January 12, 2015 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR ~ Includes REVIEW, Heart Grow Fonder by Cristy Rey

Intense and Emotionally Gritty

Adult Contemporary Romance

We are delighted to host the blog tour for Cristy Rey’s new release, Heart Grow Fonder. Last year I had the pleasure of reading this author’s super paranormal romance, the Incarnate Series, Taking Back Sunday and Trail of Dead and also her contemporary romance Weeping Angels, one of my Top Reads for 2014. Scroll down for the blurb and an excerpt from Heart Grow Fonder and read my review. Tina ❤

Heart Grow Fonder

Cristy Rey

Adult Romance

Goodreads

Blurb

Wrong place. Wrong time. Right people.

Jessie Bravo knows what’s wrong with her life; she just doesn’t know what to do about it. Eleven years ago, she saved Tyler Cantrell from getting his ass kicked by gay-bashing high school jocks. Since, they’ve been the closest of friends. Years later, Jessie circled the drain of chronic depression, spiraling out of control, and it was Tyler’s turn to save her. Who knew her best friend would become a Hollywood A-lister? Though Jessie credits Tyler for keeping her together, living in the shadow of her best friend’s celebrity isn’t all it’s cut out to be. It’s up to Jessie to figure out what she has to do to be happy: get better or get lost.

Stardom is on the horizon for British television actor Boyd Kerrington. He’s starring opposite Tyler Cantrell in an American feature film sure to blow his career out the water. For all the years he’s focused on his career, however, he’s settled in his personal life. That is, until he meets Tyler’s best friend, Jessie. Jessie is refreshingly cool, passionate, and compelling…but she’s also complicated. Worse yet, she’s not interested in remaining in the celebrity stratosphere, even for her lifelong friend.

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK

**Excerpt – It was… to meet you.**

“What was that?” Tyler said in a hoarse whisper.

Wide-eyed, his face shimmered as if he’d been doused with glitter under a blinding white spotlight. Dumbstruck, Jessie remained staring into the gaping hole of the universe where Boyd Kerrington sat only seconds earlier.

“That was…” Jessie struggled to get out even those two words, and she couldn’t think of another to follow them.

That was Boyd Fucking Kerrington. It was Boyd who’d stopped her world spinning on its axis for a suspended series of seconds that, for all she knew, could have lasted a whole year. She’d acted a brat and he’d thought it funny. When she realized she was embarrassing herself in front of Boyd, she stopped dead in her tracks and swallowed her pride, painfully.

Then their eyes met. She’d looked at him dead in the eyes a million times, but those instances had all been through the television. Sure, those eyes were the same—icy blue like a frozen-over lake in the dead of winter—but they weren’t Astor Welles’s eyes this time; they were something altogether new and different. For the first time in weeks, she felt something other than a vacuum of nothingness.

While he looked away, returning to his breakfast, Jessie watched him, for the first time free of the veneer his character. But he avoided her gaze, keeping his attention, instead, on Tyler.

Layers of stage makeup and all the smart hairstyling of Astor Welles peeled away to reveal a real human being with complicated expressions and a wealth of idiosyncrasies. Despite his severe, angular features, Boyd’s manner was approachable, even a little bit sweet. His voice was the same, but the cadence wasn’t. Astor Welles cut through steel with a crisp arrogant timbre as much as with his cheekbones’ daring angles. Boyd Kerrington wasn’t as clipped.

Sensing she was doing nothing to benefit her friend’s morning with him, Jessie excused herself.

“I have some writing to do,” she said, standing and stepping toward the sliding glass door.

Though she expected Boyd would relax a little at her departure, he reared to face her with an unmistakable tinge of remorse. She bit into her lip and reiterated her need to get to work. Boyd nodded shortly, his handsomely sloppy curls lifting in the breeze for a second before settling down again. Tyler said something that sounded like “Good idea,” but that melded with the white noise of Vancouver.

“It was… to meet you.” Red with embarrassment, she tucked into the suite and shuffled into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

With no one watching her, she banged her head against the door. Boyd Kerrington was currently sitting on the balcony of her suite, talking with Tyler over cigarettes and a king’s brunch feast. Rather than join them, Jessie relegated herself to the bed. She curled up beneath the comforter, fully clothed, and stared into the oblivion of her private bathroom.

My Review

Intense and Emotionally Gritty *****

Wow, what a read! Heart Grow Fonder kept me literally glued to my Kindle. It is an intense, heart-rending, emotionally gritty novel, which examines the consequences of celebrity life. The central story focuses on Jessie and Boyd, two people who are PERFECT for each other BUT who fate has conspired that they meet in the WRONG place and at the WRONG time.

Jessie is in the depths of depression, so bad that even her long-time friend Tyler, a top celebrity, feels powerless to help her. It is at this point that she meets Boyd, a British actor, who is working with Tyler on a new film. Jessie is already a big fan of Boyd, admiring him for his role in a TV series. When she meets him in the flesh she is even more enamoured with the reality of the man. Boyd is similarly entranced with Jessie. Yet Jessie fears involving herself with a man who is seeking fame and fortune as she has been so unhappy living in Hollywood. She also feels too broken to succumb to the passion that exists between them and realises that to help herself she must leave LA, where she feels at once stifled and alienated, and recover on her own terms. Before they can get together Jessie flees, cutting herself off from Tyler, Boyd and her life there.

The couple are not physically together throughout much of the book but nevertheless they are rarely out of each other’s minds and communicate through a heart-rending series of emails, where vulnerabilities are exposed and hearts are broken. Will Jessie recover from her illness? Will Boyd accept her for herself? Will Jessie be able to cope with his acting career? Will she reconcile with her friend Tyler? I could not see what was coming until the denouement and my heart was in my mouth waiting to see whether Jessie and Boyd would opt to be together or stay apart!

Jessie is a troubled individual and I admired her determination to get well on her own terms, although I despaired at the effect her actions had on Boyd, Tyler and those closest to her. The way the author portrayed her depression and how she deals with it was believable and realistic.

Boyd is an intense and serious individual who feels alive for the first time when he meets Jessie who bowls him over. He is confused by her behaviour, upset by her refusal to let him help her and devastated when she leaves LA. His growing friendship with Tyler and the support they give each other when Jessie walks out of their lives is also a major aspect of the story.

The writing in this novel is deeply emotional and there are many poignant scenes. However, there are also moments of humour, warmth and passion and the promise of a future between the main couple, if only they will take a chance on love.

