Erotic Paranormal Romance – 18+ read – contains violence, gore, mention of rape, torture, images of past abuse, spanking.
Book Blurb
Created in Darkness and born of Death, three brothers carry a deadly secret.
One lethal enough to have the dead outnumber the living. Necromancer. Biohazard. Zombie. The abomination inside Bastian Hale demanded constant payment—fresh blood. Without it, he’d rot from the inside out and become little more than a mindless monster. Some called him a living vampire, others considered him contaminated. One woman would call him hers.
Morgan Cross never understood the innate necromancer power running through her veins or why ghosts and zombies sought to ruin her life. When someone’s deadly obsession throws her into Bastian’s arms, their pasts come back to haunt them and she must avoid the one thing she was born to do—claim him as hers.
WARNINGS: violence, gore, mention of rape, torture, images of past abuse, spanking.
My Review
Deliciously Dark and Decadent
Erotic Paranormal Romance 18+read
Crimson Sins is a deliciously dark and decadent erotic paranormal read – utterly compelling and original. It introduces us to a world of magic, necromancers, zombies, ghosts, and more and contains a heady and combustible mix of smokin’ hot romance and scenes of horror. It is without doubt one of my top reads of 2014.
I ADORED the hero Bastian, a tortured alpha hottie who is immediately drawn to Morgan, the heroine. He wants to protect her, not only from his father Ronan, but also from himself as he believes that he is not worthy of a woman’s love. Morgan’s own life has not been easy as she has struggled to cope with her ability to see spirits and has been grossly misunderstood. She is shocked to realise that she is a powerful necromancer and despite her independence welcomes Bastian’s help in protecting her from his father, who desires her for his own evil ends. I LOVED how Morgan’s powers grew throughout the novel and how the couple united in battling Ronan.
Ronan is a formidable adversary and will stop at nothing to achieve his ends, including his evil sorcerer’s magic. Can Bastian open his heart to trust a female necromancer whose own magic could enslave him just as his father’s had?
The lovemaking scenes between Bastian and Morgan are sublime – graphic, scorching hot and emotionally intense and left me in no doubt that the couple are destined to be together. These scenes contrast with the bloody and visceral scenes of horror and violence which illustrate the evil that is Ronan, Bastian’s father.
The enduring bond between the three brothers, Bastian, Rory and Nathan, who had shared so much pain and abuse in the past was also a feature of the read which I enjoyed. Although this book focuses on Bastian we are afforded an insight into what makes his equally tortured and hot siblings tick and I seriously hope that Madeline Pryce will be penning their own books soon!
The pacing of the book and the balance between the scenes of magic and action and horror with the romance and lovemaking scenes were perfect. If you like erotic paranormal romances, with strong references to horror you will love this book too. Go forth and buy Cimson Sins now! You will not be disappointed!
A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Whoo Hoo! Madeline Pryce’s eagerly awaited Dark Secrets, the second book in her fabulously sexy Dark Series is released today! For the blurb, a sizzling 18+ excerpt and buy links read on.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to enter Madeline’s super giveaway where she is giving away her entire back list to the lucky winners! That is three full-length novels: Dark Cravings – Dark #1, Dark Secrets – Dark #2, and Crimson Sins – BiD #1 & three novellas: Dark Innocence – Dark #1.5, Claiming Ecstasy and Wicked Magic. The giveaway closes at midnight PST on 7/18 – to enter please use the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post!
If you favour erotic paranormal reads with uber sexy alpha heroes, then I’d urge you to check this author out! I was completely enthralled by Claiming Ecstasy and Crimson Sins, which are amongst the best paranormal romance reads I have ever experienced! Tina ❤
Dark Secrets (Dark #2)
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419991370
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Theme: Vampire/Demon (a few shape shifters thrown in there…)
Length: 85,000 words
Book Blurb
The worst moment of Micah’s life was when Ella nearly died in his arms. Her miraculous recovery should have been the start of their future. Unfortunately, a new demonic heritage, the Shadow Agency’s corruption and Julian, the vampire who turned Ella, are testing their relationship. Despite hotter-than-ever sex and a variety of new places and positions to explore, Micah begins to wonder if a relationship based on lust can survive for more than a few scorching-hot months.
Ella has forgiven, but not forgotten, the fact that Micah once plunged a dagger through her heart. Everything with Micah is passion, excitement and an uncontrollable desire to explore his body in a variety of very satisfying ways. But as buried secrets, ongoing lies and murderous deceptions pile up, Ella is reminded that she and Micah’s relationship was based on a curse. In order to forge a future together, Ella and Micah will have to face down their personal demons—and prove that love and trust are more than just words.
A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
I popped the button on his pants and trailed my tongue over the curve of his jaw. “Does it matter? Julian can wait.”
Micah growled and spun me to the dresser, lifting to set me on top. He slapped a palm against the wall above my head, caging me in. Escape, although I didn’t want it, would have been near impossible.
“Don’t even say his name. One day, I’m going to rip out his spinal cord.” The coarse golden hair dusting his jaw rasped against my cheek as he took my mouth in a kiss that sent us both spiraling.
The aggression lurking inside him coalesced. Demanding. Rough. He moved his hands over my body, exploring me as if we’d not already memorized every inch of each other earlier that day at the Vault. Mindless to anything except the male body in front of me, I was lost to all reason.
I threaded my fingers through his hair, holding him against me. I stroked my tongue against his, addicted to the taste of him. When I tilted my head to the side, our teeth clanked. Our embrace deepened as he dug his hands into the soft flesh at my hips and slid me close. He ground his body against mine and devoured me.
