February 2, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2) short story by Alisa Woods

Released today is Alisa Woods’ PLEASURE (Dark Alpha #2) in her paranormal/shifter series. This is an exciting series of action, adventure and passion. Sparks fly, hearts throb and lives are in danger. Will Jak and Arianna (mated to Jak’s alpha’s brother unwillingly) have any chance to be together at all? I strongly recommend in order to follow Pleasure completely you must read episode 1, Torment (Dark Alpha #1). And, for more shifter pleasure, the first series, True Alpha, is also a desirable read!! (Please see below for review links.)

Title: Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2)

Author: Alisa Woods

Genre: New adult, paranormal romance

Date released: February 2, 2015

Publisher: Sworn Secrets Publishing

Length: 60 pages

Blurb: New Adult Paranormal Romance serial

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.

Jak and Arianna have found something special in each other’s arms… but is it something they can keep?

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

Pleasure (Dark Alpha 2) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the second of six episodes in the Dark Alpha serial.

Adult content. Ages 18+.

REVIEW

After an attack, in Torment (Dark Alpha #1), leaves Jak and Arianna in each other’s affectionate and loving arms, Pleasure brings them both, in particular Arianna, back down to earth. She is mated, against her will, to Jak’s alpha’s brother, Mace. To say that he would tear Jak to pieces would most probably be an understatement. Despite her feelings towards Jak, and their recent passion together, Arianna must hold back her feelings and thoughts from Mace, as well as ensure that she washes off Jak’s scent.

Jak is furious about the attack, wanting to protect Arianna and his fellow shifters. He is on a mission to find out who was behind the attack, who exactly they were attacking and why. Were the attackers working for humans? Or is it possible a witch was involved? Either way, Jak will make sure they pay for threatening and attacking in such a way that could have led to one or both of their deaths.

While Jak has the attack on his mind, there is also his thoughts of Arianna. He will kill for her and go to lengths to ensure her safety and to make her his. As Pleasure unfolds the reader becomes aware of an opportunity Jak may have of ridding the bond between Mace and Arianna – either that or Mace would need to be killed in order to free Arianna!

With Arianna unable to leave Mace’s house it is difficult for Jak to meet her. But will Jak find a way?

Dark Alpha 2 is an exciting read as we follow Jak and Arianna’s strong feelings, the intensity and passion between them and the fear that Arianna feels of Mace finding out of her betrayal. Pleasure is another heart-pounding read that will keep you on your toes, dying to read episode 3 of the Dark Alpha series, which will be released on February 16th 2015!

A copy of Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2) is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

If you would like to check out the info and my reviews for Torment (Dark Alpha #1) and the first series, True Alpha, please click on each book below!

TORMENT (DARK ALPHA #1) – short story

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

All True Alpha short stories are available at Amazon UK and Amazon US individually. BUT, the TRUE ALPHA FULL SEASON is available to order!! (Please be aware that A True Alpha Christmas novella was released after the box set as a stand alone, and although carries on from the series is not a part of the main series, and NOT in the box set! It is available however as an individual novella at Amazon US and Amazon UK.)

AMAZON US link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

AMAZON UK link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

January 21, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Guildhall Guardian: Thamesian #1 (Thamesians) by Aidan Ladsow

Author: Aidan Ladsow

Title: Guildhall Guardian: Thamesian #1 (Thamesians)

Genre: Paranormal Mystery/Romance

Release date: March 6th, 2014

Length: 179 pages

Blurb:

SHE HAS JUST FOUND THE ADVENTURE SHE CRAVED FOR

Italian Art Graduate Gioia Di Terzi has left Rome for England, upsetting all her plans of a future as a Museum administrator. Now working as a civil servant, she settles into a British working-class routine which comes nowhere close to her dreams of English Gothic tales.
That’s before she discovers the Medieval Quarter of the city and steps into its Guildhall, a building which instantaneously fascinates her.
Little does she know she just crossed the supernatural underworld’s threshold…

AFTER CENTURIES AS A GUARDIAN HE MUST COME OUT AND FIGHT

In 1430, Roydon Thamesian made a pact with Vampires who saved his life and became the powerful Guildhall’s guardian.
Ruling the Medieval Quarter, he doesn’t know humanity anymore.
Until Gioia Di Terzi stumbles into his life and he becomes the target of unmistakable attacks from a Hunter…

REVIEW

“It had started in a blur and it went on with a black out.”

I enjoyed reading the Guildhall Guardian, with it’s dark, gothic and eerie atmosphere. It did take reading a few pages before I could really become absorbed into the story, but Gioia and Roydon’s characters really drew me in. And I like how the story goes in and out of Gioia’s mind. As the reader understands what she is witnessing and thinking you can feel the story as if you were her.

Gioia finds herself looking for a short-cut home during her lunch break. This short trip takes her through the Medieval Quarter of the City to Guildhall. As an art graduate, and wanting to be a museum administrator, it’s appeal is huge as Gioia wants to explore.

