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Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Dark Legacy
Carpathian (Dark) series – Book #31
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 5, 2017

Dark LegacyAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
In a beautiful compound hidden away from the world, Emeline Sanchez tries to blunt the pain that has wracked her body ever since her terrifying ordeal in the labyrinth beneath the city—when she was forced to exchange blood with an evil master vampire.

Now, it’s his voice that haunts her…that calls to her in the dark…that never lets her rest. And while the children that she helped to free from his clutches struggle to heal, watched over by their Carpathian protectors, Emeline knows one thing: She must sacrifice herself to keep them all from harm…

 

Barb’s Review:
Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan is the 31st book in her Dark (Carpathian) series.  In my last review, I had noted how happy I was that Christine was ‘back’ to giving us what we fell in love with in the Dark series.  Dark Carousel was the best book in my opinion since Dark Slayer, though I did enjoy Skylar & Dimitri’s story.  In Dark Legacy, so much happens to keep us glued to our seats, and unable to put the book down.  The exciting storyline plots; the return of the evil Malinovs;  a strong wonderful  heroine and a hero who not only worshipped his lifemate, but treated her  like a queen from the start; not like the abusive male heroes we had to endure in many of the later Dark books. I loved Dark Legacy. 

Emeline Sanchez was one of the people rescued in Dark Carousel and staying at the home of Tariq Assenguard. Emeline has a secret that she hides from her friends and those staying at Tariq’s mansion. When she was in captivity by the Malinovs, Emeline suffered many horrific disturbing things by Vadim Malinov, and he now has the ability to talk to her telepathically, threatening her to return to him.  Emeline has her own psychic powers, which enable her to be able counteract his demands, but he is still able to hurt her with enormous pain. 

Dragomir, our hero, is one of the Monastery Carpathians that is helping to protect Tariq’s family (including Emeline, and the children rescued in the previous book), and home.  He avoids talking to anyone, concentrating only protecting everyone.  When Vadim sends in his creatures to attack everyone, Dragomir goes into action, and runs to save Emeline from the evil master vampire.  At that moment, everything changes for Dragomir, as his world opens up with color and he knows that Emeline is truly his lifemate.

What follows is a wonderful story, where Darogmir , his ancients from the Monastery & Tariq’s people must find a way to protect Emeline, the children, and the entire Asenguard home from the massive attacks by the Malinovs .   I also loved seeing how strong Gary has become, as well as meeting so many new ancients.  It was nice to spend time with Tariq, Charlotte, Genevieve and the children we got to know in Dark Carousel.  It was amazing to watch Gary, Dragomir, the ancients together, not once but a few times to remove Vadim’s splinters in Emeline, and some of the children.  Dark Legacy was nonstop action all the way through and written so well by Feehan.

Though Christine’s stories continue to have a lot of sexual content (erotic), the storyline and the couple remained in the forefront.  Dark Legacy was a fantastic exciting pulse pounding story, with a wonderful couple we rooted for from the beginning. With the Malinov’s still around, I can’t wait to see where Christine will be taking us in the next book.

 

Sandy’s Review

There may be some overlapping information between mine and Barb’s reviews, as well as the possibility that we do not necessarily agree on the overall impact and enjoyment of this particular story line.

DARK LEGACY is the thirty –first installment in Christine Feehan’s DARK CARPATHIANS paranormal, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Dragomir Kozel, and Emeline Sanchez’s story line. DARK LEGACY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although there is an ongoing series arc that continues in Dark Legacy. Several of the characters from previous story lines play secondary and supporting roles including a number of Carpathian warriors, from a Carpathian monastery, who have yet to find their lifemates.

NOTE: DARK LEGACY contains scenarios and references to rape, sexual assault of women and children.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dragomir and Emeline) DARK LEGACY continues to focus on the search for a master vampire. Dragomir Kozel, a Carpathian warrior, has yet to find his lifemate, and like many of the ancients, he struggles with his lack of emotions, colors, and the pull of the dark side. Now that Tariq Asenguard (Dark Carousel) has found his lifemate, he has opened his home and his California compound to a number of homeless children and women, whose own psychic abilities have attracted the evil vampires-former Carpathian warriors-who have lost the battle with evil, or have given up finding the mate of their heart. Enter Emeline Sanchez, a young psychic woman whose recent capture and torture by Vadim Malinov has left our heroine struggling with the lure of dark side, and her belief that she is no longer pure for the Carpathian world. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Dragomir and Emeline, and the numerous battles between the Carpathian warriors, and two master vampires with hopes of destroying the Carpathian race.

Emeline Sanchez was brutally tortured and raped by Vadim Malinov. Now with Xavier’s parasites, and an even more prominent reminder of her recent ordeal, Emeline knows that she is a liability to the Carpathian males, and anyone who considers our heroine his mate. As a psychic female, Emeline is a potential mate for one of the Carpathian males but her dreamwalking, precognizant abilities push our heroine towards a warrior who figures prominently in her dreams.   Dragomir Kozel knows the reluctant Emeline Sanchez is his lifemate-with his emotions and colors restored, Dragomir is determined to rid his lifemate of the painful parasites, and complete Emeline’s conversion before Vadim Malinov returns to finish the job. But there is something more about Emeline than anyone could have imagined; she hides several psychic abilities and a lingering reminder of Vadim’s cruel and methodical ways.

The relationship between Emeline and Dragomir is one of immediate attraction but Emeline is hesitant to trust another Carpathian male. Her experience with the vampire has left our heroine broken yet determined to protect the other children that Vadim took control. The limited $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text but as per CF’s style of writing, they are very long and detailed.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the newly turned and very powerful Gary Daratrazanoff, Tariq and Charlotte, Maksim and Blaze, triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matais, ancients Petru, Andor, Isai, Ferro, Sandu and Benedek, as well as the orphaned children found in Vadim’s underground lair-Danny, Amelia, Lourdes, Bella and Liv, as well as their nanny Genevieve Marten. The requisite evil has many faces including the return of both Vadim and Sergey Malinov.

