Mr X is one of THE most anticipated dark reads of this year and I am not alone in looking forward to this release day! Read on for the synopsis, teasers and a thrilling excerpt that will just make you want more! There is also a Rafflecopter giveaway, the prize a £25 Gift Card or cash. Tina 🙂
*Author Note: This is not your average romance story. Some people will kill for love.*
He’s come to kill me.
I’m a user and abuser of my own body. In the darkest hour I sold my soul to the devil and now I must pay the price. With his gun to my head I have no choice but to listen and obey, but I refuse to go down easily. Nothing is stronger than the will to survive. My instincts kicked into full gear the second he stepped into my motel room.
Except when I look at him I see my own heart staring back at me. A history tainted by blood.
I don’t know his name, but I know he wants me. To save myself I’ll sacrifice my sanity. My body. My soul. Something tells me the x-shaped scar that marks his eye is the only escape I have. He is Mr. X; the man who comes to claim my life. Can I save myself before he demands my heart?
WARNING:
This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, breath deprivation, strong language, drugs and alcohol, and graphic violence, which may be considered triggers.
Excerpt:
Walking to the bed, I try not to pay attention to her. Try not to notice her fearful eyes and shaking hands as I tear the blanket away from her. I hold up the gun and point it at her.
“Are you going to kill me now?”
“Yes.”
She swallows, tears flooding her eyes. I refuse to let it get to me.
“I understand …” she murmurs. “Please, let me watch the sunrise.”
“What?”
“The sunrise. I want to see it one last time.”
My mind suddenly stops working. Baffled. That’s what I am. This one thing she asks of me peels away the layers of protection I built around myself long ago. The request is one that I didn’t expect of her, even though I know her so well. I never imagined she’d still want to watch it come up. Memories long forgotten, but the desire to repeat past experiences still linger. She is still that same person.
Only in a much more fucked-up way.
I shake my head and sigh again. I jerk at the ropes, undoing them quickly, as I don’t want to waste any time. I refuse to let this get to me. I have a job to do. This needs to be done, end of story. She needs to die. I will be the one to pull the trigger.
About the Author:
Clarissa Wild is the Amazon Bestselling Romance author of FIERCE, a top 200 and top 15 New Adult Romance novel. She is also a writer of erotic romance such as the Blissful Series, The Billionaire’s Bet series, the Doing It Series and the Enflamed Series. She is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories about hot men and feisty women. Her other loves include her furry cat friend and learning about different cultures. In her free time she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, reading tons of books and cooking her favorite meals.
Want to get an email when Clarissa’s next book is released? Sign up here to receive a FREE short story: http://eepurl.com/FdY71
CONGRATULATIONS to Lacey Silks on the release of My First, My Last, her hot and emotional novel where the hero and heroine are given a second chance at love. Scroll down to read the synopsis, a sexy teaser and excerpt, buy links and more, including a Rafflecopter giveaway where some Amazon Gift Cards and e-books are up for grabs. You can also find out about the super Facebook party taking place today where you can have oodles of fun, hang out with some bestselling authors and win some prizes.
Synopsis
Fate has kept them apart for twenty years. Their roads hadn’t crossed and the stars didn’t align until now…
Matured, more experienced, pierced, tattooed and hot as hell, Adrian steps back into Mia’s life to reclaim his first love.
And the moment she sees him she can’t even remember her own name.
Adrian Reed had always remained in Mia’s heart. After all, he was her first boyfriend and the man she’d lost her virginity to, but that was twenty years ago. His sudden appearance at a bar, on a girls night out, has Mia acting like the fifteen year old girl she was when they parted.
But life now is not as simple as it was twenty years ago. With two kids, a hopeful ex-husband and new insecurities, Mia finds opening up to a new relationship more challenging.
Will she give her first love another chance, or will she push him away, this time for good?.
Stepping over the threshold, within inches of his reach, I removed my shoes and waited. He simply pulled me inside, shutting the door, and set the wine bottle and my purse aside on the hall table.
His silence buzzed through me with pleasurable tingles.
He cupped my face, tilting my head to the side. I closed my eyes, breathing in his scent. Adrian’s mouth brushed mine and my hands fell to my sides. His lips traced along the bow of my upper lip before his tongue dipped inside. I opened wider. He slowly walked backward. My foot brushed against his every few steps. Keeping my eyes closed, I followed wherever he led me until a hard surface touched my back. By this point there was nothing innocent about the way his mouth was dominating me. I heard myself moan and whimper pure lust with each breath. My hand lowered to his jeans and curved around his arousal, stroking the hard length underneath. I wasn’t sure what came over me, but I was so desperate for him, for us, I could no longer control my body. His hips pressed in as he groaned inside my mouth.
When he pulled away, his gaze bored through me with penetrating heat. If he had wanted to, he could have melted those buttons right off my dress. Adrian took me by my waist and lifted me up to the kitchen counter. His fingers slowly trailed down my nose, over my lips and chin, and then along the middle of my neck and upper swell of my breasts until he reached the buttons on my dress. My chest swelled, and all I could think about was how fast he could get this dress off me. With each passing second I found it more difficult to breathe. The fabric was restraining me as if I were locked away in a coffin.
Unfasten these damned buttons! my mind screamed, but my mouth couldn’t form a coherent sentence.
But the eager fingers from our teens now had unbelievably arousing patience and experience. Adrian undid the top button open and I looked down, following the movement of his hands.
He stole a lingering kiss again, and then flicked open one button after another, trailing a downward path until he reached the hem. Parting the fabric to the sides, he took me in, slowly scanning my body.
“You wore white the first time we made love.”
“I know.”
Everything inside me turned and twisted into knots of nerves. As he watched me, my chest tightened inside yet swelled on the outside. The heat coming off his breath and skin was too much and not enough at the same time. My cleavage and stomach were partly exposed for him, and I couldn’t help but hold my breath.
The skim of his fingers down my arms as he admired every inch of my skin sent beautiful tingles through my body. Adrian seemed in no hurry. I grasped the hem of his shirt, lifted it up and off his torso, and then pushed my dress from underneath me and moved it to the side. It fluttered to the ground, freeing my hips and legs.
And as we stared at each other, I knew that there was no one else I had ever wanted more than him. He was the soulmate I’d once lost and been lucky enough to find again. That little piece of my heart I’d locked him away in had begun expanding the moment he reappeared in my life.
