ARC Reviews

28/02/2017

Blackwell, By Alexandrea Weis& Lucas Astor. Gothic Romance Blog Tour ARC Review, Excerpt & Giveaway.

Title: Blackwell
Author: Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor
Genre: Gothic Romance
Published: January 17, 2017 

Hell has a new master
In the late 1800s, handsome, wealthy New Englander, Magnus Blackwell, is the envy of all.
When Magnus meets Jacob O’Conner—a Harvard student from the working class—an unlikely friendship is forged. But their close bond is soon challenged by a captivating woman; a woman Magnus wants, but Jacob gets.
Devastated, Magnus seeks solace in a trip to New Orleans. After a chance meeting with Oscar Wilde, he becomes immersed in a world of depravity and brutality, inevitably becoming the inspiration for Dorian Gray. Armed with the forbidden magic of voodoo, he sets his sights on winning back the woman Jacob stole from him.
Amid the trappings of Victorian society, two men, bent on revenge, will lay the foundation for a curse that will forever alter their destinies.

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Oh Wow!  What an unusual book.  I did not see those plot twists coming, and certainly did not expect that ending.  Marvellous.  
Magnus Blackwell our main character (I can't call him a hero)  starts off as a self-centered manipulative young man. Then after his experience in New Orleans this multiplies by ten.  He is completely amoral,  concerned only with his own satisfaction and revenge.  
Jacob O'Conner is our secondary character and thinks that Magnus is a good friend and helpful benefactor.  At first he was, but then a woman comes between them.  So starts the downfall.  
A disturbing and fascinating read.  I loved it. 

"5 Revenge is a dish best served.....with a side of Voodoo stars!" - The Book Sirens 
“This book was cleverly written. Set in Boston and New Orleans, I was spellbound by the narrative.” - Reader Review 
"Alexandrea Weis pulls the reader into a dark and fated tale of catastrophic jealousy;" - The Reading Cafe
Leaving the firelight, he headed toward the water, eager to learn more about the woman. Beyond the glare of the bonfire, his eyes were better able to take in her figure. Her nightdress was torn in places and had dark splotches on it in others. She stood at the water’s edge, her feet hidden below the surface of the bayou. As he drew closer, Magnus got a better view of her exquisite face. Her pale, snowy skin glowed in the darkness, and her features were perfect except for a scar above her right lip. He ached to help her, to guide her from the water and back to the warmth of the fire.​  
“Are you all right?”​  
She titled her head to the side as she examined him. Then without saying anything, she held out her hand to him.​  

Magnus could hear a woman’s voice saying, Magnus, come with me, in his head, but her lips never moved. He was entranced, drawn to her, and just as he was raising his hand to take hers, another hand clamped down on his wrist. ​

“Magnus, no, don’t touch her,” Madam Simone called out. ​
The spell was broken, and the woman in the water faded away. ​

Magnus gawked at the water. “What?”​ 

“I told you to stay close to the fire,” she admonished.​

He pointed to the water. “You saw her? Who was that?”​

Madam Simone let go of his arm. “You mean what was that, don’t you?”​
“I don’t understand.”​
She waved her long stick out over the water. “That was a spirit called by the ceremony. She often appears when we perform our rituals on the bayou.”​
“You know her?” The shock was evident in his voice.​
“She’s the spirit of one who sacrificed herself for love many years ago. She was the quadroon mistress of a wealthy white man who spurned her and her unborn child.”
Magnus removed his hat and wiped his hand over his brow, feeling shaky. “So you are telling me I just saw a ghost?”
Madam Simone chuckled at his reaction. “The world is not everything you see, Magnus. Ghosts are as real as you or I. They are the impression left behind by a life ended in misery, pain, or confusion. The spirits trapped or bound to earth are the ones who haunt. The ones who have found peace are the ones who leave.”
“Where do they go?”​
She gave him a sad smile. “That all depends on what you believe. Heaven, hell, paradise—take your pick. We have more names for the world that comes after than we do for the one we currently inhabit. I think that speaks volumes about our capacity for hope.”​
Magnus took an unsteady breath as his eyes returned to the water. “What about her? The girl in the water? Will she ever find peace and move on?”​
“No.” Madam Simone shook her head and, gathering up her skirt, took a step away from the shore. “She has chosen to remain here.”​
“Chosen?” he shouted. “Are you telling me she had a choice?”​
“We all choose in life and in death, Magnus.” She glanced back at him. “That is why we have souls—to make that choice.”
​Magnus could still hear the voice of the spirit calling to him in his head. “I think she spoke to me. She knew my name.”
​ “Spirits often bring messages from the dead. Do you know anyone who has recently died?”

​He shook his head. “No, no one.”
​Madam Simone motioned ahead to the bonfire. “Let’s get back to the fire.”
​Returning his hat to his head, Magnus followed her up the bank. “I’m not sure what I witnessed, Madam Simone, but I no longer think I’m a skeptic.”
​She grinned as they walked along. “Good. Then the ceremony served its purpose.”
“What purpose?”

​Madam Simone kept her eyes focused on the firelight. “To prepare your soul for what is to come.”
From New Orleans, Alexandrea Weis was raised in the motion picture industry and began writing stories at the age of eight. In college she studied nursing and went on to teach at a local university. After several years in the medical field, she decided to pick up the pen once again and began her first novel, To My Senses. Since that time she has published many novels. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning books, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. Her work has been critically acclaimed and has been continually growing in popularity. 
Alexandrea Weis is also a certified/permitted wildlife rehaber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. When she is not writing, she rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She is married; they live in New Orleans.

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Blind Faith (Steel Jackals MC #2) by Nancy Haviland. Erotic Romance Release & $25 G.C.Giveaway.

BLIND FAITH

by Nancy Haviland 
Steel Jackals MC #2
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, MC

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SYNOPSIS:

After years of solitude, Tish O’Malley made the mistake of assuming happiness was finally hers. But before she can relax her guard and enjoy her protective—albeit secretive—Sergeant at Arms, another selfish choice made by her unconscionable drug-addict mother brings about deadly consequences. With Rachel conveniently tucked away behind bars, her massive debt is laid at Tish’s feet. Josh “The Guardian” Sylvan knew when he claimed his young queen, her well-being would become his life’s purpose. When her mother’s senseless idiocy brings his estranged father’s notorious club to town, to protect Tish, Josh must consider taking out a member of the Obsidian Devils MC. Can he risk it all? Jeopardize his brothers and their families as they stand at his back, preparing to fight this personal battle? Everything changes when Josh discovers his and Tish’s love has produced the one thing that will bind her to his side forever. Only then does indecision flee, and possessive rage takes over.

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EXCERPT - BLIND FAITH

Josh stared at the woman before him. If ever there was any doubt he’d hooked up with someone too young, the look in Tish’s eyes at that moment cured him of it. She hadn’t been hanging out here, shitting her panties over her makeup being broken or her clothes being dirty because a bad man had touched them. She’d been trying to figure out the next logical step; medical care for whoever needed it—she’d thought that might be him and her concern was beautiful—a surface or deep clean to get the house in shape again, a possible insurance claim. He lifted a finger, and, ignoring his body as it burned as hot for her as his heart, he explained a couple of things. “One. The next time you wanna yell at me, you keep that shit under wraps until we’re alone. You understand?” She glanced around and only then seemed to notice the volume of voices out in the kitchen had gone real low. She looked properly horrified, so he went on. “Two. I will not call in a report to you. Not ever. But if you want to send a text next time to make sure your old man isn’t dead, feel free. I’ll happily answer it.” “Three. I’m sorry. I was totally blowing you off, and I get how insulting that is. Forgive me.” She went to move toward him, but he held up his spread fingers. “Four.” He leaned his upper body into her, close enough that the sweetness of vanilla trailed under his nostrils. “I am your big bad man, and I have every fucking right to put you on that shelf. Only, in my head, it’s a pedestal, and I’ll jam you up there and keep every fucking secret in the world from you if I think it will make your life better. Why? Because I want you happy more than I want you informed. You’re gonna have to get used to that because it’s not gonna change no matter how much you bitch and moan about it. Got it? Tish?” She nodded, her mouth tight. “And, five, where the fuck did you see a dead body?” “When we were in Phoenix, my mom once made a buy off a dealer who lived under a bridge. As she sampled the shit, then exchanged drugs for money, I stared at a naked woman lying spread-eagled on a dirty mattress in the corner. Her eyes stared back, and I made a game of waiting to see how long it would be before her chest moved. My mom dragged me away before it could, so I guess the woman won.” Josh’s soul crumpled and wept as it did every time she casually shared one of her stories. He slid his fingers into her hair and tipped her head back with his thumbs under her jaw. “I’m sorry, Tish-Tosh,” he whispered. “You don’t know how badly I want to give you a new past.” Her entire face compressed. “I’m angry with you, Josh. You’re not supposed to say stuff like that.” “Sorry, babe. I’m trying here.” He brought their mouths together and apologized with a slow kiss that turned into something more the second she got her hands under his shirt. The heat from her palms was a tease, but he could have handled that. The scrape of her fingernails as she focused on a spot above his belt buckle, no. She wanted in his pants. And he wanted to give her what she wanted. A loud bang killed the mood. “Food’s ready!” Holding Tish to him, he leaned over and threw the door open. Chase stood there with his hand over his eyes, but his fingers were separated. The cacophony going on behind him was once again at full level. He gave them the once over then looked at the clothes littered all over the floor. “You’ll have to learn to multi-task, Tish. Least you could have done while showing off your brass balls is wash your uncle’s jeans.” He walked off laughing. “Fuckin’ idiot,” Josh muttered as he took Tish’s hand and brought it to his cock. Her quiet gasp was the sweetest thing. “Squeeze me.” She gripped him, and contracted her hand, making it an experience when she did it with little pulses that unknowingly mimicked a coming pussy. Pride showed in her smile when he groaned. “You want that?” “Yes, even though I’m still sort of mad, I’d take you.” “I’ll give it to you after church. If we can get away with it, we’re spending the day in bed tomorrow.” She looked excited and skeptical all at once. “In my uncle’s house?” He nodded and looked at the empty doorway, smirking. “Yeah. And I’m gonna make you scream the fuckin’ place down. Twenty bucks says he and Chase stay away for the duration. We’ll toss our dirty sheets on top of all this shit,” he added, thinking that might be a nice touch. Tish’s cheeks flamed, and she was still laughing as she pulled him out of the house. She led him around a table loaded down with empanadas, grilled steaks, ribs and burgers, and his favorite; Mesquite-smoked, bacon-wrapped Sonoran dogs. He held their plates while Tish filled them, and didn’t miss how the discreet looks from Beth and Fiona turned into relieved smiles when they saw Tish happy. Because they knew her story, they all wanted her in a good place. Lucky for him, he was the chosen one who would get her there.


DON'T MISS WHERE IT ALL STARTED! GRAB YOUR COPY OF BLIND DEVOTION, BOOK #1 IN THE STEEL JACKALS MC SERIES!


BUY:

SYNOPSIS:

Nineteen-year-old Tish O’Malley has loved Josh “The Guardian” Sylvan since she was a child. When her reticent hero returns to Queen Creek after serving a three-year prison term meant for her mother, Tish is through pretending this man nearly twice her age isn’t the only happiness she’s ever known. Will the viciously loyal Sergeant at Arms stand by his instant and brutal rejection of the woman Tish has become? Or will he give in and claim her as his young queen despite his best efforts to resist the one female who should never have made it on his radar? *PLEASE BE AWARE: Blind Devotion was formerly released in November 2015 as HIS YOUNG QUEEN by TIFF P. RAINE. It has been revised, given a new title and cover, but it hasn't been altered enough for any information to be missed if you don’t re-read before continuing with the books that will follow. This is the intro to the STEEL JACKALS MC series, and it’s in Tish O’Malley’s POV only. Hers and Josh’s story will continue in dual POV in BLIND FAITH, which is scheduled for release at the end of February 2017.

**WARNING: Contains drug use, profanity, and explicit sexual situations. If you’re not comfortable with frequent use of the C-words or a demanding alpha biker fresh out of prison, please skip reading this book. +18

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ABOUT NANCY HAVILAND


Nancy Haviland is an award-winning, bestselling romance (suspense, erotic, contemporary) author who writes about her possessive alpha males and their obsessively loved women from her home in Southwestern Ontario. Her greatest loves are her family and that ever-present cooling cup of coffee at her elbow.
To stay up-to-date on new releases, click the yellow button above or join her reader list at http://bit.ly/NHNewsletter. To stay in the loop, you can also visit www.nancyhaviland.com!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Under The Peaches (Teaching Love #1) by Shana Vanterpool. NA Romance Release ONLY 99c. & Giveaway.

Title: Under The Peaches
Series: Teaching Love #1
Author: Shana Vanterpool
Genre: NA Romance
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Unwanted. A word eighteen-year-old Kaelyn Jefferies knows better than most. Given up at birth, she knows nothing of love. Now she navigates this world blind, worrying only about her present to survive. And sometimes when you’re the only guide you have, you don’t always do what’s best for yourself. After another confrontation with her bully, Kaelyn flees to her hiding spot to be alone and nurse her wounds. Instead, she finds Julian Ean, the gorgeous twenty-four-year-old calculus teacher the other girls whisper about, nursing a few of his own. Until that moment, Mr. Ean was simply a man she passed in the halls. Afterwards, he is impossible to ignore … to forget. Mr. Ean only wanted to help Kaelyn. Patch her up and show her she was worth so much more than she was giving herself. He didn’t mean to fall in love with a student. It’s wrong, he knows it, but he can’t help himself around her. Not when her pain feels like his. Kaelyn didn’t mean to fall in love with a teacher. It’s wrong, she knows it, but after Mr. Ean shows her what a real smile feels like, there’s no going back after that … Book one in the Teaching Love Series, comes a poignant coming-of-age novel showcasing the beauty of strength and the delicious lure of forbidden love by Shana Vanterpool.

“A beautiful romance. I cried. I laughed. I swooned (a lot!). I added Mr. Ean to my book boyfriend list for sure (*wink*)!” - Reader Review
“This book is the BOMB!!!
YOU HAVE TO READ IT!!” - Bookish_Affair
“This Book, this book!! Is there anything Shana Vanterpool can't write??” - MillsyLovesBooks
“This book has easily been my favorite for this year. Shana has a way of bringing out the tears from me but also putting smiles and feeling happy for the characters.” -A Bibliophile's World

In my current state, between ignoring and hanging on every word, I admit that’s what he is to me too. A shield between the hurt and me. I know exactly what he means. When I am around him, I forget to hurt, and it isn’t fair because he’s hurting too. But I can’t help it. No one warned me about him either. “Julian.” “It’s like,” he whispers. “Like and attraction doesn’t mean love.” What did mean love?
Romance author, coffee drinker, and bad boy aficionado. Every second not spent breathing is an opportunity to write and read. I live in Northern California with my family and actress dog, Halle Bella. (Just Bella when she decides to cut the crap.) Escaping with a good book is something I live for and I write so others can do the same.
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