August 16, 2013 by Tina Williams

Hunter on a Moonless Night, by Elena Han

Dark and Erotic Fantasy Romance

Adult content/Short (8,000 words)

Hunter on a Moonless Night is a short, sexy and erotic read by author Elena Han who writes dark erotic fantasies. I downloaded this a few months ago, the same time as I purchased her novel, Taken to the Ebon Court, which I am looking forward to reading very soon.

In Hunter on a Moonless Night, Lord Duinel returns to his ancestral home of Morahan after a time away fighting in the desert. He carries with him a dark and terrifying secret, which is known to his subjects, a curse that he is powerless to prevent…. The curse manifests itself once a year on the night of the first black moon. Immediately on his return he encounters a captivating young woman, Nimae, who he is surprised to learn is working in the stables of his manor. Nimae has grown up in the woods and came to Morahan and was invited to stay, after carrying out the last request of a dying Knight she tended. Duinel and Nimae very quickly develop a mutual attraction and Nimae is more than happy to oblige her new lord in any way he wishes – cue some hot and passionate scenes!

Duinel plans to warn her about the curse and tell her to stay inside out of danger. However, the moonless night approaches and Duinel is powerless to prevent what comes next. What will Nimae think when she finds out the terrifying secret he has and the part he plays in this rite and will her own life be forfeit in the process?

I loved the fact that this tale, set in a medieval type world, contained magic and curses and alluded to aspects of ancient mythology. Although a short read it is well written and executed and contains a number of passionate and erotic scenes which I enjoyed and some lively banter between the hero and heroine, whose characters are well drawn. It is an excellent introduction to the author’s work and the genre of dark erotic fantasy which I love to read from time to time.

I am very much looking forward to reading her complete novel Taken to the Ebon Court, another erotic dark fantasy romance, which tells of a half-demon general who conquers Irizel’s homeland and claims her as his own. When he discovers her healing powers, he forces her to accompany him to the Ebon Court–a nest of political intrigue and carnal decadence–so that she might heal his hybrid infertility. The proof he demands: she must bear his child. This promises to be a mouthwatering read!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

http://www.elenahan.com/

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Smashwords

August 12, 2013 by Tina Williams

The Genie Smolders, book #2 of The Zubis Chronicles, by Kellyann Zuzulo

Action, Suspense and Sensuality and a Love that Transcends Time

The Genie Smolders, book #2 of Kellyann Zuzulo’s Zubis Chronicles, is once again a sexy, suspenseful and thrilling read. It continues the tale of the passionate love between the Genie Zubis and Bethany O’Brien, the reincarnation of the ancient priestess, Lina. Their ill fated love affair during the time of Solomon led to the brutal murder of Lina, resulting in Zubis and two other genies, Borzal and Imtiri being punished and banished from the kingdom of Solomon and imprisoned in copper vessels for centuries and bound to fulfilling the three wishes of the humans who find their vessels. If you have not read the first book, The Genie Ignites (click for review), please be aware that this review contains spoilers relating to that book.

The Genie Smolders continues almost two years after the conclusion of The Genie Ignites. Bethany does not know whether her desperate actions to save Zubis‘ life succeeded or resulted in his death. Bethany has since given birth to Fia, Zubis’ daughter, and as she decides to once again venture to the Middle East to find out if Zubis lives, Imtiri, the genie who murdered her in her incarnation as Lina, awakes. Imtiri not only seeks vengeance for the death of her fellow genie Borzal, but to once again secure what she views as the rightful place of the Jinn, as rulers of humankind. Imtiri has many allies and plays a dangerous game, whereas Bethany and Zubis are surrounded by enemies and deceit. Imtiri is particularly keen to ensure the downfall of Bethany, who as her malachi, bound to her through blood or death, is a threat to her life.

To safeguard their love, daughter and the fate of the world, Bethany and Zubis also have to do battle with a much more powerful and ancient enemy who is allied to Imtiri. There is also the mysterious Veil of Thoth, whom we met in book 1, who is pledged to eradicate all genies who seek to use Bethany and her power and influence over Zubis and other genies for their own ends. The enigmatic characters of the Interpol agent Abel Barnasha and the British agent Derek Martin, who we met in the previous novel, play a key role, as do other familiar characters who appear. We are also introduced to new characters from the world of the Jinn. The Genie Smolders is a thrilling and magical read, with a number of surprising plot twists and it was difficult to put the book down.

