Swashbuckling Adventure and Romance on the High Seas
Having read the first two novels in Regan Walker’s Agents of the Crown Trilogy, Racing with the Wind and Against the Wind (scroll down for links to my reviews), I was thrilled to once again have the chance to read and review this author’s work. Wind Raven, the third book in the series, is a fast-paced, swashbuckling romance. Although set in the Regency period, most of the action takes place on board ship and in the Caribbean, far away from the ballrooms and house parties held by the English aristocracy. Scroll on down for the book blurb and my review and links to enable you to connect with Regan Walker, an author who is going from strength to strength with her historical romances.
Ordered by the Prince Regent into the Caribbean, English sea captain and former privateer Jean Nicholas Powell has no time for women onboard the Wind Raven, especially not Tara McConnell. The impudent American forced herself aboard, and so she’ll get more than she bargained for: Instead of a direct sail to Baltimore, she’ll join their quest to investigate a rampaging pirat…moreOrdered by the Prince Regent into the Caribbean, English sea captain and former privateer Jean Nicholas Powell has no time for women onboard the Wind Raven, especially not Tara McConnell. The impudent American forced herself aboard, and so she’ll get more than she bargained for: Instead of a direct sail to Baltimore, she’ll join their quest to investigate a rampaging pirate, the infamous Roberto Cofresi. But the hoyden thinks she can crew with his men, and though he bans her from the rigging, Nick is captivated watching her lithe, luscious movements on deck. Facing high seas, storms, cutthroats and the endless unknown, he must protect his ship, his passenger, his crew. But on this voyage, with this woman, there is a greater danger: to his heart.
My Review
Wind Raven is a super read from start to finish, combining rip-roaring adventure and romance, with an elements of danger and suspense. The pairing of the English Captain Nick, on a secret mission for the Regent, and the unorthodox and headstrong American Tara McConnell, provides the perfect ingredients for a memorable romp on the high seas.
The swoon worthy Captain Nick, the Raven to his crew, is dedicated to life at sea. Although women certainly have their uses to him, as he is no monk, he will give his heart to no woman, due to deceit in the past. He dislikes females on board ship even as passengers and he is wary of American women in particular. However, social obligation gives him no option but to agree to accept Tara as his passenger, despite his mission for the Regent.
Tara is feisty heroine, more at home on board ship than in the ballroom, due to working alongside her father and brothers on their clippers for much of her life. She has not forgiven the English for the loss of one of her brothers at sea during a battle in the recent hostilities between her homeland and England. She refuses to stay in her cabin whilst aboard ship and wants to play an active role alongside the crew of the Wind Raven, a crew who soon adopt her as one of their own.
I adored the many scenes between Nick and Tara as she tries to carve out a role for herself aboard ship as he tries to control her and persuade her otherwise. I also loved how Nick is beguiled by her mixture of innocence, passion and unconventionality that completely foxes him and compels him to re-examine his long-held convictions and open his heart to love. It is clear early on that not only sparks will fly but also that passion will ignite between this couple, who are so well matched, if only they could see it. Although Nick is a gentleman and initially resolves not to act on his attraction to Tara, as the weeks pass and life aboard ship throws them in close proximity together, the inevitable happens. Yet as they get ever closer to Tara’s home in Baltimore what future is there for this couple who are often at loggerheads, despite their attraction, and whose lives seem so far apart? In addition, will they survive the danger that the Regent’s mission has put them in as the pirate Corfesi is a worthy adversary and no fool.
