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Red on the River by Christine Feehan-Dual Review & Giveaway

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Red on the River by Christine Feehan-Dual Review & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2022

Vienna Mortenson isn’t your typical gambler. She prefers to stay under the radar, using her poker winnings to support her family and her community, including the local search and rescue team, which she heads up. Out in the backcountry there’s no time for hesitation when lives are on the line. Vienna prides herself on being tough and decisive. She’s not the sort to make a fool of herself over a guy, especially one who left her high and dry without a backward glance.

Zale Vizzini’s job constantly puts him in harm’s way. Working undercover and disappearing for months at a time isn’t exactly a recipe for a stable relationship. Despite the challenges and the risks, Zale wants something real with Vienna. He just needed time to figure out how to be in her life without putting her in danger. Now, he’s determined to win her back, and he’s ready to lay all his cards on the table.

As their friends’ wedding approaches, Zale takes advantage of the festivities to make a play for Vienna’s heart. But there are more deadly forces waiting to strike in the rugged terrain of Nevada and the western Sierras. Soon both of their lives are threatened, and the odds are stacked against them.

•••••

Sandy’s Review: RED ON THE RIVER is a contemporary, adult, slightly paranormal, romantic thriller set in the author’s MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE world. This is professional poker player/surgical nurse Vienna Mortenson, and undercover operative Zale Vizzini’s story line. RED ON THE RIVER can be read as a stand-alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Vienna Mortenson was first introduced in book one.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person perspective RED ON THE RIVER follows the second chance relationship between professional poker player/surgical nurse Vienna Mortenson, and undercover operative Zale Vizzini. Months earlier, a serial killer targeted Stella Harrison (Murder at Sunrise Lake), and in their wake threatened Stella and her close-knit friends including our heroine Vienna Mortenson. Taking some time for herself in the aftermath of the life-threatening events , Vienna would set out on an outdoor adventure where she would meet one of their rescuers, undercover operative Zale Vizzini. Six weeks together ended when Zale ghosted our story line heroine, leaving a heart broken Vienna in his wake. Fast forward to present day, wherein an invitation to a Las Vegas Poker Tournament brings Vienna up close and personal with the man who broke her heart, a man whose secrets may push Vienna out of his life.

All was not well in Las Vegas, Nevada; two undercover operatives were missing and presumed dead, and Zale and his partner Rainier claimed to have been hired to protect the hotel owner Daniel Wallin, but someone has targeted our story line heroine in the process, leaving Vienna exposed and unaware of what happened. Vienna Mortenson would find herself under the protection of Zale Vizzini, protection that would pull our couple together even though Vienna struggled with events from the past. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Zale and Vienna, and the potential fall-out as secrets are revealed, a contract needs to be fulfilled, placing a target on the back of our story line heroine.

The relationship between Zale and Vienna is a rekindling romance. Zale had previously ghosted Vienna following a six week whirlwind romance in which Vienna found herself falling for a man whose lifestyle was constantly on the move.Vienna’s past was mired in rejection and loss, and in this, our heroine struggled to trust the man who walked away without looking back. There are no $ex scenes.

We are re-introduced to a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including a few ‘Mafia’ members that may or may not have a future story line: Zale’s partner Rainier, operatives Rush, and Wilder; Stella and Sam (Murder at Sunrise Lake); nurse/photographer Harlow Frye; café owner Shabina Foster; computer IT expert and contracted government employee Raine O’Mallory; nurse Zahra Metcalf; Sam Rossi’s father Don Marco Rossi; and hotel owner Daniel Wallin. The requisite evil has many faces.

RED ON THE RIVER is another complex, detailed and informative story line often over-focusing on poker, poker play, and card combinations, as well as an exhaustive account of hiking, and mountain climbing. As per Christine Feehan’s style of writing, there is a slight paranormal aspect to the series but the author steers clear of any erotic $ex scenes or the use of strong language.

A side note- the author’s use of the paranormal aspect is virtually nil in the story, and in this, I believe the story line and series would benefit without the supernatural element.

________

Barb’s Review:
Red on the River by Christine Feehan is another one of her of suspense novels. We got to see some of the characters from her Sunrise Lake series.  We meet Vienna Mortenson, our heroine, who is in Vegas, participating in a live high stakes Poker tournament; she usually only plays online and rarely loses, but having received an invitation to this tournament, Vienna plans to win. She is one of the best in playing poker, but she also is a nurse, as well as helping in Search and Rescue. Vienna is helping prepare her best friend, Stella’s upcoming wedding, and this trip is also a bachelorette gathering with a wonderful group of ladies, who love hiking and bouldering. Vienna also wants to repair her relationship with her mother, while in Vegas. 

Zale Vizzini, our hero, works undercover on assignment to protect his boss; and is constantly in the middle of danger.  He met Vienna months ago, with both falling hard for each other, as they spend weeks together; but one morning he just quietly walked out of her life.  Now Zale is Vegas on assignment, and determined to win her back.  When Zale tries to explain that he left to keep her safe, as his job was dangerous, but he now wants to her back permanently.   Vienna feels her attraction to Zale awaken, but can she trust him?

The tournament was a huge success for Vienna, but threats are made on her life, and Zale knows he needs to protect her from an enemy.  At this point of the story, the focus is on Vienna, Stella, and the other magnificent ladies who are part of the bachelorette trip, which takes place in rugged territory in Nevada and the Sierras, as they hike and climb.  We get to meet all the ladies, and enjoy their friendship, and bantering. I loved how each of the ladies excel at many things, making them a wonderful group.  Not long after they continue on their trek, their lives are put in intense danger, with threats against them; Zale and his partner Rainer push to help the ladies. 

What follows an exciting suspenseful mystery romance, with both Vienna, Zale and her wonderful smart ladies working together to try to find who is truly behind the attempt to kill Vienna and why.   As I had already noted, what made this a fantastic story was the amazing fabulous group of friends who were all smart, strong and savvy, as their friendship was bonded together (Vienna, Stella, Raine, Zahra, Shabina, Harlow).  I did like Vienna and Zale and rooted for them to stay together, as they made a great couple.  I do see a possible relationship with Rainer and Shabina in future books.

Red on the River was an excellent, fun and exciting romance suspense thriller, that was filled with action, suspense, as well as the fun bantering with the ladies.  Overall, this was a great story, with a terrific couple, fantastic friends and other secondary characters. I look forward to the next book in this series, which is so very well written by Christine Feehan. 

