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Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Archangel's Heart

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Description:
One of the most vicious archangels in the world has disappeared. No one knows if Lijuan is dead or has chosen to Sleep the long sleep of an immortal. But with her lands falling into chaos under a rising tide of vampiric bloodlust, a mysterious and ancient order of angels known as the Luminata calls the entire Cadre together to discuss the fate of her territory.

Accompanying her archangelic lover Raphael to the Luminata compound, guild hunter-turned-angel Elena senses that all is not as it seems. Secrets echo from within the stone walls of the compound, and the deeper Elena goes, the uglier the darkness. But neither Raphael nor Elena is ready for the brutal truths hidden within—truths that will change everything Elena thinks she knows about who she is…

Nothing will ever be the same again

Barb’s Review:

Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh is the 9th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. I loved this book, but no surprise, as Elena and Raphael were the focus of this story.  I always love anything about them, as they are a fantastic couple. 

In Archangel’s Heart, all the members of the Cadre (ruling Archangels) are summoned by the Luminata, an ancient group of angels, to a meeting they cannot refuse.  As we already know, Lijuan, one of the most powerful archangels, is either missing or dead.  The meeting in Morocco will force the Cadre to determine the fate of Lijuan and her territory.

Raphael and Elena with Aodhan for support head for Lumina.  Elena knows that the Luminata have stored records that cover just about everything from the beginning of time, and she is determined to use her free time to learn the truth about her family.   Raphael, Elena and Aodhan can tell from their arrival that things are not as they seem; something isn’t right.  What follows is an exciting story filled with details that flawlessly continue the world building that Nalini is a master at. 

It was fun to see all the Archangel’s together again in one place, as they try to decide how to handle Lijuan’s title, and determine if she is dead or alive. They know the situation could be volatile,  if they have to battle a crazed, but ultra powerful ancient archangel.  I also enjoyed seeing more of Aodhan, and watching him become more confident in bringing himself to be more visible again.  There is so much more we can learn about Aodhan, and I look forward to the time he will have his own book. 

While the Archangel’s meet, Elena and Aodhan visited the huge multilevel library of records.  Elena will begin to learn a little, until she senses that something bad is hidden deep in the dungeons of the library.  Elena is also not comfortable around the Luminata leader, who seems to be enamored by her.  As the hidden secrets of Luminata are revealed, the danger escalates, revealing terrible truths.  To tell too much more would be spoilers.  All I will say is that Nalini Singh has once again given us a wonderful addition to this fantastic series.  I could not put the book down, with the last half of the book totally mesmerizing me.  Needless to say, Nalini always continues to wow me with every book in both of her super fantastic series.  If you have not read this series or anything by Nalini Singh, you are missing one of the best authors in the literary world that never fail to give you fantastic continued world-building,  exciting, great characters &  sexy stories. 

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S HEART is the ninth full-length installment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/UF/paranormal series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is Archangel Raphael, and his consort Elena’s continuing story with a little bit of Aodhan aka Sparkle thrown in for some good measure. ARCHANGEL’S HEART can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for background and cohesion as many events in the current time line are as of a direct result of previous happenings and premises.

Told from third person perspective ARCHANGEL’S HEART follows Elena and Raphael as they journey to Morocco, Elena’s maternal grandmother’s homeland. The Luminata have called a meeting of the Cadre of Ten-the most powerful Archangels in order to make a decision about Lijuan’s lands. With the vampiric blood lust increasing, and villages destroyed by the marauding vampires, Lijuan’s lands must come under control. As the Cascade approaches (an apocalypse of sorts that will see the Archangels at war and the destruction of mankind), and Lijuan all but dead or chosen Sleep, the Luminata have demanded something be done. But not all is well in the Luminata stronghold, and something evil lurks within the walls and the hierarchy of controlling angels. Secrets, lies, betrayals and revenge haunt the halls and hidden rooms of the Luminata.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Aodhan aka Sparkle who accompanies our leading couple as Elena’s guard. Aodhan and Illium aka Bluebell have had a falling out, and their friendship struggles as Illium worries about the once-broken man. The action is limited; there are no wars or mid-air fights but we do see the tense negotiations between the Cadre of Ten, and learn a little bit about the tempestuous relationship between the Archangels in charge.

ARCHANGEL’S HEART reveals our heroine’s family history- Morocco holds the secrets to Elena’s past-a past that is haunted by hatred and betrayal. Elena and Raphael’s relationship continues to build-their love for one another an unbreakable bond. The premise is wondrous and enchanting; the characters are spirited, energetic and charismatic; the romance continues to blossom and build-Raphael and Elena’s love is passionate and intense- our heroine is strong and resilient as Raphael’s consort. Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series is a wonderful and breathtaking look at the power of the Archangels and the people they rule.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Excerpt beige

 

Raphael’s response was silent, his wing brushing hers as he . . .

“Raphael!” The damn archangel had dusted her.

Glittering, sparkly stuff stuck to her, delicious beyond compare when she parted her mouth and it licked onto her tongue. Her thighs clenched. “This is not funny!” She glared at him even as arousal flooded her system, but he was laughing too hard to care.

Her heart, it just stopped.

Even now, the Archangel of New York rarely laughed and never like this. Until she could see the youth he must’ve once been, with eyes of a wild, astonishing blue that asked a woman to laugh with him. She’d never before seen him as truly young. How could she? He had so much power that it pulsed in his every touch, burned in his skin.

Hauling him close to her with her hands fisted in the cream linen of his shirt, she took a kiss, took him. He sank into her, his wings sweeping up to wrap around her until all she could sense was Raphael, all she could taste was him. And angel dust. The special blend he’d created just for her.

He pushed one hand into her hair, fisting it as he wrapped his other arm around her waist and backed her up against a wall. Something fell with a dull thud. Maybe the vivid painting of wildflowers that had just been put up, all the art having been taken down during the repainting.

Elena loved that simple piece Honor had found in a thrift shop, but right now, it could’ve been a priceless artwork by the Hummingbird and she wouldn’t have cared. She was far too happy to be pressed up against the hard warmth of her archangel tip to toe after spending the previous night on watch. No time for shenanigans with Dmitri away and Illium off-shift, Aodhan assigned to patrol the sea border, and Raphael dealing with the overall security situation.

She’d flown a proper defense grid, both to stay in practice and because none of them could afford to be blasé with the Cascade an unpredictable foe that could unleash itself at any moment, smashing the world back into chaos and, possibly, war.

Today, however, the others were on‑shift and she could kiss her lover. He burned hot, Raphael, but he was a crashing sea in her mind, a tumultuous, passionate storm that swept her up and thundered through her veins.

We can talk to Dmitri later, she sent to Raphael, sliding her hands up the ridges and valleys of his chest. Let’s go upstairs to our suite.

“A‑hem.”

