Transcendence, by Shay Savage

20504754Totally, Utterly and Completely Spellbinding!

Time travel romance/science fiction/historical    Adult read

Transcendence is one of those rare books that as soon as I started  I COULD NOT PUT DOWN! My mind was totally fixated on the characters and the world that the author Shay Savage had created, wondering what would happen next. It is a love story like no other and it is difficult to shoe-horn into one particular genre, as it encompasses time travel, science fiction, historical romance and is also a super sensual and erotic read.

Book Blurb

It is said that women and men are from two different planets when it comes to communication, but how can they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times when one of them simply doesn’t have the ability to comprehend language?

Ehd’s a caveman living on his own in a harsh wilderness. He’s strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it’s obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn’t know where she came from; she’s wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he’s determined to fulfill his purpose in life – provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.

Elizabeth doesn’t know where she is or exactly how she got there. She’s confused and distressed by her predicament, and there’s a caveman hauling her back to his cavehome. She’s not at all interested in Ehd’s primitive advances, and she just can’t seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive, but beautiful, man is a constant – and often hilarious – struggle.

With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.

As soon as the book  opens we are introduced to the hero, Ehd and learn about his lonely existence and his struggle to get though the harsh winter since the fire that destroyed his village and tribe a year past. I felt his delight when he discovered a young woman in his animal trap. He is extremely attracted to her form and believes her to be his ideal mate despite her strange clothes and behaviour. It is a mystery where the woman Eizabeth (whom he calls Beh) has come from but Ehd has an overwhelming desire to provide for her, protect her and impregnate her as she is HIS!

It would have been so easy for this book to have cast Ehd as a alpha male who immediately bends the heroine to his will and compels her to accept his sexual advances, but instead Ehd is a beta male through and through, empathising with Elizabeth’s initial fear and her ocassional tears and sadness. He is often frustrated at not understanding her and also when she repels his sexual advances.

Beh’s reactions to waking up and finding herself in an alien landscape and being plucked from the trap by Ehd is realistic, as is how she struggles to adapt to her new reality. Initially she is forced to stay with Ehd to survive, but slowly grows to trust him and shares her own innovations with him to ensure their survival in this harsh world. Their blossoming romance is truly beautiful to behold and when they do ‘get it together’ the scenes are extremely sensual as the couple explore each others bodies and communicate to each other their intimate and carnal needs.

In addition to the originality of the plot and the well drawn characterisations the author’s masterstroke is writing the novel in the first person POV of Ehd. Much of our emotional journey throughout the novel is therefore with Ehd, which is highly unusual in a romance novel. However, such is the skill of the author that we are left with little doubt as to how Elizabeth is bearing up in the strange new world she finds herself in and what she feels about her relationship with Ehd.  I LOVED the many humorous and touching  scenes in the novel where the couple struggle to communicate what they want and need from each other and Ehd strives to prove to Beh that he is the perfect mate for her. Ehd and Beh are without doubt an unforgettable hero and a heroine!

Transcendence is one of my fave reads of this year  and I will definitely be checking out other books by Shay Savage. I recommend it to readers who love historical novels, science-fiction or time travel tales with the focus very much on the psychology of the relationship between the hero and heroine.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Cover Design by Mayhem Cover Creations

Purchase Links

Amazon UK    Amazon US

Connect with the Author

http://www.shaysavage.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ShaySavage7289

* BLOG TOUR * Discovered, by Kim Black

Erotic Contemporary Romance

Discovered Tour Banner

Today we welcome Kim Black’s Discovered Blog Tour to A Readers Review Blog! This book involves a woman scorned, who is done with love, and a sexy French billionaire who takes an interest in her. Scroll down for a synopsis of the book and to read an excerpt. You can also find the links to the book trailers and purchase links, learn about the author and enter the fabulous GIVEAWAY! The novella is also available at a special discounted price for the duration of the tour – details at the end of the post. 🙂

Please note, Discovered is a hot erotic romance and  by reading any further you are confirming that you are over the age of 18.

synopsis

Emily Roberts was done with men! She believed she was content with just focusing on her career. After Adam, her ex, cheated on her with not one but two of her co-workers, Emily fled from her former workplace, forgoing her internship and decided to start anew.

