Sunday 21 December 2014

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden Published by Bethany House Publishing

22504481
A beautiful blend of history and romance. I took my time reading this novel as it was such an interesting read I didn't want to miss any detail. The settings and characters were so richly developed I found myself completely immersed in their story, time period and could have quite happily stayed there a little bit longer.

I liked that congressman Luke Callaghan was not simply a dashing hero to the rescue, but was instead a flawed individual who recognised his own weaknesses and struggled with his inner demons. And ultimately, in the end, having the strength of character to be the man he'd always striven to be.
Anna O' Brien, slow to anger and quick to forgive, is his polar opposite and exactly what he needs. A working friendship soon blossoms into respect and love for each other.

The political intrigue of the time period fascinated me and it added to the tension in the story. The very real inequalities of being a woman in a man's world also heaped added pressure on Anna and highlighted her strong, admirable character.

Both have their own agendas to pursue on Capitol Hill and Anna's obsession with uncovering the truth about her father's death has far reaching consequences, the likes of which has the potential to destroy their fledgling romance and thrust the country into war.

Highly recommended.

This novel will be available from the 30th of December 2014

Monday 15 December 2014

Redemption. A Darla Gray Novel #1 By Tina Marshall

Redemption by Tina  Marshall

'Darla, a women destroyed by loss and despair seeks to put an end to her life with all its pain and suffering, but instead of the welcome relief of death she finds herself cast into Redemption; a world where myths and legends are a reality. Demons, Vampires, Lycans and all other creatures of lore not only exist but have walked among us since the dawn of time. But something darker is in pursuit of Darla. Can the enigmatic Quinn save her from a preordained fate, or will his own tortured past stop him from claiming the woman who has set his senses on fire? Time is running out and for Darla, caught in the centre of a battle between good and evil, the cost of failure could bring about the destruction of Heaven itself.'

An absolutely brilliant read. From start to finish 'Redemption' had me thoroughly entertained. I really sympathised with the characters and was rooting for their success. The poignant scenes had me in tears but the humour throughout the novel kept me smiling. There was a high level of adventure and suspense, which I love, as well as a little bit of romance.

 I am thrilled to have found this series and can't wait for more.

The Kindle edition of Redemption is currently free to download.

Tuesday 9 December 2014

The Certainty of Doing Evil by Colin Falconer

  

                                                                                                      



                              DI Madeleine Fox #2

The unique and supreme pleasure of love lies in the certainty of doing evil’

She is naked. She is spreadeagled on a torture rack in a basement. She is dead. Well, this is what happens when you don’t vet your clients properly. 

Madeleine Fox supposes she shouldn’t yawn over a naked, dead woman but it is four in the morning and she’s tired. Perhaps she has seen too many dead bodies. These toms should really be more careful, especially if they’re going to specialise in BDSM. It’s not all 50 Shades of Grey and shopping. 

It’s seems like just another murder, and they find their prime suspect within twenty four hours. He insists he is innocent - but then they all do, don’t they? Fox is the only detective in the Area Major Incident Team who believes him. She decides to dig a little deeper. 

By the time the case file is closed everyone from the Commissioner down to Fox herself wish she hadn’t. Day by day they all come undone; the detectives, the victims and the one man who never meant for so many people to get hurt. 

You can peel away as many layers as you want; but never think you know everything about any human heart. 

Tough, funny and shocking, THE CERTAINTY OF DOING EVIL IN HELL adds to the legend of DI Madeleine Fox. But will it is also be the end of her?'



An exciting, clever, fast paced murder mystery. 

The murder of a prostitute in the fringe world of BDSM provides a dark, gritty backdrop to Madeleine Fox's London. She has to wade through sexist colleagues, politicians, as well as enter into the seedy world of BDSM in order to root out a killer.

This novel is a real page turner. There is nothing tedious or drawn out. The chapters are nice and short and they make the novel flow quickly. I liked how the author gives us the perspective of some of the characters without complicating things and without making it predictable. 

I also loved all the dark humour in the novel, as it prevented it turning into, what could have been, quite a bleak tale.

I loved the main character Madeleine Fox and will definitely be looking out for more detective work from her in the future.

Monday 8 December 2014

Christmas With A Bite: A House of Elysian novel by Patricia, A. Wolf

Christmas with a Bite (Entangled Covet)A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint… 

'Sometimes the holidays totally bite... 

