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Dark Blood (Carpathians #26) by Christine Feehan- Dual review & Giveaway

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DARK BLOOD (Dark Carpathian #26) by Christine Feehan-dual review & giveaway

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Dark Blood
Carpathian #26
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance,
Release Date: September 2, 2014

 

Dark Blood

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2, 2014

At long last you are truly back with us…

Zev Hunter was an elite warrior, a dark-blood dealer of death to rogue Lycans who preyed on mankind. He was a loner, never given to personal attachments, and damned fierce at his job. But Zev begins to question his past and his purpose when he awakens in the darkness of the sacred cave of warriors—and is soothed back to consciousness by the sensuously familiar voice of one woman, the woman who has haunted his fantasies for centuries. She was Branislava, member of the Dragonseeker clan…

Mother Earth called the ancients to witness your rebirth…

For this half-mage, half-Carpathian temptress, the ritual of awakening Zev to the council of warriors was the only way to save him. Locked away for his own protection, the time has now come for his rebirth, for his blood to stir with that of the ancient warriors before him. He has been assured by Branislava that their fates are entwined, that their spirits are woven together for eternity and that his new purpose in life is beyond imagining.

Now, with a blood-sworn vow of honor, mercy and endurance, and under the influence of a siren as bewitching as Branislava, Zev begins to wonder what his purpose is, what it means for the future of the Carpathians and what it is about his rebirth that he has to fear…

••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

REVIEW: DARK BLOOD is the 26th instalment in Christine Feehan’s adult, paranormal Dark Carpathian romance series focusing on a supernatural species known as the Carpathians. This is Zev Hunter and Branislava Dragonseeker’s storyline but also a story that brings together the previous two instalment leading characters in a battle for their lives. At the end of Dark Wolf, Zev was left mortally wounded following a fatal explosion and Branislava knew that the wounded lycan was her mate.

Zev is half-lycan/half-Carpathian and has hunted the rogue lycans for most of his life. With an attack against Prince Mikhail imminent Zev, Fen and Dimitri, along with their lifemates, band together in an attempt to stop the attack before it has a chance to begin. But the coordinated attacks seem very familiar and the Carpathian’s are put on high alert when an enemy once thought to be dead, appears to be attacking from beyond the grave.

With the return to the Carpathian Mountains DARK BLOOD (and the previous two instalments) bring together many of the Dark Series characters and the premise is more of an ensemble storyline than one directed at any particular couple. The story is the culmination of three intersecting and building storylines (Dark Lycan, Dark Wolf, Dark Blood) where a new enemy has focused its’ hatred on Mikhail Dubrinsky and the Carpathian people. The storyline is slow to build with plenty of repetition, and the majority of the novel centers on the preparation for, and the battle against, a familiar and dangerous adversary. Because the trilogy focuses on the three Dragonseeker females, this particular storyline is awash in chants, verses, spells and magic to aid the Carpathians in the final confrontation.

Throughout the trilogy we were introduced to the Sange rau (vampire/lycan mix); the ‘guardian of all’ (lycan/Carpathian hybrid) as well as the mysterious lycan wolf packs that have remained hidden for thousands of years. With a familiar enemy setting its’ sights on the Carpathian people, someone or something is directing the attacks from behind the scenes. No one is safe when the attacks become personal and aimed at the Dragonseeker women.

For fans of the Carpathian series, there is a reintroduction of an old enemy-a reintroduction that some readers may not like while others will see a new direction. Christine Feehan has reverted to a familiar formula and a familiar premise (one that worked in the past)-a familiar name and face-but one that seems desperate in its attempt bring back the popularity of a series that has struggled for several instalments. I was disappointed and saddened with the author’s backtracking and felt it degraded the entire series.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

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Barb’s Review:

Dark Blood by Christine Feehan is the 3rd and final book in this Dark trilogy that began with Dark Lycan, then Dark Wolf, leading to this one. It is in actuality the 26th book in the Dark series.

