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BOOK BLITZ – In the Shadow of a Hoax, by Maci Aurora (Fareview Fairytales #2), includes excerpt.

Publication date: January 24th, 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis

In the Kingdom of Kaloma, a woman is forced to rely on a man to “keep her” and is forbidden from maintaining anything of her own. It’s the law.

In the remote village of Sevens, at the northernmost point of the kingdom, there lives a family with four daughters and a son, toiling day in and day out together, hopeful a treaty with the boarding kingdom of Jast might change things.

When one daughter—at risk of being imprisoned for fighting back—hides away in the Whitling Woods. She stumbles upon a dying man and despite the risk to herself, chooses to save him. Only who he is has the power to change everything…

Tarley Fareview, idealistic and stubborn, does what she can to support herself in spite of an unjust Kaloma law. When she fights back after being attacked, she flees into the woods disguised as a boy. While in hiding, she discovers a dying man and must decide if she risks her life to save him. Unable to walk away, Tarley chooses to intervene and works to save the stranger, only little does she know that by doing so she’ll also risk the heart she promised herself she’d never give to anyone.

When the Crown Prince of Jast, Lachlan Nikolas—forced by the king to attend treaty negotiations with the kingdom of Kaloma in disguise—is attacked, his horse bolts, and they both careen over a cliff, falling to their deaths in a raging river below. Only, miracle of miracles, Lachlan doesn’t perish, and instead is given a second chance at life, but at a price. When he wakes, he’s not only been stripped of his clothes but also his identity. Saved by a strange woman—in a terrible disguise because she looks nothing like a boy—Lachlan must learn very quickly how to survive in a world where he isn’t a prince anymore and with zero skills other than his entitlement and his charm. Unsure who to trust, Lachlan must reinvent himself, learn how to survive, open his heart to discover the truth about worthiness, and discover what it means to sacrifice one’s self for true love.

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Excerpt

It was nearing sunrise on the fifth day. The twilight teasing the flap of the tent. The birds were only beginning to sing, and though the music of the birds waking and the river beyond were usually her salve to get her moving, her eyes were so heavy, and her body weighted with exhaustion. Her mind and senses lulled toward sleep by the sound of Ollie’s clear breathing and the song of the birds, so she shut her eyes.

Just for a moment, she told herself. Ollie’s safe. I’ll rest. Just for a moment, she thought and slipped into the rest of the darkness.

“Tarley?”

She stretched her body, uncurling it, and basking in the gloriousness of warmth and rest. Her hand dropped against something unforgiving, her head pressed against a wall. She moaned, disoriented, and grabbed hold of the mound under her quilt trying to figure out what had crawled into bed with her.

“I’ve always enjoyed a good fondling, but I prefer it being reciprocal.”

Tarley’s eyes snapped open at the foreign sound—a man’s voice with just the hint of an accent with which she wasn’t familiar. Skin. That’s what her eyes focused on. Lots of it. An arm. A shoulder. A scruffy jaw in need of a shave as she raised her gaze. Full lips arched with a smile, the bottom slightly fuller though the pronounced arches of the upper. He was grinning, and his eyes—a myriad of colors—were darkened with a ring of deep green at the edges.

Realizing she was flush against him, holding him, Tarley jerked back, scrambling to the opposite side of the ten, only there wasn’t enough room to maneuver. She regretted the quick movement, her body protesting with aches and pains of not enough sleep.

“Ollie. I–” She couldn’t meet his gaze.

“You were asleep.”

Her cheeks heated realizing she’d been holding him in her sleep. Holding onto him the night she’d been trying to save him flashed in her mind reminding her she’d held him before. To save him, she snapped at her inner self.

Her eyes danced across the quilt until she found the bravery to meet his gaze.

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AUTHOR BIO & LINKS

Romance author.

Lover of stories.

Maci Aurora has been writing stories since she was a child. When she was eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. In high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and from there, her writing journey was cemented in telling stories about love. Having already published many novels (all of which are threaded with romance as upper YA and New Adult titles) under the pen name, CL Walters, Maci Aurora wanted to write stories that offered the same attention to story and characters but with additional steam.

Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies.

https://www.maciaurora.com/
https://www.instagram.com/maciaurora/
https://www.maciaurora.com/newsletter

September 29, 2020 by Tina Williams

RELEASE DAY ~ Flame: Dragon Triad Duet by Lana Sky

#DarkRomance #Suspense

Title: Flame: Dragon Triad Duet Book 2

Release Date: September 29^th

Blurb:

Falling for a man like Rafe was just the beginning.

As danger looms overhead and her secrets are revealed, Hannah will have to trust him now more than ever.

But Rafe has his own past and, once uncovered, the truth may send her running for good…

Or the consequences will plunge her into a series of choices from which there is no turning back from.

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Teaser from Moth (book 1 in the Duet):

“Tell me something, does he appreciate your little hobby? Your boyfriend?” He laughs again, but the sound is decidedly colder this time. “Don’t answer that. Describe me instead. Describe me with your writerly words.”

“An asshole. A creep. A fucking liar,’” I snipe. “There. Satisfied?”

He lets me go, turning away. “I’ve been called worse. I bet you have too, rabbit.”

I bite my lip. Have I? Yes. The words echo, distorted, and muted by memory. You’re so selfish, Hannah. Fucking selfish…

“I’m leaving now,” I say, struggling to sound like I mean it.

“Not before I get to critique your assessment.” He whirls to face me, stroking his chin. “A creep. Asshole. Well, I am all of the above…except that last thing. I’m not a liar.”

I meet his gaze again, but the darkness I find there is unwaveringly steady. He’s telling the truth, or at least he thinks he is.

Which strikes me as strange. Out of all the attributes on that list, I wouldn’t expect him to deny that one.

“So, you never lie?” I ask, still holding his gaze.

“No,” he says. “So think carefully about whatever you’re going to ask me next. Make sure you can sleep with it.”

I do. The air catches in the back of my throat as I open my mouth and ask, “Why pick on me?”

He laughs. “I told you.” He moves slowly, giving me every chance to escape his advance. When I don’t, his hands return to my hips. “I want to know what makes a rabbit scream.”

One by one, he spreads out his fingers, and I’m riveted by the sight of them—long and slim, streaked with dirt. Or paint? Gradually, they slip between the denim of my jeans to connect with my skin. Greedily, seeking more. More. Once he’s gained enough leverage, he tugs.

I inhale, raising my hands. “S-Stop—”

“No,” he growls, yanking me into him. “Close your eyes.”

Something in his voice reaches past my logical brain, the part of me I’ve listened to my entire life. He goes deeper.

