#Review #NewToMeAuthor #Standalone #MMRomance In the Absence of Light of Light by Adrienne Wilder


For years Grant Kessler has smuggled goods from one end of the world to the next. When business turns in a direction Grant isn’t willing to follow he decides to retire and by all appearances he settles down in a nowhere town called Durstrand. But his real plan is to wait a few years and let the FBI lose interest, then move on to the distant coastal life he’s always dreamed of.

Severely autistic, Morgan cannot look people in the eye, tell left from right, and has uncontrolled tics. Yet he’s beaten every obstacle life has thrown his way. And when Grant Kessler moves into town Morgan isn’t a bit shy in letting the man know how much he wants him.

While the attraction is mutual, Grant pushes Morgan away. Like the rest of the world he can’t see past Morgan’s odd behaviors

Then Morgan shows Grant how light lets you see but it also leaves you blind. And once Grant opens his eyes, he loses his heart to the beautiful enigma of a man who changes the course of his life.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25221242-in-the-absence-of-light?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=F7QwkViSv1&rank=1

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V7MU406/ref=dbs_a_def_awm_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

In the Absence of Light came highly recommended from a friend. I read the synopsis, was very intrigued, so I borrowed it from Kindle Unlimited.

Grant moved to the little town of Durstrand, in the middle of nowhere, to try and hide out for a while. To kill a few years before moving on to the beach life he has always dreamed of. It seems the little town of Durstrand had more to offer than just a place to lay low for a while.

Morgan is severely autistic. He has many in town who love him and would do anything to protect him. It didn’t take long at all for Grant to notice there was something special about Morgan, something he couldn’t ignore no matter how hard he tried.

I just want to say; this book was not just a book, it was a work of art. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and spellbinding. I was addicted to the words, the characters, the unique storyline. Everything! Every once in a while, you read something so profound- you want to tell everyone who will listen to READ THIS BOOK! At the same time you also want to complain to anyone who will listen about the 5 star rating system. Because for some books, that is not a proper rating system. In the Absence of Light is one of those books. I wanted to give it ALL THE STARS!!!

Review by Tenise

 

About Adrienne Wilder

I am a writer of contemporary and speculative fiction and artist of all things monsters. I live to create new worlds and the people in them. Several of my books have been best sellers both nationally and internationally. I have also been a finalist in the LAMDA awards, the “Oscars” of gay literary works.

I do my best to write original stories with powerful characters and emotion as well as a fast paced plot. My goal isn’t just to deliver a good story but to take the reader into the story and let them experience the characters as if they are right there with them.

While almost all my books have a romantic element, I will be the first to admit, they are not traditional romance. In fact, I’d like to think there is nothing traditional about them. And the stories I paint are done so way outside the lines of traditional genres.

One of my favorite things to do as a writer is push the boundaries of what makes a story and to deliver the unexpected and maybe even change the perspective of the reader.

My characters are more often than not, beautifully flawed, not alway the good guy, and make mistakes. Their stories will take dark turns which, in the end, make the light at the end of the tunnel all the more brighter.

If you’re looking for something different, exciting, and unique, my books are for you.

Check out my website for updates and how to contact me. I love hearing from fans. https://authoradriennewilder.blogspot.com
FB group: Adrienne’s Darkside of the Rainbow https://www.facebook.com/groups/2083869908319333/
twitter: https://twitter.com/Adrienne_Wilder
https://www.deviantart.com/adriennewilder/gallery/

I have a Patreon for my Bound Gods series, You can get extra content as well as the webcomic Bitter Sweet set in the Bound Gods world.
https://www.patreon.com/Bound

#WOTR20 #AuthorSpotlight – Jeannette Winters

Jeannette Winters

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Jeannette Winters. I’m one of eleven children and my mother was an amazing storyteller to us. Although my stories are romance and romantic intrigue, I’d like to think I inherited her imagination and sense of humor!

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

For me, I love to sit on my front porch with a cup of tea and my laptop. Once I start writing, any noise around seems to vanish as the characters come to life.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

There is nothing better than attending a signing and talking about our favorite book boyfriend, where he is an what he’s doing next… Really, they don’t ever leave us, do they?

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

I’d love to meet Nora Roberts…. I spent many hours reading her stories….

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

I really try to keep to a writing schedule, but I am a grandmother of an 18 month old. He comes to visit often and I welcome each interruption. He calls me mem-mem, and reminds me of why I do all I do….

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Wow, there are so many wonderful memories, but I’d have to say that I traveled with my sister Author Ruth Cardello to a book signing. We decided to share a table at that one. Sharing such an event like this with your sister is something you don’t forget….