Bethany’s love for Zubis has not wavered, but she is besieged by doubts about whether Zubis can possibly love her, a frail human, with a lifespan over in the blink of an eye in terms of the longevity of the Jinn. She fears that he wishes to return to Jinnistan and knows that humans are not able to travel there. I loved how Bethany’s memories of herself as the priestess Lina, the Asima Uruk, continued to come to the fore in this book, allowing her to grow in knowledge, confidence and powers. She also shows a lot of spunk and fortitude in how she faces her many adversaries, human and Jinn in her quest to secure a safe future for both Zubis and Fia, whom she is fiercely protective of.

Zubis, who has been recovering since the events at the end of book 1, fears that Bethany will think that he has abandoned her and that any affection she had for him will have diminished. He has a fierce desire to protect both Fia and Bethany, fearing that the ancient enemy about to rise will not baulk at sacrificing any one of them to secure its evil intent. Zubis is an alpha male who is used to getting his own way without question. However, Bethany is no pushover and challenges him when she does not agree with him and their relationship is one of equals. The lovemaking scenes between them are sensual, inventive and super hot. Indeed, Zubis utilises his awesome genie powers fully when it comes to lovemaking, making for some lengthy and scorching scenes!

The author shows her wealth of knowledge of the beliefs and superstitions relating to the Jinn, drawing on a multitude of myths and legends which refer to their creation, abilities and homeland of Jinnistan. We learn more about the different types of Jinn and their powers and there are numerous references to biblical and ancient text, prayers and incantations. The descriptions of the Middle East are evocative, painting colourful pictures in my mind’s eye. There are also vivid scenes of violence and magic as Zubis and Bethany battle their enemies. I shall be forever rubbing copper vessels in the hope that my own Zubis like hero will appear!

If you have read book 1, The Genie Ignites (click for review), you will almost certainly want to read this book. I strongly recommend this series to lovers of paranormal romance and romantic suspense, who like alpha males, strong heroines and a thrilling action packed read. Kellyann Zuzulo has created a magical world in the Zubis Chronicles and I look forward to exploring it further in any future instalments.

A copy of this book was given to me 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/

Click here for Boroughs Publishing Group and more about The Genie Smolders

Kellyann Zuzulo’s Blog

Read Kellyann’s post on The Truth About Genies

August 8, 2013 by Tina Williams

Heart of Obsidian, Psy-Changeling Series, #12, by Nalini Singh

Dark, Dangerous and oh SO Seductive!

I ADORE this book! Heart of Obsidian was for me and other Nalini Singh fans one of THE most anticipated books of 2013 and it more than lived up to my expectations. The novel, #12 in the author’s fantastic Psy-Changeling series has a dark and seductive hero, ex Councilor Kaleb Krychek. I am a huge fan of Nalini Singh’s heroes, but she has reached new heights with Kaleb, the anti-hero of this novel. Kaleb is dark, tortured and deadly, the most powerful Psy on the planet, with awesome psychic powers, even for his race. Indeed he has telekinetic powers so great that he could penetrate the Earth’s crust, has the ability to induce madness into the minds of his victims and can teleport at will. I strongly recommend that you read this series in order to fully appreciate it.

Kaleb has the potential to be the destroyer or the saviour of the Psy race and the rest of the world inhabited by the Changelings and the humans. He is also a seemingly ruthless killer who lets no one stand in the way of his lust for power, destroying those in his path. Yet he will do anything to find the one person who was cruelly taken away from him seven years ago and atone for his role in her abduction and disappearance. I also cannot resist a man who can literally make the earth move when making love and who is a virgin hero who states that he has “researched sexual intimacy the same way as I research everything else. Methodically and in intricate detail.”

Readers have witnessed Kaleb’s rise to power in previous novels in the series and wondered whether he is on the side of good or evil, or somewhere in between….. In Heart of Obsidian the truth is out. We also learn of the identity of the mysterious and elusive Ghost, whose meetings with the Psy Judd Laurens, who has dropped out of the Psy Net and defected to the SnowDancer changeling wolf pack and the human Father Xavier has featured in previous instalments. Kaleb’s destiny is inextricably linked to this shadowy figure.

Sahara Kyriakus, of the Clan Nightstar, who has the power of back sight, has been held captive for the last seven years, her captor ruthlessly trying to exploit a formidable second power that she also possesses for their own evil intent. Sahara has resisted this at great cost to herself, retreating deep into her mind and creating a protective labyrinth. When we first meet her she has been rescued by Kaleb, only to be imprisoned by him in his home, unaware of the part he has played in her life. Although Sahara is wary of Kaleb, fearing that he too wishes to exploit her power she cannot resist the attraction she has for him. The fate of the Psy Net and the world rests on how Sahara will react when her memories return and recalls the role that Kaleb played in her past.