Looking at him now, I couldn’t believe how much his body had changed over the past twenty years. I held my breath, admiring the marvel of a man he’d become. His naturally toned torso and sun-kissed skin mesmerized me. The tattoo weaving up his upper arm hid beyond his shoulder and all I could think about was the need for my tongue to trace those dark lines and for my lips to kiss the new patterns inked over his skin. I wanted to throw myself at his hips, wrap my legs around him, and feel him dive into me. How in the world did he have so much control? Or did he do this on purpose? It was as if he compelled me to inspect his pecs and abs and that beautiful path, sprinkled with a shadow of hair, that led beyond the buckle of his pants, just to excite me. I devoured his taut body as he leaned forward, splaying his hands against the counter at the side of my thighs. His thumbs gently brushed against my hips. The flex of his arms and that sexy way he had of focusing just on me—really, really looking at me—made me hungry for more than just baked apples.
“There, that’s much better.” He leaned in and kissed me. “Hi, Thumbelina.”
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To celebrate the release of My First, My Last, join me at the Facebook party on July 21st from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (EST). We’ll have games, trivia and loads of fun – with of course awesome prizes by NYT and USA Today Bestselling Authors!
This boxed set of contemporary romance, containing both sensual and erotic tales is downright HOT! I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC for review and I’m delighted to be sharing my thoughts and also a SCORCHING excerpt from one of the tales. You can also read the book blurb and enter a super giveaway where you can win a KINDLE!
***10 TALES OF ROMANCE FROM 10 BEST SELLING AUTHORS***
Over 3000 pages worth of books!
ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME~ ONLY 99c
Ten top selling authors come together to bring you ten titillating full-length novels of love, passion, discovery, and anticipation designed to tease the senses.
Your next obsession starts here.
Hot men. Lusty women. Dirty, raw, and arousing. Enough angst to twist your insides. From first kisses, to dangerous encounters and college seductions, we’ve collected all your favorite stories and combined them into one scintillating read filled with the confident, sexy and mysterious bad boys that will make even the nicest girl’s heart throb with desire.
His Wicked Games (Ember Casey): Lily would do anything to save her father’s failing business – even take on the infamous billionaire Calder Cunningham. But she’s not prepared for the wicked terms he has in mind…
Fierce (Clarissa Wild): Hot, brooding college bad-boy Hunter turns out to have more secrets up his sleeve than geeky book-worm Autumn can handle. Too bad for her he doesn’t give up the fight easily.
That First Kiss (J.C. Valentine): Playboy and rising author Tate Larson is focused on his work with no plans of settling down anytime soon… that is, until a chance encounter with Southern beauty Piper Donovan derails all his plans
Slow Burn (V.J. Chambers): A college junior, in hiding from a corrupt shadow wing of an arms corporation, finds herself saddled with a restrained, no-nonsense bodyguard—who also happens to be jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Layers Deep (Lacey Silks): He needs her to save a friend. She needs him to plan her revenge. Their pasts scar them Layers Deep. Their passion distracts them… and distractions can be fatal.
Learning Curves (Olivia Rigal): Ariane wanted to spice up the life of her cooking school but one of her American students may be hotter than she expected.
Can’t Shake You (Molly McLain): Carissa’s gotten herself into a mess with an impromptu renovation project, and the only contractor available to help her out happens to be the one man she’s never been able to forget. Josh is also her ex-boyfriend’s best friend, therefore completely off-limits…unless they don’t get caught.
His Indecent Lessons (Sky Corgan): When Cheyenne started her first year of college, she didn’t expect to fall head over heels for one of her professors. His interest is totally academic though, and he’s going to give her private lessons she’ll never forget.
Sorority Pledge (Daizie Draper): Inexperienced college students, Addison and Logan, recognize the need for power play in one another when they first meet. But as they dive into a BDSM lifestyle while trying to balance college life, they discover their sizzle doesn’t come without consequence.
Rae Omnibus (Blair Babylon): Rae will do anything to stay in college and for her dream of a clinic for autistic kids, but when the sexy and mysterious owner of The Devilhouse offers her job, she realizes that her small-town definition of “anything” was far too limited.
His finger stroked the inside of her thigh, seeking higher ground as his thoughts rolled forward. Piper’s eyes trained on his face, hanging on his every word. “I didn’t intend for things to get as heated as they did, but as soon as I touched you, I needed more. I couldn’t help myself. You possessed me.”
The glazed look in her eye told him that she was remembering that night as vividly as he was. Placing both hands on the cushions on either side of her body, he hemmed her in, bringing their faces so close that when he spoke, his lips grazed hers. “The way you danced that night, pushing that sweet little ass of yours against me. It’s haunted me, Piper,” he whispered. “You need to understand, I tried to resist you, just like I have been trying to resist you, but you drive me crazy. When I’m with you, it takes everything in me to stay away. All I think about, all I dream about is burying myself inside you.”
Piper licked her lips and Tate zeroed in on the tiny movement. “I want to suck those plump lips into my mouth,” he murmured. Shifting, he brought his knee up so it rested on the couch alongside hers and hovered over her. Her face was flushed and her chest rose and fell heavily. She wasn’t unaffected.
“You need to leave,” she said weakly.
Tate chose that moment to drop his head into the crook of her neck, nuzzling her. She smelled faintly of roses, and his cock jumped at her soft, feminine scent. “Do you want me to leave?” he asked softly.
He could feel her softening beneath him, her breath coming out in shudders as he skimmed his lips lightly up her neck to her ear, where he licked the pulse beating rapidly beneath her sensitive skin. “Yes.”
The single word left her on a stilted breath, only solidifying his need to get inside her. “I don’t think you do,” he murmured. With sure hands, Tate grabbed the backs of her thighs and yanked her toward him, seating her firmly beneath him on her back with her legs spread wide.
****
I enjoyed ALL of the novels in this super smexy boxed set and award the collection a sizzling 4 stars. I felt that some of the reads warranted five stars and where this is the case I have indicated in the reviews below.
His Wicked Games, by Ember Casey *****
I LOVED this erotic contemporary take on Beauty and the Beast! The tale concerns the reclusive Billionaire Calder Cunningham and Lily Frazer, who trespasses onto his estate, to convince him not to pull the plug on his family’s funding of the community arts centre she runs with her father. I adored the increasingly passionate encounters between the couple as Lily risks all, including her heart to secure the future of the centre. Both characters were fun to get to know and the love-making scenes were particularly inventive AND super sizzling! Suffice to say that I have added a couple of fantasies to my list after reading this novel. I am looking forward to reading His Wicked Games, book #2.
Fierce, by Clarissa Wild *****
This is an emotionally intense and oh SO sexy New Adult read. I ADORED how the author pairs geeky Freshman Autumn with the super-hot bad boy Hunter and how they bring out the best in each other. Hunter is following a dark path and when Autumn falls hard for him will he drag her down with him or will she be his light and saving grace? The plot is full of suspense and twists and turns and Clarissa Wild has a real gift for character building. There are some sizzling scenes and plenty of angst as Autumn unravels the many secrets that Hunter is hiding behind his rough persona. The read contains lots of hot and sweet sex between the couple and also violence and drug references. Book #2 Flame, which continues their romance promises to be a must read.
