November 12, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW – Tainted (#4 in the Druid Chronicles), by Christina Phillips

#erotic #historical #romance

A real treat for fans of historical romance set in Roman Britain!

We are thrilled to be part of the release blitz for Christina Phillips’ erotic historical romance TAINTED. Set in Roman Britain and previously published in 2013, the book, containing a timeless love story between a Druid warrior and a Roman Patrician, has now been re-launched with a beautiful new cover. This enemies to lovers romance is an emotional and heart rending read, full of erotic and sensual scenes and contains plenty of suspense as the lovers struggle for their HEA against all the odds. It is a riveting read which is highly recommended. 🙂

A dangerous love Rome will never allow…

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king, Druid warrior Gawain abandons his gods and vows to destroy the Roman invaders by any means possible.

Nothing and no one is more important than protecting his fellow Druids from the enemy until he meets the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she fascinates him like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt. His touch stirs a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.

Previously published in 2013

Tainted is the fourth book in The Druid Chronicles and this time I mixed it up a little. The hero is a tough Celtic warrior we first met in Forbidden, and although at the time I didn’t know if I’d write his book, readers were keen to find out what happened to him. And so was I! But it was hard to find the perfect heroine for him, until Antonia appeared.

A beautiful Roman noblewoman, she’s nothing like he first assumes and what starts out as a fleeting affair soon develops into something much deeper, and deadlier, for them both.

Read Chapter One

My Review

Historical Erotic Romance 18+

Lush Eroticism and a Riveting Romance – 5 stars

Tainted is bursting with lush eroticism and riveting romance. The tale is set in ancient Britain and features a love between a sexy Celtic warrior and a Roman aristocrat, whose combination of strength and vulnerability melts his heart. The novel also has paranormal elements, befitting of a time when both Romans and Druids communed with their respective gods.

The patrician Antonia, recently divorced, has left Rome and journeys to Britain with her merchant father. Antonia is relieved to have left her brutal marriage far behind her. As soon as she catches sight of Gawain, whom has featured in earlier novels in the series, instant mutual attraction flares between them. Gawain blatantly parades his lust for Antonia and his intention to bed her, whilst at the same time making known his disdain for Rome and all it represents. Although Antonia tries to hide her attraction, she finds it impossible to maintain her apparent disinterest. She decides that there is no reason not to encourage this man, whom she is very much attracted to, and embark on a short term affair, where she can hopefully put the bad memories of her marriage behind her.

For Gawain’s part he is determined to possess this woman, just as he has the bodies of many a Roman aristocrat. However, Antonia is different – she has no husband with her whose secrets he wishes to uncover in his quest to bring down the Roman oppressors as a good Druid warrior should. Nevertheless he determines to slake his lust on her before moving to pastures new.

Gawain, well practised in the erotic arts, inducts Antonia into sensual pleasures beyond her wildest dreams, a far cry from her experience of the marriage bed. His seduction includes sexual acts that she has only heard spoken of in whispers by her erstwhile friends in Rome. The lovemaking scenes are very hot indeed! The couple very soon begin to share more than physical pleasure and develop strong emotional bonds, which grow into mutual respect and a deep love. As with all of Christina Phillips’ novels that I have read in this series, their developing romance is beautiful to behold. Both Gawain and Antonia however have their own secrets and when a figure from Antonia’s past reappears in her life and Rome’s determination to destroy the Druids comes to the fore, their budding romance is threatened by violence and treachery. There is also an unexpected plot twist, which i did not see coming, which added to the pleasure of the read.

I loved the characters of both Gawain and Antonia. Gawain is portrayed as a strong and honourable individual, committed to the path of the Druid warrior, to repel and destroy the Roman invaders, whom he despises. He feels as if he has failed his Celtic God Lugus, as he was unable to prevent the treachery which resulted in the King Caratacus being captured and taken to Rome, an episode which also resulted in the execution of the other Druid warriors loyal to the king. Gawain feels less honourable because he managed to escape their fate. He is a considerate and inventive lover and I found him to be a irresistible, just as Antonia does!