This Christmas, Mara Livingston is determined to start over. But as she's driving to her "new" home, a freak winter storm forces her off the road. Now she's stranded in the middle of nowhere. Then he shows up. And there's something strangely familiar about him... 

Connor Reece never expected to see Mara again. Nor is he prepared for the onslaught of emotions―including an unimaginable rush of desire―she stirs within him. Now he has a chance to claim the woman he's always wanted. Except, there are a couple of small details that Mara doesn't know. The first is that Connor is a vampire. And the second is that if his family finds out about Mara, she will most certainly be killed.'


Mara is newly divorced and on her way home for the Christmas holidays and mark the beginning of a new phase in her life. 
Connor is a vampire living in self inflicted isolation in an attempt to atone for past sins.

Little did either of them know the degree to which things would change after Connor rescues and looks after Mara. 
Most of us would have an image of vampires as being scary, blood thirsty killers. But Connor is almost the complete antithesis of this. He is a sensitive soul. His family on the other hand are creepy.

Being in a relationship with a human would not normally be a huge issue for vampires but because Connor is from a royal family and next in line, this puts a different spin on things when he realises that he has fallen in love with Mara.

This is a nice romantic Christmas read with a vampire twist. There is nice interplay between the two protagonists and enjoyed their back story. I was expecting some intense suspense in relation to Connor's family because that is the way the story is set up. However, it didn't materialise. I would have preferred more drama to have played out but it was all tied up very prettily in the end.

The story is kept very light and romantic. This is perfect reading for those who want a light romantic story with a vampire twist!

This title is available from the 15th of December.




Just Dreams by L.J. Taylor



Just Dreams'Sparks fly when attorney Kathy Brooks agrees to represent novelist Charles Morgan, Jr. in a high-profile suit against a powerful government defense contractor. But when Charles’ hidden agenda threatens to expose the government’s dirty little secrets, what started out as the case of a lifetime could cost Kathy her heart, her career and even her life. 
Charles doesn’t just want to win the lawsuit. He wants to destroy the company responsible for his wife’s death. His enemies, however, will stop at nothing to make the case go away – and that includes blackmail, kidnapping, and murder. '   

A fast paced legal thriller with a little bit of romance mixed in. The characters are like-able and well developed.
Very little drama takes place inside the courtroom. Instead, Kathy has to fight to get the case to trial at the same time as dealing with all kinds of machinations by opposing council, both legal and illegal. One thing she can't fight though is her attraction to her client. Charles, however is not against breaking a few rules himself which only complicates matters. Kathy's career is put in jeopardy when she is caught in a compromising situation. The government contractor will stop at nothing to quash the case and before long Kathy's hard work is spiraling apart a midst blackmail and dead witnesses. However, the duo refuse to give in and they use all resources available to them to find a winning conclusion.  As the contractor gets desperate there is a rush against time to save lives in a suspense filled ending.

An impressive debut novel. Immensely enjoyable, I liked this book a lot. There was so much action it was difficult to put it down. The characters were great. I particularly enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Kathy's sister.  I await her story in eager anticipation.



Thursday 4 December 2014

Ahoy Gum Drop! by Miss Mae. Narrator: Owen McCuen

Ahoy Gum Drop!

Product description, Goodreads
'What if -? What if you no longer could find your favorite chocolate in your candy store? What if the store informed you they may never get in a new shipment? Imagine the horror, the chaos, the wailing and gnashing of teeth, not to mention your impending foul-mood. And then imagine this scenario happening on a worldwide scale! What can be the problem? What can be the solution? It’s up to the brave (?) adventurer, Sir O. Yuri Wiseguy-eh and his mishaps from Gum Drop Island to boldly (double ?) go where no one has gone before. Yes, they must enter the realm of the forbidding and humuggity shrouded land called Moldy Corners. The next question, dear readers, is - can what happens in Moldy Corners affect you?'


A quirky, fun story, jam packed with humorous scenes and fantastic characters. I loved the imagery and the play on words. This type of story was a complete departure from my usual reading habits but its light hearted appeal means it can be enjoyed by anyone, young and old alike. Younger readers might appreciate the little recap the narrator relates at the beginning of the chapters. The audio version is brilliant. The inhabitants of the island really come to life and it adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

www.audible.co.uk lists this book for ages 5-7 but it is also suitable for older children and the young at heart!
Print version available The Book Depository

Sunday 30 November 2014

Ally Broadfield: How to Beguile a Duke




Catherine Malboeuf has travelled from America to reclaim her mother's family home, Walsley Manor, and find a missing family heirloom.     

