Tag Archives: Sharon Ashwood

Enchanter Redeemed by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Enchanter Redeemed by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

 

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Description:
Ancient magic and new passion…

In the last battle for Camelot, Merlin had to make a terrible choice. Now he must pay the price. When a demon from his past reappears, she wants nothing more than to destroy the wizard. Now to reap her vengeance as a lover scorned, the demon occupies the body of Clary—the apprentice who is capturing his heart—and has the innocent behaving in uncharacteristic ways. Ways that push the forbidden desire Clary and Merlin share into heated play…

 

Review:

Author Sharon Ashwood informs her audience about the character, Merlin, you’re about to meet (swoon for, it’s inevitable) before the prologue. This introduction gives you a brief history and depiction of the character you’re about to lose sleep over. It’s precious insight, but in no way does it prepare you for the action and emotion in this story — it will bowl you over. Bravo to Ms. Ashwood for Enchanter Redeemed, a stunning conclusion to a fabulous series!

Merlin’s ultimate success in the battle for Camelot was short-lived because while it ensured King Arthur’s crown, it also stripped away emotion from the fae, their trusted allies. Recruited to defeat the demons plaguing Camelot, Arthur regrettably compromised their spirited nature. That issue, its resolution to restore feelings, troubles Merlin to no end.

As troubling as that is, Merlin’s priority is to stay on top of any vulnerabilities since the Queen of Fae’s incarceration by the Lady of the Lake; any suspicious activity that threatens King Arthur’s reconstructed Camelot. When Merlin’s stealthy surveillance of demons begins to yield promising information, Clary, his unsuspecting student, and wildest, albeit secret, fantasy, trespasses into his domain not only revealing Merlin’s presence, but she’s accosted by a spiteful, powerful demoness named Vivian.

  “Ever since first meeting the knights of Camelot, Clary had wanted to help in their battle against Morgan LaFaye. Now she was infected by the enemy, a liability instead of an ally.”

Vivian, you’ll learn, is a woman instrumental in…all things Merlin. A woman scorned and all that jazz prompts Vivian to hijack Clary, body and soul. Torment aside, what nefarious deeds can Clary/Vivian commit to undermine Camelot under the scrutinizing eye of Merlin?

 “He released her, but didn’t back away…Her skin glowed the same delicate cream, her mouth still invited him-and yet something was different. It prickled against a sense that had no name.”

Imbued with fantastic humor, when you’re hosting a demon hell-bent on revenge, you pray for compatibility. Listening to the inner dialogue between Clary and Vivian was equal parts enlightening as well as chilling. Their banter is both light and combative as they tangle amidst dueling purposes. On top of their communal attributes comes the knowledge (and jealousy) of the relationship once enjoyed by Merlin and Vivian. Talk about conflict of interest! Clary is beginning to understand Vivian’s history, and goals (that resolutely includes the demise of her mentor and lover, Merlin), but this invasion is also affording Clary new perspective: it’s impossible not to wonder (Clary flat out asks) if it wasn’t all bad between this once formidable pairing. There’s only so much confidence one has, am I right?

Will Merlin become The Enchanter Redeemed? Does Clary rid herself of the unwanted neighbor? Does Vivian earn any redemption? Will Camelot prevail in the end? All the answers will satisfy and delight. Don’t miss out on this epic finale. This is an engaging series that maintains energy with every character’s book. Your faithful fan awaits your return, Ms. Ashwood!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

 

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Corsair’s Cove Chocolate Shop – The Complete Set (Volume 6) – Review

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Corsair’s Cove Chocolate Shop – The Complete Set (Volume 6) – Review

 

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Description
The sweetest life is the one you make together … Corsair’s Cove has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the Pacific Northwest. It also has a way of drawing to itself the people who need it most—like the Blackthorne cousins. When Great Aunt Ruby passes and leaves them her chocolate shop, it comes with a few extras she forgot to tell them about—such as a talking parrot and a pirate ghost! Cursed by an angry ex, Daniel Blackthorne, the Wolf of the West, must help the last descendants of his family find true love before he’s banished forever on Hallowe’en night. But even a skilled sea captain will encounter heavy weather when he tries to get Prudence, Livy, Brynn, and Eloise—four cousins with everything but romance on their minds—into the arms of their soulmates before the clock strikes midnight

Review:

