December 15, 2013 by Tina Williams

Her Savage Scot, Highland Warrior Chronicles #1, by Christina Phillips

Political Intrigue, Innocent Deception and Blinding Passion

Erotic Historical Romance, with Paranormal Elements: Adult Read

OMG! If you thought that Christina Phillips’ Romans and Celts were hot in her Forbidden series, then check out her passionate Picts and sexy Scots in her Highland Warrior Chronicles. The author once again combines a spellbinding historical romance with a superb erotic read, which will keep you panting for more. She writes in a way that transports you to the time period and creates truly memorable heroes and heroines.

Three novels are planned: Her Savage Scot; Her Vengeful Scot and Her Defiant Scot, in which three Scots warriors of the Kingdom of Dal Riada, pledge to keep the peace in the wild Highlands of ninth century Pictland. Each is destined to fall in love with a Pictish princess –cousins who are determined to save their beloved land from the savage invaders. Instead they lose their hearts to their wild foreign warriors.

Book Blurb

In Her Savage Scot, when tough Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.

Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.

When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

Her Savage Scot involves a combustible mix of political intrigue and violence, innocent deception and blinding passion. The first part of the novel sees Aila innocently conceal her identity from the Scots Warrior Connor. She is assailed by a strong and unexplained visceral attraction and feelings that she has not experienced since her husband’s death nine years ago. Connor, mindful of her widowed status and despite their undeniable connection, decides not to pursue her. However, their mutual attraction is such that they engage in a slow sensual dance of seduction, before coming together in a maelstrom of fiery and erotic passion.

Once Aila’s true identity as Princess is revealed and her political role in marrying Fergus, Connor’s half-brother, becomes clear, their nascent love is sacrificed to the need for their two peoples to unite against a common enemy, the Vikings. The remainder of the plot contains misunderstanding between the lovers, tension, drama and treachery and deceit on the part of others and my heart was truly pounding as their safety and HEA hung in the balance!

Christina Phillips has a real skill for penning addictive storylines and creating credible and memorable characters. Aila and Connor are just so perfect for each other! Aila is a proud, yet vulnerable woman, with a traumatic past, who lives a reclusive life. For reasons which become clear in the novel, she has rejected the old pagan religion in favour of Cristianity, in a society where the old religion is still revered. However, as the attraction between her and Connor intensifies, the goddess Bride once again calls to her and she cannot ignore her true destiny.

Connor is a man that every red blooded woman would ache to possess. He is a strong alpha hero, with an innate sense of honour. He soon realises that Aila is his and wants no other and he does all he can to protect her from others and even from herself, as she becomes a political pawn at the mercy of others. The romantic scenes between the couple are truly beautiful and Christina Phillips combines sexual tension with scorching erotic love making scenes and a credible historical narrative with great finesse. She writes in such a way that the reader gets inside the characters’ heads and feels every nuance of their thoughts, feelings and sensations.

I enjoyed all the characters in the novel, the good guys and the bad guys, but particularly Cameron MacNeil and Ewan MacKinnon, the Scots warriors who will encounter their own Pictish princesses in the other two novels planned in this series, Her Vengeful Scot and Her Defiant Scot. I was also fascinated by the different cultures of the Picts and Scots. If like me you adored the author’s last historical erotic romance series, Forbidden, then you will also love Her Savage Scot. I also recommend it to readers who like their historical romances to sizzle with erotic love making scenes, alpha males, strong heroines and have a strong page turning plot and romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave.

ISBN: 9781419940446

Release date: 20th November 2013

Ellora’s Cave Amazon ARe Nook Amazon UK Kobo

Goodreads

Christina Phillips’ website http://christinaphillips.com/

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/christinaphillips.author

For our reviews of TAINTED and BETRAYED click on the links below:
TAINTED BETRAYED

December 14, 2013 by Tina Williams

Cover Reveal Giveaway for Her Savage Scot Cover Reveal, by Christina Phillips – Deadline for entries soon!

Enter Now for a Chance to Win!

