December 16, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Her Bastard Bridegroom, by Alice Coldbreath

#medieval #fantasy #romance

A Sweet and Steamy Adult Read

Book Blurb

Lady Linnet Cadwallader has been raised a helpless invalid in her own castle. Brought up to believe she will ‘never make old bones’ she lives a quiet and lonely existence, hiding away her excessive freckles and red hair from a world that believes her to be hideously misshapen and ugly.

Until one day her uncle arranges a marriage of convenience for her, a marriage in name only with a young puppet groom… but Sir Roland does not show up. In his place turns up his bastard-born brother Mason Vawdrey. And dark, forceful Mason is no-one’s puppet.

Things are about to get interesting at Cadwallader Castle. And Linnet is about to discover that maybe a golden leopardess does not need to change her glorious spots.

This is a full length novel of over 80,000 words. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.

My Review

Loved it – A Delightfully Sweet and Steamy Treat! ~ 5 stars

I came across this read whilst noodling on Amazon and downloaded it as the plot line – vulnerable heroine marries bad boy alpha male really appealed to me. I’m so so glad I did, as I now have another favourite author to read!

Her Bastard Bridegroom is a sweet and steamy read set in a Medieval landscape. Whilst the hero Mason truly is the dark and brooding bastard in the book’s title, and Linnet regards herself as an unattractive young lady destined for an early grave, nothing is what it first seems – this book is a romance after all! Both hero and heroine are just what each other needs and their relationship frees them from their past and leads the to discover truths about themselves that they did not know existed. What starts of as a marriage of convenience with the hero making no bones about marrying the heroine for her riches soon develops into something more. Yet there are those in Linnet’s and his own family who are far from happy about their unexpected union and they gather in the wings…

Mason is a loveable rogue of a man. He is renowned for his dark ways and freely admits that he does not have a romantic bone in his body. I liked that he is totally honest with Linnet and leaves her under no illusions that what he wants from her is her dowry and an heir or two so that his offspring can secure a title. Yet this great beast of a man has never met a woman quite like Linnet, so unspoiled and innocent. Despite his first impressions he is in for a huge surprise as his new wife also has a strong character and can match him in and out of the bedroom. Talking of bedroom there are many steamy scenes inside and outside of the chamber and the authors graphic depictions of their lovemaking positively sizzle!

As for Linnet. despite Mason’s reputation, she is undaunted and is liberated by her marriage as never before in her life. I loved how her character came into its own with the developing plot and how Mason, despite his gruff ways and his insistence to himself and others that this marriage was for his convenience only, falls hard for his wife.

Mason’s half-brother Oswald, so different in character, is a perfect foil for Mason, often acting as his conscience and along with many other supporting characters make for an entertaining and often humorous read. I loved how the story developed and was very satisfied with its outcome.

Recommended for fans of historical/fantasy romance who like a romantic and steamy read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Author Links

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32388550-her-bastard-bridegroom

December 12, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Going the Distance (No Excuses #1), by Mila Rossi

#sports #romance

Adult/18+ read

Blurb

Once you slap the hell out of the light heavyweight champion of the world on the night of his first loss, how do you convince him to give you an interview? That’s the dilemma Samantha Wellington finds herself in after turning down the most desirable yet foul-mouthed athlete she’s come across. Unfortunately for her, her job depends on getting his interview and this boxer’s not talking.

When Trent “The Punisher” Page is humiliated by the spunky reporter, then cornered for an interview, he does what he does best: he plays dirty. He didn’t earn his nickname for being nice, after all. If the little minx wants to know more about him, she’ll have to pay with the one thing she’s not willing to give – herself.

Her elements of surprise meet their match in his determination to succeed. With vastly different motivations, can they break down the enemy without jeopardizing themselves?

DISCLAIMER: Due to Trent’s foul mouth and sexual situations, this book is intended for mature readers.

My Review

Sweet, Sassy and Sexy! ~ 4 smexy stars!

Mila Rossi’s Going the Distance contains a boxer who is facing the first disappointment of his hitherto stellar career and a sassy reporter who is trying to get an interview with him, the very man she rebuffed only days before! Samantha’s attempts to persuade the man-whore Trent to give her an interview without giving in to his, shall we say, less than honourable demands certainly make for a delightfully entertaining read!

Trent is attracted to Samantha and, smarting from her very public rejection of him, attempts to use the situation to his advantage. However, Samantha is no pushover and is adamant that she will not succumb to his wicked ways, refusing to be just another notch on his bedpost. She negotiates a series of ‘dates’ with Trent designed to persuade him to allow her the coveted interview and she finds herself becoming attracted to him more and more, as she realizes that there is more to this complex man than she initially thought.

Similarly Trent becomes more and more entertained and intrigued with Samantha’s attempts at persuasion and finds that he cannot get this persistent reporter out of his mind. However, Trent finds that he has to concentrate on regaining his fighting form and distractions such as Samantha can play no part in his life….

Overall the romance between Trent and Samantha is a sweet one, but that said there is plenty of smoking hot scenes and smexy banter between the potty mouthed straight talking Trent and the sassy Samantha.

