Monthly Archives: June 2016

Awakened (Intimate Relations 3) by Kate Douglas-a review

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AWAKENED (Intimate Relations 3) by Kate Douglas-a review

Awakened

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2016

PASSION NEVER SLEEPS.

Small-town barista Mandy Monroe will never forget the first time she saw the man of her dreams. Every morning, this impossibly gorgeous hunk would ride his bike past her coffee shop, fueling her wildest romantic fantasies. But when she learns that her crush is none other than vineyard owner Marc Reed, one of America’s hottest young entrepreneurs, Mandy knows her fantasy will never become a reality. That is, until Marc’s home burns down and he moves in with her…

As a roommate, Marc is as warm, friendly, and down-to-earth as he is rich, famous, and heartstoppingly handsome. But beneath his laidback exterior beats the heart of a red-blooded man with an uncontrollable urge to take Mandy in his arms and make mad, passionate love to her. Mandy is everything he’s ever wanted; she’s sweet, smart, funny, and irresistibly sexy. But how he can tell her the truth about his past? How can he explain the nightmares that haunt him every night? And how can he tell Mandy he loves her…without putting her heart, and her life, in danger?

••••••••••

REVIEW: AWAKENED is the third and final installment in Kate Douglas’s contemporary, adult INTIMATE RELATIONS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a tight knit group of friends. This is billionaire/IT developer/vineyard owner Marc Reed, and barista Mandy Monroe’s story line. AWAKENED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order of back story and information about the friendships and hardships the characters have had to endure.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Marc and Mandy) AWAKENED follows the building relationship between billionaire Marc Reed, and coffee shop barista Mandy Monroe. Throughout the series Marc and Mandy have been dancing around one another; the sexual attraction is palpable but neither one made any movement to attract the other’s attention. When Mandy’s roommates and their significant others leave town for the week, Marc makes his move and the couple is quick make up for lost time. The mystery and suspense weaves itself from the beginning when Marc’s nightmares reveal the truth about happened in the past as Marc and Mandy begin to unravel the clues that have remained dormant in Marc’s mind. A search for the truth brings danger and threats to our leading couple.

The story line follows several paths including a small look at each of the couples from the previous installments including photographer Jake Lowell and his fiancé/model Kaz Kasanov; US Army major and Jake’s brother Ben Lowell, and his fiancé/PA Lola Monroe (Mandy’s sister); and Nate and Cassie Dunagan from the prequel novella-TANGLED- that can be found in the HOT ALPHAS anthology (May 2015).

AWAKENED is a story of romance and intrigue; betrayal and revenge; family and friends. The premise is fateful; the characters are passionate and colorful; the romance is intimate and affectionate. AWAKENED wraps up several loose ends between all of the couples, as well as the introduction of a new couple considered a part of the extended family. Kate Douglas’s INTIMATE RELATIONS series is engaging, enjoyable and will captivate your imagination.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Tangled (Hot Alphas)
Intimate
Redemption
Awakened

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Wicked Ride (The Wicked Horse #4) by Sawyer Bennett- Review and Book Tour

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WICKED RIDE (The Wicked Horse #4) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book tour

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WICKED RIDE
Wicked Horse #4
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: June 28, 2016

Wicked Ride

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28 2016

I think this woman may be the death of me. A dire prediction, but probably true.

Probably true because she’s not mine to have and I’ll probably take her, even at the risk to my own safety. So many men slobbering to get a taste of her and only one, sweet, virginal girl to go around.

That’s right.

She’s a virgin.

Looking like a porcelain china doll that would break if not handled carefully. But I also know she’s stronger than she looks.

She’s a contradiction.

She’s most likely my downfall.

Like I said, she’ll probably be the death of me, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

**Warning: this book has sex in it. Lots of sex. Dirty sex. The Wicked Horse Series is a bit different than what Sawyer Bennett normally writes. While you’ll still enjoy fabulous characters, a suspenseful story, some witty banter and an epic romance, there’s just… a lot of sex. You’ve been warned.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: WICKED RIDE is the fourth installment in Sawyer Bennett’s adult, contemporary Wicked Horse erotic, romance series-a spinoff from her Last Call series. This is Logan McKay and Auralie Foster’s story line. WICKED RIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the timeline overlaps with the events of WICKED NEED (book 3).

