RELEASED TODAY is the latest instalment of this super New Adult paranormal romance series, Escape (Dark Alpha #4) by Alisa Woods. The Dark Alpha short story series is sequel to the True Alpha short story series. (Each could be read as stand alone series, however it is strongly recommended that each individual instalment of a particular series should be read to follow the whole story of that series completely.) Escape is my favourite of the Dark Alpha series so far!
Title: Escape (Dark Alpha #4)
Author: Alisa Woods
Genre: Paranormal romance, New Adult (18yrs+)
Release date: March 2, 2015
Length: 60 pages
Blurb: PART4: Escape (Dark Alpha 4) Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com billionaires who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City.
With Arianna’s family looking for her, Jak’s plan to flee the state just got a lot more complicated. But before he can worry about that, he has to break her free of Mace’s hold.
Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both? Escape (Dark Alpha 4) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the fourth of six episodes in the Dark Alpha Series.
Contains strong sexual themes/language and is meant for readers over 18.
REVIEW
After dealing with his deception to his own alpha, Gage, Jak has made the decision to free Arianna – the love of his life (but unwillingly mated to his alpha’s brother, Mace) – and there is no going back. He wants her to be free, even if that means he will not be able to join her if he gets caught!
Deception (#3) was a fantastic build up to this exploding instalment. Maybe a little slower without too much action, it provides all the thoughts that are in Jak’s mind and proves how determined he is to go ahead with his plan to save Arianna from a life of misery with Mace. Therefore, Escape is straight in with the action, tension and the fighting. It is a thrilling read that will keep you gripped throughout!
Whilst Arianna is submitting to Mace, in front of his beta’s, Jak was hoping to use the element of surprise to attack them and escape with Arianna. But when Mace’s beta’s clock on to Jak’s presence all hell breaks loose and there is a brilliant action sequence. Will Jak free Arianna? Will they survive Mace’s wrath when he realises what they have done?
Not only that, but now it has been revealed that Arianna’s family have been looking for her, both Jak, Arianna, as well as the reader, will fear for the well-being of her family if they are faced with Mace. Jak wants to protect Arianna, and now her family, from Mace. But will it all prove too much for him?
Complete with action and hot romance Escape is my favourite instalment of the Dark Alpha series so far! Jak and Arianna are sparked with a different kind of dread. They were always worried what would become of them if they were found out and caught, and now they have been found out. Adrenalin is running high for all characters, as well as the reader, as we hope they will find safety. Making matters worse, are the injuries Jak sustained from the fight, making the reader question if he will make it.
To elaborate further would spoil this instalment. I can only state how BRILLIANT it is. Paranormal/shifter fans will love these series’. They are written in such an excitable manner that the reader cannot help but love the characters. The short story aspect means that each book can be read within an hour, packed with action, hot romance, love, tension, and so many more emotions. You won’t be able to wait for the next one – which will be released in two weeks, on March 16!
A copy of Escape (Dark Alpha #4) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
Escape (Dark Alpha #4) by Alisa Woods 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:-
I have been wanting to reading Marie Drake’s ‘Three Rules’ for quite some time. It is a remarkable read that will reach out to most readers either because of the mystery, the emotional and physical effects of abuse and the beautiful romance/love story. During this past year, Three Rules made it as a semi-finalist for The Kindle Book Review’s Best Kindle Book Awards 2014! Definitely not one to be missed!!
Extremely powerful narrative, beautifully written – will have you reduced to tears!
Title: Three Rules
Author: Marie Drake
Genre: Dark fiction, mystery, romance
Release date: September 24, 2013
Released by: Marie Drake
Length: 296 pages
Blurb: Hope Wellman has a childhood full of horrific memories, a bone chilling recurring nightmare, and a persistent paranoid sense of being followed that she would rather keep repressed. Is evil reaching from beyond the grave to capture the tattered remnants of her soul once and for all, is it only a machination of her disturbed mind, or is there something happening more sinister than even she can imagine?
Attending the funeral of her abuser is the first step in putting her life back together. She struggles with the fact she never told anyone what happened to her, and that the grave they are mourning over is empty. She’d find it a lot easier to move on and believe in the future if he were in the box, ready to be covered with dirt. She fears the last thread of her sanity has snapped when she sees Lucas everywhere she turns, and can’t escape a recurring nightmare. Is her tormentor alive, or is she imagining it? Is her dream triggered by past fears or is it a prediction of the future?
Quoted from Three Rules:
“I have learned three rules in my life: 1.) The most dangerous people in the world are not always strangers. 2.) The scariest things imaginable are not those that can kill you, but those you can live through. And probably the most prominent: 3.) The most horrible possibility is not what could happen to you, but what you could become – I became a killer.” ~Hope Wellman
REVIEW
Three Rules is an extremely powerful narrative and beautifully written, with a great deal of emotion running through it, that will reduce you to tears. Despite the dark subject matter of abuse, and the mystery of the storyline, it also holds one of the most romantic stories I have ever read!
Hope Wellman (20) having lived through sexual abuse as a young girl, by her step-uncle, Lucas, has never said a word about her ordeal to anyone. And now at Lucas’ funeral she feels an inner-relief that he cannot harm her again. The only doubt that she does have is that his body is not in the coffin as it was never recovered from his boat accident. Without his body, there is a fraction of her that wonders if he is still alive, and when she has moments of feeling that somebody is watching her, she instantly thinks it could be him.
