November 18, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ To Avenge Her Highland Warrior (#3 in the Highland Fae Chronicles), by Samantha Holt

Sensual Captor/Captive Highland Romance

Containing a sprinkling of faery magic!

Book Blurb

Lorna lost everything to war. Her home, her wealth… her lover. And now she wants revenge. When her hasty plan throws her at the mercy of her enemy’s men, she holds little hope of returning to her kin and fears death is around the corner. But could her salvation lie in the arms of her dark captor? Logan has little time to be dealing with a stubborn noble woman. His orders are to prepare for war. His laird—the man he owes his life to—intends to join forces with the Norse and bring a battle to Scotland that will see the fate of the country forever changed. Scarred, and with no memory of his past, Logan is determined to forge a new future for himself as well as prove his loyalty to the laird. But the beautiful lass has him questioning his previous life and his goals. When she starts claiming he once loved her, he knows he’s being manipulated and she’s taking advantage of his memory loss. So why is it so hard to resist the idea of having once been her lover? With the threat of impending war—a battle that promises to bring slaughter to her family—can Lorna persuade Logan to believe her, and is the bitter man he’s become even worth saving? Whatever the outcome of the battle, a certain interfering faery is resolved to see fate back on its correct path. And that means forcing Lorna and Logan together—no matter their differences.

My Review

Captor/Captive Romance with a Torn and Tortured Hero

Sensual Historical Romance (with a sprinkling of faery magic….)

To Avenge Her Highland Warrior, the third and final book in Samantha Holt’s Highland Fae Chronicles is a sensual and heart rending captor/captive romance. It can be read as a ‘standalone’, although I do however, highly recommend the whole series (check out the links below).

The novel is a combustible mix of revenge, passion and redemption, sprinkled with a little fairy magic and I loved it! It contains a dark, torn and tortured alpha hero and a strong and vulnerable heroine who belong together, but who fate has torn apart.

The faery Tiele, determined to put this wrong to right, has a battle royal on her hands to reconcile these two lovers due to events that have transpired. Her task is all the more difficult for she has sworn off the direct use of her powers, as the use of such magic in the past has resulted in unforeseen consequences.

As soon as the book opens I was drawn in – the heroine Lorna, who is widowed, is in dire straits, captive in the bowels of her former home that was brutally wrestled from her by her brother-in-law. Having failed in her mission to kill this usurper she now awaits his punishment. Imagine her surprise and relief when she finds that the man in charge of the keep whilst its master is absent is none other than Logan, the man who once loved her, the man who she had rejected and believed slain in the battle for her home.

Yet there is no happy reunion between the couple as this man is a far cry from the Logan who adored her. Instead he is a cold and distant stranger, his memory erased by the injuries he sustained during battle. He views his captive as little more than the spoilt and manipulative woman his Laird tells him she is, and he does not recall how he once loved his former mistress from afar. Whatever Lorna says she cannot help him remember or trust her enough to believe her – he views whatever she says as lies, designed to save her own skin.

Although attraction between them simmers, Logan is determined not to betray his Laird and succumb to this woman. However, he slowly comes to respect her combination of strength and vulnerability and becomes torn once he finds out what his Laird’s plans for his captive may entail. There are scenes aplenty of sexual tension, frustrated passion and love making which brings them ever closer, but not close enough, as Logan fights the connection that exists between them. Will he act to save her? Will he remember their love before it is too late? Even if he does, can Lorna accept him for the man he has become and forgive him for what he has put her through?

I so felt for both these characters in this book! Lorna had lost so much, yet she is strong and resilient in terrible circumstances, especially as the very man who should have been her saviour is now her gaoler and is a stranger to her. She is fearful for her own future and that of Logan, who seems lost to her and her emotions oscillate between hope and despair. Logan is as tortured a hero as they come and is torn between loyalty to his Laird and what he is beginning to feel for the captive. I also enjoyed the supporting characters in the tale, especially Lorna’s self-serving brother-in-law, whose actions added tension to the plot and of course Tiele whose presence and antics contributed to some humorous moments to the plot in her efforts to save the day.

All in all, I found it a sensual, heart stopping and entertaining read and a great conclusion to the Highland Fae Chronicles.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

Website/Blog Facebook

Read our Reviews of other books in the Highland Fae Chronicles

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart, book 1

To Dream of a Highlander, book 2

November 15, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Review Entropy by Robert Raker

Book title: Entropy

Author: Robert Raker

Publisher: Wattle Publishing

RRP: PB: £8.99 | Kindle & eBook: £5.99

Synopsis: When a series of child abductions and murders disrupt the life of an economically blighted community, the consequences have far-reaching implications. The brutal crimes take a different toll on a disparate group of individuals; the scuba diver who retrieves the children’s bodies; the disfigured cellist who thinks he knows who’s responsible; the undercover federal agent; and the mother of one of the victim’s.
United in a situation not of their choosing, they are forced to take a deep, introspective look into their intersected, yet isolated lives.

