Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2018

Dirty Rich Obsession: All Mine (Dirty Rich #8) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review & Excerpt Tour

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DIRTY RICH OBSESSION: ALL MINE (Dirty Rich #8) by Lisa Renee Jones-review  and excerpt tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 26, 2018

CONTINUING CARRIE AND REID’S STORY (begin their story in Dirty Rich Obsession)

In this lifetime there is one person who will own you, who will know you, who will understand you like no one else could possibly understand you. That person for me is Carrie. I didn’t want to love her. I didn’t want to need her. But now that she’s my world, no one is going to take her from me. Yet the minute I propose, that’s exactly what the universe tries to do. It tries to take her from me.

My father and the many enemies my life as my father’s son has created wants to take her from me.

They’ll be sorry they tired.

She’s mine.

All Mine.

And everyone, including Carrie, is going to know.

•••••••••

REVIEW:  DIRTY RICH OBSESSION: ALL MINE is the eighth instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult DIRTY RICH erotic, romance series. ALL MINE is the continuing story of corporate attorneys Reid Maxwell, and Carrie West, and picks up shortly after the events of DIRTY RICH OBSESSION (Dirty Rich #3) and therefore, should not be read as a stand alone.

NOTE: There are some scenes of Domination and submission, light discipline and spanking which may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Reid and Carrie) DIRTY RICH OBSESSION: ALL MINE follows corporate attorneys Reid Maxwell, and Carrie West as they struggle with demons from the past including both Reid and Carrie’s father’s ongoing personal and business battles to destroy one another. With the upcoming merger between West Enterprises and the Maxwell family law firm, emotions run high on both sides of the table. A ghost from the past intends to take down Reid Maxwell but in doing so reveals a more devious assault against our story line couple, as Reid and Carrie makes plans for their happily ever after.

The intense and erotic relationship between Carrie and Reid is one of enemies to lovers, a relationship soon predicated on mutual attraction and fury, love and understanding.

We are reintroduced to Reid’s sister Cat and her husband Reese (Dirty Rich One Night Stand #1); Reid and Cat’s brother Gabe Maxwell, their father Mike Maxwell; business associates, billionaire attorney Grayson Bennett and his fiancé Mia (Dirty Rich Betrayal #4), billionaire investor Elijah Woodson, and his wife Tabitha; Reid’s amazing PA Connie; Carrie’s PA Sallie, as well as Carrie’s father James West, her brother Anthony, and James’ girlfriend Stella. As per Lisa’s style, we also welcome the return of some of the characters from her Walker Security series including Royce and Blake Walker, and security expert Savage.

DIRTY RICH OBSESSION : ALL MINE is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and hope. The premise is sexy, spicy and complex: the romance is spirited and seductive; the characters are sassy, strong, and charismatic. DIRTY RICH OBESSION: ALL MINE is a passionate, captivating and provocative tale from the pen of Lisa Renee Jones.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dirty Rich One Night Stand
Dirty Rich Cinderella
Dirty Rich Obsession
Dirty Rich Betrayal
Dirty Rich Betrayal
Dirty Rich Cinderella Ever After
Dirty Rich Obsession: All Mine

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Reid…
Reid pulls me close, his fingers tunneling into my hair before he says, “Ever fucked in a limo, baby?” and before I can answer, his mouth closes down on mine and he’s crazy, hot kissing me.

“Well?” Reid challenges, his lips parting mine after a scorching kiss. “Have you ever fucked in a limo?”

“No,” I say, my hand flattening on his really hard and perfect chest, while my sex clenches in denial of my rejection about to follow. “I have not and I’m not starting now. Have you?”

“No,” he says. “Which makes it all the better that I do it with you. The only woman I plan to ever fuck again in this lifetime.” He kisses me and his hand slides under my shirt and over my breast.

“We paid a lot of money for this private limo,” he says. “Let’s enjoy it.”

“We?” I ask, catching his hand under my shirt but it does no good to stop him. His fingers shove down the lace of my bra.

“Yes. We. What’s mine is yours and just to be clear, you’re mine now.” He latches onto my nipple with his fingers and I moan with the sweet friction.

“Reid,” I whisper huskily.

“More, baby?” He rolls me to my back onto the long leather seat and then comes down on top of me. “You want my mouth on your nipple?”

“Stop,” I warn, clenching my thighs to no avail. His big body is separating them, and both of us have a leg dangling off the seat. “We can’t—”

He kisses me again, a deep, drugging kiss, while his hand squeezes my breast, and his thick cock nestles against my sex. I moan and he presses his cheek to mine, his lips at my ear. “I do believe you need my mouth on your nipple right now.”

“Reid,” I hiss, but it’s too late. He’s dragging my shirt up and over my head, tossing it aside and almost immediately his mouth is on one of my nipples, suckling, and licking. “What if—”

He kisses me. “I paid for privacy.”

I push on his chest. “We’re in Japan. How do you know you really paid for privacy?”

“It’s Japan, baby. They respect agreements here, more than Americans.” He kisses me again and his hand slides around my backside, squeezing and lifting me against him. “Maybe I should spank you right here.”

“No!” I say urgently, shoving on his chest again. “Not a chance in hell.”

He laughs low and sexy. “But I can fuck you?”

“Are you really trying to negotiate right now?” I challenge.

“I’m just trying to get inside my future wife.” He strokes a lock of hair from my face, his expression softening, his voice tender now. “Wife, Carrie. I never thought I’d call anyone that. I never thought I’d want anyone like that.”

My heart squeezes. “Husband,” I whisper. “From asshole to husband. I never—”

“You changed me, Carrie. You. Just you. And I need you to know that I will protect you. That I will never hurt you.”

My fingers splay on his cheek and I know he’s thinking of the girlfriend that gave up her life for him. “Reid, you can’t walk around afraid for me. That’s not living.”

“I will protect you,” he promises, his tone guttural, as if I haven’t even spoken, his mouth covering mine in a deep kiss, before he returns to my nipple, this time I don’t fight the pleasure. He needs this right now. Maybe I do, too. I arch into the intimate touch of his lips, his tongue, into the taut pull of his teeth against my nipple. My fingers dive into his blond hair but he moves down my body, his lips on my belly, his tongue flickering into my belly button even as he unsnaps my jeans.
This jolts me and I grab his hand, lifting my head to look at him. “Are you sure we’re safe in here?”

