September 3, 2014 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW & GIVEAWAY ~ Hunter Betrayed,Wild Hunt, Book 1, by Nancy Corrigan

Seductive and Erotic!

Tainted from birth, Harley lives a life cloaked in darkness and temptation. She resists the lure of her evil legacy by holding the memory of her ghostly savior close. Every night without him is agony. She fantasizes about him and yearns for his body, but he’s not the protector or lover she’s envisioned. He’s a Hunter bred to eliminate her kind. He’s also her only hope of salvation.

Calan, the leader of the Wild Hunt, was created to protect mankind from the Unseelie Court. For a millennium, he’s sacrificed to ensure the horrid creatures remain in the Underworld, but his strength wanes. He must rely on his enemy’s daughter to save him, but he doesn’t expect the intensity of their lust or love. Her touch calms his wild nature and ignites his carnal desires. He’ll risk all to save her, but doing so forces him to make the ultimate sacrifice, one that’ll damn him to suffer forever in his own living hell.

A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

18+ Excerpt

A long moment passed where they watched each other, two strangers on the verge of becoming so much more. The full impact hit her, left her a little shaky inside but not anxious. No, excitement sped her pulse.

She licked her lips, already envisioning what they’d do together. “So, am I right?”

He slid his hungry gaze to her breasts. The points stood erect and the sheen to her skin betrayed how hot she’d gotten from touching herself.
“Oh yes, I’ll fuck you, my Harley. Sometimes hard and fast. Other times so damn slowly you’ll beg me to fill you up.” He met her eyes. “I’ll take you so often and in so many ways you’ll want me to be the center of your world as you are now mine.”

He released her wrists and covered one breast with his hand. The hard point pushed against his calloused skin and a jolt of electricity raced down her spine. He captured the tip she’d teased minutes ago. The small pinch arched her back.

“You like?”

She flicked her gaze from his long fingers holding her nipple to his face and nodded. “Do it again.”

One corner of his mouth rose. He rolled the tip. She gasped. Another tug clenched her core.

“You please me, Harley. I can’t wait to watch that look pass over your face when I fill your…” The smile giving him a roguish look turned wicked. “When I fill your sheath.”

The low growl to his last word tightened her inner muscles. She whimpered.

“You do want me to ram my cock inside you and make you convulse over my rigid length,” he ran the tip of his tongue over his upper lip, “don’t you?”

My Review

Seductive and Erotic Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

I soon devoured Nancy Corrigan’s Hunter Betrayed #1 in her Wild Hunt series. It has all the elements of a scintillating erotic paranormal read: a drop-dead gorgeous alpha hero and a strong but vulnerable heroine who are fated mates; good versus evil, curses and magic and sizzling lovemaking scenes!

After a battle with Dahn, the dark Fairy Prince of the Unseelie court goes awry, Calan, leader of the Wild Hunt and his siblings are imprisoned in the Fairy realm. They are cursed to suffer unimaginable torment and suffering, their pain feeding the magic that is designed to keep the barrier that separates the dark world of the Unseelie and the human world apart. Yet after a millennium the barrier is weakening as the Huntsmen struggle to withstand the fate meant for their enemies, the Unseelie.

Calan needs to persuade one of Dahn’s children to release him to allow the Wild Hunt to run again. This seems an impossible task, until Calan finds Harley, whose purity has enabled her to resist the darkness of her Unseelie blood, and visits her in his non corporal form, intent on persuading her to free him. Calan senses something special about Harley and is drawn to her. Yet Harley is tainted by Dahn’s blood, the blood of his enemy.

As Calan seeks to persuade Harley to release him he has to balance his desire to protect her, his fated mate, and perform his duty to destroy the Unsreeie and keep the barrier closed. It is a fine line and Nancy Corrigan weaves a fantastic tale that kept me on the edge of my seat as Calan and Harley struggle to protect their growing bond, whilst striving to do what is right. Throw in the vagaries of the ancient curse, super charged lovemaking as only immortals can manage and the machinations of others and you have a top read!

Harley is a strong but vulnerable heroine, for whom I had a lot of respect. She is innocent of her father’s sins and strives to master the taint within her. When Calan visits her in his ghostly form at first she believes that he is a figment of her fevered imagination. However, she realises that he is very real and works with him to defeat the evil that stalks them and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of their grasp. Their capacity for love and self-sacrifice makes for a great read. The lovemaking scenes are both passionate and pull at the readers’ heart strings and I felt that their love for each other was very tangible.

I loved that the book gave a new twist on the myths and legends of the Huntsmen of the Wild Hunt and I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of them in battle mode atop their steeds and also the descriptions of the dark fairies and the underworld. There are a number of supporting characters in the novel who piqued my interest, namely Rhys and Tegan, Calan’s siblings, and Ian, Harley’s brother, and I look forward to reading other books in the series which will no doubt feature them in more detail.

I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a fast paced, passionate and downright HOT paranormal/fantasy read.

