October 14, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Review Round Up Sept ’15

Hi readers, we do hope that you have been able to settle down with a great book, especially now that we are seeing the early autumnal leaves fall and the weather has now taken to a chillier feel! Yes, the warm sunshine from those September afternoons is truly behind us, and my favourite time to read is this time of year when pj’s become your best friend, along with a blanket, the sofa, a nice, warm beverage, and of course, a great book.

And so, for a few romantic read ideas, a little later than planned, we have our September reviewed titles for you to take a sneaky glimpse at and hopefully indulge yourself with! They consist of twelve titles mostly covering contemporary, chicklit, historical, erotic and comedy romances, with some paranormals and a revenge thriller!

If you’d like to share some of your cosy autumn/winter reads we would love to hear from you.

Happy reading! 🙂

Caroline & Tina ❤

As always, please click on the title/author for our full review posts!

Perfectly Innocent (Audio Book) by Tamra Lassiter, contemporary romance, suspense (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Innocent or guilty—there’s nothing perfect about it.

Phoebe Davidson is a good girl who’s been through some bad times. Her life changed forever when she learned that her husband was living a secret life. Now, six years later, she’s just going through the motions of her life, afraid to let anyone in.

When a horrific crime occurs in her home, she meets Logan Matthews, a police detective working the case. When Phoebe herself is charged with the murder, can she trust Logan? Can she, and should she let him into her life?

Lotus (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part I by C.J. Pinard, paranormal crime mystery thriller (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: 4 authors will each take a different daughter born from the Prince of Darkness, Vlad Montour. (Also known as Vlad the Impaler, an evil villain from history).

Blair – Chrissy Peebles
Jezebel – Kristen Middleton
Victoria – W.J. May
Lotus – C.J. Pinard

The Daughters of Darkness is a series of female heroines who may or may not know each other, but all have the same father, Vlad Montour.

Lotus
Don’t let the pretty name fool you. This daughter is no delicate flower.

Lotus grew up orphaned. Having no idea who her real parents were, she’s been drifting around the U.S. for over 100 years moving every 15 years or so since she just doesn’t seem to age. She’d figured out on her own that she had to be at least part vampire, as she needs to suck on a few blood bags a month to survive.

Working as a detective with the Denver P.D., Lotus is searching desperately for a serial killer who is murdering the homeless of the city. Except these are not ritualistic or thrill killings. These victims have been drained of blood and Lotus knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they have been committed by a vampire.

Her search will take her to Las Vegas, and that is where the true adventure will begin, when she finds out who has been searching for her.

This is part I of Lotus’s journey. Part II will be out in late October 2015.

Jaxson (River Pack Wolves #1) by Alisa Woods, New Adult paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Three brothers. Three Secrets. One hope to save the shifters of Seattle.
Former SEAL Jaxson River would give his life for his brothers and his pack, but if he doesn’t claim a mate soon, he’ll be forced to step down as their alpha. There’s only one problem: Jaxson’s dark secret would kill any mate he claimed. With someone kidnapping shifters off the street—and only Jaxson and his brothers, Jace and Jared, to stop them—now is not the time for his secret to come out.

Curvy Olivia Lilyfield is a half-witch orphan with a dark secret of her own. She wants to atone for it by doing good in the world, so when she finds a wolf being tortured in an alley, she doesn’t hesitate to help… even though wolves and witches mix like matches and TNT.

Olivia’s dangerous magic means she can’t let anyone get too close—but Jaxson can’t keep his hands off her, and his kisses are more than she can resist. As they race to save the disappearing shifters of Seattle, the true danger lies in loving each other. They’re playing with magical fire… and their secrets could end up destroying them both.

Jaxson is a complete novel with HEA, the first in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (Jace and Jared coming soon).

Contains scorching shifter sex, alpha military heroes, and sexy witches. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.