Though her decision to write off love had held up for over a year, her chastity belt would soon be put to the test when Julien Belmont, a French billionaire, takes an interest in her.

In one night, she questions everything she believes and though she is determined that he is no different from the rest, she finds herself in a world wind of affairs, lies and a tug of war between old and new men…

Can she learn to love again or will she flee from Julien, who she admits is the best lover she has ever had?

Julien Belmont is a gorgeous, commanding, and passionate Frenchman who enjoys his freedom. His ever growing sexual hunger makes it so his appetite is never quite quenched. At last not until he meets Emily. One night with her changes everything he has ever believed in.

Will his past destroy his potential future with Emily? Or will the fire between them burn eternal!

Note: This book is the first part of a series and is designed to be read in order.

~~INTENDED FOR ADULTS 18 AND ABOVE~~

This book contains erotic content and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

goodreads

purchase links

amazon us | amazon uk | amazon ca | B&n

excerpt (for age 18+ only)

I exited the car and walked over to him, grabbing him by his silk blue tie and led him to my door. As we entered, Julien, a little predictably, was all over me, tugging and pulling, kneading my skin with his strong hands. We were still tangled together, his lips devouring mine, as he kicked the door shut. Oh how I missed you!

Reluctantly, I pulled away, prying his greedy hands away, and pulling on his tie as I led him into my bedroom. I could feel his intense eyes probing me from behind. Yes, Julien… this was now my show, I’m in charge, I told myself. That first night he was the one who conquered my body but tonight I would seek my revenge on him, exploring him completely.

I brought him to the side of the bed, pulling on him so that his face was inches from mine. I brushed my lips lightly against his as I said, “Don’t move.”

I slid my body onto the queen sized bed, facing him. I loved the animalistic and passionate desire in his eyes as he watched me.

“Slowly take off your clothes Julien,” I commanded.

He groaned softly as he did as he was told. He unzipped and dropped his pants, letting them fall to his feet. His erection sprung out from the confines of his boxers, engorged and ready for attention; and oh what a delightful sight it was! Built perfectly it was long and thick, jerking eagerly as I looked him over. Each time it twitched, my mouth watered at the thought of taking him into my hungry mouth. He removed his pinstriped navy jacket and tossed it aside before finally taking off his shirt and tie, standing completely nude before me. The sight of him melted my insides and a flow of liquid oozed freely between my legs.

“Do you want me Julien?” I asked as I moved closer to the edge of the bed. I watched as his breathing increased, his eyes barely open, but still intense with greedy, lusty desire. The unhinged animalistic man, that had taken me so roughly before, was near the surface and burning to take control but I was not ready to let him take over just yet. Slowly I undressed, leisurely unbuttoning my shirt and slipping my skirt off. I made sure to linger longer than usual, watching as his breath caught in his throat each time an article of my clothing was removed.

“Emily…” he groaned as my bra came off, almost sounding like he was in pain. I left my thong panties on just to extend his torment. He had to wait just a little longer for that. This was definitely my show now and I wanted to take full advantage.

“You didn’t answer my question Julien,” I teased as I nested my legs in between his, inching closer and closer to his engorged thick erection and taking him into my hand. My eyes never left his.

He hissed in agony. “Yes I want you Mon chaton, my kitten. Why must you torture me so?” he said as his eyes closed tightly, tilting his head back. I knew that men like Julien weren’t used to relinquishing power to their women. He was the dominator, but not tonight. Tonight, he would submit first and maybe, just maybe, I would restore the balance of power.

My hands were still on him as I stroked his manhood softly; inching closer, my mouth hovered over him, allowing my hot breath to caress his mushroomed head, causing him to let out a deep, guttural groan.

“How much Julien? How much do you want me baby?” I asked while looking up at him through my lashes. Before he could open his mouth to answer, my lips took him whole. My tongue massaging him with purpose as his body went rigid in agony and pleasure. Oh how I missed him, I thought again.

Slowly I worked him, sucking, and licking; taking him deeper and deeper as his hands found their way to my hair, and guided me down his thick, lovely shaft. His sharp indrawn breath pleased me as I took him in all the way. I knew he was close because a small squirt of liquid caressed my tongue, letting me know I had to stop. I pulled away, letting out a popping sound from the release of suction.

“Don’t,” he cried out, wanting for more.

