Awakened (Steel Brothers Saga 16) by Helen Hardt-Review tour

Awakened (Steel Brothers Saga 16) by Helen Hardt-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 29 2020

His voice enthrals her. Her vibrancy awakens him.

Ashley White can’t wait to begin her internship at Steel Vineyards. As an oenology doctoral candidate, she knows all the theory but lacks practice. Working under renowned winemaker Ryan Steel—and his equally talented nephew, Dale—is an opportunity she can’t refuse.

Dale Steel is a loner. Despite his huge family full of uncles, aunts, and cousins, he’s more at home in his vineyards, where he finds something that comes close to the tranquility he craves. He’ll never find true peace, and he’s accepted his fate…until his new intern shows up and turns the only world he knows upside down.

Ashley awakens emotions in Dale that he never dreamed possible, and though he resents her intrusion into his life, he can’t deny the sparks that blaze between them. Still, he must remain distant. To succumb to his growing feelings would provoke something else entirely—the darkness he keeps hidden even from himself.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Just when you think the Steel family has finished their story…another makes it way into the mind of Helen Hardt. Awakened is the start of the Steel children all over again; this one beginning with Talon and Jade’s children.

Dale Steel loves his vines and the connection he feels with them, working in the vineyard with Ryan is what keeps his demons at bay. Through therapy he has learned to cope, but still refuses to talk about the past and the trauma he experienced. He’s content in life, all he needs is the ranch and the vines.

Or so he thought.

Ashley White loves all things wine and is planning on making it her career. When she lands the internship at Steel Vineyards, she is so excited and happy, while she has the mental knowledge, she doesn’t have any experiences in the making of it. It’s the chance of a lifetime, but she wasn’t expecting Dale.

As always HH hooks us with her characters and storyline. Ashley jolts Dale out of his content little life and soon he starts to crave her just as much as she does to him. Feelings rise, drama ensues, the plot thickens. I very much enjoyed this new start to the Steels, as always HH leaves us with more questions than anything at the end of Awakened. All the more I want my hands on the new book. Way to go on this secret smiling story!

Previous reviews
Ravenous
Insatiable
Fate
Legacy
Descent

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Craving – book 1 is **FREE**

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#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award-winning author of romantic fiction, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.

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Dawn Rising by Lisa M. Green – a Review

Dawn Rising by Lisa M. Green – a Review

 

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Description:
Once upon a time, a girl was born. A hundred years later, she grew up.

Aurianna must rewrite the past in order to save the future. She was supposed to be the answer to an enigmatic prophecy discovered on the night of her birth. But a terrible curse changed her life forever.

That is, until a mysterious stranger arrives to break the spell. He awakens Aurianna to the truth of her past and the powers she never knew she had.

When he sweeps her back in time, she discovers there is more to her life than she ever imagined. The world she encounters is both strange and familiar. But learning to control her newfound elemental powers will be the least of her problems.

She must race against time to uncover the truth about a catastrophe that will leave the world broken, divided, and at war.

Aurianna just wants answers. But the people need a saviour.

 

 

Review:

Dawn Rising by Lisa M. Green is a time travel book and the 1st book in her new Awakened series. Not my usual genre, but I’m always open to new authors and their ideas. The back cover intrigued me, so let’s go….. 

People come out of the darkness, we should be scared, they are dangerous. But if captured they can be drained and then killed. But you need to burn the bodies. But who are the people? Are the citizens aware those people are drained and burned? There are lots of questions that need answering. 

Aurianna knows she’s different, she doesn’t act the same as other, she can remember when the sun came out, when there was warmth in the air. But now there is only grey days and darkness. I did find Aurianna a little annoying at times, acting like a grown up one moment and then childish. 

When a stranger comes to town, she begins to put pieces of a puzzle together. A time traveller, Aurianna is then told she’s the key to a prophecy, she can help the future, but it means she has to go to the past. 

Pharis is a traveller, coming to the future is a dangerous thing, no one has come back yet, so it’s all resting on him. Meeting Aurianna didn’t go the way he expected, and trying to convince her to go to the past with him proves interesting.