That First Kiss, by J. C. Valentine *****
A sexy and memorable read featuring a sassy heroine and a loveable playboy, which brims with passion, humour and some great characterisations. It is impossible not to like the spunky heroine Piper who wants to escape her poverty stricken roots as she is hardworking, fun loving and independent. The scene where she first hooks up with Tate is a SIZZLING one! There were times when I could have cheerfully slapped Tate for being such a cad to Piper, but he DID grow on me. I particularly loved how Piper stood up to him and tried to ignore the attraction between them. Of course, although Tate has commitment issues he cannot deny the attraction he feels for Piper, yet will he lose her before it is too late?
Slow Burn, by V.J Chambers ****
In this romance I loved the fact that the hero Griffin and the heroine Leigh, two individuals who are very much broken in their own way, come together and help each other to mend. Leigh is leading an aimless life at college, indulging in drugs and meaningless sex, until Griffin appears. Realising she is in dire danger and at the same time becoming more and more attracted to the taciturn bodyguard hottie that is Griffin, Leigh decides to turn her life around. Despite their attraction, Griffin hides a dark secret that could jeopardise their future relationship and enemies are hot on their heels trying to destroy them. The tale contains some hot scenes, jealousy, drugs, violence and suspense. There are also references to psychological and physical abuse. Slow Agony is the next read in this series.
Layers, by Lacey Silks *****
This is SUPER SEXY erotic Romantic Suspense and one of my favourite within the boxed set in terms of its sizzling scenes and its intricate plot which kept me guessing. The heroine Allie wants revenge on a man responsible for destroying her life. The hero Tristan needs her expertise to help him rescue someone close to him and the mission puts her in great danger. I LOVED the chemistry between them – it is off the Richter scale and they cannot keep their hands off each other! Yet will Allie escape physically and emotionally from the mission once it’s complete and will she succeed in garnering Tristan’s help in exacting revenge? The read is very suspenseful and secrets are slowly revealed as the story progresses. It does end on one helluva cliff hanger and I will definitely read the next book, Layers Peeled, as I badly need to know what happens next!
Learning Curves I and II: French Cooking 101 and Advanced French Kissing, by Olivia Rigal ****
This novel is cleverly and expertly written – just when I thought that I had got the measure of some of the main characters I began to question my opinions and wonder if they are at all what they seem! I liked how it was written from the different POV of the main characters, giving me a real insight into their motivations and their actions. The novel is inter-dispersed with delightful French recipes, much humour and some hot lovemaking scenes. The principal characters have some baggage from previous relationships which they have to come to terms with. The book mainly focuses on the romances of siblings Mary and Peter. Peter, a widowed academic, who has accompanied his sister to Paris. Both siblings find romance – Mary with the taciturn George, an author and Peter with the owner of the cooking school, Ariane. The path to true love is not straightforward for Ariane and Peter however, as there are sacrifices ahead and also secrets from the past that the couple will have to contend with. Also is Peter the right man for Ariane after all she has been though? The next book in the series, Learning Curves3, Detention, continues the tale.
Can’t Shake You, by Molly McBain *****
This romance is also a favourite of mine from this boxed set. It tells of Josh and Carissa, who spent a passionate night together four years ago, after which fate drew them part. Yet a few years down the line Josh returns to the small town and he finds himself honour bound to assist Carissa with a property renovation. A permanent relationship seems out of the question as since their initial encounter, Carissa has had a relationship with Josh’s best friend. I loved the emotional and physical attraction between the couple and how their mutual lust turns to passion and they become friends with benefits and more! Will Josh’s sense of honour, coupled with the fact he does not feel good enough for Carissa mean their relationship is doomed? Carissa also has her own emotional issues to deal with. Can these two wounded people help each other to heal? An unexpected enemy puts adds an element of danger and suspense to the scorching plot.
His Indecent Lessons, by Sky Corrigan ****
This is a bold piece of work as it deals with what is regarded as a taboo subject – a relationship between a student (albeit one who has reached her majority of 18) and a college professor who is older than her. Whereas Cheyenne fantasized about meeting a more mature student who would show her the ropes in terms of sex, she strikes gold with her sexy college professor Damien. The way Cheyenne inadvertently draws his attention to her is a scene that I will NOT forget in a hurry and had me cringing and laughing out loud at the same time! Little does she realise the consequences of her actions as she embarks on college lessons of a totally unexpected kind, where she begins to explore her sexuality more fully! Yet is there a future for them when she is so young and Damien has his position as a professor to protect, not to mention the age gap? Is it just sex or is there something more? This works well as a standalone but Sky Corrigan continues their romance in His Indecent Training, which promises to take their relationship to the next level.
Rae Omnibus. Billionaire In Disguise: Rae, by Blair Babylon *****
OMG – this book is by far my favourite! It is downright sexy, the scorching love-making scenes being something very special indeed. I just loved the characters of both the hero and the heroine and as the plot progresses the emotionally intense scenes at times moved me to tears. When Rae Stone agrees to work at the Devilhouse, a BDSM club run by Wulf a mysterious and controlling Dom, so that she can fund her college course and her dream of a clinic for autistic children, little does she know how her life will never be the same again. The imagination of the author knows no bounds, the love-making scenes are sublime and their rollercoaster romance went in directions that I could not have anticipated, but the storyline flowed beautifully. I was totally emotionally invested in the characters and I will certainly be seeking this author out again. This book is a standalone, but the next book in the series, Falling Hard: (Billionaires in Disguise: Lizzy) sounds a must read too.
Sorority Pledge (Books 1-6), by Daizie Draper ****
This is a coming of age story, comprising the first six books in a ten book serialization that follows a rocky romance where the hero Logan and the heroine Addison delve into the BDSM lifestyle in a big way! It contains many heated scenes of power play between the couple as they explore the dynamics of the BDSM lifestyle for themselves and what their own limits are. It balances this with the impact this has on their studies and their growing bond with one another. It is sexually explicit and a good introduction to readers who are not familiar with reading books on this lifestyle but want to read more.
Erotic Paranormal Romance – 18+ read – contains violence, gore, mention of rape, torture, images of past abuse, spanking.
Book Blurb
Created in Darkness and born of Death, three brothers carry a deadly secret.
One lethal enough to have the dead outnumber the living. Necromancer. Biohazard. Zombie. The abomination inside Bastian Hale demanded constant payment—fresh blood. Without it, he’d rot from the inside out and become little more than a mindless monster. Some called him a living vampire, others considered him contaminated. One woman would call him hers.
Morgan Cross never understood the innate necromancer power running through her veins or why ghosts and zombies sought to ruin her life. When someone’s deadly obsession throws her into Bastian’s arms, their pasts come back to haunt them and she must avoid the one thing she was born to do—claim him as hers.
