January 16, 2014 by Tina Williams

Not Another Soldier,by Samantha Holt

A Hot, Sexy and Suspenseful Read!

Sensual Military Romance

Samantha Holt writes fabulous medieval romances and she has now produced her first full length contemporary romance in Not Another Soldier. Once again she has penned a super sensual read, simmering with sexual tension and hot love making scenes, in a plot containing strong characters, danger and suspense.

In Not Another Soldier – Sienna has just buried her husband Rob, a Marine, the very man whom she was about to divorce due to her unhappiness with their marriage. Rob’s best friend Nick, also in the military, has been drawn to Sienna for years and has disliked how Rob treated her. Both Sienna and Nick have been aware of their mutual attraction, as Sienna’s marriage crumbled around her, but have refused to acknowledge it, valuing their own friendship. Nick has never made a move on Sienna, being an honourable man and loyal to his friend. Similarly Sienna has stayed true to her marriage vows. Nick feels that now all bets are off and determines to make Sienna his. However, despite her attraction to Nick, Sienna resolves not to get involved with another soldier, believing that it can only lead to isolation and unhappiness.

Emotions run high after Rob’s death and Nick and Sienna succumb to their mutual attraction in some emotional and smoking hot scenes! Sienna tries to stick to her guns and is determined to remain a singleton for a while, to regain her self-confidence and independence and not get involved with another military man. Yet Nick is not so easily rebuffed, and when Sienna is in danger due to the criminal activities of her deceased husband he will use everything in his arsenal to protect her. NOTHING will prevent him from making Sienna his woman, not the ghost of Nick, not Sienna herself and certainly not a drugs cartel from Rob’s past, which is putting Sienna’s life at risk. When danger closes in, Nick wants to be there to protect her. However, will she let him into her heart and life and realise that he is NOT just another soldier and nothing at all like her deceased husband? Also will she survive the attention that she has attracted from the leader of the drugs ring?

I absolutely ADORED Nick! He is loyal and honourable and above all single minded in his determination to protect Sienna and to overcome her doubts to ensure that they have a future together. I liked that he was honest with her about his feelings, and whilst respecting her views he never gives up on her and takes every opportunity he is presented with to foster a physical and emotional bond between them. A determined Alpha male, with a heart of gold, is just SO SEXY! He is conscious of the injury to his leg that he sustained whilst serving for his country but loves Sienna even more for the fact that she neither pities him nor puts him on a pedestal for it. Sienna has been through a lot during her marriage and her self-confidence has been eroded. Despite this she is a strong and sassy character. Her attraction to Nick, which she finds impossible not to succumb to, wars with her determination to maintain her independence and she feels that everything is happening too quickly.

The book is a fantastic read, with an exciting but credible plot, characters who you can believe in and great pacing which maintained my interest throughout. As with all Samantha Holt’s writing sexual tension oozes from the page whenever the hero and heroine appear together and the love making scenes are sexy, sensual and sublime. The novel is written in the first person and whole chapters are recounted either from the POV of Sienna or Nick. I felt that this gave the novel a more contemporary feel and also worked well as it allowed the reader to get into the minds and the motivations of the two main characters and view the different scenes through their eyes. The element of suspense and danger in the novel certainly added to my enjoyment. I feel that this author has found another sub genre of romance in which she can showcase her writing talents.

If you like your contemporary romances to be sensual and contain strong characters and an element of suspense then this is definitely a read that you should consider. I expect that readers who are already fans of Samantha Holt’s historical romances will enjoy her foray into contemporary romance as well as readers of contemporary romances who are new to her work. I sincerely hope that she will be writing more full length contemporary romances.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase links: Amazon UK Amazon US

Find and connect with Samantha Holt:

https://www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

http://www.samanthaholt.org.uk/

http://www.samanthaholtauthor.blogspot.co.uk

January 13, 2014 by Tina Williams

Dark Reaper, #9 in the WesternWind series, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

Super Dark Fantasy Romance featuring Badass Werewolf Cowboys!

Erotic Paranormal Romance – Graphic Sexual content/language 18+/Adult Read

When I was contacted by Charlotte Boyett-Compo to review some of her recent releases I was thrilled big time, having previously enjoyed some of her dark fantasy romances. This author is the creator of the Reapers, handsome and deadly Alpha shape shifters, whose bloodlust can only be controlled by withholding or providing sustenance, and who can only be tamed and saved from themselves by the female destined to be their mate. The first of Charlotte’s novels up for review on our site is Dark Reaper, a super hot Post Apocalyptic Dark Fantasy romance, featuring a badass werewolf cowboy hero battling an entity so evil that even Hell is too good for it, whilst trying to protect the inhabitants of Terra and his Lady.