There are a string of events that come to light early in the story that keep reminding Hope of her past and begin to create the mystery for the remainder of the story. One of the main questions you’ll be asking is whether or not Lucas is still alive?
Hope is having terrible nightmares about being chased by someone, and then when she is out she feels like someone is following her, watching her at times. This makes her question her own sanity – she may be paranoid, unless she does have a stalker, or maybe it really is Lucas? There are some brilliant twists in the story to keep the reader wondering and guessing.
The reader is aware of how Hope feels about Lucas’ death as it opens her mind up to those moments of abuse again. She puts on a brave face for her parents, to offer support and to keep her ordeals to herself. However, remaining strong and trying to forget is becoming increasingly difficult when she finds out that one of her childhood friends, Karen Bishop, is pregnant with Lucas’ child. Not only does it hurt to know that he had his hands on her, but it also creates some guilt within Hope that maybe if she had spoken about what had happened to her, then Karen wouldn’t have gotten herself into this situation.
As if dealing with all of this wasn’t enough, there is also the very lovely Joey Bishop to face. Joey is Karen’s brother who was always Hope’s best friend growing up. They did everything together during their childhood and he always had time for her. He was the only boy she ever felt close to. But, after what should have been Hope’s magical and memorable first kiss, her parents encouraged her and Joey to keep their distance after Lucas had seen their innocent moment and reported it back.
A few years on and the attraction is still clearly there. And yet, Hope struggles with her feelings. Anything physical is out of the question, leaving Joey believing that they are just friends. After certain events take place, Hope spends more time with Joey and this really brings them closer together on many levels. But every time she feels she can tell him, something prevents her from doing so. And, will he change his opinion of her if he knew her secret?
The further into the story we go the more Hope’s feelings and past are brought to the fore. Hope’s character is very strong, despite all that she has been through. She still feels like she can’t tell anyone and when her family notice something isn’t right they assume she is depressed (just as she tended to be when she was younger). She begins to feel trapped – she wants to tell Joey on many occasions (and sometimes her mum) but she just can’t face it. At this point the reader feels trapped with her – wanting to encourage her to speak and finally let it out, but at the same time realising it is a delicate subject for her. The fact that she is thinking about telling someone is a step in the right direction.
Three Rules is a work of fiction and yet based on the abuse suffered by the author, making it a very real read but written without lengthy graphic details – it is more focused on the state of mind, the emotions, as it is written with the intent to help others in similar situations. Marie Drake has written the story with so much care that it is a sensitive read but with some powerful heart-warming moments – two of which had me in tears.
This is a story of inner-strength, of coming through abuse and it’s effects, and then reaching the other side. It is a story of courage, will-power and love that carries it’s own message to all those in need – don’t push those feelings down, don’t ignore them. The power to speak to someone, anyone, can be all that you need to begin your journey to the light, where you can find security, love and be at peace with yourself and your loved ones.
A copy of Three Rules was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
We are delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Nina Mason’s latest release, Devil in Duke’s Clothing. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the novel from the author and you can read my review below – fans of erotic historical romance will not want miss this novel. You can also scroll down to read a sizzling excerpt, check out a promotional video and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway where a signed copy of the novel is up for grabs. Tina ❤
Devil in Duke’s Clothing, an erotic historical romance by Nina Mason, tells the story of an innocent bride’s struggles to adapt to her new husband’s eccentric erotic tastes amidst the instability and hedonism of the reign of Charles II. The book is the latest by Nina Mason, the author of The Queen of Swords and The Tin Man. Book One in the Royal Pains Trilogy, Devil in Duke’s Clothing is highly erotic and features scenes of voyeurism, bondage, flagellation, and a voyeuristic menage.
Maggie York, a convent-raised foundling, knows the Duke of Dunwoody’s sexual tastes are a shade or two darker than normal, but marries him anyway—partly because she has no other prospects and partly because, try as she might, she can’t seem to exorcize her desire for the dashing ducal devil. Two years ago, she watched him swive and spank her lady’s maid, luring her from the garden of innocence into the orchard of fleshly delights–and she’s been hungry for more ever since.
Robert Armstrong, the duke, is a Roman Catholic whose extreme devotions as a child warped his desires as a man. He’s also a slave to the times in which he lives–and to his king. Everything he is, everything he holds dear, depends on staying in Charles II’s good graces. Unfortunately, Maggie isn’t the bride the king selected for him. Now, to make amends, the duke must choose between the lesser of two evils: whore his wife or be reduced to a penniless commoner.
Whose interests will Robert choose to serve, his own, the king’s, or the woman he loves?
I LOVED this deliciously decadent Restoration romp where the hero the Duke of Dunwoody is to die for and the heroine is strong and spirited. It is full of desire and debauchery and gives the reader an insight into the political machinations and excesses of the court of Charles II.
The read is one of the most erotic romances that I have read this year, the teachings of the church, so prevalent at the time, (especially in the mind of the convent raised heroine Maggie), make the scenes appear more daring and debauched than they ever could in a contemporary novel. Nina Mason’s clever use of language, manners and internal dialogue of the characters and her colourful descriptions evoked the time period perfectly.