DARK LEGACY is a graphically violent story line with fight scenes reminiscent of Dark Demon and Dark Slayer, and the familiarity of Xavier’s experiments, imprisonment and torture; there is plenty of action that, at times, got bogged down with too many characters. The Carpathian race remains at war with the Malinov brothers but a war that has intensified with the possibility of another Malinov heir. With the ‘reemergence’ of Xavier a few stories back, his ‘triplet’ lineage continues with the appearance of another mage who may or may not be a lifemate to one of the ancient warriors. The premise is entertaining but familiar; the characters and romance are similar to many of the previous story line couples. Christine Feehan’s DARK LEGACY continues the author’s escape into the supernatural world of the Carpathian male and the woman that will save his soul.

Copy supplied by the publisher for review

excerpt

This had been her worst nightmare, the dream occurring over and over for the last month. Emeline knew she shouldn’t run to her house. If she did, the Carpathian known as Dragomir would die. He always died saving her. She’d tried to avoid this destiny. She’d made certain not to meet him, never to speak to him, yet here she was, forced to make a split-second decision. If she didn’t make it to her house, Vadim would have her again and there would be no stopping him.

“Don’t follow,” she pleaded, rushing up her steps. She knew Dragomir would. He was one step behind Vadim. She knew coming after Dragomir was Vadim’s army of horrible creatures. Vadim had already weakened her, taking her blood. Her neck burned, a fierce, intolerable pain that spread through her like wildfire.

Vadim waved his hand and her door stuck as she tried to jerk it open. She turned to face him, despair moving through her. Despair. Sorrow. Fear—although she was almost beyond fear. Back to the door, she slid down until her bottom hit the porch, knees up. She already knew exactly how the scenario would play out. Dragomir was on the stairs, and Vadim swung around to face him.

Emeline forced herself to look at the ancient warrior. He was the opposite of everything Vadim was. Roped muscles, scars, waist-length salt-and-pepper hair. He looked rugged. Tough. Scary. He had tattoos drifting up his neck so he looked a little like a modern-day outlaw biker. Vadim, despite his head being blown off repeatedly, always managed to restore his flawless, model looks. At first glance, one would be terrified of Dragomir, not Vadim, and that would be a very big mistake.

Her breath caught in her throat as Dragomir continued right up the stairs toward Vadim. She wanted to close her eyes, but she couldn’t. She’d witnessed his death over and over in her nightmare. She always woke up when he went down and she never saw the outcome, only that he sacrificed his life for hers. She felt the least she could do was watch. More—this time, she planned to aid him.

Her hand dropped to the pocket of the long dress she wore. Once before, after continually trying new things in her dreams, she’d changed the outcome of the future. She was determined to do the same this time, or die trying. Time slowed down. Just as she knew it would, the air exploded with more vampires, and as they appeared, the Carpathian hunters joined in the fight.


 
Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Christine Feehan, 2017.

giveaway

Christine Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of DARK LEGACY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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9.. Giveaway runs from September 5 – 9, 2017

 

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Devil’s Cut (The Bourbon Kings #3) by J.R. Ward – Dual Review

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Devil’s Cut  (The Bourbon Kings #3) by J.R. Ward – Dual Review

 

Devil’s Cut
Bourbon Kings series – Book #3
by J.R. Ward
Release Date: August 1, 2017

Devil's Cut

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

Description:
At first, the death of William Baldwine, the head of the Bradford family, was ruled a suicide. But then his eldest son and sworn enemy, Edward, came forward and confessed to what was, in fact, a murder. Now in police custody, Edward mourns not the disintegration of his family or his loss of freedom . . . but the woman he left behind. His love, Sutton Smythe, is the only person he has ever truly cared about, but as she is the CEO of the Bradford Bourbon Company’s biggest competitor, any relationship between them is impossible. And then there’s the reality of the jail time that Edward is facing.

Lane Baldwine was supposed to remain in his role of playboy, forever in his big brother Edward’s shadow. Instead he has become the new head of the family and the company. Convinced that Edward is covering for someone else, Lane and his true love, Lizzie King, go on the trail of a killer—only to discover a secret that is as devastating as it is game-changing.

As Lane rushes to discover the truth, and Sutton finds herself irresistibly drawn to Edward in spite of his circumstances, the lives of everyone at Easterly will never be the same again. For some, this is good; for others, it could be a tragedy beyond imagining. Only one thing’s for certain: Love survives all things. Even murder.


Barb’s Review:

Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward is the 3rd and final book in her Bourbon Kings trilogy. Devil’s Cut picks up immediately after Angel’s Share left off.  Edward, the oldest brother, is now in jail, having confessed to the murder of his father, William Baldwine.  There was no love lost for William’s death, as everyone in the family rightfully hated him, as he was an evil & destructive man.

Lane finds himself in a mess trying to cope with his father’s funeral; working with his friend and financial genius Jeff to help save Bradford Bourbon from bankruptcy; and at the same time find the truth about who killed his father, as Lane knows Edward is protecting someone.

All of this is the focus of story, with Lane, Lizzie, Gin, Samuel, Max, Sutton all playing major parts in this intense family saga.  While Lane has Jeff working on every possibility to save their company, he and Lizzie try to find out who Edward is protecting.  I mentioned in my previous review, that I loved Lane and Lizzie together, and that has not changed.  But I also wanted so badly that Sutton could find a way to get Edward stop hiding from the love they both have for each other, but first she has to help Lane and Lizzie discover the truth…..something which as we get closer will be a surprise.

Gin, who near the end of Angel’s Share, married Richard, for his money, knowing he was a bully, who eventually would beat her.  Samuel, who truly did love Gin, but felt there could never be a future for them; when Gin finds herself in danger, it will be Samuel who will come to her rescue, and along the way he will discover a truth that has been hidden from him for years.  Another surprise here. 

Max, the youngest brother, has a small role here, but slowly he begins to realize that perhaps it was time for him to stop running away, as his father could no longer haunt him.

J.R. Ward gives us a wonderful tense mystery that will have all the Bradford/Baldwine family totally buried in disaster, deceit, and desperation to save them all.  But as things begin to unravel and heat up, things will come to a head that will bring them all together.  I cannot tell too much more, as it would ruin the story for those who should be reading this series.  