The lovely Sharon Ashwood, author of the terrific Four Horsemen and Camelot Reborn series, has collaborated with three equally fine authors, Lee McKenzie, Rachel Goldsworthy, and Shelley Adina to create a charming anthology series titled Corsair’s Cove Chocolate Shop. Set in a Pacific northwest town, four formerly inseparable cousins reunite, for lamentable reasons, to reestablish bonds and contemplate HEA. Not only are there paranormal elements nestled within the Blackthorne family folk tale, but the swoon-worthy love stories are sure to sweeten your life. Dive in to taste their calorie-free goods! 🙂

KISS AT THE COVE by Lee McKenzie

Prudence delivers Happily Ever Afters as a wedding planner and Spencer is a scientist who disproves the unfounded. What’s more confounding than love? How can this possibly work?

When great aunt, Ruby, the matriarch of the family, passes away, life is upended for Pru. Ruby’s untimely death ultimately brings to life plans for business expansion that Pru had always envisioned, but it’s unseemly to rejoice. Just when opportunity presented itself,

“Ruby had been wise to name all four cousins in the will, even if Pru hadn’t seen that at first. And what better way to remind the cousins of their bond than to physically bring them together in Corsair’s Cove.”

Amid the uncertainty of livelihood, and common goals gone awry, Pru gets a “crash course” in all things romantic. Spencer is on a sabbatical of sorts, mostly affecting matters of the heart, and when he makes contact with Pru, swearing off women sounds like the most preposterous of plans. This pair works. It’s an effortless attraction that may, or may not, have been given a supernatural shove in the right direction.

KISS IN THE WIND by Rachel Goldsworthy

The romance continues to build with Pru’s cousin, Livy, a food chemist, newly arrived to honor Aunt Ruby’s wishes. When she meets Mack, local tavern owner, real salt of the earth kind of guy, relocating to Corsair’s Cove was practical magic!

While this love story may have simmered a bit longer than the first, there was immediate impact upon meeting. Chill-inducing energy!

Can two independents step outside of their own comfort zones to make a go of collaboration? Enchantment inside and outside the kitchen is much more than chemistry!

KISS ON THE BEACH by Shelley Adina

The third novella involves another Blackthorne descendant, Brynn, and her unrequited high school crush, Jamie. Jamie is a homebody who stuck around after high school, built a name for himself in carpentry, and envisioned his future dream home, albeit harbored. You see, he’s pined after Brynn for time immemorial.
When Brynn arrives in Corsair’s Cove to settle her share of Aunt Ruby’s estate, something akin to a dine-and-dash act, life takes on new perspective. Surrounded by family, enveloped in quaint town magic, when did she become so adverse to HEA?

“It was as though she was a part of something larger than herself. Part of a heritage that actually belonged to her. Something else she’d never thought about before. It was this place. Give the Cove an inch, and it took a mile, darn it.”

Brynn’s return has certainly stirred up old feelings for Jamie. An executive though she might be, her demeanor belies an inner turmoil. A longing, Jamie hopes, to preserve tradition, to create new memories with her cousins…and to finally set fire to their romantic spark of old.

KISS IN THE DARK by Sharon Ashwood

The quartet of this lovely series, and sexiest, delves deeper into the Blackthorne curse (excellent paranormal activity!) and the details of his sin. A crime of passion as it were, but Daniel Blackthorne, the legendary pirate ghost himself, has the opportunity to break said curse and, surprisingly enough, find some HEA of his own.

Eloise, the “flake of the family”, arrives with a lot to prove. Fresh out of business school, she’s tasked to promote a fundraising ball that will enhance the shop’s productivity as well as sustainability. Discovering her spectral roommate is none other than Daniel Blackthorne, the legend, the heart of Corsair’s Cove, their lives become entwined forevermore.

Will Eloise yield to the charms of a ghost (the undead have game, trust me!) and undo the blight clinging to him or will a nefarious character shatter hope and bring ultimate despair?