She tried to ignore that pointed cough that held a biting amusement.

Raphael’s lips smiled against hers. I think my second has other ideas.


 

 

About The Author beige

Nalini SinghNalini Singh is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series. She lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing.

If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts and free short stories on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. The Rock Kiss books are all stand alone and can be read in any order.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Nalini’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S HEART 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.

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 us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

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

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

6. Follow NALINI SINGH   on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from November 1 to 5, 2016

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Unraveled by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Unraveled by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Unraveled
Elemental Assassin series – Book #15
by Jennifer Estep
Release Date: August 30, 2016

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Description:
After the shocking revelations of the previous book, Bitter Bite, the world of Ashland’s become even more sinister, and Gin Blanco (aka Ashland’s most fearsome assassin, the Spider) no longer knows who—or what—she can count on. Only one thing is for certain: danger and new enemies await Gin in Unraveled, Book 15 in the New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series that RT Book Reviews calls “unbeatable entertainment!”

What could go wrong when you’re trying to unravel a decades-old conspiracy?

As the current queen of the Ashland underworld, you would think that I, Gin Blanco, would know all about some secret society controlling things from behind the scenes. I might be the Spider, the city’s most fearsome assassin, but all my Ice and Stone elemental magic hasn’t done me a lick of good in learning more about “the Circle”. Despite my continued investigations, the trail’s gone as cold as the coming winter.

So when Finnegan Lane, my foster brother, gets word of a surprising inheritance, we figure why not skip town for someplace less dangerous for a few days? That place: Bullet Pointe, a fancy hotel resort complex plus Old West theme park that Finn now owns lock, stock, and barrel. At first, all the struttin’ cowboys and sassy saloon girls are just hokey fun. But add in some shady coincidences and Circle assassins lurking all around, and vacationing becomes wilder—and deadlier—than any of us expected.

Good thing this assassin brought plenty of knives to the gunfight …

Barb’s Review:
Unraveled by Jennifer Estep is the 15th book in her fantastic Elemental Assassin series.  This series is one of my top favorites, as I always wait impatiently for the next book. Jennifer Estep, also one of my top favorites, continues to bring us wonderful exciting stories that flow very well, and one of the best kick-ass heroines in Gin Blanco (Spider).  Unraveled continues this trend with another wonderful exciting action packed story. 

Gin recently discovered that another powerful enemy has been secretly been running things for years in Ashland, and her mother may have been part of the Circle. Unraveled starts with Gin trying to find information that will tell her who and what is the Circle?  Unable to find any information, a frustrated Gin decides to take a needed break and go with Fin to a wild west theme park, which he recently inherited from his deceased mother.  When Gin, Fin, Bria and Owen arrive at the park, it doesn’t take long to see something is amiss, and perhaps they have walked into a trap. When she sees Tucker, the current villain and part of the Circle, Gin knows their lives are in danger.

What follows is an exciting adventure, where there are giants and sharpshooters that are part of the west theme park, and their enemies.   In the middle of this is the mystery of the million dollar missing gems that Fin’s mother hid somewhere in the park.  The villains are hoping to get Gin to find the gems, and then kill the four of them. Will Gin and the gang be able to escape the heavily guarded park?  Will Gin find out who are the members of the Circle?

During her stay at the park, Gin does have flashbacks to when she was a child, and she remembers when she first saw Tucker and many of the evil villains that Gin has faced over the years.  Gin learns more about her mother, and the Circle.  Nice touch by Estep, giving us a look at the early years.  I also enjoyed the part when they ate at the barbeque restaurant in the theme park, which paled in comparison to Gin’s Pork Pit.   I would like to visit her place.  🙂

In true Gin Blanco fashion, never ever underestimate the Spider, as she faces insurmountable odds to save herself and her friends.  As always, it is so awesome to watch the Spider in action.  As we race to finish, the action is mind blowing, filled with action,danger , magic, and almost impossible feats.  Once again, Fletcher leaves a clue that Gin finally figures out, that will give them more information on the Circle, which will continue into the next book..Snared.

Jennifer Estep once again gives us a wonderful exciting action filled story. If you have not started this series, you are missing out on a wonderful author and a fantastic heroine.  I suggest you start Elemental Assassin now. 

 

Sandy’s Review:

UNRAVELED is the fifteenth installment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, contemporary ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on Gin Blanco aka The Spider –the reigning Queen of the paranormal Underworld of Ashland. UNRAVELED picks up immediately after the events of Bitter Bite and Finn’s novella Unwanted.

NOTE: If you have NOT read BITTER BITE or UNWANTED there may be some spoilers in my review

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) UNRAVELED follows Gin and her intrepid group of crime fighting family and friends –Gin’s significant other Owen Grayson; her sister Bria Coolidge; and Gin’s foster brother and Bria’s boyfriend Finnegan Lane- as they embark on a well deserved vacation that Gin suspects will be more dangerous than fun.

Upon the recent death of Deidre Shaw (Bitter Bite), Finnegan Lane learned he had inherited a ‘Western’ theme park and resort known as Bullet Pointe, and with it the potential for millions of dollar in missing gems. What ensues is the search for the ‘fabled’ diamonds, and the numerous attempts against our heroine’s life. Gin has been targeted by the secret society of assassins known as the Circle, and Bullet Pointe is the perfect location for the Circle to trap The Spider and her closest friends. As Finn and the others try to locate the missing gemstones, Gin finds herself on the run when the others are taken hostage and Gin is targeted for assassination.

Throughout the story, there are a number of dreams and flashbacks focusing on Gin’s mother Eira Snow. New details are emerging about Gin’s younger years, and her mother’s possible association with the Circle assassins. Fletcher Lane’s cryptic message left behind in the bank’s safety-deposit box has Finn and Gin scratching their heads hoping for some other type of clue.

There is a large ensemble cast of characters including Owen, Bria, and Finn, as well as Gin’s assistant Silvio Sanchez, ice elemental Lorelei Parker, and Owen’s best friend Phillip Kincaid. The requisite evil has many faces including vampire Hugh Tucker, and fire elemental Roxy Wyatt. Lawyer Jonah McAllister makes a cameo appearance as he prepares for his upcoming hearing, and he himself becomes the target of the infamous Circle.

UNRAVELED and Bitter Bite mark the beginning of a new story line arc in Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. Unlike a number of the other story lines in the series, the action is limited, and the violence is not as graphic or one-sided. The premise is entertaining, while the author focused on the past and the cycle of events that comes full circle to present day. The characters are colorful and eclectic although Finn, Bria and Owen’s roles are more subdued than in the past couple of stories. And as with most Urban Fantasy story lines and series, the romance is secondary to the main premise although we do get some limited Gin and Owen time allowing for a glimpse into their revitalized relationship. UNRAVELED is a delightful and imaginative read.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

 

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Jennifer is graciously offering FOUR giveaways to FOUR (4) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe: 

* A paper copy of UNRAVELED & the first 3 books of her Black Blade series to one lucky commenter.

