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Hardest Fall (Dominion #2) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review & Excerpt

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HARDEST FALL (Dominion #2) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review and Excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2019

The tattooed demoness, Bone, doesn’t like anything except the magical weapons she makes. But she has hidden talents few know about. When I was brought to her near death, she used her Seraph song to manipulate flesh and bone to save me. But she wasn’t happy about it.

Now I must return the favor. Even though she refuses to take sides in the apocalypse, there’s one job she’s not willing to do for the demon prince Rook. If she doesn’t, her head will end up on a spike. Of course, there’s a good chance we’re all going to die anyway, but I will do anything to protect this fierce woman—and not just because she saved me.

So now we’re both off to kill a demon—or three—and possibly save the world.

••••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: HARDEST FALL is the second instalment in Juliette Cross’ post-apocalyptic, dystopian DOMINION fantasy, romance series focusing on the fight for control and power- the Great War- between Heaven and Hell. This is demoness/former seraph Bone, and demon Xander’s story line. HARDEST FALL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Bone was first introduced in book one-Darkest Heart.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Xander and Bone) HARDEST FALL follows the building relationship between demoness/former seraph Bone, and demon Xander, and the ongoing war between Heaven and H*ll. Bone, the former angel, has an affinity to metal, and as such, is the creator of some of the most specialized weapons in the war between Heaven and H*ll but as a former Seraph, Bone also has a gift of song that heals, as well as influences those she wants to control. When high demon Dommiel brings a broken and battered demon into her private lair, Bone is asked to help save the life of the man with whom she will fall in love. Enter Xander, aka Alexander Godfrey the once human rake of Victorian England, and a demon who sides with the Angels and the human resistance fighters known as the Twelvers. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Xander and Bone, and the potential fall-out as Bone is commanded (or forced) to build a secret weapon for demon Prince Rook, a weapon whose power could destroy them all.

The relationship between Xander and Bone finds our hero falling for the demoness that calls to his heart. Bone refuses to take sides in a war between Heaven and H*ll but a war that pushes our heroine to side with the man she loves, and the people he will die to protect. The Sex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

HARDEST FALL is a story of good vs evil; Heaven vs H*ll; love vs hate. Bone and Xander struggle with sins of the past, sin that resulted in the demonic changes to our leading couple. The premise is inviting, complex and intense; the romance is seductive and spicy; the characters are sassy, spirited, playful and strong. Juliette Cross pulls the reader into a captivating, thought-provoking and thrilling ride between angels and demons, and the people they love.

 

Barb’s REVIEW: Hardest Fall by Juliette Cross is the 2nd book in her urban fantasy Dominion series. I am a big fan of Juliette Cross, as I have loved each and every book she writes.  Hardest Fall is no exception, as it was another fantastic book.  Once again, if you have not read Juliette Cross, and you like fantasy, paranormal, or romance, you are missing a gem of an author.

Bone, our heroine, whom we met in the previous book, was busy working on her unique ability to make powerful weapons, when Dommiel  (last book hero) rushes in bringing a severely injured man.  Bone takes one look at the man, and says she cannot help him, but Dommiel knows if anyone can save him, it is her; reluctantly, Bone agrees to try. 

Xander, is a demon hunter, and when he awakes he thinks that Bone used her essence to heal him, and Xander does not want any Demon essence inside him. But what he doesn’t know is that Bone is much more powerful, she is a former seraph (a fallen angel), who walked away and takes no sides between humans and demons.  Bone can forge metal into the deadly powerful  weapons she creates and sells to the highest bidder.  When Xander overhears Bone talking to the Demon prince, Rook and his brother Simian about creating a special unique crown, he decides he needs to find out  more about the weapon and what they want to use it for.  This opens the door for Xander and Bone to work together in trying discovering what the evil Demon prince is planning. 

What follows is a fascinating story, as we follow Bone and Xander, as well as the many members of the rebels determined to fight and defeat the demons.  It was great to spend time with Dommiel, Anya, George, Kat as they teamed up with Bone & Xander.  There are a number of times when they were in all in dangerous situations, which had us on the edge of our seats.   Most of all, I really enjoyed seeing both Xander and Bone begin to fall hard for each other; as their chemistry was off the wall, hotter than hell.  😉  As Xander pulls her into his world, Bone begins to change and learn to feel love with Xander, as well as knowing she needs to step up and take a side…helping the humans against the demons. 

Hardest Fall was a heart stopping, pulse pounding, action packed, intense exciting thriller that I was unable to put the book down, but it was the love between Xander and Bone, as well as the wonderful secondary characters that made this story so good. I do not want to give spoilers, as you really need to read this series and anything by Juliette Cross.   

Hardest Fall was fantastic story set in a post-apocalyptic world of Demons, Humans, and Angels, as well as pulling on our emotions throughout.    As always, thank you Juliette Cross for another sensational story which never fails to wow us.  

 

Click HERE for our review of book one DARKEST HEART

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

___________

 

 

The beat of the eighties anthem “Back in Black” pounded from within. Apparently, Axel was keeping the electricity up in this part of the city for the benefit of his club. Electricity was in sporadic use, like everything else. It always depended on the demon in charge of the territory.
“Looks like Axel’s band is playing a show tonight,” Xander said.
I exhaled a heavy sigh. “He never changes.”
That was the truth. If Axel had the power, he’d replay the 1980s over and over. He and his tribute band continued, even in the apocalypse, to keep those long-dead, big-haired, hard-rock bands alive.
He glanced down where, apparently, we were still holding hands, then brushed his thumb over my pulse. I pulled my hand roughly from his.
“Your heart rate is up, darling. Do I make you nervous?”
“Please.” I huffed and marched toward the club’s entrance. “You do not make me nervous.”
He followed in his swaggering, unhurried gait, and I could feel his eyes on my ass. “Well, you get mine up.”
I spun, standing in a pool of light that spilled from the one lit streetlamp on the entire darkened road.
“Really? Do I make you nervous?”
A definitive shake of his head. “Just anxious.”
“Anxious about what?”
“The possibilities.”
“What possibilities?”
“Between you and me.”
“There will be no you and me.”
Laughing, he practically crooned. “Ohhh, yes. There will be. There already is.”
Hands on my hips, eyes narrowed. “What makes you think so?”
“The way you look at me.”
“And how is that, exactly?”
“The same way I look at you.” He stepped forward, gaze roaming slowly down then back up. “Covetously.”
“You’re dreaming, hunter.”
“Of you…yes. In my bed.”
“You know?” I began matter-of-factly, tilting my head to the side. “Lust is nothing more than increased blood flow, sweat gland production, and release of the neurochemical dopamine, giving the body a natural high.” I gave him a self-satisfied smile. “Not unlike what drug users experience before their next fix.”
He inched closer. “Are you saying you’re addicted to me?”
“What? No.”
“Don’t worry, love.” He dipped his head lower, bringing our mouths within inches of each other. “I’ll give you a thorough Xander-sex-fest to take care of that itch.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“As in persistent?”
“As in hopeless.” I spun and stormed toward the club, tossing over my shoulder. “Incurable!”
“Oh, there’s a cure, all right.” He followed, chuckling. “I’ll share it with you before long.”
Even as I pretended I didn’t hear that last bit, I shivered in hopeful anticipation.

