Author Archives

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Cover Reveal Giveaway for Her Savage Scot Cover Reveal, by Christina Phillips – Deadline for entries soon!

HSS Cover Reveal 1Enter Now for a Chance to Win!

Time is running out if you want to enter Christina Phillips’ cover reveal giveaway contest for HER SAVAGE SCOT. The first prize by Allison Bultler, THE BORDER LAIRD’S BRIDE sounds divine and as no one writes erotic historical romances quite like Christina Phillips (wink, wink!), the second and third prize of her ebooks of TAINTED and BETRAYED are superb prizes too! Check out the cover reveal for more details and don’t forget to enter the giveaway. For details click here for the link to Christina Phillips’ site where you can enter via Rafflecopter.

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

Also I’m just approaching the finale of Christina Phillips’ HER SAVAGE SCOT and what a fantastic read it is! The hero is to die for and is perfectly matched by a proud and passionate heroine and the lovemaking scenes are truly scorching. Review to come soon!

Tina 🙂

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The Twelfth Night Wager, by Regan Walker – A Perfect Christmas Read!

715486[1]Has the Rake Met His Match?

Regency Romance: e-book 134 pages

The Twelfth Night Wager, by Regan Walker, is a classy Regency romance where a wager between friends has far reaching consequences for those it concerns – a dissolute rake and a respectable young widow. There is also a cleverly woven sub plot containing elements of danger and suspense, which added to my enjoyment and acted 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!

In The Twelfth Night Wager, Christopher St Ives, Viscount Eustace, is a rake, who toys with women for fun. His friend, Hugh Redgrave, by contrast a happily married man, sets him a challenge in a wager, which is entered into the betting book at White’s and becomes the talk of London society:

‘LD Eustace has wagered LD Ormand 1000 pounds that by Twelfth Night he can seduce, bed and walk away from a certain lady understood between them.’

The ‘certain lady’ is Grace, Lady Leisterfield, a young widow with the reputation of being very proper. Her husband has been gone a year, and Grace, encouraged by her friends, decides to shed her mourning attire and embrace life. The plot thickens when Mary, Hugh’s wife and a friend of Grace, insists that Grace be informed that she is the object of the wager. Grace nevertheless decides to welcome the Viscount’s suit, with the intention of letting him down when he finally propositions her. For his part, Eustace finds Grace very attractive and foresees no problem in using his wiles to seduce her and win the wager. Throw in a great cast of supporting characters, not least Hugh and Mary (Lord and Lady Ormand) a matchmaking dowager countess and a sub plot involving blackmail, and the scene is set for a delightful and entertaining read!

I loved Grace, who although she has been married before and is in many ways innocent, she is totally aware of the danger rakes such as Eustace pose. She is surprised however, when she starts to discover the real man beneath the façade. It is this man whom she must guard her heart against, lest she succumbs, as he will, as per the wager, only walk away from her once he has bedded her!

Eustace is a fascinating character, whilst most certainly a loveable rogue, who has had his fair share of women, underneath he is a man of substance. As the plot progresses and he gets to know Grace, he becomes very protective of her and more and more enamoured, a state that he is not familiar with. I found some of the scenes where he struggles with his feelings and Grace’s actions very humorous, especially when provoked by his friend Hugh. The sexual tension between the couple sizzles throughout and they are well matched. However, the wager stands between them and casts doubt on Eustace’s intentions. Will Grace succumb to his charms and will Eustace win the wager and still get his girl or will he lose her forever?

I enjoyed meeting characters out of the author’s other books, which I have read, notably Hugh and Mary, whose love story begins in Racing With The Wind ,  book #1 in Regan Walker’s Agents of The Crown Trilogy (for my review click on the title). The tale also includes fictional and real-life Regency characters and makes reference to actual events, places and Christmas and New Year customs, which add to the authenticity of the read. The Twelfth Night Wager is a great addition to the author’s Regency romances and works perfectly as a standalone. I recommend it to romance lovers who enjoy a Regency tale where a rake may finally have met his match!

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

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Boroughs Publishing Group

Digital edition created by Maureen Cutajar www.gopublished.com

Amazon US          Amazon UK

Regan Walker’s website

4326416[1]If you like the sound of The Twelfth Night Wager you may want to check out The Holly and the Thistle, a short story which takes place at the same time and featuring how one of Grace’s friends, the widow Lady Emily Picton finds love after a case of mistaken identity with a handsome Scot

Amazon UK     Amazon US

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Read Tuesday – Discounted books!

