September 18, 2015 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW ~ The CynFell Brothers, by Samantha Holt (includes excerpt and giveaway)

BOOK INFORMATION

SERIES – Cynfell Brothers
AUTHOR – Samantha Holt
GENRE – Victorian Romance
COVER ARTIST – Love, Lust & Lipstick Stains

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?

BUY & TBR LINKS

Sinful Confessions

AMAZON KINDLE US

AMAZON KINDLE CA

AMAZON KINDLE UK

My Review

Sin Away! Fabulous start to a new series! *****

Sinful Confessions is the first instalment in Samantha Holt’s sensual Victorian Romance series, The Cynfell Brothers. This novella is the story of Julian Cynfell, the Marquess of Lockwood, the eldest of seven very naughty brothers. Julian embodies the sin of wrath, being a very grumpy lord indeed, wallowing in self-inflicted solitude since the untimely deaths of not one but three wives. Believing himself responsible for their demise, he shuns and is shunned by society and has driven all but his most faithful servants away. His only real solace is the correspondence he has struck up with Viola Thompson, the daughter of a business associate, whom he believes is far out of harms way in America.

But oh what tangled web! Julian is completely blindsided when the beautiful and brazen Viola unexpectedly turns up on his doorstep, alone and unchaperoned. Just what is a reclusive lord to do? Misunderstandings abound as Viola is under the distinct impression that they are to be wed, a state that the hero is sworn off, believing that he is a danger to any future spouse.

Julian is now forced to deal with his demons as he fights his immediate and growing attraction to Viola, convinced he needs to keep her at arms- length for what he believes is her own safety. For Viola’s part she is understandably taken aback when she realises the error of coming to England, but I liked her spunk and how she bounces back making the most of the situation and Julian! As an American she tests the sensibilities of both Julian and English society at the time to its limits, which makes for some highly amusing scenes!

The romance between the hero and the heroine is at the heart of this sensual romance by Samantha Holt. I just loved the premise of this plot, which the author exploits with her customary finesse, creating oodles of sexual tension, and a story interjected with plenty of humour and torment (especially for the unsuspecting hero)!

I recommend Sinful Confessions to lovers of historical romance. I find the whole concept of sinful men irresistibly appealing and I am looking forward to indulging in the other novellas in this series in which we find out about his siblings, who each have a particular vice to overcome before they are to find their HEA.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Sinful Deeds

Sinful Liaisons

EXCERPT

Sinful Liaisons
Oxfordshire, 1897

A breeze whistled across his nether regions. Pierce grimaced. It could have been worse, he supposed. At least the day was mild with no sign of rain. He peered into the distance. Only the deeply grooved road cutting its path through the gentle hills hinted at civilisation. He grimaced again. Where the bloody hell was he?

He curled a fist and began trudging along the grass at the side of the road. Stones pricked his bare feet.

“Bloody Goddamn it.”

Pierce was going to kill Giles if he lived through this. He hadn’t intended to visit their favourite gambling den, but Giles just had to talk him into it. Nor had he meant to get utterly foxed. He hardly remembered wagering everything including his clothes. As for how he’d ended up naked on the roadside…

“Bloody Goddamn it all to hell.”

One final wager…He had vague recollections. Something to do with a race? Damnation, if only his head wasn’t so fuzzy. But even then, why had Giles left him to sleep it off in a field—naked?

The rumble of a carriage made him stiffen. He wouldn’t get far with his bare feet. A form of transport would be useful indeed. But who would give a naked man a ride? Pierce shrugged to himself and turned, cupping one hand over himself to preserve what little modesty he had left and using the other to gain the driver’s attention.

The black, glossy carriage rumbled closer, led by two horses. He saw the driver glance his way then look again before turning his head away. Dirt spattered his legs making him jump back as it rolled past.

“Rot in hell then,” he muttered half-heartedly and resisted the urge to scuff his bare foot across the ground.

A command from the driver reached his ears and he held his breath as the horses came to a halt. The vehicle stopped. Both hands over the family jewels, Pierce waited. The door swung open.

“Thank you,” he uttered, lifting his gaze to the heavens, and hurried toward the carriage. He cursed under his breath when several more rocks jabbed the soles of his feet.

Trying to look as noble as one could when naked, he paused in front of the open door. There, in the dark confines of the vehicle and set against plush royal blue seats, an elegant redhead skimmed her gaze up and down his body. Even in the gloom of the carriage, he saw an eyebrow rise. Then he noted the curve of her lips.

Pierce stared back. He allowed his own gaze to travel over her, observing the generous rise of her breasts against a low cut bodice and the slender waist that led to hips that were emphasised by a bustle. Hair coiled high, it gave him a fine view of the gems on her neck and ears. From the delicate porcelain skin to the emeralds casting a faint green hew across it, everything about this woman told him of her importance.

And her attractiveness. He had to force his gaze from her breasts or else both hands wouldn’t conceal anything.

“Get in.”

AUTHOR BIO

Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls. She enjoys writing historical romance involving chivalrous knights, hot highlanders and cravatted men, but sometimes gets lured away by bad boy bikers, soldiers and other heroic modern men.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

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WEBSITE / BLOG
FACEBOOK

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September 16, 2015 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL Royal Pains, by Nina Mason (books 1-3, including the upcoming release The Devil’s Masquerade)

Today we are revealing the new covers for Nina Mason’s Royal Pains, an erotic series set in Scotland and England during the Restoration period (the latter half of the 17th century, for those who don’t know). Ms. Mason decided to put new, sexier covers on the series for the launch of book three, THE DEVIL’S MASQUERADE. All three new covers, the blurbs for the books, and the buy links follow:

Royal Pains, Book One
DEVIL IN DUKE’S CLOTHING

Innocence lost. Paradise found.

Maggie York, a convent-raised foundling, knows the Duke of Dunwoody’s sexual tastes are a shade or two darker than most, but marries him anyway—partly because she has no other prospects and partly because, try as she might, she can’t seem to stop fantasizing about her dashing rake of a guardian.