Review:

Entropy makes for a different type of crime drama. The story is about the impact that the killings have on the individual as opposed to the mystery of who done it and how/why. It focuses on the inner thoughts of these individuals whose lives are changed for the worse forever. These lives belong to those who are parents of a murder victim, a diver who witnesses and retrieves the dead, an undercover agent who has to pretend to be like these calculating and manipulative sex offenders/paedophiles, and also a member of the public who believes they know who is responsible.

What is fascinating about Entropy, is that the story is written from four very different perspectives, each one being written in first person. The first person allows the reader to be that particular character, to see inside their mind and feel every thought. It is a very strong and powerful connection and it grows as the story moves on and we hear from all four characters. Not only do they have the murders of these children to connect them, there is also another situation that brings these particular four together, without each of them realising the first connection they all have. Each section from all four characters ties in to make more of a narrative than the reader suspects.

The diver

The first section, told from the diver’s point of view, is extremely informative of each murder scene. Being a diver by profession, he falls into the role of assisting the police during times when they haven’t the time or manpower to provide their own. It is very interesting to read from this perspective, as it is quite shocking and difficult at times for the diver to deal with what he is seeing and dealing with. This is a completely different take on a crime scene, and I would imagine that not many have spent too long pondering on how one, such as a diver, would cope under these extraordinary devastating experiences.

The musician

The former celloist has many dark issues to contend with. Recently being involved in an accident which disfigured him plays a huge role in how it affected the one thing that he truly loved: music. Not only damaging to his career, but due to his introvert behaviour since, he has become distanced from his wife. His life is at a very dark moment. During this time he has been provided with information concerning the murders and has a strong suspicion on the culprit. Only his intention is not to take his suspicion to the police but to handle it his own way, taking out all of his anger and problems on the one person who truly deserves it.

During this second section it became clearer that Entropy is a heavy story, with little dialogue at times. There is a great deal of information to take in, and moments when I wanted to go back and re-read some points. It is very cleverly put together and interesting looking at each perspective in detail.

The agent

This section reminded me of ‘Legends‘ (tv series starring Sean Bean), where the undercover element of their job causes them to forget who they really are and has a strong, and sometimes damaging, impact on their personal life. The agent in this instance cannot let his wife in and it becomes clear why. The agent has to try and infiltrate a group of paedophiles. Although his role is necessary and he is carrying out his duties for all of the right reasons, it does make him sick at times, especially when he comes across photo’s of children to be sold and one is a familiar face linked to the murders.

At times part of the story is sickening with some graphic details of what was carried out with some of the victims. It does feel very real when you’re reading this. Some readers may not like parts of this section, however these lines are needed for the story and to allow the reader to realise just how some of these victims were treated.

From the words and context it is written, I was easily able to grasp the dark, powerful emotions that the agent’s wife is feeling and the pain that she faces on a daily basis. It is similar in some ways to the wife of the musician, how both women are left feeling quite alone, and abandoned by their partner emotionally.

…. Everything is so vacant here so I leave and go out to dinner all dressed up and alone. I sit outside because it’s cool and calm. I look for you in the people on the street, even though I know you’re not going to be there. The waiter feels sorry for me. I can see it in his eyes when he pours me a glass of red wine. I don’t even care that he can probably see my breasts in that dress. I want him to touch me, to ask me to stand up, and to take me right there outside, in the peaceful breeze. The hard truth is that I want another man, any man, a stranger to fuck me so that I can just feel something, and not feel like I am wasting away….

The model

The final chapter follows the mother of a victim. She has lost her child to a sex offending murderer, and this she finds incredibly difficult to live with. Her life has been torn apart and will never be the same again. To make matters worse, she has a husband who left her due to his infidelity. She is at a loss. The world she knew has gone.

It is an emotional read and one that will stay with you. But it does make the reader think about consequences, how one action can lead to so many more. It allows you to empathise with each character as we are taken on a journey through the lives of these individuals and can feel the devastating affects which lead to them all being in the same place at the same time.

I love the bus scene at the end of each section which ties all of the characters together, as well as the murders. Entropy is certainly a story which needs to be read until the very end before everything becomes clear. Each character looks within themselves for answers of the repercussions following the murders. They all ask themselves, and some mentally ask their partners, ‘what went wrong?’ Each story, as the synopsis suggests, is quite individual even though that one or two circumstances bring them together.

A copy of Entropy was provided by Wattle Publishing for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Entropy by Robert Raker is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Author biography:
Robert Raker graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of Pittsburgh. He currently resides in Philadelphia where he enjoys art, music, literature and live theater. He is currently working on his next novel.