WARNINGS: violence, gore, mention of rape, torture, images of past abuse, spanking.
My Review
Deliciously Dark and Decadent
Erotic Paranormal Romance 18+read
Crimson Sins is a deliciously dark and decadent erotic paranormal read – utterly compelling and original. It introduces us to a world of magic, necromancers, zombies, ghosts, and more and contains a heady and combustible mix of smokin’ hot romance and scenes of horror. It is without doubt one of my top reads of 2014.
I ADORED the hero Bastian, a tortured alpha hottie who is immediately drawn to Morgan, the heroine. He wants to protect her, not only from his father Ronan, but also from himself as he believes that he is not worthy of a woman’s love. Morgan’s own life has not been easy as she has struggled to cope with her ability to see spirits and has been grossly misunderstood. She is shocked to realise that she is a powerful necromancer and despite her independence welcomes Bastian’s help in protecting her from his father, who desires her for his own evil ends. I LOVED how Morgan’s powers grew throughout the novel and how the couple united in battling Ronan.
Ronan is a formidable adversary and will stop at nothing to achieve his ends, including his evil sorcerer’s magic. Can Bastian open his heart to trust a female necromancer whose own magic could enslave him just as his father’s had?
The lovemaking scenes between Bastian and Morgan are sublime – graphic, scorching hot and emotionally intense and left me in no doubt that the couple are destined to be together. These scenes contrast with the bloody and visceral scenes of horror and violence which illustrate the evil that is Ronan, Bastian’s father.
The enduring bond between the three brothers, Bastian, Rory and Nathan, who had shared so much pain and abuse in the past was also a feature of the read which I enjoyed. Although this book focuses on Bastian we are afforded an insight into what makes his equally tortured and hot siblings tick and I seriously hope that Madeline Pryce will be penning their own books soon!
The pacing of the book and the balance between the scenes of magic and action and horror with the romance and lovemaking scenes were perfect. If you like erotic paranormal romances, with strong references to horror you will love this book too. Go forth and buy Cimson Sins now! You will not be disappointed!
A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Whoo Hoo! Madeline Pryce’s eagerly awaited Dark Secrets, the second book in her fabulously sexy Dark Series is released today! For the blurb, a sizzling 18+ excerpt and buy links read on.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to enter Madeline’s super giveaway where she is giving away her entire back list to the lucky winners! That is three full-length novels: Dark Cravings – Dark #1, Dark Secrets – Dark #2, and Crimson Sins – BiD #1 & three novellas: Dark Innocence – Dark #1.5, Claiming Ecstasy and Wicked Magic. The giveaway closes at midnight PST on 7/18 – to enter please use the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post!
If you favour erotic paranormal reads with uber sexy alpha heroes, then I’d urge you to check this author out! I was completely enthralled by Claiming Ecstasy and Crimson Sins, which are amongst the best paranormal romance reads I have ever experienced! Tina ❤
Dark Secrets (Dark #2)
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419991370
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Theme: Vampire/Demon (a few shape shifters thrown in there…)
Length: 85,000 words
Book Blurb
The worst moment of Micah’s life was when Ella nearly died in his arms. Her miraculous recovery should have been the start of their future. Unfortunately, a new demonic heritage, the Shadow Agency’s corruption and Julian, the vampire who turned Ella, are testing their relationship. Despite hotter-than-ever sex and a variety of new places and positions to explore, Micah begins to wonder if a relationship based on lust can survive for more than a few scorching-hot months.
Ella has forgiven, but not forgotten, the fact that Micah once plunged a dagger through her heart. Everything with Micah is passion, excitement and an uncontrollable desire to explore his body in a variety of very satisfying ways. But as buried secrets, ongoing lies and murderous deceptions pile up, Ella is reminded that she and Micah’s relationship was based on a curse. In order to forge a future together, Ella and Micah will have to face down their personal demons—and prove that love and trust are more than just words.
A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
I popped the button on his pants and trailed my tongue over the curve of his jaw. “Does it matter? Julian can wait.”
Micah growled and spun me to the dresser, lifting to set me on top. He slapped a palm against the wall above my head, caging me in. Escape, although I didn’t want it, would have been near impossible.
“Don’t even say his name. One day, I’m going to rip out his spinal cord.” The coarse golden hair dusting his jaw rasped against my cheek as he took my mouth in a kiss that sent us both spiraling.
The aggression lurking inside him coalesced. Demanding. Rough. He moved his hands over my body, exploring me as if we’d not already memorized every inch of each other earlier that day at the Vault. Mindless to anything except the male body in front of me, I was lost to all reason.
I threaded my fingers through his hair, holding him against me. I stroked my tongue against his, addicted to the taste of him. When I tilted my head to the side, our teeth clanked. Our embrace deepened as he dug his hands into the soft flesh at my hips and slid me close. He ground his body against mine and devoured me.
The demon lurking under the surface made me yearn for it to claim me. Never breaking the kiss, Micah moved the material covering my breast aside and cupped the tender weight. A sharp spike of need ran straight to my core. His hands were callused, the perfect texture moving across my sensitive nipple. The sudden need pulsing through me was going to tear me in half.
When he released my mouth, I gasped for breath. The sensations he caused had me clutching the corded muscles at his back. Featherlight, such a contrast to the frenzied need to mate surging between us, his lips moved across my cheek to my neck.
“I want your hair down.”
He tugged at a few things and within seconds, my painstakingly created up-do fell apart. He ran his hand through my curls. The gentle touch turned forceful. Forming a fist, he tugged, eliciting another needy moan when my head snapped to the side allowing the access he desired.
He nipped the scar on the side of my throat, the imprint of his teeth. I trembled from head to toe.
“Julian may get you tonight, but it’s me who you’ll smell like. My come inside your body. My marks on your flesh. I’ll make sure you remember the feel of my cock with every single step you take.”
Haven’t read the Dark series yet?
Start with Dark Cravings (over 50 five star reviews on Amazon), it’s the first full length novel in the series…
Dark Cravings Blurb
Ella Grey’s life sucks. A half-breed vampire, she does her best to pass the time killing demons and secretly admiring her Shadow Hunter partner, Micah. He’s hot, dangerous and knows it. He’d be just Ella’s type if he weren’t likely to kill her the moment she put a toe out of line.
A chance encounter with a succubus changes everything. From the second the succubus’ spell washes over them, Ella and Micah are helpless to keep their hands off one another. The sex, when it’s not leaving them on the verge of death, is earth shattering and for the first time in ages Ella is connected with someone on a level she’d feared lost forever. But a dangerous prophecy has been set into motion, and if Ella’s not careful it’ll pull her straight from Micah’s arms and into the deepest bowels of the underworld.
A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously published under the title Blood Lust Rising. It has been revised and expanded for EC.
