Tuesday 31 October 2017

Release Day Launch: Ride Wild - Laura Kaye (Excerpt & Giveaway)


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Kaye brings you the third novel in her Raven Riders Series, RIDE WILD. A sexy contemporary romance series, and a spin-off from Laura’s Hard Ink world, about a different kind of motorcycle club with a protective mission. The Raven Riders Series takes you on an adventure and kicks it into overdrive! RIDE WILD is the hot and emotional story of a sexy single father wild with grief over the death of his wife several years before and the strong survivor he hires to be his nanny. Order your copy of RIDE WILD today!


About Ride Wild (Raven Riders #3, 10/31/17)

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders...

Wild with grief over the death of his wife, Sam “Slider” Evans merely lives for his two sons. Nothing holds his interest anymore—not even riding his bike or his membership in the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. But that all changes when he hires a new babysitter.

Recently freed from a bad situation by the Ravens, Cora Campbell is determined to bury the past. When Slider offers her a nanny position, she accepts, needing the security and time to figure out what she wants from life. Cora adores his sweet boys, but never expected the red-hot attraction to their brooding, sexy father. If only he would notice her...

Slider does see the beautiful, fun-loving woman he invited into his home. She makes him feel too much, and he both hates it and yearns for it. But when Cora witnesses something she shouldn’t have, the new lives they’ve only just discovered are threatened. Now Slider must claim—and protect—what’s his before it’s too late.


Order on Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google

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And don’t miss all the books in the Raven Riders Series!



EXCERPT:

“Hey, Cora,” he said, his gravelly morning voice so damn sexy.

“Hey,” she said, tilting her head back to look him in the eye. She wondered if she should get off him, but didn’t really want to.

Not making any move to get up, Slider just looked down at her. “How you feeling?”

“A lot better,” she said, hyperaware that her hand was lying on his chest. His heartbeat faintly registered against her palm. “Still achy and a little off, but better.”

“Good. You should probably take it easy today, though. Whatever that was isn’t likely out of your system yet.”

She nodded. “I will.”

Talking like this, their faces so close, felt so damn intimate that Cora could almost imagine that nothing existed outside of Slider’s bed. She almost didn’t want it to. Especially when his arm squeezed a little tighter around her shoulders and brought them just a little closer. Cora shifted into his embrace, pressing her chest totally flush against his die, and sliding her thigh up until—

Oh, hell. Until she felt the part of him she’d accidentally seen. And it was hard.

He sucked in a breath, and his hand clamped around his thigh. “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

She placed her fingers loosely over his mouth. She didn’t want him to apologize. Or explain it away. Or push her away.

Cora knew she shouldn’t wan the things she did, but that didn’t make her desires go away. It felt good to want Slider, it made her feel normal, even if she was a little nervous. After what her father had done, that seemed like a victory she didn’t want to relinquish.

And, oh, now that she was touching his face, she really didn’t want to stop. His lips were full and soft under her fingers, his stubble was more ticklish than prickly, and his cheekbone was prominent under his skin.

He licked his lips, and her gaze latched on to the movement.

“Cora,” he rasped, his cock getting even harder against her thigh.

His arousal fueled her own, her hips tilting with the need for friction. The movement had her grinding herself against the firm muscle of his thigh and made both of them suck in a breath. His grip tightened on her everywhere. His arm holding her tighter yet to him, his hand pulling her thigh wider across him.

Her fingers returned to his mouth again, and traced across his lower lip. His tongue flicked out and swiped at her pointer finger, and Cora was instantly wet. Trembling with need and adrenaline and the fear that at any second, he would cut this off, Cora shifted ever so slowly, ever so slightly, bringing her face closer to his. He watched her like she was a tigress about to strike, but just as her mouth almost reached his, he flipped them and pinned her to the bed.

And Cora realized she had it all wrong. He’d been the feral animal about to attack all along.




ORDER RIDE WILD & HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Animal rescue is a big part of the storyline of Ride Wild, and that’s something that’s close to Laura’s heart, so Laura’s giving to the cause by donating a portion of all preorders and sales through 11/5 to Noah’s Arks Rescue, a fantastic organization that serves as a source of inspiration for the book. When you grab your copy of RIDE WILD, you’re helping a great cause AND you’ll get a bonus story when you submit your order info, too!

Submit Your Order Info to Get A Bonus Story: https://a.pgtb.me/HRn7Bc

Learn More about Noah’s Arks: http://www.noahs-arks.net/


About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Monday 30 October 2017

Simon's Cat: Spider Cat (Halloween Special)

So it's almost Halloween and I have a blog tour going on tomorrow so I couldn't resist sharing this Simons' Cat Halloween Special a day early :o) I hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow whether you celebrate Halloween or not!

Sunday 29 October 2017

Review: Bound - Sue Tingey

Lucky de Salle was dragged into the Underlands against her will, but there she discovered a whole new world - and a whole new life. She always knew she was psychic, but discovering her ghostly best friend was in fact her daemon half-sister - and she herself is half-daemon - came as a shock. Falling in love with two men wasn't in her plan either, but that's working out brilliantly.

