Monthly Archives: February 2016

Kings Rising by C.S. Pacat – a Review

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Kings Rising by C.S. Pacat – a Review

 

Kings Rising
Captive Price Trilogy – Book #3
by C.S. Pacat
Release Date: February 2, 2015

Kings RisingAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Damianos of Akielos has returned.

His identity now revealed, Damen must face his master Prince Laurent as Damianos of Akielos, the man Laurent has sworn to kill.

On the brink of a momentous battle, the future of both their countries hangs in the balance. In the south, Kastor’s forces are massing. In the north, the Regent’s armies are mobilising for war. Damen’s only hope of reclaiming his throne is to fight together with Laurent against their usurpers.

Forced into an uneasy alliance the two princes journey deep into Akielos, where they face their most dangerous opposition yet. But even if the fragile trust they have built survives the revelation of Damen’s identity – can it stand against the Regent’s final, deadly play for the throne?

 

 

Review:

Kings Rising by C.S. Pacat is the 3rd book in her Captive Prince trilogy. When I started this trilogy, I did not know what to expect, though the description sounded very good. I was also one of the lucky ones who did not have to wait a few years for the final book, as I read all three together. At the start of the first book, The Captive Prince, I worried as it was dark, and what our hero, Damen had to go through was mortifying. Damen having been forced into slavery, betrayed by his family to another country, and answering to his master, Prince Laurent. However, once I was a third way through, there was no turning back. I loved Damen and Laurent, who was the villain of the early part, but that slowly changed.   I loved The Captive Prince, and the second book, Prince’s Gambit, and loved Damen and Laurent. I was totally hooked and couldn’t wait to read the final book, Kings Rising.

In Kings Rising, Damen is now revealed to be Damianos, of Akielos, who had killed Laurent’s brother years before.   Damen was working closely with Laurent to win a war developing that will make Laurent the rightful King of Vere, and bring Damen back to Akielos to fight for his rightful throne. Now that Laurent knows who he is, will the friendship and love they have developed turn them into enemies?

I do not want to give spoilers, and so much happens in this book that had some surprises, reveals, which had us holding our breaths throughout.   Kings Rising was such an exciting, exhilarating story that I could not put the book down, as I had to know how this would end. Would both Damen and Laurent survive? Would they allow their growing love continue? Would they ever be Kings?

C.S. Pacat wrote a wonderful, tense, exciting, mindboggling story with a romance that blew us away. I do not read much M/M romances, but this one with all the bad and beautiful was so well done. Damen and Laurent were so different, but so right. The last half of the book was so exciting, intense, filled with danger, suspense, and right to the end we feared for the lives of those we loved. Bravo to Pacat for giving us such an awesome and perfect finish to this fabulous trilogy.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully by Megan Tayte – Review & Giveaway

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Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully by Megan Tayte – Review & Giveaway

 

Darkly, Deeply, BeautifullyAmazon

Description:
DARKNESS HAS FALLEN, AND SHE ALONE WILL SEE THE LIGHT.

The Ceruleans: mere mortals infused with power over life and death. Five books; one question: If the might of the heavens were in your hands, would you be sinner or saint?

With her mother’s life hanging in the balance, Scarlett is devastated – and done with being in the dark. She wants answers, all of them.

But when was her pursuit of the truth ever straightforward?

Pulling a single thread impels a great unravelling. And each revelation will force Scarlett to rethink what she thought she knew about the Ceruleans, the Fallen, her family – herself.

All that came before was a mere prelude to this, the last journey. From London to Twycombe to Hollythwaite to Cerulea, Scarlett will be stalked by the ghosts of what has been, what may have been and what may come to pass. Until she reaches the place where it all began, and it all must end.

But in the final reckoning, none will survive unscathed. And some will not survive at all.

In this explosive conclusion to The Ceruleans series, all must be defined by their actions: sinner, saint… or something more beautiful entirely?


Review:

Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully is book five in the Cerulean series by Megan Tayte. After the most epic of cliffhangers in book four, we may finally find out all the answers to the burning questions we all want to know!

Scarlett’s life has been a whirlwind lately. Finding out she is Cerulean and able to heal people. Finding out who her father is and that he is the leader of the opposition – a faction called The Fallen. And that her sister Sienna is still alive but has chosen the dark, she has chose to join The Fallen. But the burning question is who attempted to kill her mother and put her in a coma?  Who would want to hurt Scarlett or her family? And why now? 

With her ever faithful boyfriend Luke still by her side, she is still struggling to find a balance between being Cerulean and leading a normal life.  The ability to heal others comes with consequences. And trying to figure out how to live her life with Luke in it is a struggle. She waivers and questions, but never loses the love she has for him.

