September 18, 2013 by Tina Williams

The Bad Death, by Naima Haviland

A Gothic Masterpiece of Dark Romance, Horror and Suspense – Review and Author Giveaway

The Bad Death, part of Naima Haviland’s vampire trilogy, tantalises the reader with a spellbinding paranormal tale of romance, horror and suspense. The author skillfully weaves the vampire myth with African Gullah legends to create a dark and gripping narrative, which, when read in conjunction with the accompanying novel Bloodroom, will forever haunt your dreams.

In The Bad Death, set in South Carolina in 1788, a mysterious African beauty emerges from the family crypt of Julian Mouret, the owner of Lion’s Court plantation. This woman enthralls this handsome slave owner with an outlandish tale of peril and flight. Although Julian fears for her sanity, he determines to keep Anika (or Annie as she is known) safe as a series of horrifying mutilation murders ensues, indicating to the slaves the presence of “plat-eyes”—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.

The Bad Death does contain a Bloodroom spoiler, so if you intend to read it you may first want to read Bloodroom, to which this book serves as both a prequel and a sequel. Scroll to the end of this review for a link to our Bloodroom review. Naima Haviland is also kindly offering one lucky reader of our blog a digital copy of both Bloodroom and A Bad Death. Scroll down for details of this giveaway, where all you need to do is comment with your name.

I absolutely adore this series! I fell in love with Julian in Bloodroom, being both repelled and attracted to him – I cannot get him out of my head. The Bad Death gives the reader an insight into his actions in Bloodroom, where as a creature of the dark he maintains a thread of humanity. In The Bad Death Julian values rationality over superstition, yet Anika and the events which occur are anything but rational. He refuses to acknowledge the existence of beings which science does not recognise. Julian cannot explain the sexual pull and connection he feels to Anika, whom readers of Bloodroom immediately recognise is possessed by the spirit of Natalie his human lover in that book. Although compelled to keep Anika close, he is also repelled by her as he believes that she is a liar and a trickster at worse and at best mad. What will be Julian’s downfall? – Madness if he realises that such evil actually exists or ignorance as he does not realise the true horror of what he and others face?

Anika is a fantastic kick-ass heroine, protecting those she cares about in any way she can. Although this book is very much focused on Anika, Natalie’s influence is pivotal, as through her possession she imparts her ballet dancer’s strength and flexibility on Anika and also her knowledge of how to defeat vampires. Natalie’s spirit (whom Anika refers to as ‘the Hag’) also gives Anika an insight into Natalie and Julian’s dark romance. Anika regards her possession more favourably as the novel progresses and becomes increasingly attracted to Julian. She is torn between her attraction to Julian and to Marcus, the Mouret’s slave driver, himself a slave. Bitter rivalry and jealousy exist between both men over Anika and there is also plenty of sexual tension and well crafted sensual love making scenes throughout.

There are a host of supporting characters. These include Tumba, the resident witch doctor, a free black man, whose role appears to be a malevolent one. We also meet the teenage Jane Eliza, whom readers of Bloodroom will recognise as Swisher, who plays such a key role in that book. Julian’s mother, Miss Elizabeth, is a character whom I loved, as she is brave and resourceful and whilst not fully comprehending the true evil around her is supportive of Anika.

The novel contains horror and violence and visceral scenes of bloodlust and gore juxtaposed with passionate lovemaking and lush descriptions of the landscape. I was particularly impressed by the dark, gothic descriptions of the waterways, which link Lion’s Court to adjacent plantations, the descriptions of these and the rice fields and the overarching sky became more and more threatening as the novel progresses. I also enjoyed the magical scenes where Natalie takes possession of Anika and compels her to dance the ballet and imbues her with visions and feelings from the future. The author has carried out a lot of research into the history of slaves and plantation owners, the Gullah language, folklore and culture and the environment of South Carolina in the late eighteenth century. I was held spellbound and totally immersed in the world and minds of the characters.

The Bad Death is an original and haunting tale. Don’t take my word for it – check out the author’s web and blog sites to read her excerpts and to gain an insight into the characters and the world that she has created. I am certainly looking forward to book 3 of the trilogy, due for release next year.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for an honest and fair review.

For my review of Bloodroom click here

http://naimahaviland.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Books.by.Naima.Haviland

To buy a copy – currently available both in paperback and Kindle. Click to buy at Amazon US Click to buy at Amazon UK

For a chance to win a digital copy of both Bloodroom and The Bad Death simply leave your name below in the comments section. A draw will be made on 27th September 2013 and the lucky winner informed.

September 10, 2013 by Tina Williams

Wolfkeeper’s Woman, by Lisa Day

A Compelling and Emotional Romance!