Today it is the READ TUESDAY event, where lots of indie authors from around the globe are discounting their books. One such author Erica Dakin is featuring her fantasy novels (for mature audiences), The Ritual and The Conspiracy in her Theft and Sorcery Trilogy. There are also hundreds of other authors discounting their books in a range of genres, including fiction and non fiction. Don’t delay if you want a peek as some discounts are available for the day only and may be linked to different time zones. Tina 🙂

Erica Dakin's avatarTheft and Sorcery

Tomorrow is Read Tuesday, an initiative where indie writers offer their books at a discount in order to get people reading. I am participating in this event, and both my books have been discounted to $0.99 today, tomorrow and Wednesday.

The Ritual: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYYVT1G/

The Conspiracy: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CZF0Q0M/

For the full catalogue of discounted books, go visit the Read Tuesday webpage. The link to the full catalogue is at the top, my books are under the Mature category.

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Lightning Strike, by Beverly Ovalle

LightningStrike_MEDA Hot Little Number!

Erotic Fantasy Romance, for Adult Readers, circa 30 pages

If you have ever enjoyed or fantasized about the pleasures of lovemaking al fresco, this is the read for you! Lightning Strike is a short, hot read that just may short circuit your e-reader and put you in the mood for some serious lovin’. 🙂

Book Blurb: For generations Levi’s family had guarded a sacred glen in the mountains. Still  far from man this isolated area was a favorite spot of his grandfather. Levi  grew up listening to his tales and fell in love without ever having stepped foot there.

Now Levi’s family, led by his grandmother, wanted to sell the land. With only his grandfather and Levi against it, Levi has to prove to the  rest of the family why they needed to continue their guardianship. Believing in his grandfather’s tales despite himself, Levi went armed with his camera and his  well-known expertise behind the lens and headed out for proof.

Providing that proof and protecting the secrets of the glen from the world, Gaia needs to convince Levi to continue that protection. Daphnaie, the embodiment of his every dream, is sent to show him why, stealing his heart in the process to save her  world.

The tale opens with Levi attempting to capture the image of a flash of lighting generated by an unexpected storm in the glen. The lightning strikes a nearby tree, from which a figure falls. Levi immediately goes to give aid, his training from being an Army medic automatically kicking in. He finds a young, naked woman at the base of the tree. After making an emergency call, where he has no option but to leave a recorded message, he uses his experience to thouroughly check her over for injuries.

The young woman slowly awakens to his ministrations and  after a short time seems to wantonly invite him to explore her body more fully….  At first Levi is reluctant to do so, depite the attraction he has for her, fearing that she has been rendered confused by the fall. However, once she assures him that all is well and she knows her own mind, they embark on an erotic love fest, exploring and pleasuring each other most thoroughly. The author has certainly given her imagination free reign in the scenes which follow and what an imagination! It soon transpires that the girl, Daphnaie, a tree spirit, has been released from the laurel tree, in which Gaia, Mother Earth, had confined her, to persuade Levi to convince his family not to sell the sacred ground.

This is a short erotic read and as such there is little room for character and plot development. However, we do learn that Levi is a renowned photographer, seeking peace in capturing images of the natural world after his traumatic experiences in Iraq. Daphnaie is an incorrigable mix, whom I couldn’t help but admire for her bold and insatiable sexual appetite and imagination. She is made for loving and Levi is one lucky guy!

I enjoyed the tale and recommend it to readers who are in the mood for a short, hot and magical erotic read. To read our review of Beverly’s other book, Dragons’ Mate, a scorching dragon shifter seduction, an erotic romance/menage, click on the title.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of Lightning Strike was given to me by the author for the purpose of  a fair and honest review

Cover Artist: Dawne Dominique

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing     Amazon US      Amazon UK

Author Bio

Beverly Ovalle-001Beverly Ovalle lives in Wisconsin with her husband Edmond of 24 years and two Chinese Water Dragons. Having her own Dragons is expected as she is dragon crazy and anyone that walks in her house can tell. Her son Nicholas is in the US Marines.  Her daughter Susannah lives nearby and is a CNA.

Beverly has traveled around the world thanks to five years in the US Navy and has worked for the government in one capacity or another for the past 30 years. Beverly and her brothers have travelled most of the continental United States as children due to the station wagon from Hell.  Still active with veterans, she is adjutant for her local AMVETS.

