January 19, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Torment (Dark Alpha #1) short story by Alisa Woods

Following on from her brilliant True Alpha hot paranormal short story series, Alisa Woods has just released Torment, the first short paranormal of her Dark Alpha series. I thoroughly enjoyed the True Alpha series (links to all 6 book reviews, and the festive novella are at the bottom of this post) and celebrate the release of Torment (Dark Alpha #1) today!

New Adult Paranormal Romance serial – first episode now available (released January 19th, 2015)

Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City.

Jak enjoys the female human population of Seattle as much as any wolf, but his heart belongs to a female shifter who’s already mated. Worse, she’s the mate of his alpha’s brother.

Arianna was captured from her pack when she was only twenty and mated to a wolf whose dark side takes full advantage of her unbreakable bond to him. Her nights belong to him, but her days are free to explore other things… including feelings for a wolf she can never have.

Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both?
Torment (Dark Alpha 1) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the first of six episodes in the Dark Alpha serial.
Adult content. Ages 18+.

REVIEW

After reading the True Alpha series, I was thrilled to hear that there would be a new series from Alisa Woods in Dark Alpha. Fans of True Alpha, or indeed paranormal and shifter fans will love this hot story with it’s emotion, passion and action. I would recommend that True Alpha be read first to provide the reader with the full background (although not essential).

Jak is young, hot and turns many a human girl’s head. He is liked within his pack, the Red Pack, and his alpha looks out for him. Little do the pack know that he betrayed them once, and morally so. Jak has his wits about him and knows that Arianna was mated to his alpha’s brother, Mace, against her will. Now she has no choice but to be with Mace. But Jak can’t help feeling a little hot when in her company and wants her for himself.

The intensity of Jak’s feelings for her multiply as he is asked to bodyguard her when Mace allows her to attend University – instructions from his father, with the hope that Arianna can gain qualifications that she can bring to the family business. This does not please Mace as he’d much rather keep Arianna at home, but he can’t really go against his father, his alpha.

This is an opportunity of some freedom that Arianna has been waiting for, as opposed to feeling trapped in Mace’s home, bored, and nothing to look forward to as she knows Mace will have his way with her when he comes home. No, this is freedom, and what’s more she has been left with hot, young Jak to mind her!

Torment is a perfect title as both Jak and Arianna are feeling strong attractions to each other. However, as the magic bond between Mace and Arianna can only break in one of their deaths, it looks pretty unlikely that these two can get together. Not to mention what Mace would do to them if he were to ever find out that Jak so much as looked at Arianna. It would certainly be the death of Jak.

Tensions run high between Jak and Arianna, but what will the future hold for them?

This short story holds a little of everything, including action towards the end. Readers won’t be disappointed and Torment is just the beginning of the Dark Alpha series. I cannot wait to read what book 2, Pleasure, will hold for us!

A copy of Torment (Dark Alpha #1) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Torment (Dark Alpha #1) is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

If you would like to check out the info and my reviews for the first series, True Alpha, please click on each book below!

Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story

Guarded (True Alpha #2) – short story

Hunted (True Alpha #3) – short story

Captured (True Alpha #4) – short story

Sacrificed (True Alpha #5) – short story

Claimed (True Alpha #6) – short story

A True Alpha Christmas – novella

All True Alpha short stories are available at Amazon UK and Amazon US individually. BUT, the TRUE ALPHA FULL SEASON is available to order!! (Please be aware that A True Alpha Christmas novella was released after the box set as a stand alone, and although carries on from the series is not a part of the main series, and NOT in the box set! It is available however as an individual novella at Amazon US and Amazon UK.)

AMAZON US link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

AMAZON UK link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

January 19, 2015 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR ~ Soft Shatter, by Dany Rae Miller (includes excerpt)

Soft Shatter

Dany Rae Miller

Goodreads

Blurb

One smart witch and three sexy wolves tell a story of love, lies and rejection.

All Shavone Gentil wants is to find her runaway sister. When witchcraft fails to provide the answers, she resorts to the last resort — getting a job at the Denver Dollhouse. Shav gets answers, but to questions she didn’t even know to ask.

In love and in lust with Shavone since childhood, all Nash LaFontaine wants is her safety, her body and her heart. Responsible and noble, the giant alpha waited so long. Did he wait too long?

All Ben LaFontaine wants is to do his duty as a French wolf. He comes to Denver to do just that. His first assignment is to help his cousin Nash protect the witch. Little does he know the power she’ll wield over him.

All Enrique Cruz wants, all he’s ever wanted, is Shavone. There’s a night from hell that the Native alpha will never forget, the horrors of which his obsession is just beginning to remember.

Who will get they want and whose heart will shatter?

Note: Due to strong language and mature content, this Wolven Moon Novel is recommended for adults ONLY.

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

Excerpt

My hands over Shavone’s, I tighten my hoodie around her. She needs to keep it on — cover that beautiful, tempting ass of hers.

I indicate the dart board with a nod. “Are you an ace at that, too?”

She shakes her head. “No. I’ve never played darts before.”

“Hallelujah.” I throw my head back. “Maybe I can win a portion of my pride back.” I run my hands up her waist and around to her back. “Will you let me teach you?”

Yes, kitten, that was an innuendo. I want to teach you a lot of things.

The increase in feminine pheromone and blushing smile means she got my drift. Fuck. My dick twitches. I don’t know how much more of her I can take.

“Okay,” she’s says, eyes on my mouth.

I lick my lips. You want some of this?

Dilated eyes say yes just before they glance away.

“Sir?” She calls across the bar and once she has the old man’s attention, motions that the pool table is all his. He waves his thanks.

Touching her back, I usher her to the dartboard.

“I love this song.” She rocks her shoulders.

There’s music? I pause to listen. Sade softly sings something about giving the kiss of life.

“You like this old shit?” I tease her, pulling the darts from the board.

“Hey.” She giggles. “Yes. I like soul — old and new.” She throws out that bottom lip, again. “Don’t make fun of me.”

“Never, kitten. You have excellent taste in music.”

The broad grin that spreads across her sweet face wraps another string around my heart. And her swaying hips? Those put another quart of blood in my dick.

She is something. Beautiful and sweet and sensual. I wonder how she’ll react when she finds out I’m lying to her just as Nash is. And she’ll find out. No doubt. She’s digging in the right place. She’ll be angry. I have no doubt about that either. That we’re doing this to keep her out of the clutches of the hunters won’t make a bit of difference. How strange to feel remorse before the fact. The only chance I’ll have is to get under her skin and fast.

“Why the sad look?” She asks me.

I affect an exaggerated shocked expression. “You gotta ask, lady who handed me my ass in pool?”

“Sorry.” She exaggerates a giggle into her hand. She isn’t sorry at all. “Well, now you can trounce me.”

Fuck. Was that a euphemism, kitten?

“At darts,” she quickly adds.

“I wouldn’t be very gallant, using your word, if I did that.”

“No, you wouldn’t.” She gives me her coquettish smile.

“You think batting those lashes at me will save you?” I laugh.

“A girl can hope.”

“You showed no mercy. I show no mercy.” I grin. “That’s the way the game works.”

I move behind her, and, with a hand at her hip, begin to murmur the rules into her ear. Jesus. Her scent. I inhale a lung full of it.

“This” — I toe a length of tape on the floor — “is the throw line. You cannot step over it when you throw.”

“What about my arm?”

“Good question.” I playfully squeeze her bicep, again. “Yes, your buffed arm can cross it.”

I feel her smile. “I prefer the word ‘toned’.”

“Kitten, you are so toned.” I nuzzle her hair. “Now, stop distracting me.”

She giggles and I grin. This is fun. She’s fun.

The rest of the rules, what there are of them, are fairly simple. I run through them quickly. “Let’s do a few practice throws.” I motion her aside and, when she’s safely out of the way, throw my darts. One lands dead center of the bull’s-eye and the other two in the interior ring, quarter inch from the bull’s-eye.

She laughs. “This is going to be bad.”

“Aw, c’mon. Positive thinking.” I move out of the way and bow for her to take my place at the line.

