March 11, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Jared (River Pack Wolves #3) by Alisa Woods

If you are a fan of shifter paranormals with plenty of heat, action and romance then you REALLY need to pick up an Alisa Woods book. With her already successful NA short story series’, True Alpha and Dark Alpha, River Pack Wolves is the author’s full story, third series. Each story of the River Pack Wolves can be read as a stand alone, but as a HUGE fan I would recommend that Jaxson, Jace and Jared be read consecutively.

The River Pack Wolves series consists of three full-length stories, with each individual book based on a River brother and their personal romance. However, there is a running theme throughout the series whereby shifters are going missing, being abducted by the government and military to be experimented on, thus stirring fear and anger amongst the shifter community that the River pack decide to take on themselves!

Title: Jared (River Pack Wolves #3)

Author: Alisa Woods

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Release date: October 29th, 2015

Released by: Sworn Secrets Publishing

Length: 174 pages

Blurb: He was broken by the war. Her secret could destroy her family.

Ex-Marine sniper Jared River left the war, but the war never really left him. He’s a broken wolf who’s only good for one thing now—killing men. And he’s peering down his scope at Senator Krepky, the anti-shifter politician about to ruin the lives of all the shifters Jared loves.

Grace Krepky is the daughter of the Senator, a good girl with a passion for her father’s politics and who’s earned her way into being his campaign manager. Only problem? She’s secretly a shifter… and the clock is ticking until her own father inadvertently forces that secret into the open, ruining both their lives.

Jared’s all set to pull the trigger when he sees something shocking through the Senator’s glass walls—his daughter is a wolf. Jared puts his gun aside to go after the fleeing girl, but he already knows this can only end in one of two ways—either he’ll convince her to reveal herself to the Senator and stop his anti-shifter legislation, or Jared will have to assassinate her father.

If only she wasn’t making him come alive again…

Jared is a complete novel with HEA, the third in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (all standalone stories, but best enjoyed if you read them in order!).

Contains scorching hot shifters, alpha military heroes, and dark family secrets. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.

AFTER THE RIVER BROTHERS: Look for the Wilding Pack Wolves series to start soon!

REVIEW ***** (5* RATING)

JARED is a fantastic ending to the fast-paced action and HOT romance shifter series, River Pack Wolves. Alisa Woods‘ story openings are usually gripping from the beginning, and Jared is no different; opening the story in a suspenseful manner with ex-Marine Jared at the ready to assassinate Senator Krepky, an anti-shifter politician on the brink of setting out new legislation for all shifters to register.

“It didn’t take a genius to figure out where that was going. Not only would it be stupid-easy for the government to round up shifters, but shifter-owned companies like the private security firm Jared owned with his brothers, Riverwise, would go out of business.”

Jared is a broken shifter, seeing himself only as a killer. Although his killing was for his country during his time in the Marines, it is really all he knows. He has found it difficult to adjust to civilian life, lost his mate, and keeps himself to himself. Killing Senator Krepky, who is also believed to be behind shifter abductions and an experimental program, isn’t worth thinking twice about.

However, Jared notices the Senator arguing with a young lady, the Senator’s daughter, and Jared decides to wait until the Senator is alone before pulling the trigger. Keeping eyes on them both at all times, there is plenty of suspense during these first few pages. The Senator’s daughter leaves the room annoyed, and as Jared follows her with his eyes to ensure she is out of the way… she shifts!

I loved this turn of events; the way it shocks Jared. The way in which the author has written this scene makes it feel like your reading in first person, when the story is actually written in third. The way in which she describes what he is seeing, what his reactions are is very well written and described. Even though Jared has his chance to prevent the Senator, he is stunned by Miss. Krepky and thoughts race through his mind as he follows her wolf, leaving Senator Krepky in his office with no knowledge of what his own daughter is, or that he was about to be assassinated.

Grace Krepky has kept her shifting a secret from her anti-shifter father. She has worked her way to becoming her father’s Campaign Manager and enjoys her work. However, fully aware of the new shifter legislation that her father is about to bring in, she hopes to try and talk him out of it. Keeping her secret has meant that she has little knowledge of shifter life, and has nobody to confide in or talk to. And, there’s also the worry of what her father will do if, or when, he finds out what she is.

The meeting between Jared and Grace provides both of them with new possibilities. Jared may have a way to prevent the new legislation, without needing to kill the Senator, if only Grace could confide in her father what she really is and maybe the love for his daughter will change his whole perspective. Meanwhile, Grace would finally have somebody to teach her shifter ways, help her be her most natural self, and having someone to talk to. Thus, making life so much easier.

Not only do they have a chance of these, but natural instinct from their inner-wolves attract each other in a way so deep that neither of them had expected. The physical attraction, the protectiveness of each other – Jared emotionally, Grace both physical and emotional, and sheer desire all unite to create a very powerful and suspenseful romance.

A copy of Jared (River Pack Wolves #3) was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

You can purchase JARED at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can also check out our review of book 1 in the River Pack trilogy – JAXSON and book 2 – JACE

You can also check out our reviews of Alisa Woods’s True Alpha and Dark Alpha series:-

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

Loved (Dark Alpha #6) – short story

February 26, 2016 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Good As Dead, by Christina Mandara (includes sexy excerpt)

Good As Dead

Christina Mandara writes the most scorching erotica and her erotic vampire romances are damn hot too! Go on spoil yourself with this dark and sexy read! ❤

Blurb:

Six people want her dead.

Lainey Hargreaves has a secret that she must keep at all costs. It’s a secret that could change the face of the earth, forever. But not all secrets can be kept, and when hers begins to escape, she is certain that death will follow.

There is only one person that can extricate her from the mess she finds herself in. A vampire.

