October 27, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Eagle’s Honor RAVISHED, by Sandra Schwab

#historical #erotic #romance

Adult/18+ read

A barbarian warrior, an enemy of Rome.
A sheltered young woman, the daughter of a Roman officer.
An unlikely love, threatened by the bloody strife at the borders of Roman Empire.

AD 190: When a fever ravages her father’s fort and kills her family, Livia has to leave Britannia behind and make a new home for herself in Rome. Lost in a world of grief, she finds little delight in the glittering capital of the empire. Nothing can penetrate the grey fog of her grief—except for the cool blue eyes of the slave Leontius, a barbarian warrior, a former gladiator, a man she ought to fear. And yet, she cannot help but crave his touch, even though he is an enemy of Rome; even though, should he ever manage to flee, he would unleash the anger of his tribe upon the border of the empire.

My Review

Sensual and Emotionally Charged ~ 5 Stars

I loved this read so much! Ravished is a superbly well written sensual and emotionally charged historical romance set in AD 190 during the time of the Roman Empire. It is the second book in the author’s Eagle’s Honor series, book one being Banished which I reviewed earlier this year (click on the book title for my review).

In Ravished, a tale of star-crossed lovers, the reader is taken from the far reaches of windswept Britannia to the decadence of Rome and then to the border with Germania. The Barbarian Leontius is paired with Livia, a young and innocent high born Roman who has suffered the loss of her immediate family. They meet in Rome where Livia is spending time with her aunt and Leontius, a former gladiator, is purchased as her aunt’s pleasure slave.

Leontius escapes his bondage and returns to his homeland to avenge himself against Rome, yet fate decides to re-unite the couple, only this time it is Livia who finds herself held hostage by Leontius’ tribe. Yet Livia and Leontius have not forgotten their time spent in Rome and the attraction they have for one another refuses to be denied.

The author does a fantastic job of portraying Livia’s depressed and detached state of mind when she is mourning her family. Neither the decadence of Rome nor the isolation of her uncle’s fort can penetrate her low mood. It is only when she is captured, facing an uncertain future, that she begins her metamorphosis and begins to seize life and discover her inner strength. I really enjoyed this transformation and how she rose to the many challenges that her captivity threw her way, not least dealing with the attraction between her and Leontius and his stubbornness!

I loved how protective Leontius is towards Livia throughout the novel. He tries to fight his attraction as he knows their future together is impossible as Livia is but a pawn in the negotiations between Leontius’ tribe and Rome. However neither Livia nor Leontius can resist the chemistry between them and I enjoyed the sensuality of the lovemaking scenes between the couple who despite their differences are so well matched. I despaired of their HEA and at several points during the read I was reduced to tears due to the seemingly hopeless situation they found themselves in!

I enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Livia’s uncle Caius and Lucius and Leontius’ family. The descriptions of Rome and how it contrasts with life in Germania, especially amongst the Germanic tribes were well drawn.

Ravished is a must read for romance fans, especially those who enjoy reading about love and relationships set in the Roman period.

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.

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

http://www.sandraschwab.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sandraschwab

https://twitter.com/ScribblingSandy

October 22, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ In The Flesh (#1 of the Medusa’s Consortium series), by KD Grace

#dark #erotic #paranormal #romance

When Susan Innes comes to visit her friend, Annie Rivers, in Chapel House, the deconsecrated church that Annie is renovating into a home, she discovers her outgoing friend changed, reclusive, secretive, and completely enthralled by a mysterious lover, whose presence is always felt, but never seen, a lover whom she claims is god. As her holiday turns into a nightmare, Susan must come to grips with the fact that her friend’s lover is neither imaginary nor is he human, and even worse, he’s turned his wandering eye on Susan, and he won’t be denied his prize. If Susan is to fight an inhuman stalker intent on having her as his own, she’ll need a little inhuman help.

My Review ~5 deliciously dark stars!

A Dark and Lustful Delight

A bloody brilliant read! In the Flesh, book #1 in the Medusa’s Consortium series, is a sizzling and darkly erotic paranormal romance that will not only push your buttons but keep you on your toes with a plot that will keep you guessing. It contains some sizzling scenes that left me, like Susan the heroine, panting for more! I am certainly looking forward to more books in the series.

I adored the main setting for the book, the gothic and decidedly eerie deconsecrated church in the North of England that Annie, Susan’s friend, is renovating as her home. It is there that some truly terrifying events play out as first Annie and then Susan succumb to the entity in residence, a sexual predator who will not take no for an answer and whose powers and twisted desires are far from human… When Susan becomes his latest obsession will she too fall under his spell or will she be able to resist his addictive touch in which her sanity and very life is at risk? Is it already too late?

Susan soon finds that she needs help if she is to resist and defeat the entity that would possess and devour her and help (and romance) comes from some unexpected sources. The read is packed full of suspense and danger and oozes lust and raw sexuality. Twists and turns abound as Susan’s free will is threatened by dark desires she cannot control. Will she escape or will she succumb to the demon’s almost god like powers over her desires?

I just loved Michael, the builder who comes to Susan’s aid and the many other supporting characters, all of whom are superbly well drawn and I am looking forward to getting to know more about them in future books in the series. I will not reveal much more, except to say that if you love dark erotic romances, especially those that delve into the depths of human desires and contain creatures of mythology and your darkest dreams then you need to read this book NOW!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that 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

Websites: http://kdgrace.co.uk/

http://gracemarshallromance.co.uk/

http://www.thebritbabes.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KDGraceAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KD_Grace

October 11, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Summer Review Round-Up 2016

Dear readers,

It may be Autumn, but we’re still clinging on to the end of Summer with our Summer reads from June, July and August recapped for you to check out. We hope you all had some great hols and had the chance to read a book or two!

One of the perfect summer reads for me was Alison Brodie’s THE DOUBLE, where the setting on a luxury yacht on the Côte d’Azur really grabbed me. A perfect read even if not on holiday as it certainly makes you feel like you are!

And, with many of our reads being dark, paranormal, sci-fi and HOT erotic, they’ll be perfect for warming up your evenings for the following months.

For more info on each book and our full reviews please click on the titles.

Happy Autumn, everyone!

Caroline & Tina 🙂 ❤

Angelis Vampire Series by Shane North, fantasy, paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

SHANNON (book 1) Blurb: Shannon’s life is happy except for her nightmares, but when she watches her mom and dad being murdered by the monsters in her dreams, her life falls apart. Her best friend turns out to be a werewolf, the man she thinks of as her other father is the alpha male, and her long lost uncle is a vampire lord from Angelis. Angelis is in another time dimension, a world ruled by Royals, a pureblooded line of vampires with powers never seen in this time dimension. Angelis is a medieval world of castles, and ancient magic that her mother and uncle were forced to leave to save their lives.

