Book Review of Ares (Guardians of Hades Romance Series Book 1) by Felicity Heaton

Book Title: Ares (Guardians Of Hades #1)

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Pages: 234

Author: Felicity Heaton

Date Published: 25 November 2016

Synopsis:

Prince of the Underworld and Lord of Fire, Ares was banished from his home by his father, Hades, two centuries ago and given a new duty and purpose—to keep our world and his from colliding in a calamity foreseen by the Moirai.

Together with his six brothers, he fights to defend the gates to the Underworld from daemons bent on breaching them and gaining entrance to that forbidden land, striving to protect his home from their dark influence. Caged by the manifestation of his power, held apart from those he loves by his own fire and starved of physical contact, Ares lives a cold existence driven by duty and the desire to return to his world.

Until his world collides with a daemon who steals his power and a mortal female who shatters the ice around his heart and awakens the true fire within him—a soul-stirring passion both dangerous and seductive.

Megan has wandered far from her home, driven from everyone she loves by the devastating realisation that she is different to them all. Unsure who to trust in the world, she keeps to herself, until a fateful stormy night brings a temptingly handsome warrior crashing into her life and into her heart—a warrior who seems to hold powers more frightening and marvellous than her own.

When the New York gate comes under threat, and Ares is put to the test, will he choose his duty and regain the power he needs in order to save his world or will he choose the desires of his heart and sacrifice his fire so he can be with the woman becoming his whole world?

Review:

Ares by Felicity Heaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new paranormal romance series written by this author. I loved it!

Ares is a wonderful character. I liked him a lot. He is one of the seven brothers born to Hades and Persephone, and has been banished to live in the mortal realm as a guardian to the portal into the Underworld in New York. His brothers guard other gates around the world. He has a typical alpha type personality - protective. Unfortunately, due to his power, which is the element of fire, he is extremely lonely as he is unable to touch anyone apart for two of his brothers. When he rescues a damsel in distress from a daemon, his power is stolen. Faced with a painful decision, will he be able to live with the consequences?

Megan is also a wonderful character. I liked her too. She is a human with a secret. She has a power too (she can heal), and in an effort to hide it, she tends to move often. Now living in New York, she is thrown into a hidden world of daemons and gods when she is attacked on the way home. As her attraction to her rescuer boils over, the battle between daemons and the Underworld heats up. Will she survive with her heart intact?

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book ever since I heard about it in the author's newsletter. I am a huge fan of this author's work and I pre-ordered my copy as soon as it became available. When it arrived on my Kindle, I began to read it as soon as I could.

I started to read the story and was instantly hooked. I became intrigued with the world building in this story. There is the human realm, but there is the jarring juxtaposition of what the sons' of Hades call "the otherworld". This otherworld is the future the Moirai foresaw and the Guardians are trying to protect against. It is a post apocalyptic vision of fire and destruction. The story is told mostly through the eyes of Ares and Morgan, but one of Ares' brothers, Valen, has a couple of chapters from his own point of view. This introduces us to him, as I understand his story will be next in the series. The brothers are (as introduced in the book): Ares, Daimon, Esher, Valen, Keras, Calistos and Marek. Keras is the oldest while Calistos is the youngest. Not sure of the order of the other brothers though. However, each brother has their own unique power: Ares is fire, Daimon is ice, Esher is water, Valen is lightning and so on. The reader also gets to meet Persephone and Hades, though only for small cameos.

I love reading the Eternal Mates series, but this new series may give it a run for it's money. However, I also felt this story is somewhat similar in tone to the Eternal Mates. I realise that the romance genre (contemporary and paranormal) has been around for a long time and most topics have been hashed over time and time again, which makes it difficult to find original concepts. I am not knocking this book at all but the formula used in creating it. I hope that as this series grows, the story arc is revealed to have surprising twists. I am looking forward to finding out.

Felicity Heaton has written another fast paced, sexy paranormal romance that I thoroughly enjoyed! I love her fast paced writing style, which flows effortlessly from scene to scene. She is on top of my favourite author's list.

