October 30, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW GUARDIAN (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part III (Jezebel’s Journey Part III) by C.J. Pinard

The Daughter of Darkness series finale is here in GUARDIAN. Following Lotus’s Journey has been a pleasure. Lotus, half-vamp, half-faery, has been teased and beckoned in her dreams by her evil father, Vlad Montour (a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler). Discovering his ideas for taking powers and controlling all supernaturals, his methods for achieving that, and many other evil acts, it becomes clear that he has to be stopped. But, will meeting with her sisters to discuss a plan of action turn sour? Especially since one was once on the dark side herself not too long ago?

Title: GUARDIAN (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part III (Jezebel’s Journey Part III)

Author: C.J. Pinard

Genre: Paranormal mystery, thriller

Release date: August 22nd, 2016

Length: 127 pages

Buy Links: Amazon US, Amazon UK

Blurb: Realizing that a confrontation with Vlad had slipped out of her grasp, Lotus sets off with Drew and Jezebel to formulate another plan of action. But then a phone call from Tori, the sister she’d just learned about but had never met, changes the course of their plans.

Lotus now has to search for some kind of heirloom or jewel left to her by her biological mother. But where would she find such a trinket? She’d been orphaned for over 100 years and didn’t even know her mother’s name, let alone anything she’d left her. With more determination than ever, the assistance of a witch, and her other gifts, they will help guide Lotus to find it. But what else will they find when going on such a hunt?

The final showdown to kill Vlad has been set and as Lotus and Jezebel finally meet their long, lost sisters, Tori and Blair, they realize the chances of them getting away with killing Vlad and living to tell about it are very slim. Still, their resolve is strong; the sisters are strong. The question is: Will it be worth it? Giving their lives to rid the world of their evil father, Vlad the Impaler, for good?

Find out in this heart-stopping final instalment of the Daughters of Darkness series.

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

I have followed Lotus’s journey through each book of the series, and GUARDIAN is a brilliant story to end the series. Lotus has certainly come a long way throughout the series; although half-vampire and half-faery she has lived most of her life in a most human-like manner. Over the course of the series she has learned so much about herself, her capabilities and her family. She has even sustained a long-term relationship with cute, hot Lycan, Drew, a neighbour and protector. And yet, she still loves to make her everyday life as human-like as possible, i.e. going to work and general life as a mortal.

“… why was I living as a mortal? I’d told them that it was because I knew no other way. That was the truth, partially, but the other half of me knew it was because it was safe and harmless to pretend to be human. However, deep in my dark heart, I knew I should venture onto the wild side – the dark side of the supernaturals – and see what it had to offer.”

It is very easy to connect with Lotus’s character in this manner. Her character, within the story, acts as a bridge between the reality and the supernatural world. In Guardian, Lotus has to make some uneasy decisions and to take chances, along with her sisters, in the hope of defeating their evil, vampire father, Vlad Montour (a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler). And, the reader can sense a change in Lotus in exploring more of her supernatural side, especially as she would need this to help be rid of her father.

Told not only from Lotus’s point of view, the reader also follows Jezebel’s as it is also her final book of the series too! This is very fitting as these sisters are so close at this point and in almost every scene together. In fact, aside from Drew, Jezebel is the closest person to Lotus. Both become cautious when they meet with their other two, newly-found sisters, Tori and Blair, especially Tori as she was brought up and worked for their father.

However, there are some emotional twists when we learn about the sister’s backgrounds, their mothers, and just why Tori may have turned against their father. Along with the final showdown, I felt that the meeting scene of the four sisters was a vital part of the story. Were they going to turn on each other? Could they be trusted? These were just some of the questions running through my mind. It is written really well, and the caution and emotion felt real.

The overall atmosphere of the story, and indeed the series, is dark, eerie, and full of suspense and mystery. It darkens still as the sisters try to take on their powerful, evil father. And, it is he that creates the mood and tension. Trying to take the power and control all supernaturals is his goal, including his own daughters. But, did he really love them? Can they really take on their own father?

Complete with witches, succubi, werewolves, faeries and vampires, Guardian has a thrilling, fast-paced story line with plenty of action, especially as the story moves towards the end. A brilliant read for this Halloween. But, I would advise to read Lotus (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part I and Watcher: Lotus’s Journey Part II before finishing with Guardian.

A copy of Guardian, Lotus’s Journey Part III was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 27, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Eagle’s Honor RAVISHED, by Sandra Schwab

#historical #erotic #romance

Adult/18+ read

A barbarian warrior, an enemy of Rome.
A sheltered young woman, the daughter of a Roman officer.
An unlikely love, threatened by the bloody strife at the borders of Roman Empire.

AD 190: When a fever ravages her father’s fort and kills her family, Livia has to leave Britannia behind and make a new home for herself in Rome. Lost in a world of grief, she finds little delight in the glittering capital of the empire. Nothing can penetrate the grey fog of her grief—except for the cool blue eyes of the slave Leontius, a barbarian warrior, a former gladiator, a man she ought to fear. And yet, she cannot help but crave his touch, even though he is an enemy of Rome; even though, should he ever manage to flee, he would unleash the anger of his tribe upon the border of the empire.

My Review

Sensual and Emotionally Charged ~ 5 Stars

I loved this read so much! Ravished is a superbly well written sensual and emotionally charged historical romance set in AD 190 during the time of the Roman Empire. It is the second book in the author’s Eagle’s Honor series, book one being Banished which I reviewed earlier this year (click on the book title for my review).

In Ravished, a tale of star-crossed lovers, the reader is taken from the far reaches of windswept Britannia to the decadence of Rome and then to the border with Germania. The Barbarian Leontius is paired with Livia, a young and innocent high born Roman who has suffered the loss of her immediate family. They meet in Rome where Livia is spending time with her aunt and Leontius, a former gladiator, is purchased as her aunt’s pleasure slave.

Leontius escapes his bondage and returns to his homeland to avenge himself against Rome, yet fate decides to re-unite the couple, only this time it is Livia who finds herself held hostage by Leontius’ tribe. Yet Livia and Leontius have not forgotten their time spent in Rome and the attraction they have for one another refuses to be denied.

The author does a fantastic job of portraying Livia’s depressed and detached state of mind when she is mourning her family. Neither the decadence of Rome nor the isolation of her uncle’s fort can penetrate her low mood. It is only when she is captured, facing an uncertain future, that she begins her metamorphosis and begins to seize life and discover her inner strength. I really enjoyed this transformation and how she rose to the many challenges that her captivity threw her way, not least dealing with the attraction between her and Leontius and his stubbornness!

I loved how protective Leontius is towards Livia throughout the novel. He tries to fight his attraction as he knows their future together is impossible as Livia is but a pawn in the negotiations between Leontius’ tribe and Rome. However neither Livia nor Leontius can resist the chemistry between them and I enjoyed the sensuality of the lovemaking scenes between the couple who despite their differences are so well matched. I despaired of their HEA and at several points during the read I was reduced to tears due to the seemingly hopeless situation they found themselves in!

I enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Livia’s uncle Caius and Lucius and Leontius’ family. The descriptions of Rome and how it contrasts with life in Germania, especially amongst the Germanic tribes were well drawn.

Ravished is a must read for romance fans, especially those who enjoy reading about love and relationships set in the Roman period.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

http://www.sandraschwab.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sandraschwab

https://twitter.com/ScribblingSandy

October 26, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Water Under the Bridge, by Britney King (includes excerpt)

Title: Water Under the Bridge

Author: Britney King

Release Date: Oct 25, 2016

Add to Goodreads

My whole life I’ve wanted nothing more than to fit in.

Only, my whole life I’ve done anything but.

That’s probably because I’m anything but average. After all—female serial killers seem to be a minority in today’s society.

And that’s ok—because I’ve longed for a change for quite some time now.

Which brings me back around to fitting in.

You know what one has to do to fit in?

I do.

One has to blend.

Which is great news!

Because I realize my clock is ticking, so to speak, and now I want a family. Luckily, I’ve always been good at getting what I want.

So I figure what better place to blend than suburbia?

All that stuff I did before—it’s water under the bridge now. I just hope it’s not too late to change my ways. Here’s to hoping for suburbia’s sake, too.

I mean, what are the odds I could be the girl next door?

Apparently, they’re better than you might think.

==============================

Your whole life you’ve wanted to fit in.

Only your whole life you’ve done anything but.

That’s probably because you’re anything but average— you’re a killer— but, then so am I.

You say you’ve longed for a change for quite some time now.

This is good because, well, me too.

Your clock is ticking, you want a family, but you waste so much time.

I know because I’m watching, waiting, blending.

What you don’t realize is if you want me, and I think you do, then you’ll have to change your ways because sometimes hunters become hunted.

But what are the odds of that happening in suburbia?

Apparently, they’re better than you might think.