On the surface Antonia is the perfect reserved Roman aristocrat, but she has been made to feel wanting by virtue of her merchant father’s heritage which is not considered good enough for her mother’s patician blood. She has therefore suffered whilst in Rome. However, Antonia has an inner strength, which Gawain comes to respect. Gawain helps to heal her sexually and their relationship is also full of humorous and lively banter. Neither individual wishes to see the other hurt by their own actions or those of another.

Other characters include Carys and Maximus, the hero and heroine of book 1, Forbidden, who play a key role in the novel. There is also Antonia’s father, who has his own secrets and the Praetor who does not have the best interests of Antonia and Gawain at heart. The tale is set against the backdrop of the Roman objective to annihilate the Druids and the power and influence they wield over the populace, by whatever means possible. Author Christina Phillips is in the Premier League when it comes to historical erotic Romance. Her novels have the perfect balance between erotic lovemaking and an exciting, credible and well crafted plot.

I recommend the novel to romance lovers who like to read erotic romance, set within an historical context.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Buy Links

iBooks | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

#1 Forbidden – iBooks | Amazon | B&N | ARe | Kobo

#2 Captive – iBooks | Amazon | B & N | Kobo

#3 Enslaved – iBooks | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

#4 Tainted

Bio

As a child, Christina always loved reading about far away places and magical worlds, but never imagined that one day she’d spend her days writing about them! Thankfully, when she grew up she decided her brave heroines deserved a gorgeous warrior to share their journey with, and hopes you enjoy the world of The Druid Chronicles as much as she enjoyed writing it J

Keep in touch with Christina

Website | Facebook | Twitter

If you’d like to receive notification of when my next book is released, sign up for my Newsletter

November 10, 2016 by Tina Williams

COVER REVEAL ~ Honeymoon, by Samantha Macleod

#erotic #paranormal #romance

Adult/18+ read

Last month I had the pleasure of reviewing an ARC of Samantha Macleod’s erotic paranormal romance The Trickster’s Lover (click on title for review). I LOVED this sizzling and intelligent take on Norse mythology where the god Loki meets the mortal woman Caroline. The sex scenes are hot (Loki is certainly not lacking in the stamina department) and the plot is for the most part fast and furious, whilst at the same time drawing on the richness of Norse legends.

Today we are THRILLED to share the cover of Honeymoon, a short steamy read which continues the romance of Loki and Caroline. I’m really looking forward to reviewing this and will be posting my review, plus featuring an interview with Samantha, on release day scheduled for November 15th.

Blurb

Mythology expert Caroline Capello agreed to marry Loki, the Norse god of fire and lies.

She didn’t realize the most dangerous part of their marriage might be the honeymoon.

Add it to Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32736930-honeymoon

Author Bio

Born and raised in Colorado, Samantha MacLeod has lived in every time zone in the US, and London. She has a bachelor’s degree from Colby College and an M.A. from the University of Chicago; yes, the U. of C. really is where fun comes to die.

Samantha lives with her husband and two small children in the woods of southern Maine. When she’s not shoveling snow or writing steamy sex scenes, Samantha can be found teaching college composition and philosophy to undergraduates who have no idea she leads a double life as an erotica author.

Samantha’s blog: https://sammacleod.wordpress.com/

November 8, 2016 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR PLUS AUTHOR POST – A Hundred Hands, by Dianne Noble (includes excerpt & giveaway)

AUTHOR POST

I’d been doing voluntary work in India, teaching street children to speak English, and when I came home again had the idea that the journal I’d kept would be a good basis for a novel. Unhappily, agents and publishers thought differently and after 32 rejections I stopped submitting, sat back and licked my wounds.

The painful truth was that my writing just wasn’t good enough. After nursing my bruised ego for several months, I decided to write another book, also based in India, but with a different storyline. I joined two writing groups and took my work in, chapter by chapter, week after week. Their critique was merciless and within a very short time I felt tempted to abandon the whole idea. What? A writer? Me? However, the stubborn part of me persevered and bit by bit every chapter was re-written, every word checked and evaluated, until I had a complete manuscript. I trawled The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook to find agents or publishers who 1) dealt in contemporary women’s fiction and 2) accept unsolicited manuscripts. I discovered that they were very thin on the ground!

