Monthly Archives: March 2020

The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
POWER HAS A PRICE. SO DOES LOVE.

Return to the dark, sensual, and powerful world of the Black Jewels in this long-awaited new story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga

After a youthful mistake, Lord Dillon’s reputation is in tatters,
leaving him vulnerable to aristo girls looking for a bit of fun. To
restore his reputation and honor, he needs a handfast—a one-year contract of marriage. He sets his sights on Jillian, a young Eyrien witch from Ebon Rih, who he believes has only a flimsy connection to the noble society that spurned him. Unfortunately for Dillon, he is unaware of Jillian’s true connections until he finds himself facing Lucivar Yaslana, the volatile Warlord Prince of Ebon Rih.

Meanwhile, Surreal SaDiablo’s marriage is crumbling. Daemon Sadi, the Warlord Prince of Dhemlan, recognizes there is something wrong between him and Surreal, but he doesn’t realize that his attempt to suppress his own nature in order to spare his wife is causing his mind to splinter. To save Daemon, and the Realm of Kaeleer if he breaks, help must be sought from someone who no longer exists in any of the Realms—the only
Queen powerful enough to control Daemon Sadi. The Queen known as Witch.

As Jillian rides the winds of first love with Dillon, Daemon and Surreal struggle to survive the wounds of a marriage turned stormy—and Lucivar has to find a way to keep everyone in his family safe…even from each other.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop is the 10th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series.   I have read every single book in all of Anne series, and have loved each and everyone of them.  However, that being said, Black Jewels has a place in my heart as being one, if not the best series I have ever read.  It has been many years since the Black Jewels series ended, as Anne has been busy giving us other wonderful new series; and when I heard she was going back to the world of Daemon, Luciver, Surreal and especially Jaenelle, I was so excited.  I am thrilled to say I loved returning to the Black Jewels series, and spending time with some of my all-time favorite characters, including Karla.  In fact, I decided to go back and read the first three books of this magnificent series, and once again I was totally engrossed, unable to put the book down again.

The Queen’s Bargain focuses on multiple POV’s centering around Daemon Sadi, and his wife, Surreal;  Jillian, a young witch who works for Luciver’s household, helping Marian and his children; Lord Dillion, a young lord, whose reputation was shattered and now uses love spells on girls including Jillian.

Lord Dillion, is a handsome young man, who romanced an evil woman, whose false accusations caused him to lose everything, including his family.  Dillion moves from town to town, to find a life with respect, and when he meets the young and beautiful Jillian, decides to win her over any way he can.  But what he doesn’t know, is Jillian is a like a daughter to the Warlord Prince of Ebon Rich, Lucivar Yaslana; who will always protect those he cares about.

Daemon Sadi, has been suffering terrible headaches, and one night he seduced his wife, Surreal when he was in the throes of being the High Lord of Hell, which scared Surreal.  This caused a rift between Daemon and Surreal, which neither really understood, and Daemon needs help, as his mind is beginning to splinter. Who can help heal Daemon, before he totally destroys everything around him?

What follows is a wonderful and at times tense story that will bring Lucivar and Daemon even closer.  It will also bring many of the other characters we loved in previous books, such as Karla, Marian, Daemonar, etc.  Most of all, we will also get to see a little bit of Witch, who still has powers to help those she loves.  Having been a huge fan of Ladvarian and Kaelas, the scelties dedicated to Jaenelle, I was thrilled to meet Morghann, a sceltie who is dedicated to Daemon, and some others cute pups.

I do not want to give spoilers, as this is just too precious to ruin the story, and the wonderful characters that have returned.  If you have not read the Black Jewels series, I suggest you start with Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows and Queen of the Darkness.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of THE QUEEN’S BARGAIN to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe
     

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 9 – 13, 2020

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DISEASE X by N.J. Croft-a review

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DISEASE X by N.J. Croft-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 6, 2020

A plane carrying a Russian biochemist crashes in the Alaskan wilderness with no survivors.

A dying billionaire launches a final fight against death amid whispers of a now defunct military bioweapon: Project Snowcap.

The world’s leading CRISPR virologist, Doctor Elijah Vance, hovers on the edge of a breakthrough that will alter humanity at its most fundamental level.

And in a remote village in Mexico, an unknown disease is spreading.