Dark Vengeance (#2.5 Castro – 45k) – release date coming soon!
Dark Promises (#3 Ella/Micah) – Spring 2015
About Madeline Pryce
Madeline Pryce wrote her first novel when she was ten, penned with neon-pink ink in a loose-leaf binder. Captivated by romantic literature, yet intrigued by the paranormal, she continues to develop her own voice, writing the kinds of stories that inspired her as a teen.
I LOVE it when the hero and the heroine have a chance to re-kindle their romance! What would you do if your first love unexpectedly reappeared decades after you had parted company? Would you embrace the attraction that still exists? This is the situation that Mia finds herself in when Adrian steps back into her life after she has experienced a divorce. It is not only her own future she has to think about but that of her two children…
This sounds such an emotional and fascinating romance which is due to be released on July 21st and I’ll be sharing my thoughts on it with you very soon as I’m pleased to say that I have a review copy from the author. Meanwhile check out the synopsis and some sexy teasers and enter the super giveaway! Tina 🙂
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Title: My First, My Last
Publication Date: July 21, 2014
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Wordcount: Approximately 78,000
Publisher: MyLit Publishing
Format: eBook and Paperback
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Fate has kept them apart for twenty years.
Their roads hadn’t crossed and the stars didn’t align until now…
Matured, more experienced, pierced, tattooed and hot as hell, Adrian steps back into Mia’s life to reclaim his first love.And the moment she sees him she can’t even remember her own name.Adrian Reed had always remained in Mia’s heart. After all, he was her first boyfriend and the man she’d lost her virginity to, but that was twenty years ago. His sudden appearance at a bar, on a girls night out, has Mia acting like the fifteen year old girl she was when they parted. But life now is not as simple as it was twenty years ago. With two kids, a hopeful ex-husband and new insecurities, Mia finds opening up to a new relationship more challenging.Will she give her first love another chance, or will she push him away, this time for good?
Author of Erotic Romance, Lacey Silks writes her stories from life experiences, dreams and fantasies. She likes a pinkish shade on a woman’s cheeks, men with large feet and sexy lingerie, especially when it’s torn off the body. Her favorite piece of clothing is a birthday suit.When she’s not thinking about writing steamy stories, which is a rare occasion, Lacey enjoys camping and skiing with her family (not at the same time of course). She’s a happily married wife blessed with two kids who adore going to the library. She’s an early bird by nature, but loves the nightly adventures with her hubby which provide good content for her books.
Sign up for Lacey’s newsletter to receive an email of when the novel is released.
To celebrate the release of My First, My Last, join me at the Facebook party on July 21st from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. We’ll have games, trivia and loads of fun – with of course awesome prizes!
Can’t wait for My First, My Last? Try one of Lacey’s backlist titles. Dazzled by Silver is the prequel to the Layers Trilogy and it’s free at most retailers.
For me Summer is by far the best time of the year. I live in the UK and while we are not guaranteed sun during June, July and August, when it does shine I am a happy bunny. I can sit out and eat in the garden, wear what I want and generally celebrate the good life! Whatever the season though I am never without a good book and the 30 DAYS OF SUMMER BLOG TOUR is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about some authors you already know, discover some new ones and try your hand at winning some super prizes!
One of my favourite authors, Christina Phillips, is visiting our blog today to share the cover and blurb for her brand spanking new release, HER VENGEFUL SCOT, an historical erotic romance. Having read the first book in this series, Her Savage Scot, I am chomping at the bit to find out about the romance between the hero and heroine of this novel, Scottish warrior Cameron and the Pictish lady Elise. This author’s romances sizzle with passion and raw emotion and always have a page turning plot! There is also a sexy excerpt and a some great prizes up for grabs in the giveaway including gift cards, paperbacks, swag and jewellery.
BOOK INFORMATION
Title: HER VENGEFUL SCOT Series: Highland Warrior Chronicles (Book 2) Author: Christina Phillips Word/Page count: 83,000 words Buy links: AmazonEllora’s Cave
BLURB
To avenge his sister’s honor, he must destroy the woman he wants most in the world…
Ordered to remain in Pictland, Cameron MacNeil fights the lust that consumes him whenever he encounters the aloof princess, Elise. Not only is she a cursed Pict, she belongs to the man he has vowed vengeance upon.
Despite her reputation, Elise has no interest in men until she meets Cameron. Lacking the famed Scots charm, his blunt ways enchant her and he ignites a passion she long thought dead. When she is freed from her difficult marriage, Elise places her trust in the tough Scot warrior who has stolen her heart.
Bound by blood oaths, the only way Cam can protect Elise from political schemes is to make her his bride. When Elise discovers the truth, she fears everything she knew about her husband was a lie. All she can do is trust her goddess was right and Cameron is her one true love.
A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
EXCERPT
Cameron MacNeil continued to glare at her, his eyes smoldering with black passion. She tried to ignore the prickles of awareness that burned her flesh beneath his gaze. But her chest constricted and it was hard to breathe, never mind engage in conversation with him.
That he desired her was obvious. That he hated the fact he wanted her was also painfully obvious. She could only hope he had no idea of the effect he had on her.
“Why are you out here alone, my lady?” he said, still speaking in his bone-meltingly accented Pictish although it was apparent to them both, she was more fluent in his language than he was in hers. But how did he manage to inject so much venom into such a mundane question? If he loathed conversing with her people to this degree then why did he continue to torment her with his unwelcome presence?
As if to belie her thought, her treacherous gaze drank in the way his unbound hair whipped across his face in the Highland breeze. The way his white linen shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. How it molded against his powerful chest beneath the length of plaid slung over his shoulder.
His presence tormented her. But despite that, it was not unwelcome.
Fire flooded her veins, warming her cheeks. Goddess, she was blushing like a maid. No man made her blush. She was immune to their charms, no matter how much she enjoyed their company. And even if Cameron MacNeil awoke long dormant desires within her, it was nothing but a cruel contradiction—for she certainly did not enjoy his company.
Her heart hammered an erratic rhythm as she watched him step closer to her. The sky receded. The earth fell away. He filled the world and stole the air, raised the heat and made it hard to think, to reason.
He was so close she could feel his uneven breath across her face. Could see the deep brown of his eyes, the intriguing thickness of his lashes. For a fleeting instant his features softened and she saw beneath the simmering hatred he appeared to hold against her people. And in that moment the gaping chasm of want and loneliness that corroded his soul slammed through her breast.
She gasped. A shiver trickled along her spine at the eerie certainty that she had just glimpsed the true man beneath the warrior. For one brief moment, his façade had cracked. And even though now, once again, his countenance was as forbidding as it had always been, she knew the truth.
His air of fury and his curt words were not intended as a personal affront against her or her people. It was an act of self-preservation.