If you are after a novella length sexy read and love tales of alpha males and spunky heroines you will love this read!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

http://www.milarossi.com/

December 9, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ The Ice Duchess (Scandalous Regency Widows #2), by Amy Rose Bennett

#historical #romance

Adult Read

Blurb

Georgiana Dudley, the ‘Ice Duchess’, has just emerged from mourning after a nine-year marriage of convenience to the Duke of Darby, her twin brother’s lover. Deeply hurt by a scoundrel a decade ago, Georgie swore she would never turn her head for any man, let alone another rakehell. But then she encounters the wickedly handsome and all too charming Rafe Landsbury, the Earl of Markham and against her better judgment, her interest is reluctantly aroused. An affair may be impossible to resist but dare she trust Lord Markham with her most intimate secrets… and her heart?

Society believes Rafe to be a diplomat but for many years he has been working on the Continent as a spy for the Crown. Leaving the shadowy world of espionage behind, he returns to London with the intention of finding a wife. When he is paired with the frosty yet fascinating Duchess of Darby at the picquet table during a ton ball, he is intrigued. Do-or-die man that he is, he’s certainly not going to let her cool demeanor dissuade him from pursuing her.

When Rafe’s dark past returns to endanger Georgie, he is determined to protect her at all costs, even if that means hiding who he once was. With the stakes so high, both Georgie and Rafe must decide if love is a risk worth taking…

Author’s Note to Readers: This historical romance has a steamy heat rating. It contains open door love-making scenes and frank language is used.

My Review ~ 5 stars

Passionate, heart felt and compelling

This Historical Regency Romance by Amy Rose Bennett is a compelling read, containing a heart felt romance, oodles of sexual tension, red hot passion and a suspenseful plot. It also contains one of my top male leads in my reads this year in the form of Rafe Landsbury! It is an erotic read dealing with some dark emotional issues.

Georgiana, a widow is a vulnerable heroine who affects the façade of the ‘Ice Duchess’ to protect herself and her heart. Deeply hurt by traumatic events in her past she avoids relationships with the opposite sex, keeping rakes in particular at arms length. Yet when faced with the mysterious and debonair Rafe Landsbury her fragile mask crumbles under his devilish charm, piercing wit and intelligence.

Once Rafe gets a glimpse of the woman beneath the act his interest is piqued, and despite her protestations he embarks on a mission of seduction which Georgiana finds hard to resist. I not only LOVED how Rafe courts Georgiana (as an alpha male he pushes her boundaries whilst respecting her fears), but also how he seeks retribution against the man who hurt her in the past. Rafe too has his own demons and he struggles to reveal his own secrets until he is compelled to do so by events.

Yet there is a foe at large who seeks revenge on Rafe and who threatens the couple’s growing happiness. As Rafe does all he can to protect Georgiana whilst keeping her in the dark about his past, will their growing affection be enough to counter his lies of omission and the danger she is now in? The read takes some dark twists before it reaches its conclusion.

I absolutely adored the sexual charged banter between the hero and heroine. Rafe is an alpha male who will stop at nothing to claim this woman and protect her from others and even himself. There are some great characterizations in the book, not just the hero and heroine but also Georgina’s brother Jonathan. We also get to meet characters from Lady Beauchamp’s Proposal (click on title for review). The story has a great deal of depth, not just emotionally but also in the ability of the author to immerse the reader in the life of Regency England, the sights, sounds and the social mores of the time.

A top read for fans of Regency Romance.

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

http://amyrosebennett.com/

https://www.facebook.com/amyrosebennett.author

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31471873-the-ice-duchess

Click on the title for my review of Lady Beauchamp’s Proposal

December 1, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ The Master of Strathburn, by Amy Rose Bennett

#historical #romance #scottish

Blurb

A sweeping, sexy Highland romance about a wanted Jacobite with a wounded soul, and a spirited Scottish lass on the run.

Robert Grant has returned home to Lochrose Castle in the Highlands to reconcile with his long-estranged father, the Earl of Strathburn. But there is a price on Robert’s head, and his avaricious younger half-brother, Simon, doesn’t want him reclaiming his birthright. And it’s not only Simon and the redcoats that threaten to destroy Robert’s plans after a flame-haired complication of the feminine kind enters the scene…

Jessie Munroe is forced to flee Lochrose Castle after the dissolute Simon Grant tries to coerce her into becoming his mistress. After a fateful encounter with a mysterious and handsome hunter, Robert, in a remote Highland glen, she throws her lot in with the stranger—even though she suspects he is a fugitive. She soon realises that this man is dangerous in an entirely different way to Simon…

Despite their searing attraction, Robert and Jessie struggle to trust each other as they both seek a place to call home. The stakes are high and only one thing is certain: Simon Grant is in pursuit of them both…

My Review ~5 stars

Swept Away by this Highland Romance

I was swept away by this Highland Romance by Amy Rose Bennett. Master of Strathburn is a sweet and sensual romance, full of suspense and adventure. It contains a hero who has paid the price for backing the losing side in the Jacobite Rebellion, who returns home after years in exile and a vulnerable but spirited heroine.