Both Kaleb and Sahara have tortured pasts. The abuse they have been subjected to is truly horrific and yet I love how they come together. Kaleb has the reputation of being as cold and calculating a they come, a wholly Silent and emotionless individual, with a dark past. Yet Sahara has the key to his heart. It is only with her that he is open to compromise. I adored how possessive Kaleb is when it comes to Sahara, reminding her often that she is his and belongs to him alone. Yet Sahara is no shrinking violet and has an inner strength. Indeed, I loved how this woman. Initially so broken and vulnerable regained her physical and mental strength after years of abuse and asserted herself.

Much of the novel focuses on the relationship between Kaleb and Sahara, with the main backdrop the continued disintegration of the Psy Net and the actions taken by Pure Psy. We also encounter ex Councilors Tatiana, Ming, Anthony and Nikita, and the Arrows Aden and Vasic and some scenes take place in San Francisco and the home of the DarkRiver Leopards. The past actions of Santano Enrique, who we met earlier in the series also plays a part.

As usual Nalini Singh’s plot and character development and descriptive powers are superb. I am hoping that there will be a good few novels left in the series yet. The book contains some fantastically erotic lovemaking scenes, which are always a big plus for me! It brings new meaning to the meeting of minds as well as bodies, when Sahara’s merest touch can cause both Kaleb’s shields and the very Earth to fracture!

I recommend this book to fans of Nalini Singh and those who like to read paranormal romance or romance with a Futuristic/Sci-Fi theme, with a plot which keeps you at the height of suspense throughout.

Reviewed by Tina 🙂

www.orionbooks.co.uk

www.nalinisingh.com

www.gollancz.co.uk

August 3, 2013 by Tina Williams

The Proposal, The Survivors’ Club #1, by Mary Balogh

I am an avid reader of historical romances encompassing all time periods. Regency romances feature high on my reading list as there are a huge number of authors who choose to set their novels at this time, following in the footsteps of the great Jane Austin and more recently Georgette Heyer, whose novels I devoured as a teenager.

Mary Balogh is one author I go to when I want to be guaranteed a great romantic read, which conjures up the Regency period perfectly and has engaging characters that often differ from the usual lord or lady. Her Huxtable Quintet, and her Bedwyn, Simply and Mistress series being amongst my favourites. The Proposal, the first book in her new series, The Survivors’ Club, deals with the romantic entanglements of seven individuals who have been injured in or by the horrors of the Napoleonic wars. Five of them are officers who have been wounded, one is a woman, who witnessed her husband, a Surveillance Officer, tortured and finally shot by the enemy and the other the Duke of Stanbrook. The Duke, who lost his son in the war and his grieving wife to suicide soon afterwards, opened up his home Penderris Hall to aid their convalescence and recovery and return to civilian life. They formed a strong bond during their time at Penderris and meet at there for a few weeks each year to enjoy each others’ company and offer mutual support, each of them having sustained physical and mental wounds of varying natures. I love reading about heroes and heroines who have had a difficult past, where they come together to find happiness and I have been looking forward to this series for a while.

In The Proposal the hero is Hugo Emes, Lord Trentham, a title he was awarded due to his bravery in the Peninsular. Hugo does not bear any physical scars from the war. Instead he harbours the mental scars of survivor’s guilt at having led so many men to their deaths for the greater good. After his initial convalescence at Penderris, Hugo has found solace in retiring to the country and working the land for a year or so. However, he now decides that he must honour his deceased father’s wishes and marry and produce an heir to inherit the family business. What he wants is a solid middle class woman who is best placed to understand and support him. Shortly after arriving at Penderris, Hugo decides to take a walk on the adjacent beach, joking with his friends that he will perhaps find a bride there. He comes across a woman with a badly sprained ankle.

Lady Gwendoline Muir has survived a number of tragedies in her life. Her husband died in a sudden accident and she has a limp, the result of a fall from a horse. Gwen and Hugo, from different worlds, clash immediately – she is a respected member of the aristocracy and the ton and he is an outspoken middle class ex-army officer who does not mince his words. However, as Gwen is compelled to remain at Penderris to recuperate, a strong physical attraction develops between them, which they cannot resist. They also begin to find out the truth about each other and form a deep attachment. However, is it love or lust? What will happen when Gwen returns to her aristocratic roots? Will she be happy to reprise her role as sister and aunt after tasting such passion? Also will Hugo be able to take up the reins of his family business and find a suitable middle class wife as he wishes? Is there a future for a couple with lives so disparate and with prejudices on either side?

What follows is a touching romantic tale examining if two people from two different classes can find some middle ground on which to live the rest of their lives together. There is also the added question of whether Gwen feels that she can afford to love a man as mentally scarred as Hugo after experiences she had in her first marriage. I found that the novel was beautifully written and sensitively examined the unseen wounds which individuals can bear after traumatic experiences in their lives.