Nicholas Adair,  Duke of Boulstridge, however, refuses to sell the estate. Convinced of his success and to mollify Catherine he offers her a wager. He will sell the estate if Catherine can secure and a marriage proposal from a member of the ton before the end of the season.  Thus ensues a host of incidents, attempted kidnappings, break ins and theft and on top of all this Catherine has to navigate the social jungle that is the haut ton.                                                                                                                                 

    Regency era romance, a rich duke, mystery and suspense! What more could a girl ask for?!


A perfect blend of everything I enjoy in a novel.
Well written with the classic wit that encapsulates the genre of Regency Romance.

I loved the Darcy-esque proposal and the fiesty Catherine's response! Brilliant.


The cover is a little bit misleading- it's only a little bit naughty ;-)

This title will be available on the 8th of December.

Tiffany Snow: In His Shadow


Book one in The Tangled Ivy Trilogy 

A fast paced romantic thriller. There was so much going on, it was hard to put the book down. I enjoyed all of the characters. The twists and turns of the plot kept it exciting. There were, however, a few wtf moments in the way Ivy allows Devon to treat her. I also had to skim read past the numerous sex scenes. I would like to see her give a nice guy like Scott a chance in the next installment and maybe see a jealous Devon grovelling big time!

My first Tiffany Snow novel but it won't be my last.


This book will be available on the 16th of December 2014

Sunday 16 November 2014

Erica Ridley-Dukes of War



Erica Ridley
The Dukes of War : Book two

The Earl's Defiant Wallflower


The best thing I've read since Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series.

Grace is an American looking for a rich and titled husband. She needs the money to bring her sick mother home to England. She finds herself attracted to Oliver, the Earl of Carlisle. The problem is his finances are in complete disarray and he is looking for a rich heiress to pull him out of bankruptcy.

This is such a sweet, romantic story. Grace and Oliver are just adorable. There is a fairy tale quality about how they meet and fall in love. The ballroom scene in Chapter 6 was just magical. I loved how they talked about marriage during a dance, in between partners and suffering through mundane chitchat about the weather. By the end of the dance it is obvious they are in love but can't act on it.

The supporting characters were comical and I'm looking forward to reading their stories in the rest of the series.

It all resolved a little too easily and quickly. There was so much more scope for drama and comedy with the pair. I would have liked to see Oliver deal with a rival for Grace or someone rich and slimy who was trying to win the bet with her.
I got to the end of the story too fast! I'd have loved a few more chapters in the middle of the book. I just wasn't ready to say goodbye to Oliver and Grace. Sigh.

Sunday 9 November 2014

Shattered Witness 

Anna DeStefano



After an assault, CEO Shaw Cassidy's memory is shattered. Under suspicion of treason, only her blocked memories can provide the answers needed to prove her innocence.
Tucked away on her isolated childhood summer home on Lake View Mountain, Cassidy should be in the ideal place to rest in familiar surroundings. But Cassidy is plagued by nightmares coupled with experiencing numerous accidents in the old home and the nagging feeling that she is being constantly watched, puts Cassidy's nerves on edge.

Unbeknownst to Cassidy, her childhood neighbour, friend, and ex-boyfriend, special agent Cole Marinos, has been assigned the undercover task of keeping an eye on her in case she remembers any details pertinent to the case. Although she broke his heart when they were young, and he hasn't seen her in fifteen years, he is convinced that she is innocent and is willing to risk his career to prove it. The only problem is Cassidy can't remember him, she doesn't trust him and she's not convinced he's not the one stalking her.

As Shaw's memory returns, each attack gets more personal and designed to implicate Cole. She has to decide whether or not Cole is out to destroy her or take a chance on the man she once loved and is falling in love with again.

An exciting blend of mystery, intrique, romance and suspense. This fast paced story will have you reading into the wee hours.  Recommended!

This book is out on the 11th of November! Pre-order a copy now.

               True Pretenses (Lively St. Lemeston)


                                                                    Rose Lerner



Ash Cohen raised himself and his younger brother, Rafe, in the slums of London. They survived through any means possible and by the time they had reached adulthood they were confident con artists who tricked people out of their money.

