Monthly Archives: November 2016

Out of Bounds by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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OUT OF BOUNDS by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Out of Bounds

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /ibooks / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 22, 2016

The first rule of football–don’t screw with a streak.

My career is finally looking up, and I’m leading a new pro team down the field every Sunday. No way will I mess with that. But when I meet the most stunning and captivating woman I’ve ever seen, I tell myself one night will have to be enough.

But it’s not. And now I can’t get her out of my mind. Even when I’m playing. Even when I need to focus. Even when I’m on the hottest streak of my life.

And it turns out, she’s not just some random woman I met. She works for the team. My team.

***

I only have one goal this season–do my part as the team’s lawyer to keep them out of trouble. Help rebuild their reputation on and off the field. There’s no room for error and certainly no room for a secret tryst with a player . . . even if he’s the quarterback.

Right?

••••••••

REVIEW: OUT OF BOUNDS by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, erotic romance story line focusing on the Los Angeles Knights quarterback Drew Erickson, and team attorney Dani Paige.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Drew and Dani) OUT OF BOUNDS follows the building of the forbidden relationship between two members of the professional football team the Los Angeles Knights. As the team’s attorney Dani has had to deal with her share of team scandals and isn’t willing to place herself in the line of fire but meeting Drew during the summer hiatus adds fuel to a fire that is beginning to burn. What ensues is the push and pull of attraction between two people who are desperately trying to keep their relationship in the friend zone.

OUT OF BOUNDS is a quick read; a sweet and sexy romance story line with a little bit of heartbreak when our hero believes his relationship threatens his golden arm. The premise is lighthearted; the characters are passionate; the romance is spicy and hot. OUT OF BOUNDS is an enjoyable story line from kickoff to touch down.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Out of Bound Teaser

excerpt

When we reach her home, a cute little white bungalow, she gestures to the porch. It’s teeming with potted plants and flowers, as well as pizza coupons and takeout menus stuffed behind the mailbox next to the doorway. “Thank you, Andrew. For the drinks and the escort service.”

I wiggle my eyebrows because she says escort in kind of a naughty way. “And thank you for the surf angel-slash-nurse work.”

“My pleasure. I was happy to save a guy in distress.”

I narrow my eyes and protest her description. “Hey now. I’m not dude in distress.”

She whispers “just kidding” as she leans against her porch railing. I don’t think it’s intentional, but that pose shows off all her assets. The swell of her breasts in her tank top, her curvy hips, her strong legs. This woman just fucking does something to me. Turns me on, that’s what she does. Makes me hard as hell. Though she’s made it clear that the night ends right here, I intend to make the most of this good-bye.

I move closer to her and run my hand down her arm. I watch as goose bumps rise in its wake. My voice goes low. “Do you know what I’ve been thinking about?”

She tilts her head to the side. “What would that be, Andrew?”

It still sounds funny to hear her call me that. But next time I see her I’ll tell her that everyone calls me Drew. With my other hand, I brush her hair off her shoulder, cataloging her reaction to my touch. The way she shivers. How she sways closer. The rush of breath on her lips. I bring my mouth to her ear, and whisper. “What it would be like to kiss you.”

I pull back, wanting to look at her. Her lips are parted, then she licks them and swallows. It’s like she’s taking a step closer, saying go for it. “You should absolutely find out then,” she says, soft and inviting.

My fingers travel from her shoulder, up to her hair, and I rope my hand through those blond locks. I pull her close, savoring the warm feel of her sun-kissed skin and the smell of sand, surf, and sunshine in her hair.

I dip my mouth to hers, clasping her face in my hands. When I nip her bottom lip, she gasps. It’s such an alluring sound, and it turns me the fuck on even more. My dick would very much like to go inside her house tonight, but kissing is all that’s on the menu, so I kiss her in a way that’ll leave her wanting more. Because I want so much more of her, and I also want her to know that.

I’m not sure how I went from leaving the field when practice ended this morning, to spending the afternoon surfing to get my mind off all the changes I’m sure are coming, to kissing this beautiful stranger outside her Venice Beach home. But hell if I want to analyze this moment.

I spend my working hours making decisions, analyzing, choosing. Then executing.

Right now, I want to get lost in something that no one else controls but this woman and me.

about the author

Lauren BlakelySince self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With twelve New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she’ll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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The Danger of Desire (Sinful Suitors #3) by Sabrina Jeffries-a review

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THE DANGER OF DESIRE ( Sinful Suitors #3) by Sabrina Jeffries-a review

The Danger of Desire

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

About the book: Release Date November 22, 2016

The third book in the sexy Sinful Suitors Regency romance series, this heart-pounding story shows why New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries is one of the most beloved historical romance writers today.