The demon lurking under the surface made me yearn for it to claim me. Never breaking the kiss, Micah moved the material covering my breast aside and cupped the tender weight. A sharp spike of need ran straight to my core. His hands were callused, the perfect texture moving across my sensitive nipple. The sudden need pulsing through me was going to tear me in half.
When he released my mouth, I gasped for breath. The sensations he caused had me clutching the corded muscles at his back. Featherlight, such a contrast to the frenzied need to mate surging between us, his lips moved across my cheek to my neck.
“I want your hair down.”
He tugged at a few things and within seconds, my painstakingly created up-do fell apart. He ran his hand through my curls. The gentle touch turned forceful. Forming a fist, he tugged, eliciting another needy moan when my head snapped to the side allowing the access he desired.
He nipped the scar on the side of my throat, the imprint of his teeth. I trembled from head to toe.
“Julian may get you tonight, but it’s me who you’ll smell like. My come inside your body. My marks on your flesh. I’ll make sure you remember the feel of my cock with every single step you take.”
Haven’t read the Dark series yet?
Start with Dark Cravings (over 50 five star reviews on Amazon), it’s the first full length novel in the series…
Dark Cravings Blurb
Ella Grey’s life sucks. A half-breed vampire, she does her best to pass the time killing demons and secretly admiring her Shadow Hunter partner, Micah. He’s hot, dangerous and knows it. He’d be just Ella’s type if he weren’t likely to kill her the moment she put a toe out of line.
A chance encounter with a succubus changes everything. From the second the succubus’ spell washes over them, Ella and Micah are helpless to keep their hands off one another. The sex, when it’s not leaving them on the verge of death, is earth shattering and for the first time in ages Ella is connected with someone on a level she’d feared lost forever. But a dangerous prophecy has been set into motion, and if Ella’s not careful it’ll pull her straight from Micah’s arms and into the deepest bowels of the underworld.
A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously published under the title Blood Lust Rising. It has been revised and expanded for EC.
Dark Vengeance (#2.5 Castro – 45k) – release date coming soon!
Dark Promises (#3 Ella/Micah) – Spring 2015
About Madeline Pryce
Madeline Pryce wrote her first novel when she was ten, penned with neon-pink ink in a loose-leaf binder. Captivated by romantic literature, yet intrigued by the paranormal, she continues to develop her own voice, writing the kinds of stories that inspired her as a teen.
Blurb: The saga continues. He has returned, but not yet awakened to fulfill His destiny.
With The Re-Awakening, the second book of the Second Coming Series, author Carter Vance continues the thrilling story of the modern day return of Christ.
Like the first book, it is full of action and suspense that takes place in a chaotic world reeling towards the prophesied Apocalypse.
The first book, The Return, re-counted the circumstances of His birth. The Re-Awakening chronicles the events of His growth and the re-acquiring of His Christ Consciousness.
The first son in the bloodline of Jesus Christ, Lazarus J. Christos, must immerse Himself in the modern day world and prepare to fulfill His mission that has been prophesied for two thousand years.
With the aide of the order of the Knights Templars, long existing in the shadows, and the even less known organization of The Founders, young Lazarus, on a path of personal discovery, encounters His doubts and faces His fears of His ability to fulfill His mission.
Meanwhile, His enemies mount their plan for His eradication and their goal of world domination. They believe there is a way for them to prevail beyond the prophecies. These Dark Forces embark upon a worldwide hunt for legendary artifacts of power that might tip the balance of power to their advantage for the forthcoming ultimate battle of good versus evil for the soul of humanity.
Review
Another mysterious, dark read from Carter Vance in regard to the Second Coming!
After failing to prevent the rebirth of Christ (The Return, Second Coming #1), the Dark Forces are now out to track Him down in order to keep a watchful eye on Him, being ready to pounce at any time but also to be made aware of His movements and gauge what He could be learning and planning for future events.
Meanwhile, these Dark Forces also spend their own time planning for a major worldwide event to take place in which they will almost probably come head-to-head with the Reborn and therefore seek many relics and objects of religious and powerful value to assist them with their cause, in the hope that these items will give them power, wealth and control.
The Re-Awakening is written well, if a little on the heavy descriptive side. It is also an educational read in some areas. The author has again clearly carried out a great deal of research into historical events, myths, relics and many religious ideas mentioned in The Bible. This is obvious due to his fantastic in-depth explanation of them and their meaning. Carter Vance supports his fictional side/story well with these historical facts, and biblical/theological ideas. Vance also expresses his knowledge of The World and it’s geography as this trilogy covers almost all areas of the globe.
As The Re-Awakening is the second book of a trilogy I found most of this book was the basis for the third and final story in the Second Coming Trilogy. I found the first half, particularly the first third quite descriptive of the relics, their meaning and concentrating on the politics of the Dark Forces, mostly within the Vatican.
Due to the heavy descriptive style I found The Re-Awakening to be a more challenging read as it did not keep me engrossed at times. (Although it would be fair of me to mention that this is not my usual/preferable type of read.) Many of the chapters begin at different points and/or with different characters of the story during the first few chapters, making it a little more difficult to follow. Although this does make it an interesting screen-play style read.
For a fictional story it does lack the fluid-like story-telling and the reader can easily lose track for a while. Due to this writing style, as I mentioned in my review of The Return (Book 1), there is little connection between the characters and the reader, making it difficult to relate to and sympathise with the characters.
