Tag Archives: Elise Marion

Saint’s Grove Series-a review

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Saint’s Grove Series-a review

Saint's Grove Series 1-12

The Saint’s Grove series is a twelve book, multi-authored paranormal, fantasy, time travel anthology focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. Three hundred years earlier, a similar phenomenon resulted in a deadlier battle wherein a number of the supernatural beings remained behind and took up residence in and around Saint’s Grove, Virginia. These are some of their stories when the past returns to the future. I had the opportunity to read seven of the installments and will give a brief overview and my thoughts about each story line. 

THOUGHTS: The SAINT’S GROVE multi-authored series is an enchanting mix of twelve, interconnected, paranormal romances that takes place during the alignment of the planets and a lunar eclipse one week prior to Halloween. Very few of the characters question the existence of the magical portal, otherworlds, time travel or supernatural beings, which made for a rapid introduction to each of the story line’s premise. All of the romances are more or less immediate attractions and insta-love while a few are time travel/ second chances at a happily ever after; the level of intimacy and romance varies with each story line ranging from no sexual contact to provocative and erotic.

A few of the stories require another round of editing to eliminate some errors in grammar and spelling, as well as some blatant issues with points of view. Most of the characters are well-developed; their background history and connections to Saint’s Grove, Virginia is clear and concise.

Take a chance with Saint’s Grove and the supernatural beings that inhabit ‘our’ planet.

Join the SAINT’S GROVE  Facebook party  on October 29, 2016 at 12pm CDT: HERE

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Hearts AligningHEARTS ALIGNING
Saint’s Grove
by Miranda Hardy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

About the book: Release Date October 3, 2016

With madness comes truth…with truth comes sorrow.

Ellie Whitaker thought she had a clear path ahead of her… she would sell her bar, return to school, and enjoy a change of scenery, but one peculiar event in the night sky is about to change everything, not only for her but for everyone in Saint’s Grove.

Bryan Nichols has always struggled with his curse. Life as a werewolf is anything but easy, but when you have an overbearing father, life can be even more difficult. After his return from college, Bryan distances himself from the pack and finds solace in an unlikely place with a woman who has no idea how smitten he is with her.

When the most spectacular lunar eclipse shrouds the alignment of six planets, portals open to varying dimensions, unleashing creatures from other realms. Soon, chaos erupts, bringing death and destruction with it. Along with those horrifying events comes significant changes to Ellie’s body, revealing that she’s not entirely human. She has no idea who she is nor where she belongs, and she only has seven days to find answers that may undoubtedly change her future. The choices that present themselves will not be as easy as she first thought. She will need to decide between the man who saved her and the world that would worship her.

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REVIEW: HEARTS ALIGNING by Miranda Hardy is part of the multi-authored paranormal/fantasy/time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is bar owner Ellie Whitaker, and werewolf shifter Bryan Nichols’s story line. All books in the Saints Grove series can be read as stand alone stories without any difficulty. It is not necessary to read the series in order. The number assigned to each installment is simply the order in which they were released. HEARTS ALIGNING is a bit of a departure from some of the other installments as there is no time travel involved in the story line premise.

Told from first person point of view (Ellie) HEARTS ALIGNING focuses on the search for the truth. When the lunar eclipse portal opened in Saint’s Grove Virginia a number of strange things begin to happen to our story line heroine along with the discovery of several journals revealing a little bit about her background story. Enter Bryan Nichols- a quiet, reserved, and reluctant heir to the local werewolf pack, and the man who will save our story line heroine when the past comes looking for revenge. Ellie will learn that, she too, is not quite human, and with it the truth about her parent’s death, and the identity of the strange old woman who lives in the hills.

HEARTS ALIGNING reveals some of the lore and history surrounding the paranormal presence in Saint’s Grove Virginia, and its connections to the last lunar phenomena, three hundred years earlier, that created the rift between Earth and the Otherworld. Miranda Hardy introduces the local pack of werewolf shifters, and their connections to the mythology and stories in and around the small town where most of the residents have some supernatural ability. The premise is entertaining; the characters are a mix of good and evil; the romance is a little underwhelming-I didn’t feel the connection between our leading couple.

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Her Forbidden KnightHER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT
Saint’s Grove
by Carly Fall

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2016

Centuries ago, she was a princess and he a knight. Their forbidden love was torn apart by circumstances of the times, and her brutal death…

Arabella “Bella” Franklin has a nice, stable life in Saint’s Grove, Virginia. With no recollection of her previous existence as a princess, the newly-reincarnated young woman is living the dream—a successful bakery owner with some semblance of a social life. However, boredom and loneliness continue to be her constant companions.

Those feelings quickly disappear when the townspeople gather to witness a once-in-a-lifetime, major astrological event. Unbeknownst to them, the occurrence opens the seams of the universe, allowing any and all paranormal entities to descend onto the quiet town, transforming it into a place of mayhem and danger.

When Bella is attacked by a vicious demon, Jayden, an Angel of Death, comes to her rescue. Unlike Bella, he remembers everything about their past lives, and is delighted knowing that their reunion will give him an opportunity to possibly rekindle their passion, as well as regain his life as a human. But becoming human again comes with three caveats. He must convince Bella of the love they shared so many centuries ago, she must kill a demon – her murderer from her previous life – and she has to want Jayden to stay.

With only seven days to meet those demands, memories of her past life begin to surface. With them, comes the knowledge that if she can’t kill the demon before the seal closes, she—and possibly Jayden—may be forced to spend eternity in Hell.

