The Harp and the Sea by Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell - The Harp and the Sea RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell popping in today with their new release The Harp and the Sea, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC Giveaway! ❤️ ~Mel~

Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell - The Harp and the Sea Cover nfk8j

The Harp and the Sea

by

Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell

In 1605, Robbie Elliot—a Reiver and musician from the Scottish borders—nearly went to the gallows. The Witch of the Hermitage saved him with a ruse, but weeks later, she cursed him to an ethereal existence in the sea. He has seven chances to come alive, come ashore, and find true love. For over a century, Robbie’s been lost to that magic; six times love has failed. When he washes ashore on the Isle of Skye in 1745, he’s arrived at his last chance at love, his last chance at life.

Highland warrior Ian MacDonald came to Skye for loyalty and rebellion. He’s lost once at love, and stands as an outsider in his own clan. When Ian’s uncle and laird sends him to lonely Skye to hide and protect treasure meant for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s coffers, he resigns himself to a solitary life—his only companion the eternal sea. Lonely doldrums transform into romance and mystery when the tide brings beautiful Robbie Elliot and his broken harp ashore.

A curse dogs them, enemies hunt them, and war looms over their lives. Robbie and Ian will fight with love, will, and the sword. But without the help of magic and ancient gods, will it be enough to win them a future together?

Warning: graphic violence, battles

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “The Harp and the Sea by Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Prelude to Love by Anne Barwell

Anne Barwell - Prelude to Love CoverTitle: Prelude to Love

Series: Dreamspun Desires 49

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (234 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd January 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Music speaks directly to the heart.

Two very different men face turning points in their lives after the collapse of long-term relationships….

Joel is a music teacher who knows it’s time to forget his ex and move on, while Marcus runs a lawn-mowing business and has come to Wellington to escape the reminders of a recent breakup. Although they’re opposites, when Joel and Marcus connect, their romance has the potential to hit all the right notes.

Too bad neither of them feels ready for new love.

With family and friends in common, dating is risky – things could get messy if it doesn’t work out. The sweet song of possibility draws them to each other, though, and they share a kiss following a Chopin prelude. But it will take some practice and perseverance to find their perfect harmony….

ISBN: 978-1-64080-164-6

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Prelude to Love is the first Anne Barwell book which I’ve read, although I’ve already listened to the audio book, so I already knew what was going to happen. However, this is one of those books which I found more enjoyable as an ebook as opposed to listening to the audio. Which I think is a good thing since I remember feeling rather torn by the audio book and rated it lower than I would have thought.

Prelude to Love is a sweet romance between high school music teacher, Joel, and home handyman/landscaper, Marcus. Joel has had a difficult life his family since coming out of the closet, but he has a couple of friends who became his adopted family. In fact, Marcus is brother to Joel’s best friend. They are both coming out of disastrous long-term relationships, Marcus has completely relocated to be closer to his sister, brother in law and niece. The two become friends but with a little help from their friends they discover the possibility of more between them. All this is happening around a large school concert Joel must orchestrate (pun intended) to raise funds.

Joel is a passionate musician and teacher and probably a bit stubborn, he is so easy to connect and relate too. I’m not sure I connected quite so well with Marcus, but he is also very likable. From the start, the two men together have a quiet but strong chemistry and are obviously going to find their way together.

Being that this is part of the Dreamspun Desires line, it’s super sweet and has not a lot of over the top drama or angst and has a perfect little HEA for the two MCs. Written by Anne Barwell, who is a new author to me, I did enjoy the flow and writing style of the story as well. I just think the sweetness with not a lot of drama made this less exciting but perfect for the romantics out there.

Comes A Horseman by Anne Barwell

Title: Comes a Horseman

Series:  Echoes Rising 03

Author: Anne Barwell 

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (230 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (August 1, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: France, 1944

Sometimes the most desperate struggles take place far from the battlefield, and what happens in secret can change the course of history.

Victory is close at hand, but freedom remains frustratingly just beyond the grasp of German physicist Dr. Kristopher Lehrer, Resistance fighter Michel, and the remaining members of the team sent by the Allies—Captain Matt Bryant, Sergeant Ken Lowe, and Dr. Zhou Liang—as they fight to keep the atomic plans from the Nazis. The team reaches France and connects with members of Michel’s French Resistance cell in Normandy. Allied troops are poised to liberate France, and rescue is supposedly at hand. However, Kristopher is no longer sure the information he carries in his memory is safe with either side.

