Tuesday 28 July 2015

Summer Reading

The fun thing about going away for a week is that you can kick back and enjoy a book or two.  Last week I had just that opportunity and amongst others I had the chance to read and review these books.


Turn the Page by Ditter Kellen






Catherine Grier seemed to have it all—money, prestige, and a beach house that would rival the Hamptons. But an old scar buried deep in her soul hides a life filled with lonely nights and painful memories…until a dusty old book lands in her lap, sending her back in time to 1767 and into the arms of sexy Lord Bryne Adair.
Forced from his country on charges of treason, Bryne trusts no one, especially not the blue-eyed, blonde-haired vixen he discovers in his bed, claiming to be from the future. Unable to resist, he’ll play her game to the end. He has nothing left to lose but his heart.
Thrown back in time as fate decides to give Catherine a chance to love again, but will she be able to let go? I enjoyed this book by Ditter Kellen, the characters were well developed and the plot moved smoothly. I am not usually a fan of historical romances and although this was set in the 1700's there were enough references to the modern day for it not to be seen too much like a classical period romance.


The PlayDragon Billionaire by Maria Amor



“Can She Tame The PlayDragon?” 27 year old Billionaire Bran Garret is loving his playboy lifestyle and does not want it to end. However, as a dragon shifter the time has now come for him to find a mate and produce an heir. A baby dragon that will, one day, take over his empire. Bran was surprised when he met the young and beautiful Seraphina. There was something about her that made her stand out from all the other women that he has previously met. Now Bran wonders if she has what it takes to become his mate.. Little does Bran know, Seraphina has more then what it takes to tame a PlayDragon like him and he is about to find out exactly why... 
A delightful tale of finding a mate and dragons. This was a really quick read but managed to create an interesting story with believable characters, though I felt the ending lacked.  It needed an epilogue to satisfy the unanswered questions of whether Seraphina's heritage has an effect on the gene pool. A complete tale with HEA.




Bitten Surrender by Rebecca Royce

Hanzi has been a vampire so long he has forgotten what it is to be human.  But the curse which made him a vampire also promised him a bride.  His time has come and the darkest of all vampires intends to collect what is rightfully his.  Only the American woman fate has selected for him isn’t at all what he expected.
Tattooed, pissed, and not at all interested in being any Vampire’s bride, Adrienne intends to make her fated coupling as difficult on Hanzi as possible.  The Vampire who shows up to collect her isn’t at all what she expected and suddenly she can’t help but think she might be the perfect person to warm his soul and heat his bed.
Can their newly formed, tentative joining survive the darkness stalking them both?
What a wonderful short story, with plenty of action and interesting characters, I really enjoyed this tale. This story is perfect as a quick read for those who like a bit of bite to their characters.


Billionaire Dragon's Bride by Anya Nowlan

He's blazing hot and this dragon won't take no for an answer.
Devon Bluewing is a billionaire playboy like no other. Cocky, strong and sexy as hell, he's used to getting anything and anyone he wants. But when it comes a time to step up and stand as the head of his family, and the dragon council of Treasure Lane, Devon is met with an inexplicable problem. He needs a mate or his whole legacy could be in jeopardy. Now, that doesn't work at all for the fire-breathing bad boy, who's used to getting his own way.
Gemma Teeley can't stand injustice. She's sassy, smart as a whip and always ready to fight for what is right. So when the newest Bluewing heir decides to wrack up the taxes on her hometown, Gemma isn't about to stand for it. But what she doesn't know is that her fight against traditions might just get her into a whole lot of steamy trouble! The curvy, headstrong woman has all the fire of Devon, and when he gives her an ultimatum, they're both in for more than they bargained for.
Even if she'll play along, it doesn't mean that she'll make it easy on him. But it isn't just Devon whose making decisions for Gemma, and soon it becomes very clear that it's not only Gemma's pride that's in danger of getting burned…

Devon has but two weeks to find a bride or forfeit his place as leader of the dragon council, so when Gemma storms into his castle demanding that he see sense over tax payments, Devon decides that she will be his bride whether she likes it or not.
A wonderful dragon tale easily read in a couple of hours. Devon is arrogant and Gemma stubborn, making a stormy relationship as they battle with their developing feelings. I really enjoyed this offering from Ms Amour and it should appeal to those who like dragons.