Lifting her chin, she shakes her hair out of the way and narrows her eyes at the board in concentration.

Hot and sexy, smart and sharp. No man can resist that. Sorry, Nash. I glance over at him. His eyes pierce me with an anger he normally saves for enemies and rival packs. Cherie grins at me.

Shavone’s first throw lands on the board, but in the number ring. No score. The second lands in the fat single score ring and the third misses the board completely.

The music clicks over to a sexy strong drumbeat that Shavone seems to like, too. I walk to the board to extract our darts. Ah, it’s John Mayer. I almost laugh out loud at the lyrics. I’m not the man I used to be either, John.

Shavone smiles at me as I walk back to her. Rocking her hips, she sings along to the music.

“Not bad.” I hand her her darts. “You’ve got pretty good form for a newbie. Can I show you a better way?”

She nods enthusiastically. “Yes, please.”

I lay my darts on a nearby table.

“Let’s work on your stance, first.”

Stop writhing that body, kitten.

“Okay.” She stands still.

Taking my sweet ass time and with a caressing touch, I position her body — feet there, hips like this, shoulders like that, hands like this. I’m disappointed when I’m done arranging her.

She looks up at me through her lashes, a flirty smile on her lips. I stifle a growl.

Moving back behind her, I drag my hand down her arm to her hand. “Holding the dart is an art,” I whisper in her ear — trying hard not to imagine her soft hand gripping my dick. “Two fingers forward on the stem, like this.” I manipulate her slender fingers. “And your thumb here near the back of the dart.”

Understanding, she nods. Her brow furrowed, she concentrates so hard.

“You want to extend your arm, pointing the tip of the dart where you’d like it to stick.” Placing my cheek directly on her temple, my hand over hers, I raise the dart in front of her face. “Stare down the tip and bring the dart straight back in front of your face,” I say. “Don’t hold it here, by your ear. You can’t see where it’s going if it’s beside your head.” I let go of her hand and hold her at the waist. “Do it now, but don’t throw it yet.”

While she lines up the dart, I dip my nose into her hair and inhale deeply — not caring if she hears it. My voice is thick when I speak again. “We’ll do a couple of practice movements. Don’t let go of the dart, though.”

“Okay,” she says softly.

My left hand glides from her hip to ribs while my right hand wraps around hers and the dart.

My wolf wants you so bad.

About Dany Rae Miller

I’m Dany Rae Miller and I believe in the power of love.

I believe that love ~ real, unconditional, soulful devotion ~ can change who you are as a person. It can change you from shy to open, wary to trusting, scared to brave, running in circles to holding on to your rock.

Young and naive, believing I was in love, I married right out of high school. Three years later, I was a brokenhearted, single mom of a toddler. Fast forward two more years to another sweetheart turned asshole and my faith in love was lost.

Done with boys, I built a life for my child and me by myself. It wasn’t easy, but I grew up and learned how to stand on my own two feet. I didn’t need a man, I reasoned, I’ve got my confidence.

In my mid twenties, I wanted to up my earning power and decided to go to college, setting my sights on journalism school. It was then, when I wasn’t looking for him, that the love of my life walked into a college speech class and sat down next to me.

The right person at the right time changes everything and mends even the most shattered trust. I am living proof. That’s what I try to put into my novels.

When I’m at the computer writing, life is golden. It just doesn’t get any better than weaving sometimes euphoric and sometimes gut-wrenching tales of erotic romance.

In former lives, I was an advertising rep, then, a property manager. After college, I became a TV producer, and an award-winning screenwriter.

Now, I conjure sexy love stories from thin air. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. I do it from my home in spectacular Colorado (a location featured prominently in my stories) where I live with my wonderful husband and two affectionate kitties.

Contact Dany Rae

Newsletter signup: http://eepurl.com/TnoF5 You’ll want to sign, because starting in February, I’m posting book two in the Wolven Moon series on my website for free. You’ll need a password to access it.

www.DanyRaeMiller.com | FB personal profile | FB Author Page | Twitter | Email: DanyRaeMiller@gmail.com

January 18, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Review Round-Up Jan ’15

Hi readers, we are well into January now but we do hope that you enjoyed the holiday season and that you have a Happy New Year. I am amazed that over the last month Tina and myself have managed to review fifteen books and hope that you enjoy reading all about them.

Romance is certainly a strong theme for the following books but we still cover the historical, contemporary, chick-lit, erotica, paranormal and sci-fi (and festive) genres, as well as having a paranormal thriller/horror and a crime drama in the mix too!

As always, you can click on the book title for the full review and more!

Caroline & Tina ❤

Tempting his Mistress by Samantha Holt, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: What could possibly induce at woman to follow in the footsteps of her mother and further sully her reputation by becoming a mistress?

Lilly Claremont is well used to being at the centre of gossip. Being the illegitimate child of a rich businessman never failed to titillate the gossips and while she cared little about the wagging tongues she never intended to reinforce their opinions of her by ruining herself completely.

But it seems Lord Hawksley is determined to make the fascinating Lilly his mistress…

Evan has no doubt her bold tongue and beautiful body could keep him entertained for some time. Captivated by her, he must find a way to burn through his desire for her. He cannot marry a woman of such social standing so why not make her his mistress?

After the murder of her father, Lilly is searching for answers and they lead her directly to Lord Hawksley. But will they also lead her to his bed…?

All I Want for Christmas by Amy Silver, contemporary holiday romance, chick-lit (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: It’s Bea’s first Christmas with her baby son, and this year she’s determined to do everything right. But there is still so much to do: the Christmas menu needs refining; her café, The Honey Pot, needs decorating; and she’s invited the whole neighbourhood to a party on Christmas Day. She really doesn’t have time to get involved in two new people’s lives, let alone fall in love…

When Olivia gets knocked over in the street, however, Bea can’t help bringing her into The Honey Pot and getting to know her. Olivia’s life is even more hectic than her own, and with her fiancé’s entire family over from Ireland for Christmas, she shouldn’t be lingering in the cosy warmth of Bea’s café. Chloe, on the other hand, has nowhere else to go. Her affair with a married man has alienated her friends, and left her lonelier than ever.

But Christmas is a magical time, and in the fragrant atmosphere of The Honey Pot, anything can happen: new friends can be made, hearts can heal, and romance can finally blossom…

A True Alpha Christmas (novella of the True Alpha series) by Alisa Woods, new adult, paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline)

STAND-ALONE NOVELLA – best enjoyed after reading the True Alpha Box Set (Vol 1-6)

Blurb: Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City. Mia is your everyday college girl, trying to earn her business degree—and a shifter who’s long hidden her identity from everyone, including her mother, who believes shifter is synonymous with criminal. Six months ago, sexy and powerful alpha-male Lucas rescued her in an alley and claimed her for his mate. Now Mia’s heart belongs to Lucas, and everyone in the world of shifters understands the magic of their mating has bonded them for life. But in the human world, there’s no wedding ring on her finger to show for it. With Christmas looming, Mia’s mother wants to finally meet Mia’s mysterious and high-powered live-in lover. With her human and shifter lives about to irrevocably collide, Mia fears there will be nothing but broken hearts in the end.

A True Alpha Christmas is 80 pages or 20,000 words. This novella can be read as a standalone, but readers will enjoy it more if they read the True Alpha serial (Vol 1-6) first.