From that day Gioia uses the path to travel to and from work. She begins to notice some smaller details, such as the four graves, and her eyes deceive her into thinking one of them is ajar. She can feel the atmosphere, the dark, the gothic aspects and can sense that something is different about this area of the city. But what it is, she doesn’t know. The tension builds up with the atmosphere:-

“…. I could not avert my eyes from this building. It was well-seated among the other medieval buildings, an open church, several houses remained intact and a graveyard just in front of the old charming pub. Rather gothic, to say the least.

This was the UK I wanted to live in. It doesn’t get any better than the old slippery pavement, the head-turning monuments and bizarre gargoyles, old-fashioned statues with their twisted faces, tokens of medieval value.

The tombstones…. were well-kept and there was only four of them. I even thought my eyes tricked me when I observed that one of the graves looked ajar.”

As the guardian of Guildhall, it is inevitable that Gioia will meet with Roydon. After meeting in the old pub, Roydon knows that it is Gioia who has been looking around Guildhall and been seen on the CCTV. The attraction between them is instant, she knows there is something unusual about him, like he was from another era, mysterious and spell-binding. They both feel the electricity and tension as they spend more time together, after his invitation to see him one evening turns into longer as they track a hunter.

Unbeknownst to Gioia initially, it is Roydon’s responsibility to keep the four vampires and their graves guarded. But, after an eventful evening, with Gioia in his presence, Roydon is attacked. It appears that a hunter is on their radar, hunting for the exact vampires that Roydon is guarding! Poor Gioia is left a little confused, especially since Roydon has ‘made’ her forget. For Gioia, being with a man of mystery and then waking up puzzled:-

“It had started in a blur and it went on with a black out.”

But, the mystery won’t let up for Gioia as her character naturally is nosey and she has to find out exactly what is going on. She begins to focus and go over events until some memories return. Her curiosity and sense of adventure usually ends with a scrape or two, and Roydon looking after her – which can’t be that all that bad seeing as he is so alluring and chivalrous! The mix of emotions that Gioia is feeling: the excitement, danger, attraction, is all because of the events that take place.

“Within the last days I had: been drunk, been chased by swords-arrows, been psyched out, wept and hid in the bathroom, wanted to book a one-way flight home, remained shut at home talking to myself and compulsively eating then puked, obsessed over vampires on the internet, then turned up at the Guildhall ready to expose the one I was insanely attracted to.”

I love how the author builds up the suspense, both in fear and romance. In regard to the romance aspect, the author teases the reader with the characters as we long for them to get together. However, Roydon cannot allow a human girl to distract him and make him vulnerable. No matter how close, how strong the attraction, he mustn’t get drawn in.

“He was bloody playing through and through. Playing with is own limitations. Playing up the attraction. Downplaying the risks.

Gioia outed him from his usual comfort zone. To be closer to her he acted out of character and out of his personal sense of propriety.

She was addictive.”

As the story moves on to discover who the hunter is, the reader is in suspense and not knowing what will happen next. Roydon’s brother, Brand, and vampire, Hendry Lancaster, add a great deal of value in terms of fear and atmosphere as, at first you are unsure of their character. There is a little action, excitement and plenty of mystery, but it is the romantic element that steals the show for me!

There are areas I feel that could benefit from a proof-read/edit, however this was not enough to put me off the read. And, as the atmosphere and characters are so well described, along with a good, mysterious plotline, it was more than enough to keep me enthused. I hope that there will be a sequel and that I will have the chance to read more on the adventures of Gioia and Roydon, and their intense romance!

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

Guildhall Guardian: Thamesian #1 (Thamesians) is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US. You can also look it up on Goodreads.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 20, 2015 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Seducing Destiny, The Fae Chronicles #4, by Amelia Hutchins

Seducing Destiny(The Fae Chronicles book 4) by Amelia Hutchins is available now!

Less than six months ago my life was twisted and flipped on its side. Things have changed so much I barely recognize myself anymore.

I am no longer an Enforcer.

I am no longer a Witch.

I no longer hate the Fae. (For the most part)

And the sex-on-a-stick-gorgeous-Fae? He isn’t really the Dark Prince.

No, he is the father of my children and with the babies on the way, the land dying and the Mages closing in; alliances will have to be formed if we are all to make it through the war that is coming to our front door.

Between warring Gods and Goddesses, how are any of us supposed to win?

Add to Your Goodreads TBR List

Amazon UK Amazon US B&N

Excerpt:

“You’re carrying twins, my twins, and I like this bump. I like the sight of you carrying my children in this beautiful body,” he whispered huskily as he placed both of his palms on my swollen midsection, just in time for the babes to kick him. “They can feel me,” he replied with sincerity. “I already feel them linking us together. We’re a family, and nothing and nobody will change that.”

About Amelia:

Website|Facebook|Series Facebook

Author of Fighting Destiny a fast paced Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance with hot alpha males, and a sassy heroines. I have three kids, and married my best friend, who is also the most amazing man ever. I live in Washington State with way too many trees, and love it. I have been writing as long as I can remember, and I am also the page owner of Erotica Book Club.