Each book of this series could be read as a stand-alone, as this one does not end in a cliffhanger, though I would recommend reading them in order. I do not recommend this book to younger readers due to the extremely HOT and explicit sexual scenes. However, I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love sexy paranormal romances full of gods and daemons. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

Felicity Heaton is a NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and International Best-Selling Author writing passionate paranormal romance books and series for adults.

In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons!

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, her best-selling Her Angel romance series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm romance series or any of her stand alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try her Vampire Erotic Theatre romance series. Or if you like hot-blooded alpha heroes who will let nothing stand in the way of them claiming their destined woman then try her Eternal Mates series. It’s packed with sexy heroes in a world populated by elves, vampires, fae, demons, shifters, and more. If sexy Greek gods with incredible powers battling to save our world and their home in the Underworld are more your thing, then be sure to step into the world of Guardians of Hades.

Fans of paranormal romance books by authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole and Christine Feehan will love Felicity's books too.

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Book Review of Chase Tinker and the House of Magic (The Chase Tinker Series, Book 1) by Malia Ann Haberman

Book Title: Chase Tinker and the House of Magic

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Pages: 277

Author: Malia Ann Haberman

Date Published: 1 October 2016

Synopsis:

Thirteen-year-old Chase Tinker can't understand why he has the power to move things with his mind. Besides that, his dad, Benjamin, has been missing for over a year, causing his mom to be too upset to pay much attention to her sons, so now he's been busted for shoplifting. As if this isn't enough to worry about, his younger brother Andy suddenly has a weird ability, too. Chase wonders, Can things get any crazier?

Then, a grandfather they thought to be long dead arrives at their door. He wants Chase and Andy to come visit him so they can learn about their supernatural heritage, and why they have these strange magical powers.

The boys soon find out that Grandfather, along with their cousin Janie, lives on a remote island in the middle of Puget Sound in a five hundred and sixty year old house where fantastic magic can be found in practically every room, stairway, and hall. Chase can't believe their dad has been keeping so much from them.

It's an even bigger shock when Chase learns all their magic is controlled by a powerful four thousand year old Relic in the attic, and if anything happens to this Relic, every bit of Tinker magic will be lost forever. He's even more disturbed when he learns his family has a dark and powerful enemy determined to steal all their magic, their house, and their Relic.

Now Chase must find a way to stop these wicked beings, while at the same time figuring out what has happened to his dad, unraveling even more Tinker lies and secrets, and not letting on he has a crush on the housekeeper's daughter.

Review:

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

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

Chase Tinker is a wonderful character, though he doesn't exactly endear himself to the reader with his shoplifting antics in the beginning. However, as the story unfolded, I enjoyed watching his development from a frustrated teen into someone who I would be proud to know. He knows he has a magical talent, but it's not until his younger brother Andy has his ten and a half birthday or Dimidiatus Anniversarium that things begin to get stranger. As they discover the mystery surrounding their magical talents, danger lurks in the shadows.

I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review in 2012. Unfortunately, due to my rather large reading list, I haven't been able to read it until now. Since then it has been re-edited. I am kicking myself for not reading this book sooner. I started to read it and was hooked immediately. The story is told mostly through the eyes of Chase and Andy, though other characters have a say too. I enjoyed meeting the other characters in the story. Chase and Andy's grandfather is slightly eccentric, but I liked him a lot. Janie is Chase and Andy's cousin and also has magic. Then there is Persephone Periwinkle, the housekeeper/chef's daughter. The Tinker house on Blackberry Island is almost a character on it's own. I found myself wishing I lived in that house, it seems like a great place to grow up in, with rooms full of magic. Though I was not enamored with the cuddlepus. I don't think I would like to be cuddled by a plant, the thought makes me shudder!

