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August 23, 2022 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW – Bond Bitten (The Bonded Vampire Chronicles Book 1), by Christie Clayton

#paranormal #vampireRomance #fatedmates

Blurb

When a vampire bonds to a human, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Sebastian Blake is beautiful, charming and immortal, yet when he bonds to the human, Emily Heart, his poise, wealth and good looks are met with derision and hostility.

Independent, feisty Emily refuses to abandon her friends and family to pursue everlasting youth and eternal life with Sebastian. But the longer she resists her attraction to him, the more damage the powerful mate bond inflicts on his mind, leaving him vulnerable to a group of sadistic vampire hunters.

The hunters weaponize vampire-human bonds to weaken their immortal foes and harvest their blood. They reveal shocking secrets about Sebastian’s past, strengthening Emily’s resolve to stay away from him.

Can Sebastian win Emily’s heart before it’s too late? Or will Emily fracture their volatile bond, sacrificing their only chance for true love?

My Review

Sexy and Intriguing start to a new series – 5 stars

Bond Bitten is the author’s first published novel and is a sexy and intriguing take on the world of vampires and humans, full of passion and angst. If you are a fan of Buffy, the Vampire Diaries and True Blood you too will likely be drawn to the characters and plot.

The path to true love is never easy and when you add the concept of a reluctant fated mate into the mix it becomes ever more difficult. Emily and Sebastian are not only from very different worlds but are complex characters in their own right, both factors which impact on their relationship, their bond and their future big time.

Emily is a feisty, yet vulnerable heroine and the handsome and rich Sebastian epitomises all she despises (that’s even before she realises he is far from human). As for Sebastian, he never expected to bond with a human and Emily’s reluctance to complete their bond has consequences… I found Sebastian eminently swoon-worthy, but he too has baggage and secrets from his own past, some of which he is unaware of.

The book has its fair share of tension amidst the undeniable attraction and scorching sex scenes between the couple, not to mention danger in the form of the vampire hunters. I loved the various twists and turns and was on pins to find out how the plot would pan out and whether the couple could resolve their differences before it was too late.

The word building within the novel is very well done and I enjoyed how the author wove Emily’s and Sebastian’s romance into the overarching battle between vampires, their ruling council and the hunters. I look forward to future books in the series.

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.

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August 12, 2022 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – Sinners and Saints (Sinners and Saints #1), by Lana Sky and Molly Doyle

#Dark #MCRomance

Blurb

Traumatized by a family tragedy, Frances “Frey” Heywood resorts to committing the unthinkable—only to be saved at the eleventh hour by a man more troubled than even she can comprehend.

Daze Keaton is bad news. A criminal and a drug dealer, he’s a far cry from the safe harbor Frey craves, but all her doubts pale in the face of the way he numbs that cold, broken place inside her.

If only for a little while.

Though Daze’s comfort is a welcome gift, his true motives are far darker than she can ever fathom. While he might have saved her life, her future is in far more danger with him in it.

Not that her head will listen. Or her heart…

A brand-new dark romance collaboration from authors Lana Sky and Molly Doyle full of mystery, suspense, angst, and spice.

My Review

Crazy and intense dark MC read – 5 stars

Sinners and Saints is the first book of a trilogy and I found it to be one crazy ass ride from start to finish. I am a huge fan of Lana Sky’s writing, and I really enjoyed this collaboration with Molly Doyle, an author who is new to me.

After Daze, a mysterious stranger prevents Frey, grief stricken and traumatised after her brother’s death, from ending it all, her life becomes entwined with his and she begins to question everything about herself and those close to her.

The couple are polar opposites, and I relished the contrast and the constant push/pull between them: Daze is a dangerous criminal, involved in drugs and God knows what else, and Frey the innocent and closeted daughter of an influential man who heads up the religious organisation the Covenant.

I loved how Frey is equally drawn and repelled by Daze throughout. There are some hot scenes between them which I lapped up, yet the read is also full of twists and turns in a book which has a solid and engrossing plot line.