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

Purchase Links

Amazon – US B&N Ellora’s Cave Amazon-CA Amazon-UK Amazon-AU

Add to your Goodreads TBR list! Hunter Betrayed

Author Bio

Nancy Corrigan believes in unending love and epic tales with a paranormal flare. She enjoys transcending the boundaries of reality to take her readers on an erotic, emotional and romantic journey.
She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. When she’s not weaving sizzling fantasies, she works as a chemist in a pharmaceutical lab.

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Contest

Contest runs from 9/2 @ 12:01 a.m. EST to 9/12 @ 11:59 p.m. EST. Up for grabs are:

• An eBook copy of one Royal Pride book (TWO Winners-winner’s choice selections can be found: http://www.nancycorriganauthor.com/royal-pride.html)
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September 2, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Desired (True Alpha #1) (short story) by Alisa Woods REVIEW

A VERY HOT AND INTENSE READ!

RELEASED TODAY, September 2nd 2014, I am proud to present the first of six New Adult paranormal romance short stories in the TRUE ALPHA series. The first episode, DESIRED, is 80 pages or 20,000 words.

Blurb: Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City.

Mia is just a college girl trying to earn her business degree and dig out of the poverty she was born into—being a shifter is something she hides, hoping her secret won’t sabotage her dreams.

Lucas is a broken alpha, a wolf who lost his mate, his pack, and almost himself—he wasn’t looking to rescue a girl or start a pack war. But now he has to keep her safe or it won’t just be her life, but his whole family at risk… only his inner wolf can’t seem to keep its paws off a girl who has secrets of her own.

REVIEW

Desired (True Alpha #1) is a fantastic opening to a series. From the very first scene I was hooked as it was full of action and attraction between the two main characters, Mia and Lucas. Mia is about to be attacked by a pack of wolves and she is very much in fear of what they will do to her.

The violence and sexual tension rises dramatically and yet Mia still longs to hide the fact that she is a shifter herself. However, the tension, fear and heightened levels of emotion are bringing her to the edge, to the point where the wolf inside her could turn loose at any time!

This scene alone is gripping and intense. The reader will not be able to put this short story down! And then comes Lucas……

With Mia needing protection from the Red Pack and Lucas finding himself being the one protecting her, the intensity reminded me a little of the introduction to J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, Dark Lover, with Wrath and Beth. Albeit, shifter instead of vamp!

Bear in mind that this is just the first scene! The sexual attraction and tension continues between these two characters when Mia begins her work experience the following week and the company is owned by the pack in which Lucas belongs.

Working so closely causes conflict within Lucas. He wants Mia just about as bad as you can possibly imagine and yet the only one for him, his mate, has been deceased for some time and he never believed that he would feel these feelings again. Maybe he even feels like he is betraying his mate? His reactions confuse Mia at times and can bring a little fear. At the same time she tries to conceal her inner wolf and yet her feelings are just as strong as Lucas’.

You find your heart pounding and blood boiling during the scenes of protection and the intensity of Lucas sets you on fire. It warms you at the same time as making your hairs stand on end as you feel the temptation and fear from Mia.

Desired is a fantastic way to start a series and gain some pretty hardcore fans. There is a brilliant storyline and amount of description packed into a full short story. It wraps up perfectly but leaving the reader wanting more. I cannot wait for the second episode!!

A copy of Desired (True Alpha #1) was provided by the author, Alisa Woods, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Desired (True Alpha #1) by Alisa Woods is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

August 31, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW of Primary Fault ~ Book #1 in The Schattenreich Series, by Sharon Kae Reamer

A Suspenseful Blend of Science, Romance and the Supernatural!

Book Blurb

Caitlin Schwarzbach has left home. For good.

Separated from her beloved brother Gus at age seven, Caitlin exchanges small-town Texas for Cologne, Germany to be with him. But upon her arrival, a man resembling her brother attempts to kidnap her.

At a university reception, Caitlin feels intimidated by one of her brother’s former colleagues, only to have the conversation interrupted by a dangerously attractive man, Hagen von der Lahn. She learns her seismologist brother Gus has included her in a research project with the amateur archeologist and stylish aristocrat. When Gus is called away to his institute by an earthquake, the deranged Gus doppelgänger again tries to drag her away. Hagen rescues Caitlin and secures her in his castle near the Rhine.

Gus vanishes, sought by the Cologne police for multiple sexual assaults. As Hagen and Caitlin begin the investigation into her brother’s disappearance, her feelings for Hagen grow. But before she can follow up on a promising lead, a blow to the head lands Caitlin in the hospital. An unwanted visitor appears by her bed; someone she feared since childhood, the being she thinks of as Death. His appearance can only mean one thing: her brother is in mortal danger.

A novel of supernatural suspense, Primary Fault is a delightful mixture of science meets magic set amidst a backdrop of Celto-Germanic Otherworld.