Following the death of his missionary parents to an ebola outbreak when he was a young child, Eli has dedicated his life to finding a cure for all viruses. Drafted onto the WHO Fast Response Team sent to lock down a possible outbreak in Mexico, he realizes that this is the big one they’ve been waiting for. Disease X: the unknown pathogen with the potential to destroy mankind.

It’s a battle of man against virus. And we’re losing. As the deaths mount and civilization breaks down, the team must race against the clock to connect the clues and uncover patient zero. But Eli is unprepared for the shocking secrets he exposes when the truth is finally revealed.

•••••••••

REVIEW: DISEASE X by NJ. (Nina) Croft is a contemporary, adult, sci-fi, medical thriller focusing on an unknown virus that wipes out most of the world’s population.

Told from third person perspective DISEASE X follows virologist Dr. Elijah Vance as he is sent to Mexico, by the WHO (World Health Organization), as part of a rapid response team to stem the outbreak of a virus that has been red-flagged by the US government. As the deaths mount, with no cure or vaccine in sight, Eli finds himself on the periphery of a global disaster that is about to wipe out ninety-nine percent of the world’s population. Believing Mexico is ground zero, Eli and his team, including Captain Riley Hawkins, the woman with whom Eli will fall in love, risk their own lives and safety to uncover the truth-no matter where it leads.

The timing of the release of DISEASE X coincides with the Coronavirus outbreak of 2020. Be it a natural disaster; a man made biological weapon; or a combination of both DISEASE X, a name given to an undiscovered disease with the potential to destroy Earth’s population, becomes a rapidly, transmitted virus with no known origin or cure. Following the path of infection and contamination, Eli and his team, must push beyond their capabilities in an effort to stop a disease with the potential for a one-hundred percent fatality rate. From conspiracy theories and native legends, to Russian interference, DISEASE X can be traced back thousands of years, but add global flight and mass transportation, the spread of DISEASE X cannot be contained.

DISEASE X is a story of sci-fi but a story of what ifs? What if a virus of unknown origins wipes out most of the world’s population? How do you survive, and if you survive, how will you keep on living? Nina Croft pulls the readers into a strong , astonishing, complex and intriguing story of death and survival.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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A Forgotten Murder by Jude Deveraux – a Review

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A Forgotten Murder by Jude Deveraux – a Review

 

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Description:
An English manor home, an unsolved mystery, too many suspects to count… It’s the perfect holiday for romance novelist Sara Medlar.

After solving two murder cases in their hometown of Lachlan, Florida, Sara Medlar, her niece Kate and their friend Jack need a change of scenery. Sara arranges for them to visit an old friend of hers in England. Upon arrival at Oxley Manor, a centuries-old estate that has been converted to a luxury hotel, Kate and Jack quickly realize that Sara is up to something. They learn that Sara has also invited a number of others to join them at Oxley.

When everyone assembles, Sara lets them know why they are there. Decades earlier, two people ran off together from Oxley and haven’t been heard from since—and Sara wants to solve the case. As the people who were there the night the two went missing, the guests find themselves cast in a live mystery-theater event.

In reenacting the events of that night, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide and no one is safe, especially when the discovery of a body makes it clear that at least one of the people who disappeared was murdered.

Sara, Jack and Kate are once again at the heart of a mysterious case that only they are able to solve. But someone is willing to continue to kill to keep the truth about Oxley Manor buried, and none of the guests are safe.

 

Review:

A Forgotten Murder by Jude Deveraux is the 3rd book in her Medlar Mystery series.  I have not read the first two books in this series, but I had no problem starting with this book.  It was easy to get to know our heroine, Sara Medlar, a famous romance novelist, who loves to solve mysteries. I also enjoyed getting to know her cohorts in her crime solving (they solved two murders in the previous books); her niece Kate and their friend, Jack.

Sara arranges to visit an old friend in England, Bella, at her renovated hotel, Oxley Manor.   A few years ago, Sara paid for much of the renovation of Oxley Manor, to help out Bella.   Upon arrival, both Kate and Jack, who were planning a trip to Scotland, while Sara stayed at Oxley; but they quickly discover that Sara is up to her old tricks.  Seems there was an unsolved mystery 20 years before, when two people went missing, never to be seen again.   Sara takes it upon herself to invite all the living participants at the time of the incident to Oxley.  Kate and Jack decide they will put their trip on hold, and stay to help Sara, since they worry about her putting herself in danger.