* A paper copy of UNRAVELED to Three (3) lucky commenters.

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 August 29 – September 2, 2016

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Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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DARK CAROUSEL
Dark Carpathians #30
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance
Release Date: August 2, 2016

 

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Description:
The moment Charlotte Vintage walks into his club, Tariq Asenguard’s blood is set on fire. The ancient Carpathian had given up hope of finding his lifemate, but now he will do anything to make Charlotte his own. What Tariq doesn’t know is that Charlotte is using herself and her best friend as bait—to try to draw out the bloodthirsty killers who have already murdered Charlotte’s brother and mentor.
 
Charlotte is familiar with Tariq. Not only is he one of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the city, but he’s also a renowned collector of old carousel horses, which Charlotte restores. Their shared passion opens Charlotte up to trusting him with her life and with the desire she can no longer control. But it also makes her vulnerable to a centuries-old curse that will unite her and Tariq in a war against the enemies of humans and Carpathians alike…

 

Barb’s Review:

Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan is the 30th book in her Dark/Carpathian series.  For those of you who have been reading my reviews on this series, you know I have been disappointed in most of the books Christine has written since my favorite book, Dark Slayer.  I did not like most of the heroes (still loved Dimitri), who were abusive/arrogant / macho to their mates for a large part of the story, as well as the books being more erotic then story driven.  I also did not like that many of the earlier characters, or villains, such as the Malinovs, did not play much of a part in most of the books. In Dark Carousel I have to say……..CHRISTINE FEEHAN IS BACK.  I loved Dark Carousel and I love Tariq.  Now to my review.  🙂

We have been waiting for Tariq Asenguard’s story for a long time, and in Dark Carousel he finally gets his story and his lifemate.  Charlotte Vintage is our heroine, and we meet her from the start.   Charlotte is with her best friend at a club owned by Tarig, where they act as bait to find the men responsible for the death of members of each of their families. Charlotte and her friend, Genevieve were part of a special psychics evaluation that was done for women who have psychic abilities.  We did learn many books ago that Psychic women are suspected of being lifemate candidates for the Carpathian warriors. When they leave the club, they are surrounded by dangerous men, who are vampires.  Tariq sensed in his club the scent of a woman who pulls on him, and who he suspects is the lifemate he has spent his life looking for.  It will be Tariqand his friends who will save Charlotte and Genevieve from the vampires.

Tariq will bring them and Charlotte’s niece to his mansion, where he will protect them. The mansion is also the safe house for a few children that Tariq and his men rescued from the vampires; with most having been tortured, and are in the process of healing.  Tariq has assumed responsibility for them, making them his family.  Almost immediately after arriving at the mansion, Tariq and Charlotte become a scorching hot couple, with Tariq using his sexual charm and trance to start the lifemate chant. There is no way Tariq will allow Charlotte to get away from him, since she is one person to keep him alive.  Charlotte was also falling in love with Tariq, with his loving care of her, and his promise to love her and care for her forever. 

What follows is a wonderful story, where Tariq and his Carpathian friends must find a way to save the children in their care, and also save Charlotte, who is in very much danger.   It was amazing how we saw all of the warriors work together to heal her from a splinter controlled by a master vampire.  As Charlotte’s life hangs by a thread; they had no choice but to convert her early.

 This was an exciting, action packed story that brought us back to the days left off in Dark Slayer.  The Malinovs are back, with Vadim being the master.  Sergey is also there, but so far, Vadim is the one in control.  There was a race to the climax to save one of the younger girls that was tortured, and a fight for life against one of Vadim’s other master vampires. I loved how Charlotte adapted to becoming Carpathian and loved her new powers and helping  Tariq, and living in his world.   Great story, great characters, great couple.    The story with the Vadim and Sergey was left open for future books.    Welcome back, Christine, I pray we get to see more like Dark Carousel and the rest of the people we just met.

 

Sandy’s Review:

DARK CAROUSEL is the thirtieth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult DARK CARPATHIAN paranormal, romance series. This is ancient warrior Tariq Asenguard, and carousel restorer Charlotte Vintage’s story line. DARK CAROUSEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the characters including Maxim and Blaze introduced in DARK CRIME found in the anthology EDGE OF DARKNESS (July 2015) play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.

NOTE: DARK CAROUSEL is a story with brutally, graphic violence and issues of rape and abuse against 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 several third person points of view DARK CAROUSEL follows Charlotte Vintage as she endeavors to come to terms with the deaths of several family members and friends seemingly linked back to her visit to a psychic center in Paris, France. As Charlotte and her friend Genevieve return to America, they are being stalked by an unknown source, and find themselves at a nightclub run by Tariq Asenguard-an ancient Carpathian male who has yet to find the woman who holds the other half to his soul. What ensues is the awareness for Tariq when Charlotte’s voice returns his emotions and color, and the quick building romance/insta love between two people connected by the past. While Charlotte struggles with her attraction and need for Tariq, there is something more sinister working behind the scenes. A master vampire is on the hunt, and Charlotte is one of his intended victims.

Like all of Christine Feehan’s male leads, Tariq is over protective and alpha, but in saying this, he is not abusive, not arrogant, not controlling or verging on total domination like many of Christine’s recent male ‘heroes’-a term I use lightly. For an ancient Carpathian, Tariq is quite modern, and willing to accept that his mate is his partner in many aspects of their relationship but fighting vampires is not in her repertoire.

DARK CAROUSEL, like so many of the recent DARK stories, is a graphically violent tale of murder, rape, blood shed, and gore with disturbing scenes and brutal imagery. Christine Feehan’s vampires are evolving into a darker, more sinister species with the ability to think and act independently, where no one is off limits, and children and women are the latest targets as the vampires struggle for power and control.

The large ensemble cast of characters is numerous including the introduction of several new ancients we first met in Dark Promises, who are struggling to retain their honor, as well as the triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matais. All of the psychic children introduced in Dark Crime are now wards of Tariq Asenquard, and like Sara and Falcon from Dark Dream, Tariq and Charlotte are now the foster parents for several psychic children who are featured throughout the story. One young child will be the saving grace for an ancient Carpathian (reminiscent of Skylar and Dimitri). Vadim Malinov is the Master vampire and, for newcomers to the series, and as a reminder, Tariq reveals some history about the Malinov’s and their battle with the Carpathian people.

