Book Review of Chase Tinker and the HOUSE OF DESTINY (The Chase Tinker Series, Book 3) by Malia Ann Haberman

Book Title: Chase Tinker and the House of Destiny (Chase Tinker Series #3)

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Pages: 235

Author: Malia Ann Haberman

Date Published: 7 October 2016

Synopsis:

For eight agonizing months Chase Tinker's guilt over the despicable act he committed on Halloween night has been eating away at his heart and mind. His life gets even more complicated when secrets about the ancient Relic in the attic are revealed, right before an unwelcome caller arrives on Chase's birthday.

Despite these problems, his biggest concern is that his family's Dark Enemy, the Marlowe Family, is becoming more powerful with each passing day, fueled by the magic they continue to pillage from the many magical beings in the world. If Chase and his family are ever going to win, they'll need a whole lot of magical help. They must destroy the most evil threat the world has ever known.

Review:

Chase Tinker and the House of Destiny by Malia Ann Haberman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in The Chase Tinker series. I absolutely loved it!

Chase Tinker is a wonderful character and I really liked him from the first time I met him in the first book. I have enjoyed watching his development from a frustrated teen into someone who I would be proud to know.

In this third book, which is told mostly from Chase's point of view though other characters also have their say, Chase is still having to deal with new magical powers that he struggles to control. Not only that, the Marlowe's are still intent on finding the Relic hidden in the attic of the Tinker house. But now one of their own has turned on them too, leading the Tinkers to find assistance from other magical beings. However, there's a problem. The Marlowe's are stealing all the magic and if Chase and his family don't stop them, all will be lost. Can they stop them before it's too late?

This is a wonderful story full of adventure, danger and mystery, and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat as Chase, Andy, Nori and Persephone face danger once more. There are several twists and turns that keep a reader guessing. I found myself on a roller coaster of emotion from beginning to end. The story is full of imaginative prose that guides the reader in such a way that it runs like a movie in the mind's eye and is easy to picture. I love the way the secrets of the house were revealed and what it means to be a Tinker. I also love the way the characters' grow and develop throughout this series. This book doesn't end with a cliffhanger, but it still left me looking forward to reading the last book in the series, Chase Tinker and the House of Mist, as soon as possible. Though I am dreading it too, as I don't want the series to end.

Malia Ann Haberman has written a entertaining and exciting story for middle grade children. I love her writing style, which is fast paced and imaginative. The flow is wonderful too. I would definitely read more of her books in the future.

I highly recommend this book to middle grade readers aged 9 to 14. However, I also recommend this book (and series) to adults who love reading middle grade fantasy, or to those who are fans of books like Harry Potter. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

From the moment I learned to read, I loved it. I spent all my spare time reading one book after the other. One day, when I was about eight years old, my dad decided I was spending way too much time with my nose in a book. He wanted me to go out and play, like the rest of my siblings. I didn't want to do that. I wanted to see what other thrilling adventures those book characters could get into. So I sat outside on the porch and cried my heart out. Finally my dad decided he'd had enough of that noise and he sent me back into the house. I was happy again.

Years later, I'm still staying inside with books, but now I'm happily writing my own. :)

Author Links:

Website ; Facebook ; Goodreads ; Amazon Author Page ; Twitter

Book Review of Nefertiti's Heart (The Artifact Hunters Book 1) by A.W. Exley

Book Title: Nefertiti's Heart (Artifact Hunters Book 1)

Genre: Science Fiction/Steampunk

Pages: 301

Author: A.W. Exley

Date Published: 1 August 2015

Synopsis:

Cara Devon has always suffered curiosity and impetuousness, but tangling with a serial killer might cure that. Permanently.

1861. Cara has a simple mission in London - finalise her father's estate and sell off his damned collection of priceless artifacts. Her plan goes awry when a killer stalks the nobility, searching for an ancient Egyptian relic rumoured to hold the key to immortality.

Nathaniel Trent, known as the villainous viscount, is relentless in his desire to lay his hands on both Cara and the priceless artifacts. His icy exterior and fiery touch stirs Cara's demons, or could he lay them to rest?

Self-preservation fuels Cara's search for the gem known as Nefertiti's Heart. In a society where everyone wears a mask to hide their true intent, she needs to figure out who to trust, before she sacrifices her own heart and life.