The Delicate Matter of Lady Blayne (Intimate Secrets #1) by Natasha Blackthorne, erotic historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Catriona, Lady Blayne is recovering from a most delicate situation. 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, she teeters on the brink of scandal. Now she must face the carnal temptation personified by her husband’s cousin and heir, James, the new Lord Blayne. His sensual appeal, contrasted with his iron will and stern self-mastery fascinates her. She can’t help but ask: what if sensual indulgence is the only way out of her darkness? However, she is not free to explore the idea. There are those who seek to control the young widow, keeping her imprisoned through emotional manipulation and physical coercion. With her growing restlessness, the very people she loves and trusts the most are becoming an increasing danger to her sanity and safety.

James is determined to protect Catriona—but he will not soften to her again. She rejected him once and James can’t risk losing his heart a second time. As heir to the Blayne baronetcy, he must marry a woman socially and politically appropriate. Such a scandalously self-indulgent lady as Catriona won’t do. Yet the pretty girl he once knew has grown into a beautiful, curvaceous woman that is every man’s dream.

Especially his.

Erotic Romance; Regency Historical; Elements of Sensual Domination, Spanking and Light Bondage; Rubenesque Heroine; Character-Driven Story with Angst and Strong Internal Conflicts; Standalone Long Novel.

Reader Advisory: The characters discuss issues of abuse which took place in the heroine’s backstory. Frank sexual language & period appropriate sexual slang and general bedchamber naughtiness.

Abigail’s Affair (Looking for Love #1) by Pat Spence, contemporary rom-com, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Reasoning that absence makes the heart grow fonder and attempting to force her married lover’s hand, 30 -year old Abigail Aske decides to visit an old friend in Australia.

But staying with a 6’2”Amazonian fitness freak proves something of a challenge, as does maintaining ‘no contact’ with Jake, not to mention resisting other tempting ‘offers’.

Set against a wonderful Australian backdrop, with a host of quirky, emotionally dysfunctional characters, Abigail’s Affair tells of a woman’s search for love and happiness, revealing the highs and lows of having an affair, and showing how the experience of travel becomes a voyage of self-discovery, with surprising results.

A story of love, lies, betrayal and hope…

For anyone who is having an affair, has had an affair or is thinking of having an affair, this book is ESSENTIAL reading…

How to Kill a Minority Shareholder and get away with it by Rob Watkins, revenge thriller (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Deb had worked and fought her way from council estate to a position that promised a comfortable retirement for her and her husband, Bob, and would make all their sacrifices over the years worthwhile. Her skill, dedication and knowledge had enabled her to take a failing, small family business she had joined a quarter century before and turn it into an international empire. She had made her boss and the shareholders multi-millionaires. On paper, even Deb would walk away with a few million when it came time to retire.

At the happiest and proudest point of her hard-working life, Deb’s evil boss, Ms Summer Ponsenbury, after twenty-five years of festering, hidden jealousy, shattered Deb’s world. With the help of her unscrupulous cohorts, Summer took everything she had promised. She destroyed Deb’s reputation, took her rewards, trashed Deb’s achievements and dumped her at rock bottom.

All concerned believed they were above the law. They were too powerful and too rich to have to worry about Deb getting justice. They thought no one would care… they were wrong. They had forgotten about Bob. The fight was just about to start.

Sinful Confessions (The Cynfell Brothers #1) novella by Samantha Holt, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?

Wrath

Locked behind the walls of Lockwood Manor, Julian Cynfell, the Marquess of Lockwood whiles away his days writing angry letters, drinking and sleeping. He never expects his solitude to be interrupted by a brazen American heiress.

An American heiress who is expecting a wedding.

Viola Thompson can’t believe her luck when the English lord she has been corresponding with for the better part of a year asks her to visit him. This has to mean an offer of marriage surely? Finally, Viola will prove to her family and friends that she is more than a ruined woman with no prospects. Not to mention she knows they will be a love match. No one could write such beautiful letters without being the perfect man.

But when she arrives in cold, dreary England to be faced by a foul-tempered, grizzled—albeit in a handsome way—marquess, her dreams of marriage are quickly dashed. Can she draw the lord out of his melancholy ways? And does she even want to remain in England while rumours of three dead wives circulate around Lockwood?

