Riot (Scarred Souls #4) by Tillie Cole-a review

RIOT (Scarred Souls #4) by Tillie Cole- a review

Riot

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2017

Stolen by the Arziani Georgian crime mob as a child, 152 was raised and conditioned to be a Mona—the most subservient of the Arziani Blood Pit slaves.

Gorgeous and kind, she has been and under the imprisoning influence of the Type B drug and under the command of the Blood Pit Master’s sister, Mistress Arziani, for most of her life, until the Master calls her back home to Georgia.

He wants her under his total control, and Master always gets what he wants.

But when 152 is gifted to the Blood Pit’s fearsome champion death match fighter as a prize, 152 suddenly finds out that the men who appear most brutal, may just own the kindest hearts. And love may be found, even when living in hell.

Freedom, family, love, 152 will have to fight for what she wants and ultimately make an impossible choice.

•••••••••

REVIEW: RIOT is the fourth and final? Installment in Tillie Cole’s adult, contemporary, SCARRED SOULS dark, erotic, romance series focusing on the Russian Mafia, the Georgian Bratva criminal underground, cage fighting, sexual slavery, and the Russian blood pits. This is death match fighter Ilya Konev (aka 901) and Inessa Belrova’s (aka 152) story line. RIOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Inessa Belrova is the missing sister to Valentin (Ravage #3).

WARNING: RIOT contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual imagery including scenes of rape, murder and torture that may be disturbing for some readers.

Told from three first person points of view (Luka, Ilya and Inessa) RIOT focuses on the struggle to be free. Ilya aka 901 was kidnapped as a child and trained in the death matches for the Arziani Georgian crime mob. As a fighter 901 has never known anything outside of the arena and the cell that has imprisoned him for close to twenty years. Drugged to perform 901 is eventually caged with a young woman known only as number 152, the Master’s High Mona (or consort). When 901 refuses to accept the gift from his Master he soon realizes that to reject 152 could mean the death of the woman that will eventually call to his heart. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between 901 (Ilya) and 152( Inessa), and the struggle to gain freedom from the man who has destroyed too many lives.

The relationship between Ilya and Inessa struggles with the question as to the how and why. Why were they thrown together and for whose benefit will their relationship help. Ilya and Inessa have never known love, comfort or the touch of friendship without the pain or repercussions of torture and abuse. The $ex scenes between Ilya and Inessa are intimate and intense.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including all three of the previous story line couples. We are also introduced to several other slaves and death match fighters-some will not be so lucky to survive, as well as the Arziani Georgian crime lord whose psychotic personality fuels the life and death fights in the arena.

RIOT is a graphically violent story line with scenes of rape, torture, abuse and death. Some of the slaves wish for death on a daily basis, while others struggle to stay alive through the torturous beatings and daily drug injections used for submission and control. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are broken, tragic and dynamic; the romance is fated and traumatic. RIOT is a heartbreaking story of betrayal, loss and pain; rescue, love and revenge. For fans of the Starz Network’s SPARTACUS the final showdown is akin to Spartacus’s take down of the Dominus- Quintus Batiatus.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Raze
Reap
Ravage
Riot

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

At First Light by Mari Madison – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

At First Light by Mari Madison – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

At First Light Banner

 

AT First LIghtAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
At News 9 San Diego, relationships don t get canceled. They just go on hiatus…

After five years of reporting in war-torn Syria, Troy Young is back in his hometown of San Diego. Readjusting to life back home is proving difficult. He keeps having panic attacks during live shots. But he s given one more chance as an entertainment reporter doing a He Said, She Said review segment. It s not what Troy had in mind especially when he discovers who his new partner is.

Movie-obsessed Sarah Martin loves her new gig at News 9…until the man who broke her heart enters the studio. Still, the desire between Sarah and Troy has not subsided even if he did pick his career over her. She doesn t want to trust him again but they ll need to overcome their off screen tension if they hope to handle the drama that s about to unfold…

Review:

At First Light by Mari Madison is the 3rd book in her Exclusive Romance series. This series continues the backdrop of News 9 San Diego.  Sarah Martin, our heroine, is the entertainment reporter for News 9; she is a movie buff and loves her job. 