Author Links:

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyOvalleAuthor

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SslySmileSomebodyLovesYou?ref=hl

Website:  http://SSLYblog.wordpress.com

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101 Nights Series (#1 To Have and To Hold and #2 Reluctant Rapture), by Kellyann Zuzulo

101nights_tiny[1]Sassy and Sexy Marriage of Convenience!

To Have and To Hold 75 pages and Reluctant Rapture 102 pages

If you haven’t yet entered the world of Kellyann Zuzulo’s sexy and suspenseful tales of genies and the humans that fall in love with them, then you are in for a treat! The author’s The Zubis Chronicles, are a fantastic mix of paranormal romance and romantic suspense, (scroll down for links to our reviews). In the 101 Nights series, the tables are turned and the heroine is a genie and the hero a human, in a sassy and sexy marriage of convenience set in the New Jersey suburbs, with echoes of ‘Desperate Housewives.’ The first two instalments, To Have and To Hold  and Reluctant Rapture are full of sensuality and suspense, with the future of the human world and Jinnistan, home of the genies, at stake not to mention the hearts of hero and heroine.

In To Have and To Hold, hot-tempered ambassador Amani Zarin agrees to leave Jinnistan and marry the human scientist, Dr Jason Masters, in a last ditch attempt to save her beloved homeland. Energy is disappearing from Jinnistan, energy which enables the genies to thrive and survive. Without it they are doomed and many, including Amani’s own parents have already died. Dr Masters, who works for a large corporation called Covalink, headed by Warren Westcott, believes he has found a way of isolating and harvesting the energy released by genies, energy which can be captured and used to sustain their world. The more the couple touch and the more intimate they become, the more potent the energy…..

Of course all is not simple. Amani resents her marriage of convenience, in which her body is being used in this way and feels like a lab rat confined in their New Jersey home. Moreover, she harbours only revulsion and distrust of Covalink’s owner, Westcott, and suspects his motives, fearing that the energy harvested will be used for more sinister means. If her fears prove true, she has the power to call upon genies opposing this alliance with the humans, led by her an ex lover and rebel, Sumer, to call a halt to the proceedings and invade and lay waste to the human realm. Amani also has conniving board members, hostile ex-lovers and nosy suburban neighbors to contend with and an instant and intense reaction to Dr Masters she did not expect, which unsettles her especially as she thinks that he views her merely as a science experiment. Just what is a desperate genie to do when her heart and the future of her race are on the line?

After reading Kellyann Zuzulo’s The Zubis Chronicles, I wondered how this series was going to compare. The tale is very different, but I was drawn into it from the first few pages. I enjoyed learning more about Jinnistan and Amani is a fascinating character, a warrior, who sits on the Tribal Council of Jinnistan and who cares deeply for her people. She has lived for many millenia and experienced so much, some of her experiences leaving her vulnerable, although above all she is a strong individual. Jason is not the geeky scientist she imagined having to get intimate with – instead he is a real hottie and Amani knows that she must guard her heart against the attraction she feels for him, as he seems to view her merely as an object to be studied.

Jason is equally surprised at the pull Amani exerts over him and knows that it is best for the project if he keeps an emotional101nights_no2_reluctant-rapture[1] distance as he cannot risk falling in love. There are many misunderstandings between them. Jason is committed to his work and Amani is left in the house for many hours each day and due to her dislike of being cooped up and her natural curiosity decides to get out and about, which creates some interesting situations. At times I wanted to give them both a good shake, but especially Jason as I felt he was not as sensitive to Amani’s emotional needs as he perhaps should have been. However, like Amani, he certainly did not expect to find his heart involved in a science experiment!

There is plenty of sexual tension between the couple and many yummy sensual scenes, as Amani and Jason navigate their marriage of convenience. Although the series is above all a love story, with elements of suspense, I also adored the many humorous moments, as Amani struggles to come to terms with the human world and at one point in Reluctant Rapture I found myself laughing out loud at one scene! The villain of the piece, Westcott, is suitably slimy and I suspect that his true motives will be revealed as the series progresses.

I am very much looking forward to the remaining instalments of the 101 Nights Series series the next one being entitled The Ties That Bind, as well as the author’s future forays into the world of genies. I recommend this series to readers who like their romance to dabble in the paranormal and magical realm, with a fair bit of suspense.