One thing is for certain, this American heiress has never been one to back down from a challenge—especially when not even the Atlantic Ocean could dampen the patent desire running between them.

The Temptress by C.J. Fallowfield, contemporary erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: There’s just something about a French accent, something that conjures images of romance, sex and passion. There’s a reason French is called ‘the language of love.’

Lulu McQueen runs an exclusive honeytrap agency, to test the fidelity of rich men for their suspicious partners. While her business flourishes and her track record in the field remains unbroken, earning her the nickname of The Temptress, her personal life isn’t so successful.

A trip to Paris, years ago, led to the most erotic encounter of her life with Luc, a charismatic, dominant, irresistible Frenchman. For one night she experienced bliss on a scale she’d never encountered and fled in the morning, ashamed of herself, but her Parisian one night stand was burned into her memories and no one since had compared.

With no one available on short notice, Lulu steps in to lure Mrs. Le Grand’s rich husband, for an extortionately high fee. Lulu’s in for the shock of her life when she finds her mark at the hotel bar. Luc Le Grand still has a face and body to make Adonis weep. He exudes confidence, masculinity and raw sex appeal.

The question now isn’t whether Lulu can tempt him, but whether she can resist him, retain her reputation and secure her fee, or whether she’ll fall under Mr. Le Grand’s spell. Again.

The Crimson Corset: The Vampires of Crimson Cove by Alistair Cross, modern gothic paranormal horror (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Welcome to Crimson Cove

Sheltered by ancient redwoods overlooking the California coast, the cozy village of Crimson Cove has it all: sophisticated retreats, fine dining, and a notorious nightclub, The Crimson Corset. It seems like a perfect place to relax and get close to nature. But not everything in Crimson Cove is natural.

When Cade Colter moves to town, he expects it to be peaceful to the point of boredom. But he quickly learns that after the sun sets and the fog rolls in, the little tourist town takes on a whole new kind of life – and death.

Darkness at the Edge of Town

Renowned for its wild parties and history of debauchery, The Crimson Corset looms on the edge of town, inviting patrons to sate their most depraved desires and slake their darkest thirsts. Proprietor Gretchen VanTreese has waited centuries to annihilate the Old World vampires on the other side of town and create a new race – a race that she alone will rule. When she realizes Cade Colter has the key that will unlock her plan, she begins laying an elaborate trap that will put everyone around him in mortal danger.

Blood Wars

The streets are running red with blood, and as violence and murder ravage the night, Cade must face the darkest forces inside himself, and perhaps even abandon his own humanity, in order to protect what he loves.

“Put Bram Stoker in a giant cocktail shaker, add a pinch of Laurell K. Hamilton, a shot of John Carpenter, and a healthy jigger of absinthe, and you’ll end up with Alistair Cross’s modern Gothic chiller, “The Crimson Corset” – a deliciously terrifying tale that will sink its teeth into you from page one.”
– Jay Bonansinga, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WALKING DEAD: INVASION and LUCID

“This drop-deadly tale of seduction and terror will leave you begging to be fanged … ”
– Tamara Thorne, international bestselling author of HAUNTED and MOONFALL

“I couldn’t put this book down. It’s got more hooks than a day boat out of San Pedro Harbor!”
– QL Pearce, bestselling author of SCARY STORIES FOR SLEEP-OVERS

Hold Me Until Morning (Grayson Brothers #2) by Christina Phillips, contemporary erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’s the one girl he should never touch…

Cooper Grayson is supposed to hole up in a mountain cabin and protect his best friend’s little sister from the paparazzi for a week. That’s it. But Paris O’Connell isn’t a kid anymore, and it’s hard to remember this is strictly business when she bats her big green eyes at him…then crashes through all his carefully placed boundaries.

