Wednesday, October 31, 2018

#BookReview – “Blood Magic” by Jennifer Lyon

Blurb

A dangerous curse…

Axel Locke is the sinfully sexy leader of the Wing Slayer Hunters–a group of supernatural witch hunters who have vowed to never give into the curse driving them to slaughter innocent witches. But when his little sister is death-cursed by a demon witch, Axel will stop at nothing to save her. He rescues a beautiful witch from a killer, intending to force her to magically cure his sister. The only problem? She has no idea what she is.

A deadly passion…

Darcy McAllister grew up knowing she was different, but she never imagined she’s a witch. With the life of a child at stake, she agrees to work with the hot, compelling hunter to gain control over her newfound powers. But an irresistible attraction crackles between them, creating a dangerous dilemma—can Darcy trust the man hexed to crave her blood to satisfy her aching desire?

Will their forbidden love destroy them?

As Darcy and Axel race against the clock, their explosive passion deepens to a fiery love. But when Darcy attempts to heal his sister makes her a target for a demon’s revenge, Axel will sacrifice anything, including his immortal soul, to save her.


Review


In book one of the Wing Hunter Slayers series, Axel is a kickass hunter in desperate need a witch.
Historically, the Wing Slayers were witch hunters who killed the evil ‘demon witches’ but protected the good ‘earth witches.’ Thirty years ago, the demon witches cursed the race of slayers into craving witch blood. If the hunter gives in, he’ll lose his soul and become a heartless, killing monster. Axel and his hunter friends are determined to never give in, but the only way to calm their bloodlust without killing a witch is to have lots of sex with humans. When rogues are attacking witches, the hunters fight them, but they try their hardest to stay away from both types of witches, so they themselves won’t be tempted to hurt the women. (Rogues are ex-hunters who believe the curse will be broken if they kill all the witches in existence.)
Darcy is an earth witch but doesn’t know it. Raised by a mortal family, she always knew she was different but didn’t know why until two rogues attack her. Axel ends up saving her by kidnapping her. He needs her to do a spell to save his little sister from a death mark, but Darcy knows very little about witchcraft.
Their relationship starts with lots of problems. Neither trust each other, but they decide to work together to save the child. They learn from each other and become stronger and more powerful than they ever would’ve been if apart.
Axel and Darcy’s chemistry is off the charts. They’re both wonderfully stubborn and strong characters. They work great together, but their mistrust is understandable. Both characters feel very real, and their mutual sacrifices will pave the way for a better future.
Axel’s friends—Sutton, Key, Ram, and Phoenix—are in the same boat Axel’s in, and I can’t wait to see what happens to them when they meet the women who will save them in the following books. Darcy’s friends—Joe, Carla, and Morgan—play a big role in the story. I usually read books that feature a hero and his friends saving the day while the heroine’s friends don’t exist or are on the backburner. Not so in this book. Darcy’s pals are just as important as the hunters are.
I really enjoyed this story, but sometimes I had a hard time following. The history of the Wing Slayer Hunters, the earth witches, and the demon witches is scattered throughout the book in bits and pieces, which made it difficult to understand what was really going on and what these people were about. By the time all the information was stated, I was a little lost but managed to piece most everything together in my head. Now that I know what’s going on, I should be able to enjoy and understand the other books in the series better.
The story is free of spelling typos, from what I could tell. There were a few scenes where I would’ve liked more detail and description (I had a hard time picturing the cat inside the magical tapestry), but I could make out what was going on through my own imagination.
I definitely recommend this book for paranormal romance lovers, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

#BookReview – “Shadow Love-Stalkers” by Claudy Conn


Blurb

What do you do when your father wants to turn you into a vampire and the man who offers you protection has his own, dark agenda? 

Shawna Rawley has no choice but to run. Pentim Rawley, one of the most evil vampires who has ever lived, has just discovered that she is his daughter. Now he’s obsessed with finding and turning her. She doesn’t want Pentim to find the people she loves and use them to get to her. She doesn’t want him to find and turn her. She has only one ace up her sleeve. The human in her may be at risk, but in addition to being half vamp, Shawna is also a white witch! 