It took Conville & Walsh 17 days to refuse me and Curtis Brown 5 weeks. Some took months to respond, others never answered at all. It’s hard to describe how demoralising it is when everyone says no. You wonder if you’re totally deluded thinking you can write, and your skin seems to get thinner rather than thicker. Wine intake rises dramatically and chocolate goes through the roof!

When I received an email from Tirgearr Publishing my heart sank. I really couldn’t take another rejection. But it wasn’t! It was an acceptance and a contract. I don’t know how many times I read it, totally disbelieving that somewhere, someone (apart from me) thought I could write.

That was a year ago and A Hundred Hands will be my second book with a third already submitted. If anyone out there is writing and ready to give up, listen to me! Keep going! Join a writing group, not a cosy one with coffee and cake, but one who will critique your work, pull it to pieces, possibly reduce you to tears and then when it’s as good as you can get it, start submitting and keep going until you’re accepted.

Excerpt

Polly was dreaming of the night they came to arrest David, hearing the pounding on the door.

But when she woke she could still hear it. It was real.

She struggled to untangle herself from legs and arms. Ran for the door, heart banging against her ribs. Behind her girls screamed with fear and she heard shouts from the boys’ room.

Struggling with the ancient bolts, she broke a nail, skinned her knuckles. Outside stood a young man.

He averted his eyes from her bare legs, addressed the doorframe. ‘Meester Murdoch?’

She sucked her bleeding finger, gave him a blank stare.

‘Emergency. Where is, please?’

What was he talking about? She shook her head but he pushed past her. A screech of wheels as a stretcher followed him. Small frightened faces peeped round the door.

‘It’s all right. Go back to bed.’ She tried to sound reassuring.

They rushed Finlay towards the front door. His eyes, those eyes which had looked at her with such love, were closed. The colour of his face resembled ashes. She reached out to him but they’d already passed. Please God, don’t let him die. She stood, frozen, the blood from her finger dripping on to the floor.

‘We are thinking heart,’ the man called over his shoulder, then they were gone.

She leaned against the wall. A heart attack. It had to be a direct result of Pushpa vanishing. He had been beside himself, totally distraught. She buried her face in her hands. Nimesh had died, for God’s sake, and Finlay had taken it in his stride. But Pushpa was different.

She slid down the wall till she reached the floor. How could she have got it so wrong again?

Blurb

Following her husband’s arrest, Polly is forced to flee her small Welsh village. While she is in India visiting an old school friend she meets an older man, Finlay.

She is hugely affected by the way he is trying to alleviate the terrible suffering of Kolkata’s children who live on the streets in poverty and deprivation. As she becomes more involved in the day to day work she begins to fall in love with him. Together they share the heartbreak and also the happiness.

Then something changes and Polly begins to believe Finlay is hiding the same dreadful secret she ran away from.

Buy links:

Amazon UK: Amazon US:

Smashwords: iBooks:

Kobo: Barnes & Noble:

BIO

I think I became a reader before I could walk. While other people had childhood memories, I amassed a vocabulary. I was born into a service family and at the tender age of seven found myself on the Dunera, a troopship, sailing for a three year posting to Singapore. So began a lifetime of wandering – and fifteen different schools. Teen years living in Cyprus, before partition, when the country was swarming with handsome UN soldiers, and then marriage to a Civil Engineer who whisked me away to the Arabian Gulf.

Most of the following years were spent as a single parent with an employment history which ranged from the British Embassy in Bahrain to a goods picker, complete with steel toe-capped boots, in an Argos warehouse. In between I earned my keep as a cashier in Barclays, a radio presenter and a café proprietor on the sea front in Penzance. All good material for an author!

I always enjoyed writing and kept a journal whenever I travelled abroad, but it wasn’t until I retired I had the chance to write a book. My first novel Outcast was published as an ebook in March 2016 by Tirgearr – after 32 rejections! This has been followed by A Hundred Hands. Both books are set in India and are based on the diaries I kept when I did voluntary work one winter, teaching English to street children in Kolkata.