Paris loves a challenge. And gorgeous Cooper Grayson is the most dangerous challenge she’s faced yet. He ignores the sizzling attraction that keeps her awake at nights, and he doesn’t care about her fame or her contacts, only seeing her. When they finally kiss, Cooper leaves her bare. Exposed. His for the taking. And take he does…

For one incredibly hot week, Cooper fulfils her every fantasy. But when the real world crashes in, so does reality. And reality tells them there’s no way a Hollywood star and a bad boy from the wrong side of town could ever have a future together…

It Happened One Night (Adventures of Blind Dating #1) by Christine S. Feldman, contemporary rom-com (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Who has time for dating these days? Certainly not struggling entrepreneur Paisley Jameson, who has way too much on her plate to pay any real attention to her shriveling social life. And not mechanic Joe Spencer either, who has a lot on his mind with both the family business and family in general. But neither can say no to the beloved mutual acquaintance who wants to set them both up on a blind date.

Which is too bad, because they both kind of wish they had said no when they show up for the dinner date and realize they’ve met before–and not under happy circumstances.

But fate seems determined to prove that they’re not so wrong for each other after all, because in spite of the intentions of both Paisley and Joe to nip this whole unfortunate blind date thing in the bud and go their separate ways, events transpire to keep them together for an evening involving muggers, foot-chases, and even a high-speed trip to the ER–

And that’s all before dessert.

Dating: it’s not for wimps…

Rogue Knight (Medieval Warriors #2) by Regan Walker, historical medieval romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: “Mesmerizing medieval romance! A vivid portrayal of love flourishing amidst the turbulence of the years after the Norman Conquest.” — Kathryn Le Veque, USA Today Bestselling Author

York, England 1069… three years after the Norman Conquest

The North of England seethes with discontent under the heavy hand of William the Conqueror, who unleashes his fury on the rebels who dare to defy him. Amid the ensuing devastation, love blooms in the heart of a gallant Norman knight for a Yorkshire widow.

A LOVE NEITHER CAN DENY, A PASSION NEITHER CAN RESIST

Angry at the cruelty she has witnessed at the Normans’ hands, Emma of York is torn between her loyalty to her noble Danish father, a leader of the rebels, and her growing passion for an honorable French knight.

Loyal to King William, Sir Geoffroi de Tournai has no idea Emma hides a secret that could mean death for him and his fellow knights.

WAR DREW THEM TOGETHER, WAR WOULD TEAR THEM APART

War erupts, tearing asunder the tentative love growing between them, leaving each the enemy of the other. Will Sir Geoffroi, convinced Emma has betrayed him, defy his king to save her?

October 8, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Book Blitz Welcome Back, Jack (A Jack LeClere Novel #1) by Liam Sweeny

Title: Welcome Back, Jack (A Jack LeClere Novel #1)

Author: Liam Sweeny

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Release date: October 1st, 2015

Released by: Down & Out Books

Length: 313 pages

Blurb: When Jack was six years old, his parents were brutally slain by a serial killer. The police later found drifter Clyde Colsen driving a stolen car, his clothes soaked in blood. He was tried, convicted and executed. Jack grew up knowing that they got the guy.

Now, Jack, a decorated homicide detective in New Rhodes, arrives at the third crime scene of the “South End Killer” murders and finds his name. He will soon find out something else: Thirty years ago, they got the wrong guy. And now the right guy’s come back to pay Jack and New Rhodes his bloody respects.

As Jack struggles to stay on the case, his cat-and-mouse with the killer makes him wonder if he’s the cat or the mouse. His family, and everyone in his life is fair game. As the killer escalates and threatens the entire city, Jack has a question he must answer in his desperation; can he stop the monster without becoming one?

Author bio:

Liam Sweeny has worn many hats in his life. In addition to being a writer for ten years, he has been an artist, musician, grassroots campaign staffer and spent four years in disaster response, both in leadership and in the field.

It was in the field in New Orleans that Sweeny got his start as a writer. Hurricane Katrina, and his role in the relief effort, fueled his early writing, where he began in sci-fi/fantasy before transitioning into crime, mystery and noir.