Troy Young, our hero, spent the last 5 years of his life reporting live in the  Syria war zone. Troy was kidnapped while on the air, and he became a house hold name.  He was finally freed after negotiations were met to allow him to come home, but he gets panic attacks on his time in captivity.  Troy accepts a job with News 9, but after one of the panic attacks, he is taken off live on site reporting, and given a spot as an entertainment reporter for the new, He Said, She Said show.  Troy is shocked when he meets his co-host Sarah; the woman he left behind 5 years before.  Sarah has never forgotten, nor forgiven Troy for walking out on her. Now they have to work together.

Though both of them feel the chemistry between them is still sparkling, they do their best to keep their relationship as co-workers only.  Soon Sarah begins to see Troy fighting his panic attacks, and tries to help him.  This will lead them to become friends again, and eventually lead to a romantic relationship.  Sarah is supportive of Troy, but he feels he is not worth her caring for him, since he still feels guilty leaving her.

What follows is an excellent story line, with a number of inner stories within.  Troy refuses to get help with his panic attacks; Sarah besides trying to push Troy to get help, must also deal with her own issues from the past, which rears its ugly head.  The romance between them was sexy and very well done, as their chemistry continues to scorch the pages.

Overall, I really enjoyed watching both Troy and Sarah rekindle their romance.  Watching Troy suffer through those nightmares was written very well by Madison.   Sarah’s perseverance to help Troy, both with his problem, and to help him with his career, made her such a great heroine.  At First Light was a very good story, which I suggest you read.  However,  even if this reads very well as a standalone, I suggest you start with the first book in this series, in order to enjoy the News 9 TV background.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Guest Post beige

I always thought it was kind of ironic that this particular book ended up with the title “At First Light” seeing as it’s definitely the darkest book in the Exclusive Romance series. Not that there aren’t moments of levity, mind you. But when you have a hero suffering from PTSD after being kidnapped in Syria while working as a war correspondent, a book can’t be all sunshine and roses.

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition I suffered from for years, though mine was not related to trauma experienced overseas. Looking back now it’s hard to believe what my life used to be like. Filled with senseless anxiety, out of control mood swings, debilitating depression. I remember rushing to the Emergency Room, thinking I was having a heart attack, only to find out it was a panic attack. The next day my boss made fun of me for overreacting. I had literally thought I was going to die.

That’s the worst part about suffering from something like PTSD, anxiety or depression. Unlike a disease like diabetes, there’s a stigma attached by society. People would never judge you for taking insulin. Anti-depressants? Well, that’s a whole other story. People told me I should just exercise instead. Or they complained that my personality had changed on the medication. I felt guilty taking it. I felt as if it made me weak.

But the truth was, it saved my life.

For this book I dove into another type of PTSD—the kind so many soldiers get after returning from overseas and trying to transition back to regular life. The instincts that kept them alive over there now riddle them with unnecessary anxiety and make it almost impossible to cope with everyday life. It can be a painful adjustment for both them and their families. And left untreated it can lead to divorce, alcoholism, drug addiction, homelessness, and suicide.

One book I found particularly insightful was “Once a Warrior Always a Warrior” by Colonel Charles Hoge, MD, a leading advocate for eliminating the stigma associated with mental health care. It talked in depth about making the transition for both the solider and his or her family.

When I first set out to write this book I worried about writing a PTSD character who was both accurate and yet sympathetic to the reader. After all, readers want a hero they can root for—but someone suffering from PTSD may not be always be able to act heroically. Sometimes he may be frightened—torn apart by anxiety. Would this make him look weak on the page? Other times he would be angry and would lash out in frustration. Would readers decide he was too mean for our heroine? He might let her down—would she look like a sucker for giving him a second, third, or even forth chance?

But in the end I decided to let go of these concerns. To write the story as it needed to be told, as accurately as possible, pulling from both my personal experience and my research. Living with PTSD is a reality for so many in this country and while there is no quick fix, no simple happily ever after, there is still hope. And with love and patience and understanding—and a whole lot of time and effort—(not to mention willingness to try medication and other therapies)—there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Which leads me back to my title. Maybe AT FIRST LIGHT works pretty well, in this case, after all.

 

 

giveaway

Mari’s publisher is offering a paper copy of AT FIRST LIGHT 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.

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE Mari Madison on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from March 9 to 14, 2017

Save

Save

Save

Save

Share

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel – a Review

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel – a Review

 

The Roanoke GirlsAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
“Roanoke girls never last long around here. In the end, we either run or we die.”
 
