December 8, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR for The Last Prizefighter, by James Classi

Get ready to rock.

In the future, Scalia is supposed to write a tell-all book that will prevent a madman from becoming the President of the United States…a madman that will eventually cause a nuclear war.

If Farrow can rescue Scalia from hell, he and the writer will be put back into their bodies at their times of death and be allowed to give life another shot; but if he fails…the world as we know it will end.
The timer is set. Get ready to rock.

Buy on Amazon UK Buy on Amazon US

Teasers

More About James Classi

His first published a collection of short fiction titled “Nine Lives” was released 2 years ago. Each story in the volume has been liked to an episode of Tales from the crypt.

In his new novel, The last Prizefighter, James takes you to hell and a race against the clock.
He is currently at work on a second volume of short stories and a new novel.

Facebook:James Classi
Twitter:James Classi
Goodreads:James Classi

Find More by James Classi

December 5, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Double Review Cursed & Obsession (Books 1 & 2 of the Cursed trilogy) by Georgina Hannan

Title: Cursed
Author: Georgina Hannan
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Horror
Publication Date: 07th January 2013
Publisher: Fast-Print.net

Blurb: Reality and Myths collide.
A young adult story about a group of four friends who embark on a holiday together to the gorgeous countryside of Dartmoor, Devon. Each of them hoping for an adventure, something they will always remember. However it isn’t long before they get what they want.

The group are plagued by noises after hearing the myths and legends of the area. Is it just their overactive imaginations or is there a visitor in the spare room who is trying to get their attention?

Join the group on a spectacular journey as they discover what Dartmoor has to offer.

REVIEW

Cursed is a great beginning to this trilogy which young adult readers (I’d say 14yrs+) and adults can enjoy. The main character, Daisy, is travelling with her best friend, Alice, Alice’s boyfriend, Jake, and Tyler who is a close friend to them all. After arriving at the house they are to be staying in for their holiday it becomes quite clear that there is more than meets the eye with a possible figure in one of the room’s windows, noises around the house that sometimes sound like crying and the door to the spare room is found open after it has been closed. Could it have been one of the friends, are the noises just the wind, is it just their imagination, or is there something more sinister going on?

Cursed has quite an eerie feel to it, which I absolutely loved. These types of horror are my favourite, as well as being ghostly and unexplainable it creates a psychological feel to it as the characters question whether events are real or not. To really capture the feel for the place where the group are staying, and the surrounding area, the group enter the local pub and speak to Frank. Frank spends many an hour going through some of the myths and strange happenings around the area. Although listening intently, the gang do have their reservations and wonder just how true some of it is. But, as the story continues it becomes clearer that there certainly are at least some elements of truth to what they are being told. Some of the details Frank gives them provides them with an awareness of the possibility of what could be happening when they find themselves experiencing these strange happenings.

Daisy is the focal character and experiences the most, which does make her question whether or not she should tell the others just in case they ridicule her or believe that it is just her imagination. (Jake would have certainly taken this approach as he thinks scientifically and believes that there is an explanation for everything, although his belief waivers at times!) But, the figure of Lady Howard who seems to be haunting the house is wanting the attention of Daisy in particular. At the same time as trying to cope with these ghostly encounters, Daisy and Tyler reach a point where their relationship becomes a little more intimate and they enjoy a little romance. But as the holiday wears on Daisy begins to question whether this romance will continue once the holiday is over, or is it just a holiday fling?

The storyline and the characters come across very well. The reader can connect with them and easily get sucked in by the horrors. I did feel that at the very beginning of the story there could have been a little more build up to create more of an atmosphere, but then again as it is a story to engage young adults this may have been intentional by the author. The plotline is written clearly and therefore easy to follow, although at times I felt it could have flowed a little smoother. It is also packed with historical information of the Dartmoor area, with Alice enjoying being a tour guide for the gang and takes them and the reader through some of the nearby towns and their ancient buildings, such as churches, castles, etc.

Cursed left me wanting to read Book 2 of the trilogy, Obsession, as I wanted to find out how the group’s holiday affected them when they returned home, in particular how it affected Daisy. And I have to say that Obsession was an absolute brilliant read that did not disappoint. (Please see below for my review of Obsession.)

