October 26, 2015 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ & ARC REVIEW ~ Brake, by Skye Callahan

Brake, Book 3 in The Redline Series Now Available!
Dark Romantic Suspense Novella Serial

Adult/18+ Read

There’s no stopping as the

bitter feud between brothers, Colt and Devlin, speeds out of control.

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

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

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

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

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

♥ iBooks ♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥ Amazon AU ♥

Haven’t started the series yet?

Take advantage of this special opportunity to get a Limited Edition Boxed Set of Ignition and Torque on iBooks and Amazon for FREE!

Only available until October 31!

“WOW! This is a dark, erotic ride into the underworld of drugs, sex, exploitation and crime. I love it!” (Reading Keeps Me Sane)

It was like a rollercoaster: quick, sharp turns, lots of flips and it ended too soon! So sit down, power up and be prepared to have some naughty fun!!” (Eye Candy Bookstore)

♥ iBooks ♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥ Amazon AU

Skye Callahan

Skye Callahan is the bestselling author ofIrrevocable a dark romance that ran away with her emotions and led her on a whole new writing journey. She enjoys exploring the darker sides of life through her fiction, whether through paranormal creatures or the depraved underbelly of human nature. Her other works include the follow up to Irrevocable, Bend Don’t Break, The Redline Series, The Fractured Legacy Series, and Bound and Unbroken.

Her love of reading and writing started at a young age and she has been blessed with a family that continues to support her dreams to be a full-time writer. She has lived in Ohio all of her life, where she enjoys taking long walks through cemeteries with her husband (when the insane Ohio weather permits), studying local history, and trying to make peace with the neighbor’s cats.

Where to stalk Skye:

Amazon Author Page

My Review

Dark, Twisted and Intense FIVE STARS! *****

Skye Callahan’s The Redline Series is one hell of a dark romance! It is a dark and twisted ride ruled by lust, power-play and revenge, where Aubrey is but a pawn in a fight between two warring brothers intent on destroying each other. Colt has sworn to protect Aubrey from Devlin in return for the unlimited use of her body for his intense and kinky sexcapades. The last instalment, Torque (click on the book title for my review) finished on a major cliff hanger as the hapless Aubrey had been taken captive by none other than Devlin.

In Brake Aubrey’s sexual slavery to Colt has been replaced by the horror of Devlin’s captivity and her life and sanity are both on the line. Aubrey’s predicament is an ugly one and let’s just say that Devlin does not have her long term future in mind…. Instead, she is merely a tool to use to attack his brother and I read with bated breath to see if her destiny was to become mere collateral damage.

This instalment contains some shocking revelations about Colt’s backstory, which help explain why he is the damaged man he is and why he strives to stay emotionally detached. For much of the read Colt is powerless as he has no idea where Aubrey has been taken. He is totured by guilt and trapped within the world of his dysfunctional family who seem intent on his destruction… His only relief is that of drugs which he finds harder and harder to resist.

He fears for Aubrey’s life and sanity in Devlin’s hands. I will not give anything away, but suffice to say that Devlin is one sick bastard. Although Colt is far from her avenging knight on a white charger, he is the only hope she has, but will he rescue her before it is too late? And what will he find remains of the Aubrey he knows? Expecting the worst, whilst hoping for the best, I was nevertheless gobsmacked by what transpires in this read and I want MORE! Indeed, I am jumping up and down in anticipation of the next instalment!

This high octane dark romantic suspense is recommended for lovers of dark romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

July 28, 2015 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW ~ Torque (The Redline Series #2), by Skye Callahan

Dark Erotic Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Book Blurb

In the dark underworld of Ashville, crime, deceit, and blackmail reign supreme. Everyone wants that little piece of leverage—that one small key to getting ahead.

Aubrey would be happy—and lucky—to simply make it out alive. After falling in debt to one of the city’s most dangerous men, she found herself caught in a dispute between two brothers who will do anything to see each other suffer. Aubrey knows she’s only a pawn in their game and her only hope is to find some key of her own—a way to guarantee her own safety and the safety of her family.

Colt has a long and sordid past with the criminal element. He knows how the game is played and has found himself on all sides more times than he cares to remember. Aubrey is his newest escape route, but their tentative alliance is doomed to crumble if Colt can’t find a way to fulfill his end of the bargain with Devlin.

How will Colt and Aubrey handle Devlin’s newest threat?

My Review

Adrenaline Filled and Sexy! FIVE STARS! *****

Oh my goodness! There is certainly no let-up in Torque, the latest sizzling instalment of Skye Callahan’s The Redline Series! Aubrey falls deeper into the seething pit of Colt’s depraved sexuality. Indeed, Colt’s actions had me panting as much as Aubrey. Does this man know how to stop?