Robert Armstrong, the duke, is a Roman Catholic whose extreme devotions as a child warped his desires as a man. He’s also a slave to the times in which he lives–and to his king. Everything he is, everything he holds dear, depends on staying in Charles II’s good graces. Unfortunately, Maggie isn’t the bride the king selected for him. Now, to make amends, the duke must either whore his wife or be reduced to a penniless and unprotected commoner at a time when Catholics are persona non grata in Great Britain.

Buy it now!

****

Royal Pains, Book Two
THE DUKE’S BEDEVILED BRIDE

The tawdry tale of the Duke and Duchess of Dunwoody continues…

Maggie Armstrong, the long-lost illegitimate daughter of the heir presumptive to the throne, is bedeviled by her husband’s limited definition of fidelity. After observing him in a ménage à trois at the court of King Charles II, she is determined to bring him around to her way of thinking— by any means necessary.

Robert doesn’t mind being punished for his transgressions. Rather, he enjoys being whipped, especially by his beloved bride. Unfortunately, her heart might not belong to him alone. His younger brother, who he’d sent abroad to clear the way for himself, is coming home sooner than expected, and Maggie’s feelings for Hugh may not be as dead as her husband had hoped.

Both duke and duchess soon learn, to their peril, Hugh Armstrong is not the honorable man they’d been led to believe. Insanely jealous of his brother’s situation, Hugh will stop at nothing to strip Robert of all he holds dear—including his life.

But the real danger for Robert and Maggie is not the villainous Marquess, but the growing friction betwixt Catholics and Protestants in Restoration Era Great Britain.

Can their love survive the trials that await them?

Buy it now!

****

Royal Pains, Book Three
THE DEVIL’S MASQUERADE

Beware the devil in disguise…

The year is now 1685 and Maggie’s father has just been crowned King of Great Britain, but that doesn’t mean trouble is over for the Duke and Duchess of Dunwoody. Rather than cool the flames of hatred between Papists and Protestants, the coronation of a Catholic monarch has only added accelerant to the already raging blaze. Two-faced devils lurk in every corner of the royal court, as do diseases with the power to kill and maim. When Robert falls prey to the smallpox virus, it looks as though Maggie will lose the two people most precious to her–her beloved husband and their only child–the son she bore three months before after five years of heartbreaking miscarriages and stillbirths. The one person in London who can help save her son demands a steep price in exchange her services. Will Maggie trade Robert’s hard-won fidelity to save her only child…or offer the apothecary an even more scandalous alternative?

Preorder now!

****

Disclaimer: Royal Pains, intended for readers 18 years and older, features flagellation, bondage, group sex, and other highly erotic situations.

September 15, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Blog Tour w/REVIEW Abigail’s Affair (Looking for Love #1) by Pat Spence

Reasoning that absence makes the heart grow fonder and attempting to force her married lover’s hand, 30 -year old Abigail Aske decides to visit an old friend in Australia.

But staying with a 6’2”Amazonian fitness freak proves something of a challenge, as does maintaining ‘no contact’ with Jake, not to mention resisting other tempting ‘offers’.

Set against a wonderful Australian backdrop, with a host of quirky, emotionally dysfunctional characters, Abigail’s Affair tells of a woman’s search for love and happiness, revealing the highs and lows of having an affair, and showing how the experience of travel becomes a voyage of self-discovery, with surprising results.

A story of love, lies, betrayal and hope…

For anyone who is having an affair, has had an affair or is thinking of having an affair, this book is ESSENTIAL reading…

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You can grab e-book for FREE until end of blog tour

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Add to Goodreads

Author Bio

Pat Spence has worked as freelance writer for the past eighteen years and, prior to that, as a copywriter within advertising agencies. She has also worked as a magazine editor and freelance trainer, teaching public speaking and personal development, using a holistic approach within a business framework. In addition, she is a qualified massage therapist and aromatherapist, reads Tarot cards and is learning banjo.

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Giveaway

A Red Crystal Necklace
Signed paperback
Amazon Giftcard

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REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

I enjoyed this rom-com/contemporary romance as it has some great humour, cringe-worthy moments, flawed characters, a great setting, as well as some serious, emotional scenes too. It is full of surprises, with many characters to either love or dislike; many of whom have their own tale to tell, intertwining with the overall story.

To tell a story of the lead female character having an affair with a married man is quite brave in my eyes. The story begins with the reader not fully liking Abigail as we are met with her ‘sinful’ side, with no real understanding of how she came to be in that situation. The reader will certainly be surprised just how much they will come round and begin to like Abigail as the story moves on. Although, I must admit the first cringe-worthy moment for me is when the reader realises that Abigail’s lover, Jake, and his wife are expecting their second child! My head certainly rolled at this, and I became a little dubious of rooting for Abigail.

However, aside from wanting to know how life was going to pan out for Abigail and Jake, the one other thing that kept me reading is the way in which the story is written. The writing is fantastic, with perfect fluidity and easy to follow. Written in first person, the reader soon realises Abigail’s constant doubts of herself and the relationship. And, before you know it, Abigail is on a new adventure in Australia, visiting Melbourne and Sydney, and meeting many an interesting person, at the same time as seeing some amazing scenery in the mountains, by the sea, and visiting landmarks and museums. The reader will really get a feel for the place, whether they have visited it themselves or not.

Abigail was a little lost and lonely after the death of her sister. Although she has her parents, they are still grieving and constantly worried about Abigail’s safety, thus suffocating her. During this time, her best friend, Ros, was leaving for a new life in Australia. Her colleague, Jake, was all she had; the only constant in her life that she could talk to. Listening to him everyday overtime made him more and more familiar and warmer.

Despite the situation with Jake’s home life, Abigail’s desperation to be close to someone was at an all time high, and Jake was falling for her. Looking at the situation from the outside, we can gauge that she is in a mess and needs support, affection. But, in the thick of it all, Abigail sees only what is in front of her; someone who listens, someone who is kind, and someone who desires her.

Jake is hot and certainly has his pull on Abigail. She desires him when he isn’t there, longing for his touch. Knowing that he may not end his relationship with his wife, Tiffany, is killing her. And so it seems a great idea to distance herself away from him. This would provide him with an opportunity to either leave Tiffany, or leave her.

