#Review #Shifters #Paranormal – Bane’s Heart, Avaleigh’s Boys Book 2 by Sandra R. Neeley @sneeleywrites

Bane's Heart (Avaleigh's Boys Book 2)

Bane is solid, dependable, jaded, and painfully lonely. He is also a bear shifter, hot, sexy, dominant and panty-dropping gorgeous. He’s spent his entire life protecting his older brother from the cruelty of others, including their own parents. He’s never thought he was worthy of anything, much less a Mate. Then he sees her working in the only grocery in their small backwoods town, and he’s stunned. She calms him, gives him joy, makes him hope. His heart comes alive. But she’s young, and she’s quiet; he fears she’ll run from his obvious dominance. He decides to move slowly, earning her trust one day at a time. Then, just as he thinks things are falling into place, she crushes his soul, and disappears.

Janie has spent her entire life protecting herself and her mother from the terror that is her father. She’s always been made to believe that she was less than. She has accepted that her life will be spent alone, plain ole’ Janie, working her young life away in the local grocery. Then one day a beautiful, sexy, confident man comes into her store. She knows she’ll never be able to do more than admire him from a distance, until he smiles at her and makes her feel like the sun. But her father notices her interest in Bane, and demands that she cut him out of her life. He has other plans, and they don’t include a man in Janie’s life. He needs her submissive, and untouched.

Ricky is a small town hood and drug dealer. He’s surrounded himself with what he thinks is a powerful and imposing gang. But they made one mistake; the woman they agreed to take as settlement on a debt is Mate to a shifter. Never take a shifters Mate and expect to live! When Janie is traded to the drug dealer as payment for her father’s debt, it brings the wrath of an entire clan of shifters down upon the heads of Ricky and his gang. Will Bane be able to save his Janie? Will Janie be able to accept Bane’s true nature? Can they forgive each other and find the happiness that every shifter prays for?

This book is the second in a new series, Avaleigh’s Boys, about a group of shifters who make their home in the backwoods and bayous of South Louisiana. Their clan consists of a mix-matched group of five shifters who depend on one another and are loyal to no end. These are their stories.

Warning: Intended for mature audiences. These stories contain hot bear, dragon, wolf and lion shifters. They like to cuss, fight and love their women. This book contains explicit love scenes, lots of use of the “F” word (among others), and some explicit domestic abuse. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book.

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I purchased this book.

AHHHHH OMG This book!!  SO if you read book 1 (if you didn’t then why haven’t you?) you aren’t shocked to know that Janie is Bane’s mate.  She is a bit younger than him and so he approaches her slowly to make sure she won’t bolt. He slowly starts to let his feelings be known for her and she’s over the moon.  How can this hottie like her? How can he even look her way when he has all the “grocery store groupies” dying for his attentions.

Janie has some super big secrets in the closet.  She and Bane have so much in common but because she is silent about her family life, he has no clue.  When Janie’s drunk, no good dad decides to put an end to Janie and her romance,  Janie is super upset but does what she can to keep her mom safe.  That wasn’t enough because her dad sells her off to the local drug lord.  What a great father!!

The couple must overcome A LOT to be together.  He must save her even though he has the shattered heart.  He can’t let his mate suffer even IF she rejected him.  They also must face the fact he is afraid of him and his family.  Shifters are scary if you don’t know what is happening!!  Needless to say, the pack family is there to help them figure everything out!!

I feel like we got an extra bonus story about Goldie and Sadie.  I was super excited to read the short chapter.

GAAAAAHHHHH Bam……when did he steal my heart?  No clue but I need for him to find love so badly.  He is such an amazing guy and then to find out about his ability……..the whole Daisy story and then YIKES what he tells Kaid….eeeepppppp.  I am so ready for book 3!!!!!!

Sandra R Neeley is a 50-ish Mom, Nana, Wife and Author who masquerades by day as an Administrative Assistant and Manager. She is pretty much a home body who lives in the Southern United States with her husband, kids and a menagerie of animals. She has lived for most of her live with various and sundry characters running around in her head thankfully (and sometimes not so thankfully) distracting her from the standards of day to day life. They finally got so loud that with much encouragement from her husband and her mother, she decided to give them a voice.

 

#WOTR18 #Review – JUST ONE CHANCE by CA Harms

JUST ONE CHANCE by CA Harms is LIVE!

JUST ONE CHANCE by CA Harms

Oh Tequila #1, Standalone
Limitless Publishing
New Adult Romantic Comedy

Tequila, you failed me.
 
You left me in a terrible haze, and I can’t find my god damn wallet.
 
Or my left shoe.
 
How the hell does one lose their shoe?
 
I have no f*cking clue.
 
All I know is that my night started out with one thing in mind…to have a little fun.
 
The problem with that? I can’t remember a damn thing, except one.
 
Morgan’s soft and needy moans. It’s a sound I will never forget, just thinking about it makes my heart race and my pulse quicken. And I want to hear it over and over again…I craved it.
 
But Morgan’s a mystery. The harder I try the more she resists. There’s one thing she doesn’t know about me though…I’m not one to give up.
 
I’ll play her game, I’ll let her think she’s won. But in the end, I will have her.
 
Because all I need is Just One Chance to prove she’s meant for me…
GOODREADS:

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

I was cracking up reading this book so many times.  I mean if this is how a real frat house runs, LAWD help the youth of America.  LOL

Xavier is looking for a rebound after his ditzy ex dumped him.  He is not a one-night stand kinda guy buuuut a guy has his needs.  Plus seeing his ex-girlfriend snuggling with her new boy toy at his house party didn’t exactly help him.

Morgan is too busy.  Between her school, job and family, she has zero social time.  When her besite Marcus forces her to come out for a fun night of drinking and just maaaaaaybe finding a little fun for the night she gives in.

The two see each other across the room and proceed to eye eff each other until they finally connect and scratch those itches……get my drift…but the next morning Xavier remembers nothing of the night but sure wants to get to know Miss Sassy Pants.

Xavier does through a lot of hoops to get Morgan to give him the time of day.  The couple have a few mountains to deal with …mainly from Morgan’s refusal to see Xavier for the good guy he is.    When Xavier screws up ROYALLY, I loved seeing what he did to prove his was sorry.