To root out the card cheat responsible for her brother’s death, Miss Delia Trevor spends her evenings dancing her way through high society balls, and her late nights disguised as a young man gambling her way through London’s gaming hells. Then one night, handsome Warren Corry, the Marquess of Knightford, a notorious member of St. George’s Club, recognizes her. When he threatens to reveal her secret, she’s determined to keep him from ruining her plans, even if it means playing a cat-and-mouse game with the enigmatic rakehell.

Warren knows the danger of her game, and he refuses to watch her lose everything while gaining justice for her late brother. But when she starts to delve beneath his carefully crafted façade, can he keep her at arm’s length while still protecting her? Or will their hot desires explode into a love that transcends the secrets of their pasts?

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE DANGER OF DESIRE is the third installment in Sabrina Jeffries’ SINFUL SUITORS historical romance series -a spin off from Jeffries’ ‘The Duke’s Men’ series. This is Warren Corry, the Marquess of Knightford, and Delia Trevor’s story line. THE DANGER OF DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Warren and Delia) THE DANGER OF DESIRE focuses on the hunt for the man Delia Trevor believes swindled her brother of his money, and his life. Months earlier, Delia received a cryptic message from her brother about losing it all and being cheated by a man with a tattoo, and in the months since his death Delia has made it her mission to ferret out the man responsible for destroying her brother, and her sister in law’s lives. Enter Warren Corry, the man who would help Delia in her search for the truth, and the man with whom Delia would fall in love.

Delia is a strong, independent woman for the time. She is unable to rest knowing her brother’s killer is on the loose, and constantly places herself in danger to hunt for the man she believes is responsible. Warren is rakehell and a rogue but in today’s terms would be a ‘manwhore’ whose reputation precedes his introduction to our story line heroine. Warren’s earlier years were fraught with betrayal and mistrust, and in this our hero struggles with issues of his own. The relationship between our couple is one of immediate interest if not attraction. There is a definite palpable energy building between Delia and Warren, one that does not go unnoticed by those around- their back and forth banter is entertaining and fraught with flirty fun. The intimacy is limited but seductive.

THE DANGER OF DESIRE is an engaging and spirited story line with plenty of non-stop action and a building mystery as Warren and Delia search for the man with a tattoo of the sun. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful and passionate; the romance is a slow build to happily ever after.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Art of Sinning
The Heiress and the Hothead
The Study of Seduction
The Reading Cafe
The Danger of Desire

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

______________

The Heiress and the HotheadTHE HEIRESS AND THE HOTHEAD
Sinful Suitors 1.5
by Sabrina Jeffries
Genre: historical, romance

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

Re-release date: November 28, 2016

Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter’s eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion in Sabrina Jeffries’s delightful yuletide story, The Heiress and the Hothead.

REVIEW:

Originally released in the October 2015 multi-authored anthology-What Happens Under the Mistletoe- THE HEIRESS AND THE HOTHEAD is a novella from Sabrina Jeffries SINFUL SUITORS historical romance series ( a spin off from the Duke’s Men series). This is journalist/writer Lord Stephen Corry, and American heiress/mill owner Amanda Keane’s storyline. Amanda is the sister of artist Jeremy Keane (The Art of Sinning #1). THE HEIRESS AND THE HOTHEAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

The storyline focuses on the unsafe working conditions in the cotton mills of England, and Stephen’s attempts to bring the atrocities to the public’s attention by reporting and investigating the people and workers. Enter Amanda Keane, an American mill owner who views Stephen’s work as attacks against all mill owners including herself. But a mill fire finds our couple trapped following the rescue of a young boy, and a profession of love and a possible future are made in the heat of the moment.

THE HEIRESS AND THE HOTHEAD is a quick read with a little bit of romance, conflict and a happily ever after. The premise is interesting with a holiday theme; the characters are familiar, colorful and entertaining; the romance is quick to develop- the lone $ex scene is mostly implied with no graphic imagery or text

Reviewed by Sandy

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Dollar$ (Dollar #2) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

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DOLLAR$ (Dollar #2) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

Dollars BAnner

DOLLAR$
Dollar #2
by Pepper Winters
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark romance
Release Date: November 18, 2016

Dollars

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

About the book: RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2016

“I should never have asked for a night with you. This would never have happened if I’d had more willpower.”

