March 30, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Loved (Dark Alpha #6) (short story) by Alisa Woods

Today is the release of the final instalment of the new adult, paranormal romance Dark Alpha series, LOVED. Written by the brilliant Alisa Woods (True Alpha short story series), this is a super climatic ending of such a gripping and lovable series. If you are a fan of shifter paranormals, or even romance in general, this is such a lovely series of one proving their love for someone, helping them to escape their unwanted mate, and ultimately showing a sacrifice of their own life to protect the one that they love…

Title: Loved (Dark Alpha #6)

Author: Alisa Woods

Genre: New adult, paranormal romance

Released date: March 30th, 2015

Released by: Sworn Secrets Publishing

Length: 60 pages

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

The final installment of Dark Alpha…

Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both?

Loved (Dark Alpha 6) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the final of six episodes in the Dark Alpha serial. Dark Alpha is the sequel series to True Alpha, the debut shifters-in-Seattle paranormal romance from Alisa Woods.

REVIEW

Everything comes together in this last instalment of Dark Alpha, but not necessarily how we would all expect… LOVED picks up from where we left off in Penance (book 5), where after rescuing his love Arianna from the grasps of her unwanted alpha, Mace, Jak is now sacrificing himself for Arianna’s complete riddance of Mace from her blood, and for the safety of her and her family’s future. With the help of a witch, Circe, the spell should draw out Mace’s wolf from Arianna’s blood, and join Jak’s – where the two will fight it out until Jak’s body can no longer bare it. Only Arianna doesn’t know Jak’s plan.

Many questions are to be asked during the first few pages; will Circe’s spell work and free Arianna from Mace totally, or will Mace’s magic bond be forever mixed with her own blood forever? Plus, will this experience really kill Jak, or is there a shred of hope?

As Arianna witnesses and realises Jak’s sacrifice she cannot believe it. She can’t bear it – she can’t live now without Jak. But, is it too late to save him? And, even if she could, how could she save him? Arianna is completely overwhelmed with Jak’s love and devotion to her, and even towards her family who he doesn’t know. But, without Jak her escape from Mace is meaningless. He rescued her from Mace to begin with- she needs him to carry on, to give her the love and life she wants to be a part of.

And then, we come back to the question, ‘Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both?‘

Not only do we have to worry about Jak’s welfare here, there is also the threat of Mace finding them, and what he’ll do to them when he does. It was only a matter of time before Mace caught up with them. The circumstances were a little surprising and unexpected, but make for a more fearsome scene that is certainly unpredictable, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Throughout this series, I absolutely loved reading a little about Gage, Mace’s brother and Jak’s alpha. He is aware of Mace’s vicious and dark side, but Mace is his brother. At the same time, he saved Jak from a bad life himself, and brought him up like a son. This would be a fascinating character to explore more, and I would love it if Gage showed up in any future work of Alisa’s.

I can’t wait to see what Alisa Woods has in store for her fans next. Her writing is exciting, emotional, suspenseful and dark. You can catch up with both True Alpha and Dark Alpha now available in individual boxed sets, or as individual short stories. These 5* series are not to be missed!

A copy of Loved was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Loved (Dark Alpha #6) is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

To find out more info of the previous instalments of Dark Alpha, as well as Alisa Woods‘ first series, True Alpha, along with reviews, please check them all out below:-

Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story

Guarded (True Alpha #2) – short story

Hunted (True Alpha #3) – short story

Captured (True Alpha #4) – short story

Sacrificed (True Alpha #5) – short story

Claimed (True Alpha #6) – short story

A True Alpha Christmas – novella – stand alone short story

Torment (Dark Alpha #1) – short story

Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2) – short story

Deception (Dark Alpha #3) – short story

Escape (Dark Alpha #4) – short story

Penance (Dark Alpha #5) – short story

March 19, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ The Everlasting Spell (Celandrium Shop Tales, book #1), by Kristin Ravelle

Paranormal Romance

Word Count: Approximately 10,850 (about 42 pages)

Genre: Paranormal, Urban, Fantasy, Romance

ISBN# 9781301077687 Amazon ASIN# B00BFUOBAY

Blurb

Casting a moon spell to capture the romantic interest of Justin Rokoff seems crazy to college psychology student, Sabina Clair, but when she overhears a conversation about the powerful success of a Celandrium Shop love spell, Sabina decides to take drastic measures to attract Justin, her love crush since starting college. She visits the mysterious Celandrium shop and purchases the archaic spell. Sabina casts the spell at the next full moon and waits anxiously for its effects, which are very quick. The bliss of Justin’s immediate and undivided romantic attention very soon turns to dread when the antique spell works too perfectly and Sabina finds herself desperate to undo an irreversible spell. Surprise twist ending!

The Everlasting Spell is a curious, paranormal, urban tale that will entertain you magically!

Review ********

Be Careful what you wish for…..

I found this to be a quick, entertaining paranormal romance, which also contains magic, humour and an underlying sense of menace. It is essentially a modern day fable, which warns the reader to be careful what they wish for!

The story was very realistic in how it portrayed the thoughts and actions of the heroine Sabina, as she goes about her life at college and her attraction to Justin, the college hottie. This contrasted nicely with the scenes which described the strange and magical Celandrium Shop and the Everlasting Spell which she purchases. I particularly liked the scenes in which Sabina invokes the spell and the descriptions of the mysterious shop and the shopkeeper.

Whilst Sabina is thrilled when the spell is a great success and she gains Justin’s attention, she begins to have second thoughts….. Yet what is a girl to do when powerful moon magic has been invoked? Can the spell be stopped or reversed or will she be the recipient of Justin’s increasingly obsessive attraction to her forever?