 


 

Juliette lives in lush, moss-laden Louisiana where she lives with her husband, four kids, and black lab, Kona.

Multi-published author of paranormal and urban fantasy romance, she loves reading and writing brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes.

From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

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Jake’s Redemption (Angel Eyes Series Prequel) by Jamie Schulz-Review & Interview

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JAKE’S REDEMPTION (The Angel Eyes Series Prequel) by Jamie Schulz-Review & Interview

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 1,2019

In a broken world, he faced a future full of pain. Will one daring woman be his last chance for love… Before time runs out…

Jake longs for the life men lived before war destroyed everything and women enslaved them. When fate forces a temporary reprieve from torment and imprisonment, escape becomes his primary objective. Until his new captor sparks hope, and something far more passionate, in his lonely heart.

After giving up on romance, Monica dedicated herself to sheltering unfortunate souls from a harsh new society. But then destiny delivered a desperate man to her doorstep. A man she soon discovers she cannot ignore and would do anything to save.

Will Monica be able to free Jake from the vicious woman who wants to break him? Or will Jake be forced to leave Monica behind to save himself?

••••••••••

REVIEW: JAKES’ REDEMPTION is the first instalment and full-length prequel in Jamie Schulz’ post-apocalyptic, dystopian, erotic romance series focusing on a world controlled and ruled by women. This is former rancher and slave Jake Nichols, and ranch owner Monica Avery’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line there are numerous triggers including rape, torture, abuse, non-consent, slavery and imprisonment that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person points of view (Jake and Monica) JAKE’S REDEMPTION follows Jake Nichols spiral into the darkness, and the building relationship between our broken hero, and rancher Monica Avery. Several years earlier a catastrophic war destroyed cities and towns throughout the world, and ‘changed the social order’ between men and women. In the ensuing aftermath, a second civil war between the sexes resulted in women becoming the dominant and controlling sex, while men were slaves to be used and abused. Jake Nichols, and his best friend Bret Masters hid in the mountains only to find themselves captured by raiding parties and sentenced to servitude and slavery for the rest of their lives.

Jake Nichols is a broken man; shattered by months of sexual abuse at the hands of his Mistress and owner Darla Cain, and her equally cruel and abusive friends and council members. When rancher Monica Avery offers Jake a chance at temporary ‘freedom’ from Darla’s barbarism, Jake is sceptical about Monica’s intent. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Jake and Monica, and the potential fall-out as Jake’s time with Monica comes to an end.

The relationship between Jake and Monica struggles in the face of Jake’s imprisonment and torture by Darla Cain. Fractured, and unable to trust, Jake battles the memories, the fears, the humiliation, and the possibility of returning to Darla’s hold, fear that controls every aspect of his life. Monica’s attraction to Jake is met with uncertainty as Jake’s trust has been destroyed by betrayal, abuse and torture.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Jake’s friend Bret Masters; Monica’s best friend Angel Aldridge and her head guard Michelle, as well as Monica’s ranch hands and guards- Shawn Brohm, Rosa Santos, Kristine, Trevor and Kara, and Section Council member Jewel Stewart; Darla Cain, and Carrie Simpson. Angel and Bret’s story line is next.

The world building looks at the aftermath of another world war, and the consequences of corrupt power. Not all women are cruel or vindictive but those that are have destroyed any sense of peace for the men that survived.

JAKE’S REDEMPTION is a heart breaking, emotional, dark and gritty story of survival wherein recovery is next to impossible; and memories control the present and the future.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy 

TRC: Hi Jamie and welcome to The Reading Café.

Congratulations on the recent release of JAKE’S REDEMPTION.

Jamie: Thanks!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

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Jamie: I have been writing on and off for thirty-odd years. Working on this series much of that time, but other stories as well. Including short stories for friends when I was in school.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Jamie: Hum…Well, there are a few things that influenced me. I always really loved to read. My first favorite author was Tolkien. I loved the scope of his writing, the worlds and cultures he created enthralled me. I wanted to do the same. In high school, I had a notoriously difficult English teacher who was the first to comment on my raw talent and encouraged me to write every day to keep improving…and I did…mostly.

Thirdly, thanks to my cousin, I discovered romance novels in my early teens. I’d always made up stories in my head, used to fall asleep at night dreaming them up. After reading my first romance—Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss—I wanted to write my own.
And lastly, I’ve always loved cowboys and been a country girl at heart, if not entirely in life. In the Angel Eyes Series, I wanted to bring that out, mixed in with some other things (genres) to come up with something different and intriguing. I think I did that. Hopefully, readers will too.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing your first novel?

Jamie: Oh, my, there were so many and I had so very much to learn to do it all! One was just finding the time to write. Another was finding good editors. Editing was arduous, but ultimately very worthwhile. Then getting reviews…Ah! All the research and details that go into this and all the other aspects of marketing are exhausting. Even more so when you’re doing it on your own. The cover design took me forever too, but everything worked out in the end. Now, I’m getting ready to do it all over again with my next novel.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of JAKE’S REDEMPTION and the Angel Eyes Series?

Jamie: Well, basically it’s about characters who’ve survived devastating wars, global destruction, and the restart of civilization, only to end up living in an oppressive, reversed society where women rule what is left and men have been subjugated. The main characters must struggle to overcome the harsh rules in order to be together permanently before their enemies can tear them apart.

TRC: There are a number of potential ‘triggers’ for more sensitive readers. What would you like to say to the readers to address their fears?

Jamie: Yes, there are some disturbing scenes—two dream scenes in particular. The society’s harsh rules are what make this a dystopian world. But it is also a romance, and there are some very steamy scenes between the main characters as they learn to trust and fall in love. The strongest themes in the story include love, trust, friendship, and family; about overcoming obstacles and working together to do so. (There is some contemporary cowboy romance in that.)

I asked some early readers to give me three words to describe the story after they finished the book. The three that came up the most were Romantic, Hopeful, and Intriguing. One reviewer also recently said that the story is “uplifting and lets the reader know that if you surround yourself with the right people, you CAN get through” anything. That was what I was hoping to accomplish.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Jamie: Currently the plan is for six books (all a continuing story) and this one prequel. There is also a contemporary short story about how the two male characters discussed in Jake’s Redemption first became friends. People who buy the book will get a link to it at the end. I’m considering doing two or three other stories for other characters, but that’s still undecided right now.