Web and social links:

www.dianneanoble.com

www.facebook.com/dianneanoble

www.twitter.com/dianneanoble1

*****

GIVEAWAY!

Make sure to follow the whole tour—the more posts you visit throughout, the more chances you’ll get to enter the giveaway. The tour dates are here: http://www.writermarketing.co.uk/prpromotion/blog-tours/currently-on-tour/dianne-noble-2/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 7, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – Fated for Sanchez (Mediterranean Romance), by Kristin Ravelle

Stylish and Smexy Contemporary!

“Four years ago, I was nearly seduced by Lilli’s obvious sensual assets. Today, I desire her business savvy. My strange luck, her uncle signed over her trust fund before dying in a business investment to me.” Sanchez

********************************************

Lilli Eden has never forgotten the summer she spent in Malaga, Spain, at her friend, Jimena’s. Or Sanchez Varellano, Jimena’s brother. They shared smouldering glances all that summer but no more for Sanchez was engaged. Or so she thought.

Four years on Lilli feels she’s finally grown past their searing mutual attraction but upon gaining control of her parents’ trust fund, she discovers her deceased Uncle Jeremy had secretly invested it in a Varellano business expansion. Sanchez now holds the strings to her and Lucie’s futures for several years.

Sanchez dares to take fate into his own hands. He can redress both Jeremy’s ill thought out offer and an old Varellano family score at the same time. And Sanchez has a private agenda of his own for the ravishing Lilli.

Lilli must decide whether to tempt fate on a chance with Sanchez for dreamt of futures for her and Lucie as the Edens and Varellano share a painful history that brings Lilli and Sanchez together but also threatens to drive them apart. Will fate be on the side of their love this time?

Sweet/spicy heat, Mediterranean Men. Stand-alone novel, HEA.

Buy your copy now to learn how Sanchez dares to manage fate!

My Review

Stylish and Smexy: A Real Gem! – 4 and a half stars

Fated for Sanchez is a sweet and stylish contemporary romance penned by Kristin Ravelle. It is the third book I have read by the author, the other two being Discovery (the Iron Web) a dystopian novel and The Everlasting Spell, a paranormal romance (click on the titles for reviews). This exquisitely crafted romance pairs a drop dead gorgeous Mediterranean hero with a young English woman, who destiny has once again thrown together. Yet the couple need to overcome a number of obstacles, not least their own stubbornness and the vagaries of fate before they can find their HEA.

If like me you are a fan of alpha heroes you will LOVE Sanchez, a successful businessman who exudes natural charm and who is irresistible to the female sex. He is determined to take advantage of the situation and get his hands on the ravishing Lilli, a woman whom he has not been able to forget. If he needs to use a little emotional blackmail in the process then so be it! Although his actions were a little high handed a times, he is an alpha with a heart and it was easy to see why Lilli is so drawn to him.

Lilli is a heroine who I rooted for from the off. Since her parents’ death she has provided for Lucie, her younger sister, whilst her uncle manages their trust fund. On the death of her uncle she is stunned to hear that the fund is now invested in a business venture in Spain, a venture presided over by none other than Sanchez Varellano, a man whom she had a serious crush on four years before. She finds herself in an impossible situation, reluctantly agreeing to a six month engagement and a move to Spain so that her talented sister can have the funds to go to art school to pursue her dream.

The plot thickens as Lilli asks herself what a man like the successful and cosmopolitan Sanchez, a man who could have any woman he desires, could possibly want with her? Does he want her purely for the money she has brought to the table or is there something else at play? Lilli cannot believe that Sanchez wants her for herself alone. She feels like a pawn, yet is conflicted as she is so attracted to this man who made such an impact on her younger self. Can she extract herself from the situation before she loses control over not only her life but her heart?

The plot grows ever more complex as we encounter persons from both Lilli’s and Sanchez’s pasts, a series of misunderstandings and the mystery of an ailing business venture. I was entertained throughout waiting to see if the couple’s growing mutual attraction and their undoubted sexual chemistry and passion would triumph this time or whether fate would once again tear them apart.