When the group from the past arrives to Oxley Manor, Sara, Kate and Jack meet up with them to try and get information from that day when two people disappeared.  Sara is determined to solve the case, and as things get a bit too close for comfort, someone else is murdered; with everyone beginning to fear for their own lives. Sara will then have them reenact that night, with her putting all the clues she has together, for each to play their part, and see if they can tell who the guilty one is.  There are a few surprises twists, as well as other guests who arrive. 

What follows is an exciting, intriguing mystery that also has a few surprise twists as we come closer to the end.  Just when we discovered our surprise murderer, there is another surprise that threw us for a loop.  To tell too much more would be spoilers.  A Forgotten Murder was a fun well written mystery, which Jude Deveraux kept us on the edge of our seat.  If you enjoy old fashion murder mysteries, then you should be reading A Forgotten Murder.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Worth The Wait by Traci Douglass – a Review

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Worth The Wait by Traci Douglass – a Review

 

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Description:

Mandy Reynolds needs a reset on life in so many ways. Her acting career isn’t exactly where she’d hoped it to be. She can’t even get a job as a germ for a commercial. When she inherits half a house she sees it as a sign and heads home to Heavenly Falls, Illinois. She’ll sell the house, and use the money to take her career to the next level in Los Angeles. That is if she can convince her hard-headed––and stupidly gorgeous–– ex-stepbrother, Alex Noonan, to sell fast.

The last time Alex saw Mandy, she was a gangly teen, who followed him around like a sad puppy. But she’s grown into a smart and funny woman, who is as frustrating as she is beautiful. The fact that they have to live in the house––together––while they fix it up, is one temptation he doesn’t need. And while he’s having fun spending time with her, she’s moving on soon, and he needs time to heal.

Plus, she has no idea he’s got a secret that could put a monkey wrench in all of her plans…

 

 

 Review:

Worth the Wait by Traci Douglass is a standalone novel.  Mandy needs help, her acting career isn’t where it should be (well in her opinion), so when she gets the news she’s to inherit half a house, it’s the answer to her prayers, fix it up… sell it on…. easy…. well it would be if it wasn’t for her brother, well stepbrother, well in fact not even that now their parents are  divorced, he won’t help her. 

Alex wants this house, he has plans, and they don’t include Mandy. He wants to use the house as a showpiece, to show potential customers what he can do. Being an ex-investigator for the IRS paid the bills, but after being shot, Alex now suffers with anxiety and PTSD. So working on the house, he’s hoping will help him. Neither can afford to buy one another out, so they agree to work together, fix the house, then Alex can buy her out. Then Mandy will be back on the road to stardom. 

The story trots along, with both Mandy and Alex fighting and repairing the house, they also take sneaky peeks at one another.

Mandy thinks she’s nothing like her mother, she was into being with “the one” the relationships never lasted. So subconsciously she’s always on the move, and never getting involved in any long term relationships. The love affair between her mother and Alex’s father lasted only for a year, but long enough for Mandy to have an enormous crush. 

Have to admit love affairs between siblings isn’t on my reading list. I know it’s only step-siblings, (but I have stepdaughters, and I just couldn’t see my son and his stepsister ever being a couple) but that’s my opinion.  But saying that, it’s a nice story. Plenty of loose ends that could have been sorted. And plenty of questions that went unanswered. A little frustrating at times. 

So will Mandy move on, once the house is ready? Will Alex be able to see past his failings? Can he forgive Mandy for caring, and wanting the best for him? And can they be more than step-siblings? 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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Defending Zara (Mountain Mercenaries #6) by Susan Stoker-a review

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DEFENDING ZARA (Mountain Mercenaries #6) by Susan Stoker-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2020

Mountain Mercenary Hunter “Meat” Snow has a mission: eliminate the human traffickers scouring the barrios of Lima for vulnerable prey. But it’s Meat who’s taken down. Separated from his team and beaten within an inch of his life, he’s left for dead. When he wakes, it’s to the intimate care of a beautiful stranger who knows all about survival.
Zara Layne was a child when a brutal murder left her orphaned and abandoned in Peru. Ever since, she’s fended for herself on the streets, outrunning its predators. Trusting men is not in Zara’s blood…until it warms to the exhilarating touch of the wounded hero who promises deliverance. As each other’s rescuers, they return to Colorado for a new normal.
But when Meat disappears, Zara discovers how ruthless the past can be. With the help of the loyal Mercenaries, she’s drawing on her own skills of endurance to find him. And for Zara, there’s no danger great enough to come between her and the man she loves.