Review:

Nefertiti's Heart by A.W. Exley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book in The Artifact Hunters series. I have been wanting to read this book for some time, but due to my large reading list haven't been able to do so until recently.

Cara Devon is a character I found likeable, but did want to do her some physical harm when she made impetuous decisions that put her life on the line. She also rushed into a relationship with the viscount, even after being sexually abused for years. This aspect I found most unbelievable, considering she was uncomfortable even hugging an old childhood friend. She is a young woman living in Victorian London. She returns to her deceased father's house with the intention to sell off his collection of artefacts he had acquired. One of the artefacts is rumoured to be Nefertiti's Heart, a gem of immense power reputed to give the owner immortality. Unfortunately, there's a killer after the artefact too and Cara soon finds herself facing some hard choices - continuing to run from the killer, or being helped by Nathaniel Trent, a viscount and a pirate/businessman/crime lord who wants the artefact for himself.

As I said above, I have been wanting to read this book for some time, so when I started reading I was very excited. The story is told through the eyes of both Cara and Nathaniel, though mostly through Cara's. The story started off strongly, with danger around every corner, which kept me hooked. Then the story took a more sedate turn about half way in and somehow lost the immediacy when the two main protagonists became more romantically involved. I'm not saying this was a bad thing, only that the story flow seemed to slow down and it focused more on the romance side than the adventure/action one. I still found myself riveted to the story, but it somehow became more predictable and when certain events happened it felt inevitable. I love a good plot twist that surprises me, but I could see more than a few of them coming from a mile away, even the revelation of who the killer was. This dampened my excitement over the story somewhat. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings.

I love reading books in the steampunk genre and feel I don't read them often enough. However, I feel the author did a wonderful job in bringing the characters to life, as well as the Victorian past. So why the low rating? This is because although I enjoyed the story, I didn't feel any emotional attachment to the characters. Other readers may have a different reaction, so I will leave it to you to decide whether or not to give this book a try. As for me, I am considering reading the remaining books of the series, though due to my large reading list it could be some time before I would be able to.

A.W. Exley has written a wonderful steampunk romance/adventure that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I loved her fast paced writing style. Though the pace slowed down half way through, I thought the flow was wonderful as it flowed easily from scene to scene.

Although there are scenes of a sexual nature that are not explicit, I do not recommend this book to younger readers due to some violence and gore. I do, however, recommend this book if you love Egyptian mythology, steampunk or fantasy genres. - Lynn Worton

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Purchase Links:

            

About The Author:

Books and writing have always been an enormous part of Anita's life. She survived school by hiding out in the library, with several thousand fictional characters for company. At university, she overcame the boredom of studying accountancy by squeezing in Egyptology papers and learning to read hieroglyphics.

Today, Anita writes fantasy historical novels with heart from her home in rural New Zealand.

You can find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AWExley
or Twitter @AWExley

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Release Day Blitz: Alive by Victoria Johns @victoriajohns75

Alive by Victoria Johns

Soul Mates Series Bk 3

Release Date – Friday 10^th November 2017

Priced £2.50/$2.99 and Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal sales Link – getBook.at/vjalive

Rebecca Monroe hasn’t had the best life, but since she escaped and started again with a new identity, she’s been working hard to be a normal college student and make something of herself. Turning her passion for dance into her dream job is nearly a reality, until someone from her past threatens it all and Rebecca finds herself on the run.

Jake Griggs has got it all. A loving family, a college education and more women than he knows what to do with. A bad case of mistaken identity threatens to blow his easy life wide open, until his brother Jonas sends him on a job to observe, report and protect a young woman he’s pledged to keep safe. There’s just one condition – Don’t get too close.

What should be a simple mission, turns into a roller coaster love story as both Jake and Rebecca realize that just because you’re existing, it doesn’t mean you are alive.

Alive can be read as a standalone novel but is also the third instalment of the Soul Mates Series and if you loved the characters of the Soul Sisters Series from Hawkstown then this book will definitely set you on fire.