Chad MacFare has an offer for Shawna he thinks she can’t afford to refuse: he’ll protect her from Pentim and his minions. But Shawna doesn’t trust the sexy immortal. She knows he has his own agenda—he wants to kill her father, and he wants to set her up as bait… 

Review

Shawna is part white witch/part vampire, and her cruel vampire father, Pentim, is trying to find her. Raised by her grandparents after her mom’s death, Shawna is on the run while her witch grandmother and wizard grandfather are in hiding.
Chad is an immortal with a direct family line to Dracula. He has a vendetta against Pentim and plans to use Shawna as bait, so he can kill her father. Chad knows all her secrets, and since she refuses to help him, he harasses her until she breaks down and agrees.
Shawna is an interesting character. She’s strong, determined to survive and fight her evil father, and she protects the ones she cares for by staying away from them. She’s torn between lusting after Chad and keeping her distance from him. She’s both mad and happy when he kisses her, but then she’s mad and relieved when he ignores her.
Chad is arrogant, secretive, and controlling. I couldn’t connect with him. He refuses to answer Shawna’s questions and keeps her in the dark when her life is in danger. He expects her to trust and listen to him without explanations. Even though she’s a powerful witch, he doesn’t treat her like an equal and invades her privacy to the point of stalking.
The book is told in third person, mostly in Shawna’s POV, with some head-hopping. Chad, Pentim, and a few other characters occasionally have scenes in their POV with proper scene and chapter breaks. There is a lot of repetition (characters thinking and then saying the same thing again and again). The pacing is a little slow, especially in the flashback scenes.
I liked the overall plot that deals with Dracula’s history and Chad’s connection to him. There’s an interesting subplot about an electrical demon. Damon, Shawna’s vampire friend, is totally yummy. I enjoyed the story for the most part, but Chad’s controlling ways frustrated me.
3 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Monday, October 29, 2018

#BookReview – “Aphrodite’s Kiss” by Julie Kenner




Blurb
Zoe Smith might look like your average, ordinary elementary school librarian, but she’s about as far from normal as a girl can get. Because Zoe is descended from a line of superheroes … and as her twenty-fifth birthday approaches, she has to decide if she’s going to embrace her heritage (including all the wackiness that comes with X-ray vision and her extraordinary senses) or submit herself for mortalization and be that average, ordinary girl. Considering how lousy she’s done so far on all the Council-imposed tests, chucking the whole superhero thing might be very best thing … especially when she realizes that sexy, private investigator George Bailey Taylor is more than a little interested in her—and he’s more than a little convinced that Zoe is one-hundred percent “the girl next-door”.

An ex-cop turned PI, George Bailey Taylor’s had one hell of a life being bounced around from foster home to foster home. All he wants now is a normal life with a normal wife in a normal neighborhood. The typical American dream—and when he meets Zoe Smith, he’s certain she’s the typical American girl. Except she does have an overprotective brother who seems able to appear and disappear at will. And a creepy cousin who’s always lurking about. And why does everyone in her family pretend to actually talk to the pet ferret?

With her super powers, Zoe can do just about anything … except make Taylor fall in love with her.

For that, they’re both going to need a different kind of magic …

Review

Zoe is a human/superhero halfling who works as an elementary school librarian, and she doesn’t have control of her powers. She’s applied to the Venerate Council, the governing superhero organization that protects humans, but doesn’t think she stands a good chance for admittance.
Taylor an ex-cop turned private investigator and meets Zoe while on a case. He thinks she’s perfect and normal, which he thinks he wants, but then he notices a few weird things about her.
Their romance is very sweet. They both flirt like crazy, but they’re painstakingly shy, so it takes a little while for heat to grow between them. When it does, the sex is both hot and heartfelt.
Deena and Hoop, their mutual friends, are fun additions and add a lot of snark to the story.
I didn’t really like Zoe’s brother and mother. Hale, her brother, is an arrogant superhero who thinks he’s better than mortals even though he’s pledged his life to protect them.
My favorite character is the villain, Mordi. He’s Zoe’s superhero cousin and has a good reason for doing the bad stuff he’s doing.
Though I enjoyed the overall plot, I sometimes had a hard time following what was going on. Several of the characters kept lying to one another and/or not understanding what another character was saying, so there was repetition. The beginning of the book was fun and cute; the pacing slowed in the middle; and the ending picked back up but needed more detail.
I didn’t notice any spelling or grammar typos, but there were content problems. For example: after the final battle, Zoe and Taylor are side by side talking with Hale, but then Zoe and Hale are walking toward Taylor. How? All three of them were already together.
One thing I found a little weird was that only Taylor and Hale seem to care that Zoe survived her battle with Mordi. Her mother and father are off talking while Deena and Hoop are snuggling in the grass—why aren’t they happy she lived?
Anyway, this is the first superhero-themed chick-lit book I’ve read. I liked the story and the characters for the most part, but some things just didn’t make sense to me.
3 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

#BookReview – “Her Vampire Mate” by Tabitha Conall


Blurb

A vampire and a werewolf. Enemies. Mates. 

