The City of Lost Fortunes by Bryan Camp – a Review

The City of Lost Fortunes by Bryan Camp – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
The post–Katrina New Orleans of The City of Lost Fortunes is a place haunted by its history and by the hurricane’s destruction, a place that is hoping to survive the rebuilding of its present long enough to ensure that it has a future. Street magician Jude Dubuisson is likewise burdened by his past and by the consequences of the storm, because he has a secret: the magical ability to find lost things, a gift passed down to him by the father he has never known—a father who just happens to be more than human.

Jude has been lying low since the storm, which caused so many things to be lost that it played havoc with his magic, and he is hiding from his own power, his divine former employer, and a debt owed to the Fortune god of New Orleans. But his six-year retirement ends abruptly when the Fortune god is murdered and Jude is drawn back into the world he tried so desperately to leave behind. A world full of magic, monsters, and miracles. A world where he must find out who is responsible for the Fortune god’s death, uncover the plot that threatens the city’s soul, and discover what his talent for lost things has always been trying to show him: what it means to be his father’s son.

 

 

Review:

The City of Lost Fortunes by Bryan Camp is a fantasy/urban fantasy standalone novel.  I had mixed feelings about this book, which I will go into more in my review.  The City of Lost Fortunes takes place in post Katrina New Orleans, and revolves around our hero, Jude Dubuisson, who is a street magician with the ability to find lost things.  Jude has laid low since Katrina, which was 6 years ago, but now the Fortune god, whom he owes a debt, is calling him back to meet.

Jude ends up in a card game with other gods, besides the fortune god. He knows this is not a normal game, and as he faces all the gods, Jude must try to figure out what they are up to and why; because he knows his life is on the line. This fateful game, with these trickster gods trying to win something, will put Jude into a dangerous fight to win against each god. When the fortune god is murdered, Jude knows he cannot trust anyone and must find a way to beat them at their own game, which is the game of life.

What follows is an extremely complicated plot with each god trying to gain control of the Luck/Fortune of New Orleans.  Jude who is a demigod, must step up and learn to use his own powers to win or die.  I thought the first third of the book was slow, mainly do the all the details Camp gave us in this world of magic, gods, demigods and afterlife.   I also found myself becoming confused quiet often, but once you get past the half way point, the story became more exciting and better.

The best part of the book was Camp’s knowledge of New Orleans, and giving us a glimpse of one of the best and unique cities in the world. He eloquently shows us the culture, the mythologies, the wonderful attractions, restaurants, streets and overall atmosphere of this wonderful city.  This to me was the fun part that I did enjoy.

 The last third of the book was very exciting, with some twists and turns along the way.  Jude must face each of the gods individually to try to find the murderer of the fortune god, and a few times his life hangs by a thread.  I did like Jude, who made a great hero, and some of other characters were very good: Regal, Renai, Sal, Papa Legba, Mourning, just to name a few.

The City of Lost Fortunes was a story of magic, gods, demigods, greed within a city that was literally destroyed, and the fight to rebuild it against the threats that would destroy any future.  Despite my mixed feelings, this was well written by Bryan Camp.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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

 

Description: 
In Egypt’s Western Desert lies the tomb of an unnamed pharaoh that hides a secret so powerful, it could destroy the world as we know it.
 
Archaeologist and adventurer Matthew Connor has made a career of finding legends the world has all but forgotten. Though there’s one in particular that has fascinated him for years—the Emerald Tablets. Myth says that they possess the knowledge of the universe, allowing humankind to traverse Heaven and Earth, and have the power to bestow wealth and wisdom upon whoever possesses them. But if they fall into evil hands, it could cause a global disaster.
 
So when a former colleague stumbles across an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic map that promises to lead to a pharaoh’s tomb and the Emerald Tablets, there’s no way he’s turning down her invitation to join the dig. He only has one stipulation: his best friends Robyn Garcia and Cal Myers come with him.
 
The road ahead isn’t going to be an easy one, and their shared dream of recovering the Emerald Tablets is being crushed at every turn. And just when they think it’s all over, they learn there are a few clues they have overlooked. But they’re no longer the only ones searching for the Tablets. Now, the fate of the world hangs in the balance, and soon they’ll find out that when it comes to hunting legends, they can’t trust anyone.

 

 

Review:

The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh by Carolyn Arnold is the 2nd book in her Matthew Connor series.  Matthew Connor, our hero, is a famed Archaeologist, whom we tend to look at like a modern day Indiana Jones.  I am happy to say, that I really enjoyed The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh.  This is a fun series, as Arnold takes us on an adventure to Egypt, under the dig sites, allowing us a real feel of what archaeologist do, as well as giving us excitement, danger, murder, mystery.

Matthew is contacted by a former colleague Alex , an archaeologist, who had found a major discovery on a dig.  She calls Matthew to help her find the Emerald Tablets, which was considered a myth.  Matthew agrees to help, and brings with him his friends and partners, Robyn and Cal. Robyn is curator at a museum, and Cal is a photographer.  