“Feel,” he commands in a tone that ripples down my spine. “What does this feel like? Tell me, and I’ll stop.”

Softness mingled with a slightly rougher texture. Definitely paint. Warmth from the fingertips traces a blazing path over my chilled flesh. Down, down, down…

“Breathe, rabbit,” he urges, his mouth near my ear. “I won’t hurt you. Unless you ask me to.”

Release Day Giveaway:

Visit Lana’s FB Author page for a $25 giveaway on Release Day!

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLanaSky/

Author Info:

Lana Sky

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May 8, 2018 by Tina Williams

~Release Blast by Jan Graham: Tempting Marcus: Mercenary Heat #1~

Tempting Marcus

Mercenary Heat Bk 1

by Jan Graham

Genre – Romantic Suspense

Blurb

A mission is underway, and in the mercenary game, timing is everything.

Beth has spent the last four years trying to tempt Marcus into her bed so why decide now that it’s make or break with him? The excuses have faded. She’s no longer too young, too innocent, or too naïve about the job. She’s lead on their current assignment, success and failure rests with her. Maybe that’s why she’s decided it’s also time to make one last ditched attempt to secure the man she wants in her life. Marcus Delany, her boss and a mercenary who claims to have no heart.

Not wanting Bethany isn’t the problem. Marcus wants her with every fiber of his being, he just won’t allow himself to give into temptation and have her. For Marcus it’s not about her age or experience, it’s not even about his ability or desire to make Bethany his own. It’s about loss. If he refuses to have her then he can’t lose her. His first life lesson as a mercenary was a harsh one. Loving with all your heart makes you vulnerable. That’s not what he wants to be. He’s been there, done that, and the T-shirt wore out long ago.

Buy Links

Amazon Us – https://amzn.to/2rspAlT

Excerpt

The permanent distraction in his life would arrive home soon. He needed to decide whether to proceed with his pursuit of her or not. Not that the pursuit would be a long one, Beth already made it clear, she was his if he wanted her.

I want you, Beth, I just don’t know how to have you. Thinking back on his words that night, Marcus knew she hadn’t understood what he’d been trying to say. Things would have to change if they stood any chance of maintaining a relationship. Whether he wanted to implement those modifications, and if Beth would agree to them, remained to be seen. Resisting the urge to take her to his bed wore thin. He’d denied himself so much over the years, all because of fear. The fear of history repeating, fear of something happening to someone he loved. Adrian was right, it was no way to live.

“I’ve missed that scowl so much,” Nik stated sarcastically as he sat on the bench next to Marcus. “Did one of the guys steal your dummy, so you can’t spit it at anyone?”

“Not in the mood, Nik,” Marcus snapped.

“Clearly,” Nik quipped before taking on a more serious tone. “What’s up, Boss?”

Marcus leaned forward, bracing his arms on his thighs, clasping his hands together as he stared at the ground. His gut churned with worry. Hindsight was a wonderful thing. If he’d accepted his need for Beth twelve even six or three months ago, none of them
would be in the position they were now. It was too late to cancel the mission. Beth was in imminent danger because of him, and there was no way out.

Author Bio

Jan Graham is an author of Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. Her stories contain erotic elements, with some including elements of BDSM. She has numerous published titles to her credit, with more to come once she overcomes her current bout of procrastination.

Jan lives in Newcastle, Australia where she writes, reads, feeds her Netflix addiction and drinks coffee with friends. For those who enjoy labels and tags, as well as being an author, Jan is a submissive, an aunt, dyslexic, a lover of all things tempting and naughty (including chocolate), a participant in the BDSM community, a widow, an orphan, and sometimes, a wild child. In short, she is generally a bit of an eccentric who lives her life slightly left of center. You can find out more about Jan and her work by stalking her on the various social media sites where she occasionally hangs out.

Author website and social media links:

Website: https://jangraham.com.au

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanGrahamAuthorpage

Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/jangraham

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jangraham

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jan_graham

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May 6, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Book Blitz & Giveaway The Blue Ridge Project by Neil Rochford

Title: The Blue Ridge Project

Author: Neil Rochford

Genre: Dark Suspense/Paranormal

Date released: May 5th 2016

Blurb: Conspiracy. Murder. Secret experiments. Mind control. A detective, a journalist and a rich deviant struggle with their pasts as their actions set them on a collision course with each other and The Project.

Detective Andrea Nox has been asked to quietly investigate a bizarre and violent murder-suicide that could have consequences for Beacon City and the people in charge. Dead ends and odd clues are hindering her efforts, and when another similar murder occurs, she has to juggle the investigation and her own troubled past with the Beacon City Police Department.

Journalist Robert Duncan is visiting home after a personal crisis when the unthinkable happens, and secrets are unearthed about his family and his place in it. His involvement in a dangerous and far-reaching conspiracy grows as he uncovers information that implicates powerful people in horrible crimes.

Frank Mortimer, a disturbed son of a wealthy and influential family, is taking part in an experimental program that has promised to make him better. However, with the shadowy and powerful group known only as The Project behind the program, what he is getting better at could prove disastrous for everyone else, as a dangerous power is unlocked inside him…

Their paths will converge in a shocking story of murder, conspiracy and clandestine experiments taking place that could change the world.

Buy Links: Amazon US and Amazon UK

Author bio

Neil Rochford is a freelance writer who loves fiction where bad things happen. He has spent the last six years abroad, working his way through Europe and South America while learning the business behind writing and self-publishing in between teaching and bartending. Originally from Ireland, he speaks three languages and has lived in Estonia, Brazil, France and Spain. He maintains his own website, dabble in webpage creation, has written a number of short stories and is also a writer and regular contributor for popular Irish podcast Those Conspiracy Guys. Currently residing in Spain, he plans to return to his native Ireland this summer. You can find out more at neiltr.com.

https://twitter.com/NeilRochford

https://facebook.com/neiltrwriting

http://neiltr.com/

The author is hosting an ebook giveaway:

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April 30, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Book Blitz & Giveaway Kale’s Paroxysm by Nina R. Schluntz

Title: Kale’s Paroxysm

Author: Nina R. Schluntz

Genre: M/M Romance

Date released: April 7th, 2016

Released by: MLR Press, LLC

Length: 311 pages

Blurb: Convinced Martin will come back, despite their volatile history, Kale embarks on a relationship that is perfect if it remains superficial; but Eli’s past is riddled with secrets and Kale’s obsessive nature drives him to uncover it all.

Kale has spent years in a volatile relationship with his ex, Martin. Convinced he will come back, even after a conflict that results in Kale being incarcerated and suspended from his law firm, Kale begins a no-strings-attached relationship with the man he meets in jail.