“Ah, patience Mon amour,” I giggled as I recalled him saying those same words to me when I whimpered for more from him. I felt powerful, sexy and I loved it!

Realizing my chosen phrase, his lips curled up, “Mean, mean woman you are Emily…” he teased.

Slowly I turned over onto all fours. I liked the obedient Julien but it was time to summon the primal animal within him and I knew just what would do the trick. I perked my ass up in the air, giving him a lovely view, my mound wet and dripping with excitement. Come for me Julien, let that animal out.

He groaned and slowly walked up to me, attempting to grab me, but I moved away, “Tsk, tsk, tsk… Didn’t I tell you not to move,” I said, my face turned to him with my ass still in the air. “You don’t want to get punished, do you?” I scowled playfully.

To my surprise, he stepped back, although I could see I was testing his patience. It wouldn’t be long before that primal animal inside of him came rushing to the surface, commanding its power back and taking me just the way it had before. I had just a few more minutes so I had to make it count. Determined, I brought my hand to my mound, caressing my nub as he watched, with his chest flaring up and down, and his eyes seemingly mesmerized.

“Tell me Julien, do you like what I’m doing?” I asked, half teasing but fully aroused.

He grunted, “Ah huh…” his eyes were fixated on my swollen mound as I teased my aching nub.

It was now or never. I slid my finger through my silken folds, feeling my body clench around it, moaning in enjoyment and felt him itching to move closer but halting. I pulled my finger out of me and brought it to my mouth, licking it painfully slow, and tasting my sweet essence. Bingo!

book trailer

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LAHEUiAtB0

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdI7sxWKoYM

about the author

Kim was born and raised in the great state of New York. She is a newly self-published author.

She has always believed that one day she would become an author. She enjoyed reading and writing all of her life and had always felt that it was somewhat of a calling for her. At age 28, she had no idea that she would become an Erotic Romance Author, mostly because she just got into reading Romances and instantly fell in love with the genre.

Kim enjoys the passions of love and believes that there is no greater feeling than the initial jilt we get when we first meet that right person. Wanting to provide romance readers with stories that they can feel and get lost in, Kim decided in September 2013 to become a published author. Her first debut novel is “DISCOVERED” which will be a part of “The Cover Series,” debuted on December 28th 2013.

When she is not writing, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family and reading. Her favorite books are always romance based with a healthy dose of erotica. ♥

contact kim

WEBSITE: http://kimblackbooks.wordpress.com/

PERSONAL FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kimblackauthor

FAN PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/KimBlackAuthorPage

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/kimblackbooks

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/kimblack

SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KimBlackBooks

AMAZON: http://amazon.com/author/kimblack

giveaway

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You Might Just Get It (short story) by Julia Barrett

You Might Just Get ItShort, contemporary erotic romance (Recommended for readers 17rs+)

Book blurb: Kate has locked herself out of her new apartment building for the third time in a week. She’s on the stoop in the rain, barefoot, shivering and soaked to the skin. Her neighbour, Eric, arrives home in the nick of time and lets her in. That’s twice now he’s saved the day. When he invites her for a quick supper, how can she say no?
Eric has been waiting for an opportunity to get to know Kate. His kitchen window faces hers across the courtyard and he noticed her right away. How could he not, with her lovely halo of short curls and her beautiful smile? When he finds her stranded on the stoop, he gets to play the hero. When she agrees to his dinner invitation, he hopes he’ll get to play a lot more than that.

You Might Just Get It is a short, hot and fun contemporary read. It’s only 15 pages long and easily fits in-between some lengthier novels, making it refreshing and handy if you only have a few minutes to spare. Due to the content I would recommend it for readers of 17 yrs plus.

Although it doesn’t mention it in the blurb this book does cover age difference, as Kate is in her early forties and Eric in his twenties. I found this area of the story interesting as not too many authors explore these types of situations. Kate is an attractive, sexy woman who certainly is young at heart, and Eric likes a woman with experience and maturity. He quite possibly regards Kate as a challenge, to see if he can win her affections over. It is obvious that Eric is serious about Kate. Julia Barrett has written this well and made these characters believable.

However, some aspects were a little too convenient for my liking; the woman he liked happened to be the one he could help and she doesn’t take her time in getting to know him. Although for a short read, initially written as a Cougar story, it is understandable that the characters become intimate fairly quickly.

