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Protect The Prince by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Protect The Prince by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Description:
Everleigh Blair might be the new gladiator queen of Bellona, but her problems are far from over.

First, Evie has to deal with a court full of arrogant, demanding nobles, all of whom want to get their greedy hands on her crown. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an assassin tries to kill Evie in her own throne room.

Despite the dangers, Evie goes ahead with a scheduled trip to the neighboring kingdom of Andvari in order to secure a desperately needed alliance. But complicating matters is the stubborn Andvarian king, who wants to punish Evie for the deaths of his countrymen during the Seven Spire massacre.

But dark forces are at work inside the Andvarian palace, and Evie soon realizes that no one is safe. Worse, Evie’s immunity to magic starts acting in strange, unexpected ways, which makes her wonder whether she is truly strong enough to be a Winter Queen.

But Evie’s magic, life, and crown aren’t the only things in danger—so is her heart, thanks to Lucas Sullivan, the Andvarian king’s bastard son and Evie’s . . . well, Evie isn’t quite sure what Sullivan is to her.

Only one thing is certain—protecting a prince might be even harder than killing a queen…

•••••••••••••

BARB’s Review:

Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her wonderful fantasy Crown of Shards series.  Everleigh Blair (Evie) is our heroine and now the new Winter Queen of Bellona, but in the 3 months that has passed, she realizes that she has her work cut out for her.  She first has to face the nobles of her court, who she knows want to get their hands on the throne, but Evie surprises them when she stands up to each one, reminding them how they treated her before she became Queen. Evie also can smell danger, and knows someone is there who will attempt to kill her.   She manages to defeat the culprit, who was attempting an assassination, and learns that one of our villians from the first book (Maeven) is behind the attempt. Though Evie won this time, her life was in danger going forward, as the Kingdom of Morta will stop at nothing to defeat her and takeover other kingdoms.

Evie convinces her court that Alliances with other Kingdoms are of utmost importance, in order to defeat the powerful and dangerous Morta Kingdom.   Evie, and her group and guards (our wonderful gladiator team from the first book) will travel to Andvari, to meet with the Andvarian King to try to form an alliance.  Lucas Sullivan, our hero, and Evie’s love interest also returns to Andvari, as his father is the King, and he has been away a long time, especially since he is considered the bastard prince.   

When they arrive at Andvari, the atmosphere is intense, and everyone blames Evie and all Bellonians for the death of the prince, and despite Lucas opening the door for her to talk to the King, things get off to a bad start.  The King turns down her attempt at an alliance, instead tries to convince Evie to marry his son, Prince Dominic, but Evie knows the plan is to eventually get rid of her and Dominic would then take over Bellona.  In a short time, things change as another attack by spies for Morta make an attempt on Evie and Dominic’s life, which Evie uses her powers to stop.  When Evie meets with the King, she senses (more of her powers) that someone is poisoning him, and she manages to cure him.  But who is the traitor in Andvari?

I do not want to give spoilers. What follows is an exciting, intense, action filled adventure that has us on the edge of our seats.  Estep has done it again with wonderful worldbuilding, and a fantastic heroine who continues to grow into her powers, and learns what it means to be the Winter Queen.  I love watching Evie defeat her enemies, and I adored seeing all her friends from the first book, who have all stood by her and help protect her.   The romance between her and Lucas did not play a major part of the story, and looked like there was no hope for them, until the very end, which was so well done. 

Estep does a fantastic job keeping our attention, as well as creating such a fantastic heroine in Evie, who literally handled everything throughout.   This was an exciting and enthralling fantasy, with fantastic characters, a major villain, and a number of major surprising twists along the way.  Bravo to Jennifer Estep for creating another fantastic story in this series, especially in the Epic fantasy world.  I strongly suggest you read this series. I for one cannot wait for the next book.

 

SANDY’s Review:

PROTECT THE PRINCE is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s epic fantasy CROWN OF SHARDS series focusing on the newly crowned Queen of Bellona Queen Everleigh Blair. a young woman whose ascension to the throne is predicated on a murderous coup against our heroine’s family. PROTECT THE PRINCE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up shortly after the events of book one KILL THE QUEEN.

The Crown of Shards series is the focus of elemental magic, magic of which our heroine is believed to have not been blessed but Everleigh’s ‘mutt magic’ is much more than anyone could have imagined. As the series progresses, Everleigh’s strengths and powers make her the target of a group of assassins hoping to destroy whomever wears the crown. With the power to ‘scent’ out emotions, as well as her ability to manipulate magic, Everleigh is a powerful Queen, indeed. With her own band of ‘gladiators’ and Lucas Sullivan, the man that she loves, Everleigh is a force unto herself, a force that is constantly tested by would-be assassins, and spurned kings and queens.

Told from first person point of view (Everleigh) PROTECT THE PRINCE follows newly crowned Queen Everleigh as she struggles to make nice with the surrounding kingdoms including Andvari, the kingdom from where Lucas once resided. Hoping to broker a deal between Andvari and Bellona, Everleigh will have to face down two more assassination attempts in her battle to bring peace between the two domains but all is not well in the kingdom of Andvari, and Everleigh is determined to discover the truth.

PROTECT THE PRINCE is a complex and detailed story line of magic, mayhem, power and control; a story of betrayal and revenge; of lost love and second chances. Jennifer Estep pulls the reader into a familiar world of elemental magic, with a strong, warrior heroine, and a band of misfit protectors who would die to protect the woman they love. Similarities to the author’s ‘Elemental Assassin’ series aside, PROTECT THE PRINCE is a captivating and spellbinding look at magic and the power of love.

