June 27, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Review Round-Up, April & May ’16

Hi readers, it has been a while since our last Review Round Up. Life certainly seems busy at the moment, and a little chaotic. With Britain’s EU referendum resulting in an ‘out’ vote, the government in turmoil with no real plan, and the weather just as changeable, I am sure many of us are looking for ways to keep calm and focus on other interests.

Tina has been working extremely hard with the Tamworth Litfest group, ensuring the smooth run of the Romancing the Word event, as well as setting up many author events over the next year. As a visitor to Romancing the Word, I have to say that it was a magical day for all – authors and visitors. It was an absolute pleasure to meet with Helena Fairfax, Pat Spence, J.A. Heron, Julia Ibbotson, S.J. Warner, and many, many more.

Meanwhile, I have taken some time away from the blog to build on the foundations of my family’s move to Scarborough. I have been volunteering at a local school, helping with reading, and joined a local Zumba class. Walking along the fantastic coastline and through beautiful parks and forests have also taken up weekends as we familiarise ourselves with this very beautiful corner of England. Another pastime has easily been taking my time as I have enjoyed photographing many a stunning view, and now with a new camera I am hoping to pursue this more too. And then, there is the Euro 2016 football tournament that I have been watching obsessively, as well as trying to fit in episodes of Outlander, Preacher, Outcast and Vikings!

Aside from this, we have our number 1 passion of reading some fantastic reads. Below you will find twelve reads from April and May that we have reviewed for you. From crime fiction, paranormal horrors and psychological thrillers to regency romance and erotic romance we hope, as always, that there is a little something for everyone. (Please click on the book titles for more book info and our full reviews.)

And please remember, whatever the weather, whatever the chaos find time to do a little of something you enjoy 🙂

Caroline & Tina ❤

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @areadersreviewb

Bloq by Alan Jones, crime fiction, thriller, drama (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: A father waits in Glasgow’s Central Station for his daughter, returning home from London for Christmas. When the last train has pulled in, and she doesn’t get off it, he makes a desperate overnight dash to find out why. His search for her takes over his life, costing him his job and, as he withdraws from home, family and friends, he finds himself alone, despairing of ever seeing her again.

This is a gritty crime novel with some sexual content.

Love’s Misadventure (Mason Siblings #1) by Cheri Champagne, historical regency romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Miss Annabel Bradley refuses to accept life as a spinster. Her many years of pouring greedily over gothic novels has put her head in the clouds; dreaming and hoping for the love she reads about. She has always held a tendre for her best friend, Lane Mason, seventh Earl of Devon, but she does not want to jeopardize their friendship by telling him about those indecent dreams of hers. Anna, therefore, makes a life-changing decision; she is going to accept the proposal of the next suitor to ask!

Lane Mason is an average aristocrat; absorbed in life in general, and content with his status in society. Amid a frequently occurring moment of self-loathing, Lane shockingly discovers his feelings for Anna. Now armed with the awareness of his love for Anna, Lane decides to perpetrate a devilishly clever scheme. He will pay actors to abduct the two of them in order to give Anna an adventure like the ones she reads in her treasured books.

Lane’s plans go awry, however, when they are kidnapped in truth.

Mother by Alistair Cross & Tamara Thorne, psychological thriller (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: A Girl’s Worst Nightmare is Her Mother …
Priscilla Martin. She’s the diva of Morning Glory Circle and a driving force in the quaint California town of Snapdragon. Overseer of garage sales and neighborhood Christmas decorations, she is widely admired. But few people know the real woman behind the perfectly coiffed hair and Opium perfume.

Family is Forever. And Ever and Ever …
No one escapes Prissy’s watchful eye. No one that is, except her son, who committed suicide many years ago, and her daughter, Claire, who left home more than a decade past and hasn’t spoken to her since. But now, Priscilla’s daughter and son-in-law have fallen on hard times. Expecting their first child, the couple is forced to move back … And Prissy is there to welcome them home with open arms … and to reclaim her broken family.

The Past Isn’t Always as Bad as You Remember.
Sometimes it’s Worse …
Claire has terrible memories of her mother, but now it seems Priscilla has mended her ways. When a cache of vile family secrets is uncovered, Claire struggles to determine fact from fiction, and her husband, Jason, begins to wonder who the monster really is. Lives are in danger – and Claire and Jason must face a horrifying truth … a truth that may destroy them … and will forever change their definition of “Mother.”

The Con Artist by Kitty Thomas, dark literacy erotica (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Art. Obsession. Twisted possession.

When starving artist Saskia Roth meets Lachlan Niche, a local art collector and tech tycoon, she has no idea how her life is about to change. One act of desperation, one con gone wrong, and she finds herself at the mercy of a powerful man she fears and despises–or so she thinks at first. As lines begin to blur, her life as his captive becomes something more… something that will both transform her and destroy her.

Demon (Kassidy Bell #3) by Lynda O’Rourke, paranormal horror, psychological thriller (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: After escaping the Bishop’s house with Ben Fletcher, Kassidy soon learns that there’s more to Ben than the eye can see.