In Dark Lycan we met Fen, Dimitri’s brother, and finally got to see Tatijana, one of the Dragonseeker aunts, as she was Fen’s lifemate. In Dark Wolf, the couple we have been waiting for, Dimitri and Skyler had their story. Now in Dark Blood, it’s Bronnie’s ( the other aunt) story, and Zev is her lifemate. All the pieces of all three books come together in this exciting climax to this trilogy.

As noted in the description, Zev, who was near death at the end of Dark Wolf, was turned to Carpathian, as a mixed blood of Lycan and Carpathian. We do learn that Zev already had Carpathian blood.

What follows is an exciting story of an unknown threat against the Lycans and the Carpathians, with the vicious Sange rau on the attack. There is a dangerous enemy that is behind these attacks, as we have suspected form the beginning of this trilogy, and we do learn in this book, who that is…surprises are in store. The danger escalates where it will take everyone to work together to hope to survive.

The best part of this book, was seeing so many of our favorites, besides the three couples I mentioned above. Ivory, Razvan, Gregori, Mikhail, and especially in one scene so many more with their mates. Very nicely done.

As I have noted, this was an exciting story, and the romance between Zev and Bronnie (Branka) was very nice. I loved them together. However, and I will not give spoilers, but Christine goes back in time to give us a villain that in my opinion, though it made for an exciting storyline, I felt it cheapened one of the best endings of a previous book . I liked the story, but I did not like bringing this type of villain back.

Overall, it was exciting story, fun, with a great couple, and I loved seeing so many of our favorite Carpathians, not to mention many of the children.   We are at 26 novels and there are so many more stories to be told in this wonderful series.

 

giveaway

Christine’s publisher is offering a HARD COVER copy of DARK BLOOD to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

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

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Goodreads

6. Giveaway is open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from September 1 to 5, 2014

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Flight From Hell (Otherworld 15.5) by Yasmine Galenorn-a review

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Flight from Hell (Otherworld Series Novella #15.5) by Yasmine Galenorn-a review

Flight from Hell

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About the book: Release Date August 19, 2014

Crossover from the Otherworld Series to Fly By Night Series.

New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn returns with another thrilling foray into Otherworld—introducing a new cast of heroes alongside the D’Artigo sisters…

When the half-demon Carter approaches Menolly and her sisters desperately asking for their help, they think he’s just had a tiff with Shimmer, his blue dragon girlfriend.

But after talking to Alex Radcliffe, the owner of the Fly By Night Magical Investigations Agency where Shimmer works, they suspect that she has been kidnapped by an old enemy of Alex’s.

Now, Alex must join forces with the D’Artigo sisters in a desperate race to find Shimmer before Julian, a powerful vampire from Alex’s past with a grudge to settle, can use the dragon to wreak havoc on Seattle as revenge.

••••••••••••••••••

Review: The help that Carter (who is half Titan, half demon) has given Menolly and her sisters (the D’Artigos) has helped them immensely in their battle with Shadow Wing, so when he calls needing their help, they don’t hesitate. Once he tells them why he’s so worried about Shimmer, they aren’t convinced that there is an actual problem. But, once they head to the Fly By Night Magical Investigations Agency to inquire about Shimmer, it doesn’t take them long to find out that there is indeed something wrong. It seems that Alex, Shimmer’s boss at Fly By Night, had made an enemy long ago and has made his way to Seattle. And, it appears that he will do anything to make Alex pay, including going after his employees. Namely, Shimmer.

When they finally figure out what’s going on, they all head out to try and save Shimmer. And, wouldn’t you know it, seems something is amiss in the perpetually haunted Greenbelt District, aka, Spooksville Central. They eventually find where Shimmer is being held and come up with a plan to get her out. The big problem? She’s being held by a powerful vampire who has company….. Looks like it’s gonna be a long night…..