Copies provided by Publisher

 

 

I stared up at the queen’s throne sitting on top of the dais.
The chair was crafted of jagged pieces of tearstone that had been dug out of Seven Spire and fitted together centuries ago. The throne gleamed with a soft, muted light, shifting from starry gray to midnight-blue and back again, just like the columns did. The changing colors represented the Summer and Winter lines of the Blair royal family, as well as the everlasting strength of the Bellonan people.
I had seen the throne many, many times before, but now that it was mine, I found it far more intimidating, especially since the top featured the same crown-of-shards crest that adorned my tunic, bracelet, sword, and dagger. I had never paid any attention to that symbol before the royal massacre, but now, it was everywhere I went. Sometimes, I thought I would have been far happier if I had never seen it at all. I certainly would have been much safer.

Summer queens are fine and fair, with pretty ribbons and flowers in their hair. Winter queens are cold and hard, with frosted crowns made of icy shards.

The words to the old Bellonan fairy-tale rhyme echoed in my mind, as though all the queens who had come before were whispering them to me over and over again. I listened to the phantom voices a moment longer, then exhaled, slowly climbed up the dais steps, turned around, and sat down on the throne.

That was the signal everyone had been waiting for, and all the lords, ladies, senators, guilders, and others strode forward, stopping a few feet away from the bottom of the dais. They split into their usual cliques and began gossiping, while servants handed out sweet cakes, fresh fruits and cheeses, and glasses of blackberry sangria.
I looked up at the second-floor balcony. More nobles milled around there, eating, drinking, talking, and watching me, although they were all poorer and thus far less important than the ones on the first floor.

I started to drop my gaze when I noticed a man sitting by himself in the top corner of the balcony. He was wearing a long gray coat over a black tunic, and his dark brown hair gleamed under the lights, although a bit of stubble darkened his strong jaw. His handsome features were as blank as mine were, and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, although his blue eyes burned into mine with fierce intensity.

My nostrils flared. Even though he was as far away from me as possible, I could still pick out his scent—cold, clean vanilla with just a hint of spice—above all the others in the room. I drew in another breath, letting his scent sink deep down into my lungs, and trying to ignore the hot spark of desire it ignited inside me.

Lucas Sullivan was the magier enforcer of the Black Swan troupe, a bastard prince of Andvari, and my . . . Well, I didn’t know exactly what he was to me. Much more than a friend, but not a lover, despite my pointed advances on that front. But I cared about him more than I wanted to think about, especially now, when I was facing another battle inside my own palace.

So I dropped my gaze from his and studied the nobles again. Even though I had been queen for about three months, ever since I had killed Vasilia, the crown princess and my treacherous cousin, this was my first formal court session. Practically every noble from across the kingdom had journeyed here to discuss business and other matters, and it was important that things went well. I doubted they would, though. The nobles weren’t going to like some of the things I had to say.

While the nobles chattered and downed their food and drinks, I discreetly drew in a breath, letting the air roll in over my tongue and tasting all the scents in it. The people’s floral perfumes and spicy colognes. The fruity tang of the sangria. The pungent aroma of the blue cheeses that the servants were slicing on the buffet tables along the walls.
I opened my mouth to start the session when one final scent assaulted my senses—hot, jalapeño rage so strong that it made my nose burn with its sudden, sharp intensity.

Most people scoffed at my mutt magic, but my enhanced sense of smell was quite useful in one regard—it let me sense people’s emotions, and very often their intentions. Garlic guilt, ashy heartbreak, minty regret. I could tell what someone was feeling—and often what they were plotting—just by tasting the scents that swirled around them.
I’d had years to hone my mutt magic, so I knew that jalapeño rage meant only one thing.

Someone here wanted to kill me.

 

 


My name is Jennifer Estep, and I’m the New York Times bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series; the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series; the Crown of Shards epic fantasy series; the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy; and the Bigtime paranormal romance series.

My books are available in print, audio, and e-book formats from a variety of retailers, including the following: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / iTunes / Kobo / Audible / Brilliance Audio

I hope that you will take a few minutes to look around my website and learn more about my books. Happy reading!

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a paper copy of PROTECT THE PRINCE to TWO (2) lucky commenters and a paper copy of Kill the Queen to ONE (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe:

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Archangel’s Prophecy (Guild Hunter #11) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Prophecy (Guild Hunter #11) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY
Guild Hunter #11
by Nalini Singh
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, Urban Fantasy, paranormal

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Description:
Midnight and dawn, Elena’s wings are unique among angelkind…and now they’re failing. The first mortal to be turned into an immortal in angelic memory, she’s regressing. Becoming more and more human. Easier to hurt. Easier to kill.

Elena and Raphael must unearth the reason for the regression before it’s too late and Elena falls out of the sky. Yet even as they fight a furious battle for Elena’s very survival, violent forces are gathering in New York and across the world.

In China, the Archangel Favashi is showing the first signs of madness. In New York, a mysterious sinkhole filled with lava swallows a man whole. In Africa, torrential monsoon rains flood rolling deserts. And in Elena’s mind whispers a haunting voice that isn’t her own.

This time, survival may not be possible…not even for the consort of an archangel.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is the eleventh instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is the continuing story of New York’s Archangel Raphael, and his consort, human turned angel Elena Deveraux. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY should not be read as a stand alone as the story line continues the series arc focusing on the Cascade, and the growing evil surrounding two of Cadre.

Told from several third person perspectives including Raphael and Elena ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY follows Elena as she tasks herself with uncovering the truth behind a series of attacks and dismemberment against vampires and humans including the near fatal attack against her sister’s mate. As Elena begins to dig deeper into everyone connected with Harrison’s past, strange phenomena and environmental disasters begin to wreak havoc in Raphael’s New York territory, phenomena that directly affects our story line heroine. Slowly reverting back to her mortal self, Elena sees apparitions and warnings of impending danger and doom, doom that the Archangel Raphael is powerless to prevent or defeat.

ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a love story wherein one of the most powerful beings is unable to prevent the fall-out of power, death, rebirth and the prophecy. Struggling to stay one step ahead of the approaching destruction of his heart and his soul Raphael learns that the ultimate sacrifice is only the beginning of a new awakening and his chance for a future.