Going to Australia certainly opens up the story, and the colourful characters that we find ourselves acquainted with help make Abigail’s Affair a fun read. Not the trip she was expecting at first; Abigail finds herself having disputes with Ros, making friends with Ros’s housemate, Miranda, staying with her mum’s famous art friend in Sydney, and meeting new fellows in Bill and ‘cuddly’ Melvyn!

Bill was certainly more than a handful. I must admit that although attractive to some, there were some scenes with Bill that made me feel a little sick! He definitely isn’t my type, but his scenes stand out and still provide fun.

Abigail’s Affair is the story of a woman who is lost; she has made some silly choices and truly wants to learn what her best options are. Her time away was meant to open up the eyes of Jake, forcing him to decide once and for all between her and Tiffany. However, after meeting new people and experiencing new territories, friendships and situations it is Abigail’s eyes that begin to open, and the transformation to be a much more decisive Abigail is fantastic.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

September 14, 2015 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL ~ Sins of the Master, by Catherine Taylor

Cover Reveal for Sins of the Master by Catherine Taylor – Coming October 1^st!

Adult/18+ Read

The long awaited sequel to MASTER that begins where THE LINE TRILOGY ends.

In 1995, Jahn Zaleski left Ukraine and became Dylan Tyler, world renowned photographer and recluse, only seen by those chosen to serve him.
Nineteen years later, he has everything he needs to stay hidden from the world, but sex, wealth and technology won’t shield him from the memory of the woman he left behind. With origins forged in violence and death, Dylan knows that love can never be part of his life, and even those who call him Master must never know of the darkness that resides in him.
But others won’t let the past stay buried. Adele Easton is facing a long term in prison, unless she can prove that Dylan is more than what he appears. As secrets are uncovered, Adele finds herself ill-prepared for the Pandora’s Box she opens and the terror she unleashes.
Dylan becomes aware of the danger when troublesome ally, Mairead Vaughn, unwittingly becomes a player in a complex game of espionage, murder and vengeance. A problem shared is now a problem that is rapidly growing out of control, and the sins of the Master are about to be visited upon anyone he has ever cared for.

Sins of the Master is a standalone novel that is a sequel to Master, but takes place nineteen years later. The main character was originally introduced in A Line Crossed, the second book of The Line Trilogy. Master is the story of his past.

Pre-order from Amazon (universal link): http://mybook.to/sinsofthemaster

September 12, 2015 by Tina Williams

The Delicate Matter of Lady Blayne, by Natasha Blackthorne (Intimate Secrets, Book 1)

Erotic Historical Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Book Blurb

Catriona, Lady Blayne is recovering from a most delicate situation. Driven to the brink of madness by love for her late husband, a young man too ill to meet the demands of the marriage bed, she teeters on the brink of scandal. Now she must face the carnal temptation personified by her husband’s cousin and heir, James, the new Lord Blayne. His sensual appeal, contrasted with his iron will and stern self-mastery fascinates her. She can’t help but ask: what if sensual indulgence is the only way out of her darkness? However, she is not free to explore the idea. There are those who seek to control the young widow, keeping her imprisoned through emotional manipulation and physical coercion. With her growing restlessness, the very people she loves and trusts the most are becoming an increasing danger to her sanity and safety.

James is determined to protect Catriona—but he will not soften to her again. She rejected him once and James can’t risk losing his heart a second time. As heir to the Blayne baronetcy, he must marry a woman socially and politically appropriate. Such a scandalously self-indulgent lady as Catriona won’t do. Yet the pretty girl he once knew has grown into a beautiful, curvaceous woman that is every man’s dream.

Especially his.

Erotic Romance; Regency Historical; Elements of Sensual Domination, Spanking and Light Bondage; Rubenesque Heroine; Character-Driven Story with Angst and Strong Internal Conflicts; Standalone Long Novel.

Reader Advisory: The characters discuss issues of abuse which took place in the heroine’s backstory. Frank sexual language & period appropriate sexual slang and general bedchamber naughtiness.

My Review ~ FIVE STARS! TOP READ.

Sexy and Angst-Ridden!

Once again it’s hats off to Natasha Blackthorne for another fabulous sexy and angst-ridden erotic historical romance, which delves deep into the psyche of its characters and the sexual mores of the time. Indeed, The Delicate Matter of Lady Blayne, cuts straight to the heart of Regency sexuality and what was considered right and proper behaviour between a man and wife and how women should conduct themselves in and out of the marriage bed…. Double standards abound and the novel operates on a level far removed from the polite Regency veneer of many works set in this period.

Being familiar with Natasha Blackthorne’s work (I’ve previously read Her Mystery Duke which is equally complex, and angst-ridden and which I highly recommend) I was expecting both a scorching and emotional read and I can unreservedly say that this book delivers! I love tortured characters,and in this the female lead Sunny, aka Catriona, is as tortured as they come, the details of her past slowly revealing themselves to the reader and the hero James, the new Lord Blayne, as the story unfolds. I was as devastated as James as I learned of the trauma of her marriage and her life since the death of her husband Freddy, James’ deceased cousin.

Catriona is no straight-laced Regency miss. She is a sensual and complex creature and has suffered greatly on account of her natural carnal desires. The novel explores a number of heavy themes: grief, guilt, death, abuse, (including drug abuse), dominance and submission and desires that at the time considered female debility and madness. A number of scenes brought tears to my eyes for what she had been through and her current situation.

The hero James is also a complex and tortured character in his own right and I loved his own emotional journey, as well as Catriona’s as they work through the many issues that at the same time pull them together and apart. James is a man torn between his duty to the family and his growing love for Catriona, a woman proving herself to be most unsuitable as a wife. There are also a number of characters in the novel whom I despised with a passion as they attempt to thwart James and Catriona’s HEA! indeed, this tale really pulls at the heart strings, it is so emotional! It also does not shy away from some very intimate scenes!

