<a href="https://a-readers-review-blog.com/" title="areadersreviewblog" rel="home">areadersreviewblog

Author Links

August 1, 2022 by Tina Williams

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

#reverseharem #darkromance

Blurb

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

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

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

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

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

Now everything changes.

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

No escape.

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

My Review – Fast-paced, scorching and suspenseful

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase Links

Connect with the Author

Marissa Farrar

S.R. Jones

July 28, 2022 by Tina Williams

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

#paranormalromance #daemons #oppositesattract

Blurb

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

Via any means necessary.

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

And avoiding any attempt at a serious relationship.

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

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

My review

Ice queen meets hot blooded daemon! 5 stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase Links

Author Links

Twitter

July 21, 2022 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – The Assassin’s Wife, by Nikita Slater

#darkromance #captiveromance

Blurb

A standalone dark captive romance novel by USA Today Bestselling Author Nikita Slater.

With this ring…

With a career as a prima ballerina and married to the man of her dreams, Natasha’s life was a fairytale. Then she witnessed something she shouldn’t have. Now she’s on the run, fleeing the one person she thought she’d love forever. Her husband.

To love and to cherish.

He should’ve seen her following him, should have known that curiosity would get the better of her. Now she’s gone and he’s on the hunt. He’ll find his wayward wife, and when he does, he’ll show her the monster she thought to escape.

For better or worse.

Trapped with a man obsessed with revenge, Natasha must weather the storm and hope that he’ll remember their once fierce love before he does something they’ll both regret.

Until death do us part.

The Assassin’s Wife is a standalone dark captive romance novel. It contains themes of violence and sexual content that some readers may find offensive.

My Review

Dark Captive Romance – 5 stars

This is a dark and emotionally complex read from start to finish. David is very much the anti-hero, devoid of morals and empathy and initially there was little if anything to make me warm to him. Natasha, a young ballerina is his polar opposite and his obsession. I found it terrifying how he casually ‘acquires’ Natasha, after becoming obsessed with her when he witnesses her on stage, taking her away from pursuing her dreams. That said, I was hooked, wanting to find out how their relationship would develop, what motivates David and if there was any hope for his redemption.

My heart was in my mouth when he finally caught up with Natasha after her escape – it’s a heated and visceral scene. The author does an excellent job of creating ongoing suspense and conflict between the couple as the plot develops. Will Natasha keep her life and her sanity with such a violent and controlling man? What will he do if she once again steps out of line? How can she reconcile her complex feelings for him when her freedom is at stake? The sex scenes between them sizzle but the trigger warning contained in the blurb relating to violence and sexual content is there for a reason.

I enjoyed how Natasha’s actions continue to test her captor and how her emotional strength and resilience grows. This young woman has had so much thrown at her by David and I silently applauded her each time she stood her ground. David’s character also undergoes some change – there are a number of heart wrenching points where his icy exterior cracks, but I still felt he was a monster at the end – just Natasha’s monster. He is nevertheless one of the most memorable anti-heroes I have read in the genre.

Recommended for readers of dark romance.

Purchase Links

Connect with the Author

July 11, 2022 by Tina Williams

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

#FantasyRomance #EnemiestoLovers

Blurb

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

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

She was wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

My Review

Fabulous fast-paced and emotional fantasy romance – 5 stars

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

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

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

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

Recommended to lovers of fantasy romance.

Purchase Links

Connect with the Author

July 7, 2022 by Tina Williams

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

#Regency #RegencyRomance

Release Date: Thursday, 7^th July 2022

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

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

Heat Level: Sensual. Moderate.

Blurb

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

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

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

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

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

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

This tale contains sensual scenes.