Cursed was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Buy Links:
PAPERBACK:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Fast-Print
Waterstones

eBOOK:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Smashwords

Title: Obsession

Author: Georgina Hannan

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Horror

Publication Date: Friday 13th September 2013

Publisher: Fast-Print.net

Blurb: There’s a fine line between Obsession and Madness.

After a strange and exciting holiday, Daisy is looking forward to the new start University life will bring.

A life changing assignment makes her question the fine line between Obsession and Madness.

Can she tell the difference?
Can you?

REVIEW

Obsession is book 2 of the Cursed trilogy and engages young adult readers and adults. After reading book 1, Cursed, I had to continue with book 2 as it left me wanting more. I was not disappointed and felt that the writing and flow of the story was excellent. As the group of friends begin their University life they have new challenges to face. Daisy, in particular, has to deal with the affects that their recent holiday has had on her, her love life with Tyler and new-found family history facts.

The intro of Obsession is informative and recaps what took place in Cursed (book 1). It is written very well and reminds readers of Cursed at the same time as allowing a fresh reader of this trilogy to easily slip into the story without any confusion. I would strongly recommend that Cursed be read first, but it is not absolutely necessary.

As Daisy begins her first term at University, studying to become a journalist, the class is asked by the tutor to research their family history for an essay and newspaper article. Daisy spends a great deal of time speaking to her father, her grandparents and looking through family photographs to gather as much information as possible. During this time, even though Daisy has returned from the holiday in Dartmoor, she is still plagued by the ghost of Lady Howard.

Meanwhile, Daisy’s boyfriend, Tyler, is noticing the difference in Daisy and wishes that they could spend more time together. It doesn’t help when he is working on his own course and just taken up a part time job. But, when he does spend time with Daisy he feels she isn’t entirely with him mentally and is quite distant, behaving strangely at times too. Surely the myths of Dartmoor haven’t followed her back?

Daisy distances herself more and more from her friends as Lady Howard still appears to her and talks to her. To make matters worse, she also finds out the truth from her grandfather about what really happened to her mother. Her mother didn’t die, or leave, something she didn’t speak to her father about as it was too upsetting for him, but in fact had been institutionalised for mental health reasons. And what’s more is that there appears to be a connection between her family and Lady Howard. The family curse. Daisy becomes more and more obsessed with finding out as much as she can about her family history and the history of Lady Howard, becoming distant from everyone and eventually being heard talking to Lady Howard. Is she going mad or is she obsessed? Or both?

The idea of obsession being a form of madness is a constant theme running through Obsession. Is it really madness to be obsessed with something? The story provides many questions as well as answers. And again, the story is a paranormal horror but with psychological elements. It is quite a powerful read and the reader can easily become ‘obsessed’ with this trilogy.

The family curse that Daisy discovers means that sacrifices have been made in terms of life and love. Family members throughout generations have lost loves, and/or have been deemed mad and then lost time with loved ones as a result or lost them for good. Lady Howard appears to Daisy in flashbacks and talks to her in the present day. She wants the family curse to be gone, be destroyed, and it seems that she won’t stop haunting Daisy until she gets what she wants, or until Daisy is deemed mad and has lost Tyler and her friends.

Obsession carries on the trilogy’s insight into history and as the information is gathered by Daisy it makes for a very interesting read, as well as being eerie. The atmosphere in Obsession is built up brilliantly, the reader truly feels the fear and confusion in Daisy, and the flow of the writing is smooth and reads very well. I am certainly looking forward to reading the ending of this trilogy in Absolution!

Obsession was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Buy Links:

PAPERBACK:

eBOOK:

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Obsession-Cursed-Series-Georgina-Hannan-ebook/dp/B00F6YPFLO

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Obsession-Cursed-Series-Georgina-Hannan-ebook/dp/B00F6YPFLO

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/357536

Author Bio: Georgina is an IT Consultant and Writer from Surrey, England.

She is the Author of the Cursed Trilogy.

Georgina started writing when she was fourteen; she always had a problem with reading before she started Secondary School. It was when she was about eleven or twelve that she started going to the library and she found the books which interested her. Since then she’s become a reader and a writer. She loves writing and hopes it can continue for many years to come.