As the Re-Awakening is setting up for the finale, Book 3 of the Second Coming trilogy, I did find it interesting how Laz Christos (the Reborn) develops into a young man and how he is educated and experiences life across the globe. Although initially wanting to put The Re-Awakening down, I persisted and was amazed by the end just how much it had actually sucked me back in. It certainly has an air of mystery about it. I did miss the Knights Templar a little as they did have little to do in this book, however I did welcome reading about Laz and his family, as well as the kinky nuns working for the Darker Side who do add a little relief to the seriousness of the book!
A copy of The Re-Awakening was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
I LOVE it when the hero and the heroine have a chance to re-kindle their romance! What would you do if your first love unexpectedly reappeared decades after you had parted company? Would you embrace the attraction that still exists? This is the situation that Mia finds herself in when Adrian steps back into her life after she has experienced a divorce. It is not only her own future she has to think about but that of her two children…
This sounds such an emotional and fascinating romance which is due to be released on July 21st and I’ll be sharing my thoughts on it with you very soon as I’m pleased to say that I have a review copy from the author. Meanwhile check out the synopsis and some sexy teasers and enter the super giveaway! Tina 🙂
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Title: My First, My Last
Publication Date: July 21, 2014
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Wordcount: Approximately 78,000
Publisher: MyLit Publishing
Format: eBook and Paperback
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Fate has kept them apart for twenty years.
Their roads hadn’t crossed and the stars didn’t align until now…
Matured, more experienced, pierced, tattooed and hot as hell, Adrian steps back into Mia’s life to reclaim his first love.And the moment she sees him she can’t even remember her own name.Adrian Reed had always remained in Mia’s heart. After all, he was her first boyfriend and the man she’d lost her virginity to, but that was twenty years ago. His sudden appearance at a bar, on a girls night out, has Mia acting like the fifteen year old girl she was when they parted. But life now is not as simple as it was twenty years ago. With two kids, a hopeful ex-husband and new insecurities, Mia finds opening up to a new relationship more challenging.Will she give her first love another chance, or will she push him away, this time for good?
Author of Erotic Romance, Lacey Silks writes her stories from life experiences, dreams and fantasies. She likes a pinkish shade on a woman’s cheeks, men with large feet and sexy lingerie, especially when it’s torn off the body. Her favorite piece of clothing is a birthday suit.When she’s not thinking about writing steamy stories, which is a rare occasion, Lacey enjoys camping and skiing with her family (not at the same time of course). She’s a happily married wife blessed with two kids who adore going to the library. She’s an early bird by nature, but loves the nightly adventures with her hubby which provide good content for her books.
Sign up for Lacey’s newsletter to receive an email of when the novel is released.
To celebrate the release of My First, My Last, join me at the Facebook party on July 21st from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. We’ll have games, trivia and loads of fun – with of course awesome prizes!
Can’t wait for My First, My Last? Try one of Lacey’s backlist titles. Dazzled by Silver is the prequel to the Layers Trilogy and it’s free at most retailers.
Since returning home, Sammy’s been struggling desperately to remember her friends and her adventures back in the Wild West. Were they real? Could the vampires, the werewolves, even Harry be just figments of her imagination? Desperate for answers, Sammy has returned to the Underground, where it all began, and finds herself snatched back in time once again.
Plunged into the middle of a desperate battle, Sammy’s soon fighting for her life, for her memories . . . and for her man!
Short, sharp and sexy, this is the perfect remedy for O’Rourke addicts needing a quick hit, and for new readers looking for something new and exciting!
REVIEW
After the action and thrills from Samantha’s adventures in the Wild West (Vampire Seeker – Samantha Carter #1) Samantha is back in the present day wondering if it was all real or just a dream. She keeps returning to the Underground regularly in the hope that she could go back in time again. Despite the danger, fear or mystery she simply can’t let go of the idea of seeing her friends from Vampire Seeker, in particular Harry, again!
From the first few pages I could feel my muscles tense and my heart pace quicken, with the sense of excitement and thrills becoming more and more. Tim’s novella writing style is absolutely spot on in Vampire Flappers. The first few pages offer the reader an understanding of where the plot and characters are and then we jump straight into the action, adventure, mystery, violence and thrill!
The Samantha Carter series already has to be my favourite of Tim O’Rourke’s books. If I could be any character of any book it would be Sammy – partly because of Harry and also because she has everything I would be interested in, with her studying of criminology, her interest in vampires, her time travel experiences, her sense of adventure and keeping herself from living an average life in the hope that she could one day pursue her experience of time travel and the paranormal again.
Of course, it doesn’t take long for the reader, along with Sammy, to be sucked back into the 1920’s, France,, where all is a little confusing and mysterious for Sammy initially. However, it doesn’t take too long before O’Rourke plunges into the action and the reader is swept off their feet with chases, fight scenes, blood and gore, only to be led into a highly tense, powerful and intimate scene which will never leave your mind!!
The character Harry is the HOTTEST damn thing on the planet, and by far my favourite male character of any book I have ever read! He is demanding, aggressive, powerful and completely spellbinding. He can certainly handle himself well, not to mention Sammy. Tim O’Rourke certainly knows how to write a sexy, passionate scene!!