Eli has always kept his romances with men temporary. He hasn’t always been honest about being gay and he prefers to keep the secrets of his past hidden. Kale’s obsessive nature makes it difficult though, and soon their relationship is edging toward something more. Kale’s possessiveness appears to have no limits, nor do his fits of rage, and Eli worries, as Kale’s affection shifts from Martin to Eli, that he may become Kale’s next victim rather than his lover.

Buy Links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Author bio:

Her husband continues to ensure her stories maintain a touch of realism as she delves into the science fiction and fantasy realm. And their kitty, a rescued Abyssinian, is always willing to stay up late to provide inspiration.

“Kale’s Paroxysm” is Nina’s first contemporary novel, but will not be her last. Visit her blog, mizner13.wordpress.com, for information regarding previous and upcoming publications. She also posts book and movie reviews for a wide variety of genres.

On Twitter: @mizner13

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaranthine.mizner/

Website: https://mizner13.wordpress.com/

Publisher: http://bit.ly/23SXXRQ

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qJCuJ4

On Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1WPIlsW \

The author is hosting a giveaway for ONE lucky reader to WIN a $10 Amazon GC!

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March 31, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Review & 2x Signed Giveaway Vampires of Maze (Beautiful Immortals series 2, book 2) by Tim O’Rourke

The Beautiful Immortals series 2 is continued with the second instalment of Vampires of Maze. The war between the vamps and weres has been well under way, and it appears that there are few shifters left. Wicce, Julia, travels to England with a small group of weres in the hope of negotiating with the vampires to keep all parties, including humans, alive. But, is it possible to negotiate with such beings? Is she experienced enough? And, what of her personal feelings to the weres around her? She can only keep her distance to a certain degree from those she travels with. As tension runs high, and action is inevitable, you’ll be holding onto your seats with this paranormal thriller series from the talented Tim O’Rourke.

Please scroll down for a chance to WIN a SIGNED COPY of Vampires of Maze part 1 🙂

Title: Vampires of Maze (Part Two) (Beautiful Immortals, series 2)

Author: Tim O’Rourke

Genre: Paranormal thriller/adventure/romance

Release date: March 12th, 2016

Length: 70 pages

Blurb: From Tim O’Rourke #1 bestselling author of ‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Beautiful Immortals Series One) comes ‘Vampires of Maze’ (Beautiful Immortals Series Two) a vampire and werewolf romance with a twist.

Witch, Julia Miller, has been sent by the Wicce to bring an end to the war that rages between the Beautiful Immortals. Joining a pack of werewolves, Julia must travel with them to a land unknown to her. Here she will learn the horrifying truth about the dark secrets hidden in the town of Maze.

To stay alive, Julia will not only have to figure out who to trust but also who to love. For Julia’s worst nightmares are about to get a whole lot more terrifying as she heads into the war raging between the vampires and werewolves where even her own magic abilities won’t be able to protect her.

Note: This ends on an unbearable cliff-hanger. Part Three will be published within the next few weeks.

For readers 16+

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

Vampires of Maze creates so much suspense and tension that the reader is glued to their seat. Tie that in with the action and gore, and the reader becomes easily addicted, awaiting the next instalment just as many viewers feel towards The Walking Dead (tv series). And, like the tv series, the Beautiful Immortal series leaves you each time on a terrifying cliff-hanger.

As a fan of O’Rourke’s work, I am quite prepared for the cliff-hangers, knowing that I will be in suspense until the next instalment, and knowing that they are going to be truly great. And, although they are all usually very surprising and horrifying at times, nothing quite prepared me for the SHOCK I was to find at the end of this particular episode! It’s written fantastically, but will leave you quite gob-smacked (although I am hoping for a different outcome than the one suggested). It’s a great thing we won’t have to wait too long before the next instalment is to be released!

Julia, the Wicce, and the small group of werewolves that she has travelled with are bound for where they believe the vampires are in the village of Maze. Although, they both have differing plans on how to end the war between the vampires and wolves; the weres are ready to attack and fight to the vampires death it seems, whereas Julia is hoping to negotiate, thus saving everyone including humans. Is she really that naïve to think the vampires would even listen? Or, can she stun them enough, using her magic, and then speak with them?

Julia is mocked and given her fair share of sarcastic comments, especially coming from were Rea. There has already been tension between the two, and this escalates when Julia is found in Trent’s arms after waking from a terrible nightmare. Although an innocent situation, Rea doesn’t exactly see it this way, and it is clear that Rea has deep feelings for her old lover. Will Rea be an enemy of Julia’s or can they reconcile their differences?

The were character, Calix, is growing on me more and more. Yes, he opens his mouth, he’s sarcastic and he likes a cheeky feel of Julia every now and then, but there is still a feeling that he has Julia’s back and sometimes has a kind word to say for her, even if he’s unsure of her Wicce ways. In my last review of Vampires of Maze part 1 I likened him to the character of Ajax in the 1970’s cult movie The Warriors, and I still felt the same way in this instalment. My favourite of Tim’s male characters is were Harry Turner from the time-travel paranormal Samantha Carter series, but Calix is great competition for first place.

This short story builds up suspense and is not without some fast-paced action, horror and gore. It’s terrifyingly exciting, full of mystery and holds a great deal of atmosphere. You’ll feel a part of the team with Julia and the shifters, and you won’t want to leave it there. I cannot wait for the next part of their journey!

A copy of Vampires of Maze part 2 was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Vampires of Maze part 2 is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

GIVEAWAY!!!

The author, Tim O’Rourke, has 2 signed paperbacks of Vampires of Maze part 1 up for grabs!!!

For a chance to win one of two paperback copies all you have to do is add your name in the comments list below (or on our Facebook page) before Friday 8th April 2016, when the two lucky winners will be randomly selected. (We’d also appreciate a ‘share’ or retweet where possible.)

Good luck, guys

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #1) – short story

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #2) – short story

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #3) – short story

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #4) – short story

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #5) – short story

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #6) – short story

Vampires of Maze (Beautiful Immortals series 2 #1 – short story

March 24, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Release Blitz & Review Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy (The Debt & the Doormat #3) by Laura Barnard

Release Blitz

Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy

Release date: 23rd March

Hosted by Two Ordinary Girls and their Books

What is it about turning thirty that sends rational women into a tailspin?

Suddenly going from having all the time in the world, to cringing at the ticking of her biological clock, Poppy is drowning under the strain of trying to get pregnant.

With a dad in the throes of a mid-life crisis, a crazy mother-in-law and time racing towards Lilly’s wedding, will she be able to cope with it all…and give Ryan the baby they so desperately want?