I am still unsure how I feel about Eric’s character. He’s a young guy that finds himself attracted to his neighbour. But as they share dinner together and it is revealed how he sees her through his window, it does seem a little creepy and stalker-ish! And then, as they become intimate, my feelings change again as he leaves you spellbound and totally into the story. With a few more pages to delve into the lives of Eric and Kate a little more, the reader would feel a little closer to the characters.

You Might Just Get It makes a great, few minutes read. It is hot, sensual and very physical throughout as well as being well written. Don’t let it get away!

You can find You Might Just Get It on Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

The Harlot (#1 in the Taskill Witches Series), by Saskia Walker

11549064[1]A Wickedly Sexy Romp for Lovers of Erotic Historical Romance!

Adult Read/18+ only

Mmmm… a bawdy wench, a masterful hero seeking to use the heroine’s sexual charms to seek revenge on his enemy, sprinkled with a fair bit of magic, a mouth watering combination! This is an very lusty read, set in Eighteenth century Scotland, with some extremely naughty characters. If you are familiar with the images often portrayed by the Georgian satirist Hogarth, you will have some idea of the licentious scenes that you can expect to encounter! Please note that in addition to the many scorching consensual lovemaking scenes between the main couple, there is also one f/f scene (involving the heroine) and a m/m scene (not involving the hero).

The Harlot is the first book in Saskia Walker’s Taskill Witches series, books 2 and 3 (which I have not yet had the pleasure of reading) being entitled The Libertine and The Jezebel. There is aso a novella in the series, Their Private Arrangement, which contains some characters we meet in The Harlot. The character in each of the main books is one of three siblings, who were cruelly separated after their mother was burnt at the stake for being a witch. All three have inherited their mother’s gift. The Harlot of this book’s title is Jessie, who has had a hard time since the death of her mother and is pursuing a career as a whore, in the hope of saving enough money to return to the Highlands.

Jessie is confident of her sexuality and in the opening scene, which I ABSOLUTELY ADORED, she is brawling in a tavern with one of her colleagues, accused of poaching a customer from her. It is there that she catches the admiring eye of the hero, Gregor Ramsay, a ship’s captain, who has taken leave from his business to take revenge upon a man who did him and his family great wrong. During the brawl Jessie is accused of witchcraft and is thrown into prison. Gregor, who has decided that Jessie would be the perfect instrument in his revenge, disguises himself as a priest and springs her out of gaol in return for her services. This is also an extremely HOT AND SEXY scene which I vastly enjoyed! Jessie is to use her considerable sexual charms to seduce and ruin his enemy.

There are many erotic and humorous scenes throughout. Jessie finds much pleasure in Gregor’s embrace, as he trains her for her role, and whilst she toys with him, Gregor tries unsuccessfully to distance himself from her charms. The sexual energy they create by their coupling greatly enhances Jessie’s powers, putting her at an even greater risk of being denounced as a witch.

Jessie soon becomes emotionally involved as does Gregor. Yet how will he react when Jessie’s powers become so powerful that he finds out that she is in fact a witch? What will happen if this is discovered by others? The plot hots up in all respects as the novel progressed and I could not put it down! What starts off as a very erotic lust fest soon turns to something very emotional and far deeper and whilst the erotic scenes do not cease in intensity, romance blooms and I found myself rooting for a HEA, as danger looms.

I loved the characters of both the hero and the heroine. Neither conformed to society and both have truly heart breaking pasts, yet they have the potential to heal each other and are well suited. Will Gregor’ s desire for revenge and the danger Jessie is in of discovery thwart any future they have together? The supporting cast of lusty characters are equally colourful and there is an unexpected plot twist. There is also a great balance between the erotic and paranormal scenes and the overall plot and character development.

I will most definitely be reading the other books in the series and other steamy offerings by this author. I recommend The Harlot to lovers of erotic historical romance who also enjoy tales of magic, set in a fascinating period of Scottish history.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Check out the following links to find out more:

http://www.saskiawalker.co.uk/theharlot.html – contains a scorching excerpt from chapter one!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Sins of the Reaper, #10 in the WesternWind series, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

17257961Epic and Erotic Dark Fantasy Adventure!!!