I will not reveal any more, but suffice to say that there is a twist to this engaging tale, which will appeal to lovers of romance and the paranormal alike.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Available From Amazon US UK Smashwords

Author Contact Details

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

@KristinRavelle on Twitter

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17382244-the-everlasting-spell

February 9, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Strands of Sollus by Cheryl Suchacek

DEBUT novel ‘Strands of Sollus’ by Cheryl Suchacek is the first of a series. It is a mix of two different genres of high fantasy and erotica. Book 2 of the series is currently in the making. For more info and to check out some more fantastic artwork on the characters of Strands of Sollus you can check out the website www.strandsofsollus.com.

Author: Cheryl Suchacek

Title: Strands of Sollus

Genre: Fantasy, erotica

Release date: April 1st 2014

Released by: Dorrance Publishing Co.

Length: 248 pages

Blurb: A contract from the Order of Aurora sends Myst in pursuit of a stolen magic sword. The job soon finds her partnering with Lotus, the rightful owner of the sword, as well as two beings bound to each other, Tol and Grayoch.

In the course of their mission, the group uncovers that behind the theft are sinister forces bent on resurrecting the dark lord, Maridon, in order to overwhelm the forces of light and take over the world of Sollus.

Facing their enemies, Myst finds that not only does she have to contend with Maridon and his minions, she also has to deal with the growing complications of her relationship with Tol and Lotus.

REVIEW

Strands of Sollus is a great introduction to this new and original series. Fans of fantasy, magic and erotica will love this combination of adventure, friendship, mystery and passion. It is recommended that the reader be of 18yrs+ due to the adult content.

Without her knowledge, Lotus’ father, Tobias, is having a magic sword made for her coming-of-age. En route to them, it is stolen and Tobias sends for help to locate and retrieve it. This is where Myst makes an appearance as she is the one that offers to help, and together, with Lotus, they both prepare to find the sword that is rightfully Lotus’s.

The most fascinating aspect of Strands of Sollus are the characters and the strong, passionate relationships that they have with each other. Lotus and Myst hit it off brilliantly, however their relationship is to reach a completely other level after Lotus is subject to an unfortunate ordeal on the night of her coming-of-age. The magic involved leaves her feeling lustful and needy most of the time and she needs help to control and/or abate her powerful feelings of desire.

Not only bound as friends now, but before their mission to retrieve the magic sword, Lotus and Myst agree to be bound with magic anklets, which help share both of their desires. Only, when they reach their peak and they need a release, it is inevitable that they must help each other through their times of need. Myst is incredibly admirable as she volunteers to help with no hesitance whatsoever, whilst there are moments Lotus feels guilty for Myst’s involvement. However, they are both selfless characters and prove themselves and their love for each other again and again. Their bond is like no other.

Circumstances are likely to become a little more awkward when either Myst or Lotus are attracted to the opposite sex and long to have a romantic affair with a man. As they both feel the strength of desire at the same time, it does mean that they would have to share a man and need that man to understand them and want them both. Otherwise, one of them would have to be left out and try to avoid feeling any resentment or jealousy:-

“Surely, you must know by now that what we share is a bonding of the soul,” Myst said softly. “We are kindred spirits moved by the gods. It is a form of love but, perhaps, not the love either of us was looking for. What concerns me is what will happen when you desire another. How will we deal with that if we become linked as these anklets will make us? If you desire him, I will as well. If I am right in my understanding of it, that will be the case, so do we share him if he is willing? I know of few men that would complain, but what if he refuses? Can I distance myself enough to seek another way to sate my own desire, or will I have to seek him out behind your back? A man taking on two mates is not frowned upon, nor is that unusual, but where will your desire end and mine begin, or will they be one and the same?…”

Tol and Grayoch also share a bond, albeit somewhat different. They can speak to each by using their minds. This can add some humour to the story as sometimes they share personal feelings and thoughts that was not intended for the other to hear. They are working together to track down the sword, ready for Lotus and Myst to retrieve it. However, during their search they also learn that a friend of theirs, Leeta, has been kidnapped by the group who took the sword. As they follow the trail, which later separates into two, Tol has the dilemma of choosing his mission over his kidnapped friend. But he is sworn to carry out his mission regardless, which leaves him feeling a great deal of guilt. Will they find Leeta as they continue with their official mission?

When Tol and Grayoch later meet with Myst and Lotus this is where the action takes hold the most as they are nearing the end of their mission and have to work together in the retrieving of the sword. The magic that holds Lotus, however, does have a hold on people around her and Tol feels the attraction and her desire at times, even though subtle initially. The mission is the main focus for him, but as the desires of Lotus and Myst grow it is difficult for him not to be pulled towards them.

The erotic scenes are sensual and written with care as they are woven into the story in a believable manner. However, I did feel at times that aside from the erotic scenes other areas were written in such a way that a younger audience could follow the story as it wasn’t a story that was difficult to follow, and had a slower pace in the middle sections. Towards the end the pace quickens as there is more action and the story pulls together.

The reader will be left curious to the quartet’s next adventure and just how their bonds will grow with each other. Will they find what they are seeking?

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

Strands of Sollus by Cheryl Suchacek is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK, as well as Barnes & Noble.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 18, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ To Avenge Her Highland Warrior (#3 in the Highland Fae Chronicles), by Samantha Holt

Sensual Captor/Captive Highland Romance

Containing a sprinkling of faery magic!