When they meet Alex, she introduces them to her team.  As the adventure begins, things go wrong, with a group of them trapped underground, but also while trying to find a way out, they come across the tomb of a pharaoh, with all the riches.   They manage to be rescued, but the expedition is fraught with mishaps, curses, betrayal, distrust and murder.  

What follows is an exciting. action packed,  edge of your seat adventure that constantly has us in suspense.  Just when you think things are over and they are safe to go home; things will take a turn, with some twists along the way.  Matthew begins to be concerned that finding the Emerald Tablets may not be worth allowing this powerful tool to be put in the wrong hands.  What will Matthew do if he finds those tablets?  To tell too much more would be major spoilers.  You need to read this book to discover everything for yourself.

Carolyn Arnold has written an amazing story, describing everything in detail, giving us a complete picture of Egypt dig sties, heat, desert, underground tombs, mummies, tunnels, snakes, and all kinds of long lost treasures.  I loved Matthew, Alex, Robyn and Cal, and the villains in the story were very well done.  I look forward to more from the Matthew Connor Adventure series. Carolyn Arnold has created another winner.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

Share

Possess Me Under the Mistletoe by T.F. Walsh – a Review

Possess Me Under the Mistletoe by T.F. Walsh – a Review

 

Possess Me Under the Mistletoe

Amazon

Description:
She’s innocent, wicked with magic, and off limits… Just his type.

It’s Christmas Eve and Cyra Mane’s landed her first solo mission to cleanse a haunted house. Easy. After all, she’s keen to make a good impression with the demon hunting company that hired her. But when Gunn, a seasoned hunter she’s desired for months, shows up, the seemingly simple cleansing task turns dangerous. And why’s he there when he’s ignored her for months?

Gunn’s kept his distance for a dark reason that’s followed him for years. And he sure as hell doesn’t intend to drag sweet Cyra into his mess, even if he can’t stop fantasizing about her. Besides, he’s there as a favor to her brother.

But when Cyra’s spell goes horribly wrong, not only are they imprisoned in the house, but they discover a portal to Hell in the attic. Can Cyra keep her mind off the brooding hunter and on protecting the elderly home owners before the demon hunting them turns them into Christmas dinner?

 

 

Review:

Possess Me Under the Mistletoe by T.F. Walsh is a special holiday addition to her Hell Unleashed series.  Cyra Mane isn’t technically a demon hunter, but she can cast spells to get rid of ghosts.  She was assigned the job of cleansing a haunted house and wants to impress her employer with her skills.  She’s determined to show her independence to her brother by completing this job on her own.  But what does her brother do?  He sends Gunn to check up on her like she’s a baby that needs help.  Gunn literally comes crashing onto the scene, wrecking his motorcycle and almost taking Cyra out.  Ah ha, let the fun begin!!!! 

Gunn wants to keeps his distance from Cyra, due to his past, but he can’t fight the connection and chemistry once they start working together.  And this haunted house is anything but a simple haunted house.  There is one seriously bad demon and a portal to Hell in the attic.  Gunn and Cyra team up to help save themselves and the poor elderly couple that owns the house.  Cyra’s spell goes wrong and the house gets completely covered in mistletoe.  The mistletoe is so thick, it’s even blocked out the sun.  When Gunn tried to open the door and cut his way through the mistletoe, it instantly grew back. Cyra doesn’t know what she did to mess up the spell and she can’t figure out what to do to save them all.  And this demon is FREAKY!  He’s a big bad dude with all kinds of creepy skills that he uses to hurt Gunn and Cyra.  Poor Cyra, she goes on this solo job and gets dropped into a portal to Hell.  That would make me rethink my career choices very quickly.  This little stick of dynamite of a story is 199 pages of awesome. 

T.F. Walsh packs everything into her writing and storytelling.  There’s romance, chemistry, suspense, danger, and lots of humor.  Where can you read about possessed mistletoe, a crazy demon and a zombie goose in one book?  Yes folks, you read that right.  A zombie goose with a very mean beak!  It’s scary and funny all at the same time.  Gunn and Cyra make a great pair, their humor and chemistry makes for great reading.  All of her stories are page turners, I cannot stop reading until I’ve finished the book.  I was reading Possess Me Under the Mistletoe while on my lunch break at work.  I was so wrapped up in the story, I lost track of time and returned back to work late.  Not too many writers can hold my attention like she does.  T.F. Walsh is a fantastic, imaginative writer.  Absolutely one of my favorites!

Reviewed by Tricia

Copy supplied for review

Share

Lunar Shadows by T.F. Walsh – a Review

Lunar Shadows by T.F. Walsh – a Review

 

Lunar ShadowsAmazon

Description:
A powerful seer. A fight to stay alive. A soulmate to protect.


Zana believes she can stop death. After all, why else would she receive prophetic dreams? Now she just has to actually save someone. But nothing prepares her for the Lunar Festival’s events; a tragic death, her vile ex acting all cave-man on her, and the sudden appearance of Shadow, a hunky and arrogant Guardian from the kingdom. Except, she’s done with men after what her last one did to her. But when her latest vision shows Shadow’s demise, she is determined to prove her gift is a blessing not curse.