Mercer is that vampire. His quick, analytical brain will give them a head start against her assassins, but even he isn’t confident of success. He needs to discover what Lainey is hiding, unravel her secrets, and earn her trust. She will need to learn to obey his every order without question if they are to stand a chance of success.

And the best place to start? In the bedroom, of course. All women find him irresistible. All women except Lainey, that is, and she’s going to fight tooth and nail to deny the bright red spark that blooms between them.

She’s going to lose.

Excerpt

“You will do as you’re told.”

He yanked on the curl he had captured and she had no choice but to stare at his mesmerising gold eyes. Swallowing at the invisible lump in her throat, she tried to force her head away from his dangerous gaze but could not break his hold over her. She wanted to roar in exasperation, for this mess could rival the Minos Labyrinth. She felt helpless and frustrated. They were two emotions she had very little experience with and she preferred it that way.

“Or what?” Lainey tried to bite back the retort but it was too late, the damage was done. When the vamp looked down at her, his eyes were rapidly darkening and his face was contorting with anger. She swallowed hard knowing she’d pushed him too far. Instinctively trying to back up, the wall was unforgiving and she smacked her head against it. His head was coming towards hers yet there was not a thing she could do about it. Wanting to scream, all that came out of her mouth was a pathetic little squeak.

He didn’t stop until his forehead rested against hers, his breath blowing heated little flutters against her lip. Her pulse immediately rocketed into orbit and her senses fled. She was only aware of his tempting soft lips, and a great urge to kiss them. For a second, she had a strangled moment of indecision, unsure whether she was willing her body to remain still or urging it to close those last few millimetres separating her mouth from his. Still stranded in torment, he smiled at her as if he knew the inner struggle she was having, and finally made the decision for her.

Pulling back abruptly, he put some distance between them by slamming both of his outstretched arms on either side of her head. It made her jump. Eyes which had licks of red and orange flames resting in their depths connected once again with hers, and although he was a little further away this time, it didn’t make him seem any less intimidating.

“A nice punishing kiss would probably keep you in line for a couple of days, I think. Should I bruise those soft sweet lips of yours and train them to worship mine? I have a feeling though that once I get a taste for you there’ll be no going back. Then again, seeing a lovesick doe-eyed look in those eyes wouldn’t be so bad. What do you say?” He unleashed the full power of his smile upon her and whilst there was no warmth behind it, Lainey got the message.

“No,” she whispered, immediately understanding what he had threatened. “I’ll do whatever you say, no questions asked.” She could not be bitten under any circumstances.

He huffed out a breath, and slowly removed his hands from the wall. Lainey sighed with relief as she had a little breathing space back but something akin to disappointment washed through her veins, and it horrified her. She could not feel this way, especially anywhere near a vampire.

“Well, I guess that spoiled all my fun for the evening,” he said regretfully. “But it should make the next couple of days rather interesting because at the first sign of disobedience, I’m claiming my kiss, Miss Hargreaves. Are we clear?” He raised an eyebrow and gave her a lopsided grin.

Lainey shuddered. “Crystal.”

“Good.”

“Who are you?” There was a hint of fear in her voice.

“My name is Mercer.”

“Mercer who?” Lainey pushed her hands against his chest and he backed up a little bit, allowing her a chance to examine him.

“That’s all you need to know.”

Grab ‘Good As Dead’ for just 99 cents on AMAZON

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPMandara
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cpmandara
Blog: http://christinamandara.wordpress.com/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7113521.C_P_Mandara
Amazon Author Page: http://author.to/CPMandara

February 17, 2016 by Tina Williams

99 cents SALE BLITZ on Kimberly Adams’ books

Like everyone else we love a bargain and we wanted to share Kimberley Adams’ 99 cent sale on all of her books (which encompass new adult/coming of age, paranormal and horror) to celebrate her recent marriage!

.99 CENT sale, Amazing Series!!!

Roam Book #1 http://goo.gl/EJd2gI
Fall Book #2 http://goo.gl/VGUhLm
Rise Book #3 http://goo.gl/cimHUf
Rush Book #4 http://goo.gl/WxqPdS
Rule Book #5 http://goo.gl/eSpNwL
Reign Book #6 http://goo.gl/Che0H6
West Novella http://goo.gl/6Oy2zY

Movie Trilogy Just .99 Cents

Below Unforgiven Book #1 http://goo.gl/bUWcwP
Before a Perfect World Book #2 http://goo.gl/suOB1F
On Heartbreak Ridge Book #3 http://goo.gl/M7vMIU

Fire Ballad, a Horror Series, just .99 Cents

Eighth Note #1 http://goo.gl/sWl0IR
Carrousel #2 http://goo.gl/H3d2JJ

February 8, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Antihero (Imperfect Heroes prequel) by C.J. Pinard (novella, part of the Sexy Bastards Anthology by a collection of authors)

SEXY BASTARDS ANTHOLOGY

Bad Boy, Biker, Alpha, Motorcycle Club, Contemporary Romance Collection

Available February 8th, 2016!!!

Featuring New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors. 12 top selling authors bring you 12 never-before-published Hot and Steamy Romance stories

Christine Bell – SWITCHBLADE
Michael Blade has always thought of Kaitlin Pepper as the irritatingly prissy girl next door, but when she mistakes him for his twin and shows up at his house wearing only a trench coat and a shaky smile, he starts to reconsider…

Bella Wild – BAD BOY BIKER
Jessie used to think being a parolee psychologist was her way of helping ex-cons get a second chance as they integrated back into society–until she met Jace. He’s the angry, inked, biker ex-con who refuses rehabilitation and insists on getting under her skin.

Sierra Rose – FORBIDDEN
This is the fu—- up version of Romeo and Juliet MC Club style…imagine Juliet a pistol, and Romeo a sexy, bad ass with wicked tats….oh, did I mention there’s lots of cursing, leather-clad bikers, motorcycles, and sex?

