Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Book Review: Dark Child by Adina West Episodes 1-3





Dark Child Adina West

About the book:

Episode 1
Kat can run a marathon without breaking a sweat. Catch anything you throw at her. Differentiate blood types by smell alone. And she’s spent years hiding the fact. But secrets from the past have a way of slipping out when least expected … and a simple blood test is enough to turn her quiet life in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains upside down forever …

Episode 2
Kat doesn’t want to question her luck too closely when she lands a fabulous Manhattan apartment only blocks from her new job, even if cab drivers do have a funny habit of driving right past her antiquated apartment building without seeing it. 

But the quiet building hides a deadly secret, and when Kat meets Char from down the hall, she’s drawn into a hidden world where humans aren’t welcome, populated by beings as dangerous as they are beautiful. Soon Kat’s neck-deep in trouble and on the run, and discovering the truth about her own unique heritage might just make things worse …

Episode 3 
Dead? Kat clenched her fists, her stomach a writhing tangle of knots. Her pulse thundered in her ears.

Had this all been an elaborate ruse to trap her? The platelet study; the offer to come and work at the Hema Castus Research Institute; the special attention from Director Norris ... Surely they’d have had no way of knowing who she was. Still, if the Directorate controlled Hema Castus, and the Directorate wanted her imprisoned, even dead, everything took on a much more sinister light. And anyway, why did the Directorate want her dead? 

Kat has always known she’s special. Different. But finding out why is still a shock, especially when she discovers the malevolent Directorate, a clandestine organization of untold power, have put a price on her head.

Forced into hiding in the remote White Mountains, Kat’s life is suddenly in the hands of the wild and dangerous unalil. But trusting her new protectors isn’t easy, since they seem almost as terrifying as the killers who pursue her . . .

3/5 

My Review: 
Having picked up this series of shorts from Netgalley, I found the concept and blurb interesting. I have currently read the first 3 installments and am working on the 4th (Review of 4 and 5 will follow). 

After picking up my kindle on a short flight, I was looking for something that I could read in short bursts and this is a great book to do just that. Each of the episodes is just long enough for you to be able to sit and read on breaks, yet it also manages to pull you into the story and want to continue reading. The only downfall with having it in smaller episodes is that you lose some of the flow from one book to the next, I almost would have prefered to have the entire story in one book, two if the length would have been too long. 

All of that being said I am so far really enjoying this series of shorts. The characters have been engaging and made me want to see where they are going and how they develop and progress. There could be a little more description and depth to each of them as well as the secondary characters that are in the background. I really feel they have more depth and the description of the characters looks, abilities and background could be gone into more depth. This would help me to visualise and delve into the story more as I picture the sights and sounds. 

The world building and storyline are really good, but again although I want to continue reading and fall in love with the book. I find I can't, with more description and depth I think the author would have a winning formula. 

I love the way the relationships are so tangled and interwoven together, although it is not clear at first and seems to be a little hazy about who and where people fit into the whole system. 

I do like seeing the book from two different perspectives, though there is a lot of back and forth between what is happening in the US and what is happening in Europe. I know the stories will eventually come together and merge (Or at least that is my thoughts on where it is going.) Maybe having it broken down into two book, one from Europe and everything there (Expanding on all that happens, I ma sure there is so much more than we see) and one covering the happenings in the US, would help swapping between one and the other and causing me to need to remember what I read two chapters ago about Kat in the US. 

Overall I gave the books so far a 3/5 based mostly on the fact that there was a considerable amount of hopping between the countries, the depth and story telling as well as character building and world building could be built upon. 

I am still invested in finishing the last two episodes,  in no way has it stopped me wanting to read or not want to know what will happen in the end. I would like to see more by this author and see how she grows and develops her writing style. 

This I would recommend to paranormal fans, who are looking for a light and quick read. Don't let that deter you from reading and enjoying this work. 

