Hi guys! We have Sean Ian O’Meidhir and Connal Braginsky popping in today with their new release Trial, we have a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Trial
(Crossing Nüwa 02)
by
Sean Ian O’Meidhir and Connal Braginsky
With the help of technomage and hacker Theo, rare snake shifter Robbie escaped his mother and clan, who planned to use him as breeding stock. While still working to break through the conditioning and mind control of his past, Robbie is enjoying exploring a new relationship with the worldlier Theo.
But their fight isn’t over yet.
A trip to his aunt’s house for Thanksgiving is highjacked by political intrigue, leaving the couple wondering who their friends really are. They cannot help but be drawn into larger plots while trying to find justice for Robbie at his mother’s trial. When clan rivalries turn deadly, they’ll need their allies—and each other—more than ever.
Hi guys! We have Sara Sasha Hope visiting today with her new release The Empires of Luxor City, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
The Empires of Luxor City
by
Sasha Hope
In the aftermath of his father’s funeral, Dom Wesa, the new Alpha of Luxor City’s Central Empire, stumbles upon an Omega in desperate need of help. The Omega, Lin Vasiliev, wakes to find he’s been taken into Dom’s home to be rehabilitated. Dom thinks the young addict may have information about the illicit drug trade going on in his Empire. He gets Lin sober to question him only to discover that Lin is new in town and ignorant of Luxor’s laws.
Dom and Lin are both suspicious of each other at first for their own reasons, but as that wariness wears away a deep attraction develops between them. Dom dotes on Lin, leaving the once stone-broke Omega bathed in finery he never could have imagined. They start planning for Lin’s upcoming heat, when they will be driven together by their kindling bond and strong compatibility as an Alpha and Omega pair. However, in the midst of their swelling romance, Luxor’s most notorious Alpha reappears sparking a gang war that threatens to turn the entire city into a battleground.
Warning: scenes of graphic violence, kidnapping/abduction, guns, drug addiction, deceased family members
Blurb:A collection of brand-new short stories, featuring characters from The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series by bestselling author SJ Himes.
Red Wine and Blood The Blood Wars raged for centuries across Boston. Witness a brief glimpse into the brutal history of the Wars with Ignacio Salvatore and the vampire he loves, Ashwin Metcalfe, in 1897.
A History of Trouble Angel was joking when he asked O’Malley if someone resurrected a mammoth. Little did he know that was exactly what someone did. Experience the untold story of what happened that unfortunate night at the Boston Public Museum.
A Dragon in the City What happens when Eroch goes adventuring in Beacon Hill without Angel? Chaos, pure chaos.
Fae’s Gold Daniel is helping the newly-resurrected fae Ruairi Brennan become accustomed to modern-day living. A boring trip to the bank quickly escalates, and Daniel calls Angel for help. The day goes downhill from there but ends in a comfy meal in a pub for an ancient fae warrior and a necromancer’s apprentice.
Review: These are some short little stories that show our favorite couple and a cute familiar in a few different life story. They are the stories that many readers ask for, a little more about the characters, although they do have other charming characters in them.
Red Wine and Blood
Ashwin finds three mages and he knew they were a danger. However even a strong vampire would have trouble fighting them but nope he doesn’t realize till it happens. Thankfully his strong bond with his love, Ignacio comes to his rescue.
A History of Trouble
A group of kids are dead all because they thought it would be fun to raise an animal that has been extinct for many, many years. A mammoth running through the streets as a zombie. Now that would be funny to see, but Angel is sent to send it back.
A Dragon in the City
Eroch had been taken from his family and the cutie finds a new bond with a special man. He does love his bond with Angel but he also loves fried pigeons.
Fae’s Gold
Rory had been in a 200 year old magical coma and now he is trying to make it in the modern world. So Daniel decides to help. Take a large load of gold to the bank to change it in to cash, doesn’t have the reaction that even they thought.
Normally I would give them each a rating but they are all equal. They were a little to short for me but still was fun to read.
I enjoyed hearing about the guys and little Eroch, who is my favorite. O’Malley is an idiot sometimes though. I did love these little tidbits into some of the world we have come to love.
Hiya peeps! We have Victoria Sue stopping by today with her new release Dead of Knight, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $5 Amazon GC or a backlist title giveaway, so check out the post and don’t forget to leave a comment to enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Dead of Knight
(Guardians of Camelot 02)
by
Victoria Sue
A battle is coming…
…and the immortal knights aren’t ready.