NOTE: WICKED RIDE contains scenes or references to BDSM, oral sex, questionable consent, multiple partners, and sexual situations that may be triggers for some readers.

Told from dual first person points of view (Logan and Auralie) WICKED RIDE follows Auralie Foster- a twenty year old whose virginity will be sold to the highest bidder at The Silo-the exclusive sex club where money is no object and membership comes with a price. Enter Logan McKay-one of The Silo’s ‘fantasy makers’ and the man who has fallen for our story line heroine. Logan has played a secondary and supporting role throughout the series and has a ‘close’ relationship with Rand.

Auralie has found herself in a predicament-one from which she is unable to run; one that could mean the life or death of someone close. And a predicament that is further complicated when she finds herself attracted to Logan McKay- a man with a dark past, dark secrets and a need to rescue our story line heroine. What ensues are Logan’s attempts to uncover the story behind Auralie’s present circumstance, and Auralie’s needs to learn about the man with whom she is falling in love. Logan refuses to acknowledge his past – a past that controls his present with nightmares and forbidden memories.

Bridger Payne, The Silo manager plays a supporting role throughout the story. He is a man with even darker secrets but a man with the ability to get things done. He is a master with the whip, and his past is shrouded in pain and heartbreak. Bridger’s story will be told next in Wicked Bond.

WICKED RIDE continues to focus on The Silo- the private and segregated sex club where membership is steep and the members vetted and well to do. Nothing is off limits between consenting adults but Auralie’s consent and presence at the club is questionable. The $ex scenes are numerous, graphic and erotic.

Sawyer Bennett writes a provocative story line; a sensual look at two people running from their pasts; a sexually energetic tale that will captivate your imagination. The premise is erotic and impassioned; the characters are spirited and lost; the romance is passionate and intense. You don’t want to miss Logan and Auralie’s story.

Reading Order and previous reviews
1. Wicked Fall
2. Wicked Lust
3. Wicked Need
4. Wicked Ride

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Wicked Ride Teaser

About The Author Black and White

SIGN UP for Sawyer Bennett’s newsletter HERE

Sawyer BennettBest-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

 

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Only You by Cheryl Holt-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

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Only You by Cheryl Holt-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Only You

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / itunes / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1, 2016

CHERYL HOLT does it again with another fast-paced, dramatic tale of seduction, passion, and romance. This time, love blooms on a lazy, decadent trip down the Nile!

Lady Theodosia Postlewaite, known as Theo to her family and friends, has always had the worst luck. On the night her betrothal was to be announced, she was unwittingly caught in a compromising situation. With her engagement ended and her reputation in tatters, her incensed father demands she flee the gossip by accompanying her dour, grumpy aunt on a sightseeing trip to Egypt. Theo reluctantly agrees, and she’s determined to spend the months abroad proving she possesses the highest moral character. Most especially, she vows to never so much as speak to a handsome man ever again.

Soloman Grey has lived in Egypt for the past decade. His own scandal chased him out of London, and he’s built a new life for himself as an adventurer and explorer. Because of the gossip that ruined him, he doesn’t trust anyone, and he constantly vows that he’ll never so much as glance at a pretty woman ever again.

But when Soloman meets Theo, he’s dragged into her world in a dozen ways he never intended. She’s beautiful, funny, and lonely, and he can’t resist. Yet, he’s the bastard son of an earl, so he could never be worthy of her. When her relatives would do anything to keep them apart, dare he risk all to have her for his very own?

••••••

REVIEW:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Ah .. nothing like a good book that delivers what I like to refer to as a lazy read. So easy to flip page after page (or in my case the e-reader screen) when a story just naturally captivates and flows so well. Only You by Cheryl Holt is a historical romance with maybe a side of erotica (some may think so) that collides two souls that were seriously made for one another. I can see reading this on the beach this summer, or swinging on a hammock in the breeze. Just pure indulgent reading. LOL

Lady Theodosia Postlewaite is an English lady who has had her life mapped out for her. She is going to marry (insert stuffy so wrong for her Englishmen) because her father says it’s so. On Christmas Eve, just before her betrothal is announced, Theo hears some ladies gossiping about her soon to be fiance, and his mistress he has no desire to give up. These mean girls rip Theo to shreds behind her back (little did they know they were heard), but they also open Theo’s eyes to the kind of life that is waiting for her with this marriage. Theo is naive, lonely, obedient and she is just going through the motions of life without thinking she is missing out on any thing special. When she is caught in a chance encounter with another man, her betrothal is broken, she is ruined and sent off with Auntie Dearest on what she believes is exile. It just so happens to be life changing and one heck of an adventure.