 

Copies supplied by the publisher

 

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Christine’s Feehan’s publisher Berkley Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of RED ON THE RIVER 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.

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4. Please LIKE/FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from June 28 to July 2, 2022

 

 

 

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Shadow Fire by Christine Feehan-Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Shadow Fire (Shadow Riders 7) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 26, 2022

Shadow Rider Elie Archambault has been called many things: domineering, brash, loyal, but most of all fast. And there’s nothing faster than choosing to marry a woman you’ve never met. All he has is a signed contract and a list of his new bride’s expectations for their arranged marriage. He’s not expecting love or some happy ever after, just a partner that knows exactly what she signed up for. He’ll be faithful because he’s a man of honor, but she’ll never have his heart….

Elie knows who he is. A privileged member of the Archambault family. A skilled rider and fighter. A man who’s always had things easy for all the wrong reasons. He’s made his mistakes and lost his chance at real, true passion with his other half thanks to his own careless arrogance. Now he just wants to do his duty as a Shadow Rider and leave the past behind.

But Elie has no idea that his choice is about to spark a blaze that will burn all his carefully laid plans to the ground.

•••••••

Sandy’s Review:

SHADOW FIRE is the seventh instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult SHADOW RIDERS erotic, paranormal, series focusing on the Ferraro Crime Family. This is Shadow Rider Elie Archambault, and Brielle Couture’s story line. SHADOW FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including bondage, discipline, D/s scenarios, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Shadow Rider male must find his mate –a woman who is capable of riding the shadows-or at the very least with the ability to bear children with the shadow-riding gene. Within the family, the Ferraro siblings are tasked with finding a mate, fated by DNA, who is capable of continuing the family line. People with the ability to ride the shadows are few and far between, and future generations are at risk if no mates are found with the shadow-riding gene. The Ferraro’s are also part of the Chicago Underworld-a crime family linked to both legal and criminal activity.

Told from third person perspectives SHADOW FIRE focuses on the arrange marriage between Shadow Rider Elie Archambault, and Brielle Couture. As a child, Elie Archambault had been passed from family to family while training to ride the shadows in Europe, finally finding peace in America, befriended by the Ferraro family, becoming one of their own but an arranged marriage with a European shadow rider meant potentially spending his life with someone he could never love until his fantasies came true with the arrival of Brielle Couture, the woman that has starred in all of his dreams. Brielle Couture wanted nothing to do with our story line hero, having fallen victim to his verbal assaults, and emotional attacks years before, leaving her a shell of her former self. Battling between head and heart, Brielle was desperate to nullify their unwanted betrothal but when the truth is revealed, Brielle finds herself with the man meant especially for her. As every shadow rider manifested their own particular talent and skill, our heroine knows she is more than adept at computer research and discovery, and her research is about to reveal a possible connection between the take down of a human trafficking ring, and another ring succeeding back home. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brielle and Elie, and the potential fall out as Brielle’s discovery place her in the direct line of fire as more than one assassin is sent to take her down, along with the people she now calls family and friends.

The relationship between Brielle and Elie is an enemies to lovers; a fated but tempestuous and embattled love affair destroyed by words said in anger that leave our heroine humiliated and broken, attacking her already fragile self-esteem. Brielle’s appearance has changed in the years since Elie last saw the woman with whom he will fall in love, a change caused by the caustic and vitriol spewed by our story line hero. As Elie sets into motion a plan to seduce the woman he married, Brielle must consider if Elie is the man with whom she wants to spend the rest of her life. The $ex scenes are passionate, erotic, and intense with scenes of bondage, discipline and D/scenarios.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most if not all of the previous story line couples, and their expanding families, as well as Valentino’s cousin and right hand man Dario. The requisite evil has many faces.

SHADOW FIRE is a story of family and relationships, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and love. The premise is gritty, emotional and captivating; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are energetic, dynamic, powerful and captivating.

 

Barb’s Review:
Shadow Fire by Christine Feehan is the 7th book in her fantastic Shadow Riders series.  Elie Archambault is the hero in this story, as we met him in a few previous books, being best friends with Emme, as well as part of the Ferraro Shadow Rider family.  Elie is set to marry a woman he never met, being an arranged marriage, and he is shocked to see the woman he loved from the past is his new bride.

Brielle Couture, our heroine, is equally as shocked, when she discovers that Elie is the man she is marrying.  We learn that a number of years ago, Elie was being pushed to marry Brielle by his Archambault family, and when he refused, he said some terrible things about her; unfortunately, Brielle overheard what he said, and has never forgotten.  Elie did try to explain that he did not mean what he said to his uncle at that time, but Brielle wanted nothing to do with him. Brielle left her family and learned how to make herself a shadow rider, not to mention she was an amazing computer hacker.

When Brielle tries to back away from marrying Elie, she learns some truths about her family, who lied to her, and with help from Stefano, she agrees to through with the marriage.  Privately, Brielle always had feelings for Elie, as he did her; but Elie will need to convince Brielle that she has always been the one for him.  Over a short period of time, their Elie and Brielle relationship will heat up, and their sizzling chemistry was off the wall.  Brielle’s life is in danger, as someone is targeting her; with Elie and the Ferraro/Saldi family trying to protect her, as well as find out why.  We learn how good Brielle is in her computer hacking skills, which is part of the reason someone is trying to eliminate her; she becomes a very big asset to the family, with her ability to go beyond discovering hidden secrets.

Shadow Fire was an exciting, tense, heart pounding, nonstop edge of your seat action, from start to finish.  Their romance was very steamy and I did love Elie and Brielle together. I loved seeing all the Ferraro family again, as they all played a big part in this story line.  I did get a kick out of Dario, who has become a fantastic addition; it should be fun to see if he finds a woman that could handle him.   

Christine Feehan once again gives us a fabulous story, which was a great read, and very well written. I will note there were a lots of sex scenes.  If you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book.  If you have read them all, you will love this one.

