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Awakened (Eternal Guardians 8) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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AWAKENED (Eternal Guardians #8) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Tempted.indd

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About the book: Release Date April 12, 2016

DAMON – For twenty-five years he’s served as a plaything for the gods. With no memory of his past, he has no way of knowing if this is his ultimate fate, but he senses there has to be more to life.

Damon’s hope for more comes in the form of the Sirens’ newest recruit. Elysia is unlike any trainee he’s ever met. Not only can she remember where she came from—an ability the Sirens block—but she has an instant connection to Damon, one he’s never felt and doesn’t understand. Soon Damon is willing to do anything to have Elysia. Even risk the wrath of the gods to break her out of Olympus so he can keep her for himself.

But Damon’s past isn’t a mystery to everyone. Evil forces are at work beneath the surface, and before long, Damon realizes that the connection he shares with Elysia isn’t a random coincidence. His fate—and the darkness it brings—was cemented long ago. And when it is finally revealed, no one will be safe.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: AWAKENED is the eighth full length installment 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 Damon and Elysia’s story line. AWAKENED can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing theme running throughout. AWAKENED fast forwards the series twenty five years and begins to follow the next generation of Argonauts and warriors.

Told from several third person perspectives AWAKENED focuses on Damon-an imprisoned male who for twenty five years has been the sex slave to Aphrodite, without memory of his previous life, and a man trained in the art of seduction. When Athena sets out to train a new group of Siren recruits, Damon finds himself face to face with Elysia-the Argolea princess- and the woman who would call to his soul. What ensues is the forbidden relationship between Siren and Trainer, and Elysia’s need to save Damon from the only life he knows.

AWAKENED has a deep connection to the previous novella-RAVAGED- in that our hero must come to terms with who he is, and from where he comes. Damon is a man without a past, and his future has been decided by the gods. While Elysia struggles as a Siren recruit, Damon begins to fall deeper for the chosen princess. Betrayal, heartbreak, obsession and revenge are the focus for two lost souls-without memories to guide them Elysia and Damon battle their desires while trying to stay one step ahead of the gods. It is Damon’s warrior like persona that gives our heroine pause as to the true identity of the man with whom she is falling in love.

AWAKENED is detailed story of destiny, steeped in Greek mythology, prophecy and lore blended into a modern day tale of gods seeking power and revenge against those they consider less than worthy. While Zeus continues to seek the Orb of Kronos, Athena continues to build her army of Sirens. The premise is intriguing, intricate and enchanting; the characters are passionate, startling and intense; the romance is fated and seductive. Another fantastic addition to Elisabeth Naughton’s ETERNAL GUARDIANS fantasy series.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

Eternal Guardians 2

FREE ebook: Marked : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

99¢ ebook  Entwined : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Tempted : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Enraptured : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Enslaved : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Bound : Amazon.com/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Twisted: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /The Book Depository
Ravaged: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

Excerpt beige

 

