The Executive Decision Trilogy may be over, but the story continues in this addictively sexy fourth instalment by the best-selling Grace Marshall. Ambitious reporter Carla Flannery has been waiting to make her name – and when she gets the chance to interview Wade Crittenden, the mysterious genius behind Pneuma, Inc, she can’t believe her luck. However, Carla has made a lot of enemies in her work, and when Wade discovers she’s being stalked, he is determined to keep her safe, spurred on by his confusing feelings towards her. As situations turn deadly and dark secrets threaten to reveal themselves, lives and hearts are on the line as the interview starts to reveal far more about them than either ever expected …
Intense, Passionate and Suspenseful *****
Just wow! This is the first book that I have read by Grace Marshall and it is a downright sexy and compelling read, with an unlikely hero and a feisty heroine and plenty of suspense, which kept me on the edge of my seat.
The book, which can be read as a stand-alone, is the fourth instalment of the Executive Decisions Trilogy. I have not read the trilogy, but after reading this I am planning on rectifying this oversight very shortly!
There are just so many words to describe this read: fast-paced; intense; humorous; psychological; dark and sexy, to name just a few! I loved the characters of Wade and Carla and their journey as they open up to each other and work to avert the danger that Carla is in from her stalker.
Wade is at first glance one of the most unlikely heroes ever – the geek genius and recluse behind the success of the high tech security firm he works for – but hell, he is damn sexy! The heroine, Carla, a journalist, is determined to interview him, to reveal the man behind the mask and I really enjoyed how she gets right under his skin to secure her goal. The couple rub each other up the wrong way but the sexual tension and the chemistry between them is electrifying and there are plenty of hot scenes, some of which have some dark elements. I was enthralled throughout and eager to find out if Wade would open his heart and reveal his true self to Carla. The war he wages with himself: his desire to avoid close companionship versus the growing attraction between him and Carla, as he seeks to protect her from her stalker, is at the core of the novel.
Carla is a super heroine. She is brave and feisty and although she knows exactly what buttons to press to get Wade riled she also knows when to give him his space. Yet how can she cope with his mercurial behaviour, which sees him pull her towards him only to then reject her? Is he the right man for her? There is much to sort out in their relationship that is if Carla survives her stalker…. I was biting my nails at the end with fear and apprehension as the plot unfolded towards its gripping finale.
A must read for fans of romance and romantic suspense. I loved it!
Reviewed by Tina Williams
Please note a copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
All Claire Donet knew was the world inside the convent walls in Saint-Denis. She had no idea her beloved papa was a pirate. But when he seized Simon Powell’s schooner, the English privateer decided to take the one thing his enemy held most dear.… her.
A BATTLE IS JOINED
The waters between France and England roil with the clashes of Claire’s father and her captor as the last year of the American Revolution rages on the sea, spies lurk in Paris and Claire’s passion for the English captain rises.This is the prequel to the Agents of the Crown trilogy but can be read as a stand alone.
My Review *****
Swashbuckling Captor-Captive Romance
This is another breathtaking read from Regan Walker. This author excels at transporting the reader into the life and times of her characters and in creating truly memorable heroes and heroines. To Tame the Wind, a prequel to her Agents of the Crown Trilogy and the first book in the Donet Duology, is set in England and France during the time of the American War of Independence, when France was a strong ally to the colonies in its struggles against England. Once again I felt that I had stepped back into history as I experienced what life was like on-board ship and on land in eighteenth century France and England. The machinations of war throw the hero and heroine together and also threaten to tear them apart.
Captor-captive romances are one of my favourite themes in romance. This read, where the devilishly handsome and swoon worthy Captain Powell seizes Claire, the convent raised daughter of a pirate, in a desperate attempt to recover his men and ship, is a super spin on the theme. When the couple meet it is not long before sparks fly and passion ignites, yet what future for a couple whose countries are sworn enemies?
Simon’s loyalties are truly torn in this novel between his growing attraction for his spirited captive and his commitment to free his men and reclaim his ship from his enemy, Claire’s father. He also has to grapple with the scheming of the powers that be who would use Claire as a pawn, regardless of her safety. I loved how protective he is of Claire and honourable he is towards her – but don’t get me wrong there are plenty of passionate scenes between the couple and sexual tension and emotions in particular are high! How will Simon be able to hand Claire, a woman whom he craves above all others, over to is enemy and to an uncertain future? How can he not when the lives of others hang in the balance?
Claire is a real firecracker of a heroine who upon meeting Simon begins to doubt where her future lies. Will she admit her love for Simon and if so how can she possibly avoid returning to her father and the land of her birth when so much rests on her safe return? Regan Walker’s characters and plot are as usual complex and I could not second guess if and how the couple would find their HEA.
While romance is well and truly at the centre of this read I loved how Regan Walker effortlessly and seamlessly immerses the reader in the real life historical events and personalities of the day. To Tame the Wind is once again a superb read for lovers of Historical Romance from this author.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
An ARC of this book was received from the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Tainted from birth, Harley lives a life cloaked in darkness and temptation. She resists the lure of her evil legacy by holding the memory of her ghostly savior close. Every night without him is agony. She fantasizes about him and yearns for his body, but he’s not the protector or lover she’s envisioned. He’s a Hunter bred to eliminate her kind. He’s also her only hope of salvation.
Calan, the leader of the Wild Hunt, was created to protect mankind from the Unseelie Court. For a millennium, he’s sacrificed to ensure the horrid creatures remain in the Underworld, but his strength wanes. He must rely on his enemy’s daughter to save him, but he doesn’t expect the intensity of their lust or love. Her touch calms his wild nature and ignites his carnal desires. He’ll risk all to save her, but doing so forces him to make the ultimate sacrifice, one that’ll damn him to suffer forever in his own living hell.
A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
18+ Excerpt
A long moment passed where they watched each other, two strangers on the verge of becoming so much more. The full impact hit her, left her a little shaky inside but not anxious. No, excitement sped her pulse.