I recommend this novel to readers who are looking for a deep and emotional reading experience.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Dreamcast

Meet Jessie

Meet Boyd

Playlist

1. Miss Misery, Elliot Smith

2. Brand New Friend, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

3. Dear Catastrophe Waitress, Belle & Sebastian

4. Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t Have)?, Buzzcocks

5. I Shatter, Magnetic Fields

6. Can’t Hardly Wait, The Replacements

7. Cactus, Pixies

8. Stay Out of Trouble, Kings of Convenience

9. Never Talking to You Again, Husker Du

10. A New England, Billy Bragg

11. International Small Arms Traffic Blues, The Mountain Goats

12. Screaming at a Wall, Minor Threat

13. Andy’s Chest, Lou Reed

14. I Think She’s Starting to Like Me, The Queers

15. Long-forgotten Fairy Tale, Magnetic Fields

16. Rudie Can’t Fail, The Clash

Listen via Spotify

About Cristy Rey

Cristy Rey is the author of the romantic urban fantasy Incarnate series. Taking Back Sunday, Trail of Dead, and the prequel novelette, Edge of Seventeen, were released in 2014. The third full-length installment, Wolf Parade, will be released in 2015. She also writes and publishes unconventional romantic women’s fiction. Weeping Angels and her second, Heart Grow Fonder are available now.

Cristy lives in Miami, FL where she is a reader and writer most of the time, and a knitter much less of the time than she was six months before she took up writing again. She writes the books that she likes to read. She describes her writing style as riot grrrl Jane Austen sprinkled with a little magic. There’s always a killer soundtrack running in the background of her novels – all you need to do is turn to the playlist to know what’s up.

Find Cristy Online

Cristy’s website http://www.cristyrey.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/cristywrites
Goodreads http://bit.ly/1iD1Ujy
Twitter @CristyReyWrites
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/cristyreywrites
Google+ http://bit.ly/1sAQyRd
Sign up for Cristy’s monthly updates http://eepurl.com/SHB1j

Get Cristy’s Books

Amazon http://amzn.to/1g4erJ0
Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/1inMdi8
Apple iTunes bookstore http://bit.ly/1sIbP9v
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1nvp7rF
Signed Paperbacks http://www.cristyrey.com/?p=1214

Hosted by

January 11, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Promo Intertwined Souls series (Books 1-4) by Mary D. Brooks

Intertwined Souls is a series that takes the reader from war-torn Europe to Post-War Australia, and returns to Europe after hints of the paranormal set in (books 3 and 4) to this historical lesbian romance series by Mary D. Brooks.

Although Awakenings (Intertwined Souls series #4) is the latest release of the series, and the book due to be reviewed by myself, we are also featuring the first three books, In the Blood of the Greeks, Where Shadows Linger and Hidden Truths, to provide you with a full introduction to the whole series. And what’s more – Book 1, In the Blood of the Greeks, is FREE, and so is Book 2, Where Shadows Linger! Book 5, No Good Deed, is due for release at a later date too!

You will also be able to find an author bio at the bottom of the post for more information on Mary D. Brooks. We hope you enjoy finding out about this amazing series and follow characters, Eva and Zoe, on their incredible journey!

Author: Mary D. Brooks

Title: Awakenings (Intertwined Souls #4)

Genre: Historical romance/Lesbian, Paranormal

Release date: January 16th, 2014

Released by: Bedazzled Ink

Length: 319 pages

Blurb: In the fourth novel in the Intertwined Souls series, Awakenings continues with Eva and Zoe’s tumultuous journey to Greece and Germany.

They leave Greece with a new understanding of the past and a renewed purpose for their lives. In Germany they discover unknown secrets and gifts that span generations. With hidden truths uncovered and a peek of their future, they can now work toward making their once impossible dreams come true.

“Awakenings is the fourth novel in the Intertwined Souls series, and the best one so far. A riveting plot, a set of memorable characters, a couple of unexpected twists, a healthy dose of wit and humour, and another of intensity and emotion, a whole lot of passion and love, a flowing pace and engaging dialogue, and Mary D’s unique narrative voice. Add that gorgeous cover and you have all the ingredients that make this truly outstanding novel, one you don’t want to miss. I can guarantee you will fall in love with Eva, and with Zoe, and with their story. I can only hope there will be many more books in this phenomenal series.”

Purchase Links:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Awakenings-Intertwined-Souls-Book-4-ebook/dp/B00I85SHI6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Purchase elsewhere and print:

http://www.nextchapter.net/blog/books/issbook3/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Author: Mary D. Brooks

Title: In the Blood of the Greeks (Intertwined Souls #1)

Genre: Historical romance/Lesbian

Release date: 2001 (first edition), 2014 (4th edition)

Released by: Self-published

Length: 239 pages

Blurb: In the Blood of the Greeks is set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel begins in a most troublesome period of human history, where subjugated by the might of Nazi Germany, two women meet under extraordinary circumstances. This is the story of Eva Muller, the daughter of a German Major, in command of the occupying force in Larissa, Greece in 1944. Through the intervention of the village priest she meets Zoe Lambros, a young Greek woman with vengeance in her heart and a faith in God that has been shattered by the death of her family. They develop a friendship borne out of this dark time as they both work with the Greek Resistance. This friendship leads to the beginning of a life that they never would have imagined. Follow their journey in the first of the Intertwined Souls Series!

Purchase Links:

FREE http://www.nextchapter.net/blog/books/issbook1/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Author: Mary D. Brooks

Title: Where Shadows Linger (Intertwined Souls #2)

Genre: Historical romance/Lesbian

Release date: 2001 (first edition), 2014 (3rd edition)

Released by: Self-published

Length: 288 pages

Blurb: The second instalment of the Eva and Zoe series, Where Shadows Linger follows the ever popular In the Blood of the Greeks. Having survived Nazi-occupied Greece and its liberation, Eva Muller and Zoe Lambros are still very much in love, wanting nothing more than to fulfil their dreams and hopes for the future. Emigrating to Sydney, Australia, the two women find themselves making new friends and forging a new life together. However, it is not long before their happiness is marred by prejudice and the machinations of old enemies, plunging them into mortal danger. Will the unique connection between Eva and Zoe be destroyed? Will they lose their new-found friends? or will Eva and Zoe’s love prove strong enough to overcome the shadows of the past that continue to linger in their lives?

Purchase Links:

FREE http://www.nextchapter.net/blog/books/issbook2/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Author: Mary D. Brooks

Title: Hidden Truths (Intertwined Souls #3)

Genre: Historical romance/Lesbian, hint of Paranormal

Release date: January 11th, 2014

Released by: Bedazzled Ink

Length: 289 pages

Blurb: In the third book of the Intertwined Souls Series, Hidden Truths continues the journey of two extraordinary women, Eva Muller and Zoe Lambros, from war-torn Europe to Post-War Australia.

It’s 1950 and Eva and Zoe have settled in Australia, but events from their homelands beckon them back to Greece and Germany. Along the way, they are reunited with family and friends and are forced to contend with their own haunted memories and unexpected revelations that tests their courage, strength and faith.