Long Gone Girl (short story) by Amy Rose Bennett, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: After returning home from the Korean War a widow, former MASH surgical nurse, Ginny Williams, heads to the Jersey Shore for a weekend of much needed R&R. But her plans to do nothing more than relax on the beach go seriously awry when the boy who broke her heart on Prom night nine years ago—the now hotter-than-hot ‘fly-boy’ Jett Kelly—shows up on her patch of sand. To make matters worse, Captain Kelly seems to be on a mission to win her trust, and maybe even her heart again. But the last thing Ginny wants is a man—especially one like Jett—in her life. She’s a career nurse now, and that’s that. If only Jett wasn’t so damned charming and attractive…

US air force pilot, Captain Jefferson ‘Jett’ Kelly Junior is blown away to have stumbled across the beautiful yet shy and bookish girl he used to have a huge crush on in high school—especially now that Ginny is all grown up and sexy as hell. Problem is, she’s also not backward in coming forward when letting him know she hasn’t forgiven him for the Prom-kiss-gone-wrong incident. Even though Jett knows he’ll have his work cut out for him to get a second chance with her, he’s definitely going to give it his best shot…

Despite Ginny’s determination to keep her head—she’s certainly not the naïve girl she used to be—when Jett starts to unashamedly woo her, she soon realizes that maybe her heart didn’t get the memo…

Falling Dragons (Moon Shadow series #3) by Angela Castle, erotic paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Drugged and running for her life, Dragon Princess, Ophelia, jumps off a rooftop to escape her captors.

Immortal Demon Hunter Simon, is shocked when he catches a falling, redheaded woman. His surprise is short-lived when he faces not only a vicious demon, but those hunting his newly acquired redhead.

In desperate need of protection, and knowing he is her mate, Opie spell-tethers the sexy Demon Hunter to her, not realizing he’s a seventeen-hundred-year-old dragon slayer.

The sexual chemistry explodes between them as they fight each other, in and out of the bedroom. Together, they must battle an evil enemy set on unleashing a soul-sucking demon army into the world, threatening to destroy everything they hold close to their hearts.

Bethany’s Heart (Unearthly World #3) by C. L. Scholey, sci-fi erotic romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Amidst the snow and icy wasteland, Earth has become a watery grave to many. Zargonnii warriors Finn and Blu search for any remaining human females. Luck abounds and six females are found struggling to survive. The moment his blazing red eyes settle onto Bethany Finn feels in his heart she is the one he wants to end his loneliness. When Bethany encounters two massive aliens, eyes alight, long white hair wildly flying, she knows the pair are either death or salvation. Their encounter leads Bethany on the wildest adventure of her life. After the Zargonnii ship is annihilated by the enemy a shuttle leads Finn and Bethany straight into the path of peril more times than the couple care to count.

Help, I’ve Been Abducted by an Alien! (short story) by Juliet Cardin, sci-fi erotic romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Jen joins an alien-abductee group in order to secretly write an article on the subject. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she encounters a UFO in her neighborhood park and gets abducted for real.

Lysander, her sexy captor, informs Jen he’s not taking her home. Earth, he confides, is soon to be impacted by an asteroid and then invaded by a hostile lizard race. Jen is determined to find a way to escape Lysander–who is hell-bent on having her for himself–and return to Earth, before it is too late to prevent its annihilation.

Drug (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1) by Lynda O’Rourke, paranormal thriller, horror (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Out of work and out of luck, 19 year-old Kassidy Bell finds herself in desperate need of money.

Coming across a mysterious advert in her local newspaper offering a reward, Kassidy believes she’s found the answer to her prayers.

But Kassidy soon realises that if something is too good to be true then it usually isn’t what it first appears to be. Finding herself in a desperate situation, Kassidy realises that she must run if she is to escape the new horrors she has discovered however great the reward might be.

Mr X by Clarissa Wilde, dark, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

18+/Adult Read

Author Note: This is not your average romance story. Some people will kill for love.

Blurb: He’s come to kill me. I’m a user and abuser of my own body. In my darkest hour I sold my soul to the devil and now I must pay the price. With his gun to my head I have no choice but to listen and obey, but I refuse to go down easily. Nothing is stronger than the will to survive. My instincts kicked into full gear the second he stepped into my motel room.Except when I look at him I see my own heart staring back at me. A history tainted by blood.I don’t know his name, but I know he wants me. To save myself I’ll sacrifice my sanity. My body. My soul. Something tells me the x-shaped scar that marks his eye is the only escape I have. He is Mr. X: the man who comes to claim my life. Can I save myself before he demands my heart?

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, breath deprivation, strong language, drugs and alcohol, and graphic violence.

Taken by the Sheikh (Boxed Set) by Christina Phillips, Mel Teshco & Cathleen Ross, contemporary erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Book 1: Hostage to the Sheikh ~ Mel Teshco

Sheikh Shahzad Salah al Din doesn’t have time for hearts and flowers, not when his parents’ bodies are barely even cold in their graves and his country, Omana, is on the brink of revolt. He has to secure peace by honoring a long ago arrangement to make English rose, Lexi Galvin, his wife. The trouble is strong-willed Lexi isn’t aware of her royal Arab lineage let alone her destiny. There is only one way Shahzad can guarantee she will be his queen … and he isn’t above using force to get it.

Book 2: The Sheikh’s Mistaken Bride ~ Christina Phillips

In order to secure a powerful alliance for his country, Khalid has no choice but to marry a neighboring princess. It’s not what he wants, but duty must come before pleasure. Yet when he meets the beautiful Sanura he changes his mind… only to discover the virgin in his bed is not his destined bride.

Book 3: Sold to the Sheikh ~ Cathleen Ross

He’d paid a fortune for his bride and he was determined to collect, whether she liked it or not. Rafi Salah al Din doesn’t trust easily. In charge of security for his country Omana, he devotes his life to duty. With his parents murdered it is his duty to stabilize his country by finding his parents’ assassin, marry and produce a son to ensure the Salah al Din line lives on. So why does the wife he bought disagree?

Heart Grow Fonder by Cristy Rey, adult contemporary romance (reviewed by Tina)

Wrong place. Wrong time. Right people.

Jessie Bravo knows what’s wrong with her life; she just doesn’t know what to do about it. Eleven years ago, she saved Tyler Cantrell from getting his ass kicked by gay-bashing high school jocks. Since, they’ve been the closest of friends. Years later, Jessie circled the drain of chronic depression, spiralling out of control, and it was Tyler’s turn to save her. Who knew her best friend would become a Hollywood A-lister? Though Jessie credits Tyler for keeping her together, living in the shadow of her best friend’s celebrity isn’t all it’s cut out to be. It’s up to Jessie to figure out what she has to do to be happy: get better or get lost.

Stardom is on the horizon for British television actor Boyd Kerrington. He’s starring opposite Tyler Cantrell in an American feature film sure to blow his career out the water. For all the years he’s focused on his career, however, he’s settled in his personal life. That is, until he meets Tyler’s best friend, Jessie. Jessie is refreshingly cool, passionate, and compelling…but she’s also complicated. Worse yet, she’s not interested in remaining in the celebrity stratosphere, even for her lifelong friend.

Triple D Dude Ranch by Beverly Ovalle, erotic western contemporary romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Blaire is a freelance photographer on assignment. She is heading home to Texas, armed with her camera to do a photo feature for the Tribune. Taking photos of the dude ranch, she gets an eyeful of an uninhibited cowboy through her lens. The summer heat of Texas has nothing on the heat he generates in her.

Dan was expecting a photographer but not the sexy urban cowgirl that arrived. He knew it was hot out, he just hadn’t expected the hot and sexy woman to make him burn the minute he caught sight of her. One look and he had to quench this fire inside.

One touch between Dan and Blaire sparks a wildfire that burns hotter than the Texas summer and is just as hard to put out.

Playing the Field (Duty & Desire #4) by C.J. Pinard, contemporary military romance, chick-lit (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: An overachiever in uniform…

Jace Lawless is an overachiever, a go-getter, and determined to accomplish everything he sets his mind to. After serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, and receiving his college degree, he’s picked up by a popular minor league baseball team, all while continuing his service in the USMC reserves.

When Jace meets a beautiful, breathtaking single mother named Miranda Cates, it takes him by surprise. Her shady past and beautiful little girl are the conundrum that both confuses and fascinates Jace. He can’t tear his thoughts away from Miranda, and eventually he believes he can win her over with his dimpled smirk and witty charms.

Once Miranda becomes his, the part of him she hated the most – the part he had kept secret from her for so long – rears its ugly head. Will Miranda lean on her friend Cara for support while staying by his side once he tells her that duty is calling… or will she decide she can’t handle it and take her daughter and leave?