Nalini Singh’s ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a captivating story of unimaginable conflict; of pain and loss, of heartache and grief. As our couple battle that which they cannot see, others must battle that which remains to be seen. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a raw, real and powerful story; a startling and staggering look at devotion, love, sacrifice and the helplessness in the inability to stop the inevitable fall.

•••••••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh is the 11th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.   Raphael and Elena take center stage once again in Archangel’s Prophecy.  It is always great to be able to spend a lot of time with Raphael and Elena, as they are a great couple…the Archangel and his Consort.

But things are changing, as the cascade threatens again.  In China, a major threat to other Archangels threatens all. In New York, Elena is on a case to find out who attacked her brother-in law, thereby putting her sister and niece’s lives in danger. Slowly, Elena begins to notice things happening to her body.  She is losing her feathers on her wings, one at a time; cuts do not heal, and each day she becomes weaker.  Being the first mortal turned to immortal, Elena realizes that slowly she is losing her immortality.  The question is why?  No one has any answers.

Elena also hears voices from an ancient long asleep, warning her about the prophecy where she must give her life for another. Raphael is desperate to find the cause that is harming Elena, and brings his ‘seven’ to help.

In the midst of this, is the mystery as to who is killing vampires, including the attack on her brother-in-law.  These are the two main storylines that Archangel’s Prophecy centers on; with Elena pushing herself beyond to do what she can to stop this killer, in order to protect her family.  Her body continues to weaken, losing part of her immortality and powers along the way. Elena is determined to ignore the prophecy and using her will to try and force it to change to a different future.  Raphael was amazing throughout, showing how much he loves Elena, and knowing if he loses her, he will become the monster he always feared.  He also knows that an ancient archangel more powerful than any of the other archangels will eventually wake up, casusing a catastrophic war that could destroy them all.

I can’t say too much more, as you really need to read this book.  Archangel’s Prophecy was an emotional wild ride that had me rushing through the pages so that I can find out what happens, which of of course made me go back and reread the last 1/3 again.  It was great to spend time with Raphael and Elena, and I enjoy their love for each other; but there was anguish, fear, worry as we watched them desperately holding on to hope.  I loved seeing all the ‘seven’ and many of their mates.  I love Illium, and look forward to whenever we get his story.  The Legion was also very good, especially with them watching over Elena and Raphael.

Just so you know, the book ends with cliffhanger, and I cannot imagine waiting another year to find out what happens.  Will Raphael and Elena find a way change the direction of the prophecy?  What exactly happens to Elena if the prophecy holds true?  Too many questions, and too long to wait.  Nalini Singh once again gives us a sensational and maybe game changing story.  Archangel’s Prophecy is a must read.

 

Copies provided by Publisher

 

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Nalini Singh, 2018.

 

(Elena is in Raphael’s arms as he flies them across the night sky.)“I can almost understand what Jeffrey’s become,” Elena said. “The way he is now.” She ran her fingers through Raphael’s hair as the two of them flew on into the night. “It’d be as if you chose to leave me. I’d spend the rest of my life wondering why you couldn’t come to me, why you couldn’t trust me with your hurt and sorrow.”
I would never leave you, Elena. A lethal edge in every word. Such a thing is an impossibility.
“I know you’d never leave me, not by choice.” The Cascade shoving him full of power, other forces in the immortal world, sought to steal him from her, but Raphael would never make the choice Marguerite had made. “I was just using it as an example.”
Find another example.
Laughter burst through the anger, shattering it into icy shards that melted in the heat between them. Sinking into the force of his love and commitment, she used her most penitent voice to say, “I apologize for even using it as a hypothetical example.”
He gave her a stern look, before nodding downward. “See there.”
Following his gaze, she spotted a jetboat scything through the water. It was a sleek black thing with what might’ve been flames licking up the sides. It was hard to see in the darkness, the only light coming from the boat itself. “Fancy.”
“Look closer.”
She squinted as he dropped lower, but it was a wisp of scent that floated into the air—chocolate and fur and champagne—that gave her the identity of the man at the helm. “Dmitri? I didn’t know he had a boat.”
“That’s the Honor, Dmitri’s new personal launch.” A pause before he said, “Shall I name something after you?”
Elena pretended to think about it. “Maybe the next time you buy a jet,” she said solemnly.
“I will call it the Hunter Angel.”
Elena threatened to punch him. He laughed until his eyes were pure light and white fire danced over his primaries and it felt like intoxication. His kiss was food to her parched soul, the angel dust that coated her lips without warning luscious and erotic, delicious and addictive.


 

Nalini’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks – Dual Review

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Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks – Dual Review

 

 

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Description:
Hope Anderson is at a crossroads. At thirty-six, she’s been dating her boyfriend, an orthopedic surgeon, for six years. With no wedding plans in sight, and her father recently diagnosed with ALS, she decides to use a week at her family’s cottage in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, to ready the house for sale and mull over some difficult decisions about her future.

Tru Walls has never visited North Carolina but is summoned to Sunset Beach by a letter from a man claiming to be his father. A safari guide, born and raised in Zimbabwe, Tru hopes to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding his mother’s early life and recapture memories lost with her death. When the two strangers cross paths, their connection is as electric as it is unfathomable . . . but in the immersive days that follow, their feelings for each other will give way to choices that pit family duty against personal happiness in devastating ways.

Illuminating life’s heartbreaking regrets and enduring hope, Every Breath explores the many facets of love that lay claim to our deepest loyalties — and asks the question, How long can a dream survive?

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks is a standalone novel, which was a wonderful heartwarming story of true love and heartbreak that will cover decades.

Tru Walls, our hero, is a safari guide in Zimbabwe, having lived all his life in Africa.  Tru is divorced and content with his life as a guide, but he wants to know more about his deceased mother’s past, and decides to fly to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, accepting an invitation to meet his biological father, whom he never knew.