My Review

Absorbing and Original Fantasy Romance

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this 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 inform the off. Primary Fault (awarded a B.R.A.G. medallion*) is book #1 in the Schattenreich Series by Sharon Kae Reamer. Other books in the series include Shaky Ground #2, Double Couple #3 and Shadow Zone #4 is to be released soon.

After her life in the USA turns sour following the death of her mother, her own long recovery after a road accident and being dumped by her boyfriend, Caitlin Schwazbach travels to Germany, where she hopes to make a permanent home alongside her brother Gus, a renowned seismologist. Rather than the peace she craves, Caitlin walks into a nightmare scenario: she herself is assaulted by a mysterious man, who bears a striking resemblance to Gus and Gus disappears, suspected of a series of heinous crimes, deeds she knows that the brother she loved would never commit.

Caitlin’s own life is full of danger as she seeks to find Gus and prove his innocence. At the same time she falls for the handsome and mysterious Hagen, a business partner of her brother and a rich and renowned aristocratic playboy, whose actions towards her blow hot and cold. Her problems do not stop there as she experiences strange dizzy spells and visions which seem to be increasing in intensity. She is particularly terrified by the appearance of the figure she refers to as Death. Caitlin must unearth who is out to discredit/destroy her brother whilst protecting both her heart and her sanity.

We are treated to many forays into the Schattenreich, the shadowy ‘otherworld,’ where the author draws on a rich combination of both Celtic and Germanic mythology. I found this aspect of the novel truly fascinating as it added dark and mysterious depths to an already thrilling and suspenseful read.

Caitlin is mature enough to be a confident woman, not afraid to act on her own despite the possible dangers and she also has an air of vulnerability about her. I found that I was rooting for her from the off. I applauded her determination to get to the bottom of finding out who is trying to discredit her brother and why and above all secure his safety. The power struggles at her brother’s institute mask something far darker and dangerous than she can ever begin to understand. Caitlin finds that she has to rely on the help of Hagen, whom she feels is well out of her league. Hagen, a character whom I adored, is a strong, sexy and powerful hero with a mysterious past and a connection to Caitlin which this instalment only hints at. I cannot wait to find out more!

There are many characters in this book aside from the main ones, some who straddle both the human world and the world beyond into which the book increasingly refers. They all have an important role to play in the evolving tale, and a number of different players are pulling different strings for reasons that we only begin to comprehend in this book. In terms of the romance the book ends on a Happy For Now but there are still many unanswered questions and I am impatient to read the next book in the series, Shaky Ground.

I recommend this book to readers who like strong heroines and heroes, with lashings of suspense and a plot which draws on myth and magic.

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

* Book Readers Appreciation Group

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August 31, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Blog Tour & Giveaway Romantic Suspense BROSLIN BRIDE (Broslin Creek series) by NY Times Best-Selling author, Dana Marton

Last chance to win an e-book of your choice from the Broslin Bride series by New York Times Best-Selling Author, Dana Marton!! A fantastic way to begin the series or carry on with your collection! Read on for the details and good luck with entering. Caroline and Tina 🙂

areadersreviewblog

NY Times Best-Selling author, Dana Marton, has recently released her fifth book of her romantic suspense Broslin Creek series, BROSLIN BRIDE, and she is now launching her first book blog tour of the UK. Not only do we have the pleasure in sharing with you the cover and blurb for this fantastic novel, but we are also lucky to share with you an excerpt, author info, a GIVEAWAY (scroll to the end for info on this), links and much more…..

BROSLIN BRIDE BLURB: Luanne Mayfair might have killed her boss a little. Fine, a lot. Pretty much all the way. Okay, it sounds bad when you say it like that. But he was a sleazebag. Honest. The maids at the Mushroom Mile Motel that Earl Cosgrove managed often prayed for lightning to strike the lecherous bastard. Alas, God had seen fit to send Luanne instead.

Excerpt: Luanne Mayfair might have killed her…

View original post 1,095 more words

August 27, 2014 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL and GIVEAWAY for Madison Street’s LITTLE BEGINNINGS ~ Second Chances #1.5

We are very happy to reveal the new and gorgeous cover of Little Beginnings, a Second Chances novella by Madison Street. Little Beginnings is the continuation of Duke & Raya’s story. Tina ❤

Little Beginnings (Second Chances #1.5)

Madison Street

Cover designed by Lindee Robinson Photography

Goodreads

Expected Release: Fall 2014

Synopsis

After you took her from me, everything changed. I knew my life would never be the same, and it wasn’t. But just because I was isolated, trapped, and afraid, I never gave up. I kept on fighting. You thought you could control me, but you were wrong.

There’s one thing that you could never take from me; HOPE. And with that, I overcame the struggles and the despair. I battled against my inner demons and confronted the tortures that surrounded me. And here I am today; free.

And now, it’s you that’s confined. You cannot escape; you cannot win. There’s no one to help you now. Everyone sees you for what you truly are; a monster.