***

To celebrate the release of Alive…

Deserved - Soul Mates Series Bk 2- will be available for free via Amazon on:-

Friday 3^rd November – Sunday, 5^th November 2017

Universal link – getBook.at/vjdeserved

Other Victoria Johns titles available via universal link:- Author/to/victoriajohnsbooks

Website – www.victoriajohnsbooks.com

Facebook - @victoriajohnsauthor

Facebook reader group – Victoria’s soul sisters

Instagram - @victoriajohnsbooks

Twitter - @victoriajohns75

Email – victoriajohns75@gmail.com

Book Review of Ahoy, Mummy Mia! (Ahoy, Mischaps!) (Volume 3) by Miss Mae @AuthorMissMae

Book Title: Ahoy, Mummy Mia! (Ahoy, Mischaps #3)

Genre: Action Adventure

Pages: 234

Author: Miss Mae

Date Published: 12 April 2017 (Paperback)

Synopsis:

The Mischaps ride again! Actually, they sail again. Into a dimension far, far, far away where you can’t find it. Why can’t you find it? Because the dimension is lost. Yes, the Mischaps sail into The Land of Lost Directions. But guess what they find there? A prophecy! Yes, a prophecy about them! What does the prophecy say? What does it mean? Can the Mischaps discover the secret of fulfilling the prophecy…and destroy its evil, dangerous, stinking curse?

Review:

Ahoy, Mummy Mia! by Miss Mae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Ahoy, Mischaps! series. I absolutely loved it!

I usually do character breakdowns in my reviews, but I have a little trouble doing this for the main character, who narrates this story in the style of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, as she actually doesn't have a name and is only known as The Narrator. However, we join Sir O Yuri Wiseguy-eh and well known Pukelitzer prize winning journalist, I.B. Nosy on another zany adventure, this time in the Land of Lost Directions.

This story has a fantastical plot, which kept me hooked from beginning to end. There are several references and play on words that would go over a child's head, but adults would pick them up with ease. The Mischaps gang find themselves lost in the Land of Lost Directions, where a greedy and ambitious cat called Mia has placed a curse on Gum Drop chocolate, turning it into mud. Or has she? In order to break the curse, the Mischaps have to fulfil a prophecy. Let the adventure begin!

This is a story full of adventure that is so nonsensical and humourous, I found myself highly entertained.
There are some old faces from previous books that appear in this tale. There's Moose, the chocolate loving plantation worker; Heathcliff, a possum who happens to be a fantastic detective (a secret is revealed about this character in this tale); Speck and Spang, two eagle-eyed vultures, and Spit, a small purple snake with the largest set of eyelashes known to adorn a snake. The reader is also introduced to some brand new characters, ranging from a crocodile called A. Buncha Crock to a swamp rat called Louie, who wants to be a pirate, and a chef called Chef Mac A. Roni. We also get to meet a Mummy named Ralph, and Dr. Ag. O. Nee and his Igor assistant Mandibles tumble into the adventure too.

I found myself turning the pages in an effort to find out what happens in every chapter, which is introduced by the narrator and is told in such a witty and engaging way that I found myself smiling even through the dangerous parts. I could picture the scenes in my mind's eye with ease. I didn't see the scenes as live action but as an animation though. I think this would make a fantastic children's animated movie, along with the other two books. I reached the end of the book with a bittersweet feeling; I didn't want it to end. However, I think there's another adventure on the way as the story ends in such a way that, although not a cliffhanger, it infers that it will continue. I can't wait!

I am not sure what age range this book is aimed at, but I sat with a smile on my face for most of the story. This story, however, would be ideal for children to listen to at bedtime.

Miss Mae has written a wonderfully imaginative story that will enchant adults and children alike. I love her writing style, which is fast paced enough to keep even the most fidgety youngster enthralled, and the flow was wonderful. I am a huge fan of Miss Mae and I will be keeping an eye out for more of her books in the future.

I highly recommend this book to children aged 5 upwards and to adults looking for a quick, light read. - Lynn Worton

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Purchase Links:

           

Smashwords

B&N

About The Author:

Miss Mae is an award winning, best selling author. "Said the Spider to the Fly" has consistently rated outstanding reviews and has won the esteemed title of Best Book of the Week for The Long and the Short of It Reviews and from The Romance Studio. It can be purchased both in digital format and in print. "When the Bough Breaks", a young adult coming-of-age story won the 2009 P & E Readers' Poll in the YA category.