January 19, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Torment (Dark Alpha #1) short story by Alisa Woods

Following on from her brilliant True Alpha hot paranormal short story series, Alisa Woods has just released Torment, the first short paranormal of her Dark Alpha series. I thoroughly enjoyed the True Alpha series (links to all 6 book reviews, and the festive novella are at the bottom of this post) and celebrate the release of Torment (Dark Alpha #1) today!

New Adult Paranormal Romance serial – first episode now available (released January 19th, 2015)

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.

Jak enjoys the female human population of Seattle as much as any wolf, but his heart belongs to a female shifter who’s already mated. Worse, she’s the mate of his alpha’s brother.

Arianna was captured from her pack when she was only twenty and mated to a wolf whose dark side takes full advantage of her unbreakable bond to him. Her nights belong to him, but her days are free to explore other things… including feelings for a wolf she can never have.

Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both?
Torment (Dark Alpha 1) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the first of six episodes in the Dark Alpha serial.
Adult content. Ages 18+.

REVIEW

After reading the True Alpha series, I was thrilled to hear that there would be a new series from Alisa Woods in Dark Alpha. Fans of True Alpha, or indeed paranormal and shifter fans will love this hot story with it’s emotion, passion and action. I would recommend that True Alpha be read first to provide the reader with the full background (although not essential).

Jak is young, hot and turns many a human girl’s head. He is liked within his pack, the Red Pack, and his alpha looks out for him. Little do the pack know that he betrayed them once, and morally so. Jak has his wits about him and knows that Arianna was mated to his alpha’s brother, Mace, against her will. Now she has no choice but to be with Mace. But Jak can’t help feeling a little hot when in her company and wants her for himself.

The intensity of Jak’s feelings for her multiply as he is asked to bodyguard her when Mace allows her to attend University – instructions from his father, with the hope that Arianna can gain qualifications that she can bring to the family business. This does not please Mace as he’d much rather keep Arianna at home, but he can’t really go against his father, his alpha.

This is an opportunity of some freedom that Arianna has been waiting for, as opposed to feeling trapped in Mace’s home, bored, and nothing to look forward to as she knows Mace will have his way with her when he comes home. No, this is freedom, and what’s more she has been left with hot, young Jak to mind her!

Torment is a perfect title as both Jak and Arianna are feeling strong attractions to each other. However, as the magic bond between Mace and Arianna can only break in one of their deaths, it looks pretty unlikely that these two can get together. Not to mention what Mace would do to them if he were to ever find out that Jak so much as looked at Arianna. It would certainly be the death of Jak.

Tensions run high between Jak and Arianna, but what will the future hold for them?

This short story holds a little of everything, including action towards the end. Readers won’t be disappointed and Torment is just the beginning of the Dark Alpha series. I cannot wait to read what book 2, Pleasure, will hold for us!

A copy of Torment (Dark Alpha #1) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Torment (Dark Alpha #1) is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

If you would like to check out the info and my reviews for the first series, True Alpha, please click on each book below!

Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story

Guarded (True Alpha #2) – short story

Hunted (True Alpha #3) – short story

Captured (True Alpha #4) – short story

Sacrificed (True Alpha #5) – short story

Claimed (True Alpha #6) – short story

A True Alpha Christmas – novella

AMAZON US link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

AMAZON UK link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

December 23, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW A True Alpha Christmas (True Alpha series, novella) by Alisa Woods

STAND-ALONE NOVELLA – best enjoyed after reading the True Alpha Box Set (Vol 1-6)

Blurb: Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City. Mia is your everyday college girl, trying to earn her business degree—and a shifter who’s long hidden her identity from everyone, including her mother, who believes shifter is synonymous with criminal. Six months ago, sexy and powerful alpha-male Lucas rescued her in an alley and claimed her for his mate. Now Mia’s heart belongs to Lucas, and everyone in the world of shifters understands the magic of their mating has bonded them for life. But in the human world, there’s no wedding ring on her finger to show for it. With Christmas looming, Mia’s mother wants to finally meet Mia’s mysterious and high-powered live-in lover. With her human and shifter lives about to irrevocably collide, Mia fears there will be nothing but broken hearts in the end.

A True Alpha Christmas is 80 pages or 20,000 words. This novella can be read as a standalone, but readers will enjoy it more if they read the True Alpha serial (Vol 1-6) first.

REVIEW

To find out that Alisa Woods had written A True Alpha Christmas was a lovely surprise and it was definitely a read I was excited for since the whole True Alpha series has been one of my top reads this year. This time of year is full of magical sights and feelings, and this is what A True Alpha Christmas is all about. Now Mia has been claimed by Lucas and will be his mate for life she is absolutely over the moon. But as Christmas approaches, and she has to be prepared for office parties and Lucas meeting her mum, Mia wants her relationship with Lucas to be common knowledge and for people to realise how serious they are.

Readers who have followed this series will know just how hot and intense the relationship is between shifters, Mia and Lucas. This novella is no different. After dressing incredibly sexy for a Christmas party, Lucas wants nothing more than to whisk her away to the cloakroom for some hot and intimate attention! Whilst the inner wolf of Mia, and a part of her human side, want the same she cannot help but feel ‘why does it have to be like this?’. Why can’t everyone know that they are man and woman, together, mated? Without Lucas quite realising it, the human side of Mia wants a ring on her finger, a symbol to show their declaration of love for each other.