Not only are the love stories delectable, but each author is allowing her main character, a grand-niece, the ability to reconnect with Aunt Ruby; to make peace as she designed. The touch of paranormal, we are talking about ghosts after all, shifts and develops with every novella. You’ll enjoy every revelation, every step to victory. Corsair’s Cove came to life with every author’s depiction. Every sweet and savory concoction sampled at Red Gem’s Chocolate and Confections sounds as tantalizing as pirate Blackthorne himself. Beginning to end — a thoroughly tasty treat!

~~~~~

But wait! What’s that I hear?? Why wedding bells, of course! Pru and Spencer are near solidifying their unending love when ghosts, of course ghosts!, return to haunt Corsair’s Cove.

A revival of Pru’s history at the altar does not a marriage make. What could possibly prevent this promise of forever? Cold feet? Too easy. All the answers are available in Kiss at the Altar, each sweet chapter an author cooperative. Line forms here for Corsair’s Cove Orchard series!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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Royal Enchantment by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Royal Enchantment by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

 

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Description:
She married the king. She wanted the man. 

Guinevere’s marriage to Arthur was a political partnership, never a romance. Merlin knows that the king’s court, newly restored at a medieval theme park, will only be complete if Arthur has his lady. Little did anyone suspect that once Guinevere gets a taste of twenty-first-century freedoms that this ancient queen would lose interest in belonging to any man—even a royal one. 

It takes a dragon, and some passionate nights spent in each other’s arms, to lure her back to her husband’s side. Arthur is willing to accept Gwen’s help in protecting the new Camelot from a fae menace, but the bigger challenge will be wooing back Guinevere for a second chance at love…


Review:

King Arthur is an impressive character to be sure, but until now, author Sharon Ashwood has kept him in the background of her Camelot Reborn series. Operative phrase being until now. Welcome, Arthur Pendragon, share your fabled story…tell us why your queen is so bitter towards you…just how responsible you are for the instability in your marriage… Thank you, Ms. Ashwood, for illuminating truths with painful insight and divine forgiveness. Royal Enchantment is book three of the series, but do go in order for each is a journey to love.

Despite the separation/distance between Arthur and Guinevere, there are so many pent up emotions, such repressed honesty, it takes little time before issues are boiling up, surfacing to near explosion. After the “stone sleep”, the marriage becomes an uneasy truce they strike and you’ll find yourself looking forward to their heated exchanges! “Give Arthur something to conquer, and he was in his element”. When that person is none other than Guinevere, “his greatest vulnerability wrapped in an exquisite female form”, tactical measures are paramount to peaceful coexistence.

Arthur wants Gwen, the queen of Camelot, at his side. That’s wonderful considering how strained their marriage had become due to long, repeated absences in the name of duty. But awaking Gwen from the stone sleep into the 21st century, exposed to new culture and equal education for women, goes over Arthur’s head.

“How does that matter? You’re the queen of Camelot. What more could you desire?”

Back to the gilded cage it is. Well, hell…No! Gwen wants to atone for previous indiscretions (Lancelot, anyone?) for lapses in judgment, but Arthur needs to give her the time, and attention, to make such reparations. Not “consigning her to a life of embroidery and love poems”. Courtship after the marriage? As unconventional as it may be, equanimity is vital to regain trust.

While trying to right his own wrongs, Arthur is also facing magical sabotage. A nefarious character is methodically releasing chaos, unleashing dragon mayhem, and manipulating the supernatural contract of fae creatures to usurp the crown of Queen LaFaye while “temporarily” unoccupied. It was all a delight to read, but the powerful subtext of unity and healing was the optimal joy.

Ms. Ashwood does a magnificent job of creating balance between two formidable forces. When Arthur seems immovable, Gwen acquiesces. If Gwen exhorted her fiery temper, Arthur suddenly succumbed to reason. They slowly, but gracefully, owned their respective roles and compromised as necessary. Between the volleys, and balking, genuine love persevered.

I’ve long stated that my knowledge of Camelot is limited, but this series has deepened my understanding and with it my appreciation. Brilliant secondary characters shine in their wit and camaraderie (book 4, Enchanter Redeemed, screams Merlin, does it not?), the boon of Excalibur having magical deterrence as gifted by the Lady of the Lake, the Forest Sauvage and its plethora of fantastic beasts. How can I not be “royally enchanted” — every book is a gem!  Ms. Ashwood details so splendidly, you’ll smell a dragon’s puff of smoke, hear the clanging of metal as Excalibur lands its mighty blow, touch the cavern walls as hero after hero emerges to face threats. But most importantly, you’ll feel the love spanning centuries between King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Another wonderful book to a dazzling series!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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Enchanted Guardian by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Enchanted Guardian by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

 

