Tag Archives: Karina Halle

The Royals Upstairs by Karina Halle-review

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The Royals Upstairs by Karina Halle-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date September 10, 2024

He’s the royal bodyguard. She’s the royal nanny. The annoyingly hot attraction that simmers between them—that’s a royal pain.

James Hunter has made a tactical error. His new role as protection officer to Prince Magnus of Norway was supposed to be an exciting change. Instead he’s marooned on a royal estate in the middle of nowhere charged with chasing after demon children and dodging the machinations of meddling staff. And the crowning jewel in this little drama—the children’s nanny is none other than Laila Bruset. The woman whose heart he broke. The woman who still holds his.

When Laila took the job as a nanny for the Norwegian royal children in order to be closer to her ailing grandmother in Oslo, the last thing she expected was to have her life turned upside down—again. But as much as James gets on her nerves, he’s also getting under her skin, and the tension between them sizzles just as devastatingly as before.

As undeniable sparks turn James and Laila’s battle royal into a more serious game of hearts, nanny and bodyguard will have to decide just how much they’re willing to risk for a second chance at love.

•••••

REVIEW:THE ROYALS UPSTAIRS by Karina Halle is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line set in the author’s Nordic Royals world. This is thirty-four year old, royal body guard James Hunters, and twenty-eight year old Norwegian nanny Laila Bruset’s story line. THE ROYALS UPSTAIRS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Laila and James work for Crown Prince Magnus and his wife Princess Isabella (THE WILD HEIR).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Laila and James) using present day and memories from the past, THE ROYALS UPSTAIRS follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Scotsman James Hunter has worked for several European families, and in doing so met royal nanny Laila Bruset. A brief affair years earlier ended with Laila’s broken heart, and the two never thought they would meet again. Fast forward to present day, Norwegian born Laila Bruset is the nanny to Crown Prince Magnus and Princess Ella’s children, a position that brings her up close and personal with Magnus’ new security James Hunter, the man who broke her heart. James is hoping to rekindle their relationship if only as friends but Laila is struggling with betrayal from the past. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between our story line couple, a rebuild helped by the Crown Prince and his wife.

The world building focuses on past sins and betrayal; previous royal employment; a rambunctious young prince whose antics often threaten the safety of our story line couple; and of one woman’s struggle to let go of the past.

The relationship between Laila and James is one of second chances. James broken Laila’s heart, having kept his own life a secret from our story line heroine, a woman who had fallen for a man who could not fall in return. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word in my romance story line.

We are reintroduced to Crown Prince Magnus, and his wife Princess Ella; their children Bjorn and Tor; driver Ottar; Ella’s personal assistant Lady Jane, as well as Laila’s ailing grandmother.

THE ROYALS UPSTAIRS is a story of second chances; of secrets and lies; family and loss; relationships and love. The premise is emotional and engaging;the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Crown of Crimson (Underworld Gods 2) by Karina Halle -Review Tour

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Crown of Crimson (Underworld Gods 2) by Karina Halle -Review & Excerpt Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 23, 2022

The next thrilling instalment in the Underworld Gods series. Perfect for readers who want high steam Hades/Persephone and Beauty and the Beast vibes with a dark Nordic folklore twist.

All Hanna Heikkinen wants is to be reunited with her father again. After all, that’s why she ventured into the dark and dangerous fantasy world of Tuonela, the Land of the Dead, in order to save his life. But this time her devotion to her father comes at a cost—her growing relationship with Tuoni, the God of Death himself, who held Hanna captive in exchange for her father’s life. The last thing she expects is to feel remorse at how she left things with Death, yet the dark and sexy God is all she can think about.

Death has always prided himself on never trusting the living, but Hanna’s apparent betrayal has left a scar fathom’s deep. Vowing revenge on his future bride, and making sure she upholds her end of the bargain, Death sets out across his realm to steal Hanna back, which only fans the flames between them. But Death and Hanna aren’t just fighting each other—malevolent Old Gods are rising to power within the realm, magic is being poisoned, and buried secrets are brought to light, secrets that may cause Hanna to lose everyone she loves dear once again.