To make matters worse, it is time for Mia’s mum to meet Lucas. Mia’s Mum knows nothing about her daughter being a shifter, and taking after her father. Shifters, to her, are criminals, violent, and her only experience of a shifter left her abandoned by him. At the same time, if Mia doesn’t come clean to her mother, it will leave her mum believing that Lucas is trying to control her daughter, use his status to exploit her until he has had what he wants and moved on to the next woman.

Mia’s dilemma leaves her feeling that nothing she can say will encourage her mum to like Lucas. Will Mia be able to diffuse the situation or will her mum and Lucas never get along? With the same intensity as the True Alpha series, fans and new readers will love this paranormal romance. It is written just as brilliantly as the previous short stories, with the heat, emotions and surprises.

A copy of A True Alpha Christmas was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

A True Alpha Christmas is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

All short stories are available at Amazon UK and Amazon US individually. BUT, 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 each book 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) – short story

December 17, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Spotlight with excerpt The Girl In Between by Laekan Zea Kemp

We welcome Laekan Zea Kemp to our blog with a great spotlight of The Girl In Between, a Young Adult paranormal romance novel and the first in it’s series. Released in September of this year, it is now perma-free (details below) and a book we are looking forward to reviewing in 2015!

Blurb: Bryn Reyes is a real life sleeping beauty. Afflicted with Klein-Levin Syndrome, she suffers episodes of prolonged sleep that steal weeks, and sometimes even months, from her life. But unlike most KLS patients, she doesn’t spend each episode in a catatonic state or wake up with no recollection of the time she’s missed. Instead, Bryn spends half her life in an alternate reality made up of her memories. For Bryn, the past is a place, until one day a boy she’s never met before washes up on the illusory beach of her dreams with no memory of who he is.

But the appearance of this strange boy isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Bryn’s symptoms are worsening, her body weakening as she’s plagued by hallucinations even while awake. Her only hope of finding a cure is to undergo experimental treatment created by a German specialist. But when Dr. Banz reveals that he knows more about her strange symptoms than he originally let on, Bryn learns that the boy in her head might actually be the key to understanding what’s happening to her, and worse, that if she doesn’t find out his identity before it’s too late, they both may not survive.

Author bio

Laekan is a writer and explorer extraordinaire who grew up in the flatlands of West Texas. She graduated from Texas Tech with a BA in Creative Writing and is the author of the multi-cultural New Adult novels The Things They Didn’t Bury, Orphans of Paradise, Breathing Ghosts, and the Young Adult novel The Girl In Between, which is the first in an upcoming paranormal romance series.

Website: http://laekanzeakemp.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaekanZeaKemp

Goodreads

EXCERPT

“Can I show you something?” she asked.

I wasn’t sure if I should follow her or even if I could but I didn’t want her to let go of me. I didn’t want her to disappear again and leave me there alone, still lost. So I nodded.

We swam to the end of the dock and she untied the small rowboat. She climbed in first, reaching for the oars and holding it steady as I sat down across from her. I watched the house recede. My eyes trailed back to the road, still waiting for someone to come down it. They didn’t.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“Not far.”

I searched the horizon but it was empty. No land. No boats. It felt like we were headed straight for the skyline, about to fall off into nothing. The waves grew choppy and I wanted to take the oars from her but I didn’t know where we were going and for some reason I liked listening to the slow rhythm of her breathing as she fought the waves.

The boat finally grinded to a stop and when I looked over the edge the water was so clear I could see tiny creatures bedding in the sand, their thin shadows eclipsed by the girl as she climbed onto the sandbar.

“I went to the Bahamas once when I was thirteen,” she said. “The water was so blue. I strapped on a snorkel and spent the entire week just walking from sandbar to sandbar, face underwater watching the fish swim by.”

I followed her out of the boat and a school of bright yellow fish cut between us, scales glinting.

“This?” I said.

She smiled and walked around to the other side of the boat. The water was a dark grey, my legs tangled in a mess of rust colored seaweed. I could barely see my feet, their shadows disappearing beneath swirls of mud.

“This is the Gulf of Mexico near Galveston. I tagged along on one of my mom’s work trips. It was just a few weeks after Hurricane Ike.”

I stared at the muddled outline where the two oceans converged—one light, one dark. I waited for them to mix, for that invisible seam to break free but it didn’t.

We waded farther out into the clear water, another school of fish bumping against my calf, bright red coral twisting near my ankles. It was startling.

“I used to come here,” she said. “When I first got sick I would stand here and it wouldn’t feel like purgatory anymore. They’re memories.” She faced the beach. “My memories.” Then she looked at me. “I don’t know why you’re here or if you’re—”

“Real?” I asked.

She nodded and I wasn’t so sure anymore either.

“But you don’t have to be afraid,” she said. “It doesn’t have to feel like purgatory.”