Link to retailers: http://wattlepublishing.com/catalogue/entropy/

Twitter: @RobertRaker1
Facebook: Entropy by Robert Raker

November 14, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Invasion Earth (Delroi Connection #1), by Loribelle Hunt

Erotic Sci-Fi Romance (18+ read)

Book Blurb

In the distant future, Earth has been ravaged by war and famine, and after generations of bloodshed settles into peace only to be invaded by the alien Delroi. General Alrik Torfa needs a mate and his seers promise mates for many of his people on the distant planet Earth. He doesn’t expect her to come easily, but is more than a little surprised to find her leading an enemy army. Outmanned and outgunned, there is no way the Earth forces can win.Sergeant Major Laney Bradford has always played her part and served her people well, but the demands of the Delroi’s surrender are a bit extreme. Marriage? To one of them? Not likely. But she’s fought for peace her entire life and when surrender talks are threatened by a conspiracy led by her people, Laney must choose. Will she submit to the alien invader or lead the fight against him?

My Review

Enemies to Lovers (18+ Read)

Oh how I do love to indulge myself from time to time with an erotic sci-fi romance! Gone are the bad old days when I had to scour the bookshops for a read containing anything more than just a hint of sexual tension between the hero and a heroine (often a secondary character). Now we are spoilt with a host of erotic sci-fi romances, where the action is often centred on the emotions and physical attraction between the hero and heroine.

In Invasion Earth, book 1 of the Delroi Connection series, the heroine Sergeant Major Laney is a seasoned fighter. Both sides strive to negotiate a peace treaty. But when the alien Delroi commander General Alrik claps eyes on her he immediately realises that she is his mate. The price of the peace soon becomes dependent on Laney becoming his bride…… Women are dying out in their society and for their race to survive unions with earth women are essential.

Laney is horrified at this development and feels that her commanders have sold her out. She despises this handsome alien. However, despite her strong mind Alrik is able to plant sinful thoughts in her head….. A succession of smoking hot erotic scenes result, where Laney submits to a very dominant male.

Alrik is constantly shocked and surprised by this woman who has the reputation of being a ruthless killer of innocents amongst his people. Delroi women are not permitted to be warlike, in a society where it is the men who are dominant and the women who serve. I enjoyed the fact that Laney challenges the preconceptions of his race.

The plot has an element of suspense as treachery is afoot. Will Laney betray Alrik and the peace or does her connection to him extend beyond sinful thoughts? There are also a number of other fascinating characters we are introduced to in the plot, who feature in future novellas.

This is a short (136 pages) read which will appeal to readers who love an erotic sci-fi romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Connect with the Author

Available Now!

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

November 5, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW The Cabinetmaker by Alan Jones

Title: The Cabinetmaker

Author: Alan Jones

Genre: Crime thriller, crime drama

Length: 292 pages

Synopsis: The Cabinetmaker, Alan Jones’ first novel, tells of one man’s fight for justice when the law fails him. Set in Glasgow from the late nineteen-seventies through to the current day, a cabinetmaker’s only son is brutally murdered by a gang of thugs, who walk free after a bungled prosecution.

It’s young Glasgow detective John McDaid’s first murder case. He forms an unlikely friendship with the cabinetmaker, united by a determination to see the killers punished, their passion for amateur football, and by John’s introduction to a lifelong obsession with fine furniture.

This is the story of their friendship, the cabinetmaker’s quest for justice, and the detective’s search for the truth.

This unusual crime thriller contains some Glasgow slang and a moderate amount of strong language.

REVIEW

The Cabinetmaker is a very well-written narrative focusing on the relationship of a murdered lad’s father and the growing friendship the cabinetmaker, Francis Hare, has with Detective John McDaid, who is working on his son’s case. It is written almost biographically from McDaid’s point of view, starting from the death of Patrick Hare in the late seventies until the present day.

Patrick’s death was violent and Alan Jones has written in a very clear and believable manner, allowing the reader to picture Patrick’s final moments. It is a very dark and pivotal moment of the story that will change Francis and his wife forever. Patrick was their only child, and the impact that his death had on both characters is devastating. To make matters worse, the culprits walk free and although seemingly calm through the best part of the story, deep down Francis longs for justice for those that caused his son’s death.

An interesting part of the story was the reasons behind the attackers walking free from court. Many of the CID officers were ‘dirty’. Their methods of interrogation and gaining evidence was unorthodox, to say the least. There was little back-up for the evidence that was present and many of the suspects were intimidated by the officers, making for poor statements. Again, I have to say the writing is effective. Without being too heavy with the description, Alan Jones writes in such a manner that is so easy and clear to follow, despite the subject matter having the potential to upset the reader. It is written with care, and allows the reader to picture their own images on just how brutal these officers could be. There is very little Scottish dialect, but when it was present I found it to be very easy to follow and added a sense of realism of the place and times that the story is set.