I really liked their story and can’t wait to read the rest of the guys stories in the future.  But the sneak peek at Red’s really makes me go hrmmmmm……..

 

PURCHASE:
EXCERPT:
Before I could say anything, Xavier hooked me around the waist and stepped closer to Pete. “Hi, you must be Pete,” he said, thrusting his hand out toward the dumbfounded man. “I’m Xavier, Morgan’s boyfriend, and we’re here to meet Marcus.”
“Um, y-y-yeah.” I felt awful at Pete’s obvious stuttering. “L-l- let me show you both to your table.”
“You are awful.” I slapped at his arm as he slid his hand lower, cupping my ass. “What are you gonna do next, pee on my leg?”
I walked away from him but I could hear his laughter echoing behind me. Apparently Xavier Stone was on some type of high horse. As I approached the table I had a feeling that my best friend had some involvement in this fiasco.
C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn’t always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.
She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.
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#Review #Paranormal #Shifters – I’m Not a Dragon’s Mate, Avaleigh’s Boys Book 1 by Sandra R. Neeley @sneeleywrites

I'm Not A Dragon's Mate! (Avaleigh's Boys #1)

Revised Cover, ISBN is the same as original 1519033532, ASIN is the same as original B01MAXX68A

In the backroads and bayous of Louisiana lives a clan of mix matched shifters. Their Alpha, Kinkaid, has been kidnapped by a ruthless Dragon who thrives on torture and pain. Kaid struggles to survive against all odds. Unable to contact his clan, and weak and unable to shift from his Bear, he has given up almost all hope.

One night a human female is brought to the Dragon’s compound against her will. Avaleigh has been chosen to be the Dragon’s Mate. She is tortured to the brink of insanity, easily overpowered by the Dragon. Gradually she realizes that she has no chance of freedom. But will she be strong enough to save Kaid’s bear? And if she does, will he be able to leave her there?

Sitting alone in a smoke filled bar room, another Dragon waits. Stuck in this place, for no reason other than his Dragon refuses to leave here, Daniel GreyStorm watches the patrons come and go. Frustration keeps him company as he waits, wondering what fascination this Louisiana backroads bar holds for his Dragon. He has no idea he is on a collision course with fate.

This book is the first in a new series, Avaleigh’s Boys, about a group of shifters who make their home in the backwoods and bayous of Louisiana. Their clan consists of a mix matched group of five shifters who depend on one another and are loyal to no end. These are their stories.

WARNING: Intended for mature audiences. These stories contain hot bear, dragon, wolf and lion shifters. They like to cuss, fight and love their women. This book contains explicit love scenes, lots of use of the “F” word (among others), and some abuse by evil shifters. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book.

Goodreads

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I received the book from the author after winning it in a book release party.

So I love paranormal and I love shifters. This book was a big win for me.  I admit it sat on my shelf for a few weeks because I didn’t have the time.  When vacation hit, BINGO I was all in.

When I started the book, I admit I was unsure if I was going to like it.  The beginning is a bit dark but I promise It’s not NEAR as dark as other stories out there but be warned that there is non-consentual sex in the first few chapters.  So there Is my review warning for ya……But like I said it’s not that bad but…..

Avaleigh was been kidnapped and is being held against her will by a really bad, bad, bad shifter.  She is giving up on escaping but she sees another animal also being abused.  Her final thoughts before she is willing to die is to save the bear.

Kaid is on his last string.  He is the alpha of his pack but is being kept in his bear form.  He can’t understand the spells that his is being contained under.  When a strong-willed human who has endured her own abuses helps him escape, Kaid clams this human as his own.  He gives her his bite to help hide her from the bag guy they are on the run from.

Kaid bring Ava into his clan of misfit shifters.  The guys all love her and her care.  She has becoming the missing link to their pack.  The missing female needed to help the guys form the solid family unit they are.  Kaid and Ava are in this predicament.  They both love and care for each other but they aren’t the “True Mate” for one another.    Should they go ahead and claim each other?  If so then what if their true mate appears????

One night while singing her butt off with the guys in karaoke, in walks Daniel and everything flips on a dime!!  Let’s just say Ava’s true mate found her and is not thrilled to see her snuggling with a group of shifters.

The bar scene was the best.  I was giggling my butt off.  But I loved seeing the Kaid-Ava-Daniel dynamic play out.  Ava is pulled in many different ways.  Her duty to her mate or her duty to her family.  She doesn’t think she can have both!!

While the Pack is dealing and evaluating, the bad guy is tracking down his “mate”.  He wants her back.   Let’s just say things go really bad for him when he comes across a true mate and her pack family!!!

The other guys in the pack…seriously….Bam. My heart for this guy.  But then Bane…..shut up.  Mav and Goldiy cracked me up but…..but…Kaid……I need to know my Alpha is going to be ok!!!

Books 2 and 3 are downloaded so I shall find out soon enough!!

 

Sandra R Neeley is a 50-ish Mom, Nana, Wife and Author who masquerades by day as an Administrative Assistant and Manager. She is pretty much a home body who lives in the Southern United States with her husband, kids and a menagerie of animals. She has lived for most of her live with various and sundry characters running around in her head thankfully (and sometimes not so thankfully) distracting her from the standards of day to day life. They finally got so loud that with much encouragement from her husband and her mother, she decided to give them a voice.

 

#NewRelease #Review #Shifter Loving Quinn: The Lone Wold Defenders Book 2 by Alicia Montgomery

Happy-go-lucky wolf shifter and hacker Quinn never saw the point of committing to just one person for the rest of his life. After all, with his devilish good looks and charisma, he could have any woman he wants. Any woman, except the sassy almost-witch Selena, who seems resistant to his charms. While he denies his attraction to the curvy redhead, his own animal craves her attention, and Quinn finds it difficult to stay away.

Having no magical talent meant Selena was at the bottom rung of her coven hierarchy. Mocked by her own family and pitied by the rest of her coven, she builds her own life away from them. When an offer comes that could finally give her the respect and standing she’s always wanted, it should have been easy to say yes. But a certain sexy and handsome Lone Wolf shifter has sent her into a tizzy, and she risks the chance of being welcomed back into the fold by giving into her own desires.