Whilst I did have some sympathy for Aubrey when faced with Colt’s almost continuous onslaught on her senses, I was also secretly envious of the sexual torture she receives at his hands (and boy does this man know how to tease). Colt barely lets Aubrey out of his sight and when he is not tormenting or humiliating her he is plunging her into some risky situations as he progresses his ongoing battle with Devlin. We get a hint of Colt’s backstory in this instalment but the full picture has yet to emerge as to what has made him the man he is today. All I can say is that he is one crazy, f*****- up b****** who appears to have no empathy where anyone is concerned. He is also an uber sexy and dominant alpha male who I loved!

As for Aubrey, without spoiling the plot, the future looks bleak as Devlin closes in on her and all that he holds dear. She is merely a pawn in the brothers’ battle for supremacy – caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, and it remains to be seen whether she will survive intact in body or mind.

This instalment ends on a major cliffie and I cannot wait until my next fix – Ms Callahan please hurry! The suspense is KILLING me!

The Redline series is a must read for dark romance junkies!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

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July 26, 2015 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Knight’s Captive, by Samantha Holt

Elizabethan Historical Romance

Blurb

Queen Elizabeth sits on England’s throne. A once Catholic country is now ruled by a Protestant queen. In a time of fear, turmoil and bold deeds, many heroes are seldom written into history…

After aiding in the capture of the flagship Rosario and helping to defeat the Spanish Armada, Sir Henry Bainbridge is set to make his mark on the world and strengthen his position as a man of authority. Now in charge of the Spanish prisoners, Henry must negotiate their return to Spain and manage the care of his people.

However, when he comes across a woman amongst the survivors, his future plans are put on hold. The exotic beauty draws him in and his honour will not let him doing anything other than protect her. Henry takes her into his home and places her under house arrest. He can only hope his principles are enough to protect her from his desires…

In a time when small differences spark fear into the heart of many, Antonia finds herself drawn into a battle between a zealous priest, a discontented population and the most honourable man she’s ever met. Nothing can ever come of their attraction, not while he’s holding her father prisoner and not when so many differences divide them.

Or can it?

My Review

Sweet Captor/Captive Romance ***** (FIVE STARS)

Samantha Holt’s latest release, Knight’s Captive, is a lovely romantic read. The narrative takes place in 1588 against the backdrop of the attempted invasion of England by the formidable Spanish Armada. The safety of the country is in doubt and the Protestant queen Elizabeth is keen to put down any possibility of Papist plots, which may aid the enemy.

The hero Sir Henry is stunned to find a young woman aboard the Spanish flagship that has been captured. Antonia is the daughter of the captain and whilst the captured Spanish crew are taken into custody and sequestered in the local village, she is taken to Henry’s ancestral home under house arrest, her fate, like that of her compatriots dependent on diplomatic negotiations between the two warring countries.

Henry is immediately drawn to the young woman admiring her spirit, bravery and beauty. He is perplexed at what would prompt someone of the fair sex to risk their life aboard the ship. There is clearly a lot more to Antonia than meets the eye and as the days pass and the couple spend time together, they begin to mean a lot more to each other than captor and captive. Yet what chance of a HEA do they have, when Antonia is effectively an enemy and a pawn in the ensuing diplomatic relations? She is a Catholic reviled by his queen and those like the local zealot priest, who would see the Catholic faith and their followers destroyed. Moreover Antonia has her own personal demons to contend with.

I immediately rooted for the heroine and admired her for her spirit, strength and compassion. A young widow she has a dark past which is revealed as the plot unfolds. Henry is an honourable man and determined that no harm will befall Antonia whilst she is under his protection, even from his own desires….. The romance is overall a sweet one, although it does have some sensual scenes. I particularly liked the sexual tension between the couple as they both seek to deny their growing feelings for each other, in the belief that nothing can come of a liaison which could end in tragedy. It is a page turning read as the themes woven into the novel come together the couple must fight more than their own feelings before their fates are decided.

I loved reading a novel set in this time period and the descriptions of the devastation of the Spanish flagship at sea, village life and Henry’s household evoked the period beautifully. It was all the more fascinating as instead of being set at court, it focused on the countryside, where the impact of the attempted invasion and its aftermath on the local populace and the plight of those who still practice the Catholic faith is explored.

A super read for lovers of historical romance.

Purchase links:

US: http://amzn.to/1NL2c5n

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01054FDEI

Connect with the Author

Find Samantha on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/samanthaholtromance

Join her street team

http://www.lovelustandlipstickstains.com/p/street-team.html

www.samanthaholt.org.uk

May 16, 2015 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW ~ Pose for a Billionaire, by Lucee Lovett

Contemporary Erotic Romance/Billionaire Romance

18+/Adult Read

MEET LUCEE

BIO

Lucee Lovett, is a mother of four—five if you include her husband. She grew up in a pretty rough neighbourhood in London. She been told she has a smoky, sexy laugh and voice. If you heard it, you’d want to read her stories.