Indeed, the story kept me on toes throughout, taking Frey and reader to unexpected places, physically and emotionally. I appreciated how the evolving plot drip feeds the reader small details, revealing secrets which build up a picture of their shared past and present, increasing the level of suspense, tension and danger. As their lives begin to overlap who can Frey trust? I found myself constantly asking myself whether Daze will be Frey’s saviour or the agent of her destruction.

This addictive read ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next instalment.

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the authors, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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Lana Sky Website

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August 4, 2022 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW – Bound by Honor (The Clan Donald Saga Book 2), by Regan Walker

#histfic #scotland

Blurb

The friendship that changed the destiny of a nation…

In the waning years of the thirteenth century, two young noblemen form a bond that forever changes their destiny and that of Scotland’s. Their shared pledge of honor would endure for a lifetime to secure power in the Isles for Angus Og Macdonald and a crown for Robert Bruce. This is the story of their friendship, their times and the battle that secured their future.

Standing beside them would be two women from Ireland, Áine O’Cahan, the dark-haired beauty from Ulster, who captured the heart of the Lord of the Isles, and Elizabeth de Burgh, the fair Norman heiress who stood by her man, King Robert Bruce, though it would cost her dearly.

Enter the world of medieval Scotland and live the adventure!

My Review

An epic and character-driven tale of love, loyalty and destiny

– 5 stars

In Bound by Honor Regan Walker crafts an epic tale of love, loyalty and destiny set during one of the most turbulent times in the history of Scotland, a time when the English crown is intent on gaining control over the land and its people. The book is the second in the Clan Donald Saga, packing a punch both in terms of its historical authenticity and its emotional impact and can be read as a standalone. Click here to read my review of Summer Warrior, the first book in the series.

I was thoroughly intrigued reading about the life of the central character Angus Og Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, and how as a youth he forged a firm friendship with his contemporary Robert Bruce, a man destined to take up Scotland’s crown. Their bond plays a pivotal role in both their lives and that of their fellow countrymen and women.

I loved Angus’ relationship his wife Áine O’Cahan. Their mutual love and devotion is a constant in the novel and contrasts with the ever present danger and intrigue which is afoot as the English and their compatriots vie for control of the Scottish crown. I enjoyed how Áine supports and inspires not only Angus, but others, including Robert Bruce himself.

Regan Walker succeeds in bringing the history of Scotland, its land and people vividly to life. The sense of time and place conveyed to the reader throughout the novel indicates that she has carried out a significant amount of detailed research prior to putting pen to page. I found it to be an engrossing read on many levels; from its intimate and touching moments, its descriptions of everyday life and local customs, to the fateful events of the time, not least the bloody sacrifices made by some.

Recommended to lovers of historical fiction who enjoy a well researched, intriguing and character-driven read.

Please note, a copy of the book was given to me by the author and I am leaving a fair and honest review.

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August 1, 2022 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – Brutal Limits (The Limit Book 2), by Marissa Farrar and S. R. Jones

#reverseharem #darkromance

Blurb

Limits are blurred, boundaries are broken, and now the game is real.

When I took the job on the island retreat known as The Limit, I hadn’t expected to be mistaken for someone else.

Someone who wanted to be chased, to be caught, to be corrupted.

It was a mistake that would lead four men to take my innocence. Brody, Wilder, Rafferty, and Asher. They each have their own secrets and pain, and I’d started to think I was cracking through their armor.

But the connections we’d made vanished the moment they discovered my lie.

Now everything changes.

What began as a game has become something else entirely. Something sinister and dangerous. Now there are no rules. No limits. No get out clause.

No escape.

I ran from one threat right into the arms of another and now I don’t know if I’ll ever be free.

My Review – Fast-paced, scorching and suspenseful

The gloves are off in this, the second book in The Limit series. The four men who run the retreat are furious at Honor’s deceit and are determined to make her pay by reprising the games but this time without rules or limits.

It is once again a fast paced and scorching read – my heart was in my mouth throughout as I did not know how far the men would go in their quest to punish Honor and how she would react – cue some uber hot scenes exploring control and submission. Each of the men react to Honor’s deceit in a different way and this influences how they interact with her and ultimately each other.