I loved the characters of both Hugh and Gwen. Hugh is a taciturn and outspoken member of the middle class, uncomfortable around the aristocracy, many of whom resented his rise up through the ranks in his army days. When it comes to broaching the physical attraction that exists between him and Gwen he is outspoken, often shocking Gwen with his words. I also sympathised with him as he had clearly suffered from Post Traumatic Stress, as well as survivor’s guilt. Gwen never thought that she could find love again and is taken completely by surprise at the attraction she feels for Hugo. I love how despite their initial misgivings about a permanent relationship they came together.

I recommend this novel to readers of romance who are seeking a truly romantic and heart warming read. I am very much looking forward to the next in the series, The Arrangement, which tells the tale of another member of The Survivors’ Club, Viscount Darleigh, who we met in this book.

Reviewed by Tina 🙂

Mary Balogh’s website

Publisher Piatkus’website

July 31, 2013 by Tina Williams

A Werewolf Wish List to Sink Your Fangs Into!

In May we produced a list of recommended books featuring werewolves, which we have read and thoroughly enjoyed. Here are some other werewolf themed books on our Kindle and bookshelves, which we have yet to read, but which look as if they would be tasty morsels to sink our fangs into! The Goodreads link is there, where available, if you are interested in finding out more:

If you have read any them please let us know your thoughts, we would love to hear from you.

Tina 🙂

Romeo and Juliet: A Vampire and Werewolf Love Story. H. T. Night

Set in the distant future, the city of New York is beset by bitter feuding between families at war. The Vampires, led by the House of Capulet are led by Juliet’s father. The werewolves are led by Lord Montague, Romeo’s father.

The Werewolf Prince and I (Moretti Werewolf Series). Marian Tee.

This looks like a fun read! Misty’s boring life as an intern at Moretti Inc.’s Administration Department is about to change when she encounters Domenico Moretti, the ruthless, cunning and aloof CEO, her boss. Goodreads link.

Her Viking Wolf. Theodora Taylor.

Chloe Adams is engaged to the hottest alpha in Colorado. But a sexy time-traveling Viking werewolf appears to claim her as his fated mate! Goodreads link.

Forever Bound (A Vampire and Werewolf Romance Anthology). Cynthia Eden.

Includes Bound by Blood, Bound in Darkness,Bound in Sin and Bound by the Night. Dark and sexy novellas, where vampires and werewolves are forced to trust each other and lose their hearts. 90,000 words. Goodreads link.

Macreive. Kresley Cole.

Uilleam MacRieve craves the oblivion of death. Until he finds her—a young human so full of spirit and courage that she pulls him back from the brink. Seized for the auction block, Chloe Todd is forced to enter a terrifying new world of monsters and lore as a bound slave. Until she’s claimed by him—a tormented immortal with heartbreaking eyes, whose touch sets her blood on fire. Yet his sensual mate becomes something more than human, evoking his savage past and testing his sanity. Goodreads link.

Pleasure of a Dark Prince. Kresley Cole.

Lucia the Huntress harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her—and those she loves. Garreth MacRieve, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddeningly sensual creature as his own. Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia’s greatest weakness—her wanton desire for him. Goodreads link.

Canyon Wolf Bride. Alisha Paige.

Her debut novel, which has been republished. Olympic ski champion Sean Wilson takes his best friend’s widow on vacation to the Grand Canyon, here romance blooms. Yet Paige is unable to see herself married to a half man half wolf. Goodreads link.

Post image: Minerva Studio/Shutterstock.com

July 23, 2013 by Tina Williams

Obsessed with Me – When She Rejected Him He Set Out To Destroy Her, Books #1 and #2, by Eve Rabi

Passionate and Heartrending Love Story Adult Content

This tale has so many twists and turns that it kept me on the edge of my seat, with my heart in my throat and my head in my hands at what the heroine was going through! It is yet another stellar work by author Eve Rabi which plays with your emotions and comments on social issues and power within relationships. The tale is set in 1993, in Cape Town, in a South Africa a year before Nelson Mandela became President, and apartheid officially ended, a time ripe for change, when racism and corruption such as we see in the tale was rife. The tale contains violence, strong language, racial slurs, sex scenes and sexual violence.