This is a wonderful story full of adventure and mystery, and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat as Chase, Andy, Janie and Persephone faced danger from a foe wanting the Relic hiding in the attic. There are also several twists and turns that keep a reader guessing. Secrets are revealed and I must admit I never saw some of them coming. I found myself on a roller coaster of emotion from beginning to end. If I had one complaint it would be that it ended on a rather emotional note, rather than a cliffhanger. I understand why the author ended it this way, but with all due respect, it left me feeling rather angry and upset (just like one of the characters). Other readers may not have the same response, so I will leave it up to you to decide for yourselves if you decide to read the story. Having said that, I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Chase Tinker and the House of Secrets, as soon as I can to find out what happens next.

Malia Ann Haberman has written a entertaining and exciting story for middle grade children. This is her debut book. I love her writing style, which is fast paced and imaginative. The flow is wonderful too, though there are some scenes that slow it down a little (mainly the time travel section). However, 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. :)

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Book Review of Compelled by Inge-Lise Goss @IngeGoss

Book Title: Compelled

Genre: Crime Thriller/Supernatural Suspense

Pages: 325

Author: Inge-Lise Goss

Date Published: 1 November 2016

Synopsis:

New York Detective Sidney Langston is rushed to the hospital with excruciating chest pains the same night a woman who bears a remarkable resemblance to her is murdered in San Diego. Tests reveal Sidney is perfectly healthy, yet the crippling pain persists until the dead woman reaches out from beyond the grave for Sidney’s help to vindicate her wrongfully imprisoned husband and to find her murderer.

Desperate to remain pain free, Sidney embarks on a mission to exonerate an innocent man. With a ruthless killer at large, she soon discovers the crime is more than a simple whodunit when dangerous scenarios unfold. The dead woman’s spirit relentlessly pushes Detective Langston to solve the crime and correct an injustice – or forever be tormented by an invisible bullet wound.

Review:

Compelled by Inge-Lise Goss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic police procedural with a supernatural twist. I loved it!

Sidney Langston is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is a New York Police Detective and is used to solving murders. She is a very determined woman who has her strengths and weaknesses. When a woman in San Diego is murdered, Sidney is beset with terrible chest pains and the doctors cannot find anything physically wrong with her. But when she begins to investigate the murder, things begin to get a little more complicated.

Having previously read other books by this author, I was eager to get my hands on this one. I started to read it and was instantly hooked. This story is extremely compelling (see what I did there?) reading and I read this in one sitting. This story is told through mainly Sidney's point of view, but other characters have their say too.

I really enjoyed getting to know Sidney better. However, she is not what I would call a by-the-book type policewoman. She is an instinctive and intuitive person and tends to follow her gut more often than not, even if it means breaking a few of those by-the-book rules. This made the story intriguing but in real life, it would make getting a conviction thrown out in a court of law. Nevertheless, I found myself holding my breath at times whilst she investigated. I also enjoyed meeting the other characters in the book. There are several that make an appearance: Chas Langston, Sidney's husband and New York District Attorney, Bernice, a spirit medium, and Sam Jordan, a private investigator for Mara's husband's lawyer amongst others.

I must admit that I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted that it was more of a police procedural than ghost story. Although there is a supernatural twist, it doesn't overshadow the story. The author used the supernatural angle to great effect in my opinion. However, I was a little disappointed at the explanation for the connection between the murder victim and Sidney. I think I may have jumped the gun and made my own assumption (wrongly) about their connection, but when it was revealed, the actual one didn't feel right to me. Other readers may not have the same reaction, so will leave it up to you (the reader) to decide for yourself. There is a lot of suspense, thrilling chases and danger to keep me on the edge of my seat. Though, there are some lighter moments too that had me smiling if not giggling. I love the undercover scenes involving Sidney, especially the bar one with Sam. His reaction was priceless. There are several twists I didn't see coming, though when the actual murderer was revealed I had partly guessed who it was. Having said that, I was completely thrown by the machinations of a couple of the characters and was caught off guard when their actions were revealed. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings; sad that the story ended but happy at the outcome. There is no cliffhanger, just in case you were wondering.

