October 20, 2021 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – The Isle of Sin and Shadows – by Keri Lake

#Gothic #Romance #SouthernGothic #Mystery #Suspense

Blurb

This island alone boasts more ghost stories than all of Louisiana combined.
And I’m one of them.

In the Louisiana swamplands, ghost stories are as much a part of childhood as chasing fireflies and crawfishing. They never much scared me, though, nor the possibility of evil out to do me harm. Until the night I watched shadows come to life and butcher everything I loved.

With a stranger’s help, I managed to escape to an isolated place miles north, and, in time, became my own ghost story. A cautionary tale for the locals.

Nearly a decade passed, before I returned to my birthplace, in hopes of unearthing long-awaited answers. Instead, I found something I wasn’t looking for. Someone. A remedy for my loneliness.

Or so I thought.

Turns out, Thierry Bergeron is no elixir. He’s a deadly poison, cursed by the demons of his past, and feared by those who call him the elusive Rougarou of the bayou. A devious rogue, whose seductive whispers and rough hands haunt my dreams. The big bad wolf that defiles me without apology, or remorse.

I should resist him, but I can’t.

And when the shadows return to stake their claim on me, his darkness is the only safe place to hide.

The Isle of Sin & Shadows is a southern gothic mystery & romance standalone

My Review

Southern Gothic par excellence – 5 dark and sexy stars!

If you fancy a walk on the dark side, The Isle of Sin and Shadows by Keri Lake, a standalone Southern Gothic Romance fits the bill perfectly. This suspenseful and atmospheric read features ghostly goings on, voodoo, crime lords and a slow burn/tension filled romance which set alight my Kindle when the couple finally get it together. I loved it!

The read is a haunting one, being set in and around the Louisiana swamps with its close-knit community and its many secrets and local legends. The stakes are high when Céleste returns to her childhood home in an attempt to face the demons of her past and find out answers, so far denied. She soon finds her path crossing with the notorious Thierry, the owner of a strip club, who is a powerful force in the local community and feared by many. I enjoyed how Thierry is intrigued from the off by Celeste, a young woman who refuses to fear and respect him, and wants to know her secrets. I just loved the battle of words and deeds between them and their relationship is passionate and intense, each scene that takes place between them just crackles with sexual tension.

Both central characters are flawed and we learn about their respective backstories as the plot develops. Thierry is the type of dark anti-hero I adore and on the face of it he is just so wrong for Celeste, on so many levels. He is not looking for any type of relationship other than a quick hook-up. Céleste herself is traumatised by her past and sometimes she is confused by her reality. She is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery of her past and I admired her inner strength which tempers her vulnerability. She hides her pain under a tough exterior but has a heart of gold.

Somehow the couple are just perfect together, their relationship developing over the course of the book as they find their paths becoming ever more entwinned. There is such a lot going on in this read as the past and present collide, and I admired how the author pulled it all together whilst creating a powerful romance amidst the hauntingly beautiful and dangerous atmosphere of the swamps. I was gripped from the first page to the very last.

Perfect for fans of Gothic romances.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Connect with the Author

Website

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:

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 1, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ The Erotic Adventures of Belinda, #1 The New Governess and #2 Awakening. by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross

Gothic Erotica to Delight and Entertain the Senses!

Adult/18+

The partnership between Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross has produced a top notch quality erotica in their publication of The Erotic Adventures of Belinda. The series is a fantastic foray into the world of an innocent who quickly succumbs to the temptations on offer at the infamous and allegedly haunted Ravenscrest Manor and her own burgeoning carnal desires.

The New Governess

Book Blurb

When Belinda Moorland leaves her old life behind to become the new governess to a wealthy businessman’s children, she finds herself in a dazzling – and allegedly haunted – house called Ravencrest Manor. Her beautiful new home comes with an assortment of unusual staff members, including a handsome English butler surrounded by secrets, an icy power-mad housekeeper with a chip on her shoulder and a whip in her hand, and – most attractive of all to Belinda – her mysterious new employer, Mr. Eric Manning.