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

Although I have grown so much as an author, The Billionaire’s Secret was the very first book I wrote. It is what started me on this beautiful journey where I have made so many wonderful new friends.

What are your social links?

Face book
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Jeannette-Winters-698597960237044/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Website
http://www.jeannettewinters.com/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/JWintersAuthor
BookBub
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jeannette-winters
Good Reads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13514560.Jeannette_Winters

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://www.amazon.com/Jeannette-Winters/e/B00ULE95S8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

#WOTR20 #5YearFamily #Review #RH #NewRelease – Dash:An Ariel Kimber Novella by Mary Martel

Dash: An Ariel Kimber Novella

Dash Flynn always thought he was damaged beyond repair.
Both a mother and a grandmother who had wanted him to be born a female witch, growing up, he was nothing but a disappointment to those around him.
His father had fought for him as best as he could before he disappeared from Dash’s life, leaving him to grow up with the two women they both had hated most in this world.
Years later, Dash thinks his life is finally coming together.
He has his brothers, his coven, and his sweet angel, Ariel. Finally a woman in his life deserving of his love.
But is that enough?
Only time will tell.


Goodreads


I receive this book from the author for an honest review.

Yes, this is all Dash Flynn. Each one of these guys holds a piece of my heart just like they do with Ariel.  I am enjoying these novellas in the guy POV. We get to learn more about each of the guys and see the relationships between Ariel and her guys grow.

Dash and Ariel have both been through so much in their lives.  They both know the betrayal of those who were suppose to love them not hurt them. We get more of Dash story of growing up though his dreams we see the bad but we also see the good he had with his dad. We get to see the friendships between Dash and the other guys.  His thought process of who he will call when he is in different situations and how sometimes things blow up in is face.  I loved to see the things that Ariel does for Dash in this book she even involves some of the guys.

That was great to see our Salt and Pepper twins, Tyson, Julian, Damien and we cannot forget Uncle Quinton. I am so excited to get know these guys more. Each one has their strengths and weakness and I love finding out things in these guys past that make them who they are. I cannot wait for more of this series.

Mary Martel was born in West Michigan and spent the majority of her life there. She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband, and her two beautiful daughters. She’s an avid reader, and when not writing she can be found with her nose stuck in a book.

#WOTR20 #Shifters #Novellas – Sugar Dragon: A Kinship Cove Fun & Flirty Romance (Mates & Macarons #2) by Ellis Leigh

Sugar Dragon: A Kinship Cove Fun & Flirty Romance

The next delectable treat from the Cake-ily Ever After bakery in Kinship Cove will have your mouth watering. This recipe for happily ever after includes one feisty baker with a short attention span and a dragon who’s been hunting her for decades. All of the fated yumminess, none of the guilt.

* * *

Try everything once. That was my rule in life, food, and dating. I never missed the opportunity to have a new adventure, play with the right flavor profiles, or spend an evening with the perfect guy. Who needed Mr. Right when there were a thousand Mr. Right Nows running around? So, when a handsome man with heat in his eyes and a little silver in his hair came waltzing into my bakery, I knew I was in trouble.

He’s annoying.

He’s rude.

He’s demanding.

And he just might be the perfect match for me.

Too bad he’s a dragon shifter, and dragons don’t do the whole fated mate thing. But maybe rules—mine and his—were meant to be broken.


Goodreads



I purchased this book.

I loved the first book of this series and so when I had some extra money, I grabbed the rest of the novellas I the series.  I love how each story is a standalone but reading them in order actually gives more enjoyment because each book seems to intersect with the story.

This book is about Ginger, the girl who will never settle down.  She is also a one time and only one time kinda girl.  She owns her sexuality and is open to getting what she wants…..sex with no commitments.  When she is stunned stupid over an overly cocky and arrogant man version of herself, Kingston, Ginger is not happy over the feeling she is having.

I loved the struggle Kingston has in claiming his mate and abiding by his Dragon culture rules over claiming his mate.  I also loved seeing Ginger freak out over falling head over heels for this shifter when she swore never to fall for the whole “MINE” mentality.

This is a short and sweet story and I cant wait to read more!!

A storyteller from the time she could talk, USA Today bestselling author Ellis Leigh grew up among family legends of hauntings, psychics, and love spanning decades. Those stories didn’t always have the happiest of endings, so they inspired her to write about real life, real love, and the difficulties therein. From farmers to werewolves, store clerks to witches—if there’s love to be found, she’ll write about it. Ellis lives in the Chicago area with her husband, daughters, and a German Shepherd that refuses to leave her side.