As a crime writer, Sweeny’s work has appeared in many publications, such as Thuglit, All Due Respect, Near to the Knuckle, Shotgun Honey and others. You can find out more at www.liamsweeny.com

Follow the Author

Facebook: www.facebook.com/liamsweeny

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LiamSweeny

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PKiaOs

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1FpWdnj

October 5, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Celebrating World Teacher’s Day – 5th October

Today we are delighted to highlight the importance of teachers on WORLD TEACHER’S DAY. This is a great celebration and acknowledgement of just how much teacher’s are needed, wanted and appreciated. From our very first nursery days, right through to even post-grads, we all rely on them to educate us in all areas.

And, maybe there was always that one teacher in particular who could always get through to you, when others couldn’t? Today is that day to thank them, think of them, take the time to appreciate what you have learnt because of them.

Grammarly have put together a fantastic post, with the infographic below, that really shines a light on teacher’s all over the world. And we thought it would be fantastic to share with you!

Ways to get involved:

Thank a teacher who made a difference in your life.

Consider donating to a non-profit organization that supports educators, such as Teachers Without Borders or Teach for America.

If you have any stories you’d like to share about your favourite teachers, please do so in the comments box below, or you can share directly with Grammarly, or on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Grammarly.com is a super site, concentrating on proofreading, writing tips, providing support for professional and non-professional writer, and providing support and awareness to those who need literacy support.

You can now check out Grammarly’s Plagiarism Checker, which will check your text with over 8 billion web pages in the help to prevent sections of your work that have been published elsewhere from being duplicated.

We hope you can all share this post, and help where you can to raise awareness for literacy.

October 2, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Book Blitz The Grand Dissolute by Joel Van Valin

Title: The Grand Dissolute

Author: Joel Van Valin

Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy/Time Travel Romance

Release date: October 1st, 2015

Released by: 5 Prince Publishing

Length: 271 pages

Blurb: The year is 1998 and Jimmy Pagley is falling in love—with a pretty, foreign cafe waitress named Haydee. What he doesn’t know is that Haydee is a temvelar, a time traveler from the 29th century, on a mission to find her old mentor. Soon Jimmy and Haydee find themselves caught up in a dark conspiracy of rogue temvelars and government agents, on a search that leads through airports and space stations, art museums and suburban bakyards, Greek temples and Medieval castles, and beyond time itself. The Grand Dissolute is a traveler’s portrait of a tumultuous, romantic age—our own.

Author Bio

Joel Van Valin is the author of the fantasy novel, The Flower of Clear Burning and the publisher of Whistling Shade literary journal. He lives with his wife Lisa, a veterinarian, in St. Paul.

http://www.amazon.com/author/joelvanvalin

Author Page on Publisher site: http://www.5princebooks.com/joelvanvalin.html

Author Website: http://www.whistlingshade.com/joel.html

September 29, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Release Day Review It Happened One Night (Adventures in Blind Dating #1) by Christine S. Feldman

Title: It Happened One Night (Adventures in Blind Dating #1)

Author: Christine S. Feldman

Genre: Contemporary romantic comedy

Release date: September 29th, 2015

Length: 75 pages

Which is too bad, because they both kind of wish they had said no when they show up for the dinner date and realize they’ve met before–and not under happy circumstances.

And that’s all before dessert.

Dating: it’s not for wimps…

REVIEW ***** (5*)

Paisley and Joe really do start off on the wrong foot. And, when Mabel, a friend of both, sets them up on a blind date all hell breaks loose when they meet again and realise just who their date is! With sharp words said, it is in both of their interests to forget it and move on.

However, as I have come to realise with Christine S. Feldman, moving on isn’t quite as simple as suggested, especially when a string of extraordinary events take place and put both characters through their paces.

I found Joe to be an extremely likeable character, and from the offset I completely empathised with his family and work situation. Paisley, on the other hand, I found not so alluring. Although I understood her initial annoyance with Joe, I felt she wouldn’t even give him the chance in the restaurant. She came across quite aloof and hostile. Yet, the reader knows deep down that she can be a very sweet person, especially where Mabel is concerned, and trying so hard to make ends meet. Stress just seems to get the better of her.

Once the action sets in, and Paisley lowers her guard due to each circumstance that entails, her and Joe do begin to connect. Joe’s one hell of a patient and enduring guy, and that made me enjoy reading about his character even more.