The Art of Claiming an Alpha by Marian Tee

I need werewolf prince Alejandro Moretti as my bodyguard, but he wants my body in exchange for his services. Calys has two things standing in her way of being alpha of her panther pack. One: she's an adopted human, and two: she's a woman. However, if werewolf royalty Alessandro Moretti agrees to be her Cavaliere, she just might have a shot at being the next pack leader.  A good plan, right? Or at least it should be...until Calys learns that the infamous playboy werewolf will only fight for her if she agrees to do everything he says...in bed.
This is  box set containing the three parts to the tale of Calys and Alejandro. I loved the strength of character from Calys as she fought to be the pack leader despite her heritage. This was a well written tale with plenty of action and a few unexpected twists that added strength to the plot. More than your average Shifter story.




I hope you like some of them, they can all be found on Amazon and some on the other platforms too.  Happy reading!

Just Bears

Just Bears

A paranormal collection from Simply Shifters




1 The Bear In Me – Amy Star 
When curvy Emily met hunky bear shifter Sam in Alaska it seemed perfect. However, Emily's scent is familiar to Sam and he knows she is hiding a secret....
2 Bear In The City – Amira Rain 
Werebear Blake does not find it easy to be a bear in the city and keep his secret from everyone. However, when he catches the scent of curvy Bree he has to have her but he also knows his secret is going to come out too...
3 The PlayBear Billionaire – Maria Amor 
Billionaire Bear Shifter Alexander is often known as being untameable and forever a playbear. However, when he meets curvy Daphne everything changes, has the bear finally met his mate?
4 The Bear's Mate – Rosa Foxxe 
When Nicki Bryant looks at the wrong file at work she discovers a secret world she never knew existed. Now a handsome stranger named Max is willing to reveal all...
5 Taken By The Bears – JJ Jones 
Curvy Juliette finds herself taken from her bed in the middle of the night by 3 mysterious men. She thinks they want to kill her but really they want to mate her...
6 The Bears Baby – Jade White 
When Ursula visits a sperm bank in order to get pregnant she has no idea what she is in for. She is not just carrying a baby, she is carrying “the bears baby”...
7 The Bears Shared Bride – Amy Star 
Lavinia King is set to become the queen of her bear tribe. Only thing is, in this tribe there is 1 queen but 2 kings. Can she really please 2 alpha bears?
8 Her Bear In Mind – Maria Amor 
Investigative reporter Sierra has her suspicions about Joe Basnight. However, when she looks into him she discovers a secret more shocking then she expected. Now he knows that she knows, what will happen next?
9 The Bears Princess – Ellie Valentina 
Princess Aurelia is slated to marry a Prince that she does not love, so she runs. Now with her people coming after her she has found comfort in the shape of 2 werebears named Afonso and Nico who plan to do more then just protect her...
10 Sold To The Bears – Amira Rain 
Curvy Lila is about to be sold due to the fact she is one of the few remaining fertile women left on the planet. The men she is going to be sold to are bear shifters Adrian and Grant and they want to use her as their personal sex toy…

This is a collection of ten paranormal shifter books focusing on bear shifters as the primary characters.  They are all standalone books though some also form parts of series and some of the books have been published before as individual books. The collection is for 18+ readers as the writing is explicit and in some cases feature menage not just M/F interaction. I have read some of the authors before and find their work to be easy flowing and enjoyable. As a collection it is great value for money especially if you like your shifter big and furry.