Author Links:

Blog: http://authorworld.wordpress.com

Facebook Author: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Georgina-Hannan/418399218236108

Facebook Cursed: http://www.facebook.com/CursedBook1

Facebook Obsession: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Obsession-by-Georgina-Hannan/124919204352501

Facebook Absolution: http://www.facebook.com/AbsolutionBook3

Twitter: @AuthorGeorgina

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6912312

I.A.N: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/georgina-hannan.html

Email: authorgeorgina@yahoo.co.uk

And finally, here is the blurb, cover and links to Absolution. The final book of the Cursed trilogy!

Blurb: Daisy was pushed to the limits and finally agreed to end the curse surrounding her family.

However, her agreement sees her facing some of the hardest choices of her life and she stands to lose more than just her sanity.

Can she handle the choices?

Can she end the curse without ruining her life or that of a loved one?

Absolution is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

December 3, 2014 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ James Classi’s ~The Last Prizefighter

Congratulations to author James Classi on his release of The Last Prizefighter, which looks to be an unforgettable paranormal/horror themed read. Tina and Caroline ❤

On a 20X20 boxing ring in the belly of Madison Square Garden, Tommy Farrow defends his title for the WBO championship belt against Jeffrey Johnson. Near the end of the 10th round, a solid left hook to Farrow’s head drops him to the canvas, killing him instantly.Thus begins an adventure into hell and a race against the clock.
Farrow must rescue the soul of a writer who dies only seconds before him. The writer, Robert Scalia, has been hijacked by demons through a passage into purgatory called the Hellmouth.
In the future, Scalia is supposed to write a tell-all book that will prevent a madman from becoming the President of the United States…a madman that will eventually cause a nuclear war.
If Farrow can rescue Scalia from hell, he and the writer will be put back into their bodies at their times of death and be allowed to give life another shot; but if he fails…the world as we know it will end.
The timer is set. Get ready to rock.

Buy on Amazon
And And Join the Release Day Event on Facebook!

Teasers

More About James Classi

James Classi has been writing since the age of 16. He lives on Long Island with his wife, children and 2 dogs. James has worked in Law enforcement for the last 8 years. His interests include photography, old rock music, and the Civil War, and playing the acoustic guitar.
His first published a collection of short fiction titled “Nine Lives” was released 2 years ago. Each story in the volume has been liked to an episode of Tales from the crypt.
In his new novel, The last Prizefighter, James takes you to hell and a race against the clock.
He is currently at work on a second volume of short stories and a new novel.

Facebook:James Classi
Twitter:James Classi
Goodreads:James Classi

Find More by James Classi

December 2, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Promo Post & Giveaway x 2 DRUG (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1) by Lynda O’Rourke

Yesterday saw the release of Lynda O’Rourke’s debut novel, Drug (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1), a paranormal thriller. I am quite excited to review her first book soon as I have reviewed many books that she has been story editor on, and found every one of them to be a brilliant read. This is certainly a chance to see a different side to Lynda, and I know that Drug has been long awaited by some of her hardcore fans (me included)!

Blurb: Out of work and out of luck, 19 year-old Kassidy Bell finds herself in desperate need of money.

Coming across a mysterious advert in her local newspaper offering a reward, Kassidy believes she’s found the answer to her prayers.

But Kassidy soon realises that if something is too good to be true then it usually isn’t what it first appears to be. Finding herself in a desperate situation, Kassidy realises that she must run if she is to escape the new horrors she has discovered however great the reward might be.

AUTHOR INFO

Lynda O’Rourke is married and has three sons. Lynda has been the story editor of over thirty bestselling novels.

To connect with Lynda visit her facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-ORourke-Author/1480696118846650?ref=hl

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon UK

Amazon US

GIVEAWAY

Lynda has kindly offered 2 of her ebooks to giveaway to some lucky winners! All you need to do to enter is just type your name in the comments box below, or likewise on our Facebook page post at(https://facebook.com/AReadersReview).

CLOSING DATE: TUESDAY 9th DECEMBER 2014

After the closing date we will select two random winners and notify them thereafter.

Good luck to all who enter! We wish you every success!!

Caroline & Tina ❤

November 30, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Promo Post Lion by B.B. Sorores

Author: B.B. Sorores

Title: Lion

Genre: New Adult Paranormal/Shapeshifter

Release Date: October 2014

Publishers: Secret Cravings Publishers

Length: 78,363 words

Blurb: The City is everything Adam Reid could possibly have hoped for – power and potential. And his scholarship to the prestigious Harton University is his ticket to it all. A chance for a fresh start. A chance to hide from his dark past.
But the City has secrets and its doors only open if you know the right people. People like Jack, Adam’s new louder-than-life room mate, and Lia, who yearns for a soul uncorrupted by the City.
Then Castalia Vallas stalks her way into Adam’s life. Intoxicated by the seductive professor, Adam learns to confront and control the desire he dares not speak of.
But who is the hunter and who is the prey?