I’m not afraid of you anymore. I will start a new life; one that you cannot control. And as I take steps toward a new beginning, I won’t ever look back.
****WARNING: Suited for 18+ years of age. This book contains some disturbing situations, strong language and sexual content.****

Little Things (Second Chances #1)

Goodreads

Everything in Duke Grayson’s life was all he could ever ask for: A loving family, loyal friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and a scholarship to his top choice college. It’s his senior year of high school, and all he needs is to focus on his grades, lacrosse, and keeping his girlfriend happy. That is until Raya walks into his life.

From the moment they meet, Duke is drawn to her, not only for her natural beauty and her stunning crystal blue eyes, but because he’s aware there’s more to this girl than just his alluring pull to her. He senses secrecy and fear.

Throughout the year, their bond grows stronger, and his feelings for her become undeniable. Just when he is about to express his love, tragedy strikes and Raya disappears.

For six years, Duke is tortured by his struggles, as he’s unable to find her and blames himself for failing to protect her. Until the day, she’s found, and he’s given a second chance. Will Duke become her beacon of hope and make her see that it’s the little things that make life worthwhile? Can Raya overcome her fears and fight against the terrors that haunt her? Or will her dark and torturous past be too much for her to battle against?

*Warning: This book contains some disturbing situations, strong language and sexual content. Suited for 18 years and over.

Purchase Links

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

About Madison Street

Madison Street was born in New York City and was raised in the Bronx, where she resided until she was 17 years old. After 9/11, Madison joined the United States Navy to serve her country.

During the deployments, Madison constantly wrote short stories and she discovered her passion for writing. You will find Madison always on the computer, whether she’s on Facebook, designing websites, messing with Photoshop, or writing for her blog.

Besides writing, her second passion is music and dance. Even though she’s a terrible singer, she’ll still belt it out in the shower, especially if the song is her jam! She currently resides in Virginia with her husband of 8 years, 2 children, a dog, and a cat. She is so excited to start this amazing journey and is honored to be part of such a compassionate and loving community.

Contact Madison

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Google +

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August 26, 2014 by Tina Williams

FILTHY (FIERCE #3) ~ by Clarissa Wild, COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY

The FIERCE SERIES by Clarissa Wild is a fantastic read with some serious bad boy alpha heroes. Check out the cover reveal for the forthcoming book in the series, FILTHY, wet your appetite with some scorching teasers and find out more about the series that is heating up discussions on social media. You can also enter a super giveaway where a $6.99 kindle ebook of choice & e-ARC of FILTHY are up for grabs! Tina ❤

BOOK DETAILS

TITLE: Filthy (Fierce, #3)

AUTHOR: Clarissa Wild

RELEASE DATE: October 7th

GOODREADS

BLURB

Take what you want. Claim it. Own it. Never let go.

Playboy Jaret Paxon has no pride. He’s filthy as fuck, and he doesn’t care. He’s got it all… Expensive cars, a luxurious home, and a killer smile. Flirting with girls at local clubs, his money gets him whatever he desires. Tight pussy around hungry cock. Night after night. Life is good.

Except it’s all a lie.

Wealth. Love. A family. Education. None of it is real. Jaret’s life is broken. Fucking makes him forget.

Until Lin, the only girl who understood him, stumbles back into his life. One kiss rekindles the sparks from long ago. Jaret wants her back, but he’s not the only one who screwed up. Dating the wrong guy got Lin into trouble. Now that Jaret’s in the middle, someone’s out for blood.

Lies turn into shame. Shame becomes pride. And when Jaret’s proud of something, he won’t let go without a fight.

Filthy is a novella in the Fierce series, featuring Jaret’s story. Stand Alone. No Cliffhanger. Complete at 16500 Words.

PRE~ORDER LINKS

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TEASERS

FIERCE SERIES

Fight (Fierce #0.5)

Mocked. Scolded. Smeared. Betrayed.

From an early age, shy nerd girl Autumn Blakewood didn’t know how to fend for herself. Teased and bullied her whole life, she’s withdrawing more and more. Not even her broken family can help her get through high school.

Her only friends, Brody and Evie, are both social recluses too, and they seek comfort in each other’s support. However, Autumn’s friends can’t always protect her from her malicious classmates who seem set on destroying what’s left of her heart.

When Autumn thinks her life can’t get any worse, devastating news rips her family apart. It’s up to her to pick up the pieces of her life and find a way to fix everything. Will she find the courage to fight?

Fight is a short story prelude to the Fierce series and contains about 8500 words

FREE –> AMAZON

Fierce (Fierce #1)

Fight for your dreams. Fight for your life. Fight for love.

Nerdy girl Autumn Blakewood is the prime example of a goody two-shoes. She studies every night, is never late for class, and always follows the rules. She has never felt the need to step out of her comfort zone. That is, until she meets Hunter.

Hunter Bane is a cocky, confident bad-boy, who’s nothing but trouble. He’s a dangerous distraction to everyone around him. Sexy and strong, Hunter enjoys the swooning effect he has on women. Especially those who aren’t used to attention, like Autumn.