Regan Walker’s writing is not only sublime, but her characters are complex and believable and the research that she has carried out into life aboard ship and into the social life and politics of the era adds depth and interest to the narrative. I once again enjoyed how the author included real historical figures in the story, which is one of her trademarks. Wind Raven is a real page turner and a super addition to the first two books in The Agents of the CrownTrilogy. I recommend it to readers of historical romances who like strong and unconventional heroes and heroines in a plot full of adventure and intrigue.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
This book was given to me by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
Be sure to check out our reviews of Regan Walker’s passionate and intriguing Regency Romances in the first two instalments of the author’s Agents Of the Crown Trilogy, involving spies working for the Crown and the women that they fall for. I can’t believe that it was almost a year ago when I read and reviewed these books! My current read is Wind Raven, book #3 in the Trilogy, review to come in the next few days. Tina 🙂
In Regan Walker’sAgents of the Crown series we experience the ballrooms and great houses of Regency England and the danger and excitement of a post Napoleonic Paris, during the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. We also bear witness to the introduction of repressive laws in England, as the government believe that revolution will spread amongst a populace who are unhappy with poor harvests and the loss of their livelihood. Against this backdrop Regan Walker brings us tales of passion , danger and intrigue, involving agents working for the Prince Regent and the women who fall for them. I was lucky enough to be given the first two books in the trilogy, by the author, for an honest and fair review.
Racing with the Wind, (Agents of the Crown Trilogy # 1), by Regan Walker (scroll down for the review of Against the Wind)
Another sensual and romantic tale from Samantha Holt! Borderland Betrayal is book #3 in her Borderland Legacy Series set in Medieval Northumbria. It contains sizzling passion, secrets, danger and suspense and a couple who despite their apparent differences, are just meant for each other.
Book Blurb
To Captain James, duty means everything. He’s worked hard to ensure the safety of the people of Thornewall and now the border reiver threat is gone and the recovery from the plague is well underway, he finds himself questioning his life. The arrival of the vibrant Ellise only confuses him further. When he catches Ellise thieving, instead of wanting to let the law deal with her, he finds he longs to take a more personal approach… a much more personal approach. Having lived on the edge of society for many years, Ellise is used to scraping for a living and she knows moments of happiness are few and far between. So she leaps at the chance to spend one sensual night with the handsome captain. Just one night and then she’ll be gone. To her astonishment, fate throws her back into James’ sights when she accepts a job at Thornewall to look after the pregnant lady. Although the attraction still burns between them, she cannot give into it. One night has to be enough as she has far too many secrets. Should the honourable captain ever discover them, it would be more than her heart that would be at risk. Her life could well be at stake too.
My Review
Readers met the hero of this novel, Captain James, in the previous two books in the series, Borderland Bride and Borderland Beauty (click on the book titles for my earlier review). James has dedicated his life to protecting his liege lord Dominic and the inhabitants of Thornewall keep and also recognises his duty to his own lands and estates. I loved how the author pairs him with the unconventional and mysterious Ellise, a woman who rocks his very world on its axis! Their initial meeting and sizzling passionate encounter is pure Samantha Holt as it not only grabbed my attention and interest from the off, but left me in no doubt as to how this couple were fated to be together!
When Ellise reappears as Lady-in-Waiting, to Lucy, Lord Dominic’s wife, James is absolutely confounded as to how to deal with his unexpected passion for a woman with a mysterious past, who does not fit into his conventional plans. Although they initially both try to put the night of scorching passion they spent together behind them, they both find it increasingly difficult to maintain indifference. Sexual tension is high and it is not long before they once again succumb to their attraction in some scorching and heartfelt scenes.
As the plot develops Ellise’s past catches up with her, threatening her safety and that of those she cares for. Yet if she reveals her secrets to James will those self-same secrets drive him away? I was on the edge of my seat as the book reached its conclusion.
I loved Ellise. She is a true survivor, a bold, passionate and capable woman who has survived for a long time on her own. She tries to stop herself falling for James to protect her heart, believing that with no lands and dowry she is not good enough for him. She is also terrified of his reaction if her secrets are discovered. James must confront his sense of what he feels is expected of him and his growing feelings for this woman who has wit, charm and strength a plenty. There are a number of times in the book when I wanted to give him a good shake to make him come to his senses and claim what his heart so clearly desires, before it is too late. However, his natural caution, plus his own past do explain his actions.
I adored this read and it was a fitting conclusion to the Borderland Legacy Series. It also reuinited the couples from the first two novels, notably Jake and Isabel and Dominic and Lucy and brought me up to date with their stories.