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Description:
A LOVE OF LEGENDARY PROPORTION 

In another time, in a place once known as Camelot, they had been lovers. Torn apart by betrayal and lies, Lancelot Du Lac and Nimueh, the Lady of the Lake, had each suffered greatly. But the magic of the fae had reawakened a man once trapped in stone, and Lancelot was determined to find his long lost love. Only, Nim was desperate to hide her fae soul, as she was marked for death by their mutual enemy.  

Though centuries apart had not diminished their passion, they would once again face a dangerous test to prove each was the other’s destiny.

 

Review:

So Sharon Ashwood is outright encouraging me to read my fill.  I’ve admitted to being less than stellar in my knowledge of Camelot, and its fine characters, but this incredible author delves into one of my favorite themes:  Pining after the one that got away!  This is current day Lancelot vying to recapture his true love, Nimueh, the Lady of the Lake.  Take that, Guinevere!  Enchanted Guardian was engrossing and romantic and I gulped it down as my last summer read.  The Camelot Reborn series will enchant, and I mean it.  Check out the trailer on her website!

He had been her protege, her lover and her champion before ambition had drawn him to Arthur’s side-and before the young queen, Guinevere, had stolen away his love.  Before he betrayed…

Love is stronger than pride and Nim is set to right her wrongs amidst the hurt, lots and lots of pain, suffered by Lancelot’s dismissal.  His decision, a veritable weight of betrayal that wipes away good memories.  Lancelot, however, endeavors to dissuade her course of cold and persuade Nim into granting him a second chance.  Not only is he charming and all things knightly, but their connection, one that transcends time, is enduring.  Nim’s resolve is futile when time and distance only stokes their attraction.  *sighs* To be pursued like this…my kind of fantasy!

When the Fae Queen, Morgan LaFaye, uber schemer and plotter of evil revenge, is closer to resurrect and usurp the power that was long ago ripped from her clan, can Nim and Lance set aside their complicated past, brimming with untold truths and lies of omission, to defeat the looming threat?  Collaborating involves trusting each others’ instincts and allies.  What if they’re mutually exclusive?  Nim is fae and when her kind have been targeted for extermination, by none other than mighty King Arthur and his famed knights, the concept of unity might derail any future for our H/H.

I’d still falter at Jeopardy if the subject was Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, but Sharon Ashwood’s Camelot Reborn series is fully ensconced in Carlyle, the once “insignificant tourist trap to the nexus of the battle between human and fae”, I’d hazard I could clear the board successfully.  😉  Ms. Ashwood maintains strength and impresses with Enchanted Guardian.  There are facts and history interspersed within the excitement, adventure and passion of a love story.  Even when HEA is upon them, it was magnificent to see Nim and Lancelot come to life individually.  That acceptance, however sacrificing, was empowering and essential.  I’m still shaking my head over LaFaye’s twists *coughs* corruption, but it’s all intricately woven, part and parcel, of a fantastic read. 

I’m ready for my next lesson, Ms. Ashwood!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Enchanted Warrior by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Enchanted Warrior by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

 

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Description:
An ancient evil rises. An ancient warrior awakens.

In an age clouded by legend, Gawain was one of King Arthur’s greatest knights. When he awakens centuries after the fall of Camelot, he faces his most daunting quest yet—the search for his missing companions. His hope is that Tamsin Greene, the alluring historian at Medievaland Theme Park, can help him. Then he senses the magic within her… Gawain will now have to trust a witch—and his own heart—to rouse the knights of the Round Table and save humanity from a faery onslaught.

 

Review:

King Arthur and his knights are endlessly adaptable. It’s what Sharon Ashwood says, believes, and translates beautifully in her new novel, Enchanted Warrior. With my limited knowledge on the legendary subject, I envisioned Mushu from Disney’s Mulan awakening the guardians. Shame on me. Gawain is no mere protector. He’s sworn his fealty to King Arthur and exhibits an unparalleled devotion. That is, until Tamsin Greene enchants our warrior.

“Mordred is using stealth, not armies, and his first priority is finding the tombs to stop the Round Table from rising. You need to find your friends and wake them at once.”