“Mm…” Aphrodite swung her long legs over the side of the enormous bed and stretched her arms above her head. “That was wonderful.” Curly auburn hair the color of autumn leaves spilled down the pale skin of her naked spine as she turned and cast a coy look over her shoulder. “You get better and better, Damianos.”
The two naked nymphs who’d joined them scurried off the bed and rushed out of the room. Aphrodite pushed to her feet, all long lines and perfect curves, and crossed to the chaise.
The nymphs could disappear after the fact, the lucky females, but Damon could not. Rolling to his side, he propped his elbow on the mattress and rested his head on his hand as he watched Aphrodite slide a white silk robe onto her pale arms and tried not to be resentful of that fact. “Good thing, since my purpose is only to serve.”
Aphrodite smirked. “And you do it so well, erastis.”
Lover. He hated the way that word sounded.
The goddess moved back to the edge of the mattress and sat, then reached out and twirled a lock of Damon’s hair around her finger. “Speaking of serving, a new class of Sirens is set to arrive.” She pushed out her full, plump lips in a sexy little pout. “Athena is going to try to steal you from me again.”
Damon looked up at the goddess of love and desire and tried to feign disappointment, though inside, excitement leapt at the possibility of a break. Aphrodite’s temple wasn’t a bad place to spend your days—wide soaring rooms, tall stately pillars, marble everything, fountains and baths that promised both pleasure and relaxation, and the sweet scent of heliotrope wafting on the air, awakening the senses. But lately he couldn’t help thinking there had to be more to life than this. More than meaningless pleasure. More than casual sex. More than catering to Aphrodite, a goddess who cared only about herself.
“A new class, huh?” He rolled back into the mountain of pillows and laced his fingers behind his head, remembering that Athena and Aphrodite didn’t always get along. Jealousy was forever an issue between them—between any of the ruling Olympians—and he’d learned long ago not to show interest in any immortal other than the one currently in his line of sight.
“You don’t want to go, do you?” Aphrodite slid her finger down his throat and across the dusting of hair on his bare chest. “I could tell Athena you’re too valuable, which you are.”
This was where he needed to be careful. He couldn’t show too much enthusiasm, or Aphrodite would never let him leave. “Of course not. Training new Sirens is as enjoyable for me as spending time with your husband is for you.”
Aphrodite’s lips curled. Everyone knew she couldn’t stand her husband, Hephaestus. Her gaze hovered on Damon’s face. “That boring?”
She was beautiful, even Damon couldn’t deny that. Meadow-green eyes, flawless skin, high cheekbones, and lips made only for seduction. But though physically he was still attracted to her, more and more lately, he was finding it difficult to be aroused in her company. Sex with Aphrodite was as empty as his life these days. There had to be more. A reason he was here. A future that held some kind of purpose. Something other than…immortal perfection.
He drew his hand from behind his head and brushed the back of his fingers against the smooth curve of her jawline. “Infinitely boring. When I’m with the Sirens, I count the days until I return to your temple.”
Which was a flat-out lie. Working with Athena’s Sirens, training them in combat, strategy, warfare—even seduction—was a thousand times more fun than being stuck in Aphrodite’s claustrophobic pleasure palace.
Aphrodite sighed and smoothed her hand over his chest again, dropping her gaze to where she touched him. “I suppose I could consider letting you go. So long as I know you’re pining away for me. Absence, they say, does make the heart grow fonder.”
Damon had never found that to be true, but he refrained from saying so. He wasn’t about to do anything to jeopardize this chance to escape, however short his respite might be. “It does. Very much so.”
She leaned down and kissed him, sliding her tongue along his at the first touch and tasting him deeply. He didn’t pull away, didn’t say no, knew it was pointless to do so. Instead, he slid his fingers into the curly mass of auburn hair framing her face and kissed her back. Her mouth turned greedy against his, and she wriggled out of the robe she’d just pulled on, then pushed the sheet from his hips.
Yeah, there has to be more than this, he thought as she climbed over him. More than aphrodisiacs to keep him hard, more than meaningless sex, more than immortals using him for their pleasure. There had to be a hell of a lot more. Somewhere.
He just hoped he found it before he went mad.

 

 

About The Author beige

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.

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The Undoing (Call of Crows #2) by Shelly Laurenston-dual review

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THE UNDOING (Call of Crows #2) by Shelly Laurenston-dual review

The Undoing

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date march 29, 2016

No one would ever accuse Jace Berisha of having an easy life—considering her husband…you know…killed her. But that was then! Now she fights for mighty Viking gods with the spectacular and vicious Crows.

But things are turning very bad, very quickly because a vengeful, ancient goddess has come into the world with just one thing on her mind—ending it. And the only way they can hope to stop her is if the Crows join forces with their one-time enemies, the Protectors. A Viking Clan created to do nothing but kill every Crow they see.

Thankfully, Protector Ski Eriksen is a peace loving kind of guy. Because the woman he is desperately trying to get close to is the beautiful and not-very-chatty Jace. Battling Nordic clans? Unkillable goddesses? Jace’s mean-spirited dog? None of these things would ever get in the way of a true Viking!

•••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW:

THE UNDOING is the second installment in Shelly Laurenston’s adult, contemporary CALL OF CROWS paranormal / fantasy series based upon the gods and goddesses of Norse mythology. The continuing story focuses on the upcoming battle of Ragnarok ; and the building relationship between Jacinda ‘Jace’ Berisha-a Crow, a Beserker, and a specialist in ancient languages, and Viking Protector Danski ‘Ski’ Eriksen. THE UNDOING can be read as a stand alone but for backstory and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as each installment prepares for ‘The Doom of the Gods’.

For more information about the meaning of Ragnarok click on this link: Norse Mythology: Ragnarok

Told from several third person points of view THE UNDOING is a story line steeped in modern day Norse mythology; of gods and goddess; of a pending war to end all wars; and the return of the goddess Gullveig-who wreaks havoc on Earth in order to instigate ‘The Doom of the Gods’. But there is a potential for human involvement as Jace’s ex husband-a false prophet-has a strong support network with close ties to our leading heroine.

THE UNDOING follows the Crows (Jace and her fellow sisters), the Protectors (Ski and his warrior brothers of Viking scholars), the Ravens and a whole other assortment of earth bound warriors whose duty is to protect, to battle, and to defend their gods.

The relationship between Jace and Ski is slow to develop as Jace must decipher and translate ancient text to unearth the secrets and stories of Ragnarok, and the end of the world. While our heroine is under the protection of the Protectors, she finds herself falling in love with her very own personal guard. The $ex scenes are limited, provocative and seductive. Jace and Ski are quiet but strong; shy but passionate-the romance is secondary to the over arcing story line premise.