There are plenty of explicit language and scenes as the Duke instructs his young virginal wife in the delights of the marriage bed and his own very particular tastes. The read is most definitely HOT! It is certainly the case of move over Mr Grey and make way for your replacement. Indeed, the Duke of Dunwoody has his own dark desires and proclivities which put Mr Grey well in the shade! The love the couple develop for each other is palpable and the scenes between them sizzle.
The journey that the heroine Maggie embarks on in this novel is a wild one. The ward of the Duke she has been attracted to him for a long time and knows something of his dark desires, desires which she fears, yet is excited by at the same time. Fortunately despite her convent upbringing, she is a spunky and adventuresome lass and is able to give as good as she gets. I love the deal she strikes with her husband whereby she will permit him to train her in the erotic arts if he also educates her in knowledge usually reserved for men. Whilst Maggie comes to enjoy her husband’s debauchery, it remains to be seen whether she can stomach what the King has in store for her and if the love she is developing for her husband can endure. The Duke’s decision to make her his bride has certainly put her in a pretty pickle and I devoured he read to find out her fate and that of the Duke.
The author has certainly researched the time period well, referencing not just the political and religious nuances of the time but the literature and the sexual excesses of King Charles and his contemporaries. Indeed, her descriptions of the debauchery and decadence of the Stuart court, presided over by its licentious king, which play a pivotal role in the plot, are truly sublime.
This is one of my favourite reads so far this year and I wholeheartedly recommend it to lovers of erotic historical romance.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Here’s an excerpt:
The duke pushed the sleeves off her shoulders and halfway down her arms before about-facing her. Stooping, he pressed his mouth to her décolletage.
His lips were deliciously warm and moist against the bulging tops of her flattened bosoms. His hair tickled her flesh in a pleasing sort of way and smelled faintly of lavender.
He moved upward, kissing her collarbone, her throat, the side of her neck, and her earlobe. After blowing in her ear, he whispered in a voice like velvet, “Why did you marry me, knowing what you knew?”
A hot lump formed at her core. “Because.”
He ran his tongue around the folds of her ear, sending delicious shivers through her.“Because why?”
“Because you are a duke.” Mouth suddenly parched, she licked her lips.
“And you dreamed of being a duchess?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
“I would prefer not to say.”
“Why?”
“Because it will make me sound small and petty.”
His tongue’s explorations undermined her concentration. “Now I really must know.”
She heaved a sigh of surrender. “Survival, “ she said, forcing the half-truth from her throat. “Since you insist upon an answer, I married you because you asked me to…and I had nowhere else to turn for protection.”
His mouth returned to her neck and proceeded to kiss, lick, and nip her flesh, turning her insides to syrup.
“Thank you,” he said betwixt kisses.
“For what?”
“Your candor.”
Guilt crushed her chest like a boulder. Yes, she’d married him to gain security, but she’d left out the part about lusting after him deep in her heart. She moved away, removed the full-sleeved bodice, and laid it over the bench at the foot of the bed.
He came up behind her, slipped his arms around her waist, and kissed the back of her neck, setting her aflame.
She spun in his embrace and looked at him. His dark hair tumbled in soft waves over his broad shoulders. His features were shadowed, making him look dangerous. The need she’d stuffed down for so long erupted from her core, thick and molten.
Bringing his mouth to hers, he kissed and nibbled her lips as his hands untied the strings of her petticoat. It billowed to the floor, leaving her in only her fancy wedding stays and shift. “Now, ’tis my turn.”
Stepping back a wee ways, she pulled the diamond stick-pin from his cravat, loosened the knot, and unfurled the long strip of linen encircling his neck. Was it the same one he’d used to tie the maid’s hands?
“Why did you dismiss Mistress Honeywell?” she asked, letting his neck cloth slip from her fingers to the floor.
His beguiling mouth hitched into a crooked grin. “Had I known you’d seen me swive her, I could have saved myself the trouble—and a few sovereigns.”
“I’m sorry for your trouble, but do not regret her loss. Truth be known, I never liked her—though I do not doubt part of my aversion stemmed from what I witnessed.”
He lifted her chin, pulling her gaze to his. “Were you jealous, Rosebud?”
“Not at the time, but afterward, I resented her relationship with you.”
“There was no relationship. ‘Twas merely a one off.”
Unsure what to say in response, she unbuttoned his collar, opened the front of his shirt, and slipped both hands inside. As her fingertips met the warm, hair-garnished flesh of his chest, she nearly swooned.
How many times she had fantasized about touching him in this way. How much better he felt in real life—a pleasing quilt of smooth skin, solid bone and muscle, wiry hairs, and petal soft nipples. She pinched one until it grew erect.
“You feel good, husband” she said. “You are well put together.”
“It gets better.” He laughed.
“I know.” She blushed at the memory. “I saw everything you own that day in Mrs. McQueen’s closet.”
“And you married me anyway?”
“Oh, no. I married you because of it.”
The smile he gave her warmed her all the way down to her toes.
She swept her hands downward, shuddering when they touched the tartan draped around his hips. The wool was finely woven, soft. She brushed the apron, pleased to find he was aroused. So was she. Mightily.
Since that day in the closet, she’d pictured his hard phallus a thousand times—in her hand, her mouth, and her cunny, and now ’twas at last within grasp. She bent to unbuckle the belt circumnavigating his hips, but, changing her mind, reached underneath the curtain of plaid instead.
He sucked in a breath as she ran her hands up the backs of his thighs. They felt exactly as she’d dreamed they would. Lean, hard, and flocked in bristly hair. Would his phallusfeel the way she’d imagined, too?