I watched the sunlight reflecting off the ocean and dancing against her skin. Her eyes were lighter in the sun; green churning to a soft sea foam like the waves crashing near our feet. And standing there in that invisible seam between two oceans, two worlds, she was just as startling.

The tide swirled in her gaze and I watched it shimmer there, glinting from a soft grey to jade and then I said, “It doesn’t.”

Buy links:

The Girl In Between is now perma-free and is available on the following sites:-

December 17, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Review Round Up December ’14

Hi readers, we hope that you’re Christmas preparations are going well and that you are not too stressed with all of the arrangements, shopping and wrapping to do! Here is the last Review Round Up of 2014! As usual, there are quite a few genres with the fourteen books that we have reviewed, and we do hope that they pique your interest. (For the full review please click on the titles.)

You may be pleased to hear that we will both be doing our Top Reads of 2014 over the holidays. We have had the pleasure of reading many great reads and look forward to sharing them!

Enjoy!

Caroline & Tina ❤

Invasion Earth (Delroi Connection #1) by Loribelle Hunt, erotic/sci-fi romance (reviewed by Tina)

In the distant future, Earth has been ravaged by war and famine, and after generations of bloodshed settles into peace only to be invaded by the alien Delroi. General Alrik Torfa needs a mate and his seers promise mates for many of his people on the distant planet Earth. He doesn’t expect her to come easily, but is more than a little surprised to find her leading an enemy army. Outmanned and outgunned, there is no way the Earth forces can win.Sergeant Major Laney Bradford has always played her part and served her people well, but the demands of the Delroi’s surrender are a bit extreme. Marriage? To one of them? Not likely. But she’s fought for peace her entire life and when surrender talks are threatened by a conspiracy led by her people, Laney must choose. Will she submit to the alien invader or lead the fight against him?

Entropy by Robert Raker, dark crime drama, thriller suspense (reviewed by Caroline)

When a series of child abductions and murders disrupt the life of an economically blighted community, the consequences have far-reaching implications. The brutal crimes take a different toll on a disparate group of individuals; the scuba diver who retrieves the children’s bodies; the disfigured cellist who thinks he knows who’s responsible; the undercover federal agent; and the mother of one of the victim’s.
United in a situation not of their choosing, they are forced to take a deep, introspective look into their intersected, yet isolated lives.

To Avenge Her Highland Warrior (Highland Fae Chronicles #3) by Samantha Holt, historical romance, fantasy (reviewed by Tina)

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

Cold Call by Colin Llewelyn Chapman, dark crime drama, thriller (reviewed by Caroline)

Wealthy entrepreneur Robin Bradford had it all – the house, the cars, the fine dining – and he lost it all. All except Lizzie, his perfect, loving girlfriend. Down on his luck and with no immediate prospects in business, Robin’s energies found another outlet, Just a little something spicy to bide his time until his financial world recovered, leading him down a very seedy path, onto a very rocky road. Time however was all he had, and all he was going to get.

Due to violence, drug references and sexual content, readers are recommended to be of 18yrs+.

Bend, Don’t Break (Irrevocable #2) by Skye Callahan, dark erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

I thought I was done.
my End
I couldn’t take my eyes off her as the bullet tore through me, leaving me with nothing but the hope that I had done enough to save her. The darkness tried to engulf me—to brand me as its own and drag me to my fate.
my Darkness
Waking to see her tear-stained face above me was enough to make my heart stutter. I was alive and free from that place—but not from the toll it had taken on my mind and body.
my Strength
My story should have ended, but one woman kept standing in the way of that. The only way I could have her was to find a way to put the darkness to rest.

Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) (Duty & Desire #4) by C.J. Pinard, contemporary military romance, romantic comedy, chick-lit (reviewed by Caroline)

Miranda Cates finally graduates from college and is excited to begin her dream career in law enforcement. After the final betrayal and heartbreak of her college boyfriend, Chris, she moves back home with a firm plan in place for her life.

However, the life she has carefully mapped out for herself takes a serious left turn. Miranda finds she not only has to be strong for herself, but for the daughter who hadn’t been part of her plan.

Determined to still believe in true love, life throws Miranda one more wicked curveball. She meets Jace Lawless, a hot minor league baseball player, whose warm aqua eyes and big dimple have her unraveling her carefully laid plans. A man who may be just be too good to be true.

Boots Beneath My Bed (Miranda’s Story) is book 3 in the Duty & Desire series, and while it is recommended to read the books in order, it’s not necessary.

An Autumn Crush by Milly Johnson, contemporary romantic comedy (reviewed by Caroline)

In the heart of the windy season, four friends are about to get swept off their feet…

Newly single after a bruising divorce, Juliet Miller moves into a place of her own and advertises for a flatmate, little believing that, in her mid-thirties, she’ll find anyone suitable. Then, just as she’s about to give up hope, along comes self-employed copywriter Floz, and the two women hit it off straight away.

When Juliet’s gentle giant of a twin brother, Guy, meets Floz, he falls head over heels. But, as hard as he tries to charm her, his foot seems to be permanently in his mouth. Meanwhile, Guy’s best friend Steve has always had a secret crush on Juliet – one which could not be more unrequited if it tried…

As Floz and Juliet’s friendship deepens, and Floz becomes a part of the Miller family, can Guy turn her affection for them into something more – into love for him? And what will happen to Steve’s heart when Juliet eventually catches the eye of Piers – the man of her dreams?