Shannon’s journey leads her to follow her destiny and meet the love of her life. Destiny and her uncle lead her to find out what she really is, where she came from, and to become the strongest immortal to live. Shannon learns to kill quickly, and to love like there’s no tomorrow when she meets her mate from her dreams. Simon, an eight-hundred year old Viking has searched the world for his true love when he meets Shannon. What will Shannon’s uncle, Simon’s maker, have to say about this? A young woman from South beach, destined to overthrow the vampire council and rule the immortal race with the help of the ancient Shaman Neeb.

SHANNON’S REVENGE (book 2) Blurb: My name is Shannon O’Callaghan and I’m immortal. I live in an amazing world of time travel and magic, where vampires and werewolves are normal and I call them family A family some would say are monsters, but they love me unconditionally and it’s the life I was meant to live. My father was Connor O’Callaghan, a visionary that led the wolves to peace and prosperity. My mother was Callidora Angelis, a Royal vampire from another time dimension. Their love and life together are what made my life possible, but, it is also what caused their death. And, it’s their death that fuels my journey of revenge on those who stole my life.

This immortal word is controlled by The Vampire Assembly. The Assembly is an evil group of twelve who decides the fate of its followers. They are devils dressed like mortal men who kill with pleasure and live off of blood slaves they keep in their dungeons. They are evil, they are responsible for my parents’ death, and I will see them dead. My day for revenge is finally coming and The Assembly is mine to kill. Then and only then will I rule this land as their queen.

REAGAN’S DESTINY (book 3) Blurb: Death has arrived in earth’s time dimension. A foul stench filled Shannon’s nose, a smell of sulfur and death. This might have been a vision, but her power spiked as she sensed the source and moved towards it. Her life force surrounded her as her swords appeared in her hands. She gripped them tightly and stepped through a massive oak door. Before her stood a giant of a man.

His essence was black as coal, and his soul had long been lost to his dark side. His ancient leather armor looked old and battled; it smelled musty from the dried blood and looked dry and brittle. This had to be Kyran. Evil always had a dirty, unkempt appearance, and his aura was encircled with death. She could sense his blood was similar to Damon’s, and she knew she would take great pleasure in killing him someday. But what happens when Kyran is taken to earth’s time dimension by Neeb’s evil brother, seeking to kill the remaining royal Angelian family and end their bloodline forever.

In this riveting spin off from Shane North’s Angelis Vampire Series, an unknown Angelian is faced with death, her new life and the destiny the fates have planned for her.

Figs by Tabitha Rayne, erotic lesbian menage/romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Two girls, some fruit and an office perv—what could possibly go wrong?

When Mae finally confronts the office perv, Rory, by taking part in one of his suggestive pranks with a fig, she starts a journey that changes the way she thinks and feels about her current partner, Janey. Janey lost her sight just before they met and Mae realizes she has been keeping Janey like a prisoner in her own home—safe, protected and unseen. After the scene with Rory, Mae decides to take Janey out and show her off to the world—something she should have done a long time ago…

Little does she know what a hellraiser her girlfriend can be.

Sex Hell: A Love Story by Joe Canzano, comic fantasy, humour, paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: When Debbie de La Fontaine tries to spice up her love life by supernaturally tampering with her sex life, she is cursed to spend every future encounter in a magical place called “Sex Hell,” where the sex is ludicrous and amazing–but the romance is scarce.

Her only chance for escape is through the stingy clues supplied by a laughing demon, and the only way to obtain the clues is by returning to Sex Hell again and again to have outrageous sexcapades with the man she most wants to avoid–or does she?

Sex Hell is an absurd comic fantasy about the confusion of relationships. How is love related to sex, and how is sex related to love–and do love and sex need to be related at all?

*This book contains profanity and adult situations

All That Glisters by C. J. Fallowfield, contemporary erotic romance, humour (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: The spin off to the best-selling humorous erotic romance standalone, The Temptress.

Hunter Donovan. He was everything I openly loathed, but everything I secretly desired.

Cocky, arrogant, and crude. When Hunter wanted something, he pursued, relentlessly, until he got it. And right now, I was his prey. The trouble was, I didn’t want to be added to his endless list of conquests.

Gorgeous, masculine, with a body made for sin. The most perfect specimen of male I’d ever set eyes on, and he knew it. The trouble was, I saw the pain he was trying to hide, and I wanted to heal him.

He wanted my body, but I wanted his heart.

Coco Barella. She was everything I openly desired, but everything I’d convinced myself I didn’t need.

Beautiful, sexy, and sassy, all of the qualities that I wanted in my bed. Compassionate, loving, and perfect, all of the qualities I didn’t need in my life.

I needed to pull her to me, but at the same time I wanted to push her away.

When the sexual magnetism between two people is so hot, that it can scorch everything around it to ash, who will emerge from the flames victorious?

A standalone erotic romance novel, which contains adult content and is only suitable for the over 18’s

A Most Demanding Mistress (Fashionably Impure #2) by Natasha Blackthorne, historical, erotic regency romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Scorching Hot Historical Romance

Miss Miranda Jones is indisputably the most beautiful, elegant and sought after courtesan in all of London. She hides a past full of pain and rejection beneath an exterior of pride. She knows that noblemen put their own fickle interests first and cannot be trusted. Scorned by ducal father, she never needed or expected anything from a man, except his financial support. Luxurious living makes a soothing balm against the sting of the ultimate rejection.

Now she’s madly in love with a nobleman who cannot afford to keep her in such extravagant style. And she wonders if a courtesan can ever afford to indulge her own passions? Can she really gamble so capriciously on her own future and put the happiness of the moment above future security? Will her gentleman prove himself no better than any other nobleman that she has known?

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, has seen the men of his family destroyed through their obsessive need to possess beautiful women. He’d always thought himself immune to such unworthy drives. Now he’s fallen under the spell of Miss Miranda Jones.

Miss Jones’ high standards and past reputation foretells that she’ll be a most demanding mistress. Despite his relative lack of funds, Adrian is determined to work hard to protect and provide for her. Passion led this skeptical gentleman to declare himself in love. Yet as they enter a protector and mistress relationship, Adrian finds himself consumed with possessiveness. And he can’t help but wonder if is it true love that motivates him? Or is it the need to own her stunning beauty? He must find the answer before their tempestuous romance breaks both of their hearts.

A Most Demanding Mistress is part of the Fashionably Impure Series and is best read after Miranda’s Dilemma.

