October 27, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Release Day Review Watcher (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part II by C.J. Pinard

You may recall our review of Lotus’s Journey Part I, Lotus (Daughter of Darkness), last month. And today is the release of Watcher, Part II of Lotus’s Journey by one of our favourite authors, C.J. Pinard. Lotus is one of four ‘daughters of darkness’, with the other three daughters being written about by authors Chrissy Peebles, Kristen Middleton and W.J. May. These female heroines are clearly connected by their father, Vlad Montour, or Vlad the Impaler, known to be an evil villain in history. But, some of the sisters are unacquainted with each other. In Watcher, Vampire Vlad now wants all four daughters to be brought to him – alive. But, what are his intentions?

Title: Watcher (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part II

Author: C.J. Pinard

Genre: Paranormal mystery, crime, thriller, romance

Release date: October 27th, 2015

Length: 103 pages

Blurb:

As hybrid vampire/faery Lotus’s journey has taken her from solving the vampire-committed murders in Denver to Las Vegas, she begins to learn a lot more about herself and the evil vampire of a father who has been searching for her for years. She has to make a decision on whether she’s going to run from Vlad or search for him and confront him as he continues to terrorize her dreams. She wonders if finding him will lead her to her faery mother, or if it will just lead to more death, destruction, and heartbreak.

With the relationship between her sexy neighbor, Drew, and her beginning to blossom, Lotus wonders if she should just give up the search and try to lead a normal life for once. She’s finally found a decent guy who is not only gorgeous, but seems to want to protect her. Something she’s never needed, but is now finding she wants. That is, until she finds out Drew’s got his own secrets.

This is part II of Lotus’s journey. Part III will be out in early 2016.

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

When author C.J. Pinard released her last paranormal series, Rebel Riders, I knew with the first book it was my favourite of her work to date. However, I am now indecisive as Lotus (Daughter of Darkness) is definitely a contender. Lotus provides a great deal of action, nice, hot romantic scenes, and a story that includes both vampires and Lycans at an equal balance.

Watcher begins with Lotus, half-faery and half-vamp, having caught a vampire suspected of following her. She learns that it is her vampire father, Vlad Montour, who has sent him to bring her to him, along with his three other daughters: Jezebel, Blair, and Victoria. Sisters she has only recently learned of having. Lotus realises at this point that a psychic faery she had visited years before actually had some real meaning behind what she said.

Does she use this as an opportunity to meet her father at last? Or, does she have a reason to run in the opposite direction? With very little knowledge of the supernaturals, she has been living for over a century as humanlike as possible. Will she now have to use her faery and vampire skills to deal with her father and sisters?

Fans of Lotus’s Journey Part I will love to hear that Lotus’s hot, sexy neighbour, Drew, plays a larger role in Watcher. And, who can’t love him? We saw his lighter, flirtatious and cheeky moments in part I, and now we learn that he had been watching Lotus all along to protect her. The relationship between them is a little more serious in Watcher due to the circumstances of the story and the deeper attraction they both feel towards each other. Drew is cute and kind, and strong and direct when he has to be, and yet not overwhelmingly flirtatious or pushy. This makes it very easy for Lotus and the reader to fall for him and believe that he is someone to be trusted!

Some of my favourite moments in both parts I and II of Lotus’s Journey have been Lotus’s dreams of her father. They are a little nightmarish at times, being creepy and eerie. The use of fog, Lotus being in a forest and in her nightgown all help create a great sense of atmosphere. Vlad’s character is seemingly dark, powerful and frightful, yet spell-binding. I actually felt some attraction to his evilness, gripped by his hold. Does he want to kill his daughters? Or, is there another purpose for them to all meet with him? The mystery surrounding this vampire villain is killing me and pulling me towards him so badly!

C.J. Pinard’s writing is becoming more and more addictive. I LOVE this series and cannot wait for Part III of Lotus’s Journey. Especially after that fantastic cliff-hanger!

A copy of Watcher, Lotus’s Journey Part II was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Watcher (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part II by C.J. Pinard is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

You can also check out our review of Lotus (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part I here.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 26, 2015 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ & ARC REVIEW ~ Brake, by Skye Callahan

Brake, Book 3 in The Redline Series Now Available!
Dark Romantic Suspense Novella Serial

Adult/18+ Read

There’s no stopping as the

bitter feud between brothers, Colt and Devlin, speeds out of control.

From Colt’s pawn to Devlin’s captive, Aubrey is caught even deeper in their pact to destroy one another. Imprisoned in darkness, she fights for her life–and her sanity. Her only hope is a cocky and sadistic car thief who is already wrestling with his own demons.

Colt swore he’d never end up in this place again. That he’d never be held captive to heroin or rendered helpless by his brother to watch as another life is destroyed. He’s ready to tear the city apart to find Aubrey, but that’s only if his own mind doesn’t tear him apart first.

Lines have been crossed. Promises broken. Souls shattered. And the worst has only begun.

Note:
If you’re looking for rainbows, butterflies, and happy endings coated in chocolate and caramel, turn back now! This story deals with dark themes and intense situations that aren’t suitable for sensitive readers. If you’re looking for an intense roller coaster of emotions and situations that will warp your sense of right and wrong and drag you through the debauched underworld of crime and deceit, then you’re in the right place.

This is a work of serial fiction, so it will be released in distinct parts with no resolute ending until the end of the series.

♥ iBooks ♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥ Amazon AU ♥

Haven’t started the series yet?

Take advantage of this special opportunity to get a Limited Edition Boxed Set of Ignition and Torque on iBooks and Amazon for FREE!

Only available until October 31!

“WOW! This is a dark, erotic ride into the underworld of drugs, sex, exploitation and crime. I love it!” (Reading Keeps Me Sane)

It was like a rollercoaster: quick, sharp turns, lots of flips and it ended too soon! So sit down, power up and be prepared to have some naughty fun!!” (Eye Candy Bookstore)

♥ iBooks ♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥ Amazon AU

Skye Callahan

Skye Callahan is the bestselling author ofIrrevocable a dark romance that ran away with her emotions and led her on a whole new writing journey. She enjoys exploring the darker sides of life through her fiction, whether through paranormal creatures or the depraved underbelly of human nature. Her other works include the follow up to Irrevocable, Bend Don’t Break, The Redline Series, The Fractured Legacy Series, and Bound and Unbroken.