Apartment 2B by K. Webster, Adult contemporary paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina)

Sidney has a rough life. Her mom is incredibly abusive both mentally and physically. One day, she’s awarded the escape she’s always wanted and thrust into a world she barely understands. Each day is a struggle to feel human and not terrified of everything around her.

Sidney has rules. Routines. Structure. It’s the only way she can cope

When a handsome, yet mysterious stranger inserts himself into her life, Sidney begins to come apart at the seams. She’s having trouble sticking to her habits and it’s threatening to shred any hope of a normal life to pieces. Will this stranger help her in ways no other person can, or will things get worse for her?

He comes with his own set of problems and secrets he’s unwilling to share. Will they work together through the mess of their pasts or will they get caught up enabling each other? Will their toxic relationship ultimately be destined for demise?

Mist Unveiled (Elemental Desire #1) by Nancy Corrigan, erotic paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina)

Cat has one love in her life—science. Facts rule her, not passion. At least it doesn’t until an unknown deadly virus claims her sister’s life. Cat’s quest for answers takes her to Greenland and drops her into the arms of the one man who sways her devotion from logic to passion. Rune stirs her lusts, ignites her desires and fuels her carnal cravings, but he isn’t simply a lover, nor is he human. He’s a weapon, one that has the potential to save or destroy her.

Rune, a child of the mist, awakens into a world hovering on the verge of destruction. Rising temperatures have released his enemies from their frozen prison without his knowledge. He searches for them but finds Cat, a human with the power to save him and the world. He hungers for her—blood, body and soul. Every moment of shared passion convinces him of the truth—she’s his greatest treasure, one he’ll die to keep.

Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewives (Virginia #1, Lana #2 & Nella #3) by Rhian Cahill, Cate Ellink & Cathleen Ross, erotica (reviewed by Tina)

Cool, collected, confident – those who know Virginia in her personal and professional life would never expect to find her in Boyd’s, a bar across town from her circle of friends and socialite world. But Boyd’s offers her something she can’t get among her rarefied acquaintances: sex. Rough, hard, mind-blowing, anonymous sex. In her casual clothes, she’s no one important. Incognito, unnoticed by everyone except one: the bartender who knows her drink order – and would like to know a whole lot more.

Lana by Cate Ellink: Lana lives her life by her own rules – and she has very few. What she wants, she goes for, and she very rarely fails. So when a young, handsome waiter at her favourite restaurant catches her eye, she has no hesitation in asking him to escort her home. But one night of passion opens up exciting new possibilities, and a chance for Lana to enact one of her deepest, most illicit fantasies.

Nella by Cathleen Ross: Nella is one hundred percent in control of her life – all aspects of her life. She excels at knowing what everyone needs, and in meeting those needs. So when it comes to her husband, Michael, and his deepest desires and most fundamental requirements, she is committed, creative, and unswerving in her responsibilities. A strong man needs a strong woman, and Nella’s love is as strong as steel.

Cursed (Cursed trilogy #1) & Obsession (Cursed trilogy #2) by Georgina Hannan, young adult paranormal horror (reviewed by Caroline)

Cursed: 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.

Obsession: 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?

Candy Cain (festive short story) by C.L. Scholey, hot, contemporary romance, festive (reviewed by Caroline)

Candy is on top of the world. She’s a high priced corporate lawyer with expensive cars, time on her hands, and money to burn. Although, she has no one to burn it on, except for a yearly ritual of buying toys and treats for the needy at Christmas time.

Cain is an egotistical enigma. A very deprived and hurting enigma, who feels wishes are for fools. A car accident leaves them stranded together, and the two have no choice but to warm each other’s cold bodies, lest they freeze to death.

As the temperature dips outside, the heat begins to sizzle inside. Candy and Cain, though worlds apart in society, begin to feel perhaps they have more in common than either could ever wish for.

Will they both discover the miracle of Christmas wishes isn’t just for the very young?

A Way From Heart to Heart by Helena Fairfax, contemporary romance (reviewed by Caroline)

After the death of her husband in Afghanistan, Kate Hemingway’s world collapses around her. Kate’s free time is spent with a charity for teenage girls, helping them mend their broken lives – which is ironic, since her own life is fractured beyond repair.

Reserved, ex-public school journalist Paul Farrell is everything Kate and her teenage charges aren’t. But when Paul agrees to help Kate with her charity, he makes a stunning revelation that changes everything.

But can Kate take a risk with her son’s happiness as well as her own?

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen, historical romance, religious (reviewed by Tina)

Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems. Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley’s secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?

December 13, 2014 by Tina Williams

BOOK BLITZ for Shannon (Angelis Vampire Series #1), by Shane North (includes Author Interview)

Introducing an Exciting New Paranormal Romance Series!