Autumn finds it hard not to give into Hunter’s advances, even though it all seems like a game to him. Trying to understand him is impossible, because he shrouds himself in mystery.

What she doesn’t know is that Hunter has more baggage than anyone should have to carry. When she discovers he’s in an illegal frat club to save the one person that matters to him, Autumn realizes this could mean the end of her undeniable connection to him. Even their lives are at risk.

But it’s too late to turn back now …

AMAZON

Fury (Fierce #1.5)

Would you risk everything for love?

Life has held nothing but hardships for Hunter Bane. Growing up with a learning disability wasn’t easy, especially when you’re poor. With only his brother to support him, Hunter clings to the short moments of happiness in life. Like when he meets Autumn Blakewood.

Autumn Blakewood is a geek at heart. Reading is her passion, and she can’t spend one day without her books. She’s always locked up in her room studying, trying to avoid trouble. Until Hunter comes into her life.

Hunter can’t resist the temptation to get closer to Autumn. She is his complete opposite, and yet he’s drawn to her in ways he can’t explain. But when his brother is caught dealing drugs and sent to prison, Hunter’s world shatters.

To save his brother, Hunter has to join the gang he’s feared his entire life. Now he’s forced to choose between his family and the one girl he loves. Fighting for both, his fury is all he needs…

AMAZON

Flame (Fierce # 2)

When trust is challenged and desire takes control, is love enough to conquer fear?

When geeky book nerd Autumn Blakewood falls for the cocky, confident fighter Hunter Bane she knows she’s in for life. Their undeniable connection, fueled by the desire to protect, grows stronger every passing second. However, the need to feel cherished threatens her college graduation, family bonds, and future, tearing her apart, but she won’t give up on Hunter so easily …

After he was abandoned by his family, Hunter Bane struggles to cope with daily life. Having a learning disability turns every task into a challenge. With his brother now free, Hunter feels the pressure to succeed and take care of the people he loves, forcing him to choose between college and a job. Hunter’s devotion to Autumn keeps him on the right path. His infatuation with her turns lust into passion, drawing out his alpha tendencies. But with affection comes admission, putting a strain on their relationship as secrets are exposed and unforeseen circumstances spiral out of control.

Being complete opposites, their love is flaming hot, but it burns away all inhibitions, unveiling the fears that were locked deep inside. As past and present collide, difficult choices must be made. Can Autumn and Hunter’s love survive this ultimate test?

AMAZON

AUTHOR BIO

Clarissa Wild is the USA Today Bestselling author of FIERCE, a college romance series. She is also a writer of erotic romance such as the Blissful Series, The Billionaire’s Bet series, the Doing It Series and the Enflamed Series. She is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories about hot men and feisty women. Her other loves include her furry cat friend and learning about different cultures. In her free time she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, reading tons of books and cooking her favorite meals.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website I Facebook I Twitter I Google PlusI PinterestI Fan club

Want to get an email when my next book is released? Sign up for my mailing list here and receive a FREE short story!

GIVEAWAY

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August 24, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW After Wimbledon by Jennifer Gilby Roberts

After Wimbledon is a light, refreshing romance mixed with a dash of quirky and fun instances. Lucy Bennett’s career and love life could be falling down around her or she could be starting a new life with the man of her dreams. She has the whole duration of the Tennis World Championships to find out how she really feels towards her tennis career and her current boyfriend. But how will it all end?

The story follows British tennis player, Lucy Bennett, as she considers this year to be her last professional year at Wimbledon. She feels that she has reached as far as she can at the age of 28. She begins thinking of her future and longs to settle down and have a family of her own. The only problem Lucy faces is that her current boyfriend, American tennis ace Joe Harker, doesn’t share her desires but preferring to stay in the game. Oh, and her parents (especially her mother) feels that she will be throwing her career away far too early and her mum possibly longs to relive her own tennis dreams through her daughter!

I’m sure many of us have felt the need to go down our own path, even when against our parents’ wishes. At this point you tend to question whether what you are doing is right or wrong and at times there is a lingering pang of guilt. But you must do what feels right for you and this is exactly where Lucy is at.

As After Wimbledon focuses mostly on Lucy, the reader can understand her actions and empathise with her emotions, thus making Lucy a realistic and likeable character. Lucy is like any of us with her indecisiveness and at times she does ‘put her foot in it’ and has the potential to cause a scene. However, she also has guts and after much deliberation at times she does begin to stand up to those around her. Needless to say that I do love Lucy’s character!

To mash Lucy’s thoughts around even more are the unexpected encounters she has with Joe’s tennis rival, New Zealander Sam Pennington. Sam is the No. 1 and hopes to win it for England this time round. Lucy has always had a crush on him and admired him from afar and so when she meets him by chance at her parents’ tennis club they begin talking and Lucy lets slip some of her thoughts. Sam is patient, caring and honourable as well as being a great listener. After accidentally meeting up with Sam a number of times it becomes clear that these two certainly have chemistry, but then Lucy also has Joe!