Those beautiful blue eyes of his meet mine. “I promise, baby. No one will interrupt us.”

“You’re sure?”

“I promise and—”

“You never break a promise,” I say, stopping him there. “That’s a very marrying quality, by the way.”

His lips, those brutally sexy lips, curve. “Good to know. Trust me now, Carrie.”

Trust him.

There is a question in his eyes, a roughness to his voice. He proposed, but on the heels of so many opportunities for me to question him. This appeal to “trust him now” isn’t about sex in a limo. It’s about so much more. “I do trust you,” I say, and my voice isn’t a whisper, just a tremble of emotion spoken quite clearly.

He studies me for several long beats and then tugs my jeans down, taking the tiny strip of silk I’m wearing with them, with my shoes following. I barely have time to process just how vulnerable I am before Reid pulls his shirt over his head. “So you know you’re never naked alone, not again. Not ever.”

Emotion wells in my chest and he is already on top of me, kissing me, his cheek pressing to mine as he whispers, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” I whisper back, only to have him slide down my body again

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Lisa Renee JonesNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is also the author of the bestselling the bestselling DIRTY MONEY and WHITE LIES series. And will be publishing the first book in her Lilah Love suspense series with Amazon Publishing in March 2018.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily

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A Shifter Christmas Carol (Shifters Unbound 11.75) by Jennifer Ashley-a review

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A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL (Shifters Unbound 11.75 ) by Jennifer Ashley-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 11, 2018

Dylan Morrissey forgoes the Shifters’ traditional Yule celebration, to his family’s dismay. Instead, he joins Ben at the haunted house in New Orleans, planning to meet with potential, if dangerous, allies in the Shifters’ constant struggle for freedom.

But the sentient house has other ideas. Dylan wakes up—or rather doesn’t—unable to move or speak, and is taken on a journey to the past, present, and future.

Ben, Zander, and Tiger are his guides, but is what they are showing him truth?

Return to Shiftertown for a Shifters Unbound take on a classic Christmas tale!

•••••••••

REVIEW: A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL by Jennifer Ashley focuses on one-time clan leader, and former Shiftertown leader Dylan Morrissey as he struggles to free the shifters from their segregated communities known as Shiftertowns.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years in the past, the Fae created the shifters-a cross between beast and man-and in the ensuing time the Fae lost control and power over the battle creatures they had created for war. Approximately twenty years ago shifters were exposed to the human population. Out of fear, discrimination and specieism, the shifters were collared with Fae magic in the belief that it would control aggression; then they were forced into segregated communities known as Shiftertowns. There are several Shiftertowns located throughout America where shifters live in a relative but strained peace amongst their own kind.

Told from third person perspective (Dylan Morrissey) A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL follows lion-shifter Dylan Morrissey as he forgoes the annual Yule celebration in an attempt to broker a deal with the blood-sucking humans known as the zilithal. Leaving family and friends behind, Dylan heads to the ‘sentient house’ in New Orleans where he will come face to face with his past, present and possible future as he battles to free the people he loves. What ensues is a ‘Christmas Carol’ style chain of events where the potential repercussions of Dylan’s actions could mean the death for them all.

A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL is a fast paced, novella length story wherein Dylan Morrissey must come to terms with his one-man inability to save the Shifter race. From a feeling of hopelessness; his lack of attentiveness of his beloved Glory, to the possibility of losing everyone he loves, Dylan will soon realize that family and friendships mean the world and more. Definitely familiar in its’ presentation A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL is a ‘spirited’ and dramatic tale.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shifter Made .5
Pride Mates
Primal Bonds
Bodyguard
Wild Cat
Hard Mated 3.5
Mate Claimed
Perfect Mate 4.5
Lone Wolf 4.6
Tiger Magic
Feral Heat 5.5
Wild Wolf
Bear Attraction 6.5
Mate Bond
Lion Eyes
Bad Wolf 7.5
Wild Things 7.75
White Tiger
Guardian’s Mate
Red Wolf
Midnight wolf
Tiger Striped
A Shifter Christmas Carol

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Russian Mafia Romance Series 1-3 by Maura Rose-reviews

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RUSSIAN MAFIA ROMANCE SERIES 1-3 by Maura Rose-Reviews

BEHOLDEN TO THE BRATVA
A Russian Mafia Romance #1
by Maura Rose
RELEASE DATE: February 16, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, Russian Mafia, romance

ebook ONLY 99¢ or £0.99 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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

VIKTOR

Ruthless. Brutal. Bloodthirsty.

That’s my reputation, and as a member of the Sokolov crime family, I’ve earned it. I’m good at what I do, and although I may not enjoy “conducting business” quite as much as my father, I know how to do what has to be done. Even if it means ruining lives. Even if it means killing.

The high point of my week is when we have our business meetings at the restaurant where the lovely Lina serves as a waitress and brightens the room with her sweet, nervous smile. She is the daughter of Darius, the restaurant’s owner—and Darius is deep in debt to Bogdan, the boss of the Sokolov Bratva…and my father.

Lina is gorgeous. She’s angelic. She blushes when she looks at me. But she hates us for what we are.

And now, I have to kidnap her. Business is business, after all, and Darius has to pay.

LINA

Business has been bad for years now, but my father refuses to close the doors of the restaurant. Rather than wiping down tables to clear away food, I’m cleaning off tables to keep the dust from settling. No one eats here anymore…except them. The criminals. The “businessmen.” The Bratva.

Every week, they come in and have a meeting in our banquet room, and even though my father puts on a show of friendliness when they walk through the doors, I can tell there is fear in his eyes when he sees them—and that makes me afraid, too. There has to be more to their relationship than a simple love of good comfort food, but my father refuses to talk about the history between him and Bogdan.

I can’t stand them. They’re bad for business and leave a bad taste in my mouth. I hate the way they look at me, and I hate that I have to smile in their faces while they muddy our restaurant with their vile presence. I hate them all.

Except one. The one with the icy blue eyes that linger on me, the quiet one with the handsome, brooding face. Despite knowing what he is and what he does for a living, I can’t help myself. He’s hot. He’s mysterious. And damn it all to hell, I want him.

Beholden to the Bratva is a standalone full-length steamy romance novel with a heat level (and action-packed drama) sure to leave you dripping with sweat! No cliffhangers, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA!