Hope Anderson, our heroine, is staying at the beach house the family has owned for many years, preparing for it to be placed on the market.  Hope’s father is suffering from ALS, and Hope takes the time at the beach house to think about her difficult days ahead, as well as if she has a future with her boyfriend of six years

When Tru is staying at his father’s house prior to meeting him, he enjoys the beach surroundings, and sees a dog running amok.  Tru rescues the dog, and meets Hope, the dog’s owner.  A friendship develops where both Tru and Hope find themselves comfortable to talk about both of their lives, as we learn so much about each of them.  It was so nice to see them fall for each during their conversations of life. Hope will take Tru to the local places including a place nearby where people put in letters/notes in a mail box for anyone to view.  

What follows is a sweet heartwarming slow built romance between two people from different worlds, yet so perfect for each other.  This was also a heart wrenching story of two people; their back history, as well the future. It is a story of love, family, sacrifice, heart ache and destiny.

Nicholas Sparks wrote a wonderful story that he describes at the start as a true story, and he makes us love both Tru and Hope. We felt the sadness, as life had other plans for them; Hope with her boyfriend, and her desire to have children (Tru was no longer able to have children); Tru needing to live near his young son and his job.   What makes this great is that destiny will find a way to for them to  meet again.  I really loved this story, more than I ever expected.  I suggest you read Every Breath.

 

Sandy’s Review:

EVERY BREATH by Nicholas Sparks is a stand alone love story focusing on forty-two year divorced father and safari tour guide Tru Walls, and thirty-six year old, trauma nurse Hope Anderson.

Told from third person perspectives EVERY BREATH takes the reader back to the year 1990 focusing on one week in the life of forty-two year divorced father and African safari tour guide Tru Walls, and thirty-six year old, trauma nurse Hope Anderson. Tru Walls, a safari guide born and raised in Zimbabwe, has come to America in search of answers about his mother and her past. Meeting trauma nurse Hope Anderson stirred something deep within our story line hero, something he would always remember including the love for a woman who was torn between head and heart. Fast forward to 2014 wherein Tru will reconnect with the woman he has never stopped loving only to discover she has never stopped loving him in return.

Divided into two parts (1990 and 2014) EVERY BREATH is a story based in reality brought about by a journal and letters found in an isolated mailbox called Kindred Spirit near the dunes of Sunset Beach, North Carolina. The mailbox, belonging to everyone and no one, is a treasury of love letters from the lost; stories of then and now; a place for dreams and happily ever afters to live on when someone dies. Nicholas Sparks uses artistic license to spin a love story spanning decades focusing on two people whose lives went in opposite directions eventually meeting to form their own happily ever after. Reflective in nature EVERY BREATH reconnects with the past revealing twenty-plus years of pain, heartache, failures and success eventually meandering back to Sunset Beach where it all began.

An imaginative, heart breaking and emotional story line EVERY BREATH looks at love and loss; family and duty; reconnection, dreams, and hope. Uniquely Nicholas Sparks EVERY BREATH is a wonderful love story that will captivate and enchant as you reflect upon your own life of what ifs and whys. Every city and town should have their own ‘Kindred Spirit’ in the hopes of living on in the minds of others.

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Consumed by J.R. Ward – Dual Review

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Consumed by J.R. Ward – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed…

By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.

Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse fire changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.

Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn’t believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again–until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the county, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

 

Sandy’s Review:

CONSUMED is the first full-length instalment in J. R. Ward’s contemporary, adult FIREFIGHTERS romantic, suspense series. CONSUMED is the continuing storyfocusing on firefighters Anne Ashburn, and Danny Maguire of the NBFD 499. I recommend reading the FREE prequel novellas The Rehearsal and The Dinner for backstory and cohesion.

Told from several third person perspectives including Anne and Danny CONSUMED follows the acrimonious relationship between firefighters and partners Anne Ashburn, and Danny Maguire of the New Brunswick Fire Department (NBFD) 499. Following an warehouse fire wherein both Anne and Danny were wounded, the story line picks up ten months later as Anne embarks on her new career as a certified fire inspector, a career change that has left her bitter and insecure. No longer working alongside her fellow firefighters from the 499, Anne struggles to find a place without the camaraderie and companionship of the men who had always had her back including the man who had stolen her heart. A tightknit group of friends, the firefighters of the 499 are more like family than the blood family back home.

Danny Maguire battles PTSD and remorse in the aftermath of a warehouse fire that went horribly wrong. Never ones to follow orders both Danny and Anne found themselves in a dangerous situation, a situation that was about to affect the rest of their lives and careers. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Danny and Anne, and the fall-out as an arsonist hits too close home, and accusations of another nature threaten the already tepid relationship between our story line couple.

JR Ward pulls the reader into a story of family, friendship, betrayal and power. Anne Ashburn comes from a family who have loved and lost in the line of duty but not is all as it appears to be as the perfect façade begins to crumble as secrets are revealed. Danny Maguire struggles to make sense of where everything went wrong but release does not come easy as the guilt of what happened weighs heavily and long.

All of the firefighters previously introduced in the prequel novellas are present and accounted. Anne’s brother Chief Thomas Ashburn struggles with his tentative hold over a collapsing department, a department he fears no longer respects the position he holds. Danny’s best friend Robert ‘Moose’ Miller is always ready with a helpful hand but it is his new bride Deandra that threatens Moose’s stability, and those of the people working the 499.

CONSUMED follows the breakdown of leadership, the loss of control, the drama and fall-out of a department threatened by an unseen power that is determined to win at all costs. The premise is suspenseful, detailed and dramatic: the characters are flawed, wounded and broken; the romance struggles in the face of pride, betrayal and demons from the past. CONSUMED sets the stage for a potential power match between law enforcement, business and the political elite-a powerful and volatile combination of chaos and command.

Copy supplied by publisher through Netgalley

Barb’s Review:  Consumed by J.R. Ward is the 1st book in her new Firefighters series. I looked forward to reading this new series by Ward, and I am happy to say that I really enjoyed the book.