This novella is a fast paced introduction to Galenorn’s new series and I believe it will be another hit for her. I loved meeting the new characters. Alex, the boss is a vampire. Bette, the assistant is a water spirit and Ralph is a werewolf. And, from what I’ve read, we’re in for a hell of a ride. Even though this is a short story, it was action packed and set up the new series very well. I believe the first novel will be released in July 2015 and I can’t wait! Well done Yasmine Galenorn, well done.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Crave The Night (Midnight Breeds #12) by Lara Adrian-a review

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Crave the Night (Midnight Breed Series) #12 by Lara Adrian -a review

Crave the Night

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About the book: Release Date August 5, 2014

Born and raised to be an emotionless killing machine, Nathan is one of the most lethal Breed vampires in existence. A key member of the Order—an elite group of warriors charged with protecting both mortals and vampires—Nathan executes each mission with flawless precision and a total lack of mercy. Now he must pursue a powerful, hidden enemy. But Nathan’s hard discipline and training are no match for the fierce pull he feels toward a young woman he has no right to desire—a woman of wealth and high social standing who has long been promised to another Breed male, and who may also prove to be the key to rooting out Nathan’s elusive quarry.

Jordana lives a life of glittering privilege as a member of a prominent Breed family in Boston. Surrounded by fine things and fawning admirers, Jordana wants for nothing—until she crosses paths with a dark, intense warrior from the Order and finds herself swept into an impulsive, sizzling kiss that neither of them will forget. As much as she tries to deny her deep feelings for Nathan, Jordana cannot resist the craving to be near him, to break through his forbidding walls and see the man he truly is. But getting close to Nathan will thrust Jordana into a treacherous new world, forcing her to risk all she has and all she knows about herself and her past. And loving this seductive man could be the most dangerous temptation of all.

Review:

Crave the Night begins with Nathan and his team on patrol, as they do every night. Things are happening that has everyone twitchy as they are trying to find out who is behind things that are going awry in the Breed vampire world. We learned in the previous book that there is a new threat. And they are no closer to finding out who it is. All they know is that the clock is ticking. While chasing down leads, Nathan runs across the one woman who he knows he can never have, even though she is the only one he craves.

Jordana has led a privileged and sheltered life. She loves her work at the art museum, and she’s promised to a man that she feels nothing for, other than friendship. When her and Nathan’s paths cross again, she feels that familiar pull to him. She knows she should stay away from him, but she is helpless against the feelings that she has for him. After all, her father would have a fit if she were to step out of line and follow her heart rather than her planned path. But, after a chance encounter with Nathan leaves her breathless, she knows things will never be the same. Once she tells her boyfriend (and I use that term loosely) that she no longer wants to see him, her father is angry, and she doesn’t understand his anger. Then things go really bad. Jordana is kidnapped and Nathan vows to find her and claim her. Repercussions be damned. But first, he and The Order have to figure out who has her and why. That’s when the fun really starts, because no one saw this coming…………..

All I can say is WOW. I absolutely loved everything about this book. Nathan was one of Dragos’ creations, but thankfully his mother Corinne and stepdad, Hunter, rescued him when he was still young enough for them to bring him into the fold of The Order. Even though he is younger than most of The Order, he is still a Gen One and extremely powerful. And sensual. And awesome. He is one of my favorite characters in this series, and that’s saying something. I was a little worried about Jordana at first, but she ended up being a perfect match for Nathan. Her fierce loyalty and determination, and her ultimate “discovery” make her the ultimate mate for him as well. And, I gotta tell ya, I didn’t see that coming. At all. There is so much I want to say about this story, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. If you are a fan of this series, you know that the story jumped ahead twenty years in the last book, and I was afraid that the integrity of the original characters would be lost. But I was worried for absolutely no reason. Lara Adrian has handled the transition into the future brilliantly, and this book just cements the fact that my original assessment was correct. I never thought that any of these stories would top the originals in this series, but I was wrong. This is one of my top three in the series. Seriously, if you’re not reading Lara Adrian, you need to jump on the bandwagon. There’s plenty of room!! And, I can’t wait for the next installment. Very well done, Lara Adrian, very very well done!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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You’ll Think Of Me by Lucia Franco-a review

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YOU’LL THINK OF ME by Lucia Franco-a review

You'll Think of Me

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About the book: Release Date August 26, 2104

Luke Jackson.

With his thick southern drawl and seductive charm, Luke is the country boy everyone adores. He has his future mapped out, but his plans with Olivia are suddenly derailed when she makes a decision that blindsides him, changing the path they both envisioned.