A thief met a possession and did what he did best.
Now, he has to live with the consequences.
Including the girl he claimed.

Pimlico was stolen and sold all before her twenty-first birthday.
Two years with a master who almost killed her is over.
She has a new master now.
A master who demands everything, expects everything, and requires ultimate access to her mind.

Elder broke countless rules when he took the girl who wasn’t his.
She confuses and bewitches him, but his fascination won’t save her from his desires.

He wants to know her.
She wants to forget.
Together…they’re doomed.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DOLLAR$ is the second installment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult DOLLAR dark, romance series focusing on Elder Prest, and Tasmin Blythe aka Pimlico. DOLLARS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one PENNIES.

WARNING: DOLLARS is a dark romance with scenes of graphic and implied violence, rape, sexual abuse and torture. DOLLARS and the Dollar series may not suitable for everyone; there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Two years earlier Tasmin Blythe was sold to a sadistic Norwegian businessman and in the ensuing time suffered abuse, rape and torture at the hands of Alrik Asbjorn (aka Master A) and several of his friends and associates. Refusing to give Alrik the satisfaction of her pain and turmoil, and in an effort to protect her mind our heroine shut down and opted for selective mutism. This is her continuing story.

Told from dual first person points of view (Pim and Elder) DOLLAR$ is a story of healing and recovery. Elder Prest is a man determined to ‘own’ our story line heroine-body and soul- but first he must allow Pim the time to recover and heal. Tasmin Blythe aka Pimlico was sold into slavery two years earlier and has suffered unimaginable physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Elder Prest, a complicated and domineering man, is both her savior and her keeper, and the man who pushes Pimlico to fight the demons that control her mind. Elder’s need for revenge, and darkened past of secrets and betrayal control the lifestyle that has made him the man he is today, and it is that darkness that he focuses on the woman that calls to his heart. At times, his treatment and threats directed at our story line heroine were abusive and reviling- a bird in a gilded cage is still trapped behind wires and bars-our heroine traded one type of captor for another. Greed, revenge and an unknown future dictate the paths of our story line couple.

The story is told through the thoughts and memories of a battered and broken woman, and the conflicted ramblings of a man desperate to fix what has been destroyed by deviance and evil. Elder Prest is no innocent; his list of sins is long and corrupt but something about Pimlico calls to his missing heart.

But….I do have an issue with this particular story line and it has nothing to do with the story line content but more so with the lack of any definitive story line progress. DOLLARS is a story of recovery –mind, body and soul-but for all intents and purposes the focus remains on breaking down Elder’s cold-hearted facade, and the recovery of a woman who had lost the will to live-while very little else happened along the way. There were a couple of hints as to Elder’s past, as well as Elder’s association with the people who had stolen Tasmin’s life but nothing has yet to come to fruition. The slow build up and absence of any real development is both frustrating and disheartening.

DOLLAR$, and the Dollar series is gritty, raw and emotional. The complexities of a broken mind are slow to heal; steps must be taken to ensure a recovery that is not destroyed by pushing the boundaries too soon or too fast. The premise is unique and creative; the characters are tragic and passionate; the romance fated and angry.

Click HERE for Sandy’s Review of book one-PENNIES

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Dollars Teaser

About the Author

Dollar Series

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

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

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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My Rogue, My Ruin by Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan – a Review

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My Rogue, My Ruin by Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan – a Review

 

My Rogue My RuinAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
The Marquess of Hawksfield’s lineage is impeccable and his title coveted, but Archer Croft is as far from his indulgent peers as he can get. His loathing for the beau monde has driven him to don a secret identity and risk everything in order to steal their riches and distribute them to the less fortunate.

Lady Briannon Findlay embraces her encounter with the Masked Marauder, a gentleman thief waylaying carriages from London to Essex. The marauder has stirred Brynn’s craving for adventure, and she discovers an attraction deeper than the charming thief’s mask.

Brynn is a revelation, matching Archer in intelligence, wit, and passion. Stubborn and sensuous in equal measure, she astonishes him at every turn, but when someone sinister impersonates Archer’s secret personality, and a murder is committed, Archer begins to think he doesn’t stand a fighting chance without her.

 

Review:

As the blurb states, My Rogue, My Ruin begins with Lady Briannon and her family’s encounter with the notorious Masked Marauder.  It is Brynn, short for Briannon, who takes control of the situation immediately.  She’s afraid her father will do something brash and get them all hurt, or worse.  When Brynn steps out of their carriage, she’s determined to give the Masked Marauder what he’s after and send him on his way.  What she’s not prepared for is her reaction to him.  Even though his face is covered by a mask, she can see that he is a handsome man.  Add to that his gentlemanly manner and she is truly intrigued.  As is he……….  Once Brynn and her family reach the Hawksfield’s estate, the talk of the party is of their being robbed.  Brynn wishes she could get the thief out of her thoughts, but that’s not easily done. 