Readers of historical erotic romance not yet acquainted with Natasha Blackthorne will love this novel, which I also recommend to lovers of historical romance who are looking for a spicier read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

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Connect with the Author

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

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

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Other Places: http://xeeme.com/NatashaBlackthorne

September 11, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW JAXSON (River Pack Wolves #1) by Alisa Woods

You may remember our reviews of Alisa Woods True Alpha and Dark Alpha short story series from earlier in the year. Now she has returned with a full length novel New Adult paranormal romance shifter series, River Wolves Pack, with the first being released this week, Jaxson.

Title: Jaxson (River Pack Wolves #1)

Author: Alisa Woods

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Date released: September 5th, 2015

Published by: Sworn Secrets Publishing

Length: 167 pages

Blurb: Three brothers. Three Secrets. One hope to save the shifters of Seattle.
Former SEAL Jaxson River would give his life for his brothers and his pack, but if he doesn’t claim a mate soon, he’ll be forced to step down as their alpha. There’s only one problem: Jaxson’s dark secret would kill any mate he claimed. With someone kidnapping shifters off the street—and only Jaxson and his brothers, Jace and Jared, to stop them—now is not the time for his secret to come out.

Curvy Olivia Lilyfield is a half-witch orphan with a dark secret of her own. She wants to atone for it by doing good in the world, so when she finds a wolf being tortured in an alley, she doesn’t hesitate to help… even though wolves and witches mix like matches and TNT.

Olivia’s dangerous magic means she can’t let anyone get too close—but Jaxson can’t keep his hands off her, and his kisses are more than she can resist. As they race to save the disappearing shifters of Seattle, the true danger lies in loving each other. They’re playing with magical fire… and their secrets could end up destroying them both.

Jaxson is a complete novel with HEA, the first in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (Jace and Jared coming soon).

Contains scorching shifter sex, alpha military heroes, and sexy witches. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.

REVIEW ***** (5* RATING)

I couldn’t wait to get my paws on Alisha Woods‘s latest NA paranormal romance release, Jaxson. After reading the authors other works in this genre, True Alpha and Dark Alpha short story series, and loving every minute of them, I knew I would jump straight into the River Pack Wolves with excitement.

Jaxson is a full length novel told from both Jaxson and Olivia’s point of view. I probably love novels written in this manner best of all as this allows the reader to empathise with more than one character, which can explain their behaviour and actions. The story really flows at a good pace and has a great mix of romance, magic and action.

Jaxson is leading the River pack, trying to find out just who is kidnapping shifters off the street. Many shifters do not return, while some others have come back, but they are not the same as they were when they went in. It’s as if some of their inner magic has been taken. It is up to Jaxson and his brothers, Jared and Jace to ensure the safety of shifters before there aren’t many left to take. For this, the River pack need a good, strong leader. To become stronger still, it would be advantageous for Jaxson to be mated. The magic bond that is created between a shifter and his female mate is like no other. And, it would fare well if they had little ones as they too would be strong and healthy, being born into mated, bonded parents.

However, Jaxson has a secret, but now is not the time to tell his pack. They need him. At least to see out the attack on shifters. But, the truth is that he can’t mate. He was cursed by a witch, meaning anytime he went to take a mate, one bite would kill them!

Olivia Lilyfield is not having a great time. After walking out of her job, not wanting to adhere to her boss, and wanting to get into the thick of things with her reporting, she is left jobless and in debt. After meeting Jaxson in a sticky situation, she finds herself drawn to him. It isn’t too long before he realises her situation, and, being equally attracted to her in both his human side and inner wolf, he reaches out and offers her a steady job with good pay. How could she say no? Here is this HOT shifter offering her what she needs.

It is quite clear to the reader just how intensely attracted they are to each other. And the physical closeness that Jaxson has to Olivia at times really do turn the heat up. The passion is practically burning, it is so hot. However, after becoming so close to Jaxson, and unaware of his secret curse, Olivia realises that she couldn’t possibly be his mate – he needs to mate with a female shifter, to be an even stronger alpha and lead his pack.

They become so close that Jaxson confides in her. He also airs his concern of the missing shifters and that he needs to remain alpha at least while they deal with this problem. Working together, Olivia has a plan which will help Jaxson keep his secret a little longer, keeping his family from pressurising him, help build stronger allies with other local shifter packs and allow him the time to deal with the current disturbances, which Jaxson strongly feels are set up by the government and allowing the experimenting on the shifters.

These characters are certainly in love, and very passionate. But, to Olivia, it still couldn’t work out between them, especially now. For she also has something that she hasn’t told him; she is half-witch. On finding this out, surely he would go crazy, for it was a witch who had cursed him. Even if her were to listen, wolves and witches do not mix well together. She doesn’t practice magic, but would he believe her? And, after having an ‘accident’ with her magic years ago, could she even trust herself to be with him? Surely she was dangerous?

Readers will be treated to a story where love, romance, heat, action and magic all come together in Jaxson. You’ll be gripped from the beginning, rooting for a HEA, and constantly questioning how each of them are going to overcome their problems, their fears, and their love.

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

Jaxson (River Pack Wolves #1) by Alisa Woods is now available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can also check out our reviews of Alisa Woods’s True Alpha and Dark Alpha series:-

Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story

Guarded (True Alpha #2) – short story

Hunted (True Alpha #3) – short story

Captured (True Alpha #4) – short story

Sacrificed (True Alpha #5) – short story

Claimed (True Alpha #6) – short story

A True Alpha Christmas – novella – stand alone short story

Torment (Dark Alpha #1) – short story

Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2) – short story

Deception (Dark Alpha #3) – short story

Escape (Dark Alpha #4) – short story

Penance (Dark Alpha #5) – short story

Loved (Dark Alpha #6) – short story

September 8, 2015 by Tina Williams

NEW RELEASE ~ Hot Seal, by Lynn Raye (includes excerpt)

Hot Seals

Hostile Operations Team Series – Book 9

Hot Seal Team – Book 1

By Lynn Raye Harris

Synopsis

Sex with the ex… It shouldn’t be this good the second time around.