It Happened One Night is a great short story with it’s fun capers, quick pace and great dialog. I’ll certainly be looking forward to more stories from the Adventures in Blind Dating series!

A copy of It Happened one Night was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

It Happened One Night (Adventures in Blind Dating #1) by Christine S. Feldman is now available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

September 24, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Book Blitz Developing Minds: An American Ghost Story by Jonathan LaPoma

Title: Developing Minds: An American Ghost Story

Author: Jonathan LaPoma

Genre: Contemporary literary fiction

Release date: September 14th, 2015

Released by: Laughing Fire Press

Length: 343 pages

Blurb: Developing Minds: An American Ghost Story follows a group of recent college graduates who struggle with feelings of alienation and their addictions as they try to survive a year of teaching at two dysfunctional Miami public schools.

A poetic and insightful coming-of-age novel, Developing Minds is centered on 24-year-old Luke Entelechy, an aspiring writer who sees his creative output suffer when he begins teaching at one of Miami’s most challenging middle schools. As the year progresses, however, Luke begins to relate to the neglect and abuse his students suffer, and is faced with a “haunting” decision: continue to let his dark past destroy him, or rise above the struggle to realize his potential as an artist and a “real” human being.

Equal parts disturbing and humorous, Developing Minds offers a brutally honest look at the American public school system and the extreme measures many teachers take to cope with working in it.

Author bio:

Jonathan LaPoma is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, songwriter, and poet from Buffalo, NY. In 2005, he received a BA in history and a secondary education credential from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and he traveled extensively throughout the United States and Mexico after graduating. These experiences have become the inspiration for much of his writing, which often explores themes of alienation and misery as human constructions that can be overcome through self-understanding and the acceptance of suffering. His five feature-length screenplays have won over 40 awards/honors at various international screenwriting competitions, and his novel DEVELOPING MINDS: AN AMERICAN GHOST STORY is a finalist in the 2015 Stargazer Literary Prizes for best Visionary and Metaphysical Fiction. He lives in San Diego and teaches at a public secondary school.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jonlapoma

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonLaPoma

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1OHvo04

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Pez5bJ

B&N: http://bit.ly/1Mjz45M

Website: http://www.jonlapoma.com

September 22, 2015 by Caroline Barker

COVER REVEAL Mathieu by Irene Ferris

Title: Mathieu

Author: Irene Ferris

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release date: October 27th, 2015 (expected date)

Published by: Robyn Lane Books

Length: 298 pages

Blurb: When Mathieu followed his king to war, he knew the Crusades were holy, that God went with him, and that he would return to the arms of his truest love. 800 years later, enslaved by the demon Gadreel, all Mathieu knows is pain.

After winning his freedom, Mathieu emerges from the dark void of captivity, only to find himself facing the soul of the love he left behind, in the eyes of Jenn Bartlett. Can he do the terrifying thing she asks of him, and still save her from the monster he has become? Or will the darkness overcome them both?

Author’s Twitter: @crevette32

Publisher’s Twitter: @RobynLaneBooks

Publisher: http://robynlanebooks.com/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1iA0riy

September 15, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Blog Tour w/REVIEW Abigail’s Affair (Looking for Love #1) by Pat Spence

Reasoning that absence makes the heart grow fonder and attempting to force her married lover’s hand, 30 -year old Abigail Aske decides to visit an old friend in Australia.

But staying with a 6’2”Amazonian fitness freak proves something of a challenge, as does maintaining ‘no contact’ with Jake, not to mention resisting other tempting ‘offers’.

A story of love, lies, betrayal and hope…

For anyone who is having an affair, has had an affair or is thinking of having an affair, this book is ESSENTIAL reading…

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You can grab e-book for FREE until end of blog tour

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Add to Goodreads

Author Bio

Pat Spence has worked as freelance writer for the past eighteen years and, prior to that, as a copywriter within advertising agencies. She has also worked as a magazine editor and freelance trainer, teaching public speaking and personal development, using a holistic approach within a business framework. In addition, she is a qualified massage therapist and aromatherapist, reads Tarot cards and is learning banjo.