Her love of reading and writing started at a young age and she has been blessed with a family that continues to support her dreams to be a full-time writer. She has lived in Ohio all of her life, where she enjoys taking long walks through cemeteries with her husband (when the insane Ohio weather permits), studying local history, and trying to make peace with the neighbor’s cats.

Where to stalk Skye:

Amazon Author Page

My Review

Dark, Twisted and Intense FIVE STARS! *****

Skye Callahan’s The Redline Series is one hell of a dark romance! It is a dark and twisted ride ruled by lust, power-play and revenge, where Aubrey is but a pawn in a fight between two warring brothers intent on destroying each other. Colt has sworn to protect Aubrey from Devlin in return for the unlimited use of her body for his intense and kinky sexcapades. The last instalment, Torque (click on the book title for my review) finished on a major cliff hanger as the hapless Aubrey had been taken captive by none other than Devlin.

In Brake Aubrey’s sexual slavery to Colt has been replaced by the horror of Devlin’s captivity and her life and sanity are both on the line. Aubrey’s predicament is an ugly one and let’s just say that Devlin does not have her long term future in mind…. Instead, she is merely a tool to use to attack his brother and I read with bated breath to see if her destiny was to become mere collateral damage.

This instalment contains some shocking revelations about Colt’s backstory, which help explain why he is the damaged man he is and why he strives to stay emotionally detached. For much of the read Colt is powerless as he has no idea where Aubrey has been taken. He is totured by guilt and trapped within the world of his dysfunctional family who seem intent on his destruction… His only relief is that of drugs which he finds harder and harder to resist.

He fears for Aubrey’s life and sanity in Devlin’s hands. I will not give anything away, but suffice to say that Devlin is one sick bastard. Although Colt is far from her avenging knight on a white charger, he is the only hope she has, but will he rescue her before it is too late? And what will he find remains of the Aubrey he knows? Expecting the worst, whilst hoping for the best, I was nevertheless gobsmacked by what transpires in this read and I want MORE! Indeed, I am jumping up and down in anticipation of the next instalment!

This high octane dark romantic suspense is recommended for lovers of dark romance.

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.

October 24, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Jace (River Pack Wolves #2) by Alisa Woods

Alisa Woods has recently released her second novel in the River Pack Wolves series, JACE. NA fans of shifter paranormals will love this series with the uncountable scenes of action and HOT romance. Each story can be read as a stand alone, and each focuses on a brother from the River Pack.

Title: Jace (River Pack Wolves #2)

Author: Alisa Woods

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Release date: October 5th, 2015

Released by: Sworn Secrets Publishing

Length: 170 pages

Blurb: His wolf is out of control. She’s a wild thing that won’t be tamed.
Ex-Army Specialist Jace River has a lock on his bedroom door, but it’s not to keep anyone out; it’s to keep his nightmares from breaking loose. His wolf is an out-of-control killer, which means he can never risk shifting, never truly be part of his pack, and definitely never take a mate.

Piper Wilding works for the Army as a civilian, traveling the world for her work in counterintelligence and fighting the bad guys while bedding down the good ones. The best part? It keeps her far from her asshole father in Seattle, the rest of the Wilding pack, and the pressure to take a mate. Settling down isn’t her thing, and after what happened to her mother, Piper vowed she would never be tied down by magic or men again.

While Jace’s wolf keeps him Sleepless in Seattle, Piper returns home to find her missing kid brother. When she breaks into the River brother’s safehouse, sparks fly and claws come out. Her sexy skills threaten to bring out Jace’s wolf, and Jace’s good-guy hotness reminds Piper how tempting shifter men can be. They’re like fire and gasoline, and as they race to find Piper’s brother, the heat threatens to burn down all their carefully constructed walls. But falling in love has never been so dangerous—and being together means taking risks that neither might survive.

Jace is a complete novel with HEA, the second in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (all standalone stories, but best enjoyed if you read them in order!).

Contains scorching hot shifters, alpha military heroes, and sexy spy girls. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

Jace is another fast-paced action, shifter paranormal story with plenty of HOT romance from super author, Alisa Woods. Shifters are still being kidnapped, including alpha military personnel, and all hell breaks loose when Noah Wilding goes missing. Piper, Noah’s sister, needs to find him as soon as possible, knowing that something is amiss. And yet, with only the River pack to turn to she may not be taken so seriously at first!

The story opens up dramatically when, during a break from sleeping after having a nightmare about his uncontrollable ferocious wolf beast, Jace finds himself in a heated tackle with an intruder. Things become even more interesting when the intruder shifts into a wolf, and later shifts back again – into a female. A naked female. Under Jace’s hot, hard body! What an intro to the story!

Piper Wilding has come initially to look for her brother, Daniel, to ask him about the whereabouts of their brother, Noah. Once she is heard by Daniel and the River pack, Daniel feels that maybe she is overreacting and that Noah is most probably on a secret military mission. But, Jace and his brothers are only too aware of shifters being kidnapped. And they know that the government is involved.

In an attempt to kill two birds with one stone, the Rivers decide to check it out, and to follow up on an Agent Smith, who we know had been part of the kidnapping and torture of shifters in book 1, Jaxson. This would of course mean that for newly-mated Jaxson and his half-witch lover, Julia, would have to put their ‘honeymoon’ plans off a little while longer!

Jace has been reluctant to be too involved with any action for a while due to the fear of his inner wolf being uncontrollable and causing harm to civilians or those he cares about. His wolf is twice the size of an average shifter, and he has been laden with guilt ever since a village of civilians in Afghanistan had all been killed by a ferocious animal – his wolf – when he had been deployed there. Since then Jace has decided to keep his wolf restrained, and promised never to take a mate for the sheer horror of what could happen.

Piper, also vowing never to take a mate, witnessed her own mother feel trapped when she mated for the second time to an emotionally abusive man who led her to suicidal tendencies. Piper never wants to feel so vulnerable and controlled by one person who claim they love her.