Or it was . . . until Jamie tries to use his powers to control her, and Lucky loses all trust in him. Then when Lucky's enemies kidnap Jinx, intending to use his powers to destroy both human and daemon worlds, Jamie and his fellow Guardians are ordered to bring Jinx back - dead or alive.

If Lucky is to save him, and forgive Jamie, she must learn to use her own burgeoning powers - and fast!

The Soulseer Chronicles:
Marked
Cursed
Bound

Visit Sue Tingey's website for more information

Review:
Bound picks up the story a few weeks from where Cursed left off, Lucky, Jamie and Jinx are in a great place relationship wise but it all goes horribly wrong when Jinx gets kidnapped by their enemies. Thanks to their bond Lucky feels his pain as he is tortured and she's desperate to rescue him as quickly as possible. Jamie also wants to rescue him but as a Guardian he has an important role to play in protecting humanity and when Jinx is taken to the human realm the Guardians are ordered to stop whatever plan his kidnappers are working towards - even if the only way to do that is to kill Jinx. Even though Jamie promises her he'd never hurt Jinx Lucky finds herself struggling to trust him so she decides to work alone to bring Jinx safely home.

One of the things I've loved most about this series is that the author completely avoided the dreaded love triangle by making it clear from very early on that the two demon love interests were more than happy to share. I think this is the first time I've come across a triad relationship in urban fantasy but hopefully it won't be the last because that's definitely a solution I can get behind - I'd just like one that doesn't fade to black for the good bits please! I love how different the two guys are Jinx is the more playful teasing member of the group while Jamie is more sensitive and very caring but they're equally devoted to Lucky.

For her part Lucky has always seemed to care for both guys equally but that seemed to go a bit out of the window here and I ended up getting really annoyed with her for not trusting Jamie more. I get that she was desperate to rescue Jinx but Jamie would never do anything to hurt her and that includes letting the Guardians kill Jinx. It felt a bit manufactured to cause drama and because she refused to work with Jamie Lucky ended up making a lot of stupid decisions and getting herself into trouble because she'd go charging into situations with no back up. It made the story interesting for sure but I did want to shake some sense into her and I felt quite sorry for Jamie because it made him seem like the outsider in the relationship.

Overall I've really enjoyed this trilogy though, there's been lots of action and Lucky's guards have all been such brilliant characters. I'm going to miss all of them, even Mr Shenanigans and Mr Kerfuffle but especially Pyrites. I'm sad we're not going to get more stories about this group but I'll definitely be watching out for whatever Sue Tingey publishes next.

Source: Received from Jo Fletcher Books in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Saturday 28 October 2017

Review: The Good, The Bad and The Undead - Kim Harrison

During the last few months, former bounty-hunter Rachel Morgan has been rather busy. Having escaped relatively unscathed from her corrupt former employers, she's not only acquired a vampiric room-mate called Ivy, faced werewolf assassins and battled shape-shifting demons, but has also found the time to pick up a boyfriend (even if he is only human) and open her very own runner agency. But cohabiting with a vampire, however reformed, has it's dangers. Ivy's evil vampire ex-boyfriend has decided that he wants her back, and views Rachel as a tasty side-dish. To make matters worse, Rachel's demon mark is the ultimate vamp-aphrodisiac; one that works both ways.

The stakes are high, and if Rachel is to save herself and her roommate she must challenge the master vampire and confront the dark secrets she's kept hidden even from herself.

The Hollows Series:
Dead Witch Walking
The Good, the Bad and the Undead
Every Which Way But Dead
A Fistful of Charms
For a Few Demons More
Where Demons Dare (Published in the US as The Outlaw Demon Wails)
White Witch, Black Curse
Black Magic Sanction
Pale Demon
The Hollows Insider
A Perfect Blood
Ever After
The Undead Pool
The Witch with No Name

Visit Kim Harrison's website for more information

Review:
I read the first few books in this series years ago but it was only when I started my reread recently that I remembered how much I enjoyed this world. Rachel isn't perfect but she's a great character because she's so flawed. She makes stupid mistakes and she's far too trusting but she's learning and I'm hoping she won't keep repeating the same errors over and over again. I'm enjoying seeing her learn more about the magic she is capable of, she came across as a fairly mediocre witch in the beginning but it looks like  she has more power than she realised. We learn a bit more about her background and a connection between her family and Trent's which I think is extremely interesting. Trent's character definitely has me intrigued, he has a bad side but I'm starting to wonder if he's not quite as evil as first suspected.

I think my main pet peeve in this book was her boyfriend Nick who, lets face it, is a bit of a wet blanket and I have absolutely zero idea what Rachel sees in him - especially considering all the lies and secrets he's keeping. The other thing that gets on my last nerve is her relationship with vampire Ivy. The two are supposed to be friends and business partners but their relationship presses all my buttons in the completely wrong way. I get that the author is trying to show that vampires are dangerous but Ivy crosses so many lines that it's just not funny. Their relationship feels abusive to me, there are many times Ivy either can't or won't take no for an answer and Rachel is constantly making excuses for her. What's even worse is that Rachel then blames herself for doing things that triggered Ivy's "vampire instincts" and that really rubs me up the wrong way. If you had a male character who acted the way Ivy does then I think a lot of people would be really angry about the way the situation was handled and it's probably the main thing that makes me reticent to continue the series.