I enjoyed how the book explored the changing dynamics between the men, specifically the impact Honor had upon the bond they have forged due to their shared past, a bond Honor is testing. We certainly go a lot deeper into their back story and Honor’s past in this book, a past that is still haunting her.

The read ends on an absolute doozy of a cliffhanger, setting the scene for what promises to be cracking final instalment to the trilogy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Marissa Farrar

S.R. Jones

July 28, 2022 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – Daemon’s Blade, Logan, Book 1, Daemon’s Blade Series, by Lana Sky

#paranormalromance #daemons #oppositesattract

Blurb

Ice-queen Serana Blake is quite content to be—peacefully—single. That is until her world is upended by a smooth-talking, dirty-minded “daemon” hybrid who, for whatever reason, seems intent on breaking down her barriers…

Via any means necessary.

When the persistent and sexy, Logan Merris does his best to melt her icy exterior, little does she realize that he has more on his mind than a one-night stand. Like preventing the end of the world, for one.

And avoiding any attempt at a serious relationship.

As unforeseen events pass, they may be unable to avoid their budding attraction. Will they be able to keep their walls in place, or will destiny have the final say?

A new paranormal series of duets for each couple in a greater world of linked books. Each duet set can be read as a standalone, but will be better enjoyed if read in order.

My review

Ice queen meets hot blooded daemon! 5 stars

This is an uber sexy read featuring one uptight, relationship adverse human with a pleasure obsessed Shael daemon. It is very much the case of opposites do most definitely attract in this fast-paced and entertaining paranormal read. The book, the first instalment of Serana’s and Logan’s story, is party of the author’s Daemon’s Blade series, but can be read as a standalone.

I loved this couple and how their relationship evolves. When daemon Logan arrives in the town of Meyweather, he is on a mission to save the world and his own ass. However, once he meets the mortal Serana, he becomes intent on satisfying his growing lust, before he walks away – he is after all the archetypal love’ em and leave ‘em type of guy… I just adored how Serana rebuffs his advances as she is not looking for any sort of relationship, least of all one with Logan who she has pegged as an arrogant player. The fact that Logan has never been turned down before, which makes him even more determined to pursue Serana, was just so delicious. The chemistry and banter between the couple is very well done and a delight to read.

Things get complicated when Fate conspires to draw the pair ever closer, and Serana unwittingly finds herself drawn into a world she has no idea exists. How will she react when she learns of this and more importantly can she survive? Can Logan protect this mortal woman from his enemies and what destiny has in store for her? Serana started off as a simple conquest in his eyes but she has become so much more…

The overall ‘feel’ of the book is initially not as dark as the two previous novels in the series, darker elements being introduced as the story develops. I enjoyed the chance to find out more about Marcus, Logan’s half-brother who featured in the previous books, and his other siblings. The book is a great addition to the world the author has created and I am hugely looking forward to the next instalment.

Recommended to lovers of paranormal romance, especially those like me who have a soft spot for daemons.

Please note, I received a copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

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July 11, 2022 by Tina Williams

The Inkwater Witch, The Inkwater Series, Book by Atley Wykes : A Steamy Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Romance

#FantasyRomance #EnemiestoLovers

Blurb

Pain provides clarity. Suffering builds strength. Mercy is a weakness.

Mardella believed the lessons etched into her skin and memory would prevent her from ever being captive to another again.

She was wrong.

After a disastrous encounter in her enchanted swamp, she finds herself in chains and her magic bound at the feet of her enemy. The gorgeous and imposing fae general demands she release his people from her curse, or he’ll happily kill her for her past crimes.

The only thing is, she isn’t the one poisoning the fae.

Roric doesn’t trust the witch or her denials. Her beauty is as diabolical as the pernicious flowers that adorn her home. The darkness poisoning his people originates from her cursed swamp and he’ll keep her close as he forces her to guide him through her treacherous waters. Once the curse is removed, he’ll rid the world of the dangerous creature.

Even if his twin soul whispers that the fearsome witch is his mate.

Content Note: The Inkwater Witch is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to violence, language, and sexual situations.