The main focus of the story is the relationship that grows between Francis Hare and Detective John McDaid. Francis runs his own business as a cabinetmaker, which John finds fascinating. Not only this, but they are both playing for an amateur football side, and so share similar interests besides the case. John longs for the justice that Francis wants for his son, and throughout the following years still follows the case up. You can probably guess that John is one of the good guys and disagreed with his former colleagues’ tactics, and yet had no say in the matter at the time, being it his first job with the department. And, he couldn’t afford to lose his chance working at that level by getting on the wrong side of them.

Each time John discovered something new about the people responsible he shared his knowledge with Francis, usually at the workshop. During these times John began learning about the furniture, the wood, how to make certain parts, and began to assist Francis in his spare time and become almost an apprentice. These moments of the story are some of my favourite. These two men get to know each other, almost like a father/son relationship. It is quite heart-warming and emotional at times.

I could also relate to the well-descriptive scenes where Francis is making his beautifully finished cabinets. On a personal level, it brought back a sense of nostalgia for me as I used to sit for hours watching my own father, who is a trained carpenter and joiner, DIY. Here are two examples that I thought were written clearly, beautifully and added a real profound feeling between John McDaid as he watched and worked with Francis:

“He started to fiddle with the carcase, and I’m sure he very quickly forgot that I was there. I watched him work, as he planed an edge, and even my untrained eye could see that the plane was an extension of his arm, the shavings coming from its mouth so thin as to be almost translucent. I could have watched him for hours…”

“I called round with Francis the following day, and managed to get a bit more of my bookcase done – Francis was at a point in his furniture order where I couldn’t really help. His skills in finishing his furniture almost seemed better than those he used in making it. He would spend hours applying the various shades of shellac, rubbing the surfaces with a constant, controlled series of sweeps. I lost count of the number of layers he laid down, producing that depth of surface where the grain of wood seemed to float in a clear, utterly smooth layer of varnish.”

These examples also provide an insight into Francis’ outlook and personality. He likes to see things through to the end, each element being precise, with nothing left untamed, or cared for. These finer details are quite poignant for the story as it moves on.

I found the pace of the story to be perfect. During times of action it quickens up, but throughout some it is a nice slow-but-steady pace that meets the needs for the emotional element. The pace also provides the reader with the true feel of John McDaid ageing, following John throughout his various police roles, as well as following the lives of the suspects responsible for Patrick’s murder and, most of all, building up the long-lasting friendship he has with Francis.

The ending is wrapped up just right, as everything falls into place. The Cabinetmaker, as a story, grows just like the relationship between Francis and John. It keeps getting better and better, deeper and deeper. It draws you in with a nasty, violent attack on a young lad, but then transforms into a beautiful tale of two best friends, a father/son bond. I LOVED this book and would strongly recommend it to readers who enjoy a good drama, a character-based story, as well as crime fans. It is a superb all-rounder!

A copy of The Cabinetmaker was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

The Cabinetmaker by Alan Jones is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 5, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW of WINDHAVEN, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

A Fantastic Dark Erotic Fantasy Romance

Adult Read: Contains graphic sexual content, male rape, torture, BDSM

Book Synopsis

“Open your mouth even once, tell anyone about us, give them a name, and we’ll come for you, Sammy. There will be nowhere you can hide that we won’t find you.”Samiel Brell is being held against his will in the WindHaven Mental Hospital. His life there is a brutal nightmare from which he can not wake. The only anchor he has in this dark world is nurse Katelyn Tarnes who sees beyond the psychotic, self-destructive patient to the lost, lonely man desperately needing her help…and pleading for her love.

My Review

A Light in the Darkness

The dark erotic fantasy Windhaven, set in the future on a distant planet is a fantastic page turner and a real treat for lovers of dark erotic fantasy. A beautiful romance, where the power of love and healing does battle with unimaginable acts of depravity and evil. Indeed, the read unapologetically grapples with subject matter which includes scenes of sexual torture, enslavement of the male lead, imprisonment and physical, mental and psychological abuse.

I found that the tale is a suspenseful one, as someone is trying to silence Samiel, the hero, for good and will use means most foul to do. Although I certainly had my suspicions about who was behind the attempts on his life – I was constantly examining the motives and actions of many central characters, the book is written cleverly and in such a way that I was taken by surprise when the truth was finally revealed!

Samiel is a handsome yet tortured male and my heart immediately went out to him. His past is somewhat of a mystery, being abducted on a whim by evil people, and subjected to a life of pain and torture. His mental state is weak on account of his PTSD, manifesting as violence and self-harm and he is kept under control by a carefully orchestrated regime of drugs and restraints intended to slowly allow his recovery.

The heroine Katelyn has a strong empathy with Samiel from the outset and their attraction is mutual. She a strong character, realising early on that she is falling hard for him, a patient in a secure mental institution. Although she has the potential to be Samiel’s salvation, she is unknowingly being used in a game that others control. However, somewhere amongst all the darkness there is light and there is a satisfying HEA, but not until after evil has once again shown its hand.