Will an orphan be the key?
For fifteen hundred years Lucan has waged war with the greatest enemy the world has ever known
…and fought the ancient curse that means loving someone with all his heart and soul might be the reason they die.
Tom wasn’t supposed to be born… twice.
How, as a young child, had he even heard the monsters at all?
How, as an adult, is he caught up in a deadly battle to fight evil, but cannot get one stubborn man to even acknowledge he exists?
Time is running out, not just to unravel the secrets of Tom’s destiny, but for Tom to show Lucan that loving someone with all that they have doesn’t mean breaking their heart.
Blurb: The sparkling jewel of the Hidden Gem, City M’s most renowned brothel, Misaki “Aki” Ito is living the good life. He’s not subjected to torture for his psi abilities, he has a roof over his head, food to eat, and all the sparkly shoes he could dream about. He also has one particular regular he can’t get enough of, Shane McNaughton, even if Shane occasionally asks for Aki’s help on a case.
Shane is a cop specializing in missing persons. He’s good at finding people, not just because of his years as a seasoned detective, but because he survived the Third World War and resulting plague with a few supernatural abilities himself. Mutated by the virus that wiped out two thirds of the world’s population, Shane no longer considers himself human. Which is why he limits his visits to a very breakable psi companion when not working a case, no matter how much he might want Aki.
When a high ranking official’s daughter goes missing and feared dead, Shane has no choice but to ask Aki to use his abilities to help him track down the kidnapper. The case opens a door to a past Aki thought he had escaped. Will Shane’s love be enough to save them all when something dark is awakened inside of Aki?
Note: Re-edited, but content still the same. Short fiction added to the end.
Review: Aki is a psi; he has mutated DNA that means he is able to read your past with a touch, but living in a world that fears those that are different left him starving and beaten until he was taken off the streets to become a contracted companion. The Hidden Gem welcomed him with open arms and he has repaid them by becoming their top companion, earning enough money to keep him in sparkly shoes and pretty clothes. Shane survived the Third World War greatly changed; now working as a cop finding missing people and assisting in the odd homicide but keeping people at arm’s length to hide the monster inside him. Shane has visited Aki many times over the last two years for both work and personal needs and he wishes he could have more from the companion. As Shane tracks down a serial killer it becomes clear to him that Ari is somehow connected, but can Shane save him from what is to come?
Oh my, this story certainly surprised me with the intriguing plot and stunning characters. The world has changed from what we know; World War Three changed not only the landscape but for some it changed their very genetics, A-Ms (Animal-Mutation) and not long after came the psi’s. A country split and containment camps and shunning for the psi and A-Ms hiding their natures, this is the world we find ourselves in and it is fascinating. Shane is investigating a puzzling serial killer, asking Aki to help seems to be his best bet for any clue but not even Aki could have seen the outcome that they are heading for.
Shane and Aki are wonderful characters, Shane may be big, growly and not very friendly and when you learn his past you can understand his stand-offish attitude, but he has a soft spot for Aki, then there’s Aki who seems to be a young innocent who has an obsession with sparkly shoes, but has an horrific past and it’s amazing after everything he has been through that he has a soft heart for Shane. They have much to work out before they even start dating, Aki must learn to shield himself and Shane must learn to be what Aki needs and Shane also needs to get to the bottom of his serial killer case which seems to get bigger and more complex with every victim.
I have to admit that I couldn’t put this story down, it’s growth was amazing with plots and twists that just seemed to get bigger and bigger, there was also a couple of moments where my jaw dropped in surprise because the twist just came from nowhere. We are treated to a host of wonderful characters besides Aki and Shane; some of those include Candy, Paris and Jack. We are led a merry chase as we try to figure out who the serial killer is, and just where Aki fits in to Shane’s feeling that he might be connected…. And I will tell you now I think I was shell-shocked by the revelation because that had never even crossed my mind!
The two bonus stories are absolutely brilliant, giving us a special glimpse of Aki and Shane in the first one and of Aki and Candy in the second.
I have to recommend this to those who love science-fiction that blends with the paranormal, who love unconventional love stories, who love surprising thrillers and mysteries, fantastic characters who all have their own stories and a rollercoaster ride that you don’t want to get off.
Hi guys! We have E.J. Russell stopping by today with the tour for her new release Howling On Hold, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway where you can win a $25 Riptide Publishing gift card and an ecopy of an ebook from E.J.’s backlist, so guys check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Howling On Hold
(Mythmatched Universe)
by
E.J. Russell
Sometimes it’s harder to teach a young dog new tricks.