Excerpt One

“Stop!” he cried. And the night fell silent. He blinked. The eyes were gone. The zoo quiet. The enclosure black.

He turned and hurried up the path. Weird. What the hell kind of zoo was this? He paused on the pathway and looked back again, one more time. He saw a figure, crouched in front of the enclosure. He stopped. Great, had they been there the whole time, watching him freak out? Shit, he’d better say something, try and make out like he wasn’t being a dick.

“Hey, um. Hi!” he called.

The figure didn’t move. He could hardly see in the dark now, like the park lights had grown even dimmer. He could tell it was a woman, definitely a woman. Going by her profile, what a woman.

“Hello?” he called again, taking a step back down the path.

She stood, running her hand down the pane of glass. The light cast a dim glow over her body. She wore a gold dress, low cut. Adam could just see the rise of her breasts, the curve of her hip, the line of her long legs. He took another step, wanting to see more, but then stopped. There was something about her, something strange, something that made him feel like he shouldn’t get close. But something also drew him in, like walking into some unknown, unnamable danger, but finding it irresistible all the same.

“Can—are—hello?” God, he couldn’t even form words. What the hell was he doing?

“Stop,” said the woman. She held up her hand to him. Adam stopped, frozen to the spot.

“Go back, Adam,” she said.

“Do…do I know you?” he asked, straining his eyes to try and see her better. How the hell did she know his name? Had she been at the barbecue? Did she know Lia?

“Just turn around and go back.”

“But…” But what? But I want to see you, properly, because you look incredible from here and I bet you look even better up close. God, what a loser.

No way. If this woman knew his name, didn’t he have a right at least to know hers? To see her? He walked forward.

“I said stop, Adam.”

But he kept walking, a strange drive compelling him forward. He wanted to drink in that body, find out who on earth this woman was.

Then the rumbling started, pulsing up from the ground, it growled through his legs, stopping him mid-stride. His legs turned to jelly. His knees buckled under him. The noise rippled through his whole body, stunning him. He closed his eyes and held his head. Stop, please stop. He hunkered down, curled up in a ball, wishing it away. Then, as quickly as it started, the growl stopped. He opened his eyes. Everything still and black. He was alone.

Excerpt Two

Sweat trickled down him now. Hot, so hot. It seemed, with every breath he took, the heat intensified. He thought back to that day in the woods, his last day hunting. The animal heat of it, building up around him.

He was back there now, but this time with her. He lay on the patch of long soft grass looking up at a dark moon lit sky. The trees dipped their branches low, nearly brushing the ground. The sound of cicadas buzzed thick in the air. The babbling pool nearby. He heard a rustle in front of him. He propped himself up on his elbows and watched as she crawled toward him along the soft grass floor, her smile curling, teasing him. He leaned back as she got close and closed his eyes. He felt her move around him, then close in, her breath hot against him.

She let out a mock growl as she took his shirt buttons in her mouth and ripped them off, spitting each one to the ground. He opened his eyes. She stood above him now, looking down, her hair cascading around her face. She smiled, then stepped back, faint glints from the starlight catching the gold of her dress. Then she undressed, slowly, languidly and just stood there. He tried to move, to get closer, to see her, but he couldn’t. She shimmered, backing away. He could only just make out patches of her golden skin. A slice of her long thigh, a tantalizing hint of what lay between her legs.

She came close again. Her eyes were pools of black, watching him, wanting him, drinking him in. She leaned down and he saw her lips, red and glossy, asking for him, pleading for him. She lay down beside him and the heat of the woods pulsated all around them, matching their heartbeats, their sweat mingling, their mouths tasting each other’s salt. He kissed her face, her neck, the rise of her breasts.

This was too much to hold in. He wanted her, to gorge on her, to feed on every wondrous piece of her. The surge built up inside him, growing, like a living snarling thing. A thing that swelled and grew until he couldn’t hold it any more. He wanted to bite into her flesh, devour every last bit of her. With a force he didn’t know he possessed he lunged forward, an ancient, guttural scream escaping from his lips. His arms wrapped around warm flesh and then—nothing.