After her mother’s suicide, fifteen year-old Lane Roanoke came to live with her grandparents and fireball cousin, Allegra, on their vast estate in rural Kansas. Lane knew little of her mother’s mysterious family, but she quickly embraced life as one of the rich and beautiful Roanoke girls. But when she discovered the dark truth at the heart of the family, she ran…fast and far away.
 
Eleven years later, Lane is adrift in Los Angeles when her grandfather calls to tell her Allegra has gone missing. Did she run too? Or something worse? Unable to resist his pleas, Lane returns to help search, and to ease her guilt at having left Allegra behind. Her homecoming may mean a second chance with the boyfriend whose heart she broke that long ago summer. But it also means facing the devastating secret that made her flee, one she may not be strong enough to run from again.
 
As it weaves between Lane’s first Roanoke summer and her return, The Roanoke Girls shocks and tantalizes, twisting its way through revelation after mesmerizing revelation, exploring the secrets families keep and the fierce and terrible love that both binds them together and rips them apart.

Review:

Did you wake up screaming?…Was it a nightmare?”

 “Did you wake up screaming? Was it a nightmare?”
 I shook my head, confused and a little scared.  “No.”
“Then it was nothing like that.”

Nightmares are the least of concerns; losing sleep a luxury in comparison to the knowledge, and experience, of surviving in the house Roanoke built.  Amy Engel crafts a book equal parts compelling and disturbing.  The Roanoke Girls details a family dynamic, a cycle of abuse without limit or censure, until one resolves to face the demons and expose the plague.  This story is cringe-worthy, but so artfully written, you’ll feel its haunting beauty.   

“My head knows this place is no good for me, but my stupid, traitorous heart sings HOME.

Lane Roanoke is going back home to Kansas.  Only, you’re not supposed to go home again, right?  Or does Oz always welcome you back?  Trust me when I say Roanoke is light years away from fantasy.  When Lane’s cousin, Allegra, goes missing, Granddad summons Lane home.  Ten years ago, Lane ran away from Roanoke, vowing to stay away from her cryptic family.  But guilt, its “dirty fingers under [her] skin” have forced Lane to return.  Only Allegra could revive Lane enough to revisit this hell.  Allegra, the rebellious, reckless, spirited cousin whose mysterious disappearance reopens wounds and shines a light on silent, insidious corruption.

Don’t think me dramatic, but I don’t think I can say much more.  Amy Engel parses out pivotal memories that stem from a malignant root, but the identity isn’t the most startling.  To quote Ms. Engel, “it’s the WHY of it” that brings the story to full culmination. You will hear varying degrees of blame, tainted versions every one, but “life picks away at all of us, backs us into corners we never anticipated.  Turns us into people we never thought we’d become.”  A riveting story of innocence lost.

The Roanoke Girls were born into an underbelly of family taboo cloaked in dark seduction and heartbreaking complacency.  Amy Engel weaves in light and hope in the most desperate of times.  I told her The Roanoke Girls was memorable, but now I can honestly add recommendable.  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs – Review & Giveaway

Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs – Review & Giveaway

 

Silence Fallen Banner

Silence FallenAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Attacked and abducted in her home territory, Mercy finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world, taken as a weapon to use against alpha werewolf Adam and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. In coyote form, Mercy escapes only to find herself without money, without clothing, and alone in the heart of Europe…

Unable to contact Adam and the rest of the pack, Mercy has allies to find and enemies to fight, and she needs to figure out which is which. Ancient powers stir, and Mercy must be her agile best to avoid causing a war between vampires and werewolves, and between werewolves and werewolves. And in the heart of the ancient city of Prague, old ghosts rise…

 

Review:

Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs is the 10th book in her wonderful Mercy Thompson series.  Mercy has evolved quite a lot over the last 9 books, and in Silence Fallen we get to see more of the powers she has within her.   Patricia Briggs once again gives us an exciting story with one of our favorite couples, Mercy and Adam.

When the story begins, the werewolf pack is having fun eating and playing games.  Mercy decides to make a meal for the gang, and has to run out to buy eggs. As she gets ready to head home, someone smashes her car and renders her unconscious.  When Mercy awakes, she discovers she has been kidnapped and cannot feel her bond to Adam, disabling any possibility of contact to him.  A powerful European vampire is behind the kidnapping and Mercy is on her own to find a way to escape. 