Purchase Links:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Truths-Intertwined-Souls-Book-ebook/dp/B00HTPKQTY/ref=asap_B00347V9TW_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417764855&sr=1-2

Purchase elsewhere and print:

http://www.nextchapter.net/blog/books/issbook3/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Author bio:

Mary D. Brooks lives in Australia and has been writing for forty years and has published short fiction stories for various Australian magazines and non fiction pieces before she turned her attention to the Intertwined Souls series. Her first novel was “In the Blood of the Greeks” which was quickly followed by “Where Shadows Linger”. She took a break from writing and has come back to the characters her fans love so much. She now continues the series with “Hidden Truths” (Book 3) and “Awakenings” (Book 4) and the soon to be published “No Good Deed” (Book 5). When she’s not writing, she’s a graphic and web designer, travels when the travel bug hits and is chief editor for various multimedia sites.

Author Information:

Email: marydbrooks@outlook.com

Website: http://www.nextchapter.net

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/marydbrooksfiction

Facebook Series Page: https://www.facebook.com/evazoeseries

Twitter: http://twitter.com/marydbrooksfic

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/621292.Mary_D_Brooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marydbrooks/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNRGsFn6Am8oJIIvi02COig?spfreload=10

Amazon Author Page

http://www.amazon.com/Mary-D.-Brooks/e/B00347V9TW

Newsletter sign-up form: http://eepurl.com/9rMyL

January 9, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Review Newly released: Playing the Field (Duty & Desire #4) by C.J. Pinard

Playing the Field (Duty & Desire #4) by C.J. Pinard

FRESHLY RELEASED January 15th, 2015, contemporary military romance/chick-lit

Blurb: An overachiever in uniform…

Jace Lawless is an overachiever, a go-getter, and determined to accomplish everything he sets his mind to. After serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, and receiving his college degree, he’s picked up by a popular minor league baseball team, all while continuing his service in the USMC reserves.

When Jace meets a beautiful, breathtaking single mother named Miranda Cates, it takes him by surprise. Her shady past and beautiful little girl are the conundrum that both confuses and fascinates Jace. He can’t tear his thoughts away from Miranda, and eventually he believes he can win her over with his dimpled smirk and witty charms.

Once Miranda becomes his, the part of him she hated the most – the part he had kept secret from her for so long – rears its ugly head. Will Miranda lean on her friend Cara for support while staying by his side once he tells her that duty is calling… or will she decide she can’t handle it and take her daughter and leave?

Playing the Field is the fourth and final installment of the Duty & Desire series. Contains adult situations and minor scenes of war.

REVIEW

After reading Book 3, Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story), Playing the Field goes hand-in-hand as the final story of this sweet, contemporary, military romance series focuses on Jace’s point of view, his background with the U.S. Marine Corps and minor league baseball team, as well as his strong feelings for Miranda. If you’re looking for a refreshing, cheeky, fun and romantic read then this is a series for you!

From early on in the story the reader has a sense of just how much baseball and the Marines mean to Jace. As well as both being an enjoyment of his, he is also incredibly talented at both and his skills are noticed. They both play a huge role in his life, but it could all be about to change with Miranda about to enter it.

Not a fan of a military man, as she has been let down more than once, Miranda makes it clear to Jace that she would never date another! This leaves Jace wondering when he should let her know of his background. You can sense his genuine worry of losing her if she found out but knows that she has to know. How can he make her see his point and that he isn’t a player?

We learn that despite Jace’s macho appearance and strong masculinity, he is actually a rather sweet hottie. He is considerate towards Miranda, and yet has the self respect to follow his dream and remain with the Marines until his contract is up at least! But will he be able to convince Miranda to stay with him?

It isn’t too long before Jace realises his feelings for his ex, Samantha, were nothing compared to how he loves Miranda. Not only does he absolute love her delectable, curvaceous body, he also admires her strong will. Yes, Miranda holds his heart both physically and emotionally. And, he also adores her young daughter, Ashlynn, and has a strong sense that he can’t let these ladies out of his life.

Although his relationship is the core of the story, Jace is also tackling nightmares from when he was once deployed. The author writes with such care over these dark and serious events, and yet still manages to keep the read, as a whole, light. As the story continues some of these events are more frequent and add more power as the reader begins to see just how much the Marines mean to Jace, and also how he doesn’t want it to affect a life he longs for with Miranda. This could be one of the biggest battles he has ever had!

Playing the Field is a delight to read and, as the whole series has been, very refreshing! Fans of Duty & Desire books 1 and 2 will also be pleased to hear that Cara and Riley also have an appearance in Playing the Field, as the author carries on a little of their storyline too and how their relationship affect Miranda and Jace (Cara being Miranda’s best friend, and Riley a military man himself with a story to tell of his own). Yes, to thoroughly enjoy I would strongly recommend that the series be read as a whole, as these lives intertwine and each book is from a different perspective. They fit together superbly well and you truly get to see all angles. What a way to honour the military and their families, C.J.!

A copy of Playing the Field (Duty & Desire #4) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Playing the Field is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can also find Books 1 & 2 available!

Patriotic Duty (Duty & Desire 1) series previously entitled ‘When Riley Met Cara’

Blurb: Newly divorced party girl Cara Reid just wants to have fun. Much too young to even be a divorcee, she and her bestie, Miranda, set off to have fun and maybe a few casual hookups and live life. One night at a military bar, Cara meets Riley Forrester, a hot Army soldier who makes her melt with one look of his deep ocean blue eyes. But Riley is only staying the summer in California and then has to go back to Colorado when it’s over. Cara tells herself he’s just a summer fling and is determined to enjoy herself and let him go once the summer is over. But when Riley receives orders he wasn’t expecting, she’s forced to make a decision on whether she’s going to be there for him when he gets back, or move on with her life. What she wasn’t expecting was to fall so hard for the beautiful soldier boy, and now she’s faced with accepting her feelings or letting him go.

For readers 18+. Contains adult content.

Our review link

Amazon US link – currently FREE (please be aware prices are subject to change)

Amazon UK link – currently FREE (please be aware prices are subject to change)

Tour of Duty (Duty & Desire #2)

Blurb: Army Sergeant Riley Forrester knew all about love, loss, and pain. He knew the love of a woman just to lose it. He had spent the best summer of his life with a beautiful single mother named Cara Reid, and then desperately needed her love to get him through a long, cold deployment. When things went horribly wrong overseas, he decided it was best to let Cara go and let her move on with her life. Cara wouldn’t be forgotten that easily, though. She had seeped her way into his heart and his dreams, and Riley knew he’d never love another like her. Contains adult content, for readers 18 and older. Also contains minor scenes of war.