Author bio

I live in a little house near the sea with a temperamental black cat and my shaggy loveliness of a husband. I love all things glam, especially pin-up girl dresses and great shoes. Sparkly shiny things bring me great joy and delight. I relish munching into a fat juicy steak or a succulent roast chicken. I love Christmas, especially putting up the tree laden with twinkly things and sitting beside it after dark when it’s all lit up. I like lots of art on walls and ornaments and plush rugs and big soft pillows. I like the sky when it brings bright bold colours and sunny days so I can go for long walks and breathe in the fresh air. When I write, I like to have a favourite cocktail close to hand. For me, each book requires its own special cocktail to match it. For Lion, I chose the gimlet. The mix of gin with tangy lime, and a sugar and salt mixed rim made a perfect match for the sweet and sour mood throughout the book.

Author contact links

www.bbsorores.com

bb@bbsorores.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/BB-Sorores/627194844068333?fref=ts

Buy links

Amazon US

AMAZON UK

Barnes&Noble

Book Strand

All Romance Ebooks

Kobo

Secret Cravings Publishing

November 13, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Review Round-Up November 2014

Hi readers, Tina and myself hope that you enjoyed your Halloween, and here in the UK Bonfire Night. There have been some fantastic fireworks displays this year in and around Tamworth where we reside. We are now concentrating on enjoying the autumn/fall weather, watching the leaves as they fall from the trees and spending most of our time snuggled up on the sofa with a book or our laptops preparing for our best reads of 2014 and of course, Christmas!!

Below you will find our latest reviews over the last month covering the horror genre, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, erotica, fantasy adventure and crime thriller.

As always, we hope that there is something for everybody and that you all enjoy visiting our blog.

Keep on reading!

Caroline & Tina 🙂

(Please click on titles for review)

Distant Love by Layla Merritt, erotic contemporary romance (reviewed by Tina)

Kate Braxton has fallen into the role most women do by putting someone else’s needs above her own. In reality, she lives day to day unable to overcome the scars of her past to allow herself to move on with her life. Her divorce and a new job just might open the door to a brighter future for her.

Brayden Bennett is sexy and successful in the marketing firm he works for, but has been used and discarded by women, leaving him hurt and guarded. The beautiful new hire in Atlanta captures his attention in ways he didn’t think possible and he can’t help but wonder if she holds the key to his caged heart.

Kate is taking care of her ill father in Atlanta and Brayden’s son ties him to Chicago. Can they dare to dream of a future together? Can Kate survive the freak accidents that keep occurring, or will their relationship end in tragedy before they can figure out a way to be together?

Claimed (True Alpha #6) (short story) by Alisa Woods, paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

New Adult Paranormal Romance serial – LAST IN SERIES

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.

Mia has found her way free of the dark wolves, but what price will her friends pay? And will she finally be able to find a place among their packs?

Claimed (True Alpha 6) is 65 pages or 16,000 words. It’s the final of six episodes in the True Alpha serial.

Adult content. Ages 18+.

Amethyst’s Incredible Journey by Lisa Bland, fantasy adventure (reviewed by Caroline)

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.

After the Haze by Gary Richardson, horror (reviewed by Caroline)

Synopsis: The haze ravaged everything. Human life as we know it is over. Those who survived the haze awoke to find themselves in a new nightmare, as the dead returned with the insatiable desire to hunt down and feed on the remaining humans. Yvonne thought she had escaped her nightmare. Safely aboard the HMS Lancaster, Martin, Mike and herself believed they had found salvation with their military saviours. Things change when a devastating realisation is made. Humans no longer control the Earth. With this in mind, Yvonne has no choice but to assist in the operation to take back control of the UK and bring together all the survivors, but she soon learns that there are bigger threats to mankind than the living dead…

Afraid to Hope (Secrets and Seduction #3) by M.J. Nightingale, erotic contemporary romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Louisa Sears is ready to start over. Escaping her small town where prejudice, long memories, and old fashioned values haunt her, Louisa embarks on her dream of finding love, and a man who can warm up her bed at night. Pregnant at sixteen, divorced from an abusive husband at twenty, and raising a daughter alone, Louisa is now ready to live. She wants what every woman wants. A rock hard man, who knows how to love. Will Florida be the place where her dreams come true?