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REVIEW: HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT by Carly Fall is part of the multi-authored SAINTS GROVE paranormal, time travel series focusing on the town of Saints Grove, Virginia. This is bakery shop owner Arabella ‘Bella’ Franklin, and Jayden-an Angel of Death who has returned to Earth to save the woman he has loved for hundreds of years.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Bella and Jayden) HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT is a second chance story line. Centuries earlier, in the 1400s, Sir Jayden fell in love with Princess Arabella Wissant of House Garin but the man to whom she was forced to marry destroyed any hopes of a happily ever after. Battered, raped and abused, Arabella would die at the hands of Ulric Bayton, Prince of Praegan but not before proclaiming her undying love for Sir Jayden. Fast forward to present day and the now Angel of Death Jayden is given a second chance to save the woman he loves from the same demonic evil that took her centuries earlier. Earth, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury are about to align perfectly setting off a total lunar eclipse that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. The man who destroyed Arabella’s life will come back hoping to destroy her life again and again.

HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT is a story line that jumps between the past and present where the reader returns to the past to witness the growing but forbidden love between a knight and the princess he loves. Present day Arabella’s memories slowly resurface about a time long ago to discover her love for the Angel of Death has never diminished. The premise is enchanting; the characters are colorful and spirited; the romance is captivating and seductive. There is plenty of sexual tension between our leading couple knowing that to act on their feelings is forbidden (in the past), and that a present day love affair is hindered by the return of the ultimate evil. HER FORBIDDEN KNIGHT is a sexy, second chance romance with dynamics characters and an energetic flow.

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Crossing TimeCROSSING TIME
Saint’s Grove
by M.H. Soars

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2016

A love story that defies the barriers of time

When a cosmic event opens the seals to the universe’s spiritual planes, the town of Saint’s Grove will be in for a Halloween they will never forget. Supernatural creatures — good and bad — will take over the quaint little town, creating havoc and destruction. But the event will also bring together two people from very different worlds. Two people who would never have fallen in love otherwise…

Madison Frost never believed in fairy tales or happily-ever-afters. She didn’t have time to daydream about a knight in shining armor when she was desperately trying to keep her business from going under. When her town gets invaded by supernatural creatures, she saves a mysterious man who manages to breach the barriers of her steely heart. There’s only one problem, she believes he can never be hers for loyalty is calling him back home, back to the 19th century.

Albert Saint is a man filled with regret and anger. Forced to return to Saint’s Grove — a place he hates — he tries to forget his inner turmoil with alcohol and illegal fights. Everything changes on the evening someone tries to murder him. Albert narrowly escapes death and travels through time, crossing paths with a beautiful brunette who saves him. He can’t explain the powerful connection he feels toward Madison, an emotion that will make him question everything he ever believed to be true.

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REVIEW: CROSSING TIME by M.H. Soars is part of the multi-authored SAINTS GROVE paranormal, time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is coffee shop owner Madison Frost, and Albert Saint’s story line.

CROSSING TIME is a story of discovery where witches, warlocks and guardians enter into a centuries old battle to possess a rare amulet with extraordinary powers. Albert and Madison will fall in love; Madison’s best friend Cher will discover some powers of her own; and a supernatural Guardian will endeavor to protect everyone concerned.

The premise is entertaining with plenty of action and mystery; the characters are colorful; the romance is fated by time and circumstance.

I did have one issue as it pertained to a particular attack against out story line heroine wherein she is poisoned by a magical vine that for some reason had little to no affect on anyone else who touched the vine as well. Perhaps it was something that was overlooked but I would have thought that the poison would have had the same affect on everyone……*walks away thinking too hard*

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Across The UniverseACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Saint’s Grove
by Elise Marion

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2016

Anika Butler lives a quiet, unremarkable life. Without friends, family, or a love life to keep her occupied, she spends her spare time daydreaming over the painting of a man who was born in the 1800s.

When she joins the other residents of Saint’s Grove to witness a rare lunar eclipse and planetary alignment, the man from the painting appears in front of her claiming to have traveled through time, and she will discover that she is anything but ordinary. When he tells her of their past lives together as lovers, Anika knows that it must be impossible … yet strange dreams begin to feel like memories, until she can no longer deny that something within her recognizes him as her eternal soul mate.

Isaac Parker lost everything when his fiancé, Aurora Barton, was murdered right before his eyes. The witch who killed her also afflicted him with a curse: he can never die, making it impossible for him to be reincarnated. When the eclipse and planetary alignment occurs, allowing him to travel through time, he returns to Saint’s Grove seeking the Star Anthame, the ancient weapon that was used to curse him. With only seven days to locate the relic and break his curse, this is his only hope for finding Aurora again in his next life. He never imagines he will find her in Saint’s Grove where he last saw her, now reincarnated as Anika Butler.

However, a witch with a grudge will re-emerge into their lives, forcing them to fight for their futures, and for love. If the curse isn’t broken, they may lose their chance at happiness together … not just in this life, but in all the lives to come.

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REVIEW: ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Elise Marion is part of the multi-authored SAINTS GROVE paranormal, time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is antique shop owner Anika Butler, and Isaac Parker’s story line.

