April 22, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Double Review November Lake: Teenage Detective (The November Lake Mysteries, Books 1 & 2) by Jamie Drew

I LOVED reading books 1 & 2 of The November Lake Mysteries by Jamie Drew. This is a mesmerising mystery series for Young Adults and adults alike. Originally released as a prequel series for Tim O’Rourke‘s Keira Hudson paranormal series, it has been reworked and brought to life some brand new characters in November Lake and Kale Creed, two young police recruits. A step in a different direction for O’Rourke away from the paranormal and into the mystery and crime.

And what’s more, Book 1 (ebook) is currently FREE on Amazon!!!

Title: November Lake: Teenage Detective (The November Lake Mysteries #1)

Author: Jamie Drew

Genre: Mystery, YA, crime

Release date: November 23, 2014

Length: 150 pages

Blurb: When 18-year-old police recruit, November Lake, joins training college, her curiosity and desire to solve mysteries soon has her investigating a series of creepy and chilling crimes.

With the help of her friend and colleague, Kale Creed, November is soon caught up in a dark world of strange and inexplicable mysteries, each with a deadly twist.

Three novella length mysteries in one book:

The Dead Girl In The Room

The Kidnapping at Blackwater Farm

The Menacing Stranger

REVIEW *****

Originally a Young Adult mystery prequel series belonging to Tim O’Rourke‘s Keira Hudson paranormal series, November Lake: Teenage Detective was reworked and released under the pen name Jamie Drew. Taking a step away from the paranormal, and into the mystery and crime genre, November Lake: Teenage Detective follows a young police recruit, November, as she solves mysteries, seeing things much quicker than most – working out how a crime has been committed and being able to explain why it must have been a specific person who carried it out.

November is a very likeable character with a great deal of intelligence and wit. She is very quick off the mark, being able to take in her surroundings at the same time as holding a conversation and weighing up possibilities in her head. By piecing her puzzles together and seeing much further than most in such a short amount of time she manages to solve many mysteries. However, this does come at a price where she acts upon her findings immediately and places herself in danger in order to finish her work and prove her findings.

I love how each story is a separate mystery for November, however the book as a whole is continuous and follows November through Police Training School and preparing for her exams. In this first instalment we are treated to three fantastic stories from November finding a colleague’s dead body (The Dead Girl in the Room) to a kidnapping (The Kidnapping at Blackwater Farm), and then the mystery of a ‘disgusting creature of a man’ coming to search for his dog in The Menacing Stranger.

Each story has November teaming up with fellow officer, Kale Creed, and shows the early signs of a great partnership between them. There are also signs of a deep friendship brewing as they spend time away from work to study for their exams. They stick together really well at all times, and I love the way they bounce off each other with their thoughts and humour.

With some nice twists throughout you will find that during many scenes not all is as it seems. During the second story, the kidnapping, Lake and Creed feel they have no option but to intervene which winds them in a great deal of trouble and danger. After being driven off a country road and seeing the car that raced passed also lose control they begin to check the area and try to call for assistance.

“The trail soon petered out or became invisible amongst the wild thorny shrubs and bushes that covered the slate walls on either side of the country road. The fog was still dense and surrounded us like smoky cloud. It muffled any sound, drowning our world in silence. The whole effect was disorientating, and it wasn’t long before I had lost all sense of direction. I rummaged through my coat pocket for my phone… I plucked my phone from my pocket. There was no signal.

“I haven’t got a signal either,” Kale said, standing beside me, phone in hand.”

Whilst the third short story is probably the most eeriest of the three. Again, not all meets the eye but the whole book creates so much mystery and curiosity for the reader you simply can’t put the book down until you have all of the answers.

I can’t remember reading this much mystery packed into short stories. The author certainly has a way of telling them, making them believable and so full of life. After reading this first instalment I had no hesitation to read the second. I’ll definitely be reading more from this series!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Title: November Lake: Teenage Detective (The November Lake Mysteries #2)

Author: Jamie Drew

Genre: Mystery, YA, crime

Release date: November 23, 2014

Length: 231 pages

Blurb: When police recruits November Lake and Kale Creed are ordered to stay away from each other by Sergeant Black, they can’t help but be drawn back together again.

Working side by side, November and Kale solve four more grisly and chilling mysteries. The first deals with deceit, the second betrayal, the third revenge and the fourth the greatest mystery of all – love.

Four novella length mysteries in one book:

The Reappearing Knife

The Death at Hook Inn

Splitfoot & The Dead Girl

The Mystery of November Lake & Kale Creed

REVIEW *****

The tales of November Lake and Kale Creed continue in book two, separated into four fantastic mysteries. Police trainees, Lake and Creed, are running before they can walk in the eyes of their Sergeant, Sgt. Black. Although they have cracked three great mysteries together in The November Lake Mysteries #1, their Sergeant can see the danger they are drawing themselves into, as well as not always following police procedure and waiting for assistance.