Copies provided by the publisher

 

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers due to the strong language and content

 

 

“You sure you want to go through with this marriage of yours?” Dario asked Elie. “You haven’t even seen this woman.”
“Yes.” Elie’s reply was clipped, indicating he didn’t want to continue the discussion.
Dario sighed. “Since I can’t talk you out of it, at least come to the club tonight. It’s your last night of freedom before you’re stuck with some woman who might have a fucking headache every night.”
“Dario.” Emmanuelle sat up straight, glaring at him in protest.
“Some men have certain needs, Emme,” Dario said, shrugging. “I’m not going to pretend I don’t, and I won’t apologize for who I am. Arranged marriages for business or otherwise rarely work for someone like me because the woman isn’t going to like who they get. I’m just being honest.”
“You’re suggesting that Elie go out to a kink club the night before he marries. Is that very honorable?” Emmanuelle demanded.
“It’s a moot point,” Elie interrupted the argument.
Emmanuelle was the tie that bound the two men together. Elie regarded her as a sister. He had grown up an only child, moving from one household to another in his native France. Elie and Emme had clicked some years earlier and everyone expected them to marry when he’d come to the United States. Emmanuelle’s heart was already taken by Valentino Saldi, Dario’s cousin. Elie loved Emme but there had only ever been a sibling relationship between them.
Dario had come to love her through his relationship with Valentino. Who couldn’t love Emmanuelle? Dario wasn’t an easy man to be around. He had served as Valentino’s bodyguard for years. He rarely talked to anyone outside the circle of people he accepted as family. Elie felt lucky to be included. The Ferraros had a way of taking over those they chose to bring into their inner circle and Dario, like Elie, had found his way in when Emmanuelle had married Val.
“A moot point?” Emme repeated, raising an eyebrow suspiciously.
Elie held up his left hand, where a ring circled his finger. “Technically, I’m already married. The lawyers took care of the paperwork and we were married by proxie yesterday. I signed here. She signed in France. So, no kink club, but thank you for the offer, Dario. It was considerate. I don’t cheat on my wife.”
“What does she look like?” Dario asked.
Elie shrugged. “I have no idea. The lawyers took care of it. I didn’t even look at the papers. I signed on the dotted line and walked away. I presume she did the same. She’ll be here tomorrow and we’ll have a very brief private ceremony just for the sake of photos and formality, but the paperwork is already done.”
Emmanuelle brushed her hand down his arm. “Congratulations, Elie. I hope she makes you very happy. I know you believe you can make this work.”
Dario’s dark brows drew together. “Won’t understand you in a million years, Elie. This complete stranger comes into your life. You don’t know a thing about her and you expect your marriage to work. Emme is one in a million. Maybe one in a billion. Odds could be even higher than that. Val is so fuckin’ lucky, he doesn’t even know how lucky he is.”
He stated his opinion without looking at Emmanuelle and he spoke in a flat, matter-of-fact tone. “I’m aware a man like me is never going to find a woman who can put up with my . . . proclivities.” He shrugged. “But then I don’t trust anyone enough to have more than an hour encounter with them and only on my terms, especially now that Valentino forced me to take over this idiotic role in the family. He’s only made my suspicious nature worse.”
“Your point being?” Elie said.
“You’re like me.”
Elie couldn’t deny it. Maybe he wasn’t exactly like Dario. He wasn’t nearly as dark. He didn’t know too many people who were. Dario had demons. Elie liked his way and he knew how to get it. He already knew he intended for his bride to learn that lesson about him very quickly. He’d been honest in every answer he’d given to the questions asked of him when filling out the pages and pages of very explicit material needed for his arranged marriage. He had her answers and she had his. She should know that about him and what he expected of her.Excerpted from Shadow Fire by Christine Feehan Copyright © 2022 by Christine Feehan. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.


 

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Christine’s Feehan’s publisher Berkley Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of SHADOW FIRE 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.

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9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from April 26-May1,2022

 

 

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Phantom Game (Ghostwalker) by Christine Feehan-Review & Giveaway

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Phantom Game (Ghostwalker 18) by Christine Feehan-Review & Giveaway

PHANTOM GAME
Ghostwalker #18
by Christine Feehan
Release Date March 1, 2022
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 1, 2022

Jonas “Smoke” Harper has watched his brothers find their perfect mates, never imagining he’d actually meet someone who complements every part of him — even the monster that lurks within. But his instant connection with Camellia goes far beyond wanting the intelligent, beautiful, and lethal woman in his bed. They are two parts of a whole, linked to each other and to a larger network that exists everywhere around them.

Camellia has lived on her own for a long time, relying on her unique psychic abilities to keep her safe. She knows that Jonas was literally made for her, and that makes their addictive connection more dangerous than a thousand enhanced super soldiers. Once the larger threat looming over them is dealt with she’s going to get far away as fast as she can. Life has taught her that the only one she can truly trust is herself.

Jonas can sense Camellia is going to run — and the hunter inside doesn’t want to let go. Not when he knows how good they’ll be together. So he’ll just have to use all of his considerable skills to convince her to stay

••••••

REVIEW:PHANTOM GAME is the eighteenth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult GHOSTWALKERS paranormal, (often erotic) romance series focusing on an elite group (4 teams) of enhanced men and women known as the GhostWalkers (GW). These ‘super soldiers’ were once part of an unauthorized government experiment performed by Dr. Peter Whitney but several soldiers have since, opted into the program on their own. The original GhostWalkers struggled without a female anchor, a female whose genetic and enhanced powers were often in tandem with the men involved. This is Team One member Jonas ‘Smoke’ Harper, and Camellia Mist’s story line. PHANTOM GAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion, or at the very least book one SHADOW GAME where Team One was first introduced.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Camillia and Jonas) PHANTOM GAME, returns to Team One, Dr. Peter Whitney’s original team of GhostWalkers, a tight-knit group of enhanced soldiers considered a failure by GhostWalker standards. Jonas Harper, along with team members Dr. Kyle Forbes and Jeff Hollister have been sent on a mission by Team Captain Ryland Miller, searching for something or someone threatening the lives of the families secured in the compound for Team One but the further into the forest, the sicker Jeff and Kyle become, and Jonas is forced to go it alone. Pulled by an unknown source, Jonas will come face to face with Camellia Mist, one of the original orphaned girls experimented on by Peter Whitney, a woman who is a genetic match to our story line hero but a woman who was betrayed by someone she considered family and friend. Struggling to accept and trust Jonas Harper, Camellia is reluctant to follow but threats from a different ‘predator’ find Camellia helping the Team, and the man with whom she will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Camellia and Jonas, and the potential fall-out as a need for vengeance finds both Teams One and Two, targeted by a group of enhanced soldiers who are risking their lives for a perceived betrayal of one of their own.

