Review of The League of Gentlewomen Witches – India Holton

The Princess Bride meets Jane Austen in this swoony second novel in The Dangerous Damsels series – an enemies-to-lovers historical romance with a magical twist . . .

Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret society skilled in witchcraft.

When rumours of The Black Beryl – a long-lost amulet with very special powers – start to circulate, Charlotte is determined to find the jewel before it falls into the wrong hands.

Which is what happens when the evil Lady Armitage reaches it first.

Begrudgingly accepting the help of rakish pirate, Alex O’Riley, Charlotte sets off to find the jewel before it’s too late.

But there’s one problem: pirates and witches are sworn enemies.

Which becomes a bit of a problem when sparks begin to fly . . .

The League of Gentlewomen Witches

India Holton

Michael Joseph

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Jacqui Smith

And so there shall be a sequel. With more pirates, more flying houses and there shall be witches! And not just houses; witches can make everything from teacups to people fly…

There is a matter of an amulet, the British Museum, a witchfinder, a pirate and a witch. A proper coven of witches, who don’t agree on much – other than the obvious fact that witches are superior to pirates (although their telekinetic magic derives from the same incantations). And there is romance. And much hijinks of various sorts.

I can only add it that was a fun and entertaining read, quite possibly even more than its predecessor.

Review of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels – India Holton

Bridgerton meets Peaky Blinders in the first book in The Dangerous Damsels series – an enemies-to-lovers romance with a fantastical twist . . .

Cecilia Bassingwaite belongs to the prestigious Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.

Yet this is no ordinary society – as it’s full of pirates, thieves and ne’er-do-wells.

These women spend their days pickpocketing and blackmailing all before tea time.

But when Cecilia meets Ned Lightingbourne her world is set to change.

Because he’s an assassin and she’s his next hit.

Under the employment of Captain Movath Ned knows he has one job to do.

But when he lays eyes on the feisty, beautiful Cecilia he’s faced with a conundrum: does he kill her or fall in love with her?

Review of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

India Holton

Michael Joseph

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Jacqui Smith

I thought it looked like it would be amusing, and so it was. This book turned out to be essentially a paranormal romance, though there are no werewolves or vampires involved. Just pirates.

Though not your usual run of pirates; these are (mostly) ladies. And they don’t sail ships, they fly houses by the power of a secret incantation (though what happens to those houses’ foundations is something of a mystery). As were the occasional jarring anachronisms (red velvet cake is very much a twentieth century invention). It is all a bit silly, but that seems to be the idea.

It’s set in the late nineteenth century in England, and there are frequent references to Regency romances that I am not that familiar with so I suspect I missed a lot of the jokes. I imagine that those who are into that kind of thing would be most entertained. There is many a clever turn of phrase and I found it enjoyable; a light and frivolous diversion for a winter’s day.

Best served with a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Review of Fallen in love: Fallen #3.5 – Lauren Kate

Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.

And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine’s Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first -and last- time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.

Lauren Kate’s FALLEN IN LOVE is filled with love stories . . . the ones everyone has been waiting for.

True love never says goodbye . . .

Fallen in love: Fallen #3.5

Lauren Kate

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Maree

More tales from the world of the Fallen.

You really have to be a fan of the series to want or need to read tales of Miles, Shelby, Roland, Arriane, Luce and Daniel finding love on Valentine’s Day in Medieval England. This is fluff. Good decent fluff of the Fallen series but fluff.

If you are not familiar with the universe this book will not make a lot of sense, it gives a little bit of background for some characters, like how Arriane got her scars but that’s all.

Review of Waterfall: Teardrop Saga #2 – Lauren Kate

This is the second book in the Teardrop Saga. In this follow on from Teardrop, Eureka’s tears have flooded the earth causing Atlantis to rise, and thus its evil king, Atlas. Before Eureka can end the death and destruction she first has to learn how to fight.

She is torn between two loves, and she is struggling to make sense of the dark world her sorrow has created. There are so many secrets hidden in the dark depths. Is she strong enough to defeat Atlas, or is her broken heart just what needs to power his rising kingdom?

Will she have to give up love to save the world?

I have not read Teardrop and I struggled to get into this book. That being said, once I got started it was an easy enough read. I feel I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book and had some of the background story in my mind as I read.

Doubleday

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Cindy

Review of Teardrop: Teardrop Saga #2

Review of The King: Black Dagger Brotherhood #12 – JR Ward

After centuries of ignoring his kingship, Wrath has finally accepted the crown and is ruling the vampire society. The threat from the Band of Bastards is still there though, and has glymera support, as they want a ruler who embraces the old traditions of aristocracy. The war with the lessening society rages on and they need new fighters.