Obsessed with Me is a tale about Tanin, a young Indian woman living in South Africa and Tarago Jackobus, a wealthy, white Africaan. It tells of what happens after Tanin turns Tarago down, after he invites her to share a drink with him. No one, but no one refuses Tarago! Thus begins a very unorthodox seduction, which introduces a series of harrowing events, where Tanin loses her job, has no prospect of employment and her family is threatened with losing their home. She even finds herself in jail. There is however no knight in shining armour to save her, her boyfriend having deserted her. Instead to keep a roof over her family, pay her mum’s medical bills and support them financially, she is compelled to make a deal with the very Devil himself, Tarago.

Tanin finds herself living at Tarango’s mansion, where day after day Tarago and his inner circle of hangers on, women and men, subject her to racist taunts and Tarago uses her body to satisfy his lusts. Tarago is a real brute and a hateful figure, but such is the skill of the author that somehow, part way through the tale, the real Tarago is forced to reveal himself, faced with Tanin’s strong spirit, resilience and inner strength. I actually found myself beginning to empathize with him and like him. Not only that but he appears to genuinely care for Tanin, who begins to reciprocate his feelings. There are some truly romantic, very sexy and humorous scenes between the couple. Has beauty charmed the beast for real? It all seems too good to be true, especially when there are some amongst Tarago’s inner circle who are dead set against their union and will go to any lengths to destroy it. Will Tanin and Tarago’s love prevail or will it be destroyed by the whims of others?

I enjoyed the character of Tanin. She is immediately likeable young woman when we first meet her, studying hard for her future and working part time to support her family, paying for her mother’s medical bills and her siblings’ education. Due to the situation Tarago puts her in and the shocking events which follow, Tanin has to seriously toughen up and I shed more than a few tears over what she had to go through as the tale progresses and what she suffers is not all at Tarago’s hands. If any heroine deserves a HEA it is Tanin.

Tarago started off as an out and out read b******, with no redeeming features. A giant of a man, he is not only a womaniser and a drunk but arrogant, racist and as sexist as they come. However, as the story progresses and I learned of his background and need for real affection I began to empathize with him. His brash exterior masks his true self, which is more sympathetic than is at first evident. Indeed, he too becomes very much a victim of events as the tale unfolds.

The cast of supporting characters is varied and they all have their role to play. They include Tanin’s boyfriend Ashwin and her best friend Rheema, who play pivotal roles. Tanin’s mother is a tour de force when Tanin needs her. Tanin even finds support amongst some of Tarago’s hangers on, who at first reviled her for her colour and/or being a rival for Tarago’s affections. However, there are certain characters – I will not reveal their names, who have only their own interests at heart. As usual the author does not shy away from including controversial issues in her storytelling and we are compelled to examine our own feelings towards them and the complex characters she creates.

Obsessed With Me is another must read for Eve Rabi fans and those who like to be entertained by a wild and totally thought provoking romance, told in her trademark indomitable style.

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

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Eve Rabi’s website http://everabi.wordpress.com/

Eve Rabi Facebook https://www.facebook.com/eve.rabi

Obsessed With Me Amazon UK

Obsessed With Me Amazon US

July 17, 2013 by Tina Williams

Lover At Last, Black Dagger Brotherhood Series #11, by JR Ward

From Friends to Lovers – Dark Sexy Paranormal at its Best!

m/m Romance Adult Content

In this long awaited book vampire super hotties Qhuinn and Blay, whom readers have known from their pre-transition days, finally succumb to their mutual attraction. The emotions and sexual tension are high and misunderstandings abound. Moreover the lovemaking scenes are off the Richter scale – what you would expect when two male vampire warriors finally get it on – the furniture in the mansion takes some serious pounding! Also I take my hat off to the author and publisher for not shying away from telling this couple’s story.

In Lover At Last Qhuinn has done his best to cope with the knowledge that for the past year Blay has been shacked up with Saxton, his own cousin, living alongside him in the Brotherhood mansion. Qhuinn has not had sex for a year, apart from with the Chosen, Layla, who came into her needing in the previous novel. However, their sexual union was strictly between friends, both of them keen to sire a young. Qhuinn believes that Blay is devoted to Saxton, for how can his own rough edges compete with such suave, sophistication and honeyed words? Blay for his part has been rejected by Qhuinn in the past and believes that Qhuinn has secured the future he has always sought as Layla is carrying his child.

I love the characters of Blay and Qhuinn, they complement each other so well. Blay comes from a stable, loving and supportive family. Qhuinn on the other hand, with his mismatched eyes, was considered a curse by his family and disavowed by them before his kin were brutally slain by the Lessers, enemies of the vampire race. The couple have had a long friendship, training, fighting and clubbing together, but despite their attraction they have never been lovers. Both are compelled to confront their true feelings and Qhuinn especially his own sexuality and it is a very emotional ride. Throughout much of the novel Qhuinn is subjected to one sucker punch after another, not just his relationship with Blay, but Layla’s pregnancy, events within the Brotherhood, in which he plays a key role, and a past which comes back to haunt him.