She licked her lips, already envisioning what they’d do together. “So, am I right?”
He slid his hungry gaze to her breasts. The points stood erect and the sheen to her skin betrayed how hot she’d gotten from touching herself. “Oh yes, I’ll fuck you, my Harley. Sometimes hard and fast. Other times so damn slowly you’ll beg me to fill you up.” He met her eyes. “I’ll take you so often and in so many ways you’ll want me to be the center of your world as you are now mine.”
He released her wrists and covered one breast with his hand. The hard point pushed against his calloused skin and a jolt of electricity raced down her spine. He captured the tip she’d teased minutes ago. The small pinch arched her back.
“You like?”
She flicked her gaze from his long fingers holding her nipple to his face and nodded. “Do it again.”
One corner of his mouth rose. He rolled the tip. She gasped. Another tug clenched her core.
“You please me, Harley. I can’t wait to watch that look pass over your face when I fill your…” The smile giving him a roguish look turned wicked. “When I fill your sheath.”
The low growl to his last word tightened her inner muscles. She whimpered.
“You do want me to ram my cock inside you and make you convulse over my rigid length,” he ran the tip of his tongue over his upper lip, “don’t you?”
My Review
Seductive and Erotic Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
I soon devoured Nancy Corrigan’s Hunter Betrayed #1 in her Wild Hunt series. It has all the elements of a scintillating erotic paranormal read: a drop-dead gorgeous alpha hero and a strong but vulnerable heroine who are fated mates; good versus evil, curses and magic and sizzling lovemaking scenes!
After a battle with Dahn, the dark Fairy Prince of the Unseelie court goes awry, Calan, leader of the Wild Hunt and his siblings are imprisoned in the Fairy realm. They are cursed to suffer unimaginable torment and suffering, their pain feeding the magic that is designed to keep the barrier that separates the dark world of the Unseelie and the human world apart. Yet after a millennium the barrier is weakening as the Huntsmen struggle to withstand the fate meant for their enemies, the Unseelie.
Calan needs to persuade one of Dahn’s children to release him to allow the Wild Hunt to run again. This seems an impossible task, until Calan finds Harley, whose purity has enabled her to resist the darkness of her Unseelie blood, and visits her in his non corporal form, intent on persuading her to free him. Calan senses something special about Harley and is drawn to her. Yet Harley is tainted by Dahn’s blood, the blood of his enemy.
As Calan seeks to persuade Harley to release him he has to balance his desire to protect her, his fated mate, and perform his duty to destroy the Unsreeie and keep the barrier closed. It is a fine line and Nancy Corrigan weaves a fantastic tale that kept me on the edge of my seat as Calan and Harley struggle to protect their growing bond, whilst striving to do what is right. Throw in the vagaries of the ancient curse, super charged lovemaking as only immortals can manage and the machinations of others and you have a top read!
Harley is a strong but vulnerable heroine, for whom I had a lot of respect. She is innocent of her father’s sins and strives to master the taint within her. When Calan visits her in his ghostly form at first she believes that he is a figment of her fevered imagination. However, she realises that he is very real and works with him to defeat the evil that stalks them and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of their grasp. Their capacity for love and self-sacrifice makes for a great read. The lovemaking scenes are both passionate and pull at the readers’ heart strings and I felt that their love for each other was very tangible.
I loved that the book gave a new twist on the myths and legends of the Huntsmen of the Wild Hunt and I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of them in battle mode atop their steeds and also the descriptions of the dark fairies and the underworld. There are a number of supporting characters in the novel who piqued my interest, namely Rhys and Tegan, Calan’s siblings, and Ian, Harley’s brother, and I look forward to reading other books in the series which will no doubt feature them in more detail.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a fast paced, passionate and downright HOT paranormal/fantasy read.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Nancy Corrigan believes in unending love and epic tales with a paranormal flare. She enjoys transcending the boundaries of reality to take her readers on an erotic, emotional and romantic journey.
She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. When she’s not weaving sizzling fantasies, she works as a chemist in a pharmaceutical lab.
Contest runs from 9/2 @ 12:01 a.m. EST to 9/12 @ 11:59 p.m. EST. Up for grabs are:
• An eBook copy of one Royal Pride book (TWO Winners-winner’s choice selections can be found: http://www.nancycorriganauthor.com/royal-pride.html)
• $5 Gift Card (ONE Winner-winner’s choice of Amazon or Ellora’s Cave)
We are so pleased to welcome the blog tour for The Hunter’s Realm, a magical fantasy romance by Brianna Hughes! Just check out the hottie on the cover! Scroll down for the blurb, super excerpt, trailer and more and read my review! Also don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter as 5 e-book copies of The Hunter’s Realm are up for grabs!
Kelly Jackson has spent four years running and hiding. Her prince turned out to be an abusive bastard who tried to take her son. Moving into a nice quiet neighborhood the last thing she wants is to be drawn to her McHottie neighbor. No matter that her children think he belongs to the family.
Elliot Hensworth, one of the Realm’s mightiest warriors, was sent to the other side to guard the weakening wall between the Realms. The last thing he needs is a petite sexy neighbor with her inquisitive children to find out that he isn’t what he seems.
The Hunter’s Realm is a story of strength, love and courage, face your worst fears and survive, to put your faith and trust in another person and the joy that comes when you do.
The Hunter’s Realm
Brianna Hughes
Purchase Links
Amazon US | B&N | Kobo
Trailer
Teaser
She couldn’t deny his wonderful work ethics. Like a busy little ant, he went through the house diligently. Kellie made him the list he asked for and by the end of the afternoon, he’d tackled it all and even fixed some things she hadn’t even noticed. Like the handle on her dresser drawer; it had to be her underwear one, of course. He’d just casually dumped it on the bed. Her waist high granny panties, all in the exciting color of white, poured out.