•••••••

REVIEW: DEFENDING ZARA is the sixth instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult MOUNTAIN MERCENARIES romantic, military suspense series focusing on a group of former soldiers and Navy SEALS who call themselves Mountain Mercenaries, headed by the mysterious ‘Rex’. This is twenty-five year old Zara Layne, and Mountain Mercenary Hunter ‘Meat’ Snow’s story line. DEFENDING ZARA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. The Mountain Mercenaries is a spin off from the author’s Ace Security series but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current timeline. The Mountain Mercenaries were first introduced in CLAIMING FELICITY (Ace Security 4).

Told from several third person perspectives including Zara and Meat, DEFENDING ZARA follows in the wake of a rescue assignment in South America that went terribly wrong. Beaten and fighting for his life in Lima, Peru, Mountain Mercenary Hunter ‘Meat’ Snow would come face to face with his future, his would-be rescuer, a young American woman thought missing and killed years before. Enter Zara Layne, missing American heiress, and the woman with whom Meat would fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Meat and Zara, as they struggle to reunite with Meat’s mercenary team, and the potential fall-out as Zara’s return to America and civilization comes with threats of a different kind against our story line couple.

Zara Layne has been missing and presumed dead for close to fifteen years but all efforts for a rescue were stopped years before. Alone and hiding in plane sight, Zara would be friended by a group of women who battle the odds in order to survive. Her parents murdered, and a ten year old Zara left to fend for herself, our heroine struggled to make it on her own. Hunter ‘Meat’ Snow knew immediately his dishevelled savior was more than she presented to the world but he had no idea about Zara’s history, including the life she once had, or is currently trying to hide.

The relationship between Zara and Meat is one of instant attraction but Meat is in no shape to enter into a relationship. From his injuries to the ongoing struggle in Lima, Peru, Meat will convince Zara to return to the States, in an effort to reclaim the life she was forced to leave behind. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The numerous secondary and supporting characters include computer guru and; Grayson and Allye (Defending Allye #1), Ronan and Chloe (Defending Choe #2), Archer ‘Arrow’ and Morgan (Defending Morgan #3), Lowell ‘Black’ and Harlow (Defending Harlow #4), Kannon ‘Ball’ Black and Everly (Defending Everly #5) , as well as the mysterious ‘Rex, the leader and handler of the Mountain Mercenaries. We are introduced to Zara’s ‘friends’ in Peru including Mags, Bonita, Carmen and Daniela; her grandparents back home, and grade school friend Renee.

DEFENDING ZARA is a story of survival; of one woman’s struggle to survive ; and one man’s efforts to protect the woman with whom he would fall in love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the slow building romance is seductive ; the characters are energetic, colorful and strong. Like most of Susan Stoker’s heroines, Zara Layne has battled the odds. There is always something about her heroines that requires a rescue or protection but in the end it is the heroine who rescues the man that she loves.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Defending Allye
Defending Chloe
Defending Morgan
Defending Harlow
Defending Everly

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Reviewed by Sandy

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NEVER LEAVE A ROCKSTAR by Sarah Darlington-Review Tour

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NEVER LEAVE A ROCKSTAR (Rockstars in Kill Devils Hills #4) by Sarah Darlington-Review Tour


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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 4, 2020

STRANDED ON AN ISLAND WITH A HOT ROCKSTAR?
Fine, I’ll volunteer.

Luce thinks Ollie Mills is obnoxious, frustrating, and full of himself. The only thing the bassist of the world famous rock band, Sunset Revival, cares about is a good time and the next woman in his bed. So of all people to be stranded on a deserted island with, Luce can’t believe it has to be him.

Ollie has been crushing on Luce Winchester for months. Finally, finally, she agrees to come stay with him. Well, it’s a visit out of desperation, but he’ll take whatever he can get from this woman. When they get kidnapped and stranded on a random island thanks to a psychotic fan, it’s hardly the first date Ollie had in mind. But there’s more to this devilishly handsome rocker than meets the eye. He’s resourceful, protective, and maybe, just maybe, he can prove to Luce he’s a bet she should take.

