Saving Daylight by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Barb

Saving Daylight by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review

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Description:
After being locked away in isolation for two-hundred years, Serena Brinn returns home to find nothing left of her old life. Many of her loved ones are dead. Life has moved on without her. Even her betrothed is now bound irrevocably to another woman.

In an effort to create a new life for herself, she leaves the safety of her home and sets out alone. But the world has changed. Customs are different. Technology has advanced beyond her comprehension. Even the tide of war has shifted. Their ancient enemy, the Synestryn, are winning. She is needed in battle, but is it worth losing her freedom?

Morgan Valens, charmer of women everywhere, has been tasked with bringing home the willful beauty, Serena, no matter what it takes. More than one man has tried and all have failed. He will not.

What Morgan doesn’t expect is the swift, intense desire he feels for Serena or the buried memories those feelings unearth.

When an ominous prediction warns them of a new threat to their people, Serena and Morgan must find a way to overcome their past and work together. Because if they fail, not only will they lose each other, their people will lose the safety found in daylight, forever….

Barb’s Review:

Saving Daylight by Shannon K. Butcher is the 11^th book in her wonderful The Sentinel Wars series. I am a big fan of this series and Butcher’s writing, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Brief refresher: The Sentinel Wars series revolves around immortal warriors that protect the humans from the evil demons, Synestryn. The Sanquinars are healers, who need blood to survive, and they are dwindling; and the Theronai, who are elite protectors, who need to find their life mates to survive. The Synestryns are determined to kill all the Theronai woman and children, in order to destroy the Theronai warriors; as they continue to lose the leaves that will eventually kill them without a mate.

We meet our hero, Morgan Valens, a Theronai warrior, who has been assigned to find one of the women whom they need to help them in their battle against the Synestryn demons. Things are looking bleak for everyone living at the stronghold, Dabyr, as the enemy is starting to win the war. Morgan finally manages to find the woman he needs to bring back to Dabyr.

Serena Brinn, our heroine and a powerful woman in her own right, is determined to destroy all the demons on her own, and does not want help from Morgan or any Theronai. Serena was locked up in isolation by her mother for two hundred years, and now she will do anything to never again allow herself to not be free. Morgan does his best to convince her she is needed to work together with the other Theronai in order to defeat the enemy, but he gets nowhere. The demons have found a way to create daylight demons by the thousands, and no matter how fast those in Dabyr or Morgan and Serena together kill them, more continue to arise: the desperation escalates; Serena has been told to find the source of the creation of those daylight demons before they all die.

What follows is an exciting, action packed adventure, where Morgan and Serena find themselves in disastrous situations often, which each needing help from the Sanquinar healers to bring them back to health. Despite neither of them wanting to act on their growing attraction to each other, the chemistry between them is hot. Serena wants her freedom, fearing Morgan will take that away from her; Morgan lost his wife years ago, and feels he is betraying her memory. Will they both find a way to bond together, making both of them even more powerful?

Whereas, in previous books, the story mostly revolves around the lead couple, in Saving Daylight, we did get a number of other POV’s of the pregnant woman in Dabyr who are using their power to help fight off the enemy. At times, I felt it was a bit confusing, but since this was a major battle of survival, it was needed to keep the flow going. As we raced to the finish, this was a wild crazy battle with so many of our old and new favorites in a fight to death; keeping us on the edge of our seats

Saving Daylight was a wonderful addition to TheSentinel Wars, and Shannon Butcher once again gives us a great exciting story, a great couple, and wonderful secondary and recurring characters. If you enjoy paranormal fantasy, with lots of action and romance, then you should start reading this series.

Sandy’s Review

SAVING DAYLIGHT is the eleventh instalment in Shannon K. Butcher’s contemporary, adult SENTINEL WARS paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is Theronai warrior Morgan Valens, and Serena Brinn’s story line. SAVING DAYLIGHT can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and back story I recommend reading the series in order as many of the storylines overlap and continue in each successive instalment. Shannon is an author who builds up future storylines in many of the previous novels.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Sentinels are three races descended from an ancient race of guardians known as the Athanasians, who defend and protect mankind from the demons at the door. The Theronai are the protectors whose Theronai lifemark-The Tree of Life-begins to lose its’ leaves if a Theronai warrior does not find his mate. The lifemark is a visual gage of a soul’s health, and all of the warriors suffering with the pain are running out of time. The Synestryn have killed most of the female Theronai and the warriors are in need of women whose DNA and heritage will match with their own: the Sanguinar are the healers (as well as blood feeders) and the Synestryn are the demons whose humanity has been lost for centuries.

Told from several third person perspectives including Morgan and Serena SAVING DAYLIGHT follows Morgan and Serena as they fight for their lives, as well as the lives of everyone they know. Morgan Valens has been tasked with retrieving one of the few remaining female Theronai but Serena Brinn wants nothing to do with another captivity having lived two hundred years in a prison of her mother’s making. Refusing to go from one jailer to another Serena battles both head and heart as she fights to destroy the demon-like Synestryn, all on her own but Morgan isn’t willing to face the future without her, having realized Serena is one of the few compatible females to save his Theoronai lifemark. As the battle continues to rage on at the Theronai compound, another battle begins to tear down the walls of Serena’s heart when Morgan is left fighting for his life alongside another warrior who is close to losing the last of his leaves. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship and détente between Serena and Morgan, and the potential fall-out as both believe they are not worthy of love or finding their own happily ever after.