However, during the course of the story, Jace’s inner wolf keeps trying to come to the fore, especially when Piper is around. This crazy, female shifter is driving him insane. And, although initially it is the sexual attraction pulling at his wolf – scrambling around naked on his kitchen floor underneath him – it is also the power of his wolf’s need to protect her. Piper believes in his kindness and willingness to protect her, as well as feeling a heavy weight of lust and attraction towards him.

Because of Jace’s need to protect her, he isn’t all too happy about Piper going on this mission with them. But, after all it is her brother they are searching for, and her counterintelligence skills and knowledge of some government figures can certainly come in useful. Will they find Noah? And, what of Agent Smith – is he still up to his old tricks?

In this explosive, action paranormal you will be gripped from start to finish. It is a read certainly for the more mature reader, especially with the HOT scenes between Jace and Piper. Will Jace release his beast? Or will they both control themselves to keep their relationship casual? All will be revealed. And, the reader will be left wanting more, which we’ll be getting very soon with the release of Jared (book 3)!

A copy of JACE was provided for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Jace (River Pack Wolves #2) by Alisa Woods is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

You can also check out our review of book 1 in the River Pack trilogy – JAXSON

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can also check out our reviews of Alisa Woods’s True Alpha and Dark Alpha series:-

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 – stand alone short story

Torment (Dark Alpha #1) – short story

Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2) – short story

Deception (Dark Alpha #3) – short story

Escape (Dark Alpha #4) – short story

Penance (Dark Alpha #5) – short story

Loved (Dark Alpha #6) – short story

October 23, 2015 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW ~ Pretty When You Cry, book 3 in the Stripped Series

Dark Erotic Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Amazon US Amazon UK

“Dark, perverse, and unbearably erotic, Pretty When You Cry is Skye Warren at her gritty best.”

~ Anna Zaires, USA Today bestselling author of Twist Me

A new dark romance novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Wanderlust and Prisoner…

I came from a place of dirt floors and holy scriptures. They told me the world outside was full of sin, and the first night I escape, I find out it’s true. Ivan saves me, but he does more than that. He takes me. He makes me his own girl.

My conditioning runs too deep. Ivan sees what I am.

That’s the thing about showing a mouse to a cat. He wants to play. And it’s terrifying, even for me. Because the only thing darker than my past is his.

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25705284-pretty-when-you-cry?ac=

He’s beautiful in a strange and sinful way, one that makes me more afraid. Not colorful exactly. His eyes are a gray color I’ve never seen before, both deep and opaque at the same time. The building itself is beautiful too with its wrought iron gate around a large courtyard. The fountain in the center is broken, but that only adds to the mystique.

The marquee sign reads Grand, a flash of neon pink against the black night.

He steps closer, the light from the sign illuminating his face, making him look even more sinister. “What’s your name?”

I couldn’t answer those other men, but I find something inside for him. I find truth. “I’m not allowed to say my name to someone else.”

He studies me for a long moment, taking in my tangled hair and my white dress. “Why not?”

Because God will punish me. “Because I’m running away.”

He nods like this is what he expected. “Do you have money?”

I have twenty dollars left after bus fare. “Enough.”

His lips twist, and I wonder if that’s what a smile looks like on him. It’s terrifying. “No, you don’t,” he says. “The question is, what would you do to earn some?”

Anything.

My voice is just a whisper. “I’m a good girl.”

He laughs, and I see that I was wrong before. That wasn’t a smile. It was a taunt. A challenge. This is a real smile, one with teeth. The sound rolls through me like a coming storm, deep and foreboding.

“I know,” he says gently. “What’s your name?”

“Candace.”

He studies me. “Pretty name.”

His voice is deep with promise and something else I can’t decipher. All I know is he isn’t really talking about my name. And I know it isn’t really a compliment. “Thank you.”

“Now come inside, Candace.”

He turns and walks away before I can answer. I can feel the night closing in on me, the sharks in the water waiting to strike. It’s not really a choice. I think the man knows that. He’s counting on it. Whatever is going to happen inside will be bad, and the only thing worse is what would have happened outside.

I hurry to catch up with him, almost running across the crumbled driveway, under the marquee sign for the Grand, past the broken fountain, desperate for the dubious safety of the man who could hold the darkness at bay. It’s the same thing that kept me in Harmony Hills for so long—fear and twisted gratitude.

Other books in the series

Tough Love (Stripped #0.5)

Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Nook Kobo

Goodreads

Love the way you Lie (Stripped #1)

Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Nook Kobo

Goodreads

Better when it Hurts (Stripped #2)

Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Nook Kobo

Goodreads

My Review

Erotic and Thrilling Dark Read!

FIVE stars *****

Wow! I have been impatient for Ivan and Candy’s story ever since reading the first book in Skye Warren’s Stripped Series and it was most definitely worth the wait! It is one hot, dark and crazy read that delves deep onto the psychology of abuse and indoctrination and the tension between safety and control and danger and personal freedom.

Throughout the series, Ivan and Candy’s relationship has always been a bit of a mystery – like the characters themselves, but we have glimpsed enough to suspect that there is definitely something dark (and perhaps a little perverse) going on between the two…. This book finally spills the beans and propels their romance forwards into a dark, erotic and thrilling denouement that pushed all my buttons and at the same time hammered against my comfort zone! I loved it!

Both Ivan and Candy have horrific personal stories and their actions and in particular how their unorthodox relationship develops, makes more and more sense as the book progresses. Their history both pulls them together but at the same time threatens to pull them apart. We witness how Candy feels safe in Ivan’s company and craves the domination and the touch of the man she has grown to love. Ivan is one alpha male I will not forget and his domination and control of Candy is an outlet for his emotions. For Candy’s part, she cannot escape the fact that she has become his plaything and realises that she has escaped from one captivity only to replace it with another. Their erotic love making scenes are superbly written, but their happiness is far from guarenteed. Moreover, someone is threatening the girls at the Grand and Candy’s past and present collide. With her safety and future at stake I was on tender hooks to see if Ivan could protect her from this threat or even from himself.