Time is running out if you want to enter Christina Phillips’ cover reveal giveaway contest for HER SAVAGE SCOT. The first prize by Allison Bultler, THE BORDER LAIRD’S BRIDE sounds divine and as no one writes erotic historical romances quite like Christina Phillips (wink, wink!), the second and third prize of her ebooks of TAINTED and BETRAYED are superb prizes too! Check out the cover reveal for more details and don’t forget to enter the giveaway. For details click here for the link to Christina Phillips’ site where you can enter via Rafflecopter.

For our reviews of TAINTED and BETRAYED click on the links below:
TAINTED BETRAYED

Also I’m just approaching the finale of Christina Phillips’ HER SAVAGE SCOT and what a fantastic read it is! The hero is to die for and is perfectly matched by a proud and passionate heroine and the lovemaking scenes are truly scorching. Review to come soon!

Tina 🙂

December 12, 2013 by Tina Williams

The Twelfth Night Wager, by Regan Walker – A Perfect Christmas Read!

Has the Rake Met His Match?

Regency Romance: e-book 134 pages

The Twelfth Night Wager, by Regan Walker, is a classy Regency romance where a wager between friends has far reaching consequences for those it concerns – a dissolute rake and a respectable young widow. There is also a cleverly woven sub plot containing elements of danger and suspense, which added to my enjoyment and acted as a catalyst to the romance. I found it a love affirming and entertaining read, welcome at any time of year but especially heart warming at Christmastime!

In The Twelfth Night Wager, Christopher St Ives, Viscount Eustace, is a rake, who toys with women for fun. His friend, Hugh Redgrave, by contrast a happily married man, sets him a challenge in a wager, which is entered into the betting book at White’s and becomes the talk of London society:

‘LD Eustace has wagered LD Ormand 1000 pounds that by Twelfth Night he can seduce, bed and walk away from a certain lady understood between them.’

The ‘certain lady’ is Grace, Lady Leisterfield, a young widow with the reputation of being very proper. Her husband has been gone a year, and Grace, encouraged by her friends, decides to shed her mourning attire and embrace life. The plot thickens when Mary, Hugh’s wife and a friend of Grace, insists that Grace be informed that she is the object of the wager. Grace nevertheless decides to welcome the Viscount’s suit, with the intention of letting him down when he finally propositions her. For his part, Eustace finds Grace very attractive and foresees no problem in using his wiles to seduce her and win the wager. Throw in a great cast of supporting characters, not least Hugh and Mary (Lord and Lady Ormand) a matchmaking dowager countess and a sub plot involving blackmail, and the scene is set for a delightful and entertaining read!

I loved Grace, who although she has been married before and is in many ways innocent, she is totally aware of the danger rakes such as Eustace pose. She is surprised however, when she starts to discover the real man beneath the façade. It is this man whom she must guard her heart against, lest she succumbs, as he will, as per the wager, only walk away from her once he has bedded her!

Eustace is a fascinating character, whilst most certainly a loveable rogue, who has had his fair share of women, underneath he is a man of substance. As the plot progresses and he gets to know Grace, he becomes very protective of her and more and more enamoured, a state that he is not familiar with. I found some of the scenes where he struggles with his feelings and Grace’s actions very humorous, especially when provoked by his friend Hugh. The sexual tension between the couple sizzles throughout and they are well matched. However, the wager stands between them and casts doubt on Eustace’s intentions. Will Grace succumb to his charms and will Eustace win the wager and still get his girl or will he lose her forever?

I enjoyed meeting characters out of the author’s other books, which I have read, notably Hugh and Mary, whose love story begins in Racing With The Wind , book #1 in Regan Walker’s Agents of The Crown Trilogy (for my review click on the title). The tale also includes fictional and real-life Regency characters and makes reference to actual events, places and Christmas and New Year customs, which add to the authenticity of the read. The Twelfth Night Wager is a great addition to the author’s Regency romances and works perfectly as a standalone. I recommend it to romance lovers who enjoy a Regency tale where a rake may finally have met his match!

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

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Boroughs Publishing Group

Digital edition created by Maureen Cutajar www.gopublished.com

Amazon US Amazon UK

Regan Walker’s website

If you like the sound of The Twelfth Night Wager you may want to check out The Holly and the Thistle, a short story which takes place at the same time and featuring how one of Grace’s friends, the widow Lady Emily Picton finds love after a case of mistaken identity with a handsome Scot

Amazon UK Amazon US

December 5, 2013 by Tina Williams

Lightning Strike, by Beverly Ovalle

A Hot Little Number!