Jay Russell is battle scarred. A past filled with horrors from childhood, the war in Iraq, and the most devastating event of his life that occurred when he returned home, he is definitely not looking for love. When he first meets Louisa Sears, the bombshell with the fantastic body, he wants one thing, and one thing only, her body underneath him. The hot little ticket that walks by his t-shirt shop, meets all his requirements for a night of passion.

The scars in them run deep though, and they both have secrets. Can two people so deeply wounded by the past learn to trust each other enough to share those secrets? And if they do, will they be able to get past them and learn to hope again?

That Risen Snow: A Tale of Snow White & Zombies (The Scary Tales #1) by Rob E. Boley, horror/humour (reviewed by Caroline)

BLURB: The zombie sequel to Snow White begins where the classic fairy tale ends, with the Prince’s kiss waking Snow from her cursed slumber. Snow wakes up, but she doesn’t wake up right.

Now a deranged zombie, Snow infects both the Prince and the seven dwarfs’ leader. That leaves the young dwarf Grouchy, who is secretly in love with Snow, to find a cure for her malicious curse. So begins an epic journey that pits the lovesick Grouchy against dwarf-hating human soldiers, Snow’s ever-growing zombie horde, and his own bad temper. But when Grouchy and his motley crew of survivors escape Snow’s clutches and seek refuge in a nearby human village, he soon finds that her affliction has spread faster and further then he ever could have imagined. Snow is hell-bent on spreading her horrid curse across the land, and it’s up to Grouchy to stop her before it’s too late.

So begins THE SCARY TALES, a dark fantasy series featuring mash-ups of traditional fairy tale characters and classic horror monsters.

The New Governess/Awakening (The Erotic Adventures of Belinda #1 & 2) by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross, gothic erotica (reviewed by Tina)

The New Governess 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…

Awakening 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…

The Love of Marisol by Christos Toulouras, contemporary emotional romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Synopsis: When Leo’s marriage ends, he falls into the depths of depression. He decides to escape the loss and the heartbreak with a trip to the other side of the world – Lima, Peru. In some ways, his journey becomes an unexpected salvation as his passions are reignited by the local food and people, the climate and the beautiful and alluring Marisol. The Love of Marisol is a poignant and passionate journey of heartbreak, loss but most of all self-discovery… it reminds us that at the end of one love story, there is always the possibility of a new one…

Windhaven by Charlotte Boyett-Compo, dark erotic fantasy romance (reviewed by Tina)

Synopsis: “Open your mouth even once, tell anyone about us, give them a name, and we’ll come for you, Sammy. There will be nowhere you can hide that we won’t find you.”Samiel Brell is being held against his will in the WindHaven Mental Hospital. His life there is a brutal nightmare from which he can not wake. The only anchor he has in this dark world is nurse Katelyn Tarnes who sees beyond the psychotic, self-destructive patient to the lost, lonely man desperately needing her help…and pleading for her love.

The Cabinetmaker by Alan Jones, crime drama/thriller (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Synopsis: The Cabinetmaker, Alan Jones’ first novel, tells of one man’s fight for justice when the law fails him. Set in Glasgow from the late nineteen-seventies through to the current day, a cabinetmaker’s only son is brutally murdered by a gang of thugs, who walk free after a bungled prosecution.

It’s young Glasgow detective John McDaid’s first murder case. He forms an unlikely friendship with the cabinetmaker, united by a determination to see the killers punished, their passion for amateur football, and by John’s introduction to a lifelong obsession with fine furniture.

This is the story of their friendship, the cabinetmaker’s quest for justice, and the detective’s search for the truth.

This unusual crime thriller contains some Glasgow slang and a moderate amount of strong language.

November 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

BLOG TOUR with author interview Blood Master (Book 1 of the G.O.D.s series) by Kirsten Campbell

Blood Master

Book 1 of The G.O.D.s Series

By Kirsten Campbell

Genre: Urban Paranormal Fantasy

Blood Master Link on Amazon UK

Blood Master Link on Amazon US

Synopsis

2052: Two-thirds of the human population has been killed by the Great War, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Only one man survived the Death Plague, an albino man named Griffin Storm. He’s the only albino in existence. No one knows what happened to the other albinos, but most believe the rumors that they were eliminated by the Guild Faction’s deadly experiments.