Saturday, 25 January 2014

Heart of the Oak by Rory Ni Coileain Book Trailer Release

Heart of the Oak Rory Ni Coileain 




Blurb:


Magick is reawakening after a sleep of thousands of years—and passion is not far behind. Darach is the first-reborn of his race, a tree spirit living within an ancient oak on the shore of a remote loch.
Trevor knows nothing of magick or passion. He’s escaping an oppressive family and a lonely life. One breath of freedom, he thinks, before his stark, loveless reality swallows him up. The last thing he expects from his vacation to the Isle of Skye is to spend his first night being thoroughly ravished against a tree by a naked man who speaks in the sounds of leaves and wind.

Darach never believed he’d have his heart stolen by any man, let alone one so different from any human he remembers. Freedom is intoxicating and the potential for sensual play limitless. But what can be built in a night of scorching desire can be torn down all too easily by fear.



Author Bio:
                
Rory Ni Coileain majored in creative writing, back when Respectable Colleges didn't offer such a major, so she designed it herself – being careful to ensure that she never had to take a class before nine in the morning or take a Hemingway survey course. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa at the age of nineteen, sent off her first short story to an anthology being assembled by an author she idolized, got shot down in flames, and found other things to do, such as nightclub singing, for the next thirty years or so, until her stories started whispering to her. Now she’s a lawyer, a legal editor, an Irish dance teacher, the mother of a teenage son, and amanuensis to a host of fantastic creatures who are all anxious to tell their stories.

Check out this awesome video for Heart of the oak: 


Sunday, 23 June 2013

Celestial Beginnings - Rebekah Daniels



Celestial Beginnings - Rebekah Daniels 

About the book: 
Being a descendant of a fallen angel, nephilim Malachi Starkman, is all about his duty in protecting mankind and preventing Satan’s army from growing any further. He leads a squad of talented warriors on this quest to preserve humanity, but as leader, he feels every aspect is his responsibility. After centuries of fighting, he is starting to feel burned out, and wondering if this is his sole purpose on Earth. 

Local teacher, Trinity Bradshaw, has been trying to move on from her turbulent past but it doesn’t seem to want to let her go. Therefore, when a deliciously handsome man with alluring eyes says he wants to help her, she cannot say no. So many obstacles stand between the two, but neither of them seem to be able to walk away from the other. Will they find common ground or will she just be a liability in his quest to destroy the one that has plagued him for years?

4/5 

My Review: 
After reading the blurb for this book I was more than happy to accept this for review and I must say I was not disappointed. Everything about the book grabbed you and pulled you into its depths, the twists and turns  mixed with the story-line detail just leave nothing to chance. The characters give this book the extra lift, if it needed one and the author has done this in such a way that you feel and walk through every emotion and turmoil with each and every one of them. Feeling and growing to love even the ones that wouldn't want you to love them. A great mix of action. adventure, intrigue and with the added bonus of the well written and placed bedroom scenes leave you really wanting to just keep on reading until it reaches its conclusion. With Trinity pulling at your heart strings, everything about her drawing you in. The way she builds and holds relationships with even the most obnoxious of characters builds and develops her more. She is well rounded and balanced, with floors and problems that she has to deal with as she moves forward in her life, all this only serves to endear her further to the reader. Then we move on to Mal, and well what can I say......Everything you could want and more, throughout the book he never fails to show you a side to him that balances and makes your love for him grow. Holding nothing back when it comes to Trinity and the time they spend together. Then you can turn to the other "secondary" characters, and I don't say that in a way that it would normally be left, these guys and girls pull and hold everything together, coming forward and shrinking back when its needed. Each having their very own distinct personality and voice you can never mistake who it is and that really that is the way they would act. Each and everyone of them pulling you deeper into the well written and developed story-line that flows with peaks and troughs spread all through the book. Just when you think you need something it is right there and has you hooked and reading through to find out what happens. 

All in all I really loved reading this book and would not fail to pick up the next in the series, really wanting to find out how much more each of them can grow and change as they face all of the struggles that I am sure they will face as they continue on their destined paths. Good v's evil with magic and emotion thrown in... what more could you want from a good read? 