Finally able to inherit her dad’s porn money, Jazz can’t wait to be rich! She can buy a house in Chelsea, go out partying with her old mates and start living how she deserves.

But with Ollie, Jemima and Meryl each clawing at their own little piece of her happiness, will she have to leave behind those closest to her in exchange for it?

The real question is, can Poppy and Jazz rescue their own lives before everything gets ruined, or will their own stubbornness destroy the lives they’ve created?

Author info

Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or ‘chick lit’ as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She’s a real fan of the power nap and of course READING!

She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

http://www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks

https://twitter.com/BarnardLaura

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3490836.Laura_Barnard

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Buy Links

UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CO08HW6
US – http://amzn.com/B01CO08HW6

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

A few pages into chapter 1 and I find that I have laughed out loud at least three times already! Yes, I LOVE Laura Barnard‘s humour, and her Debt & the Doormat series is the best. The story opens with Christmas day at Poppy’s parents house; it’s a large family get together where her mum, Meryl, is already sloshed at 11am! Poppy’s mum is hilarious – cringeworthy, but hilarious. It’s a great opening from the onset.

The Debt & the Doormat series continues in a fun and natural way as we meet our favourite characters a little further on in their lives; Poppy is now married to Ryan and trying desperately for a baby, whilst Jazz is living with Ollie at his and Poppy’s parent’s house with their little Jemima. Whilst the pressure is on for Poppy, with no sign of a baby, the story is set up for some embarrassing doctors visits, all the while she is trying to keep it a secret from her family, which proves difficult when it’s rubbed in their face when super-bitch, sorry, sister-in-law, Grace is pregnant. Oh… and Ryan’s ex, Nicole! And, then there is Jazz, Poppy’s BFF, who inherits her father’s money of £20 million. Yes, £20 million!!! Of course, Jazz can throw her money around, party, go crazy, but will it be at the expense of her loved ones? It’s a great read for fans of the series to continue reading the antics of this crazy bunch, but it also can be read as a stand-alone for new fans.

With so many characters in the series, it amazes me how I remember them all, but they all have their own traits, and the storyline incorporates them all so well, with many sub-story lines happening with each of them. The art of Laura Barnard‘s writing lies where she draws all of these stories together; they generally connect with either Poppy, the ‘doormat’, taking pity on them and helping as many people out as possible, despite her own stresses, or with Jazz acting selfishly and pushing people away, with a lack of consideration of their feelings.

Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy is a wild, fast-paced ride with many twists and turns that will keep you guessing the outcome at every turn. It is the height of chick-lit fun, and I have always placed it next to Bridget Jones and Miranda. Therefore, if you are fans of these, you will also LOVE this series.

Aside from the chaos and the characters, another aspect I love about Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy is just how contemporary it is, e.g. there are references to how schools treat kids, and a fun mention of The Walking Dead! There are also some new characters to welcome; one being Aunt Beryl’s new fellow, Simon, who will leave you in stitches, and then there’s Rupert who is only briefly mentioned but I wouldn’t mind hearing more from him! This really is a gem of a series and shouldn’t be missed!

A copy of Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

The series also includes The Debt & the Doormat and it’s sequel, The Baby and the Bride. Both books have been reviewed on this blog, and both received a brilliant 5* from us on Goodreads and Amazon! The Debt & the Doormat was one of my Top Reads of 2013! Check our reviews by clicking on the links below:-

The Debt & the Doormat

This first book is FREE on Amazon UK and Amazon US. Go grab a copy now!

The Baby & the Bride (incl. interview with Laura Barnard)

You can find The Baby & the Bride on Amazon UK and Amazon US for a small price.

You an also check out her subsequent releases, Tequila & Tea Bags, Dopey Women, and the festive short read, Sex, Snow & Mistletoe.

Tequila & Tea Bags

This stand-alone is available at AMAZON UK and AMAZON US for a small price.

Dopey Women

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US

Sex, Snow & Mistletoe

Festive short available at Amazon UK and Amazon US

January 30, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Review Round-Up Nov & Dec 2015

Hi readers, it has been a while since our last Review Round-Up, and so I do hope that you are all well and had a fantastic Christmas Holiday!

Although I have been reading a great deal, with a house move to the coast over the Christmas period, and having a short time without Wi-Fi it has taken me a little longer to write and publish blog posts. I have, however, been enjoying Scarborough (UK) life with walks along the coast, up the cliffs and around the castle remains, as well as visiting author Anne Brontes grave! Meanwhile, Tina has held up the fort like a true warrior with the amount of reviews she has posted, as well as assisting a local Lit Fest! Thanks, Tina ❤

We have quite a mix of genres from the end of 2015 to share with you, from dystopian sci-fi fantasies, to erotic paranormal romances, historical romances and a mystery chick-lit! Amongst them is also a gritty, Scottish crime thriller, Blue Wicked by Alan Jones, which we are currently running a giveaway on. (For more info on this, please click the title.)

As always, please click on the titles to view our full reviews and more!

Although a little later than usual we wish you all a Happy New Year x

Caroline & Tina 🙂

The Man Who Missed the Boat by Peter Wells, contemporary drama (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: It should have been an ordinary Saturday morning. A short walk down his street to give a piano lesson at the home of a family he knew well. As it turned out, he knew them rather better than was good for him. How much trouble can a well-intentioned piano teacher land in? Simon Baxter discovers that being “well-meaning” is sometimes not enough to protect you from the chaos in other people’s lives. Even an excessive sense of “good manners” can be disastrous in the wrong circumstances. Under pressure the unorganised desires kept strictly deep inside us can surface and bring chaos to the lives of ourselves and anyone near us. Will our untrained hero make it safely across the river of life or, like so many of us, get swept up by the current of events towards an unplanned adventure? In the sudden change from “Not being loved enough” to “Being loved too much, and by more than one women,” Simon finds out more about himself than he would like. Can he choose wisely, and live with the consequences? In this, his second novel, Peter Wells continues to cast his gentle but penetrating light on those foibles and weaknesses which lie beneath the exterior of the apparently most ordered lives. Those hidden character traits which can, in the right circumstances, surface and toss their owner, and anyone around him or her, most unpleasantly.

The Point of Evil, Point Vamp: Book Four by Victoria Bliss, erotic paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Blood and sex were all he ever wanted until love gave him something worth living an eternity for.

Steve—who had been a womanizer in life and was even more so in death—prowls the Point using his vampiric wiles to get the blood and sex he craves. He’s always looking for his next meal and when he sees a tall, curvy beauty with a red scarf around her neck, he thinks he’s found it.