Book Blurb

Lorna lost everything to war. Her home, her wealth… her lover. And now she wants revenge. When her hasty plan throws her at the mercy of her enemy’s men, she holds little hope of returning to her kin and fears death is around the corner. But could her salvation lie in the arms of her dark captor? Logan has little time to be dealing with a stubborn noble woman. His orders are to prepare for war. His laird—the man he owes his life to—intends to join forces with the Norse and bring a battle to Scotland that will see the fate of the country forever changed. Scarred, and with no memory of his past, Logan is determined to forge a new future for himself as well as prove his loyalty to the laird. But the beautiful lass has him questioning his previous life and his goals. When she starts claiming he once loved her, he knows he’s being manipulated and she’s taking advantage of his memory loss. So why is it so hard to resist the idea of having once been her lover? With the threat of impending war—a battle that promises to bring slaughter to her family—can Lorna persuade Logan to believe her, and is the bitter man he’s become even worth saving? Whatever the outcome of the battle, a certain interfering faery is resolved to see fate back on its correct path. And that means forcing Lorna and Logan together—no matter their differences.

My Review

Captor/Captive Romance with a Torn and Tortured Hero

Sensual Historical Romance (with a sprinkling of faery magic….)

To Avenge Her Highland Warrior, the third and final book in Samantha Holt’s Highland Fae Chronicles is a sensual and heart rending captor/captive romance. It can be read as a ‘standalone’, although I do however, highly recommend the whole series (check out the links below).

The novel is a combustible mix of revenge, passion and redemption, sprinkled with a little fairy magic and I loved it! It contains a dark, torn and tortured alpha hero and a strong and vulnerable heroine who belong together, but who fate has torn apart.

The faery Tiele, determined to put this wrong to right, has a battle royal on her hands to reconcile these two lovers due to events that have transpired. Her task is all the more difficult for she has sworn off the direct use of her powers, as the use of such magic in the past has resulted in unforeseen consequences.

As soon as the book opens I was drawn in – the heroine Lorna, who is widowed, is in dire straits, captive in the bowels of her former home that was brutally wrestled from her by her brother-in-law. Having failed in her mission to kill this usurper she now awaits his punishment. Imagine her surprise and relief when she finds that the man in charge of the keep whilst its master is absent is none other than Logan, the man who once loved her, the man who she had rejected and believed slain in the battle for her home.

Yet there is no happy reunion between the couple as this man is a far cry from the Logan who adored her. Instead he is a cold and distant stranger, his memory erased by the injuries he sustained during battle. He views his captive as little more than the spoilt and manipulative woman his Laird tells him she is, and he does not recall how he once loved his former mistress from afar. Whatever Lorna says she cannot help him remember or trust her enough to believe her – he views whatever she says as lies, designed to save her own skin.

Although attraction between them simmers, Logan is determined not to betray his Laird and succumb to this woman. However, he slowly comes to respect her combination of strength and vulnerability and becomes torn once he finds out what his Laird’s plans for his captive may entail. There are scenes aplenty of sexual tension, frustrated passion and love making which brings them ever closer, but not close enough, as Logan fights the connection that exists between them. Will he act to save her? Will he remember their love before it is too late? Even if he does, can Lorna accept him for the man he has become and forgive him for what he has put her through?

I so felt for both these characters in this book! Lorna had lost so much, yet she is strong and resilient in terrible circumstances, especially as the very man who should have been her saviour is now her gaoler and is a stranger to her. She is fearful for her own future and that of Logan, who seems lost to her and her emotions oscillate between hope and despair. Logan is as tortured a hero as they come and is torn between loyalty to his Laird and what he is beginning to feel for the captive. I also enjoyed the supporting characters in the tale, especially Lorna’s self-serving brother-in-law, whose actions added tension to the plot and of course Tiele whose presence and antics contributed to some humorous moments to the plot in her efforts to save the day.

All in all, I found it a sensual, heart stopping and entertaining read and a great conclusion to the Highland Fae Chronicles.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

Website/Blog Facebook

Read our Reviews of other books in the Highland Fae Chronicles

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart, book 1

To Dream of a Highlander, book 2

October 28, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Amethyst’s Incredible Journey by Lisa Bland

Fantasy adventure

For ages 11yrs+

Synopsis: Amethyst is a witch with extremely evil and powerful parents. Amethyst is terrified that if she don’t stop her parents soon it will be too late, and they will gain control of Golden Dragon City and the Fountain of Magic. Amethyst knows that she has only got until her next birthday to stop them!.Amethyst has to travel through different realms to collect the blood red rubies that she needs to stop them.

REVIEW

Amethyst’s Incredible Journey is a magical fantasy that will enchant the younger reader. Children will love the magic, spells, witches, dragons and worlds that Amethyst encounters.The author has great imagination that allows the reader to escape, with Amethyst, to all of the magical realms she visits.

The story opens up well and the reader is given a clear picture on Amethyst’s father, Andrew Shadow’s background. This allows the reader to understand how he thinks and why he does the things he does. Amethyst grows up in Forest Falls, where her parents have gained control of most of the magic that others previously possessed. Their aim is to take the magic from all and gain control of Golden Dragon City and the Fountain of Magic. This will make them the most powerful people in the realm and they can then take full control. Anyone who gets in their way is killed or harmed.

Amethyst, being born into this, knows no different. Although she does have a best friend and as she grows older, she soon realises to what lengths her parents will go. It all comes to a head for Amethyst when her father has her best friend killed. This she cannot forgive and decides to leave Forest Falls, after she realises that if she can collect the four red rubies and add a drop of her father’s blood, at Dead Witch Mountain, her father will be wiped of all his power and will no longer be able to control the power of others.