#WOTR20 #NewRelease #ReleaseDay #Dark – Convict Blood by Vivian Ward

Convict Blood

I’m forced to choose between life and death in two hells that I can’t escape.

Facing a prison sentence on a mysterious, unknown island with my infant daughter, I try to lay low and fly under the radar during my term, but Officer Matthew Kent has his sights locked in on me from the moment we have our first encounter. I find myself trapped in his private lair where my worst nightmare begins.

Handsome, obsessed, and haunted by his past, he’ll never let me go. Confined with my captor, love is no longer a choice because without him, I might not live long enough to make it out of here alive. My only instinct is to survive. There’s just one problem with our forbidden relationship: people are watching––and talking about it. Someone will die. Someone must die. But who will it be first?

Read this dark prison romance novel to find out who will make it out alive.


Goodreads


I receive this book from the author for an honest review.

Ok fraaaannz!!  I am a dark reader but I am a scaredy cat dark reader…meaning…if its super dark I hide and cry.  If its super dark, I freak outta my mind.  Ok so now you know what kinda whimp reader I am.  Lemme say, THIS BOOK I was totally rooting for the couple and not at all sad about what was happening.  LOL

Vic and Henry are totally in a bad spot and get caught stealing.  Now this is way way way back when Australia would send entire families to the jail if the parents were caught.  So Vic and Henry along with baby Lizzy are facing this jail time. (You get the prequal for the story here https://www.authorvivianward.com/ )

The couple are bound and determined to last the 9 month journey and if they get separated, they will keep their heads down and noses clean.  Well that is a great plan IN THEORY, but Vic soon becomes the eye of Marine Officer Kent’s eye.

Matthew Kent is not a great guy….initially.  Yeah, he is forcing himself on Vic but soon they two do form a bond.  Now I know people will scream STOCKHOLM SYNDROM, but I don’t think so.  I think they really and truly grow to love each other.  Matthew has cared for Lizzy and Vic while also looking for her husband but coming up short.

They two must overcome a lot while on the journey to the prison’s new camp.  They wonder if they can make it ago and what will happen once they do arrive at the island.  Right when we think we know what will happen, Vivian throws a giant couple of twists and turns and I was like DAYUM GIRL!!  Why you gotta do me like this!!! LOL

Once they boat makes way to the mainland Vic has a lot of new things to navigate and new worries besides what she has been worrying about the entire journey.  I legit cannot even begin to discuss what happens on the island because HELLO SPOILERS are not my jam.  But if you like darker books and storied with crazy twists and turns with yummy anti-heros and sweet heros, then this is a book for you.

Vivian Ward is a romance author from St. Louis, Missouri. She pens dark and dirty stories about alpha heroes and strong heroines with emotional HEAs. Vivian is happily married to her real-life Prince Charming who is also her best friend. One of her guilty pleasures is reading and writing smut while indulging in chocolate caramel candies.

#WOTR20 #AuthorSpotlight #5YearFamily – Valerie Twombly

Valerie Twombly

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Valerie Twombly and I write smoldering vampires, fallen angels, dangerous demons and sinful shifters. I’ll give you a happy ever-after, but I won’t make getting there easy. I love chocolate and dogs. The most recent addition to my family is Cooper, an Aussie/Border Collie rescue. I live with my husband of 22 years in Northern IL

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

I need to have music, but where I sit depends on my mood and my muse. If I’m writing in my firefighter series, then I need to have YouTube going. Hearing and watching firefighters do their job really helps put me in their reality.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

Hands down meeting the readers. I also like taking time to check out the other authors at the event. After all, I love to read too!

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Sherrilyn Kenyon. I think I might actually become speechless if I ever met her.

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

I write before I leave for work and at my lunch. Sometimes I get words in on the weekend. It all depends on if those people in my head are talking to me or not.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Hanging with Larissa Ione at a reader event. I’ve always been a fan of her Demonica series, but it was awesome to connect on a personal level. Every time I think “should I write that?” I think of her and press on. I still love her writing, but I now adore her as a person and friend.

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

Hmm. Actually, it’s one of my own books. Rescue Me is the second firefighter book I wrote, but the first where I really delved into firefighting. I wanted to put the reader at the scene and I did that with the help of a great friend who is a firefighter as well as some local guys. What makes this book special to me is the fact several firefighters have read it and thought it was awesome. Hey, I got guys to read romance! I call that a win.

What are your social links?