I was blown away by the emotional intensity of this unorthodox romance between sworn enemies, a Native American warrior, Wolfkeeper and an American homesteader Cassie. I devoured the book in a day as I was so captivated by it!

In Wolfkeeper’s Woman, Cassie, who has recently given birth, finds her home attacked by Indians. Her husband is killed and Cassie finds herself captive of one of the men instrumental in his murder, a powerful and terrifying warrior, Wolfkeeper. Wolfkeeper gifts Cassie’s son to his brother and sister-in-law, who have already lost three pregnancies, which naturally leaves Cassie devastated. Cassie is referred to as The Ghostwoman by the tribe, shunned by many and is not allowed to communicate with her son. There are some truly heartbreaking scenes as Cassie’s son is taken from her and what occurs whenever their paths do cross. Wolfkeeper assumes the role as Cassie’s protector, ensuring that she obeys his command to keep away from her son, whom he tells her is now dead to her, and that she strives to assimilate into the ways of his people.

Cassie has little choice but to cooperate if she is to have any chance of escaping with her son. She despises Wolfkeeper for what he has done to her and her family. However, she is forced to rely upon him for protection, guidance and at times comfort in this strange new world, where she does not even speak the language and is ignorant of its complex customs, which are so different to those of the white man.

Wolfkeeper demands total compliance from Cassie, who finds herself carrying out daily tasks for him and having to permit his touches, which increase in intensity, becoming more and more sexual. Although their relationship is not immediately fully consummated, Wolfkeeper demands dominion over Cassie’s body to bind her to him, in a number of sensual scenes, and she is powerless to resist, knowing that no one will come to her aid. She permits his caresses at first because she is fearful of the consequences of refusal and then because she enjoys them, even while she despises him. Yet how can she permit her body to betray her when he has committed the sins of killing her husband and taking away her child? Can she possibly let him into her heart or even forgive him?

Wolfkeeper at first regards Cassie purely as the enemy and treats her harshly. However, he comes to respect her inner strength. He is pleased when she does begin to assimilate into the life of his people. Cassie begins to penetrate Wolfkeeper’s heart and he decides that he wants to make her his. He is a wise and patient man and knows that he must bide his time if he is to win her. However, the issue of her son is always between them. Will Cassie accept that her son is lost to her forever and embrace Wolfkeeper and the ways of the tribe or will she reject them and escape at the first opportunity? There are many twists to the tale as Cassie and Wolfkeeper both struggle with the feelings that they develop for each other and I was hooked from start to finish!

Cassie is a great heroine, showing great strength of character for one who has suffered so much. She has been given few choices in her life, being very much a victim of circumstance. However, she responds with courage and dignity. I found the growing respect, trust and affection between the couple a beautiful and touching love story, surprising given the circumstances of their relationship.

There are a number of supporting characters in the novel, some of them native American Indians and some of them other white settlers. One of my favourite characters, apart from the main couple was Wolfkeeper’s grandmother. I also liked the character of Becky, the widow of Todd, the friend of Cassie’s husband, who also lost his life in the Indian attack on Cassie’s home. The author weaves her story throughout the main narrative and I found it to be a touching one. I was also fascinated by the customs of the Native Americans and how they differed from those of the white man.

I recommend this novel to readers of western historical romance, especially those who like an emotional and sensual read. It will particularly appeal to those who like to examine forgiveness and acceptance and how individuals from different cultures can come together. The author Lisa Day has a true gift for original storytelling and I have already downloaded her latest novel, Love and Betrayal on the Santa Fe, also set in the American frontier, to read very soon.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

http://lisaday.weebly.com/

September 5, 2013 by Tina Williams

The Antique Love, by Helena Fairfax

There’s No Accounting for Love – A Tale of Rationality versus Romance!

Sweet Contemporary Romance

The Antique Love, a contemporary tale, is a deeply romantic read, which affirms the power of love which can bowl over even the most rational of us! It is Helena Fairfax’s second novel and focuses on the relationship between an English woman Penny and a Wyoming man Kurt. Kurt, a top flight accountant, has purchased a house overlooking Richmond Park and now seeks a wife to share it with.

Kurt enters Penny’s antique shop one day and is struck by her affinity and passion for antiques. He offers her the job of refurnishing his new home, a strictly business arrangement – Kurt even tells his sister back home that Penny is not marriage material! Kurt begins to date women he has meticulously selected from an exclusive dating agency as he is keen to find a polished and professional wife who shares his values and outlook. He has seen those in his life badly let down and destroyed by romantic love and grand passion and wants no part of either, believing that they lead to heartbreak.