In the end will Luce choose to stay with Ollie or leave her love-struck rockstar behind?

•••••••••

REVIEW: NEVER LEAVE A ROCKSTAR is the fourth and final instalment in Sarah Darlington’s contemporary, adult ROCKSTARS IN KILL DEVILS HILLS / NEVER TRUST erotic, rock, romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Sunset Revival. This is bassist Oliver ‘Ollie’ Mills, and bartender Luce Winchester’s story line. NEVER LEAVE A ROCKSTAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Luce is Emma’s niece (Never Trust a Rockstar #1). Some of the events of Never Leave a Rockstar cross over with, and run parallel to the events in a couple of the previous books.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luce and Ollie) NEVER LEAVE A ROCKSTAR follows in the aftermath of a kidnapping and abandonment on a deserted island. Ollie Mills had been lusting after Luce Winchester since being rejected by her sister Emma. Inviting Luce onto his yacht meant a chance with our story line heroine but Ollie was a bit of a manwh*re and Luce soon discovered she wasn’t the only woman on board the yacht. But things don’t go according to plan when Ollie and Luce are kidnapped and left stranded on a deserted island where they struggle to find water and food, only, once again, to come face to face with their would-be abductors disguised as their rescuers. Having to make a desperate attempt to escape their kidnappers, Ollie and Luce find themselves on the run, in the hopes of staying one-step ahead of Ollie’s persistent stalker. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ollie and Luce, and the potential fall-out as Luce keeps a secret that is about to change her life.

Ollie’s reputation as a manwh*re preceded his introduction to our story line heroine. Throughout the series Ollie’s dalliances with numerous women didn’t sit well with family or friends but in NEVER LEAVE A ROCKSTAR a different side of Oliver Mills emerges as he struggles to save the woman with whom he would fall in love. Luce Winchester has loved and lost, and wasn’t about to get involved with a man who is unable to make a commitment beyond the weekend but finding herself on a deserted island with our story line hero, Luce and Ollie had to work together in order to survive.

The relationship between Ollie and Luce began months before but Ollie’s stint in rehab found our hero making a daily call in order to get his fix of our story line heroine. Everyone warns Luce about Ollie’s manwh*ring ways, never giving Ollie the benefit of the doubt that people can change when they fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Caleb Mills and his girlfriend Emma: Dana Mills and John Michaels; Luke Mills and Rebecca Cooper.

NEVER LEAVE A ROCKSTAR is a story of obsession and fame; romance, secrets, family and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining. The epilogue fast forwards one year but I was hoping for some information or more details regarding Ollie’s stalker, a conflict resolution that never came to fruition. The characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is passionate and seductive. NEVER LEAVE A ROCKSTAR is a spicy and sexy conclusion to the Never Trust/Rockstars in Kill Devils Hills series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Never Trust a Rockstar
Never Kiss a Rockstar
Never Love a Rockstar

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Sarah Darlington was born in Colorado and grew up all over the United States. These days, she calls Virginia home, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and large dog. The best word to describe Sarah is ‘creative.’ She’s passionate about designing, crafting, and photography. But most of all… she loves creating stories through her writing.

Her romance books are sexy and heart-gripping at their core, guaranteed to make you swoon. Any of them can be read as a stand-alone, but all are connected within the same world.

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Sinful Scot by Julie Johnstone & Cecelia Mecca-Review & Giveaway Tour

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Sinful Scot by Julie Johnstone & Cecelia Mecca-Review & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2020

In a time he doesn’t belong, in an alliance she shouldn’t have made, they’ll fall dangerously, hopelessly in love.

New Orleans, 2020. Billionaire Rhys McCaim doesn’t believe for one second that his missing mother is a time traveler. Still, his father insists that she didn’t leave them willingly but was pulled through time to her true home in medieval Scotland. But when he and his three brothers test out an ancient time-traveling spell to appease their dying father and Rhys is catapulted to thirteenth-century Scotland, he can’t exactly deny it anymore. Suddenly he’s a Highlander in a land on the verge of war. He needs to get back to his time before all hell breaks loose, but first he must find his mother. Luckily, fate drops the perfect guide in his path. She’s brilliant, beautiful and bold, and he’s drawn to her in a way he’s never been drawn to anyone or anything before. But he can’t afford to be distracted from his mission or lower his carefully constructed guard.