After just one night in Ravencrest, Belinda realizes that the staff, as strange they are, have nothing on the other residents of the house – the ones who only come out at night… the ones who enter and dictate her dreams, twisting them into dark, carnal visions of her deepest desires… and her greatest fears.

The erotic adventures of Belinda have begun…

My Review

Sinfully Seductive Gothic Erotica

I absolutely LOVED the first instalment of Belinda’s erotic adventures! The heroine is a delightfully innocent ingenue whose exploration of her physical senses begins soon after she enters the mysterious Ravencrest Manor and encounters its occupants. The dream sequences were expertly crafted, transporting the reader and Belinda back to another time, where erotic fantasies and dark desires are played out in a wonderfully evocative fashion. It is clear from the outset that Belinda risks losing her innocence, but will she remain of sane mind?

The other characters also piqued my interest, particularly the butler Grant and Eric, Belinda’s mysterious and handsome employer, to whom she is very attracted. I was fascinated and yet repelled at the same time by the controlling and abrasive housekeeper, Mrs Heller, who comes across as rather sinister. There are also other occupants of the manor who come out to play at night and who direct their attentions to the manor’s new employee…

The dialogue is often playful and the characters are engaging with tantalising hints here and here of what lies beneath the surface. This gothic inspired read contains beautifully descriptive scenes of the luxurious and sinfully seductive interior of the manor. The erotic scenes are extremely well written and balanced with the introduction of the main characters and the plot, which left me itching to read the next instalment. A fantastic read for lovers of erotica.

Goodreads

Purchase Links – Now titled Darker Shadows (The Ghosts of Ravencrest Book 1)

Amazon US Amazon UK

Awakening

Book Blurb

In The New Governess, Belinda Moorland became governess to the children of handsome and mysterious millionaire, Eric Manning. She met several interesting employees at Ravencrest Manor, including the mischievous butler, Grant, and the frightening house administrator, Mrs. Heller. During her first night, Belinda was also greeted – and groped – by other inhabitants of the house; ones who are more phantom than flesh.

Now, in Awakening, we find out more about Grant Phister, the wicked Mrs. Heller, and some of the other inhabitants of the house, both living and dead. There are more secrets than ever waiting within the walls of Ravencrest, but Belinda has one final requirement to meet before she can get down to work: She must pass her physical examination – and it will prove to be far more intimate than anything in her wildest dreams – or her darkest nightmares. Will she get through her first day at Ravencrest intact?

The erotic adventures of Belinda continue…

My Review

A Thoroughly Wicked Medical Examination

In Awakening, Belinda needs to pass her physical examination before she can begin her new post as governess at Ravenscrest. Mrs Heller, the housekeeper, takes a special interest in this and instructs Dr Akin to ensure that Belinda undergoes the most thorough of medical procedures. Thus Belinda and the reader are treated to a wickedly delicious erotic episode in the doctor’s office, which made my toes curl and had me cringing at the same time!

Dr Akin is a handsome fellow who likes to take control and Belinda plays her role of obedient patient very well indeed, discovering new and surprising things about herself and her body. I liked how Belinda, even when shocked and surprised at what is expected of her, goes along with these experiences and it makes me wonder what is in store in the next instalment…… There are certainly some strange individuals and goings on at the manor and I get the feeling that Belinda is in for quite a ride!

All in all I adored this addition to the series which I recommend to erotica lovers.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Copies of The New Governess and Awakening were given to me for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Goodreads Link

Connect with the Authors

http://tamarathorne.com/belinda.html

http://alistaircross.com/

October 6, 2014 by Tina Williams

Zombie Takeover to celebrate ~ Love At The End of Days by Tera Shanley (includes super giveaway)

Halloween Takeover

Check out some Ghostly Goodness!

Week Two: Ghosty Goodness : Win Books by Sarah Glover and Rumer Haven!

SHRIEK! It’s Week Two of our month long Halloween takeover to celebrate Love At The End of Days by Tera Shanley, and this week we have books to win with hot rockers, 1920’s razzle dazzle, and of course, GHOSTS! Check out the Rafflecopter and enter to win!

If you could be haunted by a ghost from any era, what would it be? 1940s? Renaissance times? A modern ghost who haunts your texts?