Penny is attracted to Kurt, initially mistaking him for a cowboy due to his demeanour and rugged good looks, which causes her some embarrassment! She finds herself reluctantly agreeing to his proposition to refurbish his home when he offers to look over problems she is having reconciling her accounts. Kurt tells Penny of his decision to find a wife based on logic and calculation and Penny realises that she is the last person that would fit the bill, being more of a romantic, passionate and intuitive type. Penny knows that she must guard her heart lest it gets broken, especially when Kurt makes it clear that he regards her as little more than a kid sister.

However, as the weeks pass and Kurt and Penny meet to discuss her accounts and the furnishing of his new home, things do not go according to plan for either party! The more Kurt gets to know Penny, the more he cannot stop thinking about her, even when he dates other women. He realises that he is wildly attracted to Penny whilst acknowledging that she is far from the type of woman he seeks to marry. Penny finds it impossible not to fall for Kurt. Once she has finished refurnishing Kurt’s home will they part as friends, cool decision making and rationality having prevailed, or will Kurt open his heart and realise that Penny is the one for him? Similarly will Penny drop her cool façade around Kurt, which she has assumed to protect her heart, to let Kurt realise how much he means to her?

The Antique Love is a very romantic read, with well defined and realistic main and secondary characters. Both Kurt and Penny have been shaped by traumatic past events and they need to confront their feelings before they can resolve their relationship. I loved Kurt as although he is clearly a man used to being in charge he is at the same time considerate and honourable, supporting Penny when she is having a difficult time. Penny is a heroine who you immediately root for and will her to get her man. She is hardworking, enthusiastic and kind and prone to wild romantic imaginings, which Kurt is drawn to despite himself! Unfortunately she also has low self-esteem, due to her life experiences. Penny and Kurt make a couple, who have the capacity to make each other whole again, despite their past hurts; it just takes them a while to see it!

I also loved the imagery Helena Fairfax uses in this novel to help illustrate the emotions of the characters and progress the plot, from the antiques that Penny enthuses about to the colours and furnishings she selects for Kurt’s home. If you enjoy a sweet and traditional contemporary romance, with well drawn characters, which is also a deeply romantic and a satisfying read look no further than The Antique Love.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

http://helenafairfax.com/

Published by Museituppublishing

Cover designer Charlotte Volnek

If you like the sound of The Antique Love, you may want to find out about Helena’s other romance, The Silk Romance (click the tiltle for our review). Alternatively click on the links to find out more about Helena and her work and to go to the publisher’s site where you can purchase her novels.

September 2, 2013 by Tina Williams

Bloodroom and Release of A Bad Death, by Naima Haviland

A Dark Paranormal/Horror Romance

One of the first books that I reviewed for this blog was Bloodroom by Naima Haviland. It is one of those reads that has stayed with me – the hero, a vampire, has been the subject of both my dreams and my nightmares ever since!

In Bloodroom we see Julian Mouret, a master vampire, have his loyalties torn between upholding vampire law and letting Natalie, the human he has become obsessed with survive when he is honour bound to kill her. I recommend this book to lovers of dark paranormal romance and horror, especially for those with a love of the modern gothic and the erotic. I have reblogged this review alongside this post in case readers missed it the first time around – so scroll down after this post if you want to read the review.

One of my next reads, which I am really looking forward to, will be The Bad Death, which is both a sequel and a prequel to Bloodroom. It features Julian before he was a vampire and is set in South Carolina in 1788. It has recently been released in paperback and the Kindle version is now available. Here is an abridged version of the book blurb:

The African beauty emerging from his family crypt is a stranger to plantation owner Julian Mouret. A mystery, she spins a dark tale of peril and flight. Though he fears she must be mad, the handsome slave owner is soon lost to this enchantress. But there can be no safe haven. A series of horrifying mutilation murders screams of the presence of “plat-eyes”—shape-shifting blood-sucking supernatural creatures —and only Anika can end the rampage. But to face the vampire horde she will have to master the darkness within. And the price of victory in the battle ahead may well be the eternal soul of the man she is coming to love.

The Bad Death can be enjoyed without first having to read Bloodroom, but the author advises readers interested in Bloodroom to read it first as The Bad Death does hold a Bloodroom spoiler. If you like the sound of this series, look out for the review of The Bad Death in the coming weeks and also for details of a giveaway by the author on this blog.

Tina 🙂

http://naimahaviland.com/

Amazon UK

Amazon US

September 2, 2013 by Tina Williams

Bloodroom by Naima Haviland

Author Naima Haviland has recently released her new novel, The Bad Death, which is both a sequel and a prequel to Bloodroom, one of the first books that I reviewed on this blog way back in December. Bloodroom is a fantastic dark gothic romance, with strong elements of horror and I am really looking forward to reading The Bad Death. You may want to read the review of Bloodroom and revisit us sometime soon to read our review of The Bad Death. Tina 🙂

areadersreviewblog

A dark paranormal romance

In Bloodroom we meet Julian Mouret a master vampire have his loyalties torn between upholding vampire law and letting the human he has become obsessed with survive when he is honour bound to kill her.