THE UNDOING has a very large ensemble cast of characters from Norse and Celtic Mythology including gods, goddesses, Scandinavian and Viking influences, folklore and legacies. The world building continues to focus on the coming of Ragnarok, and the end of life as it is or once was. Jace’s Crow-sisters are a force unto themselves, while Ski’s Viking Protectors wait quietly to be called into war.

Shelly Laurenston blends humor with crazy characters and dangerous situations. You can always count on Shelly to add a bit of sarcasm and witty word play to her story lines making a difficult situation easier to fathom but in comparison to her Pride, and Dragon Kin series I found the humorous situations lower in number and less in your face ‘slapstick’ funny. The kickass heroines are strong and capable yet avoid the bitchiness factor that is the doom of many story line premises.

THE UNDOING is a story ripped from Norse mythology and Celtic lore. The premise is intense yet humorous with playful and entertaining moments; the characters are animated, colorful and action-oriented; the romance is a slow build between two quiet and introverted warriors. Shelly Laurenston’s CALL OF CROWS series is as much a story about family, as it is about the mythological gods and goddesses.

 

Barb’s Review:

The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston is the 2nd book in her wild crazy fun exciting Call of Crows series. If you have not read anything by Laurenston, then you are missing an adventure that will have you filled with wild excitement, sexy romance, and laughing all the way. There is no one like Shelly Laurenston. Thank you, Sandy. 🙂

The Call of the Crows is a totally different type of series, which takes place in a modern day Nordic world with Gods, Vikings, Crows, Ravens, Protectors, and even a flying pit bull. Every single one of the characters, many of whom we have come to love, are wild, vicious, and mostly crazy; but darn so much fun.

The Undoing belongs to Jace Barisha, who is a member of the female clan, Crows. Jace was murdered by her husband, and brought back to a second life after she promised her loyalty to a God. Jace is shy, and quiet, but she has the rage of a beserker, which helps when the crows have to fight the other clans or Vikings to save the world. In the last book, Kera became a Crow, and she is the one who is closest to Jace.

Ski Eriksen is our hero, a key member of the Protectors. Jace’s knowledge of all languages will put her in closer contact with the Protectors, helping them translate their many books. In a slow built romance, Jace will learn to control her rages, befriend all the Protectors, and fall in love with Ski. Ski falls hard for Jace, and is instrumental and helping her control her powers.   I loved most of  the Protectors, how they began to care about Jace. Everyone usually fears Jace when she flips into her berserker rages. Keep in mind, all the clans usually hate each other. Most of all I loved the crazy antics of the Crows, as well as the other clans. All the clans are vicious and wild, but we spend time with all the members of the crows, especially Jace, Kera and Erin , not to mention the Protectors and Ravens.

There are two parts of this story, which involves Jace’s ex who was released from jail, after murdering her. The other is about trying to stop a powerful goddess from causing the end of the world. I couldn’t even explain to you about the wild fierce fighting & battles among each other. It is non stop action; fierce and violent; loyal sisters who do anything to protect their own; but most of all it’s like following a wild bunch screaming along the way. I had so much fun reading this, as you couldn’t help laugh at the antics.

The climax was pulse pounding, as all our favorites work together to fight the goddess; but it will take Jace to rise up out of an  impossible situation to help save her sisters. Wow.   Shelley Laurenston, I do not know how you do this. You make us enjoy the crazy, wild, fierce and violent situations; you make us laugh hysterically at the antics of them all; and most of all, you make us love them too.

Reading Order and previous review
1. The Unleashing
2. The Undoing

Copy proved by Publisher

________________

Barb’s Review

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Pippa of Lauramore by Shari L. Tapscott – a Review

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Pippa of Lauramore by Shari L. Tapscott – a Review

 

Pippa of LauramoreAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Princess Pippa of Lauramore is about to turn eighteen, and in honor of the great occasion, her father King Ewan invites thirty princes and lords from kingdoms near and far to compete for Pippa’s hand in marriage.

Arrogant Prince Lionel of Vernow is expected to win the competition handily, but spunky princess Pippa refuses to marry such a pompous man without a fight. When she spies Galinor, the dark-haired, blue-eyed prince of Glendon, she sets out to make him hers—convincing him to join her on a midnight ride away from the festivities.

When King Ewan catches Pippa, he orders her to spend twelve days of confinement in the castle, but she refuses to be contained while her fate is decided without her. Enlisting the help of her childhood friend Archer, master archer of the kingdom, they make a pact to do everything in their power to ensure Galinor’s victory in the marriage games.