TRC: From where did you get the idea for JAKE’S REDEMPTION?

Jamie: History is where I get a lot of ideas in general. The very first idea for this series came to me in high school history class. We were studying the American Civil War. I remember thinking, “What could be worse than living as a slave?” The idea grew and morphed as my friends and I discussed the topic. Especially after I brought up two questions:
1. “What if slavery wasn’t about race, but, instead, about gender?”
2. “What if women were the ones in control and they weren’t all that nice?”
Those ideas sparked a long, interesting conversation, which encouraged me to put pen to paper. Over the years, lots and lots of notebooks, napkins, parchment—you name the paper there’s a good chance I used it—were filled with outlines and notes and chapters for this long tale.

History is where a lot of the societal base and the inequality in the story comes from, both older and more contemporary. Jake’s story came to light about two years ago, when I felt, that because he plays such an important part in the lives of the main characters in the series, that he needed his own story told first. Once that thought struck me, I sat down and started to write.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning JAKE’S REDEMPTION?

Jamie: I’d usually have a specific idea and think about it for a while, often making a quick outline or notes about it before starting a book. Then, once I have a basic idea of what I want, I start writing. I’m a bit of a pantser but I’m also a plotter, so I guess that makes me a “plantser”. I will sometimes stop writing for a day or two to think about the story and/or to read up on whatever scenario that “just came up” or that I feel I’m not knowledgeable enough to get the meaning or image across to the readers accurately. As I said, a lot of the story comes from history, so I did a lot of reading about the past. I researched slavery and the human reaction to trauma among other things. I actually started writing the main part of the series first, so I’ve done a ton of research on all kinds of things, including farming, ranching, construction and more, so it’s hard to put an amount of time on how long I spent.

TRC: There is a fine line between romance, erotic and erotica fiction. What do you believe are the differences? And where should the author draw the line?

Jamie: Hum…well, I haven’t thought a lot about this, but in my humble opinion they are very similar. The major difference that I’ve seen is that erotic romance involves two characters getting together for more than just sex (but with a lot of heat in the sex that is depicted and more of it), whereas erotica can often have many partners and with the main focus of the story being on the sex.

To me, romance is about more than just great sex. Sure, it’s a big part, but I’m more about the emotional connection that, which when there, makes the sex out of this world (and I’m not talking aliens here).

I find the human condition and how we handle/react to things in our environment and lives very interesting, but I think there are some authors that go to extremes in their stories and there are some things that I personally just won’t read. I have read both types of books and there were a few I didn’t finish simply because I didn’t like some aspect of the story or the characters themselves for whatever reason.

That said, I feel authors should write the story inside them, but keep in mind that people shouldn’t have to hurt to be with someone and I’m not talking about consensual BDSM here, if you know what I mean.

TRC: What was the most challenging scene to write?

Jamie: The boring ones. Okay, I’m only partially joking. I like writing almost all scenes. I’ve found that I want to rush through some of the less central parts and get to the good stuff where the characters get together. But I also like building the world and the suspense so that when they get together it’s meaningful.

Later in the series, there is a rather violent scene that was very hard to write and may get whittled down a bit before publication. That one was definitely the hardest one to write that I can recall.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Jamie: Oh, yes, absolutely. I will often skim through covers and check out ones that catch my eye, but titles and subtitles are also important too and I look at those as well. If those two things are interesting enough, I’ll read the synopsis and buy if it sounds good. That said, I encourage everyone to read the synopsis before you buy. I’ve found some wonderful stories with not so wonderful covers simply because I bothered to read the synopsis.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Jamie: I’d say a little of both. I usually have an idea of where the story needs to go. I call them milestones. The characters determine how the story travels to get them to each predetermined scene. Sometimes those milestone have to change because the character has changed, grown, and the scene needs to show that in their reactions.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Jamie: Oh, wow, this is a deep question and one I struggled with when I first started. I feel that a writer must show how characters are feeling to draw the reader in. There are lots of ways to do this such as body language and dialogue, as well as descriptions of inner physical and emotional sensations that readers will intuitively understand and pick up on and, thus, be drawn into the character’s world and emotions.

So many of us storytellers make mistakes in this by simply telling the story. I’ve done it, but I’ve also learned a lot since I first started too. Hopefully, my readers will feel the same.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Jamie: I used to do this a lot and I do for some stories, but lately I haven’t been. I’ve preferred to have quiet or to sit outside with the sounds of nature. But that may change for the next book, I never know.

Going by my previous experience with music and writing, I can’t say it influences the storyline or characters all that much. However, I have a story where I used quotes from songs to introduce a chapter because it hinted at what was going on and how the characters felt. In that way it may have had some influence, but my swirling brain did most of the work.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Jamie: That we make good money. Most authors, especially Indie authors, have full time jobs, many have families, and they all can only write when they are free of those responsibilities. Usually early in the morning or late at night and on weekends if nothing else is going on.

The other is that Indie authors are not really published authors. If people knew how much work goes into publishing a book, not to mention doing it on your own—and I’m not even talking about writing the thing—they’d have a whole new respect for Indie authors.

TRC: How should authors measure a book’s success?

Jamie: This depends on the author and what they want to accomplish. What is their idea of success? For me, it’s a series of steps. Get the book written. Get the book edited. Get the book published. Market the book. Advertise. Get sales. Get more sales. Make it to the Amazon bestsellers list, then USA Today, and then work on the next one, NYT, etc.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Jamie: I like sauerkraut.

TRC: Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

Jamie: I have several, but the top three are: Tolkien, Karen Robards, and Kathleen Woodiwiss

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Jamie: Editing Masters’ Mistress, Book 1 of the Angel Eyes Series and trying to finish Book 5 of the same series, Masters’ Betrayal

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Jamie: I am very thankful to everyone who has helped me with this project in some way. From friends and family, to my editors, to my beta readers, and to all those who take a chance to read and spread the news about a new Indie author like me. Thank you!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
French Fries

Favorite Dessert
Almost all of them

Favorite TV Show
Don’t watch a lot of TV, but I do love Supernatural

Last Movie You Saw
In the theater, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
At home, Extinction

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Both… Depends on my mood

Secret Celebrity Crush
Jensen Ackles

Last Vacation Destination
Montana

Do you have any pets?
Yes.

Last book you read.
I just finished three…
Jock by Jacob Chance
After We Fall by Melanie Harlow
A Husband’s Regret by Natasha Anders
All were quite good.

TRC: Thank you Jamie for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of JAKE’S REDEMPTION. We wish you all the best.

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Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
They look like an everyday family living an ordinary life. But beyond the edges of this peaceful farm, unimaginable forces of light and dark have been unleashed.