I recommend this read to those who love a sensual romance with a strong story line and characters in an historical setting. The book works perfectly well as a standalone, but I strongly recommend the whole series to those that have not read the first two books, as they are equally awesome reads!
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Today we are fortunate to be hosting the COVER REVEAL for Madison Street’s forthcoming release, LITTLE THINGS, a super romantic suspense. Scroll down for the book blurb, cover reveal, teasers and how to connect with the author. Tina 🙂
Book Blurb
Everything in Duke Grayson’s life was all he could ever ask for: A loving family, loyal friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and a scholarship to his top choice college. It’s his senior year of high school, and all he needs is to focus on his grades, lacrosse, and keeping his girlfriend happy. That is until Raya walks into his life.
From the moment they meet, Duke is drawn to her, not only for her natural beauty and her stunning crystal blue eyes, but because he’s aware there’s more to this girl than just his alluring pull to her. He senses secrecy and fear.
Throughout the year, their bond grows stronger, and his feelings for her become undeniable. Just when he is about to express his love, tragedy strikes and Raya disappears.
For six years, Duke is tortured by his struggles, as he’s unable to find her and blames himself for failing to protect her. Until the day, she’s found, and he’s given a second chance. Will Duke become her beacon of hope and make her see that it’s the little things that make life worthwhile? Can Raya overcome her fears and fight against the terrors that haunt her? Or will her dark and torturous past be too much for her to battle against?
*Warning: This book contains some disturbing situations, strong language and sexual content. Suited for 18 years and over.*
Madison Street was born in New York City and was raised in the Bronx, where she resided until she was 17 years old. After 9/11, Madison joined the United States Navy to serve her country.
During the deployments, Madison constantly wrote short stories and she discovered her passion for writing. You will find Madison always on the computer, whether she’s on Facebook, designing websites, messing with Photoshop, or writing for her blog.
Besides writing, her second passion is music and dance. Even though she’s a terrible singer, she’ll still belt it out in the shower, especially if the song is her jam! She currently resides in Virginia with her husband of 8 years, 2 children, a dog, and a cat. She is so excited to start this amazing journey and is honored to be part of such a compassionate and loving community.
Today we are participating in a super duper blog tour for Shakuita Johnson’s awesome read MONSTER UNLEASHED, book #2 of the DARK INDISCRETIONS series, featuring some VERY, VERY bad supernaturals indeed!
If you enjoy paranormal and urban fantasy reads that focus on the dark side of immortals’ psyches and which also feature smoking hot sex scenes amidst the inevitable violence and mayhem, then maybe this is the series for you. Scroll down to immerse yourself in the blurb for this instalment, check out an excerpt and my review. This tour post also includes teasers, a video, details of how to connect with the author and a SUPER GIVEAWAY!
Due to the inclusion of some m/m and m/f/m scenes, the book is very much AN ADULT READ. Only continue reading further if you are over 18 and wish to read about such themes.
Blurb
What would you do if the one fate chose for you vanished into thin air? What would you give up? Who would you become to stay with that person?
Krista Bell finally knows what it’s like to be free. The torture she endured at the hands of her psychotic father have unleashed the monster her mother tried so hard to help her suppress. The only thing she wants to do is be the shadow in the night that everyone is afraid of.
Taser is barely holding it together. He lost Kris once to her father and now he’s losing her to the monster she is becoming. He’s also barely containing his own monster since Krista decided she didn’t need her mates anymore. Nathan is still near but he may not be enough.
Nathan is on the verge of losing not one but both of his mates. One vanished without a trace. The other is avoiding him. He has run out of patience with them both.
But when the monster that Krista has become comes to them with a proposal will they take her up on it and possibly lose themselves or will they try to talk her down and get the beast to put back on her chain?
This series is a fun read, containing a fresh take on the world of supernatural beings. Although it contains some dark themes, it is also full of humour, feisty females, alpha males and characters whom the reader grows to love despite their many flaws. Due to the inclusion of some hot love making, including m/m and m/f/m scenes, the book is very much AN ADULT READ. Only continue reading further if you are over 18 and wish to read about such themes.