I would recommend this book to lovers of paranormal romance aimed more towards the adult end of the market, those who love to read angels will not be disappointed and to anyone who really just wants to read a damn good read and something they can immerse themselves in to forget about everything around you. I will be checking out anything else by this author in the future and this is a book to watch.  

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Entwined with you - Sylvia Day



Entwined with you - Sylvia Day 

About the book: 
The worldwide phenomenon continues as Eva and Gideon face the demons of their pasts, and accept the consequences of their obsessive desires…

From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn’t resist. I saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside–so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.

No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I’d been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.

Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession…

4/5 

My Review: 
I was eagerly anticipating the release of this book, I must say I wasn't disappointed and I don't want to spoil it for those of you that have not read it yet. So here goes....... I loved the continuation of Gideon and Eva's story, but some things I did not see coming and would not have expected to see. Sylvia has seamlessly carried the story forward from the other books and although i felt that there was some of the magic missing from this book compared to the first two it is still a good read. She lets the reader see more of Gideon and Eva as we see them grow and develop not only as individuals but also as a couple. They continue to work on their issues and new ones seem to always come up and send them spinning, but that is nothing new for this loveable pair its just how they deal with it that changes and matures as they do together. On the other hand we see Eva and Gideon's other relationships with family, friends and ex's all change and take new turns and directions. Secondary characters are given more to do in this book and play a bigger part in the story line, but this never takes anything away from the pair, they always stand front and centre of everything that is happening. It is nice to see more of the background characters coming through and maturing as the book progresses and the story flows. 

This is a compelling read and anyone a fan of the series will be happy with the way it goes, the ending....... well I will leave that to your choice, but I don't think its too much of a spoiler to say Sylvia has much more planned for this couple and the trilogy will expand. I for one cannot wait to see where she takes them and what other mis fortunes come their way and how they will deal with it. Will they come out stronger and together or will there be something that can finally tear them apart for good?  All questions as a reader I ask myself and as yet I have no idea on the answers. I can't wait to see what comes next and I am sure its going to be a long and arduous wait for Gideon and Eva part 4........

I urge fans of this genre and of this couple to go and get the book, read it for yourself and continue your love affair with the couple. All credit to Sylvia for bringing us yet another book that will captivate, titillate and entice readers new and old. 

Friday, 31 May 2013

Delivery Disaster Delight - Brandy Michelle



Delivery Disaster Delight - Brandy Michelle 

About the book: 
Alex works for a local florist, delivering flowers and other romantic gestures, some are more risqué than others. When he mixes up his last delivery, he soon finds it to be more than he bargained for. Sometimes one mans headache is another man's pleasure.

3/5

My Review: 
This is a short erotica book that has a well written story that is easy to follow and well worth the quick read that it is. The characters are realistic and the story compelling and captivating. It urges you to keep reading right to the end. I would recommend this to anyone who loves this genre and is looking for a lunch break read to get them moving and keep them entertained. I will be checking out more of this authors work in the future. 

Unexpected Moments - Brandy Michelle



Unexpected Moments - Brandy Michelle 

About the book: 
After an agreement that Michelle made with her best friend she steps out of her comfort zone and tries something new. Only to find out when she tries new 
things amazingly unexpected things may happen.

4/5

My Review: 
This is a very quaint and quick read, the short story is well written and the characters are sound and believable. The story is one that will keep you reading right through and I would recommend this to people looking for a quick enjoyable read, or a break time read while at work that will get the brain paying attention. I will be checking out more books from this author and hope that this is to be one of a collection of great short reads that I can pick up anytime and just flow right through the book. 

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Fairy Tales with a Twist Giveaway and book blast

Hey, guess what? You got it! The Anchor Group anthology will be on sale from April 21st to the 27th. What is Unhappily Ever After; Fairy Tales with a Twist you ask? Good question.