Friday 17 July 2015

Redemption

Redemption by Cara Carnes

Mira grew up in a savage tract of existence known as Hell’s Highway—a parcel of land for genetically impure humans (Impures) cast out during a savage battle between humanity’s government (the NAH) and the Paraspecies. When a cease fire was declared, the two opposing sides retreated and regrouped, but the fight for survival had just begun for Impures forced to exist within a kill or be prey existence.
As a runner for The Alliance, Mira ran messages and provisions back and forth between her camp and Redemption—a bartering outpost created by the Paraspecies to help Impures within Hell’s Highway. But for the past two years Mira has been a prisoner of war, detained and tortured in an unsanctioned NAH facility within the lawless lands of Hell’s Playground. Now free, she must risk her life to fulfill a promise made to a fellow prisoner—travel to Redemption and enlist the aid of the Paraspecies. Returning to the outpost, though, means reuniting with the Alpha wolf she’d once hoped to have a future with.
As Quadrant Alpha of the most dangerous section of Paraspecies land, the last thing Adrik needs is the Impure from his past suddenly returning. He ripped apart Hell’s Highway searching for her two years ago, and his pack reaped the consequences. Now, with a civil war threatening on his southern border, the constant battles with the succubae on his eastern border, and the latest political nightmare from Command Central he doesn’t have time to wander Hell’s Playground searching for a secret facility that doesn't exist.
But the opportunity to spend time with the Impure he’d once intended to mate proves too tempting. Together they must heal the wounds and find a way to survive the dangers awakened.

Redemption featured some complex world building and a multitude of characters.  I was glad of the glossary at the beginning that once bookmarked, I was able to refer back to. There was plenty of action, with lots happening and a good focus on the plot. Also the many differing paranormal species present in the story gives lots of scope for interesting future books.  This would be an excellent story for all those who like paranormal, not just of the shifter variety.

Phoenix Crossing

Phoenix Crossing By Cara Carnes

She’ll commit the ultimate betrayal to save those she loves….
Xandra was forged in the fires of heaven’s nemesis and sharpened by humanity’s executioners. As a child, she failed to protect her little sister. With Riles located, Xandra will do anything to save her—even if it means committing the ultimate crime. Forced into a perilous situation, she’s drawn to the Alpha wolf shadowing her every move. Trust comes with a high price—one she’s paid too many times to count. But the sexy man her inner beasts desire refuses to give up.
The half-phoenix, half-angel was an assignment at first, a potential threat to the campus pack Lane had assumed leadership of. The longer he follows her, the more his wolf is drawn to protect her. Frustrated with her inability to trust him and his pack, he’ll do anything to keep her safe. Claiming the curvaceous hellion would be simple, but he’s determined to win the trust of the warrior beasts within her.

This was a follow on book in the series, taking place just shortly after Phoenix Rising.  It was well written and fast paced.  Complete with captivating strong characters.  Whilst I had not read the previous in the series, I was able to follow this story all right.  I will however be going back to read Phoenix Rising now.

Thursday 16 July 2015

Shifting Ground

Shifting Ground by Tabitha Conall

A new BBW shifter romance in the White Fir Bend Cult series from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Tabitha Conall...
Army Ranger and bear shifter Tiger Kane got kicked out of the cult he grew up in when he was fifteen. Now he's back to rescue his estranged mom from the clutches of the cult leader.
BBW Dr. Piper Holmes thought she was going to be studying dropping fertility rates in a rural shifter town. If she'd known she'd be trapped in a cult compound where grown men married twelve-year-olds and grown women wore bruises, she never would have agreed.
Thrown together, Kane and Piper work to help two women escape the cult. But other forces are at work, and Kane and Piper don't know who they can trust.
They're not even sure they can trust each other.

Book two in the series by Tabitha, gave an easy flowing story where the principle characters met trying to help different people. I liked it as there was not an immediate attraction unlike so many of the shifter tales where the pairing is instantaneous. The cult setting for the plot although a difficult topic, gave a different feel to the book though this may not appeal to some, I appreciated the different slant. Overall, an enjoyable story.