It is a very tangled web indeed that JR Ward weaves. Whilst I was itching for Qhuinn and Blay to find their HEA, I also sympathised with Saxton, who is deeply in love with Blay. I also enjoyed the scenes with Layla, who has really come into her own as a character. As one of the Chosen, who have decided to leave the home of the Scribe Virgin and reside on Earth, she has been faithful in her service to the other vampires when they have required sustenance in the form of her blood and is desperately seeking to make a life for herself. Her own life is complicated by the mutual attraction she has for the traitor Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, who recently made an attempt on Wrath the King’s life. I am looking forward to where the author will take their relationship. Xcor is still busy manipulating members of the glymera, the vampire aristocracy, for his own political ends in this novel. Although Xcor and his men are enemies of the Brotherhood, I am nevertheless both fascinated and entertained by their exploits, in battle, politically and sexually.

The Lessening Society is under the leadership of a new Fore-Lesser who is seeking to replenish their coffers via the drug trade. This brings them into direct contact with Assail, who is busy gaining control of the local drug circuit. Both the Brotherhood and the Band of Bastards battle with the Lessers throughout and there is one fantastically memorable battle scene between the Brothers and the Lessers early on in the novel. Also characters we have met in previous books make appearances, not just the other Brothers and their Shellans, but notably Trey and IAm, who we learn more about. Indeed, there are some interesting developments afoot for Assail (I am so in love with this bad boy character) and Trey in particular, with the introduction of possible love interests. Wrath and Beth’s relationship also begins to come into focus as the author begins to set the scene for the next book, The King, scheduled for April 2014. I can’t wait!

Lover At Last is a must read for fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. For those not inducted into the fabulous Brotherhood, I seriously recommend that you begin with the first novel, Dark Lover, which introduces the reader to their world and recounts the romance between Wrath, the King, and Beth, a human who does not realise that she is half vampire. The series is one sexy and addictive dark paranormal read, which just keeps getting better and better. I cannot recommend it more highly.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

If you like J R Ward you may also want to check out our review of Rapture, #4 in her Fallen Angels Series

Lover At Last Published 2013 by Piatkus

Cover images: Man copyright Shutterstock, city copyright the-parish.com

Design: www.the-parish.com

J.R. Ward website

July 8, 2013 by Tina Williams

Tangle of Need, #11 in the Psy-Changeling Series, Nalini Singh

Mating Bond versus Unconditional Love

I have been reading Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Series since being bowled over by the first book, Slave to Sensation, which, like all that follow, is a fantastically sexy and phenomenally original read. I love the world that she creates, where the Psy, a race with powerful and sometimes terrifying mind powers, who have rejected emotion, vie against the Changelings and the Humans, in what threatens to culminate in a brutal war of cataclysmic proportions. The series contains palpable sexual tension and passionate lovemaking scenes, which contrast sharply with the political machinations and unspeakable acts of violence from some characters who are true sociopaths. There are also others who fight to defend their own race and foster harmony and some whose motives we are never quite sure of. The central romance in each book is set against the overall story arc, told in the manner of a master storyteller. You are advised to read the series in order for maximum enjoyment.

Tangle of Need follows on after book 10, Kiss of Snow, which covers the romance between Hawke, the alpha of the SnowDancer pack and Sienna, the powerful X Psy, and the battle against some of the Psy. At the heart of Tangle of Need is the romance between two wolf-changelings, the soldier Adria and Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant. The journey to their HEA is emotional and it pulls at the heartstrings. Adria has returned to the SnowDancers after a disastrous union with another, where she felt compelled to suppress her natural dominance. This has damaged her self esteem and she hides her true self under a prickly exterior, fearing commitment. Riaz, a lone wolf, has returned from Europe, where he met his true mate, only to be devastated when he finds that she is married to another she is very much in love with.

These two wounded individuals are initially drawn together by an overwhelming physical attraction, despite their initial dislike of each other. There is a hugely sexually charged scene early in the novel, where this attraction is left in no doubt. However, Riaz subsequently rejects Adria when she proposes that they come together for physical pleasure alone. However, constantly thrown together in the course of their work, they begin to form a strong friendship, which soon progresses into ever stronger ties, unable to resist the primal draw that pulls them together. Yet what future do they have when Riaz knows in his heart that Adria will never be his mate and the guilt of betrayal holds him back? Also how will Adria cope with the fear of being second best and coping with yet another dominant male? In this novel Nalini Singh explores the strength of the mating bond versus the free will of true, unconditional, love and she does this beautifully. As usual the lovemaking scenes are supremely hot, especially in this novel, where Adria and Riaz are both powerful dominants.