While searching for a world-walker, werewolf Jennalynn Bishop finds her mate. But instead of feeling excited, she's horrified. He's a vampire, an enemy. 

Searching for the same world-walker, vampire and professional poisoner Antonio de Marco feels drawn to his werewolf foe. He loves women, always has, so he rolls with it. Maybe seducing her will throw her off her game. 

Thrown together repeatedly, they finally team up to track down the world-walker, never realizing the danger waiting for them if they succeed in finding her. 

Review

In the fourth book of the Colliding Worlds series, werewolf Jennalynn Bishop is the fourth ranking member of the North American Pack. She’s also the pack alpha’s only sister. When her brother Darius sends her on a very important assignment, she’s determined to succeed no matter what. She needs to find a world-walker, a person capable of traveling between dimensions. While on the hunt, she finds more than she bargained for in a smooth-talking, charming vampire, who just happens to be her mate.
Vampire Antonio de Marco is an assassin for hire but an outcast among his own kind. Most vampires are cold, emotionless, heartless creatures, but Antonio follows his heart and allows his emotions to control him. The Vampire Council orders him to find the world-walker, and though he considers the task both an honor and a way to line his pockets, he knows his life is on the line if he fails to secure what the council wants. Then he meets sexy wolf Jennalynn, but his charms don’t work on her. For wolves, they know who their mates are by smell alone, but it takes vampires longer to realize if they’d found the soul mate. For Antonio, he’s not sure if Jennalynn is the one, but the more time they spend together, the more he’s hoping she’s the other half to his soul.
I love stories with a twist. Jennalynn is a strong, kickass werewolf, and she ends up saving the hero’s life more than once. It’s so rare to read a romance book when it’s the woman who is rescuing the man. Even though she had to save Antonio, he didn’t come across as weak or less than a man. He’s very intelligent, respectful, and strong in other ways.
The world building is one of the best parts about this series. In each new book, there’s new information and more details about the various earth dimensions and the creatures living on Earth Prime. I really enjoyed the addition of the world-walker and the possible trouble to come when the next floating dimension collides with earth.
The story is well written and has great pacing. I love the author’s writing style, and I’m soooooo anxious to read the next book in the series. I cannot wait for it to come out!
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

#BookReview – “Her Scottish Alpha” by Tabitha Conall


Blurb

A dragon slayer, an alpha werewolf and a war.

Dragon slayer Keira Harlow is on a job when everything goes wrong. Her twin sister and partner disappears and worse, Keira herself gets nabbed by a werewolf who turns her on in a most disturbing way.

Deep in negotiations with a dragon shifter, Scottish and UK Alpha Lachlan MacPherson doesn't expect his mate to barge into his home uninvited but when she does, there's no way he'll let her go.

While searching for Keira's sister, a bigger problem arises--the English Alpha wants the position of UK Alpha which Lachlan holds by right of birth and he's not above going to war to get it. If that weren't enough, Keira has to find a way to get herself out of the situation with Lachlan. He might think they're mates but she knows it can never be. 