Just before the guests are to arrive, Archer Croft receives a note stating that someone knows his secret.  With no time to dawdle, he prepares to go downstairs to meet the guests that are attending the party, even though he’d rather be anywhere but there.  His father’s drinking and outrageous behavior has certainly not helped his cause.  Once he makes it downstairs, he hears talk of the Findlay family being robbed and heads over to offer his support.  However, his encounter with the lovely Lady Briannon leaves him even more intrigued than the first.  Brynn is attracted to Lord Archer as well…. They soon discover they together, there is nothing they can’t conquer…..

My Rogue, My Ruin is a nicely written historical romance with a little twist.  The characters are well written and the world-building was nice as well.  Brynn and Archer’s chemistry was great, and I loved that they weren’t immediately head over heels for each other.  Yes, there was attraction, but the author made them work for their relationship.  But, let me tell you, when the copycat Masked Marauder’s identity is revealed?  HOLY COW!!!  I’m usually pretty good at figuring this stuff out, or at least not being surprised.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll enjoy this story.  If you like a little mystery thrown in, this is the one for you.  This is the first by duo of Amalie Howard/Angie Morgan for me, but I look forward to the next.  Well done, Amalie Howard/Angie Morgan!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine by Kate Angell, Jennifer Dawson & Sharla Lovelace – a Review

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The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine by Kate Angell, Jennifer Dawson & Sharla Lovelace – a Review

 

The Cottage on Pumpkin and VineAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Welcome to Moonbright, Maine…Where the scents of donuts and cider waft through the crisp night air…with just a hint of magic.
 
It’s time for the annual Halloween costume party at the cottage on Pumpkin and Vine, the perfect place to celebrate the pleasures of the season. Guests return to the picturesque B & B year after year to snuggle up in its cozy rooms, explore the quiet, tree-lined streets and enjoy all the spooky fun of the holiday. But local legend whispers that it’s also a place where wishes have a strange way of coming true.
 
For three unsuspecting revelers, it’s going to be an enchanted weekend of candy corn kisses and midnight black kittens, along with some real Halloween surprises—the kind that make your heart skip a beat—for many more celebrations to come…

 

 

Review:

The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine is an anthology of three novellas that take place at the same B & B during Halloween.  I will give you a brief description of each story.

Charmed by You by Kate Angell
Grace is our heroine, who is in the process of decorating the B&B where the Halloween party is; she hires Cade, who owns a moving company.  Grace comes across as very bossy, and Cade’s men are ready to leave when they break for lunch.  Cade, out of loyalty to the B&B owner, stayed to help out Grace. 

During lunch, Amelia Rose, who magically shows her off  tarot cards or her crystal ball, which she does at her Halloween party. Neither Grace nor Cade had any interest in each other, but soon slight accidents kept pushing them together and the heat between them became electric. 

I thought both Grace and Cade were not very well likeable, but that did change fairly quickly.  It was a short fun story, as we watched an unlikely pair discover each other.  It was also enjoyable to see all the Halloween decorations, and Grace giving out her Halloween costumes to the kids.  Nice story with the perfect Halloween theme.

Mesmerized by You by Jennifer Dawson
Another sweet Halloween short story about friends to lovers.  Jake and Chloe have been best friends since childhood, which covers about 30 years.  Chloe forces Jake to take a needed break from his work (he is a doctor), and go to visit her Aunt Iris. They learn quickly that her Aunt’s house needs some repairs, and they will have to stay over at her friend, Amelia Rose’s house, which will also include a Halloween party.  Chloe loves the idea, but Jake isn’t thrilled.

What follows is a fun story, where Amelia Rose shows them her crystal ball, and gives them magical cookies.  Slowly, as they walk around the grounds or share the lone room that is left, they begin to notice each other in a different light.  They both were great characters, and it was fun to watch them begin to be attracted sexually to each other, and try to fight it off.  After all, they are just friends, but maybe just maybe, everything they both wanted was right in front of them.  This was a fun sweet romance, and a happy ending.