Scarlett is beginning a relationship now with her father, the leader of The Fallen, Gabriel. And his story isn’t at all what she has been led to believe. Even though her father was cast out of Cerulea – Scarlett still wants to find out the answers to all the questions about her father! Scarlett is also attempting to rebuild her relationship with her sister Sienna. But Sienna doesn’t want her involved in her life and she has secrets she just isn’t ready to share yet. 

This novel flowed beautifully from the previous ones. Questions are answered, rights are corrected, good really can conquer evil and things usually aren’t as they seem. I loved this final book… What a journey this has been.

Scarlett has evolved in to a very strong, young woman. Her relationship with Luke is strong, although there are things she just can’t confess to him. Not just yet. Luke is the rock, the one that is always there for Scarlett. Always protecting her and loving her the best ways he knows how! Luke’s sister Cara and her boyfriend Si’s story continues, as their relationship builds. Again, they are always there for Scarlett and supporting her in friendship.  I truly changed my thoughts on Gabriel and Sienna just as Scarlett did. Realizing that judging a book by its cover isn’t always the best thing to do, and I was completely ecstatic that Jude and Sienna have found a common ground and love. The total shocker was who had hurt Scarlett’s mother.

I believe I may have ugly cried when all was revealed – Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully! 
The characters evolved,  the story continued to pull you in, and wrap you in its arms…  A wonderful series with a beautiful, thought provoking ending.  Leaving you to wonder – what would you sacrifice for love? 



Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

 

About the author

Megan Tayte

Once upon a time a little girl told her grandmother that when she grew up she wanted to be a writer. Or a lollipop lady. Or a fairy princess fireman. ‘Write, Megan,’ her grandmother advised. So that’s what she did.

Thirty-odd years later, I’m a professional writer and published author by day, and an indie novelist by night. My fiction recently earned me the SPR’s Independent Woman Author of the Year award.

I write the kinds of books I love to read: young-adult romance fiction with an edge of paranormal. Young adult, because it’s the time of life that most embodies freedom and discovery and first love. Romance, because I’m a misty-eyed dreamer who lives for those ‘life is so breathtakingly beautiful’ moments. And paranormal, because I’ve always believed that there are more things in heaven and on earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy.

I grew up in the Royal County, a hop, skip and a (very long) jump from Windsor Castle, but these days I make my home in a village of Greater Manchester. I live with my husband, a proud Scot who occasionally kicks back in a kilt; my son, a budding artist with the soul of a palaeontologist; and my baby daughter, a keen pan-and-spoon drummer who sings in her sleep. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me walking someplace green, reading by the fire, or creating carnage in the kitchen as I pursue my impossible dream: of baking something edible.

 

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Today’s 4th Anniversary Celebration-Berkley Romance Giveaway

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Today’s 4th Anniversary Celebrations-Berkley Romance Giveaway

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Berkley Romance publishers are graciously offering a 5 book collection to ONE (1) lucky commenter.

ONE (1) commenter will receive all 5 paper books from Berkley Publishing

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Today’s 4th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway from G.A. Hurst

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Today’s 4th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway with G. A. Hurst

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G. A. Hurst is offering an ebook copy of HEART OF AN ALPHA to three (3) lucky commenters

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Enchanted Warrior by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Enchanted Warrior by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

 

Enchanted WarriorAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
An ancient evil rises. An ancient warrior awakens.

In an age clouded by legend, Gawain was one of King Arthur’s greatest knights. When he awakens centuries after the fall of Camelot, he faces his most daunting quest yet—the search for his missing companions. His hope is that Tamsin Greene, the alluring historian at Medievaland Theme Park, can help him. Then he senses the magic within her… Gawain will now have to trust a witch—and his own heart—to rouse the knights of the Round Table and save humanity from a faery onslaught.

 

Review:

King Arthur and his knights are endlessly adaptable. It’s what Sharon Ashwood says, believes, and translates beautifully in her new novel, Enchanted Warrior. With my limited knowledge on the legendary subject, I envisioned Mushu from Disney’s Mulan awakening the guardians. Shame on me. Gawain is no mere protector. He’s sworn his fealty to King Arthur and exhibits an unparalleled devotion. That is, until Tamsin Greene enchants our warrior.

“Mordred is using stealth, not armies, and his first priority is finding the tombs to stop the Round Table from rising. You need to find your friends and wake them at once.”

A new war with recurring enemies looms and Gawain is set to assemble the Knights of the Round Table as prophesied. The fact that it’s modern-day Medievaland in Washington State is sure to pose problems for an unprepared (let alone missing!) group. Wait. This is Gawain we’re talking about! The dicier the situation, the more from which to adapt and triumph. Aligning himself with faeries, foes-turned-friends, is a question for later, but principal on Gawain’s list is to recruit the assistance of the bewitching (heavy on the base word) historian, Tamsin. Witches aren’t to be trusted and Gawain learned that the hard way.