Okay, so she shopped for comfort instead of sexy. It wasn’t like anyone usually saw them, but talk about embarrassing. After he’d fixed the drawer she dived onto the bed to put them back, the thought of him handing her underwear somehow too intimate for her to handle.
He’d of course just grinned, a cocky smile that he liked to use a lot and made her insides turn upside down each time he did.
Excerpt
After all, wasn’t every day that a total hottie almost landed in her lap wearing low-hipped track pants and no shirt to hide the flattest stomach and most deliciously muscled arms ever? However, that’s all she’d be doing–looking. No touching, definitely no touching. But God, those clear, bright blue eyes and sun streaked, golden tousled hair almost made her change her mind.
“Sorry if we bothered you,” she said. “We’ve been cleaning all morning, and the twins needed to let off some steam.”
“It is I who must apologize for the irregular behavior. I assure you that it will not be happening again,” he said, shrugging sheepishly.
Rea tugged on her hand so she looked down.
“Is he a powceman, mommy?” he said in a loud whisper that sprayed from his lips.
Good question. Kellie looked at the stranger. Good looks aside, why had he dived into their yard with a gun?
“No, I’m not a policeman. Although, I do work with them occasionally, I’m an oddity investigator or maybe easier to be known as a missing persons investigator,” he answered.
Kellie’s eyes widened and in spite of her vow to stay celibate, her libido woke up and yawned with interest. Go back to sleep, she told her awakening body. I swore off men, remember?
My Review
Fun and Sexy Fantasy Romance
The Hunter’s Realm is the first book that I have read by Brianna Hughes and I found it a fun and sexy read with super characters and plenty of action.
I liked the concept of the magical Realm, populated with creatures of myth and legend. Although the Realm is hidden from the human world, the barriers which separate the two worlds are breaking down. To maintain the safety of the inhabitants of the Realm, the hero Elliot, a warrior renowned for his hunting prowess, is despatched to the human world to track down and return to the Realm any magical creatures who have crossed over.
Elliot becomes immediately enamoured with his new neighbour, Kellie and her two children. Their romance is both sweet and hot, attraction is mutual and it develops fairly quickly. Although Kellie has sworn off men due to an abusive ex (who was a real b******), and Elliot does not feel ready to settle down, they nevertheless fall in love. When Kellie’s ex reappears in her life, she and her children are put in great danger and the unthinkable happens. The human world and the magical world of the Realm collide and Kellie must adjust to not only finding out that Elliot is not whom he seems, but that the world of magic exists and that her abusive ex has an evil agenda of his own.
I LOVED Kellie! She is a strong woman, who has done her utmost to protect her children and is doing a great job of surviving on her own. Her experience of men is limited to the abusive relationship she had with her ex and I loved how Elliot’s actions make her feel so womanly and desirable, giving her confidence that she never realised she had.
Elliot is a powerful and drop-dead gorgeous example of masculinity – hell just look at how he is depicted on the book cover! He is every woman’s dream, kind and sensitive, good with children, romantic, humorous and yet more than capable of using his skills as a warrior to protect those her loves. As the romance progresses there are many hot scenes as the couple struggle to keep their hands off each other.
The villain of the piece is a real monster and is not averse to committing violent acts to gain his ends. I also enjoyed the other characters who played key roles in the plot, especially Elliot’s parents and his sister and Kellie’s children.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy a fun, spicy and action-packed fantasy romance.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this book was provided for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
About the Author
A little about me is I am a person who loves life and living in the moment. I have found a deep passion in my life in writing romance and erotica novels as much as I enjoy reading them too. I started writing as a hobby and since have been inspired to publish what I have. My heroines are always strong women that can stand up for themselves.
My favorite genre to write is Paranormal, but I am delving into other genres as well. My passion is to express how I feel and see romance, sex, and creatures of the unknown come alive on the pages of my books. Immortal highlanders, witches, vampires, Lycans, warlocks and many more, some of my work is inspired by daydreaming , but mostly by a wild imagination. I am now exploring, Contemporary, Fantasy, Historical and Western Romance, as well as Erotica. I am also thinking of doing a few YA books too.
My first book was published on May 7, 2012, ever since Blood Ties (Wicked Blood Series #1) hit the shelves it has been great and a dream come true. Taking the characters that are in my head and bringing life to them is accelerating. I am staying very busy these days as I am working on three more books for this year. One is another in the Wicked Blood Series and another from my Marshal’s Series and a final one with my Co-Author J.L.Raven.
Coming June 20,2014 I will be releasing another novel, this is a fantasy romance entitled, “The Hunter’s Realm” published by BookRhythm.
I could not have gotten this far without the Lord’s help and several friends and family.
Swashbuckling Adventure and Romance on the High Seas
Having read the first two novels in Regan Walker’s Agents of the Crown Trilogy, Racing with the Wind and Against the Wind (scroll down for links to my reviews), I was thrilled to once again have the chance to read and review this author’s work. Wind Raven, the third book in the series, is a fast-paced, swashbuckling romance. Although set in the Regency period, most of the action takes place on board ship and in the Caribbean, far away from the ballrooms and house parties held by the English aristocracy. Scroll on down for the book blurb and my review and links to enable you to connect with Regan Walker, an author who is going from strength to strength with her historical romances.
Ordered by the Prince Regent into the Caribbean, English sea captain and former privateer Jean Nicholas Powell has no time for women onboard the Wind Raven, especially not Tara McConnell. The impudent American forced herself aboard, and so she’ll get more than she bargained for: Instead of a direct sail to Baltimore, she’ll join their quest to investigate a rampaging pirat…moreOrdered by the Prince Regent into the Caribbean, English sea captain and former privateer Jean Nicholas Powell has no time for women onboard the Wind Raven, especially not Tara McConnell. The impudent American forced herself aboard, and so she’ll get more than she bargained for: Instead of a direct sail to Baltimore, she’ll join their quest to investigate a rampaging pirate, the infamous Roberto Cofresi. But the hoyden thinks she can crew with his men, and though he bans her from the rigging, Nick is captivated watching her lithe, luscious movements on deck. Facing high seas, storms, cutthroats and the endless unknown, he must protect his ship, his passenger, his crew. But on this voyage, with this woman, there is a greater danger: to his heart.