Recommended for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy a sweet and spicy read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Details

Amazon US Amazon UK

Author Contact Details

http://kristinravelle.blogspot.ca/ (Kristin’s Blog)

@KristinRavelle on Twitter

https://twitter.com/KristinRavelle

https://www.pinterest.com/kristinravelle/ (Kristin on Pinterest)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29489820-fated-for-sanchez

November 3, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ – Love on Location (audio book), by Lucy Felthouse

Love on Location by Lucy Felthouse Now Available in Audiobook Format! #audiobook #romance #erotica #mm #gay

The critically acclaimed M/M erotic romance novella, Love on Location by Lucy Felthouse, is now available in audiobook format. Narrated by the popular, well-reviewed voice artist Joel Leslie, you can now listen to this sexy and romantic tale on the go!

Blurb:

When Theo Samuels heads off to film on location in the village of Stoneydale, he’s expecting drama to take place on camera, not off. But when he meets gorgeous local lad, Eddie Henderson, he struggles to ignore his attraction. A relationship between the two of them would be utterly impractical, yet they’re drawn together nonetheless. Can they overcome the seemingly endless hurdles between them? Or is their fling destined to remain as just that?

Audio links:

Amazon UK Amazon US

Audible UK Audible US

iTunes UK iTunes US

eBook links available here: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/love-on-location/

*****

Reviews:

“This M/M is about two men who are coming into their own and love comes along unexpectedly. If you like quick reads then I would say pick up this one. The attraction they build is sweet and steamy; but for those who are new to M/M romance it isn’t so intense. I hope we get to read more about Eddie and Theo as their love blossoms and grows. Plus Eddie was fun to read with his humor and free spirit.” The Jeep Diva

“So all in all, this was a great book, with some light angst, scorching sex scenes, and fantastic characters! A must read!” 5 out of 5, Bayou Book Junkies

“This is a sweet love story, a lot of fun, and wildly entertaining!!!” Diverse Reader

*****

Author Bio:

Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of, and an Amazon bestseller), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller) and The Persecution of the Wolves. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 150 publications to her name. She owns Erotica For All, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more about her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk, or on Twitter or Facebook. Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. You can also subscribe to her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

Release blitz hosted by Writer Marketing Services

November 2, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ – Weekend at Wilderhope Manor AUDIOBOOK by Lucy Felthouse

Weekend at Wilderhope Manor by Lucy Felthouse Now Available in Audiobook Format! #lesfic #lesbian #halloween #audiobook #romance #erotica #ghost #PNR

The critically acclaimed paranormal/ghost erotic short story, Weekend at Wilderhope Manor by Lucy Felthouse, is now available in audiobook format. Narrated by voice artist Xanthia Bloom, you can now listen to this spooky tale on the go!

Blurb:

When Stephanie and Jenny go to a Murder Mystery Halloween weekend at Wilderhope Manor, they’re expecting fun and games. But following creaky floorboards, spooky noises and an alarming encounter in the Manor’s grounds, the girls begin to wonder if there’s more to Wilderhope Manor than meets the eye. As they find frequent comfort in one another’s arms – and their bed – will the girls discover what’s causing the bumps in the night, or will they run scared?

Audio links:

Amazon UK Amazon US Audible UK Audible US iTunes UK iTunes US

eBook links available here:

http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/weekend-at-wilderhope-manor/

*****

Reviews:

“The passion and humour Lucy injects into all her characters is a real delight… they have such depth and scream sexuality along with the cries of terror, the chemistry of the two as they share their toe curling sensual kisses and have fun in the library is wonderful and makes for a really enchanting read. Weekend at Wilderhope Manor was Short, Sweet and Spooky… One for the Things that go bump and make you want to hump pile!” 5 out of 5, Erotic Whispers

“Among the festivities, the authentic relationship between Stephanie and Jenny comes through in a playful manner, and the chills build. A classic and sexy ghost story, Weekend at Wilderhope Manor titillates on multiple levels.” Night Owl Reviews Magazine

“Stephanie and Jenny are so expressive in their love for each other it makes this story practically burst in flames. They spend so much time heating up the sheets that the rest of the story is merely a byline to their love affair. I would really like to see them be more interactive with their surroundings, but the sexual exploits are top notch. This is a great treat and will easily warm up any chilly day.” Coffee Time Romance

*****

Author Bio:

Release blitz hosted by Writer Marketing Services

November 1, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Book Blitz Seed of Control: Generations to Execute by Lawrence Verigin

Released today, Seed of Control is the explosive sequel to the award-winning, high-concept thriller Dark Seed, from author Lawrence Verigin.