Inge-Lise Goss has written an intriguing crime thriller/supernatural suspense full of danger, mystery and suspense. This is the fifth story I have read by this author, I love her fast paced writing style and the flow of the story is wonderful. I am now looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Due to some violence, although not too graphic, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love thrillers full of mystery, suspense, danger, action, adventure and romance. This book can be read as a stand-alone. - Lynn Worton

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Purchase Links:

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About The Author:

Inge-Lise Goss loves the journeys where her characters take her, and she hopes her readers do too. She was born in Denmark, raised in Utah and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah. She is a Certified Public Accountant and worked in that field for over twenty years. She now lives in the foothills of Red Rock Canyon with her husband and their dog, Bran, where she spends most of her time in her den writing stories. There, with her muse by her side, imagination has no boundaries and dreams come alive. When she’s not pounding away on the keyboard she can be found reading, rowing, or trying to perfect her golf game, which she fears is a lost cause.

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Book Review of Geomancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 5) by Charmaine Pauls @CharmainePauls

Book Title: Geomancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 5)

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Pages: 325

Author: Charmaine Pauls

Date Published: 12 April 2016

Synopsis:

A drug lord is holding the woman he loves against her will. Paradise on an island in the Caribbean Sea is about to turn into hell.

Sean Rivers lives with a dangerous secret. He possesses a forbidden art. As geomancist, it is in his power to destroy landscapes with earthquakes and volcanoes. Knowing his kind is hunted by forces of both good and evil, Sean's job as mixologist in Cartagena, Colombia is the perfect cover until Asia, a zesty beautician walks into his life and wrecks the very laws of physics.

When Sean and Asia compete for the premises where Sean intends to open his cocktail bar, he pulls out all the stops to win the challenge . . . to Asia's detriment. Together they end up catering for the guests of a drug baron who rented Isla del Pirata for a week-long birthday celebration. The kingpin has no intention of letting Asia leave. Ever. If Sean is to rescue her, he'll have to use his art, blow his cover, and maybe even his life.


This book contains explicit language and consummated love scenes, including dark subject matter of sexual punishment that may upset sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised. Although this is Book 5 (EARTH) of the dark paranormal erotic romance series, Seven Forbidden Arts, the story also reads as a standalone. For best reading enjoyment and character insight it is recommended that the series is read in chronological order.

Review:

Geomancist by Charmaine Pauls
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Seven Forbidden Arts series. I loved it!

Asia Sommer is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is determined to give her brother the opportunity to study in a prestigious art college in Cartagena and moves with her brother and grandmother from Copenhagen to do so. Unfortunately, she doesn't have enough money to set up her beauty salon, so accepts the offer of a job at a birthday party on a small island off the coast. However, she wasn't expecting to meet the intriguing Sean Rivers and feel the instant pull of attraction.

Sean Rivers is also a wonderful character. I really liked him a lot too. He is a Geomancist, someone who can affect the Earth with his supernatural power, creating earthquakes, volcanoes and other destructive natural forces like landslides. After a serious accident that rattled his confidence in his control over his power, he goes into hiding, and is now working in a bar in Cartagena as a mixologist. When a beautiful stranger appears with plans to turn the bar into a beauty salon, his peaceful life is turned upside down. But danger is not far away and when Sean discovers that Asia is in the sights of a dangerous drug lord, he will have to embrace his powers whilst fighting his intense attraction to her.

The story is told through the eyes of both Sean and Asia, which gives the reader the ability to see what they are thinking and feeling. I started to read the story and was quickly hooked. I found myself on a huge emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. There are a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming and this kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. I loved meeting the paranormal task force once more, though I was not happy with the manipulations of Cain Jones. Be that as it may, I was more disgusted with the drug kingpin, Juan Hernandez. He's a real piece of work, along with his wife, Jeanne. They both are cruel and have sadistic pleasure in causing pain, this made my skin crawl! There are some other characters that bring this story to life. I really felt sorry for Leona, Juan's event organizer, as the story unfolded.