Navy SEAL Dane “Viking” Erikson has sworn off women—or at least he’s sworn off one woman: DEA Agent Ivy McGill. His ex-wife.

But when they’re forced to work together on a critical military mission, Dane can’t help but notice how the one woman he shouldn’t want is the only one he can’t stop thinking about.

Ivy knows what it’s like to fall for a SEAL’s hard muscles and killer smile—and she knows what it’s like when everything falls apart. So why is she naked against a wall and begging Dane for more?

Originally included in the SEALs of Summer 2: A Military Romance Superbundle box set.

Buy

Amazon
B&N: http://bit.ly/1PwNEHo
iBooks: http://apple.co/1MRJEUv

Excerpt

Dane could only stare at the front of the room and the woman who’d walked in behind the colonel.
He wanted to blink and make the apparition go away, but it didn’t work that way. Ivy was no apparition. She was a flesh and blood woman with long dark hair and curves he’d once worshipped with his mouth and hands. Curves he’d been unable to get enough of at one time.
He remembered hot, dark, sweaty nights between the sheets with her. He remembered thinking she was the center of his universe, and then he remembered the pain that had sliced through him when he’d found out he wasn’t the center of hers.
She stared back at him coolly—and then she looked away. He stiffened, but only for a moment.
Fuck her.

The Hostile Operations Series

Hot Pursuit

Book 1

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Mess

Book 2

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Package

Book 3

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Dangerously Hot

Book 4

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Shot

Book 5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Rebel

Book 6

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot Ice

Book 7

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hot & Bothered

Book 8

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks / Kobo / Google Play

___________________________________________________

About Lynn Raye Harris

USA Today bestselling author Lynn Raye Harris burst onto the scene when she won a writing contest held by Harlequin. A former finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and the National Readers Choice Award, Lynn lives in Alabama with her handsome former military husband and two crazy cats. Lynn writes about hot military heroes, sizzling international billionaires, and the women who dare to tame them. Her books have been called “exceptional and emotional,” “intense,” and “sizzling.” To date, Lynn’s books have sold over 2 million copies worldwide.

Website – Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

September 7, 2015 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Breaking China, by N.J. Cole (includes excerpt)

Adult/18+ Read

Release Blitz:

Breaking China

By

N.J Cole

Sept 7th

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-China-NJ-Cole-ebook/dp/B014BTS6EM

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-China-NJ-Cole-ebook/dp/B014BTS6EM

China Perry has one goal, and she will do anything to achieve it, including sell herself into human sex trafficking. She endures countless ruthless masters on her mission, undeterred by the pain and humiliation each of them causes. Determined to let nothing stop her, she’d turned her heart cold, never allowing herself to feel for any of these barbarians who had purchased her. That is, until she meets Master Richard.
Richard Pantero has been searching for something his entire life. Though he has money, servants, and women willing to do anything for him, his life is still empty. He’s lived the lifestyle and hasn’t thought twice about purchasing companionship. Each girl was different, yet the same until China entered his world like a comet changing everything he’d ever believed in.
In a love story for the ages, follow Richard and China on their journey. Can he find the peace he’s been searching for? Can she trust him enough to let down her walls and allow him to help her find what she craves the most? Is love enough?
Publisher’s note: This story is written in first person point of view similar to a screen play alternating between characters to give the authenticity of each character’s feelings. Warning: Intense bondage, aggressive sex, human trafficking.

China:
I’d been purchased. I knew what he expected. He expected me to beg and plead. The others girls were crying. Sobs like, “Please, Master, please don’t hurt me,” filled the room.
Some slaves were trying to strike bargains. “If I suck you off, then please don’t fuck me.” I rolled my eyes. Could they really be so stupid as to believe these men would make bargains? They owned the girls now, plain and simple.

I heard footsteps then saw him. He held the key to my crate as well as the keys to my cuffs. I bit back the urge to look up at him and spit in his face or spout “fuck you,” both of which I would have done if not in shackles, if not at his mercy. Instead, I chose to say and do nothing.

I gazed into his eyes, and unlike the other Masters who had gotten pissed, he just smirked, and it made me think twice. He was handsome, and had he not just “purchased” me, I might have been attracted to him.

Richard:
My eyes remained locked with hers; no words had been said, but the struggle had begun. I felt a surge of energy wash through me. Could she finally be the one? I continued staring her down; long moments passed before she averted her gaze.

Unshackling her arms, I knew the next round of her training would prove interesting. I had caught a subtle look of desire cross her features. Quick, but unmistakable. I slowly began to disrobe, allowing her to appraise my form as I had done hers. “Kitten, I offer you this chance to freely pay me homage.”

China:
He was different, I’d give him that. The others had choked me until I’d opened my mouth, inserted an O-ring gag and proceeded to fuck my face. He was asking me to do it voluntarily.

Pay him homage? Perhaps it would make my life less miserable. I leaned forward, not wanting to pay special attention to his cock, which, from the quick glance I’d given it, was magnificent.

I bent as low as possible and kissed his feet. One soft kiss to the top of each foot. If he thought I was going to speak to him, he was mistaken. I’d been beaten until I couldn’t stand, but I was not going to acknowledge another human as my “master.”

Richard:
A faint frown covered my face, but my heart soared. Finally, a challenge; a pet whose devotion would have to be earned. Compassion would come in due time, now was time for the stick.

The proprietor offered me a crop, but I waved him off. I preferred my first chastisement to be flesh on flesh. My fingers stroking her hair, the silken strands wrapping around my hand. “Kitten, I see you don’t have the proper respect. Right now, you are nothing more than an object to me. In time, this could change, but for now you’re less than nothing.” My hand tightened as I lifted her to her feet by her hair.

China:
Oh, here we go again, I thought. I braced myself for his fist to my face. His hand in my hair raising me to my feet then lifting me slightly off of them. My toes skimmed the ground. He seemed just the same as the other masters now. I looked into his eyes. I wouldn’t let him beat me to death, though it did have a sense of peace in it. I had too much to live for. I glared at him.

He said I was nothing more than an object to him, and he was nothing more than an asshole to me. I wasn’t just a fuckhole. I wouldn’t let myself believe that. I would hold onto that little shred of self-respect that I had left.