Shadow is visiting his uncle for a small vacation. When he stumbles across a murdered family member, eliminating the threat is a must. Bumping into Zana at the crime scene, a beautiful vixen, smart and stubborn, has him questioning her involvement. But when she declares he’s in danger and will protect him, he’s not sure if he should be flattered or insulted.

As they close in on the killer, Shadow starts to believe the real danger might be losing Zana and the grip she has on his heart. Will Zana and Shadow survive a danger beyond their imagination?

 

Review:

Lunar Shadows by T.F. Walsh is the 2nd book in her The Guardians series.  Zana is a half-human, half goblin who doesn’t fit in anywhere, no matter how hard she tries.  She had finally settled in Pryvale and made a life for herself.  She worked for Klurt,  the Wart Market organizer and he had became like a father figure to her.  Zana had visions when someone would die but the only thing she couldn’t figure out was how to prevent the deaths from actually happening. 

Zana’s life is turned upside down when a horrible death occurs.  Lost in a world of grief and anger, she vows to solve the murder and prevent anyone else from being hurt. Klurt’s nephew, Shadow, was a Guardian from the kingdom.  Klurt was thrilled that Shadow was coming for a visit and couldn’t wait to see him.  Shadow arrives amid chaos and turmoil and his world is turned upside down when he meets Zana.  

Shadow and Zana are thrown together to solve the murder that just occurred in Pryvale.  Both are grief stricken and angry but they are not immune to the chemistry that is blazing off the charts between them! T.F. Walsh has written another outstanding book.  Shadow is the perfect specimen of sexy male with just the right amount of heart to make you love him.  Zana is the heroine we all want to be.  She’s been through so much but she doesn’t cower in the corner and hide.  She faces whatever adversity comes her way with a swift kick to the shin.  Put these two characters together and we’ve got a dynamic, smoking hot couple that are ready to rid the town of the evil corruption that is running rampant.  Add in a mating dance ceremony and more attempted murders and we have the perfect storm of a story.  I loved every part of this book and can’t wait to read more of her writing.  

Reviewed by Tricia

Copy supplied for review

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Share

Binding Curse by T.F. Walsh – a Review

Binding Curse by T.F. Walsh – a Review

 

Binding CurseAmazon

Description:
She needs him to save the world. He needs her to save himself.

A terrifying darkness has risen and is sweeping Kutia Hollow, leaving dead bodies in its wake. Luna Vale, a fae militia lieutenant in post-apocalyptic Moscow, discovers evidence that a criminal holds the answer to stopping the murders. Except those in charge at the precinct are corrupt. She’s determined to protect everyone from extinction and breaks Axel out of prison.

Devastated to be on the run from her former friends and colleagues, she must now work together with Axel before the killers close in on them. But time is running out, and falling for Axel only heightens the dangers. To survive, Luna must find strength in her arcane powers and confront the cursed creatures whose malevolence knows no bounds. Failure isn’t an option. Not when it means losing her family, her job, and her life.

 

 

REVIEW:

What do I say when it’s time to review a book I’ve read?  That’s always the question when I begin typing out a review.  How can I make it interesting without giving away too much information?  What words can I use in place of “I loved it!” or “great read!”???  This is my dilemma people!  So forgive me if my reviews sound the same for T.F. Walsh books but I love them all.  I thoroughly enjoy her style of writing, the characters are amazing and the non stop action in each story has me mesmerized until the end.  Binding Curse is no exception.

The main characters are Luna and Axel.  Luna is a fae police officer who wants to protect, serve and do everything by the book.  It was her need to help others that led her to defend Axel when she found him being attacked by two men.  As the situation escalated, Luna began to realize that things were not what they seemed.  The two attackers were acting strangely and extremely difficult to fend off.  The weirdness didn’t end there.  Once Luna and Axel were back at police headquarters, the situation just kept getting worse.  What was wrong with everyone?  Why was Axel being treated like a terrible criminal?  Why was the council representative there trying to change their procedures to get his hands on Axel?  Luna didn’t understand what was happening, but she knew she had to save Axel, even though it meant risking her career and possibly her life.  Axel is human, he appears to be a tattooed thug but don’t let appearances fool you.  There is serious heart in that hot sexy body and he cannot figure out why he is all of sudden being hunted.  As Luna and Axel run from the police and everyone else that is trying to murder them, they will discover powers of their own and a destiny that can possibly save their world.

T.F. Walsh has a true gift in writing.  Binding Curse is captivating from the first word until the very last.  She weaves a magical world of fae powers and romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  And as much as I hate the villains in a story, she writes them so well that the book wouldn’t be the same without them.  Just when you think Luna and Axel have met their end and there is no way out……BAM!  The story takes a magical turn that spirals the characters into an entirely new direction.  T.F. Walsh‘s talent with words to create Kutia Hollow and the characters within is absolutely extraordinary.  This was an amazing, spell binding journey to be on and I didn’t want it to end.  What’s the one thing I’ve definitely learned from this author? You don’t just read a T.F. Walsh book, you live each moment as if you were there.