Beth wants Wrath’s young and is unprepared for his response, or the distance it puts between them.

Xcor is the leader of the Band of Bastards and one of the leaders in the plot to take down the King. But he’s fallen for the Chosen Layla, who is pregnant with Qhuinn’s young. Layla has unexplainable feelings for Xcor and has to keep her relationship with him secret.

Trez is trying to get away from his future, which is to be the mate and sex slave of the next Queen of the Shadows. Hiding out with the BDB, he falls for the Chosen Selena and his brother iAm will do anything to help him escape his fate.

Assail feels compelled to help Sola, the burglar who was paid to spy on him.

The plot is very involved, with multiple storylines and recurring characters, and it would help if you’d read the previous in the BDB series. The main story was Wrath and Beth and it was refreshing to read their HEA wasn’t all sunshine and roses and see how they dealt with challenges.

I don’t like Assail and he and Sola seem a bit pointless, I’m not sure why their story is being told. I swing between not liking Xcor and feeling sorry for him, I   think Layla’s made a huge mistake though.

I like Trez and Selena and hope they get their HEA, their story is the next book.

I loved when Wrath met his subjects!

Hopefully we’ll see more of Paradise in later books.

And there are Lassiter scenes!

A must read for BDB fans!

Piatkus

Purchased at Book Depository UK

Reviewed by Jan

Lover at Last: BDB 11 review

Review of Shards of Hope: Psy-Changeling #14 – Nalini Singh

ADEN’S STORY!!!

Aden and Zaira wake up in a dark cell, with their psychic abilities gone and, in Zaira’s case, seriously wounded. Breaking free from the prison where their gaolers are both human and psy, they find themselves at the mercy of the elements and far from civilisation. To survive they must make it to the hidden lair of a predatory changeling pack that doesn’t welcome outsiders.

A target has been put on the back of the Arrow squad and the leader, Aden, abducted to give up information, while Zaira was taken to show the world the squad isn’t invincible. Aden will cross any line to keep his people safe for this new future, where even an assassin might have hope of a life beyond blood and death and pain. Zaira has no such hope as she’s too damaged to return from the abyss. Her driving goal is to protect Aden, protect the only person who has ever come back for her no matter what.

This time, even Aden’s passionate determination may not be enough – because the emotionless chill of Silence existed for a reason. For the violent, and the insane, and the irreparably broken . . . like Zaira.
The plot was very complex, full of twists and turns and kept me enthralled till the very end. It set the scene for upcoming challenges in the post-Silence world. I really liked seeing seeing so many of the characters from the previous books and finding out more about them, like Miane and the water changelings, as well as totally new characters, like Remy and the RainFire pack.

It was so cute when Aden is figuring out how to alpha and watching clueless Arrows trying to figure out kids – changeling and psy – is sweet. The Arrows finally have a chance at life and Aden is determined they will become a family.

Can’t wait for #15!

Gollancz

Supplied by Hachette New Zealand

Reviewed by Jan

Review of Archangels Shadows: Guild Hunter #7 – Nalini Singh

Finally Ashwini and Janiver’s story!

A gifted tracker, Ash has the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches.   Except Janiver.   The sexy Cajun vampire has worked by her side for years, infuriating and fascinating her by turns. Now they’ve been tasked to discreetly track down a sadistic killer who needs to be stopped, while their flirtation has turned into a serious risk to their hearts. But Ash has a terrible secret that threatens to destroy them before they’ve begun.

The archangel Raphael and his hunter consort Elena are dealing with the aftermath of a brutal war and the last thing they need is death – especially death that looks like the work of an insane archangel. It must be handled by those who can be trusted to stick to the shadows; Ashwini and Janiver.

There was a lot of fast paced action and several unexpected surprises that I did not see coming. There were the steamy scenes Nalini Singh excels at but also tender moments that were sweet and made the story touching. Of course the ending is a HEA but Ash’s secret was   handled very cleverly. Ashwini and Janiver have been in the background for years and I’m thrilled their story was finally told but there’s also quite a bit of Raphael and Elena and it was great to see them.

I hope Naasir is in the next book as we get to see a lot of him and I love the glimpses of his life and am dying to know more about his feral nature.

Gollancz

Supplied by Hachette New Zealand

Reviewed by Jan

Cover Reveal and Giveaway of Lion’s Share: Wildcats #1 – Rachel Vincent

Abby Wade has a dangerous secret.