Nina Mason is a hopeful romantic with strong affinities for history, mythology, and the metaphysical. She strives to write the same kind of books she loves to read: those that entertain, edify, educate, and enlighten.
She has two books out at present: The Queen of Swords, a darkly erotic Scottish paranormal romance/urban fantasy, and The Tin Man, a political thriller.
Ms. Mason is currently at work on two new series’: an erotic historical trilogy titled Royal Pains and a four-part erotic paranormal/fantasy series titled The Knights of Avalon. Devil in Duke’s Clothing is book one in Royal Pains. Starry Knight, book one in the Knights of Avalon will be released on August 4, 2015 by Lyrical/Kensington>
When not writing, she works as a communications consultant, doll maker, and home-stager. Born and raised in Orange County, California, Ms. Mason currently lives with her husband, teenage daughter, two rescue cats, and a Westie named Robert just north of Atlanta, Georgia.
Blurb:Adan went from a living hell on Earth, only to be thrown into a new purgatory. The Zargonnii vessel she’d thought was her savior is blown to bits in an alien war attack. A wormhole sends Adan and her warrior protector to an unknown world. Her only hope of surviving the ungodly planet is in the hands of Blu, whom she loves. Unfortunately, Blu has another agenda.
Blu’s body burns for the little human female, but his entire adult life has one purpose, to father a son and create a family. If he mates with Adan and makes it back home, he’ll need to keep her close to his side, protecting her from his dangerous life. Human females only produce female offspring in Blu’s world. If they survive this planet, Blu has to decide if he’s willing to give up one dream for another.
REVIEW
Cautious Surrender is another fantastic read from author, C.L. Scholey. As well as the sci-fi, romance and erotic scenes, we have a brilliant fast-paced fantasy adventure, with some moments of humour too, making for a super fun read!
Book 4 of the Unearthly World series carries on from Bethany’s Heart (Book 3), but can be read as a stand-alone as it focuses on different love interests in Adan and Blu. But it is still nice to hear the odd mention of the previous characters. After being saved from planet Earth, Adan and her friends found themselves being cared for by the Zargonii. Only, just as she is trying to learn of the new planet she is now living on they are attacked by an enemy, forcing Blu to escape with Adan on a smaller vessel, where they then end up travelling through a wormhole and landing on the planet Brax!
Without Zargonii warrior, Blu, to protect her Adan wouldn’t last a minute on Brax. The inhabitants of Brax are all alien creatures, most of which are exiled assassins and extremely deadly! The Braxians themselves are the assassins overseers, but many assassins do as they wish – and killing is their favourite pastime. Not only does she have to worry about these, but there is also the deadly green gasses of the atmosphere during the night that she needs safety from. With many dangers to overcome, and only a small hope that the Zargonii will come to their rescue, Adan is left in fear of her life, but with Blu at her side she knows he will do all he can to save her.
Adan is in love with Blu, and has been since the moment she met him. It is his strength and over-protectiveness of her that attracts her. Blu is attracted to Adan too, but his conflict lies with him wanting a son. If he mates with Adan he will be mated for life, but a human female cannot bear him a male offspring. He also knows that he can’t expect Adan to wait for him while he Holidays (mates) with a female of his own kind in the hope for a son (which may not happen), only to mate for life with her after. This would be disrespectful and selfish of him.
At the same time, his desire burns for her whenever she is near and this is another conflict he has to fight if he wants a son when he returns to his home planet. For now his honour is in keeping Adan safe, and so whilst they are on this godforsaken planet he can’t let her out of his sight!
“… He would need to keep her as close as possible. There was only one problem with his plan – she drove his body into a sexual nightmare when she was nearby.The attraction she emitted in her pheromones was almost too much for him to resist…”
However, being brought together during some intense moments of danger, and with his honour to care for her and ensure her safety, situations do become much more intimate between the two of them – both emotionally and physically. Will Blu decide to give in to his need and desire for Adan, or will he stay true to his dream of wanting a son?
Another aspect of the story that I loved was the humour. There is the sarcasm that Adan uses on Blu, and the one-liners from Blu every once in a while.
“… I have a hard on so bad I could beat an assassin in the head to death with it.”
These moments create a relief during times of high tension and fear, enlightening the mood and bringing the characters closer. It certainly made me smile at times.
One of my favourite characters was an assassin called Veikko. He is equally deadly and fearsome but there are moments when he shows compassion for Blu, and Adan in particular. This feeling is something the other assassins do not have. And yet, there are times when the reader will question his motives. Is he really helping them? Does he want Adan for himself? Is he tricking them?
“… The assassins she had met so far excluding Veikko were disgusting and brutal. Veikko was creepy enough but possessed compassion…”
I found Cautious Surrender to be a thrilling, exciting read with plenty of tension and fear, as well as romance and fun in between. There is a tremendous amount of adventure packed into the 139 pages, making it fast-paced, thus a quick read, that will leave you on a high and looking forward to the next C.L. Scholey read!
Cautious Surrender (Unearthly World book IV) was provided by Torrid Press (part of Whiskey Creek Press) in return for an honest and fair review.