•••••••

REVIEW: Second book in the Underworld Gods series, and we ended book one in a little bit of a cliffhanger…..

Hanna has mixed emotions on leaving Death. But she has the opportunity to be with her father, so it clouds her judgement. It’s hard for her to choose, but it’s only right to be with father. Death/Grim Reaper (Tuoni) is absolutely livid at being left by Hanna! She was suppose to stay with him forever. He’s going to get her back, and he’s going to make her sorry she left him….

This time we get to witness Death’s side of the story as well as Hanna’s, and I really enjoyed reading his side. He tries to keep emotions out of his reasonings for getting Hanna back, but we all know it’s because it’s his heart involved.

We start where the last book finished. Hanna is looking for her father, being given the chance to meet him is given to her, but to do that she needs to leave Death! When Death/Tuoni catches up with her, you think it’s going to be ok, he’ll forgive her and they’ll live happily ever after. Uh no! He crowns her his Queen, then throws her into a hole (oubliette) He has no intentions of forgiving her!

There is also other bits that will keep you entertained, underhanded dealings that will have Death fighting for his land! His ex-wife and son are nothing but trouble (but a coup was ready to happen, they waited whilst Death was dealing with Hanna to strike!) He also has to deal with an uprising, enemies coming back to seek revenge, and a family that really doesn’t like him! And Hanna is more than just a mortal looking for her father ? (that’s why you need to read book one first)

Oh and there is a prophecy claiming Hanna will bring Death to its knees and usher in a new era and new master!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but it does leave us wanting to find out more about Tuoni and Hanna. There are twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages, especially the last 1/3 of the book. And personally I can’t wait for the next book.

Oh, does Hanna ever come out of oubliette? Will Tuoni ever forgive her? And can he trust any of his children? And what of the prophecy?

And will Hanna ever reunite with her father? (See, told you there were lots of questions that needed answering) . So you’ll definitely need to read the first book (River of Shadows) before reading this one.

So if your a fan of fairytales for adults (this one did have vibes of Beauty and the Beast) then I’d recommend this one.

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one RIVER OF SHADOWS

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie

 

 

He shakes his head ever so subtly, his fingers bruising my skin. “After all you’ve seen, all you’ve done, all you’ve felt, and you’re still blind to the world around you. This is your world, Hanna. You know it is. You know you belong here more than you’ve ever belonged in your other life, and more than that, you belong here with me.”My jaw tightens as I try to ignore the way my heart is skipping in my chest. “You’re sounding sentimental.”

“You’re mistaking sentiment with facts,” he says, lowering his masked face toward mine. “A mistake I’m sure you won’t make again. You belong with me, because that is the bargain we made. There is no escape for you. Not now, not ever. You made a promise to me, and your promise will be held to the very end.”

There’s a finality in his words that makes my blood run cold. For a moment he loosens his grip and sighs deeply. “I know you don’t like being told what to do, but you could have had it all,” he says, almost wistfully. “You could have had my trust. Now you will become my wife and there won’t be an ounce of trust or love between us.”

My heart skips again. “Who said anything about love?”

“Hmmph.” He tilts his head, examining me. “I could have loved you, you know.”

Oh. That I didn’t know. And for reasons I can’t explain, it feels like he’s pulled a pin out from my heart and I’m slowly deflating.

 


 

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages.

You can visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina

Website: https://authorkarinahalle.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31HMztJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/912577838806567/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karina-halle

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River of Shadows (Underworld Gods 1) by Karina Halle-Review Tour

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River of Shadows (Underworld Gods 1) by Karina Halle-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3EasO0D

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release January 30, 2022.

River of Shadows is an adult dark fantasy romance based on Finnish mythology and the underworld of Tuonela.