Title: Seed of Control: Generations to Execute

Author: Lawrence Verigin

Genre: Thriller, ecological thriller

Date released: November 1st, 2016

Released by: Promontory Press

Length: 360 pages (paperback)

Blurb: Journalist and author Nick Barnes is back, finding himself quickly thrown into a chain of events which uncovers a plot so beyond moral comprehension that it will affect Earth’s entire population. The plot has taken generations to develop and in on the cusp of being fully implemented.

Argochemical and pharmaceutical industrialist Dr. Hendrick Schmidt and media baron Davis Lovemark lead the scheme with the unerring belief that they are the stewards of humanity and that they alone have the right to decide the fate of the masses.

Nick’s chase spans continents as he works desperately to foil Schmidt and Lovemark. But he quickly discovers that it might already be too late.

Immerse yourself in the action and intrigue of this high concept thriller that may not be as far from reality as you might think.

About the Author:

Lawrence Verigin is the author of the award winning novel DARK SEED and the just released sequel, SEED of CONTROL. He is currently writing the third book in the “SEED” series.

His goal is to entertain readers while delving into socially relevant subjects. Lawrence and his wife, Diana, live in Vancouver, Canada.

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.verigin.7
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LawrenceVerigin

Website: http://www.lawrenceverigin.com

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/2efsQbQ
On Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2dvIcL2
On B&N: http://bit.ly/2dWAQQ5

November 1, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – King’s Knight (Medieval Warriors #4),by Regan Walker

#historical #medieval #romance

A Superb Tale of Medieval Romance and Adventure

HE SEIZED LIFE BY THE THROAT

Dubbed the Black Wolf for his raven hair, his fierceness in battle and his way with women, Sir Alexander of Talisand attacked life as he did the king’s enemies. But acclaim on the battlefield and his lusty escapades did not satisfy. King William Rufus would bind him to Normandy through marriage to one of its noblewomen, but the only woman Alexander wanted was a commoner he had saved from a terrible fate.

SHE KEPT MEN AT BAY WITH HER BOW

The shame of being the child of a Norman’s rape dogged Merewyn’s steps from her youth. Determined never to be a victim of a man’s lust like her mother, in Wales she donned the garb of an archer and developed extraordinary skill with a bow. Despite her fair beauty, men now keep their distance. No longer in need of protection from other men, can Merewyn protect herself from Alexander when he holds her heart yet can never be hers?

My Review

Mesmerising Medieval Romance – 5 stars

Once again I was blown away by the storytelling ability of this author! King’s Knight by Regan Walker is book 4 in the superb Medieval Warriors series. I was immediately drawn into the world in which her characters inhabit, a world which she brings alive with her colourful descriptions, rich plot lines and real historical figures.

I loved the romance between Alexander and Merewyn! Alexander returns to his father’s estate, his boyhood home, a favourite of the king, having proved his loyalty and prowess in battle (he also has a reputation amongst the ladies at court). It is there that he is reunited with Merewyn, a young woman whose honour he protected when she had barely reached womanhood. Yet Merewyn is not the girl he once knew. She has blossomed into a beauty, a beauty who is now a confident and skilled archer who can hold her own. Alexander would like to claim her but his king would tie him to another. Merewyn fights a losing battle against her own attraction to protect her heart as she knows that she is far too base born to be a suitable match for the heir of Talisand and the King’s favourite.

The read is such a romantic and sensual one: Alexander and Merewyn are so perfect for each other and I was totally enthralled throughout. Indeed, Regan Walker weaves a bewitching tale of their star crossed romance and a HEA for the couple seems so far from their grasp due to the differences in their social standing. Alexander cannot bear for her to belong to another (I just LOVED how protective he is of her when she is faced with attentions from others), yet is torn between his duties to King and family and his growing respect and love for Merewyn.