Playing the Field is the fourth and final installment of the Duty & Desire series. Contains adult situations and minor scenes of war.

Dead of Night (A Tom Mariner Mystery #7) by Chris Collett, police procedural, crime drama, thriller (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: When a young woman disappears on her way home from work, Detective Inspector Tom Mariner tackles his most challenging investigation yet!

18-year-old Grace Clifton vanishes on her way home from work in the centre of Birmingham late at night, the case is remarkable in that not a single witness comes forward. The more he has to deal with Grace s wealthy and overbearing father, Council Leader Bob Clifton, the more Tom Mariner is inclined to believe that Grace left of her own accord.

Then the package arrives. It contains Grace s clothes, neatly pressed and laundered. A second woman disappears. And a disturbing pattern begins to emerge.

Still adapting to a new investigation team and struggling to pull its members together, Detective Inspector Mariner is about to tackle one of his strangest, most challenging cases to date.

Once Upon a Rake by Samantha Holt, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

In Victorian England, Little Ellie Browning swiftly discovered happily ever afters did not exist and rakes were simply rakes. When the man she had adored for years kissed her and left her heartbroken and she was forced to marry an elderly earl to save her reputation, she resolved to put any dreams of fairy tales aside.

Seven years later, the now widowed Eleanor, Countess of Hawthorne, has returned to England after years of travelling and is now part-owner of a cotton mill left to her by her late husband.

But the owner of the mill, and the very same handsome rake who hurt her years earlier, has no desire to let a woman interfere with his business, let alone little Ellie Browning—no matter how fascinating he finds her since her transformation from coltish scarecrow to almost graceful countess.

Lucian is still recovering from the after-effects of one of his mills succumbing to fire, and now he’s fighting to save the other in a tough economic climate. He doesn’t need this new distraction, especially when, after a series of accidents, it becomes clear someone wishes the mill to close and he has to find the culprit—fast.

With things heating up between Ellie and Lucian, it’s apparent that not only is the mill in peril—they are both at risk of getting burned…

January 11, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Promo Intertwined Souls series (Books 1-4) by Mary D. Brooks

Intertwined Souls is a series that takes the reader from war-torn Europe to Post-War Australia, and returns to Europe after hints of the paranormal set in (books 3 and 4) to this historical lesbian romance series by Mary D. Brooks.

Although Awakenings (Intertwined Souls series #4) is the latest release of the series, and the book due to be reviewed by myself, we are also featuring the first three books, In the Blood of the Greeks, Where Shadows Linger and Hidden Truths, to provide you with a full introduction to the whole series. And what’s more – Book 1, In the Blood of the Greeks, is FREE, and so is Book 2, Where Shadows Linger! Book 5, No Good Deed, is due for release at a later date too!

You will also be able to find an author bio at the bottom of the post for more information on Mary D. Brooks. We hope you enjoy finding out about this amazing series and follow characters, Eva and Zoe, on their incredible journey!

Author: Mary D. Brooks

Title: Awakenings (Intertwined Souls #4)

Genre: Historical romance/Lesbian, Paranormal

Release date: January 16th, 2014

Released by: Bedazzled Ink

Length: 319 pages

Blurb: In the fourth novel in the Intertwined Souls series, Awakenings continues with Eva and Zoe’s tumultuous journey to Greece and Germany.

They leave Greece with a new understanding of the past and a renewed purpose for their lives. In Germany they discover unknown secrets and gifts that span generations. With hidden truths uncovered and a peek of their future, they can now work toward making their once impossible dreams come true.

“Awakenings is the fourth novel in the Intertwined Souls series, and the best one so far. A riveting plot, a set of memorable characters, a couple of unexpected twists, a healthy dose of wit and humour, and another of intensity and emotion, a whole lot of passion and love, a flowing pace and engaging dialogue, and Mary D’s unique narrative voice. Add that gorgeous cover and you have all the ingredients that make this truly outstanding novel, one you don’t want to miss. I can guarantee you will fall in love with Eva, and with Zoe, and with their story. I can only hope there will be many more books in this phenomenal series.”

Purchase Links:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Awakenings-Intertwined-Souls-Book-4-ebook/dp/B00I85SHI6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Purchase elsewhere and print:

http://www.nextchapter.net/blog/books/issbook3/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Author: Mary D. Brooks

Title: In the Blood of the Greeks (Intertwined Souls #1)

Genre: Historical romance/Lesbian

Release date: 2001 (first edition), 2014 (4th edition)

Released by: Self-published

Length: 239 pages

Blurb: In the Blood of the Greeks is set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel begins in a most troublesome period of human history, where subjugated by the might of Nazi Germany, two women meet under extraordinary circumstances. This is the story of Eva Muller, the daughter of a German Major, in command of the occupying force in Larissa, Greece in 1944. Through the intervention of the village priest she meets Zoe Lambros, a young Greek woman with vengeance in her heart and a faith in God that has been shattered by the death of her family. They develop a friendship borne out of this dark time as they both work with the Greek Resistance. This friendship leads to the beginning of a life that they never would have imagined. Follow their journey in the first of the Intertwined Souls Series!

Purchase Links:

FREE http://www.nextchapter.net/blog/books/issbook1/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Author: Mary D. Brooks

Title: Where Shadows Linger (Intertwined Souls #2)

Genre: Historical romance/Lesbian

Release date: 2001 (first edition), 2014 (3rd edition)

Released by: Self-published

Length: 288 pages

Blurb: The second instalment of the Eva and Zoe series, Where Shadows Linger follows the ever popular In the Blood of the Greeks. Having survived Nazi-occupied Greece and its liberation, Eva Muller and Zoe Lambros are still very much in love, wanting nothing more than to fulfil their dreams and hopes for the future. Emigrating to Sydney, Australia, the two women find themselves making new friends and forging a new life together. However, it is not long before their happiness is marred by prejudice and the machinations of old enemies, plunging them into mortal danger. Will the unique connection between Eva and Zoe be destroyed? Will they lose their new-found friends? or will Eva and Zoe’s love prove strong enough to overcome the shadows of the past that continue to linger in their lives?

Purchase Links:

FREE http://www.nextchapter.net/blog/books/issbook2/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Author: Mary D. Brooks

Title: Hidden Truths (Intertwined Souls #3)

Genre: Historical romance/Lesbian, hint of Paranormal

Release date: January 11th, 2014

Released by: Bedazzled Ink

Length: 289 pages

Blurb: In the third book of the Intertwined Souls Series, Hidden Truths continues the journey of two extraordinary women, Eva Muller and Zoe Lambros, from war-torn Europe to Post-War Australia.

It’s 1950 and Eva and Zoe have settled in Australia, but events from their homelands beckon them back to Greece and Germany. Along the way, they are reunited with family and friends and are forced to contend with their own haunted memories and unexpected revelations that tests their courage, strength and faith.

Purchase Links:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Truths-Intertwined-Souls-Book-ebook/dp/B00HTPKQTY/ref=asap_B00347V9TW_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417764855&sr=1-2

Purchase elsewhere and print:

http://www.nextchapter.net/blog/books/issbook3/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Author bio:

Mary D. Brooks lives in Australia and has been writing for forty years and has published short fiction stories for various Australian magazines and non fiction pieces before she turned her attention to the Intertwined Souls series. Her first novel was “In the Blood of the Greeks” which was quickly followed by “Where Shadows Linger”. She took a break from writing and has come back to the characters her fans love so much. She now continues the series with “Hidden Truths” (Book 3) and “Awakenings” (Book 4) and the soon to be published “No Good Deed” (Book 5). When she’s not writing, she’s a graphic and web designer, travels when the travel bug hits and is chief editor for various multimedia sites.

Author Information:

Email: marydbrooks@outlook.com

Website: http://www.nextchapter.net

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/marydbrooksfiction

Facebook Series Page: https://www.facebook.com/evazoeseries

Twitter: http://twitter.com/marydbrooksfic

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marydbrooks/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNRGsFn6Am8oJIIvi02COig?spfreload=10

Amazon Author Page

http://www.amazon.com/Mary-D.-Brooks/e/B00347V9TW

Newsletter sign-up form: http://eepurl.com/9rMyL

January 4, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Drug (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1) by Lynda O’Rourke

“…. I….feel like I’m in a bad dream…. like I’ve stepped out of reality and into hell.”