NOTE: CROSSING TIME, RACING TIME, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and THE GHOST AND THE BELLE (Saint’s Grove) are also part of the multi-authored STAR ATHAME LEGEND series as well.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Isaac and Anika) using memories from the past covering several different time lines ACROSS THE UNIVERSE follows Isaac Parker as he ventures to present day Saint’s Grove, Virginia in search of the ‘star athame’. Approximately one hundred and thirty years earlier Isaac was cursed to live the life of an immortal never crossing paths with the woman he loved-a woman that time and fate have deemed his lover for all time. Arriving through the portal during the lunar eclipse, Isaac not only begins the search for the mystical dagger but for the woman that calls to his heart. What ensues is the rekindling of the love between two people torn apart by the jealously and betrayal of a spurned nineteenth century witch.

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is a story of second chances, reincarnation, fated lovers and magic. The premise is spirited but at times got lost between the back and forth of several time lines, and the various incarnation of the leading couple. The characters are magical; the romance is provocative and intense-the $ex scenes are intimate without the over the top erotic imagery. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is a sexy and energetic addition to the Saint’s Grove anthology.

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The Ghost and the BelleTHE GHOST AND THE BELLE
Saint’s Grove
by Rose Shababy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: October 13, 2016

Always a loner, Irene Bell prefers to spend her days tending her little bookstore in the sleepy little Virginia town of Saint’s Grove. After all, she tells herself, what other company does a girl need when she has her books?

But when a much anticipated lunar eclipse and planetary alignment bring a meteor that tears a rift between realities, the entire town is thrown into chaos as mythology becomes reality.

A reality that includes a drop-dead gorgeous ghost named Benjamin Churchill, who appears naked and unconscious, smack dab in the middle of her store.

A chance meeting with a witch reveals he’s been cursed, his body and soul bound to his former office, now Irene’s bookstore. The only way to break the curse is to assemble the long-lost pieces of a mystical artifact known as the Star Anthame, a knife created by magic and cursed by the darkest witch Saint’s Grove has ever known. No one knows where the pieces lay, and worse, they aren’t the only ones looking for it.

Racing against a ticking clock, both Irene and Benjamin must fight the irresistible attraction between them.

Breaking the curse means Benjamin can finally cross over. Failing means he’ll be stuck between worlds for another thousand years. And no matter how hard they look, they can’t seem to find a way for him to stay.
What’s a girl to do when the man she loves is a ghost?

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REVIEW: THE GHOST AND THE BELLE by Rose Shababy is part of the multi-authored SAINT’S GROVE paranormal/fantasy/time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is book store owner Irene Bell, and Benjamin Churchill’s story line.

NOTE: CROSSING TIME, RACING TIME, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and THE GHOST AND THE BELLE (Saint’s Grove) are also part of the multi-authored STAR ATHAME LEGEND series as well. The Ghost and the Belle wraps up the Star Athame Legend premise.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Irene and Benjamin) THE GHOST AND THE BELLE is a story of time travel and ghosts where our hero Benjamin Churchill becomes trapped in present day Saint’s Grove Virginia-a shadow of his former self. With the lunar eclipse and the planets aligned, Benjamin’s ghost is hurdle one hundred and fifty years into the future, present day Saint’s Grove Virginia, where he will fall in love with bookstore owner Irene Bell. As the couple search for a way to send Benjamin back to his time, they will discover that not everything was as it appeared to be one hundred and fifty years earlier- a murder, a fiancé, and a betrayal of the heart will send Benjamin to an early grave.

THE GHOST AND THE BELLE is the fourth and final book focusing on the mystical Star Athame dagger that had cursed four of our story line heroes. The premise is imaginative and revealing as it brings this particular arc of the series to its’ conclusion. The relationship between Benjamin and Irene is one of mutual attraction but because of the hero’s ‘old fashioned’ values, I did not feel the immediate pull of want and need.

I did have a few issues with the editing/writing as it pertained to the switch between first and third person perspective in one particular chapter of the story. The back and forth between first and third person for our story line heroine was obvious and disconcerting, and the error should have been caught by the editor or proofreader. There were also a number of repetitive phrases and series of words in successive paragraphs that should have been modified so that the duplication wasn’t such a distraction; and some issues of grammar and spelling (e.g. to vs too) were also overlooked. Hopefully another round of editing will correct the problems.

THE GHOST AND THE BELLE is another fated lovers story; a time travel tale of betrayal and retribution; ghosts and witches; magic and mayhem that brings together several of the series couples and characters who are all connected by the mystical dagger.

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All Dragon's EveALL DRAGON’S EVE
Saint’s Grove
by Casse Narome

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2016

Ana Benten spent her life dreaming of something bigger for herself. After high school graduation, she leaves Saint’s Grove in the hopes of finding what will make her truly happy. But even the best-laid plans are no guarantee. When her grandmother passes, Ana’s life comes full-circle. She’s forced to return home and accept what life has thrown at her. The last thing she ever imagined she’d have to accept, arrives in the form of a handsome stranger who barrels into the jewelry shop she inherited, just in time to save her.

Ka-Riu knows what it’s like to have your life turned upside down in the blink of an eye. On what was supposed to be an ordinary day, spent soaring through the skies with his siblings, Ka-Riu and his people find themselves trapped in a curse – in another dimension, in human form. The only way to reverse the curse and gain his life back is to find the stones and the Bentaizen Goddesses who can assist his people. He is on a mission to not let his family down.

Strangely drawn to this mysterious man, Ana volunteers to help the legendary Ka-Riu. Could saving the dragons be the key to finally realizing where she belongs and set her on her true path? With the clock ticking and destiny impatiently waiting, their joining of forces has the potential to change countless lives, especially their own. Will the new path they set lead to Ana finally embracing her true destiny and living the life she fought so hard to attain with the dragon that has undeniably fallen for her?

