February 4, 2014 by Caroline Barker

The Silk Romance by Helena Fairfax

An unforgettable, powerfully intense and beautifully written contemporary romance!

I downloaded The Silk Romance after hearing how great it was from Tina. And so, as I came across it again a couple of weeks ago I just had to have a read. It is an amazing read that I am sure many will find difficult to put down. Yes, The Silk Romance will be forever in your memory as a great, sweet contemporary romance.

Blurb: Sophie Challoner is sensible and hard-working, and a devoted carer of her father. One night her grandmother throws a ball for her in Paris…and Sophie does something reckless that she can never forget.
Jean-Luc Olivier is not a man to treat lightly. And so when fate takes a hand years after the ball, and reunites him with Sophie in Lyon, he is determined not to let her go a second time.
But it seems the fates are conspiring against their happiness. Jean-Luc has secrets of his own. And when disaster strikes at home in London, Sophie is faced with a choice—stay in this glamorous world with the man she loves, or return to her family to keep a sacred promise she made her mother.

Caroline’s Review: (Please see Tina’s review, posted May 2013, and an author post and bio by Helena Fairfax, also posted May 2013)

The Silk Romance is powerfully intense throughout. Every sentence reads like it was well thought out and Helena Fairfax has a great use of language in this beautifully written novel.

Although mostly told from Sophie’s point of view, the reader also has an insight into Jean-Luc’s mind as he regularly ponders over the delicate situation of Sophie. Many of the characters’ thoughts are highly emotive and the reader finds it incredibly difficult to pull themselves away. At times when I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t help but think of these characters and the predicament they are both in.

Sophie is old before her time in many respects. After the passing of her mother and the promise she made to take care of her father and brother, she works from a young age and makes no time for social activities. Sophie and her family reside on a poor estate in London, and she spends most of her money on debts that her father had accrued. It is only through a studying course that the opportunity opens up for her to gain some work experience, ending her back in Lyon with Jean-Luc. Although it is not a choice she is entirely happy with, it is one she needs to help her through and become successful, in order for her to support her family more.

An ex-racing driver and now owner of a successful silk factory, Jean-Luc has it all. He is a wealthy, handsome man, with his fair share of women and living-it-up lifestyle. However, he is also a dark horse with secrets of his own. Jean-Luc is controlling and manipulative, and yet he enchants the reader as well as Sophie! Helena’s description of his icy cold stares, for example, captivate the reader as if his eyes were aimed directly at them. His determination to get what he wants is matched by no other. And what he wants……………is Sophie.

Sophie is strong and has a great deal of willpower but there are moments when she just can’t help herself. His very presence is one that cannot be ignored. But how is she supposed to live up to the women that Jean-Luc is used to? What will happen when she returns to her father and brother? Her situation is impossible. If only Jean-Luc would leave her be, to finish off her work experience and to return to London.

And yet, despite opposing backgrounds, they do share a subtle common ground – tragedy. Even though tragic, the loss of their mothers has a profound impact on both of them. Sophie made the promise to her mother to always look after her father and brother. This is her number one priority. She simply cannot let her family down as the promise she made is the only connection she has left to her mother. And, it was Jean-Luc’s mother that makes him the man he is.

Although linked to the likes of Cinderella (within the story and in independent reviews), I would also like to mention that, for me, there were elements of Pretty Woman, Love Actually, Fifty Shades of Grey and, one scene in particular reminded me of Dirty Dancing.

I’m not sure if I have ever read a novel as intense as The Silk Romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to read more of Helena Fairfax’s work. The Silk Romance surely does embed itself in the reader’s mind. Unforgettable. In summary, if you love a great romance, with great intensity and powerful emotions, you will be head over heels for The Silk Romance!

I was provided with a free copy from A Story Cartel in return for my honest and fair review.

You can also find The Silk Romance on Amazon US and Amazon UK.