Scotland, 1286. Maggie Irvine is betrothed to a vicious man who cares only of wealth and power. Marrying him will restore her family’s reputation, however, saving her siblings from lives of misery. She has resigned herself to her fate, but when a mysterious, handsome stranger magically appears before her out of thin air, her plan—and the stranger’s life—are in jeopardy. And the only way to save him is to risk everything. As she comes to learn the shocking truth of what he hides, Maggie discovers what happens when duty collides with desire and long-abandoned dreams rise to the surface.

Bound by secrets and lies, Maggie and Rhys are entangled in the brewing battle for the Scottish throne. With his knowledge of the future, Rhys possesses the powerful ability to alter history. Yet, to do so successfully, he must let Maggie past the defenses he’s spent a lifetime building. Now, an alliance that began in desperation becomes a need that will leave them both torn between what they should do and what love demands.

•••••••

REVIEW: Sinful Scot is a historical/time travel/romance novel. I don’t intend to miss a single part of this wonderfully written new series. I eagerly await the next novel.

I don’t do spoilers, and I certainly wouldn’t want to spoil a second of this exciting series. So, I’ll give you the basic set up and let you salivate over the rest! (I’m writing this while chuckling evilly.)

The story starts with a prelude of King Alexander in Fifeshire, Scotland in 1286. Shona MacKinnish has just witnessed the death of King Alexander, and it was not an accident. She is being pursued by one of those who planned and carried out the deed. They scared his horse and he was thrown over a cliff to his death. There are many more details, this is just the basics of what happened. She reached Hightower castle and tells her healer sister what has happened and that she’s being chased. They mean to kill her to silence her. Her sister is a powerful woman and attempts to send her to their home and clan to protect her. She uses an ancient silver cross the fae gave her with special powers for traveling. However, Shona gets the chant wrong and disappears, no one knows where she has gone.

The first chapter sets the premise and deepens the plot and it’s so cool. Okay, here’s the setup for the actual story. The first chapter is set in the year 2020, New Orleans.

There are four brothers in total. Rhys, Reikart, Greyson, and Ian. Their mother, Shona, just disappeared five years ago. They had made extensive efforts to find her, but there was literally no trace of her. Tonight, is the anniversary of her disappearance. Their father, Colin, was heartbroken and is now seemingly mad. He believed she’d gone through time and spent all his time with books and charts trying to find a way to get her back. He spent a small fortune on an ancient book of spells or chants in hope of getting his wife back. The police and the brothers believe she just walked out. It just doesn’t make sense to them, because they’d always been madly in love.

When their father collapses and is taken to the hospital, the brothers investigate his study to try to find out what he was up to when he got so sick. What they find is both amazing and truly a bit crazy…and the fun and adventure begins!

Rhys is the focus of the first novel and what a wonderfully exciting story it is! There is so much adventure, romance, love and more here. However, you will need to read the rest for yourself. I can only tell you it’s worth both the time and the price of the book. I think this series is a must read!

Kudos to Julie Johnstone and Cecelia Mecca on what I believe will be a very lucrative and popular series.

I just want the next one soon! PLEASE!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

About Julie Johnstone

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

•••••••••••

About Cecelia Mecca

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Cecelia Mecca is the author of historical romance and also writes paranormal romance as C.L. Mecca.

Every heroine, from Lady Sara in the Border Series to Alessandra Fiore in Bloodwite, is your best friend– the one who kicks ass and takes names. When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to take control, sparks fly until the very last page.

Cecelia writes the Amazon bestselling Border Series and brand new Order of the Broken Blade series which take readers to an admittedly romanticized time of knights and castles in medieval England and Scotland.

She also has her hands full with the ultimate bad boys– sexy, wealthy and swoon-worthy vampires– a venture not for the faint of heart. Her debut paranormal romance series, Bloodwite, released in 2019.

​Our Highlander-loving, vampire-writing author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania​, chai in hand, thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and paranormal playboys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor.

Julie Johnstone is graciously offering an ebook copy of SINFUL SCOT to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Circle of the Pack (Quytel #3) by Jane S. Morrissey-Review Tour

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Circle of the Pack (Quytel #3) by Jane S. Morrissey-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 4, 2020

The mysterious and illusive Maliha Courtland has ensnared Ash Montgomery and he’s not happy about it. When she disappears, he is the only one who can track her. What he finds will change his life forever.