You told me by candlelight last night that your real name is not Ryan as it said on the dating site, as you said at dinner. It’s Jude. I wasn’t surprised. We all become someone different online. As you ran the tips of your fingers across my cheek, you promised you were sorry for lying, and then you showed me when you touched my scars with your lips. You asked for the truth about them, but I didn’t give it to you. You don’t get to be the only one who lies. Which is why I haven’t told you exactly who or what I am.

It isn’t time for whole truths about anything.

Speaking of names, it took a lot to pry Amy’s last name from your lips, and you see… you do still keep her close to your heart. You’re protecting her. This is how I know. It’s dangerous, Jude. She is dangerous, and you need closure, you really do. It’s too much to go around carrying the weight of her, believe me, I know. Morris was the answer you gave when you finally relented—but you lied. Your jaw did this twitchy thing, and that’s how I knew. We all have our tells, and apparently, that’s yours.

“No doubt, she’s married now,” you add, to cover your tracks, to conceal your lies, and you are still in denial, still protecting her, and it’s okay because, luckily, I know how to hunt people.

Later, I withdrew in your lies, and you sensed me pull away.

I started slowly at first, retreating into myself and then I left and didn’t speak to you for four days. You let me have my space, at first. I’ll give you that. But the thing you need to know about women is that it isn’t space we want, not really. We want a fight. We want a man willing to burn for us—someone willing to put it all on the line. We want to go to war.

I know you have it in you, I do. This is why I don’t return your calls. This is why I play hard to get when the truth is I miss you. I miss the way your arms feel around me, the way your eyes bore holes into my soul—all the ways you seem to know me even though you don’t. So on the fourth day, when you show up at my door, this is why I practically leap into your arms. You aren’t confused like most men would be. Not you. You come bearing gifts that aren’t flowers. You come bearing breakfast and plane tickets, and you are a warrior, Jude, you are.

Britney King writes modern love stories for mature audiences. She also enjoys suspense and often finds her sweet spot penning a good mixture of the two. Britney is the author of seven novels and is currently at work on number eight. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, children, two dogs, one ridiculous cat and a partridge in a pear tree.

October 23, 2016 by Tina Williams

Event ~ Twilight Tales, Saturday 29th October, Tamworth, Staffordshire (organised by Tamworth LitFest)

#literaryfestival #bookfestival #authorsigning #event

As the days become shorter, the nights longer and a certain crispness pervades the air why not visit Tamworth to celebrate stories designed to delight, excite and even provoke a frisson of fear?

I’m looking forward to attending Tamworth Literary Festival’s Twilight Tales event on Saturday 29th October. There’s something for all ages: authors reading from their own work; informal meet the author sessions and writing workshops. You can also meet the team at Midland Paranormal Investigations and quiz them about their ‘ghostbusting’ experiences – all in the name of science of course!

The event brings together a super collection of talented authors celebrating the art of storytelling (scroll down to find out more about them). Authors will be reading from their own work, which includes ghostly tales, horror stories and true crime. Writers and budding writers can attend workshops suitable for all ages and you can meet the authors and if you wish purchase signed copies of their books. Midland Paranormal Investigations will also be on hand to talk about their services and offer free Investigations.

Drop by St Editha’s Church Hall anytime to hear the storytelling sessions. The event is FREE, but booking is required for the workshops (priced £2 -£3) as places are limited. Donations to Tamworth LitFest gratefully received. The programme for the day is set out below and for more information connect with Tamworth LitFest:

facebook.com/TamworthLiteraryFestival/ tamlitfest.wordpress.com/twitter.com/TamworthLitFest

If you’d like to take part or want to volunteer to help email tamlitfest@gmail.com

St Editha’s Church Hall

10.30am-11.00am	Giselle Thompson reading The Bones of a Plot, a light-hearted theatrical ghost story with a romantic element. Set in the Commedie Italienne in Paris in 1716.
11.00am-11.30am	Pat Spence reading from her forthcoming collection of Urban Ghost Stories (suitable for teenagers)
12.00pm-12.30pm	Moya Green, Tamworth Writers’ Group reading The Ghosts of Grimleigh Hall (suitable for ages 8/9 and above)
12.30-1.00pm	Gareth J Wood – reading tbc
1.00pm-1.30pm	Maithreyi Nandakumar reading No Rest for the Wicked
1.30pm-3.00pm	New St Authors: Lee Benson, Guy Etchells, Andy Conway, Martin Tracey and David Wake each reading one of their own ghost or horror themed stories PLUS AA Abbott reading First Blood, a tale of horror in a Bristol cider pub.
3.00pm-3.40pm	Andrew Sparke – Bella and the Wych Elm (true crime)
3.40pm-4.00pm	Overview and conclusion

Tamworth Library

Tickets for the writing workshops (£2 – £3) and Midland Paranormal Investigations (£3) available from Tamworth Library.

About the Authors

Giselle Thompson

Giselle Thompson is a writer of short stories, a collection of which has been published in ‘A Receiver of Stolen Words’ – fifteen short stories, formed of words stolen from different places and from different times. Giselle is currently working on her first novel.

Moya Green

Moya is a member of Tamworth Writers. She writes mainly short stories, particularly of a humorous or fantastic nature. Her published work includes a comic novel ‘The Apotheosis of Jabez Pigstock’, a collection of ghost stories ‘The Little Snakes of Sliver Throat’ (both available on Kindle) and a short story collection ‘Dogsbody’ (paperback). More may be found on her own website www.allwritemoya.com

Pat Spence

Pat Spence is a freelance writer and ex- magazine editor. She has worked as a copywriter in advertising agencies, a freelance trainer teaching personal development and a massage therapist/aromatherapist. Books include: ‘Abigail’s Affair’ a quirky love story about a woman coming to terms with having an affair, set against a colourful Australian backdrop. ‘The Blue Crystal Trilogy’, (comprising ‘Blue Moon’, ‘True Blue’ and ‘Into The Blue’) a supernatural love story about a strange family, with an ancient secret, that arrives in a Midlands village to renovate an old manor house. Pat is currently working on a collection of Urban Ghost stories.

New Street Authors

New Street Authors is a writers co-operative and support network for indie publishing and marketing our work. A number of currently published members are participating in Twilight Tales: AA Abbott, Andy Conway, David Muir, Andrew Sparke, Martin Tracey, Lee Benson and David Wake.

Andrew Sparke

Andrew was once Chief Executive of a large local authority in the West Midlands. During that time he was involved in writing or editing several public sector textbooks but everything else got put on hold. Now he plays at management consultancy and only agree to do different and interesting work for people he enjoys working with – things as diverse as bio-fuel projects in far-flung places, helping dis-engaged young people with the Leaps & Bounds (Inspiring Change) Trust, acting as an adviser to Public Sector plc, being a trustee for Young Orchestras.com and for The Mariposa Trust (which organises the Saying Goodbye services for grieving parents) and running an Amazon trading business called Sparkys. And around it all he writes constantly.

Lee Benson

Lee was the owner of a successful contemporary art gallery in Birmingham called Number Nine. Since closing the doors of his gallery he has concentrated on using his creative capabilities. ‘Never too late’ is Lee’s battle cry and he’s exploiting all his talents as a painter photographer, musician and poet. His first collections ‘Failing To Be Serious’ and ‘Meandering With Intent’ are already available as Kindle eBooks. He is also the author of the Henry Egg books for children and is working in a comedic fictionalisation of his career ‘So You Want To Own An Art Gallery’.

Guy Etchells

Guy Etchells is a teacher, writer and keen gardener living in Birmingham. Born and raised in the Black Country, Guy’s Christmas and birthday lists always consisted of pens, pencils, bumper packs of coloured felt tips and heaps of paper. According to his family, Guy spent hours upon hours on characters, plots, and stories. After having his short story, The Peppermint Mouse published, Guy realised he wasn’t using his imagination or creativity. He enrolled on an MA in Writing at Birmingham City University in 2014 and was introduced to the world of screenwriting and indie publishing. Guy is currently working on his first adult screenplay and novel Listeners.

Andy Conway

Andy Conway is a novelist, screenwriter and filmmaker based in Birmingham, UK. He publishes prolifically across a range of genres, the most popular being his Touchstone series of time travel historical novels. His first feature film, Arjun & Alison, a campus revenge thriller, hit the international film festival circuit in 2012, and had a UK cinema release in 2014. He was commissioned to write it by a director-producer and appears several times in the film as an extra. He has also written many other feature film screenplays, some commissioned, some on spec, and has had a few short films produced, including The Secret of Year Six, starring Dexter Fletcher. His next feature film will be Long Dead Road, another revenge thriller, which is also out as a novel.

When he isn’t writing, he teaches screenwriting at Birmingham City University, and he also runs the Shooting People Screenwriters Network bulletin, which goes out to 11,000 writers worldwide every day.