Website: www.valerietwombly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FangedFantasy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fangedfantasy
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vtwombly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerietwomblyauthor/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valerie-twombly
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ValerieTwomblyParanormalPalace/

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

www.valerietwombly.com

#NewRelease #ARC #NewToMeAuthor #Review – Dangerous Desires by Dawn Altieri

Dangerous Desires

Three years after Emma Sloane’s wealthy fiance’s mysterious death, she’s finally ready to move on and pursue her own dreams. But her plans are derailed when she’s attacked outside her New York City apartment in what she thinks is a random violent incident. Then other women who look just like her start turning up dead…

Homicide Detective Jake Quinn is haunted by the one case he couldn’t solve. When he’s put in charge of a new high-profile murder case, he interviews a victim who escaped a similar attack—and to his shock it’s Emma, the former fiancée of his unsolved murder victim.

Neither expects the sparks of attraction between them. But the killer escalates, clearly targeting Emma, and Jake’s job is on the line. Can he solve this case before it’s too late for both of them?


Goodreads



I receive this book from the author for an honest review.

I saw an author I love sharing the sign up for an ARC copy of this book.  I looked the blurb over and thought this looked like a great read.  I knew the author who was sharing the sign up writes amazing stories, so I jumped.  I was super excited Dawn shared a copy and jumped right in when I had the opportunity to read it.

This story is all about Emma and the cray circumstances of her life the last 3 years.  She was supposed to be married to Justin, but he was killed and the detective on the case was unable to solve his murder.  She felt a bit embarrassed about noticing how hot the detective was given her fiancée has just been killed but…hey he is hawt.

Detective Jake Quinn never stopped thinking about Emma.  She was so sweet, innocent, and kind but also beautiful. He always felt terrible he couldn’t solve her fiancés murder, but the leads all dried up.  Now 3 years later this beautiful woman shows up again in his path but this time someone is trying to kill HER!!

The chemistry starts to brew immediately even though they both are trying to deny what is THERE for everyone else to see and comment on.  Jake is trying to do everything he can to keep her safe even when the attacker is still trying to get her attention and killing others due to his rage at not having HER!!

The story of who done it was constantly keeping me on my toes.  Every time you thought you knew who, boom you were wrong and then WHAMO we discover who it was, and I was shook!!  I mean WHAT!!!

I enjoyed the story of the couple and watching their love story play out.  I wonder if Lauren and Kevin will get a story because they sure so seem like a good book in the making.

This was the first book from this author according to her final acknowledgements and I would love to read another story when its releases.  The book flow was great.  There were a couple times it started to be more TELLING the story then SHOWING the story.  These scenes would kind of drag but all in all I did enjoy the story.

2017 New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Finalist, Best First Book
2018 Heart of Denver Romance Writers Aspen Gold Runner-Up, Best Romantic Suspense

*Sign up for my newsletter for information on future publications*

A lifelong resident of northern New Jersey, Dawn Altieri has been scribbling stories practically since birth. After reaching a milestone birthday (she won’t say which one), she figured it was about time she took a shot at writing professionally.

With an overactive imagination and a slightly twisted mind, she enjoys reading dark and dangerous tales almost as much as writing them. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her laptop, her latest story, a box of chocolates and a cup of tea (or a glass of wine, depending on the time of day), she can be found volunteering in the world of animal rescue. To keep a roof over her head, she works in the printing industry as a graphic production artist. She shares her home with her husband and daughter, and a menagerie of rescued fur-babies.

#WOTR20 #authorspotlight – Beverly Ovalle

Beverly Ovalle

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Beverly Ovalle, I’ve been published since 2013 and just put out my 13th story! Lucky number 13! I’m a Navy Veteran, a mom to two grown @ss children and married for 30 years.

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

No family near! They are very noisy. No TV. Music is okay if it’s my music. Coffee or water. I seem to do my best work at the dining room table or the coffee shop.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

The people! I love to talk books and most people there love to do the same.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Christine Feehan

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

Nothing in my life is consistent. I write when I can grab a few minutes or hours.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Seeing my first story on Amazon and then my first royalty check.

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

I have an antique leather bound miniature set of Shakespeare plays. Antique and miniature, no brainer!

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyOvalleAuthor/,

https://beverlyovalle.com,

https://SSLYblog.com,

https://twitter.com/ovalleba,

instagram.com/ovalleba/,

https://www.pinterest.com/ovalleba/

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://www.amazon.com/Beverly-Ovalle/e/B00BOGT8MU

#WOTR20 #paranormal #review #Novella #KU – Candied Wolf (Mates & Macarons #1) by Ellis Leigh

Candied Wolf (Mates & Macarons #1)

At the Cake-ily Ever After bakery in Kinship Cove, three sisters are about to meet their matches and prove that a man with a little silver in his hair can make one heck of a mate…if the fates allow it.