A book I was so excited to read, paranormal thriller DRUG (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1), certainly didn’t disappoint, with surprises around every corner! With plenty of horror elements I am certain Drug will be a story loved and feared by many. And as it is Lynda O’Rourke’s début, I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us!!

Blurb: Out of work and out of luck, 19 year-old Kassidy Bell finds herself in desperate need of money.

Coming across a mysterious advert in her local newspaper offering a reward, Kassidy believes she’s found the answer to her prayers.

REVIEW

I LOVED Drug, as I am sure many paranormal thriller fans and horror fans will! Volunteering to test a drug in return for money, Kassidy goes to Cruor Pharma, meets the staff and the other volunteers and starts the trial. It isn’t too long before the nightmare kicks in and Kassidy’s adventure of hell begins! If you’re looking for a book packed with panic, horror, demons and the paranormal, and blood and gore, then you have reached your destination!

Lynda O’Rourke hasn’t left out any excitement or thrills. For the first book of a trilogy, Drug is amazing. Lynda has jumped straight into the story and action after the reader has been acquainted with Kassidy and her circumstances.

After losing her father, Kassidy (19) is left alone and owing debts passed down from her father. Without work she is desperately in need of money. After seeing the newspaper ad for volunteers to test a drug, VA20, in return for £2,000, Kassidy had to take the opportunity.

Upon her arrival at Cruor Pharma, Kassidy begins to have doubts whether she is doing the right thing or not, as do some of the other volunteers. As they introduce themselves to each other they begin to reassure each other, especially young hottie, Jude! This puts Kassidy at ease for a while as they all prepare for their treatment. Some of the staff seem a little cold and direct, while Doctor Fletcher (also another hottie!), appears friendlier and more accommodating.

The volunteers are expecting to be in Ward 2 overnight and then be off home the following day. But, over the course of the following hours events are not to be as expected. And the horror begins…

The volunteers are advised to rest once they have had their dose of VA20, but for some of them they sense that the atmosphere isn’t right. There is something heavy in the air and sleep is the last thing on Kassidy’s mind. In a matter of minutes the unexplainable happens and the ward becomes a battle scene. It becomes clear that some of them, if any, won’t survive. What the hell is going on? They need to escape, but it’s clear that some of the staff are a part of what’s happening. The only way out is further through the old hospital building and through the dreaded Ward 1!

Just like watching a horror movie, there are creepy and eerie scenes which build up great suspense before the action, gore and bloody mess scenes take place. Lynda O’Rourke sets the mood perfectly.

“I slipped off the bed, tiptoeing toward the curtain, trying to keep my drip from squeaking. Fear raced through my body in contractions. My hand shook as I lifted my arm, reaching out for the curtain. I gasped in air as I pinched the fabric between my thumb and forefinger.

“Don’t do it,” hissed May, her blanket now just below her eyes.”

And again, later, when some of the volunteers have to keep their wits about them from whatever it is that’s after them – it’s like a scene from The Walking Dead, as the author describes the tension and complete awareness that the survivors must have to keep going:

“Pushing open the door, we followed Jude down the corridor. I wished I had another set of eyes in the back of my head. I was constantly checking over my shoulder at the barred windows and the ceiling for any signs of more bloody handprints. My ears were on constant alert. I flinched at every little noise and gasped at shadows flickering through the windows onto the brick walls.”

Kassidy is given a glimmer of hope in the way of Doctor Fletcher. He is warm and friendly and the volunteers take to him easily. Aside from Kassidy he is my favourite character. He, by and large, goes out of his way to help Kassidy, but at the same time has to hide this from his peers. There are moments when his character changes momentarily which cloud doubt to his trustworthiness, but then why is helping at all? His character is full of mystery and is changeable, but this makes him complex and interesting, as well as keeps the reader guessing!

Escaping Cruor Pharma is the one thing on the group’s mind. The reader can feel the sheer desperation they have, especially Kassidy being the main character. But can she escape?

It keeps the reader thrilled from beginning to end, and then some! You’ll be going crazy to read part II of The Kassidy Bell trilogy after the exciting but intense cliff-hanger ending we are left with in Drug.

Drug (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

AUTHOR INFO

Lynda O’Rourke is married and has three sons. Lynda has been the story editor of over thirty bestselling novels.

To connect with Lynda visit her facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-ORourke-Author/1480696118846650?ref=hl

DRUG is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 1, 2015 by Tina Williams

Tina’s Top Reads of 2014

Phew! 2014 was such an exciting year of reads for me – I have been totally spoiled with all of the fabulous books to choose from and I have found it extremely difficult to come up with a list of top reads. Here it is at long last! I’ve included the link to my review, where you can also learn more about the book and the author and find the purchase links. Tina ❤

Rain, by Nicole Hurley-Moore – Sensual Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance

A magical read with all the elements of a fairy tale for adults. It has well defined and believable characters and a strong plot set in a world akin to that of European folk lore and fairy tales of old. In it Nuri is caught between Heaven and Hell as two men fight for her love and her soul.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/01/25/rain-by-nicole-hurley-moore-synopsis-trailer-review-author-bio-and-giveaway/

Blood Mate, by Kitty Thomas – Paranormal Literary Erotica, 18+/adult read

A Dark and Intense Fairy Tale – another mind blowing and deeply psychological read from this author. It contains a powerful and ancient vampire, August, condemned to drink the blood of his terrified human victims night after night. The only way that his torment can be assuaged is to find his one and only blood mate. Yet when he finds her, she is already truly, madly and deeply in love with another. The ensuing drama is bloody and compelling and is far far removed from a vampire romance!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/02/18/blood-mate-by-kitty-thomas/

Transcendence, by Shay Savage – Time Travel Romance, adult read

Totally, Utterly and Completely Spellbinding! When Elizabeth finds herself transported from the modern world to prehistoric times how will she survive? The story is told from the POV of Ehd, the man who claims her. The tale of how they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times and develop their relationship when one of them simply doesn’t have the ability to form and comprehend language is unique.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/03/20/transcendence-by-shay-savage/

Crimson Sins, Madeline Pryce – Erotic Paranormal Romance, 18+/adult read

Deliciously Dark and Decadent. The book introduces us to a world of magic, necromancers, zombies, ghosts, and more and contains a heady and combustible mix of smokin’ hot romance between the hero Bastian and heroine Morgan. Contains scenes of horror.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/07/16/review-of-crimson-sins-by-madeline-pryce/

Wind Haven, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo – Dark Erotic Fantasy/Futuristic Romance, 18+/adult read

A Light in the Darkness – a real treat for lovers of dark erotic fantasy. The power of love and healing does battle with unimaginable acts of depravity and evil. The novel unapologetically grapples with subject matter which includes scenes of sexual torture, enslavement of the male lead, imprisonment and physical, mental and psychological abuse.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/11/05/review-of-windhaven-by-charlotte-boyett-compo/

Too Much to Lose, by Samantha Holt – Sensual and Suspenseful Contemporary Romance

An edgy and oftentimes dark read, featuring Hunter, a Private Investigator who is in desperate need of money and Jess, an ex porn star, who is equally desperate to forget her past. The chemistry between them sizzles and I loved the suspense.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/09/20/too-much-to-lose-dirty-little-secrets-by-samantha-holt-book-tour-review/

Double Alchemy, by Susan Mac Nicol – Erotic Paranormal mm romance, adult read/18+

Sizzling and Original, full of raging desire, humour and suspense, which pulls no punches in terms of passion or plot. It encompasses magic, warlocks and witches, fey, witchfinders, immortals and more. The romance bewteen Cade and Quinn is, well, super hot and the complex plot brims with danger, violence and suspense!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/04/30/blog-tour-review-giveaway-double-alchemy-by-susan-mac-nicol/