Reader advisory: This story contains frank sexual language and general bedchamber naughtiness. Abuse issues are alluded to in the backstory.

The General’s Daughter & Stolen Melody (Snow and Ash, books 1 & 2) by Heather Knight, post-apocalyptic, dark erotic romance suspense (reviewed by Tina Williams)

THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER (book 1) Blurb: Eighteen year-old Ilsa’s father, General Balenchuk, is one of the few men with balls enough to build a tiny island of civilization after a global catastrophe sends humanity to near extinction. He runs Bluefield Mountain with an iron fist, and he’s even more controlling when it comes to his daughter. Ilsa’s been dead inside for years—that is, until the person who hates her most takes her hostage.

When twenty-two year-old Talon Heinesman kidnaps Ilsa Balenchuk, it’s not just because the leader of a rival territory ordered him to capture the general’s daughter. Four years ago, her selfishness set into motion a series of events that resulted in his mother’s and sister’s murders. He’s buried his rage for four years, and now it’s time to mete out the punishment she deserves.

Their story sets Ilsa and Talon on a steamy, turbulent path full of danger, incendiary passion, and a bond so deep it could kill.

This romantic suspense novel contains dark, mature situations and sensitive subject matter, and contains triggers some readers may find discomforting. It is a work of fiction and is intended for adult readers.

STOLEN MELODY (book 2) Blurb: The rest of the world knew her as Melody, the beautiful young siren who rose to the top of the music scene just before a volcano blew and wiped out most of civilization. For the past three years, nineteen year-old “Imogen” has been living under the protection of a small town pastor, and no one else in this increasingly righteous parish knows her infamous history. The whole The rest of the world knew her as Melody, the beautiful young siren who rose to the top of the music scene just before a volcano blew and wiped out most of civilization. For the past three years, nineteen year-old “Imogen” has been living under the protection of a small town pastor, and no one else in this increasingly righteous parish knows her infamous history. The whole persona of Melody was a corporate fabrication, and Imogen would like to forget that part of her past.

Ex-felon Axel Diehl is scouting ahead for a well-organized gang when he spots his fantasy girl. There’s no mistaking the small scar on her hand, those full lips, or that kick-ass figure. It’s too good to be true, and when the gang takes control of Sadie’s Bend he publicly claims Melody for his own.

Can sweet Imogen become the sexy Melody of Axel’s dreams? Can Axel give his poster girl the love she craves? Or will the violence of this new, post-apocalyptic world tear them apart?

This dark romance novel contains mature situations and sensitive subject matter, and contains triggers some readers may find discomforting. It is a work of fiction and is intended for adult readers.

The Double by Alison Brodie, romance, mystery, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: A night she can’t remember. A week she won’t forget.

Beth is mistaken for rock star Sonita La Cruz, and ends up on a billionaire-dollar yacht. As a shift-worker in Glasgow, Beth has only known hardship. Now she’s in a world of uniformed stewards, delicious French food and rows of gorgeous designer clothes. Beth keeps quiet about the mix-up, determined to wear every outfit in her wardrobe before she’s sent home. What’s wrong with a little play-acting? Beth takes to the role of rock diva like a duck takes to water.

Aleksandr, the captain, arrives and is astonished to see a beautiful raven-haired girl lying on deck issuing orders through a loud-hailer. After talking to Beth, Aleksandr realises what has happened. His smuggling buddies, knowing Aleksandr needs to speak to Sonita about a kid’s crisis, grabbed Beth by mistake. Aleksandr is desperate. To save those children, he needs money, but Sonita has disappeared.

Beth rises to the challenge. She looks like Sonita, so why not BE Sonita? Beth does a magazine interview for one million dollars, and ransoms herself for another million. Beth saves the kids … but can she save herself? Too late, Beth discovers why Sonita disappeared.

A love story set against the backdrop of a luxury yacht on the Côte d’Azur, a civil war in the Eastern Bloc, and a Glasgow housing estate.

November Rain (Bad Bloods #1) by Shannon A. Thompson, sci-fi dystopian, paranormal, urban fantasy (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Serena isn’t human. She is a bad blood, and in the city of Vendona, bad bloods are executed. In the last moments before she faces imminent death, a prison guard aids her escape and sparks a revolt. Back on the streets determined to destroy her kind, Serena is spared by a fellow bad blood named Daniel. His past tragedies are as equally mysterious as her connection to them.

Unbeknownst to the two, this connection is the key to winning the election for bad bloods’ rights to be seen as human again. But Serena is the only one who can secure Vendona’s vote. Now, Daniel must unite with her before all hope is lost and bad bloods are eradicated, even if it means exposing secrets worse than death itself. United or not, a city will fight, rain will fall, and all will be threatened by star-crossed love and political corruption.

Beneath Broken (Imperfect Heroes #2) by C.J. Pinard, contemporary, military romance, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: He’s a clean-cut cop who loves a good challenge.
She’s a smart executive with no interest in falling in love.
It won’t take long for the flames of desire to scorch them both, forcing them to either douse the blaze, or succumb to the fire.

MASON
I don’t give up easily. My personality and training taught me that failure is not an option, and getting the attention of the beautiful executive president Harper Mathis is going to be my biggest challenge yet. But first I’ve got to find out why she’s so withdrawn. A woman that stunning must have secrets and I’m going to find out what’s hiding behind those baby blue eyes of hers. She’ll quickly see how much I love a good game of chase.

HARPER
I’ve gone through hell and am not ashamed to admit that I’m broken. Damaged goods. Used up and empty. I want nothing to do with men or love, especially not a cop and a veteran – one who puts his life in danger every day. I’ve been there, done that, and my heart has no interest in someone like Detective Mason Oliver. Even if he’s the hottest thing I’ve laid eyes on in a very long time. I get the feeling Mason always gets what he wants, though. Well, he hasn’t seen my stubborn side.

Beneath Broken is book 2 in the IMPERFECT HEROES series and is for readers 18+.

The Scottish Diamond (novella) by Helena Fairfax, contemporary romantic suspense, mystery, drama (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: A powerful, intense and dramatic Scottish romance novella – one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page…

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair…” When Lizzie Smith starts rehearsing Macbeth with her theatre group in Edinburgh, she’s convinced the witches’ spells are the cause of a run of terrible luck. Lizzie’s boyfriend, Léon – a former bodyguard – is mysteriously turned down for every job he applies for, until he’s finally offered the job of guarding “The Scottish Diamond,” a fabulous jewel from the country of Montverrier.