Lexy Timms – BILLIONAIRE BIKER
Katie’s not your usual rich girl, and Morgan’s not your typical biker. Falling for each other is inevitable, but what will happen when their worlds collide?

Dale Mayer – SALVATION
Beaten. Broken. Finished.
An abused wife meets the most unlikeliest of angels – a man who looks like the very devil himself. He won’t let her give up. Nor will he let her go. Will he be yet another captor or will he become her salvation?

Lisa Ladew – THE BIKER’S SECRET TORMENT
He’d loved her for as long as he could remember, but he would never pursue her, because he alone knew he was responsible for the one thing she would never forgive anyone for. When she starts to pursue him though, he doesn’t think he can keep his distance.

Cassie Alexandra – TAMING THE BIKER
After a short fling with hell-raising womanizer, Taylor (Tail) Adams, Lauren Macey discovers that she’s pregnant with the biker’s child. Knowing that the MC lifestyle isn’t what she wants for their baby, and that Tail isn’t exactly ‘father’ material, Lauren decides not to tell him. This proves challenging, especially when she realizes that he isn’t ready to end their affair…

Tasha Lyons – BIKER BLUES BABY
Morgan and Jazz have dealt with most of the horrific problems that plagued their fledging relationship, at least they hope so. But just as one horrific set of troubles falls away, another interesting one comes into play. Will they survive this one too?

C.J. Pinard – ANTIHERO
Can a street punk on the wrong path be transformed into a Special Forces killing machine? Once he’s been “rehabilitated”, Ellis Anderson is determined to show the woman he loves that he’s nothing like both the lives he’s left behind. But actions speak louder than words – and he has a lot of work ahead of him.

C.C. Cartwright – JUST LOVE ME
Justin can’t get Sloane out of his head. He pushes her away for being his little sister’s best friend, but now that she’s filled out in all the right places, will he be able to resist the innocent, yet enticing woman she has become?

Bella Love-Wins – DOG
Kane is now top dog in the Rugged Angels MC, and has slept with half the eligible biker chicks in Tucson. He meets his match when Kim, daughter of his club’s former president, just won’t give in to his usual tricks.

Kylie Walker – INDECENT DESIRES
District Attorney Eric Steel is used to getting his way, and when he meets the new intern hired for his team, he wants her: preferably stripped down and bound to his bed. From the moment Crystal Reid first obediently whispers “Yes, Mr. Steel,” he knows she’s perfect for him. He has less than 1 week to convince her…and he doesn’t plan on taking no for an answer.

Kendra Wild – BADASS
The company recruited Nick Taylor from the US Army Special Forces and turned him into a mean machine. His first undercover assignment – to pursue and protect Nicole Hunt.

Antihero by C.J. Pinard – REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

As a fan of C.J. Pinard‘s work I have enjoyed every book, and feel that this author comes back stronger and stronger with each new story. If you enjoyed the previous military romance series, Duty & Desire, you will absolutely LOVE Antihero.

Ellis Anderson is given an ultimatum in his young life after being caught doing wrong with a bad crowd. His choice could define exactly what sort of a man he will become. Yet, from one troublesome background to one of violence and terror in the military, Ellis is finding it a little difficult to settle into a civilian lifestyle.

When he first sets eyes on Talia he knows he wants her. But after a couple of dates, he finds himself in a rut of only seeing her during the evenings, sharing in some mad, hot passionate sex, and then leaving before she wakes. Is this really how it will be? Is this their relationship? She never lets on if she does want any more than this. Could he even give her more?

“I wanted to “wine and dine” her. I wanted to show her off to the world and let her meet my mom and new stepdad. But I didn’t know how to broach that conversation. I didn’t know how to do anything but strip her bare and love her with my body and feel her body loving mine back. I always wished that would be enough, but with what little I knew about women, I just knew it wouldn’t and couldn’t be.”

In Antihero, the reader gets to hear both sides of the story; we read Ellis’s thoughts about his current predicament with Talia, his powerful feelings towards her, as well as his concerns regarding his troubled past and how it affects him now. He tends to doubt himself; wondering if he’ll ever be able to provide for Talia and her needs. Is deep, hot passion all he can offer?

Meanwhile, Talia struggles with fitting in her studies after a long day at work, especially as Ellis is quite demanding of her time. And yet, he doesn’t do the whole boyfriend/girlfriend routine; they don’t go anywhere together, and he obviously has some issues. But then again, she has some too. Maybe she should try and break free of him. They’re just no good for each other. But, he’s just so god damn sexy she can’t say no!

Talia: “I’m a weak addict and he was my fix.”

Contemporary and military romance readers will find Antihero sweet, sexy, hot and fun, as well as having a serious undercurrent with two well-developed characters. I didn’t want to put this book down, and it has left me wanting more! Being a short read it can easily be read in a day or two. It provides a great escapism as you find both characters in your head and don’t want to let them go.

Will Talia decide to say ‘no’ once and for all? Or, will Ellis tackle his inner demons and show her how he really feels? Will it be too much for them both if his past raises it’s ugly head?

The Antihero novella was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest opinion.