When Quinn’s past comes back to haunt him, it puts Selena in the line of fire and he’ll do anything to protect her. However, Selena has problems of her own and she finds herself having to choose between the life she’s always dreamed of or bet her heart on commitment-phobic Quinn. Staying together only means danger and pain, but can they really resist the attraction between them, which could end up imploding both their lives?

If you LOVE reformed playboy/virgin paranormal shifter romances, then READ this book!

Loving Quinn series is a paranormal romance novel with over 60k words. It’s a standalone novel with HEA, hot and sexy scenes, Lycan action and no cheating. It takes place in the True Mates Universe but works as a standalone novel.

 

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book

Quinn is the Techie of Lone Wolf Security, he is also known as a ladies man or in today’s vernacular a man whore. However, there is something about the best friend of the brothers secretary that he’s drawn to he is going to be the one thing he never is with a woman, her friend.
Selena Merlin is a New York librarian and witch, but she’s a witch in name only because she was born without powers much to her dismay. Being a witch without powers means she’s low man on the witches totem pole and can be banished from her coven at anytime, so she is being forced into a arranged marriage by her father. She knows what type of guy Quinn is but believes him when he says they can be friends.
First off let me say arranged marriage?? What is this Victorian England?? I get it, I really do poor Selena is having to do something for the good of her family that she doesn’t want to do, we’ve all been put in that type of situation. She’s so use to doing things for everyone else and being last in the witch world, she finds it hard to put herself first when she’s in it.
Second, friends with Quinn? Uh, yes please!!! Lol!! I love these two finding their way with each other, the LOTR movie nights are really sweet!!! When they do decide to move it into something more it kills me that they hide it from their friends, Quinn’s family, and that she hasn’t told Quinn about the marriage deal or told her father that she’s not going through with it.
Speaking of Quinn’s family, man that is one humdinger of a plot twist. Nope, these lips are zipped you’re gonna have to read it.
Oh, and someone keeps trying to kill them!!
These are the questions that you’re asking yourself as you’re reading: Are Quinn and Selena Fated Mated? Does Quinn find out about the arranged marriage? Will Selena ever put herself first? Who’s are they trying to kill Quinn, Selena, or both?
By the end i was happily wore out, and laughing my tale off at Jolene and the epilogue. I can’t wait to see what Montgomery has in store for us with Connor, i just know it’s gonna be a beast.

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Alicia Montgomery has always dreamed of becoming a romance novel writer. She started writing down her stories in now long-forgotten diaries and notebooks, never thinking that her dream would come true. After taking the well-worn path to a stable career, she is now plunging into the world of self-publishing.

Sexy shifters, billionaires, alpha males, and of course, strong, sexy female characters are her favorite to write. Alicia is a wanderer, along with her husband, they travel the world and have lived in various spots all over the world.

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#Review- #Duet – For Ryan by Jillian Jacobs @GreenMooseProd

For three years, two months, and five days, Ryan Cole has been a man on a mission—preparing for his future with April. Now a Harvard graduate employed by a top law firm, he’s ready to claim his girl—whether she’s ready or not.
April David asked Ryan for time, and she got it, along with an all-consuming need to break free of her past and love not just herself, but the only man worth fighting for.
When April arrives at Ryan’s graduation reception prepared to discuss their future, she’s derailed by his jealous best friend and her psychotic therapist.
After fighting through interruptions and misinformation, they discover all that’s left is their love. But after so much time apart, do their paths still align or are they willing to change for love and their future??
For Ryan is Book #2. For your reading enjoyment, please read For April first. Thank you.

Amazon 

 

I received the book from the author for an honest review.

Oh brother!!  When I finished book 1, the only reason I didn’t start it right away was I needed sleep!!  I woke up bright and early this morning to start the last leg of my long vacation ride home when I opened my book.  Man was I ready.  I read the blurb THIS time and knew April and Ryan were in for some trouble from meddling people.  Plus they both had fears or “what if……” since they haven’t been together for 3 years.

So, after 3 years of only chatting on the phone or through skype, April strolls into Ryan’s Harvard graduation party to stake her claim!!  The only issue was that she was scared to death that he might not like the new her or all the success she has in overcoming her demons.

Ryan is speechless when he sees his woman stroll in like no big deal!!  He was angry she kept the secret of her trip but at the same time he is wanting to grab her and claim her like he should have 3 years ago.

The two try several times to talk and admit their feelings buuuuuuuut it seems they both have admirers who will do everything they can to stop the connection from being fortified.  April’s long-time therapist and Ryan’s study buddy seem to think the pair will do better part.

I loved the story and seeing how strong and confident that April has become.  Ryan is blown away as well.  April knows who she is and what she wants and Ryan is her future.  No one will stop her from taking what she has waited and struggled for…no one.

Ryan is so excited by this new April.  He still sees the unsure girl he met but he falls more in love with the new and improved April.

In the spring of 2013, Jillian Jacobs changed her career path and became a romance writer. After reading for years, she figured writing a romance would be quick and easy. Nope! With the guidance of the Indiana Romance Writers of America chapter, she has learned there are many “rules” to writing a proper romance. Being re-schooled has been an interesting journey, and she hopes the best trails are yet to be traveled.
You’ll find a bit of her husband in her paranormal series, The Elementals, as he’s a chemist and has to answer all her, “Could this really happen?” questions.
Water’s Threshold, the first in her Elementals series, was a finalist in Chicago-North’s 2014 Fire and Ice contest in the Women’s Fiction category.
Three things about her: She’s a Tea Guzzler, Polish Pottery Hoarder, and lover of all things Moose. Her current positions with Indiana Romance Writers of America are Program Chair and 2015 Conference Co-Chair. The genres she writes under are: Paranormal and Contemporary Romance with suspenseful elements.
Jillian is also part of an Indiana author group, which posts videos answering questions readers post for writers. Visit The Juicebox Dialogues on YouTube for some sassy video fun with romance writers.