Still regarded as a traitor, Robert Grant has to tread carefully before he attempts to reunite with his father. His enemy, his half-brother Simon and his stepmother have taken advantage of his absence, ruling the roost on his father’s estate, and are not likely to give up their hold without a fight. Before Robert can decide how best to announce his return, fate literally throws Jessie Munroe in his path, a young woman to whom he is wildly attracted but whom he cannot afford to trust, lest his very life and future be forfeit. For Jessie’s part she believes Robert to be little more than a fugitive as she strives to escape the clutches of Simon Grant. She must strive to get herself to safety before sacrificing her heart. Yet Simon is in hot pursuit of them both and will stop at nothing to get his hands on them.

I loved Robert, a handsome and heroic figure, who wishes to make amends for the impetuosity of his youth which broke his father’s heart. He cannot afford to trust this young woman, especially as he knows that she has come from the Strathburn estate. The couple withhold the truth from each other to protect themselves. This scenario creates a number of misunderstandings against a backdrop of increasing danger as the net thrown around them by their enemies grows ever closer. Yet the longer they spend together the more their attraction grows. Jessie is a feisty heroine and a worthy match for Robert and there is a great deal of sexual tension between them as the plot develops.

The lovemaking scenes between them are beautifully crafted. I was on tenterhooks waiting to see if they would reveal their true feelings to each other before it was too late and whether Robert would succeed in reuniting with his father and gaining the pardon he so deserved before Simon could thwart his plans.

A super read for lover of Highland romances!

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

http://amyrosebennett.com/

https://www.facebook.com/amyrosebennett.author

Click on the title for my review of Lady Beauchamp’s Proposal

November 22, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Dark Fragments, by Rob Sinclair

#psychological #crime #thriller

Book Blurb

Dark Fragments: an edge of your seat thriller from the best-selling author of The Enemy Series

Murder. Money. Revenge.

Outwardly, Ben Stephens appears to be a normal, hard-working family man. In reality, his life has been in turmoil since the murder of his wife, Alice, seven years ago. The killer was never caught.

Now re-married – to the woman he was having an affair with while still married to Alice – Ben’s life is once again spiralling out of control, and he’s become heavily indebted to an unscrupulous criminal who is baying for Ben’s blood.

When Ben’s estranged twin sister, a police detective, unexpectedly returns to his life, asking too many questions for comfort, it becomes clear that without action, Ben’s life will soon reach a crisis point from which there will be no return.

In order to avoid falling further into the mire, Ben must examine the past if he is to survive the present – but just how much pressure can one man take before he breaks?

Dark Fragments is a fast-paced thriller with a blend of mystery, suspense and action that will appeal to readers of psychological thrillers, as well as a broad section of crime, thriller and action fans. If you like authors like Mark Edwards, Robert Bryndza and C.L. Taylor you will love this unforgettable thriller.

#psychological #thriller #crime #action

My Review ~ 5 stars

Addictive and Action Packed!

This is a fast-paced psychological crime thriller that sucked me in and left me gob-smacked with its unexpected dénouement. It’s the second book that I’ve read by the author, the first being Hunt for the Enemy (click on the title for my review). Once more it contains a flawlessly constructed and suspenseful plot that kept me guessing throughout.

Ben appears to be just your average hardworking guy with a wife and young family. Yet we soon find out that his first wife Alice was brutally murdered seven years previously, an episode that preys on Ben’s mind, particularly as the murderer has not been found. Ben’s marriage to Gemma, the woman with whom he was having an affair with when Alice was murdered, is far from rosy and his job is in the doldrums. Crucially the reappearance of Callum O’Grady, a crime lord to whom he turned to after Alice’s murder, puts Ben on the defensive and in fear of his safety and that of his family. At the same time Dani, his estranged twin sister, a detective inspector, walks back into his life.

It soon becomes clear that her reappearance is not a coincidence and Ben struggles to cope with current and past events, all of which shape his actions. He is under unimaginable pressure and despite his best intentions his life very quickly spirals out of control until he reaches his breaking point which has implications for all around him.

Once I started to read the novel I was hooked, not only due to the unfolding plot but also to the way it is written. The story is told in short punchy chapters, narrated in the first person point of view, by the protagonist Ben Stephens. Some chapters are written as the main events unfold and others retrospectively, as Ben is encouraged to reflect on what has happened, with a person whose identity we can only guess at. This has the effect of creating a suspenseful read, not only allowing us into Ben’s thought processes, but often foreshadowing events and putting a different perspective on what we have just witnessed.

There are some violent and disturbing scenes in the book but they are integral to the plot. I found myself at first rooting for and then cringing at Ben’s actions in response to events as the tale unfolded.

I will not reveal any more. It is enough to say that I hugely enjoyed this read. The characterisations, particularly that of the volatile Ben, are superb and the plot clever and suspenseful. It left me wondering to what extent we are all victims of fate or whether we ultimately have control over events.