Lisa Bland demonstrates how strong Amethyst really is, to go against her own parents. She certainly has her morals in check, but will she be able to complete her mission before her parents catch up with her? To help her on her journey she meets up with, Grog (also able to use magic), who quickly becomes a friend to her and travels with her to help.

As well as providing a story of escape, Amethyst’s Incredible Journey also provides some realism and a chance for the reader to relate to Amethyst as she is flawed, as are many of the characters and the relationships they have. It is a nice reflection on reality that connects to the reader. For example, despite how close Amethyst and Grog are they still have their disagreements.

Although the storyline and characters are a pleasure to read, there are many issues with the punctuation, grammar and sentence structure. Whilst I understand that this story is self-published it would really benefit with a proof-reader and/or editor. The first page alone has punctuation errors. That said, I did finish the book and found myself reading through the story fairly well as it was easy to follow. And again, the magical lands that the author has created, as well as the characters and the main storyline is super. I will be giving Amethyst’s Incredible Journey 3 stars on Goodreads and Amazon, however once edited to a more readable level I would give this a 4 star.

A copy of Amethyst’s Incredible Journey was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US. (Please note that this book is showing as currently unavailable, possibly due to editing. We do hope that it is available as soon as possible.)

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 27, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Your Cottage Awaits, by Derek A Barrass

Mirth, Magic and Menace!

A cracking read for Halloween or whenever you want to reconnect with a little magic ……….

Book Blurb

A couple in their late fifties planning to retire to the countryside discover what they believe to be their dream cottage. They return to finalise the details and to arrange to purchase the property, only to find all was not as they’d imagined. The property has completely changed, from being a rustic, rose covered pretty little cottage, to a tumbledown wreck of a building. Thinking it was just their imagination playing tricks on them they go ahead, despite their reservations when a number of strange and frightening experiences occur. A local witch is behind what is going on and she has plans for them within her coven.

My Review

Quirky and Original Modern Day Fairy Tale

Many of us dream of finding that ideal retirement home, often a charming cottage in the countryside, away from the stresses of modern life. Keith and Julie, the couple in this novel by Derek A Barrass, share this dream and are delighted when they find the perfect property in England’s green and pleasant land. Yet their ideas of rural bliss are anything but, as a series of strange events and mishaps start to befall them and their visiting family. They also begin to notice some bizarre and menacing goings on in and around their cottage and the village, not to mention some strange characters, not least their neighbour and local matriarch, Elfreda and her family……

Author Derek A Barrass weaves a quirky and original spellbinding tale, where magic collides with twenty first century ideas of reality. The reader, along with Keith and Julie and their visitors to the cottage, their son and daughter-in-law and their two grandsons, Tim and Luke, slowly become party to the strange happenings.

I loved the unpredictable nature of the tale – the author has a devilish mind and I particularly liked the way that the adults, Julie and Keith, for the most part remain clueless. It is the boys, Tim and Luke, who together with their new friends, Woodruff and Jill, from Elfreda’s household, who soon appreciate much of what is really going on. They do battle with Wellesley, Elfreda’s favourite, to counter his and Elfreda’s plans for Keith and Julie. There are some highly amusing scenes as the boys strive to keep Keith and Julie ignorant of what they know of the magic around them. The protagonist Wellesley has his own self-serving agenda as do others in the village. Indeed, all is not straightforward in this tale which contains mirth, magic and menace in equal measure.

I recommend this novel to those who, like me, suspect that the English countryside still has its secrets and believe that magic is still alive and kicking if we only open our eyes and look for it.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Author Derek A Barrass

https://www.facebook.com/dereka.barrass

October 25, 2014 by Caroline Barker

**TRAIL OF DEAD (THE INCARNATE SERIES #2), by Cristy Rey ~ BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW

The Pastophori of Iset has set a trap for the Incarnate…only she doesn’t know it….

Trail of Dead (Incarnate #2), by Cristy Rey

Book Blurb

The Pastophori of Iset has set a trap for the Incarnate…only she doesn’t know it.

Burned out from being on the road again, a directionless Sunday finds herself inexplicably drawn to Salt Lake City. There she finds herself in a curious state. For the first time in her life, Sunday feels normal. She can walk around free of anxiety that she will be set-off by her inhuman sensitivity. She can be intimate without overheating. Are the days of the Incarnate finally behind her?

Cyrus has not handled losing Sunday well. For eight months, the werewolf has been a shadow of himself. His pack is concerned and his closest friend, Marcus, believes that Cyrus is in danger of being lost to his humanity. When their Alpha confesses that the Pastophori of Iset has set a trap for Sunday, Cyrus goes into full-gear trying to get her out of it…but he has to find her first.

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Excerpt

With a sharp nod to Cyrus, Stephen took a step back and again made his way to his seat. Cyrus claimed the seat Marcus vacated, muscles taut and ready to spring into action. It took everything to abate the firestorm that brewed in him. The loss of Sunday, a threat to Marcus, and the rising wolf that threatened to take over if Cyrus didn’t get himself in check.

“I think Marcus appreciates the situation.”

“Do you, Marcus?” Stephen asked. The younger wolf now stood with his hands in his pockets and his head lowered, refusing to direct his gaze to his leader.

“I do, Stephen, but, respectfully, I think it doesn’t matter.”

“What makes you think you can find her and, even if you did, the Incarnate would go with you willingly?”

“She came with us willingly before.”

“But she didn’t come with you willingly the last time, and correct me if I’m remembering things wrong, but you stated that time she put you on your ass and turned the lights out on you for an entire day to prove just how unwilling she was to be recaptured.” Stephen leaned up on his elbows and shifted forward in his chair. “You think you cannot only find her this time, but get her to agree to going with you? Because, Cyrus, I want to be clear on this. She’s going to have to come with you for this to work.”