Reviewed by Tricia

Copy supplied for review

Save

Share

Hunted (Eternal Guardians 8.75 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review and Excerpt Tour

HUNTED (Eternal Guardians 8.75 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review and Excerpt Tour

Hunted Banner

HUNTED
Eternal Guardians 8.75 / 1001 Dark Nights
by Elisabeth Naughton
Release Date: June 27, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, fantasy romance

Hunted

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 27, 2017

Erebus – Dark in every sense of the word, a skilled and lethal warrior, and sinfully sexy by design.

Since the dawn of modern man, Erebus was Hades’ secret weapon in the war between the immortal realms. Until Hades lost the minor god in a bet to his older brother Zeus. For the last hundred years, Erebus has trained Zeus’s Siren warriors in warfare and the sexual arts. But he’s never stopped longing for freedom. For a life filled with choice. And lately, he also longs for one Siren who entranced him during their steamy seduction sessions. A nymph he quickly became obsessed with and who was ripped from his grasp when her seduction training was complete. One he’s just learned Zeus has marked for death because she failed the last Siren test.

Before Erebus can intercede on the nymph’s behalf, she escapes Olympus and flees into the human realm. In a fit of rage, Zeus commands Erebus to hunt her down and kill her. Erebus sees his opportunity to finally go after what he wants, but he’s torn. Freedom means nothing if the Siren at the center of his fantasies doesn’t truly crave him back. Because defying the gods will unleash the fury of Olympus, and if he chooses her over his duty, whether she joins him in exile or not, the hunter will become the hunted.

•••••••••

REVIEW: HUNTED by Elisabeth is the latest installment (#8.75) in Elisabeth Naughton’s contemporary, adult ETERNAL GUARDIANS paranormal, romance series based in Greek mythology, prophecy and history, as well as the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. The modern day heroes –the Argonauts-are descended from the Gods of Olympus whom fate has decreed the Eternal Guardians on Earth. This is the god of darkness Erebus, and siren/nymph Seraphine’s (Sera) story line. HUNTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing theme and story line running throughout.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Erebus and Sera) HUNTED is a second chance story line that focuses on the rekindling romance between Erebus and Sera, and the Sera’s battle to stay one step ahead of Zeus. Eighteen months earlier Sera had been trained in the art of seduction by the man who would steal her heart-Erebus- but Erebus made no promised for the future as his seduction of the Siren was all a part of the woman’s siren training. Fast forward to present day wherein Erebus has been ordered to retrieve a wayward Siren who had stolen something that Zeus wanted back. Enter Seraphine-the woman Erebus has not forgotten-and Erebus’s ultimate target. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Erebus and Sera, and the couple’s battle to remain together in spite of their promise and their pledge. Entering into the world of the Eternal guardian warriors-the Argonauts- finds our couple at odds as to their future, and the difficult task placed upon our hero’s head. Erebus knows that to defy Zeus’s command he will be unable to return to Olympus and remaining behind will place another target on his back.

HUNTED continues to follow Zeus’s struggle to complete the Orb of Kronus- a circular disk, designed by Prometheus, that holds all four elements, and the deity who is in possession of the Orb has the ability to start the war to end all wars. Zeus had previously stolen the Orb of Kronus from the Argoleans but the water element remains elusive, and Zeus suspects is has been hidden in Argolea, where the Olympians –and thusly Zeus- are unable to cross.

The character and world development is colorful and detailed-the ongoing premise and story line regarding the Orb of Kronus is intricate and detailed; the developing suspense is memorable and impressive.

HUNTED is a fast paced story line steeped in Greek mythology and prophecy blended into a modern day tale of gods seeking power and revenge against those they consider less than worthy. Several of the previous story line couples, Argonauts and gods play secondary and supporting roles-Erebus and Sera have found a permanent home with the Eternal Guardians and the Argonauts. The premise is imaginative and exciting; the romance is passionate, erotic and fated; the characters are colorful, inspiring and intense. HUNTED and the ETERNAL GUARDIANS series will captivate your imagination.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Hunted Teaser

excerpt

“You’re okay, Sera. I’ve got you. I’m going to get you out of here.”
Long minutes passed where she continued to tremble, and it felt as if his heart had taken up permanent residency in his throat. But slowly, as the heat of his body seeped into hers, her shakes slowly subsided, and she relaxed against him. He took that as a good sign. Lifting the shirt from her wound, he breathed easier when he saw the blood flow had lessened. She was going to have a nice-sized goose egg, but swelling outward from the impact was better than swelling inside the brain, and he knew that was an even better sign.
His pulse inched down. Glancing at her familiar face resting against his shoulder, he brushed a lock of wet hair back from her cheek, and as he did something warm and sweet slid through his chest. An emotion he hadn’t felt before. A yearning that wasn’t just sexual.
The feeling was so strong, so foreign, it threw him off kilter. He didn’t have emotions. He was a god who’d learned long ago that emotions were dangerous. And yet… Somehow he recognized the feelings taking up space inside him now had been spawned by fear. Not fear that she was going to drop to her death and that he was going to miss out on the rough, hot sex he’d been envisioning since the moment he’d recognized her in the woods, but fear that something bad would happen to her. That he’d never see her again. That he would lose her.
Sweat broke out along his forehead, and an odd tingle started in his chest. He told himself it was her heat making him feel weird. Not denial. Not anything else. But even that didn’t sound right, and he had no idea what the hell he was supposed to do next.
“Sera.” The word was a whisper, a plea, a demand. “Sera, wake up and look at me.” He needed to see her eyes. Needed her to explain what was happening to him. Needed to know if she felt it too.
She didn’t move. He knew she was breathing. Knew she wasn’t in any real danger. But the danger to him was suddenly all he could focus on. “Agápi. Open your eyes. Look at me, baby.”
She sighed and snuggled closer. But the reaction didn’t fire him up and make him ache to take her as he expected. It brought a calm over him that was more unsettling than the fear he’d felt before.
He didn’t know what was happening.