Camellia is a powerful GhostWalker whose abilities continue to evolve on a daily basis but Camellia is also of the mindset that death follows her at every corner, and the betrayal by a ‘sister’ pushed Camellia out of their lives. Jonas Harper has yet to discover the source of all of his ‘genetic make-up’ but meeting Camellia reveals a closer connection to the earth and wildlife than he could have ever imagined. As the Team comes under fire, Camellia and Jonas will work together using the power of their mind and nature to save the lives of people at home.

The relationship between Jonas and Camellia is predicated and fated by manipulated genetics, and altered DNA. As members of the original unsanctioned GhostWalker experiments Camellia had been ‘matched’ with our story line hero, a match that could not be denied regardless of forethought or desire. Jonas and Camellia’s abilities would help one another when their lives, and the lives of Team One and Team Two are threatened, and it is these abilities that I am going to address below. Like the previous few instalments PHANTOM GAME does not focus on the sexual aspect of the couple’s connection-the relationship between Jonas and Camellia is more of a love match than a need to overpower and control. Jonas knows Camellia is his destiny but refuses to demand submission of the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

For readers and followers of Christine Feehan there is a recent and ongoing familiarity and corresponding comparison between the GHOSTWALKERS and DARK/CARPATHIAN series. The Ghostwalkers are now exhibiting some of the same powers, characteristics and abilities of the author’s Carpathian characters including psychic healing, mind to mind emotional connections and interactions; control of animals and the ability to see through their eyes-Camillia considers the animals under her command a part of her family, as well as controlling the weather, nature and animals; and the application of human characteristic (anthropomorphic) to animals and plants. Camellia’s powers are akin to the Dark series character Syndil and her family line. The GhostWalkers series is treading into familiar territory with many similarities to the Carpathian Series.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many familiar faces introduced in the earlier instalments: Ryland and Lily Miller; Dr. Kyle Forbes, and Jeff Hollister-as a reminder, Jeff is the Ghostwalker who suffered a stroke in the introductory story line; Kaden and Tansy Montague; Team Two’s Ken and Mari Norton; Jack and Briony Norton, and Logan Maxwell; Raul ‘Gator’ Fontenont as well as the mention of several other Ghostwalkers and couples. The requisite evil has many faces.

PHANTOM GAME is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, fate and love. PHANTOM GAME covers but a few days in the life of the Ghostwalkers and our story line couple, and as far as the entire series, only advances a couple of years from the introductory story line. The action packed premise is twisted and tragic; the romance is intimate; the characters are edgy, inspiring and intense.

Copy supplied by the Publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including six series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders  and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Penguin/Random House/Berkley publishers is graciously offering a paper copy of PHANTOM GAME to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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The Reading Cafe’s 10th Anniversary Celebration #12 – Prize Package

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The Reading Cafe’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway-Today’s Prize Package

 

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Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

The Reading Cafe is offering a 2 paper/print ARC book prize package for today’s giveaway

ONE (1) commenter will WIN both books by Christine Feehan.

 

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Savage Road (Torpedo Ink 7) by Christine Feehan-Review & Giveaway

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Savage Road (Torpedo Ink 7) by Christine Feehan-a review & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 25, 2022

When Savin “Savage” Pajari and Seychelle Dubois first met, their connection was instant, their attraction undeniable. Their relationship has been full throttle since day one. Even though months have passed, the passion and love between them has only increased.

Savage completely owns what he is: a sadist in the bedroom who can only get off on his partner’s pain. He believes he’s not a good man, but he loves Seychelle with a fierceness that shocks him. He wants all of her, but only if she gives herself freely with eyes wide open.

Seychelle never imagined the lure of mixing pain with pleasure, or how much she’d crave Savage’s darkness. She’s been shaken to her core, but Seychelle is committed to Savage and their life together—even though he’s keeping a piece of himself back. And to truly make their relationship work, he has to give her everything that he is, just as she is doing for him.

Savage knows that what he really needs could break his woman if she isn’t ready. She agreed to come into his world, and he’s not about to give her up. He has to find a way to let her see the monster inside without pushing her away. But the real Savage might be more than Seychelle can bear…and he knows he wouldn’t survive losing her.

••••••

REVIEW:SAVAGE ROAD is the seventh instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult TORPEDO INK erotic, paranormal romance series a spin off from the author’s Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart series which in turn is a spin off from the Drake Sisters series. This is the continuing story of Savin “Savage” Pajari, and singer Seychelle Dubois. SAVAGE ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading ANNIHILATION ROAD as the events of SAVAGE ROAD pick up immediately after the events of the aforementioned book.

WARNING: SAVAGE ROAD contains graphic scenes of BDSM, and makes reference to graphic violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. The violence is a part of the history and lives of the Torpedo Ink crews. The eighteen original Torpedo Ink members are the sole survivors of a Russian pedophile ring, and as such work towards rescuing children and women in similar situations.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Savage and Seychelle) SAVAGE ROAD continues to focus on the building relationship between Savin “Savage” Pajari, and singer Seychelle Dubois, a relationship that is going to cross the line into hard core BDSM. Savage is a sadist, needing to inflict pain and suffering as a result of childhood savagery and abuse, and in this, our ‘hero’ cycles with his demons in a need to remain in control. Seychelle is an innocent but a woman who is falling in love with a man whose needs and urges are about to push our heroine into a lifestyle she knows little about including the world of the Torpedo Ink MC.

Meanwhile, threats of another nature are focusing on the members of Torpedo Ink, pushing three different local MCs into a potential war out of their control. With a ride on the horizon,Torpedo Ink president Czar has ordered Savage to bring our heroine, an order that places Seychelle on the outside looking in, feeling used and abused by the people who claim to consider her one of their own.

SAVAGE ROAD is a dark, detailed, gritty and complex storyline. The BDSM element is front and center, and Savage’s need to punish our heroine is a constant theme throughout the story. The writing style is angry; the shock value is meant to create an aura of astonishment, and the abuse and savagery is growing exponentially with each story line. The trigger warnings cannot be enforced enough-the graphic descriptions of violence and sadism, child abuse and rape will be triggers for more sensitive readers. The premise is raw, haunting and tragic; the romance is unconventional and erotic; the characters are broken, struggling, charismatic and lost.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Judgement Road
Vengeance Road
Vendetta Road
Desolation Road
Reckless Road
Annihilation Road

Copies supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Christine’s Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SAVAGE ROAD to ONE 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from January 25-30, 2022

 

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Annihilation Road by Christine Feehan-Dual Review & Giveaway

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Annihilation Road (Torpedo Ink 6) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review & Giveaway

 

ANNIHILATION ROAD
Torpedo Road 6
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: December 28, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, romance

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 28, 2021.