Serena found the price of freedom meant battling the demons that were destroying her world. As the Theronai warrior slowly succumbs to losing his soul, others will find themselves facing an enemy that is much more than anyone could have imagined.

The relationship between Serena and Morgan begins acrimoniously when Serena refuses to return to the Theronai compound. As one of the few known remaining Theronai females in existence Serena has no desire to become someone’s mate, let alone become subservient to a man who only wants control. Knowing Serena is reluctant to tie herself down to eternity, Morgan is willing to sacrifice himself in order to give Serena her freedom, no matter the cost. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Meanwhile, the Theronai compound is still under attack, and their defenses are slowly falling to the maurading hoards. Somehow, a new breed of Synestryn have developed the ability to move about in daylight, time when the Theronai could have taken the advantage. Lives will be threatened, babies will be born, unmated females will soon discover there are others looking to guard and protect.

SAVING DAYLIGHT is a story of survival and war; of fated mates, power and working together. The premise is startling, wonderful and gripping; the characters are feisty, dynamic and spirited; the romance is tender, encouraging and sensual. Shannon K Butcher invites the reader into a dramatic and intense instalment in the Sentinel Wars paranormal, fantasy series.

Copies supplied for review

Blood Bond (Sentinel Wars #10) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Sandy

BLOOD BOND (Sentinel Wars #10) by Shannon K Butcher-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2018

Justice has never known freedom. She woke up ten years ago, naked and alone with no memory of who or what she was. Since then, she’s been a prisoner, compelled by powers she doesn’t understand. She’s roamed the country, doing whatever the fates demanded of her, good or bad. Completely alone.

Until now.

Ronan is starving to death. Like all the Sanguinar, his survival depends on finding the dwindling traces of blood left behind by an ancient, magical race. Weeks ago, Justice saved his life and since then, it’s been her blood he craves, her face he dreams about.

As evil closes in on all sides, threatening the only stronghold the Sentinels have to protect them, Ronan must find a way to gain Justice’s trust and free her from the dark powers that control her. Because if he can’t, the next person she is compelled to kill may be him.

••••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW:

BLOOD BOND is the tenth instalment in Shannon K Butcher’s SENTINEL WARS paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is Sanguinar Ronan, and Justice’s story line. BLOOD BOND can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and history, I would suggest reading the series in order as many of the storylines overlap and continue in each successive instalment. Shannon is an author who builds up future storylines in many of the previous novels.

Told from several third person perspectives including Justice and Ronan BLOOD BOND follows several paths as Justice is ‘compelled’ to retrieve a number of items from various locations. Weeks (or months) earlier Ronan was dying and our heroine was the only source of sustenance for the ailing Sanguinar, a source that now connects our leading couple. As Justice is coerced by an unidentified psychic entity, Ronan must ensure that the woman that calls to his blood survives her journey into the unknown. Several attempts on both of their lives forces Justice to walk away before doing further damage, damage she fears to destroy the man with whom she is falling in love. What ensues is the building romance between Justice and Ronan, and the fall-out as the Theronai compound in Dabyr is targeted by the Synestryn demons.

Meanwhile Madoc and Nika are awaiting the arrival of their first born child, the first born Theronai in close to two hundred years. The attack on the compound is imminent but from who or what remains a mystery. Preparations were made in advance of the attack but they never expected the overwhelming hoard or the identity of their ultimate prize.

BLOOD BOND is a fast paced, action packed story line of good vs evil; betrayal and revenge; power and control. The premise is engaging; the romance is fated; the characters are colourful, energetic and powerful. Shannon K. Butcher’s world of the paranormal is exciting and dangerous.

It has been close to three years since the last Sentinel Wars book was released, and I struggled to remember all of the connections, and various paths on which the Theronai travel. The war between the Theronai and Sanguinar, and the Synestryn has come full circle-a war in which not all will survive.

__________

BARB’s Review:

Blood Bond by Shannon Butcher is the 10th book in her Sentinel Wars series. It has been a long time (3 years) since the last book, and I had to go back to my reviews to refresh my memory. What I did know was that I loved this series, and Shannon’s wonderful writing. Needless to say I am thrilled to be in this world again. Refresher: The Sentinel Wars series revolves around immortal warriors that protect the humans from the evil demons, Synestryn. The Sanquinars are healers, who need blood to survive, and they are dwindling; and the Theronai, who are elite protectors, who need to find their life mates to survive.

We meet Justice, our heroine, from the start, as she is compelled to save a young girl, who is being kidnapped. Justice has been besieged with voices (fates) telling her what to do, and has no memory of the past 10 years. When she is attacked, and left to die, Ronan, our hero, will come to her rescue, saving her and the young girl. But he needs to move her quickly, as the blood scent will draw the Synestryn demons. Ronan needs to convince Justice to allow him to help her, as she remembers when she tried to help him previously; when he took a lot of her blood. Her worry about the little girl and her weakness forces her to accept his help.

Ronan will bring both of them to safety to the Dabyr compound, where the Sanquinar and Theronai live. In a short time, Justice will learn all about the people in Dabyr, and they are good people. Though Ronan needs her blood to survive, she begins to trust him, and have feelings for him. It is those feelings that will force Justice to follow her voices, and in so doing that, runs from Ronan, in fear of him getting himself killed helping her.