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BEHOLDEN TO THE BRATVA is the first instalment in Maura Rose’s contemporary, adult RUSSIAN MAFIA ROMANCE series. This is Sokolov crime family son Viktor Sokolov, and Lina’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lina and Viktor) BEHOLDEN TO THE BRATVA follows the building relationship between Sokolov crime family son Viktor Sokolov, and Lina. Lina had no idea her father Darius was deep into the Sokolov Russian mafia for close to a million dollars, money he didn’t have, and never would. In order to make restitution Lina will unknowingly become fodder for her father’s debt, a debt she would have to pay for with her life. Enter Viktor Sokolov, the man who with whom Lina will fall in love but a man with familial connections to the Russian mob. What ensues is the kidnapping of Lina; Viktor’s dogged determination to protect Lina at all costs, and the potential fall-out as the costs incurred would send Lina and Viktor on the run.

The relationship between Lina and Viktor is one of immediate but forbidden attraction. For years the Sokolov crime family has made themselves at home in Darius’ café, a café that now struggles to pay the bills. With each visitation, Lina will come face to face with Viktor Sokolov, the man with whom she will fall in love but a man who struggles with what will, and must be done. The quick building relationship is passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Lina’s father Darius; Viktor’s brother Ivan; Bratva lieutenant Pavel; their merciless father Bogdan, as well as Bogdan’s number one enforcer Vladimir. Not everyone will survive to see another day.

BEHOLDEN TO THE BRATVA is a story of family, power, murder and control. The premise is inviting; the romance is spirited; the characters are determined but fell a little flat in the personality development.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy 

____________________

BURNING FOR THE BRATVA:
A Russian Mafia Romance #2
by Maura Rose
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, Russian Mafia, romance

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date June 12, 2018

ebook ONLY 99¢ or £0.99 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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

Burning passions can be all-consuming…

IVAN
I’m the head of the Sokolov Bratva now. My father is dead, my brother gone, and I’m left with picking up the pieces of a broken business and a pile of broken dreams. I’m the only one who can do it, but I can’t do it alone.
That’s where the Irish come in. If we can work with each other instead of against each other, we can all benefit. But there’s trouble stirring, and if I don’t find out what’s going on and put a stop to it, I may end up joining my father in the grave.
My life is on the line. I don’t have the luxury of letting myself be distracted. Especially not by a woman. Especially when that woman is an Irish mob boss’s daughter.

KELLY
My father is insane if he thinks I’m going to marry some Russian mafia goon for the sake of his business dealings. I don’t want to do it, and I won’t. I don’t want to marry him or anyone else. My dad may be a mob boss, but I am the boss of my own destiny.
And I won’t do it. No matter how sexy he is.
But that’s the least of my worries. Someone is killing off my family, and I think I know who the “someone” is. The trouble is, I can’t do anything about it without the help of the guy from the bratva. And as much as I like the eye candy when he’s around, entering into a dangerous business dealing with a Russian mob boss is the last thing I want to do.
Unfortunately, it may be the only way to keep the rest of my family—and myself—alive.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BURNING FOR THE BRATVA is the second instalment Maura Rose’s contemporary, adult RUSSIA MAFIA ROMANCE erotic, romance series. This is the head of the Sokolov Bratva Ivan Sokolov, and Irish mob daughter Kelly O’Gill’s story line. BURNING FOR THE BRATVA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kelly and Ivan) BURNING FOR THE BRATVA follows the quick building romance between the head of the Sokolov Bratva Ivan Sokolov, and Irish mob daughter Kelly O’Gill. With the recent death of his father, Ivan needed a mentor in order to take control of the Sokolov Bratva. Having wandered into the Irish territory, Ivan comes face to face with Sean O’Gill, the man who is about to show Ivan the ropes. Enter Sean’s daughter Kelly O’Gill, and the woman with whom he would fall in love. What ensues is the search for a mole within the O’Gill organization and the potential fall-out as someone close is trying to even the score.

Kelly O’Gill battles between head and heart knowing that an alliance with the Russian Bratva would secure her family’s control at the docks. With one brother dead, and another one barely alive, Kelly wants retribution against the people responsible, even if it means going against her father’s wishes. Ivan knows that to merge with the O’Gill family is a bonus anyway you look at but meeting sassy, smart mouthed and arrogant Kelly O’Gill, Ivan sees more than a merger but a possible future and mother to his heir.

The relationship between Kelly and Ivan begins acrimoniously as the couple are forced to work together to uncover a plot against the O’Gill family. Betrayal revealed, vengeance demanded, Kelly and Ivan will begin an investigation of their own that leads to a sexual encounter, at the risk of their own lives. The $ex scenes are passionate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful but limited in number. We are introduced to Kelly’s father and the head of the O’Gill Irish family Sean O’Gill her brother Shane, and Sean’s lieutenant Bates. Pavel returns as Ivan’s lieutenant and second in command.

BURNING FOR THE BRATVA is a story of blood and family; betrayal and retribution; power, control and vengeance. The character driven premise is edgy and engaging; the romance is spicy; the characters are determined and animated. BURNING FOR THE BRATVA is an energetic story line merging the Russian and Irish mobs.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy 

________________

BLAZING FOR THE BRATVA
(A Russian Mafia Romance #3)
by Maura Rose 

Release Date: November 19, 2018

ebook ONLY 99¢ or £0.99 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.au/ Amazon.uk /

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

About the book: 

The struggle for power, the struggle for love…

PAVEL
I’ve always been the low man on the Sokolov bratva’s totem pole, but not anymore. The family is changing, growing, and I have stepped up as second-in-command. I’m not the errand boy now. Pavel the Puppy is no more. Now, I’m a wolf—a force to be reckoned with, and I get the respect I deserve because I’ve earned it.

But with status comes sacrifice, and the bratva needs an alliance to cement our place in the city’s organized crime hierarchy. Now I have to marry a complete stranger who just happens to be the youngest daughter of the Mikhailov bratva’s boss—the most powerful man in the city.

She’s gorgeous. She’s educated. She’s feisty. She’s also convinced she’s too good for an arranged marriage with a man of my reputation.

But I’m going to make her mine. No matter what it takes. Mine.

NATALIA
My father runs the most powerful Russian mafia operation in the region. He has decided it’s time to marry me off to some no-name guy from some no-name bratva, and I want to find a way out of it. I deserve better than some second-rate lieutenant—I should be marrying a boss, myself! But Father’s word is final, so I don’t have much choice.