Her first book, "See No Evil, My Pretty Lady" had previously only been available as a digital book. Now it can be purchased in print from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and CreateSpace. Visit her website (http://www.themissmaesite.com) for the links.

The highly acclaimed "It's Elementary, My Dear Winifred" won a 2009 Top Ten Read at MyShelf.com. Out of print for a couple of years, this fast-paced, action filled 'who-dun-it' is now back with a brand new cover! It's in print at Amazon and in digital format at various online estores.

Miss Mae also enjoys writing humor and non-fiction articles. Some of her publications can be found in The Front Porch Magazine, Good Old Days, and WritersWeekly.

Her alter ego, M.M., penned a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek fantasy tale titled "Ahoy Gum Drop!" where her bumbling, fumbling reporter, I.B. Nosey, is introduced to the world wide web of cyberspace. Check him out at Feeling Nosey? (http://feelingnosey.blogspot.com)

Author Links:

Amazon Author Page
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

Book Promo: Eye of the Storm Paranormal Fantasy Series by Dianna Hardy @WitchingPen

The erotic, paranormal fantasy, werewolf series that's got everyone hot under the collar: first book FREE.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Although this series deals with romance, it is not written to be a standard romance. Its focus is on the theme of man vs. beast, and higher consciousness vs. baser needs. Although humorous in places, this series is also highly erotic, dark, and contains violence and scenes that may disturb some readers.

Combining fast-paced action, dark humour, with elements of romance and horror, the Eye Of The Storm series takes us on a journey alongside werewolves and their enemy, The Tridents, beginning with Lydia – a twenty-five-year-old waitress trying to find her way, who has no idea what she is, or who she's destined to be mated to.

Sex, secrets, lies, and the dawning truth of what really matters, come to the fore as every phase of the moon brings a new surprise. With the last book released on 31^st October, 2017, it's looking like things will get rough and dangerous before a climatic conclusion is reached. Full information about the series can be found here: http://www.diannahardy.com/eye-of-the-storm-series.html

~*~

Releasing The Wolf, the first book in the series is available FREE from most sites. Have you sunk your fangs in yet?

Lydia Martin has always had dreams, the weirdest and hottest of them all involving a faceless, muscle-bound man that speaks like sin and smells like sex. Like any sane person, she always put the dreams down to an overactive imagination, coupled with a higher than average libido.

One night, however, instead of their usual, erotic encounters, she finds him in her dream, chained to a wall and screaming in pain. Not only that, but she thinks she recognises the building he's being held captive in as one that's just a few streets away.

Awaking with an irrepressible need to save her fantasy lover, Lydia decides to humour her dream self and head on over to where she thinks he's imprisoned.

What unfolds is beyond even her wildest imaginings, as she's sucked into a dangerous and deadly world she never knew existed ... and it turns out that the man who inhabits her darkest fantasies, isn't the only one that needs releasing.

Releasing The Wolf download links:

Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEXUFJ4

Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AEXUFJ4

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=HxrmBQAAQBAJ

Nook - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/releasing-the-wolf-dianna-hardy/1114302035

iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/releasing-wolf-eye-storm-1/id583609835?mt=11

Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/releasing-the-wolf

~*~

Lovers of this series should note that book six, Reign Of The Wolf, is the final book in the series with a release date of 31^st October, 2017.

Buy Links:

iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/reign-of-the-wolf-eye-of-the-storm-6/id1253743705?mt=11

Nook - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reign-of-the-wolf-dianna-hardy/1126661312?ean=2940154434345

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075P1L2XQ

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075P1L2XQ

Amazon AUS - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B075P1L2XQ

Amazon CA - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075P1L2XQ

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=3ZM6DwAAQBAJ

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/reign-of-the-wolf

Reading Order:

1. Releasing The Wolf

2. Cry Of The Wolf

3. Heart Of The Wolf

4. Return Of The Wolf

5. Rise Of The Wolf

6. Reign Of The Wolf

  

Dianna Hardy is combines a titillating mix of contemporary and paranormal romance, as well as urban and dark fantasy, into her writing, to bring you stories that are action-packed, fast-paced and not short of heat, with the focus on both character development and the plot. She writes full-length novels and short fiction, and to date her books have hit the top 20 of Fantasy and Romance charts in various countries around the world, on both iBooks and Kindle. Official site: http://www.diannahardy.com