Richard:
As my fingers traced her cheek, I lowered my head to her neck, inhaling deeply. I could see her trembling flesh. My teeth scraping along her shoulder, I bit down on the nape of her neck holding her in place.
I released her hair, sliding my fingertips down her back. My nails dug into her flesh. Each of my pets had to bear my markings until they earned my collar. She began to squirm under me. The friction of her skin on mine was stimulating.

China:
He wasn’t like the others. They had reacted in anger, beating me to get out their frustration, or in the hopes of getting me to become a submissive slut. He held my gaze until he lowered his head to my neck. I thought he was going to kiss me, but he inhaled deeply then, to my surprise, ran his mouth over my neck to my shoulder. I was even more shocked when he bit down. I knew he’d broken the skin. I bit my own tongue to keep from crying out in pain.

His mouth stayed there as his hands ran down my back, scratching my skin. Again, I knew he was marking me, tearing my flesh. I writhed to get away from his strong hands. I refused to give him the satisfaction of me begging him to stop. I knew he wouldn’t anyway. Why would I disgrace myself.

He pulled his head back and, I could see my blood on his lower lip. I glared at him.

Richard:
I licked my lips; fury showed in her glare. Such anger was intoxicating; my loins stirred to life. If she were going to be so difficult, she would soon learn the consequences of her continued defiance.

I eased around her back, admiring the long scratches. Now all who looked at her would know she was mine. A crimson drop trickled down her arm. I knew she was in pain, but still she made no sound.

Well, if she wouldn’t scream her submission, she would whimper it. I ran my palms over her swaying breasts, cupping them. My thumbs ran circles over her nipples. Her body betrayed her as they stiffened under my touch. The heel of my hand pressed against her belly as it moved down, my thick shaft rubbing along her inner thighs. I licked her ear. “You will give in to me, Kitten.”

NJ Cole is a witty, mid-western girl with a kinky side. She works by day and writes by night, all while being a mother to her wonderful boys and serving her Sir. Unlike many of today’s authors, she chooses to write in first person, allowing the readers to experience life through the eyes of the unique characters that live in her head. Her love of those characters and respect for their stories come through loud and clear in her writing. With over two million reads of her online work in the past six months, NJ Cole is clearly an up and coming author.

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September 7, 2015 by Tina Williams

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW ~ Perfectly Innocent, by Tamra Lassiter (also includes excerpt, and giveaway)

PerfectlyInnocentAudioTour

Perfectly Innocent
by Tamra Lassiter
Publication Date: October 14, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

Audio Tour: Perfectly Innocent by Tamra Lassiter

Ebook / Print: Amazon B&N iBooks Kobo Google Play

Audio: Spoken Word, Audible

Innocent or guilty—there’s nothing perfect about it.

Phoebe Davidson is a good girl who’s been through some bad times. Her life changed forever when she learned that her husband was living a secret life. Now, six years later, she’s just going through the motions of her life, afraid to let anyone in.

When a horrific crime occurs in her home, she meets Logan Matthews, a police detective working the case. When Phoebe herself is charged with the murder, can she trust Logan? Can she, and should she let him into her life?

Excerpt

I step closer—only about a foot away now. He doesn’t move. I take another step until I’m inches from him, so close that I can smell his musky scent. I wish that I was dressed in something a little more alluring than my pajamas.

“Stay,” I say. The word is barely a whisper.

His lips take mine. Take is the word that comes to mind because he claims them so completely. My mouth surrenders to him, and I’m on fire. There’s nothing tentative about his tongue as it explores my mouth. His hands move to my shoulders and then my back as he pulls me tightly to him.

A moan echoes from deep inside me. I rake my hands through his dark hair. He pulls me even closer. The feel of his tight body brings sensations to places that have been dormant for way too long. One kiss, especially a first kiss, has never had this effect on me—from zero to sixty in five seconds flat.

He pulls back enough to break our kiss, but one hand still rests on my lower back, holding me close. His other hand caresses my cheek. His eyes hold an unmistakable fire that I’m sure are reflected in my own.

“I should apologize for that, but it wouldn’t be sincere.” The corners of my lips turn up to a smile that he returns. The hard lines of his face soften, the corners of his eyes wrinkle, and his eyes brighten. For a moment, all is right with the world. Until a hard punch of reality hits him, and his smile recedes. “Still, I shouldn’t have kissed you. I can’t believe that I came here.”

He begins to pull away, but I refuse to let go. “I’m glad that you’re here. Does that count for anything?”

My Review FIVE STARS *****

Fast Paced and Sexy!

Bravo to author Tamra Lassiter! Perfectly Innocent is a fast-paced romantic suspense with a heroine I immediately rooted for and a hero to swoon over! As someone who often listens to radio plays I thought that I would try my hand at reviewing an audio book and I loved it! It was great escapism – the narrative being told through the contrasting POVs of the heroine Phoebe and the hero Logan. The voices of the characters were an excellent match to how I imagined the characters to look, act and feel. I feel that this would also make a great read too.

The story sucked me in from the first high impact scene, which does not skimp on the drama or the gore! When good girl Phoebe returns home to find a man dying from a fatal knife wound in her kitchen she is understandably both shocked and traumatized. These emotions slowly turn to mounting horror and incredulity as over the coming days it is clear that she is the Police’s main suspect and the finger of suspicion points ever closer…..

Detective Logan (serious hottie alert) has recently re-located from Miami to the sleepy town where Phoebe lives, intent of doing a good job and avoiding the corruption that was rife in the city. He is immediately drawn to the young woman who is at the murder scene, and not in a professional way. Is she as innocent as she appears to be or is it her game to entrap him to avoid paying the price for her crime? In helping her prove her innocence will he have to put his job on the line and/or risk losing his heart? Can Phoebe trust Detective Logan or is his concern a mere ruse to pin the crime on her?

As Logan finds out about Phoebe’s past and evidence against her mounts, he is torn over whether to trust his gut instincts or the apparent evidence. I will not reveal any more but suffice to say that there is some clever plotting and I was hooked on the mounting danger and suspense and invested in the relationship of the hero and heroine right up to the end!