Fallon Swift, approaching her thirteenth birthday, barely knows the world that existed before—the city where her parents lived, now in ruins and reclaimed by nature since the Doom sickened and killed billions. Traveling anywhere is a danger, as vicious gangs of Raiders and fanatics called Purity Warriors search for their next victim. Those like Fallon, in possession of gifts, are hunted—and the time is coming when her true nature, her identity as The One, can no longer be hidden.

In a mysterious shelter in the forest, her training is about to begin under the guidance of Mallick, whose skills have been honed over centuries. She will learn the old ways of healing; study and spar; encounter faeries and elves and shifters; and find powers within herself she never imagined. And when the time is right, she will take up the sword, and fight. For until she grows into the woman she was born to be, the world outside will never be whole again.

 

Review

Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts is the 2nd book in her Chronicles of The One trilogy. I loved the first book in this trilogy, Year One, and waited impatiently for Of Blood and Bone, and I have to say it is equally as good or even better as the first book and once again, I will wait with high anticipation for the final book in this trilogy.  I have the utmost respect for Nora Roberts, who changes things with this dark dystopian fantasy, and still manages to gives us another masterpiece.

Note:  Of Blood and Bone is not a standalone, as it is book 2 of a trilogy.  If you have not read Year One, you need to read that book first to fully understand the story line.

Background of The Chronicles of One: a  post apocalyptic dystopian, with a bit of fantasy, that starts with a lethal virus (The Doom) that will destroy most of the world. A new beginning will start with the survivors, which will pit the dark (evil) and the light (good) against each other that will divide and separate all. Magic (witches, elves, etc) rises, causing  division among those with newfound powers that are used for good, and those who are evil and want to hurt others, and the humans with no power at all, bent on destroying all magic.

Of Blood and Bone picks up 12 years later, after the massacre that made Lana run away to save the others, and protect the baby she was carrying. We catch up with Lana, her husband, Simon and their 4 kids living on the same farm where they last left off.  Time is close for when Mallick promised he would return when their daughter Fallon reached the age of 13, and he would take her away for two years, to train, as everyone has been waiting for the girl who is the One; the one who will save them all from the evil that still threatens the world.  Lana, who has witch powers, has trained Fallon all her life, teaching her what is her destiny as the One.  But now Mallick will take her to further train her how to fight, use a sword and most importantly use her powers in leading the light to win this oncoming war. When Mallick comes, both Lana, Simon and the 3 boys are unhappy, but they knew this day would come.  As Fallon leaves with Mallick, Simon and Lana will begin to work on training their boys how to fight.

The story centers on Fallon, who even at 13 is a great heroine, and as the story progresses, she will be even more so.  I loved how Fallon grew stronger with each passing day, and most of all loved her bonding with the three animals that will stand beside her throughout this adventure; Taibhse, the Owl; Faol Ban, the Wolf and  Laoch, the horse (Alicorn).   This was just another wonderful element to this story.

Another great part that I worried about at the end of the first book; we returned to New Hope, and got to spend a lot of time with most of the originals.   Many of our favorites (Arlys, Fred, Will, Katie, Rachel, Eddie, Jonah, Bill,etc just to name a few) continued to build up New Hope, with their children (many Fallon’s age) having their own gifts, and destined to join with Fallon in fighting all evil.  I absolutely loved (almost to tears) when Fallon, Lana, Simon and the boys finally arrive in New Hope (close to 16 years after Lana left) and the emotional responses from Lana and those still there from when she left.  Very nice indeed.

What follows is an exciting, action-packed, at times dark and intense adventure, with everyone working together and preparing for the war of good vs evil.  The last quarter of the book was captivating, with us on the edge of our seat, and there were some twists and surprises that shocked us all.  Fallon and her team, old and young, were amazing, and I for one cannot wait to see what Nora has in store for us in the third and final book of this trilogy.

Of Blood and Bone was a fantastic addition to this trilogy, which is no surprise, as Nora Roberts is a master at her craft.  There is so much to love about this dark, tense and magical world, in a dystopian fantasy that was a thriller. I will not give spoilers, but you need to read this and enjoy the amazing wild ride, fabulous characters, fantastic animals, and a heroine that you will be rooting to win and bring light back to the world.  We all need a Fallon Swift.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Darkest Heart (Dominion #1) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review & Excerpt Tour

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DARKEST HEART (Dominion #1) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review & Excerpt Tour

DARKEST HEART
Dominion #1
by Juliette Cross
Release Date: August 20, 2018
Genre: adult, urban fantasy, post-apocalyptic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2018

Wrong side of heaven…right side of redemption.

Anya—a stoic, blue-winged angelic warrior— was bitten by a demon prince in battle, and now she has precious little time to find a cure for his deadly venom. But the only archangel with the power to stop the dark poison from corrupting her body and soul is missing. She’ll have to trust her guide, the outcast high demon Dommiel, who is as handsome as he is dangerous if she has any hope.

An outcast of his own kind, high demon Dommiel stays under cover while the war between angels and demons rages on. But when the only person who ever showed him kindness asks for his help, he has no choice but to try to save the angel. Venturing back into the dens he has avoided for so long, Anya makes him want and feel things he never thought possible.

But Dommiel knows there is no way an angel can ever love a demon

•••••••••

SANDY’S REVIEW: DARKEST HEART is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ post-apocalyptic, urban fantasy DOMINION paranormal, romance series focusing on the fight for control and power- the Great War- between heaven and hell. This is fallen angel/demon prince Dommiel, and guardian angel/warrior Anya’s storyline.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Anya and Dommiel) DARKEST HEART follows blue-winged angel Anya, as she goes in search of the Archangel Uriel believed to be held captive by a witch with demonic powers. Anya’s only chance to find Uriel, and save herself for the growing darkness within, is a fallen angel, a former archangel, a demon prince called Dommiel, and the man with whom she will fall in love. What ensues is the growing attraction and love between demon and angel, and the potential fall-out as Dommiel surrenders his life to save the woman he loves.

The relationship between Dommiel and Anya is one of the forbidden. Anya is the ambrosia to Dommiel’s poison; the demon prince whose very existence is now the heart and soul of a woman whose time is ticking, a secret she has yet to reveal to the man that she loves. The romance is seductive; the $ex scenes provocative and passionate.

DARKEST HEART is an emotional, dark and exquisite story between good and evil; hatred and love; vengeance and salvation. The colorful and charismatic secondary characters are brooding, intelligent and intense. A powerful story with passionate characters by a brilliant author. DARKEST HEART is spirited, mesmorizing and breath taking-Juliette Cross opens the heart to the mind’s eye of endless possibilities.

 

________

BARB’S REVIEW: Darkest Heart by Juliette Cross is the 1st book in her new urban fantasy Dominion series. I have said this a number of times that I am a big fan of Juliette Cross’ writing.  Each and every book she writes is totally fantastic, which I have come to expect from her.  She is such an awesome author whom you should be reading. Now to my review.