When Standartenführer Holm and his men finally catch up with their prey, the team is left with few options. With a traitor in their midst, who can they trust? Kristopher realizes he must become something he is not in order to save the man he loves. Death is biding his time, and sacrifices must be made for any of them to have the futures they want.

ISBN-13:  978-1-63533-666-5

Product Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: I am at a loss for words for this book. It was brilliantly written. Kristopher and Michel evade capture at every turn while at the same time finding out they have traitor in their midst. 

Heart-stopping, heart-breaking at times and dangerous this story is the continuation from the previous books. Kristopher will do anything to save Michel. I found it touching the love these two felt for one another and was cheering them on as they progressed.

The resistance as well as allies are helping in Michel and Kristopher’s journey. There are twists and turns that riveted me and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat awaiting the outcome.

Fantastic read.

Winter Duet by Anne Barwell (2nd Edition)

Title: Winter Duet (2nd edition)

Series: Echoes Rising 02

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Historical, Mystery & Suspense

Length: Novel (224 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (December 27, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Germany 1944

Hunted for treason and the information he carries, Kristopher and Michel leave their safe house to journey across Germany toward Switzerland. Caught in a series of Allied bombings, they stop to help civilians and narrowly escape capture by German forces.

While investigating a downed aircraft in the Black Forest, the two men discover an injured RAF pilot. After they are separated, Kristopher and the pilot are discovered by a German officer who claims he is not who he appears to be. Determined to find Michel again, Kristopher has to trust the stranger and hope the man is not connected to those hunting him.

Meanwhile Michel is intercepted by one of the Allied soldiers he met in Berlin. His help is needed to save one of their own.

Time quickly runs out, and loyalties are tested and betrayed as their enemies close in. Michel can only hope they reach safety before information is revealed that could compromise not only his and Kristopher’s lives, but those of the remaining members of the Allied team—if it is not already too late.

First Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, 2014.

ISBN-13:  978-1-63477-192-4

Product Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This continues from book one. Kristopher and Michel are on the run yet again. When they stop to help civilian after a bombing they are separated. From here there are two separate journeys so to speak.

We see how Michel is with the resistance and helping them with a fellow member before it’s too late. While at the same time Kristopher is trying to survive his own dilemma. There were many variables and characters interacting throughout this intense story. 

I really felt for Kristopher and Michel as neither knew if the other was even still alive. Still they journeyed hoping against hope to one day be reunited. The Gestapo did not let up in their pursuits for a second. it lead to some raising moments throughout.

Well written and tense at times, this story grabs hold and does not let go until the last word.

Great read.

Shadowboxing by Anne Barwell (2nd Edition)

Title: Shadowboxing (2nd edition)

Series:  Echoes Rising 01

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Historical

Length: Novel (270 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (May 31, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Berlin, 1943. An encounter with an old friend leaves German physicist Dr. Kristopher Lehrer with doubts about his work. But when he confronts his superior, everything goes horribly wrong. Suddenly Kristopher and Michel, a member of the Resistance, are on the run, hunted for treason and a murder they did not commit. If they’re caught, Kristopher’s knowledge could be used to build a terrible weapon that could win the war.

For the team sent by the Allies—led by Captain Bryant, Sergeant Lowe, and Dr. Zhou—a simple mission escalates into a deadly game against the Gestapo, with Dr. Lehrer as the ultimate prize. But in enemy territory, surviving and completing their mission will test their strengths and loyalties and prove more complex than they ever imagined.

1st Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, 2012.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63476-834-4

Product Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: A story set in Germany. A group of resistance members must save one of their own, Michel, and  physicist Dr. Kristopher Lehrer from the deadly Gestapo hellbent on capturing the man for his knowledge of creating a weapon.

While I understood that love knows no bounds despite the era I was concerned for the two men. Despite the danger to their lives the men grow closer while keeping on the run to avoid capture.This was a well written story with a lot of history for it’s time period. I felt as though I was actually there with them on their journey. The danger was intense, the journey perilous and the love genuine. 

So many times I was afraid for both Kristopher and Michel. I loved all the details and explanations even though it made for a longer read. It gave me a better understanding of the story by the time it was done. 

Great read.

One Word by Anne Barwell

Title: One Word

Series: Hidden Places 03

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 6, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: Ethan Leavitt arrives in the idyllic village of Oakwood to search for a missing friend. Having always prided himself on his ability to find rational explanations, Ethan’s trust in concrete evidence and logic is tested by the mystery of Oakwood and Tomas’s disappearance.