Christine Feehan’s DARK CAROUSEL is a welcome return to her earlier writing style and story line presentation including the ongoing battle with the Malinov family, which has been missing for awhile, but the original characters we grew to love are absent and without representation. The Daratrazanoffs are mentioned for their healing abilities but have yet to make an appearance. The up-kick in graphic and brutal violence against women and children is still an issue-one that I don’t see coming to an end with the current direction of the series, and the ever-evolving vampires. The premise has plenty of action, fight scenes and sexual situations; the characters are an eclectic mix of humans, vampires, children and Carpathians; the romance is a quick build to lifemates and love.

For diehard fans of the series, many are aware that the characters from DARK CAROUSEL are part of a ‘lost’ manuscript previously started by the author-the premise has somewhat changed from the recovered text.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Christine’s publisher is offering a Hardcover copy of DARK CAROUSEL 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.

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. LIKE Christine Feehan on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from August 2 to August 6, 2016

 

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The Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Angels’ Share
Bourbon Kings series – Book #2
by J.R. Ward
Release Date: July 26, 2016

The Angels' ShareAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
In Charlemont, Kentucky, the Bradford family is the crème de la crème of high society—just like their exclusive brand of bourbon. And their complicated lives and vast estate are run by a discrete staff who inevitably become embroiled in their affairs. This is especially true now, when the apparent suicide of the family patriarch is starting to look more and more like murder…

No one is above suspicion—especially the eldest Bradford son, Edward. The bad blood between him and his father is known far and wide, and he is aware that he could be named a suspect. As the investigation into the death intensifies, he keeps himself busy at the bottom of a bottle—as well as with his former horse trainer’s daughter. Meanwhile, the family’s financial future lies in the perfectly manicured hands of a business rival, a woman who wants Edward all to herself.

Everything has consequences; everybody has secrets. And few can be trusted. Then, at the very brink of the family’s demise, someone thought lost to them forever returns to the fold. Maxwell Bradford has come home. But is he a savior…or the worst of all the sinners?

 

 

Barb’s Review

Warning: If you have not read the first book in this series, there may be spoilers.

Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward is the 2nd book in her Bourbon Kings series. Angels’ Share begins where The Bourbon Kings left off; William Baldwine, the Bradford/Baldwine family patriarch, is dead, having committed suicide.  As the family prepares for the funeral, there is no sadness, nor mourning, since he  was an evil man, whom just about everyone hated.  Lane and Lizzie continue to be the center focus point of this story.

Lane is out of his element, with the family and their Bourbon business facing financial ruin due to their father’s staggering hidden dealings.  Lizzie will step up and take control of the house, the staff and do what she can to give Lane the support he needs.  I really do love them together. 

Lane will bring in his college roommate to help in trying to decipher the financial mess, as well as helping him take control of the business.  Angels’ Share continues to be an intense family saga, with the return of most of the main characters we have come to know from the first book.  There are a few twists, and everything changes early on when murder is suspected, which will add the element of mystery to the story.

What makes Angels’ Share so good is the complex characters Ward has created, not to mention all the secrets, lies, deceit, as well as romance throughout the book.  As much as I love Lane and Lizzie, I also love Edward, who has suffered so much because of his despicable father.  Edward is damaged both physically and mentally, but he remains loyal to his family, even if he wants nothing to do with the business or family affairs.  He continues to keep his distance from the mansion, as he lives on a ranch.  But we cannot help see how he is hurting, especially in his love of Sutton; but Edward feels that he is not the man he used to be and is not worthy of her.  I so want them to find a way to make it together and Edward to somehow get strong again.  Will this happen?  At this time, the chances are very slim, especially after the ending.

Again, Ward has created a fabulous cast of characters: Gin, the snobbish sister, who slowly might be changing for the better; Samuel, the lawyer, who loves Gin, but thinks she is too spoiled to trust her with his heart; Miss Aurora, the woman who brought them up, whom they all look at as their true mother; Sutton, she is the strong successful independent woman, who I pray will save Edward; Chantal, the ex-wife, good riddance; Max, the missing brother who returns home, and I cannot wait to find out more; Amelia, Gin’s daughter also returns home, and I would love to know about her too.

Angels’ Share is a wonderful continuation to this family saga of a wealthy successful family facing ruin, in more ways than one.  The story is well written, with many surprises, intrigue and the romance between Lane and Lizzie has gotten even better.  We watch as the family members grow as their lives change, and a bond begins to bring them closer as disaster threatens.   I cannot wait for the next book to come out.  If you enjoy family saga stories, you need to read this, as J.R. Ward is writing an addicting series.

 

Sandy’s Review

THE ANGEL’S SHARE is the second installment in J.R. Ward’s adult, contemporary, dramatic series focusing on the uber rich Bradford/Baldwine family of Charlemont, Kentucky- a bourbon dynasty family whose beautiful façade hides many dark and dangerous secrets. Although no one particular couple is the star THE ANGEL’S SHARE is an ensemble story line that looks at the aftermath from the apparent suicide of the Baldwine patriarch, and the investigation into millions of dollars in missing money.

Told from several third person points of view including Baldwine/Bradford siblings Lane, Edward and Gin, THE ANGEL’S SHARE focuses on the search for the truth behind the apparent suicide of William Wyatt Baldwine-the CEO of the Bradford Bourbon Company. The resulting death slowly reveals the dark secrets, lies, betrayals and illegitimate heirs of a man beloved by no one, despised by all. Edward, as the eldest son has been broken by his father-destroyed in body and soul by a man with a black heart and a darker soul; Lane is the man who will struggle to keep the family heritage up and running; Gin is a woman who has given up and is willing to risk her life to save her family. Deals will be made, secrets will be revealed, lives will be destroyed in the process. THE ANGEL’S SHARE is not a story of romance but of a family, passionate in their beliefs, who are struggling to gain some semblance of control over their business and their lives.

The Bourbon Kings is a modern day story akin to the 1980s Dallas and Dynasty-the uber rich families, their friends and the hidden secrets locked behind closed doors, addiction and lies. Death is an escape from the mayhem; to love is a struggle met with misunderstanding and betrayal. Once again, romance took a back seat to the family drama and investigation, and to the impending collapse of the bourbon dynasty. J.R. Ward writes an amazing tale of betrayal, struggle and loss for one family whose lives have imploded beneath a mountain of secrets and lies.

 

excerpt

 

Toyota trucks were not supposed to go seventy-five miles an hour. Especially when they were ten years old.

At least the driver was wide awake, even though it was four a.m.

Lizzie King had a death grip on the steering wheel, and her foot on the accelerator was actually catching floor as she headed for a rise in the highway.

She had woken up in her bed at her farmhouse alone. Ordinarily, that would have been the status quo, but not anymore, not now that Lane was back in her life. The wealthy playboy and the estate’s gardener had finally gotten their act together, love bonding two unlikelies closer and stronger than the molecules of a diamond.

And she was going to stand by him, no matter what the future held.

After all, it was so much easier to give up extraordinary wealth when you had never known it, never aspired to it—and especially when you had seen behind its glittering curtain to the sad, desolate desert on the far side of the glamour and prestige.