Savin “Savage” Pajari is convinced he’s not worth a damn thing. He’s not like his brothers. He’s a sadistic monster, a killer—a man no woman could truly love. So it completely throws him when a stranger risks her life for his, pushing him out of the way and taking the hit that would have sent him six feet under. If he had any kind of sense, he’d leave her alone, but Savage can’t get the woman with a smart mouth and no sense of self-preservation out of his head. With one kiss, he’s lost.

Seychelle Dubois has spent her entire life not feeling much of anything, until Savage comes along and sets her whole body on fire. Kissing him was a mistake. Letting him get close would be a catastrophe. He’s the most beautiful—and damaged—man she’s ever met. He has a way of getting under her skin, and what he’s offering is too tempting to resist.

Seychelle knows so little about Savage or the dangerous world of Torpedo Ink, but his darkness draws her like a moth to a flame. Loving him could mean losing herself completely to his needs—needs she doesn’t understand but is eager to learn. But what Savage teaches her could destroy her.

•••••••

Sandy’s Review

ANNIHILATION ROAD is the sixth instalment in Christine Feehans’ contemporary, adult TORPEDO INK erotic, paranormal romance series, a spin off from the author’s Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart series which in turn is a spin off from the Drake Sisters series. This is Savin “Savage” Pajari, and singer Seychelle Dubois’s story line. ANNIHILATION ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: ANNIHILATION ROAD contains scenes, and makes reference to graphic violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. The violence is a part of the history and lives of the Torpedo Ink crews. The eighteen original Torpedo Ink members are the sole survivors of a Russian pedophile ring, and as such work towards rescuing children and women in similar situations.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Savage and Seychelle) ANNIHILATION ROAD follows the building romance and relationship between Savin “Savage” Pajari, and singer Seychelle Dubois. Savin ‘Savage’ Pajari and Seychelle Dubois met the day Savage saved the life of a young child as Seychelle saved the life of our story line hero. Taking the brunt of the hit, Seychelle landed in the hospital as Savage claimed our heroine as his own but all is not well with Seychelle Dubois, an empathic, psychic healer whose inability to control her powers is threatening her life. Not only is Seychelle’s life in danger but Seychelle has a couple of stalkers, stalkers who are using every means necessary to get to our story line heroine.

Savin ‘Savage Pajari is a sexual sadist; a product of the abuse, the torture, and the environment in which he and his Torpeo Ink family grew up. Unable to watch his family suffer, Savage used his own psychic powers to ease the pain and suffering of the people he loved, but more importantly, Savage was used and abused in ways we can only imagine. Unable to leave the demons behind, Savage needs to inflict pain and suffering, and our heroine is ripe for the challenge. Meanwhile, a rival MC is targeting the Torpedo Ink MC, especially member Alena Koval who was betrayed by a man she thought she could love.

The relationship between Seychelle and Savage is one of immediate attraction. Seychelle is an innocent who had spent her life looking after her parents, a life that is now affected by the people she once loved. With the voice of an ‘angel’ Seychelle is asked to audition with the Torpedo Ink group, a voice that can soothe and control the people who listen. Savage Pajari is a man who needs control, and his family is well aware of his sadistic nature, a side of our hero he is unable to restrain.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the Torpedo Ink MC family. We are introduced to Seychelle’s neighbors Doris and Inez, Brandon Campbell, Joseph Arnold and guitar player Hank. The requisite evil has many faces.

ANNIHILATION ROAD is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of obsession, power, control and denial; a tale of desperation, domination, and sexual savagery. The premise is detailed, emotional and heart breaking but there is some repetitive text and situations; the romance is unconventional; the characters are charismatic, dynamic and broken. Seychelle and Savage’s story continues in SAVAGE ROAD January 2022.

Barb’s Review:
Annihilation Road by Christine Feehan is the 6th book in her Torpedo Ink series. Brief refresher: Czar, who is married to Blyth (Sisters of the Heart), is the president of Torpedo Ink, and together with the men and women he brought with him to Sea Haven they built their Torpedo Ink MC club in Casper, which is close to Sea Haven.  Each of these members have suffered terrible abuse in their childhoods in Russia, being forced to all become lethal assassins; each still very much trying to find the light inside their darkness.  They are all determined to protect each other, and in each book, one of our heroes meets their mate.

Savage is the hero in this story, and he is convinced he could never find a woman meant for him, as he is the most dangerous and damaged of the Torpedo Ink members.  On his motorcycle, he notices a young boy walking in the street, with an oncoming vehicle close to hitting the boy; he runs to save the child, knowing it could cost his life, and just when the truck is near, a woman pushes him out of the way. He needs to know who was his savior.

Seychelle Dubois, our heroine, is recovering in the hospital from injuries she suffered saving Savage and the young boy.  When he comes to visit her, Savage finds himself attracted to this brave woman, but he knows he cannot allow himself to become involved, knowing he is sadistic and filled with pain.  When he senses her abilities to help others, including him, he kisses her and walks away.  However, best laid plans do not always work.

Seeychelle, who is also attracted to Savage, is also a singer, with her music making people happy; her singing and love of music promotes her special gifts of being able to read and heal fractured minds.    When Savage discovers that his Torpedo Ink brothers want Seychelle to part of their band, he makes it his business to become part of her life, and making her his woman, despite Seychelle worry of his version of romance being filled with pain.

Seychelle was always visiting the older ladies from Casper/Sea Haven, and Savage notices some bad people watching her.  He makes it known that Seychelle is his, and the Torpedo Ink members take turns to follow the bad guys to help protect her. 

What follows is an exciting and violent adventure, as well as a highly sexual erotic romance between two people who ended up needing each other.  I did love Seychelle, and at times Savage, who I found too sadistic and his need for pain, even on her.  I love all the members of the Torpedo Ink family, including the equally lethal female members (Lana & Alena), and the ladies who become part of them (Blythe, Anya, Breezy, Soliel, Scarlet).  I did like the part where Libby (Drake sister) explains to Savage how to help Seychelle, when she absorbs the pain of others, which could cause her to shorten her life.