As Luke struggles to keep everything in check during a difficult time in his life, he must put his trust in the one person who broke it to begin with. The last time they saw each other, Olivia busted his heart wide open, turning him into the man he is today.

When Olivia returns to her roots, just like Luke said she would, he is shocked for more reasons than one. Nine years have passed since they’ve seen each other, and when their roads collide unexpectedly, Luke can only push his worry and misgivings away for so long.

Things are different now—they are strangers—and the rope that once bound Olivia’s heart to South Fork, Georgia is pulling her back in, forcing her to remember how it used to be all those years ago.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: YOU’LL THINK OF ME is a second chance, new adult/adult contemporary romance storyline from Lucia Franco. The focus of the storyline is high school and college sweethearts Luke Jackson and Olivia King and the break up that will see nine years pass before they see one another again.

The premise follows Luke and Olivia’s once perfect relationship that fell apart when Olivia’s future pulled her from South Forks, Georgia to one of New York’s most prestigious medical schools. Fast forward nine years-Olivia and Luke haven’t so much as set eyes or heard from one another-when Olivia returns to the area to set up her practice in medicine. When their paths cross once again, heartbreaking memories and a never forgotten love are met with hostility, anger and ice cold walls.

Olivia and Luke’s prior relationship was a storybook romances where Luke was Olivia’s savior and go to person when things at home became too much. Luke wanted to be a country musician hoping Olivia would settle for life in South Forks. But Olivia had plans of her own-she wanted to escape the small town living and needed a break from the family whose own lives were beginning to fall apart. The problem-Luke had been in denial about Olivia’s dreams –and his spiral into the dark left Olivia without her best friend, her lover and the support of the only man she would ever love.

YOU’LL THINK OF ME is a storyline that is told through back flashes, memories and present day. There is a bit of a love triangle formulating when Olivia meets Nate-a man, who too, will fall in love with Olivia King-but a man who suspects Olivia’s heart still belongs to someone else.

The secondary characters are colorful including Luke’s parents, his friends and his brother John. Nate is a man who deserves a happily ever after because having your heart ripped through your chest is not something anyone should have to experience. There are many more stories to tell and hopefully this is only the beginning of a series set in South Fork, Georgia.

Lucia Franco first foray into the world of contemporary romance is a winner. YOU’LL THINK OF ME is a storyline that was slow to build because of the flashbacks and memories, and history between two people that had to be told. It is a story of love and heartbreak; emotional pain and passionate goodbyes; second chances and starting over but in the end the heart knows what the heart wants, and Olivia and Luke want a second chance at love and life.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sugar on the Edge (Last Call #3) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Blog Tour

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Sugar on the Edge (Last Call #3) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Blog Tour

Sugar on the Edge Banner

Sugar on the Edge
Last Call #3
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance
Release: July 28, 2014

Sensual couple in blue jeans

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 28, 2014

He’s utterly alone…

Tortured and existing in a dark spiral of despair, bestselling British author, Gavin Cooke, has come to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to escape the seedy lifestyle he had been living in London and in a desperate attempt to regain his writing focus. He’s twisted, bitter and angry at the world. He’s a loner… needing not a single thing other than his Scotch and a laptop upon which he can bang out his next erotic, dark thriller.

She’s running in place and getting nowhere…

Savannah Shepherd’s life is falling apart. Her dream of being a wildlife photographer seems a distant memory and she’s barely able to make ends meet. Driving herself forward with no clear goals apparent, she’s about ready to pack up her bags and head home with her tail between her legs.

Two unlikely lovers…

He’s raw, forceful and a dirty talker. She’s a flowers and romance type of girl. Yet within each other, they find a mutual craving that can only be satisfied by giving in to their desires for one another.
Lust turns into something more… something they were not looking for but tentatively accept. Will it be enough to push them past the obstacles of Gavin’s bitter past?

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SUGAR ON THE EDGE is the third instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s adult, contemporary Last Call erotic romance series. This is best selling British author Gavin Cooke and photographer Savannah Shepherd’s storyline. We were first introduced to Savannah in book two-MAKE IT A DOUBLE (Brody and Alyssa’s story) –as a volunteer at Alyssa’s no-kill animal shelter.