Review 

In the third book of the Colliding Worlds series, Lachlan meets Kiera, a beautiful dragon slayer who wants nothing to do with him. She and her twin sister, Gillian, break into his stronghold to nab Damon, a dragon and one of Lachlan’s tentative allies, but Damon flees into the night. Gillian follows, but Lachlan stops Kiera and tries his hardest to convince her they’re mates.
He’s a werewolf, the alpha of the Scottish pack and the alpha of all the United Kingdom wolves, and he’s about to go to war with his cousin who’s the alpha of the English pack. Sebastian wants to be the UK Alpha even though the birthright belongs to Lachlan. The war has been brewing since the first book in the series and everything finally comes to a head.
Though Lachlan is smitten with Kiera right away, it takes her longer to trust him. Their relationship slowly blooms but the threat of war drives them closer together. Their friendship and love is very believable, and I really liked both these characters.
The world building is very interesting but a little confusing. Several millenniums ago, the humans on Earth Prime dreamed up various creatures, and those creatures popped into existence on alternate earths in other dimensions. When two earth dimensions grow closer together and start overlapping one another (before they become one), the special people called “world-walkers” can travel between the two worlds. When two dimensions finally collide, they become one earth, and the inhabitants from each earth are stuck together.
The side characters are very interesting. Damon and Gillian’s problems aren’t resolved in this story, and I’m really looking forward to reading their book. The same goes with Sebastian and Greer, Lachlan’s sister. After the bad thing Sebastian did in this story, he and Greer are definitely going to have problems in the future.
The story is well edited and the plots well thought out. Lachlan’s and Kiera’s POV is properly divided between scene and chapter breaks. This is a very good story, and I’d love to read more.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I bought this book in the Highland Shifters box set for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Friday, October 26, 2018

Release Tour - "Shades of AMBW Halloween Story Collection" #Giveaway

Shades of AMBW Halloween Story Collection
(A 14 Story Collection)
Published by: Love Journey Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Blurb

Featuring 14 Halloween stories by 9 writers for one low price!
This unforgettable Halloween collection features Asian men and Black women
(AMBW) in a fun selection of creepy Halloween stories. Love Journey Books
brings together some of the most unforgettable Halloween stories, horrifically
written by the authors themselves.
Whether you’re looking for paranormal activity, fantasy, science fiction, drama,
mystery, clean or erotic - Shades of AMBW Halloween is just the fix you need.
Read and discover upcoming bestsellers!

Featured Authors:
AURORA B. CASSIA
BRENDA STOKES LEE
CHELSEA WHITTINGTON
JESSI K
KASSANNA
L. LOREN
LOVE JOURNEY
REANA MALORI
SARAN LAWSON

Featuring Shadow Mates by Reana Malori

Royce Takamura never believed he'd find his fated mate. As the oldest son of
the were-panther royalty, his life was full of excess. Women. Money. Power. He
had everything he needed, and what he didn't need, he could get with a snap of
his fingers. The moment his mate walked into the club, he knew she was there.
Although human, he knew in his soul she was made for him. All he had to do
was claim her.
Denise Taylor knew nothing of alpha-males who walked through life with the
world laid at their feet. The man who beckoned her closer with a smile was
unlike anyone she'd met before. His smile made butterflies take flight in her
stomach and her inhibitions melted away. She found herself doing things she'd
never done before. Allowing herself the freedom to be with Royce the way she
wanted. It was like her world had been turned upside down. When he claimed
she was his fated mate, she found herself believing him, which just might be the
craziest thing of all.

Trailer


Buy Links

Author Bio


Reana Malori is a Bestselling Author of Multicultural / Interracial Contemporary
Romance. She weaves romance stories that pull the reader into her world, and
helps them share in her universe, even if only for a short time. She began her
writing journey in 2009, releasing her first novella, To Love a Marine. Since then,
she has released more than 30 books of varying lengths, to include Weekend
Fling, Escape to Heaven, Finding Faith, and Conall.
Reana currently resides in Montclair, Virginia with her husband and two sons
who keep her busy laughing, having fun, and making sure she doesn’t take
herself too seriously.

Author website and social media links:
Amazon Buy Page: https://amzn.to/2D2dKGq
Twitter: @ReanaMalori

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card

Monday, October 22, 2018

Audio Book Tour - "Lover" by T.M. Smith

Lover
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
Series: Survivor, Book 2
Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-31-18
Language: English
Publisher: TTC Publishing

Life has not always been kind to Shannon Dupree. On the outside, he's carefree and fun loving, but when it comes to his past, he's evasive and secretive. Running away from emotionally bereft parents at just 15, Shannon escapes life with them but steps into the waiting arms of the devil. 

Rory Landers is a rising star at the Bureau. His personal life, however, is nothing to write home about. He hopes to take his limited relationship with Frank Moore to the next level when they finally solve the Langford murder case, but that doesn't turn out as planned. On the plus side, he meets free-spirited college senior Shannon Dupree.