What follows is an exciting, fast paced, action packed adventure, where Ronan and some of his warrior friends fight to save Justice, and then race back to help fight off a major demon attack on Dabyr. The Synestryns are determined to kill all the Theronai woman and children, in order to destroy the Theronai warriors. As we raced to the finish, this was a wild crazy battle with so many of our old and new favorites in a fight to death; keeping us on the edge of our seats. I loved the romance that was slow build between Ronan and Justice, and cannot wait to see what Shannon has in store for us. As I said before, I loved seeing some of our old favorites, and there was a nice side story about the arrival of a Theronai baby girl, the first in 200 years.

I am happy to be reading the Sentinel Wars again, and Shannon Butcher has once again gives us a great exciting story, a great couple, and wonderful secondary characters. If you enjoy paranormal fantasy, with lots of action and romance, then you should start reading this series.

Copy supplied for review

Rough Edges by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Barb

Rough Edges by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review & Giveaway

Rough Edges
Edge #5
by Shannon K. Butcher
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

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

Description
In the world of covert operations, Bella Bayne knows how to get the job done. And with her work coming first, her personal life is coming in a distant second. Even though Bella would like nothing more than to ravish the rugged, handsome Victor Temple, she’s his superior so it’s a strictly hands-off affair.

When Bella gets a solid lead on the location of Dr. Norma Stynger—the twisted mind behind Project Threshold—she must team up with Victor if they are to finally bring justice to the madwoman. But when Norma’s daughter risks her life to help the team, Bella is faced with the impossible task of deciding who will live and who will die…

Barb’s Review:

Rough Edges by Shannon K. Butcher is the 5^th book in her wonderful romance suspense series, Edge. When the last book ended, I had thought the next book would be Gage’s story, and he does have a big part in Rough Edges. But Bella is our heroine, and we have waited a long time for her story. Victor Temple is our hero, and he was perfect for Bella, who is damaged goods, thanks to the evil Dr. Stynger.

A brief refresher of this series. Bella is the owner of the Edge agency, who has been since the start of the series trying to find evil doctors, Sage and Stynger, who experimented on young children by brainwashing them. Bella and her team have managed to take care of Sage, but Stynger is still loose. Bella herself was one of those children, but she has been able to fight off the brainwashing, until Stynger tries to get some of her men to give Bella doses of medicine that will cause bouts of uncontrollable anger. Payton was Bella’s partner at one time, until it was discovered that he knew the truth of what was happening all these years, and now neither Bella nor the team want anything to do with Payton. But since he has connections, and some power, they are forced to still work with him, as he tries to right the wrongs.

Victor is one of the men assigned by Payton to help Bella find Stynger and the victims, as the doctor has created a group of soldiers that are controlled by her. While working with Bella, Victor knows she is desperately trying to find Gage, and her uncontrollable anger keeps popping up. Victor finds himself falling hard for Bella, though she is technically his boss during this assignment. He steps in to help her a few times, and to stop her from losing control.

Gage is now a captive of Stynger, as she is preparing to put an implant into his brain to control him. He meets Jordyn, who is Stynger’s daughter, but she has secretly been trying to help those her mother wants to control escape. It takes Gage a bit to begin to trust her, especially when he sees her put her own life on the line to help him and a young child escape.

What follows is an exciting adventure which follows Gage and Jordyn as they attempt to escape, as well as Victor trying to save Bella from attempts by Stynger’s men to hurt her or to kidnap her. But this is also a romance between Bella and Victor that grew rapidly, despite both trying to fight it. Their chemistry was very hot, and sensual. Rough Edges was an exciting, pulse pounding action filled adventure, as well as having a very sexy romance; the last 1/3 of the book was non-stop action that raced to the climatic ending. I suggest you read this series by Shannon K. Butcher, and you will need to start with the first book.

Sandy’s Review:

NOTE: Some information may be duplicated between reviews

BACKGROUND: The EDGE is a group of elite, military trained personnel who have all been ‘conditioned’ and ‘trained’ as killing machines, and are somehow linked to a 20 year old experimental operation known as The Threshold Project. The Threshold Project was a failure that left many children, who are now adults, on the brink of psychological collapse and physical destruction. The Edge is a private security company backed by Payton Bainbridge (a former member of The Threshold Project), and owner Bella Bayne who search for the victims of Dr. Stynger and Dr. Sage. With the inclusion of female victims of The Threshold Project the Edge series is similar to the premise behind Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker series.

ROUGH EDGES is the fifth installment in Shannon K Butcher’s EDGE series. This is US government operative Victor Temple, and Edge owner Bella Bayne’s storyline.

Told from third person point of view ROUGH EDGES follows Victor and Bella as they search for Gage Brink-Adam’s brother (Edge of Betrayal #4) –a man who volunteered to return to Dr. Norma Stynger’s labs but is currently MIA and has not checked in with his new employer. What ensues is the hunt for Stynger’s location and the desperate attempts to avoid the assassins sent to take down Bella Bayne.

Bella’s prime directive is to destroy Norma Stynger for the abuse, torture and experiments she performed for close to twenty years in an experiment known as The Threshold Project. Bella is one of Stynger’s victims and she hopes to give assistance to all of Stynger’s former and current subjects. Victor Temple is a member of an elite group of trained personnel who has been contracted to both protect and aid Bella in her search for Gage and other victims of The Threshold Project.