Our review link

Amazon US link

Amazon UK link

Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) (Duty & Desire #4)

Blurb: Miranda Cates finally graduates from college and is excited to begin her dream career in law enforcement. After the final betrayal and heartbreak of her college boyfriend, Chris, she moves back home with a firm plan in place for her life.

However, the life she has carefully mapped out for herself takes a serious left turn. Miranda finds she not only has to be strong for herself, but for the daughter who hadn’t been part of her plan.

Determined to still believe in true love, life throws Miranda one more wicked curveball. She meets Jace Lawless, a hot minor league baseball player, whose warm aqua eyes and big dimple have her unraveling her carefully laid plans. A man who may be just be too good to be true.

Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) is book 3 in the Duty & Desire series, and while it is recommended to read the books in order, it’s not necessary.

Our review link

Amazon US link

Amazon UK link

AUTHOR LINKS

If you would like to contact C.J. Pinard you can reach her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CJPinardAuthor or you can e-mail her at cjpinardauthor@gmail.com.

January 7, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – Taken by the Sheikh (Boxed Set), by Christina Phillips, Mel Teshco and Cathleen Ross

Erotic Contemporary Romances

Sheer Indulgence! *****

Three Desert Sheikhs, three captive brides……

Bound by duty to honor their father’s dying wish, three royal brothers must marry their destined brides… by whatever means necessary…

One of my Top Reads for 2014

This boxed set was just what I needed to combat the cold winter nights, containing not one but THREE desert hotties to fulfill my fantasies.… I really liked the overarching plot which linked the three stories and characters together. Also kudos to the authors for exploring the cultural differences between the heroes and their three chosen brides and the self-sacrifices those in their position are expected to make for their country. Of course the scorching love making scenes, of which there are many (frantically fanning self) were also a definite plus! Scroll down for the book blurbs and for my reviews. Tina 🙂

Book Blurb

Book 1: Hostage to the Sheikh ~ Mel Teshco

Sheikh Shahzad Salah al Din doesn’t have time for hearts and flowers, not when his parents’ bodies are barely even cold in their graves and his country, Omana, is on the brink of revolt. He has to secure peace by honoring a long ago arrangement to make English rose, Lexi Galvin, his wife. The trouble is strong-willed Lexi isn’t aware of her royal Arab lineage let alone her destiny. There is only one way Shahzad can guarantee she will be his queen … and he isn’t above using force to get it.

Book 2: The Sheikh’s Mistaken Bride ~ Christina Phillips

In order to secure a powerful alliance for his country, Khalid has no choice but to marry a neighboring princess. It’s not what he wants, but duty must come before pleasure. Yet when he meets the beautiful Sanura he changes his mind… only to discover the virgin in his bed is not his destined bride.

Book 3: Sold to the Sheikh ~ Cathleen Ross

He’d paid a fortune for his bride and he was determined to collect, whether she liked it or not. Rafi Salah al Din doesn’t trust easily. In charge of security for his country Omana, he devotes his life to duty. With his parents murdered it is his duty to stabilize his country by finding his parents’ assassin, marry and produce a son to ensure the Salah al Din line lives on. So why does the wife he bought disagree?

My Reviews

Sheer Indulgence!

Erotic Contemporary Romances

Book 1: Hostage to the Sheikh ~ Mel Teshco *****

Mel Teshco’s Hostage to the Sheikh kicks off this sheikh love fest: To secure peace for his beloved homeland and the continuation of his dynasty Shahzad prepares to do his duty and marry the woman selected for him. I loved how bowled over he is by the very sight of Lexi, his unsuspecting bride, who is so refreshingly different to the women he is used to. Observing Lexi from afar he realises that she may not come quietly, and I loved the masterful way he kidnaps her in an emotionally charged and oh so sexy scene! Please note that I am particularly fond of the captor/captive romantic fantasy, where the kidnapper turns out to be ‘the one!’

What follows is a delightfully written tale of seduction amongst the desert sands, where Shahzad tries to convince Lexi to accept her fate. I loved the fact that although she is equally attracted to Shahzad and goes along enthusiastically with their lovemaking, she is no pushover. Indeed, unhappy about being kidnapped and being totally unaware of her Arab lineage, let alone any marriage contract, Lexi has an awful lot to contemplate. This does not prevent the couple from enjoying some sizzling smexing! With a plot that also includes possible threats from rebels and deceit and you have an exciting, emotional and nail biting read.

Book 2: The Sheikh’s Mistaken Bride ~ Christina Phillips *****

Christina Phillips excels at writing erotic romances where the reader experiences each and every emotion felt by the hero and heroines and this was no exception. There are so many emotional ups and downs in this story: one minute I was wiping a tear from my eyes and the next I was immersed in yet another scorching scene between the hero and heroine.

Khalid is my favourite hero from this series, as he is passionate, caring and impetuous. For me fact that he is half French just added to the attraction! At one point however, I did want to smack him, for although he is a real hottie and it is clear he loves Sanura, he does not excel in how he deals with the situation once he realises that he has mistaken Sanura for his bride! Fortunately Sanura is a strong heroine and I really liked how she stood her ground as the tale progressed. I felt Sanura’s heartache but also Khalid’s turmoil too, torn between burgeoning love and duty. Just what is a sheikh to do? I won’t give anything away but I was pleased with how the dilemma resolved itself and loved the dynamics of Khalid and Sanura’s relationship!

Book 3: Sold to the Sheikh ~ Cathleen Ross *****

This read has one of the hottest opening scenes I have ever read, in which the hero and heroine first meet and I was immediately hooked! The way the very dominant Rafi apprehends and abducts May is supremely erotic and I also loved how she tries her best to resist him, despite her attraction. She is desperate to remain in the West for reasons that become clearer as the story progresses. However, the methods Rafi chooses to seduce all her uncertainties away are supremely divine!

Neither Rafi or May are all that they first appear to each other and I enjoyed finding out about them as they revealed themselves to each other not just physically but emotionally as the story progresses. It becomes evident that they have a lot more in common that they first thought. May in particular has a troubled past and I could empathise with her actions.

Rafi is the serious younger brother who blames himself for the death of his parents and who takes his role as head of security very seriously. Although there are certainly a lot of erotic scenes, there is also a lot of action in this story, as the overarching plot is brought to its conclusion and the main characters from all three books are brought together at the end.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Connect with the Authors

Mel: Facebook Twitter

Christina: Facebook Twitter

Cathleen: Facebook Twitter

Capture Taken by the Sheikh at the special low introductory price of $0.99 for six weeks only!

