remember or trust her enough to believe her – he views whatever she says as lies, designed to save her own skin.

Although attraction between them simmers, Logan is determined not to betray his Laird and succumb to this woman. However, he slowly comes to respect her combination of strength and vulnerability and becomes torn once he finds out what his Laird’s plans for his captive may entail. There are scenes aplenty of sexual tension, frustrated passion and love making which brings them ever closer, but not close enough, as Logan fights the connection that exists between them. Will he act to save her? Will he remember their love before it is too late? Even if he does, can Lorna accept him for the man he has become and forgive him for what he has put her through?

I so felt for both these characters in this book! Lorna had lost so much, yet she is strong and resilient in terrible circumstances, especially as the very man who should have been her saviour is now her gaoler and is a stranger to her. She is fearful for her own future and that of Logan, who seems lost to her and her emotions oscillate between hope and despair. Logan is as tortured a hero as they come and is torn between loyalty to his Laird and what he is beginning to feel for the captive. I also enjoyed the supporting characters in the tale, especially Lorna’s self-serving brother-in-law, whose actions added tension to the plot and of course Tiele whose presence and antics contributed to some humorous moments to the plot in her efforts to save the day.

All in all, I found it a sensual, heart stopping and entertaining read and a great conclusion to the Highland Fae Chronicles.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

Website/Blog Facebook

Read our Reviews of other books in the Highland Fae Chronicles

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart, book 1

To Dream of a Highlander, book 2

November 18, 2014 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Raphael, by Faith Gibson

New Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance

Title: Rafael

Author: Faith Gibson

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: November 18, 2014

Purchase Links: Amazon US Amazon UK

♦Synopsis♦

There’s a new species of shapeshifter in town…

Rafael Stone is the King of the Gargoyle shapeshifters. His family, The Stone Society, has ruled the Americas for over seven hundred years. As an architect, he has spent the last thirty years helping to rebuild New Atlanta since the near Apocalypse. As King of the Gargouille, he has spent those same thirty years protecting his city from the dregs of society.

Kaya Kane is the New Atlanta Chief of Police. At thirty-six, not only is she the youngest, but also the first female Chief the city has ever had. She has dedicated her life to keeping her city safe. When a multiple homicide brings her face to face with the elusive Rafael Stone, her life will never be the same.

Rafael’s kind has never mated with a human but just speaking to Chief Kane on the telephone nearly brings him to his knees. Kaya has given up on ever having a relationship other than her career. When the two meet, sparks fly. Literally. Can Rafael give in to the fact that Kaya’s human? Can she overlook the evidence pointing to Rafael as the killer?

Rafael, Stone Society Book 1 introduces you to a new world filled with Bad Ass shifters and the mates who love them.

♦About the Author♦

Faith Gibson lives outside Nashville, Tennessee with the love of her life, and her two-legged best friends. She began writing in high school and over the years penned many stories, and poems. When her dreams continued to get crazier than the one before, she decided to keep a dream journal. Many of these night-time escapades have led to a line, a chapter, and even a complete story.

When Faith isn’t penning her crazy ideas, she is either reading, riding her Harley, or playing trivia while consuming craft beer.

♦Social Media Links♦

Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Page | Goodreads

♦Purchase Faith’s Other Books♦

Candy Hearts:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N

November 17, 2014 by Caroline Barker

RELEASE BLITZ Tequila & Teabags by Laura Barnard

Sent to live with her cousin Elsie in
the Yorkshire countryside, Rose has only one thing on her mind; joining her
friends as a club rep in Mexico.

When she hears about a council
incentive offering the promise of free flights to the person who clocks the
most volunteering hours at the local care home, she’s got her plan set.

But she doesn’t plan on bonding with
the old ladies, going after the village bad boy and trying to persuade Elsie
not to become a Nun.

Soon she’s questioning who her real
friends are and whether her old life is one she wants to return to.

Can the village win her over and will
she win the chance to leave it behind? Will she even want to?

Goodreads

Amazon

Meet
Laura

My name is Laura Barnard and I am an
author from Hertfordshire, UK. My first chick-lit novel, The Debt & the
Doormat was an Amazon number 1 best-seller and won Best Laugh Out Loud Book of
2013. It is available via Amazon, Smashwords, iBooks. Barnes and Noble, The
Book Depository and many more.

In my spare time I enjoy drinking my
body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of my face, drooling over
hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio…oh and my husband of
course! I like wearing yoga clothes and reading fitness magazines while I sit
on the sofa and eat chocolate. I’m a real fan of the power nap and of course,
READING!

I write not to get rich or famous, but
because I LOVE writing. Even if one person tells me they enjoyed my book it
makes the midnight typing worth it!

Follow
Laura

Facebook or Add me as a
friend

Twitter Website Goodreads

November 16, 2014 by Tina Williams

City Nights: One Night in Paris by Lucy Felthouse

Indulge in a Red Hot Night in Paris!

For the month of November, this erotic romance novella will be on SALE. Warm up those winter nights with this smokin’ hot read! Just $0.99/77p on Amazon During November! Grab your copy here:

Amazon UK Amazon US

Here’s what it’s all about:

Book Blurb

Jacob is nearly forty, and has recently come to the sudden realisation that he’s not doing much with his life. Sure, he’s got his own successful business, but what’s the point in earning lots of money and not doing anything or going anywhere to spend it? He’s in serious danger of being all work and no play, so he starts to rectify this by organising a twenty four hour layover in Paris en route to a meeting in Dubai. Whilst there, he goes on a bus tour of the city, and there meets Annabelle, a fellow Brit who’s studying in Paris. There’s clearly an attraction between the two of them, so when the gorgeous Annabelle makes an indecent proposal to help Jacob fill his time in Paris, who is he to refuse?

Author Bio:

Lucy Felthouse (@cw1985) is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women’s Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, is book editor for Cliterati, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9