But the diamond’s previous guard has disappeared in mysterious circumstances. The people of Montverrier are known for double-dealing and skulduggery, and the Scottish Diamond has a history of intrigue and bloody murder. Lizzie is plagued by nightmares in which Macbeth’s witches are warning her of danger.

Then Lizzie discovers she’s being followed through the streets of Edinburgh, and it seems her worst fears are about to be realised!!!!

The Scottish Diamond is a standalone story. Lizzie and Léon first met in the romantic suspense novella Palace of Deception, which is set in the Mediterranean country of Montverrier.

All That We Are (Trust #1) by Holly J. Gill, contemporary erotic romantic suspense, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: Holly knows that sitting behind her computer isn’t going to bring one of her romance heroes to life. And despite her matchmaking friend’s attempts, she’s still lonely, looking for her Mr. Perfect. Fairytales happen, right?

As a bestselling author, Ashton Noir doesn’t need anyone or anything in his life other than his imagination. That is until he comes across Holly’s Promotional Services’ website. Further exposure for his books can’t hurt.

Communicating through the Internet and then phone calls, professional interests turn personal. Realising they lack trust and confidence in different ways, can they have a future as a couple? Or are their dreams forever going to be their safe haven?

Caught by Lolita London, historical, erotic romance, erotica (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: A Lonely Doctor

His treatment for female hysteria calms his patients, and heats Dr. Thomas Winterbourne’s blood like nothing else. Unwed, and desperately lonely, he’s rejected the idea of marriage due to his singular desires.

A Thief

Jenny Marks feels no pity for the wealthy doctor who has more comfort than she has ever found in her nineteen years. She takes a job as his maid, intending on taking anything of value from him and any other upper class people that she can.

Caught

When Dr. Winterbourne finds her pilfering his mother’s jewels, he decides upon punishing her in the most scandalous of manners, unknowingly tying their fate together.

Mean Girls by Lucy Felthouse, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Adele Blackthorne is a big girl. She knows it, and she’s been picked on all her life because of it. But she’s gotten to the stage where she doesn’t care. She may be Rubenesque, but she’s healthy, too. Much healthier than the mean girls at the leisure center that point and stare and say spiteful things about her. Adele rises above it all, and enjoys her secretive glances at the center’s hunky lifeguard, Oliver.

As the bullying of Adele becomes worse, Oliver finds it increasingly difficult not to intervene. He doesn’t want to get into trouble with work, but equally he can’t stand to see Adele treated in such a horrible way. Especially since he doesn’t agree that she’s fat and unattractive. He thinks she’s a seriously sexy woman, and would like to get to know her better.

How to Capture a Duke (Matchmaking for Wallflowers #1) by Bianca Blythe, regency historical romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: One reclusive bluestocking…

Fiona Amberly is more intrigued by the Roman ruins near her manor house than she is by balls. When her dying Grandmother worries about Fiona’s future, Fiona stammers that she’s secretly engaged. Soon she finds herself promising that she will introduce her husband-to-be by Christmas.

One dutiful duke…

Percival Carmichael, new Duke of Alfriston, is in a hurry. He’s off to propose to London’s most eligible debutante. After nearly dying at Waterloo, he’s vowed to spend the rest of his life living up to the ton’s expectations.

One fallen tree…

When Fiona tries to warn a passing coach about a tree in the road, the driver mistakes her for a highwaywoman. Evidently he’s not used to seeing women attired in clothes only suitable for archaeology waving knives. After the driver flees, Fiona decides she may as well borrow the handsome passenger…

The Virgin of the Wind Rose (A Christopher Columbus Mystery – Thriller) by Glen Craney, mystery, thriller (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: While investigating the murder of an American missionary in Ethiopia, rookie State Department lawyer Jaqueline Quartermane becomes obsessed with a magical word square found inside an underground church guarding the tomb of the biblical Adam.

Drawn into a web of esoteric intrigue, she and a roguish antiquities thief named Elymas must race an elusive and taunting mastermind to find the one relic needed to resurrect Solomon’s Temple. A trail of cabalistic clues leads them to the catacombs of Rome, the crypt below Chartres Cathedral, a Masonic shaft in Nova Scotia, a Portuguese shipwreck off Sumatra, and the caverns under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Intertwined with this modern mystery-thriller, a parallel duel is waged:

The year is 1452. One of the most secretive societies in history, Portugal’s Order of Christ, is led by a reclusive visionary, Prince Henry the Navigator. He and his medieval version of NASA merged with the CIA scheme to foil their archenemies, the Inquisitor Torquemada and Queen Isabella of Castile, who plan to bring back Christ for the Last Judgment by ridding the world of Jews, heretics, and unbelievers.

Separated by half a millennium, two conspiracies to usher in the Tribulations promised by the Book of Revelation dovetail in this fast-paced thriller to expose the world’s most explosive secret: The true identity of Christopher Columbus and the explorer’s connection to those now trying to spark the End of Days.

The Image of Her by Lorna Peel, romantic suspense (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Rachel Harris had been abandoned as a baby on the steps of a church-run children’s home in England, then later adopted. Who was her birth mother and what were the circumstances which led her to give up her baby?

Searching for someone who doesn’t want to be found seems a hopeless task, until Rachel meets Matthew Williams, a Church of England clergyman.

Then anonymous and increasingly frightening incidents begin and threaten to end their relationship. Are these actions connected to the mysterious events surrounding Rachel’s abandonment?

October 7, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Wolfe, by Cari Silverwood

#darkromance #eroticromance

Dark & Kinkilicious

Adult/18+ Read

Beauty and the Beast as it’s never been told.

Riddled with bullets and left to die in Thailand, Wolfe is medivacked to the USA. He survives, recovering from wounds no man should be able to heal. Months later, his perplexed doctor lowers the dosages of his medications and Wolfe begins to change.

His powers awaken.

Kiara, his nurse at the rehabilitation village, thinks she only has to hand him over to Russian intelligence agents to save her parents from punishment. It won’t be that simple. Kiara isn’t safe.

The kidnapper becomes the victim.

When free of drugs, Wolfe becomes ferocious and animalistic in his desires and actions. What if a man who is almost an animal could command you to do anything he wanted? And you couldn’t resist…

Kiara may be taken past the point of survival.

Be careful who you dare to betray.

WARNING
This is a dark romance and written to be disturbing.

You’ll find some graphic scenes of violence and sex within these pages, plus a smidgen of horror. Though the ending may be sweet, this is a very kinky, twisted, and dark story

My Review ~ 5 dark and kinky stars!