The Sexy Bastards Anthology is available on Amazon US and Amazon UK from February 8th!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can catch up with C.J. Pinard’s books with our review list below:

Contemporary Military Romance

Patriotic Duty (Duty & Desire, Book 1)

Tour of Duty (Duty & Desire, Book 2)

Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) (Duty & Desire #3)

Playing the Field (Duty & Desire #4)

Paranormal

Enchanted Immortals (Enchanted Immortals Book 1)

Enchanted Immortals: The Vortex (Enchanted Immortals Book 2)

Enchanted Immortals: The Vampyre (Enchanted Immortals Book 3)

Enchanted Immortals: The Vixen (Enchanted Immortals Book 4)

BSI: Bureau of Supernatural Investigation (an Enchanted Immortals novella)

Unscathed (written with Tim O’Rourke)

Soul Rebel (Rebel Riders #1)

Soul Redemption (Rebel Riders #2)

Soul Release (Rebel Riders #3)

Lotus (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part I

Watcher (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part II

January 14, 2016 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW ~ Hunting for Spring, by Katherine McIntyre

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance

Book Blurb

Hunters are a lonely breed, and Conor’s no exception, until the day he meets Brenna. Even though she slinks in unannounced and kills the wight he was hunting down, the girl’s a mystery and he can’t get that blinding smile or those gorgeous curves off his mind. Since they’re both after the same caster who’s unleashing these monsters, he suggests teaming up, and despite her initial reluctance, the hungry way she scans him down promises something powerful.

However, her secrets have repercussions, and faster than Conor can lift his Glock, he’s drawn into the web of kidnappings and Unseelie mischief, all concealing the machinations of a darker foe—one that plans to bring Philly to ruin.

My Review

A Hunter meets his match – 5 magical stars!

This is a fast paced and engaging urban fantasy romance which pairs Conor, a hunter of otherworldly abominations, with the mysterious Brenna. It is the second book that I have read by Katherine McIntyre, the other being the Steampunk romance Stolen Petals (click the title for review), and I hugely enjoyed it.

After his life is unexpectedly saved by Brennna, Conor joins her on her quest to rescue her stolen pendant from a common foe. He becomes spellbound by Brenna’s combination of bravery and vulnerability, sensing a kindred spirit and does all in his power to protect her when her life is threatened. Brenna, who is hiding a secret finds herself becoming more and more attracted to this hunter which could well prove dangerous. When faced with her worst fear, can Brenna stay alive long enough for Conor to rescue her? Also can they survive treachery and the threat posed by the Unseelie world seeping into the human realm?

The romance is overall a sweet one, containing a sizzling love-making scene and oodles of sexual tension! I particularly liked how their relationship grows and how the author showed us what the characters were thinking about each other through their actions, rather than words.

The fae world is hidden from normal human folk and I loved the imagery the author conjures up in her descriptions of the evil Unseelie, who lurk in the shadows and increasingly threaten the lives of others. I also enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the deadly and magical fae world which part of the book takes place in.

Another super read from this author, which I recommend to lovers of urban fantasy/paranormal romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

Website: http://www.katherine-mcintyre.com

Tumblr: http://www.booksteacoffee.tumblr.com

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kmcintyremt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kmcintyreauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pixierants

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28113978-hunting-for-spring

November 30, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Cover Reveal w/Excerpt & Giveaway Soul Stealer by Lashell Collins

Soul Stealer
Cover Reveal

Author
Lashell Collins

Genre: Paranormal/Shifter/Rock Star Romance

Publication Date: December 6, 2015

In a world where human-shifter relations are often volatile and riddled with unfair presumptions on both sides, Aleigha Daniels finds it difficult to trust. Fairytales are for little girls because in real life, men cheat. Something Aleigha knows all too well. There are no enchanted castles and no prince charmings who will sweep you off your feet. So when she’s forced into interviewing the sexy, enigmatic, and eccentric shifter rock star, Morpheus Wolfe, at his creepy mansion out in the middle of nowhere, all Aleigha can see is the fear inside her own heart. And when circumstances trap her there, Aleigha begins a journey she never expected to take. What she doesn’t know is that Morpheus has an agenda, and sometimes fairytales do come true.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Id9Yr5

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/ovh79bm

Kobo: Coming soon

iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/q4zqr5f

“Ms. Daniels has arrived.” Butler announced her as though she were a guest at a royal dinner, and Aleigha felt on display.

The man at the mixing board turned in his seat and stood up, rising to an imposing height. He was almost as tall as Butler, but nearly triple the valet’s size in sheer muscle mass. Warm brown skin stretched taut over ripples of pecs and abs peeking out beneath the mesh t-shirt he wore, and the long thin braids flowed over his shoulders and down his back. His eyes, sharp and endless, pierced her with the skill of a predator and looked her over from head to toe before meeting her gaze.

“Ms. Daniels, I’m Morpheus Wolfe.”

Aleigha’s breath caught in her throat as her eyes drifted up from the powerful leather-covered thighs, over his torso and up to the wickedly handsome face. None of the videos or concert footage had done him one bit of justice. This man wasn’t merely gorgeous; he oozed sex appeal from every pore of his body without even trying.

“They don’t call him sex on legs for nothing, that’s for sure.”

Her friend’s statement made so much sense to her now. Rock star Morpheus Wolfe was the sexiest beast alive.

He extended his hand to her, but Aleigha was lost for a moment, struck dumb by his very presence. He arched an eyebrow at her.

“Uh, yes. Hello. I’m Aleigha Daniels.” She fumbled over her greeting and finally placed her hand in his. The very instant their hands touched the electricity in the studio surged — lights and power flickered, causing the camera crew some distress. Aleigha felt unable to look away, and the slight smile that crossed his lips intrigued her.

“Looks like the storm is getting worse. We should get started.” He let go of her hand but never took his eyes off her.

“Yes, we should,” she echoed, her voice sounding breathy and far away.

Get a hold of yourself, Aleigha!

She heard the words inside her head, but it was difficult to listen when he was looking at her that way.

“So, uh … normally I would be attempting to put my interview subject at ease right now by explaining how things will go, but since we’re on your turf with your camera crew, I’m a little out of my element, I’m afraid.”

He gave another ghost of a smile as he watched her.

“Would you like me to attempt to put you at ease, Ms. Daniels?”

Aleigha blushed, turning away to hide the faint redness of her cheeks, and looked around at the crew. Was it the deep, honey-coated voice or the intense way he stared at her that made her belly quiver?