Having said that there is a lot to love about these books so I'm going to push through and hope Ivy  either has a serious attitude adjustment or that someone stakes her and puts me out of my misery! Jenks and his family are brilliant, I already mentioned my love for Rachel and curiosity about Trent and I'm also kind of curious about Big Al too. He's got the better of Rachel every time they've met so far and she's in a whole heap of trouble because of that but I can't help wanting to see how she gets herself out of it.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Friday 27 October 2017

Book Trailer: The Library of Fates - Aditi Khorana

Anyone who follows this blog will know I'm a HUGE fantasy fan so I wanted to spotlight some of the books that I'm really excited about reading but just haven't had time to get to yet. The Library of Fates by Aditi Khorana is one of them and it sounds fabulous so I really must get to it soon!

No one is entirely certain what brings the Emperor Sikander to Shalingar. Until now, the idyllic kingdom has been immune to his many violent conquests. To keep the visit friendly, Princess Amrita has offered herself as his bride, sacrificing everything—family, her childhood love, and her freedom—to save her people. But her offer isn't enough.

The palace is soon under siege, and Amrita finds herself a fugitive, utterly alone but for an oracle named Thala, who was kept by Sikander as a slave and managed to escape amid the chaos. With nothing and no one else to turn to, Amrita and Thala are forced to rely on one another. But while Amrita feels responsible for her kingdom and sets out to warn her people, the newly free Thala has no such ties. She encourages Amrita to go on a quest to find the fabled Library of All Things, where it is possible for each of them to reverse their fates. To go back to before Sikander took everything from them.

Stripped of all that she loves, caught between her rosy past and an unknown future, will Amrita be able to restore what was lost, or does another life—and another love—await?



Doesn't it sound great? Is it on your wish list too, or perhaps you've already read it? If you have any fantasy recommendations for me leave them in the comments, I can never have too many books on my to read mountain LOL

Thursday 26 October 2017

Review: Rapture in Death - J.D. Robb

He killed himself, Lieutenant. He was hanging there, just hanging there from the ceiling light in the living room. And his face . . . Oh God.

Death follows New York City cop Eve Dallas everywhere—even on her honeymoon with Irish lover Roarke. When one of Roarke's employees is found dead, the post-mortem confirms suicide. An isolated case, or so Eve thinks.

But more suicides follow—strangers with nothing in common. The pathologist's report states each victim has an unexplained mark on their brain. Is this a genetic abnormality or a high-tech method of murder?

With the body count rising, Eve must delve into the world of virtual reality to hunt down a twisted killer. A killer who preys on the minds of the innocent.

In Death Series:
Naked in Death
Glory in Death
Immortal in Death
Rapture in Death
Ceremony in Death
Vengeance in Death
Holiday in Death
Midnight in Death (Novella)
Conspiracy in Death
Loyalty in Death
Witness in Death
Judgement in Death
Betrayal in Death
Interlude in Death (Novella)
Seduction in Death
Reunion in Death
Purity in Death
Portrait in Death
Imitation in Death
Big Jack (Available in the Remember When Anthology or separately)
Divided in Death
Visions in Death
Survivor in Death
Origin in Death
Memory in Death
Haunted in Death (Novella)
Born in Death
Innocent in Death
Creation in Death
Eternity in Death (Novella)
Strangers in Death
Salvation in Death
Ritual in Death (Novella)
Promises in Death
Kindred in Death
Missing in Death (Novella)
Fantasy in Death
Indulgence in Death
Possession in Death (Novella)
Treachery in Death
New York to Dallas
Chaos in Death (Novella)
Celebrity in Death
Delusion in Death
Calculated in Death
Thankless in Death
Taken in Death (Novella available in the Mirror, Mirror anthology or separately)
Concealed in Death
Festive in Death
Obsession in Death
Devoted in Death
Wonderment in Death (Novella)
Brotherhood in Death
Apprentice in Death
Echoes in Death
Secrets in Death
Dark in Death
Leverage in Death
Connections in Death
Vendetta in Death
Golden in Death

Visit J.D. Robb's website for more information.

Review:
I left it too long after reading to write a comprehensive review of Rapture in Death but I'm really loving this series. Eve and Roarke are a great couple and I've enjoyed seeing their relationship grow stronger since the beginning of the series. I do find that the murder mysteries are usually a little easy to guess (I'd pegged the killer in this book within a couple of pages of meeting them) but unusually that doesn't stop my enjoyment of these books, especially when the murders are so creatively committed that most people mistake them for suicide.