Ash is heartbroken when Rafe becomes disillusioned with this ignoble life and wants out. He is determined to grant his brother's wish and seeks to set him up for life in one last big con. Ash's plan of action is to find a wealthy heiress and convince her to marry his brother. He sets his sights on Lydia Reeve, whom he discovers is anxious to gain access to her inheritance so that she can help the needy in her community. To do so, she needs a husband. Marrying the pair off would be the solution to both their problems. 

Ash's matchmaking plans go awry when he finds himself falling in love with Lydia. Also, family  secrets and past sins threaten his freedom and his relationship with his brother. 
When Rafe disappears and Ash is arrested, the rosy future they had envisioned turns bleak.

Poignant and romantic, this is not the usual lighthearted, witty historical romance that most readers of the genre would expect. The Cohen brothers had a bleak childhood and there is a deep sense of this throughout the story. It shapes the characters' interactions with people and their expectations from life. Nevertheless, the reader is taken on a very interesting journey and you can't help but hope for, and delight in, the rags to riches happily ever after.

This title is available to pre-order now on Amazon and will be published in January 2015

Saturday 1 November 2014


The Innkeeper of Bethlehem-The Story of Santa Claus


by Scott Roloff

If you want a Christmas story that includes the real meaning of Christmas with a little twist in the form of Santa- then this will not fail to entertain. It is told in the form of a story within a story and the idea is that you read a short chapter each day during the run-up to Christmas.

The only thing I found disappointing, is that there are no illustrations in the book. When I read stories aloud to children there are always the few who would literally pull the book out of my hands to see the picture. Some children just need that extra connection and it adds to their enjoyment.

I have mixed feelings about this book.
To be honest, I was expecting a humorous Christmas picture book about Santa and the birth of Jesus but this is the complete opposite.
It is a serious retelling of the life of Jesus and aims to give children an understanding of Santa within this Christian context. Although it is a very good, enjoyable story I'm not entirely sure that I like the inclusion of Santa within this biblical tale. To me, Santa is Saint Nicholas and the history buff in me would prefer the more accurate version of his origins rather than mixed in with a Bible story.
As this book is meant to be read aloud to children who believe in Santa, there are a few scenes that I would probably gloss over or leave out- e.g the killing of Joseph by the Roman centurion and Jesus wanting to kill him in revenge.

Also, the death of Jesus is a scary image for little children to have in their head. Indeed, in Irish Catholic primary schools the details of His death are not taught during the children's first few years at school.

Never Marry a Viscount

Scandal at the House of Russell Book 3


Another good historical romance to read on these wet dreary days in Inishowen.
Although the third in the series, it works well as a stand-alone. 
I haven't read the others and I really enjoyed it.

Sophie Russell, once a sought after society’s darling, is disgraced after a scandal involving her father and his untimely death. She and her sisters lose the family home. The three ladies determine to prove their father innocent of the crime he was accused of. Sophie suspects the new owner of her home, Viscount Griffiths, is the real villain and so decides to investigate. She poses as the new cook with the aim of spying him.

Viscount Griffiths, however, mistakes her for a mistress he hired  sight unseen from an establishment in London. And so, this leads to many comic scenes and banter with lots of double entendres for the reader to chuckle through. 
The villain in the story is not difficult to detect but the journey the reader takes along with Sophie is enjoyable and includes some good suspenseful scenes.

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation (The Dukes of War #1) Erica Ridley


  















Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fete of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time--he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel... and tumbling head over heels in love.

Regency Era Historical Romance Novella

The Dukes of War historical romance books in series order:

  1. The Viscount's Christmas Temptation
  2. The Earl's Defiant Wallflower
  3. The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress
  4. The Major's Faux Fiancee
  5. The Brigadier's Runaway Bride
  6. The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway
  7. The Duke's Accidental Wife
Review: 5 stars

A delight to read. A charming and funny introduction to the Dukes of War series. I loved it. Well written and entertaining, it was just enough to get me excited about reading the rest of the series.

I imagine (hopefully) that Amelia and Lord Sheffield will feature in consequent titles and that Lord Pembroke will get his own Happily Ever After.




This novella is now free to download for a limited time. Go get it!


Saturday 18 October 2014


Judgment: A Cassidy & Spenser Thriller (Cassidy & Spenser Thrillers.  by Carey Baldwin 


Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin Cassidy and FBI profiler, Special Agent Atticus Spenser, are called in to testify, one for the defense and one for the prosecution, after a university student is murdered. But things turn deadly at the court house when the chief suspect is attacked, his lawyer is murdered and Caitlin is shot. As a psychiatrist Caitlin is privy to all kinds of information about the accused which puts her in the sights of a murderer. Spenser is determined to keep a protective eye on her. When another attack leads to the suspect's death and another attempt is made on Caitlin's life the pair must put aside their rivalry in the courtroom and work together to find the real killer before it is too late.