She has always been a storyteller. Her stories would captivate the hearts and minds of willing listeners, both young and old alike. Her love for romance was born from sneaking off to read her mother’s Mills and Boon books. It led her to make stories short enough for busy people who don’t have time for a lengthy romance fix, and want their romantic fantasies in short satisfying doses.

Although her desire was to write and share what she was writing, Lucee put off this desire due to her learning disability. Then 50 Shades was released… Make of that what you will…

To read the full story, visit Lucee’s website by clicking on the image below:

She has an equal love for the paranormal and is a diehard Steven King fan. Lucee has no trouble meshing the two genres. Although to date most of her stories have an urban, coming of age, contemporary feel to them. She has a number of paranormal WIP’s on the back burner.

She loves animals and has both a dog named Blue and cat called Naila.

BLURB

Mia, a twenty-two year old high school dropout is left to raise her eight-year-old brother. She has no job, no money and very few options.

Forced to use the only asset she has—she poses nude for enigmatic, enticing, billionaire, Roman Evans. Roman makes no secret that he’s attracted to Mia. He eventually persuades her to go out with him.

The morning after their date, Mia is threatened by the landlord’s son with eviction. Either she pays her rent in full or gets out. Witnessing the exchange, Roman offers to help. In a stand for independence, Mia rudely refuses his offer.

Later she accepts a shady proposition from her ex-boyfriend Farrell. A course of action she regrets, but she’s stuck between a rock and a hard place.

In an attempt to forget her troubles, she goes on a dream date with Roman. Only to return to a ransacked apartment, threats and insults from Farrell.

Just when she thinks things couldn’t get any worst—they do.

She now has to pray the man whose aid she’d so coldly refused, cares enough to come to her rescue.

JOIN THE STREET TEAM

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ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

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http://www.amazon.com/Vain-Deception-Billionaire-Casual-Encounter-ebook/dp/B00RY61HEQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1431451137&sr=8-5&keywords=lucee+Lovett

My Review *****

Romantic and Suspenseful – Adult/18+ Read

The three books which comprise the Pose for the Billionaire series, where the down on her luck Mia meets billionaire Roman, are a truly romantic and sexy read. The unfolding story is also laced with plenty of angst and suspense. I found the writing and plot fresh and believable and I quickly fell in love with the hero and heroine.

When Billionaire Roman seeks out a muse to satisfy his passion for painting he gets a LOT more than he bargains for in Mia, a young woman whose strength and vulnerability call to his heart, not just his paintbrush! Life has dealt Mia a series of bad hands and she struggles to be both the mother figure and the provider to her younger brother Carlos. She is grateful for the chance to earn some badly needed cash and is drawn to Roman’s intensity and kindness as he puts her at ease. She tries to fight their growing mutual attraction to avoid what she thinks will be the inevitable disappointment. However, Roman is a man who has made up his mind to woo Mia and, although he does not force himself on her, he is very persuasive in series of hot and romantic scenes!

However, when a crisis rears its ugly head, Mia makes a decision which threatens to have catastrophic repercussions. How will Mia extricate herself from the seemingly impossible situation she has put herself in? If she does will Roman forgive her? I will not reveal what transpires but I will say that this read is filled with sweet loving, hot lovemaking, plenty of angst, surprise and suspense.

I really liked how the author portrays the growing attraction and the relationship between Mia and Roman. There are some sizzling scenes as Roman is one helluva guy and I felt that Mia definitely deserved his special brand of loving. I enjoyed the contrast between their lives and I particularly liked how the author revealed their back stories, which were pivotal to the plot. Whilst Roman is most definitely the good guy there is a lot more to him than meets the eye. The character of Carlos, Mia’s brother is also well written and believable as are the villains of the piece. All in all a great read. I would definitely read more from this author and recommend this series to lovers of contemporary and erotic romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

The books comprising this series were given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

May 1, 2015 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR/REVIEW for Third Debt (#4 in the Indebted Series), by Pepper Winters (includes excerpts and giveaway)

Dark Erotic Romance

Adult/18+ Read

I am totally in awe of this author. This series has utterly floored and hypnotised me with its brilliant characters and plot. Scroll down to read the blurb, some excerpts and my review. If you are amongst those uninitiated into the world of Pepper Winters’ Debt Inheritance series and like dark erotic romances, please note that the first instalment is currently FREE. There is also a giveaway where you can win a $50 Amazon gift card. Enjoy! Tina ❤

More Jethro & Nila? Yes Please!

IT’S LIVE!

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

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ufkO3z

Nook: http://bit.ly/1DZctL0

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1xgCSvb

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1DglADL

Blurb

“She healed me. She broke me. I set her free. But we are in this together. We will end this together. The rules of this ancient game can’t be broken.”

Nila Weaver no longer recognises herself. She’s left her lover, her courage, and her promise. Two debts down. Too many to go.

Jethro Hawk no longer recognises himself. He’s embraced what he always ran from, and now faces punishment far greater than he feared.

