Tag: Helena Maeve

Best Kept Lies by Helena Mauve

Helena Maeve - Best Kept Lies CoverTitle: Best Kept Lies

Series: Shadow Play 01

Author: Helena Mauve

Genre: Contemporary, Thriller, Suspense

Length: Novella (109 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (August 25, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: What becomes of the Russian spy who lands himself in the crosshairs of a rogue British agent?

Grigory Antipov’s work within the intelligence community is exemplary, but attracting too much attention is against his interests as a spy—a lesson painfully learned the night he is abducted off the streets of Rome. Captivity is a dangerous thing and Grigory already operates under a cloud of suspicion, given his predilection for male company. Luckily, his stint in British custody is short-lived, a mere flex of muscle from Agent Karim Awad.

Karim’s objective is obvious. Lure Grigory into Section’s clutches and turn him against his own people—expose him to the wrath of Moscow if he refuses. His mission brief may not specify the methods to be used, but Grigory soon discovers that Karim is a man of many talents. With powerful interests at play and the threat of deadly force in the air, Grigory faces an impossible choice—surrender to his fate or sacrifice the only man whose touch makes him feel alive after so many years.

ISBN: 978-1-78430-735-6

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link:  https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/best-kept-lies

Review: This is book one of the Shadow Play Series. This book has a lot going on it. I expected this as I started reading and discovered spy and espionage in it the further I read. I have to assume since this is the first book the reason why some of the book was confusing was due to many different things going on, the introduction of many characters to base the rest of the series on, plus the fact that it seemed like there was no real beginning to the story.

This book is well written, fast paced and action packed. Although I liked the story I felt constantly confused as it seemed there were too many characters introduced into too short a book. 

Grigory, a Russian spy is caught by the enemy, Karim is a British Agent sent to try and get him to come to their side. There was a lot of sex in this book. I have mixed feelings about the overall story as it would have been so much better if things were explained better and not quite so much thrown into the book at once. 

Price of Freedom by Helena Maeve

Helena Maeve - Price of Freedom CoverTitle: Price of Freedom

Series:  Shadow Play # 2

Author: Helena Maeve

Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Thrillers and Suspense

Length: Novella (102 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (November 10, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Some stories just aren’t meant to be told.

From warzones to domestic scandals, Ulysses has built a career as a high-profile journalist at the expense of both family and relationships. Now his dogged pursuit of the truth has cost him credibility and job security. Discredited and depressed, he hunts for the story that will re-establish him as a trustworthy name in British journalism.

Stumbling across a string of mysterious murders that spans the breadth of the continent may prove a godsend. Yet catapulted into a world of spies and outstanding blood debts, Ulysses finds himself collaborating with elusive Robin, a man on the run whose past is as dark as the desires he awakens in Ulysses. Their chemistry is incendiary, breathtaking, unlike anything Ulysses has ever known. And chances are the fallout will prove proportional.

As Robin’s dealings land him in the crosshairs of the British intelligence services, Ulysses is faced with a choice that may cost him his life. .

ISBN: 978-1-78430-843-8

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link:  https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/price-of-freedom

Review: This is book two in the Shadow play series. Ulysses, journalist, was a very ambitious man. He wanted the top story and did what it took to get it until he was discredited. Robin a man with a dark past corroborates with Ulysses to find out the truth about some murders. Which puts both men’s lives in danger.

I really liked the mystery part of the story. The way Ulysses sought out facts was fascinating. But I have t say I was intrigued by the mysterious yet sexy Robin. As more details about his past are revealed I was wondering how they would make it out alive. 

I liked the story though I felt it was a little drawn out. 

Spoil of War by Helena Maeve

Helena Maeve - Spoil of War CoverTitle: Spoil of War

Series:  Brothers in Arms Anthology

Author: Helena Mauve

Genre: Futuristic, Science Fiction, Ménage / Mutiple Partners

Length: Short (51 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (February 28, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: One man’s prize is another’s nightmare.