The heat level between Sean and Asia is extremely hot, almost explosive, and scorched the pages. I also found some of the scenes incredibly sweet as they got to know each other. However, reader beware, there are some scenes of sexual punishment/torture involving Juan and Jeanne Hernandez that may upset some readers or cause potential flashbacks. Therefore, I would urge readers to use their discretion before reading this book.

On more than one occasion I found myself holding my breath as the danger had me sitting on the edge of my seat. There is a lot going on, with some really intense scenes between the characters and, as I don't want to give any spoilers, I will not say much more. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings - sad that it was finished, but happy at the way it concluded. As I have already read Necromancist and loved it, I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series as soon as I can.

Charmaine Pauls has written an entertaining standalone erotic romance. Her characters are lifelike and come alive on the page. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. I would definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.

Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend that you read this series in order. Due to the explicit nature of some of the scenes, as well as use of foul language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction, erotica, erotic romance or paranormal romance genres. – Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

Charmaine Pauls was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. She obtained a masters degree in Communication at the University of Potchestroom, and followed a diverse career path in journalism, public relations, advertising, communications, photography, graphic design, and brand marketing. Her writing has always been an integral part of her professions.

After relocating to France with her French husband, she fulfilled her passion to write creatively full-time. Charmaine has published six novels since 2011, as well as several short stories and articles.

When she is not writing, she likes to travel, read, and rescue cats. Charmaine currently lives in Chile with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.

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Cover Reveal & Release Day Blitz: Sweet Temptations: The Babysitter by L.M. Mountford @RealDarkinferno

Sweet Temptations: The babysitter
Release Date: 25/11/2016
Genre: Erotica/Drama
Word Count:15,903

Blurb - There were times Richard Martin loved his life. He had everything most men nearing middle age could want. A beautiful wife. A young son. All his hair.

He still has his hair, but not all is at it seems. His idyllic life was turned upside down when he and his family were forced to move from their home in Bristol to a small Gloucester flat because of Richard’s new job and now he finds himself beset on all sides. However that is not the sum of his problems. When his new supervisor, a promiscuous bombshell more than ten years his junior, sets her sights on him, she is by no means subtle about her interest in him, no matter who might be watching.

But temptation comes in many forms, and Richard has recently found his eyes lingering on the woman from down stairs who babysits for them. Was it his imagination, or were her skirts getting shorter?

In this first volume in L.M. Mountford’s sizzling debut series: Sweet Temptations, A naughty babysitter sets out to seduce her man. No matter what his wife might think, this tempting little wench is determined to rock his world…


Teasers:

Links:

Amazon US


Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32599256-sweet-temptations

Original version

Amazon
http://amzn.to/29mE1km

Amazon (UK)
http://amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I5RD19M

Amazon (Canada):
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00I5RD19M

Amazon (Aus):
http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00I5RD19M

Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/434786

Nook:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-temptations-dark-inferno/1119459548?ean=2940045921237

Kobo:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/sweet-temptations-the-babysitter-1

Itunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sweet-temptations-babysitter/id874738884?mt=11

Blog:
https://authordarkinferno.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/short-story-sweet-temptations-the-babysitter/

About the author:

A self-confessed Tiger fanatic, L.M. Mountford was born and raised in England, first in the town of Bridgewater, Somerset, before later moving to the city of Gloucester where he currently resides. A fully qualified and experienced Scuba Diver, he has travelled across Europe and Africa diving wrecks and seeing the wonders of the world.
He stared writing when he was 14. Under the pseudonym Dark Inferno, he has written more than thirty Fanfiction stories.

Contact him Via: 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/RealDarkinferno
His blog - http://authordarkinferno.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDarkInferno

Audio/Book Review of The Seadog: a love story (Paines Creek Beach Book 3) by Aaron Paul Lazar

Book Title: The Seadog: A Love Story (Paines Creek Beach Book 3)

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 271
Audio Run Time: 9 Hrs 22 Mins

Author: Aaron Paul Lazar

Date Published: 21 January 2016 (E-book)
9 March 2016 (Audiobook)

Synopsis:

A mysterious man with no past, a troubled young woman running from hers…and a powerful love that may heal them both.