Anne Ashburn, our heroine, is the only female member of the Fire Dept station 499. She is accepted by all the guys at the station, and her brother is chief; in fact her whole family were mostly firefighters.  Anne has a crush on Danny McGuire, one of the firefighters, but his reputation with woman precedes him.  She does her best to avoid him, but they did have a one night stand that both find difficult to forget.  We learned at the end of the two short prequel novellas, that Danny saves Anne on the scene of a fire, but she lost her hand in the process.

Consumed starts about 10 months later, with Anne having recovered, and trying to get used to prosthetic, as well as apply for a job as an arson investigator. She misses the action she loved at the station, but she no longer can work there, and is forced to accept this new position.  As in anything, Anne jumps in to take a case of a recent fire, and begins to tie in other fires that might be related.

Danny, who had his own injuries, pushes himself back on the job, and is determined to get Anne’s trust and win her over.  In a short time, their chemistry is so hot, there is no way for either of them to keep their hands off each other.  Each have their own issues, involving family, heartache, but their feelings for each other continue to escalate. 

Anne’s investigation leads her to a high profile person, who is determined to get her off the case.  Danny will try to help Anne with the investigation to find the arsonist; his is concerned for her safety, as now she has become a target from those trying to stop her.  What follows is an exciting, pulse pounding, intense, gripping story, amazingly written by Ward.   

As we race to the climax, there are some surprises that I did not see coming, which did throw me for a loop.  I loved Danny and Anne together, and Ward has created a wonderful group of secondary characters in this series, showing the comradery and loyalty of the crew.  I loved loved Anne’s stray dog, Soot that she adopted.   I also thought that Ward did such a fantastic job showing us the life of firemen, and what they go through.  Though the story has a satisfying ending, there are some open issues that will continue into the next book.

Consumed was a fantastic fast paced, exciting and action packed story; a wonderful theme, great couple and secondary characters, and very well written by J.R. Ward.  You need to start this series now.

 

Copies provided by Publisher

 

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Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

Kill The Queen
Crown of Shards series – Book #1
by Jennifer Estep
Release Date: October 2, 2018

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / BAM / Book Depository / GooglePlay

 

Description:
Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

Barb’s Review:
Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new Crown of Shards fantasy series. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and love all her series.   I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Kill the Queen, and I am happy to say I loved it; it is epic fantasy at its best. 

We meet our heroine, Lady Everleigh (Evie), at the start, as she is helping making pies in the kitchen in preparation for a big gala at the Royal Court of Bellona.  Evie, though a distant overlooked royal, with very little magical powers, stays in the shadows as much as she can; only joining in when necessary.  As she leaves to see a friend, before she has to dress, Evie begins to notice many new guards and friends of her cousin, Vasillia; when she returns and attends the gala, she senses things that seem odd.  In a short time, Vasillia, who is the crown princess, leads a revolution that becomes a massacre of major proportions. When she comes across Evie, she uses her magic lightning power to attack her, throwing her over the cliff.  This was massacre that murdered the entire Blair royal line.  Vasillia, with her people is now the Queen of Bellona, and she plans to start a war by taking over other kingdoms.  This is just the beginning.

Evie was the lone survivor, running for her life to escape during the hunt for more survivors.  She goes into hiding, and joins a gladiator troupe, who are highly trained warriors that perform shows to entertain the local people.  Evie’s job is to make her famous pies, but the leader of the Black Swan troupe insists that all team members must train to be able to fight, no matter what their job is.  She meets Lucas Sullivan, who trains all the gladiators, and he is hard on Evie.  But over time, both will begin to have feelings for each other, which will stay in the background for most of the story.  This is not a romance, not yet.  However, I suspect we will see the two of them eventually find their way to each other, sometime in the next book.  The leader of the Black Swan, Serilda, was a great warrior, and sensed something about Evie, pushing her to practice more.

Like in any new fantasy, there is a world building that tends to go more into detail early on, which can make things a little slow at the early parts.  But make no mistake, in a couple of chapters in,  this becomes an exciting, ultra-action packed adventure that was impossible to put down. I loved how Evie became close to many members of the troupe, and when she is forced to fight for her life, she will learn how to use her magic that she has hidden all her life.  Great exciting action.

Estep does a fantastic job keeping our attention, as well as creating such a fantastic heroine in Evie. I also loved most of the members of the Black Swan that were awesome.  What follows is an amazing adventure that will allow us to watch as Evie, slowly gains more confidence in her powers and well as learning to become a good warrior.  Together with her new friends, they plan save the kingdoms facing a terrible war, and find a way avenge her family, save Bellona, and Kill the Queen.  Will Evie survive?  Can she even face the evil powerful Vasillia?

This was an exciting and enthralling fantasy, with fantastic characters (even the villians); surrounded by magic, violence, death, war, and intrigue that has us holding our breaths throughout.

Bravo to Jennifer Estep for creating another fantastic series, especially in the Epic fantasy world.  I strongly suggest you read Kill The Queen.  I for one cannot wait for the next book.

 

 

Sandy’s Review

KILL THE QUEEN is the first instalment in Jennifer Estep’s CROWN OF SHARDS epic fantasy series focusing on the Lady Everleigh Saffira Winter Blair aka Evie, a young woman of royal blood whose entire family was murdered in a coup for the throne.

Told in three distinctive parts, using first person point of view (Evie) KILL THE QUEEN follows Lady Everleigh Saffira Winter Blair aka Evie as she struggles to survive in the aftermath of a murderous rage that destroyed everyone and everything that she loved. Years earlier, orphaned at the age of twelve as a result of her parents’ murder, Evie entered the magical kingdom of Bellona, a kingdom ruled by her cousin Queen Cordelia, and her daughter Crown- Princess Vasilia. Believing Evie to hold no magical powers of her own, other than the simplified and basic ‘mutt magic’, our heroine, the now twenty seven year old, seventeenth in line to the throne of Bellona, has been virtually ignored for the past fifteen years. A royal celebration in honor of the Andvarian ambassador proved otherwise as Evie would be one of only two survivors of the Blair family massacre meant to destroy all those with any bloodrights to the throne. What ensues is Evie’s journey to the status of The Black Swan, as she and her fellow warriors and gladiators set into motion a plan to avenge the death of them all.