You can check out Helena Fairfax’s blog here.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 23, 2014 by Caroline Barker

The Drake Equation by Heather Walsh

Book blurb: She’s a Democrat, he’s a Republican. She spends her days fighting global warming at an environmental non-profit, he makes his living doing PR for Bell Motors and their fleet of SUVs. But as soon as they meet, Emily Crossley and Robert Drake realize they have encountered their intellectual match. You’re never challenged, he tells her. You’ve surrounded yourself in a cocoon of people who think exactly the same way you do. She hurls the same accusation back at him, and the fiery debates begin.

Despite both of their attempts to derail it, there is no denying that they are falling in love. But their relationship is threatened by political differences, Robert’s excessive work hours, and Emily’s fear of losing her identity as she falls deeper in love.

Can their love survive? The Drake Equation is a tale of modern love and all its complexities.

Review:

If you are looking for more than a love story, something that reaches across to political, intellectual issues that cause debate and passion, then Heather Walsh’s ‘The Drake Equation’ could be the next book for you!

As the reader is introduced to Emily we realise very quickly that she is quite a strong character and believes in everything she stands for. She is very proud and nothing can really sway her determination to make more people aware of the damage they are creating to the environment and to try to prevent them from continuously contributing to global warming.

Robert, on the other hand, is less concerned. Not necessarily because he doesn’t care, but more because he is a workaholic and working within a corporate background is what he knows. He is good at his job, marketing and advertising SUV’s – one of the main topics that Emily is fighting against. It is Emily’s fight and passion that Robert is attracted to. Amid the serious discussions, there are moments of teasing and playfulness between the main characters, which does endear the reader to them.

They both meet at a charitable event that Emily has organised, after Robert’s boss asked him to ‘spy’ on GeoForce to find out what they were up to. During their encounter, and during dates afterward, Emily and Robert hold mature conversations regarding their line of work and their beliefs. It is quite amusing at times how strong-willed Emily actually is and she does tend to allow Robert to wind her up very easily with his nonchalant attitude. However, it is equally amusing when she stumbles and doesn’t always know how to match his argument or decides against it.

The global warming aspect is quite an intelligent and interesting subject matter that some will enjoy to read, rather than just concentrating on the relationship growing between Emily and Robert – really something more to provide the reader with as they decide which side of the argument they lean towards, and of course, being able to understand the viewpoints of both characters.

Heather Walsh certainly knows how to write well in her debut and has filled this novel with intelligent ideas and built the love story around two people that could easily dislike each other and what they stand for. However, it is this that has actually brought them together and I found this to be very interesting, watching Emily and Robert battle out their opposite trains of thought at the same time as listening and (at times) respecting the others’ reasoning.

Emily’s colleagues, especially Carson, enlighten the story at certain intervals. Some of these instances made me smile and laugh at times. One moment in particular is where the reader learns how Carson was named by his mother.

The atmosphere and mood of The Drake Equation is quite realistic – with the relationship Emily has with Robert and her co-workers. The reader can explore Emily’s moods, especially as she appears to be more serious as the novel moves on. This enables the reader to understand and relate to Emily, and all of the characters as they are all believable. On occasions, I was hoping for a little more drama, a little more action and something more gripping from earlier on in the story. However, as the story moves on it becomes more apparent that this story concerns Emily’s character and thoughts, and how she is affected by Robert’s different views, challenges and love.

Throughout the second half of the book, after Robert shares his feelings that Emily is holding something back, the reader is curious to know what Emily’s ‘secret’ is. The reader is kept guessing until the very end.

I would have liked to have read more about Robert, as The Drake Equation focuses heavily on Emily’s views, moods and her work. I would have also welcomed a little more warmth and romance in terms of actions and gestures. The Drake Equation is more a tale of how love can change a persons life and even perspective. The question is: will it work in favour for or against a relationship with Robert?

The Drake Equation was provided by the author, Heather Walsh, in return for an honest and fair review.

You can find The Drake Equation in paperback or the Kindle edition at Amazon.com ($1.26) and Amazon.co.uk (77p). (Prices are correct at time of posting, however they are subject to change.)