About The Author Black and White

Follow Elisabeth: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Elisabeth NaughtonBefore topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

Inkslinger 2

Share

Ares (Guardians of Hades #1) by Felicity Heaton-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

ARES (Guardians of Hades #1) by Felicity Heaton-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Ares Banner

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2016

Ares, book 1 in New York Times best-seller Felicity Heaton’s hot new paranormal romance series, Guardians of Hades, is now available in ebook and paperback. To celebrate the release of Ares and Megan’s romance, she’s holding a FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY and sharing sneak peeks of the book.

Enter the ARES international giveaway (ends December 11th) and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate by using the Rafflecopter form at her website, where you can also download a 4 chapter sample of the novel: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/guardians-of-hades-ares-paranormal-romance-book.php

 

Here’s more about the book and the sexy Greek god hero and his heroine…

Ares

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

Prince of the Underworld and Lord of Fire, Ares was banished from his home by his father, Hades, two centuries ago and given a new duty and purpose—to keep our world and his from colliding in a calamity foreseen by the Moirai.

Together with his six brothers, he fights to defend the gates to the Underworld from daemons bent on breaching them and gaining entrance to that forbidden land, striving to protect his home from their dark influence. Caged by the manifestation of his power, held apart from those he loves by his own fire and starved of physical contact, Ares lives a cold existence driven by duty and the desire to return to his world.

Until his world collides with a daemon who steals his power and a mortal female who shatters the ice around his heart and awakens the true fire within him—a soul-stirring passion both dangerous and seductive.

Megan has wandered far from her home, driven from everyone she loves by the devastating realization that she is different to them all. Unsure who to trust in the world, she keeps to herself, until a fateful stormy night brings a temptingly handsome warrior crashing into her life and into her heart—a warrior who seems to hold powers more frightening and marvelous than her own.

When the New York gate comes under threat, and Ares is put to the test, will he choose his duty and regain the power he needs in order to save his world or will he choose the desires of his heart and sacrifice his fire so he can be with the woman becoming his whole world?

••••••••••

REVIEW: ARES is the first installment in Felicity Heaton’s adult GUARDIANS OF HADES paranormal, romance series based in mythology, focusing on six brothers- the sons of Hades and Persephone -sent to earth to guard the gates to the Underworld. This is Prince of the Underworld and Lord of Fire Ares, and Megan’s story line.

Told from several third person perspectives ARES focuses on the brothers’ battle to protect the Gates to the Underworld. With the recent influx of ‘daemons’ in searching for the elusive Gates Ares and his brothers have had to step up their nightly patrol but Ares finds himself out maneuvered in a battle where he will have his powers stolen by a daemon of unknown origin. Enter Megan, a human with some powers of her own, who witnesses the struggle of the man who will steal her heart. What ensues is the building relationship between Ares and Megan, and Ares battle between recovering his powers and the love of a woman that calls to his heart.

The relationship between Ares and Megan is one of immediate attraction. Ares believes Megan is his mate, and with the loss of his powers he is helpless against the feelings and emotional fall out of their physical relationship.

We are introduced to Ares brothers, each with their own power and abilities but brothers who know that once Ares recovers his powers Megan may be destroyed by the man that she loves.

ARES is a sexy and decadent story of ‘forbidden’ love told through character introspection, reflection and plenty of internal dialogue. Felicity Heaton invites the reader into a passionate tale about one man’s search for what he lost, and the love of a woman who offers everything and more. The premise is enchanting: the characters are colorful and animated; the romance is emotional. There is plenty of exciting and lively action as the brothers battle for their lives.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Megan kept her head down, using the hood of her coat to keep the rain off her face. She wasn’t sure why she bothered. The storm had already soaked her to the bone. Maybe she did it because the streets in her neighbourhood were pitch-black due to the power outage and she had already passed several unsavoury characters on her route from the bus stop to her apartment. The only light came from passing cars and the lightning forking across the heavy clouds.

She had never seen such a violent storm before and it unsettled her, bringing thoughts of Armageddon and the end of the world. A man passed her on the opposite side of the street, running hard through the heavy rain. He crossed the road further up, moving to her side.

She wrapped her arms around herself as he paused on the pavement and looked in her direction. When her manager had told her she could knock off early from her nightshift at the packing warehouse because of the power problems, she had thought it would be a good thing. Now she wasn’t so sure. She hadn’t considered how dangerous it might be to cross several blocks of New York in total darkness.