Eloise is different—she’s shy and needs encouragement, and Steve just can’t get her out of his mind. He has to take his time, get to know her and slowly seduce her. When she disappears, leaving only a note begging him not to pursue her further, he can’t help himself and ends up in the service of George Aquino, a vampire crime boss with a penchant for twisted and cruel torture and a dungeon full of prisoners.

A daring rescue, a difficult choice and love against the odds. Do you dare visit the point of evil?

The Point Vamp series

What is The Point? It is the hottest club in town for both Vampires and humans alike. It has a large dance floor and a bar like any other club but once you disappear behind the VIP only door you find out what makes The Point so unique. Sex, blood and lust all behind closed doors and only accessed by the chosen ones.

Now, you become a chosen one and get to see the sexy world behind that door.

Welcome to The Point.

30 Days by JA Heron, erotic thriller (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Dariana Walsh is the daughter of a ruthless gangster and heir to his empire. Not only does she feel trapped, but she has many questions about numerous incidents that have happened in her life so far. Particularly, what happened to her mother? Her father sees her as his little girl, but she longs to be treated like an adult. He wants to shape her, to become more like him, but she resists, the only way she knows how…

One of Wilson Walsh’s men – Chas – is not who he seems. He was sent to infiltrate, earn trust and walk away with Wilson’s most treasured possession, his daughter. He has a plan to take down the most unrelenting man to walk the streets of East London.
Over the next thirty days, blood is shed, friendships are formed and amongst all of the pain and suffering, surprisingly, love blossoms.

In a sea of betrayal and violence… time and love know no bounds.

***Contains strong sexual and violent scenes ~ over 18’s only. There are strong, dark scenes in this book if you do not wish to read about violence, sexual violence or child abuse, then please do not buy this book***

Traegar’s Redemption (Woodland Creek) by Isobelle Cate, sci-fi paranormal time-travel romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Marcus Theodoric Treagar is a sabretooth with a curse that has him traveling through time, leaving a trail of dead bodies. Not only that, but as soon as he falls in love, he is wrenched away from that period and returned to 16th century Venice. To save the last remaining piece of his heart, he refuses to become involved again.

Until Paisley Halleran.

As the daughter of the shifter chronicler, Paisley Halleran knows that magick and the paranormal abound in Woodland Creek. With her adopted brother, Virgil Rowtag, they fight for every shifter’s rights in the area. When Paisley comes face to face with Marcus, who has been arrested for a murder he does not remember committing, she believes he is innocent. Marcus, on the other hand, knows he has finally found the woman truly meant for him.
However, not everything is cut and dried. Paisley unearths tragic secrets and lies that link her to Marcus. Not only will it show her whether Marcus is truly innocent or guilty of the murders in Woodland Creek, it will also spell the difference between staying with Marcus because she wants to, or letting him go because she has no choice.

Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling #13) by Nalini Singh, sci-fi fantasy paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch – if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake . . .

Having rebuilt her life after medical ‘treatment’ that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she’ll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption.

But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness . . .

The Ghosts of Ravencrest (The Ravencrest Saga #1) by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross, modern gothic, erotic horror, paranormal (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Darkness Never Dies …
Ravencrest Manor has always been part of the family. The ancestral home of the Mannings, Ravencrest’s walls have been witness to generations of unimaginable scandal, horror, and depravity. Imported stone by stone from England to northern California in the early 1800s, the manor now houses widower Eric Manning, his children, and his staff. Ravencrest stands alone, holding its memories and ghosts close to its dark heart, casting long, black shadows across its grand lawns, through the surrounding forests, and over the picturesque town of Devilswood, below.

Dare to Cross the Threshold …
Ravencrest Manor is the most beautiful thing new governess, Belinda Moorland, has ever seen, but as she learns more about its tangled past of romance and terror, she realizes that beauty has a dark side. Ravencrest is built on secrets, and its inhabitants seem to be keeping plenty of their own – from the handsome English butler, Grant Phister, to the power-mad administrator, Mrs. Heller, to Eric Manning himself, who watches her with dark, fathomless eyes. But Belinda soon realizes that the living who dwell in Ravencrest have nothing on the other inhabitants – the ones who walk the darkened halls by night … the ones who enter her dreams … the ones who are watching … and waiting …

Welcome to Ravencrest …
Who is the man digging in the garden beyond Belinda’s bedroom window? Who – or what – is watching her from the vents? From ghostly screams and the clutching bony fingers of death in the indoor pool, to the trio of gliding nuns in the east wing who come at Belinda with black blazing eyes, to the beckoning little girl in the red dress who died more than two centuries ago, Belinda is thrust into a world of waking nightmares where there is no distinction between the living and the dead, and there are no limits to the horrors that await. Witchcraft is afoot at Ravencrest and as unspeakable terrors begin to unfold, Belinda realizes that her beautiful new home is a keeper of tragedy, a collector of souls. And it wants to add her to its collection …

Windward Secrets by K.A. Davis, paranormal horror suspense, mystery, chick-lit (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: At just over 67,700 words Windward Secrets is a fast paced mystery laced with humour, suspense, and a touch of the paranormal that will make the reader gasp at times, and soften their hearts at other times.

When Claire McPherson booked Windward Cottage, for the annual reunion with three college friends, her biggest concern was whether they would like the weather-beaten, old Victorian on Cape Cod. Claire, Diane, Jill, and Caroline are in for more than a little Right and R. Windward Cottage has its own special powers of seduction. After 35 years of friendship they thought they knew everything about each other, but the old house draws confessions out of each and leads them unwillingly into a 50yearold mystery.

What was planned to be a vacation filled with fun, food, and reminiscing turns into one that will change their lives forever. Who or what is trying to frighten them? Only one woman’s stubborn determination keeps them at Windward Cottage when common sense tells them to leave. Fear, danger, and unexplained events connect the four women to each other and to Windward Cottage. Three of the women find their futures, and one finds her past.

Readers will recognize someone they know in every character as Windward Secrets heightens their awareness of the heinous crime of human trafficking.

Dream Alchemy (Life and Shadow Series) by Nicholas Boyd Crutchley, dystopian sci-fi fantasy (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: A warrior battles hydra.

The Blood Plague liquefies eyes.

A rapper rails against Earth’s ecological ruin.

From the pitch Abyss, Chaos corrupts our dreams.

On stealing the dreams of an old warrior and priestess, Chaos discovers them to be essential ingredients for his dream alchemy. With their souls the dark god can control Sol, Dragonland’s angelic ruler, and release his wanton daughter, Babalon, from Hell. If the devil queen returns and swallows the angel’s soul, the veil separating reality from the pitch Abyss will tear, and Chaos will pour forth and warp reality. Can Sol defeat Chaos? Or will Babalon’s poison kiss seduce him?