Erotic Fantasy Romance, for Adult Readers, circa 30 pages

If you have ever enjoyed or fantasized about the pleasures of lovemaking al fresco, this is the read for you! Lightning Strike is a short, hot read that just may short circuit your e-reader and put you in the mood for some serious lovin’. 🙂

Book Blurb: For generations Levi’s family had guarded a sacred glen in the mountains. Still far from man this isolated area was a favorite spot of his grandfather. Levi grew up listening to his tales and fell in love without ever having stepped foot there.

Now Levi’s family, led by his grandmother, wanted to sell the land. With only his grandfather and Levi against it, Levi has to prove to the rest of the family why they needed to continue their guardianship. Believing in his grandfather’s tales despite himself, Levi went armed with his camera and his well-known expertise behind the lens and headed out for proof.

Providing that proof and protecting the secrets of the glen from the world, Gaia needs to convince Levi to continue that protection. Daphnaie, the embodiment of his every dream, is sent to show him why, stealing his heart in the process to save her world.

The tale opens with Levi attempting to capture the image of a flash of lighting generated by an unexpected storm in the glen. The lightning strikes a nearby tree, from which a figure falls. Levi immediately goes to give aid, his training from being an Army medic automatically kicking in. He finds a young, naked woman at the base of the tree. After making an emergency call, where he has no option but to leave a recorded message, he uses his experience to thouroughly check her over for injuries.

The young woman slowly awakens to his ministrations and after a short time seems to wantonly invite him to explore her body more fully…. At first Levi is reluctant to do so, depite the attraction he has for her, fearing that she has been rendered confused by the fall. However, once she assures him that all is well and she knows her own mind, they embark on an erotic love fest, exploring and pleasuring each other most thoroughly. The author has certainly given her imagination free reign in the scenes which follow and what an imagination! It soon transpires that the girl, Daphnaie, a tree spirit, has been released from the laurel tree, in which Gaia, Mother Earth, had confined her, to persuade Levi to convince his family not to sell the sacred ground.

This is a short erotic read and as such there is little room for character and plot development. However, we do learn that Levi is a renowned photographer, seeking peace in capturing images of the natural world after his traumatic experiences in Iraq. Daphnaie is an incorrigable mix, whom I couldn’t help but admire for her bold and insatiable sexual appetite and imagination. She is made for loving and Levi is one lucky guy!

I enjoyed the tale and recommend it to readers who are in the mood for a short, hot and magical erotic read. To read our review of Beverly’s other book, Dragons’ Mate, a scorching dragon shifter seduction, an erotic romance/menage, click on the title.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of Lightning Strike was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review

Cover Artist: Dawne Dominique

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing Amazon US Amazon UK

Author Bio

Beverly Ovalle lives in Wisconsin with her husband Edmond of 24 years and two Chinese Water Dragons. Having her own Dragons is expected as she is dragon crazy and anyone that walks in her house can tell. Her son Nicholas is in the US Marines. Her daughter Susannah lives nearby and is a CNA.

Beverly has traveled around the world thanks to five years in the US Navy and has worked for the government in one capacity or another for the past 30 years. Beverly and her brothers have travelled most of the continental United States as children due to the station wagon from Hell. Still active with veterans, she is adjutant for her local AMVETS.

Author Links:

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyOvalleAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SslySmileSomebodyLovesYou?ref=hl

Website: http://SSLYblog.wordpress.com

December 3, 2013 by Tina Williams

101 Nights Series (#1 To Have and To Hold and #2 Reluctant Rapture), by Kellyann Zuzulo

Sassy and Sexy Marriage of Convenience!