MONSTER UNLEASHED continues where the previous book finished. Krista, a vampyra shapeshifting witch, has succumbed to her true nature as a sadistic killer, after the torture she received at the hands of James, her father. There is nothing her mother Jennifer can do to either stop her killing spree, centuries of having taught her daughter to reign in her natural tendencies amounting to naught. An ancient prophecy, at which Krista appears to be at the heart, is also invoked and propels the plot towards what threatens to be a devastating conclusion.
I liked how the author depicts Krista as a truly a terrifying monster, as she descends ever deeper into megalomania and sadism. Woe betide anyone who gets in her way and that includes her pregnant mother and her own mates Taser and Nathan. Whilst her mates and her mother struggle to adapt to her move to the dark side, I began to feel sympathy for Krista as she does not seem in control of her own fate. After initially rejecting her mates, Krista strives to include them in her plans. Taser seems easier to manipulate than Nathan, but both are torn between acknowledging that Krista is an evil that needs to be destroyed and protecting what is theirs. There is once again some scorching sex in this novel, where the mates get it together, in some graphic m/m and m/f/m scenes. The emphasis is very much on the strength of the mate bond rather than romantic attachment between the trio.
Jennifer, Krista’s mother, is faced with yet another blast from her past in this novel, which I found to be an intiquing and pivotal twist. Other characters whom we have encountered in the previous novel also play their part in the ensuing mayhem. These include the other Mystics and shapeshifters, including Jennifer’s mates Jackson and Taylor, the Oracle and the Mooyers. I was intrigued by the characters of the Mooyer Alexander and his human partner Isobelle in the first novel and I am pleased to say that we find out more about their role in this instalment. There is also much violence, danger, suspense and scenes of spell casting and magic. As the book reaches it’s conclusion we are left with some startling revelations, which I did not see coming and which leaves the door open for another thrilling instalment.
MONSTER UNLEASHED is above all a fun and sexy read, which immersed me into the minds of the monsters! I recommend it, and the previous novel, DARK INDISCRETIONS to readers of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Excerpt
1625
It had been two months. Two months since she killed her whole family. Two months since she ran and never looked back. Two months of looking over her shoulder. Something was wrong with her. Jennifer Johnston just knew it. She was craving things she had never wanted before, never ever had needed. It was getting harder and harder to resist the silent call, the cravings that started to crawl up her throat to the point of choking her with their mounting intensity. She didn’t know how much longer she could run, how much longer she could say no to these sudden scary and violent urges.
She needed to find someone to talk to, another Mystic perhaps, but she didn’t know who she could trust. She had done something no other Mystic had done before. She wasn’t like the rest of them. She was different. Some may even say defective. She didn’t want to become an inbred freak like the rest of them, but she feared it had been done. The things her uncle had succeeded in doing before she could get away from him, before she had the strength to kill him, may be coming back to haunt her.
She needed to rest for just a little while. That old barn looked like as good a place as any. She would only rest for a second more. As she quickly and quietly made her way to her destination, she heard noises in the distance. What sounded like a tiny cavalry was coming up fast behind her. She tried to duck before she was spotted, but it seemed her luck was still running thin. She braced herself for a possible fight.
“Halt! What business do you have on this land?” a male voice called out.
“I’m just a bit lost. Could you point me in the direction of an inn?” Jenny asked, trying to appear disoriented.
“Lying Mystic scum! We can smell your trickery and deceit from here. Where are the rest of you? What trap is this?” the male demanded.
Shit. Humans she could have easily dealt with, other paranormals not so much. This would be tricky. She counted eight soldiers. They should have brought more.
“I don’t want any trouble. Leave me be and I’ll be on my way,” Jenny tried to reason with the creatures.
“Grab her!” the male demanded.