Annihilation Road was so well written by Christine Feehan, though I thought too much was devoted to sex and sadism. The entire Torpedo Ink members are an amazing and wonderful group of characters that we fully care for.  Again, I will note that Feehan does have a lot of sex scenes, and in this book the sex scenes were in the forefront, with rest of the story being more in the background. Annihilation Road was a good story line, with a second book on Savage and Seychelle coming next month (Savage Road), which promises to be even more sexual. 

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Judgement Road
Vengeance Road
Vendetta Road
Desolation Road
Reckless Road

Copies supplied by Netgalley

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Christine’s Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of ANNIHILATION ROAD to ONE 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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

3. Please LIKE Christine Feehan on Facebook

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5. Please LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

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9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from December 28, 2021 to January 3, 2022

 

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Murder at Sunrise Lake by Christine Feehan -Dual Review & Excerpt

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Murder at Sunrise Lake by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

 

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Description:
It starts in her dreams. Hideous flashes from a nightmare only she can stop. Images of a murderer stalking the ones she cares about most…

Stella Harrison thought she got away from the traumas of her past. Running the Sunrise Lake resort high in the Sierra Nevada mountains has brought her peace, even though she doesn’t truly share her quiet life with anyone. Not even Sam, the hired handyman that notices everything and always seems to know exactly what she needs.

Stella doesn’t know anything about Sam’s past, but somehow over the last two years his slow, steady presence has slipped past her defenses. Still, she knows she can’t tell him about her recent premonitions. So far there’s been no murder. No body. No way to prove what’s about to happen without destroying the life she’s built for herself.

But a killer is out there. And Stella knows that this time she’ll do whatever it takes to stop him.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Murder at Sunrise Lake by Christine Feehan is a different kind of story that we are not used to from her, being a mystery thriller, with some paranormal element. Stella Harrison, our heroine, runs a successful resort at Sunrise Lake in the small cozy Sierra Nevada mountains.  Stella suffered nightmares as a child, giving her visions of a murder about to happen, which turned out to be her father being a serial killer.  After a couple times, the visions stopped until she was a teenager, and it started again, until the murderer was found.  Moving to the mountains brought her peace and quiet, as well as happiness for years; she became a loyal mainstay to the locals.  Stella also had a great group of female friends, who came to love their small town and each other.

After so many years, Stella begins to have the nightmares again, which she keeps a secret from everyone. Sam, who works for Stella, discovers about her nightmares, and not only is he a handyman, but he also becomes her protector; as he has over the two-year period of working at the resort, and is slowly falling for her.  Stella has become very comfortable and safe with Sam, and she also finds herself strongly attracted to him.  Sam is an ex-military, whose background is working for the government when needed, and uses his expertise to help Stella try to decipher the clues in her nightmares. One thing they both realize, is her nightmares are based on someone she knows or has touched; like her father.  Sam was a wonderful hero, though he was quiet and stayed mostly in the background among other people, his devotion and protector to Stella was amazing.   I also loved Stella’s dog, Bailey, who was not only wonderful, but also very protective.

What follows an exciting suspenseful mystery, with both Sam and Stella working together to try to find the killer before they kill again, knowing that they are getting closer and the murderer may just be targeting Stella.   What I loved about this story was the amazing wonderful friends that all came to this small town at various times, and bonded together.  Stella surrounded herself with women who were equally smart, savvy, and strong; Raine, Zahra, Harlow, Vienna, Shabina.   It was great to spend time with them all whether at the bar, or at each other’s homes; with each having their own past issues, giving their own perspective, and also trying to help Stella.

Murder at Sunrise Lake was a very good murder mystery, filled with action & suspense, as well as a slight paranormal element. I will say that there were times the story slowed down, maybe eliminating some of the extra non-essential details.  Overall, this was a great story, with a terrific couple, fantastic friends and other secondary characters. I wholly suggest you read Christine Feehan’s foray into the murder mystery genre.

 

Sandy’s Review:

MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE by Christine Feehan is a contemporary, adult, romantic, suspense, slightly paranormal, thriller focusing on vacation resort manager Stella Harrison, and groundskeeper Sam Rossi.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person perspective MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE follows the search for a serial killer in the fictional resort town of Knightly, on Sunrise Lake in the Sierra Nevadas. Stella Harrison has future sight; a precognitive ability of foreknowledge. In the days before a serial killer takes down his next victim, Stella’s nightmares worsen to reveal the probable location and method of each of his kills but Stella’s abilities are also tied to a horrific childhood wherein she had personal knowledge of the kind of monster that was currently taking down the people in her beloved town. Always at her side, Sam Rossi, a man whose past is awash in government secrets and military assignments, ensures that our heroine is always protected and there whenever Stella’s nightmares and dreams reveal a little more about another kill. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Stella and Sam, as our couple begin to amass a series of clues that quite possibly points to one of their own.

We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including a few ‘Mafia’ members that may or may not have a future story line: nurse/photographer Harlow Frye; café owner Shabina Foster; computer IT expert and contracted government employee Raine O’Mallory; surgican nurse Vienna Mortenson; nurse Zahra Metcalf; Dr. Denver Dawson; Deputy Sheriff Griffen Cauldry; Sam’s father Don Marco Rossi, and underboss Lucio Vitale. There is definitely a prior history between Lucio and Raine.

MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE is a character driven, complex and detailed story wherein the author introduces numerous characters whose backgrounds and histories are heart breaking, painful and sad. From our story line couple, to most of their friends, each has a story that would break all but the strongest. Christine Feehan pulls the reader into an intriguing, suspense-filled and haunting story of obsession and power, vengeance and betrayal, murder and hate.

For fans of Christine Feehan, MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE is an about-face: there are no erotic $ex scenes, everything fades to black or is mostly implied. There were a few awkward moments of the women acting a little TSTL (too stupid to live) but thankfully smarter heads, or the author, prevailed. I am not sure if the author has plans for future instalments but there are several characters with stories to tell.