When 24-year old Hanna Heikkinen’s estranged father dies, she reluctantly makes the trip to Northern Finland for his funeral. Being in the enchanting land of ice and snow feels miles away from Hanna’s busy life back in Los Angeles, especially under the complicated circumstances.

But when Hanna discovers that her father’s body is missing, that’s when things really get weird. A mysterious man, Rasmus, tells Hanna the truth: her father was a powerful shaman who went into Tuonela, the Realm of the Dead, in order to barter for more life, and has been held captive by Tuoni, the God of Death. The only way her father can be freed is if she travels with Rasmus into the mythical underworld to rescue him.

Willing to do anything to have a second-chance with her father, Hanna accompanies Rasmus into the dark and bloody realm, traveling via the River of Shadows, stalked by dangerous creatures, monsters, and the living dead, until they finally come into the haunted kingdom ruled by Death and his family.

Only for her to be captured and held prisoner by the God of Death himself.

Turns out Death is intrigued by Hanna’s beauty and fierceness and makes a bargain with her. If she marries him, and spends an eternity in the Realm of the Dead as his wife, he’ll set her father free.

But even the most noble sacrifices come with hidden costs, and Hanna’s might involve the most unexpected of all things: her heart.

•••••••

REVIEW:A start to a new series by one of my favourite authors.

I do love a retelling of a classic, and this one reminds very much of Persephone and Hades.
It’s based on a Finnish mythology story, but it’s not necessary to know about it before diving into this amazing book.

Death I found was a fascinating character, to everyone who knows him, he’s cold and calculating, being Death he has to be, but being around Hanna brings out more, a possessive but sort of caring (well he thinks of it as caring)

Hanna comes to Finland from Los Angeles to say goodby to her father. But finding out he’s not in the coffin, but being held in the Underworld (or Tuonela) by Death himself, Hanna is coerced into setting out to rescue him! Hanna a great character, a mixture of self assured and confused. She’s thrown into a world that she didn’t think existed, to a world of Gods and their evil and spiteful ways.

Being given the option to marry Death to set her father free, what would you do?

It’s beautifully written, and really well thought out. It’s a little gory at times, and a little strange, but totally engrossing, I picked the book up and didn’t put it down till it was done.

Addition characters will have you either rooting for them, or wondering if they have an ulterior motive.

I was totally not expecting the cliffhanger, but I’m happy that we get more of Death and Hanna.

So if you like mythological stories and fantasy, then grab this book. You won’t regret it.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina

Website: https://authorkarinahalle.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31HMztJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/912577838806567/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karina-halle

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Nightwolf by Karina Halle-Review Tour

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Nightwolf by Karina Halle-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3FVjWxf

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 20, 2021

My name is Amethyst DeMille and I’m in love with a vampire.
Sounds complicated, doesn’t it?

Yet the fact that he’s a sexy, centuries-old blood-drinking vampire isn’t what makes our relationship complicated.

It’s because we live in the same house together, work at the same exclusive club together, and he happens to be my best friend with absolutely no idea how I feel about him.

I mean, sure he’s probably seen me give him heart eyes more than once. Wolf is not only a deadly, charismatic vampire with great persuasion skills, he also happens to be built like a Nordic God, all solid muscle and chiseled bone structure and haunting eyes that I sometimes think tell me more than he wants me to know. He’s the type of guy most women find themselves falling for (and not just because they might end up his next meal).

But despite the simmering sexual tension and yearning between us, I know there’s no way I’ll ever be able to tell him how I feel. After all, I’m a human and he’s a vampire and he’s told me more than once that those love stories never end well.

Too bad my heart doesn’t know the difference.

NOTE: This book is a spinoff of The Dark Eyes Duet, featuring Wolf & Amethyst, but can be read as a total standalone. However, if you are reading it as a series, The Dark Eyes Duet (Black Sunshine and The Blood is Love) should be read first.