My Review

Warm, Witty and Romantic – 5 stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

Pinterest The Governess Should Never Tempt a Duke

The Governess Chronicles

1 – A Governess Should Never… Tempt a Prizefighter

2 – A Governess Should Never… Deny a Duke

About the Author

More about Emily can be found at:

Newsletter

June 20, 2022 by Tina Williams

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

#ParanormalRomance #enemiestolovers #Demons #Witches

My Review

Spellbinding Read – 5 stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase Links

Author Links

Author Website

May 23, 2022 by Tina Williams

Release Blitz & Review — Daemon’s Blood, A Dark Paranormal Romance (Atiernan Book 1): Daemon Blade Book 1 by Lana Sky

#ParanormalRomance #NewSeries #AuthorLanaSky #TwistedRomance #DaemonRomance #WitchRomance #MagicRomance #MatedLovers #DarkRomance #RevengeAndHate #NeedToReadItNow #ReadMoreRomance #Bookstagram #NewRelease

😈 Daemon’s Blood Release Blitz 😈

Daemon’s Blood

by Lana Sky

Now LIVE!

All Retailers ➜ https://books2read.com/DB-DaemonsBlood

#1-click today!

Release Date: May 23^rd, 2022

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance

Series

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

Blurb

Miranda Lightwood is a good witch. A status she still strives for, despite being shunned by her coven and having her every move dogged by poisonous rumors to the contrary.

When a powerful daemon lord takes her hostage, trapping her inside his fortress, Miranda knows she’s about to face her most difficult trial yet. All that she stands for hinges on her ability to withstand his demands, no matter the cost.

But Atiernan subverts her expectations in the worst way. The savage, evil monster she’s been taught to loathe is the polar opposite of the strangely kind, and complex man he appears to be—and maybe, deep down, Miranda isn’t the saintly, innocent witch he requires to further his own manipulative ends.

The passion between them is strong enough to forge a bond capable of unifying their races toward the common good, but one wrong move and Atiernan knows he risks causing a rift that will usher in an ancient evil destined to consume the whole world.

The stakes are too high. He knows he can’t fail. No matter how strongly his little witch resists…

All Retailers

Bookbub

Goodreads List Voting

Teaser

He had refrained from the practice for so long. One small lapse in sobriety wouldn’t hurt, and as his prize dripped onto his tongue, he felt not one ounce of guilt. Hot and sweet, her blood filled his mouth, and Atiernan couldn’t silence a groan.

My Review

Fantastic start to a new series! 5 stars

Daemon’s Blood is a fantastic start to a new series. The enemies-to -lovers trope is my absolute favourite in the romance genre and I just adored the push and pull between the daemon lord Atiernan and the witch Miranda, not to mention the sexual tension and smoking hot scenes! The worldbuilding is well done, as is the supporting cast.

Miranda is a complex character – strong minded but fragile due to how she is regarded within her coven. The author does a brilliant job of portraying her emotions and how she aches for acceptance within her kind and her determination to thwart the demands of her captor.

Atiernan is equally complex and has his own reasons to despise those of Miranda’s ilk, as she does his. I enjoyed the complexities of his character too and how, as the book progresses, we learn snippets of his own tragic back story. Although dangerous to Miranda he is not the monster she expected, and they are drawn together even as they remain enemies. Yet can their tenuous bond survive when trust is in question and secrets abound? Powerful forces are at play, intent on destroying all that Atiernan holds dear, and he cannot let a witch stand between him and saving his people from the evil that threatens to destroy them.

There were so many twists and turns in the plot I was kept entertained throughout. The book ends on a number of revelations and a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the second book in the duet which will conclude the couple’s story, not to mention other stories set within the world the author has created.

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

Daemon’s Kiss: A Dark Paranormal Romance (Atiernan Book 2): Daemon Blade Book 2

Release Date: June 20^th, 2022

Blurb

As the relationship between him and the captive witch, Miranda, deepens, Atiernan knows that he is playing a dangerous game. A witch nearly destroyed him in the past, is he willing to risk enduring such pain again?

If only Miranda was more like the cunning women she blindly idolizes. Determined to bring honor to her coven, she declares herself willing to do anything her captor asks of her.

And everything he desires.

As outside forces conspire to destroy them both, Atiernan and Miranda come to realize that they must either trust each other completely…

Or stand back and usher in a destruction centuries in the making.

All Retailers

Bookbub

Goodreads List Voting

Excerpts and Bonus Material

Author Info: Lana Sky

Lana Sky is a reclusive writer in the United States who spends most of her time daydreaming about complex male characters and parenting her Cockapoo Joey. She writes dark, twisted romance across several genres. Her titles include everything from mafia romance to vampires.