 


 

As a rule, Stella knew everything there was to know about her employees, but not Sam. When she’d asked him to work for her, he had been a little reluctant. In the end, he had said he’d work for cash only. Under the table. She didn’t usually go for that. She kept everything strictly legal, but she was desperate for a really good worker who knew the kinds of things Sam knew. At the time, nearly every cabin needed renovations. Electricity, plumbing, walls crumbling. So much work. Motors on the boats. She needed him more than he needed her. She’d hired him thinking it would be for a short period of time. That short period had turned into over two years.
She stayed silent. Took another drink of coffee. Kept looking at the lake. What was there to say that didn’t make her look as if she were losing her mind? Nothing. There was nothing she could say. Even if she revealed her past, blew her carefully constructed lie of a life, what would be the point? There was no proof, and she doubted if she could get any proof that accidents weren’t going to be accidents and a serial killer was on the loose. As of that moment, even the fisherman hadn’t been found dead because no crime had been committed—yet. The killer would strike in two days. She needed to drive around the lake and look for the location.
“Been here over two years now, Stella. You never once locked that door. You don’t snap at the workers, especially if they make a mistake. That’s not your way.”
She didn’t look at him again. Instead, she kept her eyes on the lake. The tranquil lake that was so deep and could hold countless bodies if someone weighed them down. Above the lake the mountains rose with all the beautiful trees. So many places to bury bodies no one would ever find. Hot springs. Some of the hot springs were hot enough to decompose a body.
Without thinking, she pressed her fingers to her mouth the way she’d done when she was a child to keep from blurting out anything she shouldn’t say. A habit. A bad habit she’d worked to get over, and now it was back. Just that fast. Her fingers trembled and she wanted to sit on them. She hoped he didn’t notice, but he saw everything. She knew he did. Sam was that type of man. She dropped her hand back into Bailey’s fur. Buried her shaking fingers deep.
“Satine, you want help, I’m right here, but you gotta talk. Use your words, woman.”
“Did I really do that? Snap at someone because they made a mistake?” She did turn her head and look at him then. “Did I do that to you, Sam?”
His tough features softened for just a moment. Those dark eyes of his turned almost velvet, drifting over her. Unsettling her. “No, it was Bernice at the boat rentals the other day.”
Stella pressed the heel of her hand to her forehead. She had done that. Not yelled. But definitely been snippy. Okay. More than snippy. She was not a boss to be snippy or short with her employees. Bernice Fulton was older and had worked for her for over five years. She would take it to heart. “I’ll talk to her.”
That day was unusually hot when everyone had been expecting the cooler fall weather. Because it was, those staying in the resort had rushed to rent the boats, wanting to be out on the lake. Unfortunately, that included people who didn’t have the least idea how to run a boat, or dock one. Both Sam and Stella spent the better part of the evening rescuing very drunk parties of four, six and couples, as well as a single mom and her two very young children, who, thank heavens, were wearing life vests.
Fishermen had been complaining all day, a steady stream of grouchy, irritable or downright furious, mostly men acting superior, although most of them knew her now. They’d come to respect her over the years. Still, they weren’t immune to the unexpected high temperatures. Humidity when there was usually dry heat, and all the crazy tourists who didn’t have the first clue about how to navigate boats on the lake. Nor did those tourists even seem to have any manners when it came to sharing the lake with those fishing.
Stella had been yelled at, called names and insulted many times, mostly in reference to her IQ and ability to run a fishing camp—which Sunrise Lake was not, but she didn’t correct anyone.

From MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2021 by Christine Feehan.

 


Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

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Shadow Storm by Christine Feehan – Review & Excerpt

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Shadow Storm by Christine Feehan – Review & Excerpt

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 25, 2021

Description:
A long-simmering feud between two families comes to a head in this gripping novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling Shadow Riders series.

As the youngest member of the Ferraro family, Emmanuelle has watched each of her brothers find happiness in love while her own heart was shattered by a lover’s betrayal. For two years she’s stayed as far away from Valentino Saldi as possible—until she learns that he’s been shot during a hostile takeover of his family’s territory.

Emme’s first instinct is to call her brother Stefano for help, and soon the entire Ferraro clan arrives to bring Val back from the brink of death and protect the Saldis from further attack. With one choice Emme has re-exposed herself to Val’s intoxicating pull and dragged her family into the Saldis’ private war.

A deadly storm is brewing, and only time will tell who survives…

 

 

Barb’s Review::  Shadow Storm by Christine Feehan is the 6th book in her fantastic Shadow Rider series.  I have waited for Emme’s story, and Shadow Storm was so good, I just pray Feehan continues this series; as this has become my favorite.  This entire series has been great so far, and Emmanuelle and Valentino’s story is the best one yet.

Emme has been a major character throughout every book, as she is a fabulous heroine, and after seeing all her brothers find their mates, she is determined to allow herself to enter an arranged marriage.  But she has not gotten over her love of Val Saldi, the forbidden love; a man who helps run the Saldi crime family.  When Emme receives a desperation phone call that Val has been shot, and they need her help, she immediately drops everything to go to his rescue; but she smartly alerts her brother Stefano, and the entire Ferraro family will meet Emme, and help the Saldi’s against a hostile attack within the Saldi family.  Emme has not seen Val for two years, and she is immediately drawn back to him. 

The hostile attack is stopped, and Val slowly recovers from his injuries, hell bent on winning Emme back into his life.  It is here that Emme will explain to her family, how when she was younger, she saw strange things like ropes all around her shadow.  Stefano and Ricco question Val, who claims he knows about the binding, but did not know much else, except what he researched from the old days of rumors.

The Ferraro’s know Emme loves Val, and they will support her, as well as make a deal with Saldi to help stop the hostile takeover from another family member of the Saldi family.  Val loves Emme, and does not plan to allow her to run away again, he wants her to marry him.  Will the Ferraro’s allow Emme to marry their old enemy and make her happy?

I loved how the Ferraro’s began to work closely with Val, Dario to find the culprits in the family, as well as discover who is behind the horrible trafficking ring selling very young children.  This was an emotional story on many levels; the mob war, the child porn ring, as well as the sizzling romance between Val and Emme.  He wasn’t happy that she wanted to remain a shadow rider, and she was determined to do what she was trained to do.  Over time she will not only work with her family, but at the same time use her ability to be in the shadows to help Val and Dario find the enemies within.

Shadow Storm was an exciting, tense, heart pounding, nonstop edge of your seat action, from start to finish.  Their romance was steamy and I did love them together.  I loved seeing all the Ferraro’s again, as they were such a great family (not the mother Eloisa, who was horrible).  Dario turned out to be a great character, and I would love for him to find a woman that could handle him.  ?  I also would like a story on Elie, who was also great, and Emme’s best friend. 

Christine Feehan once again gives us a fabulous story, which as noted was the best one yet.  Shadow Storm was a great read, and so very well written by Feehan.  If you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book.  If you have read them all, you will love this one.