The relationship between Bella and Victor is one of forbidden romance-Victor is on loan from the US government and Bella is technically Victor’s new employer. Their physical and sexual attraction to one another is palpable but Bella is a strong willed, independent and alpha heroine whose history with men is dark, damaged and heartbreaking. Bella refuses to submit to any man’s demands-both in and out of the bedroom. While Bella likes to be in control out in the field, Victor likes control in the bedroom. The $ex scenes are seductive and captivating.

There is a secondary storyline building as it focuses on Gage Brink. Gage has been imprisoned at Stynger’s compound but becomes enamored with Jordyn Stynger-Dr. Stynger’s daughter-and a victim of her mother’s torture and abuse. When Jordyn offers Gage an opportunity to escape it comes with one demand-Gage must take Jordyn with him.

The world building continues to focus on the men and women who have been victimized by Norma Stynger. As Bella searches for the people whose lives have been destroyed by the evil doctor, Bella herself becomes the target of betrayal and revenge. Her relationship with Payton Bainbridge is strained since the revelation of his involvement with the original Threshold Project and his presence continues to eat away at Bella’s calm and in control façade.

ROUGH EDGES is an intense, fast paced and action packed storyline focusing on an experimental project that all but destroyed the lives of everyone involved. The now adult victims must relive the nightmare time and time again but with Bella’s assistance there may be hope to stop the cycle of pain and torture. The premise is suspenseful and will keep you on the ‘edge’ of your seat. The characters are colorful, animated, impassioned and inspiring; the romance is emotional and dramatic. The intrigue and thrilling final scenes are tense and dramatic. Reserve your seat for the next installment of Shannon K. Butcher’s THE EDGE.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

orangeandbluegiveaway Shannon’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ROUGH EDGES to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Binding Ties (Sentinel Wars #9) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Sandy

Binding Ties (Sentinel Wars #9) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review and Giveaway

Binding Ties
The Sentinel Wars 9
by Shannon K Butcher
Genre: adult, paranormal romance, UF
Release Date: March 3, 2015

Binding Ties March 15

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

BINDING TIES (Sentinel Wars #9) by Shannon K. Butcher

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2015

They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now a warrior must protect his onetime enemy—without succumbing to his darkest desires.

Lyka Phelan is a Slayer, sent to live among her enemy to guarantee lasting peace with the Theronai. Yet she has a secret—and it could make her a slave to their power. But when a pack of Synestryn destroys her home and captures her packmates, Lyka realizes her freedom is a small price to pay for the safety of her people. So she strikes a bargain with the leader of the Theronai—one that reveals her true identity and binds her to him forever.

Joseph thought he knew better than to tangle with the beautiful, hot-blooded Lyka. One misstep could send their races straight back to war. But now he has no choice other than to help her. Forced to protect her with his life, Joseph finds himself increasingly drawn to Lyka. As they risk everything in their fight against the demons, he realizes he must convince her to surrender to him completely—otherwise she will never truly be his.

••••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

BINDING TIES is the ninth full length installment in Shannon K Butcher’s SENTINEL WARS paranormal romance, fantasy series. This is Slayer Lyka Phelan and leader of the Theronai Joseph’s storyline. BINDING TIES can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and history, I would suggest reading in order as many of the storylines overlap and continue in each successive installment. Shannon is an author who builds up future storylines in many of the previous novels.

The premise finds Lyka as a ‘guest’ of the Theronai. To keep the tentative peace between the Slayers and the Theronai, Lyka’s brother Andreas and the Theronai leader Joseph have inked out a plan for a provisional truce between the once combative enemies. The accord offers a member of each race in exchange for peace and understanding. Lyka was sent to the Theronai while Joseph’s adopted daughter was sent to the Slayers. Lyka believes she is nothing more than a prisoner in a gilded cage.

Joseph is in constant pain as his lifemark continues to lose its’ leaves. Nearing the end, Joseph is a man whose desire to lead his people is waning; he is tired of the battles and knows that he does not have much time left but Lyka’s presence eases his pain and without knowing, Lyka may be the answer to all of Joseph’s prayers. There is something about Lyka that calls to Joseph’s heart-something that Lyka would like to keep secret from all Theronai Males.

Lyka’s pack has been decimated. The demons have destroyed their village and Lyka’s brother Eric and the youngest members of the pack are missing. Lyka’s need to search for her brother finds Joseph on the hunt alongside his potential mate. What ensues are several demon attacks, a near death experience for both Joseph and Lyka, and the revelation that someone is controlling the demons-behind the scenes. Lyka’s brother Eric will sacrifice himself to save the youngest members of his pack.

The world building finds several smaller storylines continuing to develop as per Shannon’s writing style. Ronan, the Sanguinar and Theronai healer, perseveres in his search for the woman who saved his life. This woman is familiar to Ronan but he is unable to place her identity or the nature of the battle she fights within herself. Connal is still missing and his actions have caused a rift between the Sanguinars and the human feeders who once opened their homes as safe houses for the warriors and healers.

SHANNON K BUTCHER is an amazing storyteller. The SENTINEL WARS is an infinitely detailed series about a supernatural species that defend and protect but a species that is also dependent on the people they protect. There are moments of anger and betrayal; lust and need; romance and love. But there are also times that romance on the run can be difficult when facing the demons who want to destroy your life. There is an urban fantasy feel to Shannon’s Sentinel War series as the Theronai continue to do battle with a foe that refuses to stop the hunt. There is always something or someone waiting on the other side.