Through the psiqnet, a network of human minds and quantum artificial intelligences (QAIs), consumers shop Earth towards ecological ruin. The preachers of Gaia, ecoterrorists woven within the system, seek to bring economic and ecological harmony through Gaia QAI. Yet as Gaia begins to infect other QAIs with compassion, the Blood Plague rises, intent on exterminating humankind.

What force connects Dragonland and Earth?

The Life & Shadow Series explores how genetic engineering, synthetic biology and nanotechnology will impact humankind and Earth’s ecology. More specifically, themes include the outcome of human minds interfacing with artificial intelligences, the long-term effect of humankind on natural ecosystems, and compassion in society.

Goddess by Kelee Morris, contemporary, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Wife, mother, PTA president… Sex Goddess?

For Julia Nelson, it was only a faded tattoo, almost forgotten, like the sex-charged dreams that inspired it some 20 years ago.

For renowned, rugged-sexy archaeologist Dr. Ashland Stewart, it was his greatest discovery, the sacred emblem of an ancient goddess culture.

Two symbols, eons apart, yet exact duplicates. It must be a coincidence. But when Julia and Ashland meet, their connection is instantaneous, powerful, erotic.

Julia’s suburban life is safe and comfortable. She has everything to lose.

Ashland’s world is remote archaeological digs and flings with younger women. He’s sexually free but emotionally guarded.

Ashland awakens Julia’s long buried inner goddess with breath-taking passion and insatiable desire.

But their sexual adventure becomes increasingly perilous as their emotional barriers crumble. Will Julia risk falling in love and soaring to new heights, or will she return to her earthbound responsibility to her family?

Blue Wicked by Alan Jones, crime thriller, drama (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: ‘Blue Wicked’ is a gritty thriller set in the south side of Glasgow. Eddie Henderson finds himself as the unlikely investigator with information that there’s a serial killer targeting the substance dependent underclass who inhabit the notorious Glasgow housing estates. The police force ignore his warnings but one young detective believes him and she helps him search for the truth, despite putting her own career at risk. Their desperate search for the truth on their own proves Eddie right and sparks off a massive manhunt, with Eddie and Catherine, the young detective, at the forefront of the investigation. The book contains a fair bit of strong language and Glasgow dialect, and has some very violent passages.

A Discreet Gentleman of Discovery (The Discreet Gentleman Series #1) by Kris Tualla, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Brander Hansen lost his hearing at age seven, his inheritance at twenty-three. Furious at his father’s betrayal, Brander leaves home to make his way as Lord Olsen, a ‘discreet gentleman of discovery’ in 1721 Christiania, Norway. He intends to gain his own estate and begins buying the debt markers on Kildahlshus.

Baroness Regin Kildahl’s husband has gambled away her estate and sunk to more dangerous habits. She writes to Lord Olsen soliciting his help saving both her husband and her home. When her husband dies, Regin offers herself and her title to anyone who will redeem his gambling debts, unaware of Brander’s plan and circumventing his efforts.

The Hansen heir accepts her offer and hires Lord Olsen to deliver his bride. Brander’s choices are clear: give the widow and her estate to his younger brother, or claim them both as his own. But who would accept a deaf husband?

Discovered (Forsaken Blood #1) by Em Taylor, sci-fi romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Lachlan Ethelred Mackenzie looks like an ordinary sexy university professor, but for over a millennium, he’s been one of a number of his kind trying to steer humanity towards the heavens. But humans are slow and stubborn.

It’s been a long slow journey since the spaceship from Vampyras experienced technical difficulty near Earth in 1006 and the Vampyrs had to abandon ship, and learn to survive on a planet filled with primitive beings.

It’s now 2061, and humanity is heading to Mars – perhaps now the Vampyrs can research space folding technology away from prying human eyes.

Psychologist, Doctor Kate Maxwell is excited about going to Mars—except for one thing – she’s terrified of the journey. A space accident when she was twelve has left her with PTSD and a fear of space travel. But when the handsome Professor, Lachlan Mackenzie becomes her cabin mate she finds herself falling for him all too easily. But why is he so reticent? He’s cute, single and seems altogether perfect.

Things are getting complicated for Lachlan. He’s falling for the sexy red-headed psychologist, his long-lost daughter is on board the spaceship to Mars and she has no clue what or who he is and it seems that the leader of the Vampyr council is plotting something. Lachlan has too many secrets and too many problems. And Kate is the only thing he wants. Can he keep his hands and his fangs away from her? Does he want to? And what will happen if she discovers his secret?

All hell is about to break loose.

This book contains scenes of an adult nature.

Sex, Snow and Mistletoe (short story) by Laura Barnard, contemporary, festive holiday romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Melinda is already having a crappy Christmas. Forced to attend some snotty bitch’s wedding is not the way to start out the holidays. But when a car crash pushes her into the path of a handsome stranger she’s glad to follow his snowy, sexy and seductive path. But is he too good to be true? And will she make it to the wedding before her best friend loses her mind with worry?

Please note this is a short story of 10k words.

Miranda’s Dilemma (Fashionably Impure #1) by Natasha Blackthorne, erotic, regency, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Poised to become Mayfair’s most expensive and exclusive courtesan, Miss Miranda Jones finds her rise inexplicably blocked by a socially powerful nobleman. Scorned by her ducal father and determined to attain everything that life has denied her due to an accident of birth, she’s not about to let this arrogant earl stop her.

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, saw his father destroyed by a heartless, predatory courtesan. He has no time or patience for such exotic, expensive ladybirds. He’s far too busy restoring his family’s wealth and reputation whilst doing what he can to protect his friends from the clutches of all the scheming courtesans of London.

Then a moment of compassion turns intense dislike to breathless passion, and these two strong-willed, fiercely proud people are compelled to indulge in a brief affair. Each is convinced that they can satisfy their craving for the other without emotional risk.

But neither realizes that a little dalliance can be a dangerous thing.

Reader Advisory: This is an erotic historical romance and it contains frank sexual language and period appropriate sexual slang, frequent sexual scenes and descriptions and general bedchamber naughtiness. The characters discuss abuse issues from their backstories during the course of their developing relationship. For Adults 18 & Over Only.

The Men of the Border Lands Collection, Volume 1 (Ménage Everlasting) by Marla Monroe, erotic, futuristic ménage à trois romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: (This collection includes three books from the Men of the Border Lands series, nearly 110k words total). MFM, erotic romance.