 

 

#WOTR18 #CoveReveal #MC – Bound by Vengeance, Ravage MC Bound #3 by Ryan Michele

Title: Bound by Vengeance
Series: Ravage MC Bound #3
Author: Ryan Michele
Genre: NA Romance/Suspense/MC 
Release Date: September 14, 2017
Cover Design by Cassy Roop at Pink Ink Designs
Models: Jonny James & Desiree Crossmann
Vengeance: punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong.

 

Austyn Cruz’s life has been turned on its axis. She’s done with sitting on the sidelines while those around her deal with her problems.

Growing up in the Ravage MC, there’s always been someone at her back. Now it’s time for her to deal with her problems on her own. That is, until the guy she’s lusted over and loved for more years than she can count decides to claim her.
Only, it’s too late. He’s too late. Everything has changed.
Ryker James lives by one rule: live free. His past does not define him, but it does decide to give him a wakeup call after years of lying dormant. It’s time to face his demon and make sure, once and for all, it never comes back into his life. All the while protecting the one and only he’s loved for longer than he should.
Two people tied together by their pasts. Two people searching for vengeance. Will the retribution they seek tear them apart, or bring them together? In the end, justice will be served … the Ravage MC way.
** Bound by Vengeance (Ravage MC Bound Series Book Three) is a standalone full-length novel. You do not have to read the Ravage MC series nor Bound Series to follow this book, but if you’d like to see where it all started, you really should. **

 

 ©Ryan Michele 2017

Unedited and Subject to Change
Prologue
The gun is steady in my hand, the weight of it not giving me a bit of comfort. The cold of the metal, the unforgiving of its mold matches the way I feel inside. Hardened steel, molded and made by the hands of men, the firearm gives me no fear and only feeds the burning in my soul for retribution.
Aiming it at him, thoughts of how I got to this place rush through me. The choices that were stripped, the consequences of actions and life that was altered and changed forever. All of it weighs heavy on me, but my strong shoulders hold it.
Being a warrior is in my blood carried through me from my parents. Eye for an eye is our motto and they would expect nothing less from me.
The blood pumping through my veins was once a life source. Now, my sole focus, and the fury that courses through me is fueled with every beat of my heart by vengeance.
He looks up at me, eyes blank.
“Bye, Ryker.”
Without a second thought, or a moment of hesitation, I pull the trigger.

 


Ryan Michele found her passion in making fictional characters come to life. She loves being in an imaginative world where anything is possible and has a knack for special twists readers don’t see coming.

She writes MC, Contemporary, Erotic, Paranormal, New Adult, Inspirational, and many more romances. And whether it’s bikers, wolf shifters, mafia, or beyond, Ryan spends her time making sure her heroes are strong and her heroines match them at every turn.

When she isn’t writing, Ryan is a mom and wife living in rural Illinois and reading by her pond in the warm sun.


 

Check out Ryan’s Facebook Page

 

 and enter the Giveaway

 

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#NewRelease – Black Ops Romance by Riley Edwards

FREE - A Black Ops Romance

He was my first love…
I wanted him to follow his dreams. I wanted him to escape the life he hated. I thought I was doing the right thing by not telling him how I truly felt. Until it was too late, and my silence turned into my biggest regret.
Twelve years ago, Shane Owings died, taking my heart with him. I was left devastated and broken hearted. Time didn’t heal, as the years went on I only missed him more.
She was my best friend… the only woman I ever loved.
When I ran off to join the Army, I left behind everything I had ever loved. I thought I was doing the right thing, but my good intentions quickly turned into my biggest regret.
Every year on the anniversary of Shane’s death I watched as Lillian Nelson visited Shane’s grave and spilled her secrets to a dead man. Each year I hoped she wouldn’t be back, that her heart would finally heal and she would move on. But year after year she was back. So many times I wanted to reach out and comfort the beautiful woman, but I knew she would never forgive me. It was my fault Shane was dead.
Until… A terrorist shows up looking for revenge.
I had to come out of the shadows and protect the one woman I had no business falling in love with.

Free is a steamy last chance at love military romance. No cheating. Guaranteed HEA. Over 18! Bad boy alpha military men use foul language and enjoy dirty talk.

For more information about Riley Edwards and to join the Riley’s Rebels newsletter please visit www.RileyEdwardsRomance (dot) com.

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Riley Edwards is a bestselling multi-genre author, wife, and military mom. Riley was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides on the east coast with her fantastic husband and children. Her two eldest children have flown the coop and are now serving in the US military. Riley also has a teenage daughter that is the source of laughter and wit around her house. Her youngest son is a “bad-ass” in training and is very much a mini version of his Alpha father.
Riley writes heart-stopping romance with sexy alpha heroes and even stronger heroines. Riley’s favorite genres to write are romantic suspense and military romance. (Those are also her favorites to read.) She’s known for her jaw-dropping plot twists. You know the ones? Those pivotal scenes in a story that when executed so flawlessly it leaves you breathless and begging for more? Yeah, those! She’s mastered the art of blending suspense, romance, and smoldering sexy times. It’s like Criminal Minds, and the Spice Channel mated, and a perfect love child was born.
To learn more about Riley’s books, please visit, www.RileyEdwardsRomance.com. And don’t forget to sign up for the Riley’s Rebel’s Newsletter.

 

#DoubleReview #NewRelease – Bad Wolf: A Paranormal Science Fiction Thriller (Olento Research #4) by Sarah Noffke

Bad Wolf: A Paranormal Science Fiction Thriller (Olento Research #4)

 

One man will kill to get back what belongs to him, even if he destroys himself in the process.

Mika Lenna, the CEO of Olento Research, won’t be deterred. Yes, the Lucidites have the upper hand, but he has something better. The one thing that can really stop them. The potential to create the rivalry to any werewolf. Mika has crossed the final threshold of humanity to do something that no human would dare do. But if it pays off, then for him, it will all be worth it.

The pack is stronger than ever, but still missing so many members. Still, they find a way to band together to create a cohesion they didn’t know in their past lives, the ones before becoming werewolves.