Barb’s Review:

Binding Ties by Shannon K. Butcher is the 9^th book in her fantastic Sentinel Wars series. For those who have not read this series, this blurb on the back cover gives you enough to understand what it is all about. “They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn”

Throughout this series, we have waited for the Sentinel leader Joseph’s story, and it was worth the wait. Joseph being the leader of the Sentinel’s has given up hope of finding a mate, and concentrates solely to help the people in their compound survive against all threats by the Synestryn demons. He has more or less given up on his own life, as he fears he is near the end. Lyka, is a Slayer, living with the Sentinels as part of a peace treaty that her brother agreed upon with Joseph.

When Lyka finds out that one of her other brothers, and a group of children have been captured by the evil demons, she is determined to use her enhanced tracking ability to find them. However, Joseph feels responsible for Lyka and refuses to let her go. Joseph himself has not been in the field for a long time, having to keep things organized and controlled behind a desk.

Lyka has a secret that she hides from everyone, especially Joseph. But to be able to help find her Slayer family that is in danger, she offers Joseph a deal he can’t refuse. Wear his lycra, and bond with him, in order for him to allow her freedom…nothing more. It will save Joseph’s life, not to mention his true feelings for Lyka that will enable him to accept. Will he keep his promise to allow her freedom, once she completes her mission? Will Joseph and Lyka act on their growing sensual feelings for each other? What is Lyka’s secret?

Since Lyka is adamant about finding the captured Slayers, Joseph arranges to go with her. Together they have to face danger against the evil demons in an exciting adventure that will put both of their lives in danger. In between the pulse pounding action, the romance between Joseph and Lyka grows and despite her attempts to avoid contact, she finds herself unable to resist Joseph.

Binding Ties was another fantastic addition to Shannon K. Butcher‘s Sentinel Wars series. It was an exciting, action packed, tense, romantic and steamy storyline. There were so many wonderful parts, as we learned more about both Joseph and Lyka. This is a fun series, with fabulous characters, great couples, exciting stories, which we have come to expect from Shannon K. Butcher. If you have not read this series, I suggest you do so.

Reading Order
1. Burning Alive
2. Finding The Lost
3. Running Scared
3.5 The Collector
4. Living Nightmare
5. Blood Hunt
5.5 Bound by Vengeance
6. Dying Wish
7. Falling Blind
8.Willing Sacrifice
9. Binding Ties

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Giveaway Black and Lime

The Reading Cafe and Shannon’s publisher are offering a paper copy of BINDING TIES 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 ‘friend request and follow’ Shannon K Butcher on Facebook

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

5. LIKE 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 open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 5-9, 2015

Edge of Betrayal (Edge #4) by Shannon K. Butcher-Dual Review and Giveaway

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Sandy

Edge of Betrayal (Edge #4) by Shannon K. Butcher-Dual Review and Giveaway

Edge of Betrayal
Edge #4
by Shannon K. Butcher
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance, suspense
Release Date: November 4, 2014

Edge of Betrayal

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

About the book: Release Date November 4, 2014

The covert organization known as the Edge is in full rescue mode, having been ordered to find the victims of the dreaded Threshold Project—and also to bring Adam Brink into the fold. Brink previously worked for Threshold, and may know how to stop the terror.

Mira Sage knows Adam’s dark past. She’s created a database of Threshold survivors whose lives were destroyed by the experiments of the twisted Dr. Stynger—and is driven to save them. If working with the duplicitous Adam will help her, she’ll play along.

Even as Mira secretly seeks to prove Adam is still a traitor, Adam has his own agenda that no one must discover. But when the two find their goals pointing in the same direction, Mira will be tested to believe in the one man she can’t trust. The one man she can’t resist…

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

REVIEW: EDGE OF BETRAYAL is the fourth book in Shannon K Butcher’s contemporary, adult EDGE slightly paranormal, romantic suspense series.

BACKGROUND: The EDGE is a group of elite, military trained personnel who have all been ‘conditioned’ and ‘trained’ as killing machines, and are somehow linked to a 20 year old experimental operation known as The Threshold Project. The Threshold Project was a failure that left many children, who are now adults, on the brink of psychological collapse and physical destruction. The Edge is a private security company backed by Payton Bainbridge (a former member of The Threshold Project), and owner Bella Bayne who search for the victims of Dr. Stingyer and Dr. Sage. With the inclusion of female victims of The Threshold Project the Edge series is eerily similar to the premise behind Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker series.

Told from third person point of view, the focus of EDGE OF BETRAYAL is former Threshold Project member and new EDGE agent Adam Brink and Mira Sage-the daughter of Dr. Richard Sage-the man who controls the Threshold experiments. The premise follows Mira as she is partnered with Adam, a man she believes has betrayed her fellow EDGE members and the victims of the Threshold project, and the man she once thought could be ‘the one.’ Following orders from the very people who ‘created’ him, Adam (in the hopes of finding the identity of his missing brother) returned an unwilling and frightened Mira to her father. Fast forward and Mira has not forgiven Adam for his betrayal. Dr. Richard Sage used, abused and experimented with Mira, and Adam’s connection to her father has fueled Mira’s need for revenge and escape.

The relationship between Mira and Adam is complicated. One-time lovers, Adam’s betrayal has destroyed Mira’s confidence in herself. Partnered together with Adam will force Mira to take a hard look at the man who is currently on everyone’s radar knowing that at any moment his training and the psychological control of The Threshold Project could leave another trail of destruction and pain. Mira is a woman unsure of her future; her emotional state has been affected by the experiments and abuse by her father; and her current status is literally unknown.