Cyrus nodded, and Stephen asked Marcus the same question.

“I don’t think it’s going to be that easy,” Marcus admitted. “But I think it’s worth attempting. At the very least, it gives Cyrus another shot with her, and I’m not sure he’ll stay with us long unless he gets at least that.”

The situation was clear. He’d been volatile since she’d absconded and left him behind, and only by confronting her could the situation be resolved. Cyrus wouldn’t be the first werewolf to leave behind humanity and choose to live out his days in wolf form. Once he made that fateful decision, his humanity would be lost forever. He wouldn’t come back. No one did. He would live out his days in the wild and he would do so in misery, alone.

“Is that accurate?” Stephen asked. There was no mistaking to whom he directed the question.

“Yes,” Cyrus answered.

The word stewed in the room while the three men quietly considered what it meant. Cyrus’s admission was deeply felt, and Stephen sighed heavily and brought his hands to cover his face, shaking his head and mumbling unintelligibly into them.

“So what do you want me to do?”

“I want a meeting with the cult leaders,” Cyrus replied.

Dropping back against the chair, he tucked his chin, beard brushing over chest. All the possible consequences of this action played out in his mind. He might not have admitted it to Marcus, even after Marcus had made his intentions known, but he’d fantasized about the millions of ways he could find Sunday again. Finally, he was opening up about them with Stephen, possibly the only person who could enable their reality.

“The cult has ceased all contracts regarding the capture and retrieval of the Incarnate.”

“Why?” Marcus asked, now inching closer to the table where the two men sat.

“Like I said earlier, Cyrus is the best and everyone knows it. He was the most dedicated to the Incarnate’s case and he is the one with the most experience with her. Since the witch’s flock was all but exterminated when she destroyed the main house, information about her is in short supply.”

“What does the cult know about Sunday that we don’t?” Cyrus interjected.

“Good question,” Stephen admitted with a nod. “It is my understanding that the Pastophori has found another way of trapping her.”

My Personal Review

Dark and Suspenseful Urban Fantasy Read!

Please note that this review contains some spoilers for readers who have not read book #1 in the series, Taking Back Sunday (click title for my review).

If you are not already on board with the Incarnate Series by Cristy Rey then hop on now and ready yourself for a fantastic dark urban fantasy read! Trail of Dead, book #2 in the series, pulses with arcane magic, violence, psychological torment and twisted evil, but it also explores the bonds of friendship, love and self-sacrifice.

After giving Cyrus the slip at the end of the previous novel, Sunday is again on the run, striving to come to terms with her powerful and oftentimes destructive powers. She is drawn to Salt Lake City, where a feeling of calmness descends upon her and she feels like she has a chance at normality. She makes friends with a woman called Deborah and embarks on a rewarding social life.

Nevertheless the Pastophori have set a trap for Sunday that she unknowingly all but sleepwalks into. This trap may not only cost Sunday her freedom and even her life but also that of an innocent teenager. The dark magic and madness of another, who has awaited the arrival of Sunday for a long time finally comes into play.

At the same time Cyrus, in Alaska with his pack, is sinking deeper into depression following Sunday’s desertion. Fearing what will happen if he is not reunited with Sunday and hearing that she is in danger, he once again seeks her out. Accompanied by fellow wolves Marcus and Angel, Cyrus soon picks up her scent. But will he be too late to save her from the trap and the fate that the Pastophori have in store for her? Will Sunday welcome him back? And above all will she remain with him? Their relationship is a complex one and they have much to come to terms with.

Once again I LOVED the characters in this novel. I really felt for Cyrus, the tortured alpha male werewolf, who cannot survive without his mate. He struggles with the knowledge that she left him, yet once he realises she is in danger NOTHING will keep him from saving her. I also enjoyed finding out more about Marcus and Angel and the new characters introduced in this novel. The members of the Pastophori are truly evil and I was on the edge of my seat hoping against hope that they did not realise their twisted objectives!

I emphasised with Sunday and was happy for her when she begins to live a normal life in Salt Lake City. Yet alarm bells began to ring as her sense of self as well as her powers begin to wane. Events conspire to work against her and people are not always what they seem. Sunday can only save herself and others if she can break free of the trap that has closed in around her and for once she cannot do this alone. I will not divulge any more of this awesome plot, but just urge you to give this highly original and entertaining series a go – you will not be disappointed!

I received a copy of this novel from the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Taking Back Sunday (Incarnate #1)

After five years on the run, Sunday has finally settled into a seemingly normal life in Columbia, South Carolina. What her two best friends don’t know is that Sunday has a secret past. She is the Incarnate, a conduit of mystical energy transcendent of the mundane and the divine. For most of her life, she served under Bernadette, the most powerful witch in the Northwest. Her power is terrifying, and what she remembers of her past—and what she doesn’t—haunts her. In the year that she’s been attempting to be anything but the Incarnate, Sunday has fought her abilities tooth and nail, but it’s been worth it. When Sunday joins her friends’ coven for an innocent gathering, Sunday discovers a darkness hidden beneath the blanket of the coven’s magic and she is determined to find out who is behind it and what she has planned.

For the last four years, Cyrus has been the point man on the contract to recapture the Incarnate and deliver her to the Pastophori of Iset. A gifted tracker and a fearless werewolf, he harbors a wild, inexplicable passion for the Incarnate that has driven him to hunt her. He was one of the original captors that brought her to Bernadette when his obsession with her began. Having found her, Cyrus and his pack find themselves torn between two objectives: take her by force and deliver her to yet another group of fanatics, or help her uncover the traitor among her coven.