I like the futuristic world, Eve and Roarke are both brilliant multilayered characters who have deep dark secrets that we're only starting to get to the bottom of. I love the way the darkness in their pasts helps to bond them together and it's really interesting seeing Eve adjust to life as Roarke's wife. She's actually pretty happy and secure in her relationship now which is great to see. Side characters like Peabody add plenty of humour with their snarky comments and I'm enjoying getting to know characters like Mavis, Dr Mira and Feeney.

I'm still intimidated by the number of books that are already published in this series but the more of them I read the more excited I am that I have so many left to get through.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Wednesday 25 October 2017

Guest Review: Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses - Lorraine Heath

Today I have a guest review from the awesome Aly from Aly's Miscellany, I've been online friends with Aly since we met on Goodreads about 6 years ago (you can go and stalk her fab reviews here) and we finally got to meet in person for the first time a few months ago. Thanks so much for writing this guest review Aly!

Lord Andrew Mabry, the second son of the Duke of Greystone, has no desire to marry. As the spare, he has no obligation to provide an heir and he rather enjoys spending his days and nights in play with the demimonde. But more and more of late, he finds himself wanting to play naughty games with the American heiress, Gina Hammersley.

After her scandalous older sister marries a marquess, Gina Hammersley suddenly finds herself the darling of London with beaux a plenty calling on her, sending flowers, and filling her dance cards. Unfortunately, the one she desires most is the one who has no wish to be caught in the marriage trap: Lord Andrew Mabry.

But when they are discovered in a compromising situation, this unlikely pair must decide whether to face scandal or discover if the passion they’ve always felt is strong enough to lead them into love.

Scoundrels of St. James Series:
In Bed with the Devil
Between the Devil and Desire
Surrender to the Devil
Midnight Pleasures with a Scoundrel
The Last Wicked Scoundrel

Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Series:
(Features children of characters from the Scoundrels of St. James series)
When the Duke Was Wicked
Once More, My Darling Rogue
The Duke and the Lady in Red
An Affair with a Notorious Heiress
Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses (Novella)

The Hellions of Havisham Series:
(Some crossover of characters from the Scoundrels of St. James series)
Falling into Bed with a Duke
The Earl Takes All
The Viscount and the Vixen
When the Marquess Falls (Novella)

Visit Lorraine Heath's website for more information

Aly's Review:
This novella is the story of Lord Andrew Mabry, the brother of Lady Grace(When the Duke Was Wicked) and Alistair, Marquess of Rexton(An Affair with a Notorious Heiress) and the son of Frannie Darling and Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone(Surrender to the Devil), and Gina Hammersley, the sister of Tillie, Lady Landsdowne(When the Duke Was Wicked). It starts with the wedding of Rex and Tillie where the hero and heroine serve as best man and maid of honor.

Gina is an American who fell in love with Englend when she moved here for her sister's debut. She was only 11 when that happened and, being an heiress, her dream was to marry a Peer of the Realm. Her sister's scandal influenced her debut, she wasn't as sought after because of her, even though her dowry was vast. Everything started to change when her sister met Rexton. Gina started having the debut she envisioned as a child and she met Rexton's brother, Andrew. She was intrigued with him from the start, even though he wasn't an Earl, Marquess or Duke.

After her sister married, she moved with the Duke and Duchess of Greystone and started spending even more time with Andrew. They could talk about everything, they had fun together and, most importantly, they understood each other. Gina shared her wish for adventures so, Andrew thought it was a great idea to take her to a brothel(kid you not!), to teach her to play cards and many other "unfeminine" activities.

I loved how they interacted with each other. Andrew never lied to her or treated her like a 2nd class citizen because she was a woman. He had a bit of an inferiority complex thanks to a woman who only thought he was good for sex because he wasn't on the way of inheriting a title. That colored his view and he kept expecting Gina to treat him differently because of it. It never happened.

This was lovely novella, I enjoyed catching up with favorite characters and seeing Gina and Andrew get their HEA.

Favorite Quote:
(After Andrew took Gina to the brothel)
"I couldn't pass up the opportunity to speak with a woman of experience about what transpires between a man and woman. Tillie and I have never spoken of the details. Like you, I don't want to make a fool of myself the first time." 
"You could have asked me." 
"That would have been highly inappropriate." 
"Yet going to a brothel with me wasn't?" 
Her face warmed. She didn't think she could have gone with anyone else. She'd spoken true. She did trust him. And not only because he was Rex's brother, but because she sensed he would protect her at all costs. And he'd always shown her kindness. While his attention had seemed brotherly on the surface, she'd often felt an undercurrent of desire simmering through him. Or perhaps it was only wishful thinking on her part. He'd never done anything untoward. More's the pity.
Source: Aly's copy

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Tuesday 24 October 2017

Release Day Spotlight: Beyond Forever - Kit Rocha

If you've been following my blog for any length of time you'll already know what a huge fan I am of Kit Rocha's Beyond series. I fell head over heels for the O'Kanes back in 2013 and haven't looked back since, it's is one of the hottest futuristic dystopian series out there and if you've not tried it yet then you're seriously missing out!