Awesome! They were going to play try to capture the Mystic. Jenny did something she had never done before. She used her Mystic powers. She called upon all the energy she could muster, which was a whole hell of a lot, and let loose. Damn, something was defiantly changing with her right now, but she didn’t have time to explore it. She heard screams from all eight men. She had overloaded their nervous systems. She could see blood start to seep from any and everywhere possible. It was disgusting.
Not wanting them to suffer more than they were already, Jenny sent a final blast and everything stopped. Not a single heart beat anymore. She had killed them, every last one of them. She didn’t have time to feel bad for the lives she had taken. They left her no choice. The worst part of it all, she thought to herself, was that she should have drained at least one of them dry. She was so fucking hungry! She performed a quick spell to turn the bodies to ash and continued on her way to that damn barn.
About The Author
Shakuita Johnson is a 29-year-old Psychology major. When she isn’t going to school or working, she is doing what she loves most. Writing. She started writing in middle school. Starting with poetry. Then short stories in a creative writing course her senior year. Her love for paranormal and supernatural started with R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books and TV show, Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles, and Christopher Pike books. She is an avid reader with over 100 books on her bookshelf and 1000 plus on her iPad. This is her second novel. Visit her online and read her poems and one attempt at songwriting on her blog.
Today we are highlighting the novel LIVING LIFE BACKWARDS by Peter Wells. I have been reading Peter’s work on his blog, COUNTING DUCKS, on which he shares his unique take on life through his writing, for over a year now. His work is full of wisdom, witticism and wry humour, often leading me to stop and think about my own life and the human condition in general. In LIVING LIFE BACKWARDS, Peter’s first novel, he focuses on the issues of temptation, hidden desire and obsession, which the hero of the tale struggles to control.
Read on for the book blurb, an excerpt, purchase links and how to contact the author. Also look out for my review of the novel, which I am looking forward to reading very soon. Tina 🙂
Book Blurb
Having spent his childhood in a barren emotional wasteland overseen by a father who valued order above feeling, Bill finally meets a woman who leads him to a place he can call home. Arriving in the small coastal town in England with his new wife, he finds that he is quickly assimilated into her community and extended family. With his somewhat murky past behind him, he forges a new life within a solid, caring community and discovers what being valued means. As it happens, his wife appears to be overly interested in “organizing” everything and everyone around her, including her young cousin who is the apple of her father’s eye.
Within the garden of Eden Bill knows he can show no interest in this apple called Misty. He knows the price of doing so, and the value of what he now enjoys. Will that be enough to protect him from desire? Luck is with him: she has no interest in him. But what if circumstances where to change and she looked at her world and him with new eyes. Would he cling to common sense?
With the hand of a surgeon, Peter Wells gently probes the thoughts of the mundane to seek those corners that still long for adventure. Those bits and pieces of each of us that gaze out on the world and find something to settle on and wonder… Tenderly touching the wounded, lonely parts of his character’s hearts, Peter gently leads them to a destiny they never could have imagined on their own. When an Obsession knocks on the doors of your Paradise, should they remain closed?
Excerpt
Here Bill, now introduced to the wider family as the boyfriend and potential husband of Katie, as admired for being so, first claps eyes on Misty, and immediately senses the danger he would be in if he let his feelings run away with him………
“As I mingled with the party making small talk, a girl walked out of the house, looked around her, and then went up to Mr Potts, as I then called him, and kissed him on the cheek. To say she was attractive does not capture the quality of intoxication I experienced on seeing her, but remember, I was being feted as the new and sober beau of her cousin, and as such, I could admit no interest. When we were finally introduced, I kept my expression as blank as possible but, even at our initial meeting, there was something knowing and even intimate about her, as if she sensed a special connection. I later learnt, from observation that she did that with most men, and how she had remained single was not easy to understand. In hindsight, I think she liked to tease but not to play. She lived at home in a small community with her parents who were over-protective, or I thought so. It was not easy to remain impassive. Clearly, I wanted to know anything I could about her but could show no interest. Riding one horse while admiring another is no easy task – I knew that already – but knowing and understanding are two different things as I learnt to my cost”.