Soloman Grey … SIGH! I really like Soloman Grey. Soloman is considered a bastard in polite English society, but he is a recognized bastard. He is embraced by his father, loved by his father and before he his father passes away, Soloman is given guardianship of the estate on behalf of his legitimate baby brother. When Soloman’s baby brother disappears, everyone assumes Soloman took care of business in order to inherit the family fortune. He is completely shuned and in order to escape the assumptions and mutters and downright rudeness of polite society, he willingly leaves England, which to some, means he confirms his guilt.

Both Theo and Soloman paths cross in Egypt. I suppose this is a quest of sorts .. a quest of self discovery and healing. While Soloman tries his hardest to stay away from Theo he eventually just gives in to this incredible woman (although there is lots of taking and giving on both ends ..lol). It’s like neither of them knew that they needed the other until they experienced what it is like to have each other. Friendship and a one hot romance soon follows as we get a tour down the Nile River.

Add in some adventure, exotic foreign experiences and a big fat middle finger to polite society (when they get to that point, I swear I high fived my ereader ..lol) and you have one fantastic book. I love historical romance that throws anything proper out the door, and allows for characters to bloom in a strange setting, and this is exactly what Cheryl has allowed her lead characters to do. Both came into their own and brought out the best in the other. Of course there is some angst and danger, and some serious jerkfaces, but I will not go into any of that as you can find that out for yourself.

If you love the historical romance genre, and you are looking for a fantastic read this summer, I strongly recommend this book. You will get the action, adventure, suspense and hot steamy smexy here. I can’t wait for you to write more Cheryl Holt!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Rachel T.

 

About The Author Black and Blue

Follow: Goodreads / Website /Twitter /Facebook

Cheryl HoltCHERYL HOLT is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon “Top 100” bestselling author who has published over forty novels.

She’s also a lawyer and mom, and at age forty, with two babies at home, she
started a new career as a commercial fiction writer. She’d hoped to be a
suspense novelist, but couldn’t sell any of her manuscripts, so she ended
up taking a detour into romance where she was stunned to discover that she has a knack for writing some of the world’s greatest love stories.

Her books have been released to wide acclaim, and she has won or been nominated for many national awards. She is considered to be one of the masters of the romance genre. For many years, she was hailed as “The Queen of Erotic Romance”, and she’s also revered as “The International Queen of Villains.” She is particularly proud to have been named “Best Storyteller of the Year” by the trade magazine Romantic Times BOOK Reviews.

She lives and writes in Hollywood, California, and she loves to hear from fans.

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Wild Rider (Bad Boy Bikers #2) by Lydia Pax-a review

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WILD RIDER (Bad Boy Bikers #2) by Lydia Pax-a review

Wild Rider

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 21, 2016

IF HE CAN’T HAVE HER, HE’LL TAKE HER.

HELEN

Beretta drives me insane for all the wrong reasons. It’s not just how his jaw-dropping warrior’s body makes me ache so right. He’s an apex alpha in a world of testerone-fueled badasses, and he makes me feel safe when I know I’m not. Safety with a badass outlaw like him is like strapping yourself to a mast in a hurricane, but that doesn’t stop me from holding on for dear life. We can’t ever be together; there’s too much pain in our history. Even so, I’ll be damned if my body doesn’t light on fire when he’s near. Maybe, even if he’s a killer and an outlaw…he’s just who I need.