••••••

REVIEW:Ever since I read (Black Sunshine and The Blood is Love (A Dark Vampire Romance Duet) and we met Wolf and Amethyst, I wanted to know more of this couple and their “friendship”We get to see their past, and how it shapes their future. We also get to see their battle with emotions and feelings for one another.

So, a vampire and a human? Wolf had been told that a relationship wasn’t possible, it would only end in tears.But this couple didn’t listen to what other people told them. They’ve danced around their attraction for one another for a few years.Both deny they have feelings except friendship for one another. But friends and family know different, and to prove a point they send them off together, and that’s when things really take a turn for the pair.

I loved catching up with Solon and Lenore from (Black Sunshine and The Blood is Love) and all the rest of the characters. Her mother was a delightful addition, and the scenes they have together are very touching.

This book wasn’t big on drama and twists, but what it lacked in suspense it made up for in emotions. And boy are we put through the emotional wringer!

You haven’t read the previous books, it’s not a big deal. But you get a taste of the banter and tension that exists between Wolf and Amethyst.

There is sadness, and because the author faced huge losses herself, they came out in full force. It was very moving and emotional.

It’s a friends to lovers story at its best. It’s also a little of forbidden love (vampire don’t mate with humans)

It does have triggers, so please read the warnings before reading this wonderful story.

And the ending…… just perfect ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina

Website: https://authorkarinahalle.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31HMztJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/912577838806567/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karina-halle

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The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle-a review

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The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 31, 2021

Piper Evans: elementary school teacher by day–avid romance reader and anonymous podcaster by night. She lives a quiet, reclusive life, taking care of her mother, who struggles with mental illness, avoiding her regrettable ex, who bartends in town, and trying to make inroads in the tight-knit island community that still sees her, five years in, as an outsider.

And she’s happy with how things are–really–until British royals rent the property next to hers and their brooding bodyguard decides she’s a security threat. Piper quickly realizes that one person’s fairy tale is an ordinary woman’s nightmare as a media frenzy takes over the island and each run-in with Harrison Cole is hotter and more confusing than the last. But beneath Harrison’s no-nonsense exterior lies a soft heart, one that could tempt a woman who’s sworn off attachments into believing in white knights.

But when Piper finds herself smack in the middle of a royal scandal that rocks the island she’ll need more than Harrison’s strong arms to shield her–she’ll have to do a little rescuing herself. With careers, hearts, and friendships on the line, Piper and Harrison will have to decide what they’re willing to give up for a chance at their own happily ever after.

••••••

REVIEW:THE ROYALS NEXT DOOR by Karina Halle is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic romance series focusing on Canadian elementary school teacher/romance podcaster Piper Evans, and British PPO (Personal Protection Officer)/bodyguard Harrison Cole.

Told from first person perspective (Piper) THE ROYALS NEXT DOOR follows in the wake of British royalty Prince Eddie and Duchess Monica’s (aka Duke and Duchess of Fairfax) escape from Britain in an effort to find peace and solitude on the small island of Salt Spring near British Columbia, Canada. Piper Evans and her mother Evelyn own a small cottage adjacent to the mansion of which Eddie and Monica have retained temporary occupancy, and as such have had to be vetted and approved as neighbors and friends. Enter personal protection officer aka bodyguard Harrison Cole, the man with whom Piper will fall in love but not all is well on the small island of Salt Spring as the ‘real islanders’ struggle to accept royalty, and the encroaching paparazzi that is about to turn their island upside down. What ensues is the building romance and relationships between Piper and Harrison, and the potential fall-out as Piper and Harrison are stalked by local paparazzi, and their affair is made public for the world to see.

THE ROYALS NEXT DOOR follows a similar plot line to the real royals of the British Monarchy, specifically Megan and Harry, and their attempts for privacy against the lifestyle and media that are in constant pursuit. The similarities are numerous including names, titles, situations, locations, cultural and racial issues that have been revealed and plagued by the current Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Monica is an African –American singer who has married into the British Royal Family, a family that has followed certain traditions for hundreds of years. Former British soldier and England’s Prince Eddie fell in love with an African American singer, and the fall out of their relationship is beginning to affect the Royal family and everyone involved.