But as the games progress and the stakes get higher and higher, Pippa and Archer are forced to not only confront marauding bandits, angry dragons, and King Ewan’s wrath, but also the growing attraction between them…

Review:

Pippa of Lauramore, is book one in The Eldentimber Series by Shari Tapscott.   This is a story that fairy tales are made from.  Our story opens with a celebration of birth for the coming of age Princess Pippa of Lauramore.  Princess Pippa has just turned eighteen, and her father King Ewan has invited thirty eligible Princes to compete in a tournament. The winner of the tournament will receive Pippa’s hand in marriage.  Her family is keen on one such prince – Prince Lionel of Vernow.  But Pippa does not see him the same as her family does.  In the midst of the festivities she knows that she must find the one Prince that is right for her.  There must be one that can and will defeat Prince Lionel for her hand in marriage.   As the guests toast to her eighteenth birthday, Pippa notices the one man that she thinks may just be able to save her.  He is tall, dark and handsome.  He has eyes as blue as a cloudless sky and the face that any artist would love to paint.  His name is Prince Galinor of Glendon.  From the moment they lock eyes Pippa is smitten.  Pippa has decided she wants to leave the festivities and show her new Prince an amazing place.  Just as they are about to leave, the kingdoms Master Archer finds them.  He instructs Pippa that it is not a wise idea to leave the castle walls. But Pippa begs him not to tell her father that she is leaving the castle walls alone with a man. Reluctantly and at Pippa’s urging Archer agrees.    But soon her father finds out and Pippa is punished to her quarters for twelve days.  Punishment means she will miss most of the tournaments festivities and the chance to help her true prince win…  Or will she.

Pippa soon devises a plan to help her Prince Galinor win the tournament. She enlists the help of the one man that has always stood by her side, her longtime friend and mentor, Archer. But the more Archer helps her, the more torn she becomes about the one she has chosen to be her prince.  Her heart begins to realize that the man she may seek quite possibly is the one that has always been there for her.  But they both know that a mere archer can not marry a princess, and so the tournament continues.  Will true love win out or will she be destined to live a life with a prince she does not wish to marry?

Prince Lionel is a cocky, arrogant, brooding prince of man.  He is the character that you will love to hate.  From page one I despised him.  And my feelings towards him did not improve at all throughout the story.  His demeanor is completely off putting and you truly want to see him come to a horrible fate.   Pippa is a young woman, strong willed, witty and headstrong.  She thinks she knows exactly what she wants and does anything in her power to achieve it.  Her character is real and authentic and exactly the type of woman you would want as a friend or for your children to look up to.  She is not afraid to speak her mind in a time when that was unheard of.   Prince Galinor is valiant, handsome and strong. He is the “prince” fairy tales are written about.  He is the one you want to win the heart of young Pippa.  And the one you want to know even more about.   I fell completely head over heels for this young prince.  That is until Archer sauntered (reluctantly) into the picture.  Archer will win you over and leave you begging for more.  And in an amazing and beautiful journey he may just become the true prince Pippa is looking for.

Will Pippa find the prince of her dreams?  Will she end up having to marry the insufferable Prince Lionel?  Will her father allow her to have a marriage based on true love and not the one decided upon by a tournament?  This book is a must read if you want to find out.  This  journey is new and fresh,  the twists and turns are  palpable. 

The authors  writing places you right into the story – it pulls you in and holds you there.  From the main characters to the sub-characters – you want to know it all.  You want the backstory and the future story all at the same time.  This is not your everyday foo foo fairytale – this Princess knows how to go about getting exactly what she wants and she can hold her own with the best of them. But be warned – this book contains magic – and any young girl (or old girl) will get lost in its pages and lose all track of time. I absolutely loved this story from page 1 to the end. Finished it in one day!   It is full of royal regality and reverence.  It places you right in the mix of the tournament and the turmoil.  From kings to princesses, from fairies to dragons it is a pure mix of magic and magnetism. Did I mention the dragons! Swoon!   This is one that I will buy a hard copy of and pass on to my daughter as a true treasure to hold for generations.  And I can barely contain my excitement that this series will continue – as I will continue to follow Mrs Tapscott!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Author

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Cursed by Ice (Immortal Brothers 2) by Jacquelyn Frank-a review

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CURSED BY ICE (Immortal Brothers 2) by Jacquelyn Frank-a review

Cursed by Ice

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2015

As punishment for plotting with his brothers to steal immortality, Garreth is suffering a freezing torment until the end of time. Again and again, his fierce fighter’s physique is frozen into a chiseled ice sculpture, his heart hardening like a diamond in his chest—only to thaw and resume the chilling torture. Until, like his older brother Dethan, he is offered a reprieve from a goddess—in exchange for his allegiance in a celestial civil war.

Garreth lives to fight and fights to live. But while laying siege to an embattled city, he finds another reason to go on—a beautiful warrior woman named Sarielle, who commands a mythic beast through a mysterious and powerful bond. Terrified of her strength, the city rulers have kept her captive, and now she refuses to submit to a new master. As Garreth seeks to unleash her passion and melt the icy resistance of her heart, will he become her ultimate salvation—or lead them both to greater destruction?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: CURSED BY ICE is the second installment in Jacquelyn Frank’s adult Immortal Brothers fantasy series focusing on four brothers cursed, by the gods and goddesses, in their search for immortality. This is Garreth and Sarielle’s storyline. Although CURSED BY ICE is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading the series in order as background information and world building continues to develop throughout each successive storyline.