What happens next is a fast paced race through this book. Going back to the past to change the future, sounds easy right? Wrong! And they have to train Aurianna to use her powers, but I also get the feeling they are leaving a few things out! And what is the darkness? Do Aurianna and Pharis need to be wary of it?

I have to admit i thoroughly enjoyed the book!

First books in a new series need to be finely balanced, too much information and we get stuck, not enough information and it doesn’t keep the readers interest. This had it. And it kept me turning the pages. 

But I felt the characters needed a little more work, they felt a little stiff. I know we are in hard times, but there doesn’t seem any lightheartedness. And the like/hate/love between Pharis and Aurianna needed just a tweak, they almost seemed to gel, then they’d lose it. 

And we have a twist I didn’t see coming. The ending has you wondering it the next book will start there….. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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

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

Awakened

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2016

PASSION NEVER SLEEPS.

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

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

••••••••••

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

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

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

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

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

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Awakened (Eternal Guardians 8) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

AWAKENED (Eternal Guardians #8) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Tempted.indd

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About the book: Release Date April 12, 2016

DAMON – For twenty-five years he’s served as a plaything for the gods. With no memory of his past, he has no way of knowing if this is his ultimate fate, but he senses there has to be more to life.

Damon’s hope for more comes in the form of the Sirens’ newest recruit. Elysia is unlike any trainee he’s ever met. Not only can she remember where she came from—an ability the Sirens block—but she has an instant connection to Damon, one he’s never felt and doesn’t understand. Soon Damon is willing to do anything to have Elysia. Even risk the wrath of the gods to break her out of Olympus so he can keep her for himself.

But Damon’s past isn’t a mystery to everyone. Evil forces are at work beneath the surface, and before long, Damon realizes that the connection he shares with Elysia isn’t a random coincidence. His fate—and the darkness it brings—was cemented long ago. And when it is finally revealed, no one will be safe.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: AWAKENED is the eighth full length installment in Elisabeth Naughton’s adult ETERNAL GUARDIANS romantic fantasy series based in Greek mythology, prophecy and history. The modern day heroes –the Argonauts-are descended from the Gods of Olympus whom fate has decreed the Eternal Guardians on Earth. This is Damon and Elysia’s story line. AWAKENED can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing theme running throughout. AWAKENED fast forwards the series twenty five years and begins to follow the next generation of Argonauts and warriors.

Told from several third person perspectives AWAKENED focuses on Damon-an imprisoned male who for twenty five years has been the sex slave to Aphrodite, without memory of his previous life, and a man trained in the art of seduction. When Athena sets out to train a new group of Siren recruits, Damon finds himself face to face with Elysia-the Argolea princess- and the woman who would call to his soul. What ensues is the forbidden relationship between Siren and Trainer, and Elysia’s need to save Damon from the only life he knows.

AWAKENED has a deep connection to the previous novella-RAVAGED- in that our hero must come to terms with who he is, and from where he comes. Damon is a man without a past, and his future has been decided by the gods. While Elysia struggles as a Siren recruit, Damon begins to fall deeper for the chosen princess. Betrayal, heartbreak, obsession and revenge are the focus for two lost souls-without memories to guide them Elysia and Damon battle their desires while trying to stay one step ahead of the gods. It is Damon’s warrior like persona that gives our heroine pause as to the true identity of the man with whom she is falling in love.

AWAKENED is detailed story of destiny, steeped in Greek mythology, prophecy and lore blended into a modern day tale of gods seeking power and revenge against those they consider less than worthy. While Zeus continues to seek the Orb of Kronos, Athena continues to build her army of Sirens. The premise is intriguing, intricate and enchanting; the characters are passionate, startling and intense; the romance is fated and seductive. Another fantastic addition to Elisabeth Naughton’s ETERNAL GUARDIANS fantasy series.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

Eternal Guardians 2

FREE ebook: Marked : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

99¢ ebook  Entwined : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Tempted : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Enraptured : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Enslaved : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Bound : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Twisted: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /The Book Depository
Ravaged: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

Excerpt beige

 