Don’t forget to add Love At The End Of Days to your TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23157764-love-at-the-end-of-days
and check back every week for new, spooky good prizes!

New Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

July 4, 2013 by Tina Williams

Ways to see a Ghost, by Emily Diamand

Teenagers Unite to Combat Evil in Explosive Paranormal Thriller

for ages 11+

If you are seeking an exciting paranormal read which includes everything from murder, mayhem and ghosts to an ancient evil and UFO hunters you cannot do better than read this adventure filled novel by Emily Diamand, which will appeal to young readers and adults alike. Caroline has also reviewed this book and if you would like to have a look at her review too click on the link at the end of this post.

In Ways to See a Ghost, Gray, the teenage son of a UFO conspiracy theorist and Isis, daughter of a charlatan psychic, are thrown together when their parents start dating, after meeting at the scene of a strange death. Both teenagers come from broken homes and whilst Isis lives with her mum, who has parted from her dad some time ago, Gray, whose mum has custody, visits his dad regularly and accompanies him on UFO seeking missions.

After a rocky start, Isis and Gray form a close friendship and uncover the sinister intentions of the charismatic Philip Syndal, the head of an elite psychic society that Isis’ mum has been inducted into. The tale unfolds into one of great intrigue and danger, involving a series of bizarre and ever increasing sinister events, where Isis’ sanity and even her life is under threat. Unlike her mother Isis can really see ghosts, an ability which manifested itself after her little sister Angel died in a car accident. Indeed, Angel’s ghost plays an important role in the story. Isis has never revealed Angel’s existence to her mother for fear that it could traumatize her.

The book is full of strange and sometimes horrific events. Indeed, its opening scene is in the middle of a wheat field where Gray and his dad witness unexplained lights in the sky, which create a series of crop circles which Gray manages to capture on film. There are also references to the many ghosts who seek to communicate with Isis, who is a powerful, albeit unwilling psychic. I enjoyed the descriptions of the paranormal events, which were very vivid and swept me up into the story. As the book progresses, we learn of a connection between the lights seen by Gray and his father and ghosts and events become more and more terrifying before the plot unravels.

I enjoyed all of the characters in the book. Gray and Isis, both strong and likeable characters, form a close bond and their friendship deepens as the book progresses. Whilst Isis is sceptical of the research carried out by Gray’s father to prove the existence of UFOs, Gray is equally sceptical of Isis’ claim that she can see ghosts, until she gives him proof that Angel exists. I loved the character of Angel, who, even as a ghost is a typical precocious and playful three year old, often exasperating her older sister. The way Isis, Gray and Angel interact and work together to try and defeat the evil which manifests itself is one of the most satisfying aspects of the novel. Other characters include Cally, Isis’ mum and Gil, Gray’s dad, who are both a little eccentric, playing their respective parts as a fake psychic and a committed UFO hunter to the full. Gil is a bit of a ‘Jack the lad’ who usually plays the field, but has fallen hard for Cally and Cally, who has been in a dark place since Angel’s death and the breakdown of her marriage, finds that loving Gil has given her a new lease of life.There is also a ghost called Mandeville, who has a key role as the tale unfolds, and Phillip Syndal who runs the elite psychic society, who has many secrets and harbours great evil. A fun character, Stu, a friend of Gil, known as ‘The Keeper’, who holds a lot of information on worldwide conspiracy theories, provides some humour.

The novel covers the usual tensions between parents and teenagers and I found it amusing that the reader sees their parents’ relationship through the eyes of their children, who both find actions such as kissing and hand holding yuk! Some chapters are told in the first person from Gray’s point of view, looking back on events and others in the third person. This is effective in that we are able to view events from multiple perspectives and time frames and adds depth to the story. There is also a mystery person interrogating Gray in his chapters and the author does not reveal to us who this is, which I find fascinating and I am hoping to find this out in the subsequent novel. The book also has an environmental subtext throughout, in its references to the harm man has inflicted on the natural environment.

I recommend this book to young and adult readers who enjoy exciting con temporary tales of the paranormal.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

For Caroline’s review click here

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

Templar Publishing www.templarco.co.uk

Cover art by Ben Kovar

Publication July 2013