We are thrilled to be participating in the Blog Tour featuring a talented new author Cristy Moran, who has recently published, Taking Back Sunday, book one of The Incarnate Series, an exciting urban fantasy/paranormal romance. Scroll down to read the book blurb, check out our review and find out about the author.
Book Blurb
After five years on the run, Sunday has finally settled into a seemingly normal life in Columbia, South Carolina. What her two best friends don’t know is that Sunday has a secret past. She is the Incarnate, a conduit of mystical energy transcendent of the mundane and the divine. For most of her life, she served under Bernadette, the most powerful witch in the Northwest. Her power is terrifying, and what she remembers of her past—and what she doesn’t—haunts her. In the year that she’s been attempting to be anything but the Incarnate, Sunday has fought her abilities tooth and nail, but it’s been worth it. When Sunday joins her friends’ coven for an innocent gathering, Sunday discovers a darkness hidden beneath the blanket of the coven’s magic and she is determined to find out who is behind it and what she has planned.For the last four years, Cyrus has been the point man on the contract to recapture the Incarnate and deliver her to the Pastophori of Iset. A gifted tracker and a fearless werewolf, he harbors a wild, inexplicable passion for the Incarnate that has driven him to hunt her. He was one of the original captors that brought her to Bernadette when his obsession with her began. Having found her, Cyrus and his pack find themselves torn between two objectives: take her by force and deliver her to yet another group of fanatics, or help her uncover the traitor among her coven.
My Review
Witches, Werewolves and Wild Passion!
I found this to be a fast-paced, suspenseful and romantic read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance alike. The plot contains a thrilling combination of powerful magic, passion, obsession and hidden agendas!
Sunday wants no part of being the Incarnate. She only has fractured memories of the past, but knows that it was full of violence at the hands of the witch Bernadette, who harnessed Sunday’s powers for her own ends, giving Sunday a heartless reputation. I enjoyed the pivotal scene where Sunday encounters the werewolf Cyus and the moment their instant mutual attraction rocks their respective worlds. Something about Cyrus compels Sunday’s memories to resurface and she realises that Cyrus has been deceiving her and cannot be trusted. I really felt for Sunday when it dawns on her that the ordinary life she has been living with her two friends this past year is over. Her identity as the Incarnate has been compromised and the powers she possesses, made even more unstable by the trauma of her memories resurfacing, threaten to explode and harm those around her.
I admired Sunday’s determination to keep her friends safe and destroy the evil that endangers them, whilst avoiding capture from Cyrus and his band of werewolves. This sets the scene for a thrilling tale not only involving Sunday, the Incarnate, with god-like powers, but werewolves, witches and other supernatural entities who struggle for power and dominance. Sunday puts herself at risk as she exposes her hidden talents and is eventually compelled to work with Cyrus and his band of werewolves who may betray her at any moment.
I loved the tortured characters of Sunday and Cyrus. The connection between them is instant and undeniable and the passion intense in some hot scenes. Cyrus is troubled by the role he played in Sunday’s capture as a teenager and his conflicted feelings towards her. He is torn between his desire to protect Sunday and loyalty to his pack who has tasked him to once again capture her and deliver her to those who would use Sunday for their own ends. Sunday is a powerful and tortured heroine. Her use and abuse by the witch Bernadette brought tears to my eyes and are a constant source of torment, as is the guilt that Sunday harbours over the tasks that Bernadette used Sunday and her powers to carry out. Sunday’s magic is strong and can reach earth shattering proportions and she assumes an almost mystical quality when the Incarnate within her rises to the surface. Even Cyrus, a powerful werewolf, is in awe of her at such moments.
The descriptions of magic performed by Sunday and other characters are powerful and intense and the author’s depictions of the rituals, spells and mystical paraphernalia make for an entertaining read. I recommend the book to readers of both urban fantasy and paranormal romance, who like tales of strong and passionate tortured heroes and heroines, with lots of conflict, suspense and adventure.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this book was provided for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Cover design by Okay Creations
Photography by K Keeton Designs
Editing and Formatting by Indie Express
About the Author
Cristy Moran lives in Miami, FL. She is a college librarian some of the time, a reader and writer most of the time, and a knitter much less of the time than she was six months before she took up writing again. She’s also a nerd and a geek, and proud to be.