That’s why werewolves embark on a Howling: a three-year rite of passage in which they’re sent to a group residence to wrestle with their wolfy instincts and assimilate into the Wider World. But Tanner Araya’s Howling is almost over, and he could be called back to his remote pack at any moment. His twenty-first birthday might be his last chance to act on his strongest instinct and finally kiss Chase Denney.
Chase is RA at the Howling residence affectionately dubbed “the Doghouse,” and he takes his job seriously. So seriously that when he realized he was developing feelings for a resident, he forced himself to keep Tanner at a distance. But now that Tanner’s twenty-one, he’s not Chase’s charge any longer. They could be friends or—if Chase is lucky—something more. At least until they both return to their home packs for good, as tradition demands.
It would take a miracle for them to get together—especially when the other Doghouse werewolves insist on “helping.”
Warning: Many Frisbees are harmed in this story, forgiveness is not always easier than permission, and the five-second rule does not apply.
Emotional abuse (manipulation) from a parental figure Violence / Gun violence
Blurb: LGBT fantasy fiction. Stripped of his psychic powers, Calico Winghorse barely made it to 19th century Earth via his interdimensional portal. As a mixed-blood phoenix concealing himself in human form, he opens a bakery in the San Francisco Bay Area and quietly licks his wounds. But the unique method of his escape has drawn the unwanted attention of Infinity Corporation.
Representing this angelic-run company is Agustín Chávez de la Cruz, the Demon Lord of California. Even though Agustín is the corporation’s heir, he finds himself demoted from his daily duties for a new assignment: take absolute control of the portal.
As Agustín formulates a more gracious avenue of acquiring Calico’s gateway, the demanding head of IC interferes, further complicating matters. From this unexpected interlude, Calico and Agustín realize they both wish to establish more than a mere business arrangement. So negotiations stumble along, all the while Calico ensures that the good people of the city are getting their fill of baked goods.
Yet due to Calico’s injuries, the portal remains vulnerable to the darker forces that want it at any cost. Agustín will have to push both his angelic heritage, and his own psychic powers to the very limits to mend someone who not only bears celestial blood, but who is also the god of space and time.
Review: I really enjoyed this story about two men who are very different from one another. Calico is hard to describe given the species he is made up of. I loved the psychic interactions between him and the demon lord Augustin who is half demon, half angel.
I have to admit there is a lot of detailed information throughout the story that helps the reader to visualize and progress through the book. But at times it seemed overwhelming a tad bit. Augustin confused me at one point considering who he is he seemed almost childlike when being put down by his father. Why he did not stand up for himself confused me. He’s an adult.
Aside from that I loved the story. It had a great cast of characters that added depth to the book. I am looking forward to seeing what else happens in the series and getting to know the characters more.
Hi guys we have O.F. Cieri popping in today with her new release Lord of Thundertown, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Lord of Thundertown
by
O.F. Cieri
In the movies, Thundertown was depicted like a real town, with boundaries, Folk-run businesses, and a government. In real life, Thundertown was a block here or there, three businesses on the same side of the street, an unconnected sewer main, or a single abandoned building.
When an epidemic of missing person cases is on the rise, the police refuse to act. Instead, Alex Delatorre goes to Thundertown for answers and finds clues leading to a new Lord trying to unite the population.
No one has seen the Lord, and the closer Alex gets to him, the farther Alex gets from his path home.
Warning: Vomit, strong language, self-harm, alcohol use, death, gore, body mutilation, body horror, mention of discriminatory practices, mention of child abuse, internalized homophobia, mild use of homophobic language, reference to anti-semitism
Blurb: Sometimes Fae love stories aren’t what you expect.
The Marfach—devourer of magick, long-imprisoned mortal enemy of the Fae race—is free of its Antarctic prison.
The Demesne of Purgatory—Fae, humans, a Fade-hound puppy, a Gille Dubh, and a darag—is all that stands between the monster and the power it needs to destroy both the Fae Realm and the human world.
The only clue they have as to how to kill the unkillable is a cryptic note from the Loremasters: “Osclór, Nartú; Tobar, Soladán; Nidantór, Breathea; Glanadorh, Coromór, Farthor; Scian-omprór, Nachangalte; Crangaol, Síofra; Gastiór, Laoc, Caomhnór; Fánadh, Ngarradh.” Opener, Strength; Wellspring, Channel; Unmaker, Judge; Cleanser, Equalizer, Sentry; Blade-bearer, Unbound; Tree-kin, Changeling; Binder, Warrior, Guardian; Wanderer, Sundered.