Gavin has come to America to finish up his manuscript. He is a man who uses women and alcohol to forget about a tragedy that has all but destroyed his life. When Savannah enters his less than orderly world as his house cleaner, Gavin is quickly taken aback when the feisty female suddenly becomes the muse for the heroine in his latest novel. Falling in love was never on Gavin’s agenda. But a surprise twist in their relationship finds Gavin on the run-something most people would not find easy to forgive. The profound heartbreak and pain that he causes Savannah touches everyone in her life.

The relationship between Gavin and Savannah begins as employer to employee but soon turns into something more. From housekeeper to personal assistant, Savannah begins to take charge of Gavin’s world both in and out of the bedroom. Gavin isn’t looking for anything permanent or serious but soon finds himself falling in love. As the storyline builds, so too does their relationship including a sensual and erotic sexual life.

The secondary characters include Brody and Alyssa as well as Hunter and Gabby from ON THE ROCKS. The world building brings together the gang from Last Call-their family, friendships, lovers and camaraderie bring a sense of familiarity and cohesion to the series.

Sawyer Bennett’s LAST CALL series takes the reader into a provocative and imaginative world. Her characters endure heartbreak, loss, intense emotional pain and a profound love that will last a lifetime. An amazing series from a talented author.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight Black and White

ON THE ROCKS (The Last Call #1) by Sawyer Bennett

On the Rocks

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 17, 2014

He left to travel the world for fame and glory, but only after spurning Gabby Ward and crushing her young heart. Now Hunter Markham has come back home to the sand and salty breeze of the North Carolina Outer Banks so he can open up Last Call, a beach bar nestled among the dunes of the Atlantic.

Gabby Ward is not happy that Hunter has returned. Bitter over his rebuff years before, she’s content to stay far away from him and his dangerously charming ways.

Gabby’s well-schemed plans to ignore Hunter go up in flames when he presents an offer to her that she simply can’t refuse, throwing them together in a common quest to each reach their goals. Working together day in and day out proves to be problematic for Gabby, who soon realizes that the feelings she had for him are still very much alive. Hunter struggles to reach through to Gabby’s cold heart, all while starting a new career away from his life as a top ranked, professional surfer.

What starts out as a mutual business arrangement soon turns into a passion that neither of them can continue to deny.

Hard choices lay ahead for both of them when Hunter is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to return to the pro surfing tour.

Choices that could destroy what they have built or take them further than they ever had dared to hope.

_____________________________

Make It A Double
Last Call #2
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: contemporary, romance,erotic, new adult
Release Date: April 21, 2014


Make It A DoubleAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble

Brody Markham has endured a nightmare, spending the last five years in prison and losing everything that was dear to him. Now he’s back home, trying to survive in a world he doesn’t recognize anymore. While his family and friends desperately try to reach through to him, he shelters himself further and further away from their love.

Alyssa Myers has worked her entire life to distance herself from the luxurious and privileged lifestyle in which she was raised. Running her non-profit agency, The Haven, she is content to spend her days helping abused animals find sanctuary, which fulfills her in a way that money just can’t buy.

Maybe it’s that she recognizes in Brody some of the same characteristics she sees in her homeless wards, but Alyssa is powerless to stop her personal quest to make Brody whole again.

While Brody struggles to surface from the darkness, Alyssa tries to protect her heart in case he’s not willing to accept the light that she offers him.

About The Author Black and White

Sawyer BennettUSA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

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Chayot: Secrets and Sins #4 by Naima Simone-a review

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SECRETS AND SINS: Chayot (Secrets and Sins #4) by Naima Simone-a review

Chayot

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2014

Six months after concert pianist Aslyn Jericho survives an attack at the hands of an obsessed fan, she is still trying to resume a normal life, despite the paralyzing fears that have stolen her ability to play and perform. Enter her gorgeous and mysterious neighbor with news that threatens to send her spiraling back into her nightmares. Her stalker has returned. And he wants Aslyn.