TITLE – Kissed at Midnight AUTHOR – Samantha Holt GENRE – Historical Romance PUBLICATION DATE – 18th February LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 60,000
BOOK SYNOPSIS
August Avery, a renowned civil engineer, has found himself the sole custodian of his cousin’s six month old daughter and he needs assistance—fast. He understands how to build railways, to construct bridges and to save the railway tycoons thousands of pounds. He doesn’t understand, however, how to care for a child.
When Ivy Davis turns up at his door looking for work, he believes his prayers are answered. If only the exotic, exuberant young woman did not prove to be such a distraction from his busy workload.
Unsure if she is even up to the task of looking after a baby, Ivy finds herself swayed by the handsome and slightly desperate August into working for him. With her singing career failing before it even started and no other talents, she decides looking after a young child cannot be so hard, surely?
But the child may turn out to be the least of her worries. Her handsome, brooding master seems to keep her awake more than the baby. Add to that her desire to achieve her dreams of singing on stage and the machinations of the indomitable Mrs. Pepperwhite who sees her as competition for August’s hand, Ivy finds this simple job growing harder by the day—as does her desire for her master…
Ivy darted a look at the door as she eased herself down onto the bed beside her master. The housekeeper could have no reason to come upstairs but if she caught her in the master’s room—on his bed no less—she could be in quite a pickle.“Mr.—” A snore escaped his mouth and she shook her head.
“Oh dear, Mr. Avery. You are the one who is in a pickle I think. Or more likely utterly foxed.”Leaning over, she went to grasp his hand to study the damage and froze when he grunted and rolled towards her. His arm landed near her backside on the bed and his head was almost on her lap. Ivy attempted to take his hurt hand from behind her but he twined it out of her grasp and released a low mumble.
She gasped when his hand curved around her backside. She wore only her chemise and her drawers. Mr. Avery’swarm hand fairly burned through the cotton, feeling as though she would wake up with a handprint on her bottom. She twisted to yank his hand away, only to end up with his head pressed against the side of her breast. Mr Avery nuzzled his face against her breast and she stilled. She should draw away, press him back, but for some reasonher body refused to cooperate. Hands to his head, she found his hair to be soft and thick.
Oh dear. One part of her body seemed to be working—her fingers. They twined into the softness, so at odds with the rest of him, from his stern features to what she suspected was a body that rivalled the statues of London. He released a muffled groan against her and she heard him inhale deeply.
“Smell so good,” he murmured.Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. She was going to lose her job not two days into it if she was not careful. Her nipples were tight and hard. Lush heat rolled throughher as he burrowed closer and his hand splayed across her back to hold her to him.
A creak from somewhere else in the house startled her into action. She jerked back and clasped his wrist to force his hand back. At least in his foxed state he wasn’t particularly strong. She had no doubt if he really wanted to keep hold of her, he could, but had he been sober, she was positive he’d want nothing to do with the governess. A man like Mr Avery likely enjoyed the company of women less… interesting-looking than her. Blonde ones with soft features and a delicate manner.
He rolled onto his back, a grin cracking his face. His eyes were at half-mast and she wasn’t sure what amused him. Recalling her original reason for being on the bed, she grasped his hand and inspected the cut. It had already stopped bleeding so couldn’t be deep. Ivy rolled her eyes to herself. All this for a tiny scratch. At least he was so foxed he would never recall any of it.
AUTHOR BIO
Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls. She enjoys writing historical romance involving chivalrous knights, hot highlanders and cravatted men, but sometimes gets lured away by bad boy bikers, soldiers and other heroic modern men.
Upstairs meets Downstairs in this sensual Victorian romance *****
I loved Kissed At Midnight, where the usual walls between master and servant crumble and passion ignites. The read is sensual, romantic and fun as the two protagonists, Ivy and August, who may well be my favourite Samantha Holt couple to date, circle each other, trying in vain to deny their growing mutual attraction.
August is in a real pickle since he assumed the responsibility for caring for his cousin’s baby Elsie, and in an uncharacteristic show of impetuosity he hires Ivy as her nursemaid, despite her lack of experience in such a role. Both know that the situation is only transitory as Ivy’s real goal is to forge a career as a singer.
The author’s voice in this novel is decidedly playful, driven in part no doubt by the character of the heroine, Ivy, whose actions compel the evolving romance with her knack of plain speaking and spontaneous nature. By contrast the engineer August is methodical, cautious and conservative in outlook. Ivy is the perfect yin to his yang, free spirited and adventurous. I just adored how the tale shows us how August’s well-ordered life is soon compromised by Ivy’s presence in his household.
I loved how the author showed this handsome man grappling with his conscience regarding how to treat Ivy, a woman in his employ who he is honour bound to protect, yet at the same time the very woman who he is developing an irrepressible attraction for. He also strives to avoid the unwelcome attentions of the widow Mrs Pepperwhite, who does not care for Ivy’s appearance on the scene.
Ivy is quite a heroine! I loved her back story and her character which goes against everything that is expected of a Victorian lady. She certainly upsets August’s routine and in a household as small as his, the usual rules between master and servant are soon compromised. Their romance is a real page- turner as neither August or Ivy know how to cope with their growing feelings for each other and there are a number of barriers to their HEA: Ivy’s ambition to become a famous singer; August’s desire to maintain his distance from the hired help and Mrs Pepperwhite’s interest in August.
Their love-making scenes between the couple are hugely romantic and sensual and although August is a true gentleman, he is very much flesh and blood and as I read I could sense the growing desire between him and Ivy which demands to be sated…..