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 20, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Tour of Duty (When Riley Met Cara #2) by C.J. Pinard

Tour of Duty

After loving the first book of this fantastic sweet, contemporary romance series, I adore C.J. Pinard’s ‘Tour of Duty (When Riley Met Cara #2)’. A little darker and serious than before, Tour of Duty is hotter and more sensual as well as taking heart-warming to another level.

Hot soldier, Riley, is to be in California for the summer only, before he is due back in Colorado to prepare for his next tour. During a night out he meets single mum and recent divorcee, Cara Reid. However, after spending a night with Cara he begins to realise he wants to spend his whole summer with her. But what will happen once the summer is over and his nine month tour of Afghanistan begins?

Whereas the first story, Patriotic Duty, introduced the characters and was told from Cara’s point of view, in Tour of Duty we enter the mind of Riley, seeing their relationship from his point of view. The reader has an insight into the basic daily routine that Riley has when on tour in Afghanistan and his feelings and emotions he has for Cara (from meeting her, spending summer with her and leaving Cara to tour Afghanistan). Being in Riley’s mind was HOTTER and more SEXIER than Cara’s, as everything appears more dramatic and the more direct, hands-on approach. Oh yes, I LOVED this one even more!!!

As suspected, Tour of Duty is a little darker and dramatic than Patriotic Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 1) as the reader truly understands the danger that Riley is in when on tour, experiencing every moment that Riley has in Afghanistan. The reader fully appreciates his need to protect Cara from knowing all of the horrors of war. However, the reader is still provided with the fun, cheeky and hot aspects of their relationship, as in Book 1. And I love how C.J. Pinard can fill her romantic novels with so many emotions. C.J. also has the ability to write some fantastic HOT scenes and, although these characters are falling quite seriously for each other, these scenes are so fun to read, adding a little enlightenment to the fear that their relationship may not last.

Cara is enjoying her summer of fun with Riley, although underneath fearing his departure. I love how Cara is so relaxed and can be herself around Riley. She is fun and very lovable, and as any parent would, she takes care in introducing Riley to her son. Riley is very sweet, although can appear the strong, silent type when he wants to protect Cara from being hurt, as he too fears his departure may mean the end for them. Cara is his world and the reader feels his sincerity towards her throughout the story.

The characters are quite real in many senses. They are a bundle of emotion, going through the extremes of love and in some ways may be flawed. Their longing to protect each other, especially on Riley’s side, can mean miscommunication or lack of communication, causing both sides to feel neglected, paranoid and hurt at times. This does make the characters easy to relate to and also, reading both books of the series, will show the thoughts and mind set of each character throughout each step of their relationship. This allows the reader to be completely understanding of Cara and Riley, wanting for them both so much to forget their fears and just go for it!

Tour of Duty is a short, sweet contemporary romance and it is an absolute pleasure to read a sexy, romantic story told from the male’s side and realising all of their true emotions. To sum up, Riley is that hot, cute soldier from Book 1 who’s looking for more than somewhere to spend the night or the summer – he wants to spend his life with Cara Reid. Due to the hot love scenes this book is recommended for those above the age of 18 yrs.

A Reader’s Review Blog received a copy of Tour of Duty from the author in return for an honest and fair review.

You can find Tour of Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 2) by C.J. Pinard on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Smashwords.

You can currently find Book 1, Patriotic Duty on Amazon US for $1.23 and Amazon UK for 75p. (Prices subject to change.)

If you would like to contact C.J. Pinard you can reach her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CJPinardAuthor or you can e-mail her at cjpinardauthor@gmail.com.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

December 1, 2013 by Caroline Barker

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

SEASONAL ROMANTIC FUN

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

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

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

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

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

(Trish) “No. I’m just…confused.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 23, 2013 by Tina Williams

Tina’s Autumn Harvest of Reads

A Selection of Books from my ‘To Read Pile’

Like all other avid readers I have oodles of books on my ‘to read pile.’ I have winkled out just some of them to share them with you. I hope to read some of them over the coming months, now the temperature has dropped and the nights are longer.