I loved this book!
It is the first in the teaming together of Dr. Cassidy and Agent Spenser in the hunt for serial killers. It has just the right amount of suspense and romance. I loved the two main characters and was glad that their story is not rushed. I will definitely read this series just to see their relationship blossom.
On the suspense side, the story is fast paced, dark, riveting and difficult to put down.


I can't wait for more in the series.



Running On Empty: An LCR Elite Novel
Christy Reece

This is a spin-off series to Reece's fantastic 'Last Chance Rescue' series. The LCR elite team rescue victims from some of the most dangerous places in the world.
Sabrina Fox is one of these operatives. A former assassin, she is skilled, strong, determined, independent and not afraid to speak her mind. Believing her husband, covert ops agent Declan Steele, to have been killed in an explosion a year ago, she is completely knocked for six when  he returns after being held hostage and tortured in a prison camp for all of that time.
Their reunion is not the happy ever after you would expect however, as Declan is convinced that his wife is the person who betrayed him and set him up to be kidnapped. The only thing on his mind right now is revenge and killing Sabrina is first on his to do list.
Sabrina must convince him of her innocence if they are to have any chance of a future together.
Declan must work with the LCR team if he wants to find out what really happened.  However, old feelings are hard to ignore and Declan finds himself having to choose between trusting his heart or giving in to his need for retribution. But it may already be too late, as enemies close in, Sabrina is kidnapped and disappears without a trace. It is a nail biting race against time to get her back.
'Running on Empty' is fast paced, action packed from beginning to end and is difficult to put down.   As a fan of Reece's 'Last Chance Rescue' novels, I was thrilled when this series was announced and I wasn't disappointed. After this instalment Christy Reece will be staying on my automatic buy list.

Saturday 4 October 2014

Fast Track by Julie Garwood

Fast Track by Julie Garwood

After the death of her mother, Cordelia is raised alone by her father.
Now, grown up and as she watches over her dying father in hospital, he makes a deathbed confession. Her mother is actually alive. She left him and abandoned them when Cordelia was only a baby.

Her grief after the death of her father, and finding her mother's cold goodbye letter to her dad from all those years ago, prompts Cordelia to track down her mother and confront her.

Her research leads her to a socialite, from a wealthy and prominent family, in Australia. Luckily for Cordelia, her secret crush, Aiden, is doing business in Australia and insists she fly there with him on his private jet and stay in his hotel. So, off they go.
  It is not long before Cordelia is receiving death threats and attempts are made on her life. As Aiden keeps close watch over Cordelia, it is not long before sparks start to fly between the pair.

Fast paced and entertaining. Julie Garwood is on my auto' buy list.
The Art of Deception by Kate Kelly


This is book two in 'The Stolen Hearts' series. Having read book three, 'In Plain Sight,' I wanted to go back and read Gage and Sophie's story.

Vince Gage, an FBI agent, is on the hunt for an art forger and his primary suspect is Sophie Pascotto, an artist and art restorer. The only problem is he can't help his growing attraction to her. As the evidence builds up against Sophie, Gage has to make a huge decision, arrest her or help her, ultimately putting Sophie's life and his FBI career on the line.

The balance between romance and suspense was just right and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. A recommended read.

'Sleight of Hand' book 1 is currently free on Amazon

Monday 18 August 2014

Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy: Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed.  E L James.



I've had Fifty Shades lurking on my Kindle for a couple of years. Initially, not knowing anything about it, I got it because it was on the best sellers list and I was looking for something new. But, then the whole Fifty Shades phenomena exploded and the hype just put me off reading it. With the release of the movie trailer my attention was once again drawn to the book and so I decided to take the plunge and go see what all the fuss was about.
The only thing I regret about reading the Fifty Shades trilogy was that I didn't read it before now! I was glued to it for two days and when I finished the third book I wanted to start straight away with book one all over again. It was that good.