Erotic Post Apocalyptic/Sci-Fi/Dark Fantasy Romance – Graphic Sexual content/language 18+/Adult Read

Charlotte Boyett-Compo pulls no punches in this tale which oozes big time with adventure, suspense and passion in an elemental battle between good and evil. I am still reeling after the read, which continues her WesternWind series and contains her signature Reapers, handsome and deadly Alpha Werewolf shape shifters, whose bloodlust can only be controlled by withholding or providing sustenance, and who can only be tamed and saved from themselves by the female destined to be their mate. Sins of the Reaper follows on seamlessly from the last instalment, Dark Reaper, but it can be read as a standalone.

Book Blurb (scroll down for review)

Brothers reunited. Lovers claimed. Warriors from all over the mega-verse coming together in pursuit of a single goal—to combat an evil that would enslave and destroy them all. Amazeen warrioress Penthe will allow no man to best her in battle. She slakes her lust with a succession of lovers, but has vowed she will never mate. Yet when she meets the Panthera cat shifter Bane, she may have met her match between the sheets. Bane is riddled with scars, of both the body and the soul, but Penthe vows that her warrior spirit and womanly body will help to make him whole again.

Inside Scoop: This book contains graphic scenes of sexual torture, references to child abuse and the extensive violence that is part and parcel of the Reapers’ harsh world, as well as erotic male/male flirtation.

My Review

This is a dark and stirring tale, at the heart of which is the romance between Amazeen warrioress Penthe and the Panthera cat shifter leader Bane, a man with a tortured past and who has experienced the evil of the enemy first hand. Others too find their fated mates and brothers are reunited, as the Reapers and their allies strive to destroy the Ceannus base on Terra. However, not all reunions are welcomed and one in particular causes tension in the warrior ranks and another threatens the life and sanity of Bane himself in some harrowing scenes.

The story follows on from the events which occurred at the end of the previous novel, where a band of Panthera warriors appear, sent by the Father God to help the Reapers based on Terra to destroy the Ceannus. The Panthera are also Reapers but are cat shifters and differ in some fundamental ways not least the fact that it was the Father God who created them not the Triune Goddess. The inevitable tension between two groups of male warriors is both amusing and eventful! Although, the warriors know that they have to join together to accomplish their task and there is many a strained and humorous moment as they learn to work together as a credible fighting unit. The homoerotic scenes as one of the Reapers meets his Panthera mate are particularly entertaining.

I liked the instant attraction between Penthe and Bane, who waste no time in becoming intimately acquainted – cue for the first of many hot scenes! Bane, a fearsome warrior, has had a past more tortured than most and bears scars inside and out and is a fascinating character as he is both strong but vulnerable. The heroine Penthe brings the term kick-ass heroine to a new level – at times even some of the Reapers are in awe of her actions! Bane is just the mate she needs to complement her strong nature yet at the same time make her feel more womanly than any other man has done in the past. There are some scorching and inventive love-making scenes between the couple and some touching moments.

In terms of its content, the novel is a dark read at times, reflecting the nature of the evil that the Reapers and their allies are out to destroy. The battle scenes are bloody, visceral and heart stopping as one would expect and I loved them! This is balanced with plenty of romance, humour, hot erotic love making scenes and adventure that kept me glued to my Kindle. The bad guys and gals in this novel, the Ceannus, are truly evil, with a grotesque appearance, a sadistic nature and an evil agenda to subjugate other life forms throughout the mega-verse and bend them to their will. Tears came to my eyes towards the end as I felt so connected to the emotions of the characters.

There are many characters and sub plots in this novel, picking up on past events and they are cleverly woven into the narrative. I particularly liked the one concerning the Reaper Cynyr Cree, his Lady Aingeal and Lord Kheelan, with whom I am developing a major crush on!!!

Sins of the Reaper is a must read for fans of Charlotte Boyett-Compo and highly recommended to lovers of Dark Fantasy and Science Fiction who like tortured alpha warriors, erotic love making scenes and the elemental battle between good and evil.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Publisher Ellora’s Cave http://www.ellorascave.com/sins-of-the-reaper.html

Purchase Links Amazon US   Amazon UK

About the Author

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

http://www.windlegends.com

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

17225903Super Dark Fantasy Romance featuring Badass Werewolf Cowboys!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

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

Edited by Rebecca Hill

Cover design by Syneca

About the Author

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

http://www.windlegends.com

 

Summer in Rye (novella) by Lucy Oliver

Summer in Rye

Book blurb: A tragedy brought Eva Brookwell and Samuel Shaw back into each other’s lives. But will lies from the past destroy their chances of a future?