Therefore, at his request Lake and Creed are to spend some time apart whilst away from work for a week. The only trouble is, they have slowly begun to develop some feelings for each other that may be a little too much for them to be apart. In truth, neither one has ever felt lonelier. But, their jobs are on the line if they disobey orders, and so they need to fill their time with something more constructive.

November needs to distance herself. She can’t risk annoying Sgt. Black and losing her job. She wants to be a properly trained copper in order for her to later find her father’s killer. She knows there’s no chance she will ever get a chance if she messes up. Therefore, she goes to visit her father’s grave 20 miles away. Although trouble is never too far away from her… Lucky for her Kale is so lost without her he tries to find her when she doesn’t respond to any of his messages. But will he reach her in the nick of time?

After noticing Lake at her father’s grave, Father Rochdale approaches and begins to converse with her. Finding out that she is alone, on a break from work and a police officer in the making, he invites her to stay and investigate the strange happenings of a butcher’s knife being left outside his bedroom door. But not all is as it appears as the twists will show, and The Reappearing Knife will leave you more than a little petrified!

Not ready to go home Lake then stays at the nearby inn, The Hook Inn, where not before too long a murder is found to have taken place. Not ready to call for assistance for fear of Sgt. Black finding her name involved Lake takes it upon herself to find out how it took place and by whom.

With the heat of the drama and need to get away, Lake and Creed drive up to his parents house to keep away from any possible action. However, what is meant to be a fun night at a séance for Kale to see how November could prove the psychic a cheat (just between themselves), it turns into yet another murder right before their eyes. But in the dark, barely candlelit room nothing can be seen for certain!

As well as the eeriness and mystery in Splitfoot & the Dead Girl, there was also a small amount of humour. Not only was Kale sceptical of the psychic and the whole meaning of the séance, but when they are all sat around the table in the darkened room, with nothing but the faint glow of the candlelight, he likens the face of the psychic to that of a pumpkin!

“I guessed the darkness added to the whole illusion and gave camouflage to the trickery that was about to take place. I looked at November, who was staring up the table at the psychic. The light from the solitary candle before Splitfoot lit up his face in a gold and orange glow. It was Halloween all right, and he was the pumpkin.”

I love how each separate short story follows on from the story of November and Kale, and also how it can be read in chronological order , following the early career life of November Lake. The November Lake Mysteries #2 is written from both points of view, November and Kale, making a very interesting read with how the characters’ feelings towards each other are changing and the reasons they think that the other has for behaving in a certain manner.

The style of the writing is fascinating and reader’s will be gripped, wanting to keep on reading. Both November and Kale are easily likeable characters, even moreso in this second book of the series as the reader knows them so much more and can easily see how these two have grown closer. They are both lonely, without or away from family, working together and living to solve mysteries. The author has shown a beautiful build-up of emotion between the two which I suspect will grow ever stronger in the subsequent books of the series.

Copies of November Lake: Teenage Detective (The November Lake Mysteries #1 & #2) were provided by the author in return for honest and fair reviews.

November Lake: Teenage Detective (The November Lake Mysteries #1) by Jamie Drew Kindle ebook is currently FREE at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

November Lake: Teenage Detective (The November Lake Mysteries #2) by Jamie Drew Kindle ebook is currently 99p/99c at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Please note that prices are subject to change.

The third instalment of The November Lake Mysteries is set for release on June 26th, 2015, and is available for preorder.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

April 20, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Pose for a Billionaire (Billionaire Romance Encounter, Books 1-3), by Lucee Lovett

Contemporary Erotic Romance/Billionaire Romance

18+/Adult Read

I just LOVED reading Lucee Lovett’s Pose for the Billionaire, told in three seamlessly blended instalments. Scroll down to read the blurb for book 1 and my review of the series. Please note that I have not posted the blurbs to the subsequent books: There’s No Room For Mistakes. When You… (Billionaire Romance Encounter, Book 2 and Secrets and Lies & Everything in Between, Book 3 to avoid spoilers. If you do want to find out more about these please click on the links at the end of the review.

Blurb

Pose for a Billionaire Book one: When The Rents Due-What Do You Do? Billionaire Romance Series, Book 1

What choice does a young girl have, when she’s a twenty-two year old high school dropout? She has a deadbeat dad who has run off with his latest whore. Then her mother gets locked up for dealing drugs, leaving her with an eight-year-old to care for. Now, the rent is due and Mia Blackman, has no job, no money and very few options. She is forced to use the only asset she has when she poses for enigmatic, enticing, billionaire, Roman Evans. This changes Mia’s life in more ways than one.

My Review *****

Romantic and Suspenseful – Adult/18+ Read

The three books which comprise the Pose for the Billionaire series, where the down on her luck Mia meets billionaire Roman, are a truly romantic and sexy read. The unfolding story is also laced with plenty of angst and suspense. I found the writing and plot fresh and believable and I quickly fell in love with the hero and heroine.