Joe had initially dismissed Lucy’s idea of settling down, not really believing it. As time goes on he realises she meant it and his attitude towards her becomes increasingly arrogant and threatening, especially when he sees her support for Sam – with Sam playing for Britain and all, as well as a closeness between Lucy and Sam is reported in the media. Is Joe’s reaction an insight into his true nature or is he jealous and hopes to keep Lucy for himself?!

There is a great build up of momentum and suspense during both Lucy’s love life and action on the courts. Not being a huge tennis follower I was surprised how Roberts had written the on court scenes in a manner that was so easy to follow and gave the reader the chance to feel the excitement and tension. There were also intimate moments that were quite descriptive, making it feel more real, although towards the end I found myself wanting more deeper scenes like there previously had been.

With action on the courts, two boyfriends to choose from, pressure from the media, helping her parents sort out their lives and finally deciding whether or not to stay in professional tennis Lucy really has her mind buzzing! But which way will she finally go? With many more years still left she could make the most of her career before retiring from tennis! And is it worth losing the man she’s had for years to settle with someone new when it may not work out? She would surely be alone then. And so After Wimbledon explores Lucy’s options and maybe you can decide whether or not she chooses the right one!!

A copy of After Wimbledon was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

To read an author post (with links to the author) and an extract from After Wimbledon please click here. (Please take note that the giveaway mentioned is now closed.)

After Wimbledon is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US. (Prices currently at 99p and $1.65 – bargain!! But please be aware prices are subject to change.)

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

August 23, 2014 by Tina Williams

Debt Inheritance (Indebted #1), by Pepper Winters

Deliciously Dark Erotic Romance – A Top Read for 2014!

18+ Read/Adult Situations

Book Blurb

“I own you. I have the piece of paper to prove it. It’s undeniable and unbreakable. You belong to me until you’ve paid off your debts.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Being the first born daughter, her life is forfeit to the first born son of the Hawks to pay for sins of ancestors past. The dark ages might have come and gone, but debts never leave. She has no choice in the matter.

She is no longer free.

Jethro Hawk receives Nila as an inheritance present on his twenty-ninth birthday. Her life is his until she’s paid off a debt that’s centuries old. He can do what he likes with her—nothing is out of bounds—she has to obey.

There are no rules. Only payments.

Deliciously Dark and Freakin’ Amazing!!!

If you are a fan of dark erotica or dark romance and you haven’t already done so YOU WILL WANT TO READ THIS BOOK! It is addictive – I only meant to read the first few pages or so to get a taste BUT my conscious and unconscious mind, which craves such reads, had other ideas. I tumbled headlong into this particular rabbit hole created by Pepper Winters into a world where innocence is consumed by darkness and depravity and I devoured it within a matter of hours. Debt Inheritance is the first instalment of Pepper Winter’s Indebted series and I cannot wait to see how the tale pans out!

I LOVED the two main protaganists and the developing chemistry between them: the talented but sheltered heroine Nila and Jethro, the anti-hero, who is out to break her. I found some of the actions taken by Nila a little naïve at the start of the book, but understandable given that she has an overprotective brother, who is also her twin, and an even more overprotective father. How she copes with the realisation of her fate, the psychology between Jethro her captor and her relationships with others involved in her captivity make this book a fantastic and chilling dark read. Nila needs to draw on previously unknown strengths in an attempt to survive in a situation that becomes more and more desperate as the tale progresses. Her only chance of survival is to persuade the monster that is Jethro, not to destroy her, but this is a task that is his by birth right, ingrained into his very being.

And Jethro – oh my goodness I both loved and feared this terrifying alpha and I definitely crave a LOT more of him. His character is from the dark void, intent on destroying Nila, the first born female of the current generation of the Weaver family, indebted to his own family in a manner most foul. He exhibits no remorse or compassion for what he is to do to this innocent woman. Nila is far from his usual type and he despises her, cruelly taunting her weaknesses and insecurities at every turn – indeed he is a real b******. However, he IS attracted to her, some of her actions take him by surprise and she gets under his skin. Yet will this be enough to save her or is his soul beyond redemption? Characters such as Jethro are exactly why I love dark reads such as this and the way Pepper Winters recounts Nila’s and Jethro’s story in their alternate POVs makes this read ever more chilling and addictive.

The sex scenes in this book range from hot and teasing to visceral and somewhat disturbing. There is some violence but more so the threat of violence against the heroine and psychological torture as her punishment for being one of the women to pay for the sins of the Weaver family begins. I read wide eyed and dry mouthed as the scenes played out, both aroused and repelled at the same time. It takes great skill to do this and the author has a real talent for drawing the reader into the story and keeping them there hanging on every word.