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo

About this Author

Cristy Rey is the author of the romantic urban fantasy Incarnate series. Taking Back Sunday, Trail of Dead, and the prequel novelette, Edge of Seventeen, were released in 2014. The third full-length installment, Wolf Parade, will be released in 2015. She also writes and publishes unconventional romantic women’s fiction. Her first standalone, Weeping Angels, is available now, and her second, Heart Grow Fonder, will be out in winter 2014/2015.

Cristy lives in Miami, FL where she is a reader and writer most of the time, and a knitter much less of the time than she was six months before she took up writing again. She writes the books that she likes to read. She describes her writing style as riot grrrl Jane Austen sprinkled with a little magic. There’s always a killer soundtrack running in the background of her novels – all you need to do is turn to the playlist to know what’s up.

Find Cristy Rey Online

June 27, 2014 by Tina Williams

THE HUNTER’S REALM ~ by Brianna Hughes BLOG TOUR, REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Fun and Sexy Fantasy Romance

We are so pleased to welcome the blog tour for The Hunter’s Realm, a magical fantasy romance by Brianna Hughes! Just check out the hottie on the cover! Scroll down for the blurb, super excerpt, trailer and more and read my review! Also don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter as 5 e-book copies of The Hunter’s Realm are up for grabs!

Kelly Jackson has spent four years running and hiding. Her prince turned out to be an abusive bastard who tried to take her son. Moving into a nice quiet neighborhood the last thing she wants is to be drawn to her McHottie neighbor. No matter that her children think he belongs to the family.

Elliot Hensworth, one of the Realm’s mightiest warriors, was sent to the other side to guard the weakening wall between the Realms. The last thing he needs is a petite sexy neighbor with her inquisitive children to find out that he isn’t what he seems.

The Hunter’s Realm is a story of strength, love and courage, face your worst fears and survive, to put your faith and trust in another person and the joy that comes when you do.

The Hunter’s Realm

Brianna Hughes

Purchase Links

Amazon US | B&N | Kobo

Trailer

Teaser

She couldn’t deny his wonderful work ethics. Like a busy little ant, he went through the house diligently. Kellie made him the list he asked for and by the end of the afternoon, he’d tackled it all and even fixed some things she hadn’t even noticed. Like the handle on her dresser drawer; it had to be her underwear one, of course. He’d just casually dumped it on the bed. Her waist high granny panties, all in the exciting color of white, poured out.

Okay, so she shopped for comfort instead of sexy. It wasn’t like anyone usually saw them, but talk about embarrassing. After he’d fixed the drawer she dived onto the bed to put them back, the thought of him handing her underwear somehow too intimate for her to handle.

He’d of course just grinned, a cocky smile that he liked to use a lot and made her insides turn upside down each time he did.

Excerpt

After all, wasn’t every day that a total hottie almost landed in her lap wearing low-hipped track pants and no shirt to hide the flattest stomach and most deliciously muscled arms ever? However, that’s all she’d be doing–looking. No touching, definitely no touching. But God, those clear, bright blue eyes and sun streaked, golden tousled hair almost made her change her mind.

“Sorry if we bothered you,” she said. “We’ve been cleaning all morning, and the twins needed to let off some steam.”

“It is I who must apologize for the irregular behavior. I assure you that it will not be happening again,” he said, shrugging sheepishly.

Rea tugged on her hand so she looked down.

“Is he a powceman, mommy?” he said in a loud whisper that sprayed from his lips.

Good question. Kellie looked at the stranger. Good looks aside, why had he dived into their yard with a gun?

“No, I’m not a policeman. Although, I do work with them occasionally, I’m an oddity investigator or maybe easier to be known as a missing persons investigator,” he answered.

Kellie’s eyes widened and in spite of her vow to stay celibate, her libido woke up and yawned with interest. Go back to sleep, she told her awakening body. I swore off men, remember?

My Review

Fun and Sexy Fantasy Romance

The Hunter’s Realm is the first book that I have read by Brianna Hughes and I found it a fun and sexy read with super characters and plenty of action.

I liked the concept of the magical Realm, populated with creatures of myth and legend. Although the Realm is hidden from the human world, the barriers which separate the two worlds are breaking down. To maintain the safety of the inhabitants of the Realm, the hero Elliot, a warrior renowned for his hunting prowess, is despatched to the human world to track down and return to the Realm any magical creatures who have crossed over.

Elliot becomes immediately enamoured with his new neighbour, Kellie and her two children. Their romance is both sweet and hot, attraction is mutual and it develops fairly quickly. Although Kellie has sworn off men due to an abusive ex (who was a real b******), and Elliot does not feel ready to settle down, they nevertheless fall in love. When Kellie’s ex reappears in her life, she and her children are put in great danger and the unthinkable happens. The human world and the magical world of the Realm collide and Kellie must adjust to not only finding out that Elliot is not whom he seems, but that the world of magic exists and that her abusive ex has an evil agenda of his own.

I LOVED Kellie! She is a strong woman, who has done her utmost to protect her children and is doing a great job of surviving on her own. Her experience of men is limited to the abusive relationship she had with her ex and I loved how Elliot’s actions make her feel so womanly and desirable, giving her confidence that she never realised she had.

Elliot is a powerful and drop-dead gorgeous example of masculinity – hell just look at how he is depicted on the book cover! He is every woman’s dream, kind and sensitive, good with children, romantic, humorous and yet more than capable of using his skills as a warrior to protect those her loves. As the romance progresses there are many hot scenes as the couple struggle to keep their hands off each other.