KILL THE QUEEN is awash in Jennifer Estep’s affinity for ‘elemental magic’. Like Gin Blanco in the author’s Elemental Assassin, our heroine Evie must become an assassin in order to avenge the death of the people she loves. From weather mages, elementals, gem and metal workers, ogres, shifters and gladiators, KILL THE QUEEN follows the magical journey wherein Evie must prepare to battle to the death in an effort to prove she is worthy of the throne.

Many of Jennifer Estep’s signature go-to story line components are present including Evie’s band of misfit elementals and warriors; a potential love interest; and the mention of the Delta Queen, as well as several characters from both her Elemental Assassin, and Bigtime Series-hint, hint Easter Eggs. Not withstanding the numerous and obvious parallel similarities between the Elemental Assassin and Crown of Shards series, KILL THE QUEEN is an intriguing, magical and infinitely detailed story of magic, honor, power and greed.

Copies provided for review

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering an $10 Amazon Gift Card to ONE  (1) lucky commenter and a paper copy of Kill the Queen to TWO (2) lucky commenters 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 into 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 and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open to  USA only for paper copy of Kill the Queen; Internationally for Amazon GC.

8. Giveaway runs from October 1 to 8, 2018

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Planet Dragos (Elder Races) by Thea Harrison – Dual Review

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Planet Dragos (Elder Races)  by Thea Harrison – Dual Review

Amazon /Amazon.ca / B&N / Kobo / iBooks

Description:
Pia’s latest pregnancy has become a daily challenge, her relationship with Dragos strained with argument. That hasn’t stopped them from achieving a compromise and traveling to Las Vegas to celebrate their friend Rune’s wedding to his mate Carling.

From the moment they arrive, the trip goes awry. Death walks in Vegas, and Pia is kidnapped as an ancient enemy makes a move to destroy the Great Beast once and for all.

But the Great Beast has other plans.

On Planet Dragos everything goes the way he arranges it—unless someone decides to cross him, and God help them then, because he doesn’t know how to back down, and he doesn’t ever, ever let up….


Barb’s Review:

Planet Dragos by Thea Harrison is a wonderful novella that is part of her fantastic Elder Races series.  In Planet Dragos, for the final time, Pia and Dragos are in the forefront of this story.  Thea has told us in advance that this is the last time she will devote the future books in the POV of Pia and Dragos. Both of them have been our favorites for a long time, and it has always been a joy spending quality time with them. 

Pia and Dragos travel to Las Vegas to attend the wedding of Rune and Carling; and with Pia pregnant, her temperament has been noticeable, especially with her having a difficult time with this baby.  Dragos loses his cool with Pia, as he too is not in a good frame of mind, with trying to deal with the political machine that refuses to work with him.   After Pia leaves for her room, Dragos realizes he needed to talk to Pia, since he felt bad how he talked to her.  When he goes to their room, Pia is missing, supposedly off to shop.

In a short time, when he tries to call her, someone else picks up the phone, and Dragos finds out that Pia has been kidnapped.  All hell breaks loose in Vegas, as the mighty Dragon shifts to find his mate, but he cannot even sense her.   When a picture is sent to him, both he and Rune know that Carling has also been kidnapped.

They will bring the team together to find them.  It was great to see Dragos and Rune reconcile their differences, especially since Rune says that Carling (who has been drained, and is a dangerous Vampyre) will never hurt Pia.   They use every available person to search into the past to discover who is behind this kidnapping, and why.  The who and why goes far far into Dragos past.  Can they find Pia in time to save her and the baby?

What follows is an exciting, fast paced, action packed emotional story that will create changes for Dragos and Pia, as well as for Liam and the Sentinels.   I read this in one sitting, as I was totally engrossed into the story.  What made this so good was the chance to see many of our favorites from previous books make appearances.  This is always fun.  We also got to see Azrael (Death), who made a visit to both Dragos and Pia separately.  

Thea Harrison once again gives us another exciting and wonderful story featuring the wonderful romantic couple in Dragos and Pia.  Though there will be no more novellas in their POV, I hope we do get to see them in the future books with the other members of the Elder Races.  I look forward to seeing what Thea Harrison has in store for us with the changes for the Wyr and the Elder Races.

Sandy’s Review:

PLANET DRAGOS by Thea Harrison follows Dragos and, a very pregnant and grumpy Pia as they venture to Vegas for Rune and Carling’s wedding. Not only does Dragos have business to attend but ‘Death’s’ appearance pulls Pia onto the Vegas strip where she is no longer safe within the shelter of her mate. Kidnapped but not alone Pia will come face to face with an unknown enemy hoping to destroy all that is Dragos and the Elder Races.

PLANET DRAGOS reveals upcoming changes for the Elder Races and the New York Demesne as Thea Harrison says good-bye, for now, to our leading couple. There are new leaders and players on the horizon but time and experience will be a necessary trial. The story line brings together and revisits with a number of characters introduced throughout the series as well as those featured in the Elder Race’s novellas. A quick read with an engrossing premise PLANET DRAGOS is a dramatic, reflective and passionate story line as we say a temporary good-bye to our reigning couple.

Copy supplied for review

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Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Dark Legacy
Carpathian (Dark) series – Book #31
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 5, 2017

Dark LegacyAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
In a beautiful compound hidden away from the world, Emeline Sanchez tries to blunt the pain that has wracked her body ever since her terrifying ordeal in the labyrinth beneath the city—when she was forced to exchange blood with an evil master vampire.