David Wake

David Wake was the Chairbeing of the Birmingham Science Fiction and Fantasy Society at the University of Birmingham. It was during his time at University that he created ‘drabbles’, stories of exactly 100 words. He’s been an active member of science-fiction fandom since the 80s. He started writing for the theatre in 1998, with 18 plays produced, winning awards and taking two shows to the Edinburgh Fringe. It was while taking an MA in Creative Writing at Birmingham City University that he was introduced to Indie Publishing.

He’s published four novels: I, Phone (Eastercon 2013), The Derring-Do Club and the Empire of the Dead (ArmadaCon 2013, where he was a Guest of Honour), Hashtag (Eastercon 2014) and the second in the steampunk series, The Derring-Do Club and the Year of the Chrononauts (Worldcon 2014). He co-founded New Street Authors with Andy Conway.

A.A. Abbott

AA Abbott, also known as Helen, writes crime thrillers set in Birmingham. Having lived in Harborne for many years, she was tempted south to Bristol for work. “I didn’t realise then that jobs come and go,” she says. “These days, I do temporary work in large corporations and take long breaks to write, getting back to Birmingham as often as I can – it’s where my heart lies.” Helen’s books include: Up In Smoke After The Interview The Bride’s Trail Read free tasters of Helen’s writing at http://aaabbott.co.uk/free-stuff and find her on Twitter @AAAbbottStories and Facebook

Martin Tracey

Martin Tracey is an author who likes to push the boundaries of reality. He has a passion for The Beatles & Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. Both music and football often find their way into his stories, as do elements of the supernatural – a topic which has always fascinated Martin.

A proud native of Birmingham, Martin tends to set his books in and around his home city or other English settings. His working-class roots are reflected in the edginess and honesty of his writing enabling the reader to connect with his gripping stories. Although specialising in tales of chilling suspense, Martin is a versatile writer and does not necessarily wish to be restricted to one specific genre. He keeps an open mind about tackling almost any subject providing there is a good tale to tell. Martin loves to engage with his community and his readers. Here are just some of the events where he has featured: Waterstone’s and Library book-signings, Beer and Books at The Gunmakers Arms and various ‘Meet the Author’ events across the UK, including Liverpool home of his beloved Beatles.

Gareth J Wood

Gareth J Wood was born in Birmingham and, barring spells in Wales and the Far East, he’s lived there ever since. He went to university in Birmingham and Lampeter, completing a degree in literature, after which he went over to Taipei with his partner, Claire, and tried teaching. Sadly it didn’t work out. He and Claire now share their home with two angry terriers. Gareth used to perform live, forming a collective called The Blue City Project. He has written many short stories and completed two full-length novels, The Malignant Man and The Master’s Marionettes. He writes all the while and can often be seen riding on late-night buses grumbling into torn notepads.

Julia Ibbotson

Julia Ibbotson lives in the heart of England in a renovated Victorian rectory. She read English and Sociology at Keele University after a gap year in Ghana. She was a school teacher, before gaining her PhD and becoming a university lecturer. Apart from academic research texts, Julia has written a memoir, The Old Rectory: escape to a Country Kitchen (with recipes), a children’s book S.C.A.R.S, and her Drumbeats trilogy. She is currently completing a new novel, A Shape on the Air, a historical/romance time-slip story. Apart from reading, she loves travel, singing, swimming, yoga, Pilates, and walking.

Mel Starkey

Melody (Mel) works part time as a teaching consultant in Primary schools in Coventry, specialising in dance and P.E. This followed a long career teaching full time as a Primary School teacher in Birmingham and Coventry schools; also as an AST for Coventry – helping to inspire young teachers especially in dance. She has also worked at Warwick University with trainee teachers.

The stories were first started to provide a resource for Mel’s literacy lessons and then continued just for fun. Mel wanted to write stories that could be told or read in 10 minutes. More importantly she thinks that they are good fun to read and will appeal to boys and girls of KS2 who have been told to put down their computer games for 10 minutes.They have all been inspired by real events and observations of teachers and children and that Mel has taught. The endings are quite strange and leave the reader thinking. Maybe a children’s version of “Tales of the Unexpected”

The Illustrator Beth Blake

Beth currently works as a teaching assistant at a Coventry School where she and Mel first met. Mel was impressed by her obvious talent and asked her if she could find time in between her full time job and raising her family to produce some illustrations to help bring the stories alive; after asking children in her class whether they thought the book should be illustrated; which they responded to with a resounding “yes”. The result is a delightful book cover guaranteed to attract attention and a series of super illustrations which really capture the mood of each story.

Shelley Wilson

Shelley Wilson divides her writing time between the fantasy worlds of her young adult fiction, which she writes as S.L. Wilson, and her non-fiction self-help books for adults. Shelley Wilson’s love of fantasy began at the tender age of eight when she followed Enid Blyton up The Magic Faraway Tree.Inspired by Blyton’s make-believe world, Shelley began to create her own stories, weaving tales around faeries, witches and dragons. Her fantasy books blend a love of the supernatural with strong female protagonists. Shelley’s non-fiction work is rooted in a passion for helping women to believe in themselves and become strong, motivated individuals. Can you spot the common thread between the two genres?

As well as writing, Shelley is an obsessive reader and book reviewer. She lives in Solihull in the West Midlands, UK, with her three teenage children, a kitten called Luna, and a fat fish. Shelley describes herself as a teetotal, pizza-loving, Facebook addict with a preoccupation with list writing. She would love to live in the Shire but fears that her five-foot-ten-inch height may cause problems.

Heide Goody and Iain Grant

Heide Goody and Iain Grant write comedy novels together, including the bestselling Clovenhoof series. They are both married but not to each other.

Maithreyi Nandakumar

Maithreyi Nandakumar writes fiction and is a journalist working in print and sound. She has worked for the BBC in radio and television and has recently moved to London after many years in Bristol. Her short-stories have been published in anthologies (Bristol Tales), broadcast on radio (BBC World Service), online (Over the Red Line, Toasted Cheese) and made the last 16 for BBC Opening Lines 2014. Her completed novel ‘Stirring the Pot’ is awaiting fame and fortune.

Connect with Tamworth LitFest:

facebook.com/TamworthLiteraryFestival/ tamlitfest.wordpress.com/twitter.com/TamworthLitFest

https://tamlitfest.wordpress.com/

If you’d like to take part or want to volunteer to help email tamlitfest@gmail.com

October 22, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ In The Flesh (#1 of the Medusa’s Consortium series), by KD Grace

#dark #erotic #paranormal #romance

When Susan Innes comes to visit her friend, Annie Rivers, in Chapel House, the deconsecrated church that Annie is renovating into a home, she discovers her outgoing friend changed, reclusive, secretive, and completely enthralled by a mysterious lover, whose presence is always felt, but never seen, a lover whom she claims is god. As her holiday turns into a nightmare, Susan must come to grips with the fact that her friend’s lover is neither imaginary nor is he human, and even worse, he’s turned his wandering eye on Susan, and he won’t be denied his prize. If Susan is to fight an inhuman stalker intent on having her as his own, she’ll need a little inhuman help.

My Review ~5 deliciously dark stars!

A Dark and Lustful Delight

A bloody brilliant read! In the Flesh, book #1 in the Medusa’s Consortium series, is a sizzling and darkly erotic paranormal romance that will not only push your buttons but keep you on your toes with a plot that will keep you guessing. It contains some sizzling scenes that left me, like Susan the heroine, panting for more! I am certainly looking forward to more books in the series.

I adored the main setting for the book, the gothic and decidedly eerie deconsecrated church in the North of England that Annie, Susan’s friend, is renovating as her home. It is there that some truly terrifying events play out as first Annie and then Susan succumb to the entity in residence, a sexual predator who will not take no for an answer and whose powers and twisted desires are far from human… When Susan becomes his latest obsession will she too fall under his spell or will she be able to resist his addictive touch in which her sanity and very life is at risk? Is it already too late?

Susan soon finds that she needs help if she is to resist and defeat the entity that would possess and devour her and help (and romance) comes from some unexpected sources. The read is packed full of suspense and danger and oozes lust and raw sexuality. Twists and turns abound as Susan’s free will is threatened by dark desires she cannot control. Will she escape or will she succumb to the demon’s almost god like powers over her desires?

I just loved Michael, the builder who comes to Susan’s aid and the many other supporting characters, all of whom are superbly well drawn and I am looking forward to getting to know more about them in future books in the series. I will not reveal much more, except to say that if you love dark erotic romances, especially those that delve into the depths of human desires and contain creatures of mythology and your darkest dreams then you need to read this book NOW!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that a copy 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

Websites: http://kdgrace.co.uk/

http://gracemarshallromance.co.uk/

http://www.thebritbabes.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KDGraceAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KD_Grace

October 18, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ The Devils Who Would Be King, #4 in Nina Mason’s historical erotica series Royal Pains (includes excerpt)

Adult /18+ Read

Today, we are featuring The Devils Who Would Be King, the fourth and final installment in Nina Mason’s historical erotica series Royal Pains. Set in Scotland and England during the Restoration period, Royal Pains follows the political, religious, and erotic exploits of the Duke and Duchess of Dunwoody.