As Darkest Heart begins, we meet our hero (or antihero) Dommiel, who is a high demon, but is considered to be a traitor to his kind.  Dommiel no longer considers himself to be aligned with any side, and sells his help to the highest bidder; but he also helps save humans from other demons; this makes Dommiel different as demons care for no one.

Dommiel receives a call from Genevieve, a powerful vessel of light who can kill demons just by speaking and to whom he has a blood vow with. Genevieve is concerned that Uriel, the good archangel is missing, and wants Dommiel to work with Anya to find him.  But Dommiel isn’t too sure he wants to work with an angel. 

Anya was once a guardian angel for lost and helpless children, only to become a warrior to fight the demons and creatures. During a battle, Anya was bitten by a demon prince, whose poison is slowly growing inside her. She needs to find Uriel, who can remove the poison, or she will be fully pulled into the dreaded demon world.  Though she wants nothing to do with Dommiel, Anya abides by Genevieve’s request that he will be the best person to help her find and rescue Uriel.

What follows is an amazing story where Anya and Dommiel must enter a dark and dangerous world in an attempt to save the archangel.  While working closely together, in a short time, both Dommiel and Anya find their attraction to each other becoming stronger with each passing day.  Dommiel knows he shouldn’t become involved with an angel, especially one who is a virgin, but he is drawn to her like he has never been to anyone.  Anya also feels the lust developing between them, and though they are like night and day, she cannot resist him.  The bond they develop is strong and truly a beautiful love story. Is it possible for a demon to really love an angel? 

I loved Anya and Dommiel together.  At the start he was somewhat arrogant, but that changes when he knows he has fallen in love with Anya, something he never thought would be possible.  Dommiel turned out to be such a great hero, willing to do anything to protect and save ‘his angel’, even give up his own life. Anya was also a great heroine, being a tough warrior in her own right, and determined stand beside Dommiel, no matter the consequences. The chemistry between them was lethal, but the future was grim.   Will they survive a demon onslaught and save the archangel?  You will need to read this book to learn more.

Darkest Warrior was a heart stopping, intense, pulse pounding, action packed, exciting thriller that kept you glued to your seat, but it was the love between two people so different that was so heartwarming and beautiful.   Darkest Warrior not only pulled on all your emotions, but had an amazing couple that you rooted so hard for. 

As I have said before, if you have not read Juliette Cross, you are seriously missing a fantastic author, who never fails to wow us each and every time.  As always, thank you Juliette Cross for another sensational series that I will wait with abated breath for the next book.

Copy supplied for review

 

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers due to language and sexual content

I glanced up the street. Six cloaked figures strode in our direction, the mist curling around their billowing capes. High demons on the prowl with malicious intent. They moved as if they had a specific destination. But they’d derail plans in a heartbeat to pluck a pretty angel apart.
“Well, it’s worth a try.” Anya started toward the bridge.
Instinct gripped me hard. I stepped in front of her, covered her mouth with my hand, and pushed her back into a niche against the wall.
“Tighten your wings,” I commanded in a low whisper.
She did, making it easier to flatten them against the alcove wall behind her. I pressed my body hard against hers, minimizing our presence.
“Don’t make a sound.” I emphasized with force. “Not a whimper.”
Her violet-blue eyes widened, but she only nodded. I covered as much of her as I could, pressing my chest to hers, then cast illusion to hide her wings with a snapping summons of my power. She didn’t see the demons coming, and I had to hide her wings quickly. The shock of my dark touch, my invisible armor wrapping her in a hard grip, had her lips parting in a silent gasp. Our breath mingled in the frosty air as the gang of demons drew closer. They’d sense us and see us. I counted on my instincts being right. That they’d bypass a pair of lovers in the shadows. But if they’d seen her wings, they’d stop for a bit of sport with her.
Like I’d fucking let that happen.
“Play along,” I commanded again, hearing the grating dominance in my voice and expecting her to push me off.
Combing my hand into her hair, I reveled in the feel of the silky strands sliding over my skin before I gripped that black silk in a fist and leaned forward. A force not my own pulling me closer. Her eyes remained wide, her body stiff. But not as stiff as mine. Hell, I’d had a hard-on from the first moment she arched a defiant brow at me.
The need to get my mouth on hers drove me like a bullet train. I needed to know what she tasted like. Needed to feel the slide of my tongue past those full pink lips. Needed to get inside of her. But she wasn’t ready for me. Not yet. She was hard to read, my angel. But we could play pretend lovers for a minute.
Gripping her hip with my mechanical hand, I pressed harder against her body. My cock, like an iron rod, pushed against her pelvis. She flinched in my arms and stiffened but didn’t pull away. No. She softened, for fuck’s sake. And that was my undoing. I tilted my mouth toward her neck, breathing her in.
I sensed the sinister air surrounding the demons drawing closer, but I refused to give in to the urge to turn and draw a blade. The menace rolling off of them claimed they were not a group to overpower or escape quickly. If worse came to worse, I’d just sift us away. But something told me they were on the move. Better prey in mind. As long as they thought us harmless lovers, we were safe.
So I focused on Anya. Her grip on the lapels of my leather jacket tightened while her body melted against me. Pure, fucking heaven.
I grazed my lips against her soft throat, featherlight. Her desire—an innocent, fragile thing—flared hot when she let out a little moan. Christ. I was going to lose my mind.
I sensed the demons passing behind us. That danger drifted away but another kind took its place. Uncontainable lust had me in its iron grip. Unable to taste just a little, I flicked my tongue over the lobe of her ear. She flinched again, exhaling a breathy moan before she clamped her mouth shut.
Curling my hand into the collar of her leather jacket, I pulled it aside so I could taste her where her neck met shoulder. The soft patch of exposed pale skin lured me like a dying man in the desert to the coolest drink of water.
Fuck, the things I wanted to do to her. Dirty, dark, delicious things.
Her innocence was a beacon, a red flag waving in the breeze, and my bull wanted to charge. Right fucking now.
Feeling my control slipping, I scraped my teeth gently up the side of her neck, my beast jerking on the leash I was strangling him with.
I eased my lips off her skin, a new addiction that would surely cripple me, because that wasn’t nearly enough. A slight sound of protest escaped her lips. I lifted my gaze to hers.
“Not a whimper,” I said.
The urge to bind her and force every possible sound of pleasure from those luscious lips pushed me like a primal compulsion. A vibrating need I never saw coming threatened to choke the air from my lungs.
Her eyes—dilated with lust—trailed down to my mouth.
“Dommiel. Your teeth.” Her panting breath curled out in white puffs. “And your eye.”
That’s when I realized my beast had come to the surface. The monster I kept at bay so as not to frighten mere mortals. And sweet angels. He wanted to play. He wanted more.
Flicking my tongue over one canine, I backed up, removing my body from the achingly sweet alignment against hers. It would take a few minutes to simmer my blood, for my canines to recede. I turned away, facing the direction those night prowlers had gone, heaving in a deep breath of cold night air. I needed a dip in the Arctic to get my brain and my dick off the gut-punching pleasure one little taste of her had given me.