Two hundred years earlier, four brothers went in search of the waters of Immortality and upon the discovery drank from the forbidden streams. The gods and goddesses were angered and cursed each brother to suffer eternal damnation and pain. Garreth’s punishment was to suffer the endless cycle of freezing and defrosting, and the accompanying pain that follows. When Garreth’s brother Dethan ( CURSED BY FIRE book 1 ) found love and was forgiven, Garrett was released from bondage to take over the command of the army of the gods. Although free during the daylight hours, Garreth would return to the same suffering each sundown only to be granted the same freedom several hours later.

Weysa, the goddess of conflict, continues to demand obedience from Dethan and Garreth, and as such the brothers are commanded to continue their battle against an enemy of the gods. Conquering the city of Kith, the brothers discover a town dependent upon slavery and a woman who controls a dangerous beast. Enter Sarielle, a young woman who is soul-bonded to a wyvern and the woman who will melt Garreth’s frozen heart.

The slow building storyline is similar in context to Jacquelyn’s CURSED BY FIRE. Weysa, the goddess of conflict, has commanded Garreth to enter into battle and secure the outlying cities, towns and villages in her name. As it pertains to Garreth’s never ending curse, it was not as large of a plot point as was Dethan’s fiery burn in CURSED BY FIRE. Garreth’s nightly pain and suffering was almost an afterthought in the storyline. Sarielle, a former slave, will become Garreth’s captive; her soul-bond with the wyvern reveals an intimate connection at a physical and visceral level. Garreth is ever the protector; his attraction and need for Sarielle continues to build throughout the story. He is a cursed man, who has fallen in love, but knows that he will not claim Sarielle when he is tied to the gods for all time. The $ex scenes are intimate and revealing.

The secondary characters include Davine, a young house maiden who will both befriend and betray Garreth and Sarielle. Dethan, Garreth’s eldest brother, returns as Garreth’s companion in battle but also becomes Garreth’s greatest threat to his relationship with Sarielle. I had a difficult time liking Dethan in his own storyline CURSED BY FIRE because of his attitude and cold demeanor, and with Garreth’s tale my animosity towards Dethan increases with his ill-conceived notions about Sarielle and his brother. Dethan is a threat to his brother’s happiness and is determined to destroy Garreth’s relationship with Sarielle, hurting his own brother in the process.

Jacquelyn Frank’s mythological world building continues as the all powerful and all knowing gods and goddesses battle for the rights to control the humans, and in doing so, punish those responsible for defying the gods. As Garreth honors his debt to the goddess of conflict, yet another brother, will be freed from perpetual bondage only to return each evening to suffer the same fate as his brothers’ before. CURSED BY ICE introduces a series of mythological creatures including mages, wyverns, were-dragons and the Fae.

CURSED BY ICE is an interesting and detailed storyline of fantasy and myth, the supernatural, and a happily ever after-for now. As each brother is granted a temporary freedom to serve and protect, he will come face to face with his future in yet another battle to prove allegiance to the gods.

Copy supplied by Edelweiss.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

Cursed by Fire Feb 15CURSED BY FIRE
Immortal Brothers 1
by Jacquelyn Frank
Genre: fantasy, adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: February 24, 2015

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: February 24, 2015

For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope—until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment—if he’ll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods.

Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda—heir to the throne of Hexis—and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed—and her body—with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all—even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict—for a chance to make Selinda his forever.

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The Crow of Connemara by Stephen Leigh – a Review

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The Crow of Connemara by Stephen Leigh – a Review

 

The Crow of ConnemaraAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
THE CROW OF CONNEMARA is a contemporary Celtic fantasy set primarily in Ireland. Picking up threads from ancient Irish mythology and folktales, this story is fantasy, drama, and tragic romance all at once, a tale caught in the dark places where the world of ancient myth intersects our own, where old ways and old beliefs struggle not to be overwhelmed by the modern world.

Colin Doyle is third generation Irish-American musician, whose interest is traditional Irish music. Maeve Gallagher is an Oileánach, an ‘Islander’ on Ireland’s west coast, outcasts treated with suspicion and disdain by the locals, who think them responsible for wild and strange happenings in the area. Colin’s and Maeve’s lives will soon intersect and intertwine. Colin will discover that Maeve has been involved with his family for far longer than seems possible, and Maeve will have to make a life-or-death choice in order to achieve what she wants for her people.