Then I meet him. He’s courteous. Mysterious. Handsome. He’s not at all like the puppy dog I had imagined or the bodybuilder wannabes who are typical of the men in the organized crime world. There is a danger that lurks within his beautiful eyes, and a demeanor of calm that commands respect. I want to hate him, want to hate our arranged marriage—but instead I hate myself for wanting him so bad.

I have to get him alone, have to find out what secrets hide behind his eyes… and under his clothes. But if we are caught meeting alone before the wedding, it could bring shame on the Mikhailov bratva—and it could mean death for Pavel.

••••••••••

REVIEW: BLAZING FOR THE BRATVA is the third instalment in Maura Rose’s contemporary adult RUSSIAN MAFIA ROMANCE erotic, romance series. This is Sokolov Bratva lieutenant Pavel , and Natalia Mikhailov’s story line. BLAZING FOR THE BRATVA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Natalia and Pavel) BLAZING FOR THE BRATVA follows the building but forbidden relationship between Sokolov Bratva lieutenant Pavel, and Natalia Mikhailova. The impending wedding between Natalia’s sister Irena to the heir to the powerful Japanese Yakuza is meant to merge the Russian and Japanese mobs but Natalia’s father is determined to increase his standing in the Bratva by announcing Natalia’s marriage to a man she doesn’t know. Enter Sokolov Bratva lieutenant Pavel, the man with whom Natalia will fall in love. What ensues is the building but secret romance between Natalia and Pavel, and the potential fall-out as things don’t go according to plans with Irena’s wedding, and Natalia’s father calls off any future plans for our story line heroine.

To keep up appearances and maintain propriety Natalia and Pavel are not allowed to date prior to their engagement announcement but our story line couple are desperate to meet one another, and in the ensuing aftermath, begin a secret relationship on the road to falling in love. Natalia struggles with her father’s old country ways, and following a near disaster at her sister’s wedding, demands her right to choose.

The relationship between Pavel and Natalia begins acrimoniously. Neither Pavel nor Natalia are thrilled with being forced into a marriage of convenience; a marriage meant to merge rival Russian powers but powers each seeking something different. Hoping to become friends first, Pavel and Natalia will begin a secret courtship behind everybody’s back. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Natalia’s sisters Irena, Anastasia, Lana and Vasilisa, as well as their father Ivan Mikhailova. We are re-introduced to the head of the Sokolov Bratva Ivan Sokolov, and his wife Kate (Burning for the Bratva #2).

BLAZING FOR THE BRATVA is a story of family, betrayal, power and control. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are animated and lively. The usual violence in many Russian Bratva story lines is limited, as well as the story line conflict but saying that I am looking forward to reading more future story lines focusing on Natalia’s sisters.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Room Mate by Katie Ashley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ROOM MATE by Katie Ashley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2018

From the time I was a kid, I knew I wanted a job helping people. After serving in the Rifles regiment of the British Army, I focused my civilian career on becoming a bodyguard to the rich and famous. For a Cockney Brit, I never imagined a twist of fate landing me a position in the United States Secret Service and protecting the President’s son. But then my boss made an unexpected request: leave my current placement to move in with his only daughter to give an added layer of protection against the threats she had been receiving. I’d never lived with a woman who was off-limits to me. It wasn’t just that Caroline had a boyfriend. She was my best friend’s sister, and my boss’s daughter. But the longer we’re in such close quarters together, the greater the temptation grows, but I know I’ll lose everything if I pursue her.

Growing up as the only girl with two overbearing older brothers, I’m no stranger to being overprotected. Just as I finished up college and prepared to truly dip my toes into the adult world, my father was elected President of the United States, which added a whole new level of protection with the Secret Service team attached to me. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly be more smothered, I began receiving threats, and my family decided it wasn’t enough to just have an agent living down the hall from me. Nope, I was to have one move in with me, and not just any agent, but Ty Frasier—my brother, Barrett’s best friend, and my brother, Ty’s, head agent. While most women would enjoy living with a sexy, buff Brit, having a roommate threw a wrench into all my plans. Especially when I began noticing Ty was so much more than a hot guy—he was someone I could fall for.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ROOM MATE is the third instalment in Katie Ashley’s contemporary, adult, erotic, romance series focusing on the Callahan siblings, the children of American President James Callahan. This is twenty-nine year old, former British Army soldier, and current Secret Service Agent Ty Frasier, and twenty-five year old, author Caroline Callahan’s story line. ROOM MATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ty and Caroline) ROOM MATE follows the building relationship between twenty-nine year old, Secret Service Agent Ty Frasier, and twenty-five year old, author Caroline Callahan. Following a series of threatening letters and emails directed at the President’s only daughter, Caroline Callahan, about to embark on a new career, found herself with a new room mate in the guise of Secret Service Agent Ty Frasier, a man who stirred something deep within our story line heroine. Currently in a relationship with someone else, Caroline struggled with her attraction to a man hired to protect her with his life but an attraction that would grow when the two were forced together for our heroine’s protection. As the threats against Caroline continued, Ty’s relationship with Caroline would become more personal and private, until the attraction between one another could no longer be ignored. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Ty and Caroline, and the potential fall-out as Caroline’s stalker gets up close and personal with our leading couple.

The relationship between Ty and Caroline begins as an assignment. Caroline was about to start a new job, out of town, but the threats against her life had grown more insidious and dark. Having previously shadowed both of Caroline’s brothers, Ty was the perfect guardian for out story line heroine, and it didn’t hurt that Ty was the epitome of brooding, sexy, alpha male. Weeks together and 24/7 in one another’s company meant plenty of time to discover what made the other one tick. The $ex scenes intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles including Barrett and Addison (Running Mate), Thorn and Isabel (Office Mate), as well as President James Callahan and his wife Jane. We are introduced to Caroline’s best friend and former room mate Selah McCallister.

ROOM MATE is an energetic and inviting story of family, friendship, understanding and love. The premise is engaging; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are sexy, sassy and animated.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Running Mate
Office Mate
Room Mate

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

After we spent a considerable amount of time perusing the aisles of the Piggly Wiggly, Caroline was finally finished, and we made our way to the checkout. In true small town fashion, she struck up a conversation with the middle-aged cashier. While she appeared utterly charming, I probably came off as an ass because I kept looking around and narrowing my eyes at anyone who might look suspicious. Especially the male middle-aged cashier who seemed utterly enthralled by Caroline.