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/authordiannahardy

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thewitchingpen

Book Review of NEST: Retribution: An Alivia Morgan Story by David Antocci @david_antocci

Book Title: NEST: Retribution (An Alivia Morgan Novel)

Genre: Crime Thriller/Suspense
Pages: 336

Author: David Antocci

Date to be Published: 19 October 2017

Synopsis:

The Rally for US was meant to be a day of camaraderie and awareness. Instead, that crisp October morning turned into the bloodiest terror attack to strike the city of Boston in more than a decade.

In the wake of the attack, the New England Special Terrorist Division—NEST—turned to their most senior and capable agent, Alivia Morgan. She was unwillingly ripped from her home and family, but didn’t have a choice. Though she had no idea just how deeply personal the fight would become.

Now, it was up to her to find the extremists and stop another catastrophic blow that would drive the death toll higher. She was captured, alone, and armed only with her years of training and experience in Special Ops and the elite Army Rangers. Alivia quickly realized she was in a race against time as she struggled to escape with her life and stop the impending attacks. Could she do both?

Review:

NEST: Retribution by David Antocci
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new series which follows the New England Special Terrorist Division (NEST for short). I loved it!

Alivia Morgan is a fantastic character. She is capable, strong and determined. When a terrorist cell targets her in retribution for her killing one of their leaders in an earlier mission, Alivia finds herself in a fight to the death. Held hostage, but knowing her team is looking for her, she is determined to bring the cell down. As the danger increases and the threat to innocents rises, can she stop them in time?

Having read this author's previous Escape trilogy, when he contacted me with regards to reading a complimentary copy of this book, I eagerly accepted as I knew I would be taken on an amazing roller coaster ride of not only danger but emotion. However, I also purchased a copy of this book when it became available to pre-order and re-read it as soon as it was released. This review is based on my own opinion and have not received remuneration for it.

As I said previously, I knew I would be taken on an emotional journey. However, I wasn't expecting the intensity, though in hind-sight I should have anticipated it. The story is told through mainly Alivia's point of view, but other characters, including the bad guys also have their say. I was pulled in from the first page and didn't put the book down until I had finished it.

The reader is introduced to the NEST team. NEST is one of several anti-terrorist task forces set up after the 9/11 attacks. The leader of the group is Director Luis Huerta and he is hands-on in his approach to leading the team. An ex-sniper, he has lots of experience in war. Then there are several other operatives that work under him, including Alivia and JJ. There is a hint of romance to go along with the danger as Alivia and JJ are involved in a forbidden relationship.

Then there are the bad guys. They are not the most pleasant of people and have the intention of causing as much chaos and terror as they can. The leader of the terrorist cell, Syed Ashear, has a personal grudge against Alivia and is determined to use her as a pawn in his deadly game against those he sees as infidels and nonbelievers.

I found myself holding my breath several times when reading as the intensity was almost unrelenting. There are some lighter scenes to counteract some of the more gruesome aspects of the storyline, but the fast pace kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Although this book has a fast pace, it is not rushed. The author has a talent for describing scenes in such vivid detail that it made it easy to picture and it ran like a movie in my mind's eye. In fact, I think this book would make a good movie thriller or TV series similar to NCIS. There are scenes of terror, as well as car chases, gun fights and explosions. Just when I reached the end of the book (or so I thought) with a feeling of happiness, the author throws a curve ball and ends the story on a chilling note in the epilogue. It doesn't quite end in a cliffhanger, but it's close and sets the reader up for the next book. I hope he's busy writing it because I am dying to read it!

David Antocci has written a thrilling first book to what looks to be a fantastic new series. His characters are extremely lifelike and this made the story feel incredibly real. I said in my review of Escape: Dead End that this is an author to watch, and I was right. I love his fast paced writing style, and the story flow is fantastic. I have already added this author to my favourite authors list, and will definitely read more of his books in the future.