There are plenty of scenes of sexual tension and erotic love making and I was on tender hooks throughout their growing relationship, as they have to deal with what is thrown at them, the shocking revelations from Samiel’s past and discover who is out to eliminate him for good.

Charlotte Boyett-Compo is one of the most imaginative and versatile authors I have had the pleasure to read and in this novel she once again delves into places most authors fear to, whilst developing and maintaining a beautiful romance. If you like tales of tortured males, strong women who are their salvation and evil that needs to be vanquished then you will love Windhaven!

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.

About the Author

Charlotte Boyett-Compo is the author of over 80 books. She writes novels that encompass science-fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romantica, Horror, Mystery, Thriler and Post –Apocalyptic Western novels. She is the creator of the Reaper, handome and deadly Alpha male shapeshifters with tortured souls that can only be tamed by the female destined to be their mate.

Connect with the Author

http://www.windlegends.com

https://www.facebook.com/windlegends

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

November 2, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW The Love of Marisol by Christos Toulouras

The Love of Marisol is a beautiful short story that publishers, Wattle Publishing, brought to our attention. It is a short story of love, loss and the possibility of a new love, that will truly eat away at you.

Synopsis: When Leo’s marriage ends, he falls into the depths of depression. He decides to escape the loss and the heartbreak with a trip to the other side of the world – Lima, Peru. In some ways, his journey becomes an unexpected salvation as his passions are reignited by the local food and people, the climate and the beautiful and alluring Marisol. The Love of Marisol is a poignant and passionate journey of heartbreak, loss but most of all self-discovery… it reminds us that at the end of one love story, there is always the possibility of a new one…

REVIEW

The Love of Marisol is a profoundly emotive read, exploring the effects of romance, love and divorce on the main character, Leo. Initially, Leo is in great pain and has a deep sense of loss that leaves him feeling empty and lonely, and even small, in this big wide world.

Leo is hurt so much that he feels he will never love again or experience love again. And, another factor for Leo is his 3yr old son. This has a detrimental effect on his thoughts even more, as he knows that his ex-wife will one day meet a new love and over time this new love may also be living with her and his son. His son will have a new father figure and where will that leave Leo?

The beautiful description, from the author of these emotions and reactions that Leo has, really pulls the reader in. It is a story many can relate to and it is written very much in a realistic tone, almost biographical, where the main character opens his mind, questions his thoughts and others’ actions of love and their views.

Not only this, but The Love of Marisol is also an adventurous, travelling story. Leo questions why he is travelling but knows no matter where he goes the heavy feeling and slow, short breathing will follow him. He is taking a trip to Lima to meet with his cousin. Although the reader senses how lost he is, he knows he needs to get up and do something, go somewhere, and this might be just what he needs.

During his stay in Peru, Leo speaks with his cousin, Dom, meets Dom’s friends and beautiful women. He hears Dom’s, and his friend’s, stories of their love experiences. All of the opinions and experiences make him ponder over his situation. But it is the beautiful, Marisol, that helps him to open his mind and begin contemplating other possibilities for his future, than the dark, lonely path he believed he would take a few days ago.

The reader is left contemplating many of the views expressed by Leo and the people he encounters. Who is right? Is it different for everyone? Reading this narrative certainly made me dig deep to seek my true feelings and beliefs on love, as well as the long-lasting relationships we have.

The Love of Marisol is extremely touching, beautifully written, and realistic. It will reach out to your soul and make you explore your thoughts, remind you of past loves and experiences. It may even open your heart!

A copy of The Love of Marisol was provided by Wattle Publishing for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

The Love of Marisol by Christos Toulouras is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 1, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ The Erotic Adventures of Belinda, #1 The New Governess and #2 Awakening. by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross

Gothic Erotica to Delight and Entertain the Senses!

Adult/18+

The partnership between Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross has produced a top notch quality erotica in their publication of The Erotic Adventures of Belinda. The series is a fantastic foray into the world of an innocent who quickly succumbs to the temptations on offer at the infamous and allegedly haunted Ravenscrest Manor and her own burgeoning carnal desires.

The New Governess

Book Blurb

When Belinda Moorland leaves her old life behind to become the new governess to a wealthy businessman’s children, she finds herself in a dazzling – and allegedly haunted – house called Ravencrest Manor. Her beautiful new home comes with an assortment of unusual staff members, including a handsome English butler surrounded by secrets, an icy power-mad housekeeper with a chip on her shoulder and a whip in her hand, and – most attractive of all to Belinda – her mysterious new employer, Mr. Eric Manning.

After just one night in Ravencrest, Belinda realizes that the staff, as strange they are, have nothing on the other residents of the house – the ones who only come out at night… the ones who enter and dictate her dreams, twisting them into dark, carnal visions of her deepest desires… and her greatest fears.