Synopsis:

Fairy tales have a happy ending ... or do they? In this anthology of short stories we learn that sometimes happily ever after misses the mark. From Rumpelstiltskin's Ghost, to an unhappily married Snow White, or the little known Eighth Dwarf to Jack's poor decision making skills. Sit back and enjoy these lesser known fairy tales as told by some of today's hottest authors!



Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble


Rafflecopter Giveaway:

What you can win:

This snazzy shoe tape dispenser, since every princess needs a slipper. A two-pack of sleep masks, since every princess needs her beauty sleep. Various bookmarks and donated swag. A paperback copy of Unhappily Ever After; Fairy Tales with a Twist. And a few added suprises!


Release day blast for Darkness Kindled - Samantha Young


Here we welcome Samantha Young as she releases her new title Darkness Kindled, please go and show your support and love for this author she has some amazing titles out there for you to dive right into and enjoy. Happy Release Day Samantha 

Darkness Kindled blurb:
Ari Johnson wishes adjusting to living with her boyfriend was her only source of excitement and anxiety.
She wishes a lot of things.
But then wishing was what got her here in the first place.

Ari chose to be a Guild Hunter. She wanted to hunt dangerous Jinn and destroy them before they could harm innocent people. But now that Ari is a member of The Guild, she finds herself in the impossible position of hunting her ex-best friend – human-turned-dangerous sorcerer, Charlie Creagh. As Ari struggles to come to terms with her duty, an ancient Jinn and his companion want revenge on her for using the command of the Seal against them; the White King refuses to give up on his quest to resurrect Lilif, and Asmodeus isn’t done toying with her.

When Ari can take no more, rushing to the Sultan Azazil’s side to demand of him the favor he owes her, the events she sets in motion will not only alter everyone’s lives, it will kindle a darkness that will shake the realms to their very core.



Other titles that you can find from Samantha's collection of works 





Meet the Author:


Sam Young’s Bio:
Samantha Young is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET.
She is a 27 year old Scottish book addict that graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2009. She studied ancient and medieval history at uni, and it was in her  first year there, in the middle of a classical literature lecture, that she first came up with the idea for The Tale of Lunarmorte. She’s  been writing since as long as she can remember, and she writes in a number of genres including romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, fantasy, and contemporary.
She loves pulling pieces of historical fact (or mythology) and twisting it to fit my stories, and she is more than thankful her degree is being put to good use in her writing. She began self-publishing in 2011 and now writes full time. 




Stalking Links:



Buy Links for Sam Young’s books:
Since DK isn’t released yet, there aren’t any buy links, but if we get them in time, we will send them on…

Want to get a copy of Darkness Kindled here is where you can find and buy a copy: 


a Rafflecopter giveaway ptr.js">

Friday, 5 April 2013

Virgin Prey - Harper Jewel




Virgin Prey - Harper Jewel

About the book: 
In the bowels of humanity, hidden deep from society, a race of bird shifters dwell. Never forsaking the rituals of old, virginal Aviana Byrde becomes of age, and a suitor is selected in the way that is dictated by those very traditions.

Outshining the rest, Andor Malar craves to bond with Aviana. When that secret desire comes true, he cannot get enough of the innocent shifter.

After an explosive night full of carnal abandon, Aviana is kidnapped and held prisoner in the cruelest of ways before the new mates had fully slaked their lust for one another. Will she meet her death, before true love takes hold? Will Andor’s fevered search prevail, or will a kind twist of fate intervene when their world is rocked on its axis by a startling chance discovery?

3.5/5

My Review: 
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have to admit I loved her last work. So I started reading this short for review, I found that the story-line was well written and had great plot twists and those made me want to finish the book. The characters were well defined and well written but I felt they could have had a little more depth of emotion... I really wanted to love them and grow with them and for the most part this was true, but there was just that extra spark missing that made me truly fall in love with them and make me feel like I was a part of their world. I found the end of the book closed with no resolution, so I am hoping there are more to come in this series as it leaves many questions un answered and those nagging little things just make me want to jump right on into the next one to get my answers. Over all I really did enjoy this quick read and would recommend anyone from the erotica/Para genres to give it a read, there is enough to keep you occupied for the length of the book and the author has a great choice of shifter to work with. Credit to the author for that and I will continue to check out her works.  