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REVIEW: ALL DRAGON’S EVE is part of the multi-authored SAINT’S GROVE paranormal/fantasy, time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the aftermath of a total lunar eclipse, and the alignment of the planets, that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is jewelry store owner Ana Benten, and dragon shifter Ka-Riu’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ana and Ka-Riu) ALL DRAGON’S EVE follows Ka-Riu as he and his family pass through the lunar eclipse portal to Saint’s Grove, Virginia in the hopes of locating the Clan Stones. For three hundred years the dragons of Inventurea Prism have been cursed; their dragons dormant, and to release their dragons Ka-Riu returns to Saint’s Grove in search of the mystical Hearth Stone aka Clan Stones that are said to carry the power of the dragon. Enter jeweler and ‘goddess’ Ana Benten-a woman unaware of her connections to the dragons but a connection that is triggered with the lunar eclipse.

ALL DRAGON’S EVE is an entertaining story line that is a bit of a departure from the other Saint’s Grove installments wherein the ‘dragons’ are able to travel back and forth through the portal throughout the story, and there is no interplay with any of the other happenings in Saint’s Grove. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of Ka-Riu’s extended family of siblings and dragons that make for some fun and humorous moments. We are introduced to Ana’s best friend Paola who finds herself a prisoner of a man hoping to keep Ana for himself.

Once again, I had a few issues with this story including some problems with cohesion, grammar and spelling; and an inordinate amount of, what I can only describe as, ‘filler’ that, at times, bogged down the flow of the story. The premise is lighthearted; the characters are affectionate and charming; the romance is a quick jump to happily ever after.

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Worlds ApartWORLDS APART
Saint’s Grove
by Amy Richie

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2016

“When I was seven, my father killed me. It was after they brought me back to life that the ghosts found me. They followed me to my world – to Saint’s Grove.”

Sammy Jo Edwards’ small town life has been anything but ordinary. She’s grown used to the strange occurrences that only seem to affect her. But, when a seemingly normal event lands her in extraordinary circumstances, Sammy Jo is hard-pressed to understand what has happened, let alone figure out how to get her old life back.
The last thing Soothsayer Ben expected when he “saw” Sammy Jo enter his world was to find himself drawn to her. Yet, when fate seems determined the two should meet, his growing attraction to her is quickly met with danger. The life Sammy Jo so desperately wants back is threatened.

With only seven days to find the portal back to her world, Sammy Jo and Ben embark on the most dangerous mission of their lives. If they succeed, Sammy Jo gets her life back. If they fail, there will be no future for anyone.

Can they really save the future? And what will become of their hearts if Ben and Sammy Jo are once again worlds apart?

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REVIEW: WORLDS APART by Amy Richie is part of the multi-authored SAINTS GROVE paranormal, time travel series focusing on the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia and the aftermath off a total lunar eclipse and the alignment of the planets that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil. This is soothsayer Ben Monroe, and Sammy Jo Edwards’s story line.

Told from first person point of view (Sammy Jo ) WORLDS APART is a paranormal, time travel romance that follows twenty year old Sammy Jo Edwards as she is hurdled forward in time following a lunar eclipse and the alignment of the planets that will open a portal to the otherworld releasing all mythical beings for an epic battle of Good versus Evil in the town of Saint’s Grove, Virginia.

WORLDS APART reads like a middle-grade / YA story line. The story line is uncomplicated and slow to build; the text and conversations are simple; the requisite evil is easily tamed but I never felt wholly engaged with the characters or what was happening in the world around them. It felt as though there were too many details missing, and the background information regarding the future time period is virtually non-existent. There are a few twists and turns at the end of the story line with the potential for a happily ever after-for now. Perhaps the author has plans for a future installment focusing on what happens with Sammy and Ben’s return to the past.

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hot Summer Nights Anthology-Review and Giveaway

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HOT SUMMER NIGHTS Anthology-a review and giveaway

Hot Summer Nights Banner

Hot Summer Nights

ebook only .99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Release Date : July 30, 2014

Welcome to the exotic paradise of Dasia Island. In the Elysium Resort, nestled among the lush beauty of the rainforest, adventure and romance await. In these nine short stories by bestselling and award winning authors, passion ignites between people from all walks of life, with stories ranging from New Adult to Erotic Romance, and even a bit of Paranormal and Time Travel thrown in—after all the island itself has a mystical history, with mysteries and legends to explore. Lose yourself in the magic of the island … you’ll never want to go home again!
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Beauty and the Brain-Alicia Michaels
She’s a rich, spoiled brat. He’s a smarmy know-it-all. Chloe Sanders came to Dasia Island to lie on the beach and go to the spa. Chase Watkins is roughing in the rainforest with a research group, studying wildlife. The two couldn’t be more different, but in the swelter and mystery of the island, opposites just might attract.

REVIEW: From the outset, our heroine Chloe Sanders, set my anxiety on overload-she is a self centred, immature, spoiled, designer wearing rich girl who acts more like a high school mean girl than a college graduate. The storyline finds Chloe vacationing on the island of Dasia where everything and everyone gets on her nerves. The secondary characters are colorful and have a difficult time handling Chloe’s attitude, judgment and behavior. Our leading man Chase is the tree hugging, organic loving vegetarian while Chloe is the complete opposite and makes her feelings very well known. Is it all an act? Has she been hurt before? What will happen once she leaves the Island? BEAUTY AND THE BRAIN reads more like a YA storyline than New Adult-it is an introductory novella to Alicia Michaels’s SHARING SPACES NA series and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.