The reader is left curious when it comes to Sammy’s character in Harry’s life. Harry hints that she cannot remember what has been said to her or certain events, meaning that some part of Sammy must be/have been with Harry at certain times and yet she has no idea what he is talking about. For Sammy, she has only travelled back in time twice, and after the first time, she feels like she is forgetting moments already. The whole time travel aspect adds a great deal of mystery to Sammy, the reader and the story.
I could not lose the exhilarating feeling I had even many hours after I had read Vampire Flappers!!! I cannot wait to find out more in Vampire Watchmen (Samantha Carter #2), due out in September 2014.
A copy of Vampire Flappers (Samantha Carter #1.5) was received for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
Vampire Flappers (Samantha Carter #1.5) by Tim O’Rourke is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
For me Summer is by far the best time of the year. I live in the UK and while we are not guaranteed sun during June, July and August, when it does shine I am a happy bunny. I can sit out and eat in the garden, wear what I want and generally celebrate the good life! Whatever the season though I am never without a good book and the 30 DAYS OF SUMMER BLOG TOUR is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about some authors you already know, discover some new ones and try your hand at winning some super prizes!
One of my favourite authors, Christina Phillips, is visiting our blog today to share the cover and blurb for her brand spanking new release, HER VENGEFUL SCOT, an historical erotic romance. Having read the first book in this series, Her Savage Scot, I am chomping at the bit to find out about the romance between the hero and heroine of this novel, Scottish warrior Cameron and the Pictish lady Elise. This author’s romances sizzle with passion and raw emotion and always have a page turning plot! There is also a sexy excerpt and a some great prizes up for grabs in the giveaway including gift cards, paperbacks, swag and jewellery.
BOOK INFORMATION
Title: HER VENGEFUL SCOT Series: Highland Warrior Chronicles (Book 2) Author: Christina Phillips Word/Page count: 83,000 words Buy links: AmazonEllora’s Cave
BLURB
To avenge his sister’s honor, he must destroy the woman he wants most in the world…
Ordered to remain in Pictland, Cameron MacNeil fights the lust that consumes him whenever he encounters the aloof princess, Elise. Not only is she a cursed Pict, she belongs to the man he has vowed vengeance upon.
Despite her reputation, Elise has no interest in men until she meets Cameron. Lacking the famed Scots charm, his blunt ways enchant her and he ignites a passion she long thought dead. When she is freed from her difficult marriage, Elise places her trust in the tough Scot warrior who has stolen her heart.
Bound by blood oaths, the only way Cam can protect Elise from political schemes is to make her his bride. When Elise discovers the truth, she fears everything she knew about her husband was a lie. All she can do is trust her goddess was right and Cameron is her one true love.
A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
EXCERPT
Cameron MacNeil continued to glare at her, his eyes smoldering with black passion. She tried to ignore the prickles of awareness that burned her flesh beneath his gaze. But her chest constricted and it was hard to breathe, never mind engage in conversation with him.
That he desired her was obvious. That he hated the fact he wanted her was also painfully obvious. She could only hope he had no idea of the effect he had on her.
“Why are you out here alone, my lady?” he said, still speaking in his bone-meltingly accented Pictish although it was apparent to them both, she was more fluent in his language than he was in hers. But how did he manage to inject so much venom into such a mundane question? If he loathed conversing with her people to this degree then why did he continue to torment her with his unwelcome presence?
As if to belie her thought, her treacherous gaze drank in the way his unbound hair whipped across his face in the Highland breeze. The way his white linen shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. How it molded against his powerful chest beneath the length of plaid slung over his shoulder.
His presence tormented her. But despite that, it was not unwelcome.
Fire flooded her veins, warming her cheeks. Goddess, she was blushing like a maid. No man made her blush. She was immune to their charms, no matter how much she enjoyed their company. And even if Cameron MacNeil awoke long dormant desires within her, it was nothing but a cruel contradiction—for she certainly did not enjoy his company.
Her heart hammered an erratic rhythm as she watched him step closer to her. The sky receded. The earth fell away. He filled the world and stole the air, raised the heat and made it hard to think, to reason.
He was so close she could feel his uneven breath across her face. Could see the deep brown of his eyes, the intriguing thickness of his lashes. For a fleeting instant his features softened and she saw beneath the simmering hatred he appeared to hold against her people. And in that moment the gaping chasm of want and loneliness that corroded his soul slammed through her breast.
She gasped. A shiver trickled along her spine at the eerie certainty that she had just glimpsed the true man beneath the warrior. For one brief moment, his façade had cracked. And even though now, once again, his countenance was as forbidding as it had always been, she knew the truth.
His air of fury and his curt words were not intended as a personal affront against her or her people. It was an act of self-preservation.
AUTHOR BIO
Christina Phillips is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their family. She enjoys writing paranormal, historical and contemporary romance but whether the hero is a fallen angel, tough warrior or sexy mortal, the romance will be sizzling and the heroine will bring her hero to his knees.
Christina is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.
We are thrilled to be a host for the cover reveal of Alicia Taylor’s and Natalie Townsend’s first release, CORRUPTED, a dark contemporary. Have a peek at the cover and read on to check out the blurb and an excerpt and teasers that will leave you wanting more! You can also find out about and connect with the authors. ❤
Synopsis
I am going to marry a monster.
He is my everything.
He manipulates people for fun. He takes over their lives, consuming them. He dominates and crushes, ruling them, claiming their souls. No one can survive the games of Damon Hunt.
Before now. Before me.
I am Ella Knight. I am corrupted. My sister was a victim of Damon’s games. It’s my turn to play now.