The erotic adventures of Belinda have begun…

My Review

Sinfully Seductive Gothic Erotica

I absolutely LOVED the first instalment of Belinda’s erotic adventures! The heroine is a delightfully innocent ingenue whose exploration of her physical senses begins soon after she enters the mysterious Ravencrest Manor and encounters its occupants. The dream sequences were expertly crafted, transporting the reader and Belinda back to another time, where erotic fantasies and dark desires are played out in a wonderfully evocative fashion. It is clear from the outset that Belinda risks losing her innocence, but will she remain of sane mind?

The other characters also piqued my interest, particularly the butler Grant and Eric, Belinda’s mysterious and handsome employer, to whom she is very attracted. I was fascinated and yet repelled at the same time by the controlling and abrasive housekeeper, Mrs Heller, who comes across as rather sinister. There are also other occupants of the manor who come out to play at night and who direct their attentions to the manor’s new employee…

The dialogue is often playful and the characters are engaging with tantalising hints here and here of what lies beneath the surface. This gothic inspired read contains beautifully descriptive scenes of the luxurious and sinfully seductive interior of the manor. The erotic scenes are extremely well written and balanced with the introduction of the main characters and the plot, which left me itching to read the next instalment. A fantastic read for lovers of erotica.

Goodreads

Purchase Links – Now titled Darker Shadows (The Ghosts of Ravencrest Book 1)

Amazon US Amazon UK

Awakening

Book Blurb

In The New Governess, Belinda Moorland became governess to the children of handsome and mysterious millionaire, Eric Manning. She met several interesting employees at Ravencrest Manor, including the mischievous butler, Grant, and the frightening house administrator, Mrs. Heller. During her first night, Belinda was also greeted – and groped – by other inhabitants of the house; ones who are more phantom than flesh.

Now, in Awakening, we find out more about Grant Phister, the wicked Mrs. Heller, and some of the other inhabitants of the house, both living and dead. There are more secrets than ever waiting within the walls of Ravencrest, but Belinda has one final requirement to meet before she can get down to work: She must pass her physical examination – and it will prove to be far more intimate than anything in her wildest dreams – or her darkest nightmares. Will she get through her first day at Ravencrest intact?

The erotic adventures of Belinda continue…

My Review

A Thoroughly Wicked Medical Examination

In Awakening, Belinda needs to pass her physical examination before she can begin her new post as governess at Ravenscrest. Mrs Heller, the housekeeper, takes a special interest in this and instructs Dr Akin to ensure that Belinda undergoes the most thorough of medical procedures. Thus Belinda and the reader are treated to a wickedly delicious erotic episode in the doctor’s office, which made my toes curl and had me cringing at the same time!

Dr Akin is a handsome fellow who likes to take control and Belinda plays her role of obedient patient very well indeed, discovering new and surprising things about herself and her body. I liked how Belinda, even when shocked and surprised at what is expected of her, goes along with these experiences and it makes me wonder what is in store in the next instalment…… There are certainly some strange individuals and goings on at the manor and I get the feeling that Belinda is in for quite a ride!

All in all I adored this addition to the series which I recommend to erotica lovers.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Copies of The New Governess and Awakening were given to me for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Goodreads Link

Connect with the Authors

http://tamarathorne.com/belinda.html

http://alistaircross.com/

October 31, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Review That Risen Snow: A Scary Tale of Snow White & Zombies by Rob E. Boley

That Risen Snow has a twist on the Snow White fairytale and is to be read as a sequel to the original, albeit adult readers only (17yrs+). Complete with Snow White, the seven dwarves, the prince and the evil Queen it is a quirky horror story that will certainly be a treat for Halloween!! This is Rob Boley’s debut novel, published earlier in 2014 by StoneGate Ink. And the first in The Scary Tales series.

BLURB: The zombie sequel to Snow White begins where the classic fairy tale ends, with the Prince’s kiss waking Snow from her cursed slumber. Snow wakes up, but she doesn’t wake up right.

Now a deranged zombie, Snow infects both the Prince and the seven dwarfs’ leader. That leaves the young dwarf Grouchy, who is secretly in love with Snow, to find a cure for her malicious curse. So begins an epic journey that pits the lovesick Grouchy against dwarf-hating human soldiers, Snow’s ever-growing zombie horde, and his own bad temper. But when Grouchy and his motley crew of survivors escape Snow’s clutches and seek refuge in a nearby human village, he soon finds that her affliction has spread faster and further then he ever could have imagined. Snow is hell-bent on spreading her horrid curse across the land, and it’s up to Grouchy to stop her before it’s too late.

So begins THE SCARY TALES, a dark fantasy series featuring mash-ups of traditional fairy tale characters and classic horror monsters.

REVIEW

Trick or treat? That Risen Snow is a brilliant combination of horror, quirkiness and fairytale, although certainly for the adult reader! It is definitely a ‘treat’ in my opinion. I imagined the dwarves to be scared for their life in a truly dark, life threatening and terrifying horror, filled with blood, guts and gore. Although this was a part of the story, what really surprised me was the fun and humour content as well as the heart-warming feelings that Grouchy has for Snow White.