My Review
Wind Raven is a super read from start to finish, combining rip-roaring adventure and romance, with an elements of danger and suspense. The pairing of the English Captain Nick, on a secret mission for the Regent, and the unorthodox and headstrong American Tara McConnell, provides the perfect ingredients for a memorable romp on the high seas.
The swoon worthy Captain Nick, the Raven to his crew, is dedicated to life at sea. Although women certainly have their uses to him, as he is no monk, he will give his heart to no woman, due to deceit in the past. He dislikes females on board ship even as passengers and he is wary of American women in particular. However, social obligation gives him no option but to agree to accept Tara as his passenger, despite his mission for the Regent.
Tara is feisty heroine, more at home on board ship than in the ballroom, due to working alongside her father and brothers on their clippers for much of her life. She has not forgiven the English for the loss of one of her brothers at sea during a battle in the recent hostilities between her homeland and England. She refuses to stay in her cabin whilst aboard ship and wants to play an active role alongside the crew of the Wind Raven, a crew who soon adopt her as one of their own.
I adored the many scenes between Nick and Tara as she tries to carve out a role for herself aboard ship as he tries to control her and persuade her otherwise. I also loved how Nick is beguiled by her mixture of innocence, passion and unconventionality that completely foxes him and compels him to re-examine his long-held convictions and open his heart to love. It is clear early on that not only sparks will fly but also that passion will ignite between this couple, who are so well matched, if only they could see it. Although Nick is a gentleman and initially resolves not to act on his attraction to Tara, as the weeks pass and life aboard ship throws them in close proximity together, the inevitable happens. Yet as they get ever closer to Tara’s home in Baltimore what future is there for this couple who are often at loggerheads, despite their attraction, and whose lives seem so far apart? In addition, will they survive the danger that the Regent’s mission has put them in as the pirate Corfesi is a worthy adversary and no fool.
Regan Walker’s writing is not only sublime, but her characters are complex and believable and the research that she has carried out into life aboard ship and into the social life and politics of the era adds depth and interest to the narrative. I once again enjoyed how the author included real historical figures in the story, which is one of her trademarks. Wind Raven is a real page turner and a super addition to the first two books in The Agents of the CrownTrilogy. I recommend it to readers of historical romances who like strong and unconventional heroes and heroines in a plot full of adventure and intrigue.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
This book was given to me by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
A BIG welcome today to author Beverly Ovalle who writes romances which literally sizzle off the page! A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to review Beverly’s latest release, A Saint’s Salvation, and today Beverly is sharing the book blurb, an excerpt, a trailer and some fun facts which spotlight some insider information. You can find the link to my review of A Saint’s Salvation and our reviews of Beverly’s other books at the end of this post.Tina 🙂
Angel’s life changed the minute Saint saved her from a grenade. Now Saint has a second chance to prove he’s the man for her.
A SAINT’S SALVATION
by Beverly Ovalle
Published by Secret Cravings Publishing
Released February 10, 2014
Blurb:
Corporal Nicholas ‘Saint’ Santiago needs to go home to reclaim the man he used to be. To be the man he was before Operation Enduring Freedom slowly hardened his heart. He needs to reconnect to the values and the reasons he is doing what he does. Saint also needs to try to forget the courageous woman he knows was meant to be his.
Petty Officer Angelina Jones’ life changed the moment Saint saved her life. She survived the blast but now has to deal with the fact that she will never be whole. Knowing Saint received a ‘Dear John’ letter, Angelina has no intention of being his rebound romance. She needs to be loved for herself. She needs to forget about the one man she knows was meant to be hers.
They each try to find someone to help them forget.
But what does fate have planned for them?
Excerpt:
A shout from Hamilton brought him back to the here and now. “Hey, Saint, do you see any trouble coming?” On guard at the west wall, Nick shook his head. Not that it was much of a wall, a couple of sandbags holding up a makeshift bullet riddled wooden fence, an illusion of safety and security.
“No, it all looks clear.” Well, as clear as normal, Nick thought. The Seabees and the Army Corp of Engineers had done their best to give them a clear line of site, but the rubble of buildings and piles of rock where there used to be a town never seemed to go away. Rebels constantly hid there, randomly firing at their FOB, a forward operating base in Helmand Provence, making it almost impossible to build a more secure perimeter.
Nick could see kids playing in the dirt. In the distance the locals were harvesting the poppy fields. Some of the largest poppy fields in the world were right outside the walls of the FOB. Beautiful when in bloom, they were more pervasive and did more damage than the terrorists.
“Anymore threats?”
“When aren’t there threats?” Every damn day there were threats. “Why, is there a problem?”
“The brass is making noise. When they do something stupid, we end up paying for it.” Hamilton sounded disgusted. As Hamilton spoke, shots were fired over and through the fence, adding more holes to the dilapidated barrier. Nick and Hamilton hit the ground, rolling toward the sandbags to return fire through the cracks. “See what I mean?”
“Yeah it’s been a while since they shot at us, at least a couple of days.” Nick’s sarcasm caused Hamilton to laugh.
“Probably someone is coming to pick up something from the poppy fields and they want to keep us from seeing who.” Hamilton glanced at him. “You doing okay?”
“Gettin’ there. It was just a shock, ya know?”
“Yeah, damn women. The least they could do is be faithful while we’re out here fighting.”
“Yeah, it sucks. I just can’t help thinking it’s my fault.”
“Fuck. How the hell could it be? You weren’t even there. The bitch knew you were gone, were going to be gone.” They fired shots, aiming at the muzzle flash in the distance. More Marines headed their way, sprinting from cover to cover. Perez came running, bringing out ammo and providing more fire power.
Another crack and Perez went down with a cry.