I adored how Skye Warren effortlessly explores their unorthodox relationship in another dark and erotic read that contains some deeply emotional scenes and plenty of suspense alongside plenty of sizzling and erotic scenes. Another five star read and a must for fans of dark romance!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that a copy of this book was given to as part of this blog tour, for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dark romance such as Wanderlust and Prisoner. Praised as a “true mistress of dark erotica”, her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Houston, Texas, with her loving family, three dogs, and one evil cat.

Author links

Twitter Facebook Website Goodreads Amazon page

October 22, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ White Heat, by Serge de Moliere

Erotic Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Book Blurb

A frigid wilderness. A blazing encounter.

In the frigid wilderness of Northern Canada, Carol treks through the snow, desperate to escape her violent and obsessed husband, Dugan. Unprepared for the harsh conditions, she soon finds herself trapped in the ice. She’s rescued by Josh, a loner who has fled society for his own reasons, and he brings her to his isolated cabin.

Carol and Josh are trapped together in the cabin as a snowstorm rages outside. Soon neither of them can fight their building desire, giving in to the temptation of shared heat and intimacy. Josh is nothing like the man Carol fled. He brings out feelings in her she’d long since suppressed.

But Dugan is hunting for her, and he plans to have his revenge on any man who dares share her company…

My Review

Steamy and Suspenseful! ****

White Heat is one hot read, containing a hero and heroine both trying to escape their pasts. I really liked the premise of this short read from the off – the hero Josh saves the heroine Carol, who is fleeing her brutal and controlling husband, from certain death. Josh takes her back to his isolated cabin in the frozen Canadian wilderness, where they succumb to the growing attraction between them, unaware that Carol’s husband is out to find her and to bring her home to face punishment, eradicating anyone who stands in his way…

Although it is a short read we find out eough about Josh and Carol to understand their back-stories and what makes them tick. Both characters have troubled pasts and I liked how they came together. I also enjoyed the atmosphere the author created in the read, namely the freezing cold and the isolation whch took me well out of my comfort zone. This contasted nicely with the highly erotic senes in the cabin betwen the hero and heroine which became a oasis of warmth, love and lust. The brutal intent of Carol’s husband adds suspense to the mix and leads the reader to a shocking finale.

I recommend this read to those who like an erotic and suspenseful read which transports them to an environment where only the strongest survive.

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.

Purchase Links

Amazon.com Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

https://www.facebook.com/Serge-de-Moliere-753266598106095/timeline/

Tweets by Serge_deMoliere

October 20, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Release Day Review Smoke by Catherine McKenzie

Today sparks the release of international best-selling author Catherine McKenzie’s SMOKE! And, we are delighted to welcome her work to A Reader’s Review Blog. Smoke is a contemporary mystery drama in Women’s Literature following two women who were once close friends, and whilst tackling the danger of a wildfire threatening their town, they also have the chance to reflect on their personal family problems, as well as their friendship. With many questions to be answered, you’ll find yourself buried amongst the drama until the very end!

Title: Smoke

Author: Catherine McKenzie

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Chicklit/Mystery/Drama

Release date: October 20th, 2015

Released by: Lake Union Publishing

Length: 351 pages

Blurb: From the internationally bestselling author Catherine McKenzie comes an evocative tale of two women navigating the secrets and lies at the heart of a wildfire threatening their town.

After a decade-long career combating wildfires, Elizabeth has traded in her former life for a quieter one with her husband. Now she works as the local arson investigator in a beautiful, quaint town in the Rockies. But that tranquil life vanishes when she and her husband agree to divorce and a fire in nearby Cooper Basin begins to spread rapidly. For Elizabeth, containing a raging wildfire is easier than accepting that her marriage has failed.

For Elizabeth’s ex-friend Mindy, who feels disconnected from her husband and teenage children, the fire represents a chance to find a new purpose: helping a man who has lost his home to the blaze. But her faith is shattered by a shocking accusation.

As the encroaching inferno threatens the town’s residents, Elizabeth and Mindy must discover what will be lost in the fire, and what will be saved.

REVIEW ***** (5*)

Smoke follows two women, Elizabeth and Mindy, who, although once friends, are almost the opposite of each other in terms of personality/character. Elizabeth on the one hand is career-driven to a large degree, and it was only due to wanting a quiet, family life with her husband that encouraged her to leave the job she loved and move to the quiet town of Nelson. Whereas Mindy, having already had two children of her own, is a very devoted housewife who dotes on her children to the point that she has little time for herself. Her every worry and stress concerns her kids and her husband.

The story is told from Elizabeth’s point of view, and begins with Elizabeth waking up and smelling the smoke from ‘a fast-spreading ground fire’. Due to the threat of some homes on the edge of the town, there is an advisory from the emergency services for some homes to be evacuated – Elizabeth’s being one of them. With Elizabeth and her husband, Ben, only having decided to divorce that evening, things become a little awkward when the only real place they have to move to is Ben’s parents, who are unaware of their marital problems.

When Elizabeth arrives on the scene to investigate the fire and give a helping hand where she can, she finds that she misses the drama, the danger and excitement of working on the ground, amid all the chaos. Meeting with colleagues and firefighters at the scene places her among the action and it is an aspect of her life that she simply gets pulled into and thrives in. This is perhaps something that Ben doesn’t quite fully understand.

Investigating the fire leads to her finding out that it began behind a local neighbour’s house, and when looked into a little further it leads to us discovering that the neighbour had been bothered on a regular basis by local kids. Is it possible the kids started the fire, be it an accident or intentional? Did arson have a part to play? To make matters worse, one of the kids implicated is possibly Mindy’s son, Angus, which, over the course of the story, sends Mindy going frantic, blaming herself for not noticing his recent, distant behaviour, and feeling like the world’s worst mum! Will this possible accusation widen the rift between Elizabeth and Mindy even further?

Catherine McKenzie has written scenes that are very true to real life, and Smoke does make you think about your priorities: family, children, work, and relationships with friends and partners. How much should we consider those around us before we make work choices, different friends, etc? And, how selfish should we be?