About the author:

An avid reader of paranormal and erotic romances since my college days, I have always dreamed of becoming an author.  After finally accepting advice from a few friends, I sat and took the time to write my first short story and was ecstatic when it got accepted.

My reading interests include works by Kate Douglas, Shayla Black, Lauren Dane, Sylvia Day, Elizabeth Amber, and Christine Feehan, to name a few.

My TBR pile is quite large so when I’m not being a wife, mother, housekeeper, cook, chauffeur, or launderer, you’ll find me either writing or reading!

A published author under the name Dee Licious, I have decided to change my pen name to Harper Jewel from here on out.  I’m thrilled to be a part of Horny Devil Publishing's stable of talented authors.


Author Links:
The Romance Reviews: http://www.theromancereviews.com/harperjewel

Where to buy: 

Smash words: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/301689

Friday, 8 March 2013

Take it off - L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov



Take it Off - L.A.Witt and Aleksandr Voinov 

About the book:
Turnabout is foreplay.

High-end Market Garden rentboys Tristan and Jared have found their niche. Men are willing to pay good money to watch Tristan tease Jared, and the two of them seduce London’s elite with sex and power games.

Except Tristan is less and less interested in getting money out of the johns these days. He wants his partner in crime, and he wants the seduction to be real. But is Jared just in this for the pay?

When Rolex, the john who started it all, returns to Market Garden, the boys jump on the opportunity to service him—and each other—for a fresh pile of cash. Rolex isn’t the only one itching for a rematch, though. Jared’s been waiting for a chance to get back at Tristan for teasing him so mercilessly the first time.

And for a former stripper, revenge is a dish best served extra hot

3/5 

My Review:
Picking up this short novella for review, I really did enjoy the flow of the story and the characters. Everything came together nicely and the book was really well written. The characters were believable and the whole thing made you want to keep reading right through to the end. The scenes are well written and descriptive, giving the reader a full picture of what is going on in and around each of the characters. This is a quick and fun read with the added bonus of being an erotic m/m so if this is your genre and you love to read I would highly recommend this book for it's story and characters. 

How to seduce an angel in 10 days - Saranna DeWylde



How to Seduce an Angel in 10 Days - Saranna Dewylde 

About the book: 
Drusilla “Tally” Tallow does. Both fallen and otherwise because she’s got ten days of Heavenly and Infernal Parole after knocking Falcon Cherrywood from his broom. All she wanted was to settle down with a nice warlock, have babies, and grow old together. But she’s got a bad habit of falling for the wrong warlock. She blames Cupid. Too bad her Heavenly Parole Officer is none other than the heart bandit himself—the newly appointed Cupid and current fixture in all her fantasies, Falcon Cherrywood.

After smiting Cupid with a fireball, Falcon Cherrywood must now play the Diapered Archer. He can’t think of anything more humiliating than flying around in pink wings shooting arrows into hopeless fools. Archery was never his strong suit and Falcon doesn’t even believe in love. But more troubling are the feelings his sinfully irresistible parolee sets off in him—for only Tally has the power to make him believe in things better left to fairy tales, like Happily Ever After