A copy of Reluctant Rapture was provided by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Digital edition created by Maureen Cutajar http://www.gopublished.com

Kellyann Zuzulo’s post on ARR Blog entitled The Truth About Genies.

Our review of The Genie Ignites, #1 of The Zubis Chronicles

Our review of The Genie Smolders, #2 of The Zubis Chronicles

Kellyann Zuzulo’s blog http://kfzuzulo.com/

Boroughs Publishing Group   Amazon UK   Amazon US

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Minutes Before Sunset, by Shannon A Thompson

To celebrate author Shannon A Thompson’s cover reveal yesterday of her release next year of Seconds Before Sunrise, I thought that I would reblog my review of the first book in The Timely Death Trilogy, Minutes Before Sunset. If you have not yet read this book you may want to check out the review and scroll down to see the cover reveal and synopsis for book 2. Tina 🙂

Tina Williams's avatarareadersreviewblog

shan-003Epic Battle between Light and Dark – Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Minutes Before Sunset is the first book in Shannon A Thompson’s Timely Death Trilogy which tells of the elemental power struggle between Dark and Light. It is an amazingly well crafted and multifaceted novel with a fantastic hero and heroine and memorable supporting characters.

In Minutes Before Sunset, seventeen year old Eric Welborn lives in the Midwest town of Hayworth. Eric is a shade, not just any shade, but a descendant, destined by prophecy to battle with the descendant of Light, ancient enemies of the Dark, when he is eighteen, in a battle that will decide the fate of many. Eric has been rocked by tragedy in his life and his obligations weigh heavily on his shoulders, making him a loner, who fears to care for anyone, lest they be taken away from him. However, two encounters are…

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Seconds Before Sunrise (The Timely Death Trilogy, Book #2), by Shannon A Thompson, Cover Reveal

Seconds Before SunriseWe are delighted to be participating in the Cover Reveal for Shannon A Thompson’s Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Seconds Before Sunrise, book 2 in the Timely Death Trilogy. The book releases March 22 2014 and promises to be a great continuation of the elemental power struggle between Light and Dark, which began in Minutes Before Sunset. Read on to find out more, including the Goodreads link to this book and the link to our review of the previous book. Tina 🙂

Synopsis: Two nightmares. One memory.

“Chaos within destiny. It was the definition of our love.”

Eric has weeks before his final battle when he’s in an accident. Forced to face his human side, he knows he can’t survive if he fights alone. But he doesn’t want to surrender, even if he becomes the sacrifice for war.

Jessica’s memory isn’t the only thing she’s lost. Her desire to find her parents is gone and so is her confidence. But when fate leaves nightmares behind, she decides to find the boy she sees in them, even if it risks her sanity.

Scavenger Fact #16: The author was very sad no pets were involved in this book. But Jessica’s parents are allergic and Eric doesn’t have the time to even consider the responsibility.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18805475-seconds-before-sunrise

My review of Minutes Before Sunset (click on the title)

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Update by Tina

Birthday Cake1Festivities and Celebrations Galore!!!

Like most people it has been a busy few weeks with the end of the year celebrations fast approaching. Whilst many of our readers in the US have been celebrating Thanksgiving, the Williams household has celebrated the youngest member’s fifth birthday. It was lovely to see her so excited at reaching such a grand old age! My own birthday is imminent, but I am not quite as keen on being reminded of my advancing years! As usual I am far behind with my Christmas preparations, although I have sorted out what I am going to read so all is not yet lost!

We have both read books from many genres in the last week or so and also hosted cover reveals and book tours for what look like some fantastic reads, some of which we will be reviewing soon. I’ve summarised our recent reads and set out those for the next few weeks, which will take us up to the end of the year. You may also want to take a peek at my post entitled Tina’s Autumn Harvest of Reads, in which I set out some of the books I plan to read over the coming months. Caroline also has some exciting news to share too. Happy Reading!