BERETTA

My outlaw brothers and I were born bad. We fight, we ride, we steal, and we kill. There’s nothing else I know. Then I met Helen. Those hips that make my body quake. Those soul-stealing kisses. I need to have her as much as I need the next beat of my heart. But, danger surrounds me. The only way I can protect her is to make her my old lady. She doesn’t understand. I don’t give a damn. I’ll make her mine whether she likes it or not.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: WILD RIDER is the second installment in Lydia Pax’s contemporary, adult BAD BOY BIKERS erotic, romance, MC series. This is MC Wrecking Crew biker Beretta Hancock, and nurse Helen Kowalsky’s story line- a second chance of sorts for two people whose lives couldn’t be any more different. WILD RIDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. We were first introduced to Beretta in book one-Hard Rider where Beretta is shown from a different angle.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Beretta and Helen) WILD RIDER focuses on revenge, betrayal, power, control, and money owed. The Wrecking Crew MC borrowed and now owe the local Cartel $50,000 and with the recent attack against their club, all money had disappeared, and they had lost one of their own. But Stockland, Texas wasn’t Wrecking Crew territory and the Copperheads MC wasn’t in the mood for competition so the threat of a war was very real and in the near future. When Beretta takes matters into his own hands threatening the Copperheads MC, gunfire finds our ‘hero’ requiring the services of the local medical community. Enter Helen Kowalsky, a nurse and Beretta’s ex girlfriend, and the woman who, six months earlier, walked away without a backwards glance. What ensues is an attack against the MC that ignites a firestorm of revenge and retaliation as The Wrecking Crew prepares to take over Stockland, Texas.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting players including several members of The Wrecking Crew MC-Ace, Locke, and Tank ; the Copperheads president Rattler; the Furnace MC leader Ivan, and several members of their respective crews. We are also introduced to Helen’s co-worker Georgetta, and Helen’s ex boyfriend Randall whose role in the story line is a bit of a red herring.

The world building looks at the gritty, underbelly of the motorcycle club: the guns, the drugs, the fight for control, and the violence that pervades every aspect of their lives. WILD RIDER is a graphically violent story line, with strong language, and scenes of potential torture and threats against rival MCs. The conflict follows several paths resulting in numerous shoot-outs, an amassing body count, and a multi-million dollar pay out with winner takes all. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense but I did struggle with the lack of palpable energy between our leading couple. $ex appears to be the only thing these two have in common.

WILD RIDER has action and suspense; retaliation and revenge; falling in love and letting go of the past. The premise is spirited and intense; the characters are impulsive and strong; the romance is spirited and fated. If you like your MC story lines with unabashed grit and high strung characters, then give Lydia Pax’s Bad Boy Bikers series a try.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of HARD RIDER book one by Lydia Pax.

HARD RIDER is FREE : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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Always (Spiral of Bliss #5) by Nina Lane-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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ALWAYS (Spiral of Bliss #5) by Nina Lane-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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ALWAYS
Spiral of Bliss #5
by Nina Lane
Release Date: June 21, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

Always

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / itunes /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 21, 2016

Without darkness, there can be no light.
Dean promised to slay monsters for Liv.

Then he encounters a monster he can’t destroy.

A monster he can’t even face.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: ALWAYS is the fifth( and final?) installment in Nina Lane’s contemporary, adult SPIRAL OF BLISS romance series focusing on professor Dean West, and his beauty Liv. ALWAYS can be read as a stand alone but for back story, cohesion, and the most passionate and extraordinary romance series you could possibly read I recommend reading this series in order.

Told from dual first person points of view (Dean and Liv) ALWAYS is a heartbreaking story; an emotional tale; an impassioned look at two people whose love remains strong, seductive and consuming in the face of adversity and the fear of the unknown. ALWAYS commences three years after the birth of Dean and Liv’s daughter, wherein darkness threatens, and Dean will be unable to slay the beast.

ALWAYS is breathtaking and heartrending; a moving story with stunning characters, meaningful dialogue, and touching reality. There are moments of tenderness and passion; anger and disbelief; life and love.

Dean’s brother Archer is a pillar of strength; the brother we all wish we had; the support system for family and love. Kelsey is strong-willed in the face of adversity; and Allie is an enigma torn between friendship and duty.

Nina Lane’s SPIRAL OF BLISS series is decadent, startling and exotic; the allure of a pure love is beautiful and seductive; the fear is an emotional roller coaster of heartbreak and sorrow. The premise will affect and captivate; the characters will enchant and beguile; the romance is one for the ages. Thank you Nina Lane for allowing me on this ride of a life time. Your words are magical, palpable and raw.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Arouse
Allure
Awaken
Break the Sky
Arrive (novella)
Adore
Always

Copy supplied by the tour provider

Reviewed by Sandy

Always Teaser

About the Author Black and rose

Connect with Nina: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances and spicy erotica. Originally from California, she holds a PhD in Art History and an MA in Library and Information Studies, which means she loves both research and organization. She also enjoys traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once. Although Nina would go back to college for another degree because she’s that much of a bookworm and a perpetual student, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer.