Recommended for fans of crime thrillers, particularly those who like a psychological read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

http://www.robsinclairauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Rob-Sinclair-746087495413628/

https://twitter.com/RSinclairAuthor

November 15, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ, AUTHOR INTERVIEW & ARC REVIEW ~ Honeymoon, by Samantha Macleod

#paranormal #erotic #romance
Adult/18+ read

Samantha Macleod’s novella Honeymoon releases today, which continues the romance between the uber sexy Norse god Loki and the mortal Caroline, which began in The Trickster’s Lover, published earlier this year.

I was super excited to receive an ARC of this book as not only do I adore the characters of Loki and Caroline but I love the worlds that the author has created which draw deeply on Norse mythology. I was also thrilled to be given the opportunity to quiz Samantha about her writing journey and her plans for the future! Scroll down to read my review of Honeymoon and to read the interview with Samantha. 🙂

Blurb for Honeymoon

Mythology expert Caroline Capello agreed to marry Loki, the Norse god of fire and lies.

She didn’t realize the most dangerous part of their marriage might be the honeymoon.

My Review ~ Five stars

Just wow – frantically fanning myself!

Samantha Macleod’s novella Honeymoon follows on from the events in her scorching erotic paranormal read, The Trickster’s Lover (click on the link for my review). This sexy story packs one helluva sizzle and is a fabulous addition to Caroline’s and Loki’s romance. It works well as a standalone, but for maximum reading pleasure I’d definitely recommend reading The Trickster’s Lover first.

In it, Loki whisks Caroline away on an impromptu honeymoon, a welcome distraction from her impending nuptials on earth. Transported to Alfheim, home of the Light-elves, Caroline is subjected to Loki’s carnal attentions in this beautiful land, whilst also becoming more embroiled in the politics of the Nine Realms and the part Loki plays in it.

The lovemaking scenes are off the Richter scale and you will need a copious supply of iced drinks! The picture painted of Alfheim and the Light-elves is a vivid one and adds to the author’s rich world building of the Nine Realms. There’s also a heavy dose of magic, danger and suspense which adds to the reading pleasure.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Honeymoon

Amazon US Amazon UK

The Trickster’s Lover

Amazon US Amazon UK

Author Interview

1.Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you have been writing?

Sure, and thank you so much for hosting this interview!

Like many writers, I’ve always wanted to write, and I wrote quite seriously in my early twenties (mostly short stories and personal essays). But I never got any publications, so I got discouraged, quit, and went to graduate school to study religion and mythology.

I started writing again in the spring of 2015, because of my children. I realized I was telling my kids to follow their dreams and never give up, but here I’d given up on my own childhood dream of being a writer. So I forced myself to sit down and write the sci-fi story I’d been kicking around for years. Once that was finished, I realized I had a few more stories in me. One year ago, in November of 2015, I started what I thought would be a sexy short story. It turned into The Trickster’s Lover, my first novel.

2.Do you base any elements of your heroes or heroines on anyone you know, either physically or in terms of their characters?

Hmmm, that could be a loaded question!

In The Trickster’s Lover, Loki and Caroline pretty much showed up on their own. But many of the supporting characters are based on people I’ve known, especially my friends, colleagues, and professors at the University of Chicago. All names have been changed to protect the innocent, I promise! 😉

3.What inspired you to write about the Norse god Loki (furiously fanning myself)?

Well, here’s a story I thought I’d never tell anyone: I had a dream about Loki showing up on the University of Chicago campus. That morning I sat down to turn the dream into a short story, which became the first scene between Caroline and Loki, which turned into a much longer story!

4. I loved The Trickster’s Lover and Honeymoon, your latest release which continues the story of Caroline and Loki. Do you have any plans to continue their story or to write any more books set in the world you have created? (Please say yes!)

Thank you so much! Since you asked so nicely, I’m happy to say the answer is yes!

I’m currently working on my next novel, and it does take place in the same world. This story focuses on Loki’s son Vali, who was turned into a wolf when Loki was imprisoned in the cave, and Karen McDonald, a wildlife biologist in Yellowstone National Park. It’s not exactly a sequel, although several characters from The Trickster’s Lover do show up.

I’m in the early stages of revising and, for me, that’s a painfully slow process, so I’m not going to make any promises yet. But I am hoping for a spring 2017 release…

5. What was the most challenging aspect of Caroline’s and Loki’s story to write and why?

What a great question!

Let’s see… Both Loki and Caroline are emotionally closed-off, private characters, which made them a real pain to write.

There’s a scene in the U. of C. library, after Charlie Trotter’s, that immediately comes to mind. I woke up in the middle of the night – more than once! – thinking about the dialogue in that scene. Actually, I woke up thinking about that scene even after the book was published.

And I probably re-wrote the “meet-cute” scene between Loki and Caroline about fifty times. That was my first attempt at writing a sex scene; I really struggled with pacing. It’s also the first time the reader meets Loki, so I wanted to make sure his character came across in a realistic, interesting way.