AUTHOR BIO
Christina Phillips is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their family. She enjoys writing paranormal, historical and contemporary romance but whether the hero is a fallen angel, tough warrior or sexy mortal, the romance will be sizzling and the heroine will bring her hero to his knees.
Christina is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.
We are thrilled to be a host for the cover reveal of Alicia Taylor’s and Natalie Townsend’s first release, CORRUPTED, a dark contemporary. Have a peek at the cover and read on to check out the blurb and an excerpt and teasers that will leave you wanting more! You can also find out about and connect with the authors. ❤
Synopsis
I am going to marry a monster.
He is my everything.
He manipulates people for fun. He takes over their lives, consuming them. He dominates and crushes, ruling them, claiming their souls. No one can survive the games of Damon Hunt.
Before now. Before me.
I am Ella Knight. I am corrupted. My sister was a victim of Damon’s games. It’s my turn to play now.
Damon Hunt has been my sole focus, my everything for three years, since my sister’s death. I’ll manipulate him. I’ll take over his life, consuming and crushing him. I am going to take away his soul. Damon Hunt will not survive my games. I will win.
I look down at Cory and feel nothing; no joy at breaking him, no happiness at succeeding, and certainly no sadness over lost love. I don’t really remember feelings nowadays. Love isn’t real. It hurts people. It’s a word used too often without meaning. I have no time for love. I am empty. A single vessel floating around a universe of
nothing. I have no reason to feel anymore. No real reason.
The weeping man before me brings no emotions out in me. They never do, they’re just collateral damage. They’re all the same – easy to please, easy to hurt, full of broken promises. The world would be better off without men in it. I didn’t need to ruin Cory. I was ready when I left Scott. Cory just happened to catch my eye at the right time. Or wrong time, depending on how you look at it. I want to laugh at his pathetic display of weakness. Crying over a break up? Disgusting. Love sucks, get over it already!
“You’re weak. Nothing but a pathetic piece of shit.” I snarl.
“I don’t understand. Why? What’s changed since this morning?” his eyes plead with me. This is the part I like. Seeing how far I can push them. “Baby, I love you.”
“You think you love me after three months?” I laugh and shake my head. “You were easy.”
“I do. You know I do. You feel the same, you said you loved me. Why did you fuck him?”
I can see the doubt set in as he looks up at me. I smile. Stupid man. “I’ve never loved you. It was all a game. You were a game.” He sucks in a shocked gasp. “I saw you the night before in the bar. You’d cheated on your girlfriend, but you were still trying to make her feel bad for your actions. After you got caught. Like it was her fault your dick slipped into the redhead. I had to have you then.” I walk to him and crouch down so we’re eye level. “It took one flash of leg to get your attention. One smile to get a drink. Three days for you to say you were sorry for the first time. By day eight you told me you loved me.” I tilt my head to the side to look at the poor excuse of a man I’ve been shacked up with for the past three months.
“Why are you doing this?” he cries as his head drops forward, shoulders hutched over in defeat.
“Because I can.” I snap. “You tried to manipulate a vulnerable woman. You used love to hurt her. I couldn’t let you get away with that, you needed to feel the pain you caused your ex.”
“So this has all been revenge for Carol?” Cory asks in an incredulous voice.
“No. I’ve never spoken to Carol before. This was about more than just your ex, Cory. It was about the man you are. What you represent. I knew on day five that you would be the easiest. A few words in your ear and you believed my words over a fourteen year friendship. Never put hoes before bros, it’s a known fact. That friendship took twelve days to break. Twelve days as opposed to fourteen years?” I laugh at his stupidity, shaking my head. “Pathetic.”
“Tony didn’t?”
“Tony certainly did. Just not the way I told you.” I’m ready to leave. I stand and move to collect my bag from the kitchen table. “I never needed anything from you. I don’t need anything from anyone. All that money you’ve given me, I didn’t need any of it. I just needed to see how hard you would try to keep me.” realisation is finally sinking in. He sounds broken.
“Why? Why? Because I lost everything. All because of a man like you.” I shout at him before calming my voice. “Your dad never touched me, you know?” a sob tears from his throat, raw pain. “Sure, he grabbed my arm and made those marks but only after I told him I was using you. Good thing mummy dearest believed him.”
“You bitch.” he cries, looking torn up. Yes, he’s too broken to even stand up to me. I walk to stand in front of him.
“I am a bitch. I don’t feel. I don’t love. I hate. I only hate. I hate you.” I grab a hand full of his brown hair, squeezing it into a fist then pulling his head back so he’s looking at me. “I would say it’s been fun but you’re the same as the rest of them. A lying, cheating, lousy lay. Have fun trying to build bridges.” I push away from him, stride to the door, and exit, leaving it to slam behind me. I smile as the cold, February air stings my face. The winter sun is shining bright. It’s deceiving. Like me, beauty surrounded by nothing but bitterness. It takes nothing but a smile to lure men in. I use them. I manipulate them. I break them. That’s the best part, leaving them broken with nothing and no one left. I had everything taken away from me because of one man. The Demon. Damon Hunt.
Damon is a hunter. He preys on innocent women. He breaks them, tears them apart until they have nothing more left to give. It’s time for the hunter to be hunted.
Author Bio’s
Alicia Taylor is 28, lives in Derbyshire in the UK with her husband and two step-daughters. Corrupted is her debut novel which she cowrites with Natalie Townson. This is book one in the Manipulation Trilogy. Her love of reading led to blogging which led to this – dipping her toes in the indie author pool.
Natalie Townson is 31, a mother of one beautiful little boy and lives in Gloucester in the UK with her Husband. Corrupted is her debut novel that is a book one of the manipulation trilogy, that she co writes with Alicia Taylor. She is currently working on book two of the series which is nearly complete.
We are so pleased to welcome the blog tour for The Hunter’s Realm, a magical fantasy romance by Brianna Hughes! Just check out the hottie on the cover! Scroll down for the blurb, super excerpt, trailer and more and read my review! Also don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter as 5 e-book copies of The Hunter’s Realm are up for grabs!
Kelly Jackson has spent four years running and hiding. Her prince turned out to be an abusive bastard who tried to take her son. Moving into a nice quiet neighborhood the last thing she wants is to be drawn to her McHottie neighbor. No matter that her children think he belongs to the family.
Elliot Hensworth, one of the Realm’s mightiest warriors, was sent to the other side to guard the weakening wall between the Realms. The last thing he needs is a petite sexy neighbor with her inquisitive children to find out that he isn’t what he seems.
The Hunter’s Realm is a story of strength, love and courage, face your worst fears and survive, to put your faith and trust in another person and the joy that comes when you do.