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The Laws of Attraction-Carly Fall
Criminal attorney Jared Greer cares about one thing: the next big case. He doesn’t think about right and wrong when taking on a client; he thinks of the paycheck and lives lavishly.
A potential client brings him to Dasia Island where he teams up with Monica, an island local. As they organize the case documents and explore the resort, their passion makes Jared reconsider his life, especially if he wants Monica in it.

REVIEW: The premise follows Jared Greer as he gathers information about a potential client in a wrongful death law suit against a toy manufacturer. When the temp agency sends in Monica to help with Jared’s information recovery all bets are off when their attraction to one another becomes more important than winning a client’s approval.

Carly Fall has the ability to pull the reader into a sensual storyline where opposites attract. Where Jared is quick to judge, Monica gives the benefit of a doubt. At times, Jared is cold and aloof but Monica will bring out something in Jared he hasn’t felt in a very long time.

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The Art of Losing Inhibition-Casse NaRome
One man’s trash is another woman’s treasure.
Reeling from the loss of her husband to a carefree socialite, uptight Kennedy retreats to Dasia island for a little bit of R and R. Will she learn to let loose in the arms of Basil, the wild-child trust-fund baby with a silver tongue?

REVIEW: Written from alternating first person POVs, THE ART OF LOSING INHIBITION is a F/F storyline that starts off rather quickly in the sex department. Kennedy is on the rebound from a disaster of a marriage and Basil is the current object of her affections on Dasia Island. Attitude and preconceived notions are the building blocks of heartbreak and betrayal, and in the end both Kennedy and Basil acted immature and rude. The secondary characters add color and some background information. The relationship and proclamations of forever are quick to develop.

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His Island Paradise-C.J. Baty
Gar Lancaster wasn’t depressed, no matter what his sister said. He didn’t need a trip to a tropical island to meet some guy for a vacation romance. But when Mike Peters kissed him on the balcony under a sea of stars with the pounding waves hitting the shore below them, things changed. Maybe, he didn’t need a happily ever after. Maybe happily for right now would be okay. Whatever happened, Gar was pretty sure he was in way over his head.

REVIEW: HIS ISLAND PARADISE is a M/M storyline that introduces Garland (Gar) Lancaster and Mike Peters. Vacationing on the Island of Dasia with his sister following the breakdown of his most recent relationship Gar Lancaster meets bartender Mike Peters and sparks fly. Mike is an alpha male who pursues Gar but seeing Mike in another woman’s arms finds Gar at odds with his feelings and attraction to the other male. What ensues is a case of mistaken beliefs and a declaration of together-for the remainder of the island vacation.

The sexual relationship is quick to develop as feelings of love and a possible future between Gar and Mike are dampened with Gar’s return back to the States. HIS ISLAND PARADISE is an introductory novella that focuses on two men whose attraction to one another cannot be stopped by distance.

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Life After Death-Elise Marion
The loss of their son in a tragic accident left Jameson and Victoria Blake’s marriage in tatters. Together they were never able to move past it, and they parted ways after a painful divorce. But in the wilds of the rainforest, the realization that love has never died between them will rise to the surface.

REVIEW: LIFE AFTER DEATH is a story of second chances for one couple. Following the death of their infant son, Victoria and Jameson’s marriage did not survive the fallout. Guilt, frustration, depression and loss had amounted to more than they could handle. Finding one another again, on the island of Dasia, sparks something between Victoria and Jameson that proves their love is as strong if not stronger than before the death of their son.

LIFE AFTER DEATH looks at the aftermath and resulting dissolution of a marriage destroyed by guilt and presumptions. There is heartbreak and sorrow for two people who have lost too much including one another. The secondary characters are a group of well meaning friends who have witnessed the demise of a once beautiful couple knowing that one day they would find one another –again. The beauty of the islands is the back drop to the beauty that is love between two people who never stopped loving one another.

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Layover-Kacey Hammell
Hand’s off. That’s Gemma Sands’ cardinal rule when it comes to dating co-workers. But she’d like to get her hands on Michael Harmon. Michael has his own idea about where he’d like to put his hands. But Gemma’s steadfast rule means Michael simply admires from afar. But when an unexpected layover on Dasia Island forces them to share tight quarters, they are unable to resist their passion, and finally surrender to every touch they desperately need.

REVIEW: LAYOVER is an erotic short story of forbidden romance between pilot Michael Harmon and Gemma Sands. After landing on Dasia Island, Michael and Gemma find themselves rooming together when the plane Michael was piloting had issues that needed to be addressed. A long night of passion followed by a day of sight seeing ends with a promise of something more.

The main focus of the story is our couple therefore the secondary characters are limited to Michael’s co-pilot and a few of the resort employees. LAYOVER is a romantic storyline with no anxiety or angst. It is a look at two adults who know what they want and go for it without any regrets.

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Woman in the Mist-Natalie G. Owens
Garrick Kaili ‘Kai’ Langston, heir to the 5-star Euthykhia Hotel, remains on Dasia Island out of loyalty to his family. But this building harbors some dark secrets—unsolved mysteries that haunt one of its oldest residents. Some say Poppy Drummond had been swallowed by the deadly mist near the Dasia ruins. Others claim such notions are merely the product of a crazy mind…But Kai is just about to find out—the truth is never what it seems when the walls between fantasy and reality crumble down.

REVIEW: WOMAN IN THE MIST is a paranormal/time travel storyline that focuses on a fifty year old murder and the disappearance and reappearance of Poppy Drummond in the fabled mists of Dasia Island. Kai Langston knew everything there was to know about Poppy Drummond –from the stories her now ninety year old mother had told-about the woman who disappeared fifty years earlier.

The storyline follows a time travel mystery that begins with a murder and ends when Poppy Drummond reappears from the mists that held her captive for close to fifty years. What ensues is a romance, a revelation and vindication for a family who have mourned the loss of a father and daughter. Because WOMAN IN THE MIST is a short story, the relationship is quick to develop; no one is completely surprised by the reappearance of the missing woman; and the guilty party is willing to complete what he started so many years before.

___________________________

Guide me Gently-Peggy Martinez
Alyssa Monroe always dreamed of escaping to exotic locales as a photographer. Unfortunately, she’s spent the last four years capturing a truly frightening species with her camera instead. Celebrities. When the opportunity presents itself to visit the exotic Dasia Island, Alyssa is thrilled. Now if she can just deal with the only guide willing to take her deep into a forbidden forest. A sexy, tattooed local who sets her blood on fire and gets her camera finger itching

REVIEW: GUIDE ME GENTLY is an contemporary, adult short romantic story, told from first per POV (Alyssa), that follows photographer Alyssa Monroe as she contemplates life and the future. With Benjamin as her guide, Alyssa will discover that the ancient ruins offer more than a mystical storyline but the beginnings of love and a HEA.

GUIDE ME GENTLY is a romantic tale about two people looking for something in their lives and finding is on Dasia Island. Alyssa has always followed order now she wants to follow a different path-one that includes Ben and a future they can call their own.

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City of Sin-R.K. Ryals
On Dasia Island, there’s a legend about a city of sin, a tragic story that ended in a mist of death. Haven Ambrose is a Journalism major on a mission. River Brayden is a meteorologist with a tropical system to follow. Their love is strong, but is it strong enough to survive a storm that leaves them stranded them with an ancient evil?

REVIEW: CITY OF SIN is a second chance/friends to lovers, new adult, contemporary paranormal storyline told from alternating first person POV (River and Haven). After finding the legendary Dasia ruins regaled by the Hamartia Legend, River and Haven are trapped by the mists and an approaching storm. As Haven chased a legend, River chased the storm bringing them together with the people who disappeared hundreds of years before. Their love broke a curse freeing the lonely people of the Hamartia Legend.

CITY OF SIN is another short story where love and romance overcome the impossible. Two friends whose love for one another has crossed distance and time, will free the lost souls whose myth and legend have cursed the Island for years.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS is a nine storyline anthology where each storyline is connected through Dasia Island or the mythological ruins of the Hamartia Legend but are NOT interconnected storylines. Each can be read as a stand alone. These are the stories where the past meets the present; where love binds the soul; where the lost are found. From romance to erotica; paranormal to fantasy; new adult to adult contemporary, there is a little bit of everything for fans of the romance genre. Each storyline has their own pluses and minuses with relationships that are quick to develop; some with awkward or uncomfortable moments; romantic entanglements or heartbreak; sensuality or erotic sex; but in the end everyone with find their HEA or their HEA for now.

I will be upfront and say it is difficult to review an anthology especially one with numerous short stories and novellas. It is almost impossible NOT to reveal some pertinent information but hopefully I have only skimmed the surface of each storyline and novella.

Copy supplied by the author(s)

Reviewed by Sandy

giveaway

TWO (2) lucky commenters will each receive a HOT SUMMER NIGHTS key chain and magnet

Hot Summer Nights giveaway

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6. Giveaway is open internationally

7. Giveaway runs from August 9-12, 2014

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An Interview with Elise Marion

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An Interview with Elise Marion


The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome Elise Marion as our guest today.

Elise is here to talk to us about her books, as well as telling us a bit about herself.

Let’s meet Elise.

Hi Elise.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Elise: Thank you so much for having me today! I’m just a girl from a small town who loves books and the written word. I’m a young mother of 2 and Army wife who spends her time at home balancing the housework and mom work with writer work.

TRC: Have you always been interested in writing?

Elise: I think that it definitely began as a love for reading. I was that kid on the playground sitting in the sandbox with their nose in a book. After a while, the flair for storytelling came out and I’ve been writing since I was 12. Throughout high school I discovered romance…although I had to hide them from my disapproving parents…and penned a bunch of very cheesy stories back in those days. I’m still at it, although hopefully with a lot less ‘cheese’.

TRC: Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

Elise: I think the difficult part, at least for me, is those moments when things just aren’t flowing. Call it writer’s block if you want, but there are just times when I have to walk away from the computer and take a personal day. There are days when everything that comes off of my keyboard is crap and I have to wipe a whole chapter clean and start over. The good thing about this, is that a writer can learn a lot in these moments. By going back and fixing our mistakes or reworking  bad scene, even when we’re emotionally attached to it, we can grow and become better. It also takes a lot to walk away from a project long enough to get some perspective if its needed. Critique partners are also a big help. Criticism is definitely needed. A writer just can’t stay inside their little bubble and revel in how great they think they are. At the end of the day it’s not about how great you think you are, but how great others think your work is. Trust me, the ego shows if not properly checked.

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you like to write at specific times, in a special place?

Elise: I don’t have the leisure of a writing process. With a houseful of kids, dogs, and a rowdy husband, I have to do what I can. My favorite time of day is naptime because both my kids are asleep and the house is quiet. I do a lot of late night writing too, but if I need to get work done, I have no problem with writing in the midst of the chaos. I have learned how to tune it out when necessary.