A new war with recurring enemies looms and Gawain is set to assemble the Knights of the Round Table as prophesied. The fact that it’s modern-day Medievaland in Washington State is sure to pose problems for an unprepared (let alone missing!) group. Wait. This is Gawain we’re talking about! The dicier the situation, the more from which to adapt and triumph. Aligning himself with faeries, foes-turned-friends, is a question for later, but principal on Gawain’s list is to recruit the assistance of the bewitching (heavy on the base word) historian, Tamsin. Witches aren’t to be trusted and Gawain learned that the hard way.

Though his tactics were brutish and domineering, Tamsin would be lying if she said her interest wasn’t piqued by Gawain’s otherworldliness. Tamsin is trying to gain respect as a loremaster within her coven, and as surreal as the situation presents itself, Gawain’s oath took on special significance to her core beliefs. Tamsin sensed Gawain was dangerous, but since she didn’t count herself adversary (something she repeatedly bashes into his head!) the real threat lay in losing her heart to him.

When Tamsin’s collaboration comes attached with a quid pro quo, will Gawain honor his bargain or shrug off his chivalry? The cast of characters was large, but easy to follow. The fall of Camelot wreaked havoc on all the factions and, unsurprisingly, no one is particularly trustworthy. “Pain and privation eventually take their toll. Their silence breaks.” Enemies make for interesting bedfellows, but their plights are written so convincingly, so passionately, you champion them all!

There’s so much to love in Enchanted Warrior. I found myself swept up in the cloud of magic. Revelations created bonds and illuminated true strengths. Ms. Ashwood gave proper respect to the craft and her spells invoked wonderful imagery as they came to fruition. An understanding, an embracing of power, intensified a love intrinsic to Gawain and Tamsin. The kind of love that transcends time.

What a fabulous read! While I may have stumbled on facts and had to research its history, Sharon Ashwood never faltered in her storytelling; I was captivated and bewitched! 😉
Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Possessed by the Fallen by Sharon Ashwood – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Possessed by the Fallen by Sharon Ashwood – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Possessed by the Fallen banner
Possessed by the Fallen
Horsemen #4
by Sharon Ashwood
Release Date:July 1, 2015

 

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Description:
When his lover learned his darkest secret, she betrayed the elite vampire agent… 

Now the beautiful fey Jessica Lark is back in Jack Anderson’s life. With the fate of a royal wedding and a high-stakes mission depending on his complete attention, Jack has no room for distraction. Especially the sort this temptress poses. A fey spy who also seems to be guarding dangerous secrets that aren’t her own. 

The two agents don’t know if they can trust one another. But if they hope to unravel a dark plot and fight an evil queen, they’ll have to try. Their undeniable attraction might just save them…but first they’ll have to travel through a portal to a hidden, treacherous fairy-tale kingdom.

 

Review:

Possessed by the Fallen is the conclusion of the terrific Four Horsemen series by Sharon Ashwood. Can you hear me weeping? It’s been a wonderful ride; each installment delving deeper into the massive rift between the Marcari and Vidon kingdoms. But more importantly, each Horseman lovingly featured. We met, and lost, vampire Jack Anderson, aka Death, the lynchpin of Les Compagnie des Morts in the introductory novel (all previous reviews available here). Jessica Lark, the brilliant dress designer, suffered the same fate, but like Jack – “The agents of the Company seem to have a phoenix-like talent for resurrection” – they painstakingly went underground. Separately. Ready to love Jack and Lark? You most certainly will!

So…hugs all around at the reunion? Not.even.close. Going undercover does wonders for the mind…it hones your memories…keeps revenge alive and hot if you were stabbed…by your lover! How does one even get over that?! Betrayal is unforgivable, and Jack’s got an infinite amount of time to seethe, but his heart is ever traitorous where Lark is concerned; she was, after all, the one who made his “still heart” beat again.

His entire being was flooded with desire and rage, and she was at the core of it all.

With the upcoming royal nuptials two weeks away, there’s little time to focus on love affairs gone horribly wrong. “Bridal apocalypse” is to be prevented by all means necessary and “this marriage had the power to seal the gates to the Dark Queen’s prison forever.”

In spite of Lark’s offense, she stole Jack’s dark secret to dissect and exploit for her own Light fey kind, Jack needs all the allies he can muster against Selena, the evil Dark Fey Queen.In my previous review (Faran’s book), I alluded to discoveries and nefarious action. The deadline is fast approaching and Jack must resurface, more powerful than ever, to gather up his troops and ensure the portal is sealed permanently. Uncertainty with Lark aside (reduced to spy vs. spy for the time being), will those closest to Jack welcome him back without pause? I would, he’s a hot ass vampire, but those trust issues Jack is holding against Lark could be the same accusations being flung at him by his own Horsemen.