Anyway, today marks the release of Beyond Forever, the second story in the new O'Kane for Life spin off series that is giving us a chance to revisit some of our favourite characters from the original books. This time it's Dallas and Lex's turn in the spotlight and I can't wait to spend more time with Sector Four's King and Queen.

Beyond Forever:


Before they were the King and Queen…

Six years before the Beyond series started, an ambitious bootlegger named Dallas O’Kane caught a very pretty thief named Lex with her hand in his safe.

The rest is very sexy history.

In Beyond Forever, follow Dallas and Lex through the turning points in their relationship, from the night he caught her trying to rob him, through his rise to successful bootlegger, to legend, to Sector Leader--with Lex always there, willing to give him the push he needs.

Beyond Forever is a prequel novella that jumps through time to tell the story of the biggest moments in the formation of the O’Kanes and their King and Queen. It will be far more enjoyable if you’ve already read Beyond Control, and contains spoilers for the entire Beyond series.

Who else is as excited about this one as I am? I honestly can't wait to start reading their story! This will contain spoilers for the Beyond series though so just in case you've not already read Dallas and Lex's first book here are the details:

Beyond Control:

She refuses to be owned.

Alexa Parrino escaped a life of servitude and survived danger on the streets to become one of the most trusted, influential people in Sector Four, where the O’Kanes rule with a hedonistic but iron fist. Lex has been at the top for years, and there’s almost nothing she wouldn’t do for the gang…and for its leader. Lie, steal, kill—but she bows to no one, not even Dallas O’Kane.

He’ll settle for nothing less.

Dallas fought long and hard to carve a slice of order out of the chaos of the sectors. Dangers both large and small threaten his people, but it’s nothing he can’t handle. His liquor business is flourishing, and new opportunities fuel his ambition. Lex could help him expand his empire, something he wants almost as much as he wants her. And no one says no to the king of Sector Four.

Falling into bed is easy, but their sexual games are anything but casual. Attraction quickly turns to obsession, and their careful dance of heady dominance and sweet submission uncovers a need so deep, so strong, it could crush them both.

You can read my review of Beyond Control here and I've included a few of my favourite quotes below to give you a teaser!

“I’ll be any man you want. A king or a beggar or a farmer or a killer. But I’ll never be the man who can let you walk away.”
“I’m gonna hold on to my self-control as long as I fucking can. And when I can’t…”
She held her breath until her lungs burned, but he didn’t elaborate. “When you can’t? What happens then?”
His mouth brushed the sensitive spot where her neck joined her shoulder. Teeth grazed her skin. “Then Lord have mercy on you, Lexie love. Because I won’t.” 
“You want it rough and raw,” he rasped in a low whisper. “I’ll give you that, love. I’ll give you the fucking world.”

Monday 23 October 2017

Review: Danger's Vice - Amanda Carlson

Outskirts never die...

After narrowly escaping death, Holly is back on the streets in a quest to find the elusive pico. Discovering what’s on the quantum drive—the same one the outskirts had been willing to kill for—is priority number one. Daze is recovering, and forgiving the kid was easier than she thought it would be. The cranky outskirt is another story.

It doesn’t take Holly long to discover that Tandor’s crew hasn’t been obliterated, and are actively seeking retribution. They’re recruiting Northerners, but she’s found one who’s willing to spill. It’s a good thing, too, since things are starting to get strange. On the hunt, she stumbles on an old man dressed in a burial cloth, and witnesses a seeker wandering the streets where it shouldn’t be.

But after a friend gets caught up in the fray, Holly’s hand is forced. She has to act fast to procure the information she needs. But what she learns is harrowing. The outskirts aren’t just taking over the city—they’re infecting people with Plush, and the quantum drive may hold the only key. In order to save lives, she’s must find that pico. The only problem is, it might be too late...

Holly Danger Series:
Danger's Halo
Danger's Vice
Danger's Race
Danger's Cure
Danger's Hunt
Danger's Fate

Visit Amanda Carlson's website for more information

Review:
After taking out Tandor Holly and her crew should be out of danger but it looks like his second in command has quickly stepped up to take control and he's far more cunning and ruthless than Tandor ever was. Now the stakes are higher than ever, especially since they have a chance to find out the secrets the gang were keeping on the quantum drive, all they need to do is track down a working pico computer to read it.

This series is quickly becoming a favourite, fast paced and full of action this is futuristic sci-fi with an edge and I couldn't get through this book quickly enough. Holly is taking her sustainer relationship with Daze seriously and she's determined to teach him enough survival skills that he'd be able to survive on his own if anything happened to her. Since she's quite tough and in control in most situations it's nice to see a softer side to her where Daze is concerned and the kid makes a great side kick. Case is still on the scene too but Holly isn't sure whether he can be trusted, he's lied to her so many times and it's obvious that he's still keeping secrets but he also saved all of their lives in the end so surely that has earned him a little leeway.