Donovan Campbell’s happy, sometimes flippant, exterior hides a past he’d rather forget. As he struggles with his memories and to hold on to the inn he owns with his best friend, the last thing Donovan needs is for some guy he’s only just met to start getting under his skin. When a bank robbery escalates into a dangerous situation, Donovan must embrace a part of himself he can no longer ignore in order to save a future that might never have the chance to exist.

Ethan learns that often the person you’re looking for is not the one you find. But have he and Donovan both realized that too late…?

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-752-5

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Ehan goes in search for a missing friend and ends up in Oakwood Village where he meets Donovan the owner of an inn. Donovan has a mysterious past that he is trying to forget. Along the way these two come together slowly.

Although this story is enjoyable it did not connect with me like I had hoped. I felt disconnected with the characters altogether. It was almost like reading a story and forgetting everything you read afterword. I do not mean that in a negative way, it just did not stick with me like some stories.

There are some interesting things as the story progresses with the disappearance of Tomas. Ethan and Donovan’s romance did not come to completion until the end of the book. I felt as though there was a lot of scenes that were needed in the grand scheme of things.

It was an O.k. read for me.

Cat’s Quill by Anne Barwell

Title: Cat’s Quill

Series: Hidden Places 01

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (350 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 30, 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb:Tomas Kemp has two successful novels to his name and the true belief that a successful sequel is only a matter of a little inspiration. When Tomas meets a mysterious stranger under the branches of an old oak tree, he feels compelled to tell him about a book he holds dear and the sequel he wants to read. But Cathal doesn’t share that deep belief that the sequel Tomas seeks ends happily. Cathal has seen enough of a world where stories are real to know that happy ever after is sometimes the dream that won’t come true.

But stories have never let Tomas down, and as he follows Cathal across the reality shift between their worlds, he learns that Cathal is right: Happy ever after is never just given—but sometimes, it can be fought for and won.

ISBN-13: 978-1-61581-895-2

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Tomas is a writer with writer’s block. He decides a change of scenery is in order to hopefully find his spark again. But that’s not all he is hoping for. I liked Tomas’ moodiness. You never knew how he was going to be from time to time.

Cathal, I loved, was a mysterious character. The more I got to know him the more intrigued I became. Though the story starts out slow it begins to pick up after all is set in place. We get to see how the characters interact and communicate with one another.

The scenery is breathtaking as well tranquil at times. I felt as though I was there with them. A truly lovely story that had me from the start.

Fantastic read.

Comes A Horseman by Anne Barwell Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have Anne Barwell popping in today with the tour for her upcoming release Comes A Horseman, we have a brilliant guest post from Anne, a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Anne Barwell - Comes A Horseman Cover

Comes A Horseman

(Echoes Rising 03)
by

Anne Barwell

France, 1944

Sometimes the most desperate struggles take place far from the battlefield, and what happens in secret can change the course of history.

Victory is close at hand, but freedom remains frustratingly just beyond the grasp of German physicist Dr. Kristopher Lehrer, Resistance fighter Michel, and the remaining members of the team sent by the Allies—Captain Matt Bryant, Sergeant Ken Lowe, and Dr. Zhou Liang—as they fight to keep the atomic plans from the Nazis. The team reaches France and connects with members of Michel’s French Resistance cell in Normandy. Allied troops are poised to liberate France, and rescue is supposedly at hand. However, Kristopher is no longer sure the information he carries in his memory is safe with either side.

When Standartenführer Holm and his men finally catch up with their prey, the team is left with few options as they fight to keep atomic plans from the Nazis. With a traitor in their midst, who can they trust? Kristopher realizes he must become something he is not in order to save the man he loves. Death is biding his time, and sacrifices must be made for any of them to have the futures they want.

Release date: 1st August 2017
Pre-order:
 DSP Publications ebook | DSP Publications paperback

Continue reading “Comes A Horseman by Anne Barwell Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Sunset at Pencarrow by Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway!

Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell - Sunset at Pencarrow Banner

Hi guys! We have the lovely Lou Sylvre and delightful Anne Barwell popping in today with their upcoming release Sunset at Pencarrow, we have  an awesome guest post from Lou with some fantastic snippets for you to enjoy… and there’s a brilliant giveaway to enter! So check out the post, click that giveaway link and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell - Sunset at Pencarrow Cover

Sunset at Pencarrow

(World of Love 11: New Zealand)
by

Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell

Kiwi Nathaniel Dunn is in a fighting mood, but how does a man fight Wellington’s famous fog? In the last year, Nate’s lost his longtime lover to boredom and his ten-year job to the economy. Now he’s found a golden opportunity for employment where he can even use his artistic talent, but to get the job, he has to get to Christchurch today. Heavy fog means no flight, and the ticket agent is ignoring him to fawn over a beautiful but annoying, overly polite American man.