Scout Vanderhorn has lost her mother, her home, and all hope of security. In a desperate bid to escape her abusive stepfather, she travels to a seaside mansion on Cape Cod in search of the real father she never knew—and finds a secret sister who welcomes her into the family, troubles and all. But it’s not long before trouble comes looking for Scout.

Unaware of his past, or even his own name, Jack Remington is lost. He spends his days scavenging for survival and compulsively searching the seas in his battered old kayak. At night, alone in his beach cave, he’s haunted by nightmares. But from the moment he glimpses Scout, a powerful connection is forged that begins to bring him back from the brink.

Neither expects to fall for the other, but Scout and Jack can’t deny their explosive mutual attraction. Can this love remake a broken man and save a woman with nothing to lose…before the past drowns them in the oncoming storm?

Set on beautiful Cape Cod, The Seadog is a story of trauma and redemption, of mysteries and revelations -- and above all, the incredible power of love.

Review:

The Seadog: a love story by Aaron Paul Lazar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Paines Creek Beach series. I really enjoyed it.

I downloaded this book in audiobook format as I have listened to this author's work in this way before and really enjoyed it. This audio book is narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor, who has narrated other books by this author. She has a pleasant voice to listen to, though she has a drawl that I struggled to like, and I enjoyed her narration of this story much better than the Bittersweet Hollow series.

Scout Vanderhorn is a wonderful character. I really liked her. After her mother dies, she decides to leave her drunk and abusive step-father and seek out her biological father. But when she arrives at The Seacrest, she receives some bad news; her father had passed away during a massive hurricane from a heart attack. Not sure what to do, she finds herself welcomed into the house by her half-sister, Libby, and her husband, Finn. Not long after, she comes across a stranger scavenging on the beach. Drawn to him, she finds herself wanting to get to know him better.

Jack Remington is lost. He has no memory of who he is, only that he must keep hidden. I really liked getting to know this character better and watching him come out of his shell. After seeing a beautiful woman wandering on the beach he has come to call home, he becomes intrigued with her and finds himself drawn to her sadness. As he gets to know her, his attraction turns to love.

This story is told through the eyes of both Scout and Jack in alternative chapters, though Scout's step-father also has his say. I enjoyed this, as it gave me (as a reader/listener) a chance to see what they were thinking and feeling. I enjoyed this story a lot more than The Seacroft, as I loved the romance between Scout and Jack. It didn't have the sappiness/cheesiness that appeared in The Seacroft and felt more believable. The author also injected an element of suspense/danger into the tale by bringing in Scout's step-father and his determination to track his step-daughter down. I won't say much else otherwise I'll end up giving out spoilers. However, I will say that there are several twists I didn't see coming, including Jack's real identity. I found myself in tears as he discovered who he was. It was incredibly touching.

The story ended satisfactorily, without a cliffhanger. It can be read as a stand-alone, though I would recommend you read/listen to the series in order. I am now looking forward to reading/listening to more Paines Creek Beach books (if there are any more) as soon as possible.

Aaron Paul Lazar has written an intriguing tale that captured my imagination. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. I also love the flow. I am now looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

Although this book doesn't have any bad language, there are some slightly explicit scenes of a sexual nature. Therefore, I recommend this book to older teen readers and to adults who love contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

Aaron Paul Lazar wasn't always a mystery writer. It wasn't until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. "When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn't find elsewhere."

Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar's father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a "Renaissance man caught in the 21st century." This book has since be rereleased in 2012 as an "author's preferred edition," via Twilight Times Books.

The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written ten LeGarde mysteries in eight years. (UPSTAGED - 2005; TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON - 2007 Twilight Times Books; MAZURKA - 2009 Twilight Times Books, FIRESONG - 2011, DON'T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU - 2013, VIRTUOSO - 2014, with more to come.) The author has just completed his twenty-first novel.