Today we are honoured to welcome author Shane North to our blog. Shane has recently released his first novel, Shannon, book 1 in the Angelis Vampire Series, a paranormal romance. Scroll down to read the book blurb and an extract for what promises to be a magical and fast paced read with a heroine who finds romance in pursuit of her destiny.

Shane has also very kindly taken some time out from his busy schedule to tell us a little about himself and his work and share some of his experiences of being a writer. The transcript from this interview follows the book blurb and extract. I hope that you enjoy reading Shane’s thoughts as much as I did. Tina 🙂

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Book Blurb

Shannon’s life is happy except for her nightmares, but when she watches her mom and dad being murdered by the monsters in her dreams, her life falls apart. Her best friend turns out to be a werewolf, the man she thinks of as her other father is the alpha male, and her long lost uncle is a vampire lord from Angelis. Angelis is in another time dimension, a world ruled by Royals, a pureblooded line of vampires with powers never seen in this time dimension. Angelis is a medieval world of castles, and ancient magic that her mother and uncle were forced to leave to save their lives. Shannon’s journey leads her to follow her destiny and meet the love of her life. Destiny and her uncle lead her to find out what she really is, where she came from, and to become the strongest immortal to live. Shannon learns to kill quickly, and to love like there’s no tomorrow when she meets her mate from her dreams. Simon, an eight-hundred year old Viking has searched the world for his true love when he meets Shannon. What will Shannon’s uncle, Simon’s maker, have to say about this? A young woman from South beach, destined to overthrow the vampire council and rule the immortal race with the help of the ancient Shaman Neeb.

Extract

The best part of my life was when I dreamed of my Simon. Simon was a figment of my imagination. He was my sidekick, my lover, and fought beside me to help me defeat my demons. In my dream tonight, I saw his handsome face and my eyes opened wide. I loved Simon, I’m not sure how or why. He was my life in this strange world of immortals I dreamed about almost every night. I was wearing a white flowing gown. Simon, in his black leathers, looked sexy. “Simon, there you are, finally.” He pulled me close… his scent was fresh as an ocean breeze… his kiss melting my pain away. My red lips were moist from his kiss. I licked them slowly, to taste his essence “Shannon, you are so beautiful. I want you!” Simon slid his hand inside my gown; a small moan slipped from my lips.

Author Interview

1. Hi Shane. Thank you for being with us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks Tina.

I have always wanted to write. I waited until I was retired to start my first book. I’ve been with my life mate and my best friend for over thirty years. We met in college and became best friends. We have four children and eight grandchildren. The grandkids are amazing and they go home when we are done spoiling them. I love the night and paranormal has always been one of my passions. I love to hear that bump in the night.

2. Please tell us about Shannon, your new release and what inspired you to write it?

Shannon is about a young South Beach girl who has a very happy life, except for her nightmares. She dreams of a violent war with vampires and werewolves. In her dreams she is leading the attack! Her constant companion in these dreams is a handsome man who she falls in love with. Her happy life ends when her step parents are brutally murdered and she finds out what she truly is. Her best friend Caitlyn and her father Keegan are werewolves. Her uncle, Damon, which she had never met is the vampire lord of Europe. And as for the man in her dreams, his name is Simon, Damon’s second in command. Her saving grace in the this immortal world is that during the time she worked for Navy Intel, she became very good at killing. My inspiration for Shannon was my oldest granddaughter and our talks while she grew up. The highs and lows of becoming eighteen, her feelings of confusion, and her determination to get it right.

3. Why do you think that you chose the paranormal romance genre in which to make your writing debut?

My love of paranormal and I love a good love story made the choice easy. I love happy endings and the fight to have them. The beauty of the paranormal world was perfect and the possibilities are endless.

4. How much research did you have to carry out for this book? What sort of research did you carry out prior to and during the writing?

I did very little research for this book. My locations, addresses, and such needed to be correct. As for the writing, I closed my eyes and became my story. I hope I did it well. This first part of Shannon’s journey was important. She had to grow as her story unfolds.

5. What is your writing process like? To what extent do you plan and how much do you just let the words flow?

Interesting question Tina. My process is mass chaos. I have so many thoughts racing through my head at one time. I have two more of Shannon’s books that I’m writing at the same time. My actual writing process is listening to music, eyes closed, and I try to visualize the scene and feel those involved. I hope it comes out with feelings and not just words.

6. What about the personalities of your characters – are they always fixed in your head before you start writing or do they develop a will of their own?

I like my characters to grow and develop with the story. I try to imagine my characters before I introduce them, but for me, they like to surprise me as the story unfolds.

7. What is the best thing about being an author? What do you find the most challenging?

The best thing is being able to write from any location. Home is great, but drifting along on Lake Erie on a sunny day isn’t bad either. For me, the most challenging part of this whole process was trying to learn everything that was needed to make this happen. My friend, Ally Thomas, worked very hard to make the process as easy as possible.

8. What type of books do you like to read? Have you any favorite authors?

My favorite books are paranormal romance. No one loves the way an immortal does. That being said, I read everything. I love the imagination that happens to someone when they write. I never give bad reviews to anyone, I don’t believe in it. That’s something that is too subjective to be honest about. Why destroy someones book because you had a bad day?

