ARC Reviews

31/01/2015

Hades by Candice Fox. A really Twisted Thriller.



★★★★☆
A really twisted thriller.
Hades lives at the dump and makes incredible sculptures out of other people's waste. This just gives him the cover for his real business,, which is getting rid of all sorts of problems.  One night someone comes to him with two small problems.  That night changes the lives of several people.
Frank is a homicide detective,  he has been reassigned to a new station.  His new partner is Eden, a woman with a tragic past that no  one knows about. Except of course  her brother Eric . Who also works as a detective in the same squad.
The first case Frank and Eden get turns out to be a potential serial killer.
We have some seriously twisted characters in this story, and no real hero. The ones who would normally be the villains might be the heroes..The victims all face a terrifying fate.  It  was impossible to tell how this book was going to end until it did. A very good read, maybe not for bedtime. 


Lady of The Two Lands by Elizabeth Delisi.



★★★★★
This is certainly time travel with a difference. 
Hattie is an artist. She is working in the Egyptian section of the museum drawing the various artifacts.  One is a necklace with hieroglyphics, Her world falls away when she touches it.
Hatsheput is the regent to the boy Pharaoh. For a modern woman to be thrust so far back in time, into a different body is quite traumatic. Without the help of the tutor Senemut  Hattie would be completely lost. She makes him her chief advisor which angers the High Priest. Before she can get back to her own time Hattie must find out who the traitors are and protect the boy Pharaoh..In the mean time she must rule ancient Egypt.

To travel so far back in time makes this an unusual story. It is much more an adventure than a romance. There is a sweet romance, quite suitable for any age group.  It gives us quite a good view into the lives of the privileged of that time. I found it fascinating.
 

Skeletal. by Katherine Hayton.



★★★★☆
This is a very interesting story about the life and death of a teenage girl. It is told from the girl's point of view . Her skeleton has been unearthed ten years after she disappeared.
Daina is an intelligent but tragic girl. She is trying desperately to keep up appearances and survive.   Her mother is an alcoholic, and barely knows her daughter is around. Daina is being viciously bullied at school.
There was an incident many years before that has a connection to what happened around the time of her death.
This is an emotional read that sadly could be very easily happening to someone out there now. The cruelty of bullies is often devastating. 





Ever since I was three year’s old I’ve been reading everything I can lay my hands on. It’s been my passion, my solace, my comfort. I used to look forward to Wednesday nights which were the time that my mother would take me, and any of my siblings who wanted to go – so usually just me, to the library.
It would be wonderful, thrilling, and risky. I was only able to take three books out each week, and only one of those could get a free pass on fees. If I picked the wrong one I would be stuck with it for a whole week. Not only stuck with it, but I’d have to read a bad book cover to cover because otherwise I’d have to do something else, and that was not really what I was after. I did go outside, and played outside, and watched TV like any normal kid, but that was just stuff you filled in time with until you could read again.
Throughout my childhood there was never anything I wanted to do but become a writer – it seemed the only natural progression to my life. Then I crawled inside a bottle for fourteen years, and when I popped back out I was working in an office job in a travel agency, my mother was dead, and I was clueless as to how I was meant to get my life back on track.
About the time I started to seriously study the craft of writing, something that used to come naturally to me but had grown incredibly hard through lack of use, I also had a change in career path into insurance (not as big a change as it might seem as it was really from one office job to another with a brighter future and better career path.) I started to challenge myself in my professional life, and my personal life, so instead of focussing in on writing I instead tried out a range of different hobbies, followed up on fleeting interests, tried to learn to play the saxophone which my partner was glad was a short-lived affair, and generally did all of the things I should’ve spent my teens and twenties doing but hadn’t.
But of course I always circled back to writing. Reading and writing. My passion remains the same but instead of skimming widely across any and all genres I’ve narrowed down and done a deep-dive into crime fiction which has been my favourite for over a decade now.
I love the fact that I’ve been reading the same genre of fiction for more than ten years now, and still find new and interesting things with every book that I pick up. Now I’m trying to bring something new and unique to me to the genre. And soon I might finally get back on track to being the person that I always wanted to be.