The villain of the piece is a real monster and is not averse to committing violent acts to gain his ends. I also enjoyed the other characters who played key roles in the plot, especially Elliot’s parents and his sister and Kellie’s children.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy a fun, spicy and action-packed fantasy romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was provided for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

About the Author

A little about me is I am a person who loves life and living in the moment. I have found a deep passion in my life in writing romance and erotica novels as much as I enjoy reading them too. I started writing as a hobby and since have been inspired to publish what I have. My heroines are always strong women that can stand up for themselves.

My favorite genre to write is Paranormal, but I am delving into other genres as well. My passion is to express how I feel and see romance, sex, and creatures of the unknown come alive on the pages of my books. Immortal highlanders, witches, vampires, Lycans, warlocks and many more, some of my work is inspired by daydreaming , but mostly by a wild imagination. I am now exploring, Contemporary, Fantasy, Historical and Western Romance, as well as Erotica. I am also thinking of doing a few YA books too.

My first book was published on May 7, 2012, ever since Blood Ties (Wicked Blood Series #1) hit the shelves it has been great and a dream come true. Taking the characters that are in my head and bringing life to them is accelerating. I am staying very busy these days as I am working on three more books for this year. One is another in the Wicked Blood Series and another from my Marshal’s Series and a final one with my Co-Author J.L.Raven.

Coming June 20,2014 I will be releasing another novel, this is a fantasy romance entitled, “The Hunter’s Realm” published by BookRhythm.

I could not have gotten this far without the Lord’s help and several friends and family.

Contact Brianna

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June 4, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR, REVIEW, GIVEAWAY AND AUTHOR POST for Double Alchemy: Climax (Double Alchemy Book #2), by Susan Mac Nicol

WHOO HOO! Today we welcome back author Susan Mac Nicol as we take part in the Blog Tour for DOUBLE ALCHEMY: CLIMAX. I reviewed the first book in the series, DOUBLE ALCHEMY earlier this year and have reblogged my review, which you can find by scrolling down after this post. In this series Susan Mac Nicol has created a truly rich and inventive world, which exists alongside the human one, populated with Warlocks, Witches, Fey and other magical creatures.

Susan is not only sharing the book blurb and trailer with us, but she has penned a post on the joys and challenges of writing in the paranormal genre. Don’t forget to read my review of DOUBLE ALCHEMY: CLIMAX below. You can also enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win an e-copy of Double Alchemy and an e-copy of The Gift of Magic!

Double Alchemy: Climax (Double Alchemy Book #2)

Title: Double Alchemy: Climax (Double Alchemy Book #2)
Author: Susan Mac Nicol
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Release Date: 22nd May, 2014
Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance

Powerful modern warlock Quinn Fairmont found ecstasy with the silver-eyed and not-quite-human Cade Mairston, but to know true happiness the pair must best both the shadow of a long-ago lover and an ancient enemy who seeks to destroy love, light and all they hold dear.

A BLINDING LIGHT
It begins with a Book of Shadows discovered by a London coven. The grimoire is as dangerous as it is rare, which is why it evokes modern-day warlock Quinn Fairmont’s desire. He collects objects of great power and beauty—like his lover, Cade Mairston.

Against all odds he and Cade found each other, but their perils have just begun. First is the ex-lover who once held Quinn in thrall. And, someone has been killing warlocks. Could it be one of his own kind? There are those too who would challenge Quinn’s power in their quest to overthrow him as Grand Master. Or is the danger something darker, something invoked inadvertently, rising from the shadows, building from the very inside of a man until it brings an end with a quick flash of light? Of the truth, the surface has only been scratched. Now Quinn and Cade must go deeper and find both answers and an end. They must learn what lurks in the hearts of men…and whether it seeks to love or destroy.

My Review

Another Stonking Hot and Suspenseful Read!

Erotic m/m Paranormal Romance for readers aged 18+

Susan Mac Nicol has once again produced another stonking hot and suspenseful paranormal read, laced with humour and action! Double Alchemy: Climax continues the tale of the uber- sexy warlock Quinn and his passionate Water Sprite lover Cade, who grapple with those who threaten their lives and love.

Quinn and Cade are by far one of my favourite romantic couples this year! Their love is SO tangible throughout the narrative. There is never any doubt that they are soul mates and in this instalment they reach a deeper emotional understanding than ever before, their love eclipsing the the danger and obstacles that are put in their way. The lovemaking scenes between them are SMOKING HOT and inventive and sometimes tender. There is also a great deal of humorous repartee between the couple as there is between many of the characters, which I enjoyed immensely.

Quinn in particular has many trials in this book, some of them truly heartbreaking as his emotions are tested to the limit. He does battle with inner demons from his past as well as present day enemies. Cade grows in confidence as he embraces his Sprite side, a side which Quinn needs to give him free reign to explore, despite any misgivings he may have.

There is a great supporting cast of characters, first and foremost of which is Taliesin, Quinn’s Withinner, the ancient sorcerer who shares his body. Taliesin has a number of key scenes and I loved the interplay between him and Quinn. We also find out more about Daniel, Quinn’s uncle, and of course Valensia, Quinn’s ex-lover, Queen of the Witches, who adds a great deal of tension, humour and drama to the plot.

There are a number of interweaving plot lines in this book – the evil Book of Shadows, which guards a dangerous secret, the continuation of the plot to find and destroy the Witchfinder General, the character from the previous book, and the actions of Valensia. There are also challenges to Quinn’s role and power as the Grand Master and threats to Cade.The HEA in the book ties up many loose ends, but I feel also leaves the way open if the author wants to revisit the world of Quinn and Cade and the other characters whose stories could be told.