Natalie Heyward, a ballerina with the Charleston ballet troupe, saw Julian’s true nature when she and her dance partner Andrew came across Julian when he was engaged in a feeding frenzy on some wolves in a local wood. Julian retaliated quickly, tossing Andrew in the air and pursuing and attacking Natalie, whom he could not bring himself to kill. Andrew, who now resides in hospital, never saw his attacker’s face. However, Julian knows that Natalie did and seeks her out, under the guise of patron of the ballet company, intent on killing her to prevent her from revealing the existence of vampires to humans. To cope with the horror of…

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August 29, 2013 by Tina Williams

Update from Tina

With one thing and another this last few months it has been a while since I have written an update! I have been reading and reviewing however and scouring both online sites and bookshops to add to my already enormous ‘to read’ list. This update is a little longer than usual (so bear with me!) and includes both mine and Caroline’s latest reads as well as what we plan to read next.

Since our last update I have reviewed a number of great books and posted on the following:

Heart of the Diamond, by Carrie Brock -A Regency Romance, where the hero deliberately compromises the heroine to compel her to marry him, so that he can gain revenge on her father and childhood sweetheart. This is a very sweet romance, with some engaging characters and a strong plot. The hero tries to be a blackguard, but cannot quite manage it as he is completely undone by the charms of his enemy’s daughter!

Hunter on a Moonless Night, by Elena Han – A dark and erotic fantasy romance. Although a short read the author packs a lot of plot and passion into this story, which is set in a medieval type world. Lord Duinel, returning to his ancestral home after a long absence seeks to protect a young woman, Nimae, who he finds working in his stables, from a dark secret that is about to bring terror and death to his lands.

The Genie Smolders, by Kellyann Zuzulo – The second book of the Zubis Chronicles is brimming with action, suspense and sensuality in a love that transcends time. It continues the love between the genie Zubis and Bethany, the reincarnation of the ancient priestess Lina. Their ill-fated love affair at the time of Solomon resulted in Lina’s brutal murder and Zubis and two other geniew being punished and banished. Lina has now been reincarnated as Bethany and the genie that murdered Lina is seeking to satisfy her own terrible agenda, as are others. Zubis and Bethany must fight for their lives and the fate of the world and resist being pawns in a deadly game.

Heart of Obsidian, by Nalini Singh – book 12 in the Psy-Changeling series. A dark, dangerous and seductive story. Contains a dark, tortured and deadly hero in the form of Kaleb, whom readers will know as the Psy ex-councilor. He has the potential to be the saviour or the destroyer of the Psy race and the rest of the world. All hinges on his relationship with Sahara Kyriakus, whom he finally frees from a terrible imprisonment after seeking her for seven years. What will happen when Sahara’s mind, fractured by years of torture and abuse, finally recalls Kaleb’s role in her past?

The Proposal, by Mary Balogh – book 1 in her new Survivors’ Club Regency Romance series. The romance in this book focuses on war hero Hugo Emes, who is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress and survivor’s guilt after returning from the Napoleonic wars. It pairs him with Lady Gwendoline Muir, a widow who has had her own share of heartbreak. They form an unexpected and passionate attachment, but their worlds seem to far apart for them to have a future together. Hugo’ has a solid middle class backgroud and Gwendoline is a member of the Ton. This touching romance examines if two people from different classes can find some middle ground on which to live their lives.

Tainted, by Christina Phillips. book #4 in her erotic historical romance series Forbidden, featuring scorching romances between Romans and Celts. This book has an uber sexy Druid warrior, Gawain, as its hero and a Roman aristocrat, Antonia, as its heroine. Their attraction is immediate and they enter into a liaison which they both believe will be brief. However, they did not bank on love, which draws these two people, who should be bitter enemies, together. However, secrets and treachery abound in a time when to be a Druid was punishable by cruxifiction.

Confessions of a Bookaholic – A very unscientifically drawn up quiz to determine whether you share any of my bookaholic traits and where you can see how you score!

Werewolf Wishlist – This was produced following our Lycan Love- In feature, where we reviewed werewolf themed books. it included those books we have yet to read but which look as if they could be tasty morsels to sink our teeth into!

Cover Reveal Blog Hop for Christina Phillips’ Tainted – Enter for a chance to win some super prizes – open until 20th September!

Forthcoming Reads – Tina

My reads over the next week or so include a contemporary romance, a native American/American Frontier Romance and a dark paranormal/horror, featuring vampires. There will also be a giveaway attached to the latter.