Rand Davis finds himself 40-something and single when his partner of more than a decade is unfaithful. Taking over the Cold Case Squad frees up some of his time, and Rand welcomes newfound friendships within the Langford-Moore family circle. He thinks relationships are not in the cards for him until he meets an agent with an attitude and a vivacious blond that make him want so much more. 

Past, present, pain, and suffering collide, ushering in the possibility of a life and love worth fighting for. Although their personalities couldn't be more different, their three hearts beat the same. Shannon, Rory, and Rand learn the definition of love, commitment, and strength, and if they allow themselves, the trio will find all that and more - in each other. 

NOTE: This is the sequel to Survivor. The stories should be heard in order.

©2018 TM Smith (P)2018 TM Smith

Buy links: Audible | iTunes


Prologue

Shannon 2010

Heart hammering in his chest, hands shaking, Shannon handed the attendant his ticket. The light on the scanner turned green and beeped, and he almost wept with joy. “Enjoy your flight, sir.” He nodded, took the piece of paper, and stuffed it into his jeans pocket, forcing himself to walk the long hallway to the plane and not run for his life, which was basically what he was doing. By now, Bruce would know what Shannon had done—that he wasn’t at work and he wouldn’t be coming home.

It had taken a year of patience and planning, convincing Bruce that he truly wanted to volunteer three days a week at a local homeless shelter. Then he saved every spare penny he could collect to purchase his ticket to freedom. His steps faltered when he remembered the last time he’d tried to leave. It was the angriest he’d ever seen Bruce, and that was saying a lot since the last three years of his life were consumed by his once-gentle lover’s anger and twisted pleasures. The early stages of their relationship were the happiest times of Shannon’s life. Bruce was gorgeous and kind; he listened to Shannon—seemed to support his aspirations to become a dancer and make a better life for himself far away from the home he shared with his emotionally distant parents that paid more attention to alcohol and arguments than to their fifteen-year-old son. Bruce was kind and romantic, luring him with promises of love and a life where they could be partners, equals. And Shannon fell for him…hook, line, and sinker.

He sucked in a ragged breath, barely biting back the scream clawing its way up his throat when someone bumped into him from behind. “Oh my, so sorry.” Shannon looked over his shoulder, nodding at the little old lady that grinned up at him. “Once the suitcase starts rolling, it’s hard for me to stop it sometimes.” She chuckled.

“It’s okay, no worries.” He exhaled sharply, the tension in his shoulders slowly releasing. He couldn’t be so jumpy; it might draw attention he desperately needed to avoid. But he couldn’t let his guard down either. Bruce and his driver, Tuan—also known as Shannon’s warden—could very well be in the terminal that very minute searching for him. Willing his body to relax, Shannon managed to put one foot in front of the other until he was tucked away in his window seat, his backpack that held everything he now owned under the seat in front of him.

The last thing he expected was the flood of emotions that slammed into him the moment the plane was in the air: Relief at not being caught this time and dragged back to Bruce’s condo—to be beaten and starved for weeks until he begged for mercy and promised he’d never try to leave again. Sadness for the minuscule amount of love he rarely received that he was now losing. Panic, frustration, and self-loathing…why? Now that he was finally close enough to the light at the end of the tunnel to flip the switch, did he really have the strength and courage to do so? How would he live? Hell, where would he live? He was an eighteen-year-old with no job, no home, no family or friends, and the few thousand dollars he’d managed to save over the past twelve months wouldn’t go far. He’d left his wallet in his locker at work with everything except his ID and Social Security card still inside. He’d removed the Sim card from his iPhone, stomped on it, and then flushed it down the toilet. His backpack held several changes of clothes, toiletries, a well-worn copy of Pride and Prejudice, and a cheap knockoff MP3 player he’d picked up at a shop in the airport since he’d left his iPhone in the cab, on purpose.

Reaching up, Shannon pulled the hood of his jacket over his head and leaned his forehead against the cool glass window, staring down at the specks of light as the plane climbed higher into the sky, carrying him farther away from Seattle. Tears blurred his vision, but he welcomed them. Finally, he was free.



First book in the series, Survivor...




Taylor Langford’s world is torn apart when he is only thirteen years old—his parents killed, leaving him alone and orphaned. With no living relatives, he’d certainly be another statistic if not for the intervention of the policeman who found Taylor in the crawl space where his mother hid him that fateful night. Despite the tragedy and resulting anguish in his life, Taylor knows how lucky he is.

Frank Moore is a rookie with the Dallas Police Department when he and his partner answer a call in Devonshire, one of the city’s more affluent neighborhoods. They think the young boy in various pictures throughout the home has been kidnapped until they find him, shaken but alive. Officer Moore recognizes the pain in the kid’s eyes, having lost his own mother to cancer when he was just a boy. He steps in, making sure Taylor is placed with a loving foster family. Over the years, Frank becomes a permanent fixture in Taylor’s life.

A decade later, the case remains unsolved and the once gangly, uncertain teenager is now a college graduate who knows exactly what he wants. He’s coming home to the man that helped mold and shape his life, the man he’s loved for as long as he can remember, Frank Moore. But Taylor isn’t the only person returning to Dallas, and while Frank is distracted by his own conflicting feelings and the new bond growing between the two, the past creeps up on them, determined to finish what was started ten years earlier.

A note from the author…

I hope you enjoy Frank and Taylor’s story. It’s been a long road to get them settled, but I’m happy with where this story has taken them. When I started this book, the intent was to write a stand-alone story, but that has changed. Characters continually evolve throughout the writing process, and there are several characters in the book that want to tell their story. I’ve grown especially fond of Rory and I can’t wait to write his book, which will take us back to when he first joined the Bureau, and continue on to his happy ever after.

Please be advised: This is a May/December romance, and as in life, there are sexual situations that take place prior to the main characters finding their way to one another. This is not gratuitous; it is meant to show character growth and self-realization. There is absolutely no cheating.

Buy links...





A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel.

Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love!

Author links: Amazon || Smashwords || Website || Facebook || Twitter






Sunday, October 21, 2018

#BookReview – “Her Forbidden Alpha” by Tabitha Conall


Blurb

Can fated love triumph over the threat of war?

Aislinn Cavett lives a sheltered life, raised in a human supremacist compound and kept separate from the wild variety of non-humans teeming outside the compound’s fence. 

North American Pack Alpha Darius Bishop believes peace with the Humans First group is the only way to protect his wolves from ongoing, senseless violence. 

When Darius arrives at the Humans First compound for peace negotiations, he finds something he didn’t expect—his mate. Fate couldn’t have chosen a more inconvenient mate for him in the General’s daughter, but Darius doesn’t care. Aislinn is perfect. 

War could be the result of their mating. When her father advances and his own wolves turn against him, Darius has to make an impossible choice—his love and his sanity, or the lives of his pack.

Review

In the second book of the Colliding Worlds series, North American Pack Alpha Darius Bishop wants to negotiate peace between the wolves and the militant Humans First organization. He arranges for peace talks even though members of his council thinks the gesture is futile. To his surprise, he finds his mate among his enemies and has no recourse but to kidnap her.
Aislinn Cavett wants peace with the wolves. Her father, the leader and general of the Humans First group, wants to destroy the wolves by any means necessary, and Aislinn has learned long ago to not go against her father’s wishes. After the peace talk goes awry, one of the wolves kidnap her, but she’s not afraid. For the first time in her life, she’s finally free from her controlling family and from their bigoted hatred, but she knows she must return to them to prevent all-out war.
Darius and Aislinn are amazing and well rounded characters. They have instant chemistry, but the odds are stacked against them. Darius knows what he wants but that differs from what he needs to do. He’s a strong, capable, self-sacrificing hero. He’s a true leader, and I absolutely adored him! Aislinn is just as smart and stubborn, and Darius’s perfect match.
I love the world building. There are different Earth dimensions that are overlapping each other, which means humans and a variety of supernatural creatures are living together on one planet. Each species knows about the other, which causes rife and mistrust, but there are many that want unity and friendship among the different species. I really like the fact that the wolves, humans, and other supernatural creatures hold TV press conferences like they’re political officials, and that public opinion weighs a lot on how each species acts toward one another.
The story is tight and well written, but there are a few minor quotation mark typos in my pdf copy. I really enjoy the author’s writing style, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Instafreebie and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.


Saturday, October 20, 2018

Blog Tour - "Desire & Dessert" by Madison Michael #Givewaway

Desire & Dessert
B&B Billionaire Romance Series (Book 1)
By Madison Michael
Madison has put together some really awesome Prize Packages to giveaway during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may enter every day for your chance to win one of the prize packages. You may find the tour locations here

Can they forge a business merger and a personal one too?