Tina 🙂

TINA’S RECENT READS

13425802 PODS coverPODS, by Michelle Pickett – Young Adult Science Fiction/Dystopian Romance – A terrifying vision of the future involving humanity’s near destruction from a deadly virus and what happens to those chosen to live in safety in underground habitats, while others die above ground. Eva meets David in the PODs and they fall in love. When the PODs are opened, survivors find that the virus has mutated, infecting those top-side, creating zombie like monsters. Together they try to build a life, but the infected are relentless in their attacks, leaving them to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

The One Knight Collection, by Samantha Holt – Sensual Historical Romance Collection – comprising fouroneknightcollection.jpg.opt264x398o0,0s264x398[1] medieval tales: One Knight; Black Knight; White Knight and Highland Knight, all addressing the theme of, if you had one night to prove your love…could you? If you enjoy sensual  tales involving scrummy alpha males that  quickly get very up close and personal with the heroines you will definitely enjoy this collection! Those familiar with Samantha Holt’s work will lap this up and for other readers it is a great introduction to her work.

14759447[1]A Handful of Blossoms, by Lara Biyuts – Literary Historical Paranormal – Set in central Europe in 1764 and recounted in the form of a diary written by a young newly wed princess, Constance. We learn of her unconsummated marriage to the worldly and intellectual Prince Constantine, who loves men, not women. Constance strives to adjust to this situation, fighting her strange attraction to him, seeking solace in nature and immersing herself in tales of European folklore. A mysterious man from Constantine’s past is not what he first seems and a number of paranormal events, featuring ‘the undead’ take place.

Cover reveal for Her Savage Scot , the first book in Christina Phillips’ new Highland Warrior Chronicles –  Erotic HSS Cover Reveal 1Historical Romance – Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king and is captivated by a  beautiful Pictish widow, unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night. Aila swore she would do anything within her power to vanquish the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. 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. Click on the image on the right to enter the Rafflecopter competition to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes – competition open until 16th December 2013.

309985_113790502160320_351626349_nCover Reveal for Marsh Island, by Oliver Chase – the First Instalment of an Exciting New Mystery/Thriller Series –  Army Ranger Phil Pfeifer is left for dead in the mountains of Iran only days before the start of the Gulf War. Seeking a new life as a private investigator, Phil is hired to find a wayward husband who’s become enraptured with stars and predicting the future. A simple case is anything but when murder ensues, the Mafia pursue him and the terminally ill wife sends him into the tropics to face death, sharks, miles of open ocean, and prison.

TINA’S NEXT READS

101nights_tiny[1]101 Nights Series, by Kelly Ann Zuzulo, #1, To Have and To Hold and #2 Reluctant 101nights_no2_reluctant-rapture[1]Rapture, the first two books in the tale of love, lust, lies and loyalty that surround a beautiful genie living in the New Jersey suburbs. Introduced to her new husband-of-convenience, Dr. Jason Masters, hot-tempered genie ambassador Amani Zarin must decide if their chemistry will save her world…or end his. She must navigate conniving board members, hostile ex-lovers and nosy suburban neighbors, and since their chemistry will literally save her world, she and her new husband must find a way to achieve wedded bliss—at least for… 101 nights.

The Twefth Night Wager, by Regan Walker- The Rake and the Innocent Widow – This holiday season, 715486[1]Christopher St. Ives, Viscount Eustace, planned to give himself a gift, agreeing to the wager: seduce bed and walk away from the lovely Lady Leisterfield, all by Twelfth Night. She was too proper by half, but Grace was at last shedding the drab colors of mourning. The house felt empty, more so during the coming Christmastide, and so tonight her coming out would begin with a scandalous piece of theater, attracting rogues, or so promised her friend! It would indeed. The night would bring about the greatest danger—and the greatest happiness—that Grace had ever known

LightningStrike_MEDLightning Strike, by Beverly Ovalle – For generations Levi’s family had guarded a sacred glen. Now his family, led by his grandmother, wants to sell the land.  Armed with his camera and his well-known expertise behind the lens, he heads out to prove why they need to continue their guardianship and that his grandfather’s tales ring true. To provide that proof and protect the secrets of the glen from the world, Gaia needs to convince Levi to continue that protection.  Daphnaie, the embodiment of his every dream, is sent to show him why, stealing his heart in the process to save her world.

My Savage Scot, by Christina Phillips – #1 in The Highland Warrior Chronicles –  Erotic Historical Romance hersavagescott_msr– the author’s first foray into the world of the Picts and the Scots, which promises to be as hot as her last series Forbidden, which was set in Roman Britain. Here Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie falls for a beautiful Pictish widow, unaware that she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother.

Coming soon – reviews of some novels by Charlotte Boyett-Compo and Freaky Folk Tales.