 

Juliette lives in lush, moss-laden Louisiana where she lives with her husband, four kids, and black lab, Kona.

Multi-published author of paranormal and urban fantasy romance, she loves reading and writing brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes.

From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

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The Phoenix Project / The Science of Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank – reviews

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THE PHOENIX PROJECT / THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE (The Morphates #1 & #2) by Jacquelyn Frank-reviews

 

THE PHOENIX PROJECT
(Morphates #1)
by Jacquelyn Frank
Genre:sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy/dystopian/post apocalyptic

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-Release Date March 27, 2018

In a hidden desert lab compound, unwilling subjects are held for experimentation with an unthinkable goal—the genetic mutation of human beings . . .

All Amara knows is that the complete lack of freedom, the endless experiments and personal indignities have tested the limits of her sanity. But nothing prepares her for being locked away—naked—with a sexy ex-cop . . .

The department shrink always told Nick Gregory he had a hero complex that was going to get him killed one day, or worse. This is definitely worse. Even drugged so that his most basic animal instincts are uncontrollable, he is driven to protect the beautiful female with whom he’s supposed to mate. One way or another, he will escape this hell . . . and take her with him.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE PHOENIX PROJECT is the first instalment in Jacquelyn Frank’s multi-genre sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy/dystopian/post apocalyptic MORPHATES erotic romance series focusing on a scientific experiment known as the Phoenix Project that resulted in a hybrid human known as the Morphate. This is former federal agent Nick Gregory, and Amara’s story line.

NOTE: THE PHOENIX PROJECT was originally released in the 2010 Nocturnal Anthology.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amara and Nick) THE PHOENIX PROJECT follows federal agent Nick Gregory as he is thrown into a world  he knew nothing about. Investigating the disappearance of a number of people Nick finds himself one of the many, a part of a scientific experiment that goes horribly wrong. An anti-aging protocol has somehow been modified such that the victims are turned into hybrid beings of man and beast. To ensure the survival of the fittest, the new creations are thrown together in an effort to ferret out the weak and the strong, as well as forcing the interactions between potential mates. Enter Amara, Nick’s alpha mate, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. In order to survive Nick and Amara must prove they are worthy of the title of alpha, as well as ensuring the survival of everyone involved. Escape is the only option in the hopes the government will come through with a mandated policy in order to prevent the destruction of the beasts known as the Morphates.

THE PHOENIX PROJECT is an action packed, entertaining and intriguing story line that looks at the possibility of scientific research used for nefarious purposes. The premise is provocative and dramatic; the characters are charismatic and strong; the romance is erotic, intense and fated by DNA- the relationship between Amara and Nick is highly sexual and animalistic. I do have a concern about the origin of the Phoenix Project and how potential life-saving research resulted in hybridized DNA-some background information is warranted. There is no mention of the how and why. I am hoping for more information in the upcoming sequel.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

________________

THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE
(Morphates #2)
by Jacquelyn Frank
Genre: sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy/dystopian/post apocalyptic

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-Release Date June 26, 2018

In the Name of Science

Dr. Jenesis DeBruehl once hoped that her scientific research would have positive ramifications for humanity, only to have her work twisted by the evil Dr. Eric Paulson and used to torture innocents.

Seven years later she finally has her own lab again, despite her checkered past. Kincaid “Kin” Gregory is a Morphate, one of the people mutated by Paulson. Now running the lab that Jenesis is joining, Kin is surprised by the lust he feels for the human woman. While Jenesis struggles with her guilt over the role she played in Kincaid’s mutation, he encourages her to use him as her personal test subject. No limitations. With Kin’s body all hers, Jenesis is about to make a whole new kind of discovery

••••••••

REVIEW: THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE is the second instalment in Jacquelyn Frank’s multi-genre adult, sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy/ post apocalyptic Morphate romance series focusing on a scientific experiment known as the Phoenix Project that resulted in a hybrid human known as the Morphate. This is scientist Dr. Jenesis DeBruehl, and alpha Kincaid ‘Kin’ Gregory’s story line. THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one The Phoenix Project for some backstory and history. Kincaid Gregory is Nick Gregory’s brother (The Phoenix Project).

NOTE: The Science of Pleasure was originally released in the 2013 anthology The Pleasure Project.

Told form dual third person perspectives (Jenesis and Kincaid) THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE fast forwards the series seven years in that the government has disbanded the scientific research that resulted in a catastrophic experiment by a man hoping to create a more powerful being. Genetic experimentation into cellular death and recovery (anti-aging protocol) known as the Phoenix Project was headed by Dr Jenesis DeBruehl, but unbeknownst to our heroine, the results were used by her mentor, Dr. Eric Paulson, to create a hybrid army of immortal beings. Enter Alpha leader, and former police officer Kincaid Gregory, and the man with whom Jenesis will fall in love.

Jenesis DeBruehl was caught up in the disaster that destroyed so many lives. Her life ruined, and her reputation shattered, seven years later our heroine finds herself working for the very people, beings, she helped to create. Kincaid Gregory is more beast than man but meeting the woman who discovered the cellular tag that delivers specified cellular mutation commands pulls at the primal longing of a male for his mate. Hoping to take down Dr. Eric Paulson, Kincaid and Jenesis put together a plan, a plan that wasn’t as well thought out as our couple had hoped.

The initial relationship between Jenesis and Kincaid is caustic and acerbic as Kincaid struggles with the knowledge that the woman with whom he would fall in love is the very woman responsible for the mutation that destroyed so many lives. The $ex scenes are aggressive, erotic and intense-Kincaid’s beast is animalistic in his taking of our story line heroine.

THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE is an intriguing, imaginative and intoxicating tale of the potential for the human race to destroy itself through scientific discovery. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are spirited, charismatic and animated; the romance is fated by passion and need.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Winter Igniting (Scorpius Syndrome #5) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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WINTER IGNITING (Scorpius Syndrome #5 ) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date February 20, 2018

His only goal was survival until he met her…

With nothing to lose, former cop Damon Winter agrees to an undercover op, infiltrating a cult in the dangerous post-Scorpius world. After one look at his new partner, he knows she belongs far away from not only the cult, but from him. She’s sweet and kind and has no business being in peril, but she’s determined to help. Suddenly, the part he’s playing as her man explodes into a passion neither of them had expected.