Here is the book blurb for Dark Reaper from the author’s site:

Iden Belial, the youngest Reaper, finds a great evil in Land’s End. He also finds Kallista, his mate, the woman the Goddess intends for him, and the only way he can claim her from her disapproving mother is to sate his lust and make her his.

But when they are torn apart by the Nikkeson, a demon that brings death and destruction to everything it touches, part of its wickedness is left inside him, warping the warrior and twisting him to its own evil ends. The Shadowlords of the Citadel are determined to heal him, but what Iden needs is the touch of his wife – the only one whose loving and sensual touch can truly make him whole again.

This epic tale of good versus evil is a dark and erotic one and immensely rich and original in terms of its characters and plot. There are vivid, stomach-churning scenes of death, destruction and depravity as the Nikkeson wreaks havoc on Terra. These sickening scenes contrast sharply with the erotic but sweet romance between Iden and Kallista, who are instantly in love and in lust with one another. Kallista needs no persuading to let Iden claim her against the wishes of her mother, a woman who is vehemently opposed to the match and also to Iden’s attempts to save the community.

When, due to the actions of the Nikkeson and unexpected treachery, Kallista is taken from him, Iden cannot shake off the evil that becomes a part of him and he returns to the Citadel, a broken man. His friends attempt to purge him of the evil inside him, in some tortuous scenes, and contemplate how to rid Terra of the demon. Many surprises are in store for Iden and the other characters we are introduced to and the scene is also set for the next book in the series, Sins of the Reaper.

I loved Iden, a Lupine Reaper. He is strong and selfless as he attempts to save Kallista and the people of Land’s End. His tears when he believes that he has failed in his mission are heartbreaking to witness. I found Kallista to be a worthy mate in all respects, being wise beyond her years. Although young, pure and innocent she knows exactly what she wants and what she wants is Iden! There are some explicit and erotic love making scenes which I enjoyed immensely due to their imaginative action and dialogue!

I also adored Kheelan, the High Lord, whose secondary romance plays a major part of this tale. Kheelan, who believes that he will forever remain unmated, discovers that his destined mate, Annie, is already amongst the inhabitants of the Citadel. And what a fiery, humorous and passionate match it is! Both parties are completely blindsided by their attraction, although their romance is also tinged with a degree of heartache as they have both loved and lost in the past. I found that their relationship provided a great contrast to the romance between the younger couple.

There is a great cast of supporting characters: the High Council, based at the Citadel; the Shadowlords; Gatekeepers; the High Lord and one of the Ridge Lords, to mention a few. The Goddess of War, Life and Death, Morrigunia, creator of many of the Reapers and her mate, The Father-God, Jee yn Ayr also play their part in the tale and we learn that their personalities are just as complex as those of the other characters.

I enjoyed the tale, but felt that my pleasure would have been enhanced by reading the previous books in the series, which I now am on a mission to read! I will be reviewing Sins of the Reaper, the next book in the series very soon. Dark Reaper will appeal to lovers of Dark Fantasy/Science Fiction and the paranormal who enjoy a dark, original, erotic and romantic read.

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.

Publisher Ellora’s Cave http://www.ellorascave.com/dark-reaper.html

Edited by Rebecca Hill

Cover design by Syneca

About the Author

Charlotte Boyett-Compo is the author of over 80 books. She writes novels that encompass science-fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romantica, Horror, Mystery, Thriler and Post –Apocalyptic Western novels. She is the creator of the Reaper, handome and deadly Alpha male shapeshifters with tortured souls that can only be tamed by the female destined to be their mate.

http://www.windlegends.com

January 6, 2014 by Tina Williams

One Way or Another You Will Pay, by Eve Rabi

Revenge of the Master Manipulator!

This novel is once again an original, emotional and compulsive work from Eve Rabi. It is a read that her fans will not want to miss and those who enjoy thrillers and dark romantic suspense will also enjoy. Do not read after the first paragraph if you want to avoid spoilers for book 1, You Will Pay- For Leaving Me (currently FREE on Amazon US and Amazon UK and Smashwords). Please note that as it describes scenes and the repercussions of domestic abuse, this series does contain scenes of violence and threat, some of it sexual.

In this and the previous instalment in the tale, You Will Pay: She Left her Abusive Husband He Took Revenge, (click title for our review), the author tackles the difficult and often taboo subject of domestic abuse. The abuser in this story is a sociopath who seeks brutal revenge on his wife who leaves him after years of abuse. There are harrowing scenes of threats, violence and murder and although not an easy read the ability of Eve Rabi to weave a compulsive and addictive story containing real life issues and characters with whom the reader can identify with is once more underlined. The remainder of this review contains spoilers for book 1.