I enjoyed the pacing of the tale and how the scenes switched from Phoebe’s and Logan’s POV. The sexual tension between the couple is sky high and there are some seriously hot scenes! One audio book you will not want the children around whilst you are listening to it!

I recommend Perfectly Innocent to fans of romantic suspense and I will definitely read/listen to more of this author’s work in the future.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

This audio-book was given to me for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

About Tamra Lassiter

I live outside Washington, D.C. with my wonderfully supportive husband and two daughters, one of which is approaching her teenage years. Help us all! If that isn’t enough, we have a Great Dane and an English Bulldog to keep us on our toes. It’s crazy around here and I love every minute of it!

Writing is my third career. I didn’t set out to be a writer, it was just meant to be. My Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech prepared me well for my first career as an Engineer/Program Manager. My second career was in Human Resources. Long story, but I figured it out. I believe the best start for a writing career is to be a reader first and I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. I’ve loved to read ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew mystery in the fourth grade. Now I love reading just about everything, but I don’t read sad books and I don’t watch sad movies either for that matter, no matter how many awards they’ve won. Life’s too short and who needs all that strife to bring us down?

Many of my words have been penned late into the evening, which explains why I’ve never viewed whatever television show you recommend to me. I would, however, love to hear your recommendations for a great read!

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

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September 3, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Review Round-up Aug ’15

Hi readers, Love certainly has been in the air for us this summer at A Reader’s Review Blog! I know romance is usually at the core of many of the stories we review, but this summer I have been left with a calm, serene and warm feeling, especially after just reviewing Laurette Long’s HOT BASQUE! Katherine McIntyre’s SOUL SOLUTION certainly left a mark on me, and Laura Barnard’s DOPEY WOMEN will have you in stitches, as well as enjoying a dangerous romance!

Tina has been reviewing some dark erotica books with Annika Martin & Skye Warren’s PRISONER, and HER MASTER’S COURTESAN by Lily White. Please note that the latter is most certainly not a romance though, and is definitely for the Adult 18yrs+ reader!

To meet your paranormal needs, along with Soul Solution (Katherine McIntyre), we have SOUL RELEASE, the last of C.J. Pinard’s Rebel Riders series, as well as a YA paranormal fantasy in Pat Spence’s TRUE BLUE (The Blue Crystal Trilogy #2).

And if mystery, crime and thriller are calling we have Niki Danforth’s STUNNER, and SILENCE OF A STRANGER by Elizabeth Bailey.

We hope you enjoy our selection. (As always, please click on the titles for more info and to read our reviews!)

Caroline & Tina 🙂

Soul Solution (Beyond Fairytales #1) (novelette) by Katherine McIntyre, dark paranormal/romantic suspense (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: For Erik Anderson, the Copenhagen line is his curse. He takes the train every night en route to collect souls. Like any lovelorn fool, he bargained his own long ago, and now pays the price—a lifetime of loneliness as a grim reaper. Stay distant—that’s been his mantra and what keeps him sane.

Until Mina Castner drops into his life like a whirlwind, one spilled drink leading to staying up until dawn with the woman. He believed one night couldn’t hurt, but he sorely underestimated her determination. Every encounter between them is reprieve from the guilt of reaping souls every night, but it can’t last. Even if she sparks long buried feelings, and even if her sheer presence intoxicates him, he can’t let this continue. For humans, his touch is poison, and if he slips up, it could cost her life.

Her Master’s Courtesan by Lily White, dark erotica (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: (N.B. This is not a romance novel. Adults 18yrs +)

I am a Master.

You must know this fact to understand my story.

I capture women.

I break them down.

And I rebuild them.

If they are lucky, they are sold into the professional hands of another Master. If they are less fortunate, they are buried beneath the ground, never to be thought of again.

I lust for the control, I demand absolute submission and my body yearns to warp the minds of those I train.

Power is the only thing I’ll ever need and I am addicted to the feeling of ultimate control.

I am wealthy, good-looking, educated and charming.

And I am – in no way – a good man.

I do not want love.
I do not want kindness.

She thought she could change me by giving me the two things I knew I never wanted.

She was wrong.

Prisoner by Annika Martin & Skye Warren, dark erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: He seethes with raw power the first time I see him—pure menace and rippling muscles in shackles. He’s dangerous. He’s wild. He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. So I hide behind my prim glasses and my book like I always do, because I have secrets too. Then he shows up in the prison writing class I have to teach, and he blows me away with his honesty. He tells me secrets in his stories, and it’s getting harder to hide mine. I shiver when he gets too close, with only the cuffs and the bars and the guards holding him back. At night I can’t stop thinking about him in his cell. But that’s the thing about an animal in a cage—you never know when he’ll bite. He might use you to escape. He might even pull you into a forest and hold a hand over your mouth so you can’t call for the cops. He might make you come so hard, you can’t think. And you might crave him more than your next breath.

Prisoner is Book One of the Criminals & Captives series.

Dopey Women by Laura Barnard, contemporary romantic comedy/chick-lit (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Sadie had a bumpy upbringing but she’s still managed to drag herself out and carve a career for herself. That all comes crashing down when she, along with the women she manages; Mags, Lexi & Steph, get made redundant. She’s screwed. In hindsight she shouldn’t have attacked her colleague in a moment of rage. There goes the reference.

When they all bump into each other a few months later at the job centre Sadie finds she’s not the only one in a hole. Steph’s boyfriend has left her holding the baby, Lexi’s stuck in an abusive relationship and poor Mags has breast cancer. They’re all struggling to keep on top of their bills. They all need money to get out of their situations, its as simple as that.

Mags mentions that some women find marijuana helps ease the sickness caused by chemo. With the desperation mounting and the coffee spurring them on they somehow decide to start growing it. They’re only going to sell to ladies going through chemo, so its not too bad, right? They’re not going to be proper drug dealers. And its only temporary.

They didn’t bet on the business taking off so well though. Before they know it they’ve got orders coming out of their ears, a sexy detective on their trail, suspicious neighbours and drug dealers angry they’re working on their patch.