Jessica Lark. I shouldn’t like her, but Ms. Ashwood makes her forgivably flawed and vulnerable. Yes, she did the unthinkable against the man she loved, but it wasn’t without personal cost. The aftermath of suffering, physically and emotionally, led Lark to visit the dark side, and sadly, this is no Star Wars reference.

Ms. Ashwood is tying loose ends, coming full circle, but she does it intriguingly, writes it decadently, every bump of the way. The subplots held their own glamour; inching their way toward final connections that achieve vision/purpose. But instead of being formulaic, Ms. Ashwood introduces new magical elements for good and complicates Jack’s already shaky comeback a la Me, Myself and Irene, only this time deadly. You’ll understand my meaning when you read the book.  

Forgiveness isn’t shameful and we witness its healing effects on those who need it the most. Ms. Ashwood described spectacular action, you’ll practically lift up your own hand to guard against the flames of battle, but she’s created, more significantly, memorable characters with stunning counterparts who envelope you in swoon-worthy romance. Possessed by the Fallen is a perfect finale for an incredible series. Sharon Ashwood deserves high praise for maintaining such exuberance throughout four books.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

 

Guest Post-White and Purple

Who Doesn’t Love a Wicked Fairy Queen?

Well, my characters don’t, but I hope readers find her entertaining! In Possessed by the Fallen, the conclusion of my paranormal romance series, the action moves into the realm of the exiled Queen of the Dark Fey. Our hero, Jack, was one of those responsible for putting her there and, needless to say, the queen wants revenge almost as much as she wants to escape. Fortunately, Jack is accompanied by the heroine, Lark, who is one of the Light Fey and who knows how to navigate the twisting snares of the Fey Court.

Cultures across the world have legends of fairies, and I had opportunity to use a few of the common ideas about these hidden creatures. One is that the fairy realms are divided into Dark and Light. That doesn’t quite equate with “good” and “evil” but more like “will agree to a conversation” and “run the other way immediately.” At best, the fairies have their own concerns and see no reason to deal with humans unless there is a benefit to themselves. At worst, they’re the monster under the bed.

Fairies are also very literal. This means you have to be extremely careful when making a bargain with them, because they will take advantage of the smallest loophole. This is where Jack is very lucky to have Lark on board—she’s better than a team of lawyers when it comes to deciphering fey trickery. Also, don’t try the local cuisine. Fairy tales are filled with the adventures of unwary travellers who sample fairy food and fall under their power. The unwary might be trapped, driven mad, or waste away. In other words, fairies represent the ultimate “stranger danger.”

The peril represented by the fey says a lot about the cultures that created them. Scholars of the Victorian era spend a great deal of time exploring fairy tales as expressions of sexual desire—that gives a whole new meaning to goblin fruit—where others interpret the fairy world as a representation of raw nature. Fairies are wild, capricious, and indifferent to human suffering. They are tricksters who, like Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, love to cause chaos for its own sake.

In my story the fey are certainly dangerous (and lusty) but more easily understood. They have their own agenda, but they feel as we do—especially Lark of the Light Fey, who yearns desperately for a reunion with her lost love, Jack.

As for that wicked queen, she is well and truly a stinker. But what is a good fairytale without a villain—one with consummate style and all the best lines? No self-respecting fairy would be disappointed with a role like that. I invite you to come visit her realm in company with my hero and heroine. The queen has granted safe passage to readers, but don’t strike any bargains with the locals!

 

about the author

Sharon AshwoodSharon Ashwood is a novelist, desk jockey and enthusiast for the weird and spooky. She has an English literature degree but works as a finance geek. Interests include growing her to-be-read pile and playing with the toy graveyard on her desk. As a vegetarian, she freely admits the whole vampire/werewolf lifestyle would never work out, so she writes her adventures instead.

Sharon is the winner of the RITA® Award for Paranormal Romance. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and is owned by the Demon Lord of Kitty Badness.

To learn more about Sharon Ashwood, you can find her at the following links:

Website /   Facebook /  Twitter  / Pinterest / Goodreads

 

Giveaway-Purple-White

Sharon is graciously offering a signed paperback of Possessed by the Fallen to one (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

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