TRC: What was your first novel that you published, and can you please describe your reactions when you saw your first book published?

Elise: My first book was ‘The Third Son’, the Historical/Fantasy that started the series we’re discussing today. That book is my baby. I worked on that book for over a year, even picking it back up when a thumb drive wiped out the first half of the book after months of writing. That was a pretty crushing defeat, but I didn’t stop. I wrote that book and couldn’t wait to publish it. My mistake was in getting my hopes too high, I think. The big house publishers are out to make money, and are more interested in moving ‘units’ then getting behind unique stories. If they can’t find a ‘market’ or fit your book into a ‘genre’ then they aren’t going to take the chance that they could lose money on you. And in this economy, they are taking even fewer risks. I have a feeling that if I had made this book a regency and turned my Prince into a Duke, I could have got it sold. But I stuck with what I had created because I believed in it, even though it got me about a year’s worth of rejection letters from agents and publishers.

Fast forward to June 2011 when I received a Kindle at my baby shower. I downloaded so many independently published books that it got me curious about how one got into the business of publishing themselves. Needless to say, after researching and weeks of preparation I got that baby on Amazon. Let me tell you, it’s a heady feeling. That moment when I did an Amazon search for my name and that book popped up brought me to tears. It’s been a roller coaster ride ever since, with me writing full time at home and working to carve out a name for myself in this industry. I’ve never been happier.

TRC: The Lady Knight of Barony is a set of three novellas, which is part of the Kings of Cardenas series. We understand Gypsy Rose will be the next book in this series.  How many books do you plan in this series, and how did you come up with the idea for this series?

Elise: ‘The Third Son’ was written as a standalone. I had intended to move on to something else when it was finished, but then the secondary characters started to talk to me. They wanted their stories told! What followed was The Second Son, The Lady Knights of Barony, and now, hopefully by the end of this year, Gypsy Rose. I plan to go up to 6 books, telling the story of each major secondary character introduced in the first book.

It all started with a prince, the hero of The Third Son. In my mind I got this vision of a man who is unbelievably gorgeous, rich, and has everything, but in his heart, nothing. It isn’t until he meets a Gypsy girl that his life begins to mean something, and by that time a plot against the royal family threatens to wreck his life as he knows it. Around these two, I created a fictional kingdom with a decadent, European feel. This world came alive to me and I wasn’t ready to leave it. So I continued the story through the eyes of others and it became bigger than I ever thought it would. I never thought it would lead to a 6 book series.

TRC: Would you please tell us the premise behind The Lady Knights of Barony?

Elise: Anybody who has read ‘The Second Son’, book 2 in the series, was introduced to the lady’s regiment. The kingdom of Barony was at war, those loyal to the crown versus the rebels wanting to overthrow the government. For their part in winning that war, four women were knighted for their bravery—the very first females of the realm to hold the titles. Their land is at peace and they are settling into their lives, still together as a unit.

Trouble comes when a rash of kidnappings spreads out over the kingdom. When their captain is taken, the ladies are fighting for their lives, their sisterhood, and individually, for love. Each of these strong-willed women will learn that following your heart does not make you weak. Quite the opposite, as it takes great strength to truly love someone.

What I loved most about writing this book, is the multicultural characters. I did a lot of research on women warriors of the past and based the African and Japanese characters on the Dahomey Amazons and Japanese onna bugeisha (female equivalent of the samurai), respectively. The rich cultural flavor added into this book gripped me and I tried to pour as much as I learned into it as I could. I wanted people to know where these women came from, to see true feminine strength in them. It was definitely the most challenging, but also the most fun, aspect of writing this book.

TRC: You have written in many genres.. Historical,Paramormal, Contemporary and Erotic Romance.  Do you have a preference between them?  Which of these genres do you find most difficult to write?

Elise: Historical is definitely my first love. It is always my first genre of choice when buying books. There is just something that appeals to me about a world where women were ladies and men were gentlemen. The opulence of nobility and royalty is of particular interest to me, as you will find when you read the Kings of Cardenas series.

I do write a little bit of everything, as I am a person who is very eclectic and I love variety.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Elise: I am working on the last book in my Paranormal series, ‘Angels Among Us’. That particular series is a trilogy of novels about love between angels and humans.

I am also working on ‘Gypsy Rose’, the next book in the Kings of Cardenas series.

I like to work on more than one project at a time to keep things interesting. I can typically write a novella at the same time as a novel if I alternate between the two. It all depends on my mood at the time.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with family and friends.  With whom do you bounce ideas?

Elise: I am very fortunate to have a group of very talented authors as friends. There are three in particular that I work with a lot. We send each other our books and do critiques, we beta-read each other’s work, we gripe about bad reviews and laugh over the funny things we see online. It’s important to have these kinds of people around, I think. Every writer should have at least one confidant. We help each other to grow, keep each other at the top of our game. There is no competition there, even though we write in the same genres. It’s all love and support.

TRC: What books, authors or people in your life have influenced your writing?

Elise: I think I have been heavily influenced by the Historical greats: Johanna Lindsey, Virginia Henley, Julia Quinn, Julie Garwood, just to name a few. As far as books go, I don’t think they influence so much as they inspire.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Italian

Favorite Dessert: My aunt’s peach cobbler

Favorite Author: Julia Quinn

Favorite Novel: The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Favorite Movie: Chicago

Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Dark, of course!

Thank you Elise, for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with The Lady Knights of Barony, as well as your upcoming books.