When Briar’s partner Kai returns from the Federation’s latest skirmish with a handsome prisoner in tow, Briar is both envious and wary. It is common knowledge that the tribespeople of Ganymede are violent brutes who delight in murdering and enslaving their enemies, and Dallan can be no different.

As an officer with the Federation’s propaganda machine, Briar has produced plenty of material to substantiate the need to wage war in the asteroid belt. Kai, for his part, has slain many enemies while on active duty and watched just as many of his friends perish in combat.

For a foe to save rather than end his life is unusual in the extreme. Sparing him the horrors of a prison camp seems like a fair exchange, even if the only alternative he can offer is thralldom.

Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released as part of the Brothers in Arms anthology with Pride Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-530-8

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/spoil-of-war

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Briar is not happy when when Kai comes back with a prisoner to keep. He’s jealous of Dallan and uncomfortable around the man. The thing I wanted more of was Kai’s background and more about how Dallan came to be Kai’s prisoner and what exactly happened. There’s hardly anything about him except for the basic stuff. So I was disappointed with that. 

I felt the book was too short for the information needed to make it a great read. Aside from that it was entertaining for a short story.

Counterfeit Conscience by Helena Maeve

helena-maeve-counterfeit-conscience-cover-sTitle: Counterfeit Conscience

Series:  Shadow Play 05

Author: Helena Maeve

Genre: Erotic Romance, Thrillers and Suspense

Length: Novella (94 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (January 5, 2016)

Heat Level: Burning

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: On the brink of retirement, a spy will risk all.

The writing’s on the wall. Will Rowe has no illusions about retaining his post as the head of the largest Section field office in South America. Private contractors, some more lawful than others, already see to most of their interests. It’s only a matter of time before Will himself is made redundant. He’d like to think he’s made peace with the inevitable, but when a figure from his past offers one last chance to make a difference, Will can’t resist.

Caught between his duty to the agency and his commitment to protect his operatives, Will must persuade the man who nearly wrecked his career to give up the one and only constant in his world—revenge.

Ignacio was a low-grade runner for the infamous Macias cartel the last time he and Will spoke. Now he is the head of the family and a direct beneficiary of MI6 cost-cutting measures. Will knows that approaching such a man without his superiors’ knowledge or approval is a perilous undertaking, but he doesn’t expect his body and heart to become forfeit. As events spiral out of his control, Will finds himself at the mercy of an old lover intent on awakening desires he long thought suppressed.

ISBN: 978-1-78430-960-2

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link:  https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/counterfeit-conscience

Review: This is the fifth book in the shadow play series. Will is given a mission to is dangerous as he tries to put an end to assassinations. In the face of losing his business he wants at least one good mission. 

Ingonico has his fingers in a lot of unsavory things regarding a vicious feud with M16. These two men are past lovers and find themselves torn between their duty ad desires for one another. It is a game of cat and mouse as they both struggle to juggle both without letting on to others.

Although this book can be read as a standalone it would be better to read each book in order as everything in not revealed in each book. You get a better understanding into characters and unanswered questions the further you read the series. It was an o.k. read.

Tipping Point by Helena Maeve

51JDJ05jamL._SX311_BO1,204,203,200_Title: Tipping Point

Series:  Shadow Play, # 6

Author: Helena Maeve

Genre: Contemporary/ Erotic Romance/ Thrillers and Suspense

Length: 95 pages

Publisher: Pride publishing (March 1st, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Blurb: He has nothing left to lose. That makes him dangerous.

Ex-con Elijah has run out of ways to make ends meet. Picked up by police in a bum-fighting sting, his only hope is the sister who landed him in prison many years ago. But catapulted into a world of veiled state interests and deadly secrets, Elijah soon finds himself torn between a past he cannot outrun and a spy whose dilemma he understands better than he’d like.