 4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please Like and Follow SHARON ASHWOOD on Facebook

5. Giveaway open Internationally

6. Giveaway runs from July 1 to  July 5, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

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Possessed by a Wolf by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Possessed by a Wolf by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

 

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Description:
Wolves mate for life…and wolves never forget their first love

Royal photographer Lexie Haven wasn’t expecting to see her ex-boyfriend Faran ever again. She could accept that he was a spy, but a werewolf? No way. No matter how good they had been together, she has very personal reasons for steering clear of monsters. That is, until he literally crashes into a royal gathering in all his furry glory—and with a gunman on his tail.

Within minutes of seeing each other again, the two estranged lovers are on a collision course. For now, Lexie is a prime suspect in the heist of a priceless ring, and only Faran can help her find the jewel and restore peace to the royal kingdom. But first, Lexie needs to trust in second chances and the supernatural.


Review:

I was looking forward to a wolf…*GASPS, did I just write that?!* But Faran is no ordinary wolf. He was made irresistible at the direction of Sharon Ashwood. Working for La Campagnie des Morts – the Company of the Dead, as Famine, a loyal member of the Four Horsemen, Faran is really the jokester of the group who tends to hang back. Until now, that is. Faran is lead on a solitary assignment, but facing Lexie is more dangerous to his heart. I loved Possessed by a Wolf and I’m making it public record!   Sharon Ashwood has done a marvelous job with her Horsemen series. It’s a must read!

The wedding of Princess Amelie of Marcari to Prince Kyle of Vidon is imminent. Chloe (from Possessed by a Warrior and currently blissfully engaged to swoon-worthy Sam) is coordinating the big event as well as the engagement soiree. She’s dumbfounded when shots ring out at the party (where’s the love?!), but this union is more than the sum of its parts.

“The disagreement between Team Vampire [Marcari] and Team Slayer [Vidon] had kept the two tiny countries at war since the Crusades. The marriage between Amelie and Kyle – a true love match, by all accounts – was supposed to unite the kingdoms and end the hostilities.”

When the Four Horsemen, allies and defenders of the Marcari, are heaved aside unceremoniously, wedding detail/protection is terribly vulnerable. Faran is the least recognized member of The Company, so he’s instructed to blend in with the crowd and jump to Princess Amelie’s side should the need arise. Not too risky an undercover case, until Faran reunites with his ex, Lexie, hired photographer for the wedding events. Brave in the face of heartbreak, and flying bullets, the two quickly abandon emotional baggage to protect one another. It’s a natural, effortless pull — one that neither cares to examine too closely, of course. Chickens! 😀

Lexie’s not without her own set of trouble. On the night of the engagement party, Lexie’s job was to photograph the wedding band containing fire rubies, the crown jewels of Vidon that Kyle had specially made for Amelie. The jewelry is encased and secured with its own alarm system! Except for the night in question, that is. Amidst the eruption of violence, the ring was stolen and the Vidonese security team is not taking it lightly. It was Lexie’s assignment after all. So how can Faran fly under the radar? How can Lexie prove her innocence?

Chloe had saddled him with a cover identity as Lexie’s husband and assistant. Chloe had meant to give him a plausible excuse to be in the palace, but that meant Lexie would be close to whatever trouble Faran might stir up.

Posing as a married couple? Fun indeed! Truth be told, it hit too close to their once upon a time relationship, but communication is sorely needed. I thought Lexie was a little too frigid for Faran, but my assessment doesn’t negate the effect Lexie has on Faran; she gets him fired up almost instantaneously. It bugged me a bit, if I may be honest. Faran wears his heart on a sleeve; he’s passionate and hurt over the way Lexie broke things off. Lexie doesn’t seem nearly remorseful.

The mystery thickens with motive, doppelgangers, fey, and ghosts. The “hot potato” retrieval of the wedding ring is engaging, but the thief, of the supernatural variety, exposes hidden truths, lore and a slew of theories. Before long, Vidon, Marcari, and The Company are surrounded by a motley crew of suspects (some even royal!) Who stands to gain the most by preventing Kyle and Amelie’s wedding? Is there something more nefarious in the making?

I would be remiss if I didn’t recant my original opinion of Lexie. While her obstinacy battled with indifference, we come to dawning revelations where she’s concerned. Sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution even though your heart is reaching out for its other half. Lexie undergoes a slow, but startling transformation. She displayed a spine of steel when knowledge dictated action. Lexie fought even harder when her heart was in question.