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30/01/2015

Fervent, , Condemned series by Gemma James. Cover reveal and giveaway.




Title: Fervent
Author: Gemma James
Series: Condemned #3
Cover Design: Designed by the author
 Release Date: April 30, 2015


Synopsis

I never imagined things could get worse, but they do. The men who took us show no mercy. They won’t stop until they’ve destroyed Rafe for something he has no memory of, and I’m their weapon of choice.
 
Tortured and defiled, they make me wish I was back in that cabin where death was favorable to drawing another breath, but our captors can’t break what’s already broken.
 
What scares me is the madness I see festering inside Rafe. I’ve taken his freedom, his career, his reputation, yet despite all I’ve done, he’s determined to fight for me, kill for me, give everything he is for me.
 
He’ll even die for me.

 
NOTE TO READERS

FERVENT is a new adult dark romance with disturbing themes and explicit content, including sexual scenes and violence that may offend some. Intended for mature audiences. Part three of the CONDEMNED series. This is not a stand-alone read! Please begin with TORRENT and RAMPANT, otherwise, FERVENT might not make much sense.









Pre-order





Available Now


AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK




Author Bio

Gemma James is the multi-genre author of several novels and novellas, from new adult suspense to dark erotic romance. She loves to explore the darker side of human nature in her fiction. She’s morbidly curious about anything dark and edgy, from deviant sex to serial killers. Readers have described her stories as being “not for the faint of heart.”

She lives in Oregon with her husband and their four children—three rambunctious UFC/wrestling-loving boys and one girl who steals everyone’s attention.



Author Links

Highland Storm, Guardians of Scotland series, by Victoria Zak.

Highland Storm - Tour Banner

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Highland Storm
SERIES – Guardians of Scotland series book two
AUTHOR – Victoria Zak
GENRE – Scottish historical fantasy romance
PUBLICATION DATE – Jan 13 2015
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) -
COVER ARTIST – JAB Designs

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00073]

BOOK SYNOPSIS

A long forgotten Ancient kingdom has been awakened and threatens to change the Dragonkine world forever.
Can passion weather the dragon’s storm?
The only true pleasures in life Conall Hamilton yearned for were to marry a good woman, raise a family, and hide away into seclusion to live a normal life away from battle and war, not an easy task for the Dragonkine warrior and Clan Douglas’s second in command. Assigned to investigate an allied clan, he vows upon his return to marry his love, Effie. That’s until the Dragonkine warrior finds himself accused of a crime he did not commit, murder. Imprisoned, he must find a way to escape not only to save his own life but to save the life of the woman he loves.
In time the past will catch up with you…
Effie Douglas is a survivor. Though not born a Douglas, Effie leaves her old life behind to seek safety within Clan Douglas. For five years Conall Hamilton has been her secret lover and savior, helping her pick up the pieces of her damaged past. Hiding the true nature of their relationship from their clan had become a burden for the red-headed lass and now she desires more. She wants Conall’s name. When Effie is summoned home, she is plagued with unwanted memories, treachery, and new found information that will change her life forever. Will Effie have the courage and strength to weather the storm that rages around her?

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00073]

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Highland Storm - Author Photo
AUTHOR BIO
Growing up in the sister city to Stirling, Scotland, Sottish flare was abundant throughout Dunedin. From her High School band to the annual Highland Games that took place right across the street from her childhood home, the bagpipes beckoned her toward her calling. It seemed only natural for Victoria Zak to want to write in the Scottish historical romance genre. Add to the fact, she was also a paranormal romance junkie, there was no doubt that her influences would be the driving force behind her stories.
Although, she never sought out a writing career, her desire for the written word grew the more she read. Her love for Scotland, curiosity of history, and passion for romance has inspired her to write her first book, Highland Burn. The Guardians of Scotland series continues this winter with Highland Storm.
Now, Victoria Zak lives in the sunshine state with her husband, two beautiful children, and three furry friends. Living in paradise, being a stay at home, and to be able to share her stories has been a blessing.
Victoria loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her through FB, Twitter, G+, and her website, www.victoriazalromance.com.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

Join The Authors Thunderclap For This Book - All you have to do is click on this link http://bit.ly/1Adacss and add your support. That’s it.