There's a lot going on in this story but I don't want to go into too much detail because I don't want to spoil anything, we get to see a bit more of Holly's crew and Claire has some interesting revelations about what is going on in the current government that are going to have a big impact on future stories. Holly is forced into some very difficult positions and she isn't going to get through this fight without suffering a few losses but she will never, ever quit no matter how dire the situation looks. I'm definitely looking forward to the next part of her journey when Danger's Race releases in December.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Sunday 22 October 2017

Review: Overtaken - K.F. Breene

Reunited with her people, Shanti knows that she must make a move in order to finally put her duty to rest. But as always, Xandre is one step ahead of her.

For one brief moment when she lets down her guard, Shanti falls into enemy hands. But if Xandre thought she would be a docile prisoner, he was sadly mistaken.

With Shanti running interference, it is up to the boys she has trained, and the army Cayan leads, to fight their way to her side.

The fate of the land will finally be decided.

Which side will be overtaken?

The Warrior Chronicles:
Forged in Blood (Short Story in the Legends: Fifteen Tales of Sword and Sorcery anthology or free if you sign up for the author's newsletter)
Chosen
Hunted
Shadow Lands
Invasion
Siege
Overtaken

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:
I absolutely love the Warrior Chronicles series by K.F. Breene but I had the final book, Overtaken, sat on my kindle for months before I eventually got around to reading it because I just didn't want the series to be over. I've really grown to love Shanti, Cayan and the others so I wasn't ready to say goodbye to them and if I'm honest even now I'm hoping the author may decide to go back to this world in the future so we can see how everyone is getting on!

So this is it, the book we've all been waiting for and the showdown between Shanti and Xandre, everything the entire series has been building towards. So was it worth the wait? Thankfully I'd have to say yes it was. I love so many characters in these books and they all get the chance to shine here, it has all the snarky banter I was expecting, lots of action, lots of Shanti kicking butt, some really sweet moments between Shanti and Cayan and it has the happy ending I was hoping for. There isn't an epilogue in the story which I was initially disappointed by but then I realised the author has posted a free epilogue on her website and trust me if you enjoyed this series you won't want to miss that.

I'm going to miss this world and these characters but I guess that's the great thing about rereads, I can revisit them anytime I want to!

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Saturday 21 October 2017

Review: The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

'It isn't running away they're afraid of. We wouldn't get far. It's those other escapes, the ones you can open in yourself, given a cutting edge'

Offred is a Handmaid. She has only one function: to breed. If she refuses to play her part she will, like all dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. She may walk daily to the market and utter demure words to other Handmaids, but her role is fixed, her freedom a forgotten concept.

Offred remembers her old life - love, family, a job, access to the news. It has all been taken away. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire.

Includes exclusive content: In The 'Backstory' you can read Margaret Atwood's account of how she came to write this landmark dystopian novel.

Visit Margaret Atwood's website for more information.

Review:
I honestly don't think I can write a proper review for this novel because I don't have the words to express my feelings for it properly but it's such an incredible book that I have to try. It isn't an easy read, it was depressing, heartbreaking, sickening and so horrifically believable that it makes you scared for the direction the world is going in.

It's terrifying to think that all of the ways women are abused and controlled in this story have either happened in recent history or are STILL happening right this very minute somewhere in the world. You don't even have to dig deep to imagine a totalitarian society like this being created in modern day America in the not too distant future either.

I would have hoped that a book written 30 years ago would feel less possible today than it did then but sadly that is far from the case. Women's rights have come a long way in the West but there is still a long way to go before all women treated like equals. Everyone should read this book, if you're any kind of decent person you'll find it deeply disturbing but it will definitely make you think and I'm sure it will leave a lasting impact.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Friday 20 October 2017

Book Trailer: The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice and Virtue - Mackenzi Lee

I have been hearing so many amazing things about The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee so it's definitely a book I'm hoping to read soon. I mean just check out the blurb and trailer, it sounds brilliant doesn't it!

A young bisexual British lord embarks on an unforgettable Grand Tour of Europe with his best friend/secret crush. An 18th-century romantic adventure for the modern age written by This Monstrous Thing author Mackenzi Lee—Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets the 1700s.

Henry “Monty” Montague doesn’t care that his roguish passions are far from suitable for the gentleman he was born to be. But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quests for pleasure and vice are in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

So Monty vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

Witty, dazzling, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue is an irresistible romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.



If you've already read it leave me a link to your review so I can come and check it out!

Thursday 19 October 2017

The Princess Bride Turns 30!!

Can you believe that the cult classic The Princess Bride turns 30 this year? I grew up watching this movie so it's always been a favourite but I can't believe how long ago it was made! To celebrate Lionsgate are releasing a special edition DVD packed with extra features AND the movie is going to be in cinemas across the UK for one day only on Monday the 23rd of October so make sure you book your tickets now if you haven't already!



In case you don't know what I'm talking about here's the movie trailer:



THE PRINCESS BRIDE

BACK IN CINEMAS FOR ONE DAY ONLY: 23rd October
Plus 30th Anniversary DVD & Blu-ray release

Celebrate 30 years of The Princess Bride
Fall in love all over again as the most beloved fantasy movie returns...