A Contemporary Romance – The Antique Love, by Helena Fairfax

Helena Fairfax’s novel, The Antique Love is released on August 30th. The book tells of a romance between a Wyoming man Kurt Bold and Penny Rosas, who runs an antique shop. Penny assumes that this handsome stranger who enters her shop is a romantic cowboy straight from the pages of a book. However, Kurt brings her dreams back down to earth with a bump as his job is in the City and he believes that romance is for dreamers and he has first hand experience of how destructive love can be. Now he’s looking for a wife, with a marriage based on logic and rational decisions. Kurt treats Penny like he would his kid sister, but when he hires her to help refurbish his beautiful Victorian house near Richmond Park, it’s not long before he starts to realise it’s not just his home she’s breathing life into. The logical heart he has guarded so carefully all these years is opening up to new emotions, in a most disturbing way…

A Sensual Native American/American Frontier Romance – Wolfkeeper’s Woman, by Lisa Day

This romance tells of a native American warrior Wolfkeeper, whose actions prompt him to question how he could have tender feelings for someone he considers an enemy. Wolfkeeper felt no guilt when he took the child from his natural mother for his brother and sister-in-law to raise as they had no children of their own. He took the mother too, to ensure that the infant would survive the journey. Cassie had only recently began to believe she found happiness. Now she learned to hate. She just wants her son back. Thrown into an unfamiliar lifestyle and unable to communicate she must learn how to stay alive for her son. She will learn the language. She will follow the rules. She will do anything she needs to get her son back. But will it be enough?

The Bad Death, by Naima Haviland, a dark paranormal/horror.

The Bad Death, which is both a sequel and a prequel to the author’s novel Bloodroom (click title for review). It features Julian, the hero, before he was a vampire. The Bad Death can be enjoyed without first having to read Bloodroom, but the author advises readers interested in Bloodroom to read it first as The Bad Death does hold a Bloodroom spoiler. If you like the sound of Bloodroom and The Bad Death, look out for the review in the coming weeks and also for details of a giveaway by the author on this blog.

Caroline’s Reviews

Caroline has reviewed the complete Season One of Boreal and John Grey by Chrystalla Thoma. This is an urban fantasy full of action and adventure where gateways between worlds begin appearing and threaten a whole city with Shades, goblins, snakes, dragons, dwarves and sexy elves. The Complete Season one consists of the first five books: The Encounter, The Gate, The Dragon, The Dream and The Truth! The review focuses mostly on the main characters, Ella Benson (an agent for the Paranoramal Bureau) and her new temporary partner, Finn, who just happens to be sexy and heroic. To review the plot in too much detail would have probably spoiled the story as it is quick paced and changeable with twists and turns, however the book blurb accompanies the review with more links and info on the author!

The Pull by Brooke Morris is the next review from Caroline. The Pull is a young adult fantasy following the main character, Maggie, who discovers that she is half faerie and half demon whose mother escaped from the Old World and into the New. Maggie is at her happiest when hiking and enjoying the forests and yet, in her dreams, she slowly watches forests dry up and wither away. But as she finds out more about who she is will she be able to save her Old World from dying? Whilst in the meantime she discovers that as a half-breed she was meant to be destroyed as her kind (half-breeds) are feared by others including faeries, demons, umbrokers, witches, dwarves and men!

Following The Pull, Caroline will be reading and reviewing The One Percenters by John Podgursky, a psychological thriller/horror. After a man’s wife is murdered he becomes a one percenter, where he decides on who can carry on the human race and eliminates those he believes are weak, ensuring that they do not breed. But will he be able to keep to these rules?

Dead Push (Kiera Hudson Series Two, #7) Caroline also recently re-blogged her review of Tim O’Rourke’s The Vampire Seeker as it has now been released by Piatkus/Little Brown Publishing as an e-book. The paperback will be released in January 2014 with the following two books of the Samantha Carter series to follow. Congratulations to Tim on these releases!! Tim has also recently released his self-published The Dead Push (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 7) which Caroline is eager to read soon after she has caught up with the last Keira Hudson book, Dead Water!

Happy reading!

Tina and Caroline 🙂

August 28, 2013 by Tina Williams

Tainted, #4 in the Forbidden Series, by Christina Phillips

Historical Erotic Romance 18+

Lush Eroticism and a Riveting Romance

Tainted is bursting with lush eroticism and riveting romance. The tale is set in ancient Britain and features a love between a sexy Celtic warrior and a Roman aristocrat, whose combination of strength and vulnerability melts his heart. The novel, published by Ellora’s Cave, also has paranormal elements, befitting of a time when both Romans and Druids communed with their respective gods.