It’s almost time. It’s demanding to be paid.

The Third Debt will be the ultimate test…

HOW HAD THIS happened?

Where did it all go so wrong?

Jethro was supposed to love me. I was supposed to love him.

Yet he’d given me over to his family. He’d bound the ropes, blindfolded my eyes, and gifted me to his kin.

“Know what time it is, Nila Weaver?” Daniel breathed in my ear.

I jerked away. The restraints around my body meant I couldn’t run, couldn’t fight; I couldn’t even see.

Oh, God.

Please don’t let them do this.

I wanted to scream for Jethro to save me. I wanted him to put an end to this and claim me once and for all. Didn’t our connection mean anything?

You know it’s all different now.

Ever since I’d returned to Hawksridge Hall, things had been different—horribly, horribly different.

The fire crackled in the billiards room where the Hawk men had been playing poker. The air was hot and muggy and laced with cognac fumes.

Tonight, I’d had plans to end whatever changed between Jethro and me forever.

But now…those plans had changed.

Kestrel ran his fingers over my collar. “Relax, little Weaver. It will all be over soon.”

Cut chuckled. “Yes, soon you can go to sleep and pretend none of this happened.”

My ears strained for one other voice. The voice of the man who controlled my heart even though he’d thrown it back in my face.

But only silence greeted me.

Daniel snickered, licking my cheek. “Time to pay, Weaver.”

Someone clapped and in a voice full of darkness and doom said, “It’s time for the Third Debt.”

I shook my head, my heart smarting with pain. “What happened to you?” I reached for him, wanting to clutch his forearm and reassure myself that our bond was still there.

With a sneer, he sidestepped, staying out of reach. “What happened to me?” Smiling coldly, he made me seem as if I were some idiot child asking for the universe’s secrets. “I got better. That’s what happened to me.”

“I don’t—I don’t understand. You weren’t ill.”

“You wouldn’t understand. No one can understand another’s problems. All you need to know is that I’m cured and I won’t make the same mistakes again.”

I took a step back, goosebumps scattering over my body. “Don’t say that. I’m in love with you. Something like that cannot be undone—”

“Love is a chemical imbalance, Ms. Weaver. I am no longer imbalanced.” He came closer. “Don’t get cold feet on your invitation. You promised you would come, and you don’t want to give me a reason to punish you so soon…do you?”

My skin pinpricked with panic. That sentence should’ve dripped with eroticism. But it wasn’t. It was cold…lifeless…like him.

Snapping his fingers, Jethro held out his hand. He kept his digits curled slightly so I couldn’t see the tattoo marks on the tips. “Come. I want to be back at Hawksridge before sunrise.”

Nila dropped the jumper onto the desk, cupping her breasts. “Does this count as acceptable to you?”

I couldn’t breathe.

Everything I’d been running from made my head pound, my cock beg, and the drugs in my system to fucking disintegrate.

What was it about her? Why did she have this control over me? And why was I utterly, ridiculously helpless around her?

God fucking help me.

Didn’t she know the more she antagonised me and made me slip, the more likely Cut would give her to Daniel and fucking slaughter me in my sleep? I wanted to strike her—hammer the precariousness of our situation home.

“Why did you bring me here?” she murmured, skirting the desk.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the hard pinpricks on her chest. She couldn’t be cold—not in this furnace. That meant she was turned on.

My mind instantly went to one question. Is she wet?

“Kes told you. Our secrets are now yours.”

“I don’t think that’s the only reason.” Closing the distance, she licked her bottom lip. “I think you wanted me off the estate, so you could have me without anyone seeing.” Her voice layered with sex and invitation. “You wanted me away from the cameras, so you could drop the act and show me the truth.”

Fuck.

I cleared my throat. “What truth?”

“That all of this is a lie. That you’re still the man I fell for—playing the same game you said you were sick of before I left.”

Shaking my head, I tried to clear my thoughts. “You’re once again delusional.” Swallowing hard, I ordered, “Go down to the sorting floor. I have a meeting to take care of—”

“No,” she breathed. “I’m not going anywhere until you stop being an asshole and show me the real you.” Closing the final distance, she stood beside me, crackling with mischief and lust.

Locking eyes, she undid the button and zipper of her jeans. “Don’t hide from me, Jethro. I can’t stay strong if you cut me out.”

My legs bunched to push the swivel chair backward. One heave and I could launch myself free and run from her web. But somehow, I couldn’t. I remained tethered in place; breathing fast, fear swamping my lungs.

She grabbed my wrist. “Don’t fight it. You can’t fight the inevitable.” Without a word, she pressed my hand into her trousers.

Series Reading Order

About the Author:

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

Her Dark Erotica books include:

Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1)

Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark #2)

Her Grey Romance books include:

Destroyed

GIVEAWAY

$50 Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review

This Series is Killing me! FIVE GLORIOUS STARS!!!