Although there are no explicit scenes of a sexual nature, I do not recommend this book to young readers, or those of a nervous disposition, or those who may be affected by a triggering event due to extreme violence and/or abuse and/or terrorism. I highly recommend this book if you love crime thrillers, suspense novels and/or military fiction. - Lynn Worton

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Purchase Links:

             

About The Author:

David J Antocci is a noted wordsmith, blogger and author. His work can be read regularly on the Worcester Telegram and Gazette website where he has spent many years writing about the trials and tribulations of being a real life Mr. Mom. While his first love is music, he has put down the guitar in recent years in order to pour his passion into writing… and the gentle tap of the keys on his laptop are much less disruptive late at night when the children are sleeping. The ESCAPE books are his first published foray into fiction. He lives in New England with his beautiful wife and children.

Author Links:

Goodreads ;  Website ; Facebook ; Twitter

ARC Book Review of Reign Of The Wolf (Eye Of The Storm #6) by Dianna Hardy @satinsmoke @TheWitchingPen

Book Title: Reign of The Wolf (Eye Of The Storm #6)

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Pages: 551

Author: Dianna Hardy 

Date to be Published: 31 October 2017

Synopsis:

Day by day, Lydia's mastery of her storm-wielding grows. But whether gift or curse, her achievements are dampened by recent losses, and Taylor's inability to fully heal from his near-death experience. As worry for their future increases, Ryan faces his past once more in a bid to secure the happy future he glimpsed for them all.

The full moon is upon them. The Trident are unstoppable in their savage expansion; Selena is all but gone.

However, secrets are still being uncovered amid the whispers of time and its shifting sand - an ancient, mystical past is about to catch up with the present. Sarah might be carrying more than she'd bargained for.

Meanwhile, Lawrence has his own battle to face and life-altering decisions to make - and not just to his life. His duties as King could yet overrule his duties as mate. When the outcome is the sure extinction of the species you are responsible for, what do you sacrifice to keep it alive?

Reign Of The Wolf is the last book of the Eye Of The Storm series.

Review:

Reign Of The Wolf by Dianna Hardy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reign Of The Wolf is the sixth and final book in the Eye Of The Storm series. I absolutely loved it!

Lydia is a fantastic character. I have really liked her from the start. She is a strong and stubborn woman, but she has not had it easy throughout the series, what with her mating pains in the first book, finding out that she's not human but a wolf and, not only that, she's a storm-wielder to boot. Mated to three sexy werewolves (Lawrence, Ryan and Taylor), she has faced many challenges and overcome most of them, but now she has to fight for not only her survival but her mates and pack too as the Tridents increase their numbers and threaten their very existence. Will she and her mates survive, or will the future glimpsed by Ryan be smashed into a million pieces?

In the immortal first words of the song Love Story: where do I begin? OMG! This book rocked! I have been awaiting this book with both dread and excitement. Dread because it is the concluding book to the series and I knew I would be taken on an emotional roller coaster ride of emotion, and excitement for the very same reason.

The story picks up right where book five concluded, give or take a few days, so there is no awkward transition with regards to plot. This book has several twists that I never saw coming. I am not one to swear, but as I was reading I found myself going 'holy hell!' and 'sh*t!' in my head more times than I thought possible. Then there is the emotional side to the story. I found myself laughing and crying in several places, there is tenderness, love, loss, anger and every other emotion you can think of. The story arc throughout the series has been building up to one final climax and what a climax! Jaw dropping comes to mind, so does heart breaking and amazing. The significance of certain things that happened in the previous books are subtle, but they gain greater significance as the story arc unfolds.

I love all the characters, even Selena oddly enough. I know she's had a rough deal, but I still think that she made some really bad decisions that led to her being mated to Gabriel, the head of the Tridents, in the first place. All the characters have grown throughout the series, which I love, and watching Lawrence struggle with the revelation that Gladys made to him in Rise of the Wolf broke my heart. I'm glad that he has his mates to strengthen his resolve. I am also glad that I got to know Pete a little more. He and Beth make a lovely couple. I would love to read their story one day.

Reign of the Wolf is the perfect ending to an amazing series; all loose ends are tied up. Having said that, I reached the end of the book in a state of shock. I was left completely emotionally wrung out and speechless. It has taken me a few days to sit and process this story enough to write this review. I am incredibly sad that this series has ended; it has been an amazing journey from the first book until the last and I have loved every minute of it!