Meanwhile, the Lucidites are quickly making progress with a solution that might help the men assimilate with the wolf. However, will it come at a cost? The men have become accustomed to the wolf, and losing it may feel like leaving behind a part of themselves.
And finally, Adelaide has realized that her father’s death made her lose a part of herself. She dives deep to find a way to recover it, but will she surface, or much like her father, will she be lost forever?

In the final installment of the Olento Research series, the wolves must defend and those around them must decide if they’re willing to battle along beside them. The final fight won’t be nice or fair, especially when there’s so much at stake. Each wolf is hungry for victory, but will their maker be their death?

 

Goodreads

 

I absolutely love this series! I feel like I know these characters. They are a part of me, my tribe, lol! Adelaide is one of my most favorite characters ever. And combined with Rox (our resident hooker FBI agent), Zephyr’s pack of werewolves, and one of the nastiest supervillains makes for an intense read. All of the characters are trying to find their true self. They are tirelessly working on bringing the rest of the pack in when things take a turn for the worse. People are being tortured and are dying from Mika’s experiments. This has to be stopped and this crew is working on the solution. I feel the story is about overcoming self doubt, taking opportunities, and accepting second chances. Bad Wolf is nothing short of a page turner. There is never a dull moment within these pages. It’s action packed but with the sentimental touches that make this story absolutely special. The Olento Research series takes you on an extraordinary journey. I hope to see more of these characters in the future. Especially a certain couple. This is a must read!

**On a side note, I need to thank Sarah Noffke for giving us just a little more of Ren. Absolutely perfect. Sarah, thank you!**

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

Sarah has once again written a great series.  This is the final book in the Olento Series and I have to say it is my favorite series this far.  Really how could it not be my favorite it has werewolves, lucidities, and a little essence of Ren.

I was on the edge of my seat flipping the pages needing to know if Adelaide and Zephyer were going to get all the wolves back or if Mika was going to end up with them all. As always Sarah comes up with the best evil villains and Mika was like no other. He was killing and torturing people in the name of getting what he wanted at whatever the cost.

To watch the relationships of the wolves, Adelaide and Rox was amazing. To see how the wolves have grown and started working better with one another to see the strengths and weakness of each one, yes even Zephyer has weaknesses. Watching Adelaide gain confidents and learn how to cope with things was heartwarming. I have to say my heart was breaking to watch what Rox had to endure.

I hope we are able to see the wolves, Rox and Adelaide again. As this one comes to a close I am excited to see what Sarah has instore for us next. I have a feeling it will be just as good as the others she has given us.

A few of my favorites:

How does she do that? Pretend so well? Everyone thought she was so hard, but nothing could be further from the truth. This was a girl who just wanted to be loved. To feel deserving of that love. And if anyone ever told her how incredibly brilliant and beautiful she was, inside and out, then she’d feel a lot different about herself.

You’re an extension of Ren. You say his lines as if they were your own. You follow his practices, since they are exemplary. And you’ve inherited his snarky nature. However, isn’t the real concern you have with the group the fact you don’t want them thinking you’re an imposter? Now that they know about him, they’ll know you’re impersonating. The power you pretend to wield is his. Isn’t the issue that you can’t let him go as long as you refuse to be yourself rather than him? Who is Adelaide Lewis? She is the daughter of Ren, but she isn’t him. Have you asked yourself how you’d act if you weren’t trying to keep him alive inside yourself?”

he respected these two women, whom he’d been reluctantly thrown to. They were stronger than most people he knew, but had a flippant style that he’d come to appreciate.

he’s found a way to communicate from wherever he is, so I don’t think you’ve seen the last of your father yet. If I know him, he’ll be watching over you for the rest of his existence.”

 

 

Sarah Noffke

Get a FREE book from the author right here: http://www.sarahnoffke.com/free-book/

Sarah Noffke writes YA & NA sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian. She is the author of the Lucidites, Reverians, Ren, and Vagabond Circus series. She’s been everything from a corporate manager to a hippie. Her taste for adventure has taken her all over the world. If you can’t find her at the gym, then she’s probably at the frozen yogurt shop. If you can’t find her there then she probably doesn’t want to be found. She is a self-proclaimed hermit, with spontaneous urges to socialize during full moons and when Mercury is in retrograde. Sarah lives in Southern California with her family.

#ReleaseBlitz – Captive by Zoe Blake

Title: Captive
Author: Zoe Blake
Publication Date: August 2017
#captivereleaseblitz

This book is a rerelease of the previously titled, “Captive of Chance”.

Captain Jacques “Le Chanceux” (The Lucky) Tavernier is a pirate. He is not the bastard son of a wealthy duke, or some tortured hero in disguise on a noble quest. He is a pirate. He does and takes what he wants… and he wants Isabelle.

Isabelle is getting very tired of not controlling her own fate. First, her father ships her off to England to marry some decrepit lord, and now pirates have attacked the ship and taken her captive. No longer willing to be biddable and obedient, Isabelle decides to fight the pirate captain at every turn, even when his forceful seduction and creative punishments give as much pleasure as pain.

The fate of Isabelle’s companion, Marina, is no better. Claimed by not one but two pirates to be used for their own dark pleasure.

Isabelle is playing a dangerous game. Denying a pirate something he wants is never a good idea, especially when that pirate is powerful, handsome and determined to bend you to his will. Will Isabelle’s pirate captor become her master, or will she capture his heart?