Adam enlists the aid of Stefan and Marsilia (vampires), as well as the witch, Elizaveta to help him find Mercy.  What follows is an exciting adventure that will have Mercy escaping in a set up to kill her, but she of course, manages to get away alive.  Being alone, with no one to trust, she finds herself Prague, looking for help from both dangerous wolves and vampires .  Who can Mercy trust? 

Adam and his group arrive in Italy to meet the vampire who kidnapped Mercy.  Adam was able to have a slight contact to Mercy finding out she has escaped, but it was minimal.  His goal is to find out why the vampire kidnapped Mercy and to make sure the vampires out searching for her do not kill her.  Adam must learn to control his wolf, and try to negotiate with the vampire; while his pack at home use all means to discover where Mercy is.

It was an interesting story, which was really in two different POV’s, Adam and Mercy.  The brunt of the story had them separate for most of the book.  Mercy will find herself kidnapped again by another powerful but crazy vampire, and in order to save herself from sure death, she must find a way to use her ghost magnet ability to get them to help her.    Interesting and wild stuff; especially as we near the end, when we see much more of what she can do.  It was a wild pulse pounding tense finish, and I loved every moment of it.  Most of all, I loved the ending with Adam and Mercy together.   I would like to go back and reread this again, since so much happens along the way.  This is a great series, great heroine, great couple and always wonderfully written by Briggs.  If you have not read the Mercy Thompson series, and love paranormal, shifters, wolves; it is time to start reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

giveaway

Patricia and her publisher have graciously offered a paper copy of SILENCE FALLEN 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.

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

6. Please Follow PATRICIA BRIGGS on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to US only

9. Giveaway runs from March 8 – 13, 2017

Save

Save

Share

The Billionaire Beast (Billionaire Fairy Tales #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

THE BILLIONAIRE BEAST (Billionaire Fairy Tales #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

The Billionaire Beast

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2017

Dark, tortured, and intimidating, these dominant billionaires will steal their innocent heroines’ breath away. Overwhelmed by their desire to control their world, they push their heroines to explore their deepest desires. But even the most unworldly of heroines can unlock these billionaires’ secrets.

Nero de Santis: Damaged. Bastard. Beast.

Nero hasn’t left his house in ten years—he demands the world come to him, and the world is only too happy to bend to the strong-willed billionaire. Ruthless, cold, and selfish, Nero wants for nothing and takes care of no one but himself. His last handful of assistants have left his house in tears, but the prim redhead applying for the job looks up to the task. Nero has spent his life shut within the walls he built, with no care to have more than a window to the outside world. But the fiery passion he senses beneath his reserved assistant’s exterior makes him want to break down the barriers he lives behind, and unleash the beast within.
Phoebe Taylor: Uptight. Misunderstood. Engaged.
Phoebe needs the obscene amount of money that comes with being Nero’s personal assistant for one thing, and one thing only—to pay for the mounting hospital costs that her fiancee’s two-year coma continues to incur. She’s heard rumors that the de Santis beast is a force that cannot be tamed—but even she isn’t prepared to handle the smoldering intensity simmering beneath his hard shell of feral dominance. Nero is hiding something, something he is fighting with every step he takes. Yet he can’t help but stake his claim on this woman who has shaken up his life, and Phoebe can’t believe this animal of a man is the one person to ever look into her eyes and see her soul. Nero wants to keep her. He wants to devour her. And Phoebe just might let him.

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE BILLIONAIRE BEAST is the second installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult BILLIONAIRE FAIRY TALES erotic, romance series focusing on the de Santis brothers-Xavier, Nero, Raphael and Lorenzo. This is billionaire IT specialist Nero de Santis, and personal assistant Phoebe Taylor’s story line. THE BILLIONAIRE BEAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Nero and Phoebe) THE BILLIONAIRE BEAST follows the building relationship between reclusive billionaire Nero de Santis, and his new PA Phoebe Taylor. For close to ten years Nero de Santis has kept himself hidden behind closed doors; locked in a sprawling mansion that potentially covers several city blocks with only his butler for social interaction. Ten personal assistances in 30 days precedes Nero’s introduction to his latest ‘temporary’ employee. Enter Phoebe Taylor, a young British woman struggling to survive the mean streets of New York, as well as the medical bills for her comatose fiancé. What ensues is the contemptuous relationship between Phoebe and Nero, and Phoebe’s struggle to remain distant from the mysterious man with a dark and lonely past.