I wholeheartedly recommend Double Alchemy: Climax to readers of the paranormal. Readers will gain more enjoyment from this super novel if they read Double Alchemy, the previous book, beforehand.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

This book was given to me for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase links for DOUBLE ALCHEMY: CLIMAX (Book #2)

Amazon:

B&N:

Boroughs Publishing Group:

All Romance:

Purchase links for DOUBLE ALCHEMY (Book #1)s

Amazon US Amazon UK

Boroughs Publishing Group

All Romance Ebooks

Smashwords

Praise for Double Alchemy (Book #1)

“I love Paranormal stories & I’m a huge fan of Susan Mac Nicol’s M/M books. In this book, she brings both genres together & gives us this amazing story. With her master storytelling, she takes us into the mystical & magical world of Witches, Warlocks, Withinners & Feys. A world where danger lurks in the shadows.” – Maria Recchia

“I stayed up all night reading this story. Susan has a way of writing that is different than anyone else. She’s uniquely brilliant at weaving a tale that brings out my emotions. I have laughed in every one of her stories. That’s incredible for me. Not just a smile, but a laugh. I love that. This book needs to be read. You won’t be disappointed.” – Author Kindle Alexander

“Susan Mac Nicol has created a complex and fully realized fantasy world…. Quinn is the star of this novel, taking out the bad guy and learning how to trust in Cade’s love enough to share his unsavory past.” Library Journal

“I completely loved this beautifully and highly detailed written Paranormal story! This wasn’t a predictable story by any means. How Susan Mac Nicol takes us on a ride through this very creative and engrossing world that you will not forget, anytime soon and will be wanting more and more of it. I am a huge fan of this author and Double Alchemy, doesn’t disappoint by any means at all. I highly recommend this hot, steamy, love, paranormal and so beautifully written story!” Paul Berry

“Susan Mac Nicol brings us another sexilicious m/m romance but also takes us into a magyckal world of Warlocks, Withinners, Fae, Witchfinders and Witches… I loved the combination of the magyck and the m/m romance storyline. I am so glad Ms Mac Nicol is not keeping us waiting as the second book in the series will be released 22nd May 2014. I highly recommended this book to read and is an absolute five star rating from me.” Foxylutely Book Reviews

Praise for Susan Mac Nicol
“We have to re-iterate that this Author will always be an automatic one-click for us. Her writing is flawless and her flawed characters are completely lovable. There’s always something quirky and fun in her stories as well as drama, angst and heaps of passion! We can highly recommend!!” – Gitte & Jenny – Totally Booked Blog

“Susan has been hailed as a genius writer of male/male literature. Her Saving Alexander has been nominated for several awards and has been reviewed widely. Congrats on all your success, Susan. You have earned it.” – Gay Lit Authors

About Susan Mac Nicol

Susan Mac Nicol was born in Leeds, UK, and left for South Africa when she was eight. She returned to the UK thirty years later and now lives in Essex. Her debut novel Cassandra by Starlight, the first in a trilogy, was published last year by Boroughs Publishing Group in the US. Sue’s latest story, Double Alchemy: Climax is her sixth m/m romance.

Sue has written since she was very young, and never thought she would see herself becoming a Romance writer, being a horror/psychological thriller reader all her life. But the Romance genre is now something very close to her heart and she intends continuing the trend.

Sue is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Romantic Novelists Association here in the UK.

Susan Mac Nicol is also author of The Magick of Christmas, Confounding Cupid, Cassandra by Starlight, Together in Starlight, Stripped Bare, Saving Alexander, Worth Keeping, Waiting for Rain and Double Alchemy.

Official Tour Page: http://authoressentials.virtualwritersinc.com/2014/04/double-alchemy-climax-by-susan-mac-nicol/

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1496356080577818/

Book Trailer:

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Click on the link below to win an e-copy of Double Alchemy and an e-copy of The Gift of Magic!

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Author Post by Susan Mac Nicol

The Joys and Challenges of Writing in the Paranormal Genre

I’ve been asked to write about my thoughts on the joys and challenges of writing in the paranormal genre. I guess the joy is being able to create worlds and fantasies that really only exist in legend, fairy tales and people’s imagination. It’s in drawing people into a world that is outside of their comfort zone and showing them this ‘alternate reality’ which actually exists in the real one.

The joy is watching your characters come to life with abilities that don’t exist in the real world and allowing them to manifest themselves in a way that makes us want to know them, to be friends with them and love them without reserve.

The challenges are keeping it realistic and within the realms of possibility. This is my opinion at least. I think there’s a fine line between giving reign to a story that perhaps is a little over the top and still keeping readers engaged in something that they can identify with. Perhaps I am too couched in the real world and this is what I like, the thin veneer that separates us as the true human beings from that of the world in which extraordinary beings exist.

I watched a film recently called R.I.P.D starring Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds, two actors whose talents I really enjoy. Five minutes into this movie I already had suspended belief in the story. The premise of the film I thought was quite entertaining. ‘A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.’

The minute I saw the really gross and to me, highly unbelievable villains and monsters, like the film M.I.B gone wrong (and that film had its share of weirdoes who I thought were overdone) the film lost its appeal. When will filmmakers understand that the true villain and monster is not the one with the disgusting slobber, green jowls, fat jelly bellies, huge teeth, monstrous hands and shape shifting limbs, but rather one that is sinister, low key, frightening in its intensity and something that you wouldn’t want to meet in the dark. Totally overdone. And as authors, I imagine we can run the same risk. Keeping things within the realms of possibility works for me for more than not.