In book 1, You Will Pay – For Leaving Me, we met Arena, married to businessman Tom. Tom likes to control Arena, from how she dresses to how she wears her hair and who she socialises with. His control also extends to their son Warren and after Arena becomes pregnant and their daughter Sasha is born, his behaviour turns violent. Arena finally takes the plunge and leaves him to make a new life for herself and her children. However, Tom dishes out the most terrible revenge imaginable on Arena and her family and is truly beyond redemption. Arena and Bear, the new man in her life, dish out their own revenge on Tom, which I absolutely loved! After the end of book 1, I was sort of happy that Tom had been incarcerated, although secretly I would have preferred him to have been AT LEAST 6 ft under! The fact that he was in prison due to the actions of Arena and Bear I regarded as natural justice after his sickening crimes against Arena and baby Sasha.

In book 2, Arena and Bear are happily married, living with Warren, Tom and Arena’s son, Bear’s daughter Amy, by his first marriage, and their own baby Savannah. All is fine and dandy apart from a series of abusive and threatening letters that Arena begins to receive from Tom, trying to persuade her to bring Warren to visit him. Arena does not respond to his letters and they abruptly cease. After a brief respite, the tenor of the letters changes and Tom claims that he is suffering from terminal cancer and that he needs to see Warren before he dies. Arena is torn between her hatred and distrust of Tom and the fact that he is in effect making a deathbed request that it would be heartless to ignore. After all what can he possibly do to her if she does visit as he is behind bars?

You need to read the book to see how Arena copes with the situation and the consequences of her decision on whether or not to acquiesce to Tom’s request. What I will reveal is that this instalment and Tom’s actions are just as chilling as book 1, as even from his prison cell Tom attempts to bring Arena, Bear and their family to their knees. Arena and Bear’s love is tested to the full and lives are put on the line. Once again this stellar read contains some intense and dark moments and once again I read it into the small hours.

I enjoyed finding out more about Bear in this book, such as what makes him tick, his relationship with Arena and how he seeks to protect her and their family from Tom. I felt for them both when they were faced with the terrible consequences of Tom’s actions and there were some truly heart rending scenes. I also enjoyed the character of Ritchie, Arena’s brother who supported them and the pivotal role played by the character of Ingrid.

This is perhaps one of Eve Rabi’s darkest works to date, Nevertheless it still contains her trademark scenes of intense love between the hero and heroine, the survival of a strong woman who survives against the odds, self-sacrifice, heart rending emotional scenes and a plot where the reader has absolutely no chance of predicting what will happen next, let alone the outcome.

I strongly rrecommend this book to fans of Eve Rabi and also to those who are not adverse to reading about difficult issues and examining the darker side of humanity.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase links: Smashwords Amazon US Amazon UK

Eve Rabi’s website

Eve Rabi Facebook

January 3, 2014 by Tina Williams

Tina’s Top Reads of 2013

It has been so very difficult to select my fave reads from the fantastic books that I have read during the last year. However here they are after much deliberation! I have listed my top picks by genre and as I read across the sub genres of romance there are a fair few of them. If you click on the book title you will be taken to my review. Please note that some reads contain adult material as in erotic romances and some may deal with difficult or sensitive issues. Where this is the case I have indicated this below or in the full review.

If you have read any of the books listed I would love to hear from you. Tina 🙂

Historical Romance

Borderland Beauty #2 in The Borderland Legacy Series, by Samantha Holt – a sensual Medieval romance set in Northumbria. Besotted Lord versus Lady Scorned: Lord Dominic learns of a marriage contract, pledging him to a neighbour’s daughter, an agreement that he and the lady concerned are unaware of. Sparks fly when Dominic invites her and his family to visit his keep at Christmas, under the ever present threat of the violent activities of the border reivers.

Bella’s Betrothal, by Anne Stenhouse – Engaging Sweet Regency Romance: Contains murder, attempted kidnap and evil intent, family secrets, gossip and mayhem and much wit and humour between the hero and heroine. Also one of the best opening lines that I have ever read!

The Forbidden Series by Christina Phillips – Erotic Paranormal Historical Romance, Betrayed #3 and Tainted, #4: Containing Lush Eroticism and Riveting Romance, which pair ememies and transform them into lovers against all the odds. Betrayed tells of a beautiful and passionate love between Tacitus, a Roman Tribune and Nimue, a priestess from the Druid nobility, whom the Romans are pledged to eradicate. In Tainted, Druid warrior Gawain and Roman aristocrat Antonia enter into what they both believe is a brief liaison based on lust. However, Cupid has other ideas, but their love endangers the life of Gawain and others and treachery is afoot.

Racing with the Wind and Against the Wind, Agents of the Crown Series, #1 and #2, by Regan Walker. These novels show the reader 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. Also witness 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 are tales of passion , danger and intrigue, involving agents working for the Prince Regent and the women who fall for them.

Gem of Gravane, by Amber Dane, #1 in The Northern Knights Series – medieval romance: Love and Passion Amidst Treachery and Betrayal: Knight Aric Clayton comes to claim the conquered Saxon demesne of Gravane and its lady Danielle a year after having been gifted it by King William. Danielle has a slight affliction and is wary of men and Aric has no wish to marry, which bodes ill for a happy union. Violence and treachery wait in the wings.

Her Savage Scot, #1 in The Highland Warrior Chronicles, by Christina Phillips – erotic historical romance with a hint of the paranormal: Political Intrique, Innocent Deception and Blinding Passion collide, when Scots warrior Connor Mackenzie travels to the land of the Picts on a mission for his king and falls for Aila, a Pictish widow. He spends a passionate night in her arms, only to discover that she is the Pictish princess that is destined to marry his half-brother, the Prince of Dal Riada.

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart, by Samantha Holt – Sensual Medieval Paranormal Romance: Faerie Magic Reunites Friends as Lovers: Captive/captor romance with a spirited heroine and a gorgeous Scot with a meddling faerie on a mission of her own.

Wolfkeeper’s Woman, by Lisa Day –Western historical romance: Passionate and Heart rending romance between homesteader Cassie and Wolfkeeper, a native American warrior, whose raiding party kills her husband and who gifts her baby son to another. Fantastic captor/captive romance, where the heroine must adapt to another culture and rely on her enemy to survive.

The One Knight Collection, by Samantha Holt – sensual Historical Romance: Four novellas created around the theme of if you had one night to prove your love could you?

Paranormal Romance

The Bad Death, by Naima Haviland, part of her vampire trilogy and prequel/sequel to Bloodroom: Gothic Masterpiece of Dark Romance, Horror and Suspense. Set in South Carolina in 1788, an African beauty emerges from the family crypt of plantation owner Julian Mouret. She enthrals him with her tale of peril and flight and he, fearing for her sanity, determines to keep her safe as a series of horrifying mutilation murders ensues, indicating to the slaves the presence of shape-shifting blood-sucking supernatural creatures. Anika becomes empowered to end the rampage, but at stake is not only her own life but the soul of the man she is coming to love.

Lover At Last, by JR Ward, #11 in The Black Dagger Brotherhoood Series: Here Blay and Quinn finally get together. I have found that this series keeps getting better, incorporating elements of dark fantasy as well as paranormal romance and introducing ever more fascinating characters and complex plotlines.

The Zubis Chronicles, by Kellyann Zuzulo – paranormal romance and romantic suspense: The Genie Ignites #1:and The Genie Smolders, #2 tell of a young American woman, Bethany, who is recruited by a secret society to help it eradicate all genies. In doing so she is reunited with a three thousand year old genie who was her lover in a past incarnation she is unaware of. Once again an age old conflict between human and the Jinn is reignited.

101 Nights Series, by Kellyann Zuzulo, #1 To Have and To Hold and #2, Reluctant Rapture – paranormal romance and romantic suspense: Sassy and Sexy Marriage of Convenience: The hero is a human and the heroine a genie. Set in the New Jersey Suburbs and full of sensuality, treachery and suspense as the future of the world and Jinnistan, home of the genies, is at stake.

Minutes Before Sunset, by Shannon Thompson, #1 in The Timely Death Trilogy – New Adult Paranormal Romance: Elemental Power Stuggle between Dark and Light. It is an amazingly well crafted and multifaceted novel with a fantastic hero and heroine and memorable supporting characters.

Bloodlaw and Bloodright, #1 and #2 in the Blood Moon Rising Trilogy, by Karin Tabke: Erotic Paranormal Romance. This tells the tale of a human Falon and two alpha wolves destined to love her against a background of war looming with the slayer. I found it a fast paced, sexy and addictive read.

Futuristic/Sci Fi Romance

Heart of Obsidian, by Nalini Singh, # 12 in the Psy- Changeling Series: Dark, Dangerous and Oh So Seductive! A dark and deadly tortured hero, Kaleb, with the potential to be the saviour or the destroyer of the Psy race and the world of humans and Changelings. The outcome rests on his relationship with Sahara, a powerful Psy in her own right, held captive for 7 years and rescued by Kaleb. They share a dark and horrific past. Yet how will she react when she remembers Kaleb’s role in it?

Joshua’s Tree, by N.W Harris: A Wild Ride through a Future Earth – Young Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy: An unlikely hero who inadvertently travels to the future and meets a kick-ass heroine who accompanies him on a quest that he knows nothing about. Contains descriptions of a strange landscape and cannibalistic creatures and includes non-stop action as the hero comes closer to fulfilling his destiny.

FantasyRomance

Hunter on a Moonless Night, by Elena Han – Dark and Erotic Fantasy Romance: Lord Duinel returns to his ancestral home, with a terrible secret, a curse which manifests on the night of the first black moon. He meets the young woman Nimae and is drawn to her, yet it is Nimae who becomes his prey in a deadly game.

Lightning Strike, by Beverly Ovalle – erotic fantasy romance: A Hot Little Number: Covers the pleasures of lovemaking al fresco between Levi, a 21^st century hottie and Daphnaie, a tree sprite sent by Gaia to persuade him to continue to give his family’s protection of her sacred glen.

Contemporary Romance

Gringa: In the Clutches of a Ruthless Drug Lord,#1-#4, by Eve Rabi – American Payton agrees to be a drug lord’s woman to save the life of villagers in Mexico. Her life will be and so will the lives of those around her. The first book that I read by Eve Rabi and it blew me away with its combination of larger than life, truly unforgettable characters, humour, violence, and a plot line that took me on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride.

You Will Pay – She Left her Abusive Husband, He Took Revenge, by Eve Rabi,#1 and #2: A Dark and Intense Journey: Deals with the impact of domestic abuse on a woman and her children and how she seeks to escape that life. However, she did not bargain on the reaction of her abusive husband, who apart from being an abuser, has sociopathic tendencies, with deadly and horrific consequences.

My Brother My Rival, ~1, All out of Love and #2 How Can I not Love You? Torn Between Two Brothers: I laughed one minute and cried the next. A young woman is torn between two brothers as the author explores the pull of romantic versus familial love in her trademark indomitable style. Prepare for an emotional ride.

The Silk Romance, by Helena Fairfax – Sweet Contemporary Romance: Gallic Charm in the City of Silk: A romance between a rich sophisticated Frenchman and an impoverished Englishwoman. What future do they have together when their different worlds collide?

The Antique Love, by Helena Fairfax – Sweet Contemporary Romance. A financial high-flyer, Kurt, from Wyoming, believes that he can select a wife based on rationality and logic, having no time for romance. However, his beliefs are put to the test when he asks Penny, who works in antiques and who values feelings and emotions and is anything but rational, to furnish his home.

Luscious and Lethal, The Gilded River Chronicles, by Mary Raimes Curtis. A great book to curl up with, containing a lively romance between two complex individuals, set against the ever present threat of sinister events on the shores of the Atlantic.

The Fall of the Misanthrope: I Bitch therefore I am. by Louise Wise – Romancing the Dark Side of Chick-Lit. A retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella in a modern day setting. It is a deeply romantic and insightful tale, which deals with the difficult issues of loss and grief and the healing power of love, whilst containing a fair degree of humour and well drawn characters.

December 31, 2013 by Tina Williams

Happy New Year 2014!

A Very Happy New Year to all of you who have accompanied us on our blogging journey this year. We wish you all a very happy, safe and productive 2014.

Tina and Caroline

🙂 xxxxxxxxx 🙂

December 27, 2013 by Tina Williams

Where Secrets Lie, #1 in The Where Secrets Lie Series, by Ebony Kent

Promising Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance Debut

Where Secrets Lie is the debut novel of author Ebony Kent. I found it an appealing, fast paced read, containing an intriguing take on the vampire myth.

Kara, a police detective, takes a break from her job to ensure the safety of her sister Alyssa, after she discovers that she has become the servant of a vampire Logan – Kara has become aware of the existence of vampires, which most humans are unaware of, due to her work for the police. Kara not only fears for Alyssa’s life but is also afraid that she may be persuaded to want to become one of them, a creature which Kara considers a monster.

To protect Alyssa, Kara infiltrates the vampire clan led by the brooding and enigmatic Michael. Michael only allows her entry to his mansion once she agrees to be his own personal servant, willing to do anything and everything her asks of her…. Michael is intrigued by Kara as she is a strong and independent woman and she is also immune to vampire enthrallment. At first he is determined to break her and make her beg him to kill her before he is done with her. Michael has two other personal servants, Amy and Kate, the latter who is eager to please him on all levels, especially in the bedroom!

Whilst in the mansion, Kara fights a losing battle to protect Alyssa from falling in love with the suave and attractive Logan. She also seeks to protect her own sanity and fight a growing attraction to Michael, who demands that she spends more and more time in his company, whilst jealous rivals for Michael’s attention seek her destruction. The plot thickens when another clan of vampires, headed by Michael’s uncle Elijah, seeks a formal merger with Michael’s clan. This represents a further threat to Kara and her sister. Will Kara and Alyssa escape unhurt from the vampire word that they have become so immersed in? And what of Michael’s plans for Kara and her own feelings for him?

