September 12, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Guardian of Paradise, by W.E. Lawrence

#historical #romance #adventure

Blurb

In 1888, Kira Wall, surviving daughter of missionaries swept away in a tsunami, lives a primitive, but enjoyable life with natives on an isolated island in the South Pacific. But her serene world is turned upside down when an Australian merchant ship, commanded by the sinister Captain Darcy Coleman, arrives with an overabundance of modern and lavish goods. Kira suspects ill intent. Chief Ariki refuses to listen to Kira’s warning, forcing her to uncover the real plan of the captain on her own. Unfortunately, she has a distraction. A six-foot tall, blond, and handsome distraction. Trevor Marshall, doctor and botanist, hopes to find exotic plants on the island to research new cures and medicines. He is dedicated to science, but when meeting the strong-willed, beautiful Kira Wall, he’d prefer to spend time researching her—all night.

The captain thwarts Kira’s attempts to call him out at every step, turning the village chief against her. With only Trevor and her best friend Malana by her side, she stalks the captain and his officers through the dense, predator infested jungle, toward the island’s inactive volcano. Frustrated by her failure to reveal the captain’s true intentions, Kira begins to think maybe she’s wrong about everything. Then an explosion and earthquake bigger than anyone on the island has ever seen renews her resolve. Was the blast natural or man-made? She is determined to prove it was the captain’s doing. Kira races against time and the island people’s naivety to stop the captain from destroying her home and killing everyone she loves.

My Review ~ 4.5 stars

Romance and adventure combined!

This historical romance with a difference – far removed from the usual ballrooms and social mores of the time. It is full of adventure and suspense, all set on a beautiful Pacific island in 1888. The novel also contains a powerful social and environmental subtext, drawing attention to the self-sufficient and honourable way of life of the islanders and the greed and avarice of others not of their world who seek to exploit them and their environment.

Kira, the ‘guardian’ of the title, is the daughter of missionaries who perished when she was very young. She has lived all of her life on the island and is dedicated to protecting the islanders and their way of life. When a merchant ship docks, Kira takes an instant dislike to the ship’s captain, who she is convinced is up to no good. Yet the islanders’ chief sees no reason to doubt the captain’s good intentions and gives him and his men free reign on the island. Increasingly irritated and embarrassed by Kira’s protestations to the contrary, she incurs his displeasure.

At the same time Kira falls for the ship’s doctor and botanist, Trevor. Confused by her growing feelings, she tries to ignore their growing mutual attraction, as she needs to concentrate on thwarting the captain’s plans and not get involved with a man from the outside world, with whom she has no future.

The plot has plenty of adventure and suspense alongside the romance and also some humour. Will Kira get to the bottom of what the captain’s true intensions are? Will she be able to thwart him before he manages to inflict harm on the island and its inhabitants? How much of a threat is the captain to Kira? Will she be able to guard her heart against her developing feelings for Trevor, an ambitious man not of her world?

The descriptions of the island and the islanders’ way of life are extremely vivid. I enjoyed the character of Kira as a confident woman who can look after herself in the jungle. At the same time this confidence contrasts with her innocence, especially when it comes to dealing with a scoundrel such as the captain. Both Trevor and her friend Malana have her back but it is touch and go what will happen as the plot reaches its conclusion.

Recommended to those who enjoy romance with a heavy dose of adventure.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that a copy of the book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Also see

https://areadersreviewblog.com/2016/08/18/spotlight-guardian-of-paradise-by-w-e-lawrence-includes-excerpt/

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

September 6, 2016 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW – Torn, by C J Fallowfield

#newadult #eroticromance

Adult/18+ read

Book Blurb

Torn One will break her trust – One will break her heart – One will kill for her.

“Blown away, floored and left speechless. Torn is a story of love, one that will toy with your heart and emotions-to the max. This one will chew you up and spit you out raw. True to its title, you will be torn, gutted and slayed. 5 ‘Best. I. Ever. Had.’ Stars” – Read & Share Book Reviews.

When Sky’s parents moved from San Francisco to Boulder City in Nevada, she thought her life was over, until she met the Hudson boys. Two years older than her, tattooed bad boy Nate was confident, cocky, good looking, and a straight talker. He was the unattainable guy that all the girls wanted, but the one their fathers warned them to steer clear of. Josh had all of his brother’s looks, but he was the sweet charmer your mother would beg you to marry. Their cousin Billy lacked the brothers’ good looks, so relied on his quick wit to attract the girls.

When all three of them set their sights on Sky, they became competitive, and cracks in their close bond began to form.

Torn between her loyalty to all three, and feelings for one, Sky was faced with a dilemma.

When she made her decision, she had no idea that her choice would set them all on a path that would tear the group apart.

Torn is a standalone new adult erotic romance novel, which is heavy on the angst. A box of tissues is likely to be required. Out on 31st August 2016.

My Review ~ 5 stars

Love, Passion and Sacrifice!

Oh my goodness! Torn, by CJ Fallowfield is one hell of a ride! The author played my affections like the proverbial violin throughout.

When Sky Torres moves with her parents from San Franscisco to Boulder City Nevada, nothing prepares her or the three Hudson boys (brothers Nate and Josh and cousin Billy) for the emotional s***storm that prevails and determines the course of their lives. All three want Sky as their one and only girl, yet there can only be one victor.

At first Sky attempts to maintain a friendship with all three. She has only just started her University course and is inexperienced when it comes to the opposite sex, so she sees no reason to rush things. Above all she does not want to threaten the tight family and friendship ties the boys have. Yet her own hormones and those of the Hudson males have other ideas and as the hot Nevada sun beats down on them, passions ignite and Sky is compelled to make her choice: should she choose bad boy Nate, to whom she is wildly attracted, his handsome and steady younger brother Josh or cousin Billy, the joker?