Don't get me wrong, it is not perfect. It is not particularly well written. Ana's character can be quite annoying as she drones on about how incredibly good looking Christian is and she punctuates all her observations with a repetitively irritating 'Oh my.' Parts of the first book made uncomfortable reading as the relationship between Ana and Christian is not a healthy one but, this is fiction after all and if I met a Christian Grey in real life I'd tell him to F off, knee him where it hurts and run in the opposite direction. But as I said, this is fiction and so I gave fictional Christian Grey the benefit of the doubt in the hope that all was not as bad it it seemed. You really have to read all three books though to fully appreciate his character.

The novel can be seen as a cliché story about the sexual awakening of an innocent young woman. And it is that, but, it is equally the story of Christian's own awakening- from being an emotionally closed off man to one who can appreciate love and being loved. You can trace the beginning of his emotional evolvement from his first meeting with Ana to the end where she has well and truly tamed the beast.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book apart from a few erotic scenes but the BDSM scenes are not as horrifying as I thought they would be. I wasn't expecting the other characters to be as well developed and the lovely sense of family and friendship that support the story.
The second book 'Fifty Shades Darker' was my favourite of the three. The characters are established and there is a welcome element of suspense to the plot.
My favourite aspect that ran through all three books was the texts and emails sent between Christian and Ana. Initially, this was their way of communicating what they couldn't articulate out loud, but, it became their 'thing' and the messages, most often, are both romantic and hilarious.

Buy Now Book Depository



Sunday 17 August 2014


Invincible by Diana Palmer

A light, quick read, full of romance and suspense. I enjoyed this book and would read the others in the series.

A few things I didn't like though, for one, the plot is a little weak and refers to a previous book that I haven't read. (although I think I will go and find it and read it.)

Carlie's kidnapping scene had me rolling my eyes from start to finish....she just opens the door to a complete stranger and goes off with him on his say so even though she knows people are after her. Carlie's kidnapper, a former policeman, takes a shine to her and does a complete u- turn in personality, ending up as a friend by the end of the book!

 Why can't Carlie remember to carry her phone? How can a person with a photographic memory not remember to bring a phone about with them when constantly reminded? Most people in this day and age have their phone permanently attached in some way.

Her father is another odd one. He reads like a character from a comic book. He is some kind of former super-kick-ass-special forces guy who abandoned Carlie and her mother when she was a child and who is now a minister trying to make up for all his past sins.

Apart from that, I enjoyed the banter, and budding romance between Carlie and Carson. The side characters also added extra entertainment. Although formulaic, fans of Diana Palmer should enjoy this.

The Echo Falls Trilogy by Jaime McDougall

Book 1     Echo Falls   
Pheobe Martin is on the run from an ex-boyfriend and ends up in Echo Falls looking for a safe place to call home. Echo Falls proves not to be the safest haven as someone is attacking and killing members of the Falls werewolf pack. Pheobe, herself, is attacked but rescued by Aidan O' Bryan, the local police chief and alpha of the pack. Phoebe is his only witness but she is reluctant to give any information about herself or the attack. Aidan knows she is holding back and doesn't understand why, but nonetheless he is attracted to her and wants to help her.
After more attacks on the pack they realise that a hunter is in town and that maybe they also have a traitor in their midst. It is only then that Phoebe admits that her ex is a hunter and has tracked her to Echo Falls. He killed her brother and is out to kill her also because she is a werewolf.
There is plenty of action as the pack prepare to take on the hunter and the traitor. A nice romance also builds up between Aidan and Phoebe. The pace really quickens and tensions build in the last quarter of the book. This is an enjoyable quick read that fans of werewolf fiction will enjoy.

Book 2 Fading Echoes
The story picks up twenty years after 'Echo Falls.' Baby Charlotte from book one is working as the doctor's receptionist. Charlotte is special as she is a 'pure bred' werewolf and the first of that kind in the Echo Falls pack. Charlotte is obsessed with all things hunter related and spends much of her time researching and filling her scrap book with any information she can garner about hunters. She fears an organised attack from hunters and believes that werewolves should band together and be prepared. It has been twenty years since the last hunter attack so Charlotte's research falls on deaf ears.
When Adam, the new doctor, comes into town there is an instant attraction between him and Charlotte. He becomes suspicious about the townsfolk and it is inevitable that he finds out about werewolves. However, Adam is keeping secrets of his own. Charlotte is highly suspicious of 'Compass,' a genetic research company that has set up in Echo Falls and takes an instant dislike to Calvin Stephens its CEO. Calvin is working on isolating the werewolf gene so that he can eradicate them from the world. Calvin sets his sights on Charlotte for his own special plan. With the very survival of the werewolf race at stake Charlotte has no option but to take a chance on trusting Adam to help her defeat this threat.