My Review

Fabulous fast-paced and emotional fantasy romance – 5 stars

This emotional enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance is the first book I have read by the author and I found it to be a fabulous read. The enemies-to -lovers trope is one of my favourite and it worked so well given the setting of this story, an enchanted swamp, home to Mardella, a solitary witch, reviled by all due to her reputation for evil.

The worldbuilding was excellent. I was very soon immersed in the dark beauty and menace of the swamp, its capricious magic and Mardella’s future after she is taken captive by Roric, a fae/wolf shifter and his team who are intent on compelling her to release the curse they believe she is responsible for inflicting upon their people.

The romance between Mardella and Roric is very much a slow burn, but when it combusts it does so with a passion! There is no love lost between them when they first meet and I vastly enjoyed the journey the couple went on as they navigate the mysteries of the swamp and their feelings for each other. The book features explicit love-making scenes, violence and descriptions of past trauma, so it is very much an adult read.

My heart ached for the injustices inflicted on Mardella in the past, which are slowly revealed as the plot progresses and I enjoyed her character development and that of Roric, who has his own issues, as they begin to respect and trust each other. They find they have much in common and despite being enemies, their futures are intertwined. The side characters and their own personalities and motivations are equally entertaining and I am looking forward to learning more about the world the author has created in future books in the series.

Recommended to lovers of fantasy romance.

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July 7, 2022 by Tina Williams

*ARC REVIEW – A Governess Should Never … Deny a Duke, The Governess Chronicles #2, by Emily Windsor

#Regency #RegencyRomance

Release Date: Thursday, 7^th July 2022

Tagline: With forbidden kisses on stormy nights, a house full of prospective brides, a scandalous rake of an heir, dragon folklore and cinnamon biscuits, the vocation of governess has never been so thrilling…

Tone: Romantic. Humorous. Poignant. But malice lurks…

Heat Level: Sensual. Moderate.

Blurb

“So tell me, Miss Beaujeu, why should I employ you as governess?”

A question to rouse fear within the breast of any prospective governess but for Isabelle, a lady with impeccable references and tightly pinned hair, it barely raises a brow.

But this rugged Welsh duke of an employer is unlike any other: dubbed Mean, Moody & Mysterious in gossip columns, he’s known to scowl a path through London society. And why have three governesses fled his employ within the last twelvemonths?

“I appoint you as governess. When can you start?”

Rhys Cadogan, the Duke of Aberdare, never procrastinates. And besides, with a house party to be hosted at his coastal estate, the sole purpose of which is to find him a wife, he’s in somewhat of a rush.

But this drab-gowned paragon of a governess is unlike any other: lauded in her references, she exudes composure and intelligence, a perfect fit for his troubled niece. So why do Miss Beaujeu’s eyes also flash with a wild silvered gleam?

This tale contains sensual scenes.

My Review

Warm, Witty and Romantic – 5 stars

This is such a delightful warm, witty and romantic read which from the outset transported me to another time and place. I became engrossed in the tale of Rhys, the brooding and mysterious duke, and Isabelle, the composed and independent governess who is hiding her own secrets.

In this standalone novel, the second in Emily Windsor’s Governess Chronicles, the Duke of Aberdare finds himself the unwilling participant in a house party at his ancestral home, a party where he is expected to select his duchess. Yet it is his niece’s new governess to whom he is drawn, respecting her for her wisdom and insight, and finding her a balm to his own troubles and those of Mari, his niece. He is also intrigued as to what lies beneath her self-controlled outer exterior.

For Isabelle’s part, the attraction is mutual yet she endeavours to guard her heart as it is not the role of a lowly governess to hanker after a duke and she has no wish to marry… Yet not everyone is enamoured with the new governess and Rhys increasingly finds himself defending her. The scene is set for what I found to be a compulsive, entertaining and love affirming read.

The story is peppered with humorous banter, drama and suspense and I enjoyed the references throughout to mythology, folklore and poetry. I found the setting of the story, in the Duke’s ancestral home on the rugged North Wales coast to be the perfect backdrop to the tale, heightening the intensity of the emotions at play.