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MY REVIEW:

★★★★★
A marvellous fantasy /historical romance.  The 2nd in the Guardians of Scotland series. 
Conal is a dragon shifter. He is almost immortal. Along with his brothers his task is to protect the Scots.  He suffered the loss of his wife and son, many years ago. He was away from home when they were killed by Vikings. The guilt of not being there to save them still haunts him. In a dream he is told it  is time to move on and make an honest woman of Effie.
Effie has had a traumatic life and has hidden her past from the clan that has taken her in. Her brother abused her , and she is just discovering how sweet life can be. She knows what Conal  and his brothers are. Just as life seems to be perfect it all goes wrong. Conal goes away on business for his brother the Laird and Effie is summoned home by her father. Treachery is causing danger to both of them, and their clans.

A magical twist to a Highlander romance. Although this is the 2nd in the series you can enjoy it as a stand alone. BUT to truly get into the family I would suggest reading them in order. Our hero is as strong as you would expect a dragon to be. His main weakness is his love for his family.  Our heroine could have a little more faith in her man. We visit characters from the first book and meet new ones that look promising.  The villain is more than our heroes know. Lots of adventure and sexy scenes. 
 I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. 

The Crossing Series .The Knot Hole,The Passage, The Muse, by Renee Lee Fisher. Blog Tour +Giveaway.


The Crossing Series
by Renee Lee Fisher







There are many exciting ventures for Taryn both in her own mind and soul. She will learn many elements of love and have guidance along the way. What she never thought she would find in an adventure was true love. Silas is the one who touched her from a past time period.
He is truly unforgettable.
Will Taryn have a second chance to be with Silas in her present lifetime?



 



The Passage -
The Passage   where souls are truly connected forever, can be seen deep in the eyes of a person even if their body in this time has changed . . .

Taryn has good fortune that keeps coming in masses. Everything is falling into place, but there is one piece that does not quite fit. Her present love seems to be perfect in so many ways . . . although she is constantly reminded of another love from long ago. She often wishes The Passage would allow her to be with him, perhaps just to feel his touch once more, but TIME has not allowed her that.
The Crossing Series: The Knot Hole, The Passage and The Muse will take you on a romantic journey through time. Taryn will encounter family, friends, and loved ones in her adventures to the Past. Some of those souls will find their way back to her in the Present.

Being extremely business savvy, Taryn will set many of her dreams into motion. Who will be the one next to her in all of her accomplishments?
Will it be someone from the present, or someone who has returned from the past?





The Muse

Taryn the creator of The Muse will have you follow her journey of everlasting love . . .

Creating The Muse was derived in her imagination to keep her identity hidden. The delicately winged symbol has touched so many lives. From a fluttering thought to the formation of a business plan, her life is continuing on the path of assisting others.


The Crossing Series: The Knot Hole, The Passage and The Muse will take you on a romantic journey that spans time. An endearing exploration through so many lifetimes.

Now is the TIME that Taryn can begin to find her true happiness. The Soul of Silas has returned to her as Lucas, which has brought back the love she never could forget.
Will he stay with her forever?




Find Renee at
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/reneeleefisherauthor
Website www.reneeleefisher.com
Email author@reneeleefisher.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/ReneeLeeFisher
TSU https://www.tsu.co/reneeleefisherauthor
The Crossing Series on Facebook 
The Crossing Series Party 



Buy Links - The Knot Hole - Amazon





The Passage - Amazon





The Muse - Amazon





B&N Buy Links  







 To win the Blog Tour Prize go to the pinned post on http://www.facebook.com/discretedivas

29/01/2015

Cover Reveal, Love,Lies and Deception. by L.P.Dover



Love, Lies and Deception has a brand new sexy cover!




What do you do when the one person you thought you knew turns out to be the one you knew the least?

Twenty-three year old Marissa Chase, and soon to be college graduate, has everything going for her: wonderful friends, a lucrative degree, and a chance to explore the world. What made it even better – or so she thought – was when her path crossed with the alluring Alec Holden. Unable to stay away from him, Marissa experiences a love like no other, and falls into his world of passion and intrigue. However, things begin to shift when this path takes a deadly turn.