#dark #romance #dubiousconsent #bdsm

I SO loved this sinful and morally questionable capture fantasy, a dark re-telling of Beauty and the Beast! It is a sexy as f*** adult read which pushed my buttons on all fronts. It is without doubt a MUST read for fans of dark romance.

When nurse Kiara attempts to kidnap Wolfe, a patient in her care, she soon finds that the tables are turned and the captor becomes the captive. Wolfe has unexplained superhuman powers and there is absolutely NO way he will allow his nurse to hand him over to anyone, whatever the consequences. Besides he wants to have some fun with Kiara, using his terrifying powers to bend her to his will and satisfy his animalistic desires, before he decides whether to kill her for her deception….

The read is dark, dirty and depraved (in spades). Much of the plot focuses on Kiara and Wolfe and the shifting power relations between them. Wolfe is truly terrifying in his animalistic form, controlling and bending Kiara with his superpowers and also with anything else he lays his hands on… The author surely has one devilish imagination as Wolfe delivers torture and punishment to this woman he craves to possess in every way imaginable! Yet strangely Kiara finds that being the captive of the beast is not always bad, especially as she hungers after his dominant touch….

The darkness and depravity is tempered by the complex romance which develops between the couple. Yet will Wolfe’s animalistic desires herald Kiria’s demise? Will she be able to tame the Beast? Will those who desire his capture ever give up their quest for him?

I binged on the book in one sitting. It is an addictive read and if you like the heroes in the books you read to be dark and beastly, the sex deviant and kinky and the heroines up for the challenge every which way they can (and more besides) you will LOVE this read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Goodreads

Connect with the Author

http://www.carisilverwood.net/

https://www.facebook.com/cari.silverwood#

October 4, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Jesse Butterfly (The Organization #3) by S J Sprague

THE ORGANIZATION! They’re back! But with a difference; instead of taking on corrupt cops, this time they have to investigate the killings of those connected to The Organization. WHO and WHY?

Following A Presence in Russell County (book 1) and Mulberry (book 2) comes the final book of the exciting crime thriller ‘The Organization’ series, Jesse Butterfly, by author S J Sprague.

Title: Jesse Butterfly (The Organization #3)

Author: S J Sprague

Genre: Crime thriller

Date released: June 22, 2016

Length: 278 pages

Buy links: Amazon US and Amazon UK

Blurb: The housekeeper of a Supreme Court Justice killed … A Council member’s wife murdered … a lonely man hooked to oxygen found dead. The only thing they have in common is their ties to The Organization.

The Organization, created to bring out-of-control law enforcement to its knees, now find themselves the targets of a new kind of killer.

Racing to decipher cryptic messages sent from an Organization prison, the group brings all their resources to the battle before there are more deaths … and more names on a list marked with an X.

REVIEW **** (4* rating)

I have really enjoyed The Organization series, and book 3, Jesse Butterfly, is no exception. With an individual now seemingly targeting members of The Organization, and killing their loved ones, the heat has certainly turned up a notch or two, making for matters to become a little more personal.

In the two previous books, A Presence in Russell County and Mulberry, we have followed the Organization (usually ex-military) in gathering evidence against corrupt law enforcement officers and trialling them using the Organization’s swift methods. During this time we have followed major characters in Hollingsworth and Crogan (both ex-military friends) and Sam Biggers, a woman who was once harassed by a dirty cop which led her to lean on her online friend, Hollingsworth, and who later became a trained member of The Organization.

The team are now expected to do more than carry out surveillance and gathering evidence on suspected corrupt officers; they need to ascertain if there is a connection between the victims, find out who is behind the killings, and use their skills to bring them to justice. This full-on investigation is so much more than what they are used to. But, as the story moves on it becomes apparent that there is a connection with The Organization, meaning they had to carry out the detective work themselves.

Unfortunately, the clues can only begin to piece together once more and more crimes are committed, and therefore plenty of tension is built up. The reader is left wondering what will happen next and how will The Organization have enough evidence to link everything together.

Told in third person, one of my favourite aspects of Jesse Butterfly is just how often the reader can easily follow the actions of the killer. There are moments that I found more connected with what they were doing than The Organization. This gave the story an edge, depth and darkness which I loved.

There is a great deal of build-up and suspense which I found exciting and quick-paced at times. However, my one concern was that it ended abruptly. I would have enjoyed a longer period of intense action at the end as I felt that that was where the story was heading. I was a little disappointed at this point, but then the epilogue was a joy to read as each remaining character is mentioned in a paragraph of their own, allowing the reader to find out what the foreseeable future holds for them. This was a lovely way to wrap up the series; a series that I have enjoyed very much!

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

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

RussellCounty_WEB_FINAL_sm2 You can also purchase the paperback or Kindle edition of A Presence in Russell County on Amazon.com ($11.99 for paperback and $4.99 for the Kindle edition) and Amazon.co.uk (£7.45 for paperback and £3.71 for the Kindle edition). It is also currently available on Kindle Unlimited $/£0.00!

The paperback edition for Mulberry is now available on Amazon.com, the paperback edition is currently $13.99 and the Kindle version is $4.99. Also available on Amazon.co.uk , the paperback version is currently £9.39 and the Kindle version is £3.94! It is also available on Kindle Unlimited $/£0.00!

Prices correct at the time of posting this review.

Please click on the book titles to read my reviews on the earlier books of The Organization! 🙂

If you would like to contact SJ Sprague you can e-mail the author at sjsprague01@gmail.com.

October 3, 2016 by Tina Williams

Release Blitz/Review & Author Q&A ~Enslaved #3 inThe Druid Chronicles, by Christina Phillips

#erotic #historical #romance #romans #druids

Adult content 18+

TOP READ

A huge welcome to Christina Phillips. I’ve been reading Christina’s books for years beginning with this sizzling erotic historical romance series which is full of powerful alpha men and strong women. I’m therefore SO excited to welcome her today! Christina has put herself in the hot seat so that I can quiz her on the series. ❤

Book Blurb

When a Druid priestess falls for her Roman captor she’s torn between her duty to her goddess and her love for the enemy…

When Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legion she’s determined to escape and complete her covert mission for her beloved goddess, to eradicate the invaders from her land.

But the tough warrior who captures her is far from the brutal barbarian she expects. Instead, Tacitus turns all her prejudices inside out, and it’s hard to remember he’s her enemy when she craves his touch more than her next breath. Her first loyalty is to her goddess, and she can’t afford to forget it.

Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. Though enslaving her goes against his heart, it’s the only way he can protect her. As a fragile trust grows between them, he believes they can have a future together. But when he discovers the depth of her betrayal, his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he’s ever believed in.