God, the stress Lane was under.

And so out of bed she had gotten. Down the creaking stairs she had gone. And all around her little house’s first floor she had wandered.

When Lizzie had looked outside, she’d discovered his car was missing, the Porsche he drove and parked beside the maple by her front porch nowhere to be seen. And as she had wondered why he had left without telling her, she had begun to worry.

Just a matter of nights since his father had killed himself, only a matter of days since William Baldwine’s body had been found on the far side of the Falls of the Ohio. And ever since then Lane’s face had had a faraway look, his mind churning always with the missing money, the divorce papers he had served on the rapacious Chantal, the status of the household bills, the precarious situation at the Bradford Bourbon Company, his brother Edward’s terrible physical condition, Miss Aurora’s illness.

But he hadn’t said a thing about any of it. His insomnia had been the only sign of the pressure, and that was what scared her. Lane always made an effort to be composed around her, asking her about her work in Easterly’s gardens, rubbing her bad shoulder, making her dinner, usually badly, but who cared. Ever since they had gotten the air cleared between them and had fully recommitted to their relationship, he had all but moved into her farmhouse—and as much as she loved having him with her, she had been waiting for the implosion to occur.

It would almost have been easier if he had been ranting and raving.

And now she feared that time had come—and some sixth sense made her terrified about where he had gone. Easterly, the Bradford Family Estate, was the first place she thought of. Or maybe the Old Site, where his family’s bourbon was still made and stored. Or perhaps Miss Aurora’s Baptist church?

Yes, Lizzie had tried him on his phone. And when the thing had rung on the table on his side of the bed, she hadn’t waited any longer after that. Clothes on. Keys in hand. Out to the truck.

No one else was on I-64 as she headed for the bridge to get across the river, and she kept the gas on even as she crested the hill and hit the decline to the river’s edge on the Indiana side. In response, her old truck picked up even more speed along with a death rattle that shook the wheel and the seat, but the damn Toyota was going to hold it together because she needed it to.

“Lane . . . where are you?”

God, all the times she had asked him how he was and he’d said, “Fine.” All those opportunities to talk that he hadn’t taken her up on. All the glances she’d shot him when he hadn’t been looking her way, all the time her monitoring for signs of cracking or strain. And yet there had been little to no emotion after that one moment they’d had together in the garden, that private, sacred moment when she had sought him out under the blooms of the fruit trees and told him that she’d gotten it wrong about him, that she had misjudged him, that she was prepared to make a pledge to him with the only thing she had: the deed to her farmhouse—which was exactly the kind of asset that could be sold to help pay for the lawyers’ fees as he fought to save his family.

Lane had held her, and told her he loved her—and refused her gift, explaining he was going to fix everything himself, that he was going to somehow find the stolen money, pay back the enormous debt, right the company, resurrect his family’s fortunes.

And she had believed him.

She still did.

But ever since then? He had been both as warm and closed off as a space heater, physically present and completely disengaged at the same time.

Lizzie did not blame him in the slightest.

It was strangely terrifying, however.

Off in the distance, across the river, Charlemont’s business district glowed and twinkled, a false, earthbound galaxy that was a lovely lie, and the bridge that connected the two shores was still lit up in spring green and bright pink for Derby, a preppy rainbow to that promised land. The good news was that there was no traffic, so as soon as Lizzie was on the other side, she could take the River Road exit off the highway, shoot north to Easterly’s hill, and see if his car was parked in front of the mansion.
Then she didn’t know what she was going to do.

The newly constructed bridge had three lanes going in both directions, the concrete median separating east from west tall and broad for safety purposes. There were rows of white lights down the middle, and everything was shiny, not just from the illumination, but a lack of exposure to the elements. Construction had only finished in March, and the first lines of traffic had made the crossing in early April, cutting rush-hour delays down—

Up ahead, parked in what was actually the “slow” lane, was a vehicle that her brain recognized before her eyes properly focused on it.

Lane’s Porsche. It was Lane’s—

Lizzie nailed the brake pedal harder than she’d been pounding the accelerator, and the truck made the transition from full-force forward to full-on stop with the grace of a sofa falling out a second-story window: Everything shuddered and shook, on the verge of structural disintegration, and worse, there was barely any change in velocity, as if her Toyota had worked too hard to gain the speed and wasn’t going to let the momentum go without a fight—

There was a figure on the edge of the bridge. On the very farthest edge of the bridge. On the lip of the bridge over the deadly drop.

“Lane,” she screamed. “Lane!”

Her truck went into a spin, pirouetting such that she had to wrench her head around to keep him in her sights. And she jumped out before the Toyota came to a full stop, leaving the gearshift in neutral, the engine running, the door open in her wake.

“Lane! No! Lane!”

Lizzie pounded across the pavement and surmounted barriers that seemed flimsy, too flimsy, given the distance down to the river.

Lane jerked his head around—

And lost one hold of the rail behind him.

As his grip slipped, shock registered on his face, a flash of surprise . . . that was immediately replaced by horror.

When he fell off into nothing but air.

Lizzie’s mouth could not open wide enough to release her scream.


 

About the Author 2

 

JR Ward (dog)J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with more than 15 million novels in print published in 25 different countries around the world. The books in her popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series have held the #1 spot on the New York Times hardcover, mass market, eBook, and combined print/eBook fiction bestseller lists and have debuted in the top 5 on the USA Today bestseller list. Prior to her writing career, Ward worked as a lawyer in Boston and spent many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard’s world-renowned academic medical centers. Ward currently lives with her family in Kentucky where she has learned to enjoy and appreciate all things Southern. Connect with her online at www.jrward.com, Facebook.com/JRWardBooks, and Twitter.com/JRWard1.

 

giveaway

J.R. and her publisher are graciously offering a hardcover copy of THE ANGELS’ SHARE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle – Dual Review & Giveaway

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HOLD YOUR BREATH
Search and Rescue #1
by Katie Ruggle
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: April 5, 2016

 

HOld your breathAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
As the captain of Field County’s ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook is driven to perfection. But when he meets new diver Louise “Lou” Sparks, all that hard-won order is obliterated in an instant. Lou is a hurricane. A walking disaster. And with her, he’s never felt more alive…even if keeping her safe may just kill him.

Lou’s new to the Rockies, intent on escaping her controlling ex, and she’s determined to make it on her own terms…no matter how tempting Callum may be. But when a routine training exercise unearths a body, Lou and Callum find themselves thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence Lou-and prove that not even her new Search and Rescue family can keep her safe forever.

 

 

Barb’s Review:

Hold your Breath by Katie Ruggle is the 1st book in her Search and Rescue series.  What I enjoyed about this book was that it had a bit of everything;  romance, suspense, action, excitement and a mystery.  What can be better, especially if the author does it right, and Katie Ruggle did a wonderful job with this story.