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REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

I enjoyed this rom-com/contemporary romance as it has some great humour, cringe-worthy moments, flawed characters, a great setting, as well as some serious, emotional scenes too. It is full of surprises, with many characters to either love or dislike; many of whom have their own tale to tell, intertwining with the overall story.

To tell a story of the lead female character having an affair with a married man is quite brave in my eyes. The story begins with the reader not fully liking Abigail as we are met with her ‘sinful’ side, with no real understanding of how she came to be in that situation. The reader will certainly be surprised just how much they will come round and begin to like Abigail as the story moves on. Although, I must admit the first cringe-worthy moment for me is when the reader realises that Abigail’s lover, Jake, and his wife are expecting their second child! My head certainly rolled at this, and I became a little dubious of rooting for Abigail.

However, aside from wanting to know how life was going to pan out for Abigail and Jake, the one other thing that kept me reading is the way in which the story is written. The writing is fantastic, with perfect fluidity and easy to follow. Written in first person, the reader soon realises Abigail’s constant doubts of herself and the relationship. And, before you know it, Abigail is on a new adventure in Australia, visiting Melbourne and Sydney, and meeting many an interesting person, at the same time as seeing some amazing scenery in the mountains, by the sea, and visiting landmarks and museums. The reader will really get a feel for the place, whether they have visited it themselves or not.

Abigail was a little lost and lonely after the death of her sister. Although she has her parents, they are still grieving and constantly worried about Abigail’s safety, thus suffocating her. During this time, her best friend, Ros, was leaving for a new life in Australia. Her colleague, Jake, was all she had; the only constant in her life that she could talk to. Listening to him everyday overtime made him more and more familiar and warmer.

Despite the situation with Jake’s home life, Abigail’s desperation to be close to someone was at an all time high, and Jake was falling for her. Looking at the situation from the outside, we can gauge that she is in a mess and needs support, affection. But, in the thick of it all, Abigail sees only what is in front of her; someone who listens, someone who is kind, and someone who desires her.

Jake is hot and certainly has his pull on Abigail. She desires him when he isn’t there, longing for his touch. Knowing that he may not end his relationship with his wife, Tiffany, is killing her. And so it seems a great idea to distance herself away from him. This would provide him with an opportunity to either leave Tiffany, or leave her.

Going to Australia certainly opens up the story, and the colourful characters that we find ourselves acquainted with help make Abigail’s Affair a fun read. Not the trip she was expecting at first; Abigail finds herself having disputes with Ros, making friends with Ros’s housemate, Miranda, staying with her mum’s famous art friend in Sydney, and meeting new fellows in Bill and ‘cuddly’ Melvyn!

Bill was certainly more than a handful. I must admit that although attractive to some, there were some scenes with Bill that made me feel a little sick! He definitely isn’t my type, but his scenes stand out and still provide fun.

Abigail’s Affair is the story of a woman who is lost; she has made some silly choices and truly wants to learn what her best options are. Her time away was meant to open up the eyes of Jake, forcing him to decide once and for all between her and Tiffany. However, after meeting new people and experiencing new territories, friendships and situations it is Abigail’s eyes that begin to open, and the transformation to be a much more decisive Abigail is fantastic.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

September 11, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW JAXSON (River Pack Wolves #1) by Alisa Woods

You may remember our reviews of Alisa Woods True Alpha and Dark Alpha short story series from earlier in the year. Now she has returned with a full length novel New Adult paranormal romance shifter series, River Wolves Pack, with the first being released this week, Jaxson.

Title: Jaxson (River Pack Wolves #1)

Author: Alisa Woods

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Date released: September 5th, 2015

Published by: Sworn Secrets Publishing

Length: 167 pages

Jaxson is a complete novel with HEA, the first in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (Jace and Jared coming soon).

Contains scorching shifter sex, alpha military heroes, and sexy witches. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.

REVIEW ***** (5* RATING)

I couldn’t wait to get my paws on Alisha Woods‘s latest NA paranormal romance release, Jaxson. After reading the authors other works in this genre, True Alpha and Dark Alpha short story series, and loving every minute of them, I knew I would jump straight into the River Pack Wolves with excitement.