The secondary characters include some of the previous storyline agents, as well as agents Riley, Sophie and Gage. Sophie and Riley’s relationship is a secondary storyline of romance and love. The world building continues such that the co-administrators of The Edge, Payton Bainbridge and Bella Bayne maintain their search for more victims of The Threshold Project but with each discovery, something new and more discouraging destroys their hope of retrieval and recovery.

EDGE OF BETRAYAL (and the EDGE SERIES) is a fast paced, imaginative and compelling storyline about power and control; where building the ultimate soldier results in destroyed lives and destroyed minds; broken hearts and broken promises. Shannon K Butcher will capture your imagination as she weaves a fascinating tale of intense pain and idealistic goals.

Barb’s Review:

Edge of Betrayal by Shannon K. Butcher is the 4^th book in her Edge series. In this book, Mira is our heroine. Mira is Clay’s (previous book hero) best friend, and her father is the evil scientist, Dr. Sage, who was killed in the last book.

Adam is our hero, but until the very end, he was thought to be an enemy, who used Mira to help Dr. Sage. But what Mira didn’t know was that Adam was doing what he did to find his long lost brother. Bella, who owns the Edge agency, hires Adam to help them continue to work at finding all the victims of Dr. Sage. Mira hates Adam, and she doesn’t believe he is now good. But she is forced to team up with Adam, as Bella has assigned them to find a victim. They all still have to worry about Dr. Stynger, who was Sage’s protégé, and she is just as bad as he was.

The experiments done by Sage and Stynger were brainwashing done on many children, and they need to find these children now grown up, to save them from unknown danger. What follows is a very exciting action packed storyline with Mira’s life in danger, as there are some unexpected surprises in store. I cannot tell you more without giving spoilers.

The romance between Adam and Mira is slow to build, as Mira is afraid to trust him. Adam cares very much for Mira, but he understands that he hurt her before. It was very nicely done, though I thought that Mira was too quick to misjudge Adam, especially once she realized she loved him.

Shannon Butcher continues to give us a wonderful exciting, on the edge story that flows so well into the next book. Once again, I could not put the book down until I reached the end. Mira and Adam were a great couple, with all their flaws. There was a secondary romance with Riley and Sophie. Edge of Betrayal is another wonderful edition to this series. I look forward to the next book, which belongs to Gage.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Giveaway Black and Orange

Shannon’s publisher is offering a paper copy of EDGE OF BETRAYAL to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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7. Giveaway is U.S. only

8. Giveaway runs from November 5 to 10, 2014

Catching Up With Shannon K. Butcher – Interview & Giveaway

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Barb

Catching Up With Shannon K. Butcher – Interview & Giveaway

ShannonButcherPhoto

The Reading Cafe is thrilled to welcome back the fabulous Shannon K. Butcher. Today Shannon will be discussing her new release, Willing Sacrifice, which is the 10th book in her wonderful Sentinel Wars series. Shannon will also tell us what she has upcoming.

Just below this post is our dual review of Willing Sacrifce.

Let’s talk to Shannon.

TRC: Hi Shannon. Thank you for taking the time to visit us again at The Reading Cafe, and to give us an update as to what you have upcoming, as well as what to expect in 2014.

Shannon: Thanks so much for having me back! It’s always great to come back for a visit.

This year will see the addition of one book to each of my two current series. First up is WILLING SACRIFICE, which came out this week. It’s the tenth installment of the Sentinel Wars series, and the conclusion to Torr and Grace’s storyline that so many of you have asked for. It’s a bit of a change of pace for what readers have come to expect from the series, but I hope folks enjoy it. I know I had a ton of fun writing it!

Next up is the fourth book of my romantic suspense series, the Edge. EDGE OF BETRAYAL comes out in November 2014, and revolves around computer genius Mira, and bad boy Adam.

TRC: Willing Sacrifice, which was released yesterday, is your 10^th book in your wonderful Sentinel Wars series. Can you please tell us the premise of this series, for those who may not have read it?

Shannon: Sure. The Sentinel Wars is a dark paranormal romance series with plenty of action. There are three races of beings who are fighting back the forces of evil that plague Earth. They each have their own set of powers and skills, but all are vital to turning the tide of war against the demons that roam free, killing innocent humans.

Most of the books center around the Theronai, who are hot, tattooed, badass, sword-wielding warriors who have vowed to protect humans. Their kind is dying off because there are few females left and no more being born. Without their female counterparts, the power the men house grows until it becomes toxic and begins destroying their soul. Every male Theronai born knows he has an expiration date. As each leaf on their lifemark—a living tattoo that covers their chests—falls, a little piece of them dies.

In book one, these men come across a woman raised as human who had no idea what she really is—the first of her kind born in centuries. The series kicks off when she learns that she can wield the powers of magic and help stem the rising tide of demons out for human and Sentinel blood.

TRC: Can you give a brief description of Willing Sacrifice?

Shannon: Willing Sacrifice is the conclusion to a story I’ve been working on for years. Torr, one of the Theronai, was paralyzed while rescuing Grace and her brother from demons. Torr knew he could never be with Grace—he was helpless in his paralysis, and unable to protect her from the demons who wanted her blood. Grace knew that Torr would die if he didn’t go out into the world and find the woman who could save his soul and restore his failing body. As much as she wanted to save him, she was powerless to do so.