AMAZON UK – https://goo.gl/kc872p


CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The alarm bell startled the two women out of a deep, if not restful, sleep. Sitting up in their cots, they looked about the small cramped cabin in confusion.
“What could it be, miss?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea, but there is only one way to find out.”
Isabelle grabbed her dressing gown from the end of the cot and swung it over her shoulders as she approached the cabin door. She felt a tug on her nightgown and looked to see her companion, Marina, holding tight.
“Don’t do it, miss. Let’s just stay here till the captain comes.”
Pulling the fabric free, Isabelle continued to the door. “Posh! If there is something truly going on, we cannot wait for that old blowhard to come and let us know!”
Isabelle, well to be correct, Esmerelda Leonor Isabelle Catalina de Recalde el Rojo, did not cower easily. Perhaps it was her father’s Spanish blood or even her mother’s English courage. One thing was certain, she did not possess the gentile temperament of the typical female or the patience, for that matter.
Releasing the latch, she threw open the door to a chaotic scene.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Seaman were scrambling about in various states of undress while the cabin boy, who had been bringing them their meals during the long voyage, vigorously rang the sleep depriving bell.
“All hands! All hands on deck! Captain’s orders!” he shouted over and over again.
“You there. Boy! Boy!” shouted Isabelle. “Yes, you!” she clarified when he gave her a confused look as if surprised to see a partially dressed woman addressing him. “What is going on?”
“Pirates! There are pirates! We’re about to be attacked! Best get back inside and bar the door,” said the boy impatiently as he went back to his duty.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Isabelle quickly shut the door, threw the latch and turned and braced her back against it for good measure.
“Oh lord! Oh lord! Oh lord!” wailed Marina. She had signed on as companion to the fancy lady for a bit of adventure and fun. True she was hoping to catch the eye of some strapping young seaman because what was adventure without a lusty man by your side, but she did not sign up for pirates!
“Stop that nonsense, Marina! I need to think,” groused Isabelle. Then feeling poorly for shouting at her frightened companion, she crossed the cabin and gave her a quick hug.
“We cannot panic. The captain may be a slovenly man, but he runs a good merchant ship. I’m sure they are prepared and have fought off, well, hundreds of pirate attacks with great success.” Isabelle said with a false sense of confidence.
“Do you really think so, miss?” asked Marina, her eyes filled with hope and fear.
No. “Why of course, I think so!” she said with authority. “Now help me out of my nightgown and into my corset and dress. If we are to be attacked, I don’t want them finding me in my skivy!”
Marina went to do as she was bid while Isabelle was left to ponder for a moment the real possibility of being taken captive by pirates. Her father was a wealthy Spanish noble. Ransom would not be an issue. She could provide the pirates with plenty of gold and jewels, but was that all they would ask of her? She shuddered at the thought.
How bitterly ironic, Isabelle thought. When she set out on this journey, her every thought was how very much she did not want to reach her destination. Fate was cruel. Isabelle had been forced by her parents to leave her beloved warm and sunny Azores islands to travel to cold and dank England to become the betrothed of some stodgy, old English lord. Even the painted miniature he had sent with his marriage proposal showed a thin hairline and at least two chins. One had to assume the painter was being judiciously kind, and in actuality her betrothed had even less hair and probably one or two additional chins!
She had begged, pleaded, stormed and stomped but to no avail. Her parents were stalwart. She would marry the English lord and secure an English title for the family. Her parents also felt Isabelle’s upbringing on the somewhat remote colony island was leading to “unladylike” behavior as her mother put it. They were sending her back to the continent not a moment too soon in their minds.
So it was Isabelle, who found herself alone with only a hired companion for company on a merchant vessel bound for England. In the hold were trunks of silks, jewels and gold. Her dowry. Her father had chosen the well-armed vessel to carry his precious cargo. The galleon had at least fifteen guns. But would it be a match for a pirate ship?
“Not that one, Marina,” said Isabelle when a satin walking dress was pulled out of their trunks. “The heavy worsted wool one.”
“What, miss?”
“The worsted wool one!” shouted Isabelle.
The noise and clamor all around them was getting louder. Above their heads they could hear the pounding of boots and the screeching scrape of wood on metal as the thirty-six pound long guns were rolled towards the gun ports. Indistinct shouts and curses filtered through the wooden beamed ceiling of their cabin. Even without hearing the words, both women could tell from the excited tenor of the shouts, the seamen were scared.
“Hurry, Marina! Hurry!” urged Isabelle.
When both women were dressed in their warmest gowns, they sat on the cot and waited and listened. All the harried activity had suddenly stopped. There was a strange, tense calm.
BOOM! Silence. BOOM!
The women screamed and held their hands over their ears as the whole ship shook and rattled as each long gun was fired. Dust and debris were shaken loose from the ceiling and fell down on them like rain. Marina clutched desperately at the lapels of Isabelle’s dress. Isabelle held the frightened woman tightly to her side. Rubbing a soothing hand down her back, she said, “The sound of the guns is a good thing. I’ll bet they are sending those nasty pirates scattering away.”
Marina raised her head off Isabelle’s shoulder and gave her a look filled with doubt. Isabelle’s attempt to soothe and calm had fallen short. Unfortunately, even she didn’t believe her words anymore.
Her inherent lack of patience came to the fore. Isabelle jumped up and grabbed Marina’s hand. “Come. We cannot stay here like two geese for the slaughter!”
“But where are we to go? It must be safer in the cabin!” complained Marina.
“If they take the ship, they will search the cabins and the hold for treasure. We must find a place to hide where they will not think to look. Hopefully, none of the seamen will betray there are women on board. Now come on!” shouted Isabelle as she forcibly dragged a trembling Marina out the cabin door.
The passageway was strangely quiet compared to the chaos moments before. All the men were above deck fighting off the attack. Isabelle continued to drag Marina down the passageway where they came to a steep wooden ladder leading down to the hold. “This way. Mind your skirts,” ordered Isabelle as she awkwardly descended the ladder. Reaching the wooden floor beneath, she helped Marina on the last few rungs. Taking a look around the dimly lit interior, Isabelle saw the entire space stacked with crates, provisions for the voyage, and trunks. Somewhere in this mess was her dowry trunk, she thought queerly.
“This should be a good hiding place,” offered Marina as she took in all the dark nooks and crannies.
“Usually I would agree, but they will probably come straight to the hold to see what cargo the vessel is carrying. We would be found out. No,” said Isabelle, “we have to go further. Somewhere they won’t think to look.”
Isabelle tried to calm herself and think back to all those boring dinners in the officer’s quarters she had suffered through the past few weeks. They often talked about the ship.
“The bilge!” said Isabelle. “We need to head to the bilge.”
“The bilge? That sounds awful!” whined Marina.
“If what I remember from the officer’s comments, I’m afraid it is going to smell even worse.” groaned Isabelle.
They stumbled and groped their way through the hold, making their way to the back and the side of the ship.
“The bilge is the lowest part of the ship and quite nasty with water and such. There will be no reason for the pirates to go there,” explained Isabelle as she tried not to breathe through her nose the closer they got.
Leaning against the side of the ship, she gingerly stepped into the cold, foul smelling water and lowered herself into a crouch. Pulling Marina down by her side, once again they waited and listened. The sounds of battle were muffled from their low perch. They could better hear the lapping of the waves against the side of the ship. After what seemed liked hours, even the faint sounds of gunfire died out. As much as they were praying for the roaring sounds to cease, the silence was worse. Much worse.
The women were left to wonder what was happening far above them. Had they won? Isabelle cursed her current fate under her breath.
* * *
“You have lost, Captain, but have good cheer. By surrendering, you have saved the lives of, well, what’s left of your valiant crew,” said the pirate captain sardonically as he stood over the prostrate merchant ship’s captain.
“I’ll see you hanged for this!” ground out the man.
The pirate captain sighed. Turning to his first mate, he said, “Why do they always say that? After I was being so pleasant.”
“They don’t always say it. The last bloke said he would see you drawn and quartered,” answered the first mate helpfully.
“That is true. And that puff piece of a captain before that did say he wanted my head on a pike,” offered the pirate captain with amusement. “But on the whole, I’d say I get threatened with ol’ Jack Ketch the most.”
“Fairly put,” said the first mate.
The two men made a striking pair.
The pirate captain stood well over six feet with broad shoulders emphasized all the more by his narrow hips and wide-legged stance. His swarthy complexion from years spent at sea and shoulder-length jet-black hair gave him a sinister air. The malevolent appearance was helped by the leather brace that held no fewer than five loaded pistols. Attired in unrelenting black, with shiny black knee high boots and a long, black oilskin coat, it was no wonder hardy seamen trembled at his approach.
He was Captain Jacques Tavernier “Le Chanceux”, The Lucky. Named so for the countless attacks he had survived without so much as a scratch. He was legendary among his men and beyond. Called Captain by his men and Chance by his friends, of which there was only one, his first mate Drake.
Drake stood only an inch shorter than his captain. His almost white blond hair a stark contrast. Although it would be a deadly mistake to assume Drake was any less formidable. Standing by his captain’s side since they were two young bilge rats swabbing the deck of an English navy ship, he was fiercely loyal and just as fierce in battle.
Chance placed his cutlass under the chin of the merchant vessel’s captain, forcing him to meet his gaze. “Now, good sir, why don’t you tell me about the cargo you are about to gift to me for sparing your life.”
“Go to the devil,” spat out the merchant captain.
“Tsk, tsk. Such manners,” admonished Chance before leaning down on his haunches and whispering in a low and threatening voice, “Bravado such as that gets a man killed. So unless you want me to slit your ungrateful throat from ear to ear and add your blood to this deck, I suggest you speak with more respect, vous comprenez?”
The merchant captain nodded his head slightly, not wishing to cut himself on the razor sharp cutlass that was still wedged against his throat.
“Bien! So let’s try this again. What nice trinkets can we expect from your hold?” asked Chance.
“We stopped in the Americas before the islands. I carry tobacco, sugar and cotton. There is also a dowry chest full of gold and silks. It is yours if you leave my ship and crew unharmed,” stammered out the merchant captain.
“It already is mine,” laughed Chance before turning to his first mate. “Drake, be so good as to direct the crew to empty the hold of our bounty. Leave enough food provisions to get the merchant crew to the nearest port,” ordered Chance. While having a bloodthirsty reputation during an attack, Chance was known for his benevolence once a ship surrendered… as long as they cooperated.
“Yes, Captain,” responded Drake sharply before ordering some deck hands to help him below in the hold.
Turning back to the anxious merchant captain, Chance asked in a calm tone that belied the question, “Now, Captain, shall we discuss the woman you have hidden on board? The one who belongs to the dowry chest?” he helpfully provided when it looked like the merchant captain was about to deny it.
It was too late. The merchant captain realized his terrible error. Not being one to protect a woman over his own hide, he willingly told the pirate captain all he wanted to know about his beautiful passenger.