Damon Hunt has been my sole focus, my everything for three years, since my sister’s death. I’ll manipulate him. I’ll take over his life, consuming and crushing him. I am going to take away his soul. Damon Hunt will not survive my games. I will win.
I look down at Cory and feel nothing; no joy at breaking him, no happiness at succeeding, and certainly no sadness over lost love. I don’t really remember feelings nowadays. Love isn’t real. It hurts people. It’s a word used too often without meaning. I have no time for love. I am empty. A single vessel floating around a universe of
nothing. I have no reason to feel anymore. No real reason.
The weeping man before me brings no emotions out in me. They never do, they’re just collateral damage. They’re all the same – easy to please, easy to hurt, full of broken promises. The world would be better off without men in it. I didn’t need to ruin Cory. I was ready when I left Scott. Cory just happened to catch my eye at the right time. Or wrong time, depending on how you look at it. I want to laugh at his pathetic display of weakness. Crying over a break up? Disgusting. Love sucks, get over it already!
“You’re weak. Nothing but a pathetic piece of shit.” I snarl.
“I don’t understand. Why? What’s changed since this morning?” his eyes plead with me. This is the part I like. Seeing how far I can push them. “Baby, I love you.”
“You think you love me after three months?” I laugh and shake my head. “You were easy.”
“I do. You know I do. You feel the same, you said you loved me. Why did you fuck him?”
I can see the doubt set in as he looks up at me. I smile. Stupid man. “I’ve never loved you. It was all a game. You were a game.” He sucks in a shocked gasp. “I saw you the night before in the bar. You’d cheated on your girlfriend, but you were still trying to make her feel bad for your actions. After you got caught. Like it was her fault your dick slipped into the redhead. I had to have you then.” I walk to him and crouch down so we’re eye level. “It took one flash of leg to get your attention. One smile to get a drink. Three days for you to say you were sorry for the first time. By day eight you told me you loved me.” I tilt my head to the side to look at the poor excuse of a man I’ve been shacked up with for the past three months.
“Why are you doing this?” he cries as his head drops forward, shoulders hutched over in defeat.
“Because I can.” I snap. “You tried to manipulate a vulnerable woman. You used love to hurt her. I couldn’t let you get away with that, you needed to feel the pain you caused your ex.”
“So this has all been revenge for Carol?” Cory asks in an incredulous voice.
“No. I’ve never spoken to Carol before. This was about more than just your ex, Cory. It was about the man you are. What you represent. I knew on day five that you would be the easiest. A few words in your ear and you believed my words over a fourteen year friendship. Never put hoes before bros, it’s a known fact. That friendship took twelve days to break. Twelve days as opposed to fourteen years?” I laugh at his stupidity, shaking my head. “Pathetic.”
“Tony didn’t?”
“Tony certainly did. Just not the way I told you.” I’m ready to leave. I stand and move to collect my bag from the kitchen table. “I never needed anything from you. I don’t need anything from anyone. All that money you’ve given me, I didn’t need any of it. I just needed to see how hard you would try to keep me.” realisation is finally sinking in. He sounds broken.
“Why? Why? Because I lost everything. All because of a man like you.” I shout at him before calming my voice. “Your dad never touched me, you know?” a sob tears from his throat, raw pain. “Sure, he grabbed my arm and made those marks but only after I told him I was using you. Good thing mummy dearest believed him.”
“You bitch.” he cries, looking torn up. Yes, he’s too broken to even stand up to me. I walk to stand in front of him.
“I am a bitch. I don’t feel. I don’t love. I hate. I only hate. I hate you.” I grab a hand full of his brown hair, squeezing it into a fist then pulling his head back so he’s looking at me. “I would say it’s been fun but you’re the same as the rest of them. A lying, cheating, lousy lay. Have fun trying to build bridges.” I push away from him, stride to the door, and exit, leaving it to slam behind me. I smile as the cold, February air stings my face. The winter sun is shining bright. It’s deceiving. Like me, beauty surrounded by nothing but bitterness. It takes nothing but a smile to lure men in. I use them. I manipulate them. I break them. That’s the best part, leaving them broken with nothing and no one left. I had everything taken away from me because of one man. The Demon. Damon Hunt.
Damon is a hunter. He preys on innocent women. He breaks them, tears them apart until they have nothing more left to give. It’s time for the hunter to be hunted.
Author Bio’s
Alicia Taylor is 28, lives in Derbyshire in the UK with her husband and two step-daughters. Corrupted is her debut novel which she cowrites with Natalie Townson. This is book one in the Manipulation Trilogy. Her love of reading led to blogging which led to this – dipping her toes in the indie author pool.
Natalie Townson is 31, a mother of one beautiful little boy and lives in Gloucester in the UK with her Husband. Corrupted is her debut novel that is a book one of the manipulation trilogy, that she co writes with Alicia Taylor. She is currently working on book two of the series which is nearly complete.
We are so pleased to welcome the blog tour for The Hunter’s Realm, a magical fantasy romance by Brianna Hughes! Just check out the hottie on the cover! Scroll down for the blurb, super excerpt, trailer and more and read my review! Also don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter as 5 e-book copies of The Hunter’s Realm are up for grabs!
Kelly Jackson has spent four years running and hiding. Her prince turned out to be an abusive bastard who tried to take her son. Moving into a nice quiet neighborhood the last thing she wants is to be drawn to her McHottie neighbor. No matter that her children think he belongs to the family.