Nero de Santis is a broken man whose ability to interact with people is questionable; his actions and emotional behavior are dangerous; his demands beyond the requirements for a normal personal assistant aggressive and improper. Throughout the story line small snippets from memories of the past begin to outline a heartbreaking history for our story line hero. Phoebe Taylor followed her fiancé of three years to New York only to find herself alone, paying the ever increasing medical bills for a man who remains comatose closing in on two years. In desperate need of money, our heroine accepts the position of Nero’s personal assistant suspecting that she is expected to perform outside the range of her normal duties. The $ex scenes are seductive, intimate and intense.

THE BILLIONAIRE BEAST is a dark romance about two people whose lives are pulled together by loneliness and need. Nero de Santis’s actions and demands are difficult to accept; his initial treatment of Phoebe Taylor borders on abusive and controlling. Some readers make take exception to Nero’s behavior; the reasons why will be all too clear at the end. The premise is dramatic; the characters are controversial and tenacious-our hero is tormented and lost; the romance is provocative yet heartbreaking.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book 1-THE BILLIONAIRE’S VIRGIN

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Face the Flames by Jo Davis – Review & Giveaway

Face the Flames by Jo Davis – Review & Giveaway

 

Face the Flames Banner

Face the FlamesAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
A near-fatal accident left firefighter/paramedic Clay Montana with devastating injuries. Now, after a year-long recovery, Clay is focused on one thing: getting his body back to form, so he can return to the job he loves. And then a chance meeting with a fiery redhead changes his life…
Detective Melissa Ryan may be the new cop on the block, but she s no stranger to Sugarland. It s where she lived with her violent, criminal uncle a man she needs to see behind bars. But when she meets Clay at a crime scene, the down-but-far-from-out firefighter makes her rethink her priorities.
Getting close to Clay is intoxicating, but Melissa must keep her wits about her if she s to protect them from a man with deadly intentions “

 

 

Review:

Face the Flames by Jo Davis is the 6th book in her Sugarland Blue series.  We have been waiting for Clay’s story, and it did not disappoint.  Almost immediately, we see Clay in a major accident driving the Fire station emergency vehicle.  The story then shifts to months later, as Clay is still in rehab, pushing himself to be able to prove he can go back to work at the Fire House, but Clay still has a way to go.

While painfully pushing himself doing walking exercises, Clay notices a robbery attempt.  He was just in time to save the young boy behind the counter, but the robber got away.  It is here that we meet our heroine, Detective Melissa Ryan, as she reports to the scene of the crime.

Both Melissa and Clay are attracted to each other from the start, as their chemistry heats up the place quickly.  Clay has always been a playboy, and teases his co-workers who have found their mates; but his perspective after the accident changes him, and he slowly begins to see that maybe just maybe he wants to find one girl to spend his life with.  Though he is somewhat handicapped, he is determined to court Melissa.

Melissa is new to Sugarland and the police force.  She has been a cop for years, but decides to return home to help bring her criminal uncle to justice.  The focus of this story besides Clay and Melissa’s scorching hot romance, is the tense danger that both Melissa and Clay will be put in the middle of, as her Uncle and his men will stop at nothing to bring them down.

Rather than tell too much more would be spoilers, but the story is intense at times, and very sexy other times.  I thought that this story did have more sexual scenes then in the other books, which at times did take away somewhat from the other tense story line.  I love seeing the other characters from Sugarland play a part, especially Melissa & Clay’s co-workers.   Both Clay and Melissa were wonderful together, and Melissa was very supportive in Clay’s determination to be able to go back to being a fire fighter.  Face the Flames was a wonderful exciting story, with a great couple, great supporting cast, and a evil villain.  I suggest you read the entire Sugarland Blue series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

giveaway

Jo Davis’s Publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of FACE THE FLAMES 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.