Restoring Lady Anna, by Em Taylor – Sensual Regency Historical Romance

Passionate and Compelling Regency which examines some heavy issues – kidnap, mental health and social mores – in particular the expectations imposed on women by the Ton. At the centre of the tale is the romance between Anna and James. Fate has now reunited them but their current circumstances could not be more different and there are moral as well as social dilemmas to overcome if they are to secure their HEA.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/06/26/restoring-lady-anna-by-em-taylor-blog-tour-and-review/

Weeping Angels. By Crisy Rey – Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction

A Beautiful, Raw and Intense Love Story – an intense journey embarked on by two lost souls and deals with the raw emotions of grief, guilt, anger and pain. It is also a beautiful inspirational love story, unlike no other I have read. I am awed by the versatility of this writer.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/07/25/weeping-angels-by-cristy-rey-blog-tour-review-and-giveaway/

Irrevocable, by Skye Callahan – Dark Eroric Romance – 18+/adult Read

Freakin’ Brilliant! This dark read is deeply psychological as it examines the themes of domination, submission and sadism. It also contains a heart rending love story spotlighting how far would you submit to survive and in doing so could you preserve your sense of self? Loved it!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/07/24/irrevocable-by-skye-callahan-blog-tour-includes-review-excerpt-and-giveaway/

Primary Fault, by Sharon Kae Reamer – Fantasy Romance

Absorbing and Original – A clever and original read which merges mythology and magic with a heady mixture of romance, science and suspense. It is full of mystery and secrets with a complex plot and superbly well drawn characters, which drew me in from the off. Awarded a B.R.A.G. medallion.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/08/31/review-of-primary-fault-by-sharon-kae-reamer/

Pepper Winters, Indebted #1 – Dark Erotic Romance, 18+ /adult read

Deliciously Dark – a world where innocence is consumed by darkness and depravity, the first instalment of Pepper Winter’s Indebted series. I am addicted to the story of Nila, the sheltered heroine and Jethro, the anti-hero, who is out to break her. A fantastic and sometimes chilling dark read and I adore the battle of wills between the central couple.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/08/23/debt-inheritance-indebted-1-by-pepper-winters/

Unlovable, by Cynthia St Aubin – Paranormal Romance

A Panty-Wetting, Laugh-out-Loud Read, which contains a love-sick Cupid, a sex obsessed demigod, in the form of Crixus and a dark and dangerous hit-man cum kidnapper, with his own psychological issues. All three burst into the well-ordered life of Dr Matlda Schmidt, a sexually repressed/control loving kinda girl and chaos reigns big-time!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/08/16/unlovable-the-case-files-of-dr-matilda-schmidt-paranormal-psychologist-by-cynthia-st-aubin/

Lady Beauchamp’s Proposal, by Amy Rose Bennett – Erotic Historical Romance 18+/adult read

Gothic Inspired Regency Noir par excellence – A powerful and emotionally charged dark and angst ridden Regency romance. Full of secrets and suspense and brimming with raw sensuality and has a real taste of the gothic about it. A strong heroine and a swoon worthy hero!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/10/12/review-lady-beauchamps-proposal-amy-rose-bennett/

Mist Unveiled, Nancy Corrigan – Erotic Paranormal Romance, 18+/adult read

Sizzling and Emotional! Nancy Corrigan has not only done her homework on Ragnarok (the end of the world), but given it a fresh twist in her release of Mist Unveiled, book 1 in her new series, Elemental Desire. This novel just sizzles and the romance between Cat and Rune could well ignite your reading device!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/11/29/review-mist-unveiled-elemental-desire-book-1-by-nancy-corrigan/

Darker Shadows (The Ghosts of Ravencrest Book 1), by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross, Paranormal/Horror Erotica, Adult/18+ read

Gothic Erotica to Delight and Entertain the Senses! – a top notch quality erotica, a fantastic foray into the world of an innocent who quickly succumbs to the temptations on offer at the infamous and allegedly haunted Ravenscrest Manor and her own burgeoning carnal desires.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/11/01/review-the-new-governess-1-and-awakening-2-in-the-erotic-adventures-of-belinda-by-tamara-thorne-and-alistair-cross/

Taken by the Sheikh, Mel Treshco, Christina Phillips and Cathleen Ross, Erotic Romance, 18+/adult read

A collection of delicious captor/captive fantasies – Hostage to the Sheikh (Mel Teshco), The Sheikh’s Mistaken Bride, by Christina Phillips and Sold to the Sheikh, by Cathleen Ross. I have just finished reading this smexy collection of sizzling but sweet romances and my review is in the making, but I will say that it is one of my favourite reads of the year. Each interconnecting tale (which can be read alone) is very different, as are each respective hero and heroine, but all three are super reads to escape into!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/12/22/release-blitz-for-taken-by-the-sheikh-boxed-set-by-christina-phillips-mel-treshco-and-cathleen-ross-includes-giveaway/

Tempting His Mistress, by Samantha Holt – Sensual Historical Romance

A Sensual Delight! This page turning read has a strong hero and heroine in Lily and Evan and a sensual and suspenseful plot. It also touches on a number of burning social issues of the day pertinent to women and their role in society and how much their lot in life was controlled by men. this is Samantha Holt’s first Victorian romance and I loved it as much as her contemporaries and medieval romances.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/12/18/review-tempting-his-mistress-by-samantha-holt/

Red Wolf’s Prize, by Regan Walker, Medieval Romance

A fantastic read, full of passion, deceit and adventure! Following his invasion of England, William stamps his authority on his new vassals by confiscating lands from English thegns, gifting them to his loyal knights and constructing castles to intimidate and control. Sir Renaud de Peirrepont is gifted the demesne of Talisand and its lady Serena as his bride, only the good lady will do her utmost to escape her fate…..

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/10/01/arc-review-the-red-wolfs-prize-medieval-warriors-1-by-regan-walker/

30 Days to Syn, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo, Contemporary Erotic Romance, 18+/adult read

Sizzling and Emotional – it contains Synjyn, a tortured alpha male, Lina, a sassy and selfless heroine, panty drenching sexual tension and sizzling love making scenes. There is also drama, emotion and humour and super supporting characters.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/06/16/review-30-days-to-syn-by-charlotte-boyett-compo/

December 27, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Falling Dragons (Moon Shadows Series), by Angela Castle

A Fun and Sassy Erotic Paranormal Romance

18+/adult read

Angela Castle’s latest addition to her Moon Shadows series, Falling Dragons , is now available on Amazon and Whiskey Creek Press!

Book Blurb

Drugged and running for her life, Dragon Princess, Ophelia, jumps off a rooftop to escape her captors.

Immortal Demon Hunter Simon, is shocked when he catches a falling, redheaded woman. His surprise is short-lived when he faces not only a vicious demon, but those hunting his newly acquired redhead.

In desperate need of protection, and knowing he is her mate, Opie spell-tethers the sexy Demon Hunter to her, not realizing he’s a seventeen-hundred-year-old dragon slayer.

My Review

Fun and Sassy *****

Erotic Paranormal Romance – 18+/adult read

Falling Dragons, the third book in the Moon Shadows series, is the second book that I have read by Angela Castle (the first being Abducting Alice) and once again I hugely enjoyed it! The novel features one sassy dragon shifter and one hot immortal Demon Hunter who is compelled to save her and make her his. It works perfectly well as a standalone and made me itch to read the other books in the series.

The book is set in modern day London where an evil and misguided human Joshua Jones, aided by demons, is acquiring supernatural creatures and keeping them captive for his own nefarious ends. The scene where the hero and heroine first meet pulled me in to the narrative straightaway. Their instant mutual attraction is darn HOT: Opie and her dragon instantly recognise Simon as their mate and Simon is attracted to her like no other before….

The book, which contains a variety of supporting characters, including demons, gods and other supernatural creatures, is a super read from beginning to end. Ophelia is a fab heroine. She is not afraid to say exactly what she thinks to Simon or anyone else and I adored the humorous interplay between Opie, her dragon and Simon as well as the other characters.