This was my favourite out of the three books. It is well written, fast paced and filled with suspense and action. A real page turner.

Book 3   Dark Echoes
This story takes place a few years after Fading Echoes. Charlotte's younger sister Lily is a strong willed young werewolf. She hunts alone and has tasked herself with ridding the area of  drug dealers, especially those that supply young wolves with a new drug called bane. She is full of guilt after an attack left her friend permanently human and she wants to find the people responsible and stop them from hurting other wolves.
She meets another werewolf, Jason North, a Neuri with special abilities. They both share this strange feeling that they've met before even though they know they haven't. He is determined to stay close to her until he figures things out. The werewolves are under threat again from hunters and a war is coming. In this final showdown where friends become the enemies Lily must embrace her destiny and save the werewolves once and for all or die trying.

A fitting conclusion to a dramatic and engaging trilogy.
Highly recommended to any fans of werewolf fiction.

Monday 28 July 2014



    A Rip in Time (Out of Time #7) by Monique Martin


Another fantastic, time-travelling adventure for Simon and Elizabeth Cross. This time they are sent back to Victorian London with the sole purpose of preventing the murder of Jack the Ripper thus restoring the time-line and their lives together as they know it. But, first of all, in order to prevent his murder, they have to figure out who Jack the Ripper actually is. At least they know when and where he will be, in Whitechapel committing his own gruesome murders. At the same time, the couple must face off an old adversary who is responsible for the rip in time.

I loved the blend of historical fact and fiction. The adventures of Simon and Elizabeth never grow old. I eagerly anticipate their next adventure as well as finding out what happens next with Victor. Not to mention their other friend, Jack, whom I'm assuming was restored to the time-line from which he disappeared at the beginning of the story.

As this is book 7 and if you haven't read any of the others in the series I recommend you start with the first book for free on your kindle 'Out of Time: A Time Travel Mystery.' 

Unknown Assailant  by Lina Gardiner

Someone is trying to kill Liz but nobody believes her. No matter how many 'accidents' she has the police still don't take her seriously. When her house is blown up she decides to fake her death and start a new life in Canada. Jake, her handsome next door neighbour, takes an interest in her but when Liz starts having 'accidents' again he has his doubts about her. Being the good guy that he is, he comes to her rescue anyway. It soon becomes a race against time to catch the killer before Liz's luck runs out.
An enjoyable, fast paced romantic thriller. I read this in two sittings. The reader is plunged into the action right from the beginning and it doesn't let up until the final twist at the end.

Saturday 26 July 2014

Ghost Ops Trilogy by Lisa Marie Rice

Book 1  Heart of Danger 

This series takes place in the near future. 'Heart of Danger' introduces us to a covert military group living off the grid, after escaping custody, before they could be court martialed. They were betrayed and set up to take the fall for the murder of scientists working on a cure for cancer. Three of the operatives survived the doomed mission and live in hiding. They have set up a semi self sufficient community, Haven, for themselves and other misfits and geniuses, who for various reasons needed to disappear. Only two people know where they are. So, when Dr. Catherine Young, an empath, arrives out of the blue looking for Mac McEnroe, with a message from the man who had betrayed them, it is feared that a trap has been set to capture them. Will Mac's attraction to Catherine jeopardise their safety? Will they act on her message that they have to rescue the man who betrayed them?
                                                     

Book 2     

I Dream of Danger

Nick Ross, one of the Ghost op soldiers, disappeared suddenly from Elle's life and she is convinced he has abandoned her for the second time. In her distressed state, she moves away, changes her name and enrolls herself at university. She has an interest in the field of psychic phenomena, as she herself has the ability to travel outside of her body when she is dreaming. She becomes a respected scientist and researcher, ultimately working for the same dodgy pharmaceutical company that Catherine Young worked for. When her colleagues suddenly start disappearing one by one Elle is warned that they will be coming for her next. She sends out a desperate psychic call to Nick for help. Nick has been haunted for the past ten years by his feelings for and memory of his time with Elle and he can't explain why or how he has this sudden and desperate feeling that she is in danger, but, the Ghost Ops team will stop at nothing to find her.



Book 3 Breaking Danger.