 


Review:

The Crow of Connemara is a contemporary Irish fantasy, with Celtic lore, and Fae mythology. This story is a romance tragedy of modern day and old time myths. Colin Doyle is our hero, who is pressured by his family to get his degree, even though his only interest is his Celtic music, and desire to go to Ireland. Colin dreams of this Irish woman, who calls to him in his visions. When his father dies, Colin decides to follow his heart and go to Ireland.

While joining other musicians playing his music in pubs, Colin with meet the woman of his dreams. Maeve Gallagher shows interest in Colin, but he finds the townsfolks do not like Maeve or her friends that live on the local island. The Oileanach’s are resented by the town, marked as outcasts, feared as witches. In a short time, Maeve and her friends are told they need to leave the island or they will be forced out.

Maeve and Colin’s relationship grows slowly, and we the reader learn quickly that Maeve is indeed more than anyone knows. This is where the fae mythology involving all the members of the island, goes into more detail as to who they are, and what is Colin needed for.

This is modern day contemporary story, with a romance that is doomed. I like Colin, but I thought that Maeve was a fascinating character. I enjoyed the mythology, and learning about them. I also love anything that takes place in Ireland.

Stephen Leigh did a wonderful job doing the world building of this story, though it was a bit slow early on as we learned more about the Oileanach and the island. It was an exciting and interesting ending, leaving me wondering if there would be another book, or we are to use our imagination.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Goddess Redemption Series 1-3 by Kelli Lockheart-a review

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The Goddess Redemption Series 1-3 by Kelli Lockheart-a review

Goddess Redemption Series

The Goddess Redemption Series

To Cast A StoneTO CAST A STONE
The Goddess Redemption Series #1
by Kelli Lockheart
Release Date: Sept 14, 2013

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A cruel twist of fate causes the goddess of the hunt, Artemis, to take the life of her lover, Orion, on the day of their betrothal. As punishment, Zeus locks her away in a stone prison, vowing that she would always search for love and never find it, that her stubbornness and anger rule her and that his death lay at her feet. He strips her of her power and knowledge and casts her in stone. Her punishment is swift and severe. The goddess of love has other designs for the Huntress and works out a plan for Artemis to redeem herself and come home. What entails is a story of redemption, a story of true change, and a tale of a desire that burns feverishly in every heart. But there is also a deeper lesson to be learned along the journey. Great power should be shown great respect.

REVIEW: TO CAST A STONE is the first novella in Kelli Lockheart’s The Goddess Redemption Series of novellas based loosely on the mythological lore of Greek Gods and Goddesses. The prologue reveals the history of Artemis and Orion and what has occurred prior to the storyline premise.

The short introductory story focuses on punishment and redemption following the death of Orion at the hands of his lover Artemis and the resulting centuries of isolation and loss. Artemis was cast in stone for her betrayal and Orion was sentenced to live and die over and over until the day his beloved is returned. And in the interim, a species of shifters will grow in power when their creator is unable to hunt for her prey. With Orion and Artemis gone, the shifters grow in numbers and strength.

The world building takes the reader on a journey through mythological lore, gods and goddesses, and a power struggle between Zeus and Aphrodite. If you are a fan of Greek Mythology, The Goddess Redemption series is an interesting take on the heroes of Olympus.

As an introductory storyline there is plenty of information and detail missing especially as it concerns the shifter species created specifically for the hunt. But it is a novella series, so let’s hope that more information is revealed as with each subsequent story.

Also there is a warning for violence and sexual content, but the detail is light in comparison to many other novels and series we read. Most of the sex is glossed over using euphemisms and flowery language. This is by no means your usual erotica storyline-the graphic detail is limited and most only hints at what happens and what is to come.

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SpellboundSPELLBOUND
Goddess Redemption #2
by Kelli Lockheart
Release Date: October 1, 2013

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Spellbound continues the story of Artemis and Orion as they face the challenges of being human. In this second installment of the Goddess Redemption Series, our beloved huntress is posed a new task on her journey to redemption. Powerless and only beginning to recover her memories, Artemis finds herself in the role of Sara, a wood’s witch caught in the middle of a terrible war between the shifters and the gods whose power is threatened by the creature’s very existence. Victor is an adept hunter with a secret. He knows how to kill the shifters, but when his memories return, can the god of the hunt, find happiness in his human form?

REVIEW: SPELLBOUND is the second storyline in Kelli Lockheart’s Goddess Redemption novella series focusing on the continuing story and reincarnation of Artemis and Orion. In this particular instalment our hunter and goddess of the hunt are Sara and Victor. Sara is believed to be a witch who is searching for a way to protect the people of the village from the werewolves at night: and Victor is a hunter who has been gifted by a stranger with silver tipped magical arrows. Both Victor and Sara had been approached by a woman in disguise and the immortal gods of Olympus were once again at play. Zeus and Aphrodite would ensure that Artemis and Orion learn their lesson time and time again. But will Artemis’s jealousy keep our lovers in human form forever?