With its well written style and in-depth characters – many of which go on an emotional/reflecting journey – Smoke is a fantastically well-developed and thought out story. For analytic readers, you will grasp the power that the fire has on this town’s regular, daily routine, and how each of the character’s private lives is pulled apart in the process. However, even the more laidback reader will benefit as the story itself poses many questions alone. Plus, there is an absolutely brilliant reading guide at the end of the book which will provide even more questions and encourage the reader to think even deeper about the meaning of the fire, and how it impacts the main characters. It breaks down the story and you will see some areas in a different light! In this manner, the story will stay with you much longer than after the initial read!

A copy of Smoke was provided for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

SMOKE by Catherine McKenzie is now available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 19, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Into the Unknown, by Lorna Peel

Historical Romance, Second World War

Book Blurb

London on 3 September 1939 is in upheaval. War is inevitable. Into this turmoil steps Kate Sheridan newly arrived from Ireland to live with her aunt and uncle and look for work. When she meets Flight Lieutenant Charlie Butler sparks fly, but he is a notorious womaniser. Should she ignore all the warnings and get involved with a ladies man whose life will be in daily danger?

Charlie Butler has no intention of getting involved with a woman. But when he meets Kate his resolve is shattered. Should he allow his heart to rule his head and fall for a nineteen-year-old Irish girl while there is a war to fight?

Private conflicts and personal doubts are soon overshadowed. Will the horrors of total war bring Kate and Charlie together or tear them apart?

My Review

An Emotional and Poignant Romance – Beautifully Done *****

Into the Unknown is a real page-turner, where the plot and the central romance takes place against the backdrop of one of the most traumatic times in what is still, for many, in living memory. It is first and foremost a beautiful romance between the young and headstrong Kate, who comes to England from Ireland against her Catholic father’s wishes, and Charlie, a Flight Lieutenant who is, shall we say, a bit of a ‘ladies man!’

Sparks fly between Kate and Charlie, mirroring their sizzling mutual attraction, and the pair soon embark on a love affair which they fit around their respective duties in the RAF and WAAF. There are some sensual scenes between the couple as they snatch precious moments, conscious that their time together could be curtailed by the vagaries of war at any moment. Charlie, despite caring for Kate very deeply, vows not to consider marriage until the war is over. Throughout I wondered at his real motives for this stance – was it really due to him having witnessed the death of many of his RAF colleagues and their grieving widows as he stated, or does his fear of commitment go deeper?

Kate is a strong character and deals with what life throws at her with a great deal of strength and dignity. Her role in the WAAF reflects how important the role of women was during the war. However, there are limits to what even a strong person can survive with what life has in store for her. Indeed, the war is not kind to Kate or Charlie and they both experience their own personal tragedies, some which pull them together and others which tear them apart. It is touch and go as to whether their love will survive what war throws at them.

I am no expert on this period of history, but to me the novel did a fantastic job of reflecting the political and military realities of the time without detracting from the central plot and romance. I particularly liked how the heroine was Irish, as this gave the author the opportunity to introduce the dynamic of Anglo-Irish relations to the story.

The descriptions of Charlie and his RAF colleagues engaging in conflicts in the air, their friendly banter on the ground and life on the home front is all brought vividly to life by the author. She also does not shy away from the horrors of wartime bombing raids and the physical and psychological injuries suffered by survivors. Some scenes were real tear-jerkers and I reached for a tissue on more than one occasion after my eyes filled up. I’m pleased to say though that I was very happy with the novel’s resolution!

To sum up, Lorna Peel’s Into The Unknown is definitely a read that I’d recommend to readers of historical romance, especially those who like a hefty dose of realism.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon.UK Amazon.com

Connect with the Author

https://www.facebook.com/LornaPeelAuthor

Tweets by PeelLorna

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6485347.Lorna_Peel

October 16, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Vampires of Maze (Beautiful Immortals Series 2, Book 1) by Tim O’Rourke

We always welcome Tim O’Rourke back with open arms, and the Beautiful Immortals series 2, Vampires of Maze part one, was definitely worth the wait! Vampires of Maze book 1 follows the release of the Werewolves of Shade short story series, and rewinds to the event of the Were characters we’re already familiar with coming to England with Julia, the Wicce, and puts them in the middle of the war between the vampires and werewolves.

Title: Vampires of Maze (Beautiful Immortals series 2, book 1)

Author: Tim O’Rourke

Genre: Paranormal thriller/adventure/romance

Release date: October 2nd, 2015

Length: 70 pages

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

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

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

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

For readers 16+

REVIEW ***** (5*)

I know fans of Tim O’Rourke have been waiting eagerly for this short story series since Werewolves of Shade (series 1) ended. And, what a great start to the series! Not only does it have a great start, which reminded me of elements of O’Rourke’s Moonlight trilogy, and an adventurous and mysterious feel like the phenomenal Keira Hudson series, but the reader is subject to a great horror feel and a terrifying cliff hanger!

I love how this series takes us back to the days when familiar characters in Rush, Rea and Calix arrive in England for the first time with Trent and Julia. If you have read series one already then you will already be acquainted with these characters having already settled in Shade.

However, it was clear from Werewolves of Shade that this journey that they are embarking on is not straightforward due to the war between the weres and the vamps. It is fascinating for a reader, and I imagine for the author too, to go back and find out more about the war, more about Julia, the Wicce, and how she handles both the weres and vamps.

Julia has been sent with a spell book to negotiate between both parties. She doesn’t want the violence, the war, but peace. Travelling with the weres meant that she was already beginning to familiarise herself with them, but in order to negotiate successfully she knew she would have to keep her distance from them.

“… I knew that I mustn’t become too close with any of them – they were not to become my friends. My role was to help them – help negotiate a peace between them and their enemy, the vampires. That’s what I had been sent to do. That was my mission. If I could do this then I had a chance at starting a new beginning for myself…”

However, with the speedy attacks that seem to come upon her and the weres she is travelling with, will she have a chance to negotiate? Or, even a chance to live?

The interaction between the characters adds to the mood of the story. With Trent and Rea having been lovers in the past, there is some jealousy from Rea towards Julia as Trent looks out for her and begins to listen to Julia’s opinion. Calix is always candid, argumentative and possibly a tad immature, seeming to be the awkward one who wants to be brash and do things his way. His character actually reminds me of James Remar‘s character, Ajax, in the movie The Warriors. He is flirtatious in an abrupt kind of way, but there is a very slight soft spot in there somewhere. And, between Calix and Rea’s back-answering personalities, and Rea’s smoking, they also have a little bit of Potter in them from O’Rourke’s Keira Hudson series. Meanwhile, Calix’s brother, Rush, is a little more laidback with a kindness about him.