I loved Simon, a real hottie who has been deceived in the past and regrets some of the choices he has made in his long life as an immortal. Indeed, one of his past actions he is very afraid to share with Opie. Opie too has a past that she is would rather forget, but secrets have a habit of revealing themselves.

The dialogue between Simon and Opie sparkles and their lovemaking scenes sizzle as they compete for dominance! As fated mates they are perfectly matched and Simon will go to any lengths to protect her from harm. However, both fear that the secrets they are concealing may compromise the feelings that they are developing for one another. Also with the battle between good and evil in full force will they survive the threat against them and humanity before they can even contemplate a HEA?

I found the overarching plot fun, fast moving and full of magic, intrigue and adventure with plenty of ass-kicking by the hero and heroine alike. If you love the novels of Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter then you will equally enjoy Angela Castle’s characters and plots.

Recommended to lovers of paranormal romance who like a scorching read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Previously in the Moon Shadows series

Moonlight Captivation

[Moon Shadows Book 1]

Sin’s City

Moon Shadows Book 2

Torrid Books

A Subsidiary of Start Romance

609 Greenwich St. 6th Floor

New York, NY 10014

212.431.5455

December 24, 2014 by Caroline Barker

~ Recommended Festive Reads ~

Fun, Flirty and Dirty Reads!

Between us we have put together a list of fun, flirty and downright dirty *cough, cough* festive reads, from across the sub genres of romance and including all heat levels. Some of these we have reviewed and others are on our reading list. If you have any recommended seasonal reads we would of course love to hear from you too! Tina and Caroline ❤

All I Want for Christmas by Amy Silver, seasonal contemporary romance, chick-lit (reviewed by Caroline)

But Christmas is a magical time, and in the fragrant atmosphere of The Honey Pot, anything can happen: new friends can be made, hearts can heal, and romance can finally blossom…

A True Alpha Christmas by Alisa Woods, New Adult paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline)

STAND-ALONE NOVELLA – best enjoyed after reading the True Alpha Box Set (Vol 1-6)

A True Alpha Christmas is 80 pages or 20,000 words. This novella can be read as a standalone, but readers will enjoy it more if they read the True Alpha serial (Vol 1-6) first.

Candy Cain (short story) by C.L. Scholey, seasonal HOT romance, erotic (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Candy is on top of the world. She’s a high priced corporate lawyer with expensive cars, time on her hands, and money to burn. Although, she has no one to burn it on, except for a yearly ritual of buying toys and treats for the needy at Christmas time.

Cain is an egotistical enigma. A very deprived and hurting enigma, who feels wishes are for fools. A car accident leaves them stranded together, and the two have no choice but to warm each other’s cold bodies, lest they freeze to death.

As the temperature dips outside, the heat begins to sizzle inside. Candy and Cain, though worlds apart in society, begin to feel perhaps they have more in common than either could ever wish for.

Will they both discover the miracle of Christmas wishes isn’t just for the very young?

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella) by Christine Feldman, seasonal contemporary romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Trish Ackerly never expected to cross paths with Ian Rafferty again, but when she spots the former bully of her childhood years through her bakery window, she thinks she may just have been given the best Christmas gift ever: the opportunity to finally give Ian the comeuppance he deserves.

But clearly she does not have a knack for this whole revenge thing, because before she can make good on her plans, Trish gets inadvertently drawn into Ian’s life in an unexpected way that lets her see just how different the man is from the boy he used to be. In fact, much to her astonishment, she actually starts to like the guy. A lot.

Trouble is, Ian doesn’t know who she really is, and explaining it to him is going to be a little difficult now—which is bad news, because Trish is starting to realize that all she really wants for Christmas this year… is Ian.

Hark: A Christmas Collection by Justin Bog, contemporary seasonal short stories (to be reviewed by Caroline)

Book Description: A beautifully written collection of short stories from critically acclaimed Pacific Northwest writer Justin Bog, Hark explores the range of emotions surrounding the holidays. From melancholy to madness, loss and despair to hope and forgiveness, these six tales shimmer with feelings, some we’d rather stuff away, that Christmas can evoke.

Set in colorful locations around the United States, from Anacortes, Washington, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Sun Valley, Idaho, each tale focuses on people who struggle to make good choices, learn lessons, and maybe even find peace during the holiday season.

A bonus story, Poseidon Eyes, from Booktrope’s upcoming reissue of Sandcastle and Other Stories—The Complete Edition, is included.

It’s A Vampire Christmas, by Lia Davis, Erotic Paranormal Romance (recommended by Tina)

Blurb: Alasdair Morgan, vampire lord of the south Atlantic region of the United States, and his mate, Gideon, are on the search for an ancient journal. The secrets the book holds within its leather binding can be used to destroy their race’s queen, Lilith. When they finally find the journal, they discover it has been sold to an antique store. However, a female with her own agenda has her sights set on possessing the book.

Some gifts come in twos…

Being a half-breed living among humans, Rhianna Howell knows the importance of secrecy all too well. When she discovers one of the lost vampire artifacts, she doesn’t waste time in collecting it before it falls into the wrong hands. But keeping the journal safe from evil will put her in the seductive path of two vampires who claim to be her mates.

The days and nights heat up this Christmas as she discovers a fiery passion she can’t deny or run from.

The St Nicholas Day Wager, by Em Taylor, sensual Historical Romance (recommended by Tina)

Blurb: As the clock in White’s hallway chimes midnight on St Nicholas’ Day morning, Lord Nicholas, Viscount Eastden makes a stupid wager. Somewhat foxed, he agrees to a wager which states that he can marry the spinster sister of the Earl of Thornwich by Christmas eve. If Thornwich wins the wager and Eastden fails in his quest to marry her, he will get ten thousand pounds and vice versa. Having grown up on neighbouring estates, Nicholas can’t figure out why a nice girl like Gabriella failed for so many seasons on the marriage mart.

Gabriella appreciates the viscount’s honesty when he explains the wager. Knowing the dire straits of her family’s finances and her brother’s addiction to gambling, it seems that marriage to Nick may be the only option. But can she overcome his cruel words from their childhood when he taunted her about the strawberry birthmark on her face which blights her appearance?

After such a rocky start, can the Spirit of Christmas find its way into the lives of Nick, Gabriella and their families or will injury and grievances from the past keep them apart forever?

Christmas Seduction, by Samantha Holt, sensual Historical romance novella (recommended by Tina)

Blurb: In a time when marriage had little to do with love and everything to do with money, Alexander Fenhurst, Duke of Wyndbourne, never expected a love match. But he also didn’t expect his wife to run into the arms of another man only a month after their nuptials. Having discovered her in the embrace of another man—and well aware of her dislike of him—he did what any self-respecting man would do. He left his Scottish estate and spent almost a year climbing the Alps and indulging his passion for adventure.

But no amount of adventure will change the fact he needs an heir. Resigned to the knowledge he somehow needs to win over his wife enough to allow him in her bed, Alex returns to Scotland for Christmas to celebrate… and seduce.

Emma Fenhurst, Duchess of Wyndbourne, has spent almost a year alone and miserable. She hadn’t expected much from her marriage, but she had at least expected a child or two, and Alexander had never seemed a cruel man. But after their fleeting first month of marriage, he tired of her and fled to France. Lonely and desperate for a child, the news of her estranged husband’s return summons her courage and determination. By the end of the Christmas celebrations, she will be with child and intends to do all she can to draw her husband into her bed. However, while she means to share her body with him, some secrets must remain just that—secret.

Will the festive period bring them closer together or will their plans draw them further apart? Is there any chance for an arranged marriage to bring happiness… and maybe even love?