Can Sadie pull them out of this dangerous world they’ve found themselves in? And can she do it before they end up in prison?

Stunner (An Accidental Lady Detective series – A Ronnie Lake Mystery #1) by Niki Danforth, mystery crime thriller (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Beautiful. Bright. And possibly deadly…

That’s all Ronnie Lake knows about her soon to be sister-in-law, Juliana. But Ronnie is determined to find out the truth about her wealthy brother’s new lover—before he throws away his happiness, his fortune…maybe even his life. Who is this mysterious woman, and where did she come from? What is she hiding? And how deep could the deception go?

First the family receives strange phone calls. Then a disturbing package appears at their estate outside New York City. Ronnie—a divorced, downsized, 50-something—seems an unlikely detective. But she soon finds she’s got an instinct for this type of work, as she falls ever deeper into a sinister world where people will do anything to escape their past. And Juliana may be the most desperate of them all.

True Blue (The Blue Crystal Trilogy #2) by Pat Spence, YA paranormal romance/fantasy (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: As the word ‘tomb’ came into my head and my predicament hit home, I lost control and hammered on the lid, screaming ‘Help, get me out of here’ over and over, until my throat hurt…

In just two weeks, Emily must undergo the blue crystal initiation ceremony or face death from the secret order that protects it. But is she ready to spend eternity with the beautiful and irresistible Theo de Lucis, or can best friend, Seth, offer an alternative? And can she stay alive long enough to make the decision?

As Emily considers her future, she becomes an unwitting pawn in a dangerous game of life and death, caught up in a supernatural world of ancient enemies, old grievances and dark forces. Tested to the limit, she must draw deep to ensure her survival.

Heart-rending and horrifying, True Blue is the second book in the ‘Blue Crystal’ trilogy, with a colourful cast of characters, a fast-moving plot and surprises at every turn. Keep turning the pages. You have to know what happens next….

An old enemy of the de Lucis family waits in the shadows, desperate for the crystal and preparing to exact a terrible price…

Lunchtime Eavesdropper (short story) by Joanie Chevalier, contemporary psychological drama/self-belief chick-lit/humour (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Meet Marlee, a woman who lives a comfortable but simple life with her loving partner, the adorable Larry. She discovers that covertly listening in on other people’s conversations during lunch hour excites her and adds to her otherwise humble life. When she overhears unpleasant gossip about herself, she becomes obsessed with changing her personality and makes the bad decision to become someone she’s not. After her total makeover, Marlee suddenly finds herself basking in the attention of her co-workers and is ecstatic when she’s finally invited to sit at the “popular” table at work. But is a personality change really worth the price? Is being popular worth losing herself, possibly the love of her life and/or redefining her own definition of happiness?

Come and take part in Marlee’s life, even though it’s only for a short time, and experience her yearning to belong and be accepted for who she is. You may be surprised by the unexpected twist in her story.

Stately Pleasures by Lucy Felthouse, erotic ménage (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Three’s a magic number in this steamy love triangle set in a British stately home. Alice Brown has just landed her dream job. Property manager at Davenport Manor, a British stately home. It’s only a nine-month contract to cover maternity leave, but it’s the boost up the career ladder she so desperately needs. Unfortunately, things don’t get off to the best start, when Alice finds her boss, Jeremy Davenport, in a compromising position. Far from being embarrassed by what’s happened, Jeremy turns things around on Alice and makes her out to be the one in the wrong. So when he and his best friend and head of security, Ethan Hayes, throw an ultimatum at her, she’s so stunned and confused that she goes along with their indecent proposal. When the dust settles and Alice has time to think about things, she realises that perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing. There are worse things she could be doing to advance her career, after all.

Soul Release (Rebel Riders #3) by C.J. Pinard, paranormal romance/urban fantasy (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: His heart wants love. His mind craves revenge. His soul needs peace.

Faced with the horrible reality that he’s been tricked by Eva, Nolan sets off in a mad rage to find the evil red-haired succubus and end her once and for all. When the search for her falls flat, he turns to Kovah and the Rebel Riders for help. Not only fueled by wrath, a now sudden fear and sadness has also overtaken his heart: Where is his love, Charity?

With Joel Reichert searching deep for what the Justice Department knows about the supernatural of New Orleans, he’s not going to be of any help to Nolan – especially once Nolan finds out what Kovah and the Riders are planning for Joel and his hotel of vampires.

Can they all work together to find Charity and rid Louisiana of her evil succubus sister once and for all? Or will pride, egos, and longstanding feuds and hatred tear them all apart before she can be found?

Find out in this third and final instalment of the Rebel Riders Series.

Silence of a Stranger (novella) by Elizabeth Bailey, romantic suspense (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Secrets, danger and an enigmatic stranger, a twentieth century mystery romance.

Is Bea’s life more at risk than her disobedient heart?

SILENCE OF A STRANGER

Her car broken down, Bea Russell goes for help and walks straight into hell. Three armed men and no answers. Held captive, strip searched, her dignity in shreds, Bea is horrified when she responds to the attraction of the man who grabbed her out of the dark.

Who is the fugitive Rad? Escaped rapist or spy? No one will talk. Yet Bea is forced to share the danger, fleeing across rough fields in the deep night hours. At a deserted house by the sea, she looks fate in the eye. One wrong move could change her life forever.

Hot Basque (A French Summer Novel #2) by Laurette Long, contemporary romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Sit back with a glass of chilled rosé and let yourself be carried away to the white sands and pounding surf of the French Basque coast. What could be more relaxing? Find out what’s going on at the Villa Julia, where Caroline and her honey are enjoying the song of the crickets, the glow of the stars and happy romps in the boudoir. Caroline is also doing some matchmaking between best friend Jill and the hot Basque himself, Antoine, he of the smouldering eyes and perfect teeth. And Annabel the sister from hell, is miles away, no need to fret about her. What could be more idyllic? Not a cloud on the horizon…well, maybe it’s looking a bit black to the north, but nothing to worry about, surely??