Although a paranormal, there are always elements of horror in O’Rourke’s work. Vampire’s of Maze is no exception, especially with the quick, gritty attacks from the vamps and an absolutely terrifying cliff hanger! It’s a great read for this Halloween season! Not to mention the usual suspenseful atmosphere that the author creates with great vivid imagination and action sequences!

Vampires of Maze part 2 will be released very shortly.

Vampires of Maze part 1 was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

You can find Vampires of Maze (Beautiful Immortals series 2, part 1) by Tim O’Rourke at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can catch up with all my reviews on the Beautiful Immortals series one, Werewolves of Shade by clicking on the titles below!

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 14, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Review Round Up Sept ’15

Hi readers, we do hope that you have been able to settle down with a great book, especially now that we are seeing the early autumnal leaves fall and the weather has now taken to a chillier feel! Yes, the warm sunshine from those September afternoons is truly behind us, and my favourite time to read is this time of year when pj’s become your best friend, along with a blanket, the sofa, a nice, warm beverage, and of course, a great book.

And so, for a few romantic read ideas, a little later than planned, we have our September reviewed titles for you to take a sneaky glimpse at and hopefully indulge yourself with! They consist of twelve titles mostly covering contemporary, chicklit, historical, erotic and comedy romances, with some paranormals and a revenge thriller!

If you’d like to share some of your cosy autumn/winter reads we would love to hear from you.

Happy reading! 🙂

Caroline & Tina ❤

As always, please click on the title/author for our full review posts!

Perfectly Innocent (Audio Book) by Tamra Lassiter, contemporary romance, suspense (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Innocent or guilty—there’s nothing perfect about it.

Phoebe Davidson is a good girl who’s been through some bad times. Her life changed forever when she learned that her husband was living a secret life. Now, six years later, she’s just going through the motions of her life, afraid to let anyone in.

When a horrific crime occurs in her home, she meets Logan Matthews, a police detective working the case. When Phoebe herself is charged with the murder, can she trust Logan? Can she, and should she let him into her life?

Lotus (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part I by C.J. Pinard, paranormal crime mystery thriller (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: 4 authors will each take a different daughter born from the Prince of Darkness, Vlad Montour. (Also known as Vlad the Impaler, an evil villain from history).

Blair – Chrissy Peebles
Jezebel – Kristen Middleton
Victoria – W.J. May
Lotus – C.J. Pinard

The Daughters of Darkness is a series of female heroines who may or may not know each other, but all have the same father, Vlad Montour.

Lotus
Don’t let the pretty name fool you. This daughter is no delicate flower.

Lotus grew up orphaned. Having no idea who her real parents were, she’s been drifting around the U.S. for over 100 years moving every 15 years or so since she just doesn’t seem to age. She’d figured out on her own that she had to be at least part vampire, as she needs to suck on a few blood bags a month to survive.

Working as a detective with the Denver P.D., Lotus is searching desperately for a serial killer who is murdering the homeless of the city. Except these are not ritualistic or thrill killings. These victims have been drained of blood and Lotus knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they have been committed by a vampire.

Her search will take her to Las Vegas, and that is where the true adventure will begin, when she finds out who has been searching for her.

This is part I of Lotus’s journey. Part II will be out in late October 2015.

Jaxson (River Pack Wolves #1) by Alisa Woods, New Adult paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Three brothers. Three Secrets. One hope to save the shifters of Seattle.
Former SEAL Jaxson River would give his life for his brothers and his pack, but if he doesn’t claim a mate soon, he’ll be forced to step down as their alpha. There’s only one problem: Jaxson’s dark secret would kill any mate he claimed. With someone kidnapping shifters off the street—and only Jaxson and his brothers, Jace and Jared, to stop them—now is not the time for his secret to come out.

Curvy Olivia Lilyfield is a half-witch orphan with a dark secret of her own. She wants to atone for it by doing good in the world, so when she finds a wolf being tortured in an alley, she doesn’t hesitate to help… even though wolves and witches mix like matches and TNT.

Olivia’s dangerous magic means she can’t let anyone get too close—but Jaxson can’t keep his hands off her, and his kisses are more than she can resist. As they race to save the disappearing shifters of Seattle, the true danger lies in loving each other. They’re playing with magical fire… and their secrets could end up destroying them both.

Jaxson is a complete novel with HEA, the first in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (Jace and Jared coming soon).

Contains scorching shifter sex, alpha military heroes, and sexy witches. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.

The Delicate Matter of Lady Blayne (Intimate Secrets #1) by Natasha Blackthorne, erotic historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Catriona, Lady Blayne is recovering from a most delicate situation. Driven to the brink of madness by love for her late husband, a young man too ill to meet the demands of the marriage bed, she teeters on the brink of scandal. Now she must face the carnal temptation personified by her husband’s cousin and heir, James, the new Lord Blayne. His sensual appeal, contrasted with his iron will and stern self-mastery fascinates her. She can’t help but ask: what if sensual indulgence is the only way out of her darkness? However, she is not free to explore the idea. There are those who seek to control the young widow, keeping her imprisoned through emotional manipulation and physical coercion. With her growing restlessness, the very people she loves and trusts the most are becoming an increasing danger to her sanity and safety.

James is determined to protect Catriona—but he will not soften to her again. She rejected him once and James can’t risk losing his heart a second time. As heir to the Blayne baronetcy, he must marry a woman socially and politically appropriate. Such a scandalously self-indulgent lady as Catriona won’t do. Yet the pretty girl he once knew has grown into a beautiful, curvaceous woman that is every man’s dream.

Especially his.

Erotic Romance; Regency Historical; Elements of Sensual Domination, Spanking and Light Bondage; Rubenesque Heroine; Character-Driven Story with Angst and Strong Internal Conflicts; Standalone Long Novel.