In Belonging to Them, while escaping slavery in the Border Lands, Heather hides in a trailer belonging to brothers Brandon and Bolton. They take her to their farm and prove they won’t harm her. Bolton quickly falls in love, but Brandon pulls away. After a wolf attack almost takes her from them, Brandon must realize he could lose the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

In A Home with Them, fed up with the reluctant men who have cared for her for five years, Jessie takes matters into her own hands. Wyatt and Kent worry that their kind of love isn’t what Jessie needs, but a tough life out in the Border Lands and a kidnapping show the men that Jessie belongs with them.

In Their Border Lands Temptress, after the year of catastrophes, Ronnie jumps at an offer of protection from a lifelong friend. When the safety becomes abuse, she runs. Brice and Garrett know she needs a man to protect her, and they are hell-bent to help her. When danger shows up at their door, Ronnie must decide if she’s ready for them to be more than lovers or if she’s too scared to let them into her heart.

The Border Lands are a dangerous place, but love and passion are often the keys to surviving.

** A Siren Erotic Romance

Hold Me Until Forever (Grayson Brothers #3) by Christina Phillips, erotic contemporary romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: She’s the only one he wants…and the one he can never have

Ella Clark has been in love with Alex Grayson forever. She’s tired of being invisible—or worse, being treated like his kid sister. If she can just get him to drop his iron-fisted control for two seconds, she’ll prove she knows exactly how to blow his mind.

Alex has been fighting his attraction to Ella since her should-have-been-innocent sweet sixteen kiss burned down his world. He’s damaged, and there’s no way he’ll ever drag her into his screwed up life. Until she offers him something he’s always craved—steamy, no-strings sex inside his exclusive BDSM club. Where she’ll be safe from the darkness that haunts him.

Except there’s nothing safe about being with Ella, and the more she gives, the harder it is to let her go. If he stays, he risks everything, but how can he walk away from the only woman he’s ever needed?

December 11, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Blog Tour w/Guest Post, Review & Giveaway Blue Wicked by Alan Jones

It was a year ago when I reviewed Alan Jones‘ first novel, The Cabinetmaker. I was absolutely intrigued by the author’s writing style and the in-depth research that I felt had been undertaken. He certainly knows how to write a great crime thriller/drama! And so, it is with great pleasure that we have the chance to be a part of the blog tour and review for his second novel, Blue Wicked.

Included is an exclusive GUEST POST written by Alan Jones, a four-chapter sampler, and he is kindly offering a GIVEAWAY, where one lucky winner will win a paperback of Blue Wicked, and another will win an e-copy! For further details, please scroll below!

Blurb:

‘Blue Wicked’ is a gritty thriller set in the south side of Glasgow. Eddie Henderson finds himself as the unlikely investigator with information that there’s a serial killer targeting the substance dependent underclass who inhabit the notorious Glasgow housing estates. The police force ignore his warnings but one young detective believes him and she helps him search for the truth, despite putting her own career at risk. Their desperate search for the truth on their own proves Eddie right and sparks off a massive manhunt, with Eddie and Catherine, the young detective, at the forefront of the investigation. The book contains a fair bit of strong language and Glasgow dialect, and has some very violent passages.

Amazon UK buy link

Amazon US buy link

GUEST POST – ALAN JONES

Writing and me: motivation, inspirations and ideas.

What makes me want to write?

Probably like most book junkies, I read incessantly from an early age. As a child, I was brought up in a very religious household, where television was deemed inappropriate. Oddly, reading was encouraged and even more strangely, not censored, and with plenty spare time not glued to a TV screen, I became a voracious devourer of books of all types. My dad had a reasonable collection of books and we lived close to a good library; when I outgrew children’s books faster than my peers, a perceptive Librarian let me use my junior library ticket to borrow books from the adult section without particularly screening what I was reading. (I was a fount of knowledge for my fellow pupils on sexual matters when we all discovered it existed, though most of them overtook me in turning theory into practice, with my being what you would call a ‘late developer’.)

All that reading improved my writing as well. I always enjoyed and thrived on creative writing at school, the only part of the English curriculum that suited me. When I started secondary school, the dissection of literary classics, poems and plays spoiled some of them for me, although I enjoyed most of the ones I re-visited as an adult, appreciating them for being the good read they were, and not as an academic exercise.

The joy of reading a good book, and the pleasure I got from writing, ignited in me the idea that I should give writing stories a go, but life got in the way, with a career, a wife, four children and a house that I populated with restored and hand-built furniture, all conspiring to leave me little time for writing. And we had a TV! I have to confess that I did a lot of catching up, and even my reading dipped a little while I was watching a backlog of TV series like MASH and Porridge, and all the films that I’d missed over the years.

About fifteen years ago, I had a run of reading what I thought were mediocre books, some from authors that I’d previously liked, that left me disappointed and restless and, in my own mind, I thought that I could do better than that. Only, I never did. Then, one day, I told myself that I should put my money where my mouth was, and actually write something.

I got as far as jotting down a few ideas for books, but none of them grabbed me until I came up with a rough plot for The Cabinetmaker. I wrote in fits and starts for the next ten or twelve years, often doubting that I could finish it, but it reached a critical mass about half way through, and it all fell into place, taking less than six months to complete.

Write what you know is the old adage, so that’s what I did. The first book was about making furniture, playing football and living in Glasgow; subjects that I knew a lot about.

My second book, Blue Wicked had its roots in my job working with animals. Having the confidence that I could write, I self-published it within a year of sitting down to start it. The third book is taking a little longer, but it is almost at the first draft stage and should be going to my lovely freelance editor, Julie Lewthwaite, by Christmas. Part of the reason that it has taken longer is that I have spent more time this last year trying to promote my first two books and, although enjoyable, this has been more involved than I’d anticipated.

I get ideas for stories from a number of areas. The biggest so far have been the things like my job, my pastimes, my passions other than reading and writing, but I also love talking to people, or listening to banter in pubs and at social gatherings of all kinds. I make quick notes whenever I hear something interesting or witty, and some of these jottings eventually make their way into my books, heavily disguised to protect the guilty.

The bottom line is that I love writing and, when I’m in the mood and the words just flow from my imagination on to the screen, and I like what I read, there aren’t many things that can surpass that!

Contact Alan:

email alanjonesbooks@gmail.com

Twitter @alanjonesbooks

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006737580444

REVIEW *** (5* rating)**

Blue Wicked is completely engrossing; the grittiness, dialogue and sheer suspense kept me gripped throughout. The reader follows vet, Eddie Henderson, who specialises in animal abuse and poisoning, when he comes across cases where cats have been subjected to antifreeze and been abused under it’s influence. However, when Eddie hears of a murder with similar circumstances he begins to suspect that maybe the animal abuser has turned to harming humans. Is he right? If so, will the police take him seriously?