Griffin is hiding out in Underground Atlanta. He has special abilities. He can manipulate crystal and glass. He uses these abilities for good, raiding warehouses and old buildings for food and medical supplies to give to the abandoned children that live in the Underground. During a raid, he meets Tassta Vinetti. She’s a resident of the legendary Brotherhood Fortress. Griffin is taken to the Brotherhood and chaos ensues as Tassta, her twin brother Penn and her Uncle Lerin Sanctobous keep their new visitor and his untold powers secret. They can not disclose that the only albino in existence is now at their fortress or they could all be in great danger.

Fact is, the Guild is hunting Griffin. He is the only survivor of their deadly experiments and his survival will have dynamic consequences. The Guild believes Griffin will transform into a G.O.D., a Genetically-enhanced Omni Dimensional being. If he transforms, he will have inter-dimensional doors within his body, doors that lead to heaven and hell. Griffin will become a Blood Master and he’ll be able to control the demons from the Dimension of Blood.

Will Griffin save the children of the Underground from their tragic life? Will he transform into a G.O.D. and become the Blood Master? Only time will tell…

INTERVIEW with Kirsten Campbell

Hi Kirsten,

Welcome to A Reader’s Review Blog! We would like to thank you for participating in an author interview for Blood Master.

I love the synopsis for Blood Master. What were your main influences for the story/character?

My influence for the storyline was in fact, my life. (I was abandoned at six years old, left with a terribly abusive grandmother.) For a long time I felt that I was robbed of my childhood. I somehow got past all the hurt feelings from the neglect and abuse and became what I truly wanted to be, a good parent and a fantastic grandmother. I envisioned a person like me (Griffin) when I wrote the G.O.D.s Series, a person that was robbed of their childhood, a person that somehow gets past that and manages to find love and show love and show deep emotional commitment.

After reading your bio I realize that you have had some dark moments. Have you used any of these experiences to help with your writing?

Yes, I have. Particularly when dealing with writing about the hungry, sick children of the Underground. When I was a child, starving and sick all the time, I wished for someone that cared enough to feed me, to clothe me and sometimes take me to the doctor. I used the pain of those moments to fuel the background of the story for the poor children of the Underground because though sick and hungry, the children still find ways to smile and be happy for a few moments, as I did.

Who is your favourite character in Blood Master, and why?

Why Griffin, of course. I truly love his innocence, his undying love and his ability to think before reacting.

Were there any particular scenes that you found either more difficult or easier to write?

Yes. The most difficult scene to write was (spoiler) the transformation, putting my sweet Griffin through so much pain. Unfortunately, for him to become a G.O.D. and for the Master Scroll books to be correct with their prophecy, Griffin had to change inwardly and outwardly.

What inspired you to write Blood Master?

Years ago, I got tired of all the vampires, werewolves and zombies. I was like, “God, can anyone come up with something different?” And—I did… LOL

Do you have a favourite author/book? If so, who/what and why?

I absolutely love Frank Herbert’s Dune Chronicles; beautiful writing, lovely world building and unforgettable characters. Yes, the books are long but there’s no way to get around that when there’s so much story to digest. I’m also a fan of Ron Silverberg, Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game) and Stephanie Meyer (Twilight Series). Hey, I just love to read.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I sculpt miniature dolls, make gemstone jewelry and paint landscapes. I go out with my grandkids, have dance contests with them at home and bake with them. (They love apple turnovers!) I also like long rides to unknown destinations and then I like to walk and walk, take in the scenery.

How would you describe your writing style?

My writing style is easygoing and real with mild swearing, just enough to give the writing a little flavor. LOL

What’s next for Kirsten Campbell?

I’m currently working on the second book of The G.O.D.s Series, Blood Storm. Griffin has to come to grips with his new abilities and decide whether his abilities are an attribute or a hindrance to the Brotherhood fortress.

Thank you for your time! We will look forward to hosting you as part of the blog tour! All the best for Blood Master and in the future!

Caroline, A Reader’s Review Blog

Author Info

Kirsten Campbell is the author of several short stories and poems that have been published in Bewildering Stories, Ascent Magazine, Beauty Talk, The Fairfield Review, Poets-Artists & Madmen, Interracial Voice, Sagazine Online, The Write Gallery, The Pittsburgh Quarterly Online, COBRA, The CoffeehousePress Journal and several other magazines.