To Have and To Hold 75 pages and Reluctant Rapture 102 pages

If you haven’t yet entered the world of Kellyann Zuzulo’s sexy and suspenseful tales of genies and the humans that fall in love with them, then you are in for a treat! The author’s The Zubis Chronicles, are a fantastic mix of paranormal romance and romantic suspense, (scroll down for links to our reviews). In the 101 Nights series, the tables are turned and the heroine is a genie and the hero a human, in a sassy and sexy marriage of convenience set in the New Jersey suburbs, with echoes of ‘Desperate Housewives.’ The first two instalments, To Have and To Hold and Reluctant Rapture are full of sensuality and suspense, with the future of the human world and Jinnistan, home of the genies, at stake not to mention the hearts of hero and heroine.

In To Have and To Hold, hot-tempered ambassador Amani Zarin agrees to leave Jinnistan and marry the human scientist, Dr Jason Masters, in a last ditch attempt to save her beloved homeland. Energy is disappearing from Jinnistan, energy which enables the genies to thrive and survive. Without it they are doomed and many, including Amani’s own parents have already died. Dr Masters, who works for a large corporation called Covalink, headed by Warren Westcott, believes he has found a way of isolating and harvesting the energy released by genies, energy which can be captured and used to sustain their world. The more the couple touch and the more intimate they become, the more potent the energy…..

Of course all is not simple. Amani resents her marriage of convenience, in which her body is being used in this way and feels like a lab rat confined in their New Jersey home. Moreover, she harbours only revulsion and distrust of Covalink’s owner, Westcott, and suspects his motives, fearing that the energy harvested will be used for more sinister means. If her fears prove true, she has the power to call upon genies opposing this alliance with the humans, led by her an ex lover and rebel, Sumer, to call a halt to the proceedings and invade and lay waste to the human realm. Amani also has conniving board members, hostile ex-lovers and nosy suburban neighbors to contend with and an instant and intense reaction to Dr Masters she did not expect, which unsettles her especially as she thinks that he views her merely as a science experiment. Just what is a desperate genie to do when her heart and the future of her race are on the line?

After reading Kellyann Zuzulo’s The Zubis Chronicles, I wondered how this series was going to compare. The tale is very different, but I was drawn into it from the first few pages. I enjoyed learning more about Jinnistan and Amani is a fascinating character, a warrior, who sits on the Tribal Council of Jinnistan and who cares deeply for her people. She has lived for many millenia and experienced so much, some of her experiences leaving her vulnerable, although above all she is a strong individual. Jason is not the geeky scientist she imagined having to get intimate with – instead he is a real hottie and Amani knows that she must guard her heart against the attraction she feels for him, as he seems to view her merely as an object to be studied.

Jason is equally surprised at the pull Amani exerts over him and knows that it is best for the project if he keeps an emotional distance as he cannot risk falling in love. There are many misunderstandings between them. Jason is committed to his work and Amani is left in the house for many hours each day and due to her dislike of being cooped up and her natural curiosity decides to get out and about, which creates some interesting situations. At times I wanted to give them both a good shake, but especially Jason as I felt he was not as sensitive to Amani’s emotional needs as he perhaps should have been. However, like Amani, he certainly did not expect to find his heart involved in a science experiment!

There is plenty of sexual tension between the couple and many yummy sensual scenes, as Amani and Jason navigate their marriage of convenience. Although the series is above all a love story, with elements of suspense, I also adored the many humorous moments, as Amani struggles to come to terms with the human world and at one point in Reluctant Rapture I found myself laughing out loud at one scene! The villain of the piece, Westcott, is suitably slimy and I suspect that his true motives will be revealed as the series progresses.

I am very much looking forward to the remaining instalments of the 101 Nights Series series the next one being entitled The Ties That Bind, as well as the author’s future forays into the world of genies. I recommend this series to readers who like their romance to dabble in the paranormal and magical realm, with a fair bit of suspense.

A copy of Reluctant Rapture was provided by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Digital edition created by Maureen Cutajar http://www.gopublished.com

Kellyann Zuzulo’s post on ARR Blog entitled The Truth About Genies.

Our review of The Genie Ignites, #1 of The Zubis Chronicles

Our review of The Genie Smolders, #2 of The Zubis Chronicles

Kellyann Zuzulo’s blog http://kfzuzulo.com/

Boroughs Publishing Group Amazon UK Amazon US

December 1, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella) by Christine S. Feldman

SEASONAL ROMANTIC FUN

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella #1) gripped me from the first few pages and the story grows very quickly in this short, beautiful, seasonal contemporary romantic novella.