While the book is focused on Faran and Lexie, we are treated to scenes with Sam and Mark (they are a tight unit), but a spectacular cameo amped up anticipation to say the least. Ms. Ashwood is set to leave it all out there in July for the next, and final installment of the series, Possessed by the Fallen. That’s only 3 months away! I’ll read that one slowly, to savor the epic conclusion.  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Possessed by an Immortal by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Possessed by an Immortal by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Description:
Can a mother in jeopardy melt the heart of a jaded vampire?

After witnessing a murder, Bree Meadows is on the run with her young son. But the bad guys are in hot pursuit. Dropped in the middle of nowhere amid a torrential thunderstorm, things look pretty grim. To make matters worse, her son is in desperate need of medical attention.

Mark Winspear has been alone for too long. When the vampire senses a gorgeous female nearby, he discovers that her swift, selfless courage pulls at his instincts.The doctor has history with the same men who are after Bree–and he’s ready for revenge. Working together now, they discover an attraction that might save them both–if they’re lucky

Review:

Barb emailed, “Would you like to review the Sharon Ashwood sequel?” My immediate thought: Can you deliver it today?!  Possessed by an Immortal is a fast-paced story heavy with action and rich with details; a noteworthy tale that follows the world building originated in Possessed by a Warrior (read review here). While my beloved Sam is no longer the central character, Mark Winspear…aka Plague…aka Dr. Winspear…he’s still a vampire (swoon) and holds his own as the next featured Horseman. Looooving this series!

Bree is on the run again. Dumped somewhere near the Pacific Ocean, she’s fighting hard to find shelter for herself and four year old son, Jonathan. Mark controls his lethal impulses to kill the trespassers for encroaching on his secluded “man cave in the woods” the second he identifies (through vampire sense/scent) that her young son is seriously ill. Thrust back into the role of protector/provider, a role long abandoned after the brutal murder of his wife and children, Mark is apprehensive, yet resolved to get them to safety and determine what exactly the nature of Jonathan’s illness is.

She’s the ex-mistress of Crown Prince Kyle of Vidon. That kid of hers is rumored to be his illegitimate son. She’s unofficially on the Vidonese most-wanted list.

Ah…subterfuge, but you’ll have to sort it out in the book. 🙂  For the present and most pressing matters, Bree and Mark may be invariably tangled in the same mess. Bree witnessed a murder a year ago and her silence is imperative. The group pursuing Bree also happen to hold a centuries-long vendetta against Mark. Birds of a feather…Which meant the his-and-hers sets of gunmen were probably the same people.

The details of Bree’s involvement fit perfectly within the larger puzzle Sam and Chloe were constructing. The invaluable wedding dress that almost cost Chloe her life (and Sam’s sanity)? Bree was not only a member of the design atelier, but assistant to the designer who was murdered for it! The plot thickens with layers of motive and cross purposes. It’s safer to be away from the danger Mark now poses to Bree (never mind pesky vampire revelation)…but what of the risk to his heart? Mark already assumed a role as Jonathan’s doctor, but his interest in Bree is intensifying and begging to be explored. It’s no small feat to turn away now.

…he was beginning to realize the situation had risks—and he was the danger. He was too powerfully drawn to Bree. She wasn’t just any woman—he could resist most with no problem. But she had inspired something deeper than ordinary lust or hunger, and that was treacherous for them both. He should walk away – leave before he took her, body and blood.

Bree tries to keep Mark at arm’s length; she admonishes herself for allowing Mark to take on such a fatherly role, but mostly for reveling in a few stolen kisses. No wonder: When Ms. Ashwood creates a hero, swooning becomes an involuntary function. Unlike Sam, however, Mark wrestles his nature into compliance and refuses to succumb to his beast. I found Mark loads more stoic and colder (internal battle scars that render you hopeless tend to cause withdrawal), but have no fear. Ms. Ashwood builds up the romance steadily and assuredly. I must have mentioned loving this series, right?

Mark and Bree have choices: Find a way to trust each other, to discover how wonderful it is to love again or remain lonely and detached and lose what ground they’ve gained. It’s a no-brainer, but when you’re not accustomed to asking for help, it has to take someone monumentally special to surrender such defenses. Possessed by an Immortal offers suspense, revenge, mad science, a beautiful relationship between mother and son, and alpha-induced swoons. The particulars are starting to align and I intend to follow its path. Possessed by an Immortal is a compliment to the series. I’m ready for book 3!

Human or horror, they shared the same shadows now.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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