Of course I’m always pleased to consider any requests for reviews in addition to the books on this list, as this is a great way to find out about new authors and genres!

As the list is a bit of a smorgasbord I’ve put the books into a number of categories. Click on the book title to take you to the Goodreads or Smashwords link. Also look out for our update post later this week in which we list the books that we plan to review in the next few weeks.

Tina 🙂

Contemporary

Wild Water, by Jan Ruth – WINNER of the Cornerstones Literary Consultancy ‘Most Popular Book’ Competition 2011. Also listed in the 2013 eFestival of Words Award Nominations. The story of forty-something estate agent Jack, stressed out by life and the feeling that he and his wife are growing apart. What happens when he discovers that she is having an affair and is pregnant? At the same time he becomes reacquainted with his childhood sweetheart, Anna…….

Captured. My Sworn Enemy, My Secret Lover, books 1 and 2, by Eve Rabi – Sargent Megan Saunders is captured by Islamic militants, held as a slave and forced to deliver inflammatory speeches against the US. During an escape attempt she is raped. Her rapist Reed, insists she proceeds with the pregnancy. Megan is already married and due to her inflammatory speeches, she is now regarded as a terrorist. She finds herself drawn to Reed and before long they enter into a relationship which is far beyond sexual and which has massive repercussions.

Historical

Love’s Revenge, by Monica Burns – When Quentin Blackwell, Earl of Devlyn, discovered the woman he loved was carrying another man’s child, he refused to marry her. In retaliation her father ruined Devlyn. When Sophie Hamilton, the man’s eldest daughter, makes him an offer, he seizes the chance for vengeance. Yet this could cost him what he wants the most, Sophie’s love. On the shelf at forty-one, Sophie accepts her fate until she impulsively makes a rash proposal to escape a life of servitude and right a wrong at the same time. She never expected Devlyn to accept her rash proposal and to fall in love with a younger man. Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult situations, and explicit language.

Disciplining the Duchess, by Annabel Joseph – The bookish Harmony Barrett has repelled every gentleman of consequence and caused a debacle so horrifying that her waltzing privileges are revoked. Through a vexing series of events, the Duke of Courtland finds himself shackled to Miss Barrett. But all is not lost. The duke harbors a not-so-secret affinity for spanking and discipline and his new wife is ever in need of it. Will the mismatched couple find happiness? Or will the duke be forever be Disciplining the Duchess? An adult read.

Daughter of the Sky, by Michelle Deiner – The sole survivor of a shipwreck, 15 year-old Elizabeth Jones is taken in by the Zulus. Six years later, she becomes useful as a spy to find out why the Victorian Empire appears about to attack. Her disguise as a soldier is uncovered by Captain Jack Burdell, who believes her tale of searching for a missing brother and he shields her. But as they explore their mutual attraction, the armies move closer and Elizabeth is torn between the guilt of betrayal and her loyalty to her Zulu family. When the battle commences she and Jack are caught in the crossfire.

Ragnar The Murderer (Ragnar the Dane #1), Lily Byrne – In East Anglia under the Danelaw, half breed Dane, Ragnar, tries to fit in but feels like an outcast. When he meets the English Aelfwyn they begin a passionate affair, but she is promised to another and forbidden to consort with Danes. When her betrothed is murdered, Ragnar is the obvious suspect. Is he guilty or just a pawn?

Fantasy

Taken to the Ebon Court, Elena Han – When a half-demon general conquers Irizel’s homeland, he claims her, drawn by her beauty and bloodline. Upon discovering she’s a healer, he forces her to accompany him to the Ebon Court–a nest of political intrigue and carnal decadence–so that she might heal his hybrid infertility, demanding that she must bear his child… An erotic dark fantasy romance. Adult read.