Here’s the blurb:

Their loyalty, faith, and love will be tested like never before…

Maggie, pregnant and missing Robert like mad, invites Gemma Crosse to help ease her loneliness, only to get swept up in a whirl of naughtiness and heartache. Meanwhile, rebellion is brewing to the north, where her husband is acting as a spy for the king, who grows drunker with power by the day.

Will Maggie and Robert’s love be strong enough to weather the coming storm? Or will the winds of change blow their world apart?

Buy the book now in Kindle or paperback!

Haven’t read the first three books in the series? No worries. You can buy the first book right now for only 99 cents! Check out all four books in the series here: Amazon.com. They’re also available for free through Kindle Unlimited.

Here’s an excerpt from The Devils Who Would Be King:

When Maggie returned to the bedchamber, she found Robert waiting just inside the door. Before she could say aught to him, he captured her mouth with such passion she fell back against the jamb, needing its support as she reeled under a dizzying rush of desire.

It felt wonderful. Glorious. Better than anything else in the world. She ran her hands slowly up into his hair, over his stubbled jaw, across his hard shoulders, and along his strong arms. Yes, he smelled ripe, but his stink was pure raw male animal musk. She found it far more arousing than offensive. Moving her hands around to his back, she pulled his body firmly against hers, feeling all over again how much she had missed him.

Playing house with Gemma had been all well and good, but her friend was not Robert. No one was, or could ever take his place in her heart or in her bed. Suddenly ashamed of her behavior, she broke from the kiss.

Flushed and short of breath, she said, “Forgive me.”

“For what?” he asked, eyebrows drawing together.

“You were jealous when I went to bed with Juliette. I should have guessed how you would feel about Gemma, whatever you might have claimed to the contrary.”

A strange, unreadable look crossed his face before he stepped away from her and averted his gaze. “How funny that you should bring up Juliette, for I encountered her in my travels.”

“Juliette?” Maggie frowned and furrowed her brow, unsure she’d heard him correctly. “Was she not hanged?”

“No.” When he returned his gaze to hers, she was sure she saw guilt there. “King Louis bribed the judge to release her.”

“King Louis?” she asked, growing uneasy. “Why would he pay to free a Huguenot?”

“Because she is not a Huguenot,” he told her with growing fervor. “She is Romish, like us, and has been working in secret for her king and country. I ran into her in Orkney, awaiting the rebel ships. We joined Argyle’s forces together, posing as man and wife to protect our covers.”

“Man and wife?” she repeated, shocked again. “Did you..?”

“God, no!” He laughed, though nervously. “I was as faithful as the day is long—not that it was easy, given the sleeping arrangements.”

Though relieved he had not cheated on her, Maggie could not let such an inflammatory aside go unremarked upon. “Whatever do you mean by that?”

Before he could answer, someone knocked on the door. Presuming it was the servants with the hot water, Maggie pulled out of Robert’s embrace and went to let them in. After directing them to the bath closet, she went to check on Gemma and wee Jamie. Both, to her delight, were sound asleep. With any luck, they would not stir until morning, giving her hours yet to celebrate her husband’s homecoming.

Returning to the bath closet, she watched the maids fill the tub, offering instructions when necessary. When all was prepared to her satisfaction, she sent them away before returning to Robert’s bedchamber, where she found him seated upon the needlepoint settee in the window alcove, removing his boots and stockings. As he reached around to unfasten his cravat, he looked up to find her watching him.

“Shall I remove the rest?” The wolfish grin he gave her set her blood afire. “Or would you prefer to do the honors?”

“Let me,” she said, excited by the idea of peeling off his clothing, layer by layer. Doing so would afford her the chance to discover his body anew.

He got to his feet and stalked toward her like a predatory animal. When he was only inches away, he spread his arms wide and laughed. “I’m all yours.”

She started with his waistcoat, working the buttons out of their holes in silence. As much as she wanted to inquire further about Juliette and their sleeping arrangements, she wanted him naked even more.

When the waistcoat was off, she tugged his shirttail free of his breeches. Sliding her hands inside his shirt, she relished the feel of his flat belly and muscular chest. Locating his nipples, she gently pinched them between her thumb and forefinger.

Groaning with pleasure, he shut his eyes.

She pressed a kiss to his stubbled chin before unbuttoning the ruffled cuffs on his sleeves. When they were open, he lifted his arms so she could pull the shirt off over his head. Trembling at the sight of his naked chest, she kissed and licked each of his nipples to hardness before moving to his breeches. As she untied the ribbon closures, she did everything in her power to tempt and arouse him. When his breeches fell, she wrapped her hand around his c**k.

“Oh, Rosebud, my sweet seductress,” he breathlessly whispered. “You certainly know how to drive me wild with desire.”

She gave his erection a few ardent strokes before letting go. Yes, she knew how to inflame his passions, but she also knew when to back off to prolong the seduction.

He stepped out of his puddled breeches and kicked them aside before gripping her shoulders. “Now, it is my turn to undress you,” he said with a devilish grin. “For I should like you as naked as a nymph whilst you give me my bath.”

Here’s more about the author:

Nina Mason is an incurable romantic who strives to write the same kind of books she loves to read: those that entertain, edify, and educate. She has two series out at present, Royal Pains (historical erotica) and Knights of the Tarot (erotic PNR/UF). She also has published three stand-alone novels: Sins Against the Sea, The Queen of Swords, and The Tin Man. The latter two are not available at this time. Born and raised in Southern California, Ms. Mason holds a degree in journalism from California State University at Fullerton and currently lives with her family in Woodstock, Georgia. To contact Ms. Mason, email her at ninamasonauthor@gmail.com.

Here’s where you can find Nina on social media:

Visit Nina’s website: http://ninamasonauthor.com

Follow Nina on Facebook: http://facebook.com/ninamasonromance

Follow Nina on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ninamasonauthor

Find Nina on Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/ninamasonauthor

Follow Nina on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nina-Mason/e/B00J5N2PX8

Subscribe to Nina’s newsletter: https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/authorninamasonsnewsletter

October 17, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Release Day HEATH, CLIFF & WANDERING HEARTS by Laura Barnard

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of contemporary rom-com/chicklit, best-selling author, LAURA BARNARD, to release her latest: HEATH, CLIFF & WANDERING HEARTS! I absolutely love this author’s work (previous works include The Debt & the Doormat series), and spent many a night laughing out loud, cheering the characters on, as well as to feel the characters on an emotional level. Now, the wait is over….

HEATH, CLIFF & WANDERING HEARTS IS RELEASED TODAY !!!

heath-cliffs-wandering-hearts

Blurb:

Life for sixteen year old Savannah Franks has just been turned upside down. Her Mum’s business has failed and they’re forced to move into a maisonette in the rough end of town.

She doesn’t want anyone to know her dire situation, not even her besties. So when the rest of the money for the school ski trip is due she can’t be seen not to attend. Everyone is going! She just needs to find a job. Add that to the list of getting a boyfriend and losing her pathetic virginity.

But working every spare hour in a job she hates on top of school work and mounting secrets doesn’t prove easy. Soon she’s keeping so many she’s not even sure herself what’s true and what’s not.

The only person she can lean on to tell the truth is her best friend Heath.

Only…did he get hot recently? That won’t make things awkward between them…right?

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON UK

AMAZON US

Author info

Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or ‘chick lit’ as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She’s a real fan of the power nap and of course READING!

She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

http://www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks

https://twitter.com/BarnardLaura

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3490836.Laura_Barnard

October 12, 2016 by Tina Williams

Pre-Order Blitz ~Seduction and Surrender boxed set, by Natasha Blackthorne

Erotic Historical Romance for Adults 18 and Over Only.

0.99 Kindle US Limited Time Price

Five Scorching Hot Historical Romances. Approx. 2000 pages.

A Measured Risk: He is her most dangerous temptation. Now he’s demanding her submission. Dare she take the risk?

Emotionally scarred in the horrific accident that took her husband’s life, Lady Cranfield is imprisoned by her lingering terror of horses and carriages. She’s fascinated by the Earl of Ruel. She believes that he can teach her bravery.

And now she’s willing to risk almost anything-her reputation, even her virtue-to find out. But what he proposes startles her.

Ruel instantly senses that shy Lady Cranfield could be the sweetest, most
submissive experience of a lifetime-if only he can gain her total and
complete trust. He offers his help in return for her submission and
obedience.

Neglected as a child by her ducal parents then later ignored by her handsome, charming husband, Lady Cranfield learnt to protect her heart at all costs. She trusts no one but herself.

How will the jaded Earl of Ruel break through her self-protective defences and earn her trust and submission?