6. What do you think makes a good hero and heroine?

You know, I’ve just never been drawn to a hero or heroine who always does the right thing, the first time around. I’m much more interested in a flawed and struggling hero (or heroine), the kind of person who has to overcome their own dark side or face their insecurities in order to save the world.

7.Loki, the hero of The Trickster’s Lover and Honeymoon is a powerful and conflicted character. How much research did you have to carry out into the Norse legends before writing the novel?

I studied mythology for several years, so I’d already done quite a bit of research before I decided to put my hard-earned mythology chops to work writing a romance novel!

I tried to remain true to the original sources, with one major exception – I totally invented the Trial of Ӕsìlynd. Everything else, though, comes straight from the myths.

I did have to return to the texts quite a bit, especially once Caroline went to Asgard, and when Ragnarök began. My personal copy of the prose Edda is a dog-earned, scribbled mess at this point!

8.Why do you think that readers enjoy reading about ancient gods and goddesses and myths and legends?

Well, when I first started reading myths and legends as a kid, almost all the books included an explanation along these lines: “Ancient people didn’t understand how the world works, so they invented myths to explain these everyday phenomena.” So, as an example, the story of Hades and Persephone was merely their primitive way of explaining why the seasons change.

But I don’t buy that. I think myths are still popular today because they really speak to the human experience, which honestly hasn’t changed that much in several thousand years. To continue with Hades and Persephone, that myth is a lot more than an explanation for the seasons; it’s about the human, and especially the female, experience of leaving one family to start another, and trying to balance the call of romantic love against familial and other obligations.

Most gods and goddesses are complicated, flawed characters, and I believe that also helps to explain their persistence. Odin, for example, is pretty damn unpredictable. Sure, he’s a warrior, but he’s also someone who transforms himself into a snake and spend three nights sleeping with his enemy’s daughter to get what he wants. That kind of complexity is fascinating, as much so for modern readers as it must have been for the Vikings.

Finally, I think the persistence of myth also speaks to the universal power of a really excellent story. Spin a good yarn, and it lasts.

9.Have you any writing/publishing projects in the pipeline that you are able to share?

Why yes, I do have some projects to share!

First, I’ve got the Vali novel. I’m hoping to have that out this spring, and you can follow my website or subscribe to my newsletter for more updates.

Second, I’m really excited to announce that Less Than Three press is publishing a story of mine called The Night Watch. This is a bit of a departure for me; it’s a high fantasy romance between two male characters with nary a shred of mythology. This novella tells the story of Prince Liam, who returns to his kingdom after five years at the Academy to find an ailing king, an arranged marriage, and his closest childhood friend Cerdec, who is now his personal guard.

Finally, as usual, I’ve got a handful of projects I’m currently polishing, and another handful of projects out for submission.

10.Have you a message to readers?

Thank you!!! I’m so honored you’ve chosen to spend your precious time reading my stories. 🙂

Connect with the Author

https://sammacleod.wordpress.com/about-me/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012016893561

November 12, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW – Tainted (#4 in the Druid Chronicles), by Christina Phillips

#erotic #historical #romance

A real treat for fans of historical romance set in Roman Britain!

We are thrilled to be part of the release blitz for Christina Phillips’ erotic historical romance TAINTED. Set in Roman Britain and previously published in 2013, the book, containing a timeless love story between a Druid warrior and a Roman Patrician, has now been re-launched with a beautiful new cover. This enemies to lovers romance is an emotional and heart rending read, full of erotic and sensual scenes and contains plenty of suspense as the lovers struggle for their HEA against all the odds. It is a riveting read which is highly recommended. 🙂

A dangerous love Rome will never allow…

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king, Druid warrior Gawain abandons his gods and vows to destroy the Roman invaders by any means possible.

Nothing and no one is more important than protecting his fellow Druids from the enemy until he meets the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she fascinates him like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt. His touch stirs a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.

Previously published in 2013

Tainted is the fourth book in The Druid Chronicles and this time I mixed it up a little. The hero is a tough Celtic warrior we first met in Forbidden, and although at the time I didn’t know if I’d write his book, readers were keen to find out what happened to him. And so was I! But it was hard to find the perfect heroine for him, until Antonia appeared.

A beautiful Roman noblewoman, she’s nothing like he first assumes and what starts out as a fleeting affair soon develops into something much deeper, and deadlier, for them both.

Read Chapter One

My Review

Historical Erotic Romance 18+

Lush Eroticism and a Riveting Romance – 5 stars

Tainted is bursting with lush eroticism and riveting romance. The tale is set in ancient Britain and features a love between a sexy Celtic warrior and a Roman aristocrat, whose combination of strength and vulnerability melts his heart. The novel also has paranormal elements, befitting of a time when both Romans and Druids communed with their respective gods.

The patrician Antonia, recently divorced, has left Rome and journeys to Britain with her merchant father. Antonia is relieved to have left her brutal marriage far behind her. As soon as she catches sight of Gawain, whom has featured in earlier novels in the series, instant mutual attraction flares between them. Gawain blatantly parades his lust for Antonia and his intention to bed her, whilst at the same time making known his disdain for Rome and all it represents. Although Antonia tries to hide her attraction, she finds it impossible to maintain her apparent disinterest. She decides that there is no reason not to encourage this man, whom she is very much attracted to, and embark on a short term affair, where she can hopefully put the bad memories of her marriage behind her.