It’s been 30 years since Buttercup and Wesley stole our hearts in one of the most unforgettable and much loved movies THE PRINCESS BRIDE and to celebrate it will be shown in cinemas nationwide for one day only on Monday 23rd October 2017.

The tale of a kindly grandfather reading an extraordinary fairy story to his sick grandson has become a cult classic with fans spread across the world and online.

Directed by Rob Reiner and with an all-star cast including Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, Fred Savage, Billy Crystal, Peter Falk, Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, Mel Smith & Peter Cook, and written by Academy Award® winning screenwriter William Goldman (Butch Cassidy, Misery, Heat), THE PRINCESS BRIDE is a classic fairy tale; full of swashbuckling swordplay, giants, pirates, an evil prince and a beautiful princess... all woven into the love story to end all love stories.

Also available will be the 30th Anniversary Edition DVD & Blu-ray, out on the 23rd October including the original theatrical poster and all new sumptous artwork. This two-disc edition features 82minutes of extras on the DVD and 141minutes on the Blu-ray - including featurettes, cast interviews, audio commentaries, the original comprehensive documentary ‘As You Wish: The Story of The Princess Bride’ plus galleries and trailers.


If you love the movie then you might also want to check out the book it was based on:

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Beautiful, flaxen-haired Buttercup has fallen for Westley, the farm boy, and when he departs to make his fortune, she vows never to love another. So, when she hears that his ship has been captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts (no survivors) her heart is broken. But her charms draw the attention of the relentless Prince Humperdinck who wants a wife and will go to any lengths to have Buttercup. So starts a fairy tale like no other, of fencing, poison, true love, hate, revenge, giants, bad men, good men, snakes, spiders, chases, escapes, lies, truths, passion and miracles, and a damn fine story.


The Princess Bride 30th Anniversary Edition is out on DVD/Blu-ray and the novel published in paperback by Bloomsbury

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Review: Paradise Found - Vivian Arend

Paige’s two Australian lovers, Trent and Mason, have fulfilled her every fantasy over the past eleven months. A vacation on the exotic Bandicoot Cove Island resort will be a fitting end for what was supposed to be their no-strings-attached relationship. And she has to end it, because she’s broken the rules and fallen in love with both of her men. It’s better to leave them both than be forced to choose.

Trent and Mason have plans for Paige. They want more than what they all agreed to at the beginning of their bit of laidback erotic fun, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to convince Paige to give in.

It's a delicate operation that'll require close attention to detail to take their paradise-perfect arrangement to the next level.

Each book in the Bandicoot Cove series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Bandicoot Cove Series:
(Multi-author series featuring different characters in the same location)
Tropical Sin - Lexxie Couper
Paradise Found - Vivian Arend
Island Idyll - Jess Dee
Afternoon Rhapsody - Jess Dee
Sunset Heat - Lexxie Couper
Moonlight Mirage - Sami Lee

Visit Vivian Arend's website for more information

Review:
Canadian Paige has spent the last year working in Australia as a pastry chef, she's loved every minute of her time there, especially the time she has spent in the arms of not one but two gorgeous men, Trent and Mason. They went into their affair knowing it was a year of no strings fun but now Paige has fallen for them both the thought of leaving them to return to Canada is breaking her heart. Luckily for her she isn't the only one who feels that way and Trent and Mason have booked them all a weekend at the Bandicoot Cove resort where they're hoping to convince her to stay with them long term.

Paradise Found is a short but spicy read from Vivian Arend and I loved every minute of it. It's a novella so I was worried there wouldn't be enough time to develop a believable triad relationship but because the characters are already in a relationship at the start of the story the author is able to show what a great connection they all have right from the beginning. Trent and Mason are best friends who share everything together and they have fallen hard for Paige but worry she won't be interested in a long term relationship with both of them. Paige on the other hand has fallen hard for the two very different men and is dreading the thought of saying goodbye to either of them. The sex was hot, the romance was surprisingly sweet and this menage story hit the spot perfectly. I definitely need to check out the rest of the Bandicoot Cove series asap.

Source: Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Kindle:

Tuesday 17 October 2017

Review: The Fixed Stars - Seanan McGuire

Long, long ago, when the worlds of Faerie and Man had not yet fully separated, a battle was fought to determine the shapes those two worlds would take. Firstborn against merlin; strongest against least. And between those two stood Antigone of Albany, who would later be known as the Luidaeg, and whose loyalty would inevitably sway the fortunes of war...

There was a time when things were different. This is the story of the battlefield where it all began to change.

"The Fixed Stars" was originally published in the anthology Shattered Shields, released in November 2014. Copies are available from a bookstore near you.