The read has plenty of sexual tension and has a number of sensual scenes which are beautifully done. As with the author’s other novels, the supporting cast of characters is extremely well drawn – I particularly liked Mrs Pugh, the housekeeper, Mari, Isabelle’s charge and the colourful Mr Hugh Cadwalader, the duke’s distant cousin.

Fans of Regency Romance will not want to miss this read.

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author and I am posting a fair and honest review.

Links

Pinterest The Governess Should Never Tempt a Duke

The Governess Chronicles

1 – A Governess Should Never… Tempt a Prizefighter

2 – A Governess Should Never… Deny a Duke

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More about Emily can be found at:

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June 20, 2022 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – Daemon’s Kiss: Atiernan Book 2. Daemon Blade Book 2 by Lana Sky

#ParanormalRomance #enemiestolovers #Demons #Witches

My Review

Spellbinding Read – 5 stars

Secrets and intrigue abound in Daemon’s Kiss, the second book in the series. There are also some sexy times as the slow burn of Miranda and Atiernan’s relationship ignites. The danger posed by an outside force begins to ratchet up and reveal its true evil, providing a good degree of tension to make this a page turning read. Although this could be read as a standalone it is recommended that you read the previous book.

I loved the complexity of the couple’s relationship. Both are vulnerable due to trust issues. Atiernan has been betrayed by a witch in the past yet continues to be surprised by Miranda as she is not what he expected. Miranda has been brought up to revile Daemon kind yet finds herself questioning what she has been taught by her coven.

My heart went out to Miranda in particular, as she has been so damaged in the past and yet she has so much inner strength and such a selfless nature. I enjoyed how she starts to recognise her worth and come into her own. It was also a joy to witness how Atiernan comes to realise just what she means to him.

Yet to what extent is she a pawn in a game being played by outside players? How much agency does she truly have to prevent destruction of all she cares about? How far will she go to be able to return honor to her coven, whilst protecting Atiernan and those within his household she has grown to care for?

My heart was in my mouth as the plot unravelled – the author certainly knows how to spin a tale and torture her readers with what she puts her characters through! The read also introduces a number of new characters and I am looking forward to finding out more about them in future books in the series.

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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March 15, 2022 by Tina Williams

*RELEASE BLITZ/REVIEW – Howl,(Black Mountain Pack Book 2) by Lana Sky

#NewRelease #DarkParanormalShifterRomance #AuthorLanaSky #TwistedRomance #ShifterRomance #NewSeries #NeedToReadItNow #ReadMoreRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceBookAddict #Romancelandia #BookWorm #BookObsessed #RomanceBooks #SteamyReads⁠ #DarkRomance #ParanormalRomance

Released March 15^th 2022

#1-click today!

BLURB

With the help of the man who turned her life on its head, Loren must learn to navigate the new world she’s been thrust into—all while discovering the secrets of her parentage and the ways of a lycan.

When the undeniable bond between herself and her reclusive savior reaches a tipping point, there can be no turning back.

She must either embrace her newfound primal heritage and all that comes with it, or shun her true nature—and Bill—forever.

🐺 Howl Excerpt 🐺

Impulsively, she seized his bottom lip between her teeth before he could, and tugged.

A sound like the roar of a jet engine broke from the back of his throat. He wrenched her closer, palming her waist, pressing her against his chest.

“Stop,” she heard him whisper again—even as he brushed his lips over hers—but, considering how the next second his tongue plunged deep, it was kind of a moot point.

His mouth slanted against hers, but as his hands fanned out over her lower back, Loren sensed his true aim—not a kiss, but submission. He demanded it with every brush of his lips, and she couldn’t find the strength to match his pace.

So, without an ounce of guilt, she bit down. Hard. The flavor of copper exploded over her tongue. Blood? His—and she relished the taste, greedily seeking out every single drop. Disgust didn’t even cross her mind.

This felt right. Natural. The salty tang melded with the overall musk of him, creating a more visceral picture of who William McGoven was at his core. Someone dangerous. Virile. Wild.

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