The man hadn’t moved.

She turned left down the next street.

It was a shortcut she often used on her way home. Normally, she only did it during the day when there were plenty of people around. It cut several minutes off her journey but it was also an alley. She quickened her pace until she was verging on jogging.

A creeping sense that someone was watching her washed over her and she glanced back into the darkness behind her.

Lightning split the sky and illuminated the main street.

Her heart jumped into her throat as shadows danced around. No sign of the man. She was just being paranoid again. He had probably stopped to figure out where he was going. It was easy to become disorientated in the darkness.

Her footsteps echoed along the alley, loud despite the thunder rolling overhead and the sound of rain battering the tarmac.

She turned to face forwards again.

Lightning flashed.

Her heart leaped into her throat.

An immense figure strolled towards her from the other end of the alley, long coat flaring out from his waist in the wind that gusted from behind her, pushing her towards him. His hand reached down to his side, she caught a flash of metal in the next lightning strike, and then he was running at her.

Chills erupted down her spine and over her arms.

“Move.” The word was a dark growl and her heart stopped dead.

Before she could convince her feet to do as he had ordered, he reached her. A bright burst of light illuminated his face, revealing chiselled features set into a black scowl and eyes that burned her with their intensity as they briefly locked with hers, and then he was running up the wall beside her and flipping over her head like some damned action hero.

He landed hard behind her and her heart exploded into action.

Megan whirled on the spot and brought her hands up in front of her, expecting him to attack her. Her dark eyes widened. The man from the street was there at the other end of the alley.

The larger man ran at him and she caught flickers of both men in the lightning strikes and another flash of metal. The slimmer male had a gun too. Her breath hitched and she tried to run but found that she couldn’t. Her legs refused to respond, no matter how desperately she tried to get them to work. The one who had spoken to her reached the smaller man and they both moved incredibly quickly, beyond humanly possible.

Was it the lightning causing them to look as though they were moving faster than her eyes could track?

It had to be.

They clashed and before either of them could fire their gun, they had both knocked the other one’s away. The big man drew two large blades from inside his long black coat, his broad back to her, and clashed again with the slimmer man. She only caught snippets of their fight as the storm raged above them.

Was it a gang fight, or perhaps a mugging?

Megan wasn’t sure what was happening but she knew what she should be doing. She had to run, or maybe call the police. She pulled her bag towards her and fumbled with it. She couldn’t see a damn thing in the darkness. Where was her phone?

Lightning flashed again and the slimmer man was only a few feet from her, his wet blond hair plastered to his forehead and dark gaze locked on her. The large man tackled him from behind and they rolled past her as she shrieked and leaped away from them, hitting the wall of the alley. Her legs trembled and her bag fell from her shoulder.

“It will take more than steel to win this fight,” the blond man snarled and she frowned at his accent. French?

A bright flash exploded overhead, the thunder rolling in time with it, and she flattened against the wall. Both men had found their feet and were fighting close to her, heading back towards the end of the alley in a flurry of kicks and punches.

She caught brief flickers of the blond man’s thin face as he fought the bigger brunet. Rain rolled down his cheeks and dripped from his small goatee. He didn’t look scared as he fought a man twice his size.

That man circled with him, his expression a picture of darkness and intent. Strands of his overlong dark hair had fallen down and were stuck to his sculpted cheeks. Not a trace of fear lined his features either.

If anything, both of them looked angry.

The Frenchman attacked with a burst of punches, landing a few despite how quickly the other man moved to evade them and then he was on the defensive as the big man swiped with his twin knives. He grunted as one of the blades sliced across his arm and the sickening tinny scent of blood instantly joined the smell of earth and ozone in the air.

He flipped backwards towards the mouth of the alley and came to a halt. He straightened, facing the larger man, and squared his shoulders. The lights in the alley blinked back into life and Megan looked at the street beyond him. They were back on there too. The dim alley lights shone down on the two men as they faced each other, both casual despite the fact they were in the middle of a fight, as if this was an everyday occurrence for them.

The Frenchman tipped his chin up and his eyes narrowed. “I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time.”

“Your death?” the larger man growled, his voice deep and edged with darkness. “You should have dropped in earlier. I’m always happy to send scum like you into the afterlife.”

The Frenchman’s thin lips twisted in a cruel smile. “It is you who will die here tonight.”

“We’ll see.” The larger man launched himself forwards, boots pounding the tarmac.

The blond man raised his hand and suddenly the big one was flying through the air towards her.

She dived out of his path and hit the wet ground hard. Pain blazed through her right shoulder and she curled up on her side, covering her head with her arms. The brunet hit the wall and shards of brick rained down on her. When everything went quiet, she gathered the courage to crack her eyes open.

The large man lay face down on the ground near her. Above him, there was a huge dent in the brick wall of the building. What the heck had just happened? Was he dead? Her hands shook with the thought of witnessing a murder. It wasn’t possible that a man could survive something like that, at least not without broken bones and a severe concussion, but then everything that had happened in the last few seconds seemed impossible.