For Gawain’s part he is determined to possess this woman, just as he has the bodies of many a Roman aristocrat. However, Antonia is different – she has no husband with her whose secrets he wishes to uncover in his quest to bring down the Roman oppressors as a good Druid warrior should. Nevertheless he determines to slake his lust on her before moving to pastures new.

Gawain, well practised in the erotic arts, inducts Antonia into sensual pleasures beyond her wildest dreams, a far cry from her experience of the marriage bed. His seduction includes sexual acts that she has only heard spoken of in whispers by her erstwhile friends in Rome. The lovemaking scenes are very hot indeed! The couple very soon begin to share more than physical pleasure and develop strong emotional bonds, which grow into mutual respect and a deep love. As with all of Christina Phillips’ novels that I have read in this series, their developing romance is beautiful to behold. Both Gawain and Antonia however have their own secrets and when a figure from Antonia’s past reappears in her life and Rome’s determination to destroy the Druids comes to the fore, their budding romance is threatened by violence and treachery. There is also an unexpected plot twist, which i did not see coming, which added to the pleasure of the read.

I loved the characters of both Gawain and Antonia. Gawain is portrayed as a strong and honourable individual, committed to the path of the Druid warrior, to repel and destroy the Roman invaders, whom he despises. He feels as if he has failed his Celtic God Lugus, as he was unable to prevent the treachery which resulted in the King Caratacus being captured and taken to Rome, an episode which also resulted in the execution of the other Druid warriors loyal to the king. Gawain feels less honourable because he managed to escape their fate. He is a considerate and inventive lover and I found him to be a irresistible, just as Antonia does!

On the surface Antonia is the perfect reserved Roman aristocrat, but she has been made to feel wanting by virtue of her merchant father’s heritage which is not considered good enough for her mother’s patician blood. She has therefore suffered whilst in Rome. However, Antonia has an inner strength, which Gawain comes to respect. Gawain helps to heal her sexually and their relationship is also full of humorous and lively banter. Neither individual wishes to see the other hurt by their own actions or those of another.

Other characters include Carys and Maximus, the hero and heroine of book 1, Forbidden, who play a key role in the novel. There is also Antonia’s father, who has his own secrets and the Praetor who does not have the best interests of Antonia and Gawain at heart. The tale is set against the backdrop of the Roman objective to annihilate the Druids and the power and influence they wield over the populace, by whatever means possible. Author Christina Phillips is in the Premier League when it comes to historical erotic Romance. Her novels have the perfect balance between erotic lovemaking and an exciting, credible and well crafted plot.

I recommend the novel to romance lovers who like to read erotic romance, set within an historical context.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this novel was given to me by the publisher for the purpose of a fair an honest review.

Buy Links

iBooks | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

#1 Forbidden – iBooks | Amazon | B&N | ARe | Kobo

#2 Captive – iBooks | Amazon | B & N | Kobo

#3 Enslaved – iBooks | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

#4 Tainted

Bio

As a child, Christina always loved reading about far away places and magical worlds, but never imagined that one day she’d spend her days writing about them! Thankfully, when she grew up she decided her brave heroines deserved a gorgeous warrior to share their journey with, and hopes you enjoy the world of The Druid Chronicles as much as she enjoyed writing it J

Keep in touch with Christina

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November 7, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – Fated for Sanchez (Mediterranean Romance), by Kristin Ravelle

Stylish and Smexy Contemporary!

“Four years ago, I was nearly seduced by Lilli’s obvious sensual assets. Today, I desire her business savvy. My strange luck, her uncle signed over her trust fund before dying in a business investment to me.” Sanchez

********************************************

Lilli Eden has never forgotten the summer she spent in Malaga, Spain, at her friend, Jimena’s. Or Sanchez Varellano, Jimena’s brother. They shared smouldering glances all that summer but no more for Sanchez was engaged. Or so she thought.

Four years on Lilli feels she’s finally grown past their searing mutual attraction but upon gaining control of her parents’ trust fund, she discovers her deceased Uncle Jeremy had secretly invested it in a Varellano business expansion. Sanchez now holds the strings to her and Lucie’s futures for several years.

Sanchez dares to take fate into his own hands. He can redress both Jeremy’s ill thought out offer and an old Varellano family score at the same time. And Sanchez has a private agenda of his own for the ravishing Lilli.

Lilli must decide whether to tempt fate on a chance with Sanchez for dreamt of futures for her and Lucie as the Edens and Varellano share a painful history that brings Lilli and Sanchez together but also threatens to drive them apart. Will fate be on the side of their love this time?

Sweet/spicy heat, Mediterranean Men. Stand-alone novel, HEA.

Buy your copy now to learn how Sanchez dares to manage fate!