ARe Amazon Amazon UK Kobo Nook Page Foundry

January 6, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Double Promo ‘Forgotten’ and ‘Arranged’ by Catherine McKenzie

We are delighted to be working with Catherine McKenzie this year, Canadian author of Spin and Spun (novella sequel to full novel, Spin) – both of which are on my review list, as well as her Forgotten, and due for release on February 1st, Arranged, which is to be reviewed by Tina. These contemporary romance/chick-lit novels have been translated into French, Portuguese, and several other languages, and are international bestsellers, as well as being freshly released in the UK!

Please find below information for Forgotten and Arranged, with links for further details, and a short bio on the author.

Caroline xx

FORGOTTEN

When everyone thinks you’re dead, how do you start your life over again?

Emma Tupper, a young lawyer with a bright future, sets out on a journey after her mother’s death: to Africa, a place her mother always wanted to visit. But her mother’s dying gift has unexpected consequences. Emma falls ill during the trip and is just recovering when a massive earthquake hits, turning her one-month vacation into a six-month ordeal.

When Emma returns home, she’s shocked to find that her friends and colleagues believed she was dead, that her apartment has been rented to a stranger and that her life has gone on without her. Can Emma pick up where she left off? Should she? As Emma struggles to recreate her old life, everyone around her thinks she should change: her job, her relationships, and even herself. But does she really want to sacrifice everything she’s working so hard to gain?

“McKenzie has created a charming character in Emma, witty, extraordinarily level-headed, and blessed with grace under fire in the most trying of circumstances. Forgotten is the story of one young women’s life, broken down, reconstructed, and forever altered. It is an endearing story of discovery and transformation and the importance of turning lemons into lemonade.”— BOOKLIST

For more info on Forgotten please check out the following links:

Goodreads

Amazon UK

Amazon US

ARRANGED

Anne Blythe has a great life: a good job, good friends, and a potential book deal for her first novel. When it comes to finding someone to share it with, however, she just can’t seem to get it right.

After yet another relationship ends, Anne comes across a business card for what she thinks is a dating service, and she pockets it just in case. When her best friend, Sarah, announces she’s engaged, Anne can’t help feeling envious. On an impulse, she decides to give the service a try because maybe she could use a little assistance in finding the right man. But Anne soon discovers the company isn’t a dating service; it’s an exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriage service. She initially rejects the idea, but the more she thinks about it-and the company’s success rate-the more it appeals to her. After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world, so why wouldn’t it work for her?

A few months later, Anne is travelling to a Mexican resort, where in one short weekend she will meet and marry Jack. And against all odds, it seems to be working out-until Anne learns that Jack, and the company that arranged their marriage, are not what they seem at all.

“With good dialogue, three-dimensional characters, and page-turning scenes, McKenzie expertly explores what makes a successful marriage work and the lengths to which some people will go to find true love.” –Publisher’s Weekly

For more information on Arranged please click on the following links:-

Goodreads

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Author Bio:

A graduate of McGill University in History and Law, Catherine practices law in Montreal, where she was born and raised. An avid skier and runner, Catherine’s novels, SPIN, ARRANGED, FORGOTTEN and HIDDEN, are all international bestsellers. She is currently working on her fifth novel, SMOKE, slated for release in 2015. Her novels have been translated into French, German, Portuguese Czech, Slovak and Polish. And if you want to know how she has time to do all that, the answer is: robots.

Website: www.catherinemckenzie.com

January 5, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Mr X, by Clarissa Wild

Obsession and Dark Love

18+/Adult Read

Author Note: This is not your average romance story. Some people will kill for love.

He’s come to kill me. I’m a user and abuser of my own body. In my darkest hour I sold my soul to the devil and now I must pay the price. With his gun to my head I have no choice but to listen and obey, but I refuse to go down easily. Nothing is stronger than the will to survive. My instincts kicked into full gear the second he stepped into my motel room.Except when I look at him I see my own heart staring back at me. A history tainted by blood.I don’t know his name, but I know he wants me. To save myself I’ll sacrifice my sanity. My body. My soul. Something tells me the x-shaped scar that marks his eye is the only escape I have. He is Mr. X: the man who comes to claim my life. Can I save myself before he demands my heart?

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, breath deprivation, strong language, drugs and alcohol, and graphic violence.

My Review *****

Obsession and Dark Love

18+ Read. No cliffhanger. Stand Alone

Mr X is a compulsive and scorching dark read about two broken individuals! ‘X’, the hero (or should I say anti-hero), is contracted to kill the heroine Jay, a drug addict, who works at a seedy pole dancing club and who sells sexual favours to feed her addiction.

Jay can remember little of her life before she became addicted to drugs and has no idea who could hate her so much to have her killed. However, she has a strong will to survive and sees that her kidnapper is attracted to her despite himself, and she is willing to submit and sacrifice all to live. At first she is restrained by the physical bonds he puts on her but soon she is also bound to him by the realisation that this violent and twisted man is the only one who just may be able to save her, and she could well lose her heart in the process.

X delights in the suffering of others and enjoys the power he wields over his victims as he takes their lives. He has a heartbreaking and totally f****d up past and a terrifying appearance, including an x shaped scar marking his right eye from which he gets his name. He is gobsmacked when he finds out that his latest hit is someone with whom he has a shared past, a woman who he desires like no other but who he wants to make suffer.

He despises Jay for the part that she played in his past and hates that she does not remember her actions or even recognise him. As Jay surrenders her body and soul to this violent and dominant monster in an attempt to survive, her memories begin to resurface and she wonders if she does indeed deserve redemption. Questions arise about who has put a contract on her head and who has played a part in making her what she is. There are twists and turns a plenty as the past is unravelled and their future is threatened.

The novel is written in the alternating POV of Jay and X, which is highly effective as we are able to witness scenes from both perspectives and experience first hand their emotions. There are also some flashbacks which shed light on their shared history. The novel contains much blood, violence (including sexual violence) and gore and some of the scenes I found ‘Tarantinoesque’. If you are looking for a dark, twisted, erotic read than this is a book I definitely recommend!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Buy Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

Author’s Blog

Facebook

January 3, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Promo w/Excerpt: Seven Exes are Eight too Many by Heather Wardell

Blurb: The fiercely private Madeleine-Cora Spencer is the last person who should be on a reality TV show, but when she’s shunned by a friend’s new wife because “you can’t trust desperate single women” her pain and humiliation drive her straight to the “Find Your Prince” dating show’s web site.

Armed with date-appropriate clothes and a detailed game plan she arrives to meet her potential loves, only to be dumped… on a remote island with seven ex-boyfriends.

Seven exes! Could this be any worse?

Author Bio:

Heather is a natural 1200 wpm speed reader and the author of sixteen self-published novels including the free ebook “Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo” which has had over 385,000 downloads. She came to writing after careers as a software developer and elementary school computer teacher and has no plans to leave it. In her spare time, she reads, runs, swims, crochets, takes care of her aquarium and her cat Trinity, and plays drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.