Months after security specialist Chayot Gray’s darkest secret was exposed to the world, he’s struggling to cope with the fallout. Shame and guilt threaten to consume him, and he longs for the anonymous, numb existence he’s known for two decades. Then he discovers a masked figure lurking outside his neighbor’s home. The pain-filled shadows darkening Aslyn’s eyes call to him, and her loveliness stirs a desire he didn’t know existed. Now Chay must conquer his inner-demons in order to save her from a madman determined to finish the job he started.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: CHAYOT is the fourth instalment in Naima Simone’s adult, contemporary Secrets and Sins romance series focusing on four friends connected by a twenty year old murder and secrets from the past. Told from third person POV, this is security specialist Chayot Gray and concert pianist Aslyn Jericho’s storyline.

Six months after a stalker nearly ended Aslyn’s life, she is still no further in her emotional recovery than the day she was attacked. When the threats against her life begin anew, Aslyn calls in the team from Liberty Security Services hoping her dark, brooding and sexy neighbor Chayot Gray will be heading the team in her defense.

The relationship between Chay and Aslyn is one of immediate attraction but Chay’s past is mired is a dark secret-one that forces him into court ordered therapy and a monthly visit to his PO. As much as Chay tries to keep his distance there is something about Aslyn, his secret celebrity crush that calls to Chay’s hardened heart. But when the attacks hit too close to home, Chay and Aslyn will take refuge together drawing them to one another moths to a flame. The sex scenes are intimate, compelling, passionate and hot. Chayot’s past is revealed in more detail, one that finds a young fifteen year old boy fighting for his life and his sense of self worth.

The world building continues with all of the previous storyline couples playing a secondary role adding a familiar feel. Chay’s ‘brothers in blood’ always have his back and worry for the man whose life becomes darker with every passing day.

Naima Simone writes a fast paced story of suspense, love and a happily ever after. She pulls the reader into an imaginative series with addicting storylines and captivating characters. You will not want the stories to end.

Secrets and Sins: Gabriel
Secrets and Sins: Malachim
Secrets and Sins: Raphael
Secrets and Sins: Chayot

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Ignited (Most Wanted #3) by J. Kenner-a review

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Ignited (Most Wanted #3) by J. Kenner-a review

Ignited

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IGNITED (Most Wanted #3) by J. Kenner

ABOUT THE BOOK: September 9, 2014

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.

He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.

My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.

Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.

I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?

••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: IGNITED is the third storyline in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult Most Wanted erotic romance series-a spin off from her popular Stark Trilogy-focusing on three friends who own and operate both legal and illegal businesses. This is Cole August and Katrina Laron’s storyline-two battered souls whose earlier lives couldn’t have been more dissimilar yet the same.

Told from first person POV (Katrina) the focus on the storyline is the building relationship between Cole and Katrina-one that has been simmering for a long time. Their mutual attraction to one another is tempered by Cole’s inability to let go of the past-a past that controls almost every aspect of his life and one that he doesn’t want affecting or destroying the woman with whom he is falling in love. When Katrina’s grifter father comes looking for help, Cole knows that her relationship with her dad will set into motion a spiral from which they may not return.

Katrina and Cole’s relationship is based on mutual needs. Cole is a businessman, an artist and a man with needs both in and out of the bedroom-needs that ease the demons of anger, pain and betrayal. Cole’s younger life is the stuff of nightmares and his methods of coping may be out of Katrina’s comfort zone. Cole must learn to forgive himself before he is able to let Katrina into his heart. He is numb to the world and needs to feel in order to survive.

J. Kenner pulls the reader into the world of one man whose need for control takes him into the back rooms and secret societies in the world of BDSM. We have been given very little information in previous storylines about Cole August; not about his lifestyle nor his needs. Cole’s story is fleshed from betrayal, anger, dissolution and pain. He is a man who is mired in his own guilt about what has happened and what he needs. And what he needs is Katrina Lebron-only he has yet to figure it out.

IGNITED is a thought provoking and dramatic look at how our earlier lives can shape the people we become. We think we have it all under control but in the end, we are who we are because of the past. J. Kenner writes with passion, beauty and a traumatic take on romance and love.