Jaxson is a full length novel told from both Jaxson and Olivia’s point of view. I probably love novels written in this manner best of all as this allows the reader to empathise with more than one character, which can explain their behaviour and actions. The story really flows at a good pace and has a great mix of romance, magic and action.

Jaxson is leading the River pack, trying to find out just who is kidnapping shifters off the street. Many shifters do not return, while some others have come back, but they are not the same as they were when they went in. It’s as if some of their inner magic has been taken. It is up to Jaxson and his brothers, Jared and Jace to ensure the safety of shifters before there aren’t many left to take. For this, the River pack need a good, strong leader. To become stronger still, it would be advantageous for Jaxson to be mated. The magic bond that is created between a shifter and his female mate is like no other. And, it would fare well if they had little ones as they too would be strong and healthy, being born into mated, bonded parents.

However, Jaxson has a secret, but now is not the time to tell his pack. They need him. At least to see out the attack on shifters. But, the truth is that he can’t mate. He was cursed by a witch, meaning anytime he went to take a mate, one bite would kill them!

Olivia Lilyfield is not having a great time. After walking out of her job, not wanting to adhere to her boss, and wanting to get into the thick of things with her reporting, she is left jobless and in debt. After meeting Jaxson in a sticky situation, she finds herself drawn to him. It isn’t too long before he realises her situation, and, being equally attracted to her in both his human side and inner wolf, he reaches out and offers her a steady job with good pay. How could she say no? Here is this HOT shifter offering her what she needs.

It is quite clear to the reader just how intensely attracted they are to each other. And the physical closeness that Jaxson has to Olivia at times really do turn the heat up. The passion is practically burning, it is so hot. However, after becoming so close to Jaxson, and unaware of his secret curse, Olivia realises that she couldn’t possibly be his mate – he needs to mate with a female shifter, to be an even stronger alpha and lead his pack.

They become so close that Jaxson confides in her. He also airs his concern of the missing shifters and that he needs to remain alpha at least while they deal with this problem. Working together, Olivia has a plan which will help Jaxson keep his secret a little longer, keeping his family from pressurising him, help build stronger allies with other local shifter packs and allow him the time to deal with the current disturbances, which Jaxson strongly feels are set up by the government and allowing the experimenting on the shifters.

These characters are certainly in love, and very passionate. But, to Olivia, it still couldn’t work out between them, especially now. For she also has something that she hasn’t told him; she is half-witch. On finding this out, surely he would go crazy, for it was a witch who had cursed him. Even if her were to listen, wolves and witches do not mix well together. She doesn’t practice magic, but would he believe her? And, after having an ‘accident’ with her magic years ago, could she even trust herself to be with him? Surely she was dangerous?

Readers will be treated to a story where love, romance, heat, action and magic all come together in Jaxson. You’ll be gripped from the beginning, rooting for a HEA, and constantly questioning how each of them are going to overcome their problems, their fears, and their love.

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

Jaxson (River Pack Wolves #1) by Alisa Woods is now available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can also check out our reviews of Alisa Woods’s True Alpha and Dark Alpha series:-

Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story

Guarded (True Alpha #2) – short story

Hunted (True Alpha #3) – short story

Captured (True Alpha #4) – short story

Sacrificed (True Alpha #5) – short story

Claimed (True Alpha #6) – short story

A True Alpha Christmas – novella – stand alone short story

Torment (Dark Alpha #1) – short story

Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2) – short story

Deception (Dark Alpha #3) – short story

Escape (Dark Alpha #4) – short story

Penance (Dark Alpha #5) – short story

Loved (Dark Alpha #6) – short story

September 10, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Celebrating the International Literacy Day (Sept 8th, ’15)

Tuesday 8th September was International Literacy Day, and to help Grammarly celebrate and promote awareness we are sharing their infograph (below). The International Literacy Day was first celebrated in 1966, but there is still work to be done in all corners of the globe, both in the developing and developed countries. You can check out Grammarly’s full post here.