Kelli Lockheart weaves a fractured tale of mythological lore where at each incantation our hero and heroine must overcome the obstacles before finding one another’s heart and soul.

If you are a fan of the Greek mythology, Kelli Lockheart’s Goddess Redemption series puts a different spin on the lore of Orion and his beloved Artemis.

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Moonlit PromiseMOONLIT PROMISE
The Goddess Redemption Series #3
by Kelli Lockheart
Release Date: November 2013

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The adventure takes a twist as this time our hunters are thrown into the bodies of shifters. Tatiana is the Unul Pur, the promise of their kind and the only fertile shifter in a sea of barren werebeasts. She is their hope. She is also storing the consciousness of our goddess of the hunt, Artemis, who is trying to come to terms with the decisions she must make. Luca is a beta, forced to obey the commands of his alpha, Buru. He has traveled far and wide as an emissary to speak for Buru as potential mate to the lovely Tatiana. He is also Orion, god of the hunt, trying to find balance between his memories and the woman he loves.

The customs and traditions of the shifters demand that a mate is chosen and there are rules. In order for the lovers to be together, they will have to break every one of them. Can they find a way? As the shifters’ world evolves around the huntress, can she fit the pieces together enough to understand? And what of Aphrodite and Zeus? Well…… there is much and more going on in the clouds as secrets are kept and the tides of war turn under a Moonlit Promise.

˃˃˃ This is the third part in The Goddess Redemption Series. A Paranormal Romance Erotica.

REVIEW: MOONLIT PROMISE is the third instalment in Kelli Lockheart’s Goddess Redemption novella series focusing on the lives of Artemis and Orion. In this third incarnation, our couple are the very thing they hunt-shifters. Zeus and Aphrodite are still at war with one another and, Orion and Artemis are the pawns. As punishment for Artemis killing Orion, the couple have been forced to search for each other over and over only to suffer the indignity of loosing again.

This particular instalment finds the shifter known as Tatiana about to enter her mating phase and there is only one mate with whom she can conceive. But past memories and lives begin to plague the Tatiana as the lion shifter known as Luca draws near. And this time around they will recognize one another immediately but it may be too late.

Kelli Lockheart once again blends Greek mythology with the paranormal lore of shifters and weres. There is the familiarity of the gods and goddesses blended perfectly with the fantasy storyline loved by many. If you are a fan of the Greek and Roman mythological storylines, don’t miss Kelli Lockhearts take on vengeance and betrayal between the gods and goddesses of Olympus.

Copies supplied by the author

Reviews by Sandy

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The Volatile Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons #4) by Sandy James-A Review and Giveaway

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The Volatile Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons #4) by Sandy James-A Review and Giveaway

The Volatile Amazon

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THE VOLATILE AMAZON (Alliance of the Amazons #4) by Sandy James

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2013

Sarita Neeraj has never felt like a real Amazon. Compared to the obvious strengths of her sisters, her Water powers seem small as her stature. She’s determined to prove herself—unfortunately, all that gets her is captured by an enemy.

Ian serves a twisted goddess, preferring this to an empty afterlife. He’s taken Sarita hostage to coax the other Amazons from their safe haven. But in his ancient Scottish castle, the passion and love Ian finds for Sarita resurrect his honor, until he chafes at the dark will of his mistress.

Sarita has finally found happiness—but before she can enjoy it, she’s “rescued” by her furious sisters. To save Ian from destruction at the hands of the Amazons, Sarita must risk wielding magick that could change her very nature. Only then can she prove the Water Amazon is the strongest of the four—and save them all from destruction.

Meet Earth, Fire, and Air in The Reluctant Amazon, The Impetuous Amazon, and The Brazen Amazon.

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Alliance of the Amazons

REVIEW: THE VOLATILE AMAZON is the fourth and final installment in Sandy James’s Alliance of the Amazon series focusing on four ‘amazon sisters’ each with an elemental power-earth, fire, air and water-and the men they love. But as with many endings, there is also a beginning, and it appears there is a spin off series in the works for the Sons of Gaia.

Sarita is the water Amazon. Always considered the weakest of the four elemental Amazons due to her size and personality, Sarita endeavors to prove to the Alliance and the Sentinels that she is just as powerful and capable as the others. But her latest assignment will find Sarita falling for a man long thought dead, and a man who believes Sarita is someone else.

Once again, Sandy James continues to weave a story of ancient goddesses, demi-gods and mythology into a contemporary storyline of betrayal, power and revenge. Each Amazon has a goddess representative and with these comes the struggle for the ultimate control. When an ancient goddess continues to battle for supremacy, everyone and everything in her way will become fodder in a war between the ancient dieties. And it will take one small water Amazon to prove that that the love of your sisters and one man, may be all you need to fight the evil that is hell on earth.