Did you know newsletter subscribers have access to ARRIVE, a free novella written by Nina Lane? Find out more and subscribe to NEWSLETTER on her website!

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The Curse of Tenth Grave (Charley Davidson #10) by Darynda Jones-a review

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THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE (Charley Davidson #10) by Darynda Jones-a review

The Curse of Tenth Grave

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Indigo/Chapters

About the book: Release Date June 28, 2016

As a Part-time PI and fulltime grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.

There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?

Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murder, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE is the tenth installment in Darynda Jones’s contemporary, adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON urban fantasy series focusing on part time PI/ full time Grim Reaper Charley Davidson.

SOME BACKGROUND: This is the continuing story of Charley’s life as the Grim Reaper, the corporeal spirits who have yet to pass, and the man to whom she has pledged her undying love-the son of Satan-Reyes Farrow. Charley Davidson, and now their daughter, are the key to saving or destroying the world. If you have not read the previous installments there may be some spoilers.

Told from first person point of view (Charley) THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE follows PI Charley Davidson as she investigates not one but two cases: a missing woman presumed murdered by her boyfriend, and the case of a young runaway who believes she, and a number of other children, have been cursed at the youth home in which they are staying.

Charley is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, PI, Grim Reaper and a god. Our heroine is a woman whose life is made up of supernatural entities, demons, restless ghosts, murder, and a friendship with her assistant that beats all other friendships. Charley is a wife and mother whose infant daughter, said to be the savior of the world, has been hidden in the hopes of keeping the three gods of Uzan at bay. Charley is also a god, whose powers have yet to be completely established, but a god who could very well be living with her immortal enemy. Some backstory and history is revealed about Charley and Reyes’s relationship throughout time.

THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE has a large ensemble cast of passionate and intense characters including many, if not most, of the significant entities we have met throughout the series. Rocket’s purpose becomes a little more clearer; Strawberry Shortcake reveals some cryptic information; Charley’s dad reveals many secrets he uncovered in H*ll when he passed through; the army guarding Reyes and Charley’s daughter is available with a flick of the wrist; and Ubie’s future looks grim. I am still hoping Darynda has plans to write a series about Donovan and the gang.

As per Darynda’s style of writing the story line is packed with humor, snark, sarcasm, funny one liners and plenty of innuendo. Each chapter begins with a meme, t-shirt slogan or bumper sticker line. Reyes and Charley’s relationship is struggling in the face of what the future might hold; there are secrets between the couple that fester and burn. The $ex scenes contain a little more graphic text and sexual language than in previous installments but like most UF story lines, the romance is secondary to the story although it is Reyes and Charley’s relationship that may be triggering the ultimate war between Heaven and H*ll. The slow build to the final show down is gradually unfolding.

THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE is a revealing story line; a provocative look at two people destined to destroy one another; an addicting series where the next installment cannot come fast enough. The premise is dramatic; the characters are dynamic; the romance is sexy and heartbreaking. Darynda Jones writes an amazing series about a kick-ass heroine who struggles with every day life and the supernatural.

Reading Order and previous reviews
First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Straight Ahead
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Fifth Grave Past The Light
Sixth Grave on the Edge
Seventh Grave and No Body
Eighth Grave After Dark
Brighter Than the Sun (novella)
The Dirt on Ninth Grave
The Curse of Tenth Grave

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Unchained (Eternal Guardians 8.5/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review and Book Tour

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UNCHAINED (Eternal Guardians #8.5/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review and Book Tour
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UNCHAINED
Eternal Guardians 8.5 / 1001 Dark Nights
by Elisabeth Naughton
Release Date: June 16, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, fantasy romance

Unchained

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 16, 2016

PROMETHEUS – One of the keenest Titans to ever walk the earth. Until, that is, his weakness for the human race resulted in his imprisonment.