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Lashell Collins is an American author of romantic suspense, paranormal romance and rockstar romance. She walks to the beat of her own drum, but that’s okay ’cause she’s got a pretty good sense of rhythm. Basically, she’s a geeky, quirky, laid-back, rocker-loving kinda girl who’s married to a retired cop, motorcycle-riding, bad-boy alpha all her own, and she likes to write about sexy police officers, werewolves and rockstars, or some inventive combination of the three! When she’s not busy tapping away on her laptop and living vicariously through her characters, she can usually be found watching Grimm, rocking out to Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators, stuffing her face full of Chinese food, or riding on the back of her husband’s Harley-Davidson. Between her book characters and the ones she knows in real life, her plate stays pretty full. But she loves to hear from readers, so give her a shout sometime!

November 25, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Shield of Winter, by Nalini Singh (Psy~Changeling #13)

Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Romance

Book Blurb

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch – if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake . . .

Having rebuilt her life after medical ‘treatment’ that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she’ll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption.

But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness . . .

Review

**Nalini Singh has done it again with another 5 * read in her addictive Psy-Changeling series!**

I have been a HUGE fan of Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series ever since I fell in love with Sascha and Lucas in Slave to Sensation, the first book in the series. I just adore how this author depicts her alpha heroes and heroines, many of them flawed by the complex society in the alternative future world she has created. This world is as unique as it is addictive and comprises the emotionless Psy, their polar opposites, the tactile changelings and humans. The peaceful co-existence of all is constantly under threat by aggressive competition between the races, including rogue elements and sociopaths.

Shield of Winter continues the story arc, where the safety of all races is being compromised by the dark disintegration of the Psy-Net, compelling many in the Psy race to commit bloody and terrifying actions en masse. Against this backdrop Singh, in what is a real masterstroke, pairs Vasic, an Arrow with Ivy Jane, an Empath, after ex Councillor Kaleb Krychek (yummy book boyfriend alert!) decrees that the only way to try to save the Psy-Net is to awaken the Empaths amongst their race. I should explain that the Empaths are a Psy designation who readers of the series will know have been denied and reviled, subjected to cruel and invasive medical ‘treatment’ designed to stifle their abilities.

Vasic, who we have met in previous books, has the reputation of being the most emotionless and unreachable amongst the Arrow squad. Like the others he is regarded as an ice-cold killer, charged with doing the dirty work for the ruling Psy, ridding the race of serial killers and others deemed undesirable. He has a dark back story and harbours significant guilt for his past actions, viewing himself as a monster.

Ivy Jane, living on a farm, removed as far as possible from a society that does not understand her gifts and one which has only sought to harm her, is stunned and fearful when an Arrow appears. However, when she hears the true reason for his visit and the role her abilities could play in rescuing her race and the world from a bloody future she does not hesitate to step up to the challenge, despite how broken she believes herself to be. After all what does she have to lose? I loved this character’s inner determination and how she grows into her true designation of Empath (which she was previously unaware of), having undergone reconditioning to such a degree that hermind and personality were almost destroyed. She has amazing strength of character in how she never gives up on Vasic or combatting the darker reaches of the Psy Net is admirable.

Both are victims of their brutal conditioning and there are, as in other books in the series, heartrending details of what they have been through. They are both so invariably strong however, and I loved how despite, or because of the fact that they are opposites in terms of their designation, they fall for each other. Their love story is beautiful to behold. It is not without a great deal of angst before any chance of a HEA is possible. Not only does Vasic have to allow Ivy Jane to break through the shield protecting what is left of his emotions, but time is ticking for him due to a decision he took in the recent past when he had nothing to live for. Now he has everything to live for, but it may be too late….

This book starts to explore the shadowy world of the Arrows and I was fascinated in learning how they operate and what makes them tick and I look forward to finding out more about Vasic’s colleagues in subsequent instalments. I also enjoyed seeing many of the other characters that I have grown to love, not least Kaleb and Sahara and Lucas and Sascha!

Shield of Winter is another expertly crafted contribution to this addictive series, containing a heartfelt romance, and will appeal to fans of the series and readers of paranormal romance, fantasy and sci-fi.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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November 15, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Review Round-Up for our October reads

Dear readers, we hope that you have enjoyed these autumn months, and that you celebrated Halloween in style. It would be great to see your Halloween photo’s!! This was my attempt (right) at being a vampiress at a much-loved friend’s birthday party – a friend who is absolutely hooked on Halloween, and then celebrated her birthday in style by going to New York and visiting Central Park at this real beautiful time of year!

And, how time seems to be sprinting by this year, with Thanksgiving only a few days away, and Christmas a few weeks!

During October we had 12 fab reads to review for you from Tim O’Rourke‘s Beautiful Immortals series 2 release to international best-selling author Catherine McKenzie‘s Smoke. We had a cheeky contemporary comedy horror short with Deborah Melanie‘s Vivian’s Vampire and the dark horror/sci-fi of J.G. Clay‘s Tales of Blood and Sulphur: Apocalypse Minor. Not to mention the many romances and paranormals in between. We hope you enjoy our selection of reads, as always.

Much love.

Caroline & Tina ❤

(As always, please click on the title and author for our full review)

Living the Dream by Celia J. Anderson, contemporary romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: When dreams and reality crash and mingle, escape can be the hardest challenge of all.

Longing to get away from her troubled marriage, the opportunity to cross America by train seems like a dream come true for Vita Craythorne. But charismatic travel agent Moriarty Miles has other ideas; by replacing their mutual friend Jack on the trip, Vita has unwittingly set herself up as a guinea pig for Moriarty’s mind-blowing and potentially dangerous virtual-travelling project. His plan is to give clients the holiday of a lifetime without ever having to leave the comfort of their own homes. It’s exciting. It’s time-saving. It’s innovative. Maybe this trip is just what Vita needs? That is, if she can avoid becoming trapped inside her own, miraculous dream world.

