Monthly Archives: April 2015

Vampire Legacy by Ella J. Phoenix – Review & Giveaway

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Vampire Legacy by Ella J. Phoenix – Review & Giveaway

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Vampire Legacy
Dragon Heat series – Book #4
by Ella J. Phoenix
Release Date: May 1, 2015
Ella J. Phoenix: Facebook / Twitter

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Special Promotion 

On the launch weekend, from Friday May 1 to Sunday May 3, Vampire Legacy (Book 4 of the Dragon Heat series), will be FREE to download from AllRomanceEbooks & Amazon.com.   

To celebrate the release of yet another book in the series, Dragon Heat (Book 1) is completely free of charge on AllRomanceEbooks.

 

 

 

Description:
When Tardieh discovers a letter from his late father, he opens a door to old memories. The letter from Petran is a tale of intrigue, attempted murder, and betrayal, but leaves more questions than answers in its wake.

Petran, the King of Vampires, an ancient monarch known for his cunning ploys and many lovers, knows the animosity between draconians and vampires is brewing in Romania. Upon discovering his draconian neighbor has fallen ill with a strange Curse, Petran is determined to discover the cause, and a cure. In doing so, he finds an unexpected ally in his neighbor’s daughter, a striking Draconian Duchess.

 

Review:

Vampire Legacy is book #4 in Ella J. Phoenix‘s Dragon Heat series. In the last book Wolf Hunger, I was left wondering if she was going to continue this fun, sexy and adventurous series and now my wondering is answered. I’ve come to be quite the fan of Ella’s stories and couldn’t be happier to be able to read and review this new addition to the series. I loved every minute of this story. It was fun, fast paced, had burn up the pages steamy chemistry between our hero and heroine, while chalked full of danger, intrigue, deceit and action. Everything I love in a paranormal romance.

In Vampire Legacy, Ms. Phoenix takes us back in time by introducing us to, and allowing us to meet Tarhdieh’s father Petran, mother Hillia and his mistress Natalia a dragon shifter. As well, we are also introduced to many key players that began the war between the Vampires and Dragons in the world that Ella has so masterfully created with her brilliant imagination and creativity. Some of those characters we’ve seen throughout the series, well others have bit the dust, but their brethren continue on with the war. In going back and telling Petran and Natalia’s story we get to see the rich history between the Vampires and Dragons, and how they once co-existed even though there were those always out to overthrow the current Kings of both races; Petran(Vampire King) and Somenski(Natalia’s father and Dragon King). Those forces are the ones who jumpstarted the war between the two races that is still going on today, and have witnessed in the previous books. Ella also allows us to see the love Petran truly had for his son and what he was willing to do to allow his son to become the King of Vampires he knew he could become one day. We also get to see just what a bitch Tarhdeih’s mother was and let me tell you I was quite happy with what happened to her, she had it coming big time. One thing I did not see coming and just like in her previous books, Ella throws a giant curve ball our way and pretty much floors us with what is revealed. Of course she waits to pretty much the end of the book to do so, which leaves us hanging off the cliff by our fingernails waiting in anticipation for the next installment. Let me tell you, the curveball she throws at us, on top of another twist of events is setting off another chain reaction that will create more problems for not only Tarhdieh and Zoriciah, but also their friend Dayam. I’m so happy to see it looks like Dayam will get his story told.

On top of all the poltics, dastardly plost to try and overthrow both Petran, and Somenski, we get to see a beautiful love story unfold between Petran and Natalia. Of course, a union between Vampire and Draco are frown upon in society, Petran and Natalia can’t help the chemistry and pull that is between them. From their first meeting the chemistry is there and just continues to build until it’s at a boiling point neither can deny. When they finally come together it’s like fireworks going off, and should’ve come with a warning….*glass of ice water required before reading next portion of book*, 😉 Ms. Phoenix definitely knows how to write a proper and steamy sex scene IMO. Petran and Natalia’s love is genuine and heartfelt and watching them deal with all that is happening around them, you are left wondering many times if a HEA is in the cards for these two lovers.

Vampire Legacy is a brilliant addition to this story. I loved how Ms. Phoenix goes back in time to tell this story, but at the same time advancing the series and setting into motion events that are coming that will cause problems for Tardhieh and company. The brilliant mind for story telling and world building that Ella J. Phoenix possesses leaves me thinking that we are in for a fun-filled wild ride with the continuation of her Dragon Heat series. I for one am excited and can’t wait for the next book, fingers crossed it’s Dayam’s. I only hope that with what happens at the end of Vampire Legacy doesn’t mean there will be heartache and trouble coming Dayam’s way. If you are a fan of Ella’s like I am, then you won’t be disappointed with this latest installment.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

 

giveaway

Ella is graciously offering e-copies of both Dragon Heat (Book 1) and Vampire Legacy (New Release) to three (3) lucky commenters.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open Internationally.