When Billionaire Roman seeks out a muse to satisfy his passion for painting he gets a LOT more than he bargains for in Mia, a young woman whose strength and vulnerability call to his heart, not just his paintbrush! Life has dealt Mia a series of bad hands and she struggles to be both the mother figure and the provider to her younger brother Carlos. She is grateful for the chance to earn some badly needed cash and is drawn to Roman’s intensity and kindness as he puts her at ease. She tries to fight their growing mutual attraction to avoid what she thinks will be the inevitable disappointment. However, Roman is a man who has made up his mind to woo Mia and, although he does not force himself on her, he is very persuasive in series of hot and romantic scenes!

However, when a crisis rears its ugly head, Mia makes a decision which threatens to have catastrophic repercussions. How will Mia extricate herself from the seemingly impossible situation she has put herself in? If she does will Roman forgive her? I will not reveal what transpires but I will say that this read is filled with sweet loving, hot lovemaking, plenty of angst, surprise and suspense.

I really liked how the author portrays the growing attraction and the relationship between Mia and Roman. There are some sizzling scenes as Roman is one helluva guy and I felt that Mia definitely deserved his special brand of loving. I enjoyed the contrast between their lives and I particularly liked how the author revealed their back stories, which were pivotal to the plot. Whilst Roman is most definitely the good guy there is a lot more to him than meets the eye. The character of Carlos, Mia’s brother is also well written and believable as are the villains of the piece. All in all a great read. I would definitely read more from this author and recommend this series to lovers of contemporary and erotic romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

The books comprising this series were given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase Links

Book 1 – Pose for a Billionaire Book one: When The Rents Due-What Do You Do? (Billionaire Romance Encounter)

Amazon UK Amazon.com

Book 2 – There’s No Room For Mistakes. When You… (Billionaire Romance Encounter)

Amazon UK Amazon.com

Book 3 – Secrets and Lies & Everything in Between (Billionaire Romance Encounter)

Amazon UK Amazon.com

Connect with the Author

Goodreads Author Page

https://www.facebook.com/lucee.Lovett

http://13doorsseries.com/

April 13, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #4) by Tim O’Rourke

As we begin this fourth instalment of the short story, paranormal fantasy series, Werewolves of Shade, we notice early on that the terror is turned up a few notches, sending fear to an incredible level. There is certainly more mystery to come, but with this added level of horror you’ll certainly be wanting to lock your doors and hide down under those covers as much as possible…

Title: Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #4)

Author: Tim O’Rourke

Genre: Paranormal fantasy

Release date: April 4th, 2015

Released by: Ravenwoodgreys

Length: 72 pages

Blurb: From Tim O’Rourke #1 bestselling author of ‘The Kiera Hudson Series’ comes ‘Werewolves of Shade’ a werewolf romance with a twist.

When the entire population of Shade go missing, investigative reporter Mila Watson knows this could be the big break she has been waiting for. Setting off into the mountains to the village of Shade, Mila soon learns that the village isn’t as deserted as she first believed it to be and that creatures lurk in the shades…

‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Part Four)

Note: This ends in a cliff-hanger. Part five will be published within the next few weeks.

For readers 16+

REVIEW

This is another winner for me, and yet more proof that Tim O’Rourke‘s writing is better than ever. To be able to pack a short story with so much emotion, mystery and horror, as well as to keep the reader informed of the plotline is amazing, and Werewolves of Shade has it all. In the latest instalment the horror is built up tremendously, the excitement is terrific, and the intensity is dark and profound.

One of the most surprising turn-ups is Clarabel, the twin sister of the recently deceased Annabel. Being the new teacher in the village, Mila is aware that Clarabel hasn’t attended school and she has never seen in her in the village before. After being given the reason that Clarabel has been absent due to illness, Mila’s suspicions still run high as it still doesn’t explain that there are ten seats in the class when surely there should be eleven?

Nobody had mentioned Clarabel before. Her intimate talk with Rush the previous evening doesn’t quite make sense now. He knew she was upset about Annabel’s death, they’d talked about it at length. Yet Clarabel was never mentioned! He’d also previously told her that the last school teacher had been some old woman, and yet now a younger Julia Miller has been mentioned. But why would Rush have lied to her?

Not only that but Mila is also left questioning her thoughts after a terrifying experience with the wolf who stands outside her cottage. She wakes the next morning unable to remember certain events, and so surely it must have been a dream? However, some evidence suggests that the ordeal was as real as it felt! Did she really see the wolf change shape? How did her nightie get torn to shreds? And, where did those scratches that make the full length of her back come from?

There are more twists to come as Mila tries to figure out if Rush has lied to her, and if so, why? Can she really trust gravedigger, Augustus Morten? And Calix – is he really as grotesque and annoying as he seems?

This whole instalment kept me gripped and on my toes, with some terrific scenes of horror, some scenes heightening in the heat level, and plenty of mystery as always with O’Rourke. That said, the biggest dread of all for Tim’s readers is the wait until the next instalment (due May 16th 2015)!