Vampires of Maze (Beautiful Immortals, Series 2, Book 1) by Tim O’Rourke, paranormal romance, thriller adventure (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: From Tim O’Rourke #1 bestselling author of ‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Beautiful Immortals Series One) comes ‘Vampires of Maze’ (Beautiful Immortals Series Two) a vampire and werewolf romance with a twist.

Witch, Julia Miller, has been sent by the Wicce to bring an end to the war that rages between the Beautiful Immortals. Joining a pack of werewolves, Julia must travel with them to a land unknown to her. Here she will learn the horrifying truth about the dark secrets hidden in the town of Maze.

To stay alive, Julia will not only have to figure out who to trust but also who to love. For Julia’s worst nightmares are about to get a whole lot more terrifying as she heads into the war raging between the vampires and werewolves where even her own magic abilities won’t be able to protect her.

Into the Unknown by Lorna Peel, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: London on 3 September 1939 is in upheaval. War is inevitable. Into this turmoil steps Kate Sheridan newly arrived from Ireland to live with her aunt and uncle and look for work. When she meets Flight Lieutenant Charlie Butler sparks fly, but he is a notorious womaniser. Should she ignore all the warnings and get involved with a ladies man whose life will be in daily danger?

Charlie Butler has no intention of getting involved with a woman. But when he meets Kate his resolve is shattered. Should he allow his heart to rule his head and fall for a nineteen-year-old Irish girl while there is a war to fight?

Private conflicts and personal doubts are soon overshadowed. Will the horrors of total war bring Kate and Charlie together or tear them apart?

Smoke by Catherine McKenzie, contemporary women’s fiction, mystery drama, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: From the internationally bestselling author Catherine McKenzie comes an evocative tale of two women navigating the secrets and lies at the heart of a wildfire threatening their town.

After a decade-long career combating wildfires, Elizabeth has traded in her former life for a quieter one with her husband. Now she works as the local arson investigator in a beautiful, quaint town in the Rockies. But that tranquil life vanishes when she and her husband agree to divorce and a fire in nearby Cooper Basin begins to spread rapidly. For Elizabeth, containing a raging wildfire is easier than accepting that her marriage has failed.

For Elizabeth’s ex-friend Mindy, who feels disconnected from her husband and teenage children, the fire represents a chance to find a new purpose: helping a man who has lost his home to the blaze. But her faith is shattered by a shocking accusation.

As the encroaching inferno threatens the town’s residents, Elizabeth and Mindy must discover what will be lost in the fire, and what will be saved.

White Heat by Serge de Moliere, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: A frigid wilderness. A blazing encounter.

In the frigid wilderness of Northern Canada, Carol treks through the snow, desperate to escape her violent and obsessed husband, Dugan. Unprepared for the harsh conditions, she soon finds herself trapped in the ice. She’s rescued by Josh, a loner who has fled society for his own reasons, and he brings her to his isolated cabin.

Carol and Josh are trapped together in the cabin as a snowstorm rages outside. Soon neither of them can fight their building desire, giving in to the temptation of shared heat and intimacy. Josh is nothing like the man Carol fled. He brings out feelings in her she’d long since suppressed.

But Dugan is hunting for her, and he plans to have his revenge on any man who dares share her company…

Pretty When You Cry (Stripped #3) by Skye Warren, dark erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: A new dark romance novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Wanderlust and Prisoner…

I came from a place of dirt floors and holy scriptures. They told me the world outside was full of sin, and the first night I escape, I find out it’s true. Ivan saves me, but he does more than that. He takes me. He makes me his own girl.

My conditioning runs too deep. Ivan sees what I am.

That’s the thing about showing a mouse to a cat. He wants to play. And it’s terrifying, even for me. Because the only thing darker than my past is his.

Jace (River Pack Wolves #2) by Alisa Woods, NA paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: His wolf is out of control. She’s a wild thing that won’t be tamed.
Ex-Army Specialist Jace River has a lock on his bedroom door, but it’s not to keep anyone out; it’s to keep his nightmares from breaking loose. His wolf is an out-of-control killer, which means he can never risk shifting, never truly be part of his pack, and definitely never take a mate.

Piper Wilding works for the Army as a civilian, traveling the world for her work in counterintelligence and fighting the bad guys while bedding down the good ones. The best part? It keeps her far from her asshole father in Seattle, the rest of the Wilding pack, and the pressure to take a mate. Settling down isn’t her thing, and after what happened to her mother, Piper vowed she would never be tied down by magic or men again.

While Jace’s wolf keeps him Sleepless in Seattle, Piper returns home to find her missing kid brother. When she breaks into the River brother’s safehouse, sparks fly and claws come out. Her sexy skills threaten to bring out Jace’s wolf, and Jace’s good-guy hotness reminds Piper how tempting shifter men can be. They’re like fire and gasoline, and as they race to find Piper’s brother, the heat threatens to burn down all their carefully constructed walls. But falling in love has never been so dangerous—and being together means taking risks that neither might survive.

Jace is a complete novel with HEA, the second in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (all standalone stories, but best enjoyed if you read them in order!).

Contains scorching hot shifters, alpha military heroes, and sexy spy girls. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.

Brake (The Redline Series #3) by Skye Callahan, dark romantic suspense (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Bitter feud between brothers, Colt and Devlin, speeds out of control.

From Colt’s pawn to Devlin’s captive, Aubrey is caught even deeper in their pact to destroy one another. Imprisoned in darkness, she fights for her life–and her sanity. Her only hope is a cocky and sadistic car thief who is already wrestling with his own demons.

Colt swore he’d never end up in this place again. That he’d never be held captive to heroin or rendered helpless by his brother to watch as another life is destroyed. He’s ready to tear the city apart to find Aubrey, but that’s only if his own mind doesn’t tear him apart first.