Previously published as BETRAYED in 2013

Enslaved is the third book in The Druid Chronicles, but it wasn’t until Nimue appeared right near the end of Captive that I knew I had to write her story. All I knew about her was she worshipped the Moon Goddess, Arianrhod, and when she ran off on her mission I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. Although Enslaved, like all the books, is a standalone, it begins at the moment when Nimue left Morwyn in Captive.

Read Chapter One

Buy Links

iBooks | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

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

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

#3 Enslaved

#4 Tainted – Release date 7th November 2016

My Review ~5 stars

A Beautiful and Passionate Meeting Of Soul Mates

Enslaved is an erotic historical romance, set in Roman Britain. It describes a beautiful and passionate love between two sworn enemies, Tacitus, a Roman Tribune and Nimue, a priestess from the Druid nobility, whom the Romans are pledged to eradicate. It is a fantastic addition to the author’s Roman/Druid Series and can be read as a stand alone.

Enslaved takes place in Cymru, in 51 A.D, where the Romans are committed to quashing rebellion. Whilst on an important mission for Caratacus, the Briton King, Druid priestess Nimue is injured and captured. Tacitus is entranced by her beauty and demeanor. To prevent her being treated as a spoil of war to be sold to the highest bidder, he purchases her as his slave, lest any other man seeks to possess her.

Tacitus ensures that Nimue has the best medical care while she recuperates and gives her more freedoms than a slave is due. Initially Nimue is unaware that Tacitus owns her and does not comprehend why she is not held with the other prisoners. There is a strong sexual chemistry between them and as passion ignites, Nimue decides to take advantage of what his body has to offer, whilst biding her time until her recovery so that she can complete her mission for the Briton King.

Nimue is angry and mortified when she comprehends her lowly status, which she regards as being little more than a whore. However, she cannot prevent herself falling in love with Tacitus, enemy of the Druids, who would turn her over for torture and cruxifiction if he knew of her true heritage. She knows that she is coveted by other officers in the legion and realises that Tacitus spoke the truth when he said that he enslaved her for her own safety. However, her promise to Caratacus and her birthright dictate that she must betray him and this is heartbreaking. Nimue also has a task to carry out for her goddess, linked to a sacred bluestone, which her people hold in high esteem. I was so drawn into the world that the author created that I lay awake at night fretting about what would happen to Nimue and Tacitus and whether they would get their HEA!

Nimue is a fantastic heroine, not only brave but also possessing great knowledge as she is an acolyte to the goddess Arianrhod. She seeks guidance and enlightenment in some mystical scenes which take place throughout the novel. She is also a skilled healer and archer. She is loyal to her people and wants to free them from the indignities she sees them suffer. She knows that Tacitus will view her actions as the ultimate betrayal and also what will happen to her if she fails. She also carries a secret burden and heartbreak from her past.

Tacitus is a wonderful hero, masterful and passionate. A complex and honourable individual, he does not always conform to Roman views. He has never taken a slave and will not force himself on a woman. Tacitus is entranced by Nimue, who is open and confident in her sexuality and is amused that she, a slave, gives him orders. He strives to understand her customs and beliefs. However, what will he do when he discovers that she is not just a Celt, but a Druid who communes with the gods, let alone one who is hell bent on betraying his trust?

The author creates a world full characters that jumped of the page. I am no scholar of ancient Britain but she appears to have done a lot of research into the customs, religion and medicinal uses of various herbs etc. of the time. The erotic scenes are beautifully executed and you could really sense the growing connection between the lovers, who, despite being sworn enemies were a perfect foil for each other. I feared that I, along with my Kindle, would spontaneously combust whilst reading it!

I recommend this novel to all lovers of erotic romance, especially those who like a historical theme and a strong heroine and a leading man who is the embodiment of male sexuality and virtue. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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 🙂

Keep in touch with Christina

Website | Facebook | Twitter

If you’d like to receive notification of when my next book is released, sign up for my Newsletter

Author Interview

1.Can you share with our readers a little about yourself and your writing career?

Hi Tina, thank you so much for having me on your blog today! I’m originally from the UK but, along with my husband and our three children, moved to Australia nearly 18 years ago. I write historical, contemporary and paranormal romance but there’s always plenty of steam and a Happily-Ever-After!

2.What inspired you to write this series? It is clear from your work that you are fascinated by Roman and Druid history.

Although I’ve always loved reading historical romance (I started with Victoria Holt when I was eleven) it never occurred to me to actually write it with a view to publication until the night Maximus stormed into my mind while I was tackling some admin! While having a hot Roman warrior appear in my head was awesome enough, he was searching for his Druid princess and that really hooked my interest. Why would a Roman soldier be searching for the bitterest enemy of his Empire unless he wanted to kill her? So of course I had to find out 🙂

3.Why do you think readers are drawn to reading historical romance, particularly ones containing such sizzling scenes?

It’s a different world, without involving other planets or alien life forms (although in my historical romances I do weave in myths and legends and goddess magic). It’s a way to experience another time in an entertaining and/or thrilling way and the sizzle just makes it all that much more enjoyable J

4.What were your main avenues of research?

Children’s reference books! They were great for fact checking and getting the basic info I needed for my Roman life. Other than that I used the internet a lot, cross referencing facts and interesting snippets I found. One problem is all the contradictory evidence out there – so whenever this happened I’d pick whichever best suited my story and went with that!

5.What did you find most challenging about writing the series? And the most enjoyable?

It was challenging to find any information at all about the Druids. They passed their knowledge down through oral teachings, which could take twenty years, and didn’t believe in writing any of it down. This means the only contemporary written evidence we have is from the Romans, who were obviously biased. Yet equally this was also one of the most enjoyable aspects of the books for me, as it meant I could ignore everything the Romans said about the Druids (because hello, conqueror’s prejudice!) and let my heroines introduce me to their magical world themselves.

6.How does writing historical romances differ from writing contemporaries?

One of the biggest issues for me is the power, or lack of, that women had over their own lives in the past. In the Druid Chronicles my heroines are educated and powerful in their own right, but living in a time of enormous change when patriarchy is encroaching into their culture (I did mix things up a little in the fourth book, Tainted J ) I also tried to keep true to the time, and this can be harder than it sounds. I wanted my heroes and heroines to be sympathetic to the modern reader, but without them sounding as though they belonged in the twenty-first century.

7.Do you have a favourite scene in the book (without giving the plot away of course)?