The Ritual (Theft and Sorcery #1), by Erica Dakin – For Chiarin, a young half-elf thief, life is about survival as she is considered an outcast and every day could bring her death. She meets a master thief Zashter, who unexpectedly takes her on as his pupil, and draws her into a dangerous adventure gathering powerful magical items for a sinister employer. What purpose these items will serve Chiarin does not know, but it soon becomes apparent that Zashter should not be trusted. Yet amutual attraction grows and there is no going back…..

Rowena through the Wall, by Melodie Campbell – Rowena falls through her classroom wall and lands in an alternate world. Her adventures include being kidnapped, gathering unwanted husbands and falling for the wrong brother. Can she return through the wall? Warning: This book is not a ‘sweet’ romance – it is a sexy, funny, rollicking adventure with a spunky heroine and the medieval ‘men’ of her dreams!

Sci-Fi

Promises to Keep (Gaian Stories #1) , by Janet Miller- In the future, with Earth near barren and men willing to commit to marriage almost non-existent, a group of young women leave to find husbands in the Outer Colonies. En route they’re hijacked by men from a rebel planet called Gaia. Gaian men can only make love to a woman they match and Dr. Sarah Johnson is the match for the most hated Gaian of all, General Garran Doranth…….

Historical Western

Love and Betrayal on the Santa Fe, Lisa Day – In 1859 Calico Benson, a gentle bred woman wanting the security of marriage and family, answered an ad in the “Matrimonial News,” where men were advertising for wives. Along with five other women, she sets out on the Santa Fe Trail hoping to find love. Instead they found a hellish nightmare journey. Will their dreams be fulfilled or lost?

November 21, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Christine S. Feldman’s ‘Pastels & Jingle Bells’ novella – blurb & info

Are you ready to begin the festive season? I have been Christmas shopping, watching Christmas movies, looking forward to putting up our Christmas tree next week and……..

………. I have finished reading my first seasonal novella, Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella #1), by Christine S. Feldman! Check out the blurb below for this beautiful seasonal contemporary romance (review to follow shortly in December):-

Trish Ackerly never expected to cross paths with Ian Rafferty again, but when she spots the former bully of her childhood years through her bakery window, she thinks she may just have been given the best Christmas gift ever: the opportunity to finally give Ian the comeuppance he deserves.

But clearly she does not have a knack for this whole revenge thing, because before she can make good on her plans, Trish gets inadvertently drawn into Ian’s life in an unexpected way that lets her see just how different the man is from the boy he used to be. In fact, much to her astonishment, she actually starts to like the guy.

A lot.

Trouble is, Ian doesn’t know who she really is, and explaining it to him is going to be a little difficult now—which is bad news, because Trish is starting to realize that all she really wants for Christmas this year…is Ian.

Like the sound of Pastels & Jingle Bells? I can assure you it is a lovely, short read that can easily fit into your busy shopping schedule.

You can check it out at Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK (77p) and Amazon US ($1.23). Please note that prices are correct at the time of posting but may be subject to change.

My review will be posted in December as we begin the run-up to Christmas. Enjoy!

Happy reading,

Caroline 🙂

November 11, 2013 by Caroline Barker

The Debt & The Doormat by Laura Barnard

The Debt & the Doormat FUN, FUNNY, FUNNIER AND………….FREE, FREE, FREE!!!!

If you are looking for an amusing adult chick-lit with plenty of comedy, romance and a little drama then look no further than this incredible story by Laura Barnard, ‘The Debt and the Doormat’. This FREE fun chick-lit has the British humour like that of Helen Fielding’s ‘Bridget Jones’ and Miranda Hart’s tv sitcom, self-titled ‘Miranda’. The comedy is silly, dry, sarcastic and some great slapstick clumsiness. The humour is strong throughout but brilliantly written around the main plot of a hopeful romance that brings its own drama to the fore. Tuck in girls – grab a glass of wine and/or a box of chocs for this delight of a story!