She hadn’t purposefully faced risk until she met him…

April Snyder has survived loss, pain, and uncertainty. Now she’s ready to live again. There’s nothing left but to make a difference for others, so why not go undercover in the cult? Now all she has to do is keep it professional and ignore her handsome, deadly, overbearing partner, who’s too sexy for her peace of mind. Intrigue, risk, and danger make for an irresistible temptation–until enemies close in, threatening everyone they’ve sworn to protect.

•••••••••

REVIEW: WINTER IGNITING is the fifth full-length instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s adult SCORPIUS SYNDROME cross genre Sci-Fi/ UF/Dystopian series focusing on a biological pandemic sweeping the planet that has already killed 99% of the world’s population. This is former cop and SWAT team member Damon Winter, and April Snyder’s story line. For more background information and some history, there is a prequel novella-SCORPIUS RISING-which can be found in the ON THE HUNT anthology (August 2015), and the author’s new novella companion series The Brigade.

SOME BACKGROUND: Some of those infected with the biological virus have survived to become something known as a Ripper, but there are two types of Rippers inhabiting the world-one is a zombie like creature who feasts on the living; the other is a survivor whose brain has been altered resulting in a stronger, more powerful enhanced human being sometimes bordering on the sociopathic ideology with delusions of grandeur, obsession and hate. If you are a fan of the series The Walking Dead (or Mad Max), you will see many similarities in the story line premise including the search for food and supplies, attacks of the ‘undead’, and various groups of survivors vying for power and control.

Told from several third person perspectives including Damon and April WINTER IGNITING follows several factions of survivors now living in the Vanguard Compound including the arrival of the Mercs (mercenaries), and those not affected by the virus who call themselves the Pure; and the ongoing war for survival against the self-proclaimed president of the United States Bret Atherton, and his Elite Force of soldiers. Damon Winter former SWAT team member in the ‘before’ has been tasked to go undercover with one of the other women who has not been affected by the virus, a woman who has lost much more than most. Enter April Snyder, the woman with whom Damon will fall in love but not before battling for his own life, and the life of his friend, as the Mercs and the soldiers from Vanguard stumble upon more trouble as they search for information and supplies at one of the hidden Bunkers. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Damon and April, and the potential fall-out when a suspected traitor begins to take down the compound one explosion at a time.

April Snyder has no plans to fall in love but pretending to be in a relationship with Damon Winter has our heroine conflicted about her feelings and emotions as it pertains to the man in question. Damon is an over protective, alpha male who isn’t willing to risk April’s life including the possibility that the Pure are hoping to entice our heroine to the other side.

The relationship between April and Damon begins as an undercover assignment wherein our couple must gather as much information at the secret society known as the Pure. Believing the members to be part of a cult, April and Damon must report back what they find while keeping up the ruse of having fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense; Damon keeps threatening to spank April for defying his orders, and setting out on her own.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Tace and Sami (Justice Ascending), Vivi and Raze (Shadow Falling), Lynn and Jax (Mercury Striking), Greyson and Maureen (Storm Gathering), Marcus and Dr. Penelope; and little Lena, a young girl who refuses to speak but says more with her actions and little gifts that she finds. There is a large contingent of men, women, and children seeking refuge with the Pure including their leader Pastor Zachary King, and his assistant Sharon Matson . The requisite evil has many faces including the gang known as the Twenty, the Scorpius Virus, President Bret Atherton, and his new VP Jerome Blankenship. Marcus and Penny’s story line is next in KNIGHT AWAKENING.

WINTER IGNITING is a fast paced, energetic, and suspenseful story line with spirited and courageous characters; a complex and fascinating look at a post-apocalyptic future where the survivors are at war with themselves. The premise is intriguing and electrifying; the characters are playful, captivating, inspiring and tragic; the romance is seductive and emotional. Rebecca Zanetti’s SCORPIUS SYNDROME is a thrilling and exciting series you do not want to miss.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scorpius Rising (On the Hunt Anthology)
Mercury Striking
Shadow Falling
Justice Ascending
Storm Gathering
Blaze Erupting (The Brigade .5)
Winter Igniting

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Find Rebecca at:www.rebeccazanetti.com

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Blaze Erupting (Scorpius Syndrome 4.5 /Brigade) 1001 Dark Nights by Rebecca Zanetti-Review & Excerpt Tour

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BLAZE ERUPTING (Scorpius Syndrome 4.5 / Brigade) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review and Excerpt Tour

Blaze Erupting
Scorpius Syndrome 4.5 /Brigade #1
1001 Dark Nights
by Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date : January 23, 2018
Genre: adult, post-apocalyptic, dystopian, romance

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 23, 2018

Hugh Johnson is nobody’s hero, and the idea of being in the limelight makes him want to growl. He takes care of his brothers, does his job, and enjoys a mellow evening hanging with his hound dog and watching the sports channel. So when sweet and sexy Ellie Smithers from his college chemistry class asks him to save millions of people from a nuclear meltdown, he doggedly steps forward while telling himself that the world hasn’t changed and he can go back to his relaxing life. One look at Ellie and excitement doesn’t seem so bad.

Eleanor Smithers knows that the Scorpius bacteria has and will change life as we know it, but that’s a concern for another day. She’s been hand-picked as the computer guru for The Brigade, which is the USA’s first line of defense against all things Scorpius, including home grown terrorists who’ve just been waiting for a chance to strike. Their target is a nuclear power plant in the east, and the only person who can help her is Hugh, the sexy, laconic, dangerous man she had a crush on so long ago.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BLAZE ERUPTING by Rebecca Zanetti is instalment 4.5 in the author’s SCORPIUS SYNDROME cross genre SciFi/post-apocalyptic/ dystopian series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is Homeland Security specialist and Domestic Nuclear Detection Office agent Hugh Johnson, and computer specialist with The Brigade Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Smithers. BLAZE ERUPTING can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory as this particular story line falls somewhere in the timeline between two previously released installments.

Told from several third person points of view including Ellie and Hugh, BLAZE ERUPTING is a second chance story line that follows Ellie and Hugh as they are tasked with uncovering a plot to blow up a nuclear power plant- terrorism at the outset of the Scorpius Syndrome outbreak, a biological pandemic sweeping the planet that is about to destroy 99% of the world’s human population. As Hugh and Ellie re-ignite an old spark that has yet to die, home-grown terrorists set into motion a plan to destroy a series of nuclear power plants aiming to eradicate hundreds of thousands of innocent people. What ensues is the quick building, sexual relationship between Hugh and Ellie, and the potential fall out when Hugh’s past with Homeland Security comes under scrutiny by the members of The Brigade- a group of government specialist at the forefront of fighting the Scorpius Syndrome.