The Hunter’s Realm
Brianna Hughes
Purchase Links
Amazon US | B&N | Kobo
Trailer
Teaser
She couldn’t deny his wonderful work ethics. Like a busy little ant, he went through the house diligently. Kellie made him the list he asked for and by the end of the afternoon, he’d tackled it all and even fixed some things she hadn’t even noticed. Like the handle on her dresser drawer; it had to be her underwear one, of course. He’d just casually dumped it on the bed. Her waist high granny panties, all in the exciting color of white, poured out.
Okay, so she shopped for comfort instead of sexy. It wasn’t like anyone usually saw them, but talk about embarrassing. After he’d fixed the drawer she dived onto the bed to put them back, the thought of him handing her underwear somehow too intimate for her to handle.
He’d of course just grinned, a cocky smile that he liked to use a lot and made her insides turn upside down each time he did.
Excerpt
After all, wasn’t every day that a total hottie almost landed in her lap wearing low-hipped track pants and no shirt to hide the flattest stomach and most deliciously muscled arms ever? However, that’s all she’d be doing–looking. No touching, definitely no touching. But God, those clear, bright blue eyes and sun streaked, golden tousled hair almost made her change her mind.
“Sorry if we bothered you,” she said. “We’ve been cleaning all morning, and the twins needed to let off some steam.”
“It is I who must apologize for the irregular behavior. I assure you that it will not be happening again,” he said, shrugging sheepishly.
Rea tugged on her hand so she looked down.
“Is he a powceman, mommy?” he said in a loud whisper that sprayed from his lips.
Good question. Kellie looked at the stranger. Good looks aside, why had he dived into their yard with a gun?
“No, I’m not a policeman. Although, I do work with them occasionally, I’m an oddity investigator or maybe easier to be known as a missing persons investigator,” he answered.
Kellie’s eyes widened and in spite of her vow to stay celibate, her libido woke up and yawned with interest. Go back to sleep, she told her awakening body. I swore off men, remember?
My Review
Fun and Sexy Fantasy Romance
The Hunter’s Realm is the first book that I have read by Brianna Hughes and I found it a fun and sexy read with super characters and plenty of action.
I liked the concept of the magical Realm, populated with creatures of myth and legend. Although the Realm is hidden from the human world, the barriers which separate the two worlds are breaking down. To maintain the safety of the inhabitants of the Realm, the hero Elliot, a warrior renowned for his hunting prowess, is despatched to the human world to track down and return to the Realm any magical creatures who have crossed over.
Elliot becomes immediately enamoured with his new neighbour, Kellie and her two children. Their romance is both sweet and hot, attraction is mutual and it develops fairly quickly. Although Kellie has sworn off men due to an abusive ex (who was a real b******), and Elliot does not feel ready to settle down, they nevertheless fall in love. When Kellie’s ex reappears in her life, she and her children are put in great danger and the unthinkable happens. The human world and the magical world of the Realm collide and Kellie must adjust to not only finding out that Elliot is not whom he seems, but that the world of magic exists and that her abusive ex has an evil agenda of his own.
I LOVED Kellie! She is a strong woman, who has done her utmost to protect her children and is doing a great job of surviving on her own. Her experience of men is limited to the abusive relationship she had with her ex and I loved how Elliot’s actions make her feel so womanly and desirable, giving her confidence that she never realised she had.
Elliot is a powerful and drop-dead gorgeous example of masculinity – hell just look at how he is depicted on the book cover! He is every woman’s dream, kind and sensitive, good with children, romantic, humorous and yet more than capable of using his skills as a warrior to protect those her loves. As the romance progresses there are many hot scenes as the couple struggle to keep their hands off each other.
The villain of the piece is a real monster and is not averse to committing violent acts to gain his ends. I also enjoyed the other characters who played key roles in the plot, especially Elliot’s parents and his sister and Kellie’s children.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy a fun, spicy and action-packed fantasy romance.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this book was provided for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
About the Author
A little about me is I am a person who loves life and living in the moment. I have found a deep passion in my life in writing romance and erotica novels as much as I enjoy reading them too. I started writing as a hobby and since have been inspired to publish what I have. My heroines are always strong women that can stand up for themselves.
My favorite genre to write is Paranormal, but I am delving into other genres as well. My passion is to express how I feel and see romance, sex, and creatures of the unknown come alive on the pages of my books. Immortal highlanders, witches, vampires, Lycans, warlocks and many more, some of my work is inspired by daydreaming , but mostly by a wild imagination. I am now exploring, Contemporary, Fantasy, Historical and Western Romance, as well as Erotica. I am also thinking of doing a few YA books too.
My first book was published on May 7, 2012, ever since Blood Ties (Wicked Blood Series #1) hit the shelves it has been great and a dream come true. Taking the characters that are in my head and bringing life to them is accelerating. I am staying very busy these days as I am working on three more books for this year. One is another in the Wicked Blood Series and another from my Marshal’s Series and a final one with my Co-Author J.L.Raven.
Coming June 20,2014 I will be releasing another novel, this is a fantasy romance entitled, “The Hunter’s Realm” published by BookRhythm.
I could not have gotten this far without the Lord’s help and several friends and family.
TITLE – Restoring Lady Anna SERIES – Eversley Siblings Series AUTHOR – Em Taylor GENRE – Historical Regency Romance PUBLICATION DATE – 1 May 2014 LENGTH – 55,000 COVER ARTIST – Veronica Fernandez
BOOK SYNOPSIS
When Lord James Eversley is accused of a murder he did not commit, he dresses up as his new brother-in-law’s footman and hitches a ride in their carriage out of town. When it seems they are no longer being followed he begins to relax until a minor accident causes them to stop at a shabby looking inn. As his “master” and his sister sip tea in the scruffy parlour, James comes face to face with Lady Anna, the woman who left him in the dead of night five years before and a familiar looking child.
Lady Anna has accepted her life as Mrs Johnstone, mother of four-year-old Viola, “wife” of Peter, the mentally ill former footman and land lady of a shabby inn on the Great North Road. Her plans for a love match with the handsome Lord Eversley were cruelly snatched away from her five years before. Her ruination means there is no opportunity to return to her family or the ton. When James turns up, dressed as a footman and demanding answers, Anna must decide whether to tell the truth.
James never stopped loving Anna and now he must learn what happened that fateful night that Anna left him heartbroken. With the truth out in the open, he must convince the love of his life to take a chance on him. He wants to marry her and restore her reputation among the aristocracy. But in Regency England reputations are easily lost and difficult to regain. Can Anna trust James enough to do what is right for Peter, despite his actions, her child and most importantly himself? Can James convince Anna to seek the help that Peter needs and return to the ton?
“No.” She should lie. She knew she should, but his light blue eyes seemed to bore holes into her very soul and she could not bear to hurt him further. She could not bear to have him think badly of her.