Devil’s Cut brings this series to a satisfactory conclusion, and what an ending it is.  There were so many twists, and surprises, as well as a wonderful happy ending to this fantastic series, which Ward has created and written so well for us to savior.  I loved the Bourbon Kings series, and the wonderful family saga of the Bradford/Baldwines.  If you have not started this series, I suggest you do so by reading the first book, The Bourbon Kings.

Sandy’s Review:

DEVIL’S CUT is the third and final installment in JR Ward’s dramatic, contemporary, adult THE BOURBON KINGS series focusing on the uber rich Bradford/Baldwine family of Charlemont, Kentucky- a bourbon dynasty whose beautiful façade hides many dark and dangerous secrets. Like the previous installment-The Angel’s Share-Devil’s Cut is an ensemble story line that looks at the aftermath of William Baldwine’s death and the investigation into millions of dollars in missing money. The entire series covers little more than a week in the life of the Baldwine/Bradford family.

Told from several third person points of view DEVIL’S CUT continues to focus on the Bradford/Baldwine family as they struggle to come to terms with the death (murder) of their father- a man despised by both family and employees-and a man who spent the final months of his life wiping out the family fortune. With eldest brother Edward Baldwine confessing to the murder of the family patriarch, Lane Baldwine struggles to keep the Baldwine Bradford Bourbon Company from declaring bankruptcy in the face of a growing list of bank loan defaults. Prodigal son Max returns only to come face to face with the woman he has always loved, and daughter Virginia ‘Gin’ embarks on a dangerous journey with a man she knows will destroy her life.

DEVIL’S CUT follows several paths as each of the Baldwine siblings battles demons from the past. With their ailing mother little more than a shadow of her former self, Max reveals to Lane a long kept family secret that will change the siblings dynamics as a new perspective on past events begins to unfold. A death-bed confession; heartbreaking confessions; and the discovery of a well-timed investment find each of the siblings focusing on a possible future with the man and women they love.

If you are a fan of the author’s Black Dagger Brotherhood you can’t help but notice a few similarities especially as it pertains to some of the individual characteristics, peculiarities and talents of the story line characters. e.g. singing voice of Max vs Zhadist

DEVIL’S CUT is a story of drama, betrayal, heartbreak and revenge. The dysfunctional Baldwine/Bradford family must face the media, the police, and the truth as to the extent of damage one man was willing to inflict upon the people he should have loved. Years of emotional and physical pain have taken their toll. The premise is dramatic, revealing and intense; the characters are broken, rebellious but strong; the romances are fated-five second chances at love, and a future free of trauma and guilt. JR Ward’s amazing THE BOURBON KINGS is an engaging, fascinating and passionate series that will leave you breathless, and wanting more.

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Finding Kyle by Sawyer Bennett-a review

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FINDING KYLE by Sawyer Bennett-a review

Finding Kyle

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 16, 2017

When you’ve lived your life as a criminal…
When you’ve done unspeakable things …
When your soul has become dark and stained…

The path to redemption begins where you least expect it.

Kyle Sommerville is in hiding and doesn’t want to be found by anyone. Certainly not by his quirky, free-spirited neighbor who’s managed to push her way past the walls he’s built around him. But Jane Cresson’s indomitable will and insatiable curiosity about her reclusive neighbor makes it impossible for Kyle to stay immersed in his dark world.

Little by little, she claws through his shell.
Day by day, she gets him to smile a little more.
Night by night, they both find pleasure they never knew existed.

When Kyle’s terrible past is exposed, Jane begins to think she’s in over her head. Can her love for this broken man finally clear his path to redemption, or will Kyle’s darkness finally extinguish every bit of hope she’s put into him?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FINDING KYLE by Sawyer Bennett is stand alone, erotic, romance story line focusing newcomer to Misty Harbor, Maine handyman Kyle Sommerville, and art teacher/artist Jane Cresson. Kyle was first introduced in Sawyer’s Shaken Not Stirred and Wicked Bond; Kyle’s sister Andrea’s story can be found in With A Twist. You do not have to have read the previous story lines to follow or understand FINDING KYLE.

Told from dual first person points of view (Kyle and Jane) FINDING KYLE focuses on the building but short lived relationship between brooding handyman Kyle Sommerville, and artist Jane Cresson. Kyle Sommerville is in hiding; his past is dark and his future potentially darker, and with it he must keep secret the truth about himself. Finding a temporary place in Misty Harbor comes with the solitude our hero wants and needs but his perky and sexy new neighbor Jane Cresson isn’t willing to take no for an answer. Jane continues to push all of Kyle’s buttons worming her way into our hero’s life until his past comes back looking for revenge. What ensues is the building relationship between Kyle and Jane, and Kyle’s struggle to keep from losing his heart.

Kyle knows his time in Misty Harbor is limited, and starting any sort of relationship goes against everything he believes but Jane Cresson is determined to uncover what makes her new neighbor tick. When Kyle is unable to promise anything but the present, Jane reluctantly goes along hoping their relationships does not have an expiry date. The sex scenes are intimate, seductive and intense.

We are introduced to Jane’s best friend Miranda-a bar tender who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is, as well as Jane’s parents who are hoping for their daughter to settle down. Kyle’ sister Andrea has a very small role at the end of the story.

FINDING KYLE is a story of romance, heartbreak, secrets and lies. Kyle’s journey has been long and difficult; he carries a heavy burden of guilt that will not soon be alleviated but when the truth is revealed our heroine is unable to let go of the pain and hurt. The premise is creative; the characters are intelligent and dynamic; the romance is passionate and moving. FINDING KYLE crosses two series, 4 story lines, and a broken man finally gets his happily ever after.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Angels’ Share
Bourbon Kings series – Book #2
by J.R. Ward
Release Date: July 26, 2016

The Angels' ShareAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
In Charlemont, Kentucky, the Bradford family is the crème de la crème of high society—just like their exclusive brand of bourbon. And their complicated lives and vast estate are run by a discrete staff who inevitably become embroiled in their affairs. This is especially true now, when the apparent suicide of the family patriarch is starting to look more and more like murder…

No one is above suspicion—especially the eldest Bradford son, Edward. The bad blood between him and his father is known far and wide, and he is aware that he could be named a suspect. As the investigation into the death intensifies, he keeps himself busy at the bottom of a bottle—as well as with his former horse trainer’s daughter. Meanwhile, the family’s financial future lies in the perfectly manicured hands of a business rival, a woman who wants Edward all to herself.