Elliot Hensworth, one of the Realm’s mightiest warriors, was sent to the other side to guard the weakening wall between the Realms. The last thing he needs is a petite sexy neighbor with her inquisitive children to find out that he isn’t what he seems.
The Hunter’s Realm is a story of strength, love and courage, face your worst fears and survive, to put your faith and trust in another person and the joy that comes when you do.
The Hunter’s Realm
Brianna Hughes
Purchase Links
Amazon US | B&N | Kobo
Trailer
Teaser
She couldn’t deny his wonderful work ethics. Like a busy little ant, he went through the house diligently. Kellie made him the list he asked for and by the end of the afternoon, he’d tackled it all and even fixed some things she hadn’t even noticed. Like the handle on her dresser drawer; it had to be her underwear one, of course. He’d just casually dumped it on the bed. Her waist high granny panties, all in the exciting color of white, poured out.
Okay, so she shopped for comfort instead of sexy. It wasn’t like anyone usually saw them, but talk about embarrassing. After he’d fixed the drawer she dived onto the bed to put them back, the thought of him handing her underwear somehow too intimate for her to handle.
He’d of course just grinned, a cocky smile that he liked to use a lot and made her insides turn upside down each time he did.
Excerpt
After all, wasn’t every day that a total hottie almost landed in her lap wearing low-hipped track pants and no shirt to hide the flattest stomach and most deliciously muscled arms ever? However, that’s all she’d be doing–looking. No touching, definitely no touching. But God, those clear, bright blue eyes and sun streaked, golden tousled hair almost made her change her mind.
“Sorry if we bothered you,” she said. “We’ve been cleaning all morning, and the twins needed to let off some steam.”
“It is I who must apologize for the irregular behavior. I assure you that it will not be happening again,” he said, shrugging sheepishly.
Rea tugged on her hand so she looked down.
“Is he a powceman, mommy?” he said in a loud whisper that sprayed from his lips.
Good question. Kellie looked at the stranger. Good looks aside, why had he dived into their yard with a gun?
“No, I’m not a policeman. Although, I do work with them occasionally, I’m an oddity investigator or maybe easier to be known as a missing persons investigator,” he answered.
Kellie’s eyes widened and in spite of her vow to stay celibate, her libido woke up and yawned with interest. Go back to sleep, she told her awakening body. I swore off men, remember?
My Review
Fun and Sexy Fantasy Romance
The Hunter’s Realm is the first book that I have read by Brianna Hughes and I found it a fun and sexy read with super characters and plenty of action.
I liked the concept of the magical Realm, populated with creatures of myth and legend. Although the Realm is hidden from the human world, the barriers which separate the two worlds are breaking down. To maintain the safety of the inhabitants of the Realm, the hero Elliot, a warrior renowned for his hunting prowess, is despatched to the human world to track down and return to the Realm any magical creatures who have crossed over.
Elliot becomes immediately enamoured with his new neighbour, Kellie and her two children. Their romance is both sweet and hot, attraction is mutual and it develops fairly quickly. Although Kellie has sworn off men due to an abusive ex (who was a real b******), and Elliot does not feel ready to settle down, they nevertheless fall in love. When Kellie’s ex reappears in her life, she and her children are put in great danger and the unthinkable happens. The human world and the magical world of the Realm collide and Kellie must adjust to not only finding out that Elliot is not whom he seems, but that the world of magic exists and that her abusive ex has an evil agenda of his own.
I LOVED Kellie! She is a strong woman, who has done her utmost to protect her children and is doing a great job of surviving on her own. Her experience of men is limited to the abusive relationship she had with her ex and I loved how Elliot’s actions make her feel so womanly and desirable, giving her confidence that she never realised she had.
Elliot is a powerful and drop-dead gorgeous example of masculinity – hell just look at how he is depicted on the book cover! He is every woman’s dream, kind and sensitive, good with children, romantic, humorous and yet more than capable of using his skills as a warrior to protect those her loves. As the romance progresses there are many hot scenes as the couple struggle to keep their hands off each other.
The villain of the piece is a real monster and is not averse to committing violent acts to gain his ends. I also enjoyed the other characters who played key roles in the plot, especially Elliot’s parents and his sister and Kellie’s children.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy a fun, spicy and action-packed fantasy romance.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this book was provided for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
About the Author
A little about me is I am a person who loves life and living in the moment. I have found a deep passion in my life in writing romance and erotica novels as much as I enjoy reading them too. I started writing as a hobby and since have been inspired to publish what I have. My heroines are always strong women that can stand up for themselves.
My favorite genre to write is Paranormal, but I am delving into other genres as well. My passion is to express how I feel and see romance, sex, and creatures of the unknown come alive on the pages of my books. Immortal highlanders, witches, vampires, Lycans, warlocks and many more, some of my work is inspired by daydreaming , but mostly by a wild imagination. I am now exploring, Contemporary, Fantasy, Historical and Western Romance, as well as Erotica. I am also thinking of doing a few YA books too.
My first book was published on May 7, 2012, ever since Blood Ties (Wicked Blood Series #1) hit the shelves it has been great and a dream come true. Taking the characters that are in my head and bringing life to them is accelerating. I am staying very busy these days as I am working on three more books for this year. One is another in the Wicked Blood Series and another from my Marshal’s Series and a final one with my Co-Author J.L.Raven.
Coming June 20,2014 I will be releasing another novel, this is a fantasy romance entitled, “The Hunter’s Realm” published by BookRhythm.
I could not have gotten this far without the Lord’s help and several friends and family.