At the sight of us coming out the mechanized doors, Stuart began easing the SUV closer to our place on the curb. After popping the hatch, Caroline wheeled the cart over to the back of the SUV. Just as I was about to start helping her with the bags, I heard a shout behind me. “Hey! Come back here.”

Whirling around, I saw a man waving wildly at Caroline. “Fuck! Assailant!” Stuart shouted.

I shoved myself between the man and Caroline, shielding her from him. Grabbing her by the waist, I hoisted her up and threw her in the back of the SUV. “Omph!” she cried as her body bounced on the carpeting of the hatch. After slamming the door, I stepped back just as Stuart screeched away from the curb.

Now that I knew Caroline was safe, I turned my attention back to the man. Hurling myself at him, I took him down to the curb. “What are you doing?” he demanded.

“Stay down. I’m calling the police.”

“The police? But what did I do?”

“You’ve been harassing the President’s daughter.”

“I just came out to give her the coupons she forgot.”

“What?”

He nodded. “Look in my right hand.”

After rocking back on my knees, I grabbed his arm and pried the contents out of his hand. Once I unraveled it, I grimaced. “Son of a bitch.”

I had completely and utterly misread the situation. Speaking into my microphone, I said, “Stuart, it’s a false alarm.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” he blared into my ear.

“No, I’m not.”

“We’re headed back.”

“Roger.”

I figured then it was past time for me to get off the man. I rose to my feet before reaching down to help him up. I brushed off his white shirt I had accidentally dirtied when I knocked him to the ground. Upon closer inspection, I saw the nametag on his shirt. “Sheldon, I’m terribly sorry for my actions.”

He narrowed his brown eyes at me. “I think it’s me who needs to be calling the police.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Reaching into my pocket, I fished out my badge. As I flashed it at him, I said, “Agent Fraser with the U.S. Secret Service.”

His eyes bulged before he gasped. “Wait, that was President Callahan’s daughter?”

“Yes, sir, it was. I hope you can understand that we take the safety of the president’s children very seriously, and upon first reflection, it appeared you might’ve been preparing to harm Ms. Callahan.”

“Oh, no. I would never want to do that. I voted for her dad. Never thought I’d vote for an Independent, but he won me over.”

“I’m happy to hear that, sir. I certainly hope this unfortunate incident won’t in anyway skew your views on him.”

He waved a hand dismissively at me. “No, no. I understand. More than that, I can’t wait to go home and tell my wife that Caroline Callahan came into my store today.”

For my sake, I hoped he left out the part where a Secret Service agent mowed him down because he thought Piggly Wiggly coupons were a weapon. Once the other agents found out about this, I was going to catch hell in the form of their constant ribbing. At least Stuart would be going down with me. He’d made the assumption to start with.

After Stuart drove up, he made quick work of putting the SUV in park and opening the hatch. I hopped off the curb and went over to the back. Caroline sat with her knees pulled against her chest. When she pursed her lips at me, I held up my hands. “I’m sorry. It was a false alarm.”

“That’s what Stuart said.”

“We can never be too careful.”

An amused look twinkled in her blue eyes. “Apparently not when we find grocery cashiers a threat to my safety.”

“He appeared to have a weapon in his hand, and he was shouting at you,” I argued.

“I believe the weapon turned out to be coupons.”

Man, she was really on my dick about this one. Shit. I should never think of Caroline on my dick in any form or fashion. It was just too wrong. “Yes, the weapon turned out to be your coupons.”

“Right.”

I extended my hand to her. “Come on and get out, so we can load the groceries up and get the hell out of here.”

After I helped Caroline slide out of the back, she started helping me load the bags. “Should I go inside and offer an autograph to smooth things over? This is the closest grocery store to the apartment, so I’d hate to not ever be able to come here again because you clothes-lined a guy.”

“I didn’t clothes-line him. I merely took him down as part of protocol.”

“I’d say you lost your calling in football, that’s for sure.”

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Ten Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She’s written rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her Heeler-Mix, Belle, and her two cats, Harry Potter and Hermoine. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.

Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn’t monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.

CONNECT WITH KATIE

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Binding Blood (Bonds of Blood #3) by Daniel de Lorne-a review

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BINDING BLOOD (Bonds of Blood #3) by Daniel de Lorne-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2018

Monsters don’t get to be heroes…

Betrayed by his brother and imprisoned in his sister’s dungeon, Olivier d’Arjou isn’t about to let a few chains get in his way. A vampire for six hundred years and a plague on his family for longer, he has no reason to hold back from wiping out the last of his family members and anyone who gets in his way. But first, he’ll need to break free.

When Oberon North, witch and survivor of one of Olivier’s most heinous crimes, comes seeking vengeance, it should be child’s play to bend the witch to his will. But Oberon comes with more power and resilience than Olivier expects and forces him to confront truths he’d rather avoid.

But Olivier’s inner conflict must take a backseat when he learns of his sister Aurelia’s plan to save the world from the demon Xadrak. A battle generations in the making, to succeed requires the ultimate sacrifice from both Olivier and his brother Thierry – and the last chance Olivier has to reclaim his humanity and a future he never thought possible.

••••••••••

REVIEW: -BINDING BLOOD is the third and final instalment in Daniel De Lorne’s adult BONDS OF BLOOD paranormal, M/M dark romance, suspense, thriller trilogy focusing on siblings Olivier and Thierry d’Arjou, and their sister Aurelia. BINDING BLOOD should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two Burning Blood.

NOTE: BINDING BLOOD is a storyline with scenes of graphic violence, rape, torture, and M/M sexual situations, and may not be suitable for all readers.

SOME BACKGROUND : Six hundred years earlier the lives of twins Olivier and Thierry d’Arjou, along with their sister Aurelia, were destroyed at the hands of their father, a man whose demonic possession ensures the ongoing struggle between the d’Arjou siblings. Olivier’s vampire rages with fury as Thierry’s vampire searches for the man that he would always love.

Told from several third person perspectives BINDING BLOOD follows several paths as Aurelia d’Arjou, a powerful witch, struggles to gain control of a demon who is about to destroy the world. For close to six hundred years Aurelia has hunted for the demon known as Xadrak, in an effort send him through the portal from whence he came. To ensure her plans do not go awry, Aurelia must protect the portal, and the key, even if she has to lie and betray the people she loves. While her brother Olivier remains a prisoner in her dungeon, Oberon, one of Olivier’s victims must face his destroyer in an effort to heal them all. What ensues are Aurelia’s efforts to join forces with the present and the past, as another demon is summoned in an effort to pull Xadrak back into h*ll.