Everything has consequences; everybody has secrets. And few can be trusted. Then, at the very brink of the family’s demise, someone thought lost to them forever returns to the fold. Maxwell Bradford has come home. But is he a savior…or the worst of all the sinners?

 

 

Barb’s Review

Warning: If you have not read the first book in this series, there may be spoilers.

Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward is the 2nd book in her Bourbon Kings series. Angels’ Share begins where The Bourbon Kings left off; William Baldwine, the Bradford/Baldwine family patriarch, is dead, having committed suicide.  As the family prepares for the funeral, there is no sadness, nor mourning, since he  was an evil man, whom just about everyone hated.  Lane and Lizzie continue to be the center focus point of this story.

Lane is out of his element, with the family and their Bourbon business facing financial ruin due to their father’s staggering hidden dealings.  Lizzie will step up and take control of the house, the staff and do what she can to give Lane the support he needs.  I really do love them together. 

Lane will bring in his college roommate to help in trying to decipher the financial mess, as well as helping him take control of the business.  Angels’ Share continues to be an intense family saga, with the return of most of the main characters we have come to know from the first book.  There are a few twists, and everything changes early on when murder is suspected, which will add the element of mystery to the story.

What makes Angels’ Share so good is the complex characters Ward has created, not to mention all the secrets, lies, deceit, as well as romance throughout the book.  As much as I love Lane and Lizzie, I also love Edward, who has suffered so much because of his despicable father.  Edward is damaged both physically and mentally, but he remains loyal to his family, even if he wants nothing to do with the business or family affairs.  He continues to keep his distance from the mansion, as he lives on a ranch.  But we cannot help see how he is hurting, especially in his love of Sutton; but Edward feels that he is not the man he used to be and is not worthy of her.  I so want them to find a way to make it together and Edward to somehow get strong again.  Will this happen?  At this time, the chances are very slim, especially after the ending.

Again, Ward has created a fabulous cast of characters: Gin, the snobbish sister, who slowly might be changing for the better; Samuel, the lawyer, who loves Gin, but thinks she is too spoiled to trust her with his heart; Miss Aurora, the woman who brought them up, whom they all look at as their true mother; Sutton, she is the strong successful independent woman, who I pray will save Edward; Chantal, the ex-wife, good riddance; Max, the missing brother who returns home, and I cannot wait to find out more; Amelia, Gin’s daughter also returns home, and I would love to know about her too.

Angels’ Share is a wonderful continuation to this family saga of a wealthy successful family facing ruin, in more ways than one.  The story is well written, with many surprises, intrigue and the romance between Lane and Lizzie has gotten even better.  We watch as the family members grow as their lives change, and a bond begins to bring them closer as disaster threatens.   I cannot wait for the next book to come out.  If you enjoy family saga stories, you need to read this, as J.R. Ward is writing an addicting series.

 

Sandy’s Review

THE ANGEL’S SHARE is the second installment in J.R. Ward’s adult, contemporary, dramatic series focusing on the uber rich Bradford/Baldwine family of Charlemont, Kentucky- a bourbon dynasty family whose beautiful façade hides many dark and dangerous secrets. Although no one particular couple is the star THE ANGEL’S SHARE is an ensemble story line that looks at the aftermath from the apparent suicide of the Baldwine patriarch, and the investigation into millions of dollars in missing money.

Told from several third person points of view including Baldwine/Bradford siblings Lane, Edward and Gin, THE ANGEL’S SHARE focuses on the search for the truth behind the apparent suicide of William Wyatt Baldwine-the CEO of the Bradford Bourbon Company. The resulting death slowly reveals the dark secrets, lies, betrayals and illegitimate heirs of a man beloved by no one, despised by all. Edward, as the eldest son has been broken by his father-destroyed in body and soul by a man with a black heart and a darker soul; Lane is the man who will struggle to keep the family heritage up and running; Gin is a woman who has given up and is willing to risk her life to save her family. Deals will be made, secrets will be revealed, lives will be destroyed in the process. THE ANGEL’S SHARE is not a story of romance but of a family, passionate in their beliefs, who are struggling to gain some semblance of control over their business and their lives.

The Bourbon Kings is a modern day story akin to the 1980s Dallas and Dynasty-the uber rich families, their friends and the hidden secrets locked behind closed doors, addiction and lies. Death is an escape from the mayhem; to love is a struggle met with misunderstanding and betrayal. Once again, romance took a back seat to the family drama and investigation, and to the impending collapse of the bourbon dynasty. J.R. Ward writes an amazing tale of betrayal, struggle and loss for one family whose lives have imploded beneath a mountain of secrets and lies.

 

excerpt

 

Toyota trucks were not supposed to go seventy-five miles an hour. Especially when they were ten years old.

At least the driver was wide awake, even though it was four a.m.

Lizzie King had a death grip on the steering wheel, and her foot on the accelerator was actually catching floor as she headed for a rise in the highway.

She had woken up in her bed at her farmhouse alone. Ordinarily, that would have been the status quo, but not anymore, not now that Lane was back in her life. The wealthy playboy and the estate’s gardener had finally gotten their act together, love bonding two unlikelies closer and stronger than the molecules of a diamond.

And she was going to stand by him, no matter what the future held.

After all, it was so much easier to give up extraordinary wealth when you had never known it, never aspired to it—and especially when you had seen behind its glittering curtain to the sad, desolate desert on the far side of the glamour and prestige.

God, the stress Lane was under.

And so out of bed she had gotten. Down the creaking stairs she had gone. And all around her little house’s first floor she had wandered.

When Lizzie had looked outside, she’d discovered his car was missing, the Porsche he drove and parked beside the maple by her front porch nowhere to be seen. And as she had wondered why he had left without telling her, she had begun to worry.