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The Lady Knights of Barony by Elise Marion – a Review

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The Lady Knights of Barony by Elise Marion – a Review

Written by Elise Marion, three courageous women make up the The Lady Knights of Barony.  Each warrior gets her own short story replete with personal hardship/turmoil, background/motivation and the unexpected bliss that turns their worlds upside down. 

The Hellion

Lady Ava Longley of Barony earned her knighthood (lady hood?).  The only daughter of Barony’s most skilled blacksmith, Ava was a miracle birth after 3 failed pregnancies.  Recognizing Ava as their personal miracle, mom & dad taught her how to protect and defend herself from all threats. When tragedy strikes their village, a rebel invasion led by Dorian Blake, French fiend and abductor of women, Ava is forced to utilize the skills taught her and defend her mother’s life.  On this day, a lady warrior was born.

Julian Vincent has managed to earn a reputation for nefarious assignments; he “gets things done”.  Hired by Dorian Blake, Ew!, to kidnap Ava, Julian is fraught with more than a little trepidation.  Julian is certain Ava has done nothing to “deserve” Blake; she has merely become his source of interest; a trophy of sorts.  Before long, travelling in such close proximity en route to Blake’s ship, The Raven, Julian and Ava explore their friendship, discover an ardent passion for one another and converge on a mutual mission against Blake (you didn’t think he’d still turn over Ava, did you?):  Retrieve Ava’s fellow Lady Knight, Mudiwa, who was apprehended by Blake’s thugs and is being held for ransom in exchange for Ava.  As the Captain of the Lady Knights, Ava pursues Blake obstinately and will not rest until Mudiwa is returned alive (actually falling into Blake’s plans).  Thankfully, and most importantly, Julian remains steadfast at Ava’s side, achieves more than his “half-noble” parts promised, and wholly commits himself to Ava.  I had to cut down on the “swoons” to provide more details, but that he is — trust me on this! 

The Beloved

Captured by Dorian Blake’s thugs in an effort to lure in Ava, Blake’s principal interest, Mudiwa is forced to remain aboard The Raven sailing for Martinique.  Having survived a life under the thumb of her husband, the King of Dahomey, who separated her from her true love (when he already had at least 1,000 other wives!), Mudiwa will be sold on the sex slave market. 

Riiiight…here’s where Mudiwa’s warrior skills demand her freedom!  Mudiwa manages to escape Blake’s clutches just as he’s about to rape her, but not without suffering a brutal beating.  A half-unconscious Mudiwa succumbs to her injuries after searching for refuge in the heart of the city and awakens to meet Isaac Prideux IV, the man who indelibly alters her life.  

About to inherit the most profitable plantation in Martinique, and thoroughly ruin his life, Isaac longs to escape his own hellish destiny where his fortune is earned at the hands of the disenfranchised.  Slavery has been abolished, but fear and loathing among the classes remains fertile in the fields.  Isaac dreams of a better future.  A hopeful one when Mudiwa enters his home.

When the bruises start to fade, their friendship begins to blossom.  Their admiration for one another deepens, but their attraction, while magnetic, remains unrevealed for fear of rejection.  This story was the most romantic; delivered in swoon-worthy glances and unending yearning.  Facing adversity and the ghosts of the past, Isaac and Mudiwa thrive in their differences and escape together this time. 

The Accidental Groom

When Dorian Blake returns home bearing more wounds by the Lady Knights of Barony (epic sword fight against Ava at the end of Mudiwa’s story!), who but Hanako’s vindictive ex-husband awaits him with a proposition?  Dorian is a beacon for all things evil.

Hanako’s past is catching up with her.  On her wedding night to a formidable Samurai warrior who would dominate Hanako and strip her of her own warrior skills, not to mention her clothes to get her with child, Hanako realizes she has to act fast:  Escape her husband before they consummate their marriage – after a year, her country will grant her a dissolution.  Hanako lands in Barony, finds kindred spirits in Ava and the other lady knights and leaves her husband in the past.  Why can’t things just stay this happy?  Because there’s strength in the struggle!

With the aid of the despicable Blake, Hanako’s ex-husband researches her whereabouts and slowly, but steadily stalks her.  Enter Garrick Overton, member of Barony’s High Council and future hero of Hanako’s.  Facing her ex at a ball hosted by the Queen of Barony (and lady knight, but on hiatus because of her pregnancy), Hanako lies and tells him she’s already married and will never return to Japan as his wife.  Better back up that statement, Hanako!  Dashing away and secreting herself into a room where Garrick was waiting to share a word with the King, “Kiss me”, cries Hanako.  Garrick not only obliges happily, he is a gentleman, but he quickly inserts himself into Hanako’s scheme and becomes her all-too willing husband.  Swoon.          

A common threat and enemy affecting all the lady knights, Dorian Blake is barely in Hanako’s story (he’s healing from the confrontation with Ava), but this character is more than meets the eye.  He’s got an alias and everything!  I know I had an “Einhorn/Finkel” moment when the pieces came together.  Yes, I did just quote from Ace Ventura:  Pet Detective. Think of me when you get to this discovery!   😀

Sometimes reviews just flow out of me because the material is just that good.  That was what I intended to accomplish here.  Not as easy as I thought when each character is worthy of her own full-length book.  Can you imagine how much longer my review would be then?  I know…you’d be sick of me.  Buy this book.  The Lady Knights of Barony are triumphant women who have rightfully earned their titles and HEAs.  I look forward to reading the next installment of the Cardenas series.  Since Dorian Blake was still living…there’s still hope he’ll receive justice at the hands of the Lady Knights of Barony!      

Reviewed by Carmen

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