The latest instalment in the Indebted Series has totally and utterly slain me – mind, body and soul. The brilliance of this author to delight, entertain and yes torture her readers and characters is unparalleled. I could not willingly put this book down and, when other commitments demanded I should, the characters and plot bounced around in my head, hope warring with despair. Now, cast adrift in a morass of uncertainty and suspense, I am already counting the days until the release of the next instalment.

I will not reveal the intricacies of this book. To do so would spoil the journey fellow travellers have embarked on. I will say that it is once again devastatingly dark, yet the light of love pierces the gloom and offers the reader hope and there are some truly beautiful and heartrending scenes between Nila and Jethro. This read contains love, passion and hope, but also mind numbing loss, deep hatred and utter horror and despair. I nevertheless put my faith in the author to deliver us all.

For me, of all the books in the series this was by far the darkest, and that was even before the cliff hanger at the end. The stakes are increasing with each instalment and with each payment of debt. I felt as broken as Nila when the reality of paying the debt in this book sunk in. I was nevertheless compelled to read in the hope that her body and mind would prevail. My heart bled for her and for Jethro. Her pain became mine, yet she remained a beacon of light in the darkness.

Indeed, Nila goes through hell in this book. We know that her reprieve from the madness that is the Hawk household is only temporary. I shuddered with apprehension knowing what awaited her on her return. The characters of Cut and the matriarch Bonnie are pure unadulterated evil and I sincerely hope that they and Daniel will suffer a slow, tortuous, painful and degrading demise.

As for Jethro. I cried buckets for what he has endured. Jethro is a character I have loved even since the first instalment, despite his flaws. He is complex and tortured and his love and loyalties are tested to the very limit in this read. Can he escape the web his family has woven or is it already too late? Can Nila rescue Jethro from the abyss and save both him and herself? And what of the other characters who have pivotal roles to play, notably Jasmine, Kes and Nila’s twin Vaughn.

The cliff hanger ending, is a real sucker punch from which I am struggling to recover as my mind replays the scene in my head. Roll on the next instalment, Fourth Debt! If you love dark romances or twisted tales full of suspense and are not already on board with this series then seriously you have a real treat in store!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this novel was given to be as part of the blog tour for a fair and honest review.

April 24, 2015 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW ~ Under the Mayhaw Tree, by Charlotte Boyett-Compo (includes excerpt)

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Charlotte Boyett-Compo’s books are amongst my favourite reads and I jumped at he chance to take part in this blog tour and review her new release, Under the Mayhaw Tree. Although I am more familiar with this author’s dark erotic fantasy books, I had every confidence that it would be a cracking read and I was not disappointed! Tina 🙂

Under the Mayhaw Tree by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Keynote:

Living under a cloud of tragedy for which he’s assumed blame, Drew Dunne has known hell for the past sixteen years. Then he meets Allison Bennett. But in the small town of Colquitt, Georgia, evil lurks around every corner and capturing happiness has an incredibly high price.

Synopsis:

SWEET VICTORY

Small-town football star Drew Dunne sacrificed everything for friendship and guilt. He’s spent most of his life unloved and unwanted. A kind touch, a gentle smile, an encouraging word are all wisps of memory from before the accident. For him there is only family, duty, loyalty.
And longing. Until he meets Allison.When Allison Bennett looks in the mirror, she sees a woman whose life has gone from bad to worse. At the mercy of an abusive husband, sweet tenderness is something she can only dream about…until she finds it in the arms of Drew Dunne.Not every sacrifice is worthwhile, not every promise is worth keeping, and events in a small Georgia town will test this pair to the very depths of their souls, but at the end of the journey is the truth that—if you’re willing to pay the price—true love can conquer all. Drew Dunne will finally be with the woman he loves. Or die trying.

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

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Under-the-Mayhaw-Tree-by-Charlotte-Boyett-Compo?keyword=Under+the+Mayhaw+Tree+by+Charlotte+Boyett-Compo&store=ebook

Boroughs Publishing: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/under-mayhaw-tree

Purchase Links:

AMAZON * B&N * BOROUGHS PUBLISHING GROUP

Excerpt:

As she took off her clothes he put his hands behind his head and watched her every movement. Each one was poetry in motion to his way of thinking. To him, she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
He loved her so deeply he felt it in his soul. She was everything to him and he
wanted to be everything to her. His heart was filled with such peace, his body
with such longing, he could barely contain the feelings.

The last piece of clothing she removed was her panties and when she turned to the bed, he whistled in appreciation. As he had at the two motels they’d stayed at on the way to the cabin, he pretended not to notice the healing bruises covering her sweet body.

“Will you get under the covers?” she asked. She sat on the mattress, then stuck her legs under the sheet.

“Hey. You can leave your socks on but you took mine off?” he challenged. “You think that’s fair?”