4/5

My Review: 
This book caught my eye and I must say I am glad I picked it up to read for review, it is a heart warming, funny and captivating story that has you twisting and turning as the characters grow and develop and the world around them evolves and grows. From the very first chapter I had developed a huge soft spot for Tally and everything that she had been through in her life to that point. All the bitterness, anger, denial,heart ache and guilt she carried around with her as she grew through the next stages of her life and worked through all of her personal issues and challenges. Her interaction not only with Falcon but also with all of the other characters, jumped out and made you sit and take notice. Her growth and where she was going to go next had you reading through the pages, just wanting to find out that little bit more and see how everything was going to end for her Falcon the loveable want to be bad boy that really doesn't have a nasty bone in his body, especially when it comes to Tally. The whole brooding romance has been done time and again and will continue to be done, but their story really does capture your heart and make you want to believe everything is going to turn out just that way you want it to. Will everything end up the way it should or does fate and the gods have something else in store for this pair ? This whole story line keeps a hold of you and sucks you in until you have finished the very last page and I would recommend it to lovers of Angel books, it goes also contain some very well written sex so I would suggest that the younger readers should not read, but a really good book and all credit goes to the author here and I can't wait to see more of her work. 

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

The Banshee's Embrace - Victoria Richards



The Banshee's Embrace - Victoria Richards 

About the book: 
Jacqueline Huston has no idea what has been happening to her, but it started the night she was attacked by men with strange powers. While wounded in the attack, Jacqueline knows she would have surely died if her husband hadn't thrown himself into the line of fire. But being alive is little comfort when your husband is dead.

Ever since that night, Jacqueline has been strangely attracted to death for reasons she doesn't understand. When death is nearby, she experiences the uncanny feeling that she can predict when it is coming for someone. However, it's the weird urge to sing when she gets close to dying people that disturbs her the most.

Toby Williams is a wizard and a member of the Brotherhood of Merlyn, an ancient order of wizards. He's been charged by the Brotherhood to keep an eye on Jacqueline Huston. After all, half banshees are rare, and if placed in the wrong hands, they can be a powerful weapon. As owner of Merlyn's Bar, a place the lovely Ms. Huston frequents, it seems an easy enough assignment for Toby.

When sinister Derek Spark attempts to kidnap her, Jacqueline learns a frightening truth--she comes descended from an old Irish family whose women are destined to become banshees upon their deaths. Jacqueline was meant to die in the attack a year ago, but because she was only wounded, her banshee genes are coming out, making her a powerful weapon to those in the supernatural world. Derek wants to use her soul reaping powers for his own evil plans. Jacqueline must discover the truth about her heritage and save Toby, the man she finds herself falling in love with, and from her own banshee urge to reap his soul.

4/5

My Review: 
Falling headlong into this book from the very first chapter, I found this to be a paranormal read mixed with action, love and an intense and deep rooted story-line that leaves the reader going through the book and wanting more. I wanted to find out the heritage and history of the main characters and was catapulted through the deep seated super natural element that went along well with the ebbs and flows of the book. The main characters were realistic and in depth that left you no room to question their thoughts and feeling as they continued through their world of not only self discovery but also the dark depths of sinking deeper into the realm of the super naturals surrounding them all. With plot twists and turns around every corner it kept me gripped and reading to find and work out all of the answers that were sure to come with reaching the end. Yet leaves even more questions that make you want to read the next instalment and find out where they are going to grow and develop to. A really good paranormal read for those that love a good story and even better character and well done to the author for bringing the story to life and really making the reader feel and loose themselves within it's pages and come back for more. I would recommend checking out this author as I am sure there are many more good things to come from her. 

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Olly - Isabella Sinclair



Olly - Isabella Sinclair

About the book:
Obsession. Lust. Yearning.

Olivia Rae has always dreamed of that once in a lifetime Love, but love makes you crazy.

It can push all your buttons, make you doubt yourself, and question the core of your beliefs.

Sometimes the quest for that elusive prize requires lots and lots of exploration and when love doesn't seem possible, you hunting for the next best thing...

4/5

My Review:
Always on the look out for good novella's to read I picked this one up for review and read it in one sitting. The story flows really well and it has a bit of everything in there, although an erotica book by genre this is not too heavy for those wanting just that little bit extra from there books. It has love, lust and emotion flowing from its pages with believable and endearing characters and a love story to melt anyone's heart this is a must read. A true test of love patience and understanding when it comes to the affairs of the heart and everything that comes with it. An author well worth checking out.