Trish encounters her former school bully, Ian, at her bakery years after high school has finished. He has absolutely no idea who she is and Trish decides to use this at her advantage and begins to plan her revenge. However, Trish becomes drawn into Ian’s life in ways she’d never imagine and during this time her plans for revenge diminish. After spending time with him and finding out more about him, i.e. his childhood and the man he is today, she begins to have feelings for him. The trouble she has now is explaining to Ian who she really is. Will she be able to tell him? If so, how will he react?

I loved the little comical opening with Trish cowering behind the counter of the bakery where she works, hiding from her High School devil. This scene immediately grabs the readers attention, making you curious and interested in finding out about this guys character and the history he has with Trish.

After initially hiding and wanting nothing to do with Ian, Trish then decides to use this opportunity on a game of revenge to teach him a lesson. However, it doesn’t quite go to plan. And as Trish’s situation snowballs the drama grows as does the feeling Trish and Ian have for each other, making the reader eagerly anticipate the outcome of this magical but tricky ride!

To lighten the drama there are some fun moments, especially when Trish is back at her bakery and there is some teasing between her and her friends about Ian. There are moments that made me laugh out loud and this was one of them:-

(Trish) “No. I’m just…confused.”

(Nadia) “About what? Which end of him to start nibbling on first?”

There are some comical moments in there which is a great way to add some light relief from the drama and tension!

Without elaborating (for fear of spoiling anything) I would have liked to have read more about how Trish helped Kelsey with her Dana situation, however the main focus on this short novella is the connection between Trish and Ian.

Pastels & Jingle Bells is beautifully written. It captures the festive season with the cold temperatures, snow, painting scenery on the window and christmas trees, plus the magical sparkle of romance. Everything you could want from a contemporary romance is packed into this short novella. The length of the novella is also perfect for this time of year – with people busy shopping and visiting. This story can be read easily within an hour or so. I certainly would like to read more of Christine S. Feldman’s work.

Pastels & Jingle Bells was received from the author, Christine S. Feldman, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

You can check it out at Goodreads, Amazon UK (77p) and Amazon US ($1.25). Please note that prices are correct at the time of posting but may be subject to change.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

December 1, 2013 by Tina Williams

Seconds Before Sunrise (The Timely Death Trilogy, Book #2), by Shannon A Thompson, Cover Reveal

We are delighted to be participating in the Cover Reveal for Shannon A Thompson’s Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Seconds Before Sunrise, book 2 in the Timely Death Trilogy. The book releases March 22 2014 and promises to be a great continuation of the elemental power struggle between Light and Dark, which began in Minutes Before Sunset. Read on to find out more, including the Goodreads link to this book and the link to our review of the previous book. Tina 🙂

Synopsis: Two nightmares. One memory.

“Chaos within destiny. It was the definition of our love.”

Eric has weeks before his final battle when he’s in an accident. Forced to face his human side, he knows he can’t survive if he fights alone. But he doesn’t want to surrender, even if he becomes the sacrifice for war.

Jessica’s memory isn’t the only thing she’s lost. Her desire to find her parents is gone and so is her confidence. But when fate leaves nightmares behind, she decides to find the boy she sees in them, even if it risks her sanity.

Scavenger Fact #16: The author was very sad no pets were involved in this book. But Jessica’s parents are allergic and Eric doesn’t have the time to even consider the responsibility.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18805475-seconds-before-sunrise

My review of Minutes Before Sunset (click on the title)

November 20, 2013 by Tina Williams

Her Savage Scot, by Christina Phillips: Cover Reveal!

See the Cover, Find out about the Series, Read an Extract and Try Your Luck in the Giveaway!

Her Savage Scot, the first book in Christina Phillips’ new Highland Warrior Chronicles is released today and we are delighted to be participating in the cover reveal tour – scroll down to find out more, see the scrummy cover, read a hot excerpt and Christina’s bio. Readers are also able to take part in a Tour Wide Rafflecopter competition in conjunction with Allison Butler who writes Scottish medieval romances for Penguin Australia to win some super prizes (details at the end of this post).