Kirsten was abandoned by both mother and father at six-years-old and she somehow survived a very devastating childhood. She found strength and courage through reading and writing and she graduated from school, got married and raised four wonderful children. She also cared for several children that were abandoned by their parents and by society, (a few were literally left on her doorstep.) She fed and clothed them and sent them to school and taught them to be upstanding, decent members of society.

Kirsten wrote Blood Master several years ago and it developed into The G.O.D.s Series, a series of books that deal with Griffin Storm, a hero with feet of clay, a hero that saves the lives of several people, but most importantly, he saves hundreds of children from abandonment and neglect; takes them to a better life, (something of which Kirsten always wished for when she was a child.)

Her short story, “Dark Matters”, was published in Bewildering Stories and a character from the G.O.D.s Series made a special appearance in the story. Said character appears in the second book of the G.O.D.s Series, “Blood Storm”.

As a side note, Ladybug Press published her chapbook, “Poetry from the Covert Bourgeoisie,” in 2006 and her chapbook, “The Abandoning Kind,” was published by Pudding House Publications in 2009. She lives in Brewster, NY. , with her daughters and her five unbelievably beautiful grandchildren!

Links:

Website: http://www.kcampbell-gods.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GODsSeries

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.

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.

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 28, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Claimed (True Alpha #6 series finale) short story by Alisa Woods

Hot! Hot! Hot!

I have been completely absorbed with this series. Each short story has been completely full of action, passion and emotion! Below is my review of this fantastic series. And what’s more – as from TODAY the True Alpha BOX SET is available at Amazon (links below), so you can enjoy reading the whole series back-to-back!! Go grab it!!

New Adult Paranormal Romance serial – LAST IN SERIES

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.

Mia has found her way free of the dark wolves, but what price will her friends pay? And will she finally be able to find a place among their packs?

Claimed (True Alpha 6) is 65 pages or 16,000 words. It’s the final of six episodes in the True Alpha serial.

Adult content. Ages 18+.

REVIEW

Claimed was already going to be a brilliant read in my eyes, judging from the suspense and build-up of the first five short stories of the series, and Alisa Woods’ fantastic writing style. This is a series finale that was so much more than I expected and one that will be remembered and re-read. The reader won’t want to put this one down at all!

Now that Mia has been saved from the Red Pack her thoughts have been filled with how much she wants to belong and be a part of the Sparks’ pack. They have cared for her as if she was one of them already, she has become fond of many of them and felt the attraction of some of them. No matter what happens romantically this is where she belongs. But she does want to be mated so badly. Her inner wolf has strong feelings about this.

Lucas is always at her core and in her thoughts. He is the one that she is in love with. And, although he clearly cares for her a great deal and there is a deep, sensual attraction between them, he hasn’t been ready to mate again due to his heartache and pain following the death of his first mate, Tila. He just can’t go down that road again, especially if anything ever happened to Mia.

Over the last few stories, Colin, a strong wolf with alpha qualities from the Sparks’ pack, has been quite attracted to Mia. And he hasn’t tried to hide it! This has got Lucas’ back up on a few occasions. But Colin is HOT and so protective. Alisa Woods has written moments with Colin which shows he is such a powerful wolf but with caring and affectionate qualities. Especially towards Mia. The audience needs to know just how close he feels he is to Mia and how Mia has seriously thought about becoming his mate. To love him, and belong to the pack. Oh, I am a fan of Colin!

Although Mia is seriously considering to submit herself, she still has apprehensions since she was compelled to submit to Mace, leader of the Red pack, when she was kidnapped by them. Her whole experience of this has left her worried and concerned. She had no choice but to submit to Mace, despite her human state wanting nothing to do with him. It was a wolf thing that held her, like she was spellbound regardless of what she wanted. She now fears that whenever she does submit to someone in the future that these bad and negative feelings will return. She lives in hope that the next experience of submission will not be the same!

All short stories are available at Amazon UK and Amazon US individually. BUT, as from TODAY the TRUE ALPHA FULL SEASON is available to order!!

AMAZON UK link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

AMAZON US link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

You can check out my reviews for the first five books of the series 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) by Alisa Woods was received gratefully in return for an honest and fair review.

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.