*****

Trust Me: Anne and Jon’s love was born in isolation. Necessity thrusts them back into Society. There are those who will stop at nothing to tear apart the fragile bond between the newlyweds.

As external foes close ranks, how will Lady and Lord Ruel learn to overcome their personal demons and trust each whilst keeping their love, and her sanity, intact?

****

Perilous Risk: Blackmailed by a vicious, powerful aristocrat, common-born, gentle-natured Rebecca Howland is in desperate need of help. From the shadows steps forth a man offering her aid–a man she once rejected. A changed man with a dark, mysterious past.

Stephen Drake lost Rebecca long ago. Now a spy for the Crown, with power, funds and a title, he’s been assigned to follow Rebecca. His old passion for her flares and his darkly erotic side—one he’s fought to keep hidden for many years–awakens with a vengeance. This time, he’s determined to possess her forever.

But as danger surrounds them, the two lovers must face secrets that could destroy them and the fragile trust they’ve built.

****

The Delicate Matter of Lady Blayne: Driven to the brink of madness by love for her late husband, a young man too ill to meet the demands of the marriage bed, Lady Blayne teeters on the brink of scandal. Now she faces the temptation of a man she once
rejected—husband’s cousin and heir, James, the new Lord Blayne. His
sensual appeal, iron will and stern self-mastery fascinates her. What if
sensual indulgence is the only way out of her darkness? However, those
she loves the most control the young widow through manipulation and
coercion.

Honor bound to protect Lady Blayne, James will not risk his heart. He must wed a socially appropriate heiress. Scandalously self-indulgent Lady Blayne won’t do. Yet the pretty girl he once knew has grown into a beautiful, curvaceous woman—every man’s dream. Especially his.

****

Miranda’s Dilemma: Poised to become Mayfair’s most expensive courtesan, Miss Miranda Jones finds her rise inexplicably blocked by a socially powerful nobleman. Scorned by her ducal father and determined to attain everything that life has denied her, she’s not about to let this arrogant earl stop her.

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, saw his father destroyed by a
heartless, predatory courtesan. He has no time or patience for such
nightbirds. He’s far too busy restoring his family’s wealth and reputation whilst doing what he can to protect his friends from the clutches of London’s scheming courtesans.

Then a moment of compassion turns intense dislike to breathless passion, and these two strong-willed, fiercely proud people indulge in a brief affair. Each is convinced that they can satisfy their craving without emotional risk.

These scorchingly hot historical romances contain darker, angsty themes
and frequent love scenes with frank sexual language, description, aspects of light BDSM and aspects of abuse in the characters’ backstories.

Buy Now

.99 Kindle US Price

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon Australia

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October 11, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Summer Review Round-Up 2016

Dear readers,

It may be Autumn, but we’re still clinging on to the end of Summer with our Summer reads from June, July and August recapped for you to check out. We hope you all had some great hols and had the chance to read a book or two!

One of the perfect summer reads for me was Alison Brodie’s THE DOUBLE, where the setting on a luxury yacht on the Côte d’Azur really grabbed me. A perfect read even if not on holiday as it certainly makes you feel like you are!

And, with many of our reads being dark, paranormal, sci-fi and HOT erotic, they’ll be perfect for warming up your evenings for the following months.

For more info on each book and our full reviews please click on the titles.

Happy Autumn, everyone!

Caroline & Tina 🙂 ❤

Angelis Vampire Series by Shane North, fantasy, paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

SHANNON (book 1) Blurb: Shannon’s life is happy except for her nightmares, but when she watches her mom and dad being murdered by the monsters in her dreams, her life falls apart. Her best friend turns out to be a werewolf, the man she thinks of as her other father is the alpha male, and her long lost uncle is a vampire lord from Angelis. Angelis is in another time dimension, a world ruled by Royals, a pureblooded line of vampires with powers never seen in this time dimension. Angelis is a medieval world of castles, and ancient magic that her mother and uncle were forced to leave to save their lives.

Shannon’s journey leads her to follow her destiny and meet the love of her life. Destiny and her uncle lead her to find out what she really is, where she came from, and to become the strongest immortal to live. Shannon learns to kill quickly, and to love like there’s no tomorrow when she meets her mate from her dreams. Simon, an eight-hundred year old Viking has searched the world for his true love when he meets Shannon. What will Shannon’s uncle, Simon’s maker, have to say about this? A young woman from South beach, destined to overthrow the vampire council and rule the immortal race with the help of the ancient Shaman Neeb.

SHANNON’S REVENGE (book 2) Blurb: My name is Shannon O’Callaghan and I’m immortal. I live in an amazing world of time travel and magic, where vampires and werewolves are normal and I call them family A family some would say are monsters, but they love me unconditionally and it’s the life I was meant to live. My father was Connor O’Callaghan, a visionary that led the wolves to peace and prosperity. My mother was Callidora Angelis, a Royal vampire from another time dimension. Their love and life together are what made my life possible, but, it is also what caused their death. And, it’s their death that fuels my journey of revenge on those who stole my life.

This immortal word is controlled by The Vampire Assembly. The Assembly is an evil group of twelve who decides the fate of its followers. They are devils dressed like mortal men who kill with pleasure and live off of blood slaves they keep in their dungeons. They are evil, they are responsible for my parents’ death, and I will see them dead. My day for revenge is finally coming and The Assembly is mine to kill. Then and only then will I rule this land as their queen.

REAGAN’S DESTINY (book 3) Blurb: Death has arrived in earth’s time dimension. A foul stench filled Shannon’s nose, a smell of sulfur and death. This might have been a vision, but her power spiked as she sensed the source and moved towards it. Her life force surrounded her as her swords appeared in her hands. She gripped them tightly and stepped through a massive oak door. Before her stood a giant of a man.

His essence was black as coal, and his soul had long been lost to his dark side. His ancient leather armor looked old and battled; it smelled musty from the dried blood and looked dry and brittle. This had to be Kyran. Evil always had a dirty, unkempt appearance, and his aura was encircled with death. She could sense his blood was similar to Damon’s, and she knew she would take great pleasure in killing him someday. But what happens when Kyran is taken to earth’s time dimension by Neeb’s evil brother, seeking to kill the remaining royal Angelian family and end their bloodline forever.

In this riveting spin off from Shane North’s Angelis Vampire Series, an unknown Angelian is faced with death, her new life and the destiny the fates have planned for her.

Figs by Tabitha Rayne, erotic lesbian menage/romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Two girls, some fruit and an office perv—what could possibly go wrong?

When Mae finally confronts the office perv, Rory, by taking part in one of his suggestive pranks with a fig, she starts a journey that changes the way she thinks and feels about her current partner, Janey. Janey lost her sight just before they met and Mae realizes she has been keeping Janey like a prisoner in her own home—safe, protected and unseen. After the scene with Rory, Mae decides to take Janey out and show her off to the world—something she should have done a long time ago…

Little does she know what a hellraiser her girlfriend can be.

Sex Hell: A Love Story by Joe Canzano, comic fantasy, humour, paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: When Debbie de La Fontaine tries to spice up her love life by supernaturally tampering with her sex life, she is cursed to spend every future encounter in a magical place called “Sex Hell,” where the sex is ludicrous and amazing–but the romance is scarce.

Her only chance for escape is through the stingy clues supplied by a laughing demon, and the only way to obtain the clues is by returning to Sex Hell again and again to have outrageous sexcapades with the man she most wants to avoid–or does she?

Sex Hell is an absurd comic fantasy about the confusion of relationships. How is love related to sex, and how is sex related to love–and do love and sex need to be related at all?

*This book contains profanity and adult situations

All That Glisters by C. J. Fallowfield, contemporary erotic romance, humour (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: The spin off to the best-selling humorous erotic romance standalone, The Temptress.

Hunter Donovan. He was everything I openly loathed, but everything I secretly desired.

Cocky, arrogant, and crude. When Hunter wanted something, he pursued, relentlessly, until he got it. And right now, I was his prey. The trouble was, I didn’t want to be added to his endless list of conquests.

Gorgeous, masculine, with a body made for sin. The most perfect specimen of male I’d ever set eyes on, and he knew it. The trouble was, I saw the pain he was trying to hide, and I wanted to heal him.

He wanted my body, but I wanted his heart.

Coco Barella. She was everything I openly desired, but everything I’d convinced myself I didn’t need.

Beautiful, sexy, and sassy, all of the qualities that I wanted in my bed. Compassionate, loving, and perfect, all of the qualities I didn’t need in my life.

I needed to pull her to me, but at the same time I wanted to push her away.

When the sexual magnetism between two people is so hot, that it can scorch everything around it to ash, who will emerge from the flames victorious?