There are many dark, evil twisted characters in this book, which include Jethro’s father and brothers and they have their own role to play. There is also the unorthodox method Nila relies on in an attempt to maintain her fragile sanity through a tenuous link with the outside world – I will not give an more away except to say that the whole read is an inspired foray into the darker realms of power, lust and depravity. Lovers of the dark side are well advised to check this book out! I am new to Pepper Winters but will definitely be reading further instalments of this series and her backlist.

Purchase Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

http://www.pepperwinters.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepper-Winters/539976006062848

August 22, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Caroline’s Current Reads Aug/Sept ’14

Hi readers, it’s been a while but after catching up with some reading and reviewing I thought it was about time to give a mention to some fantastic books I am going to be reading over the next month or so. As always, with me (I’m sure most of you guys are used to me by now) I have a mix of genres to entertain you with, ranging from chick-lit romances to paranormals and from horrors to thrillers. Many of these will have a little romance in too!! Keep on scrolling for the blurbs and links if you cannot wait to check them out first!!

After Wimbledon by Jennifer Gilby Roberts (chick-lit, romantic comedy)

Blurb: A British chick lit / romantic comedy novel about tennis, romance, family and having the guts to move on to a new phase of your life.

After 12 years on the pro. tennis tour and four years with her sort-of boyfriend, Lucy Bennett has had enough. She wants real life… and real love.

Her life, her decision. Right? Well, no one else seems to think so. With opinions on all sides, Lucy’s head is spinning. And she’s stumbling right into the arms of long-term crush and fellow player Sam. Shame her boyfriend – his arch-rival – would sooner smash a racquet over their heads than agree to a simple change of partners.

As the Wimbledon Championships play out, Lucy fights for her life on and off the courts. The question is: what will she be left with after Wimbledon?

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Desired (True Alpha #1) (short story) by Alisa Woods (paranormal romance)

Blurb: Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City.

Mia is just a college girl trying to earn her business degree and dig out of the poverty she was born into—being a shifter is something she hides, hoping her secret won’t sabotage her dreams.

DUE FOR RELEASE ON 2ND SEPTEMBER 2014!!

Soul Rebel by C.J. Pinard (paranormal romance)

Blurb: When 21-year-old Nolan Bishop meets a seductive woman named Eva at a dark club in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, little does he know his soul will be gone as soon as she is. Realizing she’s taken something from him, he finds out he has a very limited time to destroy her before he turns into something sinister and inhuman. In a race against all that is holy, Nolan has to find Eva and get his soul back while trying not to fall in love with Charity, the twin sister of the succubus who took his soul – all in 7 days.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Here Lies Love by Dan Thompson (new adult, sci-fi, dystopian)

Blurb: Would death be less painful than life?

When she is sold by her father, Abbey discovers that nightmares can occur when you’re awake. Trapped inside a wooden cage, Abbey is forced to listen to the horrors and atrocities above; time ticking down until it is her turn. But Abbey isn’t prepared to become a victim; she will escape.

Although, what Abbey isn’t prepared for, is how harsh and unfair the world can be. With the sun turning its back on humanity long ago, life gives no opportunity. The only thing Abbey can do is learn to survive. To exist. And that means stealing any opportunity that comes her way. Haunted by the unpleasant memories bestowed upon her only nurtures Abbey’s paranoia, until she realises that to truly live in the world, she must confront the person who was responsible for her misfortune – her father.

Here Lies Love is a New Adult tale of actuality, of facing up to the fact that love comes in many guises. Can Abbey find the one glimmer of hope or will she be overcome with the darkness of revenge?

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

After the Haze by Gary Richardson (horror)

Blurb: The haze ravaged everything. Human life as we know it is over. Those who survived the haze awoke to find themselves in a new nightmare, as the dead returned with the insatiable desire to hunt down and feed on the remaining humans. Yvonne thought she had escaped her nightmare. Safely aboard the HMS Lancaster, Martin, Mike and herself believed they had found salvation with their military saviours. Things change when a devastating realisation is made. Humans no longer control the Earth. With this in mind, Yvonne has no choice but to assist in the operation to take back control of the UK and bring together all the survivors, but she soon learns that there are bigger threats to mankind than the living dead…

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

The Cabinetmaker by Alan Jones (crime thriller)

Blurb: The Cabinetmaker, Alan Jones’ first novel, tells of one man’s fight for justice when the law fails him. Set in Glasgow from the late nineteen-seventies through to the current day, a cabinetmaker’s only son is brutally murdered by a gang of thugs, who walk free after a bungled prosecution.

It’s young Glasgow detective John McDaid’s first murder case. He forms an unlikely friendship with the cabinetmaker, united by a determination to see the killers punished, their passion for amateur football, and by John’s introduction to a lifelong obsession with fine furniture.

This is the story of their friendship, the cabinetmaker’s quest for justice, and the detective’s search for the truth.