The patrician Antonia, recently divorced, has left Rome and journeys to Britain with her merchant father. Antonia is relieved to have left her brutal marriage far behind her. As soon as she catches sight of Gawain, whom has featured in earlier novels in the series, instant mutual attraction flares between them. Gawain blatantly parades his lust for Antonia and his intention to bed her, whilst at the same time making known his disdain for Rome and all it represents. Although Antonia tries to hide her attraction, she finds it impossible to maintain her apparent disinterest. She decides that there is no reason not to encourage this man, whom she is very much attracted to, and embark on a short term affair, where she can hopefully put the bad memories of her marriage behind her.

For Gawain’s part he is determined to possess this woman, just as he has the bodies of many a Roman aristocrat. However, Antonia is different – she has no husband with her whose secrets he wishes to uncover in his quest to bring down the Roman oppressors as a good Druid warrior should. Nevertheless he determines to slake his lust on her before moving to pastures new.

Gawain, well practised in the erotic arts, inducts Antonia into sensual pleasures beyond her wildest dreams, a far cry from her experience of the marriage bed. His seduction includes sexual acts that she has only heard spoken of in whispers by her erstwhile friends in Rome. The lovemaking scenes are very hot indeed! The couple very soon begin to share more than physical pleasure and develop strong emotional bonds, which grow into mutual respect and a deep love. As with all of Christina Phillips’ novels that I have read in this series, their developing romance is beautiful to behold. Both Gawain and Antonia however have their own secrets and when a figure from Antonia’s past reappears in her life and Rome’s determination to destroy the Druids comes to the fore, their budding romance is threatened by violence and treachery. There is also an unexpected plot twist, which i did not see coming, which added to the pleasure of the read.

I loved the characters of both Gawain and Antonia. Gawain is portrayed as a strong and honourable individual, committed to the path of the Druid warrior, to repel and destroy the Roman invaders, whom he despises. He feels as if he has failed his Celtic God Lugus, as he was unable to prevent the treachery which resulted in the King Caratacus being captured and taken to Rome, an episode which also resulted in the execution of the other Druid warriors loyal to the king. Gawain feels less honourable because he managed to escape their fate. He is a considerate and inventive lover and I found him to be a irresistible, just as Antonia does!

On the surface Antonia is the perfect reserved Roman aristocrat, but she has been made to feel wanting by virtue of her merchant father’s heritage which is not considered good enough for her mother’s patician blood. She has therefore suffered whilst in Rome. However, Antonia has an inner strength, which Gawain comes to respect. Gawain helps to heal her sexually and their relationship is also full of humorous and lively banter. Neither individual wishes to see the other hurt by their own actions or those of another.

Other characters include Carys and Maximus, the hero and heroine of book 1, Forbidden, who play a key role in the novel. There is also Antonia’s father, who has his own secrets and the Praetor who does not have the best interests of Antonia and Gawain at heart. The tale is set against the backdrop of the Roman objective to annihilate the Druids and the power and influence they wield over the populace, by whatever means possible. Author Christina Phillips is in the Premier League when it comes to historical erotic Romance. Her novels have the perfect balance between erotic lovemaking and an exciting, credible and well crafted plot.

I recommend the novel to romance lovers who like to read erotic romance, set within an historical context.

Reviwed by Tina Williams

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

http://christinaphillips.blogspot.co.uk/

Publisher Ellora’s Cave site

August 24, 2013 by Tina Williams

Betrayed (# 3 in the Roman/Druid Series), by Christina Phillips

We are participating in author Christina Phillips’ Cover Reveal Blog Tour for her new historical erotic romance Tainted, set in ancient Britain and featuring sexy Celtic and Roman warriors and the women who melt their hearts. A copy of Betrayed, the previous novel in the series is being offered as a prize in the competition associated with the tour, so I thought that I would reblog our earlier review of it. If you like it you may also want to check out the Cover Reveal Blog post coming soon, where you can read an excerpt of Tainted, the new novel and find out about the comprtition. Tina 🙂

areadersreviewblog

Erotic Historical Romance

Adult content 18+

A Beautiful and Passionate Meeting Of Soul Mates

Betrayed is an erotic historical romance, set in Roman Britain. It describes a beautiful and passionate love between two sworn enemies, Tacitus, a Roman Tribune and Nimue, a priestess from the Druid nobility, whom the Romans are pledged to eradicate. It is a fantastic addition to the other two books in Christina Phillips’ Roman/Druid Series, Forbidden and Captive, and can be read as a stand alone.