CAROLINE’S LATEST

1483293_10201261455993754_1572058602_nSince our last review Caroline has read a mixture of genres including a short western contemporary erotic  romance,  a dark sci-fi/paranormal, a disturbing psychological horror and a sweet seasonal contemporary romance! The latter has been the start for Caroline’s festivities as she has also been spending time out this week Christmas shopping and decorating her tree! We sure do hope that our followers in the States had a fantastic Thanksgiving 🙂

Caroline has also been feeling quite excited for the newly established publishers Hashtag Books, who will be releasing their first books on 1st December 2013! Hashtag Books was set up by author, Tim O’Rourke, his wife, Lynda and Peter Buckman. We will be posting a main feature on this date for Hashtag with info on their first releases so please come and check this out!

So, for Caroline’s reads and reviews:-

Roping LoveRoping Love by Tamara Hoffa is a short western contemporary erotic romance for the more mature reader. After giving her heart away to cowboy Chance a decade earlier, Carrie unexpectedly encounters him again. Is Carrie still too heartbroken and unforgiving of Chance or will Chance be able to rope in Carrie’s love for a second time? This is a very quick read and our review is also accompanied by a short author bio!

Reviews to be posted soon:-

Demonica_Cover_(Resized)Will Davis’ ‘Demonica’ is a very disturbing psychological modern-day fairytale/horror. After a terrible accident scars a young woman’s face she locks herself away at home. Her cruel mother, Veronica, reacts extremely (intentionally) insensitively towards her daughter, leaving her daughter emotionally scarred as well as physically. After one of Veronica’s male friends begins to speak with the daughter regularly and accepts her for who she is he allows her some hope in being beautiful once again. However, the way in which she could reach her desire would mean committing an unspeakable crime that will haunt her forever! Click on the link for the full blurb. The review will be posted on 1st December, along with the Hashtag Books feature, as it is one of Hashtags first releases!

PastelsJingleBellsNow for some seasonal fun, we have our upcoming review of ‘Pastels and Jingle Bells’ a Heavenly Bites novella from Christine S. Feldman. This is the first novella in a series of sweet contemporary romances. After a surprise encounter with her childhood bully, Trish Ackerly decides for a little revenge, especially as he has no idea who she is. However, circumstances change and Trish begins to see another side to this man. Is she beginning to fall for him? It is beginning to look like he is all she wants for Christmas but if so, it’s going to be a little tricky trying to explain who she really is! Please click on the link for the full blurb and info. Our review will be posted on 1st December, for the start of advent!

LightpointsPeter Kassan’s ‘Lightpoints‘ is also going to be reviewed in the coming week or so. ‘Lightpoints’ is a sci-fi paranormal that mostly follows Amanda Lindner Nichols. After being revived from a near-death experience she notices that she is not quite as she used to be. Amanda can now see people’s life energies as lightpoints! And she later discovers  that she can give and take their energies. However, she is not the only one with this ‘magical’ quality and some of those that have it use it for evil purposes. After meeting with some other sensitives she tries to change her husband into becoming one with her. And it is at this point when the evil raises its ugly head in their direction!

Caroline’s current read is an unusual one for our blog with DJ and Comedian Hog Wild’s Baby, You’re as Sweet as 3.14159265 (101 Funny Love Advice Answers, 20 Sexy Stories, & Lots​ of Jokes) (ADULT comedy). Whilst we are aware that this will not be suitable for all of our followers, we also thought that it would add a bit of sauciness and fun for those that are interested or for those that would like to try a different genre. This book is written in the same style as a comedian would communicate his jokes on stage, with life experiences of his own and language in a very direct, sometimes crude, and in-yer-face manner. A full review will be posted in the coming weeks!

You can also check out Caroline’s recent, current and future reads here. Whilst many have been read and reviewed recently there are also some later books on there that will be reviewed shortly. Also on this list you will find the full burbs and links.

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A Handful of Blossoms, by Lara Biyuts

14759447[1]An Unorthodox Marriage – Historical Literary Fiction 

Contains paranormal elements

A Handful of Blossoms is a beautifully written, original and engaging work. The novel is not a standard romance book, although it contains significant reflection on the nature of love. It is also one of the most character driven and literary books that I have read in a long time.