Her trust is put to the test when hidden dangers unfold before her, revealing secrets that have been buried for years. Secrets that were meant to stay hidden. Murder, lies, and betrayal … will Marissa figure it all out in time and escape with her life intact, or will she be too late and fall into the trap of deception?






EXCERPT

Bending low, he continued his torturous teasing by breathing across my neck. My eyes fluttered closed as his lips connected with the tender flesh at my collarbone. I shivered as the chill bumps fanned across my skin and made me weak. His voice in my ear immediately counteracted the chills. “If you want to call this dating, then I think that usually requires a little bit of touching, does it not?”
My breathing accelerated as Alec’s body grew flush with mine, leaning dangerously against me. He tilted my head back slightly so I had to look into his face. Slowly, I placed my hands on his hips, and instead of touching the waist of his jeans I was met with the bare skin of his body where his shirt had lifted up.
Holy shit, his skin felt hot! I could feel the ridges on his sides where they disappeared beneath his jeans, and I wanted nothing more than to trail my tongue down the contours of his muscles.
With hooded eyes, and a raspy, breathless voice, I replied, “I’m sure it’s customary to withstand some touching, but not too much since I don’t know you very well.” I said it, but my body didn’t really mean it, and he could tell I was lying to myself.
Slowly, he brought his hand to my face and trailed one of his long, lithe fingers over my cheek and down my neck. “Like this,” he insisted, swirling his finger around my neck. “Is this the kind of touching we’re allowed to do?” Chill bumps exploded across my skin, making me shiver.
“Yes,” I breathed, relishing in the feel of his touch. “Just like that.”
Closing my eyes, I sighed as he trailed his finger further down, stopping at my navel. The heat of his breath fanned across my face as I felt him dipping lower. I didn’t dare open my eyes and risk breaking the connection, but I wanted to see the heat in his gaze. Ever so slowly, his mouth connected with mine, soft and confident. He lingered for a moment, not moving, just his lips touched lightly to mine.

I wanted more … a lot more.



USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries. 

Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols. 

Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over nine novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.




Zoku´s Hope, Angels Crest Triogy #2 by Chelsea O´Neal. +Giveaway.

Zukos Hope - Blitz Banner

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Zoku’s Hope
SERIES – Angel Crest Trilogy #2
AUTHOR – Chelsea O’Neal
GENRE – Urban Fantasy Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – March 21, 2014
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 220 pages
PUBLISHER – Mirador Publishing
COVER ARTIST – Mallory Rock’s Art

Zoku's Hope - Book Cover

BOOK SYNOPSIS

After Jaiden found Daniah in Juniper, they returned to Garnet City. Daniah is destined to become Queen of Zoku, a race of angel half-breeds who protect the humans from a soul-stealing evil. Now, Daniah is learning of her abilities and responsibilities as queen. Just as things seem to be going smoothly, a group of Zoku show up to help, led by an angel, Shelly. Mallory has been on her own for most of her life, trying to protect and save those around her. She is Toyek, and she's been hiding in plain sight while fighting for her life. She is intent on finding her friends' daughter, whatever the cost, when an innocent trip to the supermarket takes an interesting turn. Orion has been hired to find a female and, as a Tracker, finding people is his specialty. He finds much more than he was looking for when he runs into the beautiful Mallory. While pursuing both his target and the resistant Mallory, he finds himself fighting to defend Princess Daniah and the Zoku. Can Orion and Mallory work together to help Daniah be the hope the Zoku so desperately need? Or will a few surprises and a tragedy be all it takes to break the united front of the Zoku fighting against the evil Meikal?

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Portrait of young elegant couples in the tender passion

EXCERPT

“Cord, come dance with me,” I suggest, sliding out of my chair and holding my hand out to her.
She looks up at me in surprise then blushes and reaches her good hand up to clasp mine and we head to the dance floor. The music has all been slower songs, which is good because with her broken arm Cord wouldn’t be able to get too crazy.
I slide one arm around her waist and pull her against me while taking her free hand in mine. We sway to the music and I notice the beat changes into another song which is a bit faster, so I dip Cord back then nudge her gently with my arm at her waist while pulling her other arm, making her go in a circle before pulling her body back up against mine.
She giggles. “This is fun, and you’re quite good,” she says smiling up at me. “Even with my bum arm.”
I smile back and respond, “thank you.” Then we continue on, me dipping, swaying, pushing away pulling her back against me. I twist her so that her back is against me and we sway in time to the music. I drop my head against her shoulder and lay my cheek against hers.
“You’re pretty good at this yourself,” I say into her ear and feel her body tremble against mine as she lays her head back against my chest. ““Even with your bum arm.”
We sway a bit more, before I spin her around again and dip her before bringing her up against my body, lifting her to where her face is close to mine. We are still swaying slightly as the music changes again, and then, looking into her eyes and her flushed face, I lean closer, my eyes falling to her lips.
I feel her take in a breath and hear it catch in her throat. I release her hand and slide both of my arms around her, one on her waist and the other around her back. Her hand moves to my shoulder and I feel her pull me closer. My eyes flick back up to hers, which are locked onto my mouth. Without another thought, I lean in and press my lips against hers softly. My hand moves to her nape as I cradle her against me.
I feel a shock at the first touch of our lips and then I feel Cord press herself even closer to me as she pulls at my shoulder. She is everything I have been wanting and more than I had hoped for. Her lips are soft and warm, molding against mine; her body is lean and muscled, though still soft. Her hand moves up to my hair and she lightly scratches my scalp and I moan into her mouth feeling the touch all throughout my body.
I move my lips against hers, lightly swiping my tongue against her lower lip, coaxing her to open for me. She does, sucking in a shuddering breath, and I thrust my tongue into her mouth. I feel as well as hear her groan in to my mouth as she angles her mouth against mine.
I pull back from her mouth and move to her neck, lightly leaving open- mouthed kisses along her jaw and neck. I have waited years to finally kiss her, and I have wanted her more the last few days. “Cord,” I whisper and I feel her body stiffen.
I pull back and look at her in question. She looks up at me with indecision all over her face, though I can see the desire in her eyes.
Zoku's Hope - Teaser 2

AUTHOR BIO

Chelsea O’Neal lives in her fantasy world where people can fly, vampires could be real, money is never an issue, and the romantic meeting of your true love is a normal happening. When not relaxing in Chelsea-ville, she enjoys talking with animals that talk back and taking long walks with her Prince Charming…
Actually Chelsea lives in the United States in Nebraska, where she was born and raised, with her black lab Daisey, who hasn’t spoken actual words, but she is pretty sure Daisey understands her. She is yet to meet her Prince Charming, though she is quite sure he is out there. Chelsea enjoys working in a library as well as a cosmetologist. She is an avid reader and writing has always been her passion. Zoku’s Hope is her second novel, and she is working on her next book now.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

Zoku's Hope - Teaser 1

GIVEAWAY

1 ebook of each of my books.

Book one info below

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Juniper’s Princess
SERIES – Angel Crest Trilogy #1
AUTHOR – Chelsea O’Neal
GENRE – Urban Fantasy Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – July 2, 2013
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 254 pages
PUBLISHER – Mirador Publishing
COVER ARTIST – Mallory Rock’s Art

Juniper's Princess - Book Cover

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Daniah is different, she always has been and now her dreams and visions of the future are increasing, she knows her life is changing. She just doesn't know by how much...
Jaiden is different, but he knows why and he knows his responsibilities. He must find the saviour of his race, the angel human half-breeds who are fighting a war for humanity's souls. If he can't convince Daniah she is more than just a little different - she is the princess of their people - they are all going to die.
Unfortunately Daniah doesn't have many reasons to trust Jaiden, especially when he is caught in a web of his own lies. In a world where half-breed angels walk among us, fighting an evil for our souls, Daniah must find the strength to become the princess we all need.
Chelsea O'Neal has a unique voice in storytelling, threading the characters lives together intricately to give us a complex web of good versus evil in a world descending into chaos...

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