“I have poor circulation in my feet,” she said.
“Believe me. You don’t want my cold toesies rubbing along your calf in the middle
of the night.”

“I believe you should pay a toll for being allowed to wear socks to bed when I can’t,” he told her as he joined her under the covers.

“What kind of toll?” she asked.

“The kind that is exacting,” he said. He slid down in the bed—disappearing beneath the covers—and slid on top of her.

Author Bio:

Charlotte Boyett-Compo (her friends call her
Charlee) is a multi-published author of all sub-genres of Romance
fiction. Under the Mayhaw Tree is her 100th book. Over
the years, her novels have won many awards. When asked why she writes, she’s
said, “I write because the urge is there and it’s like an itch you can
not ignore. Sometimes, I think if I don’t get my thoughts down on paper, I’ll go
insane. It is a craving, an addiction, that unless you experience it, you can’t
quite explain to ‘normal’ people.”

Social Media:

Website – http://www.windlegends.org

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/windlegends

Twitter – https://twitter.com/windlegends

tsu – http://www.tsu.co/windlegends

My Review *****

Heartrending and Inspirational

Under the Mayhaw Tree, a Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Charlotte Boyett-Compo’s 100 published novel, is another tour de force by an artist who has perfected her craft over the years. I was totally and utterly gripped form start to finish, immersed in this tale containing love, passion and self-sacrifice, but also cruelty, abuse and revenge most foul.

Drew, the hero of the novel, is very much the victim of the piece. A once successful sportsman, his promising career was cut short by injury, after which his life careered further downhill when he lost his best friend in a terrible accident. He finds himself in a loveless marriage with a woman who is little more than a she-devil, who delights in making his life a living hell with her physical and emotional abuse.

Trapped by survivor’s guilt and the power his wife and others have over him, Drew has all but given up on happiness. That is until he sets eyes on Allison, the wife of a newcomer to the town who abuses her at every turn. Both Allison and Drew recognise that they are kindred spirits and love blooms, but secrets are hard to keep in this tight knit community and the couple’s abusers, supported by town gossips and a posse of evil doers, take every opportunity to brutally destroy any chance of happiness the couple may harbour. The read has an extremely strong sense of place, the fabric and inhabitants of the small town of Colquitt in Georgia playing a key role in the unfolding drama.

What follows is a heart-rending story of how one man, ground down by years of abuse, seizes this chance of happiness and engages in a battle royal to make a future for him and his new found lady love. Just how far will he go and what sacrifices will he make to realise this dream and escape the nightmare of his past and present life? I will not reveal any more, but suffice to say that the romance between Drew and Allison transforms them both and together they must draw on inner resources they did not believe they possessed to face and overcome the demons who torment them. The journey they embark on will have repercussions for many.

The novel contains scenes of violence and brutality, including domestic and sexual abuse. I will say that it is a gripping read, with a hero and heroine you will root for. Above all though I found Drew and Allison’s journey an inspirational one, giving me belief in the saying amor vincit omnia.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that a copy of this novel was given to me as part of this blog tour for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

November 18, 2014 by Tina Williams

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

Sensual Captor/Captive Highland Romance

Containing a sprinkling of faery magic!

Book Blurb

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

My Review

Captor/Captive Romance with a Torn and Tortured Hero

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

Website/Blog Facebook

Read our Reviews of other books in the Highland Fae Chronicles

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart, book 1

To Dream of a Highlander, book 2

August 23, 2014 by Tina Williams

Debt Inheritance (Indebted #1), by Pepper Winters

Deliciously Dark Erotic Romance – A Top Read for 2014!

18+ Read/Adult Situations

Book Blurb

“I own you. I have the piece of paper to prove it. It’s undeniable and unbreakable. You belong to me until you’ve paid off your debts.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Being the first born daughter, her life is forfeit to the first born son of the Hawks to pay for sins of ancestors past. The dark ages might have come and gone, but debts never leave. She has no choice in the matter.

She is no longer free.

Jethro Hawk receives Nila as an inheritance present on his twenty-ninth birthday. Her life is his until she’s paid off a debt that’s centuries old. He can do what he likes with her—nothing is out of bounds—she has to obey.

There are no rules. Only payments.

Deliciously Dark and Freakin’ Amazing!!!

If you are a fan of dark erotica or dark romance and you haven’t already done so YOU WILL WANT TO READ THIS BOOK! It is addictive – I only meant to read the first few pages or so to get a taste BUT my conscious and unconscious mind, which craves such reads, had other ideas. I tumbled headlong into this particular rabbit hole created by Pepper Winters into a world where innocence is consumed by darkness and depravity and I devoured it within a matter of hours. Debt Inheritance is the first instalment of Pepper Winter’s Indebted series and I cannot wait to see how the tale pans out!