In the prequel, we met Lou and Callum, and in Hold You Breath we get their full story.  Lou Sparks is our heroine, who recently moved to the Rockies and joins the Search and Resuce Ice Dive team.  Lou left her home to escape her demanding parents and an ex boyfriend for the freedom to live her life her way.  While in training, she finds herself attracted to the team captain, Callum Cook, who is our hero.

Callum is tough, no nonsense leader, and Lou is his opposite.  She is nervous learning the diving exercises, but she also is lots of fun, joking around with her teammates.  When she accidently comes across a dead body in the ice, it will be Callum who will step up and help her.  Callum will discover that Lou has had some incidents against her, such as tires slashed and he will begin to protect her against a possible stalker.  More incidents will happen that will raise the danger level, not to mention that Lou and Callum will be thrown together and a romance begins to blossom.

What follows is an exciting dual mystery.  Who is the dead headless man they found in the ice?  Who is stalking Lou? 

Callum and Lou take it upon themselves to try to find the clues to the identity of the victim, and as their relationship gets hotter, the stalker becomes more dangerous.  Callum will stay close to Lou, as the stakes escalate, with her life very much at risk.  The last third of the book was very suspenseful and exciting.  I could not put the book down, as I needed to know what would happen.  I really like Lou and Callum as a couple, as they were perfect for each other.  She was outgoing and lively; it was great to see him fall hard for Lou and enjoy her fun loving ways.  Hold Your Breath was a fun, exciting read, with lots of action, suspense, especially with some of the ice rescue scenes.  I wholly recommend you to read this series.

 

Rachel’s Review:

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

That was a different read for me .. a really good kind of different that may have opened my eyes to a different kind of contemporary romance … mystery and suspense.

So a small disclaimer here .. I am an veteran Canadian army medic, so this book was extremely enticing and captivating from the first page.  I mean mix a hot guy with a hot girl, add in dashes of secondary characters that you know will get their own story, super mystery and suspense .. AND add rescue/medical/dive team .. ummmm …YES PLEASE!  LOL

Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle is the first book of her new series called “Search and Rescue“.  I will say that this book revolves more on the mystery/suspense side than it did the romance, and do not get me wrong, I loved the mystery, but I am a fan of hot smut in my romance books and this one kind of fell short on the heat.  I am always a glass half full kind of reader though, so perhaps the lack of smut made me concentrate of what I would call a slow burn, fun and quirky moments and a heart racing climax.  So you see .. smut would of been the cherry on the sundae, but the sundae was still very yummy!  LOL

Louise Sparks (“Lou” to most) has just moved to the Rockies and joined the Search and Rescue Dive team stationed there.  She is starting a new life away from a past she really wants to forget.  She is a hot mess at times while still being really good at what she does (serious oxymoron there, but it made her absolutely endearing).  If she messes up, it’s seems to always be in front of the one man she wants to impress … her leader.

Callum Cook is one straight up, neat freak, OCD, serious all the time leader of this dive team.  He is intimidating, stand offish, but very good at what he does as well.  He also does not know that this mess of a new team mate is about to change his life.  While he is protective in nature, it is extremely amplified when he learns that Lou is being stalked and may be in danger.

These two start off as team mates trying to solve a case when a corpse in uncovered during a training exercise.  There is a friendship that does bloom, and while a mutual attraction is there, both take this case very serious and make it a priority.  As time passes and mystery and suspense heighten, feelings, attraction and ultimate love comes to surface.  There were many moments I found myself chuckling at their scenes of crazy .. these guys compliment each other so well which made the story in my opinion.

This story was fantastic.  As I am a self confessed smut reader, I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I loved the mystery and suspense here as opposed to the “let’s get it on” moments.  (GASP .. did I just admit that??  LOL) These two bloomed before us with every page flip and I admit I actually read the last chapters half way thru because I had to know what was what so I could enjoy the journey .. yes .. I’m strange!  LOL

Will absolutely read this entire series as it releases and I would recommend this book wholeheartedly!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

 

 

 

giveaway

Katie’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of HOLD YOUR BREATH to ONE (1) 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.

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

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

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

6. Please LIKE KATIE RUGGLE on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to US / Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from April 5 – 9,  2016

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Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

Shadow’s End
Elder Races series – Book #9
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: December 1, 2015

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…

Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…

 

Barb’s Review:

Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison is the 9th book in her wonderful Elder Races series. I love this series, and Thea Harrison never fails to deliver a terrific story with a great couple. We have all been waiting a long time for Graydon’s story, and to watch this fierce loyal warrior show us his heart and passion was wonderful. I always liked Graydon, being Dragos 1st Sentinel, but now he has become one of my favorites.

Beluviel is our heroine, and we knew her from previous books. I think I need to go back to Lord’s Fall to look for the clues that would show Graydon and Beluviel as a couple. Beluviel is considered forbidden to Graydon, as she is the Elven High Lord’s stepmother and he is a Gryphon. But what we learn early on is that two hundred years ago, a strong love began for Graydon and Bel ,but she was married to the then Elven High Lord. Graydon came to her rescue to help save her stepson, Ferion, and during this adventure, they fell in love. But a villain, Malphas, a Djinn, had already controlled her son’s soul to do his bidding. Malpas forced an agreement that he wouldn’t kill the son, as long as Graydon & Bel never have anything to do with each other.

Two hundreds later, things have changed, especially with the death of the Elven High Lord, and Ferion, now the new High Lord, being controlled by Malpas. Graydon goes to Beluviel and together they must devise a plan to stop Malpas.

This is covered early on, and what follows is an exciting and wild adventure that will bring back so many of our favorites from previous books. I loved seeing them all work together to find a way to break the ultra powerful Malpas. During the planning, Graydon and Bel’s love grew and they were so great together. The big question was will they and the others survive the battle that puts all their lives in extreme danger.

The last half of the book was not only action packed with us on the edge of our seat, as well as being an emotional ride straight to the end. The ending was so well done, spending more time with our favorites; enjoying Graydon & Bel, and watching the start of future possibilities. Thea Harrison has another winner in Shadow’s End.

 

Sandy’s Review:

SHADOW’S END is the ninth full length installment in Thea Harrison’s contemporary, adult ELDER RACES paranormal, romance series. This is gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr demesne Graydon, and consort to the Elven High Lord, Beluviel’s (Bel) storyline. SHADOW’S END should not be read as a stand alone; for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order; for fans of the Novels of the Elder Races, a quick re-read of Lord’s Fall may be advisable to bring you up to date on what happened before. Several of the characters and couples from previous storylines, including Dragos, Pia and Liam, Sentinel Constantine, Djinns Soren and Khalil play secondary and supporting roles.