9. Can you tell us about what you are working on at the moment?

I’m working on Shannon’s next two books. Shannon has some growing up to do and she needs to get her revenge. I hear that Damon thinks she’ll be queen of the immortal race?

10. Have you any advice to give to aspiring authors?

Don’t wait as long as I did. If you feel it, close your eyes and write it down. Fulfill your dream and write. There are any places to get help.

11. And finally, have you a message for readers?

My message would be to love harder, find peace in your life, and never give up on your dreams because anything is possible if you believe.

Shane, many thanks for answering these questions for us. We wish you best of luck with Shannon, which I am looking forward to reading and reviewing very soon. Tina 🙂

Connect with Shane

Goodreads Amazon Author Page

November 29, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Mist Unveiled (Elemental Desire, Book 1), by Nancy Corrigan

Sizzling and Emotional!

Erotic Paranormal Romance (18+/adult read)

Book Blurb

My Review

Sizzling and Emotional!

Erotic Paranormal Romance (18+/Adult Read)

I never knew that the end of the world could be so, well, damned sexy! Author Nancy Corrigan has not only done her homework on Ragnarok, but given it a fresh twist in her release of Mist Unveiled, book 1 in her new series, Elemental Desire. This novel just sizzles and could well ignite your reading device as well as your panties!

Awakened from their long slumber, Wardens and children of the mist, brothers Rune and Jaron, face an unfamiliar modern world. The evil eldjotnar, the fire demons, have escaped their icy prison, due to global warming and are busy wreaking havoc and destruction on the human population.

Scientist Cat travels to Greenland in an attempt to locate the source of a new and potentially terrifying virus which killed her sister. It is there that she literally collides with Rune, unleashing an immediate and unexpected passion (cue many, many scrumptious and smexy scenes)! However, danger threatens. As Rune strives to protect this woman who he desires like no other, Cat struggles to accept Rune for what he is, an immortal creature who requires blood to survive. Her rational and scientific mind also prompts her to try to find out more about the virus and her sister’s death and in doing so she unearths a number of secrets that appear to be coming more and more personal…

I just ADORE reads where the hero and heroine are unexpectedly brought together by blinding passion and then have to face their fears and work through their differences – and the differences between Cat and Rune are a source of conflict throughout. Rune is an alpha male through and through and, as a creature of the mist, he has many magical and mystical qualities. He has the reputation amongst his peers for being emotionally cold towards women, until he meets Cat that is, who excites him and ignites his passion like no other. Cat is a woman who has embraced the logic of modern science over the belief in myth and legends, and has no time for love. The scenes between them are downright hot and sublimely erotic and I enjoyed immersing myself in their physical and emotional journey as they grappled with discovering and accepting each other, as well as combatting the increasing danger that Cat in particular finds herself in.

Although the main focus of the read is on the main couple, Cat and Rune, a number of other key characters are introduced, all with intriguing personalities, who could feature in future books in the series. The plot is fast paced and the scenes describing the power and magical abilities that the characters wield in the book are extremely well done and I really enjoyed the pictures that the words painted in my head.

Nancy Corrigan writes smexy and imaginative lovemaking scenes, laced with passion and emotion. If you are looking for a new erotic paranormal romance fix, you will love Mist Unveiled.

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

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November 27, 2014 by Tina Williams

Review ~ Apartment 2B, by K. Webster

A Magical Mix of Love, Healing and Redemption

New Adult Contemporary Paranormal Romance

18+/Adult Read

Book Blurb

Sidney has rules. Routines. Structure. It’s the only way she can cope

My Review

I so loved this book, which I found to be such an absorbing, romantic and original read! Apartment 2B chronicles the heroine’s journey from abject cruelty and unimaginable abuse to healing and true love, drawing me in right from the start. It also has a brilliant plot twist to it, which is expertly done and took me completely by surprise!

The abuse that Sidney undergoes at the hands of her own mother is truly horrific and has left her physically and emotionally scarred. I applauded her as she seeks to make a life for herself after her mother’s unexpected death. She has serious issues to contend with arising from her abuse, but is fortunate to find a friend in Tina, a counsellor, who gives her valuable support. The rules and routines that she adopts to cope with life are truly heart breaking. Yet the day she meets a handsome and mysterious young man living in the apartment next to her, her life changes forever…….

The hero Liam is also a conflicted character. They are mutually drawn to each other and he respects Sidney’s physical boundaries that she has put in place. Their relationship and budding romance is sweet, erotic and touching and he is very protective of her. Yet there is a sense to the reader that there is more to Liam than meets the eye and he is unwilling to volunteer what appears to be tearing him apart. I was absolutely gobsmacked when his secrets were revealed and the direction this book took – the plot twist is really something special!

Sidney is fragile – can she cope with what is revealed? I feared for her throughout the book but was more than satisfied with the outcome. If you are intrigued you will have to read Room 2B and see for yourself. I will say though that I found this to be one of the most beguiling and original reads this year.

If you believe in fate, the magic of love and redemption you will love this book too!

Reviewed by Tina Williams