Just a matter of nights since his father had killed himself, only a matter of days since William Baldwine’s body had been found on the far side of the Falls of the Ohio. And ever since then Lane’s face had had a faraway look, his mind churning always with the missing money, the divorce papers he had served on the rapacious Chantal, the status of the household bills, the precarious situation at the Bradford Bourbon Company, his brother Edward’s terrible physical condition, Miss Aurora’s illness.

But he hadn’t said a thing about any of it. His insomnia had been the only sign of the pressure, and that was what scared her. Lane always made an effort to be composed around her, asking her about her work in Easterly’s gardens, rubbing her bad shoulder, making her dinner, usually badly, but who cared. Ever since they had gotten the air cleared between them and had fully recommitted to their relationship, he had all but moved into her farmhouse—and as much as she loved having him with her, she had been waiting for the implosion to occur.

It would almost have been easier if he had been ranting and raving.

And now she feared that time had come—and some sixth sense made her terrified about where he had gone. Easterly, the Bradford Family Estate, was the first place she thought of. Or maybe the Old Site, where his family’s bourbon was still made and stored. Or perhaps Miss Aurora’s Baptist church?

Yes, Lizzie had tried him on his phone. And when the thing had rung on the table on his side of the bed, she hadn’t waited any longer after that. Clothes on. Keys in hand. Out to the truck.

No one else was on I-64 as she headed for the bridge to get across the river, and she kept the gas on even as she crested the hill and hit the decline to the river’s edge on the Indiana side. In response, her old truck picked up even more speed along with a death rattle that shook the wheel and the seat, but the damn Toyota was going to hold it together because she needed it to.

“Lane . . . where are you?”

God, all the times she had asked him how he was and he’d said, “Fine.” All those opportunities to talk that he hadn’t taken her up on. All the glances she’d shot him when he hadn’t been looking her way, all the time her monitoring for signs of cracking or strain. And yet there had been little to no emotion after that one moment they’d had together in the garden, that private, sacred moment when she had sought him out under the blooms of the fruit trees and told him that she’d gotten it wrong about him, that she had misjudged him, that she was prepared to make a pledge to him with the only thing she had: the deed to her farmhouse—which was exactly the kind of asset that could be sold to help pay for the lawyers’ fees as he fought to save his family.

Lane had held her, and told her he loved her—and refused her gift, explaining he was going to fix everything himself, that he was going to somehow find the stolen money, pay back the enormous debt, right the company, resurrect his family’s fortunes.

And she had believed him.

She still did.

But ever since then? He had been both as warm and closed off as a space heater, physically present and completely disengaged at the same time.

Lizzie did not blame him in the slightest.

It was strangely terrifying, however.

Off in the distance, across the river, Charlemont’s business district glowed and twinkled, a false, earthbound galaxy that was a lovely lie, and the bridge that connected the two shores was still lit up in spring green and bright pink for Derby, a preppy rainbow to that promised land. The good news was that there was no traffic, so as soon as Lizzie was on the other side, she could take the River Road exit off the highway, shoot north to Easterly’s hill, and see if his car was parked in front of the mansion.
Then she didn’t know what she was going to do.

The newly constructed bridge had three lanes going in both directions, the concrete median separating east from west tall and broad for safety purposes. There were rows of white lights down the middle, and everything was shiny, not just from the illumination, but a lack of exposure to the elements. Construction had only finished in March, and the first lines of traffic had made the crossing in early April, cutting rush-hour delays down—

Up ahead, parked in what was actually the “slow” lane, was a vehicle that her brain recognized before her eyes properly focused on it.

Lane’s Porsche. It was Lane’s—

Lizzie nailed the brake pedal harder than she’d been pounding the accelerator, and the truck made the transition from full-force forward to full-on stop with the grace of a sofa falling out a second-story window: Everything shuddered and shook, on the verge of structural disintegration, and worse, there was barely any change in velocity, as if her Toyota had worked too hard to gain the speed and wasn’t going to let the momentum go without a fight—

There was a figure on the edge of the bridge. On the very farthest edge of the bridge. On the lip of the bridge over the deadly drop.

“Lane,” she screamed. “Lane!”

Her truck went into a spin, pirouetting such that she had to wrench her head around to keep him in her sights. And she jumped out before the Toyota came to a full stop, leaving the gearshift in neutral, the engine running, the door open in her wake.

“Lane! No! Lane!”

Lizzie pounded across the pavement and surmounted barriers that seemed flimsy, too flimsy, given the distance down to the river.

Lane jerked his head around—

And lost one hold of the rail behind him.

As his grip slipped, shock registered on his face, a flash of surprise . . . that was immediately replaced by horror.

When he fell off into nothing but air.

Lizzie’s mouth could not open wide enough to release her scream.


 

About the Author 2

 

JR Ward (dog)J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with more than 15 million novels in print published in 25 different countries around the world. The books in her popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series have held the #1 spot on the New York Times hardcover, mass market, eBook, and combined print/eBook fiction bestseller lists and have debuted in the top 5 on the USA Today bestseller list. Prior to her writing career, Ward worked as a lawyer in Boston and spent many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard’s world-renowned academic medical centers. Ward currently lives with her family in Kentucky where she has learned to enjoy and appreciate all things Southern. Connect with her online at www.jrward.com, Facebook.com/JRWardBooks, and Twitter.com/JRWard1.

 

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J.R. and her publisher are graciously offering a hardcover copy of THE ANGELS’ SHARE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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9. Giveaway runs from July 25 to July 30, 2016

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Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

Shadow’s End
Elder Races series – Book #9
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: December 1, 2015

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…

Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…

 

Barb’s Review:

Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison is the 9th book in her wonderful Elder Races series. I love this series, and Thea Harrison never fails to deliver a terrific story with a great couple. We have all been waiting a long time for Graydon’s story, and to watch this fierce loyal warrior show us his heart and passion was wonderful. I always liked Graydon, being Dragos 1st Sentinel, but now he has become one of my favorites.