Already reaching the Top 100 horrors on Amazon upon it’s release, A Reader’s Review Blog is excited to provide the press release details for the supernatural horror MILK-BLOOD by Mark Matthews. I cannot wait to review this one in the next few weeks!!! But for now, check out the blurb and quotes from early reviews, as well as the links! Enjoy!!
“One of the most anticipated reads of the summer.” –The Horror Bookshelf
MILK-BLOOD, by Mark Matthews, is now available on Amazon. It is a tale of urban horror set in Detroit that may be unlike anything you’ll read all year. MILK-BLOOD is the follow up to On the Lips of Children,the author’s debut piece of horror. The cover design is from Kealan Patrick Burke of Elderlemon Design, and the story was edited by Richard Thomas, Editor in Chief at Dark House Press.
What’s it about?
Lilly is ten years old, born with a heart defect, and already addicted to heroin. Her mother is gone from her life, and there are rumors that she was killed by her father and buried near the abandoned house across the street. The house intrigues her, she can’t stay away, and the monstrous homeless man who lives there has been trying to get Lilly to come inside.
For her mother is there, buried in the back, and this homeless man is Lilly’s true father, and both want their daughter back.
The term upon which the title is based, “Milk-Blood” was made famous in the Neil Young Song “The Needle and the Damage Done.” A companion piece featuring a character from Milk-Blood, The Damage Done, is available for free on amazon and has been receiving tremendous reviews.
Praise for MILK-BLOOD
“An incredibly powerful story and one of the most original horror novels I have read in years. Guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat!”—The Horror Bookshelf
“I had to keep on reading no matter what, not able to break its spell.” -Goodreads Librarian
“The originality and tension of the urban horror story, Milk-Blood is evident on every page. Matthews takes you to some very dark places, twists and turns, with the rabbit hole going deeper and deeper, until there is no way out. Not for the faint of heart, this story of love, loss, family and acceptance is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.” — Richard Thomas, author of Staring Into the Abyss
“What a dark, twisted and bizarre book this was. One of the most striking urban horror stories I have read in a long time.” —Author Adam Light
“This is a helluva story. A discomforting tale of true inner city horrors, told by characters so real they pop off the page. Add the supernatural mix to the story and it really grabs you by the throat. Very much recommended!”— John F.D. Taff, author of Little Deaths
TITLE – Restoring Lady Anna SERIES – Eversley Siblings Series AUTHOR – Em Taylor GENRE – Historical Regency Romance PUBLICATION DATE – 1 May 2014 LENGTH – 55,000 COVER ARTIST – Veronica Fernandez
BOOK SYNOPSIS
When Lord James Eversley is accused of a murder he did not commit, he dresses up as his new brother-in-law’s footman and hitches a ride in their carriage out of town. When it seems they are no longer being followed he begins to relax until a minor accident causes them to stop at a shabby looking inn. As his “master” and his sister sip tea in the scruffy parlour, James comes face to face with Lady Anna, the woman who left him in the dead of night five years before and a familiar looking child.
Lady Anna has accepted her life as Mrs Johnstone, mother of four-year-old Viola, “wife” of Peter, the mentally ill former footman and land lady of a shabby inn on the Great North Road. Her plans for a love match with the handsome Lord Eversley were cruelly snatched away from her five years before. Her ruination means there is no opportunity to return to her family or the ton. When James turns up, dressed as a footman and demanding answers, Anna must decide whether to tell the truth.
James never stopped loving Anna and now he must learn what happened that fateful night that Anna left him heartbroken. With the truth out in the open, he must convince the love of his life to take a chance on him. He wants to marry her and restore her reputation among the aristocracy. But in Regency England reputations are easily lost and difficult to regain. Can Anna trust James enough to do what is right for Peter, despite his actions, her child and most importantly himself? Can James convince Anna to seek the help that Peter needs and return to the ton?
“No.” She should lie. She knew she should, but his light blue eyes seemed to bore holes into her very soul and she could not bear to hurt him further. She could not bear to have him think badly of her.
“Then I do not understand why you left. Was it… was… God dammit.” He took a large gulp of his ale and looked around before leaning close. “Was it the bedding? I know you were an innocent and it must have hurt but…”
“No.” She shook her head fervently. Could he really believe that the best night of her life had driven her from him? “That night… it was very special. You were wonderful and kind and caring. I could not have asked for a better lover the first time.”
Relief washed over his countenance before he frowned. “Then why?”
Should she tell him? Could she? “It is too complicated to explain, except to say that it was not my choice and it was not your fault.”
He pushed his long fingers through his blond curls and stared into his ale. “Is he—the footman—still alive?”
“Yes.” He looked into her eyes—the hope that had shone there moments before was gone.
“So you are married.”
“We never married.”
“You live in sin?”
“Yes. I refused to marry him—not even to give my daughter a name. I tell people I am Mrs Johnstone, but there are no legal documents and no marriage. Therefore, you can return to the ton, my lord, and tell them that Lady Anna Kingsley is a whore and has a bastard child.”
Now perhaps he would leave her alone to her miserable life and find someone who would make a proper countess when his father died. She swallowed hard, forcing back the tears. Willed herself to stay strong. She only had to stay strong until the damned ostlers could help Lord Ramsey’s horse.
“Shh! I will be returning to the ton to tell them no such thing. I wished you would tell me what actually happened, if for no other reason than to assuage my fear that it was something I did or said that drove you away. You said you have a daughter?”