The Billionwere

The Billionwere by Elle Valentina

“The Billionaire has more then one secret.....” When Malinda Rose accepted a job as a live in nanny at a plush mansion in Manhattan it sounded easy. Room, board and a nice paycheck, however she had no idea what she was letting herself in for.. The owner of the mansion is reclusive billionaire Garrett Millieur. A man who surprises her with his youthful good looks and attractively authoritative nature. Amongst other things, he makes an odd request, that his son Brandon must NEVER leave the mansion. EVER. It is clear to Malinda that the stunning Garrett has many secrets and as she gets closer to him, it seems she is going to find out everything she ever wanted to know about his dark and furry side. And she might just like what she finds… 

This was a standalone story with great characterisation and depth to the tale, along with plenty of action and suspense.  I enjoyed this easy flowing shifter tale with a difference and should appeal to others who enjoy paranormal romance stories.

To Love a Mate

To Love A Mate by Krystal Shannan


Surviving charity functions by day and automatic weapons and death threats by night, Emma Carrington learned to be as hard as the men her daddy hired to protect her. Hell, she even carried a military grade stun gun in her Prada bag and could shoot just as well as any of her ex-military bodyguards if the need arose.
When a failed kidnapping attempt forces her to hide out in Somewhere, Texas, Emma finds herself stranded, floundering through cow patties, and desperate for a car. Who better to “borrow” from than the sexy naked man she sees turn into a wolf and leave his perfectly good pickup truck available for use. It’s not like he can drive it in his current condition, right?
College senior Noah VonBrandt knows the pack law better than anyone ---only a bonded mate can know his secret. He watched his brother find the mate of his dreams and he wants the same thing, but you can’t just make the “right” girl appear out of thin air. To his surprise, lightning does strike. When a beautiful blonde woman trespasses on the ranch and sees him transform, he knows he only has two choices ---claim her or let the pack erase her memories. But even as Noah fights to save her, Emma’s past is hot on her heels and out for more than memories.

This is the second book in the VonBrandt family saga and is full of action and thrills. It is a relatively quick read, finishing it in one afternoon but has sufficient development with characters you can love. It was an enjoyable read that comes complete with a HEA.

Diving for pearls





Diving For Pearls by Melissa Storm


She saved her daughter’s life. 

Now she must save her soul.


Although Elizabeth died giving birth to her daughter, her death wasn’t the end. She awakens to find her sacrifice has transformed her into a special kind of angel a protector and if she is able to help her charge through the Pearly Gates, she too will be welcomed into Heaven.
Elizabeth is both heartbroken and overjoyed when she finds she’ll be watching over Daisy, the daughter she never got to meet. She’d like nothing more than to live with her little girl in paradise, and being a guardian is hard work. Will Elizabeth be reunited with her daughter, or forced to suffer in silence as she watches Daisy make mistakes that place her just out of Heaven’s reach?
This tale of sacrifice, redemption, and unyielding love is for anyone who believes in angels or is looking for a reason to believe.
This was a very short read, no more than 20 min. Essentially it was the first chapter in the Pearls Makers story, introducing the characters and setting the scene.  It has the potential to be real tear jerker.

Tuesday 14 July 2015

Love Beyond Expectations

Love Beyond Expectations

by Rebecca Royce

Christophe Roux has always known he was different. Born to a wealthy French family, he has never told anyone that he is frequently thrown through time and space to visit with ghosts and other terrifying creatures. But now he knows he is an Outsider and moreover that he has a soul mate somewhere out in the world waiting for him. When his brother is taken, he heads to Maine to search for help, never expecting that his love is the woman he has lusted after for years.

Ruby Brannon lived her childhood on the run and her adulthood trying to make sense of the strange things that happen to her. Now, she's with the Outsiders but she is still unsure if she'll be able to step up when it's her turn to fight the evil seeking to destroy them all.

Together, Ruby and Christophe will change the fates of the Outsiders. Or die trying.

Book 5 of the Outsiders series sees a corporeal Sebastian attacking the island directly whilst Christophe not only finally finds Leonardo but meets up with his solemate Ruby.  In this book several more of the Outsiders are also introduced and have started to be woven into the plot. With all the setbacks that are presented to the Outsiders, it is nuclear how they will overcome Sebastian in his corporeal form. Ms Royce continues to be able to write a romantic tale whilst managing to engrosse the reader with a beautifully crafted back story. Roll on Love Beyond Oceans.