Cristy writes the books that she likes to read. Her women are strong and out-spoken and her men run the gamut. Love stories abound in Cristy’s work because, really, aren’t love stories the best? There’s always a killer soundtrack running in the background of her novels – all you need to do is turn to the playlist to know what’s up.
Such a BEAUTIFUL cover for this fairy tale romance! Scroll down for the blurb, an excerpt and links. Tina 🙂
Ever Mine, by Eden Ashe
Genre: urban fantasy romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc
Date of Publication: June 2, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-61650-532-5, ASIN:
Word Count: 33000
Cover Artist: Renee Rocco
Book Description:
Can a kidnapped fairy and a human find love despite all odds?
Nathan Alexander’s batty aunt has done it again. This time she’s sent him a rare plant he doesn’t want. Imagine his surprise when he finds a kidnapped fairy hidden within its leaves. As a man who heads a non-profit organization for abused women and children, Nathan makes it his mission to help her find her way home.
All her life Katenia was warned about the evilness of humans. Never was that proved more true than when she was kidnapped from her quiet valley home. Thrust into the human world, Katenia must fight her very instincts to trust Nathan if she ever hopes to return to her rightful place…and to her normal thumb-sized fairy form.
But with their lives in danger, finding home…and love…will be a journey worthy of a fairy tale.
Excerpt:
“Nathan? Are you alright? You look like you’re contemplating ways to kill me.”
He opened his eyes and glared at her, even as he let out a shuddering laugh. “No, Katenia,” he gritted out through clenched teeth. “Killing you is not what is on my mind. I thought you said we would be a bad idea?”
“I did,” she said, her beautiful face screwing up in confusion. “Pair-bonding between us would never work. Sex, however…sex is a very good idea.”
Nathan nodded once, finally understanding. Ignoring the honking of the line of cars behind him, he rolled up one shirtsleeve and pinched his arm.
“What are you doing?” she asked, her voice worried.
He barked out a laugh when the pain did nothing to wake him from whatever dream he’d landed in. “Testing myself.”
“Oh.” She sighed. “I don’t know what that means.”
“I don’t, either, but considering I am not certifiable enough to have sex with a fairy, the only other logical conclusion is I’m dreaming.”
“Oh,” she repeated, still sounding confused. “Are you dreaming?”
He sighed and shook his head, accepting the facts laid out before him. “No. My whole world view has just been altered, but unfortunately, I am not dreaming.”
About the Author:
Convinced dragons have gotten a bad rep throughout time, and more than a little addicted to fairy tales and romance novels, Eden Ashe has decided to re-write history. In her version, the dragons are ancient warriors in tarnished armor, who not only deserve the girl in the end, but will fight forever for her.
A Reckless Soul is the second book in the Secrets of the Zodiac, a series that blends romantic suspense with the rich background of the Regency period. I reviewed the first book in the series, A Heartless Design last year and loved it!Just in case you missed my review you can find it by scrolling down after you have read my thoughts on A Reckless Soul.
Book Blurb for A Reckless Soul
A seductive agent, a disillusioned lord, and a web of deceit only they can untangle…
Sophie Bertrand is skilled in acting, espionage, and the subtle art of seduction. An independent spirit, she fought her way from rough streets to the top secret circle of spies known as the Zodiac. Her newest assignment is one of her most delicate yet: hunt down a traitor within Britain’s own government. But there’s a catch…this time she can’t work alone.
Bruce Allander has a title, honor, wealth…but he’d trade it all to restore his family. The Zodiac gives him a chance for justice in a world that’s already taken too much from him. Now he finds himself close to this captivating Frenchwoman—possibly too close. Sophie defies all his expectations, yet in her he senses a kindred soul.
Passion draws the two together, but a web of betrayals threatens to tear them apart. To survive, they have to trust each other. They have to be a little reckless…
A RECKLESS SOUL is the second book in the Secrets of the Zodiac, a series that blends romantic suspense with the rich background of the Regency period.