Riaz and Adria, strong, yet vulnerable individuals are characters whom I really feel for. Adria is a seasoned soldier, but with a gentle and giving side to her nature, which Riaz starts to value more and more as they get to know each other. I loved how once he made up his mind to pursue Adria, after cruelly rebuffing her, he really went for it, despite his initial guilt over betraying his mate. His actions were very romantic and the novel is a real tear jerker before it reaches its conclusion.

There is a lot going on in the tale, apart from the main romance, not least the continuing sickness and disintegration of the Psy-Net and the power play between the Psy Councillors, which not only threaten the Changelings but world peace. In particular, Councillors Ming, Henry Scott and Kaleb make several key appearances and impact on the plot. Into this mix there is also the growing strength of the Pure Psy and the Human Alliance. In terms of the Changelings, we see little of the DarkRiver leopards in this book. Instead we catch up with those in the SnowDancer pack, especially Hawke and Sienna, who we see a lot of. We also meet other characters again, such as the Ghost, Alice, the brilliant researcher from the past who is recovering from being in statis, the Arrows and other factions which reveal themselves, seeking to align with others in the face of the oncoming war. The many sub plots, which exist alongside the central romance, make the book another gripping read and a great addition to the series.

I recommend this book to those who like to read paranormal romance or romance with a Futuristic/Sci-Fi theme. with deliciously sexy scenes, set within a complex world and overall plot which holds your interest and keeps you in suspense throughout. Like all of Nalini Singh’s fans I am also itching to read the latest book in the series, Heart of Obsidian, which is a much anticipated read.

GOLLANCZ FICTION

http://www.orionbooks.co.uk

http://www.gollancz.co.uk

Cover design by Craig Fraser

Photo copyright Aleksej Vasic/Getty Images

http://www.nalinisingh.com/index.php

June 21, 2013 by Tina Williams

Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1), by Gena Showalter

Heavenly Match between Human and Angel

Wicked Nights is the first book in Gena Showalter’s Angels of the Dark, a spin off series from her fantastic Lords of the Underworld series. Gena writes hot paranormal romances with uber alpha heroes, snarky heroines and passionate and toe curling lovemaking scenes. The scorching cover of this novel certainly lives up to its promise!

In Wicked Nights, the brutal and emotionless angel, Zacharel, whom we met briefly in her LOTU series, is put in charge of a ragtag army of warrior angels. Zacharel’s deity is frustrated with his lack of compassion and both he and his army have to work together as a team and above all refrain from killing humans in their war against the demons, or risk falling and losing their wings – not easy when you meet the less than angelic warrior recruits who all have mega issues! As part of their duties, Zacharel’s army are given the task of destroying demons attacking an institution for the criminally insane in the human realm.

The human Annabelle has been incarcerated there since being wrongly convicted of slaughtering her parents, her claim that they were murdered by a demon being dismissed. Since the attack, Annabelle has been tormented by other demons and is often heavily sedated to minimise her violent outbursts, in which she defends herself against demon attacks unseen by others. She has also suffered physical abuse from other inmates and wardens and sexual abuse from one warden in particular.

During the attack, Zacharel is drawn to Annabelle. He becomes intrigued by her and takes her to his cloud, despite realising that she is in fact a demon’s consort. Things then get complicated as Zacharel’s frozen heart begins to melt and he starts to feel strong emotions for Annabelle, wanting to protect her. Annabelle in turn is attracted to her captor and decides to use the opportunity to learn from him how to fight demons. However, it is not long before demons attack Zacharel’s cloud and Annabelle is put in danger. Yet what will happen when the demon high lord who has marked Annabelle as his consort decides to claim her? Will Zacharel and Annabelle consummate their relationship, when Annabelle struggles with deep seated fears of intimacy and trust? What long term future do they have when angels live for thousands of years, yet a human life is over in the blink of an eye? As usual Gena Showalter has plenty of tricks up her sleeve before the action packed plot concludes.

Zacharel, a truly tortured hero, is a complex character, despising demons with a passion and for very good reasons. He is not only an alpha, but a VIRGIN to boot and has locked away his emotions since a personal tragedy devastated him and gave him major guilt issues. Annabelle is a strong heroine. She has somehow kept hold of her sanity, but is also deeply vulnerable due to the horrors she has endured. She will fight the demons and the demon high lord who wishes to claim her, even if it leads to her own demise. She finds Zacharel attractive from the off, but is fearful due to her prior experiences.