I LOVED the two main protaganists and the developing chemistry between them: the talented but sheltered heroine Nila and Jethro, the anti-hero, who is out to break her. I found some of the actions taken by Nila a little naïve at the start of the book, but understandable given that she has an overprotective brother, who is also her twin, and an even more overprotective father. How she copes with the realisation of her fate, the psychology between Jethro her captor and her relationships with others involved in her captivity make this book a fantastic and chilling dark read. Nila needs to draw on previously unknown strengths in an attempt to survive in a situation that becomes more and more desperate as the tale progresses. Her only chance of survival is to persuade the monster that is Jethro, not to destroy her, but this is a task that is his by birth right, ingrained into his very being.

And Jethro – oh my goodness I both loved and feared this terrifying alpha and I definitely crave a LOT more of him. His character is from the dark void, intent on destroying Nila, the first born female of the current generation of the Weaver family, indebted to his own family in a manner most foul. He exhibits no remorse or compassion for what he is to do to this innocent woman. Nila is far from his usual type and he despises her, cruelly taunting her weaknesses and insecurities at every turn – indeed he is a real b******. However, he IS attracted to her, some of her actions take him by surprise and she gets under his skin. Yet will this be enough to save her or is his soul beyond redemption? Characters such as Jethro are exactly why I love dark reads such as this and the way Pepper Winters recounts Nila’s and Jethro’s story in their alternate POVs makes this read ever more chilling and addictive.

The sex scenes in this book range from hot and teasing to visceral and somewhat disturbing. There is some violence but more so the threat of violence against the heroine and psychological torture as her punishment for being one of the women to pay for the sins of the Weaver family begins. I read wide eyed and dry mouthed as the scenes played out, both aroused and repelled at the same time. It takes great skill to do this and the author has a real talent for drawing the reader into the story and keeping them there hanging on every word.

There are many dark, evil twisted characters in this book, which include Jethro’s father and brothers and they have their own role to play. There is also the unorthodox method Nila relies on in an attempt to maintain her fragile sanity through a tenuous link with the outside world – I will not give an more away except to say that the whole read is an inspired foray into the darker realms of power, lust and depravity. Lovers of the dark side are well advised to check this book out! I am new to Pepper Winters but will definitely be reading further instalments of this series and her backlist.

Purchase Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

http://www.pepperwinters.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepper-Winters/539976006062848

October 16, 2013 by Tina Williams

Gem of Gravane, #1 in The Northern Knights Series, by Amber Dane

Love and Passion amidst Treachery and Betrayal

Sensual Medieval Romance

I have been planning to read an Amber Dane novel for some time now and sincerely wish that I had not waited quite so long! I adore historical romances, especially those set in the medieval period and I am pleased to say that I have now found another great author to fulfil my fantasies of alpha knights in shining (or even tarnished) armour and sensual tales of how they find their heart’s desire in the midst of such violent and turbulent times. This book is the first in her Northern Knights series, of which book 2, Conquering the Dark Axe and book 3, The Beast of Renald, have already been published as well as other works.

In Gem of Gravane, Knight Aric Claydon is honoured by William the Conqueror, his King and lord, who gifts him, amongst other demesnes, Gravane and the hand in marriage of its lady Danielle, a conquered Saxon. However, this fierce and battle hardened warrior, whose heart pays homage to no woman, delays claiming this particular prize and its lady for a year.

Lady Danielle welcomes her new lord and husband to her home with mixed feelings. Held in contempt by the men in her life – first her father and then her odious cousin Thomas, her guardian, she lacks confidence and is highly conscious of a slight affliction she has. She is disappointed when Aric’s initial reaction to her is less than enthusiastic, confirming her fears that he has avoided the union as he has been made aware of her lack of worth. She still harbours a secret hope however, that although Aric is not happy to take her as his bride, his overlordship of Gravane will put many wrongs to right that have been inflicted on her people.

Aric is far from immediately enamoured with Danielle, but will do his duty and will endeavour to beget an heir. He knows that something is badly wrong at Gravane and is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. As soon as the marriage takes place, Aric finds that he is more and more drawn to Danielle, attracted to her soft curves, her kindness to others and even her quirks and he seeks to protect her from any perceived dangers. It also becomes clear that his bride is stronger than he thinks and that she harbours secrets. The more he finds out about her, the more he realises that there is more to her than he first thought. Unused to and uncomfortable with such feelings Aric strives to keep his distance, except in the bedroom, where he is gentle and attentive.

The presence of Thomas and his sister Rose and the appearance of characters from Aric’s past do little to alleviate Danielle’s fears and she despairs that Alric will ever return her growing love for him. At the same time danger threatens both Aric and his lady. As we find out if Danielle will succeed in persuading this powerful warrior to take a chance on love, the unfolding tale is laid out like a sumptuous medieval feast. It is brimming with treachery and violence, as well as humour, passion and numerous sensual scenes. I found it a compulsive read!