Enchanted by You by Sharla Lovelace

This final story, a second chance romance, was beautifully written by Lovelace. Sidney Jensen is our heroine, who finds herself on the brink of getting fired at the law firm she works for in Boston..   Sidney is given the chance to redeem herself by helping her boss by taking a case in a small town in Maine. When Sidney arrives, she is forced to stay at a B&B, as there were no hotel rooms.  Of course, the B&B belongs to our now famous Amelia Rose.  

Sawyer Finn, our hero, works for Amelia doing construction and other handyman things.  He has lived in Moonbright  since he was 18.  We discover early on that Sidney and Sawyer were love struck teenagers, when Sawyer up and left her without telling her why.  When she sees Sawyer, she tries to run away, since she still feels the hurt that broke her heart, but her car breaks down and she is stuck at the B&B for a few days.  It was fun to watch Sidney and Sawyer rekindle their romance, where in Amelia’s B&B, romances are always magically unavoidable.  Sawyer will explain to her why he had to leave.  Sidney feels herself still in love with Sawyer, as he has always been with her.  She will have to decide if she wants to take a chance again or go back to her job in Boston, which she does not feel recognized.

This was a wonderful romance, a likeable couple and the shenanigans of Amelia Rose to make it an enjoyable and fun read. Though the other two stories were good, I did feel this one was the best.

The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine was a quick and fun read, and even if we are past Halloween, I suggest you give this book a try.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Dark Protector (Moon Shifter #6) by Katie Reus-a review

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DARK PROTECTOR (Moon Shifter #6) by Katie Reus-a review

Dark protector

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 15, 2016

He walked away once; he won’t do it again.

Wolf shifter Aldric Kazan is no stranger to pain. Since the loss of his mate a century ago, he won’t allow himself to fall for someone again—not even the feisty female who stirs things in him that he thought were gone long ago. But as a supernatural investigator, he’s forced to team up with the same woman he vowed to stay away from.

She let him in once; she refuses to do it again.

Natalia Cordona refuses to back down from any challenge—even if it means joining forces with Aldric, the sexy and brooding man who won’t get too close. Locating missing vampires before a volatile war breaks out seems nearly impossible as the duo struggle with their explosive and undeniable attraction. Now it’s up to Natalia and Aldric to trust each other to stop an all-out war from breaking out that would destroy the harmony they’ve all worked so hard for.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: DARK PROTECTOR is the sixth installment in Katie Reus’s contemporary, adult MOON SHIFTER paranormal, romance series. This is wolf shifters Aldric Kazan and Natalia Cordona’s story line. DARK PROTECTOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the characters from previous story lines play secondary and supporting roles including Aldric’s brother Jayce Kazan and his mate Kat.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Natalie and Aldric) DARK PROTECTOR focuses on the hunt for two missing vampires. With the potential for war between the Clifton Coven of vampires, and the Kinley Pack of wolf shifters, the Brethren and the Council have implemented a search and rescue for the missing vampires. When Natalie and Aldric are teamed together old feelings resurface when Aldric’s internal beast demands Natalie for his mate. What ensues is the re-building of a relationship between Natalie and Aldric- a relationship destroyed when Aldric ran from the woman who called to his heart: and the search for the person(s) responsible for the missing creatures of the night. The investigation turns dark and dangerous when Natalie and Kat find themselves facing down a familiar foe.

DARK PROTECTOR is a story of second chances: a tale about one man whose life was destroyed when his first mate was murdered leaving a grief stricken Aldric to suffer alone; and one woman whose heart is unable to bear another rejection by the man that she loves.

There is a slow build up of the story line premise as the characters search for the missing vampires. There is also an equally palpable sexual energy of attraction and need between Natalie and Aldric but Aldric knows he screwed-up royally the last time he ran. The $ex scenes are limited but erotic and intense.

DARK PROTECTOR is a story of suspense and mystery; adventure and investigation; examination and acceptance. The premise is imaginative and creative; the characters are passionate and engaging; the romance is fated and encouraging.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Arista’s Legacy (Dragons of Incendium 2.5) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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ARISTA’S LEGACY (Dragons of Incendium 2.5) by Deborah Cooke-a review

Arista's Legacy

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 10, 2016

A Warrior Maiden of Cumae and a mercenary for hire, Arista is used to both hunting and being hunted. She accepts an assignment from Queen Arcana of Regalia so that she’ll have a chance to find the secret that can save both Regalia and Incendium from destruction. Arista never expects to be helped by one of Arcana’s own sons, much less that she will fall in love. How can she choose between defending her beloved and completing her quest?