Thursday 9 July 2015

Alpha's Truth

Alpha's Truth

by Rebecca Royce

Montana Alpha Beaux Nelson believes in living his life the way werewolves were meant to—as naturally and free as possible. He honors the moon with every hunt and breath in his body. When he discovers his true mate is the healer of another pack, he’s determined nothing will come between them—not even her kidnapping. Pursuing her across the continent, Beaux will take any risk to claim the woman meant for him…but surviving her rejection is another matter.

Lake Fennell has never thrived as a healer should, her gift acts out, she changes others without their permission and has failed to save those precious to her. When she discovers Beaux may very well be her true mate, she flees rather than face the possibility. In her haste, she falls into the arms of the True Believers. Months of torture later, she can barely believe it when she wakes to find herself with the one man she shouldn’t want and can never have. In order to save them both, she must leave her true mate, knowing she might not leave his heart in tact. But if she doesn’t do what she was born to do everything will be lost…including the world she’s fought the hardest for.

As with most of Rebecca's books there is a good back story and this is no exception.  The war with the True Believers has been escalating over the series and is coming to a head with Lake being found by Beaux.  Whilst there is obvious attraction between Beaux and Lake she refuses to allow Beaux to mate with her, which only adds to the complications and makes the story that bit more convoluted with the extra twists to the tale.
This was listed as the conclusion of the Fallen Alpha tales however I felt that there were still some unanswered questions and there was the potential for more to be written about the upcoming war especially with the split that may form between the differing packs.  There was also the suggestion of an insider… is there?
Yet again Rebecca has succeeded in capturing my interest in a paranormal community filled with interesting, strong well developed characters.  I hope at sometime there will be a revisit to these wolves and their mates as I feel they still have a story to tell.

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Love Beyond Sight

Love Beyond Sight

by Rebecca Royce

When Eden Roan awoke in a mental hospital, she was nearly discovered by a demon, but a comforting voice in her mind offered safety. The voice told her she was his but that they could never, ever meet. Now, Eden is more and more convinced that the voice is just her imagination. It can't possibly be her destined soul mate. Or can it?

Samuel Quinn, damaged by the demon when he was child, doesn't want Eden to see the real him. Luckily, his powers allow him to hide using others' features as his own. But when Eden needs him, Samuel will have to step forward to save her even if it means showing the real him. Can there be love without sight? Or will the demon finally have them all just where he wants them?

What a wonderful continuation of the battle between the Outsiders and the evil Sebastian.  In this the fourth of the series, another two Outsiders find each other and form their soul mate bond.  Along with the action, there are twists and the evil Sebastian seems unstoppable.  Yet another fantastic read, Rebecca you continue to develop an unputdownable story.

Rebecca's books are available on Amazon, Google Play and ibooks

Ice Blue




Ice Blue 

by Emma Jameson


Anthony Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave, Chief Superintendent for New Scotland Yard, never married, no children, no pets, no hobbies, and not even an interesting vice, will turn sixty in three weeks. With the exception of his chosen career, too sordid for his blue-blooded family to condone, his life has been safe and predictable. But then he meets Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield - beautiful, willful, and nearly half his age. When Hetheridge saves the outspoken, impetuous young detective from getting the sack, siding with her against Scotland Yard's powerful male hierarchy, his cold, elegantly balanced world spins out of control. Summoned to London's fashionable Belgravia to investigate the brutal murder of a financier, Hetheridge must catch the killer while coping with his growing attraction to Kate, the reappearance of an old flame, and the secret that emerges from his own past.