It is written in the form of a diary, kept by Constance, a young European princess who in 1764, a year after the Seven Year’s War, has just joined in a dynastic marriage with a European Prince, Constantine, who is much older than her. He is a man who she finds worldly, intellectual and somewhat alluring, but a man who soon makes it clear that he has no interest in requiring her to fulfil her wifely duties as he prefers the favours of men.

Constance soon finds that she is banished from the main dwelling, a gothic like castle, to a small adjacent mansion, in which she is kept company by her maid and a cook. Her life revolves around trying to come to terms with her strange marriage, immersing herself in nature and the rich local folklore and attending the occasional audience with Constantine where the development of their unorthodox relationship drives the plot forward. Constantine maintains an all male household where he is free to indulge his sexuality, although there are no explicit homosexual love making scenes, much being left to the reader’s imagination. The novel does contain reference to one non consensual scene of a sexual nature, but this does not in itself directly involve Constance or Constantine in the act.

There are many references to tales of European folklore, recounted by various characters, and these are recorded by Constance in her diary alongside accounts of daily events and her emotional reaction to them. She also records her relationship with members of Constantine’s household, notably his steward. In addition, there is a mysterious man from Constantine’s past, who has a major part to play in the development of the plot which contains a number of paranormal and gothic inspired scenes, which are recounted in vivid detail.  The ending is pendent.

I found myself having much sympathy with the heroine, who finds herself in the position of being both attracted to and repelled by her husband. She is attracted to his persona and intellect, yet is disgusted by some of the actions that others attribute to him and is oftentimes upset by his attitude to her on account of her being a woman. She is a strong character despite her youth. Constantine is a fascinating character, not least due to his esoteric and intellectual interests, and I felt some degree of sympathy with him in that he felt compelled to enter into the dynastic marriage, despite his sexual preferences. However, I was not always convinced that he had his wife’s best interests at heart.

The language used in the novel is lush and intricate and reminded me of a rich tapestry which the viewer needs to take time to savour to appreciate fully. The descriptions of the natural environment are truly beautiful. I found the novel whimsical, literary and full of allegorical tales and narrations, at times it is almost didactic in style as the heroine learns the lessons life presents her with. Here is a quote which is indicative of the tone and content of the novel:

Misty morning outside the window. The shades of rosy and blue are wet with dew. The air is filled with silent stillness. Senses awake……….. I muse about the indifference of beautiful things and their perfection.”

I was completely drawn into the world described in the tale and recommend it to readers who like to explore the nature of love in all its forms, intellectual and esoteric pursuits and society’s expectations. The novel will also appeal to those who enjoy reading about paranormal events and European pagan folklore. The author’s latest novel, Silver Thread Spinner, also contains a paranormal character who appears in this novel.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of the novel was provided by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Self-published at Smashwords.com
Lara Biyuts – Author Bio

_av_edited2-2Translator and writer, living in Russia, I write in English. A self-published author of 8 books of fiction, 2 books of essays and 2 books of poetry.

“Every kingdom has three pillars: Poet, Sword and Law.” (Lara Biyuts)

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Tina’s Autumn Harvest of Reads

Summer 2013 092A Selection of Books from my ‘To Read Pile’

Like all other avid readers I have oodles of books on my ‘to read pile.’ I have winkled out just some of them to share them with you.  I hope to read some of them over the coming months, now the temperature has dropped and the nights are longer.

Of course I’m always pleased to consider any requests for reviews in addition to the books on this list, as this is a great way to find out about new authors and genres!

As the list is a bit of a smorgasbord I’ve put the books into a number of categories. Click on the book title to take you to the Goodreads or Smashwords link. Also look out for our update post later this week in which we list the books that we plan to review in the next few weeks.

Tina 🙂

Contemporary

Wild Water, by Jan Ruth –  WINNER of the Cornerstones Literary Consultancy ‘Most Popular Book’ Competition 2011. Also listed in the 2013 eFestival of Words Award Nominations. The story of forty-something estate agent Jack, stressed out by life and the feeling that he and his wife are growing apart. What happens when he discovers that she is having an affair and is pregnant? At the same time he becomes reacquainted with his childhood sweetheart, Anna…….

Captured. My Sworn Enemy, My Secret Lover, books 1 and 2, by Eve Rabi – Sargent Megan Saunders is captured by Islamiccover_captuerd_book-one-smash-premium-nat-fiverr-23012013 militants, held as a slave and forced to deliver inflammatory speeches against the US. During an escape attempt she is raped. Her rapist Reed, insists she proceeds with the pregnancy. Megan is already married and due to her inflammatory speeches, she is now regarded as a terrorist. She finds herself drawn to Reed and before long they enter into a relationship which is far beyond sexual and which has massive repercussions.