Without spoiling anything, their paths continued to cross for several books. Now, when Torr least expects it, he’s summoned to another world where the powerful Athanasian woman, Brenya, lives. She demands his help in accordance with a vow he made to her in the hopes of saving Grace’s life. He finds the woman he loves, but she no longer knows who he is. Her memory has been wiped clean of everything she ever knew.

The two of them set out into the wild, untamed wilderness to seek and destroy the source of evil that’s begun to trickle through a gateway so they can save the only world Grace has ever known.

Links to order Willing Sacrifice:Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

TRC: When you were here last you mentioned that you were working on some other “fun paranormal projects”. Anything new on this?

Shannon: Nothing I’m ready to share yet. My schedule has been so busy that I’m still fighting to get new projects squeezed in between my contracted work. I just finished book five—the final book of the Edge series, and am getting set to start work on the next installment of the Sentinel Wars. Once that’s done, there will be a bit of time for my pet projects—most of which are so close to being done, I can taste it. 🙂

TRC: In your spare time, you design & create such beautiful jewelry. Has this always been a hobby, and how do you find time to make these unique creations?

Shannon: Thank you! I’ve always loved making things with my hands. It started with pretty rocks and dough made out of flour and water, and evolved into something that needs its own room to contain. The magpie in me has always appreciated shiny things, so making my own jewelry seemed a much saner option than going broke buying all the things that caught my eye.

I honestly don’t have a lot of time to bead anymore. I try to find one afternoon a month to play, but it often ends up being used to do all the important things that slide when I’m writing. The good news is that beads don’t expire, and they’re always there waiting patiently for me to find time to give them my attention.

The few things I am able to make end up going to contest prizes, raffle baskets or charity auctions. If you have a love of shiny things like I do, I encourage you to check out my website for whatever it is I’m giving away this month. 🙂

TRC: Thank you, Shannon for giving us an update on what we can look forward to in 2014, and we wish you the best with Willing Sacrifice.

Shannon: Thank you so much for letting me come out of my writing cave for a few minutes to visit. I spend so little time on social media these days, I really enjoy having an opportunity like this to let people know what’s going on in my writing life. Until next time…happy reading!

Giveaway 21-30-51 Shannon has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to win a signed copy of Willing Sacrifice, as well as a handmade necklace, bead embroidered by Shannon.

Shannon butcher necklace

1. You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3. Giveaway open to U.S. or Canada only

4. Contest runs from March 5 – March 8, 2014

Willing Sacrifice (The Sentinel Wars #8) by Shannon K. Butcher-a dual review

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Sandy

Willing Sacrifice ( The Sentinel Wars #8) by Shannon K. Butcher-a dual review

Willing sacrifice.March 14jpg

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

WILLING SACRIFICE (Sentinel Wars #8) by Shannon K. Butcher

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 4, 2014

Theronai warrior Torr has never forgotten Grace, the human who stole his heart and nearly gave her life to save his. So when he is summoned to the aid of Brenya, the powerful woman who healed Grace, he is devastated to find that Grace’s cure has left her mind devoid of any memory of Torr or their love.

However, despite not knowing who he is, Grace is inexplicably drawn to the dark warrior. As they team up to stop the invasion that threatens the people Grace now considers family, her memories slowly start resurfacing. But sometimes the past is best forgotten—a lesson that Torr may learn too late….

•••••••••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

WILLING SACRIFICE is the eighth storyline in Shannon K. Butcher’s paranormal, romance, fantasy series-The Sentinel Wars. The Sentinels are three races descended from an ancient race of guardians known as the Athanasians, who defend and protect mankind from the demons at the door. The Theronai are the protectors, the Sanguinar are the healers (as well as blood feeders) and the Synestryn-the demons.

The premise follows Torr as he is commanded to Temprocia in an effort to quell the forces on the hunt for Brenya-one of the most powerful females known to the Theronai. As the legions of Hunters, demons and the Warden draw near Torr will be paired with his one-time love Grace-a woman who has no memory of Torr or of their relationship. What ensues is Torr’s need to keep the woman that he loves safe from harm when she continuously goes out of her way to protect the stranger who has been sent to save her world. Grace is drawn to Torr, for reasons she cannot explain, but the more she looks deep into herself, the more her memory begins to return.

WILLING SACRIFICE is a story of second chances in a world where staying alive is a daily struggle. The reader is pulled into an engaging and suspense filled storyline where a human places a stranger’s life above her own. Call it woman’s intuition or a self-sacrificing soul, but Grace cannot explain her need to protect the man who calls to heart-a heart she didn’t know could feel so much love.

There is little to no reference about the previous storyline characters or premise. Willing Sacrifice focuses on three people: Torr, Grace and Brenya. Most of the storyline revolves around the struggle to prevent the Hunters and Demons from discovering the whereabouts of Brenya and Torr’s attempts to keep Grace safe from harm. The storyline’s connection to the Sentinel Wars is limited in its’ affects on the series or any of the original premise.

Shannon K Butcher weaves a tale of lost love in a world of death and destruction. Torr and Grace are soul mates who will get a second chance at happiness-if they can only survive the demonic attacks and each other.