Yet Merewyn will not let his love for her dishonour him in the eyes of his kin and King. I really felt for her, as despite her prowess with the bow she is vulnerable, the shame of illegitimacy being a heavy burden for her to bear. The pair are two strong individuals who are so right for each other but whom circumstances of birth would tear asunder. The evolving plot is full of adventure and twists and turns which test the couple’s love and loyalty in many respects before the novel concludes. Alexander and Merewyn are so perfect for each other and I was totally enthralled throughout.

Regan Walker’s depictions of the medieval world and the characters are once again sublime and it is clear that she has researched the lives of people from all stations in society as well as real life historical figures, such as King Rufus, very well. I recommend it wholeheartedly for lovers of historical romance, especially those who enjoy tales set in medieval times.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Author

http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com

http://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6450403.Regan_Walker

October 30, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW GUARDIAN (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part III (Jezebel’s Journey Part III) by C.J. Pinard

The Daughter of Darkness series finale is here in GUARDIAN. Following Lotus’s Journey has been a pleasure. Lotus, half-vamp, half-faery, has been teased and beckoned in her dreams by her evil father, Vlad Montour (a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler). Discovering his ideas for taking powers and controlling all supernaturals, his methods for achieving that, and many other evil acts, it becomes clear that he has to be stopped. But, will meeting with her sisters to discuss a plan of action turn sour? Especially since one was once on the dark side herself not too long ago?

Title: GUARDIAN (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part III (Jezebel’s Journey Part III)

Author: C.J. Pinard

Genre: Paranormal mystery, thriller

Release date: August 22nd, 2016

Length: 127 pages

Buy Links: Amazon US, Amazon UK

Blurb: Realizing that a confrontation with Vlad had slipped out of her grasp, Lotus sets off with Drew and Jezebel to formulate another plan of action. But then a phone call from Tori, the sister she’d just learned about but had never met, changes the course of their plans.

Lotus now has to search for some kind of heirloom or jewel left to her by her biological mother. But where would she find such a trinket? She’d been orphaned for over 100 years and didn’t even know her mother’s name, let alone anything she’d left her. With more determination than ever, the assistance of a witch, and her other gifts, they will help guide Lotus to find it. But what else will they find when going on such a hunt?

The final showdown to kill Vlad has been set and as Lotus and Jezebel finally meet their long, lost sisters, Tori and Blair, they realize the chances of them getting away with killing Vlad and living to tell about it are very slim. Still, their resolve is strong; the sisters are strong. The question is: Will it be worth it? Giving their lives to rid the world of their evil father, Vlad the Impaler, for good?

Find out in this heart-stopping final instalment of the Daughters of Darkness series.

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

I have followed Lotus’s journey through each book of the series, and GUARDIAN is a brilliant story to end the series. Lotus has certainly come a long way throughout the series; although half-vampire and half-faery she has lived most of her life in a most human-like manner. Over the course of the series she has learned so much about herself, her capabilities and her family. She has even sustained a long-term relationship with cute, hot Lycan, Drew, a neighbour and protector. And yet, she still loves to make her everyday life as human-like as possible, i.e. going to work and general life as a mortal.

“… why was I living as a mortal? I’d told them that it was because I knew no other way. That was the truth, partially, but the other half of me knew it was because it was safe and harmless to pretend to be human. However, deep in my dark heart, I knew I should venture onto the wild side – the dark side of the supernaturals – and see what it had to offer.”

It is very easy to connect with Lotus’s character in this manner. Her character, within the story, acts as a bridge between the reality and the supernatural world. In Guardian, Lotus has to make some uneasy decisions and to take chances, along with her sisters, in the hope of defeating their evil, vampire father, Vlad Montour (a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler). And, the reader can sense a change in Lotus in exploring more of her supernatural side, especially as she would need this to help be rid of her father.

Told not only from Lotus’s point of view, the reader also follows Jezebel’s as it is also her final book of the series too! This is very fitting as these sisters are so close at this point and in almost every scene together. In fact, aside from Drew, Jezebel is the closest person to Lotus. Both become cautious when they meet with their other two, newly-found sisters, Tori and Blair, especially Tori as she was brought up and worked for their father.