One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat's eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and passionate gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother's dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (HEALEY'S CAVE, 2010; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, 2011; FOR KEEPS, 2012) Lazar intends to continue both series.

Lazar's books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, "country mysteries," although reviewers have dubbed them "literary mysteries."

"It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it's the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page."

In 2009, Kodak gave him up for grabs, and during the year off before he landed in his coveted new job with KB America, he had time to explore and reconnect with his environment. Little did he know that several trips to the Adirondack Mountains would reawaken his passion for that part of the country. Two new books were written in that time frame, starting yet another mystery series, Tall Pines Mysteries. The first two combooks in the series, FOR THE BIRDS - 2011 and ESSENTIALLY YOURS - 2012 have been winning literary awards. Keep an eye out for SANCTUARY (2014), and MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (2015), coming via Twilight Times Books.

In between all the novels, Lazar found time to issue three writing guides based on his many years of writing advice blogs, entitled WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1-3. These are available in eBook and audio book.

In his twenty-first book, Lazar has jumped genre. THE SEACREST - OCT 2013 -, a love story, is poised to capture hearts across the globe.

The author lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, two dogs, and cat. He finds grandfathering one of the most precious and important times of life, and spends as much time as possible with Julian, Gordon, and Isabella.

Lazar maintains several websites and blogs, was the Gather Saturday Writing Essential host for three years, writes his monthly "Seedlings" columns for the Voice in the Dark literary journal and the Future Mystery Anthology Magazine. He has been published in Absolute Write as well as The Great Mystery and Suspense Magazine. See excerpts and reviews here:

www.lazarbooks.com
www.murderby4.blogspot.com
www.aplazar.gather.com
www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com

Contact him at aaron.lazar@yahoo.com.

Twilight Times Books by multi-award winning author, Aaron Lazar:

LEGARDE MYSTERIES
DOUBLE FORTÉ (print, eBook, audio book)
UPSTAGED (print, eBook, audio book)
TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON (print, eBook, audio book)
MAZURKA (print, eBook, audio book)
FIRESONG (print, eBook, audio book)
DON'T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU (print, eBook, audio book)
VIRTUOSO (~2014)

MOORE MYSTERIES
HEALEY'S CAVE (print, eBook, audio book)
TERROR COMES KNOCKING (print, eBook, audio book)
FOR KEEPS (print, eBook, audio book)

TALL PINES MYSTERIES
FOR THE BIRDS (print, eBook, audio book)
ESSENTIALLY YOURS (print, eBook, audio book)
SANCTUARY (2014)
MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (~2014)

STANDALONES
THE SEACREST (coming fall of 2013)

WRITING ADVICE:

WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1, 2, 3 (ebooks and audio books)

Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. An award-winning, bestselling Kindle author of three addictive mystery series, writing books, and a new love story, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com and watch for his upcoming Twilight Times Books releases, SANCTUARY (2014), and VIRTUOSO (2014).


AWARDS:

Double Forté
* 2012 ForeWord BOTYA, Mystery, FINALIST

Tremolo: cry of the loon -
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Grand Prize Short List
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Honorable Mention, Eric Hoffer Legacy Fiction
* 2011 Global eBook Award Finalist in Historical Fiction Contemporary
* 2011 Preditors & Editors Readers Choice Award - 2nd place Mystery
* 2008 Yolanda Renée's Top Ten Books
* 2008 MYSHELF Top Ten Reads

For the Birds
* 2011 ForeWord Book Awards, FINALIST in Mystery
* 2012 Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Top 10 Reads

Essentially Yours
* 2013 EPIC Book Awards, FINALIST in Suspense
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Award Finalist

Healey's Cave
* 2012 EPIC Book Awards WINNER Best Paranormal
* 2011 Eric Hoffer Book Award, WINNER Best Book in Commercial Fiction
* 2011 Finalist for Allbooks Review Editor's Choice
* 2011 Winner of Carolyn Howard Johnson's 9th Annual Noble (not Noble!) Prize for Literature
* 2011 Finalists for Global EBook Awards