Her gaze darted between him and the blond man. She had faced some dire odds in her life and survived, but something told her that she wasn’t going to survive this. She should have run when she’d had the chance. She didn’t want to die here tonight.

The large man snarled something dark and her eyes widened as he moved. His hands shifted closer to his elbows and he pushed himself up onto his knees. He shook his head, causing the long strands of his wet hair to caress his face, and then got to his feet.

How the heck could he move after that?

He shouldn’t even be conscious.

His dark eyes shifted to her and she swore red embers lit their penetrating depths. He stared at her for a few seconds, as though they were the only two in the world and there wasn’t another man in the street with them.

A man who wanted to kill him.

“You okay?” he husked and she swallowed and nodded. He nodded too and then did something that surprised her. He smiled, his sensual mouth curving into it and setting her heart racing. How the heck could he smile when he had just been tossed into a wall with such force he shouldn’t be standing right now and was bleeding? “Stay down. I won’t let him near you. It’ll be over soon and you’ll be safe. Understand?”

He growled like a feral beast before she could respond and launched his right hand forwards, as though throwing something at the other man. A bright fierce orb of fire burst from his hand and shot down the alley, blinding in the darkness. He turned and chased it. It exploded against a wall and another flash of fire followed it.

Megan couldn’t believe her eyes.

The large man dodged and air whooshed past her, ruffling her wet shoulder-length hair. Trashcans further along the alley exploded as though something had struck them. Was that what had hit the large man and thrown him into the wall?

She crept to that brick wall and crouched there, keeping as small as possible. Her heart pounded and eyes darted, trying to take in the fight as fear turned to fascination.

The brunet unleashed another swirling orb of fire from his palms and the Frenchman evaded it, rolling forwards in the alley. The man levelled another fiery blast at him, catching him this time and sending him spinning through the air. He landed hard on the tarmac and rolled.

Awestruck didn’t cover how she felt as she watched them now. Both of them had powers. It was incredible.

The big man pounded towards the other one and he disappeared, reappearing right in front of him. They clashed again and the sound of material tearing cut through the thunder rumbling across the city. The brunet leaped backwards, towards her, distancing himself.

“You’ll pay for that,” he growled and she looked at the Frenchman. He stood in the middle of the alley, black cloth dangling from one of his hands. Had he torn the man’s clothes?

The slim blond smiled, tossed the piece of material aside and crooked a finger. “Come and make me.”

The brunet charged and they clashed again, each throwing punches. Megan flinched with every heavy blow and vicious kick, fear slowly trickling back in to wash away her fascination. She had seen some brawls in her time, but nothing like this.

This wasn’t a brawl.

It was a battle.

The lights on the walls flickered, flashes of lightning causing them to stutter. She couldn’t tell who was winning. She hoped it was the brunet because she had the impression that he wasn’t out to hurt her. Not like the other man. There had been moments when he had looked her way, and each time there had been a look on his face that said she was next.

The Frenchman ducked to evade a punch and threw his palm at the larger man. Was he trying to push him over? Megan couldn’t see why he would want to do that and it was the only explanation she could find for him pressing his palm against the man’s chest.

The immense brunet flung his head back and threw his arms out at his sides as he roared in agony at the storm. The lights on the wall of the alley died as his garbled scream filled the night, battling the growling thunder. He fell to his knees and arched backwards, the Frenchman’s hand still pressed against his chest. Orange light shone from the point where they connected, illuminating the blond man’s face as he grinned.

“It was too easy.” He drew his hand back and stared at his fingers.

Something glowed in the centre of his palm, strange light illuminating threads that ran around the back of his hand. He turned his cruel gaze on the large man.

The man collapsed forwards, palms pressing into the wet ground, and the lights on the wall blinked back into life again. His big body heaved as he breathed hard and she frowned as she realised something.

He was shaking.

Flames flickered over the Frenchman’s hand and a fireball grew from the centre of his palm. He aimed it down at the other man.

In an instant, Megan knew what he was going to do and she couldn’t allow it to happen. She couldn’t let this man kill the brunet. She wouldn’t stand for it. Her gaze quickly scanned the dimly lit street and darted back again. One of their guns lay on the wet tarmac only a few feet from her. She reacted on instinct, pushing off the ground and running for it.

She scooped it up.

Raised it.

Fired.

A loud crack like thunder split the silence and she jerked back from the force of the recoil.

The bullet nailed the Frenchman in his right shoulder, knocking him backwards, away from the other man.

An unholy shriek pierced her ears, more like the sound a bird of prey would make rather than a man, and the Frenchman turned his gaze on her. Megan hesitated, fear washing through her stronger than ever and her heart smashing like a jackhammer against her ribs. Eyes that glowed ethereally locked on to her.

What was he?

He raised his hand, the light from the fireball casting dark shadows across his face. She didn’t hesitate. She lifted the heavy silver gun and took aim again.

The fireball exploded from his palm.

About The Author

Felicity HeatonFelicity Heaton is a New York Times and USA Today international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

 

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk
Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton
Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

giveaway

There are TWO (2) ways to win !!