After living alone for a year after a break-up with her boyfriend life is about to change for Poppy. She discovers that her sociable, party-animal best friend, Jazz, is in debt and whilst having a few drinks together, they get absolutely sloshed, share a few antics and agree to swap lives for a while! Poppy is to move into Jazz’s house, shared with three roomates and live a party-style life, making friends and overcoming her life of possible reclusiveness since her relationship to Stuart ended. Meanwhile, Jazz is to remain at Poppy’s flat, keeping a low profile and saving some cash to pay off her debt!

This is a fantastic beginning for a story. The reader initially follows the main plot, is curious how the change in lifestyles will affect both women and is kept smiling from the sheer craziness of these two gals and their idea. There is something here for every woman as we connect to these characters, some of us are Poppy’s while others are more like Jazz. These two characters are so easy to relate to – we either know somebody like them or we are them!

Once Poppy settles in her new home the reader meets the housemates, Izzy, Ryan and Grace. Izzy doesn’t seem too different to Jazz. She is quite open, sociable and bubbly, if not a little too energetic and heavily into her exercise regime! Grace is the perfect model-type with great looks and a super body. However, Grace’s attitude lets her down as she can also be perceived as a super bitch (not a word I like to use, however the best word to describe Grace’s character)! And last but not least there is………

……… Ryan – oh yes, Ryan! Initially perceived as a slightly scruffy layabout he does have an air of gorgeousness about him and although he appears somewhat moody and grumpy he does go out of his way a fair bit to cover for Poppy’s awkwardness and mistakes. Poppy and Ryan appear to be the complete opposites to each other, with Ryan’s sophistication and coolness at times making Poppy feel like a fool. But, there are some slight sparks amid all the craziness and this gives the reader hope that these two will be together. One minute your heart is beating so fast with intensity as they grow a little closer and the next your heart hits the floor every time a new problem gets in the way! Laura Barnard doesn’t make this an easy straight forward read as there are many ups and downs that these two strong characters have, making it impossible for the reader to guess the outcome.

As well as the main plot there are other sub plots taking place with Poppy having troubles at work with the creepy bosses son, a colleague having trouble with her husband’s affair, her mother adding pressure to Poppy’s personal life and preparing for her brother’s wedding. Even more trouble comes Poppy’s way when her ex, Stuart, re-enters her life. There truly isn’t a quiet moment with The Debt and the Doormat and I loved every little bit of it. Every now and then throughout reading a book I like to check how far I have read and I was very pleased to see that I was only half way through the book as I didn’t want it to end.

The Debt and the Doormat is proper girly fun. Funnier than Bridget Jones, The Debt and the Doormat is possibly the funniest book I have ever read. It does have its more serious moments, especially in the latter half of the book when the characters Poppy and Ryan seem to be developing some feelings for each other, which really helps balance the story out. It is certainly well worth a read. I personally would love to read the story again and would like to hear more from Poppy and Ryan. We have been informed that a sequel is due in March/April 2014 which is brilliant news!

At the time of posting this book (in Kindle edition) is FREE at Amazon UK, Amazon US and (in many formats) at Smashwords! Don’t miss out!!!

The Debt and the Doormat was received gratefully from Laura Barnard for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Laura would love you to check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks and while you’re visiting please give her a ‘like’!

Laura also has her own website at www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk and is available on Twitter: @BarnardLaura

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 6, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Unscathed by Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard

I just absolutely had to be a little naughty and squeeze Unscathed into my schedule to read and review, after it has been written by two fantastic authors, Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard (my personal favourites at the moment). I was also curious to find out what ‘deadly twist’ Unscathed had in store for its readers in this seemingly contemporary romance. After being wowed so often by Tim and C.J. on their solo ventures I expected a similar reaction to Unscathed, and I was not disappointed. Unscathed exceeded my expectation tremendously and was a different type of ‘wow’ as the authors interweave a unique story of romance with a paranormal edge. Unscathed comes complete with two amazing main characters in Mina and Jax who have their own demons to tackle and some pretty hot sensual scenes that certainly turn the heat levels up!!!