Spoiled Stevie Jurran expects smooth sailing when she arrives at Lakeside Lodge to implement her plan to merge it into the luxury Bijoux Hotel chain. Completing this simple task will move her up the corporate ladder, increase her value to her father’s multi-billion dollar business and settle the score with her cheating ex-fiancé. Just one insignificant B&B stands between her and success –one B&B and its provoking and intriguing manager.

Secretive and sexy Grant Harris is not your typical innkeeper. Digging in his heels, he tries to preserve the aesthetic of Lakeside Lodge by resisting every change Stevie implements. Retreating from his life in the B&B’s surroundings, Grant quickly learns there’s no way to combat his growing desire for the infuriating heiress. Can he concede to her demands and contend with his past to win this alluring woman?

The B&B should be a perfect fit for the hotel chain. Stevie and Grant should be a perfect fit as well, but will they set aside their pasts and egos to complete a merger of a different kind?

Will love seal their deal?

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2NJ30xy

 

Excerpt from Desire & Dessert:
“Inside or out?”

The maître’d and Grant were both looking at Stevie expectantly. Usually assertive, she demurred to Grant. “You know the place better; you choose.”

“If you would like the patio, Dr. Harris,” the host suggested in a heavily accented voice, “I have a lovely corner table.”

The couple acquiesced and were seated in the back corner of the enclosed patio. The music was fainter, but still audible accompanied by the tinkling sound of a fountain. Stevie glanced across the patio. There were about eight tables outdoors, all for parties of two. High bushes of hibiscus and roses bursting with blooms surrounded the patio. The fragrance was wonderful, the table incredibly intimate.

“You like it?” Grant asked with a hint of uncertainty.
“I love it.”

“Wait until you taste the food,” he promised, his confidence restored.

They hid behind tall menus, selecting dishes to share along with a carafe of sangria. After giving their order to the server they were finally alone.

“It’s beautiful here,” Stevie breathed. “Thank you for suggesting it.”
“Now that I finally have you alone,” Grant teased only to be interrupted by the server arriving to pour their drinks. “So much for my sinister plans.”

“Do you have sinister plans?” Stevie queried in a low, husky voice.

“Do you want me to?”
“No answering a question with a question,” Stevie responded. She watched conflicting emotions waver across Grant’s face and waited quietly. She would not give him an out. She had learned from business that silence was a powerful tool.

“Yes, in fact, Stevie. I have very sinister plans.”

The words were out, electric between them like a live thing. Stevie sucked in a breath, surprised by how quickly and matter of factly Grant had stated his desires. She reached her foot forward under the table closing the few inches that separated them. She rubbed her foot slowly up his leg, allowing her movements to acknowledge what she failed to say with her lips.

“Have I shocked you?”
“I guess that depends on just how sinister you can be. Mostly you have pleased me,” Stevie admitted. No shy wallflower, she gave Grant a bold smile and placed her hand in his. “I’m looking forward to finding out.”

Grant pressed a soft kiss on the back of her hand then released her as course after course of Latin inspired small plates arrived. For the next hour they spoke of the food, the atmosphere, the music, everything but each other and what lay ahead. After assuring that he ordered something to satisfy Stevie’s sweet tooth, Grant requested the check. When it arrived, Grant automatically reached for it and Stevie reveled in the moment. Too often she was the one who paid for the date. Not tonight.

“We could go dancing?” Grant asked. “Perhaps a salsa club in keeping with our theme?” Stevie believed he was just making a polite offer but couldn’t quite tell.

“Are you a good dancer?”

“Not on a dance floor.” Grant offered her a wicked smile and reached to help her from the chair. “But in a bedroom…”

“Braggart.”

“Am I?”

“Shall we find out?”

About Madison:


Madison Michael traded 28 years in Fortune 500 tech and management positions for a chance to spend her days with sassy heroines, sexy, rich heroes and nothing but happy endings. Growing up the daughter of a librarian, she learned to love books, especially classics and romances, and spent winters cuddled under blankets losing herself in books.
Madison is the author of three novels in the Beguiling Bachelor series, as well as several short stories. She is a member of Romance Writers of America.
After living in the northeast, southeast and the west, Maddy returned to her Midwest roots. She lives in Evanston, IL with two feline editorial assistants and great views of Chicago’s famous skyline.
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