Barb’s Review

Sandy’s wonderful review details everything about Shannon K. Butcher’s wonderful Sentinal Wars series. Here are my thoughts on Willing Sacrifice. This book belongs to Torr and Grace. In the last book, we knew how much Torr was suffering from injuries caused by demons that nearly cost him his life. Without his knowledge, Grace, who is human, willingly uses a magical talisman to help Torr recover, thereby bringing his horrific injuries to herself. As Grace lay in a coma, the book ends with her being whisked away by a powerful Attanasia female, who by taking her to another world, would try save her.

When Willing Sacrifice begins, Torr is depressed and cares about nothing anymore, especially without his Grace. He doesn’t care if he lives or dies; then out of nowhere he is also whisked away to the world where Brenya, the powerful female, needs his help. He learns that Grace is still alive, 4 years has passed (in this world), and she no longer has any memory of her life before or him. We also learn more about Brenya, who plays a major role in this story.

What follows is an exciting story of Torr working with Grace to help fight the enemies who come to destoy them Slowly the romance builds on its own, and you feel all of Torr’s pain, as his love of Grace is so strong, even if she is human and cannot be his mate. Torr and Grace were so beautiful together. Grace was strong, stubborn and determined to help Torr, no matter how dangerous it was. She found herself first attracted to him, then the feelings became stronger, and Torr did all he could to keep his word he would say nothing. It was fun to see him react to her putting her self in danger, and his constant trying to protect her or send her away to safety, only to have her rebuff him. We knew that somehower, the barriers that blocked Grace’s feelings for Torr would be hard pressed to stand up against their true strong love for each other.

I have loved this series from the start, and love Shannon Butcher’s writing, as she weaves a wonderful, exciting, tense, romantic and steamy storyline in every book. Willing Sacrifice has all of that, but was different then most of the books. Almost 95% of the book was Torr, Grace and Brenya, with a small part being Tori. It is rare that a story is solely with a minimum few, but we got to spend a lot of fun time with this fabulous couple. What amazes me is that Shannon still made this an exciting fun hot story that is not to be missed, which proves what I have been saying. Shannon Butcher is a fantastic writer.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reading Order
1. Burning Alive
2. Finding The Lost
3. Running Scared
3.5 The Collector
4. Living Nightmare
5. Blood Hunt
5.5 Bound by Vengeance
6. Dying Wish
7. Falling Blind
8. Willing Sacrifice

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COVER REVEALS -April 4, 2013

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Sandy

Cover Reveals-April 4, 2013

Black and blue Oct 2013

TITLE: Black and Blue

AUTHOR: Gena Showalter

SERIES: Otherworld Assassin

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

Through the Zombie Glass

TITLE: Through the Zombie Glass

AUTHOR: Gena Showalter

SERIES: White Rabbit Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

ONe Lucky Vampire Sept 2013

TITLE: One Lucky Vampire

AUTHOR: Lynsay Sands

SERIES: Argeneau

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

Terminated Aug 2013

TITLE: Terminated

AUTHOR: Rachel Caine

SERIES: Revivalist

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

Midnight's Promise Oct 2013

TITLE: Midnight’s Promise

AUTHOR: Donna Grant

SERIES: Dark Warriors

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

Kicking It Dec 2013

TITLE: Kicking It

AUTHOR: Rachel Caine/Shannon K Butcher/ Chloe Neil and more

SERIES: Anthology

RELEASE DATE: December 2013

Escaping Reality July 2013

TITLE: Escaping Reality

AUTHOR: Lisa Renee Jones

SERIES: The Secret Life of Amy Bensen

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

TWD-Desserts Apr 30

TITLE: The Winemaker’s Dinner: Desserts

AUTHOR: Dr.Ivan Rusilko

SERIES: The Winemaker’s Dinner

RELEASE DATE: April 2013

Eternal Immortality 2013

TITLE: Eternal Immortality

AUTHOR: K.S.Haigwood/Ella Medler

SERIES: Eternal #2

RELEASE DATE: 2013

The Grove Dec 2013

TITLE: The Grove

AUTHOR: Jean Johnson

SERIES: Guardians of Destiny

RELEASE DATE: December 2013

Black Widow Demon

TITLE: Black Widow Demon

AUTHOR: Paula Altenburg

SERIES: Demon Outlaws

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

Witchstruck Sept 2013

TITLE: Witchstruck (YA)

AUTHOR: Victoria Lamb

SERIES: The Tudor Witch Trilogy

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

The Reading Cafe

One stop pertaining to books and more

Tag Archives: Shannon K Butcher

Saving Daylight by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review

Saving Daylight by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review

Blood Bond (Sentinel Wars #10) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review

BLOOD BOND (Sentinel Wars #10) by Shannon K Butcher-dual review

Rough Edges by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review & Giveaway

Rough Edges by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review & Giveaway

Binding Ties (Sentinel Wars #9) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review & Giveaway

Binding Ties (Sentinel Wars #9) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review and Giveaway

Edge of Betrayal (Edge #4) by Shannon K. Butcher-Dual Review and Giveaway

Edge of Betrayal (Edge #4) by Shannon K. Butcher-Dual Review and Giveaway

Catching Up With Shannon K. Butcher – Interview & Giveaway

Catching Up With Shannon K. Butcher – Interview & Giveaway

Willing Sacrifice (The Sentinel Wars #8) by Shannon K. Butcher-a dual review

Willing Sacrifice ( The Sentinel Wars #8) by Shannon K. Butcher-a dual review

COVER REVEALS -April 4, 2013

Cover Reveals-April 4, 2013