Arista’s Legacy is a short story in the Dragons of Incendium series. It should be read after Wyvern’s Prince and before Wyvern’s Warrior. Arista’s Legacy is available in a digital edition. It’s also included in the mini-book print edition of Wyvern’s Prince.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ARISTA’S LEGACY by Deborah Cooke is instalment 2.5 in the author’s Dragons of Incendium paranormal/ fantasy series focusing on the twelve royal dragon princesses of Incendium. ARISTA’S LEGACY veers down a path of science-fiction in that our heroine is a ‘Sword Sister ‘; a member of the Hive; an active warrior of the collective. Arista is neither dragon nor human, and her story line begins in the previous instalment -Wyvern’s Prince.

SOME BACKGROUND to the series : For fans of Cooke’s previous series about dragons, THE DRAGONS OF INCENDIUM is NOT connected to, or a spinoff from, her best selling Dragonfire series. The current series focuses on female dragon shifters of Incendium searching for their ‘HeartKeeper’-their mate- and the ‘Carrier of the Seed’ but the princes of Regalia are not necessarily the male that calls to the princesses hearts. The world building reveals the political alliances and potential fall-out when two monarchies collide.

ARISTA’S LEGACY is a bit of a departure from the dragon shifters. Arista was Gemma’s (Wyvern’s Prince) guardian and friend, and Arista’s Legacy is a story of what happened before the events of the preceding novel revealing some background information and history not previously explored in the series. The story line is told through accessed memories, knowledge and data retrieved from Arista who had fallen in love and was desperate to retain the thoughts of her conscience mind. ARISTA’S LEGACY is a very quick and revealing read; a short story that acknowledges a secondary character and her contributions to the preceding tale, as well as a glimpse into a possible future.

Reading Order & Previous Reviews
Wyvern’s Mate
Nero’s Dream
Wyvern’s Prince
Arista’s Legacy

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Shades of Honor by Sandy Williams – a Review

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Shades of Honor by Sandy Williams – a Review

 

Shades of Honor
Anomaly series – Book #2
by Sandy Williams
Release Date: November 3, 2016

Shades of HonorAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
She won her freedom. Can she win a war?

Commander Rhys Rykus is facing court martial. With his career on the line, he’s ordered to keep his distance from the brainwashed Ash and protect her from afar, but sinister elements threaten her safety. He accepts a new mission that puts them on the same warship, knowing it will take all his self-control to fight his feelings for her.

Lieutenant Ramie Ashdyn is no stranger to fighting for her life. Still under the influence of the Coalition’s brainwashing, she cares little for her own safety. She merely wants to protect the Coalition… and reconnect with Rykus.

Rykus knows how important Ash is to keeping all of them alive, but the target on her back is enormous. Will the growing threat to the Coalition take down Ash and Rip’s only shot at love?

 

 

Review:

Shades of Honor by Sandy Williams is the 2nd book in her wonderful Anomaly series.  Shades of Honor, picks up a short time after the end of the previous book.  Ash, our fantastic heroine, is once again giving her new team a hard time.  We learned in the first book that Ash can be difficult to get along with, as she is very tough, brash and independent.  She is an Anomaly, a human who is smarter mentally and physically than the normal person, which makes her an elite soldier, who is faster, stronger, with phenomenal endurance then the regular soldiers.

Rykus, our hero, is facing charges concerning the last mission, but all charges are dropped, since he is being assigned another dangerous mission. Both Ash and Rykus love each other, but they try to keep their distance, as the Coalition will not accept their relationship.  Much to his concern, Rykus finds out the mission will include Ash, which will make it much more difficult for him to concentrate.

The minister prime, Tersa, has put the team together to try and make peace with the evil Sariceans, who caused massive destruction in a recent attack.  Rykus and the entire team, including Ash are not happy about this mission, but Tersa will not be denied.

What follows is an exciting & fun adventure that will bring Ash a bit closer to her new team; solidify Ash & Rykus love for each other, despite his attempts to keep his distance; and an all out battle that will put all their lives in danger.  Who will survive?  Will Ash and Rykus find a way to keep their romance hot and heavy?

Sandy Williams does a fantastic job in continuing the flow of this complex world , and she has created some great characters.  Most of all, I love Ash, and her chemistry with Rykus is off the wall. I look forward to more of this fabulous romance.   This was a fun, exciting, pulse pounding story that had me unable to put the book down, especially as we raced to the tense climax.  Bravo to Sandy Williams, for another wonderful addition to her Anomaly series.  If you like Sci-fi, lots of action, great romance, and twists and turns along the way, than you should be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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