In Enslaved, my heroine Nimue has pledged her word to the Briton king that she’ll bring his queen and daughter to him. Before she can fulfil that promise she’s captured by the enemy. One of my favourite scenes is when she’s torn at the knowledge that she has to betray Tacitus, the man she’s grown to love, in order to keep her word to the king. I love this because it shows the kind of woman she is, living in her time, and acknowledging that despite how she feels about Tacitus he will never see her as anything more than a fragile, dependent woman. It’s possible she underestimates Tacitus here. 🙂

8.Where do you get your inspiration for your historical characters from, particularly the swoon worthy alpha males?

They all live inside my head! Although I will admit that Henry Cavill has always been my inspiration for Tacitus, the hero in Enslaved. And really, don’t you think he’d look hot as a Roman warrior?

9. With the advent of social media and the internet, I imagine the life of a writer is now far less lonely than in previous generations. How useful have you found social media and the internet to you personally in your journey as a writer?

It’s been invaluable. Soon after I decided to get serious about writing, I discovered the Harlequin eBoards and that’s where I found my two fab critique partners, Amanda Ashby and Sara Hantz. We were all very green newbies, and we’ve always been there for each other along this rocky road. More recently I’ve found Facebook wonderful for keeping in touch with other authors, readers and bloggers. Writing can be isolating and it’s great to be able to reach out and chat with so many different people who’re interested in the same things!

10.Finally, what works have you in the pipeline?

I’m in the process of re-releasing the Highland Warrior Chronicles and I couldn’t be more thrilled about this! Set in the ninth century in Pictland (before it became Scotland), these books follow tough Scots warriors who find love with their brave Pictish princesses. Her Savage Scot releases on 10th December and Her Vengeful Scot on 10th January 2017. More details can be found here – The Highland Warrior Chronicles.

September 28, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Scrying for Summer (Philadelphia Coven Chronicles #2), by Katherine McIntyre

#paranormalromance #urbanfantasy

Book Blurb

Jev was looking for an adventure, however she wanted the usual variety of stomping out nasty fae in the city as an enforcer of the Philly Coven. Instead, handsome as sin Liam O’Reilly shows up on her doorstep dropping news of the worst organization of fae they’d dealt with on the rise again. Except, he’s a traitor, an asshole, and the absolute last person she wants to work with.

However, the longer they work together, the more the fire between them burns, turning from rage and irritation into something primal. And as she gets to know the real Liam O’Reilly behind the charming smiles and sexy lines, he becomes so much deadlier. Because the protective, self-sacrificing man underneath his facade is just the sort she could fall for.

My Review

Fast, Furious and Sizzling! 5 stars

Scrying for Summer is the latest instalment in Katherine McIntyre’s Philadelphia Coven Chronicles. It is a smexy read from start to finish, which fans of romance, especially paranormal and urban fantasy will love. Whilst the book works as a standalone, reading the previous book would give more of an insight into the main characters and the world of the Fae.

I hugely enjoyed the pairing of Jev, a gutsy Coven Enforcer with Liam, (the previously turncoat Hunter) both of whom we met in the previous book Hunting For Spring (click on book title for my review). There is an awful lot of sexual tension between the two from the off, although it is not acknowledged. Jev despises Liam on account of his past alliance with the enemy and views him as a traitor. She is upfront and honest in her opinions, disliking deceit of any kind, in contrast with Liam who guards his true self and traumatic past beneath a bad boy devil-may- care exterior. Whilst Jev trusts Liam not an inch she is prepared to work with him to rid her beloved city of evil and is careful to both watch her back and guard her heart against the man necessity compels her to work with.

Nevertheless as the two work ever closely together their respective masks come off and they begin to fall hard for each other. Indeed, there are some smoking hot scenes amongst those of blood, magic and gore which typify the battles between Jev and Liam and their arch enemy. Yet will they survive? Once more will they take a chance on love and admit their feelings for one another are more than just lust?

This book, like the previous one, contains some expertly crafted battles between the forces of good and the evil Unseelie, where no quarter is spared and where Jev and Liam must use everything in their arsenal if they are to survive.

All in all a super addition to the series and I am looking forward to future instalments!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon.com

Author Links

Website: http://www.katherine-mcintyre.com

Tumblr: http://www.booksteacoffee.tumblr.com

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kmcintyremt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kmcintyreauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pixierants

September 17, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Sacrifice (Fashionably Impure book 3), by Natasha Blackthorne

Erotic Historical Romance
Adult/18+ only

Blurb

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, loves Miss Miranda Jones with all his heart and soul. His love is so ardent that he will marry her and make her his countess, despite her past as a courtesan. He loves her so much in fact, that he is prepared to do anything to keep her safe. No matter the cost.

Miranda loves Adrian with a passionate love that equals his. She wants only him, no matter the hardships she must face as wife to an impoverished earl.

Miranda and Adrian, two tortured and damaged souls, whose only solace is each other. As they share the dark secrets that have tormented them for years, their love is put to the test again and again. But when Adrian makes the ultimate sacrifice to ensure her safety, all their future happiness is put at risk.

How great a price must they pay for their obsessive, all-consuming love?

My Review ~ 5 stars

Sizzling and Emotional

Sacrifice is an emotional conclusion to the tempestuous romance between the courtesan Miranda and the aristocratic Adrian which began in Miranda’s Dilemma and continued in A Most Demanding Mistress click on the titles for review. Please note, if you have not read these books this review, whilst I have taken great care not to reveal the plot, does contain spoilers.

I loved how, to protect the woman he loves Adrian flies in the face of propriety and weds Miranda, who has hitherto led the life of a courtesan. He not only risks his standing as an Earl but he makes his impoverished position even more precarious. Yet this is not enough and he must go to extraordinary lengths to protect Miranda, at great risk to himself and their future as man and wife. That the couple love each other passionately is not in question, yet will it be enough for them to survive the trials and tribulations that come their way? This is an emotional and rollercoaster read.

The dynamics of their relationship are challenging. Once again Adrian needs to reconcile his need to possess and own Miranda with his distaste of her former profession. Miranda too must make her own sacrifice, facing up to demons from her past. Will their respective sacrifices be enough to secure a HEA for them? The couple’s relationship is intense and is anything but plain-sailing. A number of times in the book I was frustrated by the actions of both Adrian and Miranda and the situation they found themselves in. Both are proud and stubborn individuals with their own scarred pasts and they must learn to trust each other.

The book is a scorching read – the author writes deliciously sensual and erotic love-making scenes, her descriptive powers reflecting the love, passion and emotion this couple hold in their heart for one another.