Lines have been crossed. Promises broken. Souls shattered. And the worst has only begun.

Note: If you’re looking for rainbows, butterflies, and happy endings coated in chocolate and caramel, turn back now! This story deals with dark themes and intense situations that aren’t suitable for sensitive readers. If you’re looking for an intense roller coaster of emotions and situations that will warp your sense of right and wrong and drag you through the debauched underworld of crime and deceit, then you’re in the right place.

This is a work of serial fiction, so it will be released in distinct parts with no resolute ending until the end of the series.

Watcher (Daughter of Darkness): Lotus’s Journey Part II by C.J. Pinard, paranormal mystery romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: As hybrid vampire/faery Lotus’s journey has taken her from solving the vampire-committed murders in Denver to Las Vegas, she begins to learn a lot more about herself and the evil vampire of a father who has been searching for her for years. She has to make a decision on whether she’s going to run from Vlad or search for him and confront him as he continues to terrorize her dreams. She wonders if finding him will lead her to her faery mother, or if it will just lead to more death, destruction, and heartbreak.

With the relationship between her sexy neighbor, Drew, and her beginning to blossom, Lotus wonders if she should just give up the search and try to lead a normal life for once. She’s finally found a decent guy who is not only gorgeous, but seems to want to protect her. Something she’s never needed, but is now finding she wants. That is, until she finds out Drew’s got his own secrets.

This is part II of Lotus’s journey. Part III will be out in early 2016.

Dark City (Nick Harland, British Detective Series #4) by Bill Carson, dark crime (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: A must read for all those who like to sit uncomfortably on the edge of their seats.

Dark City is the fourth book in the Nick Harland detective series. In this one we follow him on his most perplexing and disturbing case to date, as he tracks down a serial killer from the past.
The book begins with an elderly man being released from prison, after serving seventeen years for a double murder. A few days after his release a young woman is snatched from outside a London pub.

The police seem to be dragging their heels, so the family of the missing girl call on the services of the tough, uncompromising ex murder squad detective, turned Private Investigator, Nick Harland. During his initial investigation another girl suddenly goes missing, he then gets a tip off that Charles Thorpe had just been released from prison. Nick knows the killer, as he was the detective who put him behind bars when he was a detective in the murder squad. And so the hunt is now on for Thorpe, and Nick will not rest until Thorpe is found, and he promises that Thorpe will pay the ultimate price for his crimes this time around.

Much more can’t be revealed, as it would give too much of the exciting plot away.
This is a fast paced dark and gritty story, packed with hard hitting action, highs and lows, intrigue and tension. This story has characters, that are good, and sometimes very, very bad. Dark City is crime noir in the truest sense.

Vivian’s Vampire (short story) by Deborah Melanie, contemporary paranormal comedy horror romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: She’s got a scythe, a severed head and she’s looking for love.

Waitress Vivian Shawcross loves a costume party. When Halloween comes along, she can’t wait for the spooky fun to start. However, a mix up over her costume and a road diversion, are just two of the mini disasters she encounters en route to her ghostly night out. Stranded in a remote English village, isn’t her idea of fun, but when a gorgeous vampire is thrown into the equation, Vivian discovers that her fun night out has only just begun.

Tales of Blood and Sulphur: Apocalypse Minor by J.G. Clay, dark horror sci-fi (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Eleven Tales steeped in Blood and reeking of Sulphur

There are cracks in the skin of Reality. Some are microscopic, others are as wide as a four-lane motorway. As the fault lines increase and widen, the door to our world shines like a beacon in the darkness, a warm and inviting sight to others beyond our understanding. When They cross over into our realm, The Tales begin……

A gambler taking one last desperate throw of the dice. A struggling writer making an unholy alliance. An eternal being fighting to stay alive in the financial capital of India. A man burdened with a terrible town secret. The Law Enforcers who must never cry. The End of Days live and direct from the rural heartland of England.

J.G. Clay takes you on a journey through the voids of Reality and into dark places where demons, mutants and inter-dimensional creatures taunt, taint and corrupt Humanity. Survival is not guaranteed, sanity is not assured and death lurks in every corner. These are the Tales of Blood and Sulphur: Apocalypse Minor; eleven twisted tales of terror and mayhem.

The blood is warm, the sulphur is burning, the tales will be told, the Apocalypse Minor is imminent!

November 15, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Release Day Review & GIVEAWAY Treagar’s Redemption (Woodland Creek) by Isobelle Cate

Today we welcome the release of the Woodland Creek series, which is a collection of 30 paranormal/shifter stories written by 30 authors. We are hosting Treagar’s Redemption by Isobelle Cate, which is a super paranormal, time-travel romance that is totally absorbing and full of magick! Not only that, but the author has kindly offered to GIVEAWAY 3 e-copies of Treagar’s Redemption! Please check out below details of this fab offer!

Title: Treagar’s Redemption (Woodland Creek)

Author: Isobelle Cate

Genre: Paranormal romance, fantasy, sci-fi (time-travel)

Release date: November 15th, 2015

Length: 142 pages

Blurb: Marcus Theodoric Treagar is a sabretooth with a curse that has him traveling through time, leaving a trail of dead bodies. Not only that, but as soon as he falls in love, he is wrenched away from that period and returned to 16th century Venice. To save the last remaining piece of his heart, he refuses to become involved again.

Until Paisley Halleran.

As the daughter of the shifter chronicler, Paisley Halleran knows that magick and the paranormal abound in Woodland Creek. With her adopted brother, Virgil Rowtag, they fight for every shifter’s rights in the area. When Paisley comes face to face with Marcus, who has been arrested for a murder he does not remember committing, she believes he is innocent. Marcus, on the other hand, knows he has finally found the woman truly meant for him.
However, not everything is cut and dried. Paisley unearths tragic secrets and lies that link her to Marcus. Not only will it show her whether Marcus is truly innocent or guilty of the murders in Woodland Creek, it will also spell the difference between staying with Marcus because she wants to, or letting him go because she has no choice.