Author Links:

http://www.heatherwardell.com/

http://www.facebook.com/heather.wardell.author

http://www.twitter.com/heatherwardell

Buy Links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Excerpt

Chapter One

I stared at the seven men of my supposed dreams. Of my nightmares, more like, and theirs too judging by their stunned faces. The hotel ballroom’s walls closed in and dizziness shuddered through me.

The show’s host said, “What’s wrong, Princess?”, his overdone innocence making it clear: this was no accident.

I had to speak, had to take back some semblance of control, but knowing how many eyes and cameras studied my every move and reaction silenced me like a hand over my mouth.

The host raised well-tended eyebrows. “Nothing to say? Let me help. Gentlemen, I’m Peter Stanley. This, of course, is Madeleine-Cora Spencer. I say ‘of course’ because you all know her. Know her well, in fact.” He paused long enough for me to consider fleeing then added, his tone too casual, before I’d decided how to get past the camera crew, “You’ve all dated her.”

My exes exchanged surreptitious glances, no doubt mentally questioning my choices, as I fought to keep my face expressionless. Hearing the words from him made it all too real.

“Now, she expected to be on the ‘Find Your Prince’ show, but she can’t be on a dating show with her exes, can she?” Returning his focus to me, he shook his head as if sympathetic. “No, you can’t. Especially not the ones you called ‘flighty’… ‘ridiculously jealous’… ‘egotistical’…”

With each trait he pointed to the man it described, and my horror grew with each word. ‘Flighty’, predictably, didn’t seem bothered, but ‘jealous’ and ‘egotistical’ both looked ready to take me apart. I had to shut Peter up before he got me killed. “I did date them,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, “and you knew that since I put them all on my appli–”

“Gentlemen, Madeleine-Cora,” he said over me, “you’ve been given various explanations for why you’re here, but now it’s time for the truth. You will spend the next twenty-one nights on a tropical island.”

‘Flighty’ said, “Cool!” but Peter ignored him and went on. “You will live together in a shelter, after you build it, and scavenge for most of your food. You’ll be competing for a million dollar prize, and in time we will explain what you need to do to win. Princess, gentlemen, the game is on.”

An island. Trapped with seven men. Not just any men, but these men. So much history. And cameras hungry for the men to reveal that history, reveal my most intimate secrets. Nowhere to hide.

My careful analysis of the real show’s previous seasons to see which strategies worked, the hours I’d spent considering how to get to know my potential princes. Wasted. This bunch of frogs didn’t contain my prince. I’d kissed them all, I should know.

I’d regretted signing up for the show a hundred times over the past two months, starting seconds after I’d filled out the application online through tears of rage and humiliation. Meeting new men and letting them learn about me would be hard, I’d known that, but I’d been sure that finding a good man would be worth the pain. But this? All pain, no possible gain.

“I’m so out of here.”

Greg, my most recent boyfriend, stormed forward and slammed to a stop facing Peter. “You told me I’d be the prince, the one choosing a woman, not this stupid thing. This isn’t fair.”

When Greg had told me he loved me on our third date, I’d been more than a little surprised and nowhere near ready to return the sentiment. He hadn’t seemed to mind, but the words had hung over us like a three-syllable cloud of doom, and I’d dumped him a few weeks later because I couldn’t handle knowing he wanted me to hurry up and fall in love so we could get married.

I’d almost left our pitifully short relationship off my application, but I’d been afraid he’d end up on the show with me in some horrific coincidence. Well, no coincidence, but here he was.

Or maybe not. “I’m leaving, and you can’t stop me.” He headed for the ballroom’s door.

He didn’t make it.

“I don’t want to stop you,” Peter said, his face calm and faintly amused, and Greg paused. “Give me the two hundred and fifty thousand dollars you agreed to pay if you quit the show, and I’ll drive you to the airport myself.”

“The…”

“Surely you read the contract before you signed it?” Now addressing everyone, Peter went on. “We’re allowed to change the show’s concept if we see fit. If you’re thinking of quitting, folks, make sure you have the money ready. Otherwise you’re ours for the duration.”

Greg’s defiance sputtered and died.

Peter ran his eyes over the rest of us. “Anyone got a quarter million burning a hole in their pocket? No? Then let’s go.”

And before I knew it, I was in the back of a limo with my ex-boyfriends on the way to twenty-one days of hell.

January 1, 2015 by Tina Williams

Tina’s Top Reads of 2014

Phew! 2014 was such an exciting year of reads for me – I have been totally spoiled with all of the fabulous books to choose from and I have found it extremely difficult to come up with a list of top reads. Here it is at long last! I’ve included the link to my review, where you can also learn more about the book and the author and find the purchase links. Tina ❤

Rain, by Nicole Hurley-Moore – Sensual Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance

A magical read with all the elements of a fairy tale for adults. It has well defined and believable characters and a strong plot set in a world akin to that of European folk lore and fairy tales of old. In it Nuri is caught between Heaven and Hell as two men fight for her love and her soul.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/01/25/rain-by-nicole-hurley-moore-synopsis-trailer-review-author-bio-and-giveaway/

Blood Mate, by Kitty Thomas – Paranormal Literary Erotica, 18+/adult read

A Dark and Intense Fairy Tale – another mind blowing and deeply psychological read from this author. It contains a powerful and ancient vampire, August, condemned to drink the blood of his terrified human victims night after night. The only way that his torment can be assuaged is to find his one and only blood mate. Yet when he finds her, she is already truly, madly and deeply in love with another. The ensuing drama is bloody and compelling and is far far removed from a vampire romance!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/02/18/blood-mate-by-kitty-thomas/

Transcendence, by Shay Savage – Time Travel Romance, adult read

Totally, Utterly and Completely Spellbinding! When Elizabeth finds herself transported from the modern world to prehistoric times how will she survive? The story is told from the POV of Ehd, the man who claims her. The tale of how they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times and develop their relationship when one of them simply doesn’t have the ability to form and comprehend language is unique.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/03/20/transcendence-by-shay-savage/

Crimson Sins, Madeline Pryce – Erotic Paranormal Romance, 18+/adult read

Deliciously Dark and Decadent. The book introduces us to a world of magic, necromancers, zombies, ghosts, and more and contains a heady and combustible mix of smokin’ hot romance between the hero Bastian and heroine Morgan. Contains scenes of horror.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/07/16/review-of-crimson-sins-by-madeline-pryce/

Wind Haven, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo – Dark Erotic Fantasy/Futuristic Romance, 18+/adult read

A Light in the Darkness – a real treat for lovers of dark erotic fantasy. The power of love and healing does battle with unimaginable acts of depravity and evil. The novel unapologetically grapples with subject matter which includes scenes of sexual torture, enslavement of the male lead, imprisonment and physical, mental and psychological abuse.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/11/05/review-of-windhaven-by-charlotte-boyett-compo/