I adored Christina’s last erotic romance series, Forbidden, which brought sexy Romans and Celts to life and I am looking forward to her foray into 9th century Scotland!

The Highland Warrior Chronicles

From the Kingdom of Dal Riada, Scots warriors Connor MacKenzie, Cameron MacNeil and Ewan MacKinnon pledge to keep the peace in the wild Highlands of Pictland. But each man is destined to fall in love with a Pictish princess – three cousins who are determined to save their beloved land from the savage invaders. Instead they lose their hearts to their wild foreign warriors.

Book 1 ~ Her Savage Scot

Book 2 ~ Her Vengeful Scot

Book 3 ~ Her Defiant Scot

The Cover

Read Chapter One of Her Savage Scot

ISBN: 9781419940446

Release date: 20th November 2013

Ellora’s Cave Amazon ARe Nook Amazon UK Kobo

Goodreads

Blurb for Her Savage Scot (scroll further for fuller excerpt)

When tough Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave.

Read An Excerpt From Her Savage Scot………

“She speared her fingers through his luxuriant hair as he nibbled kisses along the column of her throat. Once again he rolled onto her, his heavy body pinning her into the furs. But this time she savored the sensation of his shoulder against hers, the rigid planes of his chest crushing her breasts. And the way his thigh angled over hers, brushing so close to her damp sex.

His hand clasped her other shoulder, and his teasing lips followed. His roughened jaw scraped the swell of her breast and she stirred restlessly, fingers digging ruthlessly into his scalp.

He gave a silent laugh and his hot breath caressed her tender flesh. “I’m trying to slow things down. Do you wish me to ravish you like a beast?”

“No.” She raked her fingernails across the back of his shoulders and he reared above her, his black hair disheveled, his eyes glinting in the flickering glow of the torches. Awareness tingled across her skin as she gazed up at him and slowly she dragged her nails along his straining biceps.

Such leashed power.

The knowledge thrilled her. Connor MacKenzie, savage Scot from Dal Riada, was naked in her arms and battling his desire to take her like a primitive barbarian.”

About Author Christina Phillips

Christina loves writing dark tales set in the 9th century featuring tough Highland warriors who are brought to their knees by their brave Pictish princesses.

She is published by Ellora’s Cave and Berkley Heat and has dipped her toe in the indie pub waters. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America, the DarkSide Down Under Group Blog and Historical Hearts Group Blog.

Christina is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her family. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

Connect with Christina:

Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Blog

Tour Wide Giveaway Details

For details of the giveaway click here for the link to Christina Phillips’ site where you can enter via Rafflecopter. The prizes are truly awesome for the lucky winners, so why not have a go?

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

1st Prize:

E-Copy of The Border Laird’s Bride by Allison Butler

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Signed Swag ~ Bookmarks, Postcards & Fridge Magnets from Christina Phillips and Allison Butler

2nd Prize

E-Copy of Tainted by Christina Phillips

Signed Swag ~ Bookmarks, Postcards & Fridge Magnets from Christina Phillips and Allison Butler

3rd Prize

E-Copy of Betrayed by Christina Phillips

Signed Swag ~ Bookmarks, Postcards & Fridge Magnets from Christina Phillips and Allison Butler

Good luck to all who enter.

Tina 🙂

November 19, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Roping Love (short story) by Tamara Hoffa plus author bio

Roping Love is an adult heart-warming western romance with a sense of erotica.

Cowboy Chance sure did rope and reel Carrie in a decade earlier but can he do it again? She fell for him and gave herself to him, and yet he left her feeling abandoned. Chance didn’t pick up or return Carrie’s calls, making her feel like a used fool. Carrie never completely understood what happened between them and had to carry on with her life by throwing everything she had into her horses. She bred them and trained them. They were her life.

However, after keeping away from the Showmanships and the All American Quarter Horse Congress all of this time, it was Carrie’s nephew, Tyler, who encouraged her to take him and go to the Congress. After reluctantly agreeing, and thinking it now unlikely that she would see Chance, it just so happened that she unknowingly walked straight back into his life. Angry, hurt and destroyed she wanted nothing to do with him.