My Review
Having read Elizabeth’s Cole’s A Heartless Design, the first book in the series, which I LOVED, I had high expectations of this book, the second in the series. I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed and I ADORED this read!
To secure the evidence for a traitor in the British government, the Zodiac agents in this novel must impersonate another couple at a house party hosted by a Frenchman of questionable morals. Although both agents, Sophie and Bruce, prefer to work alone, with the safety of the country on the line the stakes are high and they must put their personal prejudices aside to fulfil their mission’s objectives. Their mission is fraught with danger and deceit and the author once again weaves an inventive plot containing strong male and female leads and credible adversaries. If you like suspense with your Regency romance, complete with lashings of danger, sexy scenes and characters who turn the rules of the establishment on its head, than this series is for you.
The hero and the heroine in this novel are fascinating characters. Sophie, as Libra, the only female agent, is far from your usual simpering Regency miss. She is an independent woman, skilled in the art of seduction and disguise. She prides herself on the success of her missions and uses her body and mind to reach her goals, taking advantage of opportunities as they arise. Her life is totally devoted to her work for the Zodiac, the organisation whose agents commit their very lives to protect the safety of the realm. Sophie has a low opinion of men in general and includes Bruce in this category after sparks fly at their initial meetings. Despite this, she is attracted to him and throughout their mission, where they are compelled to work very closely together, finds it increasingly difficult to maintain her usual emotional distance.
Bruce, agent Scorpio, is a Viscount. He is a lonely man, his parents are both deceased and his brother is estranged. As the eldest son he knows that he will have to continue the family line one day but not whilst he is working as an agent. In contrast to Sophie, he takes great care to plan his mission down to the last detail. He is not happy at all with Sophie’s approach of seizing the initiative, believing it is risky, although he does acknowledge her many skills, particularly in the art of seduction…… Bruce is both attracted to and confounded by Sophie, torn between protecting her and strangling her! He also begins to question whether or not he can trust her given the fact that she is French and could be working for the enemy as a double agent……
When this couple are not performing their assigned roles they are either involved in a heated exchange or trying to fight their feelings for each other. The sexual tension between them is high and there are a number of passionate and heartfelt lovemaking scenes, the emotional intensity of which rapidly increase as the tale progresses. This novel has a strong plot and is also one sexy read!
Although much of the plot concerns Sophie and Bruce at the house party, we also get to meet other agents, including their handler Aries and Sebastien Thorne and his wife Cordelia, the hero and heroine of A Heartless Design. The villains and their methods are truly evil and there is never a dull moment.
I recommend A Reckless Soul to readers who enjoy a Regency romance, especially those who enjoy some adventure, mystery and suspense and a strong male and unconventional female lead.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this book was given to be by the publisher for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
I am reviewing A RECKLESS SOUL, #2 in the Secrets of the Zodiac series, by Elizabeth Cole later today. The first book in the series, A HEARTLESS DESIGN, is a super Regency Romantic Suspense. Just in case you missed it first time around I’ve reblogged it. Both novels are sexy and entertaining reads! Tina 🙂
Fast Paced and Oh So Sexy Regency Romantic Suspense!
A Heartless Design, by Elizabeth Cole, is an absolute delight. It contains a Regency style James Bond and an unconventional lady of independent means in a raunchy and rambunctious read. It absolutely sizzles with passion and desire and houses secrets that threaten the very security of the country, peppered with danger and deceit. It is guaranteed to entertain and get your heart beating ever faster as the tale develops and reaches its conclusion.
In A Heartless Design Cordelia Bering, a singular young woman who does not always abide by society’s norms, lives in London with her widowed aunt Leona, her parents having died. Cordelia uses practical scientific knowledge, gained from working with her late father, to secure a lucracive income to support her household. To continue her work in this field, Cordelia has many secrets, including one that could endanger her life. Secrets…
Swashbuckling Adventure and Romance on the High Seas
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