“Fuck! Medic! Man down!” The cry went out, passed through until the call went to the corpsman, while Nick tried to stem the blood flow. Hands pushed his away. Nick looked up. Petty Officer Jones, better known as Doc, had bandages ready.
“Help me roll this on until we can get him out of here.” Her voice sent a ripple through him. Nick had always ignored the attraction he had felt for her. He’d had his girl back home, and fraternization out here could get him thrown in the brig. Not to mention the brig out here was a hell hole.
Nick was leery about approaching Doc now. The Dear John letter had been a shock. He had known Leila for years. Hell, they had been friends since they were little. Her betrayal was unexpected. Nick didn’t even really know Doc. He could trust her with his life, but he wasn’t ready for another go around with his heart, no matter the attraction he felt.
Nick looked toward the fence line, rifle at the ready. Shots were firing sporadically around him. That’s when he saw it, the trail from a grenade launcher, unmistakable. Shit!
The name was changed less than two weeks before publication!
A Saint’s Salvation was inspired by my son’s tattoo
His tattoo says ‘St. Nicholas’ – the original of my book
A Saint’s Salvation took me eight months to write!
The name of A Saint’s Salvation was my editor’s suggestion
The teasers were made from photos from Afghanistan
The Marine in the teasers is my son
He only gave me permission to use his photo because he loves me
He only gave me permission if I cut off his head! LOL
Author Bio:
Beverly Ovalle lives in Wisconsin with her husband Edmond of 24 years and two Chinese Water Dragons. Having her own Dragons is expected as she is dragon crazy and anyone that walks in her house can tell. Her son Nicholas visits when he is on leave from the Marines. Her daughter Susannah visits to grocery shop in the pantry and to see what might be cooking for dinner.
Beverly has traveled around the world thanks to five years in the US Navy and has worked for the government in one capacity or another for the past 30 years. Beverly and her brothers have travelled most of the continental United States as children due to the station wagon from Hell. Still active with veterans, she is adjutant for her local AMVETS.
Beverly has been reading romances since her Aunt introduced her to the gothic romance in the fourth grade and is still reading every chance she gets.
Today we are thrilled to be participating in My Family’s Heart Book Reviews and Tours Book Blitz for Eve Rabi’s super duper and unforgettable modern romance GRINGA!
Scroll down to find out more about the book and the author and to read an excerpt and purchase links. It’s a wild, wild ride that you will never forget. Enjoy – I know that I did when I read it! Tina 🙂
Please note the excerpt contains strong language and is only suitable for those aged 18+. By scrolling down and reading it you understand this and confirm that you are aged over 18.
TITLE– Gringa AUTHOR– Eve Rabi GENRE– Modern Romance PUBLICATION DATE – December 9, 2013 PUBLISHER– Eve Rabi COVER ARTIST – Eve Rabi
I was twenty-one, a sassy college student who took crap from no one. While holidaying in Mexico, I was accosted by The Devil of Mexico called Diablo and shot, because the s.o.b. mistook me for a spy.
I survived, only to encounter him again months later. How’s that for luck?
Furious and sick of all that I’d been through because of him, I slapped him, told him to go to hell and braced myself for the bullet. He could shoot me – I no longer cared.
But, to my surprise, he became fascinated with me and blackmailed me into becoming his woman. He’d slay the entire village that sheltered me, if I rejected his proposal.
He was Kong, hairy, tattooed from fingertips to face, with scary ass piercings, blood-shot snake eyes, a ruthless killer and above all, he was my murderer – how could anyone expect me to say yes?
To save the village I had to.
He took me by force, terrorized me into submission and made me his. To make matters worse, I had to put up with his ruthless, backstabbing family who hated me and wanted to kill me.
I despised the bastard and I told him that. Spark flew. Fists too.
But, the more I rejected Diablo, the more he wanted me.
At times he wanted to kill me because of my insolence, but other times he just wanted me to love him.
I was his Gringa and in an attempt to get my love, he began to change for me. Drastic changes that made me laugh at him at first, then made me curious.
As the days went by, I found myself drawn to him and I began seeing him differently. When I found out about his past, everything changed.
(Please Note This Excerpt Is For 18+ And Contains Some Strong Language)
He grabs me by the scruff of my neck and drags me out of the room to the lunch table.
‘Leave me the fuck alone!’
He shoves me into the dining room. It’s Saturday so that entire gang is there, in the mood to party and to be entertained. Watching Diablo drag me to the table gets them excited.
Humiliated and seething, I sit down and drum my nails on the table. I don’t eat or look at him.
‘Eat!’ he orders.
I ignore him and drum louder, furiously.
A man named Norman, seated next to me, leans over and says, ‘Señorita gringa want Whiskey?
‘Yes please, Norman.’
Norman pours the whiskey and places the glass in front of me.
‘Thank you Norman,’ I say, bypassing the glass and reaching for the bottle.
Norman’s eyes grow huge when he sees me taking giant swigs from the bottle.
It’s awful. I hate whiskey. Tastes like gasoline to me.
‘Damn!’ I say, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. ‘This sure is mighty fine whiskey, Norman.’
‘Eh, Señorita gringa, my name …’
‘Lemme pour you one, Norman.’ I top his glass to the brim and hand it to him. ‘Knock yourself out,’ I chuckle.
Diablo’s not smiling.
Yeah, I’m supposed to be nice to him now that the FBI is involved. Well, fuck the FBI and Fuck him.
As lunch progresses, I’m feeling a little more relaxed now. Warm in my toes and even a little confident. Well, they’re eating lunch and I’m drinking mine – whiskey, Tequila and some other shit on the table.
After a few more swigs from the bottles, I cross my arms over my head and whistle Hit me Baby One More Time by Brittany bitch. Totally out of tune, but hey, who gives a fuck right now.
Diablo’s hairy face reveals little, but somehow I don’t think he’s comfortable with my drinking. Hell, I’m not comfortable with my drinking, but screw him.