My Review

Stylish and Smexy: A Real Gem! – 4 and a half stars

Fated for Sanchez is a sweet and stylish contemporary romance penned by Kristin Ravelle. It is the third book I have read by the author, the other two being Discovery (the Iron Web) a dystopian novel and The Everlasting Spell, a paranormal romance (click on the titles for reviews). This exquisitely crafted romance pairs a drop dead gorgeous Mediterranean hero with a young English woman, who destiny has once again thrown together. Yet the couple need to overcome a number of obstacles, not least their own stubbornness and the vagaries of fate before they can find their HEA.

If like me you are a fan of alpha heroes you will LOVE Sanchez, a successful businessman who exudes natural charm and who is irresistible to the female sex. He is determined to take advantage of the situation and get his hands on the ravishing Lilli, a woman whom he has not been able to forget. If he needs to use a little emotional blackmail in the process then so be it! Although his actions were a little high handed a times, he is an alpha with a heart and it was easy to see why Lilli is so drawn to him.

Lilli is a heroine who I rooted for from the off. Since her parents’ death she has provided for Lucie, her younger sister, whilst her uncle manages their trust fund. On the death of her uncle she is stunned to hear that the fund is now invested in a business venture in Spain, a venture presided over by none other than Sanchez Varellano, a man whom she had a serious crush on four years before. She finds herself in an impossible situation, reluctantly agreeing to a six month engagement and a move to Spain so that her talented sister can have the funds to go to art school to pursue her dream.

The plot thickens as Lilli asks herself what a man like the successful and cosmopolitan Sanchez, a man who could have any woman he desires, could possibly want with her? Does he want her purely for the money she has brought to the table or is there something else at play? Lilli cannot believe that Sanchez wants her for herself alone. She feels like a pawn, yet is conflicted as she is so attracted to this man who made such an impact on her younger self. Can she extract herself from the situation before she loses control over not only her life but her heart?

The plot grows ever more complex as we encounter persons from both Lilli’s and Sanchez’s pasts, a series of misunderstandings and the mystery of an ailing business venture. I was entertained throughout waiting to see if the couple’s growing mutual attraction and their undoubted sexual chemistry and passion would triumph this time or whether fate would once again tear them apart.

Recommended for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy a sweet and spicy read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Details

Amazon US Amazon UK

Author Contact Details

http://kristinravelle.blogspot.ca/ (Kristin’s Blog)

@KristinRavelle on Twitter

https://twitter.com/KristinRavelle

https://www.pinterest.com/kristinravelle/ (Kristin on Pinterest)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29489820-fated-for-sanchez

November 1, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – King’s Knight (Medieval Warriors #4),by Regan Walker

#historical #medieval #romance

A Superb Tale of Medieval Romance and Adventure

HE SEIZED LIFE BY THE THROAT

Dubbed the Black Wolf for his raven hair, his fierceness in battle and his way with women, Sir Alexander of Talisand attacked life as he did the king’s enemies. But acclaim on the battlefield and his lusty escapades did not satisfy. King William Rufus would bind him to Normandy through marriage to one of its noblewomen, but the only woman Alexander wanted was a commoner he had saved from a terrible fate.

SHE KEPT MEN AT BAY WITH HER BOW

The shame of being the child of a Norman’s rape dogged Merewyn’s steps from her youth. Determined never to be a victim of a man’s lust like her mother, in Wales she donned the garb of an archer and developed extraordinary skill with a bow. Despite her fair beauty, men now keep their distance. No longer in need of protection from other men, can Merewyn protect herself from Alexander when he holds her heart yet can never be hers?

My Review

Mesmerising Medieval Romance – 5 stars

Once again I was blown away by the storytelling ability of this author! King’s Knight by Regan Walker is book 4 in the superb Medieval Warriors series. I was immediately drawn into the world in which her characters inhabit, a world which she brings alive with her colourful descriptions, rich plot lines and real historical figures.

I loved the romance between Alexander and Merewyn! Alexander returns to his father’s estate, his boyhood home, a favourite of the king, having proved his loyalty and prowess in battle (he also has a reputation amongst the ladies at court). It is there that he is reunited with Merewyn, a young woman whose honour he protected when she had barely reached womanhood. Yet Merewyn is not the girl he once knew. She has blossomed into a beauty, a beauty who is now a confident and skilled archer who can hold her own. Alexander would like to claim her but his king would tie him to another. Merewyn fights a losing battle against her own attraction to protect her heart as she knows that she is far too base born to be a suitable match for the heir of Talisand and the King’s favourite.

The read is such a romantic and sensual one: Alexander and Merewyn are so perfect for each other and I was totally enthralled throughout. Indeed, Regan Walker weaves a bewitching tale of their star crossed romance and a HEA for the couple seems so far from their grasp due to the differences in their social standing. Alexander cannot bear for her to belong to another (I just LOVED how protective he is of her when she is faced with attentions from others), yet is torn between his duties to King and family and his growing respect and love for Merewyn.