April 30, 2022 by Tina Williams

Release Blitz & Review – Safe and Sound (The Dreadnoughts #3), by Lucy Felthouse

#reverseharem #rh #rhromance #whychoose #ku #kindleunlimited #thriller #superheroes

Safe and Sound is the third and final book in The Dreadnoughts series. All three books are currently in Kindle Unlimited, but will be withdrawn in August, so if you’re a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, make sure you read the books sooner rather than later! I would hate for you to miss out.

Blurb:

Kim is within touching distance of her goal – but is it already too late?

Kim Medhurst, ex-British military intelligence officer turned scientist and climate activist, is in a race against time. With help from her four men, she’s researching how to make the ygrene – the mysterious power source she retrieved from a remote Scottish island – a viable alternative to fossil fuel. An unexpected visitor recently bought them a little extra breathing space, but they’re painfully aware it won’t last forever.

Despite their hard work, the whole thing looks set to crash down around their ears when the greedy megalomaniac they’ve been desperate to avoid shows up on the Greig twins’ doorstep. While Kim and the gang would happily lay down their lives to stop the ygrene getting into the wrong hands, Kim would prefer to steer clear of violence. Their latest visitor claims he only wants to talk, but he’s brought goons carrying hardware, and Kim wouldn’t be Kim without a backup plan.

Will good prevail against evil, or have all the gang’s efforts and sacrifices been for nothing?

Buy at Amazon, read in Kindle Unlimited or purchase the paperback (audio coming later in the year): https://books2read.com/safeandsound

My Review

Fun, Sexy and Suspenseful – 5 stars

This fun, sexy and suspenseful read is a great conclusion to the Dreadnoughts trilogy. I liked how different Kim’s four men are and how the bond she has with them develops and gets ever stronger in this instalment. There are plenty of sexy times plus humour as they navigate the dynamics of their relationships – Kim is one lucky woman!

She is also a strong woman, with a determination to use her discovery to save the environment, and I love the respect these men have for her and how protective they are of her and she of them. They make a cracking team and I enkoyed reading how they were put to the test when members of the powerful Orlov family, who have a strong interest in the ygrene, appear.

I was on pins to find out if they would be able to protect the ygrene falling into the wrong hands and also how they would continue to develop and manage their newfound superpowers. I loved how the relationship dynamics of Kim and her men weave in and out of the drama, danger and the tension as the plot reaches its conclusion.

This book and the series is a fab addition to romances featuring superheroes and to those exploring reverse harem dynamics.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Enjoy the other books in this completed series. It’s highly recommended you read them in order—it won’t make a lot of sense otherwise! These two books are available in eBook, paperback and audiobook formats.

Book one, Search and Rescue: http://books2read.com/searchandrescue

Book two, Cut and Run: https://books2read.com/cutandrunlf

Author Bio:

Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award), The Persecution of the Wolves, Hiding in Plain Sight, and The Heiress’s Harem and The Dreadnoughts series. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 170 publications to her name. Find out more about her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk, or on Twitter or Facebook. Join her Facebook group for exclusive cover reveals, sneak peeks and more! Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. Subscribe to her newsletter here: http://www.subscribepage.com/lfnewsletter

Release blitz organised by Writer Marketing Services

April 26, 2022 by Tina Williams

REVIEW- Blurred Limits, by Marissa Farrar and S R Jones

#reverseharem

Blurb

For them it’s all a game, but to me it’s survival.

When an opportunity to work at the exclusive island resort called The Limit comes up, I can’t say no. I’ll only be a maid, but at least it’ll get me off the streets and offer me somewhere to hide out from my stepfather.

But a case of mistaken identity changes everything.

The men who own this place—Brody, Wilder, Rafferty, and Asher—think I am someone else, and when an offer of winning a million dollars is put in front of me, how can I tell them the truth?

These men are all different, but they all have one thing in common, they’re all broken, and now they want to break me.

The game involves a hunt across the island. If I win, I get my heart’s desire. If they win, they get to do whatever they want to me.

But as the days pass, limits get blurred and boundaries are broken, and as my secrets bubble to the surface, the danger only increases.

What will happen when they discover my lie?