In addition to the gift card giveaway, Felicity is graciously offering an ecopy of any ONE book in her  back list *excluding ARES* (international) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Felicity Heaton on TWITTER

4. Sign up for Felicity Heaton’s NEWSLETTER

5. LIKE Felicity Heaton on Facebook

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

7. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open internationally.

9. Giveaway runs from November 30 to December 3, 2016

rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author

Find all the links, a fantastic 4 chapter downloadable sample of the book, and also enter the giveaway and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website: Find all the links, a fantastic 4 chapter downloadable sample of the book, and also enter the giveaway and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website HERE

Share

Unchained (Eternal Guardians 8.5/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review and Book Tour

UNCHAINED (Eternal Guardians #8.5/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review and Book Tour
Unchained Banner

UNCHAINED
Eternal Guardians 8.5 / 1001 Dark Nights
by Elisabeth Naughton
Release Date: June 16, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, fantasy romance

Unchained

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 16, 2016

PROMETHEUS – One of the keenest Titans to ever walk the earth. Until, that is, his weakness for the human race resulted in his imprisonment.

For thousands of years, Prometheus’s only certainty was his daily torture at Zeus’s hand. Now, unchained by the Eternal Guardians, he spends his days in solitude, trying to forget the past. He’s vowed no allegiance in the war between mortal and immortal, but when a beautiful maiden seeks him out and begs for his help, he’s once again powerless to say no. Soon, Prometheus is drawn into the very conflict he swore to avoid, and, to save the maiden’s life, he must choose sides. But she has a secret of her own, and if Prometheus doesn’t discover what she’s hiding in time, the world won’t simply find itself embroiled in a battle between good and evil, it will fall in total domination to Prometheus’s greatest enemy.

••••••••

REVIEW: UNCHAINED is the 8.5 installment (and novella) in Elisabeth Naughton’s adult ETERNAL GUARDIANS romantic fantasy series based in Greek mythology, prophecy and history. The modern day heroes –the Argonauts-are descended from the Gods of Olympus whom fate has decreed the Eternal Guardians on Earth. This is Titan Prometheus, and witch Circe’s story line. UNCHAINED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing theme running throughout.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Prometheus and Circe) UNCHAINED focuses on Prometheus- a Titan-who thousand of years earlier bequeathed fire to humans and was tortured by Zeus until his rescue approximately twenty five years ago. Fast forward to present day, and our ‘hero’ has secluded himself in solitude until the day the voices in his head become the spirit in the room. What ensues is Prometheus hunt for the woman who captivates his waking hours and his imagination, and the realization that not everything and everyone is whom they appear. As Zeus continues to hunt for the final element in the Orb of Kronos, Prometheus will be drawn back to Mt. Olympus, searching for the woman that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

UNCHAINED is a quick read; a story line steeped in Greek mythology about gods and goddesses, betrayal and revenge; power and control. Elisabeth Naughton blends modern day with fantasy and myth for a series that will capture your imagination placing a spin on the stories and fables we have grown to love. The premise is intriguing; the characters are memorable; the romance is hot and steamy.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

Unchained Teaser

excerpt

 

By daybreak, Circe’s strength had returned enough so she could conjure her magic. She wasn’t a hundred percent yet, but she couldn’t wait until her body completely healed. Zeus had made it clear the shade could return at any moment. She needed to step up her plan with Prometheus if she had any hope of breaking free from this prison.
She placed the length of chain Zeus had given her in the cauldron, held her hands over the bowl, and summoned her spell. The chain was her link to Prometheus. It had been a part of him so long it still possessed part of his lifeblood. With it, she could find him wherever he was in the cosmos. And with it she could make herself ethereal and lure him to her.
The rock walls around her faded, revealing stone columns and the sound of leaves rustling in the early morning breeze, birds chirping in the forest, and water rushing over the falls. The scents of moss and wood filled her senses as she turned, confused why the spell had brought her to the gazebo already. She wasn’t supposed to start out here. She was supposed to start with Prometheus and tempt him to follow her to th—
The thought halted when she caught sight of him, lying on his side on the chaise, his hands tucked up near his face, his eyes closed, and his chest rising and falling with his deep breaths. Something beneath her ribs tightened at the sight of him. Something other than lust. Fast asleep, his long dark lashes feathering the skin beneath his eyes, he looked more innocent than godly, more angelic than dangerous. And for a fleeting moment she pictured him chained to that rock in the blistering sun, unable to move, unable to do anything but wait for the giant eagle to swoop down and rip out his liver only to come back and do it all again the next day.
He’d only escaped that living hell because of the Argonauts. Because his daughter’s mate had rescued him so Prometheus could save her life. Zeus had been pissed when Prometheus was freed. Circe remembered all too well how he’d marched into her cave and ordered her to bring Prometheus back. It had taken her several hours to convince the king of the gods that her witchcraft didn’t work that way. Luckily—for her—Zeus had finally abandoned that order, but she knew he was waiting for the moment when he could make Prometheus suffer. Zeus’s memory was long. When someone bested him, he never forgot. And Prometheus had bested him more than any other.

 

 

About The Author

Follow Elisabeth: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Elisabeth naughtonBefore topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

Inkslinger 2

Share