For thousands of years, Prometheus’s only certainty was his daily torture at Zeus’s hand. Now, unchained by the Eternal Guardians, he spends his days in solitude, trying to forget the past. He’s vowed no allegiance in the war between mortal and immortal, but when a beautiful maiden seeks him out and begs for his help, he’s once again powerless to say no. Soon, Prometheus is drawn into the very conflict he swore to avoid, and, to save the maiden’s life, he must choose sides. But she has a secret of her own, and if Prometheus doesn’t discover what she’s hiding in time, the world won’t simply find itself embroiled in a battle between good and evil, it will fall in total domination to Prometheus’s greatest enemy.

••••••••

REVIEW: UNCHAINED is the 8.5 installment (and novella) in Elisabeth Naughton’s adult ETERNAL GUARDIANS romantic fantasy series based in Greek mythology, prophecy and history. The modern day heroes –the Argonauts-are descended from the Gods of Olympus whom fate has decreed the Eternal Guardians on Earth. This is Titan Prometheus, and witch Circe’s story line. UNCHAINED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing theme running throughout.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Prometheus and Circe) UNCHAINED focuses on Prometheus- a Titan-who thousand of years earlier bequeathed fire to humans and was tortured by Zeus until his rescue approximately twenty five years ago. Fast forward to present day, and our ‘hero’ has secluded himself in solitude until the day the voices in his head become the spirit in the room. What ensues is Prometheus hunt for the woman who captivates his waking hours and his imagination, and the realization that not everything and everyone is whom they appear. As Zeus continues to hunt for the final element in the Orb of Kronos, Prometheus will be drawn back to Mt. Olympus, searching for the woman that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

UNCHAINED is a quick read; a story line steeped in Greek mythology about gods and goddesses, betrayal and revenge; power and control. Elisabeth Naughton blends modern day with fantasy and myth for a series that will capture your imagination placing a spin on the stories and fables we have grown to love. The premise is intriguing; the characters are memorable; the romance is hot and steamy.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

Unchained Teaser

excerpt

 

By daybreak, Circe’s strength had returned enough so she could conjure her magic. She wasn’t a hundred percent yet, but she couldn’t wait until her body completely healed. Zeus had made it clear the shade could return at any moment. She needed to step up her plan with Prometheus if she had any hope of breaking free from this prison.
She placed the length of chain Zeus had given her in the cauldron, held her hands over the bowl, and summoned her spell. The chain was her link to Prometheus. It had been a part of him so long it still possessed part of his lifeblood. With it, she could find him wherever he was in the cosmos. And with it she could make herself ethereal and lure him to her.
The rock walls around her faded, revealing stone columns and the sound of leaves rustling in the early morning breeze, birds chirping in the forest, and water rushing over the falls. The scents of moss and wood filled her senses as she turned, confused why the spell had brought her to the gazebo already. She wasn’t supposed to start out here. She was supposed to start with Prometheus and tempt him to follow her to th—
The thought halted when she caught sight of him, lying on his side on the chaise, his hands tucked up near his face, his eyes closed, and his chest rising and falling with his deep breaths. Something beneath her ribs tightened at the sight of him. Something other than lust. Fast asleep, his long dark lashes feathering the skin beneath his eyes, he looked more innocent than godly, more angelic than dangerous. And for a fleeting moment she pictured him chained to that rock in the blistering sun, unable to move, unable to do anything but wait for the giant eagle to swoop down and rip out his liver only to come back and do it all again the next day.
He’d only escaped that living hell because of the Argonauts. Because his daughter’s mate had rescued him so Prometheus could save her life. Zeus had been pissed when Prometheus was freed. Circe remembered all too well how he’d marched into her cave and ordered her to bring Prometheus back. It had taken her several hours to convince the king of the gods that her witchcraft didn’t work that way. Luckily—for her—Zeus had finally abandoned that order, but she knew he was waiting for the moment when he could make Prometheus suffer. Zeus’s memory was long. When someone bested him, he never forgot. And Prometheus had bested him more than any other.

 

 

About The Author

Follow Elisabeth: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Elisabeth naughtonBefore topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

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Hartstrings (Jaded Regret #3) by L.L.Collins-review and book tour

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HARTSTRINGS (Jaded Regret #3) by L.L. Collins-review and book tour

Hartstrings Banner

HARTSTRINGS
Jaded Regret #3
by L.L.Collins
Genre: adult, contemporary, rock band, romance
Release Date: June 16, 2016

Hartstrings

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 16, 2016

Tanner Hart, the All-American bad boy bass guitarist of Jaded Regret, has one motto— play women’s bodies like he does the strings of his guitar— hard, in tune, and giving it his all until the show is over. The only strings he wants attached to him are the ones he plays on the stage.