A standalone erotic romance novel, which contains adult content and is only suitable for the over 18’s

A Most Demanding Mistress (Fashionably Impure #2) by Natasha Blackthorne, historical, erotic regency romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Scorching Hot Historical Romance

Miss Miranda Jones is indisputably the most beautiful, elegant and sought after courtesan in all of London. She hides a past full of pain and rejection beneath an exterior of pride. She knows that noblemen put their own fickle interests first and cannot be trusted. Scorned by ducal father, she never needed or expected anything from a man, except his financial support. Luxurious living makes a soothing balm against the sting of the ultimate rejection.

Now she’s madly in love with a nobleman who cannot afford to keep her in such extravagant style. And she wonders if a courtesan can ever afford to indulge her own passions? Can she really gamble so capriciously on her own future and put the happiness of the moment above future security? Will her gentleman prove himself no better than any other nobleman that she has known?

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, has seen the men of his family destroyed through their obsessive need to possess beautiful women. He’d always thought himself immune to such unworthy drives. Now he’s fallen under the spell of Miss Miranda Jones.

Miss Jones’ high standards and past reputation foretells that she’ll be a most demanding mistress. Despite his relative lack of funds, Adrian is determined to work hard to protect and provide for her. Passion led this skeptical gentleman to declare himself in love. Yet as they enter a protector and mistress relationship, Adrian finds himself consumed with possessiveness. And he can’t help but wonder if is it true love that motivates him? Or is it the need to own her stunning beauty? He must find the answer before their tempestuous romance breaks both of their hearts.

A Most Demanding Mistress is part of the Fashionably Impure Series and is best read after Miranda’s Dilemma.

Reader advisory: This story contains frank sexual language and general bedchamber naughtiness. Abuse issues are alluded to in the backstory.

The General’s Daughter & Stolen Melody (Snow and Ash, books 1 & 2) by Heather Knight, post-apocalyptic, dark erotic romance suspense (reviewed by Tina Williams)

THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER (book 1) Blurb: Eighteen year-old Ilsa’s father, General Balenchuk, is one of the few men with balls enough to build a tiny island of civilization after a global catastrophe sends humanity to near extinction. He runs Bluefield Mountain with an iron fist, and he’s even more controlling when it comes to his daughter. Ilsa’s been dead inside for years—that is, until the person who hates her most takes her hostage.

When twenty-two year-old Talon Heinesman kidnaps Ilsa Balenchuk, it’s not just because the leader of a rival territory ordered him to capture the general’s daughter. Four years ago, her selfishness set into motion a series of events that resulted in his mother’s and sister’s murders. He’s buried his rage for four years, and now it’s time to mete out the punishment she deserves.

Their story sets Ilsa and Talon on a steamy, turbulent path full of danger, incendiary passion, and a bond so deep it could kill.

This romantic suspense novel contains dark, mature situations and sensitive subject matter, and contains triggers some readers may find discomforting. It is a work of fiction and is intended for adult readers.

STOLEN MELODY (book 2) Blurb: The rest of the world knew her as Melody, the beautiful young siren who rose to the top of the music scene just before a volcano blew and wiped out most of civilization. For the past three years, nineteen year-old “Imogen” has been living under the protection of a small town pastor, and no one else in this increasingly righteous parish knows her infamous history. The whole The rest of the world knew her as Melody, the beautiful young siren who rose to the top of the music scene just before a volcano blew and wiped out most of civilization. For the past three years, nineteen year-old “Imogen” has been living under the protection of a small town pastor, and no one else in this increasingly righteous parish knows her infamous history. The whole persona of Melody was a corporate fabrication, and Imogen would like to forget that part of her past.

Ex-felon Axel Diehl is scouting ahead for a well-organized gang when he spots his fantasy girl. There’s no mistaking the small scar on her hand, those full lips, or that kick-ass figure. It’s too good to be true, and when the gang takes control of Sadie’s Bend he publicly claims Melody for his own.

Can sweet Imogen become the sexy Melody of Axel’s dreams? Can Axel give his poster girl the love she craves? Or will the violence of this new, post-apocalyptic world tear them apart?

This dark romance novel contains mature situations and sensitive subject matter, and contains triggers some readers may find discomforting. It is a work of fiction and is intended for adult readers.

The Double by Alison Brodie, romance, mystery, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: A night she can’t remember. A week she won’t forget.

Beth is mistaken for rock star Sonita La Cruz, and ends up on a billionaire-dollar yacht. As a shift-worker in Glasgow, Beth has only known hardship. Now she’s in a world of uniformed stewards, delicious French food and rows of gorgeous designer clothes. Beth keeps quiet about the mix-up, determined to wear every outfit in her wardrobe before she’s sent home. What’s wrong with a little play-acting? Beth takes to the role of rock diva like a duck takes to water.

Aleksandr, the captain, arrives and is astonished to see a beautiful raven-haired girl lying on deck issuing orders through a loud-hailer. After talking to Beth, Aleksandr realises what has happened. His smuggling buddies, knowing Aleksandr needs to speak to Sonita about a kid’s crisis, grabbed Beth by mistake. Aleksandr is desperate. To save those children, he needs money, but Sonita has disappeared.

Beth rises to the challenge. She looks like Sonita, so why not BE Sonita? Beth does a magazine interview for one million dollars, and ransoms herself for another million. Beth saves the kids … but can she save herself? Too late, Beth discovers why Sonita disappeared.

A love story set against the backdrop of a luxury yacht on the Côte d’Azur, a civil war in the Eastern Bloc, and a Glasgow housing estate.

November Rain (Bad Bloods #1) by Shannon A. Thompson, sci-fi dystopian, paranormal, urban fantasy (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Serena isn’t human. She is a bad blood, and in the city of Vendona, bad bloods are executed. In the last moments before she faces imminent death, a prison guard aids her escape and sparks a revolt. Back on the streets determined to destroy her kind, Serena is spared by a fellow bad blood named Daniel. His past tragedies are as equally mysterious as her connection to them.

Unbeknownst to the two, this connection is the key to winning the election for bad bloods’ rights to be seen as human again. But Serena is the only one who can secure Vendona’s vote. Now, Daniel must unite with her before all hope is lost and bad bloods are eradicated, even if it means exposing secrets worse than death itself. United or not, a city will fight, rain will fall, and all will be threatened by star-crossed love and political corruption.

Beneath Broken (Imperfect Heroes #2) by C.J. Pinard, contemporary, military romance, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: He’s a clean-cut cop who loves a good challenge.
She’s a smart executive with no interest in falling in love.
It won’t take long for the flames of desire to scorch them both, forcing them to either douse the blaze, or succumb to the fire.

MASON
I don’t give up easily. My personality and training taught me that failure is not an option, and getting the attention of the beautiful executive president Harper Mathis is going to be my biggest challenge yet. But first I’ve got to find out why she’s so withdrawn. A woman that stunning must have secrets and I’m going to find out what’s hiding behind those baby blue eyes of hers. She’ll quickly see how much I love a good game of chase.

HARPER
I’ve gone through hell and am not ashamed to admit that I’m broken. Damaged goods. Used up and empty. I want nothing to do with men or love, especially not a cop and a veteran – one who puts his life in danger every day. I’ve been there, done that, and my heart has no interest in someone like Detective Mason Oliver. Even if he’s the hottest thing I’ve laid eyes on in a very long time. I get the feeling Mason always gets what he wants, though. Well, he hasn’t seen my stubborn side.

Beneath Broken is book 2 in the IMPERFECT HEROES series and is for readers 18+.

The Scottish Diamond (novella) by Helena Fairfax, contemporary romantic suspense, mystery, drama (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: A powerful, intense and dramatic Scottish romance novella – one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page…

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair…” When Lizzie Smith starts rehearsing Macbeth with her theatre group in Edinburgh, she’s convinced the witches’ spells are the cause of a run of terrible luck. Lizzie’s boyfriend, Léon – a former bodyguard – is mysteriously turned down for every job he applies for, until he’s finally offered the job of guarding “The Scottish Diamond,” a fabulous jewel from the country of Montverrier.

But the diamond’s previous guard has disappeared in mysterious circumstances. The people of Montverrier are known for double-dealing and skulduggery, and the Scottish Diamond has a history of intrigue and bloody murder. Lizzie is plagued by nightmares in which Macbeth’s witches are warning her of danger.

Then Lizzie discovers she’s being followed through the streets of Edinburgh, and it seems her worst fears are about to be realised!!!!

The Scottish Diamond is a standalone story. Lizzie and Léon first met in the romantic suspense novella Palace of Deception, which is set in the Mediterranean country of Montverrier.

All That We Are (Trust #1) by Holly J. Gill, contemporary erotic romantic suspense, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: Holly knows that sitting behind her computer isn’t going to bring one of her romance heroes to life. And despite her matchmaking friend’s attempts, she’s still lonely, looking for her Mr. Perfect. Fairytales happen, right?

As a bestselling author, Ashton Noir doesn’t need anyone or anything in his life other than his imagination. That is until he comes across Holly’s Promotional Services’ website. Further exposure for his books can’t hurt.