A copy of Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #4) was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

You can purchase Werewolves of Shade #4 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Links to my reviews of previous instalments :-

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

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

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

April 11, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Lady Harriet’s Unusual Reward, by Em Taylor

Sensual Regency Romance

Book Blurb

Lady Harriet Weatherby is at the end of her tether. Her brother, the Earl of Oldbeck is running amok. That would not normally be her problem, but the ton consider the earl to be an imbecile. Since her father died, he has had no one to guide him and he will no longer listen to Harriet. And now that Mary the kitchen maid is carrying his child, Harriet sees no other option but to marry. And there is only one man for the job.

Two years ago Lord Stephen Charville, a widower and second son of a duke, promised Lady Harriet that he would do her any favour she asked him as thanks for saving his daughters life when she nearly drowned. He did not expect her to turn up at his townhouse and ask him to marry her and set an example to her brother. There is nothing wrong with Lady Harriet and he’s not averse to helping out her brother, he just has no inclinations to marry again. And for the record, he’s no tragic hero, pining away for his lost love. The problem is that Harriet begins to burrow her way into his affections.

When Lord Stephen offers without marriage to help the earl to learn the ways of the world, Harriet is still determined that the only way to do the job properly is for them to marry but she agrees to do it Lord Stephen’s way. No one is more surprised than Harriet when she begins to have feelings for the dissolute second son or when he begins to ignite passions in her she’d never dreamed existed, all the while trying to keep her errant brother out of trouble and way from scandal.

My Review *****

Riotous and Entertaining

Em Taylor’s Regency Romances are like a breath of fresh air as her heroes and heroines are always such entertaining characters, and Lady Harriet’s Unusual Reward is no exception. In it Lady Harriet, the sassy heroine, requests a VERY unusual reward from the swoon worthy widower Lord Stephen, in this humorous, heart-warming and sensual read.

I was intrigued by the title from the off, even more so when I read the blurb and found that the heroine Harriet actually asks the hero Stephen to marry her, which is, as the title suggests, an uncommon occurrence! Harriet is in dire need of a man’s help in managing her brother who has learning difficulties. His antics are getting more and more out of hand and his latest escapade has succeeded in him making the kitchen maid pregnant. I should explain that Stephen committed himself to granting Harriet any favour she desires after she saved the life of his daughter. I just loved the fact that the favour she requested was his hand in marriage, which the gentleman concerned did not expect!

I liked Harriet. She is extremely forthright and very capable, a sassy heroine who is dedicated to protecting her brother and enabling him to live his life to the full, which I found heartening.

Stephen is a man any woman would love to call their own. He is honourable, a good sport, and very attractive, with a devilish sense of humour. He empathises with Harriet’s situation from the off and does his utmost to instruct her brother in the ways of the ton, in some highly diverting passages.

I loved how the relationship between Harriet and Stephen develops, particularly how their mutual attraction and respect grow over time. Their lovemaking scenes are highly romantic and sensual. I also found the scenes between William, Harriet’s brother and Mary to be loving and extremely passionate. The contrast between their antics and the more decorous (albeit passionate) relationship between Harriet and Stephen was particularly entertaining!

Although first and foremost a sensual romance, I also found the tale to be a great comedy of manners and an examination of how learning difficulties were viewed in the period.

Lady Harriet’s Unusual Reward is a fast-paced, sensual read with extremely diverting characters and plot, which I recommend to lovers of Regency Romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Author

WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER

April 8, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series #1) by Gail Morgan McRae

Title: Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series #1)

Author: Gail Morgan McRae

Genre: Sci-fi, fantasy

Release date: March 6th, 2014

Release by: Moon and Stars Press

Blurb: Dr. Simon Slogar and Commander Michael Camdus have been given the task of stopping an epidemic on Creedor. It is only after they arrive on the windswept planet that they discover there’s a much greater threat.

Creedorians are being snatched from their homes, leaving survivors to fend for themselves. One brave woman, Mara Tonlin, decides to find her husband and rescue him or die trying. Her story intertwines with the original mission, leading Camdus and his men into even greater danger.

Intruders, wizards, changelings, and a subspace particle Rider all intersect with Slogar, Camdus and his men in Creedor, the first book of the Reglon Empire Series.

REVIEW

I was gripped by Gail Morgan McRae’s Creedor, the first book of The Reglon Empire series. The pace throughout was perfect, with plenty going on and many characters to get to know. I must admit that the story description/blurb does not come into light until a little further into the book, however as this is the first book of the series I imagine the author is beginning her story with an introduction to the world of Creedor, how it is ruled and by whom, and what changes make it become so dangerous.

I really came to love the early characters, especially the original ruler’s (Elder Horatio Borm’s) wife, Andria, and their wizard friend, Vandalen. After the Emperor was killed and Vandalen was imprisoned I was just hoping for a happier ending where he would eventually be released and at least come home to Andria, since his own wife had passed away and couldn’t go on with out him. Nothing more was mentioned of these characters which left me wondering whether the author was finished with them, or will come back to them (at least in hindsight) later in the series.

After making himself Emperor, the story moves on under the rule of Commander Jarlod. Nobody had attacked his taking over as he already had in place his military men to guard over him and Creedor, and so people simply had to accept it or accept punishment.

“Now most men would try to hide their crime, but not Jarlod. He had already spread his military throughout the Empire assuring there’d be no reprisal once news got out.”

Overtime, all disease and viruses became no longer a threat to the population. This leads to Jarlod ending all medical education and preventing doctors and anyone with medical knowledge to pursue their work. It is assumed there is no need for it, and anyone who carries on any work will be punished. But, there is one man who doesn’t allow this rule to own him…

Dr. Simon Slogar has studied medicine from a very early age, realising that it is usually the under-privileged that are more susceptible to health problems and therefore he finds the need to help – after all, we are all people. These views oppose his own families to a certain degree as he comes from a more privileged class but has always been more open-minded and aware of other social classes.

Therefore, Slogar continues to practice medicine in hiding, in the hope that he can help. As the years wear on he turns to drink, and gives up on medicine as there is no one who needs his help. During this time he has not gone unheard of and Jarlod had sent people to find him and punish him for his research. Only, people start to become diseased again and it isn’t too long before an epidemic will rise on Creedor. Now Dr. Slogar is needed to help the people before it is too late. Commander Camdus is sent to bring back Slogar from another planet, be that willingly or not.

Now, as the book description suggests, there is more happening in Creedor than meets the eye – certainly more than an epidemic of disease, with unidentified militants seemingly ready to attack, and some people going missing. It is here that we are introduced to Mara Tonlin, who is left with absolutely nothing, and feels she has no option than to look for her husband. As her path crosses with Slogar’s and Camdus’ it is set up brilliantly for the next instalment.

Creedor certainly does have plenty happening, making for a quick and exciting read, even if it did wrap up a little too quickly at the end. It is a great start to a new sci-fi fantasy series. Although there are many great characters, they are all written in such a way that the reader can get to know them well and like many of them. Many of the events are fairly easy to follow, with some not so clear cut, but the reader can still get the gist of what is going on from the reactions of the characters and the whole feeling of the situation.

I was a little disappointed that the earlier characters were not mentioned later, particularly Vandalen and Andria. I wanted to know what became of them very badly as I grew to love them. For secondary, supporting characters (if that’s what they were) the author has gone into far too much detail about them than to just leave it where she has. My hope is that they will be revisited in subsequent books of the series, or at the very least, be mentioned so we can find out what became of them. This is a series I would like to read more of. I’d like to know what became of Slogar and Camdus once they reached Creedor, and if Mara will find her husband before it’s too late.

A copy of Creedor was provided by the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.

Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series #1) by Gail Morgan McRae is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 31, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Billionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One by Stephanie Brother

A forbidden love that is dark, and perhaps a little controversial for some, is a particular area of interest for author, Stephanie Brother. As well as bordering on the erotic, Billionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One begins to explore the attraction between a stepbrother and stepsister, who realise that their instant attraction must be left alone as his father marries her mother. But for Scott and Kady, will this really be the ending to something they haven’t even begun?

Title: Billionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One

Author: Stephanie Brother

Genre: Erotic romance

Release date: March 13th, 2015

Length: 58 pages

Blurb: Steamy Romance and Hot Encounters! From Stephanie Brother’s Premier Collection of tales of sensual romance!
Brett and Kady’s parents were in love. Unfortunately, so were Brett and Kady…

When their parents married, they knew that to entertain any thoughts of being together was hopeless. Brett and Kady had tried very hard to remain aloof and unconnected, and now they were forever doomed to be apart. Or were they?

On the rare times they saw each other, Kady couldn’t help her forbidden attraction to Brett’s muscled, athletic body. She ached to drown in his beautiful blue eyes, and feel his passion as he made love to her. Brett was also madly torn by his intense feelings for Kady. He knew she was not available to him, but his need fought against his strong will…and his emotions were winning over against sound judgment!

When Ted and Sarah married, Kady and Brett realized that their own dreams were now crushed and beyond reach. But then, Brett’s business success propelled him to the upper echelons of the rich and famous, where things took a decidedly unusual turn.

Follow the erotic romantic adventures of these two very different couples, as their world is suddenly turned upside down, as they try to figure out what is right, wrong, forbidden or even allowed!

REVIEW

Stephanie Brother certainly likes to take her readers to the forbidden areas of our imagination in her new erotic romance series of Billionaire Stepbrother. The conflict here of course are the step-siblings feeling an immense attraction for each other, yet as soon as their parents marry they know that their attraction can only remain as just that. Or can it?

This short story is told from all four points of view – the step-siblings, Scott and Kady, and their parents, Ted (Scott’s father) and Sarah (Kady’s mom). The first chapter provides some background to Sarah’s situation and how she meets Ted. And Chapter Two is Ted’s point of view, which does repeat much of Chapter One.

The story then builds up feelings between Scott and Kady, with their parents completely oblivious whilst enjoying their own new love. There are twists and turns with Scott and Kady’s relationship as they go through various stages. There’s the attraction, avoidance (once their dad/mum marry), Scott’s career take-off, and other relationships, until they finally meet up later in the story.

And, for me, Kady seems to be the strongest character. She is believable, and although she has tried other distractions she knows that she wants Scott. There is a little lustful scene where Kady imagines Scott is being intimate with her, and the reader can clearly gauge that she is hot for him! However, although there was a spark between them, she is not completely certain he feels the same towards her.

There is a little more drama towards the end when they meet up, and just as the reader begins to get into it the story ends. Hopefully Part Two will pick up where we left off and become more intense and suspenseful.

I was hoping for the story to mostly concentrate on Scott and Kady, and feel that the story would have benefitted being told just from their point of views. That said, Addiction is only part one of the series, and getting to know all the characters involved early on is important for the reader to fully understand their circumstances.

Inside Addiction, there is a nice sample before the main story, which is a good snippet to taste. But when read in it’s full context as part of the whole story it becomes even clearer. There is also an excerpt from Torn by My Two Stepbrothers – Sinner for reader’s to also taste!

A copy of the book was provided by the author’s agent in return for an honest and fair review.

Billionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One by Stephanie Brother is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Author bio

Stephanie Brother writes scintillating stories with step-siblings as their main romantic focus. She’s always been curious about the forbidden, and this is her way of exploring such complex relationships that threaten to keep her couples apart. As she writes her way to her dream job, Stephanie hopes that her readers will enjoy the full emotional and romantic experience as much as she’s enjoyed writing them.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 31, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Tarnished, by Ethan Radcliff

Erotic Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Wow, author Ethan Radcliff certainly has a way with words, weaving together a series of erotic and emotional scenes, with plenty of romance in this high stakes read. I loved it! Tina ❤

Blurb

Joe Murphy is a boxer. He’s twenty-eight years old and what most women would call hot. He’s a player, and his lifestyle is ruining his career. Joe always hooks up with the wrong women, head jobs and debutantes looking to further their own careers. Joe’s had it, he’s crashing and he’s doing nothing to stop his decent into his own personal hell.

Darlene Russo is a single mom and a huge boxing fan. Except she can’t afford to attend any of the bouts, she watches from afar, she’s a cleaning lady for the biggest sports arena in Brooklyn, New York. Darlene finds the drunken boxer, and helps him get home. The next morning she wakes up in his bed, scared and confused. Their night together comes in on her, the lovemaking and their use of no protection. Her worries were just beginning and Joe Murphy would face the test of his life.

My Review

An Sizzling High Stakes Tale *****

Tarnished is the first book that I’ve read by Ethan Radcliff and boy is it HOT! I was impressed by the racy plot and the scorching and heartfelt romance between bad boy Joe and single parent Darlene, two people who are from different worlds but who have the potential to make something beautiful together. It is a sizzling and emotional read which sucked me in straightaway.

Joe’s career as a boxer is suffering, as he is imploding on his own success, addicted to women, drink and drugs. He is in a bad way and one drunken night sees him unexpectedly meet and seduce Darlene, a woman who is totally unlike the women who usually keep him up at night. The couple use no protection. This and subsequent scenes sizzle and while Joe and Darlene cannot resist the pull that draws them together, Joe’s career plummets and Darlene has to seriously consider the possible implications of her actions.

I loved the heroine Darlene, a hardworking single parent who has dedicated her life to her son. Joe awakens her sexuality and makes her feel like a woman for the first time.Yet will Joe overcome his demons and addictions, not to mention the temptations put in his way or will success in his career and love life remain ever elusive? Also will Darlene want to let a man so unstable as Joe into her life and that of her beloved son? The author does a fantastic job of creating characters the reader can easily care about and I found myself willing them on for a HEA. I read the story in one sitting, eager to find out what would happen and ! was not disappointed.

I recommend Tarnished to readers who believe that Cupid’s arrow can strike us anytime, anywhere, whether you are a bad boy or a good girl and who like to read tales which can make their e-reader sizzle!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me as part of a recent blog tour for a fair and honest review. Click here to read the blog tour post.

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March 30, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Dead Ever After: A True Blood Novel (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris

After having a clean break from the wrapped-up True Blood tv series, as well as the book series, almost two years on from the release of the book I finally found a moment to read the final Sookie Stackhouse story: Dead Ever After. Read as a one-off book, I found it to be refreshing, with plenty going on in the paranormal world and magic that surrounds Sookie Stackhouse. It’s certainly sad to see the end of the journey we have all shared with Sookie!

Title: Dead Ever After: A True Blood Novel (Sookie Stackhouse #13)

Author: Charlaine Harris

Genre: Fantasy, paranormal, urban fantasy

Release date: May 7th, 2013

Released by: Gollancz

Length: 352 pages

Blurb: Sookie Stackhouse has one last adventure in store.

Life has taken her from a waitress in Merlotte’s Bar, Bon Temps, to part owner; from social outcast to the heart of her community; from a vampire’s girlfriend to the wife of one of the most powerful vampires in the state.

She has survived explosions, revolutions and attempts on her life. Sookie has endured betrayal, heartbreak and grief… and she has emerged a little stronger, and little wiser, every time.

But with life comes new trials…

The question is, in the end: who will love, who will live, and who will be dead ever after?

There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart…

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough…

REVIEW

Almost two years has passed since the release of Dead Ever After, but after not being completely bowled over by Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12), I was reluctant to read it. However, I couldn’t read a whole series and then miss out the last book! And, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this final story! Amazingly, I have also been able to avoid reading any other reviews of the book and so have read Dead Ever After with a fresh approach.

Throughout the story Sookie has many worries. To begin with, after raising Sam from the dead, using her magic from the cluviel dor (which could only be used once), she noticed a clear coldness from Eric. Is he annoyed with her for using her magic on Sam and not saving it for him? Well, that’s just tough luck for Eric as there was no way she’d let Sam die! Not only has she to worry about Eric, but Sam seems to have changed after his experience too.

Sam seems really quiet and a little off with her, or maybe he is shaken up from the whole coming-back-to-life episode. Sam has been through a lot and, when Sookie sees Sam next, he has forgotten a great deal. Sookie then reminds him of everything, even the events he probably doesn’t want to remember, as she knows it’s in his best interests for him to face up to them. This is also a great way for Charlaine Harris to recap the last story, and provides the reader with enough detail to understand what has happened, but doesn’t bore the regular reader of the series either.

As the story moves forward Sookie is in for some more surprises. First, Arlene, an ex-friend and colleague, has been released from prison and approaches Sookie at Merlotte’s bar asking for her old job back. Now a part-owner of Merlotte’s, Sookie clearly stands her ground and refuses. She can’t believe the nerve of her after Arlene had tried to have her killed. Shortly after, Arlene’s body is found in the dumpster behind Merlotte’s, and you can just imagine who will be accused. Yes, poor Sookie!

And then, there’s Eric. After everything that has happened, Eric has almost abandoned Sookie for reasons that Sookie and the readers are not sure of. It appears to us that he may be a little irked after the incident with Sam. And yet, there is more going on in the vamp world that he needs to attend to and this will have a definite impact on Sookie. The ever-practical Eric has to do not just what is in his best interests, but also what is expected of him.

Will Sookie be cleared of a murder she didn’t commit? Will her and Sam be able to return to a their comfortable friendship? And, will Eric deal with his vamp problem and return to Sookie? Or, will Sookie rekindle her love with her first love, Bill? This final instalment certainly has many questions to answer. And the reader will find out the answers to all as it all wraps up.

Although fairly well written, with plenty more going on, I found it didn’t grip me with intensity. However, the storyline itself was good. Sookie’s love interests were not present too much in the book and I know many won’t be too happy with the ending. But, I was fairly happy. As long as Sookie ended up with either Bill, Eric or Sam I was going to be happy as I have come to appreciate all three characters over the course of the book series, as well as tv series.

It is very difficult to read this after seeing the tv series, though, as it is hard to differentiate between the, sometimes very different, storylines but with the same characters. In hindsight, I do wish I had read all of the books first, before watching the tv series. That said, I do like how the book series has gone in terms of keeping more with the telepaths and witches. This certainly adds to the magic of the story, as well as remind us that our focus is Sookie, even though we can all get carried away with the strong male characters.

All-in-all, the book series is a great read, and I would encourage anyone, whether read the series before or not, to start at the beginning and read each book in order to remind ourselves of Sookie’s journey, and what Charlaine Harris wanted us to get from the series.

Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 30, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Loved (Dark Alpha #6) (short story) by Alisa Woods

Today is the release of the final instalment of the new adult, paranormal romance Dark Alpha series, LOVED. Written by the brilliant Alisa Woods (True Alpha short story series), this is a super climatic ending of such a gripping and lovable series. If you are a fan of shifter paranormals, or even romance in general, this is such a lovely series of one proving their love for someone, helping them to escape their unwanted mate, and ultimately showing a sacrifice of their own life to protect the one that they love…

Title: Loved (Dark Alpha #6)

Author: Alisa Woods

Genre: New adult, paranormal romance

Released date: March 30th, 2015

Released by: Sworn Secrets Publishing

Length: 60 pages

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

The final installment of Dark Alpha…

Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both?

Loved (Dark Alpha 6) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the final of six episodes in the Dark Alpha serial. Dark Alpha is the sequel series to True Alpha, the debut shifters-in-Seattle paranormal romance from Alisa Woods.