Rusty Beaumont can deal with a canceled flight, but the pushy Kiwi at the ticket counter is making it difficult for him to stay cool. The guy rubs him all the wrong ways despite his sexy working-man look, which Rusty notices even though he’s not looking for a man to replace the fiancé who died two years ago. Yet when they’re forced to share a table at the crowded airport café, Nate reveals the kind heart behind his grumpy façade. An earthquake, sex in the bush, and visits from Nate’s belligerent ex turn a day of sightseeing into a slippery slope that just might land them in love.

Release date: 7th June 2017
DSP store only: Use code PENCARROW for 30% off at checkout! 5/31-6/30 

Continue reading “Sunset at Pencarrow by Lou Sylvre & Anne Barwell Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway!”

Winter Duet by Anne Barwell Guest Post & Excerpt!

Anne Barwell - Winter Duet Banner

Hiya guys! We have Anne Barwell popping in today with her upcoming release Winter Duet, we have a wonderful guest post from Anne and she also lets us have a quick peek at an excerpt. So guys check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Anne Barwell - Winter Duet Cover

Winter Duet

(Echoes Rising 02)
by

Anne Barwell

Germany 1944

Hunted for treason and the information Kristopher carries, he and Michel leave the security of their safe house to journey across Germany toward Switzerland. Caught in a series of Allied bombings, they stop to help civilians and narrowly escape capture by German forces.

While investigating a downed aircraft in the Black Forest, the two men discover an injured RAF pilot.  After they are separated, Kristopher and the pilot are discovered by a German officer who claims he is not who he appears to be. Determined to find Michel again, Kristopher has to trust the stranger and hope he is not connected to those searching for him and the information he carries. Meanwhile Michel is intercepted by one of the Allied soldiers he met in Berlin. His help is needed to save one of their own.

Time quickly runs out. Loyalties are tested and betrayed as the Gestapo closes in. Michel can only hope they can reach safety before information is revealed that could compromise not only his and Kristopher’s lives, but those of the remaining members of their team—if it is not already too late.

Release date: 27th December 2016

Continue reading “Winter Duet by Anne Barwell Guest Post & Excerpt!”

On Wings of Song by Anne Barwell

OnWingsofSongLGTitle: On Wings of Song
Series: N/A
Author: Anne Barwell
Genre: Historical (1914)/ Holiday
Length: Novella (110 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 24th 2014)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Six years after meeting British soldier Aiden Foster during the Christmas Truce of 1914, Jochen Weber still finds himself thinking about Aiden, their shared conversation about literature, and Aiden’s beautiful singing voice. A visit to London gives Jochen the opportunity to search for Aiden, but he’s shocked at what he finds.

The uniform button Jochen gave him is the only thing Aiden has left of the past he’s lost. The war and its aftermath ripped everything away from him, including his family and his music. When Jochen reappears in his life, Aiden enjoys their growing friendship but knows he has nothing to offer. Not anymore.

ISBN: 163216549X

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5869

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Christmas 1914, two soldiers that would be trying to kill each other any other day, meet and strike up an odd friendship. When they go their separate ways they give each other a token of remembrance, a button off their uniforms. Six years later, Jochen will use that button to track down the man who hasn’t left his mind for a single day in six years.

Aiden has lost everything, his family, his beautiful voice, even the man he and befriended during the war. Only a button to remind him of that Christmas all those years ago when the fighting stopped for just a few precious moments, and a bond was formed. When Aiden’s past comes calling, will he accept the gift? Or turn his old friend away.

What a great little story this was, proving the motto I live in my own life by daily, Love is Love. Jochen and Aiden are the most unlikely allies and friends, but one day so many years ago changed the course of their lives irrevocably. The language of the era and the cultures was accurately represented, as well as the back drop of the time and the part of the world the characters were in. Even when Jochen went looking for Aiden, in London Jochen was recognized as the enemy and Aiden’s whereabouts protected. If it weren’t for that button.