I loved the character of Aric, a proud and powerful warrior. He is protective of Danielle from the off and against his better judgement he cannot keep his emotional distance from her. I also revelled in how Danielle grew in confidence and stature as she was able to assume her rightful role as lady under Aric’s protection, even as she struggled with what she believes is unrequited love.

The author’s portrayal of supporting characters were a delight to behold. Aric’s second-in-command Balwain and Danielle’s maid Edie deserve special mention as do the not so savoury characters of Thomas and Rose. We are also introduced to the knight Rourke, the Dark Axe, the hero of the next novel in the series, Conquering the Dark Axe.

I recommend Gem of Gravane to readers of historical romance, especially medieval romance, who enjoy a romantic and sensual tale, with engaging characters, which does not shy away from depicting the violence and the treachery that was commonplace at the time.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Cover art: LDF Design

Author Amber Dane’s Blog

Gem of Gravane on Goodreads

August 8, 2013 by Tina Williams

Heart of Obsidian, Psy-Changeling Series, #12, by Nalini Singh

Dark, Dangerous and oh SO Seductive!

I ADORE this book! Heart of Obsidian was for me and other Nalini Singh fans one of THE most anticipated books of 2013 and it more than lived up to my expectations. The novel, #12 in the author’s fantastic Psy-Changeling series has a dark and seductive hero, ex Councilor Kaleb Krychek. I am a huge fan of Nalini Singh’s heroes, but she has reached new heights with Kaleb, the anti-hero of this novel. Kaleb is dark, tortured and deadly, the most powerful Psy on the planet, with awesome psychic powers, even for his race. Indeed he has telekinetic powers so great that he could penetrate the Earth’s crust, has the ability to induce madness into the minds of his victims and can teleport at will. I strongly recommend that you read this series in order to fully appreciate it.

Kaleb has the potential to be the destroyer or the saviour of the Psy race and the rest of the world inhabited by the Changelings and the humans. He is also a seemingly ruthless killer who lets no one stand in the way of his lust for power, destroying those in his path. Yet he will do anything to find the one person who was cruelly taken away from him seven years ago and atone for his role in her abduction and disappearance. I also cannot resist a man who can literally make the earth move when making love and who is a virgin hero who states that he has “researched sexual intimacy the same way as I research everything else. Methodically and in intricate detail.”

Readers have witnessed Kaleb’s rise to power in previous novels in the series and wondered whether he is on the side of good or evil, or somewhere in between….. In Heart of Obsidian the truth is out. We also learn of the identity of the mysterious and elusive Ghost, whose meetings with the Psy Judd Laurens, who has dropped out of the Psy Net and defected to the SnowDancer changeling wolf pack and the human Father Xavier has featured in previous instalments. Kaleb’s destiny is inextricably linked to this shadowy figure.

Sahara Kyriakus, of the Clan Nightstar, who has the power of back sight, has been held captive for the last seven years, her captor ruthlessly trying to exploit a formidable second power that she also possesses for their own evil intent. Sahara has resisted this at great cost to herself, retreating deep into her mind and creating a protective labyrinth. When we first meet her she has been rescued by Kaleb, only to be imprisoned by him in his home, unaware of the part he has played in her life. Although Sahara is wary of Kaleb, fearing that he too wishes to exploit her power she cannot resist the attraction she has for him. The fate of the Psy Net and the world rests on how Sahara will react when her memories return and recalls the role that Kaleb played in her past.

Both Kaleb and Sahara have tortured pasts. The abuse they have been subjected to is truly horrific and yet I love how they come together. Kaleb has the reputation of being as cold and calculating a they come, a wholly Silent and emotionless individual, with a dark past. Yet Sahara has the key to his heart. It is only with her that he is open to compromise. I adored how possessive Kaleb is when it comes to Sahara, reminding her often that she is his and belongs to him alone. Yet Sahara is no shrinking violet and has an inner strength. Indeed, I loved how this woman. Initially so broken and vulnerable regained her physical and mental strength after years of abuse and asserted herself.

Much of the novel focuses on the relationship between Kaleb and Sahara, with the main backdrop the continued disintegration of the Psy Net and the actions taken by Pure Psy. We also encounter ex Councilors Tatiana, Ming, Anthony and Nikita, and the Arrows Aden and Vasic and some scenes take place in San Francisco and the home of the DarkRiver Leopards. The past actions of Santano Enrique, who we met earlier in the series also plays a part.

As usual Nalini Singh’s plot and character development and descriptive powers are superb. I am hoping that there will be a good few novels left in the series yet. The book contains some fantastically erotic lovemaking scenes, which are always a big plus for me! It brings new meaning to the meeting of minds as well as bodies, when Sahara’s merest touch can cause both Kaleb’s shields and the very Earth to fracture!

I recommend this book to fans of Nalini Singh and those who like to read paranormal romance or romance with a Futuristic/Sci-Fi theme, with a plot which keeps you at the height of suspense throughout.

Reviewed by Tina 🙂