No one ever claimed that falling in love can be easy and the impact of Sky’s choice on the group is far more life-changing than the norm. Prepare to be blown away, not only by the hugely erotic love-making scenes of raw sexuality that this novel contains, but also by the emotional angst that ensues! I will not reveal more, except to say that Torn is a heart-stopping read with a truly awesome plot. At times I was too overcome with emotions to continue reading, but (and I’m so glad I did so) continue I did. I have read a number of CJ Fallowfield’s books and I love her characterisations, humour and devilish plot twists. In Torn she excels herself once again!

So, get your tissues ready, your favourite soft toy to commiserate with and blanket (to hide under when the going gets tough) and prepare for your emotions to be to be teased, tortured and torn apart!

I recommend Torn to readers of erotic-romance/young-adult romance – it will be a read that you will not forget any time soon!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, an ARC of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Author

Goodreads

https://www.facebook.com/cjfallowfield

http://cjfallowfield.co.uk/#!/home

September 5, 2016 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW ~ The Trickster’s Lover, by Samantha Macleod

#paranormal #romance #erotic

Adult/18+ read

A sizzling and intelligent take on Norse mythology

Book Blurb

Surviving Graduate School ~ Falling in Love ~ Preventing Ragnarök

Graduate student Caroline Capello has always been more comfortable with books than people. She’s just moved to the University of Chicago to become the world’s foremost authority on Norse mythology, making her the only member of her family to leave San Diego, and the family business.

But she’s wondering if she’s just made the biggest mistake of her life.

When Loki, the enigmatic and irresistibly sexy Norse trickster god, appears in her studio apartment, Caroline is forced to question everything she’s learned.

Do the gods exist? Are the legends about Ragnarök, the apocalyptic battle that destroys the gods and ends the Nine Realms, actually true?

Or is she losing her mind?

My Review ~ 5 stars

Sizzling Paranormal Romance

God meets mortal in this super sizzling romance from Samantha MacLeod. When the studious and bookish Caroline leaves home to attend university in Chicago, little does she know that she will attract the carnal attention of Loki, the Trickster god (serious hottie alert). Her dedication to and knowledge of Norse mythology will be truly tested as well as her safety and sanity. Does Loki really exist or are his visits manifestations of an inner malaise? As Loki’s visits increase, events indicate the approach of Ragnarok, heralding the apocalypse, threatening their fledgling relationship and the future of all. What is a girl to do?

I lapped up this read. The sex scenes are hot (Loki is certainly not lacking in the stamina department) and the plot is for the most part fast and furious, whilst at the same time drawing on the richness of Norse mythology throughout. It is evident that the author has a great deal of knowledge of and love for this subject. The initial portrayal of Loki as an enigmatic, fly-by-night, ladies man is well done as is the development of his character, as his unorthodox relationship with Caroline progresses. Caroline’s character is well drawn and I enjoyed how she grew as a person in the face of the many obstacles in her path.

I will not give any of the plot away but suffice to say that it has many unexpected twists and turns, as Caroline unravels the mystery of Loki and tries to uncover what is reality and what is myth. The destinies of the hero and heroine become more and more intertwined as the plotline develops and their love and very survival is tested.

A super sexy and entertaining paranormal read!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

The book is due to be released on September 6th and is up for pre-order:

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

About Samantha

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012016893561

September 5, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Captive (The Druid Chronicles #2), by Christina Phillips

#erotic #historical #romance #captor #captive

Adult/18+ read

Yay! Christina Phillips is celebrating the re-release of Captive, book 2 in her fabulous Druid Chronicles. Captor/captive romances are one of my favourite themes and Captive and the other books in this erotic historical romance series are ones that you will want to read again and again. Bren and Morwyn, the hero and heroine in this novel are both strong characters and their tempestuous relationship truly sizzles. The books evoke the time period perfectly and are beautifully written erotic romances. To find out more and for a chance to read the first chapter read on.❤

Book Blurb

A Druid priestess falls for the wrong man – the warrior who’s taken her prisoner…

Hungry for revenge, Druid acolyte Morwyn turns her back on her goddess and vows to fight the Roman invaders. But before she can join up with the rebels, she’s captured by a tough Gaul mercenary.

Bren, pledged to the true Briton king, has spent three years undercover in the Roman Legion. When his own unit attacks a fiery Celtic beauty, he saves her the only way he can – by claiming her as his prisoner. He knows he can’t trust her but, as her icy disdain thaws, her quick wit and infectious laugh lighten his blackened soul and he craves for the chance of a normal life–with her.

Infuriated yet intrigued by her captor, Morwyn can’t help falling for his gruff charms and rare smile. He’s her enemy but he has honor and the longer they’re together the less she believes in his brutal reputation. He’s her Gaul, and in the black of night, in his arms, she dreams of a future together.

But the wrath of a spurned goddess echoes through the land and Morwyn and Bren need to overcome their past, put their trust in each other and face their deepest fears for the chance to survive in a fractured world.

Previously published by Penguin US in 2011

Read Chapter One

Buy Links

iBooks | Amazon | B & N | Kobo

Captive is the second book in The Druid Chronicles, with sexy alpha warriors and their mystical Druid heroines.

#1 Forbidden

iBooks | Amazon | B&N | ARe | Kobo

#2 Captive

#3 Enslaved

Release date 3rd October 2016

#4 Tainted

Release date 7th November 2016

Each book can be read as a standalone. There are no cliffhangers!

Bio

Christina Phillips is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their family. She enjoys writing contemporary, historical and paranormal romance where the stories sizzle and the heroine brings her hero to his knees.

She is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.