* * *

No more dating shifters—at least, that’s what I promised myself after the last one met his mate while dating me. He wasn’t the first—fate seemed to enjoy smacking me upside the head whenever I dared to cross the species line. So when a handsome wolf shifter with a few extra years of experience comes walking into my bakery, I shouldn’t agree to go on a date with him.

Especially not because he’s only in town for the biggest wedding of the year.

The one where his son is the groom.

The one between my last boyfriend and his fated mate.

Did I say fate liked to smack me upside the head? Try burying me in the rubble of my past mistakes instead. Like father, like son had never been so wrong…or so right.


Goodreads


I purchased this book.

What a great introduction to the fun city of Kinship Cove!

Coco and her sisters run the popular bakery in town.  Madeline the shy. Ginger the slutty. Coco the perfect mix.  LOL

Coco’s past with men has not been good and her last boyfriend is now inviting her to his wedding.  Tacky Nico Tacky.  When a hot silver fox rolls into the bakery and sweeps Coco off her feet, watching the sparks fly was fun.

I would like to say what I loved about this book was the big twist we learn about Magnus and Coco’s combined history!!!  Coco is devastated and Magnus is lost because Coco doesn’t know she is his MATE.

The story of the two of them finding their way back and a sneaky fox named Misty helping made the story a quick and sexy read for a cold, blustery day!!

A storyteller from the time she could talk, USA Today bestselling author Ellis Leigh grew up among family legends of hauntings, psychics, and love spanning decades. Those stories didn’t always have the happiest of endings, so they inspired her to write about real life, real love, and the difficulties therein. From farmers to werewolves, store clerks to witches—if there’s love to be found, she’ll write about it. Ellis lives in the Chicago area with her husband, daughters, and a German Shepherd that refuses to leave her side.

#WOTR20 #5YearFamily #Review #RH #NewRelease #ReleaseDay – Dash:An Ariel Kimber Novella by Mary Martel

Dash: An Ariel Kimber Novella

Dash Flynn always thought he was damaged beyond repair.
Both a mother and a grandmother who had wanted him to be born a female witch, growing up, he was nothing but a disappointment to those around him.
His father had fought for him as best as he could before he disappeared from Dash’s life, leaving him to grow up with the two women they both had hated most in this world.
Years later, Dash thinks his life is finally coming together.
He has his brothers, his coven, and his sweet angel, Ariel. Finally a woman in his life deserving of his love.
But is that enough?
Only time will tell.


Goodreads


I receive this book from the author for an honest review.

I think each book I fall more in love with Dash but LAWD don’t let Uncle Quint know I admitted this.  He is super growly at times.

For all of you Dash lovers, this book is just what you wanted and expected.  I am a HUGE fan of these POV books of the men in Ariel’s lives.  I love seeing Ariel with the guys in the large books, but I really love these novellas because we can see Ariel and the guy bonding and growing in love.  We can see them sharing experiences that will be special to them only, but we get to see all the inside details of each relationship.  The large books are full of twists and new drama, but these novellas slow it down for us a bit to see the relationships growing and developing.  Any who that is just my 5 cent opinion.

So Dash….Dreamy sigh ladies….DREAMY SIGH!!!  We finally see more of the way his life was when he was a child and friends….my heart just couldn’t handle it.  We also get to learn a bit about Binx and again my heart!!!

Ariel and Dash are reconnecting in this book because so much has happened and they both feel a bit lost without the other.  They have a special bond…over blood and pain…the others don’t understand but that is what makes their relationship so important and extra special.  Sorry Quint but you gotta just deal with that little bit of information. *pats Quintons head while he pouts*

Again this book is helping us reconnect the two and lawd was it a good reconnection!!  HEEEYY!! *Wink*  But we also see some new things happening…Like the stuff Baxter lets slip and Isobel and Rain plus Rain and the council.  I love how this book ended and can’t wait for the story to continue to unfold.

But friends, I am really really looking forward to Juls and Ariel’s book.  Something about this broody sweetheart makes me again turn my head.  Each layer of this man that is unveiled ….yeah I just kinda sigh…..

Mary Martel was born in West Michigan and spent the majority of her life there. She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband, and her two beautiful daughters. She’s an avid reader, and when not writing she can be found with her nose stuck in a book.