Historical

Love’s Revenge, by Monica Burns – When Quentin Blackwell, Earl of Devlyn, discovered the woman he loved was carrying another man’s child, he refused to marry her. In retaliation her father ruined Devlyn. When Sophie Hamilton, the man’s eldest daughter, makes him an offer, he seizes the chance for vengeance. Yet this could cost him what he wants the most, Sophie’s love. On the shelf at forty-one, Sophie accepts her fate until she impulsively makes a rash proposal to escape a life of servitude and right a wrong at the same time. She never expected Devlyn to accept her rash proposal and to fall in love with a younger man. Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult situations, and explicit language.

Disciplining the Duchess, by Annabel Joseph – The bookish Harmony Barrett has repelled every gentleman of consequence and caused a debacle so horrifying that her waltzing privileges are revoked. Through a vexing series of events, the Duke of Courtland finds himself shackled to Miss Barrett. But all is not lost. The duke harbors a not-so-secret affinity for spanking and discipline and his new wife is ever in need of it. Will the mismatched couple find happiness? Or will the duke be forever be Disciplining the Duchess? An adult read.

Daughter of the Sky, by Michelle Deiner – The sole survivor of a shipwreck, 15 year-old Elizabeth Jones is taken in by the Zulus. Six years later, she becomes useful as a spy to find out why the Victorian Empire appears about to attack. Her disguise as a soldier is uncovered by Captain Jack Burdell, who believes her tale of searching for a missing brother and he shields her. But as they explore their mutual attraction, the armies move closer and Elizabeth is torn between the guilt of betrayal and her loyalty to her Zulu family. When the battle commences she and Jack are caught in the crossfire.

Ragnar The Murderer (Ragnar the Dane #1), Lily Byrne – In East Anglia under the Danelaw, half breed Dane, Ragnar, tries to fit in but feels like an outcast. When he meets the English Aelfwyn they begin a passionate affair, but she is promised to another and forbidden to consort with Danes. When her betrothed is murdered, Ragnar is the obvious suspect. Is he guilty or just a pawn?

Fantasy

taken_to_the_ebon_court-200x300Taken to the Ebon Court, Elena Han – When a half-demon general conquers Irizel’s homeland, he claims her, drawn by her beauty and bloodline. Upon discovering she’s a healer, he forces her to accompany him to the Ebon Court–a nest of political intrigue and carnal decadence–so that she might heal his hybrid infertility, demanding that she must bear his child… An erotic dark fantasy romance. Adult read.

The Ritual (Theft and Sorcery #1), by Erica Dakin – For Chiarin, a young half-elf thief, life is about survival as she is considered an outcast and every day could bring her death. She meets a master thief Zashter, who unexpectedly takes her on as his pupil, and draws her into a dangerous adventure gathering powerful magical items for a sinister employer. What purpose these items will serve Chiarin does not know, but it soon becomes apparent that Zashter should not be trusted. Yet amutual attraction grows and there is no going back…..

Rowena through the Wall, by Melodie Campbell –  Rowena falls through her classroom wall and lands in an alternate world. Her adventures include being kidnapped, gathering unwanted husbands and falling for the wrong brother. Can she return through the wall?  Warning:  This book is not a ‘sweet’ romance – it is a sexy, funny, rollicking adventure with a spunky heroine and the medieval ‘men’ of her dreams!

Sci-Fi

Promises to Keep (Gaian Stories #1) , by Janet Miller- In the future, with Earth near barren and men willing to commit to marriage almost non-existent, a group of young women leave to find husbands in the Outer Colonies. En route they’re hijacked by men from a rebel planet called Gaia.  Gaian men can only make love to a woman they match and Dr. Sarah Johnson is the match for the most hated Gaian of all, General Garran Doranth…….

Historical Western

652181[1]Love and Betrayal on the Santa Fe, Lisa Day – In 1859 Calico Benson, a gentle bred woman wanting the security of marriage and family, answered an ad in the “Matrimonial News,” where men were advertising for wives. Along with five other women, she sets out on the Santa Fe Trail hoping to find love. Instead they found a hellish nightmare journey. Will their dreams be fulfilled or lost?

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