Though his tactics were brutish and domineering, Tamsin would be lying if she said her interest wasn’t piqued by Gawain’s otherworldliness. Tamsin is trying to gain respect as a loremaster within her coven, and as surreal as the situation presents itself, Gawain’s oath took on special significance to her core beliefs. Tamsin sensed Gawain was dangerous, but since she didn’t count herself adversary (something she repeatedly bashes into his head!) the real threat lay in losing her heart to him.

When Tamsin’s collaboration comes attached with a quid pro quo, will Gawain honor his bargain or shrug off his chivalry? The cast of characters was large, but easy to follow. The fall of Camelot wreaked havoc on all the factions and, unsurprisingly, no one is particularly trustworthy. “Pain and privation eventually take their toll. Their silence breaks.” Enemies make for interesting bedfellows, but their plights are written so convincingly, so passionately, you champion them all!

There’s so much to love in Enchanted Warrior. I found myself swept up in the cloud of magic. Revelations created bonds and illuminated true strengths. Ms. Ashwood gave proper respect to the craft and her spells invoked wonderful imagery as they came to fruition. An understanding, an embracing of power, intensified a love intrinsic to Gawain and Tamsin. The kind of love that transcends time.

What a fabulous read! While I may have stumbled on facts and had to research its history, Sharon Ashwood never faltered in her storytelling; I was captivated and bewitched! 😉
Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Ghost Talker by Robin D. Owens – a Review

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Ghost Talker by Robin D. Owens – a Review

 

Ghost TalkerAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
An angry poltergeist is stirring up trouble at Buffalo Bill’s grave, and Clare and Zach have been hired to investigate. Assisting them on the case as usual is their ghost dog Enzo, but they’re also aided by the restless ghost of Bill’s friend, Texas Jack. Meanwhile, the most well-known psychic in Denver is angered by Clare’s involvement in the case and will do whatever it takes to stop her.

Of course, facing threats both living and undead are nothing new for Clare and Zach. Their relationship has weathered many storms. But there is a growing danger inside of Clare that could tear them both apart…

 

 

Review:

Ghost Talker by Robin D. Owens is the 4th book in her Ghost Seer series. I enjoy this series, as it is a different type of read for me, with ghosts as the main theme.   Robin D. Owens is a wonderful writer and I love two of her other series.   She can take any theme, usually different and paranormal or fantasy and make it fun and believable; she also has a way of creating great characters.

In Ghost Talker, we meet up again with Clare, Zach and Enzo as Clare is involved once again to help a ghost move on. But first there usually is a mystery or something to prolong it. I loved Ghost Talker and I thought this was the best one yet. Clare becomes more confident, and her relationship with Zach grows into love for both of them. Together, with Enzo, our loveable ghost dog, they all three make a great team.

This new case for Clare had a nice calmer ghost, not some evil spirits from previous stories. There was a villain, who pretended to talk to the dead, taking people’s money and being the fraud he was. He was determined to bring Clare down. Actually the story revolved around two ghosts, Texas Jack and a poltergeist, who is a recent ghost who is confused and wild. Before Clare and team can help Jack move on, he had to help them solve the issue of the new ghost and help him move on.

This was a fun story, with a lot of attention paid to Clare and Zach’s hot romance, and the coming to terms with their calling and accepting it. Though Clare is the Ghost Seer; Zach does have some psychic ability of his own, which is more of a warning system with crows. There was excitement and danger, especially when the fraudulent medium sees his ruse being revealed and goes after Clare. To tell too much more would be spoilers.

I really enjoyed this story, and am very happy that Clare has finally fully accepted her calling.   Again, Enzo makes this a fun journey with his antics and helping both Clare and Zach. Robin D. Owens does a wonderful job of continuing the adventures of Clare, Zach and Enzo with an exciting, at times tense, historical tale of the old west, though in modern times, and the great romance between Clare and Zach. If you enjoy mysteries, adventure, excitement, fun, ghost element and a sexy couple, you should be reading this series.   I suggest you start with the first book, since you need to see the growth of Clare, Zach and Enzo. You can never go wrong with anything written by Robin Owens.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Today’s 4th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway from Entangled (Indulgence & Select)

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Today’s 4th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway from Entangled (Indulgence & Select)

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ONE (1) commenter will win the 2 ebook prize package from Entangled Indulgence

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ONE (1) commenter will win the 2 ebook prize package from Entangled Select

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Today’s 4th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway from Katie Reus

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Today’s 4th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway with Katie Reus

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Katie Reus is graciously offering a paper copy of A COVERT AFFAIR and HUNTED BY DARKNESS to ONE (1) lucky commenter

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