REVIEW

Everything comes together in this last instalment of Dark Alpha, but not necessarily how we would all expect… LOVED picks up from where we left off in Penance (book 5), where after rescuing his love Arianna from the grasps of her unwanted alpha, Mace, Jak is now sacrificing himself for Arianna’s complete riddance of Mace from her blood, and for the safety of her and her family’s future. With the help of a witch, Circe, the spell should draw out Mace’s wolf from Arianna’s blood, and join Jak’s – where the two will fight it out until Jak’s body can no longer bare it. Only Arianna doesn’t know Jak’s plan.

Many questions are to be asked during the first few pages; will Circe’s spell work and free Arianna from Mace totally, or will Mace’s magic bond be forever mixed with her own blood forever? Plus, will this experience really kill Jak, or is there a shred of hope?

As Arianna witnesses and realises Jak’s sacrifice she cannot believe it. She can’t bear it – she can’t live now without Jak. But, is it too late to save him? And, even if she could, how could she save him? Arianna is completely overwhelmed with Jak’s love and devotion to her, and even towards her family who he doesn’t know. But, without Jak her escape from Mace is meaningless. He rescued her from Mace to begin with- she needs him to carry on, to give her the love and life she wants to be a part of.

And then, we come back to the question, ‘Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both?‘

Not only do we have to worry about Jak’s welfare here, there is also the threat of Mace finding them, and what he’ll do to them when he does. It was only a matter of time before Mace caught up with them. The circumstances were a little surprising and unexpected, but make for a more fearsome scene that is certainly unpredictable, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Throughout this series, I absolutely loved reading a little about Gage, Mace’s brother and Jak’s alpha. He is aware of Mace’s vicious and dark side, but Mace is his brother. At the same time, he saved Jak from a bad life himself, and brought him up like a son. This would be a fascinating character to explore more, and I would love it if Gage showed up in any future work of Alisa’s.

I can’t wait to see what Alisa Woods has in store for her fans next. Her writing is exciting, emotional, suspenseful and dark. You can catch up with both True Alpha and Dark Alpha now available in individual boxed sets, or as individual short stories. These 5* series are not to be missed!

A copy of Loved was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Loved (Dark Alpha #6) is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

To find out more info of the previous instalments of Dark Alpha, as well as Alisa Woods‘ first series, True Alpha, along with reviews, please check them all out below:-

Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story

Guarded (True Alpha #2) – short story

Hunted (True Alpha #3) – short story

Captured (True Alpha #4) – short story

Sacrificed (True Alpha #5) – short story

Claimed (True Alpha #6) – short story

A True Alpha Christmas – novella – 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

March 27, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Ignition #1 in the Redline series, by Skye Callahan

Must Read Dark Erotic Serial

Adult/18+ Read

Blurb

When you’re this close to the redline, there’s no room for error—
—or second chances.

A sought after car thief for hire, Colt will do anything for a high—anything for the deafening rush of blood and chemicals that tames the ongoing anarchy in his mind. Fast cars, pain, alcohol, women… his vices come in many flavors, but one woman tempts him closer to the line he can never come back from. She’ll be his hardest theft yet—an action that will set the looming conflict with his brother on a new and violent path.

Aubrey has two choices. The first she knows too well: the alluring businessman who entwined her in his deceptive plots. The second is a stranger. He makes his promises not with a silver tongue but with harsh, blunt observations that Aubrey can’t ignore. Either way, she’s caught between two brothers each seeking the other’s downfall—and neither has a problem taking her down in the process.

My Review *****

Bad Boy Power Play Extraordinaire!

Put your feet up. Pour yourself a long cold drink and settle down to a breakneck read that will get you firing on all cylinders! Ignition is one scorching hot read with a woman caught in the power play between two brothers. The deliciously evil twist from the pen of Skye Callahan is that neither have her interests at heart as they are hell bent on besting each other.

In Ignition, Aubrey escapes her modest upbringing to try and better herself in the big city. It’s not long however, before she is taken in by the charm of Devlin and finds herself indebted to him big time, stripping in his club. As if this wasn’t bad enough she comes to realise that she risks losing a lot more than her modesty.

With nowhere else to turn to, Colt, Devlin’s brother, appears and offers Aubrey a way out. Yet Colt is no prince on a white charger out to rescue damsels in distress. His motivation is more about upstaging his brother Devlin, plus he is not averse to using Aubrey for his own ends. Aubrey is in no position to resist and she is caught between a rock and a very hard place. Should she back Colt on being the lesser of the two evils or is it better to stay with the Devil she is coming to know Devlin? Both are out and out powerful alphas and she could well find herself becoming collateral damage on account of their brotherly feuding.

Colt is one hot, hugely flawed bad boy, who is also damned sexy! He is addicted to the adrenalin rush of stealing luxury cars even more so than the financial reward he earns for his endeavours. His habits are BAD and his needs are DARK and it was not far into the read before I was panting alongside Aubrey the heroine. There are some very hot and naughty scenes and be warned, Colt is one dominant male! I can’t wait to find out where this storyline will go next!

This read will appeal to readers who love dark erotic romance with bad boy alphas and a heroine who is forced to grapple with their dark desires to survive.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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