Nate, an Englishman whose comings and goings are as suspicious as his gratuitous kindness, offers Elijah the second chance he didn’t realize he was praying for. It’s not long before living out of each other’s pockets brings clandestine desires to the surface, threatening the fragile peace Elijah finds in Nate’s home.

A peace that may have been nothing more than a smokescreen to begin with.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-380-9

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/tipping-point

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This is the sixth book in the Shadow Play series. These books are best read in order as sometimes the characters change from good to bad depending on the story. I like all the characters throughout this series so far

Elijah and Nate are two very different people yet they are the same in some things. Both have done things in their past they are not proud of. Yet each man faces a decision that will alter their lives.

Good read.

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

Caught in the Undertow by Helena Maeve

410kTTEqq6L._SX311_BO1,204,203,200_Title:  Caught in the Undertow

Series: N/A

Author:  Helena Maeve

Genre: New Adult Romance

Length:  241 pages

Publisher: Pride Publishing (29 March 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Poison blooms in ivy halls.

New to the hallowed halls of the prestigious, all-male Ledwich University, Ward fully intends to skate by on wealth and minimal effort all the way to graduation. He has no desire to make friends or revive his interest in rowing, but when luck hands him the deciding vote over another student’s admission to the club, Ward chooses discretion over decency and finds himself juggling both.

Angry, bellicose Dylan is nothing like Ward’s wealthy peers. One of a handful of scholarship students, Dylan appears to have little sense of self-preservation and a grudge against the crew captain to match. But despite ruining his chances, Ward can’t get him out of his head.

As Ledwich slowly reveals its darker side and myriad cruelties begin to play out around and because of Ward, his fascination with Dylan becomes too much to conceal. Ward and Dylan may well be the products of two different worlds, but their chemistry burns too hot to ignore. If having him means hiding, then so be it. Ward may not be certain of much anymore, but what he wants, he gets.

Reader Advisory: This book contains dubious consent and coersion and scenes of attempted sexual assault, mental and physical abuse. This book also contains D/S dynamics and poor BDSM etiquette.

Publisher’s Note: This book is best read in conjunction with Surface Tension serial published with Totally Bound Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-392-2

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/caught-in-the-undertow

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This rather interesting read by Helena Maeve is the type of book that you pick up when you got the time to just plow through a book in a few hours and you just want to get caught up in drama other than your own. Caught in the Undertow is the type of young adult book that would not have universal appeal. As in, some young adult books easily work for people of most tastes, but I found that this was strictly a young adult book. I feel like that I’m being particularly blunt in my writing, but that is exactly how I feel.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the novel. It was full of passion – both on the water with the rowing team, and between the students of the prestigious Ledwich University. But I just couldn’t get completely taken away by it.

The book follows Ward, the son of a rich guy who has been kicked out of Yale and plans on just coasting by until he finally graduates uni. As his father brides Ward’s way into Ledwich Uni, Ward finds the rowing team holding tryouts. He may be a slacker but the guy can row.

This is where we are exposed to a host of unlikable and a handful of characters who could find redemption. The rowing team and its entourage are held together by bullies. It is also with the rowers that he observes Dylan. Dylan is shunned by most of the wealthy body of Ledwich Uni because he is a scholarship holder – basically, he’s poor.

However, Dylan represents the source of Ward’s redemption as he becomes more a man. His situation and Ward’s entrance into Dylan’s life also presents a change in direction for the exclusivity that the rowing team prided themselves on with their captain leading the charge.

I suspect some of the reason is purely because of the country where I am from and how we experience university, which is totally different to the US – to me it just felt like the guys were in their senior year of high school and lacked the independence that comes with university.

To me that is a particularly important connection to make since I am a postgraduate researcher and regularly teach undergraduates. The book reminded me somewhat of the movies School Ties (the one with Brendan Fraser where he is a Jewish kid post WWII and going to a prestigious school after receiving a scholarship) and Cruel Intentions (the movie with Sarah Michelle Gellar). I loved both movies, so I’m pretty sure that’s a good thing.

I’m finding it difficult pin point my exact feelings but the main reasons why I could not get into this was the intensely unlikable and extremely unrelatable characters. But I did enjoy the unfolding drama and the glimpses of redemption that were seen throughout the book.

If you like your school melodrama slightly on the evil side, hence the Cruel Intentions reference, this is the book for you.

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

First Timers Anthology Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Anthology - First Timers 960x350

Hi guys, we have several of Torquere Press’s finest stopping by today with their anthology First Timers, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Anthology - First Timers 1400

First Timers

(Anthology)
by

Rob Rosen, Gacy Grant, Evelyn Burkhardt, Jacey Mills, Andrea Dalling, Helena Maeve, Erin McRae & Racheline Maltese, Megan McFerren, Val Prozorova, McKay, Katherine Halle

First Timers brings you a collection of eleven stories about first experiences. From sweet and innocent to smoking hot, these stories capture the exhilarating feeling that something wonderful is about to happen.

Humor and passion blend in Rob Rosen’s “Come Hell or High Water,” Gacy Grant treats us to a heartwarming first in “The Pickup,” long-time friends become lovers in “The King’s Guard” by Evelyn Burkhardt and “One Sneeze, a Wish, Two Sneezes, a Kiss” by Jacey Mills, and revelations abound first time away from home in Andrea Dalling’s “What a Man Wants” and Helena Maeve’s “Initiation.” “Sample and Hold” by Erin McRae and Racheline Maltese, Megan McFerren’s “Just Like That,” and Val Prozorova’s “Guitar Lesson” explore the intensity of a first coming out, first time, first kiss, while love can be found  where you least expect it in “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by McKay and “Finding Home” by Katherine Halle.

Whether contemporary or fantastical, past or present, a sweet kiss on a riverbank or reveling in the Bayou, these stories are all uplifting, fun, and did we mention hot?

Continue reading “First Timers Anthology Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Young Love, Old Heart – Anthology Book Blast, Review & Giveaway!

Anthology - Young Love Old Hearts SC600x600Banner

Hi guys, we have the Young Love, Old Hearts anthology from Supposed Crimes LLC stopping by now and it brings along a great giveaway, we also have Prime’s review so enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Anthology - Young Love Old Hearts SMoldloveyoungheartsfinal

Young Love, Old Hearts

(Anthology)
by

A. M. Leibowitz, Adrian J. Smith, Erin McRae & Racheline Maltese, Geonn Cannon, Helena Maeve, Kassandra Lea, Lela E. Buis, Ralph Greco Jr., & Stacy O’Steen

Everyone hears “He’s too young for you.” “She’s too old for you.” Not between these pages. This anthology crosses the age gap with nine enchanting stories of cross-generational relationships. Some are sweet, some are sexy, some are heartbreaking. One is downright murderous. The protagonists are gay men or women searching for true love or trying out what’s right in front of them.

 M/M Romance, F/F Romance, May-December Romance

Continue reading “Young Love, Old Heart – Anthology Book Blast, Review & Giveaway!” →

Flight Made Easy by Helena Maeve

flightmadeeasy_PNG-210x336Title: Flight Made Easy
Author: Helena Maeve
Genre: Alternate Reality
Length: Novella (136 pages)
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (July 3, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: In rescuing an innocent from unlawful arrest, Reed Caraway becomes the unwitting recipient of one man’s gratitude—and of his talents between the sheets.

Reed Caraway is a brawler, gambler, and all-round persona non grata in the mountainous village of Alliance. Enlisted by force into the much-detested Order, he is accustomed to being despised. Yet when an act of kindness is repaid with an invitation to a stranger’s house, Reed thinks his luck may be changing.

Valentine Waters knows how men like Reed operate. He also knows that compassion doesn’t come without cost. He intends to repay Reed’s with his body, the only way he knows how, not anticipating that the soldier will prove a generous lover or that Valentine may want to see him again. As their carnal relationship turns into an intricate tangle of deep longing and scorching hot trysts, the most powerful man in the land recalls Valentine to the capital.

A more honorable position at court is well within Valentine’s reach, if only he can turn his back on Alliance and Reed. Faced with impossible odds, the foundation of their clandestine affair begins to quake, imperiling not only Valentine’s future but also his life.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence.

ISBN: 9781784300678

Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/flight-made-easy

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: An interesting story of two men drawn together in a world split into two sides. There is the Corhall’s who have everything they could possibly want and take things for granted. Then there are the soldiers who are supposed to keep the peace and take out those they believe to be not trustful.

Valentine is a handsome man who used to be in the courts favor. Now he is reduced to serving the richest of Corhall’s. I was never sure how he had fallen out of court. But I was disgusted that the Corhall’s thought nothing of using him at their leisure.

Reed is a soldier who rescues Valentine’s sister from being arrested and thus begins his affair with Valentine. It was hot and passionate.

Though I did wish Valentine would’ve explained why he was the way, he was.

All in all, it was a good read.

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

Courting Treason by Helena Maeve

91g2FahFfeL._SL1500_Title: Courting Treason
Series: N/A
Author: Helena Maeve
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel (245 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-78184-996-5
Publisher: Totally Bound (March 27th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Charlie Estes moved back home to heal a broken heart, but one chance encounter is enough to catapult him into a whirlwind of intrigue, desire, and age-old feuds.

When high school math teacher Charles Estes meets a tall, dark stranger at an exclusive event, he can barely believe his luck. He’s almost reluctant to go home with him for fear of disturbing the mirage. But rather than worry about could-have-beens, Charlie opts to bite the bullet. He has no idea that he’s about to be bitten in return.

Micah is not like other men. He hails from the nearby town of Freeburn—a forbidden enclave populated by vampires and their serfs. Charlie really ought to know better than to get involved with someone like that. If only Micah didn’t keep cropping up all over Charlie’s town like a bad penny. He’s everywhere, in the nearby woods, at the high school where Charlie teaches, even in his dreams.

One night of passion changes everything.

Faced with a murderer on the loose and the resurgent turmoil between their worlds, Charles must soon choose between the life he knows and the promise of a future with Micah.

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/courting-treason

Review: This was a very interesting story. I quite enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised by the twist and turns that it had. I love that you have some of your questions answered. It caught my attention from the very start and kept it all the way to the end. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I was amazed with the way their world’s just come together even if it is in the way of a war. Helena has a gift at giving you a story and a world that you can lose yourself into. She has given you a mixture of people who just sort of come together. It shows you the prejudice of humans and vampires. It has an old tone to it. Made me think of the past when I read it.

Charlie was a teacher who moved in with his parents when he came back to his hometown. His best friend Val had somehow gotten tickets to a show and he wasn’t too sure he really should go. However, he goes to it after learning that the head of the show is a vampire. The Grace is known for fighting for equal rights for her species and the humans. When he met Micah, he feels the attraction and decides to go with him. It isn’t till after the sex, that Micah is a vampire. Vampires are feared and there is segregation going on. They are not to leave their town and humans are not to enter theirs, although there are rebels in both groups. He can’t seem to stop thinking about Micah though and knows that he wants to see him again.

Micah started feeling things for Charlie but their worlds are so far apart. He also knows something dangerous is going on. And when the singer, the Grace is murdered questions start coming forth. He finds out Charlie is digging around trying to find the answers. He fears for him, especially when humans also end up getting killed. He knew the answers but had been trying to fix the problem. What he had not expected was Charlie was returning his feelings and wanted to be with him.

This story has it all and you will be pleasantly pleased when you read it. It gives you murder, danger, excitement, adventure, two sexy men, and old minded bigotry. One man is a human and the other a vampire, their worlds collide in passion filled moments. I would recommend reading this story. It will give you everything you seek. It did however leave me hanging at the end. So I can only hope that there will be another book to follow this one.