USA Today and International Best Selling Author in Dark Romance

We are all attracted to the forbidden. Addicted to the rush we get from reading something naughty…something kinky. We love to lose ourselves in the fantasy. The powerful lord who sweeps the lady away to his remote estate to ravish her. The cowboy who takes the sassy city girl over his knee to teach her a lesson. The devilishly charming pirate who seduces his beautiful captive. I write those erotic fantasies.

Dark Romance Historical Titles
The Submission of Little Emmie
Disciplining the Maid
Penelope’s Punishment
Chosen to be His Little Angeline
The Duke’s Possession
Captive
Papa’s Little Pain Princess
His Dark Obsession
The Dark Forest Anthology

Contemporary Titles
Worth Fighting For

Ride Hard Historical Western Series
The Cowboy’s Revenge, Book One
The Gunfighter’s Pursuit, Book Two
The Rebel’s Secret, Book Three

Box Sets
Little Victorian Ladies
A Little Submission

Check out Zoe’s Website at https://zblakebooks.com/
Twitter: @Zblakebooks
Instagram: Zblakebooks
Pinterest: Zblakebooks

#Review – Ultraxenopia (Project W. A. R. #1) by M.A. Phipps

Ultraxenopia (Project W. A. R. #1)

Title: Ultraxenopia

Author: M.A. Phipps

Genre: YA Dystopian Thriller

Cover Designer: Nathalia Suellen

Editor: Catherine Stovall (CLS Editing)

Publisher: Seven Sisters Publishing

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

PART ONE OF THE YOUNG ADULT DYSTOPIAN TRILOGY PROJECT W. A. R.

Don’t stand out. Blend in. Remain invisible. Those are the rules I lived by – the rules I thought would keep me alive.

I was wrong.