A must read for fans of historicals, even MM romance. You’ll love this little short story. A little slow in some places, but overall such a fun read that is ripe with the history it contains.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Shades of Sepia by Anne Barwell

81261gCHq6L._SL1350_Title: Shades of Sepia

Series: The Sleepless City #1

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal / Mystery/Suspense / Vamps/Weres

ISBN: 978-1-62798-542-0

Length: Novel (210 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 30th, 2014)

Heat Level: Low~Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥2 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: A serial killer stalks the streets of Flint, Ohio. The victims are always found in pairs, one human, and one vampire.

Simon Hawthorne has been a vampire for nearly a hundred years, and he has never seen anything like it. Neither have the other supernaturals he works with to keep the streets safe for both their kind and the humans.

One meeting with Simon finds Ben Leyton falling for a man he knows is keeping secrets, but he can’t ignore the growing attraction between them. A recent arrival in Flint, Ben finds it very different from his native New Zealand, but something about Simon makes Ben feel as though he’s found a new home.

After a close friend falls victim to the killer, Simon is torn between revealing his true nature to Ben, and walking away to avoid the reaction he fears. But with the body count rising and the murders becoming more frequent, either, or both of them, could be the killer’s next target.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4643

Review: The first thought I had about this book once I started reading was “oh my, another Twilight wannabe”. I haven’t been disabused of that notion. The characters might as well been named Edward-wannabe and Bella-wannabe. Harsh? Don’t think so.

So you might have gathered that I didn’t like this book. That’d be right, but not because it tried so hard to resemble another book, it was also the fact that for me, this was badly written.

He met Stephen in France and Albert in Europe…

This is an example of things that made me roll my eyes. FYI: France is in Europe, so that leads to the question: where on heck did he meet Albert?

“I want our relationship to be equal, and I’d like to be able to take you out to dinner somewhere nice too.”

This came after the fact that Simon is rich and Ben isn’t. It made me think how is it Simon’s fault that he’s rich..? Especially as Ben was trying to pick up a fight for that. In general, little things like this had me disliking the characters because there was no showing of growth in them at all.

No structure…

Ben’s POV, Simon’s POV, and an omniscient narrator? The heck? Yes, there were all kind of styles implored here. Didn’t give the book any points though. The thoughts and the dialogue were all over the place and I don’t even want to start on the soul bonding. Though the text drone on and on about the soul bond it failed to convey the emotional enormity of it, the scene when it happened was inadequate and hastily written making it yet another scene without much importance drowned in mindless cheesy dialogue. The show, don’t tell warning feels proper here and the telling literally killed all intentions. For a scene that meant a forever, bonding is was a huge failure.
As for the suspense/mystery part, well I pretty much figured who the badie was from the very beginning (it was not a hardship either) the mystery failing tragically there, and suspense was suspiciously lacking. What made it a weird read though was the fact that by the end of the book nothing was explained besides the why the bad guy did what he did. The how’s and the why’s of the other guys involved where left floating in the ether and I never got the deal with the council there and how come with a huge case such as the one they were dealing, our guys never visited it at all.

Anyway, all in all, this book failed to draw me in, the romance was bad, too bad for my liking, the mystery not a mystery at all, and the writing style a turn off. Now, perhaps I’m harsh, perhaps I’m not, but I can’t in good consciousness recommend this one.

A Knight to Remember by Anne Barwell

KnighttoRemember[A]LGTitle: A Knight to Remember

Series: Dragons of Austria 01 (tentative series)

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: High Fantasy, Fantasy

Length: Novel (204pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28th June 2013)

Heat LEvel: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: “The last of your line will be in the embrace of a dragon.”

Aric, Crown Prince of Astria, has been brought up to believe that all dragons are evil. But when he speaks with one, he finds himself questioning those beliefs. The dragon tells him to find a sword in Sherwin Forest to save not only his kingdom but also his sister, Georgia, who must otherwise wed the prince of a neighboring kingdom.

At the start of his quest, Aric dons a disguise and meets Denys, an archer and herbalist who lives alone at the edge of the forest. Denys agrees to guide Aric into the forest, but then Georgia appears, revealing Aric’s true identity.

However, Aric learns he is not the only one keeping secrets. Denys has a few of his own that could change both of their lives forever.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3953

Review: Aric might be the Crown Prince of Astria but he is firmly under the thumb of his father as is his twin sister Georgia. After a forbidden visit to his aunts Aric meets a dragon and he begins to realize that not everything he was taught was true, the dragon tells him to find a magical sword that will save his kingdom and his sister. Heading off on his quest in a disguise, he meets Denys who begrudgingly offers to act as his guide to Sherwin Forest, as they progress Aric discovers he isn’t the only one with a secret.

This is a brilliant fantasy story that I hope we will see much more of in the future. Aric is butting heads with his father the older he gets now twenty-four he feels that his father is losing his grip and putting the kingdom in danger by ignoring the information, Aric discovered. When a dragon tells Aric of a way to protect his kingdom he sets out on a quest. Denys is a loner who lives at the edge of a forest when he comes across a traveler who has a magical cloak, he offers to escort the man to his destination if no one else will and finds himself returning to Sherwin Forest. The two men become close on their journey but their tentative relationship is nearly destroyed when Georgia turns up and blurts out the truth about Aric. Continuing on the journey their joy at finding love is cut short when Aric loses his memory, they still have a quest to fulfill and they discover enemy’s from within the kingdom.

I did really enjoy this story and liked the way that it was developed, the flow of the story was pretty smooth and was very easy to read. The characters were great and we get a really good feel for both Aric and Denys, at times Aric would let his mind wander and Denys would seem a bit standoffish but they were characters you could connect to. There was some pretty good background to the story, which we discovered more of as we progressed through the story, and secrets were uncovered which added nicely to the story. The story is quite interesting and at times, you can understand why things are, the way they are in the kingdom, but you can also see where the over-reaction has taken place and the ill effects it has wrought.  

There were many things to enjoy with this book but there was also things that annoyed, like why Georgia joined Aric on his quest, I couldn’t see the point other than she was a brilliant archer, she didn’t really add much to the story other than stopping Aric and Denys from getting intimate at times. She does come in handy later in the book though. The ending had me gritting my teeth in frustration because nothing has been resolved, the very reason why Aric went on the quest still lingers and because of the circumstances you don’t see how it ever really will be either, and this is where we fall on our knee’s and pray that Anne Barwell will continue with this as a series.

I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, dragons, magic, a quest, betrayal, finding love and a happy for now ending.  

 

 

Magic's Muse by Ann Barwell

Title: Magic’s Muse

Series: Hidden Places 02

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy

Length: Novel Plus (289pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner (27th August 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Tomas and Cathal have escaped from Naearu, Cathal’s mystical homeworld, but happily ever after is never as straightforward in real life as it is in books. Then again, most people don’t deal with the complication of a lover who’s magically bound to a tree or have an interfering cat for a cousin.

With Naearu’s police force, the Falcons, still after Cathal, he can’t go home. Now that he and Tomas have consummated their relationship, Cathal’s abilities are evolving and changing to the point that Tomas can sense them. And until the oak portal closes, Cathal—and his new life with Tomas—are in limbo, as Cathal can’t expect Tomas to stay with someone who can never venture past the property line. Will he and Tomas ever get to follow through on their engagement?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3190

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Tomas and Cathal are together and as happy as they can be with the portal still open and their enemies still after them. Cathal also has the problem of the tether that is tying him to the oak tree, because with the portal still open he is still held by the spell. Tomas also has things to deal with as now he is starting to feel Cathal’s emotions, his sister is coming to visit, he still dislikes Christian and they are dealing with the emotional fallout from Christian’s family.

Cathal and Tomas have a lot of emotional fall out in this book as does Will, Christian, Wynne and Mikey. Cathal and Will have to deal with the ramifications of finally being free, but facing never being able to return home again, while Christian is facing losing the love of his life and missing out on all the years of his sons’ life. Wynne and Mikey are dealing with Christian finally being back and Mikey receives distressing news from Edward (Mikey’s dad) and that is just the tip of the iceberg for them all. Tomas and Cathal struggle slightly when Cathal’s abilities become stronger and start to affect Tomas, and they all worry about the portal and how long before the enchantment is broken and what will happen when the enchantment is broken.

I found this to be a relaxing read; it flowed well and quite easily. There are references to what happened in the previous book, but in this book it is mainly about the, what if’s and what now’s, what are they going to do if Deryn sends the Falcon’s after them? What are they going to do if the portal never close’s? What are they going to do if it does close? There’s a lot of emotional turmoil for everyone and emotional conflict, with tempers being raised and depression lingering for some. Tomas and Cathal have some working out to do as they become closer as a couple. Cathal is used to keeping secrets and Tomas being self-centered, both of them are learning that there is someone else they have to think about and trust.

I will recommend this to those who love contemporary fantasy, sweet loving, two men settling into a relationship, emotional conflict and finally for Cathal and Tomas a very happy ever after.