Yet Merewyn will not let his love for her dishonour him in the eyes of his kin and King. I really felt for her, as despite her prowess with the bow she is vulnerable, the shame of illegitimacy being a heavy burden for her to bear. The pair are two strong individuals who are so right for each other but whom circumstances of birth would tear asunder. The evolving plot is full of adventure and twists and turns which test the couple’s love and loyalty in many respects before the novel concludes. Alexander and Merewyn are so perfect for each other and I was totally enthralled throughout.

Regan Walker’s depictions of the medieval world and the characters are once again sublime and it is clear that she has researched the lives of people from all stations in society as well as real life historical figures, such as King Rufus, very well. I recommend it wholeheartedly for lovers of historical romance, especially those who enjoy tales set in medieval times.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Author

http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com

http://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6450403.Regan_Walker

October 30, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW GUARDIAN (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part III (Jezebel’s Journey Part III) by C.J. Pinard

The Daughter of Darkness series finale is here in GUARDIAN. Following Lotus’s Journey has been a pleasure. Lotus, half-vamp, half-faery, has been teased and beckoned in her dreams by her evil father, Vlad Montour (a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler). Discovering his ideas for taking powers and controlling all supernaturals, his methods for achieving that, and many other evil acts, it becomes clear that he has to be stopped. But, will meeting with her sisters to discuss a plan of action turn sour? Especially since one was once on the dark side herself not too long ago?

Title: GUARDIAN (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part III (Jezebel’s Journey Part III)

Author: C.J. Pinard

Genre: Paranormal mystery, thriller

Release date: August 22nd, 2016

Length: 127 pages

Buy Links: Amazon US, Amazon UK

Blurb: Realizing that a confrontation with Vlad had slipped out of her grasp, Lotus sets off with Drew and Jezebel to formulate another plan of action. But then a phone call from Tori, the sister she’d just learned about but had never met, changes the course of their plans.

Lotus now has to search for some kind of heirloom or jewel left to her by her biological mother. But where would she find such a trinket? She’d been orphaned for over 100 years and didn’t even know her mother’s name, let alone anything she’d left her. With more determination than ever, the assistance of a witch, and her other gifts, they will help guide Lotus to find it. But what else will they find when going on such a hunt?

The final showdown to kill Vlad has been set and as Lotus and Jezebel finally meet their long, lost sisters, Tori and Blair, they realize the chances of them getting away with killing Vlad and living to tell about it are very slim. Still, their resolve is strong; the sisters are strong. The question is: Will it be worth it? Giving their lives to rid the world of their evil father, Vlad the Impaler, for good?

Find out in this heart-stopping final instalment of the Daughters of Darkness series.

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

I have followed Lotus’s journey through each book of the series, and GUARDIAN is a brilliant story to end the series. Lotus has certainly come a long way throughout the series; although half-vampire and half-faery she has lived most of her life in a most human-like manner. Over the course of the series she has learned so much about herself, her capabilities and her family. She has even sustained a long-term relationship with cute, hot Lycan, Drew, a neighbour and protector. And yet, she still loves to make her everyday life as human-like as possible, i.e. going to work and general life as a mortal.

“… why was I living as a mortal? I’d told them that it was because I knew no other way. That was the truth, partially, but the other half of me knew it was because it was safe and harmless to pretend to be human. However, deep in my dark heart, I knew I should venture onto the wild side – the dark side of the supernaturals – and see what it had to offer.”

It is very easy to connect with Lotus’s character in this manner. Her character, within the story, acts as a bridge between the reality and the supernatural world. In Guardian, Lotus has to make some uneasy decisions and to take chances, along with her sisters, in the hope of defeating their evil, vampire father, Vlad Montour (a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler). And, the reader can sense a change in Lotus in exploring more of her supernatural side, especially as she would need this to help be rid of her father.

Told not only from Lotus’s point of view, the reader also follows Jezebel’s as it is also her final book of the series too! This is very fitting as these sisters are so close at this point and in almost every scene together. In fact, aside from Drew, Jezebel is the closest person to Lotus. Both become cautious when they meet with their other two, newly-found sisters, Tori and Blair, especially Tori as she was brought up and worked for their father.

However, there are some emotional twists when we learn about the sister’s backgrounds, their mothers, and just why Tori may have turned against their father. Along with the final showdown, I felt that the meeting scene of the four sisters was a vital part of the story. Were they going to turn on each other? Could they be trusted? These were just some of the questions running through my mind. It is written really well, and the caution and emotion felt real.

The overall atmosphere of the story, and indeed the series, is dark, eerie, and full of suspense and mystery. It darkens still as the sisters try to take on their powerful, evil father. And, it is he that creates the mood and tension. Trying to take the power and control all supernaturals is his goal, including his own daughters. But, did he really love them? Can they really take on their own father?

Complete with witches, succubi, werewolves, faeries and vampires, Guardian has a thrilling, fast-paced story line with plenty of action, especially as the story moves towards the end. A brilliant read for this Halloween. But, I would advise to read Lotus (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part I and Watcher: Lotus’s Journey Part II before finishing with Guardian.

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

Reviewed by Caroline Barker