All in all a super sensual romance and I feel one of the author’s best to date. Recommended for readers of historical romance.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was made available for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Blurb:Love Bites is the provocative debut collection of short stories by Valeria Kogan. From heartbreak to redemption, Love Bites provides a spellbinding interpretation of love and friendship, glamour and guilt, secrets and deceit.
Each story provides a captivating insight into the world of love; its profound impact and effect; and how women relate to their partners.
This cleverly constructed collection of short stories will leave you tantalized and yearning for more. Love Bites is a must-read for every modern woman, reader of romance and romantic enthusiast.
REVIEW
Love Bites is an assortment of eleven short, dramatic stories. Most are told from the female perspective, whilst some are told from the male point of view. In this book, love certainly does bite as each story shows the effect love can have on us as an individual. It explores the state of the mind during grieving and hard times, or even as new love sprouts without us realising until it falls upon us in an instant.
Valeria Kogan explains in the preface that she is providing the reader a taste of how far she can take her characters, or rather how far they take her. This makes for a more natural process of where she feels the characters are going, rather than always having an intended ending in mind. Thus, making it an unpredictable read.
There are some real eye-opening moments as we read about each individual’s state of mind and follow the way that they are thinking. Some of the stories are very touching, especially the last story, ‘End of a Story’ as we realise the true depth that a man can love a woman. This story in particular reached me as it was so beautifully written and packed with so much emotion – it will bring tears to your eyes!
There are some characters with psychological issues, whilst philosophical musings are also present in others. For instance, in ‘Tonight’ we follow a woman, a prostitute, who has always been used to her way of working, and working for big bucks! After promising her boyfriend she’d stop, she begins to think deeper about her situation. Should she begin a 9 to 5 job with little money, or stay working fairly flexibly for a few hours a week for more money?
There are many questions to be asked of the characters, but I love how the author has written it in such a way that the reader, too, will ask themselves these questions about the story. Some of the stories left me wondering, what next? The author hints at certain endings, but I like the idea that the reader can decide, or elaborate the story in their own mind.
The characters are stretched in their emotions and are overwhelmed with their experiences in many of the stories. There were moments when I felt that there were some realistic aspects as the characters are flawed, just as we all are, and at other times I felt disconnected to the story. This left me a little torn with some of the stories.
Love Bites is not a typical, refreshing and heart-warming romance read. However, it is powerfully dark, emotional and gritty, leaving the reader a great deal to ponder over. I was left feeling that – love may be the most powerful and emotional feeling of all, which is why it brings us so much bliss and yet so much pain!
Love Bites was provided by Wattle Publishing for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Love Bites: A Collection of Short Stories by Valeria Kogan is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewives, a series of short reads. Each scorching instalment gives the reader a snapshot of the adventures of a different member of a group of women from the City’s elite and each story is HOT stuff! The series is penned by some of Australia’s finest writers of erotic romance and erotica and each tale delves into the psyche of each female character, giving a no-holds-barred account of their sexual predilections and fantasies. Each scorching instalment can be read as a stand alone, but we also get a chance to meet the other characters throughout. I had the pleasure of receiving the first three reads in the series to review: Virginia, Lana and Nella. Read on for my thoughts on Christina Phillips’ contribution to the series, Willow. The pre-order links are included below. Tina ❤
Book Blurb
Meet the Housewives of Sydney. They are wealthy, elegant, poised, and constantly in the public eye. But what goes on behind closed doors, in the private homes and parties where the cameras and paparazzi aren’t welcome? Delve into the most personal details of their relationships, their friendships and their lives. The only question is: can you handle the heat?
Willow has loved Seb for as long as she can remember, but he has a past that she can’t handle, so she’s never done anything about it. But to not have him in her life is unthinkable, so she holds on to him the only way she can – through friendship. Now his writing career is taking off, and Willow finds herself increasingly jealous of his groupies and increasingly unable to keep her feelings to herself.
An unexpected visit leads to an unanticipated kiss – and Seb and Willow end up in her bed. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to Willow, but can she trust that Seb wants more than a bit of afternoon delight – and can she trust herself to let go of the past in order to gain a future?
My Review *****
Male Hotness Alert in this Friends to Lovers Erotic Romance!
Willow by Christina Phillips, #9 in the Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewivesseries is a short, sizzling and satisfying read, where Seb, a very determined male, orchestrates a carefully choreographed seduction designed to destroy the heroine Willow’s resolve to resist him! Yet is he playing for keeps and if so can Willow overcome her fears?
I have read the first three instalments of this series, Virginia, Lana and Nella (click on the titles for my review) and although Willow is just as hot, as the story between Seb and Willow unfolded, I also found their romance to be incredibly poignant, sweet and at times humorous.
The couple have been friends for years and there is an undeniable attraction between them. I love how Seb, realising that his subtle hints to Willow about how he feels have gone unheeded, decides to go all out on a last ditch attempt to seduce the pants (and all other items of clothing) off her! Cue some of Christina Phillips’ erotic seduction scenes, which totally rock the world of the reader and the couples she writes about. I can assure you that the lovemaking scenes in Willow are no exception! Seb is one hell of a determined and sexy alpha male, yet although Willow succumbs willingly to his physical charms do the couple have a future together or will the past always come between them? Whilst we are left in no doubt as to Seb’s determination to succeed in his quest to make Willow his, we also come to understand her very real trepidation and I really wanted their relationship to go to the next level.
As with the other stories in the series, we also catch up with the other ‘housewives’ of Sydney at one of their get-togethers, this time hosted by Willow.
I recommend Willow to lovers of romance who fancy a sizzling take on the friends to lovers theme.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of Willow was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
The Dark Alpha short story series by Alisa Woods is proving to be a darker read by the book! And released today, February 16th, is the third instalment of this New Adult, paranormal romance series. Shifter, Jak, is in love with his alpha’s brother’s mate, Arianna. He is betraying everything he knows to be with her, and is now looking for a way to break the unwanted bond she has with her mate, Mace. He is taking a massive gamble, and Arianna is becoming more scared that they will get found out. Will they ever have the chance to be together?
Title: Deception (Dark Alpha #3)
Author: Alisa Woods
Genre: New adult, paranormal romance
Date released: February 16, 2015
Publisher: Sworn Secrets Publishing
Length: 60 pages
Blurb: New Adult Paranormal Romance serial
Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City.
Jak has a plan to free Arianna without the witch’s help… but the best laid plans of wolves and men rarely turn out as they hope.
Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both? Deception (Dark Alpha 3) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the third of six episodes in the Dark Alpha serial. Adult content. Ages 18+.
REVIEW
This New Adult, paranormal romance series, is becoming darker and darker. Just when we thought that Jak would be able to come to an arrangement with the witches in order for him and Arianna to be rid of her mate, Mace, so that they could be together, he soon realises that it may not exactly go according to plan.
Shifters, Jak and Arianna are in love, but with Arianna being mated to the brother of Jak’s alpha, Gage, it causes more than one problem for Jak. Not only will he have to worry about Mace finding out and killing him and, at the very least harming Arianna, but Jak knows that he has already broken the rules by being with her, and thus gone against his own alpha and pack’s trust. Although they are unaware, if they find out Jak will have a great deal to answer to, as well as feel riddled with guilt.
One of the main conflicts that Jak fights in his mind is his deception to his pack, and pack leader, Gage. Gage has always had a close relationship with him, and accepted him into his pack. They have known each other for a long time, since Jak was quite young. And Jak feels that he is turning his back on the strong friendships he has made, especially with Gage.
There are also many more emotional conflicts as the reader wants Jak and Arianna to be together, but just as the characters do, we fear the outcome. Being mated to Mace against her will, means that Arianna has to follow his rules and obey him. Jak wants to rid Ariana of this meaningless bond, even if it means he doesn’t have the chance to be with her.
Jak feels there is no other way than to break the bond between Mace and Arianna by killing Mace himself. He feels he has no option but to deceive and betray his pack for the one he loves. Arianna, on the other hand, is scared. She knows that Jak will be killed. She feels that it is in their best interests to leave their plans and keep living how they are used to. But then, deep down when Mace mistreats her or she sees Jak, she longs to be with him.
Deception is certainly more focused on Jak and the bond he has with Gage, as well as the psychological struggle he has. The reader gets to know Jak even better and can sympathise with his situation. It is definitely a series you will need to read from the beginning, with Torment (Dark Alpha #1). Paranormal and romance fans will feel the high levels of emotion throughout these episodes and will be left waiting for the fourth, to be released on March 2nd 2015!
A copy of Deception (Dark Alpha #3) was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
Deception (Dark Alpha #3) by Alisa Woods is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
Freshly released on 13th February 2015 from Tim O’Rourke, #1 bestselling author of ‘The Kiera Hudson Series’, comes ‘Werewolves of Shade #2’ a werewolf romance with a twist.
Blurb: 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…
REVIEW
Wow! This one had me on edge throughout the whole story! It was read in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Not only are we faced with a paranormal mystery, there is an ongoing eerie atmosphere and the book is psychologically effective as fear and confusion are brought to the fore.
Continuing on exactly from where we left off in Werewolves of Shade #1(please click title for review), Mila has now reached the village of Shade and is now facing the possible threat of something or someone following her, and meeting three new characters in Calix, Rea and Rush. Just who are they? Mila thought everybody in Shade had disappeared – obviously not! Will they keep Mila safe? Or are they a threat?
There are many questions surrounding them, but with Mila too afraid to ask in case it raises suspicion from them on who she is, Mila has to keep her mouth shut.
Tim O’Rourke creates an intensifying atmosphere throughout, and the reader will feel just as ‘trapped’ in Shade as Mila. She is fearful, and could leave (we think!), but her curiosity and need to find out what happened to her parents leave her not wanting to leave until she has all the answers.
However, aside from being wary of her three new ‘friends’, Mila also has a sense that she is being followed. There are times when she thinks that she can see eyes watching her in the dark, but doesn’t want to say anything until she knows the circumstances of Rea, Calix and Rush. The tension and fear factor are a definite high in this episode, with great build-ups and mood setting!
“The feeling that I was being watched was like a hot blade sliding into the back of my skull.”
And, what another great cliff-hanger?! Tim O’Rourke knows just how to keep the reader dying for their next fix – because that is what his writing is – ADDICTIVE! An absolutely brilliant read, and not too long before part 3 is released, on 1st March!!
A copy of Werewolves of Shade #2 was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #2) by Tim O’Rourke is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
Whatever your reading preferences you are well advised to get hold of Naughty Hearts, another sizzling collection from The Naughty Literati, guaranteed to meet your needs this Valentine’s Day and beyond!