Overall I enjoyed the characters and the story. I liked the immediate chemistry and sardonic humour between Michael and Kara and welcomed their growing relationship. Michael has a bad boy reputation but the more I found out about him the more I became attracted to him as did Kara. I also liked Logan, who is a sympathetic character, who appears to have Michael’s, Kara’s, and Alyssa’s best interests at heart. Some of the other vampires, who view humans as little more than servants and pets to meet their needs and provide blood, are suitably evil. The sex scenes were not explicit and were generally sweet between the hero and heroine. There is some violence in the novel.

I found that the novel had an intriguing plot and set of characters. It was very fast paced and there was always something happening to Kara or one of the other main characters. I did however feel that it could have benefited from some contrast in pace here and there and perhaps fewer new characters introduced near the end, which I found a little confusing. However, I do appreciate that the novel is the first in a series and as such the plot and the characters are designed to set the scene for future instalments. The ending of the novel set up the next book, Where Secrets Lie: The Return, very nicely. I would be interested in reading future novels.

I recommend it to readers who enjoy urban fantasy or paranormal romance containing vampires and other supernatural creatures.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for my unbiased review.

http://storycartel.com/

Contact Ebony Kent:

https://www.facebook.com/ekent89

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEbonyKent

December 24, 2013 by Tina Williams

A Christmas Message

Seasons Greetings to You All from A Reader’s Review Blog!

We would both like to wish all of you that have made our blogging journey this year such fun A Fantastic Christmas! This includes all of our blog’s readers, co-bloggers and the authors and people in the wonderful world of books whom we have had the pleasure of getting to know through the virtual world of the internet! You all rock big time!

Stay safe and healthy and have a great time!

Best Wishes

Caroline and Tina 🙂

December 23, 2013 by Tina Williams

Buckle Down: Samantha Holt, C.V. Madison and J.T. Seate

Indulge your Cowboy Fantasies!

Anthology of Erotic Cowboy Romances: Adult Read: F/M and M/M stories

An anthology of three novellas, two contemporary and one set in the old West. All very different, but all guaranteed to get your blood pumping and heart pounding!

In Her Dream Cowboy, by Samantha Holt, Sophie is persuaded by her friend to accompany her on a special vacation to experience ranch life in Nevada. However, Sophie, from England, finds that her friend has pulled out and she arrives alone at the ranch. Not all is lost though, as her guide for the week turns out to be the sexiest cowboy imaginable and it promises to be an interesting week as Sophie resolves to let go of the past after a painful divorce……… Luke Harper has spent years turning his ranch into a successful holiday business, but has yet to find a woman who can accept the realities of dating a cowboy. Sophie is a temptation he cannot resist and he wonders if she will give him a chance, or if she is just looking for a dream cowboy?

I enjoyed this hot read! There is strong mutual attraction between the couple from the off and their relationship and their romance progresses quickly as the couple spend quality time together on the ride (wink, wink!). Luke, after vowing to himself not to mix business with pleasure, finds that he cannot resist Sophie and soon reveals to her the man he is! I liked that the couple soon got down to the business of exploring each other more fully (there are some pretty scorching and sweet love making scenes, which satisfied some of my secret fantasies), but also that their characters and their back stories were explained, which deepened my enjoyment of the read.

In The Layover, by C.V. Madison, security officer and city boy Reno Locke drops into The Meeting Place for a little loving to fill his off duty hours. Country boy Wilder Henderson swings through to blow off a little steam after winning a rodeo competition. Locke finally works up the nerve to hit on Wilder and Locke takes Wilder back to his room. He finds out this urban cowboy is just what he was looking for during The Layover.

This m/m tale was a blistering read! Whilst I don’t read many m/m romances, I enjoyed the contrasting characters of Reno and Wilder, who are polar opposites, but as we know opposites attract! The witty repartee between the couple in the bar is very entertaining, as they become acquaintanced and circle each other to find out if they both desire to spend a spot of time together that evening! There are some passionate clinches between them after they leave the bar for their hotel. Once there the scenes heat up as we learn more about their inner desires and how useful Wilder’s skills gained in the Rodeo circuit are – cue for some light bondage! Both men seem smitten with the other and they will have to decide if this was just a one off tryst or something more.

Faith, Hope and Charity, by J.T. Seate, is a read full of adventure, hot sex and tongue in cheek cowboy clichés! In it Faith, a young girl, meets Johnny, a sexy cowboy at a fiesta in a small New Mexico town. She’s different from any girl Johnny’s ever met, the kind of girl that makes him think of settling down. At a late night rendezvous, they reveal everything there is to know about each other…….. However, her daddy, a Territorial Marshall, doesn’t approve and is also after Johnny’s blood for taking advantage of his daughter. He will leave no stone unturned until retribution is his. The couple plan a rendezvous and a future life together, but Johnny must escape the wrath of the Marshall first. Will love conquer all?