The relationship between Sarita and Ian begins as a case of mistaken identity. Although Sarita will soon learn the exact nature of Ian’s errors, it will take a stronger Sarita to let go of the man who has stolen her heart. The sex scenes are sensual and hot; and the tension builds because we know that at some point their true identities and purposes will be revealed.

The previous storyline characters are present as are the gods and goddesses who continue to make the Amazon’s lives miserable. And the continued animosity between the four Amazon’s goddesses makes for some rather interesting insight into what feels like basic sibling rivalry –all in the name of power and control.

This is a story of betrayal and trust; heartbreak and sorrow; family loss and reunion.

Sandy James has written a wonderful conclusion to her Alliance of the Amazon series-a series with strong female leads who are empowered by the men and women in their lives. I am looking forward to what (I hope) is a spin off series focusing on the Sons of Gaia.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy.

NOTE:  Book #1 THE RELUCTANT AMAZON is FREE for a limited time.  Order your copy today and start reading the Alliance of the Amazon series:

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about the author

Follow Sandy at :  Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Sandy JamesMy income tax return says that I am a teacher. I had originally intended it to say “lawyer,” but romance, marriage, and motherhood set my life on a different course.

I’ve been married to Jeff James since 1983. Even after all these years, he is still the love of my life. Jeff and I have two grown children who make us proud every day.

My husband and I share another strong and wonderful interest that is not only a great part of our day-to-day lives but has also become a running theme throughout some of my books. We own a small racing stable of Standardbred Harness horses, pacers to be exact. We have always loved the sport and as our children grew up enough to have their own interests, Jeff looked into what it would be like to own a racehorse. We jumped into the sport with both feet and are loving every minute of it. I’ve added a link to Jeff’s website if you’d like to follow the progress of our horses.

As another bit of personal information, I’d like to share that several years ago I was diagnosed with lupus. I know that there are others out there who either have had the same diagnosis or know someone who has. I’m sharing this because I want to encourage you all that chronic illnesses do not have to keep you down and out of the swing of life. I still teach, still work with my horses, have a wonderful family life, and am still able to spend hours at my laptop writing on my latest book.

I am blessed to be leading a life full of the things I like to do and people I love.

Giveaway-Purple-White

Sandy James is offering one lucky commenter ‘reader’s choice’ of any of her ebooks. Click HERE for a list of Sandy’s books.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

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

3. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY

4. Giveaway runs October 3 to 7, 2013

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Persephone’s Orchard by Molly Ringle-a review

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Persephone’s Orchard by Molly Ringle-a review

Persephone's Orchard

 

RELEASE WEEK DEAL only .99cents for a limited time:

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2013

The Greek gods never actually existed. Did they? Sophie Darrow finds she was wrong about that assumption when she’s pulled into the spirit realm, complete with an Underworld, on her first day at college. Adrian, the mysterious young man who brought her there, simply wants her to taste a pomegranate.

Soon, though she returns to her regular life, her mind begins exploding with dreams and memories of ancient times; of a love between two Greeks named Persephone and Hades. But lethal danger has always surrounded the immortals, and now that she’s tainted with the Underworld’s magic, that danger is drawing closer to Sophie.

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REVIEW:

Persephone’s Orchard…….what a wonderful book. Molly Ringle builds a beautiful world of true love, wrapped up in Greek mythology. Sophie Darrow leaves home and goes to college where she is “kidnapped” and brought into the spirit realm to meet Adrian. Adrian has to convince her he is not a crazy stalker and he has a purpose for bringing her into this spirit world. Adrian is an immortal and he has shared several lifetimes with Sophie as other people. In the spirit realm, Adrian wants Sophie to eat a pomegranate, which will bring back all of her memories of their past love. Adrian refuses to live for eternity without her and she is faced with choosing between her current, mortal life or an immortal life with Adrian. As she remembers her past, it exposes her to a group of crazies that want all of the immortals dead. The journey through Adrian and Sophie’s previous lives unfold in a wonderful story.

The writing is so descriptive it feels like you are with the characters, living every memory right along with them. This story is beautifully written and intertwined with the Greek Mythology of Hades and Persephone. There was not one dull moment is this book, every page wove the story of Adrian and Sophie, linking their past with their present. There is so many parts of this story that I could talk about but one of the most moving for me was the Underworld. When Adrian first connected with Sophie, one of the things he used to intrigue her to come back to see him was being able to see her deceased grandfather in the Underworld. The Underworld is where the soul goes when it dies and stays there until reincarnated into a new life. The souls fly around and Adrian could talk to them, but couldn’t touch one. Sophie returns to see Adrian so she can see her grandfather and it’s a emotionally beautiful reunion.

I thought this was such a lovely element to the story because we all have that hope of seeing our loved ones again. Persephone’s Orchard will sweep you off your feet and leave you wishing that the story was real.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Tricia

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