“Then I do not understand why you left. Was it… was… God dammit.” He took a large gulp of his ale and looked around before leaning close. “Was it the bedding? I know you were an innocent and it must have hurt but…”
“No.” She shook her head fervently. Could he really believe that the best night of her life had driven her from him? “That night… it was very special. You were wonderful and kind and caring. I could not have asked for a better lover the first time.”
Relief washed over his countenance before he frowned. “Then why?”
Should she tell him? Could she? “It is too complicated to explain, except to say that it was not my choice and it was not your fault.”
He pushed his long fingers through his blond curls and stared into his ale. “Is he—the footman—still alive?”
“Yes.” He looked into her eyes—the hope that had shone there moments before was gone.
“So you are married.”
“We never married.”
“You live in sin?”
“Yes. I refused to marry him—not even to give my daughter a name. I tell people I am Mrs Johnstone, but there are no legal documents and no marriage. Therefore, you can return to the ton, my lord, and tell them that Lady Anna Kingsley is a whore and has a bastard child.”
Now perhaps he would leave her alone to her miserable life and find someone who would make a proper countess when his father died. She swallowed hard, forcing back the tears. Willed herself to stay strong. She only had to stay strong until the damned ostlers could help Lord Ramsey’s horse.
“Shh! I will be returning to the ton to tell them no such thing. I wished you would tell me what actually happened, if for no other reason than to assuage my fear that it was something I did or said that drove you away. You said you have a daughter?”
“Yes. Viola. She is a pretty little thing but can be quite precocious when she wants to be. She would have made a beautiful debutante whenher time came.”
“Mama. Who is this?” She turned to see Viola standing at her side and realised it had been the child who was tugging at her skirts.
**** James stared at the little girl standing next to Anna, tugging on the grey wool skirt. Blond hair, blue eyes and rosy cheeks that reminded him of Rebecca when she was small. She even had the little turn up in her nose that was identical to his sister’s. But, it could not be. This child could not be his? They had made love but once—or at least just one night. But he had not withdrawn as he knew he should. He had been too caught up in the moment—in their love. Had Anna fallen with child that one glorious night, how old would a child be? Three? No—four! Was this little girl four? He had no idea how large or small a child should be at the age of four. He did not come into contact with many children.
But he did not have to ask her age. His sight told him that Viola was his as did something else…instinct perhaps? He schooled his features so they were unreadable. Years of training to be a gentleman, to show no outward emotion, were now paying dividends.
“This is Lord Eversley, a friend of mine.”
“Oh. Pleased to meet you Lord Evasey.” She bobbed a small curtsey, and he noted that she over extended her back leg a bit like the actors did in the theatre at the curtain call. It was very sweet. The child obviously did not meet many members of the aristocracy. Though it was just like Anna to have taught her daughter to act like a lady in preparation for meeting a viscount or even a duke.
“Very pleased to meet you too, Viola.” She smiled dazzlingly at him. It really was like being taken back in time to when Rebecca was a child.
“Mama, he’s awake. I heard him shouting.”
“I see.” She turned to James. “I need to go just now. I have things that must be attended to.” Anna stood and looked like she was about to bob a curtsey but seemed to the think better of it, probably remembering he was supposed to be a footman.
He watched her leave, Viola’s hand in hers. He had sired a daughter and all this time he never knew. He did not need Anna to tell him that Viola was his flesh and blood—he knew it with every fibre of his being. If he said it outright, would Anna lie? Could she lie about something as monumental as him having a child? Not the Anna he once knew. But she was harder now—more resilient. He saw it in her eyes. Even though he had sensed she had been on the edge of tears, he suspected Mrs Anna Johnstone did not cry very often. But he must allow Anna to tell him in her own time. There was a lot more to this than a silly lady having her head turned by a handsome footman. Was the person who had just woken the footman? Why had Viola looked unhappy when she had to announce the footman was awake? And why was Anna the one working in the taproom?
He would find out, and he would not leave this place until he knew the whole truth and certainly he would not leave without his daughter.
My Review
Passionate and Compelling Regency
This Regency romance by Em Taylor examines some heavy issues – kidnap, mental health and social mores – in particular the expectations imposed on women by the Ton. However, at the centre of the tale is the romance between Anna and James. Fate has now reunited them but their current circumstances could not be more different and there are moral as well as social dilemmas to overcome if they are to secure their HEA.
Both the hero and the heroine of this novel are well developed characters – Anna is no vacuous Regency miss and neither is James a fop or wastrel and they both exhibit a high level of maturity and compassion for others in addressing the predicament they find themselves in. That the couple are still deeply enamoured with each other is beyond doubt and there are many sizzling love-making scenes. Anna is certainly a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to give James what he needs and James finds it difficult to restrain himself.
The central conflict however remains – how can Anna be persuaded to resume her place in society, when she has not only been disgraced, living with a man out of wedlock, but also having birthed an illegitimate child? Her fears are not just for herself but also for the potential impact on her daughter and James. The issue of Peter’s future and his mother Agnes, with whom she and her daughter have forged a strong bond, is also problematic.
I understood Anna’s dilemma and applauded James’ patience in addressing her concerns. The scenes where the author depicts James’ conflicting emotions: surprise; relief; joy; anger; frustration and passion, are very well done. Will Anna consent to be his wife and return to society or will she find it impossible to contemplate despite her love for James? Also if she does resume her rightful place as an Earl’s daughter will James be able to deal with any fallout?
I enjoyed how the author contrasts the life Anna was thrust into as an ordinary member of Regency society and the life of the aristocracy. I particularly liked how it gave the hero a deeper insight into those less fortunate than himself. The depiction of Peter’s mental illness and how the hero and heroine react to it is also enlightening and heartrending
All in all Restoring Lady Anna is a sexy, passionate and thought -provoking novel, which provides a fascinating perspective on Regency society. I recommend it to romance readers in general, particularly those who enjoy Regency romances or reads where issues affecting women’s role in society are under the spotlight.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was provided by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Em was born and brought up in the Central Belt of Scotland and still lives there. She was told as a child she had an over active imagination–as if that is a bad thing. She’s traded her dreams of owning her own island, just like George in the Famous Five to hoping to meet her own Mr Darcy one day. But her imagination remains the same.
Unfortunately, Em was put off reading and writing by school and although she rediscovered her love of reading many years ago, she only tried her hand at writing again in 2011. After a year of writing fan fiction, she wrote an original short story for an anthology. This was followed up with two more shorts and 4 novella length books, all published under a pen name. Having fallen in love with a new sub-genre, courtesy of books by Mary Balogh and Lynsay Sands, she decided to try her hand at her new favourite genre for reading–regency.
Having bitten the bullet, she feels she has found her home in the 19th century, and it does give her an excuse to watch Colin Firth in a pair of buff breeches and riding books ad infinitum.
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