Terror Comes Knocking
* 2013 Global Ebook Awards, Paranormal - Bronze

For Keeps
* 2013 Semi Finalist in Kindle Book Review Book Awards, Mystery Category

Author Links:

Amazon Author Page ; Goodreads ; Facebook (author page) ; Facebook (personal page) ; Twitter

Book Review of Sweet Tooth (Combustible Book 3) by Brandy L Rivers @BrandyLRivers

Book Title: Sweet Tooth (Combustible Book 3)

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Pages: 252

Author: Brandy L. Rivers

Date Published: 5 September 2016

Synopsis:

One taste and he craves more...

Isandro has a sweet tooth only a feisty chocolatier can sate. Rejected years ago, her sudden interest comes as a surprise, but he won’t miss this chance.

Seeing is believing.

Until Arianna caught her now ex-lover cheating, she couldn’t shut the door on Derrick. After a few drinks, she’s ready to take a chance.

Isandro is like nothing she ever expected, but everything she’s dreamed.

Derrick won’t take the hint. Her family doesn’t approve of her choices. Now she will be forced to choose between blood and her heart.

Review:

Sweet Tooth by Brandy L. Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the third book in the Combustible contemporary romance series. I loved it!

Arianna Nelson is a wonderful character. I really liked her. She is a chocolatier who runs the local sweet shop. When she catches her on again/off again boyfriend Derrick cheating, she decides that enough is enough and breaks up with him for good. Attracted to Isandro, she wasn't looking for love but cupid had other ideas.

Isandro Cortez (or Bulldog as his firefighting team mates and friends call him) is a fantastic character. I love his protective and loving heart of gold. He has had feelings for Arianna for years, but didn't act on it as she was in an on again/off again relationship with Derrick. Now she's broken up with him again, Isandro hopes that he can win her heart.

I started to read this book and quickly became hooked. The story is told through the eyes of both Arianna and Isandro, which allowed me to see what they were both thinking and feeling. I found myself on a roller coaster of emotion from beginning to end. I am a sucker for contemporary romances with sexy firemen and chocolate in it, and this book doesn't disappoint.

I must admit that I enjoyed this book much more than the first two books in the series. I think this is because most of the characters have already been introduced and they have become my friends. Having said that, I found myself not liking Arianna's mother. She comes across as cold and snobbish due to her ambition and lack of compassion towards Arianna; she also belittles her, which affects Arianna's self-esteem. Who needs enemies when you have a mother like that? Arianna's sisters, Cherise and Antionette, are also more like their mother, though Cherise is nicer to Arianna. However, she is rather more tactless/thoughtless and says things that are hurtful without realising it. Derrick is a total douche and Arianna is much better for breaking up with him in my opinion. Marissa, Isandro's sister, however, is a wonderful character with a warm and welcoming personality.

There's a lot of heat between the main protagonists and it fairly sizzles on the page. The characters themselves feel lifelike and likable. I love flawed characters, as they come alive on the page. There are a few surprises that I didn't see coming though, and I reached the end of the book with mixed emotions. I felt sad that the story ended, but happy with the way it did. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Backburn, as soon as possible.

Brandy L. Rivers has written an entertaining contemporary romance series. I love her fast paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. Her characters are lifelike and likable. With her ability to write in both the paranormal and contemporary romance genres, she is one of my go to authors when I'm in the mood for a sexy read.

Due to explicit scenes of a sexual nature, as well as use of bad language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. However, I do recommend this book if you love hot erotic contemporary romances full of sexy firemen and determined women. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

             

About The Author:

I've always loved books, especially about monsters and magic, so I started writing. I'm working on a prequel and the next few books in the Others of Edenton series, and I have a head full of stories to share.

I'm a stay at home mother with a wonderful husband who lets me write and write to my hearts content.

For more about me and my books, please visit:

Author Links:

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