This novella played out in my head like an old black and white cowboy film, but one that had the advantage of containing some very saucy scenes indeed – the heroine in particular knew what she wanted after falling in love at first sight and the hero was more than happy to rise to her expectations! There was romance and passionate love making, coupled with fast paced scenes of flight and pursuit. Throughout the tale there is much humour as the author references many cowboy clichés. Overall a hot and entertaining read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Publisher Jupiter Gardens Press

Cover art by Winterheart Design

Edited by EM Petrova

Amazon links: Amazon UK Amazon US

Find and connect with the authors:

Samantha Holt:

https://www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

http://www.samanthaholt.org.uk/

http://www.samanthaholtauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

C.V. Madison:

http://cvmadison.com/

J’T Seate:

https://www.facebook.com/JTSeate

December 21, 2013 by Tina Williams

Who Will You be Kissing Under the Mistletoe? – Some Christmas Themed Reads!

Go Ahead and Spoil Yourself!

The tree and decorations are finally up and the turkey, goose, nut roast or whatever else serves as your Christmas day fare have all been purchased and the presents wrapped……….. More importantly you have had the chimney swept to give Santa unimpeded access to your home in the hope that he will deliver you the fictional hero of your dreams or failing that a cart load of scrummy books – a girl can dream right!

Just in case some of this fantasy goes awry we have selected some seasonal reads that you may appreciate. Where we have read them I have provided a link through the book title to the review and where not I have linked to Goodreads. Amazon or Smashwords links too are given. Also look out for my forthcoming post listing my Top Reads of 2013.

Happy Christmas and Happy Reading! Tina:)

Christmas Themed Reads Reviewed on ARR Blog

The Twelfth Night Wager, Regan Walker – Has the Rake Met His Match? (Regency Romance Novella): A classy Regency romance where a wager between friends, concerning seduction, has far reaching consequences for a dissolute rake and a respectable young widow. There is also a cleverly woven sub plot containing elements of danger and suspense, which add to the fun and act as a catalyst to the romance. I found it a love affirming and entertaining read, welcome at any time of year but especially heart warming at Christmastime! Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

Borderland Beauty, Borderlands Legacy #2, by Samantha Holt – Besotted Lord versus a Lady Scorned (Sensual Medieval Romance): Lord Dominic, is surprised to learn of a marriage contract, pledging him to the daughter of a neighbour. Dominic does not recall having met his daughter, Lucy, and invites the family to spend Christmas at Thornewall to see if they suit. However, Lord Montgomery forbids Dominic to mention the contract, fearing Lucy’s reaction.Whereas Dominic is smitten with Lucy on sight, Lucy is not so keen, in part to unkind comments about her appearance, made in the past by none other than Dominic, when she was but a teenager, a man she considers an out and out womaniser. The battle for Lucy’s heart commences! Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

Pastels and Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella) by Christine S. Feldman: A seasonal contemporary romantic novella: Trish encounters her former school bully, Ian, at her bakery. He has absolutely no idea who she is and Trish decides to use this at her advantage and begins to plan her revenge…… After spending time with him and finding out about his childhood and the man he is today, she begins to have feelings for him. Will she be able to tell o she is and how will he react? Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

Others that Caught My Eye

A Holiday Anthology, Vol. One, Exquisite Quills, by authors including Helena Fairfax: a FREE collection of short Christmas stories By Exquisite Quills Authors and Friends. It has been written for adults who love romance stories but is family friendly. Each story is unique and is meant to give a sampling of the writing of that author. From contemporary to historical, the Exquisite Quills authors and friends wish you a happy holiday filled with wonderful books. Smashwords Goodreads

A Boroughs Christmas Holiday Anthology: A holiday bonanza: Ten stories set in different times and places, each telling the tale of people who found love through wishes or magic or luck, all on Christmas—except for one on New Year’s Eve. Contains stories by Regan Walker (The Holly and the Thistle) and Kellyann Zuzulo (The Christmas Bottle). Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

Married for Christmas (Willow Park), Noelle Adams – sweet contemporary romance: After years of dreaming, Jessica is getting married Daniel is her best friend, but he’s never gotten over losing his wife. He dreams of becoming the local pastor in their hometown, but the congregation is wary of an unmarried minister. As Daniel needs a wife and Jessica wants a husband and family, she proposes they get married. They can build a life together and can celebrate Christmas as a couple. It’s fine that he doesn’t love her. And it’s fine that she’s not exactly suited to be a small-town pastor’s wife. And it’s fine that she’s more attracted to her sexy, brooding husband every day. Jessica can be practical about this marriage. She knows what she’s getting into, after all… Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