He has quite the reputation, even with his own band, and he likes it that way. It keeps the truth of who he really is locked deep inside. But there’s so much more to him than anyone really knows…

Now that he’s successful, he can afford to find out what really happened to the only girl who’s ever held his heart. The only thing is…will he really want to know the truth?

When Mackenzie ‘Mac’ Shepard finds herself in a situation she’s been in too many times before, she expects to do what she’s always done— cover it up, accept the apologies, and move on. She knows trying to get out is futile. What she doesn’t expect is for the world famous Tanner Hart to burst into her life like a knight in sexy armor.

When their lives collide and hearts get involved, can Tanner keep his heartstrings from being tangled up in his past, or can he make a new kind of music… with his heart?

••••••••••

REVIEW: HARTSTRINGS is the third installment in L.L. Collins’s contemporary, adult JADED REGRET rock star, romance series focusing on the members of the rock back Jaded Regret. This is bass guitarist Tanner Hart, and PI Mackenzie Shepard’s story line. HARTSTRINGS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: HARTSTRINGS is a story line focusing on domestic abuse and violence therefore the premise and some scenes may be triggers for sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person points of view (Tanner and Mackenzie) HARTSTRINGS follows the relationship between rock star Tanner Hart, and private investigator Mackenzie Shepard. While drunk and roaming the halls of a local hotel, Tanner accidentally gets caught up in a case of domestic violence. Mackenzie Shepard is found beaten and bruised, and Tanner refuses to accept what has happened and her inability to say no. What ensues are Tanner’s attempts to set Mackenzie free of her abusive boyfriend, and impotence in the face of future abuse and continued threats.

Like the previous installment, L.L. Collins takes the reader on an emotional journey where fiction becomes real in the face of violence and abuse. HARTSTRINGS looks at the battered spouse syndrome wherein our heroine is unable to walk away because of guilt, threats and proclamations of love further hindered by a father who is unaware of his daughter’s current condition. Our heroine is physically and emotionally abused; her psyche and psychological well being are threatened along with her life. Tanner Hart is a man determined to save Mackenzie Shepard in the hopes of atoning for the sins of his past. Mackenzie and Tanner are kindred spirits in that they have both experienced abuse and violence at the hands of someone who was supposed to have loved.

All of the members of Jaded Regret play secondary and supporting roles. We watch as the band struggles with their inability to understand the trauma that is currently claiming one of their own-a trauma they know very little about because Tanner has revealed very little about his past or his connection to the woman with whom he is falling in love. What the band members do know is that Tanner is a manwhore, a player, and worry about his involvement with a woman so fragile and broken.

HARTSTRINGS continues to follow Jaded Regret on the road, behind the scenes, and into the hotel rooms and bedrooms of the members of the band. With all of the members now married or falling in love, that leaves Beau’s – SNARED book 2– sister Natalie Anderson, the band’s manager, as the lone single member of the group. I am hoping for a story line for one of the security guys -A.J.-maybe he and Natalie will get together 😉 .

HARTSTRINGS is a story that runs the gamut of emotions from heartbreak to sorrow; anxiety to frustration; despair to relief. The premise is powerful and dramatic; the characters are affecting, courageous and tragic; the romance is comfortable and slow to build. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive. L. L. Collins pulls at the ‘hartstrings’ with her emotional subject matter and happily ever afters.

Copy supplied by the tour operator.

Reviewed by Sandy

*PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES: *

*SENTENCED (Jaded Regret, #1) *

Amazon US
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Amazon AU

*SNARED (Jaded Regret, #2) *

Amazon US
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Amazon AU

About the Author Black and Green

L.L. Collins loves spending her days in the Florida sun with her husband and two boys, reading, and writing. LL has been writing since she was old enough to write. Always a story in her head, she finally decided to let the characters out made her lifelong dream of becoming an author come true in the self-publishing world. She’s the author of the Living Again Series and the Twisted Series, plus a new standalone, Back to the Drawing Board. Visit LL on her WEBSITE

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