It is so easy for the reader to sympathise with Carrie and fight her corner all the way. On the other hand, Chance is hot and all he wants is an opportunity to explain. So what do you say, guys? Should Carrie hear him out or leave him out?

The tragedy is that although he had his reasons for not continuing their relationship they both paid for it in their own ways. Now they are given another chance but will it happen this time round?

When it comes to attention to detail Tamara Hoffa is fantastic. Although a little ignorant of horse-rearing/showing myself Tamara does explain this subject in detail. For me, there was slightly too much description in this area as I prefer a little more action and dialogue but if you love a descriptive style of writing you’ll feel the complete setting and enjoy every second of this heartfelt story.

Although a very short story there is enough time for the drama to build and the reader to get to know the characters. Tamara Hoffa goes out to all lengths to ensure that the eroticism is hot, sensual and pulse-raising. The tension and momentum are perfect and reels the reader in. Maybe I am a little greedy as I was hoping for another saucy scene later on and was a little disappointed when that wasn’t to be.

Roping Love is extremely short and could have offered a little more if made into a full length novel with possible sub plots including Chance’s brother, Chase. However, I did enjoy this little tale and would like to read more of Tamara Hoffa’s work.

TAMARA HOFFA – BIO

Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 5 dogs and 1 cat. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

Contact Links:

Buy links:

Secret Cravings Publishing

Bookstrand

Roping Love was received gratefully from the author, Tamara Hoffa, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 17, 2013 by Tina Williams

The One Knight Collection, by Samantha Holt

Indulge your Fantasies Knight after Knight….

In The One Knight Collection Samantha Holt has let her imagination run riot in four sensual tales, ideal to read between the sheets, in which many a reader will find at least one of their fantasies take flight! The lovemaking scenes in this author’s books are typically on the hot side but in this collection they positively sizzle. 🙂

The collection comprises four medieval tales: One Knight; Black Knight; White Knight and Highland Knight, all addressing the theme of, if you had one night to prove your love…could you? If you enjoy sensual tales involving scrummy alpha males that quickly get very up close and personal with the heroines you will definitely enjoy this collection! Those familiar with Samantha Holt’s work will lap this up and for other readers it is a great introduction to her work.

In One Knight, bride and bridegroom Katerina and Guy are both uneasy at their wedding feast. Katerina sees Guy as stern and indifferent and wonders why he has elected to marry her. For his part Guy sees his new bride as aloof. Can Guy overcome Katerina’s icy reserve and convince her that he is far from immune to her charms? – you bet her can and the characters and the reader have great fun in finding out how!

In Highland Knight, Anna Mackenzie and warrior Niall Sinclair become betrothed, a union designed to unite two embattled clans. Anna resolves that she will be no easy conquest for her bitter enemy whom she despises and Niall, although attracted to Anna, is used to women falling for his charms. Can they both put their pride aside and find love together? The couple only find resolution when they find themselves in a situation where they can explore and learn about each other more intimately……

In Black Knight, Lady Katherine tells her childhood sweetheart James that she is bored and craves danger and excitement. Upon retiring alone for the night to her chambers it seems that someone has been listening…. as she is apprehended by an unknown assailant, a masterful warrior and seduced in the dark. This was my favourite tale in the collection and this says a lot about my own fantasies – LOL!

In White Knight, Sara escapes her family’s home in the dead of night to avoid her coming nuptials to a man she does not know and has never met. Almost as soon as she has left the keep she is abducted by an unknown and mounted warrior. Who is this man who is determined to see her to safety, yet equally determined to make her his?

Samantha Holt’s The One Knight Collection is full of alpha males and women who are an exquisite combination of innocence and passion who come together in scenes which entertain, tease and delight the senses. Each couple is as unique as the lovemaking scenes which awaken them to each other and the author is creative in her choice of locations and the methods they employ in their unions! These tales may be short, but each are brimming with sexual tension and sensual scenes where the hero of each tale rises to the occasion to convince his lady of his worth and love.

I recommed The One Knight Collection to readers who enjoy sensual and romantic tales featuring alpha males and heroines who are not afraid to explore their passionate side!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

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http://www.samanthaholt.org.uk/

http://www.samanthaholtauthor.blogspot.co.uk/