Four Weeks ’til Christmas (novelette,17k), by Jayn Wilde: Noelle Tanner, 25, once enjoyed the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. An accident changed all that for Noelle and now she is full of guilt and pain. Zane Williams is wealthy and handsome and at 30, must take over his father’s large corporation, having little time to enjoy life. His family is scattered and he must devote all of his time to work. A chance meeting brings the two together. Will the guilt and pain of their lives outweigh the love and blessings the four weeks ’til Christmas can hold? Or, will they be able to heal each other and make new memories to last a lifetime? Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

A Grosvenor Square Christmas: FREE: Four tales of a Regency Christmas from four bestselling romance authors. Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter? 1803 – The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen; 1818 – One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly; 1825 – His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell; 1830 – The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble. Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

December 15, 2013 by Tina Williams

Her Savage Scot, Highland Warrior Chronicles #1, by Christina Phillips

Political Intrigue, Innocent Deception and Blinding Passion

Erotic Historical Romance, with Paranormal Elements: Adult Read

OMG! If you thought that Christina Phillips’ Romans and Celts were hot in her Forbidden series, then check out her passionate Picts and sexy Scots in her Highland Warrior Chronicles. The author once again combines a spellbinding historical romance with a superb erotic read, which will keep you panting for more. She writes in a way that transports you to the time period and creates truly memorable heroes and heroines.

Three novels are planned: Her Savage Scot; Her Vengeful Scot and Her Defiant Scot, in which three Scots warriors of the Kingdom of Dal Riada, pledge to keep the peace in the wild Highlands of ninth century Pictland. Each is destined to fall in love with a Pictish princess –cousins who are determined to save their beloved land from the savage invaders. Instead they lose their hearts to their wild foreign warriors.

Book Blurb

In Her Savage Scot, when tough Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.

Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.

When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

Her Savage Scot involves a combustible mix of political intrigue and violence, innocent deception and blinding passion. The first part of the novel sees Aila innocently conceal her identity from the Scots Warrior Connor. She is assailed by a strong and unexplained visceral attraction and feelings that she has not experienced since her husband’s death nine years ago. Connor, mindful of her widowed status and despite their undeniable connection, decides not to pursue her. However, their mutual attraction is such that they engage in a slow sensual dance of seduction, before coming together in a maelstrom of fiery and erotic passion.

Once Aila’s true identity as Princess is revealed and her political role in marrying Fergus, Connor’s half-brother, becomes clear, their nascent love is sacrificed to the need for their two peoples to unite against a common enemy, the Vikings. The remainder of the plot contains misunderstanding between the lovers, tension, drama and treachery and deceit on the part of others and my heart was truly pounding as their safety and HEA hung in the balance!

Christina Phillips has a real skill for penning addictive storylines and creating credible and memorable characters. Aila and Connor are just so perfect for each other! Aila is a proud, yet vulnerable woman, with a traumatic past, who lives a reclusive life. For reasons which become clear in the novel, she has rejected the old pagan religion in favour of Cristianity, in a society where the old religion is still revered. However, as the attraction between her and Connor intensifies, the goddess Bride once again calls to her and she cannot ignore her true destiny.

Connor is a man that every red blooded woman would ache to possess. He is a strong alpha hero, with an innate sense of honour. He soon realises that Aila is his and wants no other and he does all he can to protect her from others and even from herself, as she becomes a political pawn at the mercy of others. The romantic scenes between the couple are truly beautiful and Christina Phillips combines sexual tension with scorching erotic love making scenes and a credible historical narrative with great finesse. She writes in such a way that the reader gets inside the characters’ heads and feels every nuance of their thoughts, feelings and sensations.

I enjoyed all the characters in the novel, the good guys and the bad guys, but particularly Cameron MacNeil and Ewan MacKinnon, the Scots warriors who will encounter their own Pictish princesses in the other two novels planned in this series, Her Vengeful Scot and Her Defiant Scot. I was also fascinated by the different cultures of the Picts and Scots. If like me you adored the author’s last historical erotic romance series, Forbidden, then you will also love Her Savage Scot. I also recommend it to readers who like their historical romances to sizzle with erotic love making scenes, alpha males, strong heroines and have a strong page turning plot and romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave.

ISBN: 9781419940446

Release date: 20th November 2013

Ellora’s Cave Amazon ARe Nook Amazon UK Kobo

Goodreads

Christina Phillips’ website http://christinaphillips.com/

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/christinaphillips.author

For our reviews of TAINTED and BETRAYED click on the links below:
TAINTED BETRAYED