Betrayed takes place in Cymru, in 51 A.D, where the Romans are committed to quashing rebellion. Whilst on an important mission for Caratacus, the Briton King, Druid priestess Nimue is injured and captured. Tacitus is entranced by her beauty and demeanor. To prevent her being treated as a spoil of war to be sold to the highest bidder, he purchases her as his slave, lest any other man seeks to possess…

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August 23, 2013 by Tina Williams

Tainted, by Christina Phillips – Cover Reveal Blog Tour, 23rd August – 20th September

See The Cover, Read An Extract and Try Your Luck at Winning Some Goodies!

The cover for Tainted, book 4 of Christina Phillips’ Forbidden Series, billed as ‘An erotic series of sexy warriors and magical heroines,’ is being revealed as part of a cover reveal blog tour. We are delighted to be taking part in this tour – read on to see this sexy cover up close and read a hot excerpt from the book, which is set in ancient Britain and featuring characters from the Roman and Druid world! Also see the link for the Tainted book trailer and read about the author later on in this post.

Readers are also able to take part in a Rafflecopter competition to win some super prizes (entry details at the end of this post) to win one prize (International): E-copy of the previous book set in this world, Betrayed; $10 Amazon Gift Card; Swag – Bookmarks, Postcards and Fridge Magnets.

My review of the previous book in the series, Betrayed, also published by Ellora’s Cave, can be found by scrolling down after this post. This is one of my all time favourite series of historical erotic romance, as I cannot resist how the author brings her sexy Romans and Celts to life in such a vibrant and scorching fashion – I mean, just look at the cover of Tainted, need I say more!

Tainted Book Blurb (scroll further for fuller excerpt)

A Dangerous Love That Rome Will Never Allow…

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Celtic warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she ignites his passion like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt whose touch stirs a desire she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. With Gawain she learns the pleasure of sex and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.

Inside Scoop: This medieval romance dabbles a wee bit in the paranormal.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Read An Excerpt From Tainted………

“Does your husband plan on joining you in Britain, Lady Antonia?”

Her chest constricted and the pain tangled with the ache engulfing her heart. The Cambrian stood by her side, unheeding of any pretense of propriety, and she did not dare look up at him in case he saw the darkness in her soul.

“I believe that to be unlikely.” Her voice was cool. She had learned to hide her feelings well during the interminable years of her marriage. She supposed she should admit that she was divorced and no longer belonged to Scipio, but it was none of the Cambrian’s concern. “He is devoted to furthering his career in the Senate.”

“At the expense of allowing his exquisite wife to travel unchaperoned?” There was a hint of mockery in his tone and she couldn’t help but glance his way. His legs were alarmingly close to her and for one heart stopping moment, her gaze stalled on the unmistakable proof of his arousal.

Goddess.

She hastily looked away and caught sight of the slave girl who had brought Carys the message standing some distance off, beyond the fountain. A poor chaperone indeed. Yet somehow, the knowledge that she was all but alone with this tough Cambrian warrior didn’t terrify her as she knew it should.

No. It did not terrify her. But her heart thudded erratically in her breast and she found it hard to draw breath. The heat from his body reached out to her and caressed her naked arms. A foolish thing to imagine and yet why else was her skin prickling in awareness? Why else did fire smolder her blood and cause her face to burn?

“I was adequately chaperoned on the journey to Britannia. And I’m safe enough under the protection of my father.”

From the corner of her eye she watched as Gawain—the Cambrian—crouched by her side. He appeared determined to unnerve her. She refused to look him in the eye and focused on a nearby column with feigned fascination.

“Your father is not here now, my lady.” Was that amusement in his voice? She forgot about keeping her distance and turned to him. His smile faltered for a moment as though something in her expression shocked him, although she couldn’t think what.

“Do you mean to threaten me with violence now my hostess is gone?” Perhaps she had learned to hide her feelings, but something about this barbarian made it impossible for her to hold her tongue, the way a gently born Roman woman should. Hadn’t her former husband told her that a thousand times in the early days of their marriage? And hadn’t he then qualified his words by reminding her of her inferior heritage?

“Do you find my presence threatening, Lady Antonia?” The hint of mockery was back in his voice as though he did not care if she found his attentions a threat. But the oddest thing of all was that, deep in her soul, she didn’t fear that this Cambrian warrior would raise a hand in violence against her.

It didn’t make sense. She could see his powerful biceps straining against his shirt and his physique put Scipio’s to shame. And yet she had never felt this certain of her safety when in the presence of her former husband.

“Should I?” The question escaped before she could prevent it. Once again she watched, fascinated, as Gawain’s eyes darkened and this time she made no effort to correct her errant thought.

His name was Gawain. She could call him that in her mind, if she wished. No one would ever know.