Now, it’s his voice that haunts her…that calls to her in the dark…that never lets her rest. And while the children that she helped to free from his clutches struggle to heal, watched over by their Carpathian protectors, Emeline knows one thing: She must sacrifice herself to keep them all from harm…

 

Barb’s Review:
Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan is the 31st book in her Dark (Carpathian) series.  In my last review, I had noted how happy I was that Christine was ‘back’ to giving us what we fell in love with in the Dark series.  Dark Carousel was the best book in my opinion since Dark Slayer, though I did enjoy Skylar & Dimitri’s story.  In Dark Legacy, so much happens to keep us glued to our seats, and unable to put the book down.  The exciting storyline plots; the return of the evil Malinovs;  a strong wonderful  heroine and a hero who not only worshipped his lifemate, but treated her  like a queen from the start; not like the abusive male heroes we had to endure in many of the later Dark books. I loved Dark Legacy. 

Emeline Sanchez was one of the people rescued in Dark Carousel and staying at the home of Tariq Assenguard. Emeline has a secret that she hides from her friends and those staying at Tariq’s mansion. When she was in captivity by the Malinovs, Emeline suffered many horrific disturbing things by Vadim Malinov, and he now has the ability to talk to her telepathically, threatening her to return to him.  Emeline has her own psychic powers, which enable her to be able counteract his demands, but he is still able to hurt her with enormous pain. 

Dragomir, our hero, is one of the Monastery Carpathians that is helping to protect Tariq’s family (including Emeline, and the children rescued in the previous book), and home.  He avoids talking to anyone, concentrating only protecting everyone.  When Vadim sends in his creatures to attack everyone, Dragomir goes into action, and runs to save Emeline from the evil master vampire.  At that moment, everything changes for Dragomir, as his world opens up with color and he knows that Emeline is truly his lifemate.

What follows is a wonderful story, where Darogmir , his ancients from the Monastery & Tariq’s people must find a way to protect Emeline, the children, and the entire Asenguard home from the massive attacks by the Malinovs .   I also loved seeing how strong Gary has become, as well as meeting so many new ancients.  It was nice to spend time with Tariq, Charlotte, Genevieve and the children we got to know in Dark Carousel.  It was amazing to watch Gary, Dragomir, the ancients together, not once but a few times to remove Vadim’s splinters in Emeline, and some of the children.  Dark Legacy was nonstop action all the way through and written so well by Feehan.

Though Christine’s stories continue to have a lot of sexual content (erotic), the storyline and the couple remained in the forefront.  Dark Legacy was a fantastic exciting pulse pounding story, with a wonderful couple we rooted for from the beginning. With the Malinov’s still around, I can’t wait to see where Christine will be taking us in the next book.

 

Sandy’s Review

There may be some overlapping information between mine and Barb’s reviews, as well as the possibility that we do not necessarily agree on the overall impact and enjoyment of this particular story line.

DARK LEGACY is the thirty –first installment in Christine Feehan’s DARK CARPATHIANS paranormal, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Dragomir Kozel, and Emeline Sanchez’s story line. DARK LEGACY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although there is an ongoing series arc that continues in Dark Legacy. Several of the characters from previous story lines play secondary and supporting roles including a number of Carpathian warriors, from a Carpathian monastery, who have yet to find their lifemates.

NOTE: DARK LEGACY contains scenarios and references to rape, sexual assault of women and children.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dragomir and Emeline) DARK LEGACY continues to focus on the search for a master vampire. Dragomir Kozel, a Carpathian warrior, has yet to find his lifemate, and like many of the ancients, he struggles with his lack of emotions, colors, and the pull of the dark side. Now that Tariq Asenguard (Dark Carousel) has found his lifemate, he has opened his home and his California compound to a number of homeless children and women, whose own psychic abilities have attracted the evil vampires-former Carpathian warriors-who have lost the battle with evil, or have given up finding the mate of their heart. Enter Emeline Sanchez, a young psychic woman whose recent capture and torture by Vadim Malinov has left our heroine struggling with the lure of dark side, and her belief that she is no longer pure for the Carpathian world. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Dragomir and Emeline, and the numerous battles between the Carpathian warriors, and two master vampires with hopes of destroying the Carpathian race.

Emeline Sanchez was brutally tortured and raped by Vadim Malinov. Now with Xavier’s parasites, and an even more prominent reminder of her recent ordeal, Emeline knows that she is a liability to the Carpathian males, and anyone who considers our heroine his mate. As a psychic female, Emeline is a potential mate for one of the Carpathian males but her dreamwalking, precognizant abilities push our heroine towards a warrior who figures prominently in her dreams.   Dragomir Kozel knows the reluctant Emeline Sanchez is his lifemate-with his emotions and colors restored, Dragomir is determined to rid his lifemate of the painful parasites, and complete Emeline’s conversion before Vadim Malinov returns to finish the job. But there is something more about Emeline than anyone could have imagined; she hides several psychic abilities and a lingering reminder of Vadim’s cruel and methodical ways.

The relationship between Emeline and Dragomir is one of immediate attraction but Emeline is hesitant to trust another Carpathian male. Her experience with the vampire has left our heroine broken yet determined to protect the other children that Vadim took control. The limited $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text but as per CF’s style of writing, they are very long and detailed.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the newly turned and very powerful Gary Daratrazanoff, Tariq and Charlotte, Maksim and Blaze, triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matais, ancients Petru, Andor, Isai, Ferro, Sandu and Benedek, as well as the orphaned children found in Vadim’s underground lair-Danny, Amelia, Lourdes, Bella and Liv, as well as their nanny Genevieve Marten. The requisite evil has many faces including the return of both Vadim and Sergey Malinov.

DARK LEGACY is a graphically violent story line with fight scenes reminiscent of Dark Demon and Dark Slayer, and the familiarity of Xavier’s experiments, imprisonment and torture; there is plenty of action that, at times, got bogged down with too many characters. The Carpathian race remains at war with the Malinov brothers but a war that has intensified with the possibility of another Malinov heir. With the ‘reemergence’ of Xavier a few stories back, his ‘triplet’ lineage continues with the appearance of another mage who may or may not be a lifemate to one of the ancient warriors. The premise is entertaining but familiar; the characters and romance are similar to many of the previous story line couples. Christine Feehan’s DARK LEGACY continues the author’s escape into the supernatural world of the Carpathian male and the woman that will save his soul.