Communicating through the Internet and then phone calls, professional interests turn personal. Realising they lack trust and confidence in different ways, can they have a future as a couple? Or are their dreams forever going to be their safe haven?

Caught by Lolita London, historical, erotic romance, erotica (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: A Lonely Doctor

His treatment for female hysteria calms his patients, and heats Dr. Thomas Winterbourne’s blood like nothing else. Unwed, and desperately lonely, he’s rejected the idea of marriage due to his singular desires.

A Thief

Jenny Marks feels no pity for the wealthy doctor who has more comfort than she has ever found in her nineteen years. She takes a job as his maid, intending on taking anything of value from him and any other upper class people that she can.

Caught

When Dr. Winterbourne finds her pilfering his mother’s jewels, he decides upon punishing her in the most scandalous of manners, unknowingly tying their fate together.

Mean Girls by Lucy Felthouse, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Adele Blackthorne is a big girl. She knows it, and she’s been picked on all her life because of it. But she’s gotten to the stage where she doesn’t care. She may be Rubenesque, but she’s healthy, too. Much healthier than the mean girls at the leisure center that point and stare and say spiteful things about her. Adele rises above it all, and enjoys her secretive glances at the center’s hunky lifeguard, Oliver.

As the bullying of Adele becomes worse, Oliver finds it increasingly difficult not to intervene. He doesn’t want to get into trouble with work, but equally he can’t stand to see Adele treated in such a horrible way. Especially since he doesn’t agree that she’s fat and unattractive. He thinks she’s a seriously sexy woman, and would like to get to know her better.

How to Capture a Duke (Matchmaking for Wallflowers #1) by Bianca Blythe, regency historical romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: One reclusive bluestocking…

Fiona Amberly is more intrigued by the Roman ruins near her manor house than she is by balls. When her dying Grandmother worries about Fiona’s future, Fiona stammers that she’s secretly engaged. Soon she finds herself promising that she will introduce her husband-to-be by Christmas.

One dutiful duke…

Percival Carmichael, new Duke of Alfriston, is in a hurry. He’s off to propose to London’s most eligible debutante. After nearly dying at Waterloo, he’s vowed to spend the rest of his life living up to the ton’s expectations.

One fallen tree…

When Fiona tries to warn a passing coach about a tree in the road, the driver mistakes her for a highwaywoman. Evidently he’s not used to seeing women attired in clothes only suitable for archaeology waving knives. After the driver flees, Fiona decides she may as well borrow the handsome passenger…

The Virgin of the Wind Rose (A Christopher Columbus Mystery – Thriller) by Glen Craney, mystery, thriller (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: While investigating the murder of an American missionary in Ethiopia, rookie State Department lawyer Jaqueline Quartermane becomes obsessed with a magical word square found inside an underground church guarding the tomb of the biblical Adam.

Drawn into a web of esoteric intrigue, she and a roguish antiquities thief named Elymas must race an elusive and taunting mastermind to find the one relic needed to resurrect Solomon’s Temple. A trail of cabalistic clues leads them to the catacombs of Rome, the crypt below Chartres Cathedral, a Masonic shaft in Nova Scotia, a Portuguese shipwreck off Sumatra, and the caverns under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Intertwined with this modern mystery-thriller, a parallel duel is waged:

The year is 1452. One of the most secretive societies in history, Portugal’s Order of Christ, is led by a reclusive visionary, Prince Henry the Navigator. He and his medieval version of NASA merged with the CIA scheme to foil their archenemies, the Inquisitor Torquemada and Queen Isabella of Castile, who plan to bring back Christ for the Last Judgment by ridding the world of Jews, heretics, and unbelievers.

Separated by half a millennium, two conspiracies to usher in the Tribulations promised by the Book of Revelation dovetail in this fast-paced thriller to expose the world’s most explosive secret: The true identity of Christopher Columbus and the explorer’s connection to those now trying to spark the End of Days.

The Image of Her by Lorna Peel, romantic suspense (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Rachel Harris had been abandoned as a baby on the steps of a church-run children’s home in England, then later adopted. Who was her birth mother and what were the circumstances which led her to give up her baby?

Searching for someone who doesn’t want to be found seems a hopeless task, until Rachel meets Matthew Williams, a Church of England clergyman.

Then anonymous and increasingly frightening incidents begin and threaten to end their relationship. Are these actions connected to the mysterious events surrounding Rachel’s abandonment?

October 8, 2016 by Tina Williams

BLITZ & GIVEAWAY ~ The Lakeland Witches Box Set by K D Grace

The Lakeland Witches Box Set Blitz and Giveaway by K D Grace (@kd_grace)

When the mist descends on the high fells of the English Lake District, danger lurks. Demons, witches, ghosts and more gravitate to the powerful Elemental Coven – some as friends and allies, some as deadly enemies. The battle in the mist is a battle for power and love and lust, but most of all, for Tara Stone and the Lakeland Witches, it’s a battle for survival.

At last the entire Lakeland Witches Saga is available in a box set. One giant chilling, sizzling, dark and lusty binge read available now for pre-order with release set for 29 October. Make it your Halloween Treat.

Giveaway: To promote pre-orders for The Lakeland Witches Box Set, I’m giving away a $30/£20 Amazon gift voucher. Comment for a chance to win! Pre-order your copy of The Lakeland Witches Box Set for a chance to make the author VERY happy. J

Pre-order from Amazon: http://mybook.to/lakelandboxedset

Sex is magic for the Elemental Coven — powerful magic. But will it be enough to defeat the hate-driven demon determined to destroy them with the very magic of their own lust?

Body Temperature and Rising Book: 1 of the Lakeland Witches Series

American transplant to the Lake District, MARIE WARREN, didn’t know she could unleash demons and enflesh ghosts until a voyeuristic encounter on the fells ends in sex with the charming ghost, ANDERSON, and night visits from a demon. To help her cope with her embarrassing and dangerous new abilities, Anderson brings her to the ELEMENTALS, a coven of witches who practice rare sex magic that temporarily allows needy ghosts access to the pleasures of the flesh.

DEACON, the demon Marie has unleashed, holds an ancient grudge against TARA STONE, coven high priestess, and will stop at nothing to destroy all she holds dear. Marie and her landlord, the reluctant young farmer, TIM MERIWETHER, are at the top of his list. Marie and Tim must learn to wield coven magic and the numinous power of their lust to stop Deacon’s bloody rampage before the coven is torn apart and more innocent people die.

Riding the Ether: Book 2 of the Lakeland Witches Series

Cassandra Larkin keeps her ravenous and dangerous sexual appetite secret until she seduces Anderson in the mysterious void of the Ether. Anderson is the sexy, insatiable ghost who can give her exactly what she needs.

But sex is dangerous in a place like the Ether…

When the treacherous demon, Deacon, discovers the truth about the origin of Cassandra’s powerful lust, he plots to use her sex magic for revenge on Tara Stone and the Elemental Coven, who practice their own brand of sex magic.

Cassandra must embrace the lust and sexuality she fears and learn to use its power. Will she stand with Anderson, Tara, and the Elemental Coven against Deacon’s wrath or suffer the loss of friendship, magic and love?

Elemental Fire: Book 3 of the Lakeland Witches Series

Obsessed with revenge, KENNET LUCIAN makes a deal with a demon, a deal he comes to regret when he meets TARA STONE, head of the Elemental Coven, and a powerful witch with a desire for revenge at least as great as his. Even though the attraction between the two is magnetic and the lust combustive, Kennet must betray her to accomplish his goal, which is ultimately her goal as well; to put a final end to the demon, Deacon’s, reign of terror. But can Tara trust the man who has wormed his way into her heart and the heart of the Elemental Coven? Can she trust LUCIA, the demon with whom Kennet is allied, a demon with her own agenda. The path to Deacon’s destruction is far from clear, and the price that must be paid to be free of him forever may be too high, even for Tara Stone.

Demon Interrupted: Book 4 of the Lakeland Witches Series

What secrets does a man have that would cause him to chooses to live under a spell that magically erased his past? When that spell is broken Ferris Ryder must choose to remember all that he was, all that he has done and all that drove him to willingly forget. If he chooses not to remember, the consequences will be dire for himself and the Elemental Coven, who are now his family.

Is the mysterious Elaine, who both fears and desires Ferris, a ghost with a past all her own, or merely a figment of his fevered dreams as he struggles against time to remember the past he fears or destroy the very people for whom he chose to forget.

Pre-order from Amazon: http://mybook.to/lakelandboxedset

Excerpt from Riding the Ether

He was unsure if he had lost consciousness but Anderson knew immediately, when he had gathered himself enough for the knowing, that he was in the Ether, though how he had got there he could not tell. Immediately, he cast the counting spell his mother had taught him when, at last, she had agreed that even though he was no daughter, he had wit enough and was gifted enough in the Old Ways to walk safely in the void.