Beluviel is our heroine, and we knew her from previous books. I think I need to go back to Lord’s Fall to look for the clues that would show Graydon and Beluviel as a couple. Beluviel is considered forbidden to Graydon, as she is the Elven High Lord’s stepmother and he is a Gryphon. But what we learn early on is that two hundred years ago, a strong love began for Graydon and Bel ,but she was married to the then Elven High Lord. Graydon came to her rescue to help save her stepson, Ferion, and during this adventure, they fell in love. But a villain, Malphas, a Djinn, had already controlled her son’s soul to do his bidding. Malpas forced an agreement that he wouldn’t kill the son, as long as Graydon & Bel never have anything to do with each other.

Two hundreds later, things have changed, especially with the death of the Elven High Lord, and Ferion, now the new High Lord, being controlled by Malpas. Graydon goes to Beluviel and together they must devise a plan to stop Malpas.

This is covered early on, and what follows is an exciting and wild adventure that will bring back so many of our favorites from previous books. I loved seeing them all work together to find a way to break the ultra powerful Malpas. During the planning, Graydon and Bel’s love grew and they were so great together. The big question was will they and the others survive the battle that puts all their lives in extreme danger.

The last half of the book was not only action packed with us on the edge of our seat, as well as being an emotional ride straight to the end. The ending was so well done, spending more time with our favorites; enjoying Graydon & Bel, and watching the start of future possibilities. Thea Harrison has another winner in Shadow’s End.

 

Sandy’s Review:

SHADOW’S END is the ninth full length installment in Thea Harrison’s contemporary, adult ELDER RACES paranormal, romance series. This is gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr demesne Graydon, and consort to the Elven High Lord, Beluviel’s (Bel) storyline. SHADOW’S END should not be read as a stand alone; for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order; for fans of the Novels of the Elder Races, a quick re-read of Lord’s Fall may be advisable to bring you up to date on what happened before. Several of the characters and couples from previous storylines, including Dragos, Pia and Liam, Sentinel Constantine, Djinns Soren and Khalil play secondary and supporting roles.

Told from dual third person perspectives, using present day and a prologue from the past, SHADOW’S END focuses on second chances for Graydon and Bel, and freeing Beluviel’s stepson Ferion, from a two hundred year old debt to the evil Djinn Malphas.

Bel’s stepson was a notorious gambler and found himself owing more than he could ever repay. Enter Graydon and Bel, who sold their souls to the devil in return for sparing Ferion’s life. Fast forward to present day where Bel and Graydon reunite in the hopes of destroying the first generation Djinn pariah Malphas, and ending a two hundred year old strangle hold over their souls. Another potential war is on the horizon, and Gray’s second sight shows that blood will be spilled, and lives will be lost.

The relationship between Bel and Gray is one of second chances. Two hundred years earlier, at the annual gala celebration known as the Masque of the Gods, Gray believed he had found his mate- the consort to the Elven High Lord-and a woman trapped in a loveless marriage to a philandering Elf. Agreeing to aid Bel in her attempts to free her stepson from eternal servitude, Bel and Gray found themselves making a pact with the devil himself. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative; limited in number, although not as erotic in nature as the relationship and storylines involving Pia and Dragos.

SHADOW’S END has a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters including former Wyr sentinel Rune and his mate the ancient vampyre Carling, harpy Aryal and her mate Quentin, Djinn Khalil and Oracle Grace Andreas, Wyr sentinel Constantine, Djinn Soren, vampire Julian and his mate Melly, as well as wolf shifter Luis and Claudia whom we met in one of the earlier Elder Races ‘Tarot Card’ novellas. It was a pleasure getting reacquainted with many of the characters we have grown to love.

Thea’s world building is a flight into the fantastic as each storyline focuses on the supernatural; the paranormal; and the different species whose lives intersect between worlds and demesne. There is action and suspense; romance and love; heartbreak and loss. Lives will be lost; the next generation continues to grow; and the proclamation of love and a happily ever after is never far behind.

SHADOW’S END feels like the end of a relationship. There is a party to say good bye; a hint at what’s next for the younger generation; and the potential for the series to set off in another direction. SHADOW’S END is the culmination of several storylines, premises and plots that focus on power, control and survival of the fittest. The Wyr Demesne and Lord Dragos continue to reign strong, but there is always someone or something else vying for position.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

 

Giveaway

Thea’s publisher is offering a papercopy of SHADOW’S END 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. Please Follow Thea Harrison on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 2 – December 6, 2015

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Against the Ropes (First to Fight #2) by Jeanette Murray-a review

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AGAINST THE ROPES (First to Fight #2) by Jeanette Murray- a review

Against the Ropes

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 6, 2015

As a troubled teen, Gregory Higgs channeled his energy into boxing instead of breaking the law. The ring gave him purpose and something to strive for. So did the Marines. Combining the two seemed like a natural fit.

Another natural fit? Reagan Robilard, the sweet athlete liaison who keeps all the fighters out of trouble and manages their PR—a job that gets more challenging when someone digs up the truth about Greg’s not-so-shiny past after equipment is vandalized at the gym.

Even if it wasn’t her job, Reagan can’t let Greg take the fall. Because passion doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to matters of the heart

••••••••••••

REVIEW: AGAINST THE ROPES is the second instalment in Jeanette Murray’s contemporary, adult FIRST TO FIGHT military, romance series focusing on a group of Marine Corps boxers and the women they love. This is Marine/boxer Gregory Higgs, and PR representative Reagan Robilard’s storyline.

Told from several third person points of view AGAINST THE ROPES continues to focus on the destruction, and threats against the Marine boxing team with the attacks becoming more personal and aggressive. As the PR representative for the boxing team, it is Reagan’s job to spin the press but the continued attacks and threats against their own find Reagan falling behind when the attacks become personal and Greg Higgs is a target for both the press and the harassment. Several purposefully planted clues take aim at Greg and his ‘colourful’ past, and Reagan’s job is on the line when she is unable to keep a handle of the negative PR.

The relationship between Greg and Reagan is one of mutual attraction that finds our couple trying to keep secret their liaisons and personal life. While Reagan continues to push Greg for information about his earlier life, Reagan soon discovers that the man with whom she has fallen in love has a secret and dangerous past she knew nothing about. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic; there are no erotic sexual situations and no graphic sexual language.