This unusual crime thriller contains some Glasgow slang and a moderate amount of strong language.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Amethyst’s Incredible Journey by Lisa Bland (fantasy)

Blurb: Amethyst is a witch with extremely evil and powerful parents. Amethyst is terrified that if she doesn’t stop her parents soon it will be too late, and they will gain control of Golden Dragon City and the Fountain of Magic. Amethyst knows that she’s only got until her next birthday to stop them.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

I hope you enjoy my mixed bag of goody books as I will enjoy reviewing them! Have a fantastic weekend, guys!

Caroline 🙂

August 21, 2014 by Caroline Barker

The Medea Complex by Rachel Florence Roberts REVIEW

****BASED ON A TRUE STORY***

1885. Anne Stanbury – Committed to a lunatic asylum, having been deemed insane and therefore unfit to stand trial for the crime of which she is indicted. But is all as it seems?

Edgar Stanbury – the grieving husband and father who is torn between helping his confined wife recover her sanity, and seeking revenge on the woman who ruined his life.

Dr George Savage – the well respected psychiatrist, and chief medical officer of Bethlem Royal Hospital. Ultimately, he holds Anne’s future wholly in his hands.

The Medea Complex tells the story of a misunderstood woman suffering from insanity in an era when mental illnesses’ were all too often misdiagnosed and mistreated. A deep and riveting psychological thriller set within an historical context, packed full of twists and turns, The Medea Complex explores the nature of the human psyche: what possesses us, drives us, and how love, passion, and hope for the future can drive us to insanity.

REVIEW

Set in the nineteenth century, based on a true story and real life characters of the time, The Medea Complex covers genres from an historical psychological thriller leading to an historical mystery thriller. The story holds a fascinating rawness and realistic storyline, following a new mother and her mental state since the birth of her child, how she reacts and copes to treatments and the people surrounding her and leaves the reader wondering if her husband remained in love with her or sought revenge for the situation she has left him in.

After killing her young infant son, Lady Anne Stanbury is committed to Bethlehem Hospital, deemed insane and therefore escapes the legal procedure of being sentenced (if found guilty). Anne is confused and believes she is being held for ransom by criminals as she cannot remember anything in regard to her husband and deceased child. And during this time the reader has an insight into how Anne is treated at the hospital by it’s members of staff.

The story opens up very dark, moody and a little depressing considering the main focus on a woman unable to cope with her young to the point she ends his life and ultimately is losing her mind. And yet, the author has made it so gripping and intense that it draws the reader in, making it such a pleasure to read. It is informative of the time, well-researched and yet written for a reader to follow the characters and storyline with ease, leaving a desire to read more.

Another area that intrigued me was the way in which the author tells the story from many perspectives; Lady Anne, Doctor George Savage, Edgar Stanbury (Anne’s husband), Lord Damsbridge (Anne’s father) and Beatrix Fortier (Anne’s maid and companion). This allows the reader to understand and perhaps empathise with the characters, their mindset and their actions.

Once the reader is aware of the situation that Lady Anne Stanbury is in the story goes on to focus on the many conflicts that all of the characters battle. Initially we are aware that Anne has conflicting memories and confusion of where she is, why she is there and what she remembers before entering the Bethlehem Hospital.

Doctor Savage is trying his best to carry out his work on the hope of curing Anne, whilst using the occasional method that Lord Damsbridge, Anne’s father, doesn’t approve of for his daughter. However, Lord Damsbridge funds the hospital thousands of pounds and wants his daughter treated in a specific manner. He can be a little threatening towards Doctor Savage, leaving the doctor the option to either follow or disobey his orders.

I love this maze of objectives and emotion that Rachel Florence Roberts has weaved into the story. It makes the story in many ways have more than one central character, bringing the reader close to all of them and trying to work out constantly what choices they will make and how they will execute their plans.

As the story unfolds past the first few chapters the reader begins to realise that Lady Anne’s husband, Edgar Stanbury was from a poor background. He has married into nobility and yet with no son and Anne in hospital he has no hold of Asquith Manor or the wealth that Lord Damsbridge could pass onto the male heir of Anne’s. To stay, Edgar needs Anne cured and another son to be born to claim the lifestyle for himself. Edgar also battles his confusion of whether he loves or hates his wife. Does he blame her tremendously for their sons death and long for revenge or does he love her and hopes for a better future with her?

Last but certainly not least is Beatrix who doesn’t take kindly to Edgar. The staff feel that he wants them fired and that his presence is purely for financial gain due to his background but as Asquith Manor is not his home yet she feels safe for now and uses her time to look out for Lady Anne.

In the latter half of the novel it becomes more an historical thriller/mystery, as opposed to psychological, with the reader constantly guessing what has taken place, who was involved, whether sanity had a role to play or not and there are many twists with nothing left unanswered at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this read regardless of its dark subject matter. It certainly opens eyes to all standpoints involved. And I cannot emphasize enough just how well-researched, understood and written about this era is in this story. It is a real stand-out and will not leave your mind in a hurry.

A copy of The Medea Complex was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

The Medea Complex is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker