Friday, March 31, 2017

Series Review & Giveaway: ICE DRAGON TALES by Hurri Cosmo



ICE DRAGON TALES

by Hurri Cosmo
M/M Romance 
Date Published: February 2017



Prince Joron of Blade Rain was kissed by a man he had no idea was King Aric of Claymoor Doom. Of course King Aric had no idea the one he kissed was even a man since Joron was dressed as a woman. Disguised to escape the newly crowned king of Blade Rain who just happens to be Joron's brother, Joron is swept off his feet by Aric when he is rescued by him from an assault. Aric is also swept off his feet by the beauty of the "woman" and that one amazing kiss. Aric, who is led to believe the beautiful woman he kissed is actually the princess, immediately goes to the king of Blade Rain and offers for the princess’s hand in marriage and his offer is accepted. Unfortunately, King Aric is now betrothed to Liarta, Joron’s sister. But an emergency has King Aric racing home without finding out the mistake he has made and now Joron must ride to Claymoor Doom to renegotiate the offer since Liarta is in love with someone else and does not want to marry King Aric.

Imagine Aric’s surprise when he discovers the Prince is the one he thought was the Princess! So Aric does the only thing he can think of. He will release Liarta from her obligation of marriage, but only if Joron takes her place... in the marriage bed.





Carra's Quick Review

With a few instances of mistaken identity, The Servant Prince starts off leaving the characters a little confused, but caught up in the excitement of the chase. Unfortunately for Prince Joron, one of the people chasing him is not who he expected-or wants. In fact, that particular chase is just a bit disturbing, as is Joron's attitude toward that person-giving him too many opportunities when any other person in Joron's position would have run for it.

It's once Joron is away from Blade Rain and in Claymoor Doom with Aric where the story starts to really get interesting--and while at first Aric's advances may seem overly dominating, things between him and Joron begin to morph into something deeper. It's at that point when everything started to fall into place for me as I read. The story has a sort of fantasy/medieval type feel to it, but without any magical creatures or characters.

The story does end with a lot of open threads, and while that normally would frustrate me, the fact that all three books released together made it easier since I could easily go on to the next one--which I was itching to do since I needed to see what happens next! Note that this story does have some adult language and M/M sexual content, so I'd recommend to readers 18+, and this one gets 3.5 stars from me.



Things are going well for King Aric. He had Joron safely hidden away. Diagus, although a continuing threat to Joron, had left his castle empty handed, and the Cetin Gang was headed for his dungeons. He should be thrilled but – something was not right. He could feel it.

Sure enough, when he returns to Claymoor castle, he finds Joron has been kidnapped and he must ride immediately to rescue him. And knowing the culprit, it was not going to be an easy task. However, Aric has a trump card; a letter from a dead king. Seemingly nonsensical at first, it now points a finger directly at a murderer and Aric is convinced Joron is next. Somehow he has to find him and get Joron back into his protective arms before it’s too late.

Unfortunately, there are other huge pitfalls just waiting in the shadows. It turns out Joron is the true king of Blade Rain and Aric's long dead wife miraculously returns to claim Aric as her own. Between all the lies, murders, and life altering revelations, is there hope for these two at all?





Carra's Quick Review

The Servant King continues with the drama, tension, and suspense-bringing trouble in the form of Aric's supposedly dead wife and the truth behind Diagus's parentage, along with a chunk of angst and pain thanks to Diagus's mother.

Thank goodness for the turnaround that Diagus did, it was disturbing how he was with Joron (before we found out more about their connection) and it was good to see his whole attitude change as his character goes through some dramatic growth and development. I was actually kind of proud of him by the end of this story.

And from the moment Aric's "wife" shows up, my heart was breaking for Joron. But with all the intrigue that had me glued to this story, I continued to hold out hope. 4 stars for The Servant King, and though the intimate scenes are sparse, they're still for readers 18+.




King Diagus of Blade Rain is in a bind. He is duty bound to produce a royal heir and the only way he knows that can happen is if he beds a woman. Definitely not his idea of Happily Ever After. In fact, far from it. Except instead of walking down the aisle with the princess he has arranged to marry, Diagus is off in the wilds of Claymoor Doom. But there’s a good reason. Rumor had it there was someone near Gray Valley with Diagus’s stark blue eyes. A possible relative and therefore an heir? Was there a chance he might not have to marry a woman, after all? Regrettably, Diagus finds no one matching the rumor’s description. What he does find is a heinous, black magic plot for murder and Diagus is the next on the list.