The dwarves are like you have never imagined, with bad language and sarcasm, but these moments add another element. They are not typical of the dwarves we are familiar with, but in fact have characteristics of real people, which I loved. Even Snow White wasn’t as graceful and elegant as one would think!

The layout of the story is interesting too, with chapters written from the different character’s perspectives. The reader learns what is happening with each character which keeps the reader informed and able to see where the author is going, and suspense can be built-up from this. Another area of the story which fascinated me were the flashbacks. The flashbacks were mostly Grouchy’s personal thoughts and feelings towards Snow since she came to their cottage. The reader feels the growth of affection that Grouchy has for Snow and begins to understand why he wants to find a cure for her curse, rather than just be rid of her and the undead.

After reading this you will certainly feel that you know the dwarves more personally than ever before. From the past thoughts and dialogue between the dwarves we are made aware that they have all been having private discussions with their leader, Bones. Each dwarf has their own problem and obstacle that they need to overcome and Bones was helping them with this. Merry’s story was one that touched me, as we learn that he longed to be trusted and respected by the others. Bones gave him tasks to do to make him feel worthy and needed, but once their life changes and they are being chased by the undead Grouchy tells Merry how it really is. It is then up to Merry to either pity himself or do something about it.

Battson, a dwarf-hating human soldier working with the Prince, is, initially, an unlikeable character who would prefer to see the dwarves harmed in a typical encounter. Yet, as the story unfolds and continues into a survival story, the war between human soldiers and dwarves is swept aside as they begin to work together to keep the remaining survivors alive and hopefully find a cure for this disease that their friends are suffering from. Battson does begin to slowly show a quiet, heroic side which changes the readers opinion into respecting and admiring him for his new-found quality.

Although an extremely trying time of desperation, hardship and fear, the reader does not be given many opportunities to feel the tragedy and terror due to the humour and fun way in which it That Risen Snow is written. However, as the story continues, and more dwarves and soldiers are turning, it does become a little more serious and desperate for the remaining survivors. The reader is left on a hanger at the end, and I for one really want to know the outcome in the sequel, That Wicked Apple! Grouchy has come so far, and for the reader to walk away at this point would be like leaving him there for the curse to take him too!!

A copy of That Risen Snow: A Scary Tale of Snow White & Zombies was provided by the author, Rob E. Boley, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

You can check out our SPOLIGHT for That Risen Snow with author bio for Rob E. Boley, along with extracts of more reviews here.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 30, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Afraid to Hope, #3 in the Secrets and Seducution series by M. J. Nightingale

Sexy and Heartrending Read

Erotic Contemporary Romance 18+

Book Blurb

Louisa Sears is ready to start over. Escaping her small town where prejudice, long memories, and old fashioned values haunt her, Louisa embarks on her dream of finding love, and a man who can warm up her bed at night. Pregnant at sixteen, divorced from an abusive husband at twenty, and raising a daughter alone, Louisa is now ready to live. She wants what every woman wants. A rock hard man, who knows how to love. Will Florida be the place where her dreams come true?

Jay Russell is battle scarred. A past filled with horrors from childhood, the war in Iraq, and the most devastating event of his life that occurred when he returned home, he is definitely not looking for love. When he first meets Louisa Sears, the bombshell with the fantastic body, he wants one thing, and one thing only, her body underneath him. The hot little ticket that walks by his t-shirt shop, meets all his requirements for a night of passion.

The scars in them run deep though, and they both have secrets. Can two people so deeply wounded by the past learn to trust each other enough to share those secrets? And if they do, will they be able to get past them and learn to hope again?

My Review

Sexy and Heartrending Read

Afraid to Hope is #3 in MJ Nightingale’s Secrets and Seduction series, but can easily be read as a standalone. Let me say from the off that it is a sexy and heartrending read which digs deep into the psyche of both the hero and the heroine. It contains some smoking hot scenes yet both Louisa and Jay need to overcome secrets from their past to find the HEA they both hanker after and deserve.

I loved Louisa. She is a strong and sassy woman who has dedicated her adult life to bringing up her daughter. I admired her for this and for her gumption in taking charge of her destiny and moving to Florida to open a new chapter in her life. When she meets the motorcycle riding hottie called Jay, she is literally swept off her feet. He is just what she needs, introducing her to fun and carefree times and to pleasures she only dreamt about. Despite their growing connection, she senses that Jay is pulling back from her and one episode in particular makes her question their whole relationship and whether she can trust him.