I adored all of the reads, my faves being: Valentime by Belle Scarlett; Two into One Goes Great, by Lynne Connolly; Under the Hood by Lainey-Jo Charles; 50 Shades of Valentine’s Day by Katherine Kingston and My Reaper’s Valentine by Charlotte Boyett-Compo. These tales tickled my fancy the most!
I was also delighted to see that although the central characters were new, a number of the stories (namely Nicole Austin’s My Valentine Lovers and Lainey Jones-Charles’ Under the Hood) took place in the worlds that the authors had created in the previous boxed set The Naughty List(click title for review).
Blurb
Twelve Naughty Valentine’s Short Reads including Contemporary, Dark Fantasy, Menage, M/M, M/M/F, M/F/M, New Adult, Paranormal, Shape-shifter, Steampunk & Time Travel from Amazon bestselling authors.
NAUGHTY BALLS by Suz deMello ****
Two college basketball players find themselves alone on V-Day evening. M/F)
A hot and steamy read. I loved how Penny the heroine, who lacks confidence around men, found herself in exactly the right place at the right time to hook up with the man of her dreams. After losing a bet to him on the basketball court they wasted no time in getting down and dirty together!
LOVE POTION #69 by Alexa Silver *****
When Keith and Jenna accidentally fall under the spell of one of her Valentine’s Day love potions, lust is in the air!
An inspired and fun take on the friends to lovers trope! A wildly and carnal fantasy. Just what is the recipe for this potion?
MY VALENTINE LOVERS by Nicole Austin ****
All I want for Valentine’s Day is to get barbed by a feline shifter and act out a few of my naughty twin fantasies getting me hot and bothered.
Carson and Camden – just yummy! This tale had me perspiring greatly! The heroine is on lucky woman to have not one but two true mates. Trust is paramount and will they stay or will they stray is a moot point.
VALENTIME by Belle Scarlett ***** Valerie buys a South Carolina plantation and discovers a Valentine addressed to her from a previous owner who bids her to return to him in 1865.
I loved this hot and romantic time slip tale and with not just time but danger threatening I was willing the couple to find their HEA. Super read.
DELIA’S HEARTTHROB by Regina Kammer **** Gadzooks! Valentine’s Day is fast approaching – what’s a scientist to do? Edward knows naught of romance. Can steam power prevail over chocolates to win Delia’s heart?
I am a Steampunk virgin no longer as this was my first foray into the genre! It’s a humorous and sexy read and also a comedy of manners as the scientist Edward finally admits to himself just how much Delia his assistant means to him. However, how can he demonstrate this to the object of his affection? Some very interesting Steampunk contraptions and characterisations make this read stand out.
TWO INTO ONE GOES GREAT by Lynne Connolly ***** A booker at a top model agency learns she’s anything but ordinary when two sexy photographers point their lenses—and more—at her.
Jordan and Cody show Mel exactly how much she means to them in this romantic and sizzling tale. A chocolate love fest!
UNDER THE HOOD by Lainey-Jo Charles ***** How do you choose between an online crush you’ve never met and a secret crush that you have? Maybe you don’t have to…
A clever contemporary tale of characters who are both torn between two potential lovers but who find out that fate moves in mysterious ways. I loved Russ the mechanic who is also an artist. Sweet and hot.
BUY ME A ROSE by Francesca Hawley **** Jessica and Nathaniel Whitewolf celebrate their thirtieth anniversary as True Mates but they’ve lost their bond. Now a hot couples’ retreat will get it back.
A romantic tale of True Mates who rediscover their mo-jo! It’s a sizzling tale in parts but it also had me tearing up in a couple of places. Very clever.
CHOCOLATE-COATED REUNION by Berengaria Brown **** Jake refuses to talk to Matt after he was very late on Christmas Eve. Matt’s determined to reconnect with Jake on Valentine’s Day.
A hot M/M story containing two hot men who are meant for each other who enjiy making up for lost time and misunderstandings.
CUPID’S CURIOUS CASE by Marianne Stephens ***** Alan’s last job as Cupid 84 involves neighbor Amy and a special box of candy. Both secretly desire the other. Can they find true love?
A lovely romantic and wildly erotic read. I loved how both the hero and the heroine, who had been let down in love, found each other with a little help from some vey special chocolates!
FIFTY SHADES OF VALENTINE’S DAY by Katherine Kingston ***** Dumped on Valentine’s Day! Melissa only thinks the day can’t get any worse. Until she damages her hot neighbor’s car, and he demands unexpected compensation.
A fun read, especially for fans of FSOG Jeff is one hot neighbour whose desire for retribution is maybe just what Melissa needs. For readers who revel in reading about dominant men.
THE REAPER’S VALENTINE by Charlotte Boyett-Compo ***** Sometimes a Reaper has to do what a Reaper does. It would be wise for a life-mate to remember that!
The pairing of a feisty female who is determined to evade her unexpected destiny as a Reaper’s life-mate makes for an explosive, highly entertaining and sexy read. Those familiar with this Chatlotte Boyett-Compo’s Reapers will know that for the heroine resistance is useless, but the journey she embarks on with her mate before she discovers this eternal truth is decidedly fun.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this anthology was given to me for the purpose of a fair and honest review
Title: Escape (Dark Alpha #4)
Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story
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