BLAZE ERUPTING falls somewhere near the beginning of the Scorpius Syndrome series between Scorpius Rising and Mercury Striking. The reintroduction of Deacon and Nora, whom we have not heard from since the introductory novella (found in the ON THE HUNT anthology August 2015), as well as some new references to events that occurred in earlier instalments, leads me to believe that BLAZE ERUPTING and The Brigade will begin to fill in some of the missing background information, as well as a direct line to the people in charge. I am also going to presume that all of the different factions (Mercs, Vanguard) will eventually cross paths with The Brigade as they search for a cure to the unknown pandemic. The author has plans for three 1001 Dark Night novellas focusing on The Brigade Team.

BLAZE ERUPTING is a quick read; an action packed story that reunites former college classmates whose palpable sexual attraction questions Ellie’s ability to remain neutral when Hugh’s back story comes under scrutiny one too many times. The premise is intriguing; the characters are colorful; the romance is passionate yet desperate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scorpius Rising (On the Hunt Anthology)
Mercury Striking
Shadow Falling
Justice Ascending
Storm Gathering
Blaze Erupting

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

BOOK TRAILER:

Direct Link: https://video214.com/play/pEf1uflh9RioZeBk2eAGZQ/s/dark

He stood and towered over her so suddenly she stopped breathing. “Are you asking me if I’m available, Ellie Mae?”
Warmth from his body, his very close body, washed over her. She tilted her head back to meet his eyes. “Don’t call me that.” It was his little nickname for her in college, and her heart used to stutter every time he used it. Something special just between the two of them.
“Why not?” He stepped in until their feet touched.
She blinked. Sparks flew between her nerves. “Wh-what are you doing?”
“Exploring.” His gaze ran over her face, curiosity clearly gleaming in those deep eyes. “I liked you. Back then. Big eyes, sweet smile, huge brain.” He reached out and brushed a curl away from her cheek, his touch warm.
Her throat closed. Heat flashed from his touch, down her torso, to zing along her erogenous zones. “Yet the one time I made a move, you rejected me.” It still hurt. When he was down and out—injured and in pain—she’d tried to give comfort.
“I wasn’t lookin’ for forever, and you’re a forever type of gal,” he murmured, standing way too close. “That offer you made nearly killed me sayin’ no. But even though I was hurtin’ and wanted to stop the pain, I couldn’t hurt you. Ever.” As if he couldn’t help himself, he brushed his knuckles along her jawline. “But I wanted you, Ell. Just knew you’d be a mistake I’d never recover from.”
Her lungs released quickly, and she took a step sideways along the coffee table. “Agreed.”
Amusement tilted his lips. “I ain’t a college kid no more, Ellie.”
“I’m well aware of that.” She needed to go by him to get to the door, and he wasn’t moving out of the way. How in the world did he still affect her like this? It had been years, for goodness’ sake. “We’re both eons out of college.”
“I’m no longer hurtin’ or whorin’ around,” he continued, looking big and broad in the small room.
“Your point?” she snapped, trying to get her libido under some semblance of control. Why did his country-boy act turn her on? She needed a shrink. Bad.
“My point? Well now.” His smile was more wolf than sheepdog. “This time, when you make the offer? I’m gonna say yes.”


 

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Find Rebecca at: www.rebeccazanetti.com

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

 

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Year One by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Year One by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

Year OneAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
It began on New Year’s Eve.

The sickness came on suddenly, and spread quickly. The fear spread even faster. Within weeks, everything people counted on began to fail them. The electrical grid sputtered; law and government collapsed—and more than half of the world’s population was decimated.

Where there had been order, there was now chaos. And as the power of science and technology receded, magic rose up in its place. Some of it is good, like the witchcraft worked by Lana Bingham, practicing in the loft apartment she shares with her lover, Max. Some of it is unimaginably evil, and it can lurk anywhere, around a corner, in fetid tunnels beneath the river—or in the ones you know and love the most.

As word spreads that neither the immune nor the gifted are safe from the authorities who patrol the ravaged streets, and with nothing left to count on but each other, Lana and Max make their way out of a wrecked New York City. At the same time, other travelers are heading west too, into a new frontier. Chuck, a tech genius trying to hack his way through a world gone offline. Arlys, a journalist who has lost her audience but uses pen and paper to record the truth. Fred, her young colleague, possessed of burgeoning abilities and an optimism that seems out of place in this bleak landscape. And Rachel and Jonah, a resourceful doctor and a paramedic who fend off despair with their determination to keep a young mother and three infants in their care alive.

In a world of survivors where every stranger encountered could be either a savage or a savior, none of them knows exactly where they are heading, or why. But a purpose awaits them that will shape their lives and the lives of all those who remain.

The end has come. The beginning comes next.

 

 

Review:

Year One by Nora Roberts is the 1st book in her new Chronicles of the One trilogy. I am a big fan of Nora Roberts/JD Robb, and I absolutely have love every one of her trilogies.  Year One is a post apocalyptic dystopian, with a bit of fantasy, and a totally different type of storyline book for Nora, but there are some similarities.  Year One begins with a family on vacation, a hunting that kills something more than a bird, and the start of a lethal virus (The Doom) that will destroy most of the world. In a short period, 80% of the world’s population will die, leaving the survivors that are immune to the virus.

We meet along the way, three sets of characters, who will travel to find others in a world that is deep in devastation, desperation and darkness.  In a new beginning, we will always find the dark (evil) and the light (good), that will divide and separate all. Magic (witches, elves, etc) will also arise, causing another division among those with newfound powers that are used for good, and those who are evil and want to hurt others, and the humans with no power at all, bent on destroying all magic, and those who have it.

Max and Lana is a married couple,  who have some magic ability that they continue to learn about, and they are good people.  Together they will leave New York to find a safe place to live and find others. Arlys and Fred (she is an elf) work at the radio station, and leave together, as word comes that they will be in danger.  Rachel and Jonah, both medical professionals, who also leave to find safety, along with Katie, who just gave birth to twins.  Along the way in this dark and doom, they will all eventually meet to start with about 300 others a land they call New Hope.  When Lana becomes pregnant, everyone is beginning to feel comfortable, with hope.

But just when the light shines beautifully, evil rears its ugly head; everything changes, and the last quarter of the book becomes centered on one person.  The ‘One’ who is destined to be the savior of this new world; who must stop the darkness that threatens to destroy them all.  This is where Roberts changes the game, and throws us for a loop, as she rarely ever does this in her other trilogies.  There are surprises, twists and deaths we never saw coming.  The only thing I worry about is that I want to know what happens to wonderful great characters we got to know during the majority of the book, but were not part of it in the last quarter. 

I am holding my breath to see where Nora will take us in the next book.  Bravo to Nora Roberts for giving us a fantastic start to a fabulous breathtaking, emotional, tense and exciting storyline.  I am hoping we do not have to wait too long for the next book, as I am already on pins and needles.  Year One proves that Nora Roberts can write anything at all, and give us a fantastic story. I strongly sugges that you  read Year One.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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