Click to Read Chapter One of Tainted

ISBN: 9781419940734

Release date: 28th August 2013

Ellora’s Cave Amazon ARe

Click for link to Tainted Book Trailer

About Author Christina Phillips

Christina loves writing dark tales of tough, sexy warriors who are brought to their knees by their heroines. A mystical touch of fantasy or paranormal usually weaves its way through her stories, although strangely enough this wasn’t her intention when she first starting writing her Roman/Druid romances. But when ancient gods and goddesses get involved, it’s best just to go with the flow J

She is published by Ellora’s Cave and Berkley Heat and has dipped her toe in the indie pub waters. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America, the DarkSide Down Under Group Blog and Historical Hearts Group Blog.

Christina is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her family. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

Connect with Christina:

Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Blog

Tour Wide Giveaway Details

One Prize (International):

E-copy of the previous book set in this world, Betrayed

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Swag – Bookmarks, Postcards and Fridge Magnets

To enter the giveaway click here for the link to Christina Phillips’ site where you can enter via Rafflecopter.

For details of other blogs participating in the Blog Tour, where other extracts will be shared, click here .

August 22, 2013 by Tina Williams

Heart of the Diamond, by Carrie Brock

A Revenge so Sweet! An Entertaining Regency Romance

Heart of the Diamond is a sweet Regency Romance, with a yummy alpha hero and an unorthodox heroine who meet each other in bizarre circumstances engineered purely for revenge, but which lead to an endearing and intriguing fast paced romance.

In Carrie Brock’s romantic tale the heroine, Lady Nicole Langley, has managed to avoid matrimony – a state she has no desire to enter into. However, she finds that her father and stepmother have arranged a match with a man very much her senior. In a desperate attempt to seek help, she sets out in the middle of the night to meet her childhood sweetheart and neighbour, Teddy Bartholomew, who has sent her a note to say that he has returned home from America. However, instead she finds that she has been tricked and compromised by Blake Dylan, the new owner of Teddy’s home, Rosewood Manor. Nicole’s father, the Duke of Billington, is reluctantly compelled to accept Blake’s offer of marriage for his daughter to safeguard her honour.

Blake Dylan, who is now the Duke of Diamond, on his father’s death, has recently returned from America where he spent the last six years after being banished there. He is seeking revenge on those responsible for his banishment, namely the Duke of Billington and Teddy Bartholemew. He has already sabotaged the Duke’s business interests and he has won Teddy’s ancestral home from him in a card game. His final act of revenge will be to trick Billington’s daughter into marriage, which will have the added benefit of depriving Teddy of the woman he intends to make his own.

Nicole is a first unaware of the hatred that exists between her father and Teddy and Blake. Whilst she is furious at the situation, she begins to find herself becoming attracted to Blake, for despite his cool and calculating exterior, he can at times be quite charming. She suspects that he has been badly let down in the past and wants to be the woman that heals him. However, once Nicole discovers Blake’s role in her father’s financial ruin, Nicole begins to question Blake’s integrity and fears for her future with such a cold hearted vindictive man, who professes to shun love. When her childhood love Teddy returns from America more truths emerge and Nicole is forced to make choices relating to her future happiness. She fears that Blake will not be appeased until he manages to completely destroy her father, which she cannot let happen. Already enamoured with Blake Nicole strives to melt his icy heart.

Nicole is not your typical simpering Regency miss. Instead she is unorthodox, outspoken and headstrong. Having witnessed her own mother’s unhappiness before her death and her father’s remarriage to his former mistress, she is wary of entering a loveless marriage. She is devoted to her family, although her relationship with her stepmother is strained. Blake is taken aback be Nicole’s natural beauty and lack of artifice. He does not hold Nicole responsible for his misfortune and only intends to use her as an instrument for his revenge, not wishing to inflict any undue hardship on her. He does not believe in love but he begins to find Nikki’s behaviour more and more endearing as he gets to know her. She begins to thaw his icy heart and he is forced to examine his feelings when Teddy reappears and competes for her attention despite the couple’s coming nuptials.

Despite Blake’s Machiavellian actions in tricking Nikki into marriage for revenge, I did find him a sympathetic character. From their first scene together it was evident that there was a great deal of sexual tension between them. However, there are many twists and turns in the plot along the way which make for an entertaining tale. Some of the scenes, particularly those which portray Blake and Teddy vying for Nicole’s attention are highly amusing! We are introduced to a wider cast of characters as the plot progresses and these are well drawn and help the plot progress to its conclusion.

I found Heart of the Diamond to be a sweet Regency Romance with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. I recommend this novel to lovers of Regency Romance with an unorthodox, likeable heroine, a yummy alpha hero, who attempts to be a blackguard to exact his revenge, but really is quite honourable and a cast of entertaining characters.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was made available to me by the publisher Blue Star Books for the purpose of providing a fair and honest review.

http://www.book-hub.com/bluestarbooks.html

Cover design by Bri Bruce