The relationship between Harrison and Piper begins acrimoniously as Harrison must ensure Piper and her mother are no threat to the Royal couple but Piper life was slowly spiralling out of control, and first impressions left something to be desired. As the relationship builds, our couple must come to terms with the possibility that Harrison’s time in Canada is only temporary, and their ‘affair’ may directly affect the Royals back home. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the Duke and Duchess of Fairfax, Prince Eddie and Monica, as well as body guard James, Piper’s mother Evelyn, the Royal’s housekeeper Agatha, as well as the Salt Spring Island ‘real islanders’ who find fault in just about everything and everyone that doesn’t belong.

THE ROYALS NEXT DOOR is fast paced, character driven story of family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is heart warming & emotional; the romance is captivating and seductive; the characters are sassy and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina

Website: https://authorkarinahalle.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31HMztJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/912577838806567/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karina-halle

 

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The Blood is Love (Dark Eyes 2) by Karina Halle-Review tour

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The Blood is Love (Dark Eyes 2) by Karina Halle-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3iYflRR

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1, 2021.

From the fog-shrouded bay of San Francisco to the dark cobblestone streets of Helsinki and all the hidden places in-between, The Blood is Love takes the reader on a sensual and twisted journey deep into Lenore and Solon’s lush vampire world in this thrilling sequel to Black Sunshine.

When Lenore Warwick turned twenty-one, she expected lots of bar-hopping, parties with friends, and the occasional hookup. What she got was the realization that she’s both a witch and a vampire, and that there are things in this world that want her dead. Thank god she has her enigmatic vampire lover, Absolon Stavig, to help show her the ropes. But while Lenore struggles to fit into her new topsy turvy world, full of blood, sex, and magic, she also has to contend with her messy and complicated love for a vampire who isn’t always what he seems.

To make matters worse, her real father, Jeremias, a powerful warlock from the dark side, has professed an interest in her, while Solon’s father, the depraved vampire king Skarde, is intent on destroying everything she loves. When Solon and Lenore have to travel to Finland to work alongside Solon’s charming and vicious brother, Kaleid, in an attempt to defeat Skarde once and for all, the two of them enter a bloody new world that neither of them are prepared for. Even if their love survives the carnage to come, the chances of them getting out of there alive are slim.
Good thing they like to take their chances.

••••••••

REVIEW:Your advised to read the description and trigger warning before going ahead with this book….

Second book in this series, and you really should read the first book before diving into the next one, otherwise most of the book won’t make sense.

It’s been a little while since the first book (oh all right, just four months!) and not that I needed an excuse to read Lenore and Absolon’s first book, I just wanted to visit again ?

So……
This book starts where the last book finished. And I’m going to try not to give anything away. We spend the first half of the book watching the couple build a bond, it’s kinky, freaky and romantic all in equal parts.

Second part of the book is a non stop rollercoaster of emotions, fights and parental blowups!

Lenore is trying to manage her new skills as a witch/vampire, her parents are doing their best to help her, but they are also keeping their distance. Solon is also trying to help, but he can only help with the vampire side, to control her thirst, and getting to grips with her strength. And then her biological father shows up and tells her he can help her tap into her potential! (But why do I get the feeling her father isn’t going to be a great role model!)

Absolon is also trying to come to terms with his relationship with Lenore. He honestly never thought he’d love someone as much as Lenore, but he also worries for her and about her….His beast is trying to make its presence known, and if Solon doesn’t keep a hard hold on it and the beast breaks free, it could take the one thing Solon truly loves…..

We also get to see new and old characters, and so there should be plenty of spin-off’s Solon’s siblings, Lenore’s and Solon’s friends Amethyst and Wolf (there was some series vibes going on between these two) these added vibrancy and much needed relief and help in places.

The ending did grab me by the throat! I did not see that coming!!

It’s all about fighting the darkness and evil within oneself. It’s love and hate. Betrayal and redemption. Family doesn’t have to be blood. And friends can turn into family. Solon’s brother was great, his father King Skarde was one mean SOB! I couldn’t put the book down, it had me riveted to the pages. There will be moments that will have you cringing, parts that will have you almost throwing your kindle to the wall! But there is also moments that will bring a tear to your eye. It’s so cleverly written, it flows seamlessly from one chapter to the other.

It’s a great book, it’s dark, it’s disturbing and it’s a highly recommended book from me.

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one BLACK SUNSHINE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina

Website: https://authorkarinahalle.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31HMztJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/912577838806567/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karina-halle

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Black Sunshine by Karina Halle-Review tour

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Black Sunshine by Karina Halle-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2021

All Lenore Warwick wants for her 21st birthday is to hang out with her friends, finish her second year at Berkeley with flying colors, and maybe catch the eye of a hot musician playing a show at a club that she can now (legally) get into.

Unfortunately, fate has other plans for her.

A week before her birthday, she’s kidnapped by the brooding and dangerous stranger with cold eyes and a lethal touch, who has been stalking her on San Francisco’s fog-shrouded streets. Absolon Stavig isn’t your average criminal though. He’s a centuries-old vampire who’s caught between wanting to kill Lenore and wanting to save her.

You see Lenore, too, is a vampire.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

Taken by a pair of vampire slayers when she was just an infant, Lenore was raised never knowing her true nature. All Lenore knows is that she has (normal) parents who love her, that she’s exceptionally smart, and she’s squeamish around blood. But once she turns twenty-one, she’ll fully turn into a vampire, and Solon hopes he’ll be there to guide her, opening her eyes to her deepest hunger…both sexual and otherwise.

But this turning can’t be kept a secret. Soon both slayers and vampires are hunting Lenore, with only Solon and his unpredictable motley crew of vampires to save her.

If they don’t kill her first.

Black Sunshine is a dark adult standalone romance with a paranormal twist, about sex, love, secrets, and revenge, set in contemporary San Francisco.

••••••••

REVIEW:Lenore is just your typical teenager, partying, and having a good time.She loves her parents dearly, but lately they’ve become really over protective! It’s great, but when you want a party and instead your doing a family holiday! Things need to change….

She has a few good friends, an ex-boyfriend and a love of tattoos and Edgar Alan Poe. I liked Lenore, she was a little eccentric, but sounded like a lot of fun. You have to feel for her when she’s kidnapped and told she’s a vampire! Your heart goes out to her as she struggles with the lies from her parents (who aren’t her laters) the hatred and lack of empathy from Absolon. Then the lust that hits her in waves! Then let’s not forget the craving for blood! (Which before hand would have made her faint!)

How she keeps her mind in tact is a wonder…..

Absolon Stavig “Solon” is an ancient vampire, his sole job was to “teach” Lenore about becoming a vampire.

And I want it noted that he is not a sparkly vampire, it’s not even a broody Eric vampire, this one is more like Bela Lugosi, the nasty look in his eyes, the nasty way he treats Lenore is absolutely horrible. You don’t get the sense he’s there to help her, he’s a mercenary who will sell witches to vampires and vice versa.There is so much more to this vampire than meets the eye!

Being kidnapped was bad enough, being told your not human and your going to turn into a vampire was laughable, until it actually happens!Having to go through two stages until a vampire (lust then bloodlust) Lenore is left in the capable hands of Wolf. (We then get a type of fade out, only to be told that Lenore and Wolf have sex for days!) And as for notion that Lenore will be sold to the highest bidder!!!

We haven’t even touched on the vampire hunters/slayers guild! The witches and the in between world (known as black sunshine)

What a dark story. Really twistedI’d love for there to be more to this stand alone story. So if ever the author decides to write more, I’m definitely down to reading them.

Really well written, at some point you think Solon is going to finally realise Lenore is for him. Loved Amethyst and Wolf, they are such great characters, and I’m still not sure about Ezra!

So will Solon want Lenore for himself? Will he give her the explanations she’s craving? And can she really trust him to keep her safe? Or will he only be out for himself?

Highly recommend this book.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina

Website: https://authorkarinahalle.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31HMztJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/912577838806567/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karina-halle

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The One That Got Away by Karina Halle-Review tour

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11

The One That Got Away by Karina Halle-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3glAIHF

Ruby Turner was never meant to be mine.

When I first met her, she was a fresh, young, American sports journalist trying to find her footing in a new life abroad. She was the one interviewing me for an article, yet I wanted to know more about her. She captivated me.
But she went home with Marco that night.
My agent.
My brother.
And I did what I could to pretend I was fine with it.
After all, I’m Luciano Ribeiro. As the captain of Real Madrid, and Portugal’s National Team, it’s my job to be cool, calm, and collected, not easily rattled.
Only what I felt for Ruby over time, shook me to my very core.
It made me do things I never imagined I would do.
It started with a stolen kiss in the middle of the night.
It led to a passionate tryst.
It created a burden of guilt that I had to carry, as Ruby came in and out of my life until she left for good, leaving her mark on me.
Now, seven years later, she’s back.
She was the one that got away.
I don’t think I’ll let her go this time.
But I might not have a choice.
Because my heart still belongs to her.
And her heart might belong to my brother.

•••••••••

REVIEW:THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY by Karin Halle is a stand alone, contemporary, adult story line focusing on American Ruby Turner, and Luciano Ribeiro, captain of Real Madrid European football team.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ruby and Luciano) following several time lines and a number of years THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY follows American blogger and sport journalist Ruby Turner as she navigates life and everything it has to offer. Following a catastrophic accident that ended Ruby’s burgeoning soccer career before it started, Ruby Turner headed to Europe in an effort to jump start her journalism career where she will meet brothers Marco and Luciano Ribeiro, dating Marco before falling in love with his half-brother Luciano. Years would pass as Luciano’s football career would reach the top of his game, while Ruby meandered through Europe trying to find herself and the love that she lost. Two years, seven years, and then three more years would pass, and with each reunion and reconciliation Ruby would fall deeper in love with Luciano Ribeiro but all was not well in the Ribeiro household, and Ruby would be come the target of a vindictive man. What ensues is the back and forth, building and rebuilding relationship between Ruby and Luciano, and the fall-out as Ruby’s time in Europe comes to a dramatic close.

Ruby Turner is a free spirit; a loud-mouthed Texan who didn’t quite fit into the European lifestyle. Returning to America was never an option but falling in love with Luciano Ribeiro would break her heart. Luciano Ribeiro struggled with his on again off again relationship with Ruby Turner considering his brother was the first to date our story line heroine. But Ruby’s need to run, and continuous disappearances left Luciano wondering where everything went wrong.

The relationship between Ruby and Luciano is one of immediate attraction but Ruby started dating Luciano’s brother Marco, and Luciano refused to cross the line with his brother’s girlfriend regardless of the state of their confusing relationship. Dumped and alone, Ruby would seek solace with our storyline hero quickly realizing it was Luciano who had stolen her heart, all along. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Luciano’s half-brother Marco, and Marco’s father Tomas Ribeiro; and Ruby’s friends Julie and Elena.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY is an impassioned story of family, relationships, betrayal and loss; of heart break and pain; of reconnection and happily ever after. The character driven premise is dramatic and intense; the ill-fated romance is seductive and edgy. THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY is an energetic and reflective look love and loss.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina

Website: https://authorkarinahalle.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle

Amazon: https://amzn.to/31HMztJ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/912577838806567/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karina-halle

 

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