Naughty List, Boxed set of Erotic Romances, by the Naughty Literati, a group of authors who’ve come together to showcase their epic talents in stories filled with powerful eroticism and satisfying romance. Our tales range from heartwarming and sweet to scorching hot erotic, medieval to futuristic, humans to aliens and shape-shifters, vanilla committed couples to kinky ménage fun. (Recommended by Tina)

Blurb: THE NIGHTWIND’S VISIT, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo: Be careful what you wish for. The NightWind hears every whisper, every sigh, every need and he’s coming to grant your every wicked, wanton desire. DEAR SANTA…I WANT A MAN FOR CHRISTMAS , by Marianne Stephens: Frustrated with untrustworthy men, Melissa orders a man doll. When delivery guy, Nick, shows up, she has second thoughts about how to satisfy her needs. PRELUDE TO A MOST UNUSUAL MARRIAGE , by Katherine Kingston : Guilty secrets torment widowed Elizabeth Fitzhugh. A Christmas visit to the Earl of Chisenholm offers redemption, if she can find the courage to grasp it. NO GENTLEMAN, by Francesca Hawley: Librarian Abby Kelly comes west finding a roguish shapeshifter who desires her. Will Goldwolf is no gentleman, but Abby discovers he’s just what she wants. JEWEL’S MENAGE CHRISTMAS, Berengaria Brown :
The excitement has left Jewel, Donovan, and Oscar’s relationship. Jewel plans to spice things up, but will Donovan and Oscar rise to the challenge? TUNE ME UP, by Lainey-Jo Charles: Jason catches Dani having an intimate moment with a recording of him singing to her, and is ready to move them from friends to forever. ON THE EIGHTEENTH OF JANUARY, ’78 OR, A NIGHT AT VALLEY FORGE, by Regina Kammer : During the infamous winter of ‘77-‘78 at Valley Forge, two soldiers fanboy over their
charismatic leader, General George Washington. THE CHRISTMAS LEOPARD by Lynne Connolly: Two gorgeous Italian hunks save art restorer Sandi when she accidentally summons an ancient evil from a mosaic. Their methods are unconventional—and scorching hot! CHRISTMAS BAD GIRL , by Trinity Blaico: She only had one wish this Christmas. To find the one man who was strong enough to master her in bed and out. HOW THE ALIEN STOLE CHRISTMAS by Belle Scarlett: On board a deep space station Christmas Trent learns her sexy cyber lover, who may not be human, wants to steal her for his own. MERRY CHRISTMAS, KITTEN by Nicole Austin: Sirena Petra wants one thing for Christmas—an orgasm. And sex toy expert Kenyon Fort has exactly what the lion shifter needs to find more than just her happy place. VIKING IN TARTAN by Suz deMello :
Medieval romance from the Highland Vampires series. A Viking raider brings change to little Clan Kilbirnie, especially to the chieftain’s daughter, Rhona. HOLDIN’ ON by Alexa Silver: Rock star Max is terminally ill. When Aislin falls into his life, rocking his world, everything changes. Is she his Christmas miracle?

December 23, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW A True Alpha Christmas (True Alpha series, novella) by Alisa Woods

STAND-ALONE NOVELLA – best enjoyed after reading the True Alpha Box Set (Vol 1-6)

A True Alpha Christmas is 80 pages or 20,000 words. This novella can be read as a standalone, but readers will enjoy it more if they read the True Alpha serial (Vol 1-6) first.

REVIEW

To find out that Alisa Woods had written A True Alpha Christmas was a lovely surprise and it was definitely a read I was excited for since the whole True Alpha series has been one of my top reads this year. This time of year is full of magical sights and feelings, and this is what A True Alpha Christmas is all about. Now Mia has been claimed by Lucas and will be his mate for life she is absolutely over the moon. But as Christmas approaches, and she has to be prepared for office parties and Lucas meeting her mum, Mia wants her relationship with Lucas to be common knowledge and for people to realise how serious they are.

Readers who have followed this series will know just how hot and intense the relationship is between shifters, Mia and Lucas. This novella is no different. After dressing incredibly sexy for a Christmas party, Lucas wants nothing more than to whisk her away to the cloakroom for some hot and intimate attention! Whilst the inner wolf of Mia, and a part of her human side, want the same she cannot help but feel ‘why does it have to be like this?’. Why can’t everyone know that they are man and woman, together, mated? Without Lucas quite realising it, the human side of Mia wants a ring on her finger, a symbol to show their declaration of love for each other.

To make matters worse, it is time for Mia’s mum to meet Lucas. Mia’s Mum knows nothing about her daughter being a shifter, and taking after her father. Shifters, to her, are criminals, violent, and her only experience of a shifter left her abandoned by him. At the same time, if Mia doesn’t come clean to her mother, it will leave her mum believing that Lucas is trying to control her daughter, use his status to exploit her until he has had what he wants and moved on to the next woman.

Mia’s dilemma leaves her feeling that nothing she can say will encourage her mum to like Lucas. Will Mia be able to diffuse the situation or will her mum and Lucas never get along? With the same intensity as the True Alpha series, fans and new readers will love this paranormal romance. It is written just as brilliantly as the previous short stories, with the heat, emotions and surprises.

A copy of A True Alpha Christmas was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

A True Alpha Christmas is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

All short stories are available at Amazon UK and Amazon US individually. BUT, the TRUE ALPHA FULL SEASON is available to order!!

AMAZON UK link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

AMAZON US link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

You can check out my reviews for each book of the series below.

Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story

Guarded (True Alpha #2) – short story

Hunted (True Alpha #3) – short story

Captured (True Alpha #4) – short story

Sacrificed (True Alpha #5) – short story

Claimed (True Alpha #6) – short story

December 23, 2014 by Tina Williams

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY ~ Natalie-Nicole Bates

#AuthorSpotlight #NewAdult #NatalieNicolaBates #BookEnthu

Genre: New Adult

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

#BuyNow

Forever Red Christmas

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1DJaoCD

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1AjOSP6

#Synopsis:

Forever Red Christmas

Has Fate finally delivered a Christmas angel?

For years, vampire Alexander May has lived in peace and solitude, emerging every so often to feed off the energies of unsuspecting women, while curbing the loneliness that has grated on him his entire existence.

Near Christmas, Alexander’s attention is perked by the alluring Tori Welch. To Alex, Tori shines. There is something so wonderfully different about her. That perhaps she is the woman who could love and accept him for what he is. The Christmas angel he so desperately hoped for.

But when a tragedy occurs eerily similar to another decades earlier, Alexander wonders if it is better to abandon his love for Tori to keep her safe, or is far too late to stop what Fate has in store for both of them this Christmas?

Add to Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/1qY9X1o

Christmas with the Black Sheep

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1xqRIEn

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1DJaRof

#Synopsis:

It’s Christmas time, and Eriah Jameson has returned home to restart his family’s business. Due to his wild child past, no one is friendly or welcoming to Barrow Haven’s black sheep.

Aylin Myers lost her job when Eriah’s father took ill. She knows Eriah needs her help getting his business up and running again, but she doesn’t trust him. If he fails, she knows it will dishonor his father’s memory. And Aylin knows that at Christmas, it’s the right thing to help your fellow man—no matter how wretched he might be.

As Aylin gets to know Eriah, she sees a side of him Barrow Haven never saw. That perhaps the black sheep has changed for the better. Still, can she be sure this side of Eriah is real, and not just a facade he’s perfected over time to get his own way?

Add to Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/1ADsU9r

Forget Me Not Christmas

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1weHncV

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1uWAUPC

#Synopsis:

Jorie Beckett has never celebrated Christmas. Now after returning home after an extended period abroad, she looks forward to renewing her relationship with family, and start her life anew. Even if that means celebrating the holiday.

She doesn’t expect to run into her high school sweetheart at a Christmas Market.

Kyle Koykendall pledged to always love and protect Jorie, but didn’t live up to his promise. He’s now bitter and angry, and Jorie can’t understand why. After all, he failed her, not the other way around.

Can Jorie and Kyle work through the secrets and lies of the past that split them apart, and rediscover their love? Or will Jorie’s first Christmas be a memorable disaster?

Add to Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/1vXg7L2

#Giveaway:

$10 amazon gift card

Enter here ➜ ➜ http://bit.ly/1Av6DLw

#MeettheAuthor

Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.

Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.

She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos and antique poison bottles.

#SocialLinks

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalie-Nicole-Bates/352610728138768

https://twitter.com/BatesNatalie

http://www.natalienicolebates.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/585466478240251/

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