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Follow Jo Davis  on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to US only

9. Giveaway runs from March 7 to 11, 2017

Save

Share

Firestorm (Dark Kings #10) by Donna Grant-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

FIRESTORM (Dark Kings #10 ) by Donna Grant-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Firestorm Banner

FIRESTORM
Dark Kings #10
by Donna Grant
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Firestorm

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM / indiebound / ibooks / Tantor Audio

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2017

SCORCHED BY DESIRE

Dimitri lives to protect the secret of the Dragon Kings from the human race. Bound by a bond stronger than blood to the Kings, Dimitri uses his strength and prowess to defend a thousand-year-old secret. But when an oh-so-sexy, slightly absent-minded archaeologist wanders into his midst, Dimitri will have to give up his rules, and give in to desire…

When Dr. Faith Reynolds stumbles upon an ancient skeleton that appears it comes from a dragon, she’s completely taken aback. A woman of science, there’s no way in her mind that this mythological creature can exist. But when a devilishly handsome man named Dimitri intercepts her path to uncovering the truth, Faith’s curiosity turns into all-consuming passion. She’s never felt this way about any man before. But when Dimitri reveals his biggest secret, can she learn to love the man—as well as the dragon within, in Firestorm, the next Dark Kings novel by New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant.

••••••••••

REVIEW: FIRESTORM is the tenth full length installment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal romance series focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is White Dragon King Dimitri, and archeologist Dr. Faith Reynolds’s story line. FIRESTORM can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order. There is a war approaching between the dragons, the fae and humankind, and the buildup has been ongoing for several installments.

SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Ulrik the Silver Dragon King and his uncle Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides-but Ulrik wants revenge against King Constantine of the Dragon Kings; Mikkel wants to become King of the Silvers, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon and to rule Scotland and the rest of the world. FIRESTORM overlaps with Donna’s new spin off series THE REAPERS who may be a potential ally with the Dragons Kings in their war with the Dark Fae.

Told from several third person perspectives FIRESTORM follows Dr. Faith Reynolds as she embarks on an excavation on Fair Isle that uncovers the skeletal remains of a once mighty dragon. Order to Fair Isle where his white dragons once called home, Dimitri the King of the White Dragons becomes protector of both Faith Reynolds and the skeleton of a dragon he once called family and friend. What ensues is a short battle with the Dark Fae, the return of the white dragon skeleton to Dreagan Mountain, and the building but forbidden relationship between a human and the King of the White Dragons.

Once again, FIRESTORM, like most of the previous story lines continues to follow the approach to war between Ulrik the Silver, the Dark Fae, and another potential enemy not yet known to the dragons. Ulrik’s battle for control comes under fire from the continuing inference of his uncle Mikkel; Rhi’s struggle with her relationship with Con is heightened by the revelation of Con’s affair the Queen of the Light Fae; and a new but potentially familiar foe has entered the fray in an attempt to destroy the Dragon Kings. The Reapers, along with the Druids and Warriors will become enmeshed in a war for power and control with the intent to take down the world’s most powerful beast.

FIRESTORM continues to build upon the previous story lines. Another Dragon King finds his mate amid the human population- something King Constantine is reluctant to accept. Con’s struggle with the dragon’s mates becomes all too readily apparent when magic takes center stage on the mountains of Dreagan. The premise is dramatic and heartbreaking; the characters are colorful and engaging; the romance is spirited and seductive.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Dark Kings Series

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

Dark Craving, Dawn’s Desire,Night’s Awakening Novellas .1-.3
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Dragon King 6.5 (novella)
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke and Fire
Dragon Fever 9.5 (novella)
Firestorm

Excerpt

 

Faith let her gaze slowly run up the tall man. He wore jeans that hugged his trim hips, and a thin, black, V-neck sweater that showed off every mouthwatering muscle that was honed to perfection.
His muscles weren’t so huge that they looked ugly. But they were big enough to be noticed—and appreciated.

And she couldn’t seem to stop appreciating them. Her gaze lingered on his thick chest, imagining her hands running over his pecs before sliding around his neck.

Her breath hitched as her blood heated. She unzipped her jacket to help cool herself. Then she looked up at his face. And what a face!

His wide, full lips softened the sharp lines of his jaw. Azure eyes framed with thick, black lashes watched her with a decided lack of interest. It was difficult to determine whether his hair was dark brown or black in the dim light of the cave.

But it was trimmed short with the top long enough to be parted to the side, the locks having a hint of wave to them.

She had a strange and overwhelming desire to run her hands through his hair and climb him.