Tama’s pregnant sister claimed to be carrying the child of a king. Not just any king. The mighty king of Blade Rain. She was determined to get out of the very poor house of Hilman and into the lap of luxury. But fate had its own agenda. Sadly, Tama must raise his nephew all by himself after his sister unexpectedly dies in childbirth. It’s not a problem, though. He loves Aydin as he loved his sister – with all his heart.

However, Tama’s lazy and abusive father, Beourn, is angry and extremely disappointed. Being the grandfather of a crown prince, he was looking forward to moving to the castle and living a life of extravagance. With his daughter’s death, that was no longer possible. So, he does the unthinkable. He kidnaps Aydin with the intent of selling him to the rich and powerful king. Tama is stunned he would do such a thing and chases after Beourn to rescue Aydin.

But he doesn’t get far before he is confronted with a beautiful man being viciously attacked. Of course Tama has to help. If he doesn’t the man will surely die. Except Tama quickly learns the man is far more than just someone in trouble. In fact, the man is a king and will change Tama’s life. Forever.





Carra's Quick Review

I love a good redemption story, and Diagus does get his here. There's plenty of drama and tension here again, and I liked the infusion of new characters to the series.

Overall, this series does draw you in and the excitement is kept high throughout. It does need to be read in order to truly enjoy it, and I'd recommend getting all three at once so you don't have to wait to see what happens next after each book.




About the Author



I live in Minnesota where I holds tight to the idea that here, where it’s cold a good part of the year, I won’t age as fast. Yep, I avoid the truth as much as I avoid mirrors. But one of the reasons I love writing is reality doesn’t always offer up a “happily ever after” and being able to take control of that is a powerful lure. Being a happy ending junkie, writing just makes them easier to find. Oh, I doesn’t mind “real life” and I do try to at least keep it in mind when I write my stories, but I truly love creating a wonderful couple, knowing they will fall in love and have their HEA. Every - single - time. And, of course, that is exactly the reason I love reading this genre, too. Give me a glass of red wine, some dark chocolate, and my computer, whether I am reading or writing, and I will entertain myself for hours. The fact I actually get paid to do it, is Snickers bars on the frosting on the cake.






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New Release & Giveaway: TYS THAT BIND by Jessie G (Devils Pride MC #3)



Tys That Bind
Author: Jessie G
Series: Devils Pride MC #3 (series should be read in order)
Key Words: Gay Romance, Adoptions & Weddings, Contemporary Romance
Cover Artist: Andrew Reyna
Release Date: March 31, 2017


Blurb

Unprepared, ill-equipped, and with no example to look back on, Ty and Chase embarked on a journey to build a family for Ava and Luc that would far exceed anything they dreamed of for themselves. Two years later, they’ve succeeded beyond their wildest expectations, but there’s still a couple of things missing…and they’re ready to make them happen.

Bad boy biker Trick wouldn’t hesitate to fight for those he loves, but Ty knows it will take more than violence to win this war. Willfully submissive Chase has the utmost faith in his Master, but when he sees Ty struggling with demons from his past, it will be his quiet, unbending support that will see them through. Jumping through the loopholes of family court, they are only one event shy of making it all official and neither are willing to wait another second to check it off the list.

Clearing the path for adoption should reassure them, but it will take their cast of well-meaning friends and the occasional slap upside the head before they realize that the ties that bind them together are forged in a love that can never be taken away.

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What felt like a lifetime had simply been the best half hour of their lives.



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About Jessie G

Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I'd begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: to be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it's a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and a full schedule of releases planned for the next two years, it's been amazing to have made this dream my reality. 

I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics, and happily ever after. I'm a lover of strong secondary characters, and series filled with families—biological or chosen. All are themes you'll find throughout my books.





New Release: THE PERFECT 1 by Cory Cyr-Only #99cents for a Limited Time!



The Perfect 1

Author: Cory Cyr
Genre: Urban Erotic Romance
Release Date: March 31, 2017


Jensyn Parrish was one of the world’s most gorgeous supermodels, dubbed the “Perfect 10” for most of her career. Thirteen years ago, a horrific car accident left her face disfigured. Suffering the loss of her beauty, career, and self-worth, she seeks a life of quiet seclusion in Hawaii.

Lincoln Bass, a New York best-selling author and adrenaline junkie, has no idea what he could possibly have in common with his brother’s friend Jensyn. After suddenly being impaired with blindness at only twenty-five, his life is forever altered. Independent, headstrong, and ever the daredevil, Lincoln is stricken with the certainty that if he wants to continue writing, he needs help.

Two people damaged by circumstances of fate…

Disguising who she once was becomes a difficult task for Jensyn. Her only job is to help Lincoln finish his book. But boundaries are somehow obscured and fiction becomes their reality.















 

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: THE LADY OF THE FOREST by Barbara Bettis (Knights of Destiny)

He must pursue his enemy;
she must protect her people.
Can their love survive the duties that drive them apart?
Book Cover
THE LADY OF THE FOREST
Barbara Bettis
Series: Knights of Destiny
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: October 28, 2016
When her elderly husband dies, Lady Katherine fakes her own death and disappears into the forest with others escaping the brutish new lord. Determined to protect her people, she knocks the wrong man senseless. But Lord Henry isn't an enemy, he's the brother of her childhood friend. Although his tender confidence tempts her, she's bound by duty.
Henry of Chauvere has found the one lady he wants for his own, never mind she's tied him hand and foot. When he learns the king has ordered her to wed Stonehill's ruthless new master, he insists Kate seek haven with his sister. But she won't desert her friends. Henry vows to solve her problem, provided he catches a traitor before the threat from Kate's past catches her.
When a daring rescue compels Henry and Kate to join forces, their attraction grows into love. If only duty didn't drive them apart.
Ms. Bettis demonstrates her skill weaving a plot full of twists and turns. From the very first scene I was cheering for the triumph of honor and love.
- Ellen Parker, Goodreads Reviewer
Find a comfortable seat since you won't want to put this one down.
- Dawn, Goodreads Reviewer
The Lady of the Forest by Barbara Bettis is a medieval love story at its best! If you are in the mood for a fast-paced medieval adventure, then The Lady of the Forest will surely please you.
- Nicole Laverdure, Goodreads Reviewer

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Contest runs from March 31 - April 2, 2017.

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

New Release & Giveaway: GOODNIGHT MY ANGEL by Sue Brown (Angel Enterprises #2)




Buy Links: 


Cover: Meredith Russell


Angel Enterprises Series

Morning My Angel (Book #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK


Blurb

Callum Ross has a tough decision to make. After years of working for the covert ops agency in the UK and owning his own security firm in the US, he's forced to choose between the business he loves, and the new fragile relationship with his partner, Josh Cooper.

A bottle of whiskey and almost being killed by a motorbike helps Cal make the decision, and he moves to the UK with plans to set up his own security consultancy. Then the head of the covert ops agency where Josh now works asks Cal for help. Agency operatives and their families are being injured or killed, including Cal's friends.

Cal is asked to investigate with Josh's assistance. As the number of victims increase, they're aware either of them could be the next target for the killer. Josh wants Cal to back away from the investigation in case he gets hurt, but Cal refuses, putting a strain on their relationship.

Then they discover the motorbike incident wasn't an accident. Who tried to kill him, and why?



Author Bio

Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn't following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop. In fact she hides so she can plot, and has become an expert at ignoring the orders.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. She had an Aha moment and put pen to paper that same day. Sue may be late to the party, but she's made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

Come over and talk to Sue at:






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New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: BITTEN BY DESIGN by Annabelle Jacobs (Regents Park Pack #2)




Buy Links: 


Length: 80,000 words


Regent's Park Pack Series

Bitten By Mistake (Book #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK


Blurb

When the last thing you want, is everything you need...

Seb Calloway isn't interested in shifters. After his best friend bonded with one, he avoids getting involved with them-no matter how hot they are-to prevent the same thing from happening to him. Why take the risk for a few hours of fun?

Tim Walters is the pack doctor. Considered to be mild-mannered and non-threatening by pack standards, he prides himself on being able to stay calm and maintain his control at all times. Desperate for a bond of his own, he knows his interest in Seb is an exercise in futility, but he can't seem to help himself.

When news emerges that threatens Seb's safety, he and Tim need to fake a relationship to keep Seb safe. Despite Seb's refusal to be anything other than friends with benefits, what starts out as pretend, quickly becomes more-for Tim at least. If Tim doesn't want to end up heartbroken, he needs to prove to Seb that loving a shifter doesn't mean losing himself.



Excerpt

He looked anywhere but at Tim, embarrassment clear in his expression. Before the moment could get awkward—and giving Seb no chance to object—Tim scooped him up, bridal style, and started down the stairs.

Letting out a startled laugh, Seb clung tight to his crutch so it didn’t slip out of his hands. “Twice in one weekend. You’re going to give me a complex.”

Tim bit the inside of his cheek. If Seb knew how much he liked being able to take care of him, how much his wolf liked it, he wouldn’t find it half as amusing or embarrassing. Clearing his throat, he hitched him a little higher, then started down the stairs. “It’s just quicker this way, and I don’t want to make you late for your appointment. We’re running a little behind.”

“Fair enough.”

Not daring to meet Seb’s eyes—their faces were so close together, he didn’t like his chances of not doing something stupid like kissing him—Tim quickly made his way down the steps.



Author Bio

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it-fighting enemies and adversity-but they always find love in the end.




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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Review & Giveaway: THE CASE OF THE GUILTY GHOST by Amber Kell & RJ Scott



Buy Links: 


Length: 111 pages


Series

End Street Vol 1 - Amazon US | Amazon UK

End Street Vol 2 - Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Case of the Purple Pearl - Amazon US | Amazon UK


Blurb

Bob is lost in grief, Sam is fighting for his life, and there is no middle ground. Can their love survive?

Bob is grieving over his brother's sacrifice. Guilt-ridden and devastated, he buries himself in vampire mourning and pulls away from Sam.

Magic tears Sam from the vampire castle and he has to face new adversaries alone, when all he wants is Bob at his side.

Ettore is in the Aset Ka waiting room, next in line for the ceremony for his soul to be torn from his body. Aset Ka has other plans, and Ettore finds himself reunited with a lost love and fighting alongside his brother.

A forgotten past binds Theodore 'Teddy' McCurray Constantine III to Ettore, and with the curse tied to Ettore broken by his death, Teddy's past returns to him with a vengeance.

A royal family in denial, a battle between gods, and long forgotten love leaves no time for Sam and Bob to take a breath. Is it too late to save the supernatural world? 




Carra's Review

Do we really have to end this series now?  I love this little world Amber Kell and RJ Scott have created, and with this being the last book in the series, I'm really going to miss this world, these characters, and the great paranormal nuances that have been present throughout the series.

I really like how even though Sam and Bob are not always the couple about whom a particular story is centered upon, their relationship and bond still keeps growing, developing and advancing throughout the series.  Here in Guilty Ghost, Ettore and Teddy are the ones who were torn apart so long ago when Teddy's death ripped him away far too soon, so we get a second chance romance in the middle of the chaos and suspense of the final confrontation of the series.  Ettore and Teddy are actually a lot alike, both selfless and willing to sacrifice themselves to help others.  That was true in life, and still here in death.  

The story will definitely keep you in its grip-and while I will admit that the exponentially increasing power Sam gains at an ever more rapid pace may seem somewhat convenient at times (especially the further into the book you read), it still makes for an exciting tale.  The bond between Sam and Bob continues to strengthen, leaving no doubt that the two are meant for each other-regardless of information that is revealed at the end about their relationship (yes, I know-that's a tease...).

The Case of the Guilty Ghost will feel like it goes by pretty quickly, but it's a good end to the series (dang it, are you guys sure the series has to end???).  This was a 4-star read for me, and I recommend this story and the entire series to any fan of M/M paranormal romance.  There's adult language and M/M sexual content, so this book is still for readers 18+.




Author Bios

Amber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.

When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life, he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing, she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name-two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.

Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius, she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.

She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres.








RJ Scott is the bestselling romance author of over 100 romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men and women who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn't with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week's break from writing she didn't like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn't defeat.







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