Most Wanted Series

Click HERE for our review of WANTED
Click HERE for our review of HEATED

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WantedAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

WANTED (Most Wanted #1) by J. Kenner

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2014

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.

He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.

Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets.

My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.

And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same.

Wanted is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

______________

Heated May 2014Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 3, 2014

I knew better than to risk my heart.
But fierce passion comes at a high price.

I grew up believing in right and wrong, good and evil, black and white. I knew better than to trust. And then I met Tyler Sharp.

Bold, charming, and dangerously sexy, Tyler always gets what he wants. But his smile can be deceiving, his dealings sordid, his ambitions ruthless. I thought I was the one woman strong enough to resist him, but our need for each other was too urgent to deny.

One look and I was in trouble. One touch and I was hooked. One night and I became his.

And now that I’ve fallen, there’s no going back.

______________________
Copy supplied by the author through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Winning Love (Love to The Extreme 3) by Abby Niles-a review

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WINNING LOVE (Love to the Extreme #3) by Abby Niles-a review

Winning Love

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 26, 2014

Mac “The Snake” Hannon has spent years throwing himself into cage fighting as a way to lash back at the natural disaster that destroyed his future. A call for help has Mac returning to the one place he swore never to return: Kansas—in the height of tornado season.

There he meets free-spirited Gayle Andrews. At first he wants nothing to do with the infuriatingly, persistent woman, but the crazy challenges she tosses his way are impossible to resist. As she thaws years of bitterness, bringing back the Mac he believed long gone, he starts to make peace with the past and see the future again. Until he learns she chases his worst nightmare, then he can’t get away fast enough.

Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Andrews is no stranger to being left behind and now believes in living in the moment. She wants to do just that with the handsome extreme fighter with the achingly sad eyes. As she works to replace the sorrow with desire, she finds herself breaking her one rule: have fun, but don’t fall in love. When he suddenly pushes her away and she discovers the horrifying reason why, she issues one more challenge: face his fear and come on a chase with her.

Will squaring off with the past lead to a victory for heartache or love?

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: WINNING LOVE is the third instalment in Abby Niles contemporary adult Love to the Extreme romance series focusing on the men of the MMA and the women that they love. This is professional MMA fighter Mac Hannon and meteorologist Gayle Andrews’s storyline. When Mac returns home to Kansas (following a four year absence) to help train his best friend Lance for his upcoming fight he was not prepared for the spitfire known as Gayle Andrews-Lance’s neighbor; sometime babysitter, meteorologist and all woman. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any problems.

The storyline follows Mac as he tries to come to terms with everything that has destroyed his life. Kansas brings with it too many painful memories of loss, heartbreak and fear. The one shining spot is his best friend’s neighbor –a woman who doesn’t take no for an answer-but a woman with secrets of her own. As Gayle endeavors to get Mac to open up she will soon discover that what she does for a living is the very thing that could send Mac back into the spiral to hell.

The relationship between Mac and Gayle begins as friends. She is the yin to his yang; she pushes Mac to step outside of his comfort zone and in doing so discovers that she is falling for the man with a heartbreaking past. The sex scenes are hot, seductive and sensual. But both Mac and Gayle know that neither one is in it for the long haul: Mac is a man who is unable to let go of the past and Gayle is a woman who has knows what Mac is trying so desperately to hide.

The world building continues as the series focuses on the men of the MMA fighting ring. When Lance enters a local competition, Mac finds himself in need of a fight to let off some aggression. What he doesn’t realize is that this fight will set into motion a series of events that could very well end his career.

WINNING LOVE is a captivating and emotional storyline where two people share more in common then they could have ever imagined. Their backstories are filled with love and loss; pain and sorrow; letting go and moving on. But only one person has been able to let go while the other still clings to a personal guilt that eats away one day at a time.

Abby Niles’s LOVE TO THE EXTREME series will captivate and compel. The romances are intimate and intense; the friendships are real; and the storylines are provocative and arousing.

Reading Order
Extreme Love
Fighting Love
Winning Love

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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