They’re passing around pictures. Pornographic pictures and the conversation becomes steamy.
Usually, I pass on the pictures, but today, I snatch them out of Norman’s hand. ‘Lemme see that!’
I peer at the picture then burst out laughing. ‘That’s the fugliest flower I have ever come across,’ I say.
‘Eh, Señorita gringa, iiis not a flower, iiis a, how you say it…?’ He snaps his fingers.
‘Vagina,’ some other fucker calls out.
I peer at him. ‘What?!’ I snatch it out of his hands again. ‘Gimmee that.’ I stare at the picture. ‘Mm. Can’t be a woman’s vagina. It’s too fugly. Has to be a man’s.’ I hand him back the picture and go back to my neglected bottle.
‘So many Gringas,’ Antonio says, perving over the pictures. At the mention of the word ‘Gringa’, all eyes zero in on me.
Am I embarrassed? Hell no!
‘Hey, don’t look at me,’ I say and down another Tequila, whiskey – whatever – I’ve lost track of what I’m drinking. ‘I don’t roll that way. Why don’t you ask the fugly asshole at the end of the table?’
There is a collective gasp in the room and all eyes dart towards Diablo, including mine. Now he’s gonna be really pissed. Great.
But his amused response in Spanish brings on some guffawing.
‘What? What did he say, Norman?’
Norman is pissed enough to explain. ‘Diablo say, is like a fucking a Colchón sometimes. He say, is a big let down. And, Señorita Gringa, and my name is not …’
‘Colchón … mattress? He said that, did he?’ I let out a long, low whistle. ‘Well Norm, what the hell does he know, huh?’
I smile at Norman. ‘Can I call you “Norm?” I don’t wait for him to answer. ‘He don’t know jack. Foreplay – hell, he probably thinks it’s some kind of sugar-free chewing gum or something to do with his car’s steering wheel. Huh, Norm?’
‘But Señorita gringa, my name is not Norm, it is not Norman, it is Lucas.’
I stare at him for so long, he starts to flinch. ‘Lucas?’
He nods.
‘Why didn’t you say something, Norm? Okay, I’ll call you Lucas from now on, Norm.’
‘Eh …’
Santana almost falls off her chair laughing.
I look at Norm. ‘Now Norm,’ I point to Santana, ‘she’s probably laughing at what I said. Or she’s laughing at what the fuckwit at the end of the table said about me – the mattress – whatever shit …but, you ever seen a donkey laugh, Norm?
‘No, Señorita gringa. But my name …’
‘Never? Well, it’s your lucky day, Norm, cos you’ve seen it now.’ I jerk my head towards Santana.
Well, that magically erases the smile of donkey’s face.
‘You biiitch!’ Santana screeches. ‘I fargin’ kiiill you!’
I smile and raise my bottle at her. ‘Take a “fargin” number and get in “fargin” line.’
Troy comes up to me. ‘Gringa,’ he whispers, ‘come, let me take you to bed so you can sleep it … ’
My eyebrows shoot up. ‘Take me to bed? Are you better in bed than your brother? Christ, I hope so, Troy!’
Troy turns scarlet and shrinks back, all the while glancing nervously at Diablo.
Diablo looks at everyone around him falling out of their chairs with laughter and his breathing becomes like that of an emphysema patient – raspy and labored.
‘He really is lousy in bed Troy. And you know what? I don’t like him. He’s hairy and yuuuuck! He won’t let me visit my … ’
Diablo slams his fist onto the table, rattling the table and animating plates, cutlery, glasses.
‘Fuck! Look what you did Satan – you nearly made me spill my …’ I jerk back and peer at the label on the bottle in my hand. ‘What the fuck is this shit? Anyhoo, you’ve made me lose count of how many drinks I had. Have to start all over again. In case I have to drive.’
Diablo suddenly whips out his knife and flings it ninja-style at me. I duck and it hits the wooden beam behind me.
‘Ooooh!’ I cry shaking both my hands mockingly. ‘I’m in trooouble now! Biiiiga trooouble.’
‘Go gringa, go!’ some of the men cheer.
‘Whoookay!’ I say.
Diago stands up.
I stand up too and look him in the eye, my eyebrows disappearing behind my spiky fringe.
Breathing heavily, he creeps slowly to me, but I’m ready for him. I kick back my chair and sidle around, using the table as a barrier between us.
‘Watch him move, like a … eh, what you say for walrus in Spanish?’
The men laugh harder. Even Christa laughs.
‘You will farkin’ die!’ Diablo roars.
‘And who’s gonna farkin kill me, huh?’ I ask, dancing on the spot. ‘You?’ I throw my head back and laugh.
More laughter around me.
Diablo runs to his knife, grabs it off the beam and runs towards me.
But I’m already out of the villa and racing towards the cliff.
‘I’m going to kiiiill you!’ he yells as he chases me.
‘Fuck you, motherfucker!’ I scream over my shoulder and sprint ahead. I don’t care if he kills me, I just don’t want to be assaulted by him. He’s super strong and I stand no chance against him if he does. I’ve never seen him run before and I’m hoping he’s out of shape and slow. Well, the big lunch should make him sluggish.
But to my dismay, I can actually hear his breathing. I’m surprised at my slowness. Must be something to do with the booze. I have to admit, I didn’t realize how drunk I was until I started running. Too late now.
I run up the hill and through the dense foliage, passing startled villagers tending the cannabis crops. They stop and stare when they see Diablo chasing a gringa with a knife in his hand. Behind Diablo are his men, some on horseback and some on foot, not wanting to miss the moment Diablo finally kills the insolent Gringa.
‘Go, gringa go!’ I hear.
I run faster than I ever did in my life.
‘You will die!’ Diablo threatens behind me, still brandishing the knife. His breathing is getting louder and I know I have to do something.
The rock pool! I know for sure that Diablo is no match for me in the water. Very few people are. I head for the pool.
Changing route confuses Diablo and for a few moments, the gap between us increases, allowing me some respite.