6. Giveaway runs from April 30 to May 5, 2015

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Changing His Game by Megan Erickson – a Review

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Changing His Game by Megan Erickson – a Review

 

Changing His GameAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
He controls the game, but she’s rewriting all the rules…

Marley Lake is no stranger to awkwardness, but getting caught watching a dirty GIF by the company’s hot new IT guy exceeds even her standards. That is, until she realizes he’s as turned on by it as she is. But with a big promotion on the line, she refuses to let her current dry spell be her downfall. Maybe.

Austin Rivers has no business lusting after the irresistible editor of Gamers Magazine. He’s a secret partner in the business—and technically Marley’s boss. One look at that GIF, though, and he’s ready to install a whole lot more than just software…as long as she never finds out who he really is.

But reality’s not as virtual as it seems, and when Austin’s identity jeopardizes Marley’s promotion, he has to change his game or risk losing the only woman with the cheat code to his heart.

 

Review:

Changing His Game, A Gamers Novel by Megan Erickson is the first book in the incredibly funny, erotic – The Gamers Series.  This book tells the story of Marley Lake, a beautiful, smart, young, head of the copy editing team at Gamers Magazine.  She is well respected and well known in the gaming industry for her knowledge, reviews, and news on new games hitting the market.  While working late one night and on a deadline her computer freezes.  Knowing that she is about to miss her deadline, and almost everyone is gone for the day; she decides to call on IT.  She is patiently waiting for “Cheese Stink Abraham” from IT to arrive only to realize that he has been replaced with dark and brooding Austin Rivers.  While Austin sets out to fix her computer issues she soon remembers that she had forgotten to close out of her Tumblr account.  And the next thing you know he is clicking on that particular internet tab and up pops a hot and steamy GIF.  One that she has spent many times fantasizing over.  Awkward and embarrassed she soon realizes that it may have turned him on just as much as it did her. And with one click of her tab – their worlds would change forever. 

Marley Lake is career driven; detail oriented and has been having a dry spell in the romance department as of late.  But one interaction with the companies hot, new IT guy is not going to dissuade her from working hard and striving for a new job opportunity within her company.  Or will it?   While out one night to see a newly released movie based on a video game, she runs into Austin and the alcove in the movie theater lobby will never be the same.  But can she keep her mind off this co-worker who should be off limits and do what she needs to do to get the promotion she wants. 

Austin Rivers is a secret partner and owner of Gamers Magazine.  When the one woman in the company that should be completely off limits calls for IT help one night, he doesn’t know why, but he decides to go and help her.  From the moment he saw the pornographic GIF on her computer his thoughts are constantly about her.  He can’t seem to think straight or even remotely concentrate on anything work related.  But can he have a relationship with her without her knowing that he is really her boss.  And what will happen when she finds out?  He isn’t sure he wants to risk any of it.  But yet again – he can’t seem to get her out of his head.

I absolutely loved the premise of this book and the book description I read before accepting to review it was hilarious, sexy and quite intriguing.  My first thought was how is this author going to make gaming, cosplay and computer geeks sexy, romantic and erotic?  But I am pleased to say that it was all of that and more.  Much, much more… 

This book was highly erotic, sensual and yet all the while funny and witty.  It is exactly the kind of book that will have you flushed and hot and turning on the AC and laughing and tearing up the next.  It was the perfect mix of eroticism, romance, lust and humor.  I couldn’t wait to turn the page and see what was going to happen next and what Marley was going to do once she found out the truth about Austin.

The characters were real and quite relatable.  I fell for Austin’s nerdy yet dark and brooding personality from the start.  And Marley was hilarious and witty and quite a joy to read.   The sub-character of Marley’s brother Chad added an amazing sibling banter that made me laugh out loud and I could relate to the embarrassment Marley felt at times with his crazy sense of humor.  And just for the record – I am totally rooting for a Chad and Owen book – oh please oh please!!!! I literally found myself yelling at Marley – HELLO – CHAD and OWEN!!!!!   

Austin’s best friend and business partner Grant was warm and funny.  His constant antagonizing of Austin was hilarious and was exactly how a friendship since college would play out in the real world.  I loved the bond that Grant and Austin had for one another and add Grant’s daughter Sydney to the mix and it was complete and total love.

I completely enjoyed the play on words and puns that were rampant throughout this book. All of which made it all the more enjoyable.  If you love gaming, cosplay,  erotica, romance, lust and laughing – this book will be right up your alley.    I will happily continue on with this series. 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Twisted (LOST #2) by Cynthia Eden-a review

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TWISTED (Lost #2) by Cynthia Eden-a review

Twisted

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

About the book: Release Date April 28, 2015

In the second seductive LOST novel from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden, an obsessed Last Option Search Team agent goes looking for trouble—and finds her in the Big Easy.

Dean Bannon comes to New Orleans for one reason only: to track down a missing sixteen-year-old girl. That’s before he meets the drop-dead gorgeous con artist who makes him want to lose his legendary control.

With her past, Emma Castille doesn’t claim to be psychic. She just notices things other people don’t. Like the fear in a runaway’s eyes—or the pain in an ex-FBI agent’s heart. Her chemistry with Dean is blistering, but Emma follows her passion . . . not someone else’s orders.

Then a madman breaks into Emma’s home and leaves a twisted message: You’re next. Now Dean refuses to let her out of his sight until he pries every last secret from her full, sexy lips. And suddenly Emma’s aching to give him everything he wants.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TWISTED is the second installment in Cynthia Eden’s adult, contemporary LOST romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for LOST (Last Option Search Team). This is former FBI special agent Dean Bannon ( first introduced in book one BROKEN ) and Emma Castille’s storyline. Although TWISTED is the second storyline in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from several third person points of view including the killer himself, TWISTED focuses on the search for a serial killer in New Orleans, Louisiana- a man Dean Bannon believed to be dead. Dean Bannon has struggled for five years with the death of an informant caught in a serial killer’s web but with the recent number of missing men and women, Dean believes the killer has returned and has set his sights on Emma Castille. What ensues is a developing relationship between Dean and Emma as Dean convinces Emma that he is her best protection against a psychotic killer. When the FBI become involved things go from bad to worse as Dean’s prior history with the Bureau makes for some unwelcome partnerships and exchange of information.

The relationship between Dean and Emma is quick to develop; an immediate attraction between two people whose lives are about to be targeted by a man seeking revenge for the sins of the past. When a woman fitting Emma’s description is attacked and left for dead, Dean and the agents from LOST begin an investigation of their own.

The colorful and charismatic secondary characters include the members and agent of LOST: LOST’s owner and lead investigator Gabe Spencer, forensic specialist Victoria Palmer, psychiatrist and profiler Dr. Sarah Jacobs, and former detective Wade Monroe; FBI agents Kevin McCormack and James Elroy, as well as a Julia Finney-the young woman who becomes the target of a serial killer and the FBI. We are also introduced to Jax Fontaine-a hard as nails bad boy, bar owner who has eyes and a protective side for Sarah Jacobs. Jax is introduced as Emma’s ex lover, and his presence adds a little twist of jealousy to Emma and Dean’s relationship.

TWISTED is another suspense filled storyline with a ‘twisted’ path to reveal. Although I guessed the serial killer’s identity early on, some readers may be kept in suspense until the clues begin to reveal. Expectation, presumption and the possibility of two killers on the loose, adds another layer of unexpected tension and drama.

Cynthia Eden has the ability to connect with her readers; she knows what we like and continues to deliver with every storyline and series.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

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Endless Nights (Vegas Nights Series) by Karen Erickson-Review and Book Tour

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Endless Nights (Vegas Nights Series) by Karen Erickson-Review and Book Tour

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Endless Nights
Vegas Nights #2
by Karen Erickson
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

Endless Nights

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO /  Samhain / All Romance Ebooks / iBooks 

About the book: Release Date April 28, 2015

The sex is crazy good. Is it crazier to want something more?

Andrea and her two best friends have shed their nurses’ scrubs for a long-awaited weekend in Las Vegas, and nothing—flight delays, lost luggage, or the slightly weird guy with the sketchy invite to an exclusive bash—is going to stop their fun.

Within minutes of arriving at the opulent party, she’s deep in conversation with gorgeous, funny Luke Nelson, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. For some crazy reason, he can’t seem to keep his eyes—or hands—off her.

Luke isn’t looking for a hookup, he just wants to relax…until he gets one look at the classy brunette in the barely there dress. One minute they’re talking, the next they’re all over each other in a dark corner. It’s like he’s an addict and she’s the fix he’s been searching for all his life.

One night of hot sex isn’t nearly enough. But after a weekend spent never more than a few inches apart, the time is quickly approaching when they’ll have to make a long-distance relationship work—or break it off.

Warning: A lady who wants to go a little wild, a good-guy pro athlete who likes a little sass with his class, crazy good sex, and a crazy ex.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ENDLESS NIGHTS is the third installment in Karen Erickson’s adult, contemporary Vegas Nights erotic romance series of novellas focusing on three friends and nurses (Andrea, Natalie, Reagan) and a weekend in Las Vegas. This is professional football player Luke Nelson and Andrea’s storyline. The novellas run parallel to one another wherein each of our heroine’s will find love and her happily ever after.

ENDLESS NIGHTS follows Luke and Andrea’s weekend in Vegas where our couple will begin to fall in love. It is a story of insta-love/lust but in so much as what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas finds Luke and Andrea promising one another something more. When Luke invites Andrea to Seattle for another weekend together, the appearance of Luke’s ex will place doubts in Andrea’s mind-they really don’t know that much about one another’s private lives.

The relationship is very quick to develop; within a matter of minutes Luke and Andrea are in a passionate embrace followed by a weekend spent together in bed. The sex scenes are erotic and hot.

The secondary and supporting characters include flamboyant fairy godfather James who has sent into motion three potential futures for Andrea, Natalie and Reagan. Natalie and Reagan are present as moral support but Luke’s friends Noah and Declan are MIA. There is a prequel novella WICKED WEEKEND which is currently a FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / that introduces the characters and James’s role in getting our couples together.

Karen Erickson’s VEGAS NIGHTS novella series has a little bit of everything: fun, sex, romance and love. Each of the short stories is erotic and predictable but entertaining and a joy to read. The woman are beautiful; the men are sexy and rich-what more can a reader ask for.

Reading Order and previous reviews:
Wicked Weekend
Reckless Nights
Endless Nights
Wild Nights-July 2015

Vegas Nights Series

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

Wicked WeekendWICKED WEEKEND
(Vegas Nights .5)
by Karen Erickson
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / / Samhain /  All Romance Ebooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 23, 2014

What happens in Vegas…could be a fantasy come true.

Between nursing school and starting their careers, Reagan, Andrea and Natalie have had no time for dating. After saving up for a special vacation, they’re on their way to Vegas for a long-awaited weekend of fun, sun, gambling and partying.

When their luggage goes missing, an impromptu shopping trip leads them to James, who makes them an unusual offer—to be part of the female scenery at his boss’s upcoming party. Not just any scenery, but women who are pretty in a real way, not the nipped, tucked and dyed Hollywood version.

Accept a “private party” invitation from a complete stranger? These ladies weren’t born yesterday. Yet before “no thanks” crosses their lips, Reagan discovers who James’s boss really is: Declan Carter, an actor she’s crushed on for, well, forever. Now she’s determined to be the eye candy who catches Declan’s eye. No matter what it takes…

Warning: Epic shopping trip results in meeting hot men. It is recommended that all credit cards be placed out of reach before reading.

________________

Reckless NightsRECKLESS NIGHTS
(Vegas Nights #1)
by Karen Erickson
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / | Samhain / All Romance Ebooks /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2015

Sometimes dream crushes do come true.

Vegas Nights, Book 1

Reagan can’t believe her luck—and not in a good way. One minute she’s hanging out with her friends at an exclusive party in Las Vegas. The next, she’s attracted the attention of a famous actor. Not just any actor. Declan Carter, the man on which she used to—okay, might still—have a fangirl crush. Whose blue eyes leave her embarrassingly tongue tied.

All Declan wants is to meet a nice, normal woman who won’t use him as a stepping stone to fame. Something about Reagan tells him she could be that rare woman, and he follows his instinct to invite her back to his suite—where they proceed to have wild monkey sex. All. Night. Long.

What was supposed to be one night of no-regrets sex stretches out into a blissful weekend of two people who can’t get enough of each other. But when the glamour of Sin City wears off, they’re standing on the edge of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to turn a weekend fling into something lasting. Will they take the jump?

Guest Post beige

Fun Facts about Endless Nights

A book series is never born out of nothing. There are always influences that come into play as I put together a series, and the VEGAS NIGHTS series is no exception. So without further ado, let’s discuss a few of those fun little facts.

• When I approached my editor about the VEGAS NIGHTS series, she asked that I have each heroine fall in love with an actor, a pro athlete and a rockstar (she was especially fond of the rockstar idea – and you’ll meet Noah Wilde in WILD NIGHTS in July). I was certainly on board for that…

• The heroine from ENDLESS NIGHTS is named after a favorite blogger of mine (though she doesn’t blog anymore, boo) who complained on Twitter a long time ago, I never see any heroines named Andrea! My name isn’t heroine-worthy. Well, Andrea, now it is. ☺

• I haven’t told my husband that my hero Luke Nelson plays for the Seattle Seahawks because I’m afraid he might disown me. You see, my husband is a hardcore 49er fan and he, uh, hates the Seahawks. But I wanted to keep Luke on the west coast and I’ve already written a hero who plays for the 49ers and I don’t like the Raiders so…hello Seahawks.

• The hotel they’re staying at in ENDLESS NIGHTS is based on the Bellagio. I did a signing in Vegas last fall and stayed at the Bellagio and wow, it’s gorgeous. So I knew I had to base my fictional hotel on the Bellagio because yeah, why not? Though there are so many beautiful hotels in Vegas it’s not hard to find some inspiration.

• The hotel in ENDLESS NIGHTS has no name. I did that on purpose.

• There’s a scene in a lingerie store that was inspired by the Victoria’s Secret catalog I received while writing ENDLESS NIGHTS. I thought, ooh that stuff is pretty, and decided to have Andrea try some of it on for Luke. He mightily approved.

• I love writing a pro athlete hero. I’ve written so many, it’s like I can’t escape them. I don’t want to escape them! They are way too much fun. And sexy. And hot. And gorgeous. And…you get the picture.

I hope you check out ENDLESS NIGHTS. I think you’ll enjoy Andrea and Luke’s story…

About The Author beige

Monica Murphy:Karen Erickson

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

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The Dismantling by Brian DeLeeuw-a review

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THE DISMANTLING by Brian DeLeeuw-a review

The Dismantling

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

About the book: Release Date April 28, 2015

Twenty-five-year-old med school dropout Simon Worth is an organ broker, buying kidneys and livers from cash-strapped donors and selling them to recipients whose time on the waitlist is running out. When a seemingly straightforward liver transplant has an unexpectedly dangerous outcome, Simon finds himself on the run. In order to survive, he must put aside his better moral judgment and place his trust in a stranger who has a shocking secret.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE DISMANTLING is a suspense filled, medical thriller storyline focusing on the illegal procurement of organ donation. Twenty five year old, former medical school student Simon Worth is in the illegal and unethical business of buying organs. Simon is an organ broker –the go between for people willing to pay and those in need of a quick influx of cash. THE DISMANTLING focuses on a liver transplant where the recipient is reluctant to save his own life, and the ensuing fall out of an illegal operation.

Told from third person point of view using memories, flashbacks and current day to day storytelling, THE DISMANTLING follows the ill-fated procurement, interviews, surgery and after care of a liver transplant that should never have been done. From donor to reluctant recipient, family and friends, operation and recovery, the reader is pulled into an intense story of one man’s spiral from promising med student to illegal organ broker to murder and revenge.

Simon Worth is a young man, who for seven years, has mourned the drowning death of his only sister. Unable to cope with the guilt and medical school requirements, Simon finds himself in the awkward position of trying to hide his failure while embarking on a life of illegal organ procurement. His latest ‘donor’ is a young, cash strapped woman whose past life will slowly be revealed as the storyline unfolds. Simon and Maria will quickly discover that not everything goes according to plan, when the recipient of Maria’s liver becomes headline news. With Simon on the run, Maria devises a plan to silence the man in charge.

Brian DeLeeuw is an amazing storyteller. The build up of suspense, powerful imagery, and the catastrophic unraveling of an ill-fated transplant will leave you wondering about the potential reality of the entire situation. The characters are colorful and engaging; the premise original, alarming and sensational; the outcome startling and intense. What are you willing to do to save the people that you love? There are always consequences to every action and decision that you make.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Third Debt (Indebted #4) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

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Third Debt (Indebted #4) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

third debt blog tour

Third Debt
Indebted #4
by Pepper Winters
Release Date: April 17, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark erotic romance

Third Debt

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iTunes

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17, 2015

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…

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: THIRD DEBT is the fourth installment in Pepper Winters’s adult, contemporary Indebted dark erotic romance series focusing on a six hundred year old debt the Hawk family believes comes due with the first born Weaver daughter-and Nila Weaver is this generation’s payment. THIRD DEBT is the continuing story of Nila Weaver and Jethro Hawk-fated enemies who fell in love only to discover that love does not conquer all.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Nila and Jethro) with an added chapter from Kestral’s (Jethro’s brother) POV, THIRD DEBT picks up immediately after the events of SECOND DEBT in which Nila Weaver was finally freed from her captors only to return of her own free will in the hopes of saving Jethro Hawk from the evil that has tried to destroy his soul. What ensues is a struggle between our leading couple as Jethro tries to prevent the implementation of the Third Debt while ensuring his rightful place as the Hawk Family successor. Nila must pay for the sins of the past, and in this payment is meted out in flesh.

Once again, the premise is disturbing; heartbreaking and absolutely painful to read. The Hawk family believes that the original Weaver descendants owe a debt with their life, and in this, each successive generation of Hawk males have enacted a payment in death and blood from the Weaver female line.

THIRD DEBT and thusly the Indebted series is not an easy read. There are scenes of emotional and physical abuse, torture, slavery, imprisonment, BDSM all wrapped tightly in a dark, erotic romance themed storyline. Nila has fallen in love with her captor thus eliciting a ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ scenario-one that places both Nila and Jethro on the verge of total breakdown with disastrous consequences. The authorities turn away; extended family pay a price; and through it all Nila plays a game in the hopes that, in the end, she and Jethro will walk away-alive and well. But Jethro is not the puppet master; someone else controls the strings and there will be no walking away for either one.

Pepper Winters weaves a dramatic tale of intense passion, distressing images and horrendous family values resulting in a staggering and fascinating story. The reader is helpless; defenseless; pulled into the abyss, into the nightmare that has become Nila and Jethro’s reality. The amazing and charismatic characters are tragic; their stories are heartbreaking and destructive; the storyline controversial and addicting. Not everyone will get their happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

NILA: 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.”
JETHRO: 2 months prior-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.”

 

Series Spotlight

Debt Inheritance
Indebted #1
by Pepper Winters
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotica, dark romance
Release Date: August 18, 2014

FREE ebook for a limited time: Debt InheritanceAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /iTunes

Click HERE to read Sandy’s review of DEBT INHERITANCE

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2014

“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.

A modern day Dark Erotic Romance

___________________________________

First Debt
Indebted #2
by Pepper Winters
Genre: adult,contemporary,erotic,
Release Date:November 12, 2014

First DebtAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / iTunes

About the book: Release Date November 12, 2014

Click HERE to watch the trailer for FIRST DEBT (Indebted #2) by Pepper Winters

Click HERE to read Sandy’s review of FIRST DEBT

“You say I’ll never own you. If I win—you willingly give me that right. You sign not only the debt agreement, but another—one that makes me your master until your last breath is taken. You do that, and I’ll give you this.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Stolen, taken, and bound not by monsters but by an agreement written over six hundred years ago, she has no way out.

She belongs to Jethro as much as she denies it.

Jethro Hawk’s patience is running out. His inheritance gift tests, challenges, and surprises him—and not in good ways. He hasn’t leashed her but he thinks he might’ve found a way to bind her forever.

Debts are mounting. Payment waiting.

______________

SECOND DEBT
Indebted #3
by Pepper Winters
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic romance
Release Date: January 26, 2015

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Second DebtABOUT THE BOOK: January 2, 2015

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of SECOND DEBT

“I tried to play a game. I tried to wield deceit as perfectly as the Hawks. But when I thought I was winning, I wasn’t. Jethro isn’t what he seems—he’s the master of duplicity. However, I refuse to let him annihilate me further.”

Nila Weaver has grown from naïve seamstress to full-blown fighter. Every humdrum object is her arsenal, and sex…sex is her greatest weapon of all.

She’s paid the First Debt. She’ll probably pay more.

But she has no intention of letting the Hawks win.

Jethro Hawk has found more than a worthy adversary in Nila—he’s found the woman who could destroy him. There’s a fine line between hatred and love, and an even finer path between fear and respect.

The fate of his house rests on his shoulders, but no matter how much ice lives inside his heart, Nila flames too bright to be extinguished.

third debt teaser 8

About The Author beige

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.

Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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

Her Indebted Series include
Debt Inheritance
First Debt
Second Debt
Third Debt

 

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Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch (Valentine Valley #6) by Emma Cane-a review

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EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH ( Valentine Valley 6) by Emma Cane-a review

Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 28, 2015

Emma Cane’s Valentine Valley series returns, as a teacher and her cowboy crush kindle sparks—and something more—in the town that lives up to its name…

The only thing hotter than a cowboy…

Math teacher Lyndsay De Luca never surprised anyone—least of all herself—until this summer. First, she secretly published her debut romance novel. Then, she started dating Will Sweet, the cowboy of her dreams. And now, Lyndsay’s scrambling to hide the juiciest tidbit of all: that the hazel-eyed hero of her steamy fiction is the same guy whose kisses have become her mind-blowing reality.

…Is a cowboy in love.

Ever since Will’s high-school sweetheart died in a tragic accident, he hasn’t been able to commit to a long-term relationship. Lyndsay is the first woman in years who’s been able to catch—and keep—his attention. When they team up to teach Valentine’s teens about ranch life, Will discovers it’s not just her sexy-as-hell smile that has him hooked. Will she be the one to finally break down the walls around his guarded heart?

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH is the sixth installment in Emma Cane’s adult, contemporary Valentine Valley romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends and family in and around Valentine Valley, Colorado. This is elementary school teacher and aspiring writer Lyndsay De Luca, and rancher Will Sweet’s storyline-a friends to lovers trope that finds our heroine with a heartbreaking decision. EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH can be read as a standalone without too much difficulty but for cohesion, I would suggest reading in order as the author references many previous storyline scenarios and a number of the previous storyline couples/characters play secondary and supporting roles throughout.

Told from third person point of view EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH follows a slow dance of seduction between two friends who have known one another for years. Lyndsay is a thirty something woman looking towards the future-love, happiness, marriage and family, and has been in love with Will Sweet since high school but Will’s heart and soul belonged and still belongs to another. Will has been unable to let go of the past; his high school girlfriend died as a result of a tragic accident and he has shouldered the blame and guilt for close to fifteen years. As the storyline unfolds, Lyndsay realizes that Will will never move forward until he rids himself of the burgeoning remorse and grief. When Will is unable to give Lyndsay a future, Lyndsay will walk away leaving a heartbroken Will with only his memories of the past. No woman can compete with the memory of a ghost and in this Will’s former girlfriend is always a constant presence in Will and Lyndsay’s relationship.

There are a couple of secondary storylines weaving throughout the novel. Our heroine Lyndsay prepares for the release of her first romance novel and with it comes the anxiety, hope and desperation of every new author. Trying to keep the information and book a secret is virtually impossible when the town gossips and old ladies from the Widows Boarding House as well as the gang at Tony’s Tavern appear bound and determined to promote Lyndsay at every opportunity. The bigger issue-Lyndsay’s romance hero is eerily similar to the man that she loves-Will Sweet-and Will knows nothing about the upcoming release.

EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH also follows the local elections for the Valentine Valley Historical Society wherein the elder stateswomen compete for the position of President but with it comes past betrayals and memories of stolen loves. The colorful secondary and supporting characters play a continuous role wherein the reader is reintroduced to old friends, family and future loves.

The storyline and thusly the relationship between Will and Lyndsay is very slow to build. Lyndsay knows from the outset that Will is not capable of finding happiness with any other woman than the one that he lost, and in this her time with Will is heartbreakingly futile. Will’s grief and overwhelming guilt is all encompassing but fifteen years of guilt for an accident of which he was not responsible has affected his relationship with family, friends and all of the women with whom he has dated. In this, Will’s constant need to emotionally beat-up himself came across as unnecessary and self sacrificing. There is only so much misdirected guilt, self-depricating and whining before the reader no longer feels sympathy towards said character.

EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH is an ensemble storyline of building romance, letting go and falling in love. In the end, the relationship issue resolved itself very quickly and in this, I was a little disappointed that through it all, I believe, Will has yet to truly come to terms with the death of his girlfriend and how it has affected his entire life and the lives of everyone he loves. I wish Lyndsay all the best in her HEA with Will Sweet.

Which VALENTINE VALLEY heroine are you? Take the test HERE

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sweet (Contours of the Heart #3) by Tammara Webber-Review and Book Tour

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Sweet (Contours of the Heart #3) by Tammara Webber-Review and Book Tour

Sweet---Promo-Banner

SWEET
Contours of the Heart #3
by Tammara Webber
Genre: New Adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: April 27, 2015

Sweet

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /iBooks

Add to your Goodreads shelf

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 27, 2015

He’s the love of her life, but he doesn’t know it.
She’s his one moment of sacrifice in a lifetime of survival.

He was damaged and wild, but resilient.
She’s always been obedient. Now she’s restless.

Home for the summer between college and med school, Pearl Torres Frank knows two things: Boyce Wynn is the embodiment of everything she should run from, and everything she wants to run to. Rebellious and loud. Unconcerned with society’s opinion of him. Passionate. Strong. Dangerous.

And one more trait he hides from everyone but her: Sweet

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SWEET is the third installment (and spinoff) in Tammara Webber’s contemporary, new adult Contours of the Heart romance series. This is university student Pearl Frank, and auto mechanic Boyce Wynn’s storylines. Although SWEET is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from clear and concise alternating first person points of view (Pearl and Boyce) vacillating between the past and present through thoughts, flashbacks and memories SWEET follows a rekindling relationship/friends to lovers storyline between the soon to be twenty one year old Pearl and twenty three year old Boyce. When Pearl announces she is dropping medical school for marine biology, our heroine’s mother sends her only daughter packing. Homeless and with no available source of income, Pearl contacts Boyce Wynn-the man who, years before, saved not only her life but her heart and soul-wherein the romance and sexual relationship will begin to grow.

The friendship and connection between Pearl and Boyce has been growing since our heroine was five years old when a then seven year old Boyce rescued a drowning girl only to find himself falling in love from the very start. Through the years, Pearl would be drawn to Boyce, over and over again. Boyce was Pearl’s first and only true love, and in this, Boyce has always been her anchor and protector when the going gets tough. The $ex scenes are provocative and compelling. There is an absolute chemistry and sexual tension between our leading couple.

Boyce is a survivor; he and his older brother Brent were abandoned, by their mother, and left with their alcoholic and abusive father. When Brent entered the military, Boyce was left behind to pick up the pieces of his life and his father’s auto mechanic business. Fast forward and Boyce, once again, finds himself alone except for the one bright light in his life-Pearl Frank-and when it comes to Pearl, Boyce wears his heart on his sleeve. When Boyce’s mother resurfaces, our hero knows it is time to move on.

Several of the secondary and supporting characters include Boyce’s friends- Landon/Lucas Maxfield from the original Contours of the Heart series, and Randy Thompson; Boyce’s new mechanic in training Sam, and Boyce’s long lost mother Ruthanne. We are introduced to Pearl’s parents Dr. Thomas and Essie Frank; her BFF Melody Dover who is the bane of Lucas and Boyce’s existence; some of Pearl’s fellow marine biology students, and Pearl’s ex boyfriend Mitchell who is having a difficult time letting go.

SWEET is a wonderful storyline; an emotion laden tale about two friends from different backgrounds who never stopped loving one another over the years. The colorful characters are engaging, enjoyable and charismatic. Boyce and Pearl’s relationship is intimate, passionate and hopeful; from wondrous childhood dreams to sexually intense scenes of romance and imagination Tammara Webber pulls the reader into a storyline that will take hold and never let go.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt Black and Hot Pink

 

In four years, nothing had erased or even dimmed my memories of Boyce. His kiss. His touch. The disorienting intensity of his gaze. I was a different person now, and so was he, but apparently those transformations didn’t matter to this thing I felt. For my heart, he was a grounding wire, the needle of a compass, a gravitational pull.
Of all the possible scenarios I’d imagined for this summer, living in a trailer with Boyce Wynn hadn’t been one of them. A trailer that at the moment contained one bed. “I guess I’ll just sleep—”
“In my bed.”
The hand gesturing toward the living room froze midair. I’ve heard people say My heart stopped—which of course isn’t possible unless you’ve just died—but I now understood where the perception might originate. “Uh.”
“I’ll take the sofa,” he said.
Embarrassment washed over me. He wasn’t propositioning me. He was being courteous. I lowered my hand, half-convinced I’d fallen into an alternate universe where my mother kicked me out of the house and Boyce Wynn was proper. “You don’t have to do that.”
He arched a brow, his eyes glowing with mischief. “You want me to sleep with you?”
Or not.

 


 

Sweet- Promo

 

About the Author Black and rose

Tammara WebberTammara Webber is author of the New York Times bestselling New Adult novel Easy, the first novel in her Contours of the Heart series, and the Between the Lines series. She is a hopeful romantic who adores novels with happy endings, because there are enough sad endings in real life. Before writing full-time, she was an undergraduate academic advisor, economics tutor, planetarium office manager, radiology call center rep, and the palest person to ever work at a tanning salon. She married her high school sweetheart, and is a mom to three adult kids and four very immature cats. Connect with her online at tammarawebber.blogspot.com, twitter.com/tammarawebber, and www.facebook.com/TammaraWebberAuthor.

 

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