BINDING BLOOD is an infinitely detailed, dark and menacing story line consolidating several interconnected plotlines from the two previous instalments. Olivier and Thierry’s ongoing hostilities will be tempered when the truth is revealed; Aurelia must keep secret the legitimacy of Olivier, Thierry and Oberon’s connection to saving the world.

Daniel De Lorne takes the reader on an elaborate journey of magic and mayhem, demons, witches, vampires and lore. The tragedy of unrequited and all consuming love leads to sacrifice, and a loss of innocence forever destroyed by betrayal and vengeance. Oblivious to the truth, Olivier, Thierry and Oberon will become unwitting pawns in an effort to take down the evil that demands the world. A story of sacrifice, hatred, power and love BINDING BLOOD is a impassioned, startling and energetic look at the dark side of paranormal romance.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Beckoning Blood
Burning Blood
Binding Blood

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy 

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ReWined Volume 3 (Party Ever After #3) by Kim Karr-Review Tour

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ReWined Volume 3 (Party Ever After #3) by Kim Karr-Review Tour

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

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ADD TO YOUR TBR ⇢ http://bit.ly/2K7jsaK

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 16, 2018 ‘

There are three guaranteed ways to ruin a perfectly unstable marriage…

>1. Tell your beautiful new bride she’s the devil.
2. Tie one on and don’t come home.
3. Oh, and let’s not forget, uncover family secrets that rock both your worlds.

I really need a rewind because now my temporary wife is pissed as hell and wants a quickie divorce.

Wooing her is my plan.
Sending flowers, writing love notes, and even serenading her are some of the sure-fire methods I learned from watching her favorite romantic comedies.
In all of those films, one grand gesture leads to the woman falling at her man’s feet cueing sappy music and epic make-up sex.
Too bad my girl isn’t following the script.

Short of riding in on a white horse, I’m at a loss of how to win her back.
Unless…
Every girl dreams of a Prince Charming. Right?
Well, I can redefine myself and turn this party boy into one.
She insists it’s impossible.
I disagree.

***This is the final volume in the Party Ever After series.***

•••••••••

REVIEW: ReWined Volume 3 is the third instalment in Kim Karr’s contemporary, adult PARTY EVER AFTER erotic, romance trilogy focusing on heir to the winery California Jane, Tyler Justin Ryan Holiday III, and Paris Elizabeth Hollis Fairchild, heir to the Highway 128 winery. Volume 3 should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of Volume 2.

Told from dual first perspectives (Tyler and Paris) using present day and memories from the past, ReWined Volume 3 continues to follow the up and down relationship between ‘California Jane’ Winery Tyler Holiday, and his new wife, Paris Fairchild-Holiday, heir to Winery Highway 128. With both of their respective wineries struggling to survive, the marriage between Paris and Tyler was more of a business merger that turned into something else. Former childhood friends and sweethearts, Paris and Tyler’s acrimonious relationship fall-out stems from their respective family squabbles that all but destroyed one another’s lives. Fast forward to present day wherein Paris sees little to know change in Tyler’s adolescent behavior, behavior that is in direct contradiction to their agreed upon terms. What ensues are Tyler’s attempts to win back the woman he loves, as he must come to terms with a past he knew nothing about.

ReWined Volume 3 is a novella length, revealing and heart breaking story about two people whose lives were destroyed by the very people responsible for what should have been their love and affection. Paris and Tyler will discover that past events were not what they appeared to have been, and in this, Tyler must face the truth about his heritage, his life, and the prospects for the future. The premise is entertaining; the romance struggles in the face of secrets, miscommunication and a lack of trust; the characters are dynamic and colorful. My only concern is the quick resolution to the story line conflict, a resolution that left out too many details regarding the merger of the wineries, and the how and why of their now burgeoning success.

Reading Order and Previous  Reviews
ReWined Volume 1
ReWined Volume 2
ReWined Volume 3

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Reader * Chocolate Lover * Writer * Coffee Lover * Romantic * Beach Lover * Yoga Beginner

Kim Karr is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels. Best known for writing sexy contemporary love stories, she enjoys bringing flawed characters to life and creating romances that are page worthy. Her stories are raw, real, and explosive. Her characters will make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel. And her happily-ever-afters are always swoon worthy. From the brooding rock star to the arrogant millionaire to the Football Player. From the witty damsel-in-distress to the sassy high-powered businesswoman to the boutique owner. No two storylines are ever alike. If Kim’s not writing, you can find her wandering through antique stores with her husband, trying out new fitness classes with her sons, venturing out to new coffee shops with her daughter, or with her nose stuck in a book.

Link with Kim!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Page | Instagram

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/kimkarr_newsletter

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Shards of Blood and Shadow / A Brush With Fate by Anna Argent-dual reviews

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SHARDS OF BLOOD AND SHADOW / A BRUSH WITH FATE (The Lost Shards #1 & #2) by Anna Argent -dual reviews

•••••••••••

SHARDS OF BLOOD AND SHADOW
(The Lost Shards #1)
by Anna Argent
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 8, 2018

Cleo Radella inherited both the ability to see the future, and a haunting prediction that she will commit murder on her twenty-fifth birthday. That day has arrived, along with a stranger who is fated to alter her world irrevocably.

One will come in blood, the other in shadow…

Flint is not what one would call a people person. He despises small talk, prefers solitude, and hates being touched. Luckily, the fragments of ancient, powerful souls he carries allow him to fade into the shadows, unseen and unnoticed—handy for a guy who hunts people for a living.

Cleo is his next target, but when her life is threatened, he will stop at nothing to protect the beautiful psychic. No one captures his prey but him.

Death lurks behind them…

Forced together, Flint reveals a world Cleo never knew existed. She soon learns that no one is what they seem, and that her destiny is much bigger than she ever imagined

••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:   SHARDS OF BLOOD AND SHADOW is the first instalment in Anna Argent’s (aka Shannon K Butcher) contemporary, adult THE LOST SHARDS paranormal, romance series. This is twenty-five year old psychic Cleo Radella, and Flint Skelton’s story line.