Told from dual third person perspectives, using present day and a prologue from the past, SHADOW’S END focuses on second chances for Graydon and Bel, and freeing Beluviel’s stepson Ferion, from a two hundred year old debt to the evil Djinn Malphas.

Bel’s stepson was a notorious gambler and found himself owing more than he could ever repay. Enter Graydon and Bel, who sold their souls to the devil in return for sparing Ferion’s life. Fast forward to present day where Bel and Graydon reunite in the hopes of destroying the first generation Djinn pariah Malphas, and ending a two hundred year old strangle hold over their souls. Another potential war is on the horizon, and Gray’s second sight shows that blood will be spilled, and lives will be lost.

The relationship between Bel and Gray is one of second chances. Two hundred years earlier, at the annual gala celebration known as the Masque of the Gods, Gray believed he had found his mate- the consort to the Elven High Lord-and a woman trapped in a loveless marriage to a philandering Elf. Agreeing to aid Bel in her attempts to free her stepson from eternal servitude, Bel and Gray found themselves making a pact with the devil himself. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative; limited in number, although not as erotic in nature as the relationship and storylines involving Pia and Dragos.

SHADOW’S END has a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters including former Wyr sentinel Rune and his mate the ancient vampyre Carling, harpy Aryal and her mate Quentin, Djinn Khalil and Oracle Grace Andreas, Wyr sentinel Constantine, Djinn Soren, vampire Julian and his mate Melly, as well as wolf shifter Luis and Claudia whom we met in one of the earlier Elder Races ‘Tarot Card’ novellas. It was a pleasure getting reacquainted with many of the characters we have grown to love.

Thea’s world building is a flight into the fantastic as each storyline focuses on the supernatural; the paranormal; and the different species whose lives intersect between worlds and demesne. There is action and suspense; romance and love; heartbreak and loss. Lives will be lost; the next generation continues to grow; and the proclamation of love and a happily ever after is never far behind.

SHADOW’S END feels like the end of a relationship. There is a party to say good bye; a hint at what’s next for the younger generation; and the potential for the series to set off in another direction. SHADOW’S END is the culmination of several storylines, premises and plots that focus on power, control and survival of the fittest. The Wyr Demesne and Lord Dragos continue to reign strong, but there is always someone or something else vying for position.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

 

Giveaway

Thea’s publisher is offering a papercopy of SHADOW’S END to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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

3. Please Follow Thea Harrison on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

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

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

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 2 – December 6, 2015

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Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

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Dark Ghost
Carpathian series – Book #28
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Dark GhostAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
He wasn’t civilized or tame. He had his own code and he lived by it.

Monk. Bounty hunter. Vampire slayer. Andre Boroi has spent centuries battling the undead, holding out against the dark with honor. But now, gravely wounded by master vampire Costin Popescu, Andre will be easy to track—his spilled blood marking the killing trail for Popescu and his hungry band of underlings. Andre’s only chance is to disappear into the gray mist of the Carpathians. To wait. To hope.
 
She had a healing touch and a scent that was his lifeblood.
 
In the mountains in search of a precious crystal, geologist Teagan Joanes suddenly finds herself hunted by those she once trusted. Then she comes across the warrior—wounded, wanting and irresistible. Andre has been craving her for an eternity: his lifemate. Her warmth envelops him. Her scent pulsates. And with every beat of her heart, Teagan surrenders to a passion she can’t possibly comprehend.
 
Now they are bound by destiny, but is it enough to keep them safe from a stalking, relentless darkness that threatens to swallow them alive?


Barb’s Review:

Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan is the 28th book in her Carpathian series. I thought Dark Ghost was a good story, but I did have mixed feelings; a major part of my feelings is that as I have said before, the old style seems to be missing. Other then the Skyler/Dimitri trilogy, which I did enjoy, the last few books have been a disappointment to me.

Dark Ghost was somewhat better, but still very reminiscent of the other later books. I have been waiting a long time for Andre’s story, and I really liked him a lot. Teagan is our heroine, and I liked her too, but did have mixed feelings with her too.

The story begins with Andre knowing he is getting closer his end, to meet the dawn. He goes underground to heal from major injuries fighting a master vampire, whom he hurt badly, but did not kill him. While he rests underground, Teagan, who is a healer, finds herself in danger, from a friend whom she trusted. Running away, she hides in a cave, and begins to search for a stone that she feels with help cure her grandmother. She comes upon an injured Andre, and uses her healing ability to cure many of his injuries. Much to his shock, Andre know this young woman is what he has been searching for all his life; the woman who will save him….his lifemate.

What follows is a story of a Carpathian hunter, who finds his love and his color/emotions back after centuries; a young woman, who can’t resist the alpha male who showers her with adoration, as well as possessiveness; danger in the Carpathian mountains from both humans and vampires. Most of all it the sexual relationship between Andre and Teagan.

What did I have mixed feelings about? Andre was great, but finding his lifemate and turning her so fast, did not really sit well with me. Teagan was very independent, and they fought  from from the start. But throughout the book she kept going back and forth to fight Andre or hopelessly devour him. So many times she changed her mind.  Just about 85% of the book took place in the Cave. (Reminded me of Dominic’s story). Not enough action, though I did enjoy the parts that Andre taught Teagan how to fly and her other powers. That was fun.  Sex, sex, sex and more sex. I like my steamy romances, but not when it over powers the story.

I thought Dark Ghost was better than many of the other recent books in this series, but Christine Feehan has taken this from a paranormal romance suspense with steamy sex to more of an erotic romance storyline.

 

Sandy’s Review:

DARK GHOST is the 28th installment in Christine Feehan’s adult, paranormal romance DARK (Carpathian) series focusing on a supernatural species known as the Carpathians. This is Carpathian Andre Boroi, and American climber Teagan Joanes’s storyline. DARK GHOST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

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.

Told from third person point of view DARK GHOST finds our hero Andre in a fight for his life. A master vampire has targeted Andre, and their latest battle results in a struggle for survival. While Andre lies healing in the ground in the Carpathian Mountains, he will be awakened by the voice of his lifemate-Teagan Joanes-a woman he never knew existed until she was pulled to the very cave where Andre went to repair the damage inflicted by the master vampire. What ensues is Andre’s struggle to understand the mind of the modern woman, and the hunt for the person responsible for attacking his lifemate prior to her appearance in the cave.

DARK GHOST is a slow building story where the growing relationship between Teagan and Andre is the central focus of the storyline. Our couple is secluded in a healing cave in the Carpathian Mountains for most of the book, and there is very little outside influence or external conflict-the majority of the conflict bookends Teagan and Andre’s time in the Mountain cave. That’s not to say there wasn’t any contention; Teagan is a modern woman who refuses to acknowledge Andre’s need for control, and his over protective he-man attitude. She is unaware of the danger that searches for her new lifemate, and with it comes the struggles between a man used to the old ways, and a woman whose feminist ideology doesn’t allow for the give and take in a new, unexplored, supernatural relationship.