I’m desperate to reach the rock pool so that I can shake the enraged animal behind me.
But to my dismay and my surprise, he catches me.
‘Let go of me, you fucking freak!’
AUTHOR BIO
Eve Rabi lives in Australia, but she was born in South Africa.
She is the author of 20 books and is known for her kick-ass leading ladies, alpha males and no holes-barred love stories.
Oh, and let’s not forget about humour, it’s a must in her books.
To quote a smashwords.com reviewer: “When you pick up an Eve Rabi book, forget sleep. She writes gripping page turners that will keep you reading till the very end.”
There’s No Accounting for Love – A Tale of Rationality versus Romance!
Sweet Contemporary Romance
The Antique Love, a contemporary tale, is a deeply romantic read, which affirms the power of love which can bowl over even the most rational of us! It is Helena Fairfax’s second novel and focuses on the relationship between an English woman Penny and a Wyoming man Kurt. Kurt, a top flight accountant, has purchased a house overlooking Richmond Park and now seeks a wife to share it with.
Kurt enters Penny’s antique shop one day and is struck by her affinity and passion for antiques. He offers her the job of refurnishing his new home, a strictly business arrangement – Kurt even tells his sister back home that Penny is not marriage material! Kurt begins to date women he has meticulously selected from an exclusive dating agency as he is keen to find a polished and professional wife who shares his values and outlook. He has seen those in his life badly let down and destroyed by romantic love and grand passion and wants no part of either, believing that they lead to heartbreak.
Penny is attracted to Kurt, initially mistaking him for a cowboy due to his demeanour and rugged good looks, which causes her some embarrassment! She finds herself reluctantly agreeing to his proposition to refurbish his home when he offers to look over problems she is having reconciling her accounts. Kurt tells Penny of his decision to find a wife based on logic and calculation and Penny realises that she is the last person that would fit the bill, being more of a romantic, passionate and intuitive type. Penny knows that she must guard her heart lest it gets broken, especially when Kurt makes it clear that he regards her as little more than a kid sister.
However, as the weeks pass and Kurt and Penny meet to discuss her accounts and the furnishing of his new home, things do not go according to plan for either party! The more Kurt gets to know Penny, the more he cannot stop thinking about her, even when he dates other women. He realises that he is wildly attracted to Penny whilst acknowledging that she is far from the type of woman he seeks to marry. Penny finds it impossible not to fall for Kurt. Once she has finished refurnishing Kurt’s home will they part as friends, cool decision making and rationality having prevailed, or will Kurt open his heart and realise that Penny is the one for him? Similarly will Penny drop her cool façade around Kurt, which she has assumed to protect her heart, to let Kurt realise how much he means to her?
The Antique Love is a very romantic read, with well defined and realistic main and secondary characters. Both Kurt and Penny have been shaped by traumatic past events and they need to confront their feelings before they can resolve their relationship. I loved Kurt as although he is clearly a man used to being in charge he is at the same time considerate and honourable, supporting Penny when she is having a difficult time. Penny is a heroine who you immediately root for and will her to get her man. She is hardworking, enthusiastic and kind and prone to wild romantic imaginings, which Kurt is drawn to despite himself! Unfortunately she also has low self-esteem, due to her life experiences. Penny and Kurt make a couple, who have the capacity to make each other whole again, despite their past hurts; it just takes them a while to see it!
I also loved the imagery Helena Fairfax uses in this novel to help illustrate the emotions of the characters and progress the plot, from the antiques that Penny enthuses about to the colours and furnishings she selects for Kurt’s home. If you enjoy a sweet and traditional contemporary romance, with well drawn characters, which is also a deeply romantic and a satisfying read look no further than The Antique Love.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
If you like the sound of The Antique Love, you may want to find out about Helena’s other romance, The Silk Romance (click the tiltle for our review). Alternatively click on the links to find out more about Helena and her work and to go to the publisher’s site where you can purchase her novels.
I have been reading Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Series since being bowled over by the first book, Slave to Sensation, which, like all that follow, is a fantastically sexy and phenomenally original read. I love the world that she creates, where the Psy, a race with powerful and sometimes terrifying mind powers, who have rejected emotion, vie against the Changelings and the Humans, in what threatens to culminate in a brutal war of cataclysmic proportions. The series contains palpable sexual tension and passionate lovemaking scenes, which contrast sharply with the political machinations and unspeakable acts of violence from some characters who are true sociopaths. There are also others who fight to defend their own race and foster harmony and some whose motives we are never quite sure of. The central romance in each book is set against the overall story arc, told in the manner of a master storyteller. You are advised to read the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
Tangle of Need follows on after book 10, Kiss of Snow, which covers the romance between Hawke, the alpha of the SnowDancer pack and Sienna, the powerful X Psy, and the battle against some of the Psy. At the heart of Tangle of Need is the romance between two wolf-changelings, the soldier Adria and Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant. The journey to their HEA is emotional and it pulls at the heartstrings. Adria has returned to the SnowDancers after a disastrous union with another, where she felt compelled to suppress her natural dominance. This has damaged her self esteem and she hides her true self under a prickly exterior, fearing commitment. Riaz, a lone wolf, has returned from Europe, where he met his true mate, only to be devastated when he finds that she is married to another she is very much in love with.
These two wounded individuals are initially drawn together by an overwhelming physical attraction, despite their initial dislike of each other. There is a hugely sexually charged scene early in the novel, where this attraction is left in no doubt. However, Riaz subsequently rejects Adria when she proposes that they come together for physical pleasure alone. However, constantly thrown together in the course of their work, they begin to form a strong friendship, which soon progresses into ever stronger ties, unable to resist the primal draw that pulls them together. Yet what future do they have when Riaz knows in his heart that Adria will never be his mate and the guilt of betrayal holds him back? Also how will Adria cope with the fear of being second best and coping with yet another dominant male? In this novel Nalini Singh explores the strength of the mating bond versus the free will of true, unconditional, love and she does this beautifully. As usual the lovemaking scenes are supremely hot, especially in this novel, where Adria and Riaz are both powerful dominants.