“Yes. Viola. She is a pretty little thing but can be quite precocious when she wants to be. She would have made a beautiful debutante whenher time came.”
“Mama. Who is this?” She turned to see Viola standing at her side and realised it had been the child who was tugging at her skirts.
**** James stared at the little girl standing next to Anna, tugging on the grey wool skirt. Blond hair, blue eyes and rosy cheeks that reminded him of Rebecca when she was small. She even had the little turn up in her nose that was identical to his sister’s. But, it could not be. This child could not be his? They had made love but once—or at least just one night. But he had not withdrawn as he knew he should. He had been too caught up in the moment—in their love. Had Anna fallen with child that one glorious night, how old would a child be? Three? No—four! Was this little girl four? He had no idea how large or small a child should be at the age of four. He did not come into contact with many children.
But he did not have to ask her age. His sight told him that Viola was his as did something else…instinct perhaps? He schooled his features so they were unreadable. Years of training to be a gentleman, to show no outward emotion, were now paying dividends.
“This is Lord Eversley, a friend of mine.”
“Oh. Pleased to meet you Lord Evasey.” She bobbed a small curtsey, and he noted that she over extended her back leg a bit like the actors did in the theatre at the curtain call. It was very sweet. The child obviously did not meet many members of the aristocracy. Though it was just like Anna to have taught her daughter to act like a lady in preparation for meeting a viscount or even a duke.
“Very pleased to meet you too, Viola.” She smiled dazzlingly at him. It really was like being taken back in time to when Rebecca was a child.
“Mama, he’s awake. I heard him shouting.”
“I see.” She turned to James. “I need to go just now. I have things that must be attended to.” Anna stood and looked like she was about to bob a curtsey but seemed to the think better of it, probably remembering he was supposed to be a footman.
He watched her leave, Viola’s hand in hers. He had sired a daughter and all this time he never knew. He did not need Anna to tell him that Viola was his flesh and blood—he knew it with every fibre of his being. If he said it outright, would Anna lie? Could she lie about something as monumental as him having a child? Not the Anna he once knew. But she was harder now—more resilient. He saw it in her eyes. Even though he had sensed she had been on the edge of tears, he suspected Mrs Anna Johnstone did not cry very often. But he must allow Anna to tell him in her own time. There was a lot more to this than a silly lady having her head turned by a handsome footman. Was the person who had just woken the footman? Why had Viola looked unhappy when she had to announce the footman was awake? And why was Anna the one working in the taproom?
He would find out, and he would not leave this place until he knew the whole truth and certainly he would not leave without his daughter.
My Review
Passionate and Compelling Regency
This Regency romance by Em Taylor examines some heavy issues – kidnap, mental health and social mores – in particular the expectations imposed on women by the Ton. However, at the centre of the tale is the romance between Anna and James. Fate has now reunited them but their current circumstances could not be more different and there are moral as well as social dilemmas to overcome if they are to secure their HEA.
Both the hero and the heroine of this novel are well developed characters – Anna is no vacuous Regency miss and neither is James a fop or wastrel and they both exhibit a high level of maturity and compassion for others in addressing the predicament they find themselves in. That the couple are still deeply enamoured with each other is beyond doubt and there are many sizzling love-making scenes. Anna is certainly a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to give James what he needs and James finds it difficult to restrain himself.
The central conflict however remains – how can Anna be persuaded to resume her place in society, when she has not only been disgraced, living with a man out of wedlock, but also having birthed an illegitimate child? Her fears are not just for herself but also for the potential impact on her daughter and James. The issue of Peter’s future and his mother Agnes, with whom she and her daughter have forged a strong bond, is also problematic.
I understood Anna’s dilemma and applauded James’ patience in addressing her concerns. The scenes where the author depicts James’ conflicting emotions: surprise; relief; joy; anger; frustration and passion, are very well done. Will Anna consent to be his wife and return to society or will she find it impossible to contemplate despite her love for James? Also if she does resume her rightful place as an Earl’s daughter will James be able to deal with any fallout?
I enjoyed how the author contrasts the life Anna was thrust into as an ordinary member of Regency society and the life of the aristocracy. I particularly liked how it gave the hero a deeper insight into those less fortunate than himself. The depiction of Peter’s mental illness and how the hero and heroine react to it is also enlightening and heartrending
All in all Restoring Lady Anna is a sexy, passionate and thought -provoking novel, which provides a fascinating perspective on Regency society. I recommend it to romance readers in general, particularly those who enjoy Regency romances or reads where issues affecting women’s role in society are under the spotlight.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was provided by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Em was born and brought up in the Central Belt of Scotland and still lives there. She was told as a child she had an over active imagination–as if that is a bad thing. She’s traded her dreams of owning her own island, just like George in the Famous Five to hoping to meet her own Mr Darcy one day. But her imagination remains the same.
Unfortunately, Em was put off reading and writing by school and although she rediscovered her love of reading many years ago, she only tried her hand at writing again in 2011. After a year of writing fan fiction, she wrote an original short story for an anthology. This was followed up with two more shorts and 4 novella length books, all published under a pen name. Having fallen in love with a new sub-genre, courtesy of books by Mary Balogh and Lynsay Sands, she decided to try her hand at her new favourite genre for reading–regency.
Having bitten the bullet, she feels she has found her home in the 19th century, and it does give her an excuse to watch Colin Firth in a pair of buff breeches and riding books ad infinitum.
Created in Darkness and born of Death, three brothers carry a deadly secret.
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