In this conclusion to the trilogy, a virus manufactured by the pharmaceutical company has been unleashed on the general population. People are turning into mindless hunters with only one agenda...to kill. With one bite being enough to become infected with the virus, people are dying by the thousands and soon there are only pockets of surviving healthy people. One researcher, Sophie, manages to escape the lab with an antidote but needs the help of Elle's friends to get her out of Dodge and to a place where she can start working on mass producing the antidote, before society is completely destroyed. Jon takes it upon himself to find his way through the swarm of infected to find Sophie and bring her safely home to Haven. Ultimately, it comes down to these two people to save humanity.

This series is an exciting mix of sensuous romance, suspense and action. Don't read if you are offended by any explicit sex scenes.

Thursday 24 July 2014


When Day Breaks Maya Banks

The Kelly Group International (KGI) are top secret, serious kickass dudes who specialise in hostage/victim recovery.


I loved the earlier titles in the KGI series.
This latest instalment was a disappointment. Most of the book was taken up with Swanny's insecurities about why a beautiful model like Eden would be interested in him. Eden has as many insecurity issues as Swanny.
There wasn't any sense of real urgency in this novel. The characters had plenty of time to go shopping and go out for dinner in Paris. Even some of the KGI characters complained of being bored with their assignment! Eden is supposed to have target on her head as revenge for something her father did but there is very little action in relation to this threat.
                                                                 Too much puppy love and not enough edge.

Read book one 'The Darkest Hour' for a better introduction to the Kelly clan.

E Shivers Box Set Volume 3  

Harlequin/Mills and Boon


A superb collection of gothic historical and contemporary romance. There was enough spookiness in this collection to make me sleep with a light on!

Valley of Nightmares by Jane Godman
Highly recommended.
A classic gothic historical romance complete with the crumbling mansion, a brooding hero and the obligatory governess. It sits apart from others in the genre as it is set in 1938 with the threat of Nazi fascism and the supernatural adding an extra twist. Loved it.
His to Possess by Delores Fossen   
Oliva and Lucien have never met but share erotic dreams that are not their own. When they do meet it is with the realisation that they are being possessed/haunted by two lovers who were murdered decades earlier. They need to find the killer before they become the next victims. Entertaining.
The Girl in Blue by Barbara J. Hancock   
Trinity Chadwick once brought Samuel Creed back from the brink of death. Now he watches over her. Trinity, however, is plagued by misfortune. She can see malevolent spirits haunting her town, causing accidents and even death. She herself has been haunted from a young age by a girl in blue. The ghost sets fires and causes the death of Trinity's friend. Trinity must delve into the dark past of her town to find the answers and lay this particular ghost to rest.  Spooky!
The Ghosts of Cragera Bay by Dawn Brown
Declan James inherits an estate in Wales along with its aging staff but all is not as it seems. Declan finds it difficult  to sell the estate as it was the site of multiple murders. In addition to this the spirits of these murder victims are trapped and can't move on. Declan is haunted by malevolent shadow people and a woman who was burned to death.  Dr. Carly Evans is a parapsychologist who insists on investigating this ghostly estate to prove her theory that evil is attracted to the site and that the murders added fuel to its power. With three people arrested for the murders it comes as a shock when Carly's assistant goes missing. Can Carly and Declan find the real killer and put an end to the evil once and for all? Creepy!

Tuesday 8 July 2014

The Vengeful Earl  by L.A. Hilden
After the death of his father, an earl plots to get revenge against a family whom he believes his father loved more than him and his mother. He decides to ruin the reputation of  Lady lydia, the daughter, by seducing and abandoning her thus ruining her chances of a good marriage and continued acceptance by the haut ton.
However, he didn't expect to fall in love with her along the way.

I love a good regency romance but I was hugely disappointed in 'The Vengeful Earl.' The premise had promise but it was not well enough researched, huge chunks of the book (in particularly the first quarter) were tedious and boring and I didn't like either of the main characters.

Why write in this sub-genre and then completely disregard the social conventions of the time? The book was full of social inaccuracies. A duchess scrambling about looking for a maid and then opening her own front door? Eh...what was the butler doing?
The Duchess leaving her cousin alone with the highly suspect Earl of Sinclair while she goes out to call on friends? Lydia dancing two waltzes in a row with the earl and then leaving the ball with him on a three day carriage ride to his home without telling anyone where she was going?
Everything was resolved far too easily in the end and one character in particular made a very sudden and complete turn around in personality!

Don't bother with this one. Re-read a Julia Quinn or Georgette Heyer novel instead.