Two months ago, she disobeyed an order, but instead of kicking her out of the Pride, Jace offered her a job. Since then, she’s been battling a completely inappropriate crush on the young, hot Alpha. But when accepting his job offer seems like the only way to keep her skeletons safely in their closet, Abby doesn’t hesitate.

Jace Hammond has a big problem.

A rogue is slaughtering humans in his territory, and he must eliminate the threat before the entire shifter species is exposed. There could not be a worse time for Abby to accept a job he only offered as a boost to her confidence. Abby is smart, beautiful, and resilient—more than enough to distract any man from the mission. Unfortunately, she may just be the worst enforcer ever to hold the title.

As they hunt the killer, Abby’s secret becomes a threat to Jace’s authority and to her own life. But the real danger is the grip she has on his twice-shy heart.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23507277-lion-s-share?ac=1

AUTHOR BIO

Rachel Vincent is the author of the Shifters series and the Unbound series for adults, as well as the Soul Screamers series for teens.Rachel’s next young adult book is THE STARS NEVER RISE, coming from Delacorte in June of 2015, and her new series for adults will debut with MENAGERIE, coming from Mira books in the fall of 2015

Rachel Vincent is a former English teacher and an eager champion of the Oxford comma. She shares her home in Oklahoma with two cats, two teenagers, and her husband, who’s been her # 1 fan from the start. Rachel is older than she looks and younger than she feels, and she remains convinced that writing about the things that scare her is the cheapest form of therapy–but social media is a close second.

Author Links:

http://rachelvincent.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rachelkvincent

https://twitter.com/rachelkvincent

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/415967.Rachel_Vincent

Giveaway

Rachel is also hosting a giveaway to celebrate the reveal:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/37419c1620/

Giveaway of Blood Curse (Branded Trilogy #2) – Kat Flannery

“Upon mine death for the blood ye have shed, Every daughter born to ye shall die before it draws breath, to which ye will know pain and worse, I cast unto ye mine blood curse.” ~ Vadoma

Four years after the Blood Curse, Pril of the Peddlers vows to protect her child against the evil men who hunt her. With her clan unaware of the branded girl among them, Pril has to keep the identity of her daughter a secret. When her child is kidnapped, she is forced to ask Merchant runner, Kade Walker, for his help.

Kade Walker needs to find the gypsy child. Blackmailed and pushed beyond his own moral code, he is determined to do whatever it takes. When he comes across the Peddler clan, he is sure the girl is there, however all hope is lost when the gypsies capture him. Time is running out—until Pril makes him an offer he cannot refuse.

Amidst greed, lust, revenge and love, Pril will need to trust Kade. But as the evil nears and doubt creeps in, will she discover that the enemy has been standing next to her all along?

 Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Kat Flannery’s love of history shows in her novels. She is an avid reader of historical, suspense, paranormal, and romance. When not researching for her next book, Kat can be found running her three sons to hockey and lacrosse. A member of many writing groups, Kat enjoys promoting other authors on her blog. She’s been published in numerous periodicals. Her debut novel CHASING CLOVERS has been on Amazon’s Bestsellers list many times and was #62 over all their titles. LAKOTA HONOR (book 1 in Branded Trilogy)

and HAZ ARDOUS UNIONS are Kat’s other two books and both have made bestseller lists. T he second book in the Branded Trilogy BLOOD CURSE will be released fall of 2014.

Facebook | Twitter | Website  | Goodreads

Giveaway

Kindle Fire HD  and Imajin author’s ebooks

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Giveaway + Character Reveal Tour for Bonded by Blood Vampire Chronicles – Arial Burnz

The Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles by Arial Burnz is the saga of Broderick MacDougal following the soul of his true love through the centuries.

Broderick MacDougal follows the familiar yearning of his soul to a fierce warrior who is as seductive as a siren at sea – and she is just as deadly. The world of the supernatural opens to Broderick as he not only finds himself in the midst of an ancient war of shapeshifters, but the devious Cordelia Lynn Harley has re-entered his life and has a few of her own surprises.

Born into a hated race of Norse wolf shifters, Celina Hunter knows all too well the dangers of trusting anyone other than her two brothers. And yet the survival of her family hinges on trusting the strangely familiar vampire, a natural enemy of her kind…yet her tribe’s Shaman advisers confirm he is her soul mate. Enemy or not, Celina slips into the spell of Broderick’s promises of eternal love, gambling with all she holds dear.