I found it an emotional and fitting conclusion to the series.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Please note that this book will shortly be available as part of a bundle containing all three books and is available for pre-order now:

Amazon US Amazon UK

About the Author

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/natasha.blac…

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author…

Website: http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nblackthorne

September 12, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Guardian of Paradise, by W.E. Lawrence

#historical #romance #adventure

Blurb

In 1888, Kira Wall, surviving daughter of missionaries swept away in a tsunami, lives a primitive, but enjoyable life with natives on an isolated island in the South Pacific. But her serene world is turned upside down when an Australian merchant ship, commanded by the sinister Captain Darcy Coleman, arrives with an overabundance of modern and lavish goods. Kira suspects ill intent. Chief Ariki refuses to listen to Kira’s warning, forcing her to uncover the real plan of the captain on her own. Unfortunately, she has a distraction. A six-foot tall, blond, and handsome distraction. Trevor Marshall, doctor and botanist, hopes to find exotic plants on the island to research new cures and medicines. He is dedicated to science, but when meeting the strong-willed, beautiful Kira Wall, he’d prefer to spend time researching her—all night.

The captain thwarts Kira’s attempts to call him out at every step, turning the village chief against her. With only Trevor and her best friend Malana by her side, she stalks the captain and his officers through the dense, predator infested jungle, toward the island’s inactive volcano. Frustrated by her failure to reveal the captain’s true intentions, Kira begins to think maybe she’s wrong about everything. Then an explosion and earthquake bigger than anyone on the island has ever seen renews her resolve. Was the blast natural or man-made? She is determined to prove it was the captain’s doing. Kira races against time and the island people’s naivety to stop the captain from destroying her home and killing everyone she loves.

My Review ~ 4.5 stars

Romance and adventure combined!

This historical romance with a difference – far removed from the usual ballrooms and social mores of the time. It is full of adventure and suspense, all set on a beautiful Pacific island in 1888. The novel also contains a powerful social and environmental subtext, drawing attention to the self-sufficient and honourable way of life of the islanders and the greed and avarice of others not of their world who seek to exploit them and their environment.

Kira, the ‘guardian’ of the title, is the daughter of missionaries who perished when she was very young. She has lived all of her life on the island and is dedicated to protecting the islanders and their way of life. When a merchant ship docks, Kira takes an instant dislike to the ship’s captain, who she is convinced is up to no good. Yet the islanders’ chief sees no reason to doubt the captain’s good intentions and gives him and his men free reign on the island. Increasingly irritated and embarrassed by Kira’s protestations to the contrary, she incurs his displeasure.

At the same time Kira falls for the ship’s doctor and botanist, Trevor. Confused by her growing feelings, she tries to ignore their growing mutual attraction, as she needs to concentrate on thwarting the captain’s plans and not get involved with a man from the outside world, with whom she has no future.

The plot has plenty of adventure and suspense alongside the romance and also some humour. Will Kira get to the bottom of what the captain’s true intensions are? Will she be able to thwart him before he manages to inflict harm on the island and its inhabitants? How much of a threat is the captain to Kira? Will she be able to guard her heart against her developing feelings for Trevor, an ambitious man not of her world?

The descriptions of the island and the islanders’ way of life are extremely vivid. I enjoyed the character of Kira as a confident woman who can look after herself in the jungle. At the same time this confidence contrasts with her innocence, especially when it comes to dealing with a scoundrel such as the captain. Both Trevor and her friend Malana have her back but it is touch and go what will happen as the plot reaches its conclusion.

Recommended to those who enjoy romance with a heavy dose of adventure.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Also see

https://areadersreviewblog.com/2016/08/18/spotlight-guardian-of-paradise-by-w-e-lawrence-includes-excerpt/

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

September 6, 2016 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW – Torn, by C J Fallowfield

#newadult #eroticromance

Adult/18+ read

Book Blurb

Torn One will break her trust – One will break her heart – One will kill for her.

“Blown away, floored and left speechless. Torn is a story of love, one that will toy with your heart and emotions-to the max. This one will chew you up and spit you out raw. True to its title, you will be torn, gutted and slayed. 5 ‘Best. I. Ever. Had.’ Stars” – Read & Share Book Reviews.

When Sky’s parents moved from San Francisco to Boulder City in Nevada, she thought her life was over, until she met the Hudson boys. Two years older than her, tattooed bad boy Nate was confident, cocky, good looking, and a straight talker. He was the unattainable guy that all the girls wanted, but the one their fathers warned them to steer clear of. Josh had all of his brother’s looks, but he was the sweet charmer your mother would beg you to marry. Their cousin Billy lacked the brothers’ good looks, so relied on his quick wit to attract the girls.

When all three of them set their sights on Sky, they became competitive, and cracks in their close bond began to form.

Torn between her loyalty to all three, and feelings for one, Sky was faced with a dilemma.

When she made her decision, she had no idea that her choice would set them all on a path that would tear the group apart.

Torn is a standalone new adult erotic romance novel, which is heavy on the angst. A box of tissues is likely to be required. Out on 31st August 2016.

My Review ~ 5 stars

Love, Passion and Sacrifice!

Oh my goodness! Torn, by CJ Fallowfield is one hell of a ride! The author played my affections like the proverbial violin throughout.

When Sky Torres moves with her parents from San Franscisco to Boulder City Nevada, nothing prepares her or the three Hudson boys (brothers Nate and Josh and cousin Billy) for the emotional s***storm that prevails and determines the course of their lives. All three want Sky as their one and only girl, yet there can only be one victor.

At first Sky attempts to maintain a friendship with all three. She has only just started her University course and is inexperienced when it comes to the opposite sex, so she sees no reason to rush things. Above all she does not want to threaten the tight family and friendship ties the boys have. Yet her own hormones and those of the Hudson males have other ideas and as the hot Nevada sun beats down on them, passions ignite and Sky is compelled to make her choice: should she choose bad boy Nate, to whom she is wildly attracted, his handsome and steady younger brother Josh or cousin Billy, the joker?

No one ever claimed that falling in love can be easy and the impact of Sky’s choice on the group is far more life-changing than the norm. Prepare to be blown away, not only by the hugely erotic love-making scenes of raw sexuality that this novel contains, but also by the emotional angst that ensues! I will not reveal more, except to say that Torn is a heart-stopping read with a truly awesome plot. At times I was too overcome with emotions to continue reading, but (and I’m so glad I did so) continue I did. I have read a number of CJ Fallowfield’s books and I love her characterisations, humour and devilish plot twists. In Torn she excels herself once again!

So, get your tissues ready, your favourite soft toy to commiserate with and blanket (to hide under when the going gets tough) and prepare for your emotions to be to be teased, tortured and torn apart!

I recommend Torn to readers of erotic-romance/young-adult romance – it will be a read that you will not forget any time soon!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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