Riaz and Adria, strong, yet vulnerable individuals are characters whom I really feel for. Adria is a seasoned soldier, but with a gentle and giving side to her nature, which Riaz starts to value more and more as they get to know each other. I loved how once he made up his mind to pursue Adria, after cruelly rebuffing her, he really went for it, despite his initial guilt over betraying his mate. His actions were very romantic and the novel is a real tear jerker before it reaches its conclusion.
There is a lot going on in the tale, apart from the main romance, not least the continuing sickness and disintegration of the Psy-Net and the power play between the Psy Councillors, which not only threaten the Changelings but world peace. In particular, Councillors Ming, Henry Scott and Kaleb make several key appearances and impact on the plot. Into this mix there is also the growing strength of the Pure Psy and the Human Alliance. In terms of the Changelings, we see little of the DarkRiver leopards in this book. Instead we catch up with those in the SnowDancer pack, especially Hawke and Sienna, who we see a lot of. We also meet other characters again, such as the Ghost, Alice, the brilliant researcher from the past who is recovering from being in statis, the Arrows and other factions which reveal themselves, seeking to align with others in the face of the oncoming war. The many sub plots, which exist alongside the central romance, make the book another gripping read and a great addition to the series.
I recommend this book to those who like to read paranormal romance or romance with a Futuristic/Sci-Fi theme. with deliciously sexy scenes, set within a complex world and overall plot which holds your interest and keeps you in suspense throughout. Like all of Nalini Singh’s fans I am also itching to read the latest book in the series, Heart of Obsidian, which is a much anticipated read.
Wicked Nights is the first book in Gena Showalter’s Angels of the Dark, a spin off series from her fantastic Lords of the Underworld series. Gena writes hot paranormal romances with uber alpha heroes, snarky heroines and passionate and toe curling lovemaking scenes. The scorching cover of this novel certainly lives up to its promise!
In Wicked Nights, the brutal and emotionless angel, Zacharel, whom we met briefly in her LOTU series, is put in charge of a ragtag army of warrior angels. Zacharel’s deity is frustrated with his lack of compassion and both he and his army have to work together as a team and above all refrain from killing humans in their war against the demons, or risk falling and losing their wings – not easy when you meet the less than angelic warrior recruits who all have mega issues! As part of their duties, Zacharel’s army are given the task of destroying demons attacking an institution for the criminally insane in the human realm.
The human Annabelle has been incarcerated there since being wrongly convicted of slaughtering her parents, her claim that they were murdered by a demon being dismissed. Since the attack, Annabelle has been tormented by other demons and is often heavily sedated to minimise her violent outbursts, in which she defends herself against demon attacks unseen by others. She has also suffered physical abuse from other inmates and wardens and sexual abuse from one warden in particular.
During the attack, Zacharel is drawn to Annabelle. He becomes intrigued by her and takes her to his cloud, despite realising that she is in fact a demon’s consort. Things then get complicated as Zacharel’s frozen heart begins to melt and he starts to feel strong emotions for Annabelle, wanting to protect her. Annabelle in turn is attracted to her captor and decides to use the opportunity to learn from him how to fight demons. However, it is not long before demons attack Zacharel’s cloud and Annabelle is put in danger. Yet what will happen when the demon high lord who has marked Annabelle as his consort decides to claim her? Will Zacharel and Annabelle consummate their relationship, when Annabelle struggles with deep seated fears of intimacy and trust? What long term future do they have when angels live for thousands of years, yet a human life is over in the blink of an eye? As usual Gena Showalter has plenty of tricks up her sleeve before the action packed plot concludes.
Zacharel, a truly tortured hero, is a complex character, despising demons with a passion and for very good reasons. He is not only an alpha, but a VIRGIN to boot and has locked away his emotions since a personal tragedy devastated him and gave him major guilt issues. Annabelle is a strong heroine. She has somehow kept hold of her sanity, but is also deeply vulnerable due to the horrors she has endured. She will fight the demons and the demon high lord who wishes to claim her, even if it leads to her own demise. She finds Zacharel attractive from the off, but is fearful due to her prior experiences.
I loved the developing romance between the couple in this book, which I felt was truly a match made in Heaven. The banter was both poignant and amusing and I enjoyed the fact that the hero, once his emotions had come to the fore, would do anything for his woman. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Zacharel finds himself wanting to bond with a woman who has been marked by a demon, a race he despises. The lovemaking scenes are both sweet and hot, as Zacharel strives to overcome Annabelle’s fears and assert his new found sexuality. Fortunately for a virgin he is a fast learner!
I enjoyed meeting the other angels of Zacharel’s army, who no doubt will each have their own story. I also welcomed the appearance of some of the characters from her Lords of the Underworld series. The demon foes are truly hideous and there are plenty of violent, gut spilling scenes full of blood and gore to keep readers entertained and to contrast with the romance. The author has done a great job of balancing the main story with the world building and the introduction of major characters to feature in subsequent books, which can be difficult in the first book in a series.
I am looking forward to reading the next book, Beauty Awakened, which tells the story of Koldo, one of Zacharel’s men, whom we are introduced to in this book. I recommend the series to lovers of steamy paranormal romance which is also full of humour, passion and action.
The Executive Decision Trilogy may be over, but the story continues in this addictively sexy fourth instalment by the best-selling Grace Marshall. Ambitious reporter Carla Flannery has been waiting to make her name – and when she gets the chance to interview Wade Crittenden, the mysterious genius behind Pneuma, Inc, she can’t believe her luck. However, Carla has made a lot of enemies in her work, and when Wade discovers she’s being stalked, he is determined to keep her safe, spurred on by his confusing feelings towards her. As situations turn deadly and dark secrets threaten to reveal themselves, lives and hearts are on the line as the interview starts to reveal far more about them than either ever expected …
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