Dianna Hardy is one of my favourite romance authors (she writes both paranormal/urban fantasy and contemporary romance). She has a way of expressing so much emotion through her written words; ripping your heart out with them, but also filling you up with them too. I love her writing style, which is fast paced and exciting. The flow is fantastic too. Reading her books are a joy, and I will continue to read them for as long as she keeps writing them.

Due to the explicit sensual content and some bad language, I do not recommend this book for younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love HOT erotic paranormal romances with sexy werewolves. Please note there is m/f/m/m action in this book, as well as violence, and may offend some readers. - Lynn Worton

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Purchase/Pre-Order Links:

                   

About The Author:

"Whether paranormal or contemporary, the one thing all my stories have in common is the fight for what you really want from life." (Dianna Hardy)

Dianna Hardy is a UK-based, international bestselling author of The Witching Pen series, and the Eye Of The Storm series. She combines a titillating mix of contemporary and paranormal romance, as well as urban and dark fantasy, into her writing, to bring you stories that are action-packed, fast-paced and not short of heat, with the focus on both character development and the plot. She writes full-length novels and short fiction. She has also written poetry (first published in 1997) and esoteric books and articles. Nowadays, she chooses to concentrate on writing fiction.

In December 2012, Releasing The Wolf hit the Kindle Paranormal Fantasy charts in both the US and the UK, where it stayed for three months, enjoying a highest ranking of #20. The first two books in the Eye of The Storm series have enjoyed success in the top 100 of Fantasy charts on Kindle US and Kindle UK, and all books in the series to date have reached the top 100 of the Fantasy iTunes charts in Netherlands, Norway, Australia and the UK, with Heart Of The Wolf (book 3) reaching #1 in Denmark.

The Witching Pen series, 'Til Death Do Us Part and A Silver Kiss, have also hit the top 100 of Kindle and iBooks charts (Fantasy, Romance and Horror) in a number of different countries worldwide.

Although quite active online, Dianna prefers the quiet company of nature and animals to the hustle and bustle of people. She loves anything paranormal (she doesn't really consider it "para"), organic food, walking barefoot, the smell of the woods after rain, and summer days.

However, she is also sustained by coffee, chocolate and the occasional vodka.

Having graduated from Richmond Drama School (London) in '98, she spent the next few years in a multitude of jobs (both acting and non-acting), studying anything that fascinated her, searching her soul, and finally found her passion where it had always been: at the end of a pen.

She currently lives in South Hampshire, UK with her partner and their daughter, where she writes full-time.

Official site: diannahardy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordiannahardy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thewitchingpen

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DiannaHardy/posts

(Profile photographs courtesy of Alastair Hay)

Book Review of The Runaway & The Russian (The Runaway Trilogy Book 1) by Helen Bright @Helen_Brightxo

Book Title: The Runaway & The Russian (The Runaway Trilogy Book 1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Pages: 190

Author: Helen Bright

Date Published: 18 September 2017

Synopsis:

When her best friend goes missing after being targeted by child groomers, Tess Robertson feels she has no choice but to run away.
Fearing for her life, Tess leaves the children’s home where she’s resided for the past eighteen months, and boards a train bound for the capital.
While wandering the streets of London, Tess realises she’s being followed, causing her to run once again, straight into the path of a bullet meant for arms dealer, Kolya Barinov.
While Tess recovers, Kolya vows to keep her safe: to give her a good life in return for saving his.
But is this simply swapping one danger for another? Or could the path to true happiness begin with blood and bullets?

Review:

The Runaway & The Russian by Helen Bright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Runaway Trilogy. I really enjoyed it!

Tess Robertson is a likeable character. She is a relatively normal teen who has had her fair share of angst in her past, though she has a sensible head on her shoulders. Now eighteen, she has been living in a children's home for the past eighteen months after her foster parent suffered from a heart attack. When her fifteen-year-old friend Sarah goes missing, Tess sets off to find her. Fate puts her in the path of a bullet meant for an arms dealer.

Kolya Barinov is a fascinating character. He is a Russian arms dealer and businessman. He is not a man you want to cross. When a young woman throws herself in front of the bullet meant for him, he's taken with her bravery and finds himself drawn to her even though she's young enough to be his daughter.

This is not an easy review to write as it is extremely difficult not to give away spoilers. However, I will do my best not to.