Can also be read for free on the Baen website here

October Daye Series:
In Little Stars (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Rosemary and Rue
A Local Habitation
An Artificial Night
Late Eclipses
Through This House (Short story in the Home Improvement: Undead Edition anthology)
One Salt Sea
In Sea-Salt Tears (Free short story available on Seanan's website)
Ashes of Honor
Rat-Catcher (Free short story available on the Lightspeed Magazine website)
No Sooner Met (Free short story available on Seanan's website)
Chimes at Midnight
Never Shines the Sun (Short story included in the print version of Chimes at Midnight)
Forbid the Sea (Free short story available on Seanan's website)
Stage of Fools (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Voice of Lions (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Act of Hares (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Instruments of Darkness (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
With Honest Trifles (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
In Deepest Consequence (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Jealous in Honor (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Quick in Quarrel (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Winter Long
Heaps of Pearl (Free short story available on Seanan's website)
Shore to Shore (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Write in Water (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Live in Brass (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Ambitious Ocean (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
And Thrice Again (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Fixed Stars (Free short story available on the Baen website)
A Red-Rose Chain
Full of Briars (Short story)
Once Broken Faith
Dreams and Slumbers (Short story included in Once Broken Faith)
The Brightest Fell
These Antique Fables (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Of Things Unknown (Short story included in The Brightest Fell)
Night and Silence
Suffer a Sea-Change (Short story included in Night and Silence)
The Unkindest Tide
Hope is Swift (Short story included in The Unkindest Tide)

Visit Seanan McGuire's website for more information

Review:
The Fixed Stars is a Luidaeg short story that was initially published in the Shattered Shields anthology and is also currently available to read on the Baen website here. Set in 572 I believe it's actually the earliest story set in this world but I think you'll appreciate it more when you're familiar with the Luidaeg's character so I wouldn't recommend reading it as a prequel.

This is the story of a battle between the Firstborn and their distant relatives the merlin, it's an important battle that helped to shape the way faerie and the mortal world interact throughout history and into the present. I'm not 100% sure how it all ties together but I definitely think Seanan McGuire is leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that will all start to make sense as the main series continues to unfold.

Either way it was interesting to see another side to the sea witch, especially the interactions between her and Blind Michael. I also love the way she manages to use her curses (like never being able to tell a lie) to her own advantage. We've already seen how tricky the Luidaeg can be but this proves that she is the only one of the Firstborn to see the full picture about certain things and shows that she is willing to make difficult decisions for the greater good.

Source: Read for free on theBaen website

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Shore to Shore - Seanan McGuire

October Day story published on Patreon.

Patrick and Dianda are one of my favorite couples in the Toby universe. In the modern day, they're stable and comfortable with each other; they've had a long time to figure out their dynamics. But there was a time when everything was new, and they had to decide what they were going to be...

This is a direct sequel to "Heaps of Pearl."

October Daye Series:
In Little Stars (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Rosemary and Rue
A Local Habitation
An Artificial Night
Late Eclipses
Through This House (Short story in the Home Improvement: Undead Edition anthology)
One Salt Sea
In Sea-Salt Tears (Free short story available on Seanan's website)
Ashes of Honor
Rat-Catcher (Free short story available on the Lightspeed Magazine website)
No Sooner Met (Free short story available on Seanan's website)
Chimes at Midnight
Never Shines the Sun (Short story included in the print version of Chimes at Midnight)
Forbid the Sea (Free short story available on Seanan's website)
Stage of Fools (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Voice of Lions (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Act of Hares (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Instruments of Darkness (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
With Honest Trifles (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
In Deepest Consequence (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Jealous in Honor (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Quick in Quarrel (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Winter Long
Heaps of Pearl (Free short story available on Seanan's website)
Shore to Shore (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Write in Water (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Live in Brass (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Ambitious Ocean (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
And Thrice Again (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
The Fixed Stars (Free short story available on the Baen website)
A Red-Rose Chain
Full of Briars (Short story)
Once Broken Faith
Dreams and Slumbers (Short story included in Once Broken Faith)
The Brightest Fell
These Antique Fables (Short story available to purchase through Patreon)
Of Things Unknown (Short story included in The Brightest Fell)
Night and Silence
Suffer a Sea-Change (Short story included in Night and Silence)
The Unkindest Tide
Hope is Swift (Short story included in The Unkindest Tide)

Visit Seanan McGuire's website for more information

Review:
Shore to Shore is a short story from Patrick's point of view that can be purchased from Seanan McGuire's Patreon Page. She posts a short story there every month, some standalone but a lot linked to her October Daye series, and you can receive them for as little as $1 each (there are other perks available for higher amounts but $1 is the minimum). The great news is that signing up as a sponsor gives you access to all the previous short stories and we're up to 7 October Day stories now (5 from Tybalt's point of view plus an Aeslin Mice one for Incryptid fans) so it's well worth signing up!

This story picks up Patrick and Dianda's courtship after their initial meeting (which is covered in Heaps of Pearl, a free short story on Seanan's website in case you missed it!). It may be months since they first met but this is only their second meeting and I'd say it's their first proper date. Patrick is the sweetest guy and the opening scene between him and some pixies was wonderful, I loved that Dianda got to see that side to him when he was completely unguarded and it's easy to see why she would have fallen for his charm. I'm not going to go into details of their date but it was just as sweet as their initial meeting and I loved every minute of it.

I can't even tell you how much I've enjoyed the stories about these two and I'm really hoping that Seanan is planning on writing more about their early years as a couple!

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

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