REVIEW ***** (5* Rating)

Treagar’s Redemption will take hold of the reader, just as the two main characters, Marcus and Paisley, have a hold on each other. It’s a gripping read of paranormal romance, time-travel, and dark magick, with a fairy-tale quality to the story.

After time-travelling to Woodland Creek and finding yet another dead body had turned up at the scene where he appeared, it becomes confusing for Marcus Theodore Treagar. Is he really a danger to those where he turns up? He can’t remember causing any harm to anyone. But, then again he is in his sabretooth form when he first appears in a new time, before changing back to his human form.

When Marcus and Paisley meet it soon becomes clear that they have a strong attraction to each other. Paisley believes Marcus to be innocent from the offset, and asks her lawyer father to defend him. However, the story takes a turn when her father refuses to stand up for Marcus. After losing his wife, Paisley’s mother, her father resigned himself to taking care of Paisley, yet deeply mourned Hurit for many years. Knowing it was a sabretooth – Marcus – who was at the scene of her death, Paisley’s father is not so quick in deeming Treagar innocent.

This conflict causes tension between the characters, and leaves Paisley feeling torn. It doesn’t help when her adopted brother, Virgil, isn’t too supportive of Treagar’s innocence either. But, something tells Paisley that Marcus is telling the truth. He is innocent. And, aside from wanting to prove his innocence, there is something else pulling at Paisley. Likewise for Marcus. I love how the author uses the characters to flirt with her readers by allowing the reader to understand how both characters feel about each other, reading their thoughts. And yet, both Paisley and Treagar seem to rein in their feelings, keeping them at bay, and thus hiding their vulnerabilities from each other.

The time-travelling curse that was bestowed on Marcus makes it impossible for him to fall in love. But, once he returns to his mansion in Venice during the 16th century, he knows that Paisley is the one to take the last piece of his heart. Although usually quite happy to be back home, there is something about Paisley that makes him long to return to the future. But, will he get the chance? He’s never gone back to the same time before! Meanwhile, Paisley had found herself ‘salivating’ over Marcus – something she has never done before.

I would recommend Treagar’s Redemption for a mature reader. It is a SUPER HOT read; you won’t need the central heating on for a while after reading this book! The heat exuding from this passionate couple is almost unbearable (in the best possible way) – exciting isn’t the word. You’ll be turning the pages with great speed and urgency to find out just how intimate they become.

These conflicts and sexual tensions make for a suspenseful read at times. And, the atmosphere of the story can be dark at times when the reader feels there is no hope for Treagar, and questions who could possibly be behind the murders if it wasn’t him. How will Marcus and Paisley’s love cope with his terrible curse? And, will her father make it any easier for her to be with Treagar, or will Paisley have to let him go?

An ARC copy of Treagar’s Redemption was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Treagar’s Redemption is now available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

GIVEAWAY!!

Yes, we have THREE e-copies to give away to three lucky winners!! For a chance to win all you have to do is add your name in the comments for this post, and we will pick out the winners on FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER, 5PM (GMT).

Alternatively, you can visit our Facebook page and enter via our giveaway post on there. Again, just adding your name in the comments box.

Good luck for all entries, and thank you in advance for taking part.

Caroline & Tina ❤

November 8, 2015 by Tina Williams

Review ~ The Point of Evil, Point Vamp: Book 4, by Victoria Blisse

Erotic Paranormal Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Book Blurb

Blood and sex were all he ever wanted until love gave him something worth living an eternity for.

Steve—who had been a womanizer in life and was even more so in death—prowls the Point using his vampiric wiles to get the blood and sex he craves. He’s always looking for his next meal and when he sees a tall, curvy beauty with a red scarf around her neck, he thinks he’s found it.

Eloise is different—she’s shy and needs encouragement, and Steve just can’t get her out of his mind. He has to take his time, get to know her and slowly seduce her. When she disappears, leaving only a note begging him not to pursue her further, he can’t help himself and ends up in the service of George Aquino, a vampire crime boss with a penchant for twisted and cruel torture and a dungeon full of prisoners.

A daring rescue, a difficult choice and love against the odds. Do you dare visit the point of evil?

The Point Vamp series

What is The Point? It is the hottest club in town for both Vampires and humans alike. It has a large dance floor and a bar like any other club but once you disappear behind the VIP only door you find out what makes The Point so unique. Sex, blood and lust all behind closed doors and only accessed by the chosen ones.

Now, you become a chosen one and get to see the sexy world behind that door.

Welcome to The Point.

My Review

A Tale of Lust, Love and Sacrifice

**** Four Fangtastic Stars!

This is the first book that I have read by the author and I must say that I loved the vampires at The Point from the off. They are not monsters like many amongst their kind as they rein in their need for blood, only taking what they need. They do require some blood however (not to mention the hot sex that goes with it!) and the club is therefore the ‘go to’ place for humans who want the steamiest of vampire liaisons without putting their lives on the line!

The character Steve undergoes some character growth in the course of the story. As a human he was very much a man whore and is even more so since he has become a vamp, addicted to blood and sex. When he meets the mysterious and vulnerable Eloise at the club, his insta lust filled attraction soon grows into something more. So much so that when he receives her note imporing him not to pursue her he decides to go after her regardless of the consequences……..

And boy what consequences! The read takes us into the lair of a notorious vampire crime boss, who represents all that Steve and those at The Point oppose. There are scenes of blood, violence and torture as Steve enters the world in which Eloise is forced to endure and it is touch and go whether they will survive.

Recommended for readers who love sizzling vampire reads!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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