Too Much to Lose, by Samantha Holt – Sensual and Suspenseful Contemporary Romance

An edgy and oftentimes dark read, featuring Hunter, a Private Investigator who is in desperate need of money and Jess, an ex porn star, who is equally desperate to forget her past. The chemistry between them sizzles and I loved the suspense.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/09/20/too-much-to-lose-dirty-little-secrets-by-samantha-holt-book-tour-review/

Double Alchemy, by Susan Mac Nicol – Erotic Paranormal mm romance, adult read/18+

Sizzling and Original, full of raging desire, humour and suspense, which pulls no punches in terms of passion or plot. It encompasses magic, warlocks and witches, fey, witchfinders, immortals and more. The romance bewteen Cade and Quinn is, well, super hot and the complex plot brims with danger, violence and suspense!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/04/30/blog-tour-review-giveaway-double-alchemy-by-susan-mac-nicol/

Restoring Lady Anna, by Em Taylor – Sensual Regency Historical Romance

Passionate and Compelling Regency which examines some heavy issues – kidnap, mental health and social mores – in particular the expectations imposed on women by the Ton. At the centre of the tale is the romance between Anna and James. Fate has now reunited them but their current circumstances could not be more different and there are moral as well as social dilemmas to overcome if they are to secure their HEA.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/06/26/restoring-lady-anna-by-em-taylor-blog-tour-and-review/

Weeping Angels. By Crisy Rey – Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction

A Beautiful, Raw and Intense Love Story – an intense journey embarked on by two lost souls and deals with the raw emotions of grief, guilt, anger and pain. It is also a beautiful inspirational love story, unlike no other I have read. I am awed by the versatility of this writer.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/07/25/weeping-angels-by-cristy-rey-blog-tour-review-and-giveaway/

Irrevocable, by Skye Callahan – Dark Eroric Romance – 18+/adult Read

Freakin’ Brilliant! This dark read is deeply psychological as it examines the themes of domination, submission and sadism. It also contains a heart rending love story spotlighting how far would you submit to survive and in doing so could you preserve your sense of self? Loved it!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/07/24/irrevocable-by-skye-callahan-blog-tour-includes-review-excerpt-and-giveaway/

Primary Fault, by Sharon Kae Reamer – Fantasy Romance

Absorbing and Original – A clever and original read which merges mythology and magic with a heady mixture of romance, science and suspense. It is full of mystery and secrets with a complex plot and superbly well drawn characters, which drew me in from the off. Awarded a B.R.A.G. medallion.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/08/31/review-of-primary-fault-by-sharon-kae-reamer/

Pepper Winters, Indebted #1 – Dark Erotic Romance, 18+ /adult read

Deliciously Dark – a world where innocence is consumed by darkness and depravity, the first instalment of Pepper Winter’s Indebted series. I am addicted to the story of Nila, the sheltered heroine and Jethro, the anti-hero, who is out to break her. A fantastic and sometimes chilling dark read and I adore the battle of wills between the central couple.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/08/23/debt-inheritance-indebted-1-by-pepper-winters/

Unlovable, by Cynthia St Aubin – Paranormal Romance

A Panty-Wetting, Laugh-out-Loud Read, which contains a love-sick Cupid, a sex obsessed demigod, in the form of Crixus and a dark and dangerous hit-man cum kidnapper, with his own psychological issues. All three burst into the well-ordered life of Dr Matlda Schmidt, a sexually repressed/control loving kinda girl and chaos reigns big-time!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/08/16/unlovable-the-case-files-of-dr-matilda-schmidt-paranormal-psychologist-by-cynthia-st-aubin/

Lady Beauchamp’s Proposal, by Amy Rose Bennett – Erotic Historical Romance 18+/adult read

Gothic Inspired Regency Noir par excellence – A powerful and emotionally charged dark and angst ridden Regency romance. Full of secrets and suspense and brimming with raw sensuality and has a real taste of the gothic about it. A strong heroine and a swoon worthy hero!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/10/12/review-lady-beauchamps-proposal-amy-rose-bennett/

Mist Unveiled, Nancy Corrigan – Erotic Paranormal Romance, 18+/adult read

Sizzling and Emotional! Nancy Corrigan has not only done her homework on Ragnarok (the end of the world), but given it a fresh twist in her release of Mist Unveiled, book 1 in her new series, Elemental Desire. This novel just sizzles and the romance between Cat and Rune could well ignite your reading device!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/11/29/review-mist-unveiled-elemental-desire-book-1-by-nancy-corrigan/

Darker Shadows (The Ghosts of Ravencrest Book 1), by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross, Paranormal/Horror Erotica, Adult/18+ read

Gothic Erotica to Delight and Entertain the Senses! – a top notch quality erotica, a fantastic foray into the world of an innocent who quickly succumbs to the temptations on offer at the infamous and allegedly haunted Ravenscrest Manor and her own burgeoning carnal desires.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/11/01/review-the-new-governess-1-and-awakening-2-in-the-erotic-adventures-of-belinda-by-tamara-thorne-and-alistair-cross/

Taken by the Sheikh, Mel Treshco, Christina Phillips and Cathleen Ross, Erotic Romance, 18+/adult read

A collection of delicious captor/captive fantasies – Hostage to the Sheikh (Mel Teshco), The Sheikh’s Mistaken Bride, by Christina Phillips and Sold to the Sheikh, by Cathleen Ross. I have just finished reading this smexy collection of sizzling but sweet romances and my review is in the making, but I will say that it is one of my favourite reads of the year. Each interconnecting tale (which can be read alone) is very different, as are each respective hero and heroine, but all three are super reads to escape into!

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/12/22/release-blitz-for-taken-by-the-sheikh-boxed-set-by-christina-phillips-mel-treshco-and-cathleen-ross-includes-giveaway/

Tempting His Mistress, by Samantha Holt – Sensual Historical Romance

A Sensual Delight! This page turning read has a strong hero and heroine in Lily and Evan and a sensual and suspenseful plot. It also touches on a number of burning social issues of the day pertinent to women and their role in society and how much their lot in life was controlled by men. this is Samantha Holt’s first Victorian romance and I loved it as much as her contemporaries and medieval romances.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/12/18/review-tempting-his-mistress-by-samantha-holt/

Red Wolf’s Prize, by Regan Walker, Medieval Romance

A fantastic read, full of passion, deceit and adventure! Following his invasion of England, William stamps his authority on his new vassals by confiscating lands from English thegns, gifting them to his loyal knights and constructing castles to intimidate and control. Sir Renaud de Peirrepont is gifted the demesne of Talisand and its lady Serena as his bride, only the good lady will do her utmost to escape her fate…..