Jay is a drop dead gorgeous tortured alpha hero and I adored his single mindedness in his pursuit and seduction of Louisa. The dialogue between them is a real scream as Jay always says exactly what he thinks, which although often inappropriate is often highly amusing! Jay wants to enjoy Louisa’s body and give her a good time, but they become ever closer and Jay gets drawn into Louisa’s circle of friends and her life. Yet Jay bears many emotional scars from his past, including profound guilt he harbours from an event that her blames himself for and this means he finds it almost impossible to move on with the relationship. When an incident compels him to reveal his scarred emotions to Louisa, he fears he may lose her for good. Will she forgive him and give him a second chance, especially given her own haunted past?

This novel is an erotic romance which gets right to the heart of what good strong relationships are about – mutual trust and sharing and coming to terms with each other’s past and above all our own demons. It is also an in depth examination of the causes and possible effects of PTSD. I strongly recommend it to romance readers.

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

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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October 29, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY x 2 After the Haze (full length novel) by Gary Richardson

Blood curdling, bones breaking and boisterous biting!

We are excited to post zombie horror, After the Haze, for a gritty, scary and suspenseful Halloween treat. Not only that but we have 2 SIGNED copies to giveaway to some lucky winners! All you need to do is add your name in the comments below or on our Facebook Page, and we will randomly select the winners on Friday 7th November 2014! Tina & Caroline 🙂

Synopsis: The haze ravaged everything. Human life as we know it is over. Those who survived the haze awoke to find themselves in a new nightmare, as the dead returned with the insatiable desire to hunt down and feed on the remaining humans. Yvonne thought she had escaped her nightmare. Safely aboard the HMS Lancaster, Martin, Mike and herself believed they had found salvation with their military saviours. Things change when a devastating realisation is made. Humans no longer control the Earth. With this in mind, Yvonne has no choice but to assist in the operation to take back control of the UK and bring together all the survivors, but she soon learns that there are bigger threats to mankind than the living dead…

REVIEW

After reading the first book, The Purple Haze, I couldn’t wait to read After the Haze. Whereas the first book takes the reader from a bank robbery scene (put me in the mind of tv series, The Sweeney) to an escape scene, where the living had to constantly duck and dive from the undead and begin to leave loved ones behind and use violence to survive, the sequel begins once the initial haze has started to diminish and many are dead or undead!

The opening chapter is fantastic. The reader is introduced to Alan who is spending quality time with his son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter at his home. Everything appears normal, until the Purple Haze hits. Once Alan comes round it isn’t long until he realises he needs to protect his granddaughter. The journey that he has is so heart-breaking. This opening is easy to relate to and yet builds up for the horror to come – if you have already read The Purple Haze you will prepare yourselves a little easier. This is certainly not for the faint-hearted with some shocking moments and great horror. Fans of The Walking Dead will definitely love this series.

If you haven’t read The Purple Haze – no problem – as Gary Richardson has written the introduction to the main characters, Mike, Martin and Yvonne, from where they left off in the last story. Richardson also delves into some scenes from the first story which either recaps the reader, or informs the new reader just where these characters have come from and what they have been through. In this manner, After the Haze could be read as a stand alone. However, I would STRONGLY recommend that The Purple Haze be read first for the reader to feel the full effect of the beginning of the horror!

The story follows Yvonne’s character mostly, as she is faced with venturing back to the mainland where she had left the mayhem and horror behind. Seeing the undead brings the fear, tension and panic back. Albeit, at least this time she has trained marines to help protect her. The reader can really understand Yvonne’s reluctance to face these monsters again – she’s been through it once and survived. This must truly be a psychological challenge for her. And, although the marines accompanying her are equipped and trained they have not faced the zombies themselves. You can imagine the shock and surprise that they feel when they do.

The mission is to check three villages and ascertain any survivors in order to create some areas human zones, if possible. The idea is that these human zones could be set up to help keep the survivors and human race alive, with the hope to repopulate the area, country and possibly the world, depending on the situation. There are moments of quiet, eeriness and some action during the initial searches and these help build up suspense for what is to come a little later on!

When the team come face to face with the zombies there is plenty of action, violence and gore. Some scenes are quite horrific physically and painful emotionally as some of the undead are familiar to their killer. It is gritty, dark and the reader will be quite tense and stunned at times with some of the surprises that are waiting!

Another side to After the Haze explores how some survivors can become cruel, evil and wickedly selfish. They want to take what they want, at the same time as try to instil control and fear over the remaining survivors. The readers will certainly have a level of threat and violence to deal with, aside from the undead themselves! This makes some characters those that you love to hate and you long for them to receive a little of what they are dishing out. There is the need for justice and maybe revenge, which makes for a deeper storyline.

The ending is wrapped up beautifully, providing the reader (or at least myself) with an obvious hero and favourite character of the story. If you love zombie stories, horror, violence, survival stories, and even emotional ties, then After the Haze will prove to be a favourite!

After the Haze by Gary Richardson is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US. But don’t forget to enter our GIVEAWAY for the chance to win one of two signed copies! Add your name in the comments box below or on our Facebook page. CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2014!

Good luck, guys!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker