Monthly Archives: September 2015

Bonded by Laura Wright – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Bonded by Laura Wright – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Bonded
The Cavanaugh Brothers series – Book #4
by Laura Wright
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Bonded

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Description
Ranch hand Blue Perez’s once simple life is spinning out of control. He’s discovered he has three half-brothers, and they’re not ready to accept his claim on the ranch. Also, Blue’s girlfriend may have betrayed him in the worst way possible. And after one evening of drowning his sorrows at the bar, there’s someone he can’t get out of his mind, a woman who says she’s carrying his child.

Following a night of breathtaking passion in the arms of the man she’s longed for all her life, waitress Emily Shiver is contemplating her next step. With everything that’s going on in Blue’s life, she doesn’t want to force him into fatherhood. Yet as hard hearted as he may seem, Blue can’t turn his back on her, particularly when she becomes the target of someone’s dark obsession….


Review:

Bonded by Laura Wright is the 4th book in her wonderful Cavanaugh Brothers series.   This is Blue’s story, and the closure to the ongoing mystery of their sister’s murder years ago. In each of the previous books, each brother found their love, and a clue to move them closer to what happened to Cass.

Blue Perez is the illegitimate son, and half brother to the Cavanaugh Brothers. Blue could not handle that his mother never told him the truth about his father, and throughout the series, he has been distant, angry and cold to her, as well as Mac and the brothers.

In the last book, Blue discovered that the woman he was beginning to trust and care for, though through the internet, was in fact someone who knew Cass, and after finding Cass’s diary, he begins to suspect she knows more then she claims. Broken some more that he was lied to once again, Blue gets drunk and wakes up after a one night stand with the local waitress, Emily Shiver. As much as he tries, he finds it difficult to forget that passionate night with Emily.

Emily is our heroine in this book, and she is sweet and very well liked. Emily can’t forget Blue either, and when she finds out she is pregnant, she is forced by her brother to tell Blue.

What follows is a sweet slow to build romance. Once he found out Emily was pregnant with his child, Blue began to change. He pushes himself into Emily’s life, as he does not want his child to be abandoned, like he was. Throughout the earlier books, Blue was one angry young man, and it was so nice to see him slowly melt and try to fit in. He opens himself again to Mac, and slowly to his three half brothers, who have been trying to show him acceptance as one of theirs. Now with the baby coming, all the Cavanaugh’s plan on forcing themselves into Blue’s life, as they consider the baby their niece. This was a very n ice and fun part watching them show up, and include Blue and Emily into their lives.

They will all band together, including Emily’s cop brother to find the proof that Blue’s is right in his insistence that he knows who killed Cass. There are some exciting parts, especially when Emily’s life is now in danger.

This was a very enjoyable story, a nice couple, a great family, sweet romance, and exciting. Bonded was a fitting end to this series, as the Cavanaugh Brothers will be missed. I suggest you start with the first book, Branded, since each book gives you more information about the mystery of who killed their sister.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Excerpt

 

He was standing in one corner, head down, boots crossed at the ankle. He looked dirty. But the good kind of dirty. Cowboy dirty. Jeans caked in mud, boots worn and caked in mud. Faded red shirt. He looked up then and caught her standing there, staring. For one brief moment, Emily hoped she might see something in his eyes that said he was glad to see her. But instead, his face was dark with anger, like he’d had a lot of time to think.She swallowed hard and wished she was anywhere else.He didn’t move. Just crossed his arms over his chest and regarded her. “Emily Shiver.”“I’m so sorry about this,” she said, coming over to his cell.“I believe your brother’s gone crazy.”“I know.” She thrust the key in the lock and opened the door. Maybe she really wouldn’t forgive Steven. Blood or no blood.

“What does he think happened between us?” Blue asked, remaining where he was, despite the open door. “What did you tell him?”

Her gut churned. “What do you mean?”

He gave her a look that said, Come on, now. “I should be online paying a speeding ticket, not hanging out in a cage.” He stared at her, his gorgeous face all hard angles, his eyes an incredible shock of blue. “This was personal.”

“He just thinks we hung out . . . ,” she said with forced ease.

“Hung out,” he repeated.

“He’s protective,” she continued. “Overly protective.”

Blue was watching her as she spoke, and she could see it in his eyes. He knew she wasn’t telling him the truth, and it pissed him off more than his ass being stuck in jail for fifteen miles over.

“It’s a brother thing,” she finished stupidly.
His eyes flashed and he looked past her, down the hall. “Yeah, well, wouldn’t know about that.”

Her heart stuttered. God, she was really screwing this up. And she didn’t want to. It was the first time she was seeing him in weeks, since . . . “I’m so sorry, Blue. It won’t happen again. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Appreciate that.” He pushed away from the wall and walked up to her. For just a moment, his gaze rested on hers and a strange softness touched his expression. “It’s good to see you.”

Her heart pinched inside her ribs. “Yeah. You too.”

It was in that moment that Emily remembered how it felt to be close to this man. To be touched by him, regardless of the reason. How his skin smelled and had felt under her hands.

“You all right?” he asked, his gaze concerned.

The question caught her by surprise. Lord, was she all right? Probably not. She was pretty much a confused and scared mess. Tell him. Tell him, you moron. “Sure. ’Course.”

“And work?”

“Same,” she said, her voice near to a whisper. “You should stop in sometime.” God, she was an idiot.

His eyes darkened and his lips parted. “I don’t know . . .”

“I just mean if you’re thirsty,” she rambled on stupidly, then instantly wished she could take it back—or crawl into one of the cells and lock herself in.

“I should probably steer clear of bars for a while.”

Her gut tightened. Right. Sounded wise. Sounded like a pretty clear message too.

“Then again,” he amended, “it was nice having you take me home.”

Or a mixed message? “It was nice being there,” she offered.

“And yet, you left.”

She watched the shadow creep across his face. He didn’t trust her. Hell, he didn’t know her. Had slept with her, but didn’t know her. “I . . . It was a confusing situation. I felt—”

“It’s fine,” he cut her off, shaking his head. “Don’t worry about it. We all make bad decisions, right? Rash decisions—”

His words bit her heart, causing pain to flicker inside her. She didn’t think he was meaning to be insulting. Granted, he didn’t know what was going on. He was angry about the arrest. But it hurt to know he thought that night was a mistake.

 

 

giveaway

Laura’s publisher is offering a papercopy of BONDED to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from September 3-7, 2015

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Too Hard to Handle ( Black Knights Inc. #8) by Julie Ann Walker-Review and Book Tour

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TOO HARD TO HANDLE (Black Knights Inc. #8) by Julie Ann Walker-Review and Book tour

Too Hard to Handle

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 8, 2015

“The Man” is back

Dan “The Man” Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He’s hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan’s number one priority.

And this time she’s ready

A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she’s excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can’t forget. And a secret that’s going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TOO HARD TO HANDLE is the eighth installment in Julie Ann Walker’s adult, contemporary Black Knights Inc romantic/action, military suspense series focusing on an elite group of ex Navy SEALS, FBI, CIA and military heroes headquartered at a motorcycle shop known as Black Knights Inc. The men and women of Black Knights Inc are so far under the radar that they are blacker than Black Ops. This is Dark Ops operator Dan Currington, and former Secret Service agent Penni DePaul’s storyline. Penni and Dan were first introduced in FULL THROTTLE –book #7. TOO HARD TO HANDLE can be read as a standalone but each successive installment builds upon the previous storyline setting up another couple and the potential for a new relationship. Dan and Penni’s story advances the series approximately three months from their first encounter.

Told from several third person points of view TOO HARD TO HANDLE finds Black Knights operatives Dan Currington and Dagan Zoelner in Peru where a three month stake out has resulted in no sightings of a rogue CIA agent charged with selling classified government secrets. While the duo, along with special operations agent Chelsea Duvall, continue their surveillance, CIA agent Penni DePaul begins her search for Dan Currington in the hopes of sitting down and discussing the possibility of a future. What ensues, is less than perfect timing, when all h*ll breaks loose and the small group become a target of an unknown gunman. When the search for the rogue CIA agent strikes pay dirt, the gunman resurfaces and this time, not only are Penni, Dan, Dagan and Chelsea targeted, but so too, is their uncooperative rogue who refuses to talk unless a deal is made. A trip back to the USA finds Penni in the midst of the Black Knights operation and once again, she will be targeted when everything begins to spiral out of control.

The relationship between Penni and Dan is one of second chances; a brief affair, while on assignment, a few months earlier has left Dan questioning what it is he wants from Penni and for the future. Penni knows that her future has already been laid out-with or without Dan by her side. Dan has yet to reveal to Penni that he was once married and that his wife was brutally murdered at Black Knights Inc and the revelation will become the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’ when Penni believes that she is the rebound relationship and nothing more. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive. The mile high club will get two more members joining the long list of devotees.

TOO HARD TO HANDLE is an ensemble storyline with many of the previous storyline couples and characters playing supporting and secondary rolls throughout the story. Several of the girlfriends and wives will bring Penni into their growing family at Black Knights Inc., but it is Dan’s acceptance of what is and what is to come that will ensure Penni’s place in his heart and with the Black Knights family. There is a secondary storyline developing with a potential love match between Dagan Zoelner and Chelsea Duvall.

The world building continues to focus on the Black Ops assignments: the rescues, the take downs, the search and destroy missions that are not quite legal but sanctioned by the highest office in the land. Each storyline takes aim at terrorism, betrayal, espionage and treason. The men and women of Black Knights Inc. are called in when everything else has failed.

TOO HARD TO HANDLE is a fast paced, action packed storyline where Dan Currington will find the other half to his soul in Penni DePaul. The road to love is filled with heartbreak, grief and misunderstanding. The storyline premise is spirited, intense and suspenseful; the characters are inspiring and realistic; the romance is sensual and passionate; the happily ever after takes a few months to grab hold. Julie Ann Walker’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC. series is a must read every time.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

TooHardToHandleGraphic

Message from the Author

Hi everyone! Julie Ann Walker here, delighted to be talking today about my mad love for men on motorcycles whose hearts happen to be as big as their… ehem… hogs. (That’s slang for their bikes! Get your heads out of the gutter, you naughty readers! *wink, wink*)

But seriously, from the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, to Marlon Brando in The Wild One, to Charlie Hunnam in Sons of Anarchy, there has always been something about a guy riding around with rolled steel and a V-Twin engine between his legs. It sets our hearts aflutter. And in my Black Knights Inc. series, I try to take those badass bikers to a whole new level by also making them covert government operators. The series is all spies on bikes, leather and chrome, romance and redemption, action and adventure. So, what’s not to love? Nothing! I guarantee it.

Read on for an excerpt of TOO HARD TO HANDLE. You’ll see the men of Black Knights Inc. have heart, humor, and everything a woman could want in a man…

excerpt

“Luke Winterfield,” Dan growled. “Under the authority granted to me by the government of the United States of America, I hereby inform you that you’re totally screwed. You made a choice to sell out your country and now you’re gonna face the consequences. Reap the whirlwind, asshole.”
“Nice,” Zoelner said. “Have you been holding on to that one for a while?”
“Came up with it in Bogota,” Dan admitted, a definite grin in his tone.
“I like it.”
“Thought you might.”
Really, though,” Zoelner went on, “I was expecting some quote from Ted Nugent or Eminem.”
“I can come up with my own material, you know,” Dan insisted. “It’s just I like to give credit to my hometown whenever I can. To make up for the place getting such a bad rap.”
“Maybe it’s because so much bad rap has come out of there,” Zoelner mused. “Insane Clown Posse comes to mind.”
“Hey,” Dan whispered urgently, “don’t say that too loud. You’ll have groups of juggalos beating down your door.”
Zoelner snorted.
“And just so you know,” Dan went on, “what I’ve learned out of this lifetime is you should be proud of where you come from.”
“I’m waiting…”
“Kid Rock said that. Via his Twitter account.”
“And there it is.”

 

Series Spotlight

HELL ON WHEELS
(Black Knight Inc #1)
by Julie Ann Walker

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Click HERE for our review of HELL ON WHEELS

Hell on WheelsABOUT THE BOOK: August 7, 2012

He’s the bad boy she’s always wanted…

Nate “Ghost” Weller has loved Ali Morgan nearly half his life. But he’s done something so heinous he’s convinced she’ll never forgive him if she discovers the truth, so he keeps his feelings and his secrets to himself. Then she blows into town with a mother lode of bad guys on her tail and Nate can’t deny she’s in serious trouble. Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can help her.

She’s the good girl he’s kept at arm’s length…

Ali knows Nate as the most solemn, aloof man on the planet. Sadly, he’s also the sexiest. For years she’s avoided him, unable to stomach his dark scowls and brooding silences… especially when she secretly yearns for his touch. Now she must rely on him to save her from the malevolent shadows ghosting her every move. When the bullets explode, so does their passion. But can love really conquer all? Or are some things just too terrible to forgive?

________________________

IN RIDES TROUBLE
(Black Knights Inc #2)
by Julie Ann Walker

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Click HERE for our review of IN RIDES TROUBLE

In Rides TroubleABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2012

Rebel with a Cause

Becky “Rebel” Reichert never actually goes looking for trouble. It just has a tendency to find her. Like the day Frank Knight showed up at her door, wanting to use her motorcycle shop as a cover for his elite special ops team. But Becky prides herself on being able to hang with the big boys-she can weld, drive, and shoot just as well as any of them.

Man with a Mission

Munitions, missiles, and mayhem are Frank’s way of life. The last thing the ex-SEAL wants is for one brash blonde to come within fifty feet of anything that goes boom. Yet it’s just his rotten luck when she ends up in a hostage situation at sea. Come hell or high water, he will get her back-whether she says she needs him or not.

________________________

REV IT UP
(Black Knights Inc #3)
by Julie Ann Walker

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Click HERE for our review of REV IT UP

Rev It UpABOUT THE BOOK: October 2012

He’s the heartbreaker she left behind…

He Never Misses a Target

Jake “the Snake” Sommers earned his SEAL code name by striking quickly and quietly—and with lethal force. That’s also how he broke Michelle Carter’s heart. It was the only way to keep her safe—from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle’s loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow. Real slow…

She Aims to Make Him Beg

Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to “love her and leave her.” But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake’s hands. No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded. And once he’s wrapped around her heart, he’ll never let her go..

____________________

THRILL RIDE
(Black Knight Inc #4)
by Julie Ann Walker

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Click HERE for our review of THRILL RIDE

Thrill RideABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2013

He’s Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won’t Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist
very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…

_____________________

Born Wild
Black Knights Inc #5
by Julie Ann Walker

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Click HERE for our review of BORN WILD

Born WildBORN WILD (Black Knights Inc #5) by Julie Ann Walker

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2014

She’s got three rules:

1. Trust no one… Eve Edens has been abandoned, used, or manipulated by almost everyone she’s ever met. Born into ridiculous wealth, she’s dealt with the petty jealousies and sordid little resentments for nearly thirty years. But after three botched attempts on her life, she can no longer ignore the truth. Someone wants her dead.

2. Avoid the bad boys at all costs… William “Wild Bill” Reichert, the wonderfully sexy boy who abandoned her years ago, is back in town. Only he’s no boy. Now he’s a covert operative – and he’s all man. When Eve hires Bill to help her discover who is behind the attacks, Bill soon comes to suspect it’s someone much closer to Eve than she dares to believe.

3. And never fall for the same ruse twice… The search for the killer takes Bill and Eve deep into the dark secrets and strange world of the rich and famous, and into the heart of red-hot passion re-ignited by the peril that threatens to consume them both. But does Eve dare risk her heart on Bill a second time?

_______________________

Hell For Leather
Black Knights Inc #6
by Julie Ann Walker

Click HERE for our review of HELL FOR LEATHER

Hell-FOR-LEATHER-COVER.may 14jpgAmazon.com /Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

HELL FOR LEATHER (Black Knights Inc #6) by Julie Ann Walker

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 6, 2014

Only the most urgent crisis could force Delilah Fairchild to abandon her beloved biker bar and ask the surly Bryan “Mac” McMillan for help. Her uncle—the man who raised her—has vanished into thin air, and Mac is the only person with the right connections to help her find him. What the ex-FBI agent has against her is a mystery…but when the bullets start to fly, Mac is her only chance of finding her uncle alive.

Mac knows that beautiful women can’t be trusted, but he has to put his natural wariness of Delilah aside in order to help her. With the clock ticking, Mac and Delilah find themselves holding on to each other in the wildest adventure of their lives.

___________________

Full throttleFULL THROTTLE
Black Knights Inc. #7
by Julie Ann Walker
Release Date: December 2, 2014

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of FULL THROTTLE

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2, 2014

She Needs a Hero…

Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…

Black Knights, Inc. to the Rescue…

Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?

About The Author Black and Red

Julie Ann WalkerFOLLOW Julie: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Be sure to sign up for Julie’s occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com

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Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

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Dark Ghost
Carpathian series – Book #28
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 1, 2015

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Description:
He wasn’t civilized or tame. He had his own code and he lived by it.

Monk. Bounty hunter. Vampire slayer. Andre Boroi has spent centuries battling the undead, holding out against the dark with honor. But now, gravely wounded by master vampire Costin Popescu, Andre will be easy to track—his spilled blood marking the killing trail for Popescu and his hungry band of underlings. Andre’s only chance is to disappear into the gray mist of the Carpathians. To wait. To hope.
 
She had a healing touch and a scent that was his lifeblood.
 
In the mountains in search of a precious crystal, geologist Teagan Joanes suddenly finds herself hunted by those she once trusted. Then she comes across the warrior—wounded, wanting and irresistible. Andre has been craving her for an eternity: his lifemate. Her warmth envelops him. Her scent pulsates. And with every beat of her heart, Teagan surrenders to a passion she can’t possibly comprehend.
 
Now they are bound by destiny, but is it enough to keep them safe from a stalking, relentless darkness that threatens to swallow them alive?


Barb’s Review:

Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan is the 28th book in her Carpathian series. I thought Dark Ghost was a good story, but I did have mixed feelings; a major part of my feelings is that as I have said before, the old style seems to be missing. Other then the Skyler/Dimitri trilogy, which I did enjoy, the last few books have been a disappointment to me.

Dark Ghost was somewhat better, but still very reminiscent of the other later books. I have been waiting a long time for Andre’s story, and I really liked him a lot. Teagan is our heroine, and I liked her too, but did have mixed feelings with her too.

The story begins with Andre knowing he is getting closer his end, to meet the dawn. He goes underground to heal from major injuries fighting a master vampire, whom he hurt badly, but did not kill him. While he rests underground, Teagan, who is a healer, finds herself in danger, from a friend whom she trusted. Running away, she hides in a cave, and begins to search for a stone that she feels with help cure her grandmother. She comes upon an injured Andre, and uses her healing ability to cure many of his injuries. Much to his shock, Andre know this young woman is what he has been searching for all his life; the woman who will save him….his lifemate.

What follows is a story of a Carpathian hunter, who finds his love and his color/emotions back after centuries; a young woman, who can’t resist the alpha male who showers her with adoration, as well as possessiveness; danger in the Carpathian mountains from both humans and vampires. Most of all it the sexual relationship between Andre and Teagan.

What did I have mixed feelings about? Andre was great, but finding his lifemate and turning her so fast, did not really sit well with me. Teagan was very independent, and they fought  from from the start. But throughout the book she kept going back and forth to fight Andre or hopelessly devour him. So many times she changed her mind.  Just about 85% of the book took place in the Cave. (Reminded me of Dominic’s story). Not enough action, though I did enjoy the parts that Andre taught Teagan how to fly and her other powers. That was fun.  Sex, sex, sex and more sex. I like my steamy romances, but not when it over powers the story.

I thought Dark Ghost was better than many of the other recent books in this series, but Christine Feehan has taken this from a paranormal romance suspense with steamy sex to more of an erotic romance storyline.

 

Sandy’s Review:

DARK GHOST is the 28th installment in Christine Feehan’s adult, paranormal romance DARK (Carpathian) series focusing on a supernatural species known as the Carpathians. This is Carpathian Andre Boroi, and American climber Teagan Joanes’s storyline. DARK GHOST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males, must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul.

Told from third person point of view DARK GHOST finds our hero Andre in a fight for his life. A master vampire has targeted Andre, and their latest battle results in a struggle for survival. While Andre lies healing in the ground in the Carpathian Mountains, he will be awakened by the voice of his lifemate-Teagan Joanes-a woman he never knew existed until she was pulled to the very cave where Andre went to repair the damage inflicted by the master vampire. What ensues is Andre’s struggle to understand the mind of the modern woman, and the hunt for the person responsible for attacking his lifemate prior to her appearance in the cave.

DARK GHOST is a slow building story where the growing relationship between Teagan and Andre is the central focus of the storyline. Our couple is secluded in a healing cave in the Carpathian Mountains for most of the book, and there is very little outside influence or external conflict-the majority of the conflict bookends Teagan and Andre’s time in the Mountain cave. That’s not to say there wasn’t any contention; Teagan is a modern woman who refuses to acknowledge Andre’s need for control, and his over protective he-man attitude. She is unaware of the danger that searches for her new lifemate, and with it comes the struggles between a man used to the old ways, and a woman whose feminist ideology doesn’t allow for the give and take in a new, unexplored, supernatural relationship.

For fans of the series you may notice some changes over the last few storylines. The Carpathian claiming verse is longer with additional lines and content; to offer blood freely between two Carpathians now comes with longer prose and text; and Christine Feehan’s storylines are more violent towards women-there is the overriding issue of rape and torture that seems to be directed at many of the female characters-primary, secondary and supporting. I am not sure why the change of attack and the propensity for such anger, but it is something that I have noticed throughout the last few installments. I also had an issue with repetition (as a constant reminder) and redundancy–it was all too familiar from previous storylines.

DARK GHOST sees another ancient Carpathian saved from eternal damnation as the undead. Finding one’s lifemate brings with it the return of emotions, colors and feelings that have been lost for hundreds if not thousands of years. Andre’s endless cycle of hunting the vampire has the additional intensity of protecting his lifemate while he battles the friends who have chosen the dark side. Christine Feehan’s DARK/Carpathian series brought me back into the supernatural genre of vampires and immortals. Here’s hoping that many of the ancients previously introduced in the series find their lifemates before too long.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

 

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Christine’s publisher is offering a papercopy of DARK GHOST to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from September 2-6, 2015

 

 

 

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Bayou Heat 17-18: Rage /Killian by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright-a review

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RAGE/KILLIAN (Bayou Heat 17-18) by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright-a review

Rage Killian 1001 Dark Nightsjpg

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 11, 2015

RAGE
Rage might be an aggressive Hunter by nature, but the gorgeous male has never had a problem charming the females. All except Lucie Gaudet. Of course, the lovely Geek is a born troublemaker, and it was no surprise to Rage when she was kicked out of the Wildlands.

But now the Pantera need a first-class hacker to stop the potential destruction of their people. And it’s up to Rage to convince Lucie to help. Can the two forget the past—and their sizzling attraction—to save the Pantera?

REVIEW: RAGE is another quick read where a Pantera male finds his mate. For all intents and purposes Lucie is considered a risk; a feral female whose earlier life was riddled with abuse, neglect and a grandfather under the influence of a disease that attacked his mind. But somehow Lucie survived and has made a name for herself in the world of IT hacking, and it is her ability to hack into the cyber world that the Pantera are in desperate need. Rage has been commissioned to bring Lucie back to the Pantera Wildlands, but first they must deal with a cyber auction where the Pantera will be targeted once again. What ensues is a quick round of $ex where Rage’s inner feline discovers that Lucie is their mate before our couple head out to end the auction before it begins.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

KILLIAN
Gorgeous, brutal, aggressive, and human, Killian O’Roarke wants only two things: to get rid of the Pantera DNA he’s been infected with, and get back to the field. But the decorated Army Ranger never bargained on meeting the woman—the female—of his dreams on his mission to the Wildlands.

Rosalie lost her mate to a human, and now the Hunter despises them all. In fact, she thinks they’re good for only one thing: barbeque. But this one she’s guarding is testing her beliefs. He is proud and kind, and also knows the pain of loss. But in a time of war between their species, isn’t any chance of love destined for destruction?

REVIEW: KILLIAN focuses on a hybrid shifter named Killian O’Roarke-a former soldier who entered Bensen Enterprises in the hopes of treating his PTSD but found himself a prisoner who was subjected to experiments and injections of an unwelcome kind. Hoping for answers, Killian heads to the Pantera Wildlands where humans are not allowed-but Killian is no longer human-and his plea to rid himself of the beast within is met with the possibility of a future mate in the feisty but angry Rosalie, and a position within the Pantera family. The push and pull between Killian and Rosalie uncovers to what extent the experiments were successful.

•••••••••••••••••

RAGE / KILLIAN is the latest entry into the 1001 Dark Nights novella series. The BAYOU HEAT series continues to focus on Bensen Enterprises, and the experiments performed to create a super soldier in the face of human and Pantera objections and pain. As the paranormal/shifter series progresses, the Pantera continue to search for the person(s) responsible for the abhorrent experiments weaving a path of destruction, broken minds and emotional abuse for both Pantera and human, alike. Ivy and Wright’s storylines blend together to create a cohesive series about a species that were all but destroyed by hatred and disease. The characters are colorful, energetic and engaging; the romances are quick to build as per the novella outline and the Pantera’s need to mate; the happily ever after has yet to come to fruition. The BAYOU HEAT series is intense, dramatic and always a welcome addition to any paranormal library.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Archangel’s Enigma (Guild Hunter 8) by Nalini Singh-Dual Review and Giveaway

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ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA ( Guild Hunter #8) by Nalini Singh-Dual Review and Giveaway

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Archangel’s Enigma
Guild Hunter #8
by Nalini Singh
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Archangel's Enigma

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 1, 2015

Naasir is the most feral of the powerful group of vampires and angels known as the Seven, his loyalty pledged to the Archangel Raphael. When rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients, Naasir is dispatched to find him. For only he possesses the tracking skills required—those more common to predatory animals than to man.

Enlisted to accompany Naasir, Andromeda, a young angelic scholar with dangerous secrets, is fascinated by his nature—at once playful and brilliant, sensual and brutal. As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it’s too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows…and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his world. But first they must survive an enemy vicious enough to shatter the greatest taboo of the angelic race and plunge the world into a screaming nightmare

••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA is the eight installment in Nalini Singh’s amazing Guild Hunter’s adult, paranormal romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is Naasir and Andromeda’s storyline.

Naasir is an enigma-part vampire part beast; his origins are unknown to everyone but the Archangel Raphael. As part of Raphael’s group of seven Naasir is an unknown whose own history is that of fairy tales and legends. With his ability to blend quietly into the shadows and hunt his prey as a lion hunts a gazelle, Naasir cannot be tamed; his wildness endears him to others and to his own survival. Naasir is determined to find a mate, and his introduction to the angel scholar Andromeda finds Naasir dreaming of plans for the future with Andromeda by his side. But Andromeda’s future has been stolen and is no longer her own; she is blood oathed to servitude for the next 500 years.

Told from several third person points of view ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA continues to focus on the Cascade-an apocalypse of sorts-that will see the Archangels at war and the destruction of mankind. As one of their own sets out to destroy the former Archangel of Persia, Andromeda will find herself a prisoner in a gilded cage when she is targeted for information regarding the whereabouts of Archangel Alexander. Naasir, believing Andromeda is his mate, goes in search of the woman that calls to his inner beast. But their journey is far from over when our couple must venture into enemy territory in the hopes of preventing the destruction of another Archangel who sleeps the Sleep of the Ancients.

ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA is fascinating and revealing storyline with an ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters who play pivotal roles throughout the story. When I say ‘revealing’ I mean there is a vast amount of history revealed with regards to the Archangels, their history, and the power with which they rule. Illium aka Bluebell will struggle for his life, while Raphael’s powers grow exponentially in the face of the upcoming Cascade. No one is safe when an Archangel lost to the dark side seeks revenge and total control of all of the Archangel’s dominions.

Nalini Singh is a master storyteller. Her ability to weave an intoxicating tale of Archangels and angels, vampires and shifters is a wonderful testament to the magic that is Nalini Singh. Her series are addicting, breathtaking and dramatic.

 

 

Barb’s Review

Archangel’s Enigma by Nalini Singh is the 8th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. As I have said before, just when you think Nalini can’t beat the previous heroes, she blows you away once again.

I was looking forward to reading Naasir’s story, especially after the last book. With all the wonderful heroes in the Guild Hunter series, I shocked myself by falling hopelessly in love with Naasir. In Archangel’s Enigma we learn so much more about Naasir; his fierceness, loyalty, determination to get what he wants, his somewhat childlike mind, ability to love with all his heart, as well as finding out what he truly is.   Naasir was such a delight, as he was so much fun with his teasing and banter, and within a moment’s notice, he can turn into the fierce being that he is to fight the enemy and protect those he cares about.

Raphael finds out that Lijuan is secretly trying to kill Alexander, an archangel who has been sleeping for many years. He decides to send Naasir to meet Andromeda, an angelic scholar, and together they are to find and warn Alexander of the impending attack. Naasir isn’t thrilled having to go on assignment, since he is anxiously looking for his mate, especially when he discovers that Andromeda cannot be that mate, since she has a vow of celibacy.

Andromeda (Andi) was the perfect partner for Naasir. She is smart, studies and knows everything about all the Archangels, not mention she can handle a knife or sword, since she was secretly trained how to protect herself. Andi is determined to help Naasir before she is sent home to become part of her family destiny of being on another Archangel’s Court, which no one knows about.

Before they begin to travel, Andi is kidnapped by Lijuan’s warriors to help her find Alexander first. But Naasir, who is unstoppable, works with Jason to rescue Andi, and the adventure is on to find Alexander before the evil Lijuan kills him. This is an exciting pulse pounding story, that Nalini does so well, but the best part of it all was watching Naasir and Andi together. They made an awesome pair, with their teasing and banter; not to mention them protecting each other as they fought many battles. I got a kick out of Andi early on telling Naasir that she will give up her celibacy if he can find a fabled long lost book. He agrees to the terms, determined to find it, so that they can finally “rut” together. So much fun in between all the tense action.

The world building continues, as we watch the effects for all as the Cascade continues to get stronger. I loved being able to see Raphael, Elena, Dimitri, Jessamy, Aodan and Bluebell, among others. The climatic ending was not only exciting and tense, but also wonderful. Archangel’s Enigma was an exciting, non-stop action filled, and a fun beautiful romance, with a fabulous couple. If you have not read Guild Hunter, you are missing a wonderful series. If you have never read Nalini Singh, you need to start soon, as she is one of the best authors, with two sensational series, Psy/Changling and Guild Hunter.

 

Copy supplied by the Publisher

 

giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Nalini’s publisher are offering a papercopy of ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting, refresh the page and you should be able to comment where necessary.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Nalini Singh on Facebook

4. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

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

6. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from September 1-5 2015

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