“Mm…” Aphrodite swung her long legs over the side of the enormous bed and stretched her arms above her head. “That was wonderful.” Curly auburn hair the color of autumn leaves spilled down the pale skin of her naked spine as she turned and cast a coy look over her shoulder. “You get better and better, Damianos.”
The two naked nymphs who’d joined them scurried off the bed and rushed out of the room. Aphrodite pushed to her feet, all long lines and perfect curves, and crossed to the chaise.
The nymphs could disappear after the fact, the lucky females, but Damon could not. Rolling to his side, he propped his elbow on the mattress and rested his head on his hand as he watched Aphrodite slide a white silk robe onto her pale arms and tried not to be resentful of that fact. “Good thing, since my purpose is only to serve.”
Aphrodite smirked. “And you do it so well, erastis.”
Lover. He hated the way that word sounded.
The goddess moved back to the edge of the mattress and sat, then reached out and twirled a lock of Damon’s hair around her finger. “Speaking of serving, a new class of Sirens is set to arrive.” She pushed out her full, plump lips in a sexy little pout. “Athena is going to try to steal you from me again.”
Damon looked up at the goddess of love and desire and tried to feign disappointment, though inside, excitement leapt at the possibility of a break. Aphrodite’s temple wasn’t a bad place to spend your days—wide soaring rooms, tall stately pillars, marble everything, fountains and baths that promised both pleasure and relaxation, and the sweet scent of heliotrope wafting on the air, awakening the senses. But lately he couldn’t help thinking there had to be more to life than this. More than meaningless pleasure. More than casual sex. More than catering to Aphrodite, a goddess who cared only about herself.
“A new class, huh?” He rolled back into the mountain of pillows and laced his fingers behind his head, remembering that Athena and Aphrodite didn’t always get along. Jealousy was forever an issue between them—between any of the ruling Olympians—and he’d learned long ago not to show interest in any immortal other than the one currently in his line of sight.
“You don’t want to go, do you?” Aphrodite slid her finger down his throat and across the dusting of hair on his bare chest. “I could tell Athena you’re too valuable, which you are.”
This was where he needed to be careful. He couldn’t show too much enthusiasm, or Aphrodite would never let him leave. “Of course not. Training new Sirens is as enjoyable for me as spending time with your husband is for you.”
Aphrodite’s lips curled. Everyone knew she couldn’t stand her husband, Hephaestus. Her gaze hovered on Damon’s face. “That boring?”
She was beautiful, even Damon couldn’t deny that. Meadow-green eyes, flawless skin, high cheekbones, and lips made only for seduction. But though physically he was still attracted to her, more and more lately, he was finding it difficult to be aroused in her company. Sex with Aphrodite was as empty as his life these days. There had to be more. A reason he was here. A future that held some kind of purpose. Something other than…immortal perfection.
He drew his hand from behind his head and brushed the back of his fingers against the smooth curve of her jawline. “Infinitely boring. When I’m with the Sirens, I count the days until I return to your temple.”
Which was a flat-out lie. Working with Athena’s Sirens, training them in combat, strategy, warfare—even seduction—was a thousand times more fun than being stuck in Aphrodite’s claustrophobic pleasure palace.
Aphrodite sighed and smoothed her hand over his chest again, dropping her gaze to where she touched him. “I suppose I could consider letting you go. So long as I know you’re pining away for me. Absence, they say, does make the heart grow fonder.”
Damon had never found that to be true, but he refrained from saying so. He wasn’t about to do anything to jeopardize this chance to escape, however short his respite might be. “It does. Very much so.”
She leaned down and kissed him, sliding her tongue along his at the first touch and tasting him deeply. He didn’t pull away, didn’t say no, knew it was pointless to do so. Instead, he slid his fingers into the curly mass of auburn hair framing her face and kissed her back. Her mouth turned greedy against his, and she wriggled out of the robe she’d just pulled on, then pushed the sheet from his hips.
Yeah, there has to be more than this, he thought as she climbed over him. More than aphrodisiacs to keep him hard, more than meaningless sex, more than immortals using him for their pleasure. There had to be a hell of a lot more. Somewhere.
He just hoped he found it before he went mad.

 

 

About The Author beige

Follow Elisabeth: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

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

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