Still running from the demons and police, her journey takes her north in a frantic pursuit to find Doctor Langstone, in the hope that Kassidy and her friends can remove the ever-spreading drug – VA20.

But will Kassidy get there before it takes over her mind and body, before she is snatched back to Cruor Pharma? Can she really make it, now that the demon, Doshia, seems to be travelling amongst her and her friends?

Vampires of Maze (Part 3) (Beautiful Immortals series 2) by Tim O’Rourke, paranormal mystery thriller (reviewed by Caroline)

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

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

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

A Labyrinth of Love and Roses (Touchstone #4) by Beth Barany, contemporary fantasy romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: From award-winning novelist, Beth Barany, comes another magical tale of romance and adventure — a sweet, Hallmark-like tale.

What if what you wanted got in the way of your destiny?

French MBA grad Lili Grenault needs to succeed at her last pitch meeting to fund her international green tech business. But her grandmother tells her to drop everything, find her one true love, and embrace her magical legacy by Beltane, in one week, or chaos and failure in her life will ensue.

San Francisco investor Brett Barnaby wants to find his great-grandfather’s gravesite in Amiens, France, one of the primary battle sites of World War I. Family legend says that purpose, greater mission, and perhaps even untold riches, will be unlocked when he finds that grave. But his search in Amiens brings up fear, anger, and dire warnings about some wild Green Man. He turns to local Lily Grenault for help.

Can these two independent freethinkers work together to prevent chaos from triumphing and find love in time in the labyrinth of roses?

Pieces Like Pottery by Dan Buri, contemporary fiction, drama (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: The first collection of short fiction from Dan Buri, Pieces Like Pottery is an exploration of heartbreak and redemption that announces the arrival of a new American author. In this distinct selection of stories marked by struggle and compassion, Pieces Like Pottery is a powerful examination of the sorrows of life, the strength of character, the steadfast of courage, and the resiliency of love requisite to find redemption.

Filled with graceful insight into the human condition, each linked story presents a tale of loss and love. In Expect Dragons, James Hinri learns that his old high school teacher is dying. Wanting to tell Mr. Smith one last time how much his teaching impacted him, James drives across the country revisiting past encounters with his father’s rejection and the pain of his youth. Disillusioned and losing hope, little did James know that Mr. Smith had one final lesson for him.

In The Gravesite, Lisa and Mike’s marriage hangs in the balance after the disappearance of their only son while backpacking in Thailand. Mike thinks the authorities are right—that Chris fell to his death in a hiking accident—but Lisa has her doubts. Her son was too strong to die this young, and no one can explain to her why new posts continue to appear on her son’s blog.

Twenty-Two looks in on the lives of a dock worker suffering from the guilt of a life not lived and a bartender making the best of each day, even though he can see clearly how his life should have been different. The two find their worlds collide when a past tragedy shockingly connects them.

A collection of nine stories, each exquisitely written and charged with merciful insight into the trials of life, Pieces Like Pottery reminds us of the sorrows we all encounter in life and the kindness we receive, oftentimes from the unlikeliest of places.

One Night in Budapest (novella) by Lucy Felthouse, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Hermione’s in Budapest on a romantic weekend break. Or at least it should have been romantic—an unexpected break-up means she’s visiting the Hungarian capital alone. Determined to make the most of it, she goes on a night-time river cruise, the perfect opportunity to see some of the city’s beautiful sights after dark.

On the boat, cute Budapest native, Emil, serves her cocktails. They chat a little on the journey, engage in some banter, and when Emil asks Hermione out for dinner, she’s seriously tempted. But she’s a long way from home, by herself—is dinner with a complete stranger a good idea? Hermione decides to take a chance, and what follows is an unforgettable night which will transform her life forever.

Rebel Warrior (Medieval Warriors #3) by Regan Walker, historical medieval romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: When your destiny lies far from where you began …

Scotland 1072

The Norman Conqueror robbed Steinar of Talisand of his noble father and his lands, forcing him to flee to Scotland while still recovering from a devastating wound. At the royal court, Steinar becomes scribe to the unlettered King of Scots while secretly regaining his skill with a sword.

The first time Steinar glimpses the flame-haired maiden, Catrìona of the Vale of Leven, he is drawn to her spirited beauty. She does not fit among the ladies who serve the devout queen. Not pious, not obedient and not given to stitchery, the firebrand flies a falcon! Though Catrìona captures Steinar’s attention, he is only a scribe and she is promised to another.

Catrìona has come to Malcolm’s court wounded in spirit from the vicious attack on her home by Northmen who slayed her parents and her people. But that is not all she will suffer. The man she thought to wed will soon betray her.

When all is lost, what hope is there for love? Can a broken heart be mended? Can a damaged soul be healed?

His Prize (The Cleaners #1) by Doris O’Connor, dark erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: It’s the choice of her life—submit or die.