For fans of the series you may notice some changes over the last few storylines. The Carpathian claiming verse is longer with additional lines and content; to offer blood freely between two Carpathians now comes with longer prose and text; and Christine Feehan’s storylines are more violent towards women-there is the overriding issue of rape and torture that seems to be directed at many of the female characters-primary, secondary and supporting. I am not sure why the change of attack and the propensity for such anger, but it is something that I have noticed throughout the last few installments. I also had an issue with repetition (as a constant reminder) and redundancy–it was all too familiar from previous storylines.

DARK GHOST sees another ancient Carpathian saved from eternal damnation as the undead. Finding one’s lifemate brings with it the return of emotions, colors and feelings that have been lost for hundreds if not thousands of years. Andre’s endless cycle of hunting the vampire has the additional intensity of protecting his lifemate while he battles the friends who have chosen the dark side. Christine Feehan’s DARK/Carpathian series brought me back into the supernatural genre of vampires and immortals. Here’s hoping that many of the ancients previously introduced in the series find their lifemates before too long.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

 

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Christine’s publisher is offering a papercopy of DARK GHOST 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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3. Please LIKE and Follow Christine Feehan on Facebook

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

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

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from September 2-6, 2015

 

 

 

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The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward – Dual Review & Giveaway

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The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward – Dual Review & Giveaway

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The Bourbon Kings
The Bourbon Kings #1
by J.R.Ward
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Bourbon Kings July 15Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.


Barb’s Review:

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward is the 1st book in her new The Bourbon Kings series. When I heard that J.R. was planning a new contemporary romance series about a rich and powerful family in Kentucky, I was very excited. The Bourbon Kings was a delightful and intense family saga filled with secrets, scandals, murder, deceit, love and nasty villains. This book brought back so many memories of our favorite TV shows of the past…Dallas, Dynasty and Knots Landing.

The Bradford family are the elite in the Bourbon business, and we get to see their lives in the midst of power, betrayals, greed and sexual exploits. But most of all, we watch as things begin to fall apart for the rich and powerful Bradfords. The sins of the father will force the heirs to fight for their survival. I will say that the patriarch of this family was outright despicable, with no redeeming qualities. With a powerful and devious father, who would stoop to the lowest level to get what he wants, not caring who he hurts in his family, it is no wonder that the children were spoiled, or damaged.

 
The story revolved mostly around Lane, the playboy son, who has been away for almost two years, as he comes back home for a family emergency. Lane comes face to face with the women who he cannot forget. Lizzie King works at the Bradford mansion as the head horticulturist, and she dreads seeing Lane after all this time, knowing she cannot let herself fall for him again. The romance in this story belongs to Lane and Lizzie, as he tries to win her back. Edward is the oldest brother, and he is physically and emotionally damaged by a kidnapping years before.   This was very emotional, as we watch his agony. Gin is their sister, and is somewhat spoiled, though she does love her brothers. Max is the other brother, whom we see early on, but then not again for the rest of the story.

There are some secondary characters who also play a big role, such as Chantal, Lane’s spoiled, snobbish, and nasty wife; Samuel, the lawyer friend who tries to help, and is Gin’s true love.

But the crux of the story is the dastardly deeds of the father, who could very well destroy them all. The consequences are staggering for the family, not to mention the many twists and turns that will affect all, no matter if it’s upstairs or downstairs.

I liked the romance of Lizzie and Lane, though I felt Lizzie was too quick to jump to conclusions, causing the romance to falter. I also loved Edward, and look forward to seeing him find a way to rise up again and move beyond his horrific past. This was a very good story, with a lot more to come. I can’t wait to find out what else is in store for the Bradfords, as J.R. Ward does leave us with a slight cliffhanger.  

Sandy’s Review:

THE BOURBON KINGS is the first installment in J.R. Ward’s adult, contemporary, erotic romance series focusing on the uber rich Bradford/Baldwine family of Charlemont, Kentucky- a bourbon dynasty family whose beautiful façade hides many dark and dangerous secrets. This is Trulane (Lane) Bradford, and Easterly estate gardener Lizzie King’s storyline-a second chance at love for two people from opposite sides of the proverbial track.

Told from several third person perspectives THE BOURBON KINGS focuses on the Bradford family and the preparations for a lavish Kentucky Derby Day brunch but all does not go according to plan. With the return of Lane Bradford, Lizzie’s ordered life is thrown into turmoil when old feelings resurface about the man with whom she had fallen in love. As Lizzie prepares for the celebratory brunch, Lane begins to uncover a family secret that could all but destroy a two hundred year old legacy.

THE BOURBON KINGS introduces the Bradford family of siblings-the victim; the prodigal son; the family whore; and the absent child. Physically and emotionally damaged eldest brother Edward, once the heir apparent, hides in the face of betrayal and pain; spoiled sister Virginia whose own secrets are hidden beyond the walls of the family Estate; and the absent brother Max, of whom, we know nothing about. The family secrets are a dark and dangerous cesspool of abuse, lies, cheating and scandal, and no one in the family goes unscathed or untouched. Lane’s best friend Jeff comes in to help uncover the depth of financial ruin; and Chantal Bradford is an evil princess who has eyes on the ultimate prize. We are also introduced to Sutton Smythe whose love for the once beautiful and heroic Edward has never waivered in the face of unrequited feelings. A large number of Easterly Estate employees fear reprisal and punishment from the Bradford family patriarch-a man whose sins are more dangerous and darker than most.

JR Ward ‘s THE BOURBON KINGS is an escape into the lives of the rich and famous; the privileged; the spoiled; the judgmental side of the entitled few. There is a propensity for stereotyping the affluent, and with it comes the perceived notion of acceptable discrimination, snobbery and the designated rights granted to the wealthy and well-to-do. Dynasty meets Dallas meets The Bourbon Kings of Kentucky-JR Ward’s new series is the updated version of the 80’s late night serials we secretly loved to watch. Saying that, the romance took a backseat to the drama that engulfed the Bradford/Baldwine family. I am looking forward to Edward’s story as heartbreaking as it is going to be.

Because THE BOURBON KINGS is a detailed and elaborate, introductory storyline, the premise followed several intersecting plotlines that allowed the reader a sneak peak at future stories, romances, and the potential fall out of financial disaster and personal ruin. There is some major info dumping in this first installment. J.R. Ward’s style of writing is familiar  with THE BOURBON KINGS of Charlemont, Kentucky.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

giveaway
J.R. and her publisher are graciously offering a hardcover copy of THE BOURBON KINGS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

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

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

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Follow J.R. Ward on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open USA only

9. Giveaway runs from July 28 to July 31, 2015

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