As they rebuild Purgatory from the rubble the Marfach left behind, they have to stand together, using everything they know—everything they are to their partners, lovers, husbands. Everything SoulSharing has made them.
And not everyone who enters the final battle will leave it.
Review:This story is part of a series and must be read in order.
The Fae and their SoulShares know that they have a huge challenge ahead; they have to finally kill the Marfach and destroy the Pattern if they want to save the Fae realm and Earth. Which considering they have no idea how to do either, the Marfach is unkillable and the Pattern has been sealed by the Loremasters from their side.
This is a fantastic conclusion to the SoulShares series; it’s got love, danger, action, mystery and a huge twist. I was gripped by this story and the way it played out.
We rejoin the guys as they try to figure out how they are going to move forward in their plans, and as typical Fae are wont to be their planning is more of a bragging of their skills and how they will all single handedly tear the Marfach to pieces. The SoulsShares all know the risks they are facing, and when a cryptic message arrives from the Loremasters they know the only way forward is for them to all work together.
Kevin is terrified though, he is haunted by a dream and when the dream comes true his world is shattered.
We get to enjoy brief snatches of each of the couples & throuple from the first eight books, but this books focuses on the final battle with the Marfach and the aftermath. I really don’t want to give anything away so that’s all I can say about the storyline.
Rory Ni Coileain has wrapped this series up nicely; the writing is superb and grips you from the start. The entire storyline is wrapped up perfectly although I was hoping for a glimpse of reunion between all eight couples at the very end (you’ll understand when you read it 😉 )
I have to say that I was extremely satisfied with how the series ended, there was nothing left hanging or left open. This series truly has ended and while I am sad to say goodbye to the guys, I’m pleased with how it all finished.
I recommend this to those who Fae, danger, a long reaching plot, hope, great characters, an interesting storyline, and a great ending.
Hi peeps! We have Rory Ni Coilenin popping in today with her new release Back Door Into Purgatory, we have a great exclusive excerpt, a fantastic $20 Amazon GC giveaway and my review so check out the post and enter the giveaway, so check out he post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Back Door Into Purgatory
by
(SoulShares 09)
Rory Ni Coilenin
Sometimes Fae love stories aren’t what you expect.
The Marfach—devourer of magick, long-imprisoned mortal enemy of the Fae race—is free of its Antarctic prison.
The Demesne of Purgatory—Fae, humans, a Fade-hound puppy, a Gille Dubh, and a darag—is all that stands between the monster and the power it needs to destroy both the Fae Realm and the human world.
The only clue they have as to how to kill the unkillable is a cryptic note from the Loremasters: “Osclór, Nartú; Tobar, Soladán; Nidantór, Breathea; Glanadorh, Coromór, Farthor; Scian-omprór, Nachangalte; Crangaol, Síofra; Gastiór, Laoc, Caomhnór; Fánadh, Ngarradh.” Opener, Strength; Wellspring, Channel; Unmaker, Judge; Cleanser, Equalizer, Sentry; Blade-bearer, Unbound; Tree-kin, Changeling; Binder, Warrior, Guardian; Wanderer, Sundered.
As they rebuild Purgatory from the rubble the Marfach left behind, they have to stand together, using everything they know—everything they are to their partners, lovers, husbands. Everything SoulSharing has made them.
And not everyone who enters the final battle will leave it.
Blurb: I’ve been living with this burden for years, but my secret has finally been revealed and I feel like I can breathe again. I’ve wanted to ask—to beg—for help, but the spell that’s held me captive wouldn’t allow it. With it out in the open, I’m more determined than ever to break the seal from my chest so I can truly be free.
But what if my seal has something to do with one of the most feared prophecies of the millennium?
“A broken seal breaks the fragile hold…”
What does that mean? How am I connected? And why do I find myself so deeply drawn to Julius when I know my viramore, my soulmate, is out there somewhere? It’s not fair to either of us for me to lead Jules on, but it seems that my vampire companion is fierce in his determination to help me.
The Witch’s Blood is the third book in The Ellwood Chronicles and is a continuation of the overall story as we follow Emrys, Julius, Sebastian, and Ailin on their journey. It contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 years of age and older.
Review: Both Emrys and Julius’ backgrounds about what happened to them before they met were heart wrenching and horrifying. Julius was fierce in his protection of Emrys, which I thought was sweet and endearing.
I loved everything about this story. Emrys journey has not been easy. I so wanted to hug both him and Julius and tell them it would be o.k. I enjoyed the banter throughout this story. But the highlights were the secrets that were revealed and the intense battles. They were my favorite.
All in all it was a fantastic addition to the series
The first line of the ancient prophecy keeps playing over and over in my head, but I’m afraid to remember the rest. I don’t want to think about what’s coming for us—what’s coming for him. I’ve been keeping Brinnswick safe for years; I’ve been keeping my coven safe my whole life; and now I was responsible for keeping Sebastian safe, too. It shouldn’t have been a problem, he was my vitmea viramore, after all, and I was used to having the weight of the world on my shoulders.
What Seb doesn’t know is that everyone in the magical community is after him—even if they don’t realize it yet. They’ve been looking for him for centuries; not only for him, but for his soul. But they never counted on him having me. I will protect him with my every breath and take down anyone that gets in our way. His soul belongs with me, not in the arms of evil.
The Enchanter’s Soul is the second book in The Ellwood Chronicles and is a continuation of Sebastian and Ailin’s story. It contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 years of age and older.
Review: This story is told in different POV’s. Ailin and Seb get to know one another while at the same time Ailin is keeping secrets and Seb is refusing his magic. There is a great cast of characters that add a lot to the story.
I did feel there was a bit much with the declarations between Ailin and Seb. Believe me I got it the first time they said it. New family members arrive and Ailin makes peace with Emrys. I loved how family and friends embrace Seb to the point of him finally having the courage to accept what is destined for him.
Blurb: The strangest things happen in the sleepy town of Glenwood Lock…
But if you’re lucky, you’ll make it out alive.
The Ortega family comes from a long line of werewolves and magic. They are a powerful family, one that puts the lives of the innocent above themselves at all costs. Alpha Celia and her brothers, Eli and Artie, thought they had seen it all. Their entire world is turned upside down when two college guys decide to walk home during a full moon and now, their small pack is transformed into something they never expected.
Lou Correa and Dante Navarro have been best friends as far back as they can remember. One walk home during a full moon threatens to change that. In a single instance, they are thrown into a world that is chaotic, unfamiliar, and terrifying. With trained hunters coming after them for powers they don’t understand, will they learn to survive? Can an unexpected romance help them or will it be yet another obstacle to overcome?
Honestly, will they even see the end of the week?
The Desecrated Pack: Saints and Sinners is the beginning of a new series, with a sweet MM romance, feisty characters, and a world filled with unexpected challenges.
Review: I loved this story about Dante, Lou, Eli, Artie, Celia and so many other characters. We get a first hand account into many of their thoughts and feelings as circumstances out of their control throw them all together in a bind to protect each other from a group of humans who are hell bent on making sure they don’t become too powerful.
The Ascendancy is a ruthless group in that they kill without discrimination. Is does not matter who the intended victim is they take them out to prevent paranormal groups from becoming too powerful. I was shocked by this as I did not understand why paranormals would allow humans to do this. Nevertheless it made for a powerful, emotional story that reveals secrets, a prophecy and making a stand against the injustice in the world placed on them by humans.
Blurb: Assistant Professor Reggie Wolfe has simple goals: to help his engineering students succeed and to stop male Wielders from falling into Taint without drawing attention from the Bureau of Wielder Services. A select few can Wield the Nerve of the World. Women Wielders do so freely, without any repercussions. For men, it’s another story. They fight Taint and Corruption for the same power.
Reggie’s easy life upends when Kyle, a young male Wielder, lands at his feet, trapped in his Taint and pursued by the very criminal Wielder cults the Bureau is fighting. As the two work to control Kyle’s Taint, Reggie realizes he will do everything he can to help Kyle, even follow him into darkness.
Edge of Desperation is the exciting opening novella to the Wielder World series—gay urban fantasy full of magic, suspense, and dedication born of trial and blood.
Review: In a society where men with wielder status suffer for their abilities by getting taint or corruption it’s best for them to remain hidden. Reggie is a wielder with a unique gift. He is able to untangle the nerve that causes it but not without causing his own corruption. Kyle is a young man trying to be recruited by a cult for male wielders. Reggie takes Kyle under his wing and tries to help him.
When Kyle calls with information about the clubs hideout Reggie gets in over his head when attempts to rescue Kyle. I liked this story about wielders and them having powers. They were different in nature depending on the wielder. I thought it intriguing as to why women were thought to control or handle theirs better as I saw instances where that was not the case. I did not care for the male wielders being on a list or disappearing for the slightest infraction.
When Aidan Bishop staggers out of the woods, naked and suffering from amnesia, he needs to relearn who he is and where he fits in the world.
His boss, nearly five-hundred-year-old dragon Nassim, head of a successful tech company, hurries to claim his wayward assistant and guide him back into the life he disappeared from. As they get to know each other again, Aidan wonders if their relationship went deeper than employer and employee. But Nassim isn’t telling, and Aidan has a secret of his own… even if he doesn’t know it yet.
Review: The Dragon CEO’s Assistant is the second book in Jenn Burke’s Golden Kingdom series. This does work as a standalone book, there is a brief appearance of the couple featured in the first book, but this appearance does not require any knowledge of what had happened to that particular couple.
I was looking forward to this book because I remember being surprised as just how good and how much I enjoyed the first book. And while I did enjoy this book, the plot line is something of a stereotypical plot from amnesia, a possible office romance, and a distinct lack of communication between the MCs. This is both good and bad. If this ticks all your boxes and have enjoyed similar romances – as I have with various MF romances – then this will be enjoyable, especially if you’re love your MM romances with paranormal themes and shapeshifters.
I’m not going to go too deep into my descriptions. The blurb basically tells you everything you need to know – as a blurb does, but there really isn’t anything too surprising that pops up in the course of the book. I feel that if I do I will spoil things too much.
The story starts when Aidan Bishop emerges out of the woods, after being missing for a short period of time, with amnesia. Not only does he not remember how he got to be found staggering around in a dark, creepy wood, he has no idea of a great many things in his life. As a result, his boss, a five hundred year old dragon shifter, Nassim, endeavours to help Aidan relearn his job and reacquaint himself with the people he had day to day contact with. This is, of course, a confusing time for Aidan, but he is further confused by the ease he feels with Nassim and the just how well they get along, as well as the tingly feeling Nassim leaves him with.
Because Aidan is a stranger to himself, this type of story really does lend itself to some really good character development and depth in the relationship between Aidan and Nassim. There is a certain level of care and attention towards Aidan that shows that he is important in more ways than one. Overall, this was a fun and relaxing book. The romance was sweet, and felt relatable. Perhaps I think this would be an enjoyable read if you need a book to come down after getting through a rather intense story.
For 1500 years, Lancelot has fought for good, now facing an evil plot hatched by Morgana hundreds of years earlier, he can’t defeat her alone. He must find the other half of his soul, but there is just one problem, he doesn’t know where to look.
Whomever it is, he’s sure they live in New York City.
The clock ticks.
Time is not on his side.
Mel has struggled since his father died when he was only a child. He’s had to do anything to get by and it hasn’t been easy. When a strange Englishman reaches out to him, with a story beyond belief, he has a decision to make. Follow his heart and trust him or run?
Can Mel and Lance defeat the greatest enemy the world has ever known? Or in the midst of fighting evil, will they discover the real threat has always been a shattered heart?
And what if the one fight they cannot ever hope to win is with themselves?
You’ll love this new look at the Arthurian legends, because of the twists and the romance you didn’t expect.
Review: Past and present collide in this astonishing new series as Mel learns this more out there than he knew. Lancelot saves the young man when he’s attacked by a vile evil monster. This sets in motion the two learning about each other and each facing difficult decisions while at the same time fighting their attraction.
I loved the plot and the way it slowly revealed different snippets of what was in the past while explaining what happened and why. Lance and his fellow knights Kay, Lucan, Ali, and Gawain have lived a long life battling an evil that overtook Camelot a thousand years ago and still battles them in the present. Merlin is a key player who made the knights immortal with an exception that they find the other half of their soul. If this person dies then so to will the knight.
There is so much that happens to make this an epic story with fabulous twists and turns that enable a slow understanding of what is going on and who exactly are the good and guys. There is a great cast of characters that bring the story to life and dangerous situations that have you on the edge on your seat as you are immersed in a story where the good struggle against insurmountable odds.
Blurb: When Killian Barth, history professor, meets Blaine Genneau, quantum physicist, they ignite their own big bang. But Killian can’t pursue a physics professor – or a human. As the most pow-erful male witch in 10 generations, Killian must bolster his dying race by reproducing – despite the fact that he’s gay.
Even a fling with Blaine is out of the question, because Killian has been told sex with humans drains his power. But if that’s true, why can young human Jimmy Janx dissolve spoons with the power of his mind? If Killian can sort through the lies he’s been fed, he’ll still face his biggest obstacle – convincing rational scientist Blaine to believe in magic.
With his ancient and powerful cat familiar, Aloysius, on his shoulder, Killian brings the lightning against deceit and greed to save Blaine from danger and prove love is the greatest power of them all.
Review: Spell Cat is the first book in Tara Lain’s paranormal romance series, The Aloysius Tales. This narration is actually from the recently published second edition from Dreamspinner Press. Before coming across the audio of this story, I’ve not read either edition of this story. However, I thought the plot sounded interesting and more often than not I’ve really enjoyed Lain’s work (probably with a preferences towards her recent stuff than the older stuff).
The narration of this book was performed by KC Kelly. Who did a good job, creating tones and voices not only for the two MCs, but a whole host of minor characters, which also included a couple “European” and “Russian” type accents. It was honestly a great performance and I think this is one of those books where I wouldn’t enjoy as much if I simply read it book myself.
I will admit, I did a bit of research, because from the blurb I found it confusing as to why the series was called the Aloysius Tales. Then I actually started the book and then I realised: Aloysius is the name of the damn cat.
The story starts with Professor Killian Barth, a history professor who specialises in the history of witchcraft. The subject he teaches is popular – from kids wanting easy grades to others who find it cool to study witches. He also happens to be a bona fide witch, the most powerful witch for 10 generations and is known as the witch master, a powerful figurehead in the community. The witches are dying, the witch elders telling everyone that this is because witches have been diluting their powers by “mixing” with humans. And being the most powerful male witch means that his power-hungry mother and another power-hungry elder, have orchestrated an arranged marriage between Killian and the most powerful female witch to ensure the purity of the witch line. The biggest issue being that Killian is gay.
This makes Killian a heart breaking figure because he has never allowed himself some measure of happiness. He has been told his whole life having sex with humans will deplete his powers and make him weaker, yet he is comfortable and prefers to be in the human world. Perhaps worst of all, when he meets physics professor Blain Genneau, there is an instant spark of attraction between the two men. Which only serves to make Killian more miserable.
The story, shortly after Killian is introduced to his new familiar, the black cat Aloysius, is Killian’s battle to be find out what exactly is behind the whole “humans deplete a witch’s power”. All to find a way out of his arranged marriage and maybe even find some kind of happiness, no matter how temporary. Killian is definitely the main character here, although Blaine I felt got about as much “air time” as the secondary characters such as Killian’s fiancé Lavender and Killian’s strange student Jimmy Janks. In some ways that didn’t feel very fair to their romance, but for the overall story it worked that this was predominately told from Killian’s POV, and Killian has a lot of thing going on.
I recommend this one to those that love paranormal fiction, in particular those that like witches and magic. This is a first in a series which follows the influence of familiar Aloysius on the witch community and the love lives of a select few. I’m keen to hear or read more.
Blurb: Guilt-ridden after the massacre of his family, Isaac Salvatore turned to binge drinking to escape the pain. Now twenty-four years old, Isaac is a recovering alcoholic woefully out of practice in the magical arts, leaving his fire affinity hanging on the edge of disaster. After a month of rehab, he returns to Beacon Hill and his family, determined to remain sober, learn to control his magic, and figure out a plan for his life that doesn’t involve drinking.
Constantine Batiste is the oldest, most powerful vampire in the city. Born in ancient Gaul, the bastard son of a Celtic king, his long life has been shrouded in tragedy and horrors. Recent mistakes have left him wary and determined to guard his clan from all foes. When two of his clan members fall victim to an ancient evil, he summons the Necromancer of Boston for aid. Accompanying his older brother to the Tower is the handsome young fire mage once wounded by Constantine’s arrogance, and their encounter reignites an attraction that burns within both Constantine and Isaac.
The answer to who is targeting the vampires of Boston is buried in the dark, early days of Constantine’s transition to an immortal life. Isaac finds himself saddled with a painful insight into the evil cutting a swath through the supernatural population of Boston. While his brother, Angel, takes over the hunt to find and stop the threat to the city, Isaac struggles to find a balance between helping his brother and finding his own purpose and place in the world, free from his brother’s shadow.
Falling in love wasn’t part of his plan, but mastering the flames that burn between him and Constantine soon becomes the most important thing in his life, even as an ancient evil seeks to destroy them.
Review: Isaac had finally gotten to the bottom and needed help. He was finishing his time in the hospital trying to get over drinking. He had made one big mistake and didn’t tell them just how much he was drinking so it was harder then he had expected. Now home he is bout to see the one man he was in lust of, very powerful vampire.
Constantine missed the man he was falling for. He had screwed up and lost the ability to entice the young fire mage. Isaac’s brother marked him so it would never work again. That didn’t take away from the fact that he was falling in love. To bad for them someone is not only out to get the vampires but also for Isaac and Constantine.
It might have been a damn good story if it didn’t come off the way it does. It felt like the author was rambling and mixing up parts of the story. Also some of the words that were used was just plain nutty. It was long winded when a shorter story would have been better. It was so slow that it took me four days to finish, where it should have been maybe two hours. I liked the guys quite a bit but the story was just off to me. There was action but it was more of a blur then something you would have expected. There was a distinct feeling from Isaac that he wouldn’t be liked by the vampires but you saw just a handful in the story. So there was no reason for the way the character felt. There wasn’t even really any heat from his brother or his brothers mate.
There was some action as I said above but very little. You get a bit more romance but mostly how each other is feeling. The sex scenes were a bit dry and not all what one would expect. There was just something that made the story go in the opposite direction than it should have. The characters while charming were not as full as they should have been. You don’t see much of his brother, don’t get me wrong it is Isaac’s story, but you would expect his brother to be there more. Then they were all worried to death about the evil in the story being so hard to die, then one move does it, came off lame to me.
Overall the story was fine, not the best that I expected but was still a good read in the end. I can’t say that this is one of those stories that will be read more than just once, but I am afraid that it probably will just be put on the shelf. It was just to long winded with to much added in than was needed. I am sorry to say but this story just wasn’t my idea of fun.
Hiya guys! We have Jenn Burke popping in today with her new release The Dragon CEO’s Assastant, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so guys check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
The Dragon CEO’s Assistant
(Golden Kingdom 02 / Dreamspun Beyond 39)
by
Jenn Burke
The heart remembers.
When Aidan Bishop staggers out of the woods, naked and suffering from amnesia, he needs to relearn who he is and where he fits in the world.
His boss, nearly five-hundred-year-old dragon Nassim, head of a successful tech company, hurries to claim his wayward assistant and guide him back into the life he disappeared from. As they get to know each other again, Aidan wonders if their relationship went deeper than employer and employee. But Nassim isn’t telling, and Aidan has a secret of his own… even if he doesn’t know it yet.
Hi peeps! We have S.J. Himes stopping by with the tour for her newest release Mastering The Flames, we have a great new except and Lisa’s review so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Mastering The Flames
(The Beacon Hill Sorcerer 04)
by
S.J. Himes
Guilt-ridden after the massacre of his family, Isaac Salvatore turned to binge drinking to escape the pain. Now twenty-four years old, Isaac is a recovering alcoholic woefully out of practice in the magical arts, leaving his fire affinity hanging on the edge of disaster. After a month of rehab, he returns to Beacon Hill and his family, determined to remain sober, learn to control his magic, and figure out a plan for his life that doesn’t involve drinking.
Constantine Batiste is the oldest, most powerful vampire in the city. Born in ancient Gaul, the bastard son of a Celtic king, his long life has been shrouded in tragedy and horrors. Recent mistakes have left him wary and determined to guard his clan from all foes. When two of his clan members fall victim to an ancient evil, he summons the Necromancer of Boston for aid. Accompanying his older brother to the Tower is the handsome young fire mage once wounded by Constantine’s arrogance, and their encounter reignites an attraction that burns within both Constantine and Isaac.
The answer to who is targeting the vampires of Boston is buried in the dark, early days of Constantine’s transition to an immortal life. Isaac finds himself saddled with a painful insight into the evil cutting a swath through the supernatural population of Boston. While his brother, Angel, takes over the hunt to find and stop the threat to the city, Isaac struggles to find a balance between helping his brother and finding his own purpose and place in the world, free from his brother’s shadow.
Falling in love wasn’t part of his plan, but mastering the flames that burn between him and Constantine soon becomes the most important thing in his life, even as an ancient evil seeks to destroy them.
Mastering the Flames is the fourth book in The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series and is not a standalone.
The series should be read in order for maximum enjoyment and understanding of the plot and characters.