Copy supplied by the publisher for review

excerpt

This had been her worst nightmare, the dream occurring over and over for the last month. Emeline knew she shouldn’t run to her house. If she did, the Carpathian known as Dragomir would die. He always died saving her. She’d tried to avoid this destiny. She’d made certain not to meet him, never to speak to him, yet here she was, forced to make a split-second decision. If she didn’t make it to her house, Vadim would have her again and there would be no stopping him.

“Don’t follow,” she pleaded, rushing up her steps. She knew Dragomir would. He was one step behind Vadim. She knew coming after Dragomir was Vadim’s army of horrible creatures. Vadim had already weakened her, taking her blood. Her neck burned, a fierce, intolerable pain that spread through her like wildfire.

Vadim waved his hand and her door stuck as she tried to jerk it open. She turned to face him, despair moving through her. Despair. Sorrow. Fear—although she was almost beyond fear. Back to the door, she slid down until her bottom hit the porch, knees up. She already knew exactly how the scenario would play out. Dragomir was on the stairs, and Vadim swung around to face him.

Emeline forced herself to look at the ancient warrior. He was the opposite of everything Vadim was. Roped muscles, scars, waist-length salt-and-pepper hair. He looked rugged. Tough. Scary. He had tattoos drifting up his neck so he looked a little like a modern-day outlaw biker. Vadim, despite his head being blown off repeatedly, always managed to restore his flawless, model looks. At first glance, one would be terrified of Dragomir, not Vadim, and that would be a very big mistake.

Her breath caught in her throat as Dragomir continued right up the stairs toward Vadim. She wanted to close her eyes, but she couldn’t. She’d witnessed his death over and over in her nightmare. She always woke up when he went down and she never saw the outcome, only that he sacrificed his life for hers. She felt the least she could do was watch. More—this time, she planned to aid him.

Her hand dropped to the pocket of the long dress she wore. Once before, after continually trying new things in her dreams, she’d changed the outcome of the future. She was determined to do the same this time, or die trying. Time slowed down. Just as she knew it would, the air exploded with more vampires, and as they appeared, the Carpathian hunters joined in the fight.


 
Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Christine Feehan, 2017.

giveaway

Christine Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of DARK LEGACY 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 runs from September 5 – 9, 2017

 

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Nice Guys Bite by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Nice Guys Bite by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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NICE GUYS BITE
Elemental Assassin 15.5
by Jennifer Estep
Genre: adult, contemporary, urban fantasy
Release Date: December 15, 2016

 

Nice Guys BiteAmazon / Amazon. ca /B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Working for Gin Blanco (aka the Spider, the assassin who runs the Ashland underworld) doesn’t leave much time for romance, especially with Gin’s holiday party planning in full swing. But when he catches the eye of a charming gentleman, Silvio finds himself going out for coffee.

All’s fair in love and war, though. Just as Silvio is starting to enjoy himself, he realizes he’s being watched. His nice guy date doesn’t sense the danger, and Silvio wants to keep it that way (and, well, keep the guy alive) so Silvio ends the date early—only to be abducted by some villainous giants.

Will Silvio survive the night and make it back to the Pork Pit in time for Gin’s holiday party?

 

 

Barb’s Review:

Nice Guys Bite by Jennifer Estep is a Christmas themed novella from her wonderful Elemental Assassin series. This was a different type of story; short, exciting, some fun, and only little bit of our heroine, Gin Blanco.  Gin is in the holiday spirit, planning for her party for friends and family.  She tries to get her assistant, Silvio to relax and take some time to have fun.  For those who are not familiar with Silvio, he is a vampire, who became her assistant after Gin became the leader of the Ashland underworld. Silvio, after being pestered by Gin, finally agrees to go out for coffee with a charming new male friend. 

While having some fun, Silvio is being charmed by his new friend, and realizes that someone is watching them.  He excuses himself to quickly leave, so that his friend wouldn’t get hurt from the expected attack.  What follows is an exciting adventure where Silvio and his friend are kidnapped, putting both of their lives in danger.  Anything more would be spoilers, but it was exciting and fun to watch Silvio use his abilities to recognize that all is not what it seems.

I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and this story had a lot of action, but also some humor as we see Gin planning her party.  It is the holiday season, and Estep has given us a quick fun read to hold us over for the next full Elemental Assassin book, Snared, coming in April, 2017.

 

Sandy’s Review:

NICE GUYS BITE by Jennifer Estep is the latest novella in her ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN urban fantasy series focusing on the head of Ashland’s Underworld and Elemental Assassin known as The Spider aka Gin Blanco. NICE GUYS BITE focuses on Gin’s assistant-vampire Silvio Sanchez.

Told from first person point of view (Silvio) NICE GUYS BITE follows Silvio as he embarks on a date with a local college professor Martin Mahoney- but things don’t go according to plan when the couple finds themselves victims of a kidnapping where information about The Spider is payment for release. As Gin prepares for the friends and family Christmas party, Silvio struggles to get himself free.

 

NICE GUYS BITE is a quick read; a supernatural tale of mystery and suspense that allows the reader a small glimpse into the mind of Silvio Sanchez-a vampire whose strengths have never been revealed; with a protective streak for his boss known as The Spider; and a man whose loneliness comes at a cost. There are moments of fun and humor; heartbreak and crushing realization; torment and victory. NICE GUYS BITE is an entertaining and engaging short story; another playful addition to Jennifer Estep’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series.

Copies supplied by Netgalley

giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering a paper copy of UNRAVELED (Elemental Assassin #15) to TWO (2) lucky commenters 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 into 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 and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from December 12  to 15, 2016

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