AGAINST THE ROPES is an ensemble storyline with several of the previous storyline characters playing supporting and secondary roles. Marianne and Brad (Below the Belt #1) have a strong presence throughout the story, as does Marine Graham who begins to take an interest in Kara-the team’s yoga instructor. The banter and camaraderie between the boxers is friendly; there is a definite support system in place.

The world building continues to focus on the preparation for the upcoming boxing matches, but begins to aggressively turn its’ attention to the investigation into who or what is responsible for the acts of violence and betrayal against the Marine boxing team. I do have an issue with the unreality as it pertains to a lack of security and closed circuit monitors on a Marine base with visible MPs who apparently are not doing their job. The situation is disconcerting under the circumstance and what could very well be terrorist threats at another time seems to be all but ignored by the people in charge-they are quick to blame a PR rep for the trouble and not actively looking into the who, what and why. The situation, as presented, is not believable as it pertains to the investigation and blame.

AGAINST THE ROPES is an entertaining storyline. The premise is engaging with colourful and charismatic characters. The romance is predictable but seductive; the happily ever after has yet to be revealed as the Marine Corps boxing team continues to struggle with threats from an unknown source. There are no active military scenes or sequences; the series focuses on the boxing team and the person(s) responsible for the attacks.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy
Series spotlight

Below the BeltBelow The Belt
First To Fight #1
by Jeanette Murray
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, military romance

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7, 2015

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of BELOW THE BELT

There’s more than one way to win in the debut of the First to Fight series…

Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.

First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.

As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize…

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The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward – Dual Review & Giveaway

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The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward – Dual Review & Giveaway

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The Bourbon Kings
The Bourbon Kings #1
by J.R.Ward
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Bourbon Kings July 15Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.


Barb’s Review:

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward is the 1st book in her new The Bourbon Kings series. When I heard that J.R. was planning a new contemporary romance series about a rich and powerful family in Kentucky, I was very excited. The Bourbon Kings was a delightful and intense family saga filled with secrets, scandals, murder, deceit, love and nasty villains. This book brought back so many memories of our favorite TV shows of the past…Dallas, Dynasty and Knots Landing.

The Bradford family are the elite in the Bourbon business, and we get to see their lives in the midst of power, betrayals, greed and sexual exploits. But most of all, we watch as things begin to fall apart for the rich and powerful Bradfords. The sins of the father will force the heirs to fight for their survival. I will say that the patriarch of this family was outright despicable, with no redeeming qualities. With a powerful and devious father, who would stoop to the lowest level to get what he wants, not caring who he hurts in his family, it is no wonder that the children were spoiled, or damaged.

 
The story revolved mostly around Lane, the playboy son, who has been away for almost two years, as he comes back home for a family emergency. Lane comes face to face with the women who he cannot forget. Lizzie King works at the Bradford mansion as the head horticulturist, and she dreads seeing Lane after all this time, knowing she cannot let herself fall for him again. The romance in this story belongs to Lane and Lizzie, as he tries to win her back. Edward is the oldest brother, and he is physically and emotionally damaged by a kidnapping years before.   This was very emotional, as we watch his agony. Gin is their sister, and is somewhat spoiled, though she does love her brothers. Max is the other brother, whom we see early on, but then not again for the rest of the story.

There are some secondary characters who also play a big role, such as Chantal, Lane’s spoiled, snobbish, and nasty wife; Samuel, the lawyer friend who tries to help, and is Gin’s true love.

But the crux of the story is the dastardly deeds of the father, who could very well destroy them all. The consequences are staggering for the family, not to mention the many twists and turns that will affect all, no matter if it’s upstairs or downstairs.

I liked the romance of Lizzie and Lane, though I felt Lizzie was too quick to jump to conclusions, causing the romance to falter. I also loved Edward, and look forward to seeing him find a way to rise up again and move beyond his horrific past. This was a very good story, with a lot more to come. I can’t wait to find out what else is in store for the Bradfords, as J.R. Ward does leave us with a slight cliffhanger.  

Sandy’s Review:

THE BOURBON KINGS is the first installment in J.R. Ward’s adult, contemporary, erotic romance series focusing on the uber rich Bradford/Baldwine family of Charlemont, Kentucky- a bourbon dynasty family whose beautiful façade hides many dark and dangerous secrets. This is Trulane (Lane) Bradford, and Easterly estate gardener Lizzie King’s storyline-a second chance at love for two people from opposite sides of the proverbial track.

Told from several third person perspectives THE BOURBON KINGS focuses on the Bradford family and the preparations for a lavish Kentucky Derby Day brunch but all does not go according to plan. With the return of Lane Bradford, Lizzie’s ordered life is thrown into turmoil when old feelings resurface about the man with whom she had fallen in love. As Lizzie prepares for the celebratory brunch, Lane begins to uncover a family secret that could all but destroy a two hundred year old legacy.

THE BOURBON KINGS introduces the Bradford family of siblings-the victim; the prodigal son; the family whore; and the absent child. Physically and emotionally damaged eldest brother Edward, once the heir apparent, hides in the face of betrayal and pain; spoiled sister Virginia whose own secrets are hidden beyond the walls of the family Estate; and the absent brother Max, of whom, we know nothing about. The family secrets are a dark and dangerous cesspool of abuse, lies, cheating and scandal, and no one in the family goes unscathed or untouched. Lane’s best friend Jeff comes in to help uncover the depth of financial ruin; and Chantal Bradford is an evil princess who has eyes on the ultimate prize. We are also introduced to Sutton Smythe whose love for the once beautiful and heroic Edward has never waivered in the face of unrequited feelings. A large number of Easterly Estate employees fear reprisal and punishment from the Bradford family patriarch-a man whose sins are more dangerous and darker than most.