He had already crafted his own counting spell, for until she had relented, he had visited the Ether in secret without her permission. More efficient than his, her spell allowed him to set a small clock in the back of his mind, a clock that kept track of time in the World of Flesh, the only way to mark the passing of time in the Ether. If the counting spell were not cast, one could very easily die. While starvation set in, and the comatose body withered away in the World of Flesh, no time passed at all in the Ether. Time was simply not a concept in the void.

And though he did not remember casting the special enfleshment spell, the one he always cast for himself in the Ether, he was fully in the flesh, albeit flesh that only had substance in the Ether. He was completely naked, and fully – nay, outrageously – aroused. The pressure in his groin was both agonising and exquisite. He reached for his manhood, knowing full well he was in need of wit that he did not possess when his lust was so great. But before he could stroke himself to release, a voice spoke out from the void. ‘That belongs to me.’

He was not startled that the woman appeared out of nowhere – after all, this was the Ether. He was, however, very startled, if most pleasantly so, that she was as naked as he, and it was no hardship for him to look upon her. Before he could utter even a cry of surprise, she knelt next to him, slapped his hand away and took his member into her mouth.

‘My dear woman,’ he gasped as her tongue snaked up the underside of his manhood. ‘I do not believe we know each other.’

She stopped pleasuring only long enough to reply. ‘We will very soon.’ Then she returned her efforts to his great need.

‘I fear this shall end quickly if you do not stop what you are doing.’ He tried, though only half-heartedly, to push her away. After all, what manner of man saw to his own release before the pleasure of his lover?

‘I know you.’ As she spoke, she continued to stimulate him with her hand. ‘It may be over quickly this time, but then –’ she lifted her head enough to brush a quick kiss against his lips, enough for him to catch the tiniest glimpse of dark cinnamon eyes. ‘When it’s over we’ll begin again, and then –’ she gave his cock a squeeze ‘– then I’m sure I’ll be well compensated.’

She spoke no more, but took the length of him deep into her throat and tightened her grip until there was nothing else for it. He shuddered the weightiness of his release into her throat, and she drank it back like fine brandy. And when she had drained him as surely as if he had been the glass containing her drink of choice, she slipped up next to him, so that her tight, roseate nipples pressed against his ribs. And when she kissed him, he tasted himself on her lovely tongue. This time she kissed him with all of her mouth – nay, with all of her body if that were possible – and he felt lust already returning to his loins.

When she pulled away, he spoke in one breathless sentence, fearful that if he did not find his voice immediately, the lady’s own greed for the pleasures of the flesh might make him forget that he even possessed the power of speech, might make him forget why his voice would even be of importance. ‘My dear woman, might I at least enquire who it is that pleasures me so well and in such unusual circumstances?’

Once again, she held him with the deepest, darkest eyes he had ever seen on a woman so pale of complexion. ‘I’m Cassandra, Cassandra Larkin, and I’ve been waiting for you.’

‘Then it is clear you have most definitely found me, Cassandra Larkin.’

Though it was usually fear and uncertainty that drove those who rode the Ether to complete the task for which they had come and then return to the World of Flesh as quickly as possible, those who were more adept at journeying in the Ether knew that passions and desires were always more difficult to control in that vast space. Therefore, even though he had never taken his pleasure in the Ether before, it came as no surprise that his desire should return with such intensity. He was certain other practitioners of ethereal magic would not approve but at that particular moment on his internal spell- induced clock, he could think of nothing in the Ether he would rather be doing than sharing pleasure with Cassandra Larkin.

He was much more in control of his manhood after she had so deliciously emptied him, but he would most definitely be the first to agree with modern theories on human sexuality, stating that the brain is the seat of desire. And this slender woman, pale of flesh and hair and dark of eyes, was truly intoxicating. He wondered if her appearance in the Ether was as her appearance in the World of Flesh. Some, he was aware, chose to appear differently when riding the Ether.

He felt her hips shifting and rocking with her unsatisfied need and as he lifted himself onto one elbow, rising above her, for the first time he became aware of the bed on which they lay. It was devoid of colour, like the emptiness in which they found themselves, but it was a bed nonetheless. Anderson could not help but admire the woman’s attention to function, much more important in ethereal magic than form. And at this moment, hers was the only form in which he was interested, though he wondered why that should be when there was important coven magic in which he ought to be participating.

She guided his hand to the soft warmth between her legs, and he eased a middle finger into the slippery wetness of her ardour. His thumb caressed the heavy node of her pleasure and she trembled like a leaf on water, honeyed eyelashes fluttering over dark eyes. She opened herself to him, shifting her buttocks until he could see the heavy folds and hillocks of her womanhood pouting open before him, until he could smell the heat of her rising up from below her belly at the seat of her desire.

She lifted her arms around his neck. ‘Anderson,’ she pressed his name up through her chest and past her lips with laboured breath. ‘Anderson, it’s all right for me to have you here in this place, and I need you. Please. I need you.’

His own need grew with the feel of her beneath him, and he did not deny her the release she so needed. He cupped her buttocks, felt them tighten in his grip, felt the strain of her anticipation as he positioned himself, the head of his erect member tight against her womanhood. ‘Please,’ she whispered again.

He pushed into her until the sigh of her breath was a sob, then she wrapped herself around him and pulled up to meet him, pressing her mouth to his, whispering against his lips. ‘Ride it with me, Anderson. I need you to ride it with me.’

The power of first contact drove fire up his spine and up into his head until the very fabric of the Ether sparked with it. Then, as he thrust, it was as though she had inhaled all of him into herself, right up through the very core of her womanhood, all the way to the beating of her heart. And then she gave it all back to him again, each time driving the fire up into him hotter and brighter than the time before.

His bliss was such that he wondered if it were her intention to burn him until he was but ash to be blown away into the nothingness of the Ether. But he was too far gone for his possible destruction by fire to matter, and when she began to shudder with her release, driving her heels into his kidneys, digging her nails into his back, he allowed himself to tumble into the abyss with her. The bed she had created quite literally vanished and they were falling, endlessly falling into the heat of their release.

For a time, they floated in the nothingness, wrapped around each other. The clock in his head warned him that he had been gone too long, that there were important responsibilities he must return to, but still he clung to her.

‘Are you all right?’ she whispered against his ear.

He chuckled softly at such a question. ‘As ecstatic as the experience of sharing pleasure with you is, my dear Cassandra, it was only la petite morte. And surely you are aware that I am already dead, and therefore undamaged by even the power of your great ardour.’

To Anderson’s surprise she wept, only a little, but he appreciated the ways of women. Their ease with their own emotions was a thing much to be envied. And she did indeed weep, and hold him even closer to her, if that were possible.

‘Only la petite morte,’ she sighed. ‘Of course.’ She moved a hand down to rest against his heart. ‘I have to go now, Anderson, and so do you.’ She kissed him and in that startling moment, colours flashed before his eyes. Steamy sunsets, nights dense with stars, an older woman with a cascade of white hair falling over a black robe. Ghosts, memories, wild places. And the sharp crack of a bullwhip and fire that was cold and unnatural, and yet familiar in a way that chilled him even in his ethereal body. Then, as inexplicably as he had come to be with Cassandra Larkin in the Ether, he fell away from her into darkness.

When the darkness broke over him, he awoke on the dream bed, looking up into the concerned faces of the rest of the coven.

‘There’ll be no more dreams tonight.’ He eased his penis free and sought out the towel again as he slid down under the duvet next to her. ‘But it will perhaps ease your journey back into sleep if you’re not alone.’

About K D Grace/Grace Marshall

Voted ETO Best Erotic Author of 2014, and a proud member of The Brit Babes, K D Grace believes Freud was right. In the end, it really IS all about sex, well sex and love. And nobody’s happier about that than she is, otherwise, what would she write about?

When she’s not writing, K D is veg gardening. When she’s not gardening, she’s walking. She walks her stories, and she’s serious about it. She and her husband have walked Coast to Coast across England, along with several other long-distance routes. For her, inspiration is directly proportionate to how quickly she wears out a pair of walking boots. She also enjoys martial arts, reading, watching the birds and anything that gets her outdoors.

KD has erotica published with Totally Bound, SourceBooks, Xcite Books, Harper Collins Mischief Books, Mammoth, Cleis Press, Black Lace, Sweetmeats Press and others.

K D’s critically acclaimed erotic romance novels include, The Initiation of Ms Holly, Fulfilling the Contract, To Rome with Lust, and The Pet Shop. Her paranormal erotic novel, Body Temperature and Rising, the first book of her Lakeland Witches trilogy, was listed as honorable mention on Violet Blue’s Top 12 Sex Books for 2011. Books two and three, Riding the Ether, and Elemental Fire, are now also available.

K D Grace also writes hot romance as Grace Marshall. An Executive Decision, Identity Crisis, The Exhibition, Interviewing Wade are all available.