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/10/01/arc-review-the-red-wolfs-prize-medieval-warriors-1-by-regan-walker/

30 Days to Syn, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo, Contemporary Erotic Romance, 18+/adult read

Sizzling and Emotional – it contains Synjyn, a tortured alpha male, Lina, a sassy and selfless heroine, panty drenching sexual tension and sizzling love making scenes. There is also drama, emotion and humour and super supporting characters.

http://areadersreviewblog.com/2014/06/16/review-30-days-to-syn-by-charlotte-boyett-compo/

December 30, 2014 by Tina Williams

BOOK BLITZ ~ KISMET by A.E. Woodward

Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Katie’s world came crashing down in an instant. Her husband, daughter, and unborn baby. . . all gone in a flash. The life that she’d come to know, gone before she ever really got to live it. With a broken heart, she deals the only way she knows how, by shutting it all off. No communicating, no feelings, just pure nothingness. Alone with nothing but her own thoughts and a well meaning family, she moves back to her childhood home, a horse farm. It’s there that she finds herself healing along with the horses her family rehabilitates. But when Parker McKenzie comes back into her life she’s reminded of all that went wrong, and all that she lost. Will Katie ever begin to heal? Or will her secrets and loss be too much for her to overcome? Perhaps, this is her kismet.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18801880-kismet

Excerpt

Turning the corner from the hallway into the kitchen, I find my family talking to someone. It doesn’t matter that his back is turned to me because I would recognize that frame anywhere. Frozen in my space in the doorway, my breath hitches and my heart jumps to my throat, causing me to choke. I know without a doubt that the person standing there is Tommy’s lifelong best friend, Parker McKenzie.

“Hey, sis, look who came by to say hi!” Tommy smiles. It’s not a genuine smile, it’s his smug smile—the one he uses when he’s done something sneaky. In an instant, I know, without a doubt, that he’s done this on purpose and I want nothing more than to punch him in the face for it. I consider jumping across the kitchen and grabbing him by the throat, but I decide that the action would be too full of emotion. So instead I stew on my anger, filing it deep down within me for some other time.

Parker turns his attention toward me, looking over his shoulder in my direction. The minute his eyes catch mine my heart stops beating. I wasn’t ready to see him. Not yet, probably not ever in fact. He’s already smiling, the same earth shattering grin that I’ve seen a million times before. He looks just like I remember him, only older. He was a kid the last time I saw him, but now that boy had turned into a man, a five o’clock shadow in place of his previous baby face.

“Hey, Katie.” He stands from the kitchen table and with two easy strides he’s hugging me, his arms enveloping me just as though no time has passed.

My own arms hang at my sides, my heart palpating from the sudden contact. My breath hitches with unease. If I could claw at my skin, I would, but my arms are still pinned to my sides, Parker holding them firmly into place. I watch helplessly as Tommy taps him on the back, indicating that it’s too much.

Suddenly realizing that he’s made a mistake he mutters, “Sorry,” and he lets me go. I close my eyes and rub my arms, attempting to cleanse my skin from his touch. It isn’t right. It isn’t fair. That hug wasn’t his to take.

Seething, I look up at him. I know Parker means well, he always means well, but he never did have much sense when it came to personal boundaries. And what was he sorry for? Sorry for hugging me? Sorry for my loss? Sorry for coming here? He should be sorry, sorry for it all. I fight the urge to reach out and slap him for being such an inconsiderate bastard. But I don’t.

I fume silently to myself. He has no right to show up here today, let alone be the first one to touch me like that. My own family haven’t felt comfortable enough to hug me yet. The most contact I’ve had is holding Tommy’s hand, and he’s my brother.

The room fills with uncomfortable silence. I know that everyone is waiting to see my next move, but there won’t be one. I refuse to react.

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK B&N

December 27, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Falling Dragons (Moon Shadows Series), by Angela Castle

A Fun and Sassy Erotic Paranormal Romance

18+/adult read

Angela Castle’s latest addition to her Moon Shadows series, Falling Dragons , is now available on Amazon and Whiskey Creek Press!

Book Blurb

Drugged and running for her life, Dragon Princess, Ophelia, jumps off a rooftop to escape her captors.

Immortal Demon Hunter Simon, is shocked when he catches a falling, redheaded woman. His surprise is short-lived when he faces not only a vicious demon, but those hunting his newly acquired redhead.

In desperate need of protection, and knowing he is her mate, Opie spell-tethers the sexy Demon Hunter to her, not realizing he’s a seventeen-hundred-year-old dragon slayer.

The sexual chemistry explodes between them as they fight each other, in and out of the bedroom. Together, they must battle an evil enemy set on unleashing a soul-sucking demon army into the world, threatening to destroy everything they hold close to their hearts.

My Review

Fun and Sassy *****

Erotic Paranormal Romance – 18+/adult read

Falling Dragons, the third book in the Moon Shadows series, is the second book that I have read by Angela Castle (the first being Abducting Alice) and once again I hugely enjoyed it! The novel features one sassy dragon shifter and one hot immortal Demon Hunter who is compelled to save her and make her his. It works perfectly well as a standalone and made me itch to read the other books in the series.

The book is set in modern day London where an evil and misguided human Joshua Jones, aided by demons, is acquiring supernatural creatures and keeping them captive for his own nefarious ends. The scene where the hero and heroine first meet pulled me in to the narrative straightaway. Their instant mutual attraction is darn HOT: Opie and her dragon instantly recognise Simon as their mate and Simon is attracted to her like no other before….

The book, which contains a variety of supporting characters, including demons, gods and other supernatural creatures, is a super read from beginning to end. Ophelia is a fab heroine. She is not afraid to say exactly what she thinks to Simon or anyone else and I adored the humorous interplay between Opie, her dragon and Simon as well as the other characters.

I loved Simon, a real hottie who has been deceived in the past and regrets some of the choices he has made in his long life as an immortal. Indeed, one of his past actions he is very afraid to share with Opie. Opie too has a past that she is would rather forget, but secrets have a habit of revealing themselves.

The dialogue between Simon and Opie sparkles and their lovemaking scenes sizzle as they compete for dominance! As fated mates they are perfectly matched and Simon will go to any lengths to protect her from harm. However, both fear that the secrets they are concealing may compromise the feelings that they are developing for one another. Also with the battle between good and evil in full force will they survive the threat against them and humanity before they can even contemplate a HEA?

I found the overarching plot fun, fast moving and full of magic, intrigue and adventure with plenty of ass-kicking by the hero and heroine alike. If you love the novels of Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter then you will equally enjoy Angela Castle’s characters and plots.

Recommended to lovers of paranormal romance who like a scorching read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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