JR Ward ‘s THE BOURBON KINGS is an escape into the lives of the rich and famous; the privileged; the spoiled; the judgmental side of the entitled few. There is a propensity for stereotyping the affluent, and with it comes the perceived notion of acceptable discrimination, snobbery and the designated rights granted to the wealthy and well-to-do. Dynasty meets Dallas meets The Bourbon Kings of Kentucky-JR Ward’s new series is the updated version of the 80’s late night serials we secretly loved to watch. Saying that, the romance took a backseat to the drama that engulfed the Bradford/Baldwine family. I am looking forward to Edward’s story as heartbreaking as it is going to be.

Because THE BOURBON KINGS is a detailed and elaborate, introductory storyline, the premise followed several intersecting plotlines that allowed the reader a sneak peak at future stories, romances, and the potential fall out of financial disaster and personal ruin. There is some major info dumping in this first installment. J.R. Ward’s style of writing is familiar  with THE BOURBON KINGS of Charlemont, Kentucky.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

giveaway
J.R. and her publisher are graciously offering a hardcover copy of THE BOURBON KINGS 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. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Follow J.R. Ward on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open USA only

9. Giveaway runs from July 28 to July 31, 2015

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Black Widow by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Black Widow by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Black Widow
Elemental Assassin series – Book #12
by Jennifer Estep
Release Date: November 25, 2014

Black Widow Nov 14Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit.

The thing is, I’m not the only target. I can see through the tangled threads enough to know that every bit of bad luck my friends have been having lately is no accident—and that each unfortunate “coincidence” is just one more arrow drawing ever closer to hitting the real bulls-eye. Though new to Ashland, this M. M. Monroe is no stranger to irony, trying to get me, an assassin, framed for murder. Yet, as my enemy’s master plan is slowly revealed, I have a sinking feeling that it will take more than my powerful Ice and Stone magic to stop my whole life from going up in flames

 

Barb’s Review:
Black Widow by Jennifer Estep is the 12th book in her wonderful Elemental Assassin series. I have a few favorite kick-ass heroines, and Gin Blanco is one of them. In each book in this series, Jennifer Estep continues to awe us with a wonderful story, and another impossible situation for Gin to get out of.

The last book left off when we learned about Mab Monroe’s daughter, M.M. (Madeline), and a new villain was born. In Black Widow, Gin finds out quickly that she may have met her strongest adversary, as Madeline is an Acid Elemental and plans on taking over everything, including the underworld her mother controlled.  Since Gin was not fully prepared for Madeline’s secret scheming, as she and her friends/family are besieged with all kinds of legal issues, causing their business, or personal issues to bring them down. Most of all, Gin is set up on a murder charge by a crooked cop, who Madeline controls.

What follows is an exciting non-stop action packed adventure, that seems mostly hopeless for our Gin. At every turn, she faces insurmountable odds, and torture, starting with her stay in jail, which is set up for a full scale attack on her that is designed to have her killed. Madeline is determined to kill Gin, and will stop at nothing to ensure that this is done.

There were so many life ending situations, filled with extreme danger that we cringed in despair for Gin. Through it all, we wondered if this was the end, because we could see no way for Gin to survive some of these attacks. But Gin Blanco is not your normal heroine, she is the Spider, who can be as cunning, murderous and powerful as the worst evil villain. In the most inescapable situations, she will find a way, even if she suffers badly and comes so close to death. Madeline proves to be her strongest enemy. Will Gin find a way to outsmart Madeline? Is she powerful enough to with stand a powerful acid elemental?

Jennifer Estep has given us a story that had us on the edge from beginning to end. I loved seeing all of Gin’s friends/family come together to support and try to help her….Finn, Owen, Bria, Sophia, Jo-Jo, just to name a few, and there are so many more. This was a classic battle against a terrible villain that had us holding our breath. A major twist ending leads the way for future changes. Black Widow was a wonderful edition to Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. If you have not read this series, it is time for you to start reading.

Sandy’s Review:

BLACK WIDOW is the twelve full length storyline in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series focusing on the elemental assassin Gin Blanco aka The Spider. With her dual elements of stone and ice, Gin is a force unto herself but a new enemy with a familiar name and face has come back to Ashland seeking the ultimate revenge. Not only is Gin targeted for destruction, so too are everyone she knows and loves-and this time the Pork Pit is a target as well.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) BLACK WIDOW finds Gin and her extended family of vampires, dwarves and elementals facing a series of legal action brought about by local law enforcement. From law suits for fraud to health inspections that go terribly wrong, no one is protected when the people in control are no longer in control themselves. As if back from the grave, Mabs Monroe power reaches far and wide, and it comes with a more powerful and startling elemental.

We will reconnect with all of Gin’s family including her lover Owen whose need to protect Gin builds with every storyline. I hope to see something more from Owen and Gin in the future (perhaps I was the only one who caught a small hint). Gin’s foster brother Finn and sister Bria, as well as Jo Jo and Sophia continue to support and aid Gin in her endeavor to control the underground of Ashland but the powerful mob grows stronger with each new leader and elemental control. Gin’s new assistant Silvio is a definite asset when it comes to the inside workings of the law.

The world building continues as the giants, dwarves and other elementals focus their energy and revenge against the woman known as The Spider. Old enemies will resurface and take a stand against Gin all in the name of revenge. Law enforcement is once again on the take when the criminal element of Ashland is back in control. I will say that I worry when an author begins to recycle the bad guy phenomenon, although the recycling is more of a next generation of problems.

BLACK WIDOW has all the requisite mystery, suspense and action. The violence remains but has been curtailed such that the images are not as graphic as have been in the past. Jennifer Estep’s talent with the urban fantasy storyline is above and beyond. Great characters. Amazing author. Fantastic series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

 

Black Widow Audible

Do you like to listen to audio books? click HERE for a sample of BLACK WIDOW by Jennifer Estep

 

giveawayThere are 2 giveaways and 3 winners

-Jennifer is graciously offering a two book giveaway (Poison Promise & Black Widow) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

-Jennifer’s publisher is also graciously offering a paper copy of BLACK WIDOW to TWO (2) 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. Please LIKE us on Twitter

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Please LIKE Jennifer Estep on FACEBOOK and CLICK get notifications under LIKE

7. Giveaway is open USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from November 25 – 29, 2014

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