However, there are some emotional twists when we learn about the sister’s backgrounds, their mothers, and just why Tori may have turned against their father. Along with the final showdown, I felt that the meeting scene of the four sisters was a vital part of the story. Were they going to turn on each other? Could they be trusted? These were just some of the questions running through my mind. It is written really well, and the caution and emotion felt real.

The overall atmosphere of the story, and indeed the series, is dark, eerie, and full of suspense and mystery. It darkens still as the sisters try to take on their powerful, evil father. And, it is he that creates the mood and tension. Trying to take the power and control all supernaturals is his goal, including his own daughters. But, did he really love them? Can they really take on their own father?

Complete with witches, succubi, werewolves, faeries and vampires, Guardian has a thrilling, fast-paced story line with plenty of action, especially as the story moves towards the end. A brilliant read for this Halloween. But, I would advise to read Lotus (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part I and Watcher: Lotus’s Journey Part II before finishing with Guardian.

A copy of Guardian, Lotus’s Journey Part III was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 27, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Eagle’s Honor RAVISHED, by Sandra Schwab

#historical #erotic #romance

Adult/18+ read

A barbarian warrior, an enemy of Rome.
A sheltered young woman, the daughter of a Roman officer.
An unlikely love, threatened by the bloody strife at the borders of Roman Empire.

AD 190: When a fever ravages her father’s fort and kills her family, Livia has to leave Britannia behind and make a new home for herself in Rome. Lost in a world of grief, she finds little delight in the glittering capital of the empire. Nothing can penetrate the grey fog of her grief—except for the cool blue eyes of the slave Leontius, a barbarian warrior, a former gladiator, a man she ought to fear. And yet, she cannot help but crave his touch, even though he is an enemy of Rome; even though, should he ever manage to flee, he would unleash the anger of his tribe upon the border of the empire.

My Review

Sensual and Emotionally Charged ~ 5 Stars

I loved this read so much! Ravished is a superbly well written sensual and emotionally charged historical romance set in AD 190 during the time of the Roman Empire. It is the second book in the author’s Eagle’s Honor series, book one being Banished which I reviewed earlier this year (click on the book title for my review).

In Ravished, a tale of star-crossed lovers, the reader is taken from the far reaches of windswept Britannia to the decadence of Rome and then to the border with Germania. The Barbarian Leontius is paired with Livia, a young and innocent high born Roman who has suffered the loss of her immediate family. They meet in Rome where Livia is spending time with her aunt and Leontius, a former gladiator, is purchased as her aunt’s pleasure slave.

Leontius escapes his bondage and returns to his homeland to avenge himself against Rome, yet fate decides to re-unite the couple, only this time it is Livia who finds herself held hostage by Leontius’ tribe. Yet Livia and Leontius have not forgotten their time spent in Rome and the attraction they have for one another refuses to be denied.

The author does a fantastic job of portraying Livia’s depressed and detached state of mind when she is mourning her family. Neither the decadence of Rome nor the isolation of her uncle’s fort can penetrate her low mood. It is only when she is captured, facing an uncertain future, that she begins her metamorphosis and begins to seize life and discover her inner strength. I really enjoyed this transformation and how she rose to the many challenges that her captivity threw her way, not least dealing with the attraction between her and Leontius and his stubbornness!

I loved how protective Leontius is towards Livia throughout the novel. He tries to fight his attraction as he knows their future together is impossible as Livia is but a pawn in the negotiations between Leontius’ tribe and Rome. However neither Livia nor Leontius can resist the chemistry between them and I enjoyed the sensuality of the lovemaking scenes between the couple who despite their differences are so well matched. I despaired of their HEA and at several points during the read I was reduced to tears due to the seemingly hopeless situation they found themselves in!

I enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Livia’s uncle Caius and Lucius and Leontius’ family. The descriptions of Rome and how it contrasts with life in Germania, especially amongst the Germanic tribes were well drawn.

Ravished is a must read for romance fans, especially those who enjoy reading about love and relationships set in the Roman period.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

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