SOME BACKGROUND: The world as we know it is filled with magic, and throughout history people have been blessed or cursed with magical abilities. The ongoing war between good and evil pits the Riven against the Vires in their search for anyone with magical shards-slivers of magic passed down from parent to child, or in many cases, upon the death of someone with magic. By killing someone with magic, the perpetrator ‘inherits’ the shards of his/her victims; upon the death of a loved one, the shard is passed to the nearest kin.

Told from several third person points of view including Cleo and Flint SHARDS OF BLOOD AND SHADOW follows psychic Cleo Radella on the day of her twenty-fifth birthday, a date prophecized by her late mother, in which Cleo will meet a man of shadow, and a man of blood but Cleo never expected to meet her future in the guise of Flint Skelton, a man determined to protect Cleo with his life. Convincing Cleo that she is better off with the group known as the Riven forces our heroine to face a future without the people she loves. What ensues is the building relationship between Flint and Cleo, and the potential fall-out as Cleo is targeted by someone from her past, someone whom Cleo has no memory but someone close enough to inherit her shards.

Cleo Radella is unaware of her family history. As a psychic, along with her aunt Delores, Cleo owns and operates a professional psychic business but unbeknownst to Cleo someone is watching including the man with whom she will fall in love. Flint Skelton doesn’t do relationships but meeting Cleo stirs something protective in our story line hero. Targeted for her abilities, Cleo’s life hangs in the balance but not everyone is who they proclaim to be. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

SHARDS OF BLOOD AND SHADOW introduces some of the background and history of magic and shards. The large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters is unique; the close-knit family of magical Riven will be destroyed by someone they know. The premise is enchanting and startling; the characters are spirited and lively; the romance is intimate and spicy. Anna Argent welcomes you to the world of The Lost Shards, one magical moment and at a time.

 

Barb’s Review:Shards of Blood and Shadow by Anna Argent is the first book in her new The Lost Shards series.  We meet our heroine, Cleo Radella, a psychic who lives with her aunt, who is also a professional psychic with gifts.  Cleo’s mother died years ago, and from that day forward, she inherited her mother’s gifts, including the ability to see the future; her mother also prophesized that on her 25th birthday she would meet two men; a man of shadow and a man of blood. Today is her birthday, and despite her aunt’s warnings, Cleo goes about her day as normal; she does notice a handsome man watching her from a car, and brushes it off.

Flint Skelton, our hero, is a member of Riven, and was assigned to make sure Cleo is one of them or a hoax. Flint at first considers Cleo a fake, but things begin to happen and he quickly realizes his error. Cleo arrived home to see a strange man covered with blood, and her aunt the victim.  Flint tries to explain to Cleo that her life was in danger, and convince her he is one of the good guys, and take her to Riven headquarters. 

What is Riven and Vires?  Riven is a secret group that protects those that carry magical shards, and the evil Vires, are the ones who will kill to inherit those shards for themselves.

What are Shards? Shards are souls with magical powers that move on to siblings of the dying person; but if they are killed, the person who murdered them will inherit the powers of the victim. The shards can be dark or light, and the person who inherits them needs to balance the good and bad.  Not so with the Vires, as they want the powers and will use them for evil purposes.

Cleo was kept in the dark about the history of her mother, and these magical abilities.  Flint, who is the man of shadow, does his best to explain, and only until she meets the members of Riven, will Cleo begin to understand.   She will learn later, that the man of blood, was her brother, whom she did not know, and despite his being a violent killer, Cleo wants to find a way to save him. 

I loved Flint and Cleo together, as in a short time their chemistry was off the wall.  It was great to meet all the wonderful secondary characters Argent has created.  What follows is an exciting, action packed and tense adventure that will put Cleo’s life, as well as Flint’s in danger.  Cleo will discover how to use her new powers, and we learn more about that nearer to the end.  I really enjoyed this world-building by Argent, and look forward to finding out what she has in store for us in the next book.   I suggest you begin this series by reading Shards of Blood and Shadow, written so well by Anna Argent.

 

_______________

A BRUSH WITH FATE
(The Lost Shard #2)
by Anna Argent
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2018

Like many artists, Calliope dreams of painting beautiful works of art that stir the soul. Unfortunately, the only paintings of hers that sell are the ones that kill people.

She’s compelled to paint by a dark presence she doesn’t understand and can’t control. No matter what it takes, she must find a way to resist the urge to submit to the power inside her, because once she dips her brush in red, someone is about to die bloody.

When Knox sets eyes on the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, he’s drawn to her in a way he can’t explain. Too bad she’s dating his brother’s murderer.

Certain that Calliope will be the killer’s next victim, Knox makes it his mission to keep her safe. He soon realizes there’s more to the talented artist than meets the eye. She’s a vessel for slivers of ancient, powerful souls, and she doesn’t even know it. Those shards have an agenda of their own, and they will use her—or destroy her—to get what they want.

As she and Knox hunt for a killer, they learn that their two fates are inextricably bound, and if they can’t find a way to control the power Calliope possesses, then the next gruesome murder she paints may be her own.

••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: A BRUSH WITH FATE is the second instalment in Anna Argent’s (aka Shannon K Butcher) contemporary, adult THE LOST SHARD paranormal, romance series focusing on a group of people imbued with the power of magic. This is former homicide detective Knox Hardin, and artist Calliope Stanhope. A BRUSH WITH FATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: The world as we know it is filled with magic, and throughout history people have been blessed or cursed with magical abilities. The ongoing war between good and evil pits the Riven against the Vires in their search for anyone with magical shards-slivers of magic passed down from the beginning of time, from parent to child, or in many cases, upon the death of someone with magic. By killing someone with magic, the perpetrator ‘inherits’ the shards of his/her victims; upon the death of a loved one, the shard is passed to the nearest kin. As the Vires go in search of their next ‘magical’ victim, the Riven are tasked with finding the artist, the singer and the thief-three people gifted and prophesized by one of their own.

Told from several third person perspectives including Knox and Calliope A BRUSH WITH FATE follows former homicide detective, a member of the group known as the Riven, who hunts for the man that killed his brother. When Knox discovers his brother’s killer Thane Morel has targeted a young artist, Knox warns the woman about Thane’s potential for death and destruction. Enter Calliope Stanhope, psychic artist, and the woman with whom Knox will fall in love. What ensues are Knox’s attempt to convince Calli that her life is in danger, and the potential fall-out as Thane focuses his hunt on our story line heroine.