I loved the developing romance between the couple in this book, which I felt was truly a match made in Heaven. The banter was both poignant and amusing and I enjoyed the fact that the hero, once his emotions had come to the fore, would do anything for his woman. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Zacharel finds himself wanting to bond with a woman who has been marked by a demon, a race he despises. The lovemaking scenes are both sweet and hot, as Zacharel strives to overcome Annabelle’s fears and assert his new found sexuality. Fortunately for a virgin he is a fast learner!

I enjoyed meeting the other angels of Zacharel’s army, who no doubt will each have their own story. I also welcomed the appearance of some of the characters from her Lords of the Underworld series. The demon foes are truly hideous and there are plenty of violent, gut spilling scenes full of blood and gore to keep readers entertained and to contrast with the romance. The author has done a great job of balancing the main story with the world building and the introduction of major characters to feature in subsequent books, which can be difficult in the first book in a series.

I am looking forward to reading the next book, Beauty Awakened, which tells the story of Koldo, one of Zacharel’s men, whom we are introduced to in this book. I recommend the series to lovers of steamy paranormal romance which is also full of humour, passion and action.

Reviewed by Tina

Gena Showalter’s website

Goodreads link to Wicked Nights reviews

Publisher Harlequin’s website

June 3, 2013 by Tina Williams

Borderland Beauty (The Borderlands Legacy #2), by Samantha Holt

Besotted Lord versus a Lady Scorned – Sensual Medieval Romance

After meeting Lord Dominic in Borderland Bride, the previous book in the series, I have been impatient to meet the woman who will tame him. Samantha Holt has done an excellent job in Borderland Beauty, which contains plenty of passion, humour and danger. Dominic battles to win the heart of the lady he becomes enamoured with, a lady who has every reason to despise his silver tongue and his reputation. The path to their HEA is further complicated by subterfuge, misunderstandings and the danger posed by the borderland reivers who plague Northumbria.

Dominic, who needs a wife to help him manage his keep and warm his bed, is surprised to learn of a marriage contract, pledging him to marry the daughter of a neighbour, Lord Montgomery. Dominic does not recall having met his daughter, Lucy, and invites the family to spend Christmas at Thornewall to see if they suit. However, Lord Montgomery, forbids Dominic to mention the contract, fearing Lucy’s reaction. As soon as Dominic sees Lucy he is smitten by her curvaceous beauty, strong personality and wit and intends to quickly convince her to become his wife.

Unaware of the contract Lucy reluctantly agrees to attend the festivities and she is mortified when Dominic takes an interest in her. Lucy has no wish to marry, especially a man such as Dominic, who she views as a degenerate womaniser. Lucy does not consider herself attractive to men due in part to unkind comments about her appearance, made in the past by none other than Dominic, when she was but a teenager and he a swaggering youth, comments he has long since forgotten. Lucy believes that Dominic views her simply as a short term diversion and refuses to respond to his charms despite being blindsided by a strong attraction to him. But how long can she keep up this resistance and what if she finds out about the contract?

Dominic is rendered tongue tied or says the most inappropriate things to Lucy– his usual charm deserting him. This I loved as it makes for some very amusing exchanges! There are many fun and sensual scenes which push the bounds of propriety as the two embark on a merry dance around each other. Yet will Lucy’s constant rebuttals be too much for even a man as determined as Dominic? Their love and trust will be truly tested by each other and meanwhile the borderland reivers are becoming increasingly violent and daring, posing a threat to all.

I enjoyed the couple’s romance. This handsome man who can usually effortlessly bend others, especially women, to his will is brought to his knees by a forthright and headstrong young woman whom he cannot woo with passion and sweet words alone, torture indeed! I loved the banter between the couple as their courtship progresses and how Lucy comes to realise that there is a lot more depth to the Lord of Thornewall than she originally thinks.

I welcomed the Yuletide setting of this novel and the descriptions of the customs and festivities in and around the keep, the author’s knowledge of the period adding depth to the tale. I also enjoyed the secondary characters in the novel, including Lucy’s parents, members of Dominic’s household and Dominic’s half-brother Jake and his wife Isabel, the hero and heroine of the previous novel, who also make a brief, but welcome, appearance.

Samantha Holt’s Borderlands Legacy series continues to deliver sensual and loving romances whilst giving readers an insight into life in the borderlands. I recommend it to readers who like to read medieval romances with alpha heroes and heroines who often test their love and devotion, making for some entertaining tales.

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

Find Borderland Beauty at Jupiter Gardens Press

Cover art by Valerie Tibbs

Samantha Holt’s website

Please click on the links for A Reader’s Review Blog’s reviews of other Samantha Holt’s medieval romance novels:

The Angel’s Assassin

Borderland Bride (book 1 in the Borderlands Legacy)