February 14, 2018

Review Tour: Pure Healing


Welcome to the Review Tour for Pure Healing by Aja James!!  Aja James will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. To better your odds of winning, please follow the tour here and comment!!  The more you comment, the better your chances are of winning.  Good luck and happy reading.


Pure Healing
Author:  Aja James
Genre:  Paranormal, Fantasy Romance

Synopsis:  

Enter the world of Pure Ones, a race of immortal, supernaturally powerful beings who protect humankind, where sexual intercourse with anyone other than one’s Eternal Mate leads to a slow, painful death within thirty days.
The Healer of the race, Rain, is the only exception to this rule. To harness and accumulate enough energy to heal severe wounds, especially as the war between her people and the vampire hordes accelerates, she must take a Consort once every ten years and draw strength from his blood and body. But as the war wears on, few Pure-males who are strong enough to serve as her Consort remain. Valerius, Protector of the race, is the strongest candidate.

Despite their instant attraction ten years ago when they first met, Valerius has staunchly avoided applying to be the Healer’s Consort. The brutality and violence he suffered as a Roman sex slave in his human life ate away at his soul, leaving a dark abyss of torment and self-doubt.

Now, as Rain’s strength drains with every healing act, Valerius cannot escape the fact that he may be the only one who can save her, and in so doing, afford his people greater hope for the future as battles intensify.

Will Rain and Valerius find their way to each other as the struggles between good and evil evolve?
Excerpt:
“Rain,” he called to her, the first time he’d ever used her name in the ten years of their acquaintance. “Rain!” he could not keep the alarm from his voice as she remained lifeless in his embrace.

He shook her a little, set his face close to hers to detect her breathing. The barest of breath relieved him so much he shuddered from head to toe.

“You little fool!” he cursed her, furious that she’d used what scarce energy she had remaining to heal him. He thrust his wrist against her lips and urged, “Take it. Bite me, damn you!”

Though there was no movement, he felt her stirring, her breath a little stronger against his skin. She opened her mouth and formed words, but they were uttered so softly he could not hear.

He bent closer until their foreheads were touching. “What is it sweetheart? What do you need?”

In a raspy whisper she breathed, “I’ll not take from the body I just healed.”

“Stupid girl,” Valerious berated her, though his deep tone of concern was at odds with his words. “I would have healed eventually on my own. Your energy is wasted on me.” He thrust his wrist against her lips again, forcefully enough to scratch the skin against her canines.

“Now feed,” he commanded in a voice that brooked no argument.

Amazed at her own strength, Rain suddenly pushed back from his embrace and off his lap. She scooted back against the foot of the bed and let her head flop against the bedframe.

“You are not my Consort. This is not the Cycle,” she whispered weakly but resolutely. “I will have no other but my Consort.”

“Then choose me!” Valerius exploded, uncaring of the consequences he’d spent two thousand years avoiding. “It is the least I can do to repay you–”

He broke off at a resounding slap against his cheek. Though lacking in force to bring any pain, the sound it made nevertheless reverberated in the silent room.

Stunned, he could only gape at her.

Purchase Link:  AMAZON

MY REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.25)

This book is engrossing, consuming, page turning awesomeness.  It is angst-filled and action packed.  It even made me teary-eyed.  The world Aja James builds is intricately woven.  So different from what I have previously seen and read. 

Valerius is absolutely yummy. He was tortured and abused in his past but he is so strong!  He spent 10 years as a vassal where he was atrociously and violently abused.  He eventually frees himself but the emotional scars remain.

Val now shuns and fears touch since he has only even been handled and cared for in a negative and detrimental way.  Never has he been loved or kissed by any female safe his mother and sister.  He does not believe he is good enough for Rain.  He feels dirty and used.

Rain is a wonderfully strong healer and person.  She uses her gift to heal human and Pure alike. She is filled with guilt for past failures.  Twice before, she believed she was in love.  Both times she was wrong and both the men she thought she loved died.  Now, she is adamant that none of her consorts fall in love with her.  Val, however has loved her forever even before he himself knew.  There is a strong spark and awareness between them from the moment they meet.

Although I absolutely adore this book, I found the beginning was a little difficult to understand because there was a lot of terms I did not know.  There is a Glossary at the end of the book, however, I believe it would have been better served at the beginning.  Sometimes, it was difficult to know whose view was being narrated as it would switch from one to another without any indication.

This aside, Pure Healing is an Intriguing and captivating story.  I loved the plot line and twists as well as all the characters.  The story flowed well and kept me wondering what would happen next.  Cannot wait to read the next instalment!

I recommend this to anyone who loves paranormal romance as well as a tortured hero.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

AUTHOR

Contact Information


Website  /   Facebook   /   Twitter
Blog   /   Goodreads







Aja has been writing stories since the age of six, and novels since the age of thirteen. While she'd be the first to admit that those early efforts weren't particularly good, she sure loved putting them down on paper!

The best part of writing, according to Aja, is that it’s completely organic, the way the stories develop. When the inspiration hits, she writes just so she herself can learn where the characters are headed because oftentimes, they take her by surprise! It is her ultimate dream to share her stories with as many readers as she possibly can.

Her other loves include art, cooking, old movies (anything with Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Robert Redford, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Clark Gable, and all the song and dance numbers because she can’t watch them and not be happy!)

She adores taking long walks with her husband and running after her two rambunctious kids. She has traveled extensively (all seven continents except Antarctica) and has a multi-cultural upbringing. She speaks two and a half languages and binge watch TV shows when the mood strikes.

Aja has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Comparative Literature and Economics and two Master’s degrees, one of which is in East Asian Studies


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February 12, 2018

BOOK BLITZ: Chased



CHASED
Author:  Clarissa Wild
Genre:  Dark Romance
Release Date:  February 12, 2018

Synopsis:

I’m filthy rich … and ruthless.
I live for the hunt. The chase.
My desires aren’t exactly normal.
But neither is she … The girl I bought.
She’s innocent and blind.
Perfect for all my wicked needs.
Perfect to prove just how far I’m willing to go.
But there’s just one problem …
I’m falling for her. Deep. Hard. Fast.
Even though I’m the bad guy. The man who keeps her locked away.
I’ll do anything to make her stay.
One thing’s for sure … She will be mine.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing content that may be offensive to readers.

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EXCERPT

“Do you even know what you’re doing?” he murmurs into my ear.
I nod.
I can feel him smile. “I’m a monster … remember? I don’t play nice.”
“I’m not asking you to,” I reply.
“Good. Because I’m not about to listen,” he says, his voice gruff and demanding as he takes my earlobe into his mouth and sucks. Then bites.
Hard enough for it to hurt, but soft enough for it not to break my skin.

“Think you can handle me?” he muses. “That you can taunt me like that and get away with it?”
I shake my head, but he pulls my hair harshly, forcing my head back and exposing my neck.
His lips make a trail down toward the base of my neck, where he plants a hot kiss filled with desire … and something else. A hunger for bad things.
He wraps his free arm around my waist and pulls me close while his tongue dips out to lick my skin.
My legs quake. I feel something between my thighs … excitement … something I haven’t felt in a very long time.
“I’m not gentle. I’m not nice,” he whispers, sinking his teeth into my skin.
I hiss but still don’t reply.
“You’ve pushed me too far now, Syrena,” he groans. “I’m going to take what belongs to me now. Inch by inch, your body will be mine.

AUTHOR
AUTHOR LINKS

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook 

Clarissa Wild is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, best known for the dark Romance novel Mr. X. Her novels include the Fierce Series, the Delirious Series, the Stalker Duology, Twenty-One (21), Ultimate Sin, Viktor, Unprofessional Bad Boys Series, RUIN, Indecent Games Series, Father, and Caged. She is also a writer of various erotic romances. She is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories about hot men and feisty women. Her other loves include her furry cat friend and learning about different cultures. In her free time she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, reading tons of books and cooking her favorite meals.

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February 11, 2018

RELEASE BLITZ: Stripping a Steele




STRIPPING A STEELE
AUTHOR:  Elizabeth Knox
PUBLICATION DATE: February 11, 2018
GENRE: Adult, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

SYNOPSIS:

Christian There were only three things I cared about: women, money and booze. That is, until saw Selena Jacobson, a goddess in the flesh if I've ever seen one. I wanted her from the very first second that I laid my eyes on her. Something carnal inside me flipped a switch, and I knew she would be mine. When life threw us both a big curveball, I made her mine, in every way possible. Every dark desire inside me came to life, and I'll be damned if anyone takes her away from me. Selena Christian Steele was nothing but an arrogant prick; one that I tried to stay away from. Tried and failed. Dammit to hell, I liked a lot of things about Christian that I would never admit. When we lost my parents, one to death and another to abandonment, I became the bread-winner, and, for a time, I just want to feel irresponsible. Christian makes me feel in ways I never thought possible and not just between the sheets.

Purchase: Amazon 

 

Also in the Series 
Read for FREE in KindleUnlimited: Amazon


TEASER



AUTHOR





Elizabeth is a new author who writes suspenseful romance books. She loves the MC and Mob genre, always offering a twist in her work. She was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and currently still lives in Maryland.









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February 07, 2018

REVIEW: Captive Beauty

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis:

Cilla

The Beast had Belle.
Killian Black has me.

How I got here doesn’t matter, even though he says it does. Says it was my choice. He doesn’t get it, though. It wasn’t ever a choice for me.

And now, he’s changing the rules.

The agreement was one month. For thirty days, I’d be his. He’s no longer satisfied with my body alone, though. He wants my soul, too. Wants every part of me. And even though I can pretend I’m safe when I lie beneath him, this man does something to me. Something wicked.

A thing that will break me.


Killian

Cilla made the choice. She offered the deal. I just took her up on it. So what if I changed the rules half-way in? I’m not apologizing for it.

See, Cilla and me, we’re the same. She’s dark. As dark as me. Something happened to her. Something bad. It damaged her.

But it’s not a hero she seeks. It’s an avenging angel. A dark knight. That, I can do. I’ll slay her dragons, but it’ll cost her, because in return, I want everything. And I’ll take it.

She’s mine.

Author’s note: Captive Beauty is a standalone romance. Think Beauty and the Beast, but twisted and dark in the best, dirtiest ways.

Review



Although Captive Beauty is referred to as “A dark Beauty and the Beast”, I am thankful that this book stands alone - separate if you will.  It is loosely based and has some very small parallels.

Killian is the Beast to Cilla’s Beauty.  He is dark, haunted and scarred.  He shoulders a lot of regret and rage.  He meets Cilla when her brother, Jones, steals drugs from him and then tries to resell it to Killian’s own men.  The crew then abducts both Jones and Cilla, who has no idea what is going on.  She was at the wrong place at the wrong time.  Once arrived at their destination, Killian’s threatens bodily harm to her brother as a form of punishment and warning.  Cilla, protective of her brother, does not want any harm to come to him.  As result, she tempts the beast by stating she will do anything to spare her brother effectively redirecting the beast’s attention and rage to her.  Intrigued, he readily agrees but, he is no hero.  For one month, he will have his Captive Beauty and everything she can possibly give – and more!

Cilla puts up a front.  She seems so confident and put together but she is not.  She has a dark and twisted past.  When she meets Killian, she is willing to put herself at the beast’s mercy.  Cilla knows she has no other recourse. She owes her brother a debt she can never repay and if she does not agree to the terms set, Jones will be severely injured.

This book touches on some dark themes but it does not delve too deeply.  It is a dark read that I enjoyed thoroughly.

Although this is a wonderful read, I believe that if Killian's relationship with his sister wouId have been explored more, it would have brought to life more of his character.  How kind and caring he once was compared to the beast he now is.  The same goes with Cilla’s past, it almost felt glossed over.  It's fair to say that I just want more of these characters.  I believe a duet would have satisfied me.  One in each of the main character’s point of view.

This aside, Natasha Knight, through her writing, makes you feel the angst, the dread and the pain these characters are going through.  The passion, the need and the want are palpable.  The push and pull of the characters was riveting.  When Killian would push, Cilla would push back.  She brought out all of the emotion in him, and he, her. 

They are evenly matched.  Killian is strong and angry.  Cilla although she seems strong is oh so fragile.  The more time Killian spends with her, the more his rage is tempered and the more he wants from his Captive Beauty.  Cilla on the other hand, slowly starts to trust Killian.  She starts to let go and hands over not only her body but her secrets as well.  She becomes stronger than she has ever been as result.  I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to read another book by this author.




February 05, 2018

REVIEW: Midnight Blue

⭐⭐⭐(3.5 stars)

It should have been easy.
I needed the money. He needed a babysitter to keep him from snorting himself to death.
I was cherry-picked especially for him. Responsible. Optimistic. Warm. Innocent.
The worst part is that I should have known better.
Alex Winslow. British rock star. Serial heartbreaker. Casanova with whiskey eyes.
“Don’t get near the devil in a leather jacket. He’ll chew you up and spit you out.”
Guess what? I didn’t listen.
I signed the contract.
World tour. Three months. Four Continents. One hundred shows.
My name is Indigo Bellamy, and I sold my soul to a tattooed god.
Problem was, my soul wasn’t enough for Alex Winslow. He ended up taking my body, too.
Then he took my heart.
Then he took my all.

Alex Winslow, British singer and a-hole extraordinaire is a recovering addict.  He is a wastrel and he is jaded.  There’s really not much to like of him in the beginning.  He is assigned an “nanny” to make sure that he does not relapse.  He chafes against this and decides he will try to scare the babysitter away by saying and doing the crudest of things.  He is obsessed with his ex-fiancée who cheated on him.  Wants at all cost to reunite with her.  His plans are slightly amended when he comes to know the nanny.  She does not take his shit.  She gives just as much as she takes.  She refuses to lie with him simply because he is a rockstar.  She will not bend to his every desire and whim.  It’s refreshing for him and he finds himself intrigued.

Indigo Bellamy is down on her luck.  She is living with her brother, his wife and kid in their one-bedroom apartment.  She does not just need a job, she is desperate for one.  She wants to help pay for the surgery her nephew requires.  She would also like to financially help her brother and his wife.  So, when an opportunity presents itself, she jumps right on it.  She is to be a “babysitter” for the famous Alex Winslow.  For three months, she is to make sure he does not relapse and that he remains on good behaviour so that his Tour will run smoothly.  If she succeeds, she will get $100K at the end of every month. She knows of Alex and his addictions and although she is leery, how can she say no?

My opinion is probably in the minority but this kind of missed the mark with me.  This is not the first book I read by LJ Shen.  I absolutely loved Vicious, but Midnight Blue, for me, doesn’t match up.

There is a lot going on in this book.  Maybe too much for me.  I like angst but this book seems like more drama than angst.  Some drama is understandable due to the fact that Alex is a recovering addict.  However, I find there was more drama that was created outside of his control than what he actually created. Every character in this book except for Indigo had lies and secrets.  It was hard to keep up.
  
Even though I did not like all the drama, LJ Shen does write amazingly.  I loved Indigo and Alex together.  In the beginning, Indigo knows he is going to break her but she cannot help it, the feeling between them is all-consuming.  She sees a softer side to him and this draws her in as much as it repels.  Alex, on the other hand makes her feel wanted and desired.  He is the cat to her mouse.  He does share a side to him that he does not share with anybody else.  Weather he wanted to or not, he trusted her with his true self.  He is also there for her through the complicated family dynamics even though he, himself, has been chewed up and spit out.  It is not an easy road for this couple and was glad to see that Alex had to work for his happily ever after.

Will this stop me from reading and LJ Shen novel, absolutely not.  I would recommend this to people who LOVE drama, bad-boy rockstars and those who love LJ Shen because regardless of my rating, LJ Shen’s books deserve to be read.

February 01, 2018

BOOK BLITZ: The Italian Billionaire's Stubborn Lover



The Italian Billionaire’s Stubborn Lover 
Author:  Leslie North 
(Romano Brothers, #1) 
Publication date: February 1st 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Luxury real estate agent Adeline Peluso came to Italy in search of adventure. Inheriting an apartment with a view of the coast in Sicily sounded like something out of a movie, but after two years watching a resort she’d always loved fall to pieces she’s ready to throw in the proverbial towel…that is until one of the owners finally walked into her office. Tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome, the man would drive her crazy with his arguments if he didn’t set her aflame with his kisses.

Billionaire Nicolo Romano is a global citizen. He’s the kind of guy who skis in the Alps, snorkels in the caribbean, and enjoys the lights of the Vegas strip on a whim. He has no desire to be tied down anytime soon. So when he and his brothers inherit the family resort, Nicolo has one goal: Sell it and sell it fast. But coming back to the place he loved as a child to find a woman who feels just as passionately about the crumbling hotel throws him. Instead of using his business savvy to sell fast, Nicolo is wooing this woman with his island, slowly falling back in love with the place himself.

When whip smart arguments turn into stolen kisses and stolen kisses turn into steamy nights, Adeline and Nicolo will realize that they’re fighting for more than the fate of a historic hotel. They’re fighting for the chance of life’s greatest adventure: True Love.

Purchase:  Amazon US

Excerpt

Adeline Peluso tapped her stiletto heel nervously on the rust colored terracotta tile floor as she traced her perfectly manicured fingernail over her plump bottom lip. Blinking, she contemplated the choice before her. She could stay in Sicily or let go of her dreams and move on.

“Poo,” she said, frowning at her laptop where it lay open atop an ancient walnut desk that was large enough and heavy enough to double as a raft on choppy seas. Between her eyes was a small, pinched crease of consternation that had plagued her with compliments of “adorable” and “sweet” ever since she’d been a young girl. Now at twenty-nine it was no less cute, but in truth, she was actually quite frustrated.

The beauty of her surroundings, which normally worked wonders to lighten her mood, did nothing for her today. From outside the tall, open windows of her real estate office, the calming sound of waves lapping against the Sicilian shore reached her ears. But instead of making her thankful for the life she lived as it usually did, it made her wistful for the adventures she was missing by remaining on the island of Sicily.

Moving to Sicily had been a dream come true for Adeline. Its history and heritage were more diverse than even the home she’d left behind in America. It was in Sicily that she had learned how to live with gusto and verve, and she had treasured the summers she’d spent there with her grandparents. Though they were gone now, it was through their happy marriage in this beautiful place that she’d learned what life-long love looked like.

She had thought that she could capture some of the magic of their lives by moving to Sicily. It had been her childhood dream. She’d thought that she would find love and adventure. Instead, she had an empty apartment to go home to at night and her life was filled with the same bored routine that she’d left behind in America.

She needed adventure. She needed more from life. It was too amazing to sleepwalk through.

“I could find love in Spain,” she said. Crossing her legs, she tapped her toe silently in the air as she contemplated her choices.
Author
Author links:













Leslie North is the pen name for a critically-acclaimed author of women's contemporary romance and fiction. The anonymity gives her the perfect opportunity to paint with her full artistic palette, especially in the romance and erotic fantasy genres.

The truth of the matter is she loves her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her normal, day-to-day persona! Her bestselling books focus on strong characters and particularly women who aren't afraid to challenge an alpha male. Inspired after years of travel, her stories are set all over the world, from the tough streets of Russia to the beautiful beaches of the middle east.

Leslie fell in love with romance when she first picked up a scrappy, dog-eared romance book from her local library. She began writing soon after and the rest, as they say, was history. She now lives in a cozy cottage on the British coast and enjoys taking long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don't hesitate to contact her via e-mail: leslie@leslienorthbooks.com. 
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