English-born Mina Porter is sent to Florida, USA, to live with her uncle after an incident in London upsets her mother. Unfortunately for Mina her secret is difficult to escape from and when she meets Jax McElvoy, a tattooed bad boy mechanic, she feels compelled to follow him. It isn’t too long before Jax begins to take an interest in Mina and romance begins to blossom. That is until Mina’s strange behaviour makes him question her motives and he becomes determined to discover Mina’s secret. Once revealed, Jax wishes he hadn’t found out as it shockingly affects him personally in an unimaginable way. Is Mina crazy? Or does she hold answers that he needs to seek? Either way, how will he now deal with his feelings towards Mina and her secret?

What began as a contemporary romance, and what I initially felt was right for the Young Adult alone, began to turn into something a whole lot more with hints of the paranormal and a darker, denser plot as the story moved on, encapturing the mind for all adults. Due to the momentum of the story, the strong characters, style of writing and of course the curiosity and need to have to find all the answers I found Unscathed to be a quick read and had it read within a day.

Unscathed is told from Jax and Mina’s point of view, making it easy for the reader to connect to both characters as we are made aware of both of their histories. Mina is a girl that didn’t intend to cause any of the trouble that she found herself in. And yet in many ways it couldn’t be helped. Having to start a new life at her young age and to leave her mother and friends behind must have been an ordeal in itself as she has had to settle down and make new friends in Florida. This alone makes Mina a very strong character. She doesn’t seem too daunted by her new life in the US and even with her secret shadowing her she appears confident and sociable.

Jax, I LOVED Jax!!! Although much younger I personally couldn’t help but picture the character ‘Jax’ from FX’s ‘Sons of Anarchy’ series. Whilst the two characters’ appearance are different there were some similarities in their name, image of being a little rough/tough with tattoos and them both working at a garage. This made it so easy for me to instantaneously click with the character and want to fight his cause from the very beginning. Actually, ‘can I be Mina?’ I hear myself ask! Jax is HOT!

Jax and Mina’s chemistry is ELECTRIC! The physical scenes are written very sensually. It kept the momentum and the passion/intensity flowing. There is also a sense of realism when some of these moments don’t always end up rosey. The story can change very quickly from love being in the air to confusion and awkwardness between the characters due to the tension that is created from Mina’s behaviour and the revealing of her past and how it is possibly connected to Jax. The reader is left feeling sympathy for both characters.

Both characters had a type of common ground and both, over the course of the story, were willing to change or at least try to listen. Unscathed is quite tragic in many ways. This is a story that not only tells of the romance between two young adults but also of how their young, innocent lives have been affected by their elders, which in turn has forcd them to face truths that no young person should have to face. Due to their separate ordeals they are actually more mature than their peers but still feel the need to try and fit in.

Even after reading Unscathed I was still excited about the characters, the chemistry between them and the emotional ride that the reader goes on with them. I simply couldn’t stop thinking about this book. It is difficult to believe at the end of the novel that these two young individuals have only been together a short time as they have been through so much together.

Unscathed was received gratefully for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Unscathed it can be found on Amazon UK for £1.91 and Amazon US for $3.04. (Prices correct at the time of posting.)

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 26, 2013 by Caroline Barker

‘Unscathed’ by Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard release!!!

Today is the release of UNSCATHED, written by my favourite two authors, Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard.

I am planning to review Unscathed very soon! In the meantime, check out the synopsis:

“Mina Porter’s mother sent her away because of a terrible secret. When Mina meets tattooed bad boy Jax McElvoy, she’s immediately drawn to him, but not for the reasons he might think.

Jax falls for Mina too, but quickly figures out she’s hiding something. He’s determined to break down her walls and find out her secret. But Jax soon realizes he should have just let hidden secrets stay buried, because this one will cost him his dearly.