When Susie Elliot stumbles into the middle of a clean-up, undertaken by none other than Ellis Reynolds, she expects her life to be over. No one disturbs this ruthlessly efficient killer and lives to tell the tale.

The man they call Ren has no time for tender feelings, but there is something about the curvaceous redhead that calls to him. Rather than killing her he claims her as his prize. One night should be more than enough time to get her out of his system. However, Susie’s submission means Ren has to confront emotions, completely alien to him. Killing is easy. This relationship thing is fraught with problems.

When his criminal activities catch up with him, loyalties are tested to the max, and Susie has another choice to make—walk away, or stay and accept the darkness within.

In His Corner by Vino Arno, contemporary romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb:

WORK OUT

No sex for almost a year could kill a guy, but when you’re the boxer known as the Juggernaut, it’s the price you pay for turning pro. Tommy’s fully dedicated to his craft, until he meets the incredibly gorgeous Dr. Siena Carr. Now he’s looking forward to taking on this prim and proper lady in a wet and wild work-out…

KNOCK OUT

Siena has seen many patients come through the ER, but none as sexy as Tommy Raines. With a nasty cut over his eye, she knows he needs stiches, but after he takes off his shirt, she needs some air. With rock-hard abs and taut biceps, it’s clear this man takes care of his body. And all Siena can think about is letting him take care of hers…

June 22, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ A Most Demanding Mistress (#2 in the Fashionably Impure series), by Natasha Blackthorne

Erotic Regency Romance, Historical Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Blurb

Scorching Hot Historical Romance

Miss Miranda Jones is indisputably the most beautiful, elegant and sought after courtesan in all of London. She hides a past full of pain and rejection beneath an exterior of pride. She knows that noblemen put their own fickle interests first and cannot be trusted. Scorned by ducal father, she never needed or expected anything from a man, except his financial support. Luxurious living makes a soothing balm against the sting of the ultimate rejection.

Now she’s madly in love with a nobleman who cannot afford to keep her in such extravagant style. And she wonders if a courtesan can ever afford to indulge her own passions? Can she really gamble so capriciously on her own future and put the happiness of the moment above future security? Will her gentleman prove himself no better than any other nobleman that she has known?

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, has seen the men of his family destroyed through their obsessive need to possess beautiful women. He’d always thought himself immune to such unworthy drives. Now he’s fallen under the spell of Miss Miranda Jones.

Miss Jones’ high standards and past reputation foretells that she’ll be a most demanding mistress. Despite his relative lack of funds, Adrian is determined to work hard to protect and provide for her. Passion led this skeptical gentleman to declare himself in love. Yet as they enter a protector and mistress relationship, Adrian finds himself consumed with possessiveness. And he can’t help but wonder if is it true love that motivates him? Or is it the need to own her stunning beauty? He must find the answer before their tempestuous romance breaks both of their hearts.

A Most Demanding Mistress is part of the Fashionably Impure Series and is best read after Miranda’s Dilemma.

Reader advisory: This story contains frank sexual language and general bedchamber naughtiness. Abuse issues are alluded to in the backstory.

My Review ~ 5 stars *****

Intense and Erotic Historical Regency Romance

A Most Demanding Mistress continues the story began in Miranda’s Dilemma (click on the title for review), the first book in Natasha Blackthorne’s Fashionably Impure series. In this emotionally intense and turbulent read, Adrian and Miranda enter a protector and mistress relationship. Yet this is far from plain sailing, as due to their own personal make up they threaten to destroy each other. Also danger lurks in the shadows.

I love how this author writes her tortured characters, whilst maintaining a highly erotic and page-turning read. Adrian and Miranda are complex and angst ridden. In many scenes we witness a battle royal between two strong-willed, albeit damaged individuals. Adrian, the Earl of Danvers, is an alpha male with a strong need to protect this woman from those who wish her harm, particularly her estranged ducal father. Yet can he afford to keep her and at what cost to his own personal circumstances as a Duke and father?

Adrian has seen members of his own family and others destroyed by their obsessions with courtesans. Although he admires Miranda’s character and beauty he despises how she presents herself in public and is immensely jealous of any man who covets her. Is it love or obsession he feels? Adrian has so many inner demons to grapple with, in addition to his own domestic responsibilities, which threaten their relationship that I despaired of a HEA.

Miranda values her independence and cannot relinquish her public image, so important to a courtesan. After all what will happen when Adrian tires of her? Will her fear of ultimate rejection sound the death knell for their relationship or will the threat come from elsewhere? As Adrian involves Miranda more and more in his own domestic affairs, she becomes exposed to unexpected dangers. I was in suspense waiting to see how this element of the plot would impact on the central love story.

It is an excellent addition to the series. The dialogue is emotionally charged and sexy and the love-making scenes highly erotic and often deliciously naughty. Natasha Blackthorne also does an excellent job of illustrating the social mores of the time, especially in how fellow aristrocats view courtesans. I am looking forward to the final instalment in Adrian and Miranda’s story, Sacrifice.

Recommended to fans of erotic romance, especially those who enjoy the Regency period and who like their heroes and heroines to be equally tortured and complex.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Goodreads

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Connect with the Author

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/natasha.blac…

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author…

Website: http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nblackthorne

Newsletter:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emotion…

Other Places: http://xeeme.com/NatashaBlackthorne

June 18, 2016 by Tina Williams

Review ~ All That Glisters, by C. J. Fallowfield

Humorous Erotic Romance
Adult/18+ read

The spin off to the best-selling humorous erotic romance standalone, The Temptress.

Hunter Donovan. He was everything I openly loathed, but everything I secretly desired.

Cocky, arrogant, and crude. When Hunter wanted something, he pursued, relentlessly, until he got it. And right now, I was his prey. The trouble was, I didn’t want to be added to his endless list of conquests.

Gorgeous, masculine, with a body made for sin. The most perfect specimen of male I’d ever set eyes on, and he knew it. The trouble was, I saw the pain he was trying to hide, and I wanted to heal him.

He wanted my body, but I wanted his heart.

Coco Barella. She was everything I openly desired, but everything I’d convinced myself I didn’t need.

Beautiful, sexy, and sassy, all of the qualities that I wanted in my bed. Compassionate, loving, and perfect, all of the qualities I didn’t need in my life.

I needed to pull her to me, but at the same time I wanted to push her away.

When the sexual magnetism between two people is so hot, that it can scorch everything around it to ash, who will emerge from the flames victorious?

A standalone erotic romance novel, which contains adult content and is only suitable for the over 18’s

My Review – 5 stars

Simply Scrumptious!

All That Glisters is a beautiful and scrumptious erotic romance by C. J. Fallowfield. I laughed, I cried and I lived the lives of the wonderful characters as the author spun a rollercoaster tale of passion and desire between two seemingly mismatched individuals.

The read pairs man-whore Hunter Donovan with Coco Barella, a woman who does not under any circumstances do casual affairs or one night stands. Indeed, she is hanging out for Mr Right, marriage and a perfect HEA. Her new boss Hunter is just so wrong for her on all accounts. Yet from the very moment these two meet the sparks fly and the sexual tension is off the Richter scale!

C. J. Fallowfield is an absolute genius when it comes to both creating sexual tension and passionate, love-making scenes, executing both with equal aplomb. One minute I was enjoying a real belly laugh from the sparkling dialogue and the next my heart was breaking as I questioned if Hunter and Coco could ever get together as the chasm between them was both too wide and too deep for them ever to breach it.

And Hunter, the male lead – just like the heroine Coco, I was torn between wanting to slap his arrogant face, offering him the comfort I suspected he deserved or submitting to his charms and jumping his bones! The book left me guessing throughout: Hunter’s character is so mercurial and complex and although Coco is a strong woman she has her own past to cope with.

The smexy and entertaining plot is anything but predictable! Indeed, it is beautifully crafted, with exceptionally well-drawn characters and plenty of action in and out of the bedroom, transporting the reader from London to Paris, New York and beyond.

All That Glisters can be read as a standalone but it also includes characters from the Temptress (click on the title for review): Lulu and Luc and Coco’s BFF the uber sexy and unforgettable Dom.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

An ARC of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase Links

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https://www.facebook.com/cjfallowfield

http://cjfallowfield.co.uk/#!/home

June 15, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Blog Tour & REVIEW Sex Hell: A Love Story by Joe Canzano

Title: Sex Hell

Author: Joe Canzano

Genre: Comic fantasy/paranormal, humour, romance

Date of release: April 1st 2016

Released by: Happy Joe Control

Length: 318 pages

Blurb: When Debbie de La Fontaine tries to spice up her love life by supernaturally tampering with her sex life, she is cursed to spend every future encounter in a magical place called “Sex Hell,” where the sex is ludicrous and amazing–but the romance is scarce.

Her only chance for escape is through the stingy clues supplied by a laughing demon, and the only way to obtain the clues is by returning to Sex Hell again and again to have outrageous sexcapades with the man she most wants to avoid–or does she?

Sex Hell is an absurd comic fantasy about the confusion of relationships. How is love related to sex, and how is sex related to love–and do love and sex need to be related at all?

*This book contains profanity and adult situations

Buy Links: Amazon US & Amazon UK

REVIEW **** (4 star rating)

Has Debbie found the one, the love of her life, in boyfriend Mike? Although they work well together outside the bedroom, if truth be told she’d much rather eat popcorn, and read and write her novel than get it on with him! Is there something wrong with her? Or, are they just not compatible?

Sex Hell begins as I would expect a contemporary romance to. However, the story takes a special turn when Velva turns up. After overhearing Debbie express her concerns to her colleague and best friend, Cynthia, in a diner Velva decides to offer Debbie a deal: in exchange for some years from Debbie’s life, Velva promises super, hot sex for Debbie. Not only is this a preposterous idea that Debbie initially turns down, it is also tempting after more time spent trying to avoid sex with Mike, and with a little negotiation.

“I’ve got a desire to be younger, okay? And you’ve got a desire to have better sex. And for a small price, I can fix your problem. All I want is a little bit of your youth. Gimme about ten or twenty years; lets call it fifteen. In exchange for that, I’ll fix your sex life. No more awkward fumbling around. No more faking orgasms – oh! oh! oh! And no more having to do anything you don’t want to do. Hell, you can just eat snack food all night and read a book, and he’ll be happy as a pig in a pie store. And you won’t have to die alone.” – Velva

With many enlightened moments, there is a great sense of fun in Sex Hell. The dialogue is brilliant, and the whole story is a fast-paced, exciting read. Debbie’s personal thoughts are often comical and full of humour, despite her sex life concerns.

A love triangle develops early on as the one Debbie finds herself with in Sex Hell is musician, Juan. Juan plays guitar in bars and has had relations with many women. Although, there doesn’t seem to have been anyone special in his recent past. That said, he is a hot lover, and boy does Debbie know it! With feelings of guilt after, and wanting to build on her relationship with Mike, she finds it increasingly more difficult returning to Sex Hell and having many sexcapades with Juan.

The laughing demon, in monkey Carl, who just happens to be watching her sexcapades does seem to offer advice on how to end Velva’s spell. However, the reader is never too sure on who’s side he is on, and whether he is sending Debbie and Juan on a wild goose chase. To make matters worse, Mike and Cynthia are on their tail, and there are moments when they look a little too cosy.

There’s just no telling if the spell will ever be lifted, and just who Debbie wants to be with. What will become of Velva and the demon? What will become of Debbie? This fantasy adventure ends with plenty of paranormal action and will leave the reader on a high with its comical undercurrent. Definitely a read to perk you up and put a smile on your face!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Author Bio:

Joe Canzano is a writer and musician who lives in New Jersey, U.S.A. He likes loud guitars and food that screams. His wacky debut novel, “Magno Girl,” received a fair amount of love and hate—because that’s the kind of reaction his writing gets. For more information about Joe, please visit www.happyjoe.net.

Links

Website: http://www.happyjoe.net

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/happyjoecanzano

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12965170.Joe_Canzano

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

June 15, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Figs, by Tabitha Rayne

#erotic #lesbian #menage #romance

Two girls, some fruit and an office perv—what could possibly go wrong?

When Mae finally confronts the office perv, Rory, by taking part in one of his suggestive pranks with a fig, she starts a journey that changes the way she thinks and feels about her current partner, Janey. Janey lost her sight just before they met and Mae realizes she has been keeping Janey like a prisoner in her own home—safe, protected and unseen. After the scene with Rory, Mae decides to take Janey out and show her off to the world—something she should have done a long time ago…

Little does she know what a hellraiser her girlfriend can be.

Pre-order Date: 29th March 2016
Available Exclusively to Pride Publishing: 12th April 2016
General Release Date: 10th May 2016

My Review ~ 5 stars

Scorching and Fruity read to tickle your taste buds!

Figs is a scorching erotic short by Tabitha Rayne, containing passionate ff, fmf and ffm scenes. It features Rory, the office Lothario whose cheeky office prank, gamely taken up by his work colleague Mae, leads to unexpected repercussions for Mae, her partner Janey and himself.

Although Mae and her partner Janey have a loving and passionate relationship, Janey spends much of her time at home. Once she learns of Mae’s fun and frolics in the office, her own sexual taste buds explode and once out for the evening she is determined to enjoy herself through a little experimentation. Mae and the unsuspecting Rory are extremely willing players! The lovemaking scenes are scorching, sweaty and earthy and I enjoyed the interplay between the characters, particularly Rory’s reaction to events.

This is a humorous and sexy read, full of some memorable scenes. One thing is clear, I will be eying up the many opportunities presented by both the salad and the fruit bowl, particularly those of a succulent ripe fig!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

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June 3, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Angelis Vampire Series, by Shane North

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Adult content

If you are after a romantic paranormal/fantasy read which has plenty of action with a kick-ass heroine or two, out -of-this-world lovemaking scenes, magic and mayhem, then you will want to consider Shane North’s Angelis Vampire series. Aside from the vamps there are werewolves and a host of other immortal beings who are striving to co-exist alongside the world of mortals. And, talking of worlds, we also have the key role played by Angelis, a world in another time dimension but which plays a pivotal role in the series.

If you want to read an interview with Shane, posted previously on our blog, which includes an extract from Shannon, the first book in the series click here. You can currently download Shannon for FREE:

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Blurb

Shannon’s life is happy except for her nightmares, but when she watches her mom and dad being murdered by the monsters in her dreams, her life falls apart. Her best friend turns out to be a werewolf, the man she thinks of as her other father is the alpha male, and her long lost uncle is a vampire lord from Angelis. Angelis is in another time dimension, a world ruled by Royals, a pureblooded line of vampires with powers never seen in this time dimension. Angelis is a medieval world of castles, and ancient magic that her mother and uncle were forced to leave to save their lives.

Shannon’s journey leads her to follow her destiny and meet the love of her life. Destiny and her uncle lead her to find out what she really is, where she came from, and to become the strongest immortal to live. Shannon learns to kill quickly, and to love like there’s no tomorrow when she meets her mate from her dreams. Simon, an eight-hundred year old Viking has searched the world for his true love when he meets Shannon. What will Shannon’s uncle, Simon’s maker, have to say about this? A young woman from South beach, destined to overthrow the vampire council and rule the immortal race with the help of the ancient Shaman Neeb.

My Review

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance with a powerful heroine ~ 4 stars

Shannon, book #1 in the Angelis Vampire series is a sweet, but at the same time erotic paranormal/fantasy romance, with an original storyline. It contains a powerful heroine, magic, vampires, werewolves, fated mates and a battle between good and evil.

For me the read also has the feel of a New Adult/coming of age novel and this fits the storyline as the kick-ass heroine Shannon is trying to come to terms with her legacy after being thrust into the world of immortals. Her life is now far more complicated than that of a young woman from South Beach! She finds out that she is descended from a union between Callidora, a royal from Angelis, a world in another time dimension, and Connor an alpha werewolf.

Instead of going clubbing and shopping she needs to concentrate on using her growing powers – which due to her lineage are considerable, to destroy the evil Vampire Assembly, who murdered he parents and seize power. To the Assembly Shannon, the offspring of a forbidden union of werewolf and vampire, is an abomination to be destroyed.

Shannon’s task is not easy – she has to come to terms with the vast changes that are taking place in her life and the physical and mental challenges of being an immortal. It is fortunate that she has found the vampire Simon, her life-mate.

There are a numerous battle scenes, where Shannon and others show their combat prowess and also some scorching lovemaking scenes. The novel contains a number of engaging characters: her powerful uncle Damon, also from Angelis, who exudes charm, strength and humour; her best friend Cait, a werewolf and Cait’s father Keegan and of course her very own Simon, who is a girl’s dream.

I enjoyed the read and the author and the series has a lot of promise.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of the novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Blurb

My name is Shannon O’Callaghan and I’m immortal. I live in an amazing world of time travel and magic, where vampires and werewolves are normal and I call them family A family some would say are monsters, but they love me unconditionally and it’s the life I was meant to live. My father was Connor O’Callaghan, a visionary that led the wolves to peace and prosperity. My mother was Callidora Angelis, a Royal vampire from another time dimension. Their love and life together are what made my life possible, but, it is also what caused their death. And, it’s their death that fuels my journey of revenge on those who stole my life.
This immortal word is controlled by The Vampire Assembly. The Assembly is an evil group of twelve who decides the fate of its followers. They are devils dressed like mortal men who kill with pleasure and live off of blood slaves they keep in their dungeons. They are evil, they are responsible for my parents’ death, and I will see them dead. My day for revenge is finally coming and The Assembly is mine to kill. Then and only then will I rule this land as their queen.

My Review

Sexy and Fast-Paced! ~ 4 stars

The pace and the action hot up in Shannon’s Revenge, book #2 in the Angelis Vampire series. Shannon is now coming to terms with her considerable powers and, despite a few minor hiccups, she is starting to show great promise as a warrior and future ruler. Uncle Damon and Shaman Neeb, not to mention Cait her best friend and life-mate Simon are all on hand to support her through the process.

It is only a matter of time before Shannon, supported by an alliance of vampires, werewolves and the Elvin race, goes head to head with the Vampire Assembly and its leader x. Before this happens Shannon needs to bide her time, hone her growing powers and magic strike when the time is right. Yet the council leader Antonious is no fool and Shannon and her supporters will need all their wits about them.

I enjoyed the Shannon’s growth and character development in this novel and also how the author developed the other characters, especially Uncle Damon, with whom she has many verbal sparring matches. I loved the sexy scenes between Shannon and Simon, the humour and also the many action scene. Shannon is a powerful role model and heroine for although she has a soft heart she is a powerful immortal and is no one’s fool. She does not hesitate to do what is necessary and is dedicated to her goal of annihilating the Vampire Assembly. The ending is a worthy one.

Recommended for lovers of paranormal/fantasy romance who like an erotic read and a strong heroine.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Blurb

Death has arrived in earth’s time dimension. A foul stench filled Shannon’s nose, a smell of sulfur and death. This might have been a vision, but her power spiked as she sensed the source and moved towards it. Her life force surrounded her as her swords appeared in her hands. She gripped them tightly and stepped through a massive oak door. Before her stood a giant of a man.

His essence was black as coal, and his soul had long been lost to his dark side. His ancient leather armor looked old and battled; it smelled musty from the dried blood and looked dry and brittle. This had to be Kyran. Evil always had a dirty, unkempt appearance, and his aura was encircled with death. She could sense his blood was similar to Damon’s, and she knew she would take great pleasure in killing him someday. But what happens when Kyran is taken to earth’s time dimension by Neeb’s evil brother, seeking to kill the remaining royal Angelian family and end their bloodline forever.

In this riveting spin off from Shane North’s Angelis Vampire Series, an unknown Angelian is faced with death, her new life and the destiny the fates have planned for her.

My Review

High Octane and Entertaining! ~ 4 stars

Reagan’s Destiny is both a spin off and a continuation of the story arc contained in the previous novels in the series, Shannon and Shannon’s Revenge. The Vampire Council having been dealt with, the threat in this novel comes from Angelis no less, the medieval and magical world where Shannon’s mother and uncle were compelled to leave. Evil in the form of Kyran stalks Shannon and her uncle Damon, intent on destroying what remains of the royal Angelian family.

Reagan, a young woman with Angelian blood plays a key role in this battle and I enjoyed how this novel focused on her story, whilst including the characters I have grown to love from earlier novels. Shannon and Cait are destined to forge a strong relationship with this headstrong individual, but the path to their burgeoning friendship is not plain sailing. We know from Shannon’s trials that adapting to a life of an immortal and facing up to one’s destiny is not always easy and the author does a god job of exploring these issues, whilst maintaining a high octane and entertaining read.

Reagan is fortunate in that she manages to find unexpected love in the form of the vampire Lucius who she finds is her life mate. There are plenty of hot, sweet and romantic interludes amongst the bloody battle scenes and magic and I enjoyed the contrasting scenes. Kyran, as a powerful Angelian, is a well drawn and formidable enemy. Aided by the brother of Shaman Neeb, it will take everything Reagan, Shannon and Damon have in their arsenal to bring about his downfall.

Recommended to fans of paranormal/fantasy romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of the novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

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May 30, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ In His Corner, by Vina Arno

Contemporary Romance

Book Blurb

WORK OUT

KNOCK OUT

My Review ~ 4.5 stars!

Opposites Attract in this Sexy Sports Romance

In His Corner is a well written and sexy contemporary romance, where sparks and passion fly between two people who were born on opposite sides of the tracks. When boxer Tommy aka the Juggernaut and Siena, the serious and dedicated ER doctor, meet their attraction is instantaneous.

Despite Tommy’s advice to remain relationship free before his next big fight, he cannot let the chance to hook up with the reserved but sexy Siena pass him by, even though on the surface this straight laced miss, is way out of his league. Siena has only ever dated conservative, Ivy League guys, yet once she sets eyes on this hot male specimen she succumbs to his request for a date and literally becomes putty in his hands, unlocking some unexpected passion within her. Their relationship is both fun and hot as they both introduce each other to their respective worlds. Yet will their growing love and attraction be enough or will their different backgrounds and outlook mean their HEA is doomed?

I found the book a great read. Tommy is a super sexy guy and I loved how he encouraged Siena to push her boundaries both sexually and socially, without expecting her to change. By contrast Siena has a hard time accepting Tommy and his background, so different from her own, and tries to influence his tastes in clothes and foods. Tommy goes with the flow until her behaviour strikes at the very heart of what he is and it will take a lot of soul searching from Siena if their relationship is to last.

This entertaining and thought-provoking read is both hot and emotional and I recommend it to fans of contemporary romance, particularly if you enjoy sexy alpha males!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Connect with the Author

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9800535.Vina_Arno

https://cindyfazzi.com/

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May 26, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ His Prize (The Cleaners, #1) , by Doris O’Connor

Erotic BDSM Romance/Dark Romance/Dark Erotica

Adult/18+Read

Blurb

It’s the choice of her life—submit or die.

When his criminal activities catch up with him, loyalties are tested to the max, and Susie has another choice to make—walk away, or stay and accept the darkness within.

My Review

Fast, Sweaty and Furious BDSM Captor/Captive Romance ~ 4.5 Stars

His Prize is a dirty, sweaty BDSM themed captor-captive romance and I loved it! This short hot read is the first in a new series by Doris O’Connor, which is set in the criminal underworld. Ren and his men are cleaners working for a criminal gang. When Ren is sent on a clean-up mission he encounters the curvy Susie who, in the wrong place at the wrong time, witnesses his actions. Under normal circumstances Ren would have ‘disposed’ of such collateral damage. Yet something stops him and seeing this, his boss awards her to him as his prize. Ren resolves to take full advantage of the situation, before moving on.

Although Ren is a very bad boy and does not always treat Susie well, I was drawn to him – he is one sexy alpha male! As in other dark romantic reads, the lines between right and wrong are blurred – Ren’s actions are often heinous, yet those who Ren is charged to eliminate deserve to die. If you are a fan of dark reads than you will identify with the type of inner conflict that this provokes. This is one of the elements I find addictive about such reads and Ms O’Connor does not disappoint!