Broderick and Celina are bound by a curse, but having come this far through the centuries, Broderick is not about to risk his chance at having his soul mate for eternity. The price, however, may be more than Celina is willing to pay as there is more at stake than just her immortal soul

Bio: Broderick “Rick” MacDougal

• Born: April 4, 1450
• Crossed Over: October 11, 1486
• Height: 6′ 3″
• Weight: 220 lbs (15.7 stones)
• Role: Hero and Main Character of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles

Born with a sword in his hand and raised in the Highlands…

…Broderick is a rugged Scotsman through and through! Son to Hamish and Moira, he was the elder of his two siblings – Maxwell the middle son, and Donnell the youngest. In 1478, Broderick’s mother died in battle beside her sons and husband during a raid orchestrated by Angus Campbell and his father Fraser. At Moira’s funeral, Hamish MacDougal threw himself from the highest tower of the MacDougal estate. Though his sons had tried to talk him down, Hamish could not be swayed from his deed and shouted, “’Tis my fault she is dead! I’ve brought this upon all of you,” before he fell to his death.

Broderick and his brothers had to forge on with their lives and occupied themselves with building their own estates. Maxwell and Donnell both married and had children while Broderick focused on finishing his own holdings of Glenstrae, where he eventually settled in with his own wife, Evangeline. However, during a May Day celebration in 1485 at his manor – with his brothers and their families in attendance – Angus Campbell attacked the estate and slaughtered all in attenance, leaving Broderick for dead. Evangeline escaped and was rescued by a convent. Rescued by Cordelia Lynn Harley and with her assistance, Rick crossed over into immortality a year later, seeking revenge against his clan enemy. Traveling as a Gypsy in a caravan of wagons, he hid his vampiric nature by using his immortal gifts to tell fortunes while he searched for Angus Campbell, who is also a vampire.

Rick is a very accomplished painter, and gets to indulge in this pastime when he isn’t fighting for those he loves.

Fact About Broderick MacDougal NOT in the Books

1. Broderick had two brothers – Maxwell (3 years younger than Rick) and Donnell (5 years younger than Rick). Maxwell married Addy MacIntyre and they had two girls and one boy (Libby, Agnes and Richerde). Donnell married Elspet Murray and they had two boys (Johne and Will). Broderick and his brothers would have loved more siblings in the family, but their mother, Moira, had many miscarriages before she was told by the physicians that childbirth would endanger her life if she tried to bear anymore offspring. If Angus had known this about Broderick’s past…a lot of lives could have been saved.

Giveaways!

Arial Burnz is giving away a TON of stuff during this tour! Please use the Giveaway Tools entry widget to be entered into the drawing. Each button will earn you more chances to win and you can keep coming back to earn more entries! All entrants will automatically become members of Arial’s VIP Club, which is free to join and has many more benefits, such as exclusive contests like this one. These are the prizes for the Character Reveal Tour featuring the characters in Midnight Conquest (Book 1) – winners will be chosen on Sep 27, 2014:

• Vampire coaster set
• 1 signed set of Books 1-3
• $10 Amazon, B&N or iTunes gift card (winner’s choice)

Tour Grand Prize

Arial is also giving away a single Grand Prize of…

• A $100 Amazon, B&N or iTunes gift card – winner’s choice
• A signed set of Books 1-4 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles

Winner will be chosen on 11/21/2014. Everyone who participated in any stops on the Midnight Eclipse tours (VIP Club members or not) will be entered for the grand prize drawing. The more you participate, the more chances you have to win. Use the Giveaway Tools buttons below to earn extra chances to win by tweeting, following and liking. For Official Contest Rules, click here.

Arial Burnz

Arial Burnz has been an avid reader of paranormal and fantasy for over thirty years. With bedtime stories filled with unicorns, hobbits, dragons and elves, she succumbed to crafting her own tales, penning to life the magical creatures roaming her dreams. Having a romantic husband who’s taught her the meaning of true love, she’s helpless to weave romance into her tales. Now she shares them with the world. Arial Burnz lives in Southern California, with her husband (a.k.a. her romance novel hero)—who is also, quite coincidentally, a descendant of Clan MacDougal.

Buy Links

• VIP Club Pricing & Benefits at Arial’s site
• Amazon Author Page
• Barnes & Noble Author Page
• iTunes Author Page
• Smashwords Author Page

Social Media Links

• Website: http://www.arialburnz.com
• Facebook Author Page
• Twitter: @arialburnz
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• Google+ Author Page
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