I really enjoyed this murder romp.  Kate is a working class girl who has fought her past to progress within the male dominated Scotland Yard, however her mouth sometimes runs away with her.  When caught by SC Hetheridge having a full blown verbal row with row with her superior, Kate is certain that she will loose her job, but is given an opportunity instead to prove that she has the capabilities to solve the case.  Both the lead characters were interesting and had good interaction coupled with the eclectic assortment of supporting characters it meant for an enjoyable and sometimes funny read.  Also with Tony being an older man yet still portrayed as attractive was refreshingly different.  I am looking forward to more from the is duo.

Friday 3 July 2015

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing 

by Terra Wolf & Wednesday Raven


This isn't about the twins; this is about the girl they both hurt.

Ryder is the younger Steele twin and believes he has come in second in everything. While he and his brother run one of the top computer security firms in the country, clients still ask for Draven before him. After thirty years in his brother's shadow, he just wants to be first in something.
Draven is the eldest of the Steele brothers and graduated top of his class. There isn't anything he can't do it seems. While they look identical in most respects, Draven carries a unique birthmark on his inner thigh. It is one of the only ways to tell them apart.
Both Steele twins are wolf shifters, but roam solitary or with each other and not in a pack. Always looking out for each other, there is nothing that should come between them. But something does; Brooke.
Brooke Stone has dealt with jerks her whole life. Men have been sweet to her until they get what they want, and then they leave her with hardly a word. She knows she's curvy and that's too much for some, but she's got faith she'll find someone who's different.
When Brooke meets Draven and Ryder will she be able to see them for who they are or be blinded by their shifter ways?

At 40 pages, this was a short read, yet, it managed to have a cohesive storyline and believable characters with sufficient depth.  It wasn't focused heavily on the shifter side of the tale but more on the competitiveness of the two brothers. Complete with a happy ever after this is a standalone tale and as such should appeal to those who need a quick read to fill in time but don't want a chapter of a book or a cliffhanger.

Available from Amazon

Wednesday 1 July 2015

Love Beyond Loyalty by Rebecca Royce

The Outsiders: Book 3


Gabriel Ward has no problem with the fact that he's an Outsider. Hell, he's always known he was different. What he takes issue with is the idea that he has to follow any destiny at all. He's always taken care of himself, and there's no way he's going to start following rules now.
Loraine Peacock can speak to animals. Other than that, she thinks she's just a regular woman making her way in the world. She figures it's not that weird. Many people have unusual abilities.
But when Gabriel and Loraine are forced together by the very destiny he denies, they will both have to accept their legacy and join the Outsiders in their quest to defeat the ultimate evil. That is, if they can survive long enough to find their way to their most important destiny of all: love.

This series is developing into one of those that the only key annoyance is how long to wait for the next one.  I started to read this as soon as putting down the previous.  Yet again the tale focuses on two of the 18 outsiders as they find themselves thrown together and having to come to terms with the fact that they are part of a bigger destiny.
Exciting twist in the plot as new elements and players are introduced in this book and I am eager to see how they play out in the next installments.  Also with the growing number of Outsiders that are coming together it will be interesting to see how the ‘family’ dynamics change.

Love Beyond Sanity by Rececca Royce

The Outsiders : Book 2


Eighteen years earlier, Charma lost her destined soul mate. Convinced he must be dead, she's kept her fears to herself so as not to destroy the morale of the Outsiders who already live with a shaky prophecy as their only guide.
Dr. Jason Randall is a man used to getting what he wants. There has never been a problem he couldn't out-think or a situation he wasn't capable of handling, until his life changes in ways he could never imagine.
Now they are being hunted by not one but two demons while they strive to lead the slowly growing group of Outsiders out of the darkness and back into the light. The two strong souls will have to decide if prophecy alone is enough reason to stay together through insane odds--or if love is their true fate.

The continuation of the Outsider saga.  This book focuses on another two of the Outsider group whilst continuing the progression of the plot to balance good and evil.  I enjoyed each book as it is a complete story of the two main characters whilst still including those from the previous book.  Despite each book being a tale focused on primarily two characters, the background to the main plot is explained in this book so it would allow the reader to understand most of what is going on if they had not read book one first.  However for the best enjoyment I would recommend reading book one first (Love Beyond Time).