Wynter Reeves is a law-abiding citizen of the State, a willing conformist whose daily life is haunted by terrorism and oppression. With the constant threat of death hanging over her like a shadow, she forces herself to live by a strict set of rules, all in the hope of ensuring she is never noticed. However, on her twenty-first birthday, as she prepares to take the placement exam that will determine her future within society, she begins to show symptoms of a rare and debilitating illness – ultimately attracting the attention of the State. Taken into the custody of the feared research facility known as the DSD, her worst nightmare becomes reality.

Ripped away from the life she knew, Wynter is forced to become the test subject of the mysterious Dr. Richter. Through him, she learns the true and terrifying nature of her condition: a disease called Ultraxenopia.

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33806043-ultraxenopia

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/zGZIFOMur1w

 

“This isn’t how it looks,” I stammer.

A sarcastic laugh explodes from his lungs, echoing through the otherwise soundless bar.

“Really? Because, from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re one of them.”

“I’m not.” The words sound weak and unconvincing.

He pushes the barrel of the gun against my temple, and our faces are so close now that I can feel his heated breath against my lips.

“Why should I believe you?” he growls.

I tense my jaw, spitting my next words through clenched teeth. “If I was one of them, they would already be here,” I hiss back.

The State doesn’t play games. He must know that better than anyone. They wouldn’t waste time sending in a single person when they could more efficiently get the job done by sending a whole team. If I was one of them, the Enforcers would already be here. The State wouldn’t bother with this game of charades.

His expression doesn’t change, but I can see his true reaction in his gaze—the doubt that appears there. He seems to grasp that what I’ve said makes sense, but at the same time, can’t wrap his head around any other reason why I’d be here.

He wavers, and I can feel his uncertainty in the way the point of his gun wobbles against my skin. His eyes remain fixed on mine, making my heart race even faster. I only glance away when I notice a movement to my right. Looking up, I see another man now standing beside us.

“We can’t take any chances,” the man grumbles before spitting on the floor in front of me. “We should kill her to be sure.”

A deep-rooted panic washes over me, the fear like a smoldering and inextinguishable ember. Despite everything I’ve seen, I still have my doubts as to what’s really happening, and I can’t help worrying that this won’t end well. How can it? I won’t even be given the chance to defend myself.

He presses the gun even harder against my forehead, causing me to suck in a sharp breath. Our eyes lock once again.

“How do you know my name?”

I stare at him, trying to figure out the best way to answer his question. His hazel eyes are probing, but I find myself losing focus on his expression. His face has gone hazy, the bar even darker. The nausea from before returns with a vengeance, consuming my entire body and pressing down on me with a force that threatens to pin me to the floor.

I sway, lightheaded.

A strange trickling resonates around us, the sound deafening in the hushed bar. At first, I think I’m imagining it, but then I see the alarming change in his face.

His eyebrows pull together as he looks down, and suddenly, he’s taking a reflexive step back. I follow his gaze once more, my own vision doubling as I take in the tremendous pool of red that seems to surround me.

I watch the blood as it drips from my open wrist, the bandage soaked through and unravelling from its hiding place in the no longer white sleeve.

His eyes snap back to mine, and my every movement feels delayed as I glance up to meet them. The moment I do, the images from my vision flash through my thoughts, reminding me why I’m here.

I see his face. His hazel eyes.

I see his tears.

“I’m sorry, Wynter.”

Any and all light that the bar possessed vanishes in an instant, and the pain I had managed to forget hits me all at once. I gaze at him, concentrating on his face as much as my increasing blood loss will allow. Focusing on his eyes, which continue to stare back at me.

My lips pull into a smile as the darkness rushes to overcome me.

“I saw you,” I breathe.

 

A fascinating dystopian read! Regardless if you are a dystopian genre buff or not, you won’t be disappointeed. I don’t normally like to compare books in my reviews but I felt like this was a cross between Hunger Games and Divergent (I love them all). The world is set up so you feel like you are right there. The background for the characters is beautifully flawed. This author gives you just enough to be sure you continue to find out more about the others. Perfect!

Wynter is about to take her placement test when something happens to her. She is having hallucinations and is taken to the DSD and is told that she has a disease, Ultraxenopia. She is told that she will be safe but ends up being tortured by Dr. Richter for “the greater good”. She keeps seeing this man in her visions. She escapes and finds this man who is part of the rebellion group PHOENIX. As if her head wasn’t spinning while with the DSD, her whole world is turned upside down. Fear, confusion, disbelief, questioning of morals, and trying to figure out what is right and what is wrong….This story will have you all over the board and trying to figure out exactly what is going on and what the next step is. Truly captivating!

“When I enter the corridor, I notice Jenner leaning up against the wall next to the door. He’s whistling a soft tune and his eyes are closed. He looks serene, beautiful even. At peace. I envy him, wishing more than anything that I could know what that feels like.”

“Sympathy— or I guess, in this instance, empathy— can alter a person’s mindset toward just about anything, regardless of the circumstances. Or, in our case, because of the circumstances.”

“From the day I was born, I’ve been told to suppress my emotions —that by doing so I would successfully integrate into a society that it’s taken me my whole life to realize is poisonous. Humans are meant to feel. We’re meant to love. We aren’t meant to shut any of that out, and what I never grasped before is that you can’t. One way or another, they’ll find their way to the surface. One way or another, they’ll find a way to break through. Holding back all of those feelings for twenty-one years leaves me unprepared for the onslaught that attacks me now. Each emotion tears through me, burning into my soul until there’s nothing left but a pile of ashes. From those ashes, what rises up is the new me.”

This is a new author for me and I’m hooked. There is a cliffhanger and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment. A must read!

 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2uZ0fPJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ultraxenopia-ma-phipps/1126583754?ean=2940154402023

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/ultraxenopia-project-w-a-r-1/id1245702057?mt=11

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ultraxenopia

 

M.A. Phipps

M.A. PHIPPS is an American author who resides near the ocean in picturesque Cornwall with her husband, daughter, and their Jack Russell, Milo. A lover of the written word, it has always been her dream to become a published author, and it is her hope to expand into multiple genres of fiction. When she isn’t writing, you can find her counting down the days until the new season of Game of Thrones.

 

Author Links:

Official Webpage: http://www.maphipps.com
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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-a-phipps