Left penniless after the death of her philandering father, Eva Brookwell takes a job as a governess at Rye Hall, but didn’t expect to find her young charges scarred and blinded from smallpox. Rye Hall is an unhappy house with a tyrannical master and Eva is forced to turn to her pupils’ uncle, Samuel Shaw for help.

Eva and Samuel had once been engaged, until his lies drove them apart. Still in love with him, Eva knows she could never trust him again; however he is her only ally in the dark and disturbed household she now lives in.

Absolutely gripping, high intensity and powerful novella! It will certainly steam up your cold January evening!

Summer in Rye is an exceptionally captivating historical love story, with truly good, strong characters that instantly draw the reader in. It has a hot and steamy moment, with the ongoing tension that Eva is feeling for all of the right AND wrong reasons. This intensity continues through the whole story as Eva battles her feelings for Samuel against her fear of the future turning out the only way she can possibly see it to be.

It must be quite tragic and embarrassing for Eva, coming from a well-to-do family, having to work as a governess for a family that are already only too aware of her downfall. However, Eva is a strong woman and holds her head high. Although not made to feel too welcome by Lady Florence Shaw (Samuel’s sister-in-law), after meeting the children she feels compelled to ensure their wellbeing and make a living to support her mother and sister.

For this novella, Lucy Oliver has packed a great deal of emotion and described the relationship that Eva has with each character really well. There are only a few characters but the reader is provided with a great idea of who they are and what they care most for. Eva clearly has to decide on her feelings for Samuel, try to maintain a civil relationship with Florence and also be aware of the intentions of Edward, Samuel’s brother, towards her.

Eva’s feelings for Samuel may only be explored in one moment. It is very erotic and sensual, with the reader believing that this will be the only time these two greatly matched people will ever be as one. Eva finds it difficult to follow her heart entirely and decides to have what she can, while she can – without the risk that she may someday marry Samuel, for him to gallivant with mistresses and push her aside just as her father did to her mother.

Despite of all the doubts that Eva has regarding Samuel’s love, it is pretty obvious to the reader that he thinks fondly of her from the first time the reader is acquainted with him. It isn’t too long before we realise that Samuel loves everything there is to love about Eva. As a reader, I longed to strongly urge Eva to just go and be with him. He is hers, completely. The feelings that these two characters have are overwhelmingly strong. And I love that Eva keeps him at arms length mostly and considers her family. She is using her mind but instinct should surely show her to follow her heart on this occasion.

The story’s novella length is perfect as the story continues at a steady pace with every intensity and passion you can imagine. There is certainly no opportunity for the mind to wander anywhere else. Lucy Oliver’s writing style is quite direct and easy to follow, at a good pace and leaves the reader intrigued with the characters and how they feel for each other.

There is no reason why Summer in Rye couldn’t be a Top Seller. I would certainly like to read more of Lucy Oliver’s work in the future.

I think one conclusion I can draw from this is for all those doubtful ones amongst us to go and grab the bull by it’s horns. Go grab your man, girls, before you miss that chance. Sometimes it is good to follow your heart, especially when it is being heard by another!

A copy of Summer in Rye was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Summer in Rye is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

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

BuckleDown_200[1]Indulge your Cowboy Fantasies!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Publisher Jupiter Gardens Press

Cover art by Winterheart Design

Edited by EM Petrova

Amazon links:  Amazon UK  Amazon US

Find and connect with the authors:

Samantha Holt:

https://www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

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

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

C.V. Madison:

http://cvmadison.com/

J’T Seate:

https://www.facebook.com/JTSeate

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

hersavagescott_msrPolitical Intrigue, Innocent Deception and Blinding Passion

Erotic Historical Romance, with Paranormal Elements: Adult Read

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

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

Book Blurb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

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

ISBN: 9781419940446

Release date: 20th November 2013

Ellora’s Cave      Amazon    ARe    Nook    Amazon UK   Kobo

Goodreads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tina 🙂