Ren is a true dominant, which complements Susie’s naturally submissive nature. Yet he is afraid of admitting to himself the attraction he feels for her and his actions, often harsh and unforgiving, risk losing her. Susie falls hard and fast for Ren given the violence she has seen him commit first hand and the extraordinary circumstances she finds herself in. The sex scenes are hot and on the rough side, but Susie glimpses Ren’s caring nature amidst his dominance and control. Yet can she survive in this criminal world? Does she want to?

This is my first experience of reading this author and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience! I am looking forward to reading the stories of the other cleaners in Ren’s employ, who are equally hot alpha males!

Recommended to dark romance junkies.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Goodreads

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http://www.dorisoconnor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Doris-OConnor-Romance-Author-241366635885432/

Tweets by mamaD8

May 11, 2016 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW ~ Rebel Warrior (Medieval Warriors #3), by Regan Walker

Historical Medieval Romance

Blurb

“Master storytelling transports you to medieval Scotland!”
Paula Quinn, NY Times Bestselling Author

When your destiny lies far from where you began …

Scotland 1072

When all is lost, what hope is there for love? Can a broken heart be mended? Can a damaged soul be healed?

My Review

Spellbinding and Expertly Crafted ~ ***** (Five Stars)

Set in Scotland in the years following the 1066 Norman invasion of England, Regan Walker’s Rebel Warrior (#3 in the Medieval Warriors series), is a spellbinding romantic read which has been meticulously researched and expertly crafted. The past came alive for me whilst reading and I left the 21st century and lived and breathed through the lives of the characters in the book.

Catriona and her brother Niall suffer a cruel blow when their parents and kinsfolk are killed in a Viking raid. The orphaned Catriona finds herself at the royal court as one of the Queen’s ladies. Her growing friendship and attraction she has to the King’s scribe Steinar becomes more and more important to her. The actions of Domnall, her betrothed, increasingly perplex her and his ultimate betrayal is heart-breaking to a young woman who is already attempting to come to terms with her tragic loss. Can Catriona ever trust again?

The romance between Catriona and Steinar is full of fire and humour as the couple indulge in many scenes of verbal sparring. Regan Walker’s heroines certainly have plenty of backbone! Steinar falls hard for the wild, beautiful and yet fragile Catriona and she in turn is attracted to his good looks, charm and inner and outer strength. Although there is more to Steinar than meets the eye, his current station in life is not high enough for one of the Queen’s ladies, and he can only look on as King Malcolm contrives to marry Catriona to another.

I really felt for both Catriona and Steinar. Both have suffered terrible personal losses and have little control over their destinies. They are well matched – Steinar being the only man at court to fully appreciate the lively and headstrong young woman, and Catriona’s attraction to Steinar grows the more she experiences his humour, honour and strength. The path to true love is never easy, yet Regan Walker leads the reader to an entertaining, realistic and worthy HEA.

Most of the action takes place at the court of king Malcolm of Scotland and his devoted and devout Anglo-Saxon Queen Margaret. There are also a number of vividly portrayed battle scenes. Regan Walker’s characters are complex and well-rounded and in her hands real historical figures merge seamlessly with those from her imagination. The book can be read as a standalone, but I also enjoyed meeting characters who featured in The Red Wolf’s Prize and Rogue Knight, particularly the Welsh bard Rhodri whose own story is interwoven into the plot.

I loved the read and wholeheartedly recommended it to readers of Historical Romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, an ARC of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

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http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com

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May 4, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ One Night in Budapest, by Lucy Felthouse

Erotic Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Book Blurb

Hermione’s in Budapest on a romantic weekend break. Or at least it should have been romantic—an unexpected break-up means she’s visiting the Hungarian capital alone. Determined to make the most of it, she goes on a night-time river cruise, the perfect opportunity to see some of the city’s beautiful sights after dark.

My Review ~ 5 smexy stars!

Fun filled erotic romance

One Night in Budapest is part of Tirgearr Publishing’s passionate and smexy City Nights series. This novella, penned by Lucy Felthouse, is delightful and contains an unexpected romance, a night full of fun, adventure and hot sex (this is an erotic romance after all)!

Hermoine and Emil are both characters that I fell in love with very easily and their youthful exuberance and love of live make for a diverting read. Emil is both sexy and sweet and a perfect match for the lively Hermoine who is determined to make the most of her short break. There is clearly a great deal of attraction between them from the off and it was a matter of when and not if they would succumb to their desires. Time is short however, as Hermoine is due to return home soon. Will they have a future, or is it just a case of a short term fling?

Emil takes Hermoine and the reader on a whirlwind tour of this romantic city and although I have never visited Budapest, the author’s descriptions transported me right there as I experienced what the city (and Emil) has to offer. The love-making scenes between the couple are hot and their romance is believable and full of hope and new beginnings.

I have never visited Budapest but if I do I will be on the look out for the twin brother of Emil, the sexy bartender and his repertoire of aptly named cocktails which play a humorous and important part in the couple’s burgeoning relationship!

All in all, a sweet, sexy and uplifting read!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that a copy of this novella was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

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