Reader Advisory: The characters discuss issues of abuse which took place in the heroine’s backstory. Frank sexual language & period appropriate sexual slang and general bedchamber naughtiness.

Abigail’s Affair (Looking for Love #1) by Pat Spence, contemporary rom-com, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Reasoning that absence makes the heart grow fonder and attempting to force her married lover’s hand, 30 -year old Abigail Aske decides to visit an old friend in Australia.

But staying with a 6’2”Amazonian fitness freak proves something of a challenge, as does maintaining ‘no contact’ with Jake, not to mention resisting other tempting ‘offers’.

Set against a wonderful Australian backdrop, with a host of quirky, emotionally dysfunctional characters, Abigail’s Affair tells of a woman’s search for love and happiness, revealing the highs and lows of having an affair, and showing how the experience of travel becomes a voyage of self-discovery, with surprising results.

A story of love, lies, betrayal and hope…

For anyone who is having an affair, has had an affair or is thinking of having an affair, this book is ESSENTIAL reading…

How to Kill a Minority Shareholder and get away with it by Rob Watkins, revenge thriller (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Deb had worked and fought her way from council estate to a position that promised a comfortable retirement for her and her husband, Bob, and would make all their sacrifices over the years worthwhile. Her skill, dedication and knowledge had enabled her to take a failing, small family business she had joined a quarter century before and turn it into an international empire. She had made her boss and the shareholders multi-millionaires. On paper, even Deb would walk away with a few million when it came time to retire.

At the happiest and proudest point of her hard-working life, Deb’s evil boss, Ms Summer Ponsenbury, after twenty-five years of festering, hidden jealousy, shattered Deb’s world. With the help of her unscrupulous cohorts, Summer took everything she had promised. She destroyed Deb’s reputation, took her rewards, trashed Deb’s achievements and dumped her at rock bottom.

All concerned believed they were above the law. They were too powerful and too rich to have to worry about Deb getting justice. They thought no one would care… they were wrong. They had forgotten about Bob. The fight was just about to start.

Sinful Confessions (The Cynfell Brothers #1) novella by Samantha Holt, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?

Wrath

Locked behind the walls of Lockwood Manor, Julian Cynfell, the Marquess of Lockwood whiles away his days writing angry letters, drinking and sleeping. He never expects his solitude to be interrupted by a brazen American heiress.

An American heiress who is expecting a wedding.

Viola Thompson can’t believe her luck when the English lord she has been corresponding with for the better part of a year asks her to visit him. This has to mean an offer of marriage surely? Finally, Viola will prove to her family and friends that she is more than a ruined woman with no prospects. Not to mention she knows they will be a love match. No one could write such beautiful letters without being the perfect man.

But when she arrives in cold, dreary England to be faced by a foul-tempered, grizzled—albeit in a handsome way—marquess, her dreams of marriage are quickly dashed. Can she draw the lord out of his melancholy ways? And does she even want to remain in England while rumours of three dead wives circulate around Lockwood?

One thing is for certain, this American heiress has never been one to back down from a challenge—especially when not even the Atlantic Ocean could dampen the patent desire running between them.

The Temptress by C.J. Fallowfield, contemporary erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: There’s just something about a French accent, something that conjures images of romance, sex and passion. There’s a reason French is called ‘the language of love.’

Lulu McQueen runs an exclusive honeytrap agency, to test the fidelity of rich men for their suspicious partners. While her business flourishes and her track record in the field remains unbroken, earning her the nickname of The Temptress, her personal life isn’t so successful.

A trip to Paris, years ago, led to the most erotic encounter of her life with Luc, a charismatic, dominant, irresistible Frenchman. For one night she experienced bliss on a scale she’d never encountered and fled in the morning, ashamed of herself, but her Parisian one night stand was burned into her memories and no one since had compared.

With no one available on short notice, Lulu steps in to lure Mrs. Le Grand’s rich husband, for an extortionately high fee. Lulu’s in for the shock of her life when she finds her mark at the hotel bar. Luc Le Grand still has a face and body to make Adonis weep. He exudes confidence, masculinity and raw sex appeal.

The question now isn’t whether Lulu can tempt him, but whether she can resist him, retain her reputation and secure her fee, or whether she’ll fall under Mr. Le Grand’s spell. Again.

The Crimson Corset: The Vampires of Crimson Cove by Alistair Cross, modern gothic paranormal horror (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Welcome to Crimson Cove

Sheltered by ancient redwoods overlooking the California coast, the cozy village of Crimson Cove has it all: sophisticated retreats, fine dining, and a notorious nightclub, The Crimson Corset. It seems like a perfect place to relax and get close to nature. But not everything in Crimson Cove is natural.

When Cade Colter moves to town, he expects it to be peaceful to the point of boredom. But he quickly learns that after the sun sets and the fog rolls in, the little tourist town takes on a whole new kind of life – and death.

Darkness at the Edge of Town

Renowned for its wild parties and history of debauchery, The Crimson Corset looms on the edge of town, inviting patrons to sate their most depraved desires and slake their darkest thirsts. Proprietor Gretchen VanTreese has waited centuries to annihilate the Old World vampires on the other side of town and create a new race – a race that she alone will rule. When she realizes Cade Colter has the key that will unlock her plan, she begins laying an elaborate trap that will put everyone around him in mortal danger.

Blood Wars

The streets are running red with blood, and as violence and murder ravage the night, Cade must face the darkest forces inside himself, and perhaps even abandon his own humanity, in order to protect what he loves.

“Put Bram Stoker in a giant cocktail shaker, add a pinch of Laurell K. Hamilton, a shot of John Carpenter, and a healthy jigger of absinthe, and you’ll end up with Alistair Cross’s modern Gothic chiller, “The Crimson Corset” – a deliciously terrifying tale that will sink its teeth into you from page one.”
– Jay Bonansinga, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WALKING DEAD: INVASION and LUCID

“This drop-deadly tale of seduction and terror will leave you begging to be fanged … ”
– Tamara Thorne, international bestselling author of HAUNTED and MOONFALL

“I couldn’t put this book down. It’s got more hooks than a day boat out of San Pedro Harbor!”
– QL Pearce, bestselling author of SCARY STORIES FOR SLEEP-OVERS

Hold Me Until Morning (Grayson Brothers #2) by Christina Phillips, contemporary erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’s the one girl he should never touch…

Cooper Grayson is supposed to hole up in a mountain cabin and protect his best friend’s little sister from the paparazzi for a week. That’s it. But Paris O’Connell isn’t a kid anymore, and it’s hard to remember this is strictly business when she bats her big green eyes at him…then crashes through all his carefully placed boundaries.

Paris loves a challenge. And gorgeous Cooper Grayson is the most dangerous challenge she’s faced yet. He ignores the sizzling attraction that keeps her awake at nights, and he doesn’t care about her fame or her contacts, only seeing her. When they finally kiss, Cooper leaves her bare. Exposed. His for the taking. And take he does…

For one incredibly hot week, Cooper fulfils her every fantasy. But when the real world crashes in, so does reality. And reality tells them there’s no way a Hollywood star and a bad boy from the wrong side of town could ever have a future together…

It Happened One Night (Adventures of Blind Dating #1) by Christine S. Feldman, contemporary rom-com (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Who has time for dating these days? Certainly not struggling entrepreneur Paisley Jameson, who has way too much on her plate to pay any real attention to her shriveling social life. And not mechanic Joe Spencer either, who has a lot on his mind with both the family business and family in general. But neither can say no to the beloved mutual acquaintance who wants to set them both up on a blind date.

Which is too bad, because they both kind of wish they had said no when they show up for the dinner date and realize they’ve met before–and not under happy circumstances.

But fate seems determined to prove that they’re not so wrong for each other after all, because in spite of the intentions of both Paisley and Joe to nip this whole unfortunate blind date thing in the bud and go their separate ways, events transpire to keep them together for an evening involving muggers, foot-chases, and even a high-speed trip to the ER–

And that’s all before dessert.

Dating: it’s not for wimps…

Rogue Knight (Medieval Warriors #2) by Regan Walker, historical medieval romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: “Mesmerizing medieval romance! A vivid portrayal of love flourishing amidst the turbulence of the years after the Norman Conquest.” — Kathryn Le Veque, USA Today Bestselling Author

York, England 1069… three years after the Norman Conquest

The North of England seethes with discontent under the heavy hand of William the Conqueror, who unleashes his fury on the rebels who dare to defy him. Amid the ensuing devastation, love blooms in the heart of a gallant Norman knight for a Yorkshire widow.

A LOVE NEITHER CAN DENY, A PASSION NEITHER CAN RESIST

Angry at the cruelty she has witnessed at the Normans’ hands, Emma of York is torn between her loyalty to her noble Danish father, a leader of the rebels, and her growing passion for an honorable French knight.

Loyal to King William, Sir Geoffroi de Tournai has no idea Emma hides a secret that could mean death for him and his fellow knights.

WAR DREW THEM TOGETHER, WAR WOULD TEAR THEM APART

War erupts, tearing asunder the tentative love growing between them, leaving each the enemy of the other. Will Sir Geoffroi, convinced Emma has betrayed him, defy his king to save her?

October 11, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Living the Dream, by Celia J. Anderson

Contemporary Romance

Living the Dream, by Celia J. Anderson is a fabulous read and I know that the characters and their story will stay with me for a long time! Scroll down for my review. You can also click here to read an interview with Celia which we carried out earlier this year and an excerpt. Tina ❤

Book Blurb

When dreams and reality crash and mingle, escape can be the hardest challenge of all.

Longing to get away from her troubled marriage, the opportunity to cross America by train seems like a dream come true for Vita Craythorne. But charismatic travel agent Moriarty Miles has other ideas; by replacing their mutual friend Jack on the trip, Vita has unwittingly set herself up as a guinea pig for Moriarty’s mind-blowing and potentially dangerous virtual-travelling project. His plan is to give clients the holiday of a lifetime without ever having to leave the comfort of their own homes. It’s exciting. It’s time-saving. It’s innovative. Maybe this trip is just what Vita needs? That is, if she can avoid becoming trapped inside her own, miraculous dream world.

Review

Life-Changing Adventure and Suspense/ Friends to Lovers Romance FIVE STARS *****

Living the Dream is a super story in which the reader accompanies the heroine an a life-changing adventure across the USA. In it Celia J. Anderson takes us into the unfamiliar and sometimes menacing territory of the virtual world, where reality and dreams collide. Mystery and suspense, heartache and romance are inter- dispersed with gentle humour and a host of quirky and unforgettable characters.

The heroine, Vita, whose marriage is on the rocks, jumps at the chance to go on the holiday of a lifetime across America. I just loved how, with the help of her friends, she steps up to the challenge and re-invents herself after years of being trapped in an unhappy marriage. Her transformation from the downtrodden individual that she had become into a vibrant and confident individual was one of the many aspects of the novel I enjoyed. Indeed, Vita’s physical journey across the USA mirrors the inner journey that she unexpectedly embarks on thanks to the unorthodox research methods of the mysterious, handsome and unprincipled Moriaty and the sinister and Svengali like Sebastian!

Vita’s complex back story reveals itself as the novel progresses and we not only learn about her marriage and her family relationships, but how her long-term friendship with her handsome colleague Jack develops into something a lot more tangible….. Yet Jack is on the other side of the Pond and how can he save her from the pull of the virtual world that threatens her sanity? There is a great deal of suspense and a host of sinister and deeply psychological scenes as Vita is confronted with demons from her past and Jack is compelled to go to her aid.

I really enjoyed the characters in the novel: Vita’s larger than life boss Fliss, at the Marriage Guidance firm where she works; the mysterious Moriaty and his sidekick Sebastian; her quirky co-travellers on the trip across the US and the loyal and handsome Jack who has his own family troubles to deal with…

The virtual reality aspect of the book was nicely done and credible, as Vita and her co-travellers are subjected to strange experiences that were not on their itinerary! This added a sinister aspect to the novel, contrasting nicely with the humour and romance and serving as an unusual catalyst for Vita’s life journey. The read is interlaced with gentle humour and observations on life and the human condition which really resonated with me.

To sum up, a delightful read, with adult themes, mystery, suspense and romance. Highly original.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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