Claim him.

Her knees threatened to buckle from the insane and decadent thoughts. The carnal longing swept through her shamelessly—and she embraced it.

Even as she feared it.

It took three attempts before she was able to have enough saliva to swallow.

“Who are you?” she demanded.

“The man who’s going to keep you safe,” came his harsh reply framed in a Scot’s brogue.

Her gaze shifted to Tamir. “Excuse me?”

Tamir laughed nervously. “Yeah, this is what I tried to tell you earlier. When I spoke with Ronnie, she suggested someone to help keep the crazies out. So she sent Dmitri.”

Faith looked at Muscles again and noticed his interest was squarely on the skeleton. Just as she was about to tell Tamir to send him away, she realized they could use someone to keep the loonies at bay.

Getting to her feet, she extended her hand to him. “Faith Reynolds.”

“Dmitri,” he replied and briefly shook her hand, letting go as if the contact between them irritated him.

 

 

About The author

donna_grant_newDonna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Rafflecopter Giveaway

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enchantress Logo

Share

Deep Into Trouble (Unbroken Heroes #3) by Dawn Ryder-a review

DEEP INTO TROUBLE (Unbroken Heroes #3) by Dawn Ryder

Deep Into Trouble

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2017

Desire is more dangerous than anything in Deep Into Trouble, the next Unbroken Heroes novel from Dawn Ryder.

Saxon Hale lives for the hunt–taking down the bad guys, stopping them dead in their tracks. His latest mission has him in New Orleans, where people go for the party that never ends. But fun is the last thing on Saxon’s mind now that he’s a breath away from closing in on a vicious overlord known only as the Raven. Until an innocent young woman unknowingly enters the very deadly game…

Ginger Boyce is a librarian who’s growing tired of being so buttoned-up on the job, and when she attends a conference in the Big Easy, she decides to taste the wild side of life. But when her dance with darkness becomes lethal, she’s in dire need of protection–and ends up in the embrace of a man who radiates danger and desire. Soon Saxon finds himself Ginger’s shield against an enemy whose power they haven’t yet begun to face. But will he be able to keep his mind on his mission while the very woman under his care drives him beyond distraction?

••••••••••

REVIEW: DEEP INTO TROUBLE is the third installment in Dawn Ryder’s contemporary, adult UNBROKEN HEROES romantic, suspense series focusing on an elite Shadow Ops team. This is Navy SEAL Saxon Hale, and librarian/researcher Ginger Boyce’s story line. DEEP INTO TROUBLE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary although some of premise continues from earlier reads.

Told from several third person perspectives including Saxon and Ginger, DEEP INTO TROUBLE is a story of murder, intrigue, corruption, power and love. Ginger Boyce found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time-a witness to a murder, our heroine is on the run with a man she knows nothing about. Enter Shadow Ops agent Saxon Hale, the man who will protect Ginger with his life, and the man who finds himself falling for the woman who calls to his heart. What ensues is the building relationship between two people whose lives will be tied together-‘for better or for worse-thank you, thank you very much’; the search for a crime boss known as the Raven; and the struggle to stay one step ahead of Washington DC’s power elite.

Once again, political aspirations and the ultimate battle for control are front and center in a story line where one woman is caught in a power struggle with the nations political powerhouse. Saxon’s team of Shadow Ops soldiers can no longer trust the people in charge as their safe houses are compromised within minutes of arrival.

The relationship between Saxon and Ginger is one of immediate attraction but Saxon knows that to get involved with a ‘job’ means placing Ginger in the line of fire. Not only do our couple find themselves saying ‘I do’ but the prospect of a happily ever after may never come to fruition if Saxon and his team cannot protect the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive without the use of over the top graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters who play intricate roles throughout the story. Saxon’s brother Vitus returns to help protect his brother and the woman with whom Saxon has fallen in love. We are introduced to team member Captain Bram Magnus whose story will be told next.

DEEP INTO TROUBLE is a fast paced, action packed story of intrigue and power; romance and love; family, friendship and a happily ever after. The premise is addicting; the romance is provocative; the characters are colorful, dynamic and real. DEEP INTO TROUBLE is the perfect read for fans of romantic suspense where the struggle to survive is a battle until the end.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dangerous To Know
Dare You to Run
Deep Into Trouble

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share