This story is not a comfortable read, as there is some violence and deals with human trafficking. However, it is also, first and foremost, a romance novel.

I started reading the book and didn't put it down until I'd finished it. The story is told through the eyes of both Tess and Kolya, which gives the reader a chance to see their thoughts and feelings, and is written in British English. I found myself caught up in the tale and absolutely enthralled with the way the author wove the story together. The author portrays the way that sexual predators lure their victims into relationships with chilling reality. It is scarily easy, unfortunately. Living in South Yorkshire, where a huge paedophile/grooming ring was exposed recently, this tale takes on more significance in my eyes. However, although the author uses men of a certain religion in this tale, sexual predators come in many guises and many denominations, and they have my utter contempt. Kolya Barinov may be an arms dealer, a businessman, and be as scary as hell when crossed, but he at least has a conscience, unlike the men and women who prey on vulnerable children.

I loved the romance side of the story and enjoyed watching Kolya and Tess's relationship bloom. Some readers may be put off by the main protagonists age difference, but it didn't bother me in the least. The story kept me hooked and took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. When I reached the end, I was a little disappointed as I wanted to continue reading! I am now looking forward to reading the second book in the trilogy as soon as I can.

Helen Bright has written a wonderful contemporary romance filled with danger and suspense. I love her fast paced writing style, which kept me turning the pages. The story flow is wonderful too and I could picture each scene in my minds eye with ease. I haven't read any other books by this author, yet, but I would definitely do so in the future.

Although there are no explicit scenes of a sexual nature, I do not recommend this book to young readers, or those of a nervous disposition, or those who may be affected by a triggering event due to extreme violence and/or abuse. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love gritty contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

Purchase Links:

                

About The Author:

Helen Bright is forty something, married, mum of two grown up daughters and grandchildren that are the light of her life. She lives in a South Yorkshire village and has based her paranormal romance series around the Yorkshire area. The Night Movers vampires live and work with the humans they employ in modern day Yorkshire, and Helen creates scenes that show the 'normal' in paranormal.
Although mainly writing in the paranormal genre, Helen also writes romantic suspense stories with darker elements, the first of which is due for release at the end of the year.

Author Links:

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Cover Reveal: The Scars of Us by Rachael Tonks @rtonksauthor

Today, I have pleasure bringing you the cover reveal of The Scars of Us by Rachael Tonks. Please find it below:

✿´¯`*•.¸¸✿ COVER REVEAL ✿´¯`*•.¸¸✿

The Scars of Us

By Rachael Tonks

Release date: Wednesday 29th November 2017

Synopsis

Captured, tortured and separated from the only man she’s ever loved, Isabelle is fighting for her life and will do whatever it takes to survive.

Little does she know that Braxton is too.

Injured and weak, Braxton’s life hangs in the balance. He seeks the help of his closest friend to help him save the girl he loves. When he can no longer trust those around him, will Braxton be able to find Isabelle or will it be too late?

Both Braxton and Isabelle are willing to risk everything to survive, but can two scarred souls reunite and overcome everything that stands in their way?

The scars of us is the second and final instalment in the scars series.

Pre Order LInks:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768SNQZT

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0768SNQZT

Goodreads Links: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36398091-the-scars-of-us

Also available in the Series:

The Scars of You

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074CCYQ8K

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CCYQ8K

Author Bio:

Rachael Tonks is a contemporary romance author with a love of books, and a particular love of the romance genre. As a child Rachael could always be found with her head in a book, but it wasn’t until the beginning of 2015 when Rachael’s love of books really took over. Reading spurred on her desires to put pen to paper, and write down the story of the characters screaming for their story to be told. Starting out her career with a new adult romance novel, she has now published multiple novels, ranging from dark romance to contemporary. Rachael lives in the steely suburb of Sheffield, in the north of England with her family. She has 3 beautiful children and a crazy dog. She loves nothing more reading with a good cup of tea and is self-proclaimed chocoholic!

*STALKER LINKS*

Facebook: facebook.com/rachaeltonksauthor

Twitter: Twitter.com/rtonksauthor

Website: http://rtonksauthor.wixsite.com/rachaeltonks

Instagram: Instagram.com/rachaeltonksauthor