•••••••

Sandy’s Review:  SHADOW STORM is the sixth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult SHADOW RIDER erotic, paranormal romance series series focusing on the Ferraro family. This is Emmanuelle Ferraro and Valentino Saldi’s story line. SHADOW STORM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Shadow Rider male must find his mate –a woman who is capable of riding the shadows-or at the very least with the ability to bear children with the shadow-riding gene. Within the family, the Ferraro siblings are tasked with finding a mate, fated by DNA, who is capable of continuing the family line. People with the ability to ride the shadows are few and far between, and future generations are at risk if no mates are found with the shadow-riding gene. The Ferraro’s are also part of the Chicago Underworld-a crime family linked to both legal and criminal activity.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Emmanuelle and Valentino) SHADOW STORM focuses on the forbidden relationship between Emmanuelle Ferraro and Valentino Saldi. The Saldi and Ferraro family have been at war for as long as anyone can remember . Both are a powerful members of the criminal underworld, and in this, are in direct competition with one another but Emmanuelle’s attraction and need for Valentino has not gone unnoticed-there is something about their shadows that cannot be contained. Valentino Saldi has known Emmanuelle Ferraro is his fated mate the day his shadow reached out and started to intertwine with Emmanuelle’s shadow but the Saldi’s are not Shadow Riders, and in this, their shadows are something else, something ‘other’. An attack against the Saldi’s at their exclusive and heavily armed compound points a heavy finger at an inside job revealing a dark and dangerous secret of human trafficking. With the help of the Ferraro family, Valentino takes control of the Saldi crime family, cleaning house at all costs but someone has targeted our story line heroine, and Valentino is taking no prisoners in his fight to protect the woman he loves.

The relationship between Emmanuelle and Valentino is one of the forbidden; a Romeo and Juliet style of relationship where the potential for war is always close at hand but Emmanuelle struggles with the realization that something else plays a large part in the attraction between our leading couple, something of which Emmanuelle was never in control. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and aggressive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and powerful secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples, as well as several cousins and members of the extended Ferraro family, and the Ferraro matriarch Eloise and her significant other Henry. We are introduced Valentino’s cousin and right hand man Dario, and Valentino’s father Giuseppe. The requisite evil has many faces.

SHADOW STORM is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; horrific crimes against children and women. Christine Feehan’s stories have become increasingly more violent and graphic with references to child trafficking, slavery and abuse, killings and rape, and most of it directed at the female characters, therefore, a warning of potential triggers is definitely a must. The premise is raw and gritty; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are animated, forceful and captivating. SHADOW STORM is a dark, emotional and heart breaking story of about the abuse of power, and the twisted world of human trafficking.

 

 

“Did he really betray you, Emme? The way you said he did?”
Emmanuelle nodded slowly, the hurt ripping through her every bit as physical as it was emotional. She stood in the shadows, in his bedroom. She hadn’t been able to hold out any longer, and she’d gone to him, ready to commit to their relationship.
“I was going to tell him I loved him. I would have given up shadow riding for him. Being a Ferraro. Everything I am, to be with him. I went to him, and he was with another woman. In his bedroom. She asked about me, told him she’d heard he was with me. He kind of snickered and said I was just business. He’d been ordered to make me fall in love with him and was fucking me to get me to spill the Ferraro secrets. Did he really want to be with a spoiled baby who didn’t know jack about sex? That’s why Vittorio beat the shit out of him at the hotel that day. I inadvertently said something. I had before, but no one was really listening to what I said, I guess.”
Elie groaned. “For fuck’s sake, Emme. I practically said the same thing about Brielle. How can you even look at me?”
“Clearly, you aren’t Valentino Saldi,” Emme said. “You hate what you did to Brielle and tried to apologize. She just didn’t give you the chance.”
Elie was silent for a long time. He swirled his straw and then looked up at her, his dark eyes pure velvet. “Has Val ever tried to explain to you what he said and did?”
She felt the color drain from her face. Her body went stiff with shock. “Yes. Many times. I can’t listen to him. I don’t dare let myself.” She whispered the confession like a terrified child.
“Why, Emme? You’re a Ferraro. A Shadow Rider. Why are you so afraid of Valentino Saldi? It shouldn’t matter how sexually attracted you are to him or how emotionally attached. You can hear lies. You can hear them. You know if he speaks the truth. Brielle could have heard the truth if she wanted to hear it. She didn’t. She chose to live with that hurt, and she condemned me and someone else to an arranged marriage because she didn’t have the courage to at least let me explain. Yeah, what I did was wrong. It was so fucked up it wasn’t funny, but she’s not without blame, either, because she didn’t even once let me try to explain in all the times I reached out to her.”
Emmanuelle wanted to put her hands over her ears and drown him out. “Sometimes the cut is so deep, Elie, you can’t bear to ever go there again.”
“Maybe you’re right, Emme. But think about the poor bastard you’re condemning to living with you who will never have real love from you. Your loyalty, yes, but never your love, and he’ll know it. He’ll feel it every damn day of his life.”
“That’s not fair and you know it. You can hardly compare Valentino Saldi, a criminal, with your situation. That’s what you’re doing.”
“Technically, Emme,” Elie said, complacent as always, “we’re criminals. We’re assassins. We kill people, any way we look at it. You don’t know what Val does or doesn’t do. Even Stefano isn’t certain of Val. I know because I asked him.”
Emmanuelle’s phone vibrated, and she pulled it out of her pocket with a little sigh, grateful for the respite. She didn’t want to talk about Valentino Saldi anymore. She didn’t want to think about him. She hadn’t slept in months. She’d cried so many tears she was pretty certain she could have filled a lake. Still, there was an emptiness in her, a pain that just wouldn’t go away. There was no way to explain that to Elie. He’d said hurtful things to a woman, but he didn’t know her. She’d spent time with Valentino for years. He’d made love to her. He’d taken her rough, gentle, slow, fast, looking into her eyes.
She was not going to cry right there in the pizzeria. She clutched her phone like a lifeline and looked down at the message. For a moment she didn’t actually comprehend what she was seeing. Not who it was from or what it meant. Dario. Val’s bodyguard and lieutenant. She thought she’d purged every number. Blocked them all. Why would he reach out to her of all people, even if there was an emergency? This made no sense. Her heart began to pound in alarm.
911. Tell no 1 or he’s dead. Hurry. Place you met last.

 

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