Not long after her recovery from a brutal demon attack Maliha finds herself a prisoner. As she fights for her sanity, she uncovers a part of herself she never could have imagined. Ash may be the one person who can keep her safe, but what will he have to sacrifice in the process?

•••••••••

REVIEW: Oh Wow!! That was a Really good read. So much going on. I personally would have liked to have read the first two books, as I felt a few things were running in the background of this book.

Maliha is a wolf shifter, she’s also connected to the earth like her twin brother Cole. It looks like in previous books Mali had been attacked and she’s recuperating, but she’s not a good patient, she needs space from both the facility and Ash!! They’ve always been friends, and recently they had been flirting on and off, but since the attack (Mali was in a fight and got hurt pretty bad by a demon) Ash has backed off, no flirty, just another overbearing male!!

Ash has fallen for Mali, her spirit draws him in, her kindness to others and her determination not to be beaten down. Ash has cultivated the playboy act for so long now, even he believes it, so he can’t see how he can assure Mali that he wants her for as long as she’s alive (being a warrior for the Quytel, brings a longevity to his life, he’s seen his family line die out)

The two of them have history (so I think books one and two might have a little more of their story) the flirting back and forth, Ash convinced that she’s the one for him, Mali wanting more from Ash than just talk. And when Mali is captured, Ash is driven to find her. He’s realised he can’t do without her, they will be together, he just has to find her….

There are many layers to the Quytel (it had me confused until I’d gotten it straight in my head) so …… At the top we have Jonas, he’s the commander, he’s linked psychically to all the levels in his group, then there are the three judges, three seekers, those are followed by seven warriors.

And then we get to the vessels , there are only ever fourteen active Vessels (one dies, one takes its place) they exist on earth and each are of vital importance. They are also more powerful than an entire Quytel Circle, their destructive and healing power unequalled. To bond with a vessel can increase lifespan and boost your own gifts. There are also seven other commanders, they are all around the world.

And the bad guys are just as complicated!! I needed a pen and paper to keep notes. We have werewolves, demons, mages and The Order of Sennestia Cruterra. The Order is Sennestia Cruterra is the Quytel’s main rival for control of power on Earth. Members are powerful mages, they can also control the elements of Water, Earth, Fire and wind. They are formidable opponents, devious and deadly!!

The characters are all great, we were introduced to just a select few, but heard about many more. Jonas is the commander of the group, Mack is his second in command. (Now there is a back story worth investigating) Dahlia is a vessel, she’s looked after by Firhan, but I suspect there is more to that story also.

The descriptions in this book have you imagining the world they live in really easily. The story flows really well.
And I can’t wait to read the next instalment. I’m tempted to go back and read the first two books.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

 

Mali’s arm twisted painfully and her skin brushed against cracked leather. The car. I’m in a car.
Awareness crept into a corner of her mind like a spindle of light in the darkness. The image of her father got closer, his fist raised to strike her. With her last ounce of sanity, Mali reached through space and time to the deepest connection in her soul.
Without warning Ash was there. His warmth and strength poured into her fractured mind, soothing and calming. His spicy, masculine scent replaced her father’s twisted stench. His playful smile, green eyes sparkling with humor, replaced the menace of her father’s fist.
She grabbed on to his energy with all she had. This was one of her few psychic abilities. She could follow an energy thread, however minimal, back to its source and locate it in space. She just had to use it differently.
Blocking out the invasion of her mind, she focused on Ash, allowing his essence to pour into her, his age and wisdom to light her from within. His unfailing sense of duty and justice became pure light, chasing away the shadows and sending nightmarish memories into hiding.
Her eyes snapped open, flashing fire as she stared back at the man in the front seat. His dark, twisted magic swelled and she fought it down. Cool soothing energy calmed her. Ash’s strength filled her. 


 

Jane Morrissey is a paranormal romance writer who loves romance, magic, and writing. Her paranormal romantic mysteries will keep you reading late into the night. Jane spends her time writing, enjoying the glorious California Coast near her home and spending as much time as she can with family and friends. 
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janesmorrissey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janemorrisseyofficial/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janesmorrissey/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41946492-circle-of-flames

 

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