The story begins with Eddie looking into the death of a cat, and I must warn all animal/cat lovers that there are some graphic and brutal scenes from early on. However, the reason I was so intrigued was because of how well-written the scenes are, the sense of how realistic it felt to read, and the enthusiasm that Eddie has to get to the bottom of just how these poor animals have come to die. Eddie is very thorough in his work, pushing as many boundaries as he has to in order to reach the truth.

When human bodies begin to be found, and victim identities are revealed, it becomes clear that many of them were the victims of drug abuse and/or alcoholism, with many of them being homeless or unemployed; people that not too many would notice have been missing. Their lives were desperate, yet when faced with death they were extremely fearful, which leads to extremely suspenseful and brutal scenes. I couldn’t help but think of Blue Wicked as Val McDermid (Wire in the Blood series) with a twist of Irvin Welsh (Trainspotting). I can very easily picture Blue Wicked as a tv detective drama, due to the dark, intense atmosphere, mixed with the relationships that Eddie has with the police.

Although the police are not very open to Eddie’s theories, this does not prevent Eddie from wanting to look further into each case. And when young officer, Catherine, shares his belief, she takes it on herself to investigate in her own time with Eddie. In Eddie’s otherwise lonely life at home, Catherine brings with her warmth and friendliness, a belief in what he is doing, and a unity whereby they work together, complimenting each other’s work along the way.

The way in which their relationship builds is fascinating in itself. With Eddie concentrating just on the work alone, he finds it a little more awkward to be sociable, coming across as cold even at times. However, just as friendships develop, the more time they spend together the more they expand on varying topics. Catherine begins to see more in him than just the investigative vet; she begins to understand his set ways and mannerisms. Meanwhile, he appreciates her help and eagerness to find more solid leads, at a time when many others are almost ignoring any connections, thus making it a risk for Catherine to go out on a limb to help him in terms of her career.

I am so glad I have had the pleasure to read both Blue Wicked, and The Cabinetmaker; both of which are stand alone novels. Fans of gritty crime thrillers will appreciate the writing that Alan Jones provides in both story-telling and character building. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can check out our review of The Cabinetmaker here.

And, here you can enjoy the first four chapters of Blue Wicked, courtesy of Alan Jones.

BLUE WICKED sample

GIVEAWAY

To be in with a chance to win a paperback or an e-copy of Blue Wicked all you need to do is type your name in the comments box below. (You can also enter on our Facebook page.)

Two winners will be picked at random on Tuesday, 2nd February 2016 at 5pm GMT.

The first to be picked will receive a paperback, and the second an e-copy, direct from the author.

The winners will be contacted as soon as they are picked out.

We would like to thank everyone in advance for entering, and wish you all the very best of luck! 🙂

Caroline & Tina

November 15, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Release Day Review & GIVEAWAY Treagar’s Redemption (Woodland Creek) by Isobelle Cate

Today we welcome the release of the Woodland Creek series, which is a collection of 30 paranormal/shifter stories written by 30 authors. We are hosting Treagar’s Redemption by Isobelle Cate, which is a super paranormal, time-travel romance that is totally absorbing and full of magick! Not only that, but the author has kindly offered to GIVEAWAY 3 e-copies of Treagar’s Redemption! Please check out below details of this fab offer!

Title: Treagar’s Redemption (Woodland Creek)

Author: Isobelle Cate

Genre: Paranormal romance, fantasy, sci-fi (time-travel)

Release date: November 15th, 2015

Length: 142 pages

Until Paisley Halleran.

REVIEW ***** (5* Rating)

Treagar’s Redemption will take hold of the reader, just as the two main characters, Marcus and Paisley, have a hold on each other. It’s a gripping read of paranormal romance, time-travel, and dark magick, with a fairy-tale quality to the story.

After time-travelling to Woodland Creek and finding yet another dead body had turned up at the scene where he appeared, it becomes confusing for Marcus Theodore Treagar. Is he really a danger to those where he turns up? He can’t remember causing any harm to anyone. But, then again he is in his sabretooth form when he first appears in a new time, before changing back to his human form.

When Marcus and Paisley meet it soon becomes clear that they have a strong attraction to each other. Paisley believes Marcus to be innocent from the offset, and asks her lawyer father to defend him. However, the story takes a turn when her father refuses to stand up for Marcus. After losing his wife, Paisley’s mother, her father resigned himself to taking care of Paisley, yet deeply mourned Hurit for many years. Knowing it was a sabretooth – Marcus – who was at the scene of her death, Paisley’s father is not so quick in deeming Treagar innocent.

This conflict causes tension between the characters, and leaves Paisley feeling torn. It doesn’t help when her adopted brother, Virgil, isn’t too supportive of Treagar’s innocence either. But, something tells Paisley that Marcus is telling the truth. He is innocent. And, aside from wanting to prove his innocence, there is something else pulling at Paisley. Likewise for Marcus. I love how the author uses the characters to flirt with her readers by allowing the reader to understand how both characters feel about each other, reading their thoughts. And yet, both Paisley and Treagar seem to rein in their feelings, keeping them at bay, and thus hiding their vulnerabilities from each other.

The time-travelling curse that was bestowed on Marcus makes it impossible for him to fall in love. But, once he returns to his mansion in Venice during the 16th century, he knows that Paisley is the one to take the last piece of his heart. Although usually quite happy to be back home, there is something about Paisley that makes him long to return to the future. But, will he get the chance? He’s never gone back to the same time before! Meanwhile, Paisley had found herself ‘salivating’ over Marcus – something she has never done before.

I would recommend Treagar’s Redemption for a mature reader. It is a SUPER HOT read; you won’t need the central heating on for a while after reading this book! The heat exuding from this passionate couple is almost unbearable (in the best possible way) – exciting isn’t the word. You’ll be turning the pages with great speed and urgency to find out just how intimate they become.

These conflicts and sexual tensions make for a suspenseful read at times. And, the atmosphere of the story can be dark at times when the reader feels there is no hope for Treagar, and questions who could possibly be behind the murders if it wasn’t him. How will Marcus and Paisley’s love cope with his terrible curse? And, will her father make it any easier for her to be with Treagar, or will Paisley have to let him go?

An ARC copy of Treagar’s Redemption was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Treagar’s Redemption is now available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

GIVEAWAY!!

Yes, we have THREE e-copies to give away to three lucky winners!! For a chance to win all you have to do is add your name in the comments for this post, and we will pick out the winners on FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER, 5PM (GMT).

Alternatively, you can visit our Facebook page and enter via our giveaway post on there. Again, just adding your name in the comments box.

Good luck for all entries, and thank you in advance for taking part.

Caroline & Tina ❤