Calliope Stanhope paints the visions in her head- the past, the present and the future- but recently a voice pushes our heroine to paint scenes of death in an attempt to procure the dying’s shards. Calliope knows that something is wrong but her paintings have become valuable commodities for people who follow the dark arts. Knox Hardin is determined to kill the man that killed his brother but in doing so Knox will become what he despises the most-a Vire, the sworn enemy, a being who will succumb to the dark voices inside. Meeting Calliope Stanhope forces Knox to step back from his mission to take down Thane Morel, a mission that he is desperate to see to the end.

The relationship between Calliope and Knox is one of immediate attraction but Calliope has issues of trust especially as it involves the ludicrous stories about Riven and Vires, darkness and light. As Calliope struggles with the voices in her mind, Knox is determined to protect Calli and make her his own. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of fantastic secondary and supporting characters including the Riven leader Garrick Andor, IT expert Marvel Manning, empath and healer Eliana, historian and librarian Harold Lionel, Eden, and young woman with the ability to ‘read’ the shards, and her protector Argo, Riven Stygian, as well as Calliope’s best friend and PA Tammy Lathrop. The requisite evil has many faces including the return of a powerful Vire.

The world building continues to focus on the war between the Riven and the Vire. Thousands of years of history, and the bits and pieces of ancient souls inside everyone who bears a little bit of magic find the good guys trying to ferret out those with a darkness to their soul.

A BRUSH WITH FATE is a story of betrayal, revenge, power and control. The premise is engaging and intriguing; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are charismatic, colorful and animated. A BRUSH WITH FATE is an edgy and energetic look at magic, power and falling in love.

 

Barb’s REVIEW: A Brush With Fate by Anna Argent is the second book in her The Lost Shards series.  I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and looked forward to reading this one.  I am happy to say I loved A Brush With Fate, as it was equally as good or even better than the first book.

We meet our heroine, Calliope Stanhope, a famous artist, whose work is dark, but though she wants desperately to paint beautiful pictures, it is the dark pictures that sell.  Calliope does not understand why she is compelled to paint these pictures, which she cannot control. 

Knox Hardin, our hero, is an agent with Riven, and despite his determination to continue looking for his brother’s killer, he is assigned to find Calliope, who is thought to be one of them.  As it turns out, Calliope is dating Thane Morel, who unknown to Calliope, is a Vires member, and very powerful and dark. Morel has the ability to force people to do what he wants, and Calliope’s assistant is one of his victims.  Morel is also the one who killed Knox’s brother, and he has targeted Calliope to kill her and steal her powerful shards. 

Knox tries to warn Calliope how dangerous Morel is, but she does not know who to believe.  She is attracted to Knox, but her assistant keeps telling her that Knox is the dangerous one.   After Knox is attacked, Calliope will be the one to get him help, and meet the rest of the members of Riven.  There she sees powerful people using magical abilities to save Knox, and also learn about the powerful ancient shards that she never knew she had.  Calliope will learn that she has mostly good shards, but there is a big dark one, who is the one who compels her to paint murders.    

I loved Calliope and Knox together, as they made a great couple.  Though her attraction to him was strong, she continued to have doubts, and Knox was at first only looking find and kill Morel, found himself falling hard for her.  Their romance was sexy hot and beautiful, that had us rooting hard for them to make it.  

What follows is a tense, action packed, non-stop and exciting thriller.   I love and can’t wait to get stories on all the secondary characters that we have met in the Riven group.    Calliope learns so much more about her powers, which were really cool.  I do not want to tell too much more, as it would be spoilers. 

A Brush with Fate was once again written so well by Anna Argent, that I will be reading every book that she releases in this series.   The story had a bit of everything, danger, intense, action, romance and continually on the edge of my seat throughout.   Though this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest you read the first book, to understand everything about the background of the story.

 

Copies supplied for review

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Midnight Bite by Cynthia Eden-a review

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MIDNIGHT BITE by Cynthia Eden-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 18,2018

A kiss on New Year’s Eve is supposed to be lucky…but a vampire bite? That’s not exactly something a woman dreams of getting. And when Lark Kinsley gets bit, all bets are off. She stakes her date, runs into the night, and tries to put the whole nightmare behind her.

Only she can’t.

Because she immediately runs into trouble—trouble in the form of a tall, dark, and deadly sexy vampire prince named Devereaux. He claims that he’s there to help her, but she’s not buying his story. The guy is no Prince Charming. After all, Prince Charming isn’t supposed to come with fangs and an appetite for blood. But Devereaux says that he’s been waiting centuries for her. That she is meant to rule with him. Obviously, he’s wrong. And possibly insane. She’s not meant to be the queen of the vamps. No matter what Devereaux says.

But he’s not the only one after her. Paranormal monsters are coming out of the woodwork. And the bite that she got? It’s making her feel strange. Hungry. Her self-control is shredding, and Lark knows she’s changing. She just doesn’t know what she’ll become.

The new year won’t go out with a bang…it will end with a bite.

•••••••••••

REVIEW : MIDNIGHT BITE by Cynthia Eden is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, paranormal, romance novella focusing on advertising specialist Lark Kinsley, and vampire prince Devereaux.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lark and Devereaux) MIDNIGHT BITE follows Lark Kinsley on the eve of her twenty-sixth birthday. Lark is all too aware of the supernatural. As the daughter of a ‘monster hunter’, Lark chose not to follow in her mother’s footsteps but the repercussions of her mother’s career have followed our heroine for all of her life. Unaware of a secret deal made between the supernatural community, Lark has no idea that at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, she will become the number one target of the paranormal world. Enter Prince Devereaux, the man with whom she will fall in love, but a man who is everything she has been taught to destroy.

MIDNIGHT BITE is a fast paced story about a vampire willing to do anything to protect the woman he has waited for all of his life, a woman who is the prize is a decades old war between the supernatural and the hunter; a woman completely unaware that she is more than meets the eye. Lark Kinsley was taught to hate the paranormal beings who inhabit the world but falling in love with the prince of the vampires is completely unexpected with benefits that pull our heroine into a life she was about to embrace. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the romance is a passionate and quick to develop; the characters are sassy and colorful. MIDNIGHT BITE is a quick read: pull up a chair and embrace the dark side of happily ever after.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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