Unscathed is a contemporary romance with a deadly twist by bestselling author Tim O’Rourke and author C.J. Pinard. ”

Unscathed is available at both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com!!! Add it to your reading list, guys!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Caroline 🙂

October 5, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Patriotic Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 1) by C.J. Pinard

Patriotic Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 1) has everything that I love in this contemporary romance by C.J. Pinard (Enchanted Immortals series). This short novel is fun, cheeky, sexy and saucy but not without the drama of a beautiful romance. If you’re looking for a hot, cute soldier who’s looking for more than somewhere to spend the night, then Riley is your man and Patriotic Duty is your kind of book!

Single mum and recent divorcee, Cara Reid spends most of her weekends with her best friend, Miranda, having fun going to clubs, living it up and meeting hot guys. She is young and not in the least thinking to settling down any time soon, especially after her experience with her ex. However, one night after hooking up with Riley her summer is planned. He is to be in California for the summer before he is due back in Colorado, and so they spend summer together.

Cara naturally opens up to him and accepts his ways far more than she would anyone else. She is falling for him, even though she doesn’t want to admit it. Of course, it is just a summer fling. Or at least that is what she keeps informing Miranda when she stops partying for a while to be with Riley. However, as the summer comes to a close, Riley is given orders to do a tour of nine months in Afghanistan. As they agree to keep in touch, Cara is left feeling a little lost. Still not wanting to admit to her true feelings and yet not wanting to return to her life of partying with Miranda, Cara is left with a decision to make. Will she wait for her cute, hot soldier or does she move on with her life?

During the summer that they are together, Cara and Riley spend day trips together, go to a concert, visit bars, have some hot, fantastic sex, and Riley even gets to meet Cara’s son on some occasions. This shows how well their relationship is going, as usually Cara keeps this side of her life away from her son. Riley is very sweet, although the strong, silent type in some instances. Cara seems to be his world and the reader feels his sincerity to her. It is only his quieter side at times that makes Cara and the reader wonder what he is really thinking. But all will be revealed as the story moves on.

Patriotic Duty is a nice, light romance that becomes a little more serious and dramatic as the novel enters its second half, especially with Riley on tour in Afghanistan and Cara having little contact with him. What is going through Cara’s mind? Can she focus on getting her party life back with Miranda?

When Riley Met Cara has the potential to bceome much more complex and darker as the series moves on. However, for the first book of the series it does have a simple straight forward plot, which I loved after reading some heavy psychological horrors recently!! There were parts early on that made me laugh out loud as the interaction between Cara and Miranda was fun. They certainly knew how to have a laugh and cheer each other up.

I found Miranda to be a great supportive friend for Cara. Miranda, also a single mum, had been left by her ex to bring up their child and therefore, was in the same boat as Cara. Both characters are realistic and so long as the babysitters are available, of course young women would want to go out at weekends and have some fun. They also spend time together with their kids and meet up for lunch during their working week, and so have a tight bond, like sisters.

Although, Miranda’s attitude towards Cara does slightly change as she realises that Cara is becoming quite serious with Riley. She is perhaps worried for Cara that Riley will treat her bad in the end, and she may be a little jealous of the time that Riley spends with Cara when she could be with her. This is what makes Patriotic Duty realistic and easy to connect with. The characters have real feelings and thoughts that the majority of us have, and these lead to similar situations that we have either been in or those that we know have been in.

Brilliantly written by C.J. Pinard, Patriotic Duty is very fluid and there is not a moment that you lose grips with the story. I read this book in one day and so it is a very quick read. Due to the hot love scenes this book is recommended for those above the age of 18 yrs.

If you are a fan of C.J. Pinard’s urban fantasy/paranormal series, Enchanted Immortals, you will see a whole different side of her work in Patriotic Duty. C.J. has shown just how versatile her writing can be, and I for one absolutely love it. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the When Riley Met Cara series.

A Reader’s Review Blog received a copy of Patriotic Duty from the author in return for fair and honest review.

You can find Patriotic Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 1) by C.J. Pinard on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Smashwords.

If you would like to contact C.J. Pinard you can reach her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CJPinardAuthor or you can e-mail her at cjpinardauthor@gmail.com.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker