[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Against the Wild

Currently living in Missoula, Montana, Kat Martin is the New York Times bestselling author of over fifty Historical and Contemporary Romance Suspense novels. Before she started writing in 1985, Kat was a real estate broker. During that time, she met her husband, Larry Jay Martin, author of more than twenty books, both westerns and mysteries. Kat is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, where she majored in Anthropology and also studied History. 

"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."

"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."

Kat began with historical romance and is currently writing romantic suspense. She is published in twenty foreign countries.

Follow her at her Website, on Facebook, and on GoodReads.

Against the Wild

BRODIES OF ALASKA Book #1

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Alaska: Where the men are as bold and untamed as America's last wilderness...

It's been three years since Lane Bishop tragically lost her fiancé, and she's finally ready to risk her heart on someone else. The hot look in Dylan Brodie's eyes says he's going to be that man.

But when Lane flies to the remote 1930s fishing lodge to help him renovate, she discovers a little girl who won't speak, eerie legends and strange sounds in the night. And when she investigates the history of the lodge, she uncovers a legacy of injustice and murder.

As danger stalks his daughter and the woman he is coming to love, Dylan must risk everything to uncover the shocking truth.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Nocturnal Nymph - Michelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

This is my very first Kat Martin book and to say I loved it would be an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Dylan has bought a Lodge and wants Lane to be the designer, after he met and want to go out with her. Lane is a designer in Beverly Hills, CA and lost someone very dear to her but is very attracted to Dylan. Although there are a few snags in between I loved how these 2 are with each other. Finn, Emily and Caleb just add to this great story and I love that every page kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happened next!!!

I love how I can read a kick ass book that leaves you with emotions you didn’t know were wanting to come out! I laugh, I cried, I got nervous and I felt happy. Not many books can do that to me. I can’t wait to read more by this author and I certainly can’t wait for book 2 of this series.

Against the Wild

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Daughters of the Nile

Stephanie Dray graduated with a degree in Government from Smith, a small women’s college in Massachusetts where—to the consternation of her devoted professors—she was unable to master Latin. However, her focus on Middle Eastern Studies gave her a deeper understanding of the consequences of Egypt’s ancient clash with Rome, both in terms of the still-extant tensions between East and West as well as the worldwide decline of female-oriented religion. Before she wrote novels, Stephanie was a lawyer, a game designer, and a teacher. Now she uses the transformative power of magic realism to illuminate the stories of women in history and inspire the young women of today. She remains fascinated by all things Roman or Egyptian and has—to the consternation of her devoted husband—collected a house full of cats and ancient artifacts.

Follow Stephanie: Website / Facebook / Twitter / GoodReads

Daughters of the Nile

CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER Book #3

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Based on the true story of Cleopatra’s daughter…

After years of abuse as the emperor’s captive in Rome, Cleopatra Selene has found a safe harbor. No longer the pitiful orphaned daughter of the despised Egyptian Whore, the twenty year old is now the most powerful queen in the empire, ruling over the kingdom of Mauretania—an exotic land of enchanting possibility where she intends to revive her dynasty.

With her husband, King Juba II and the magic of Isis that is her birthright, Selene brings prosperity and peace to a kingdom thirsty for both. But when Augustus Caesar jealously demands that Selene’s children be given over to him to be fostered in Rome, she’s drawn back into the web of imperial plots and intrigues that she vowed to leave behind.

Determined and resourceful, Selene must shield her loved ones from the emperor’s wrath, all while vying with ruthless rivals like King Herod. Can she find a way to overcome the threat to her marriage, her kingdom, her family, and her faith? Or will she be the last of her line?

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Alluring Angel - Kathy:*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
Daughters of the Nile, written by Stephanie Dray, is the 3rd and final book in her Cleopatra’s Daughter series. 

Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony, is now queen, wife and mother, and together with her husband, King Juba, they rule the kingdom of Mauretania. 

Hoping and praying that Augustus, the emperor of Rome, has gotten over his obsession with her, Selene wants nothing more than to raise her children in the new land that she now calls home. Unfortunately, Augustus has other plans. And no one says no to the emperor and expects to live. 

Stephanie Dray is a very talented wordsmith who brings to life the time of 19 B. C. The reader will be drawn in, feeling all the emotions that her characters feel. Daughters of the Nile is a must read for any fan of historical fiction. And if you are not a fan of historical fiction, this series will convert you. It did me.

Daughters of the Nile

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Daughter of the Gods

About Stephanie Thornton:

"I'm a writer and high school history teacher who has been obsessed with infamous women from ancient history since I was twelve. I'd stalk Theodora and Hatshepsut if I could, but they're dead so I travel to ancient sites they've been to and write books about them instead. 
My first two novels, The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora and Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt (Available May 6, 2014) focus on two of history's forgotten women:Theodora of the Byzantine Empire and Pharaoh Hatshepsut. My third novel, The Tiger Queens:The Women of Genghis Khan (Available November 4, 2014), is the story of Genghis' first wife and daughters. I live with my husband and daughter in Alaska, where I'm at work on my next novel on the women of Alexander the Great.

Follow Stephanie at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Daughter of the Gods

A NOVEL OF ANCIENT EGYPT

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Egypt, 1400s BC. The pharaoh’s pampered second daughter, lively, intelligent Hatshepsut, delights in racing her chariot through the marketplace and testing her archery skills in the Nile’s marshlands. But the death of her elder sister, Neferubity, in a gruesome accident arising from Hatshepsut’s games forces her to confront her guilt...and sets her on a profoundly changed course.

Hatshepsut enters a loveless marriage with her half brother, Thut, to secure his claim to the Isis Throne and produce a male heir. But it is another of Thut’s wives, the commoner Aset, who bears him a son, while Hatshepsut develops a searing attraction for his brilliant adviser Senenmut. And when Thut suddenly dies, Hatshepsut becomes de facto ruler, as regent to her two-year-old nephew.

Once, Hatshepsut anticipated being free to live and love as she chose. Now she must put Egypt first. Ever daring, she will lead a vast army and build great temples, but always she will be torn between the demands of leadership and the desires of her heart. And even as she makes her boldest move of all, her enemies will plot her downfall....

Once again, Stephanie Thornton brings to life a remarkable woman from the distant past whose willingness to defy tradition changed the course of history.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Alluring Angel - Kathy:*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
The first word that comes to mind after reading Stephanie Thornton’s Daughter Of The Gods is "epic". 

I was blown away by the power of this book. Not my normal reading genre, this telling of the life on one of Egypt’s lesser known pharaohs was compelling from start to finish. 

Stephanie Thornton took known fact, supposition, and keen imagination to bring to life the world and times surrounding Hatshepsut. 

Daughter Of The Gods takes the reader from when Hatshepsut is a free spirited younger sister, to the events that force her to be come the leader of Egypt. 

Murder, intrigue, war, love and sacrifice twine together to make this a must read for anyone.

5 skulls for a book that will stay with me for a long time!

Daughter of the Gods

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Jaguar Hunt

USA Today Bestseller, TERRY SPEAR writes urban fantasy and Highland medieval romance: hot wolves, jaguar shifters, medieval Highlanders and lots more. She also pens young adult paranormal romance. She has over fifty paranormal books to her name, earned Publisher’s Weekly Best Books of the Year, and has been featured in The International Wolf Magazine, Woman’s World and BGS Book Review Magazine. She creates award-winning teddy bears in the heart of Texas and gardens. She retired from USAR after rappelling, mountain climbing, learning water survival, qualifying with a number of firearms, survived the obstacle courses, leadership reaction courses and confidences courses – and knows if she can do it, her characters can overcome any obstacle she puts in their path.

For more information, please visit www.terryspear.com, or follow her on Twitter, @TerrySpear. She is also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/terry.spear . Her blog is: http://terryspear.wordpress.com/

Jaguar Hunt
HEART OF THE JAGUAR Book #3

RELEASE DATE 6/3/14!

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Two deadly predators...

As a feline Enforcer, Tammy Anderson has one objective: locate the missing jaguar and return it to the States. She doesn't have time for distractions, and she definitely doesn't have time for sexy shifters with more muscles than sense.

One hot mission...

Everyone and their brother has warned JAG agent David Patterson that Tammy is Ms. Hands-Off...which only makes him more determined to get very hands-on. But things heat up in the steamy jungles of Belize and their simple mission gets a whole lot more complicated. Now it's going to take everything David's got to protect the gorgeous she-cat who somehow managed to claw her way past his defenses...and into his heart.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

Jaguar Hunt is the 3rd book in the HEART OF THE JAGUAR series and may have been my favorite so far. It was a highly entertaining read with lovable characters, plenty of intrigue, a nice paced plot, and a great ending. While these books are all part of the series, they stand perfectly well on their own and do not need to be read in order.

David, the slightly rakish, yet stalwart brother of the hero of book #2, is trying to track down two teenage cat shifters that the agency wants to recruit. His investigation overlaps with another - the search for a missing jaguar from the Oregon zoo that the Enforcers are trying to solve. In an attempt to solve both mysteries as quickly and efficiently as possible, there's an inter-agency pairing between David and Tammy (who just happens to be the cousin of the heroine from book #2, Maya).

Tammy is a super fun heroine. She's super independent, sassy, and highly capable. She's amazing at her job as Enforcer, and doesn't particularly like working with others. In fact, she has a history of completely ditching her assigned partners and solving the crimes herself in record time.

David is one of the best special forces agents JAG has, but he also has a very carefree side, so when David scores the partnership of a lifetime and gets to pair with the sexy and sassy Tammy in hot and romantic Belize, sparks fly and things get veeeery interesting.

I loved the mystery in Jaguar Hunt. The subterfuge, overlapping history and storylines, and the snippets from the character's pasts that made the story so much deeper and more intriguing.

One of the best things about Jaguar Hunt, outside of the entertainment, mystery, and romance, were the supporting characters. I absolutely LOVED the twins, and I cannot wait to read their own books/novellas and find out more about them as the series progresses!

I would definitely recommend Jaguar Hunt for all paranormal romance fans, especially fans of Terry Spear and the series thus far.

Jaguar Hunt

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Queen's Wings

Jamie Kleinkauf-Schmidt has over thirty short stories published in small press and ezines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in Secondary Education English, which is a fancy way of saying she went to college to teach high school English. When that didn’t pan out, she worked as a call center manager, a Tupperware consultant, a paralegal, and finally a technical writer for a major conglomerate company. She is an active member in the Romance Writers of America (RWA), serving as the PRO liaison for her local chapter Connecticut Romance Writers of America (CTRWA).

When not writing, Jamie relaxes with a mug of hot tea and knits or makes beaded jewelry. She sells her handcrafted items at The Dudley Farm during the summer. A voracious reader, Jamie has a Kindle and is not afraid to use it.

Keep up with Jamie online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

The Queen's Wings

THE EMERGING QUEENS Book #1

RELEASE DATE 5/27/14!

Buy from Amazon / B&N / BAM

Long ago, the Cult of Humanity sacrificed the Dragon Queen, crippling the breeding process. But now Carolyn hears the voice of that long dead queen telling her that she holds the key to breaking the spell that will free all the female dragons.

FBI dragon Reed's disdain for humans can't mask the magnetic attraction he has for Carolyn, but when she tells him she's going to shift into a dragon he thinks she's crazy. A female hasn't been hatched, or shape shifted, in over a thousand years.

He's proven wrong after Carolyn shifts and is named the new Queen on the block. A never-ending line of suitors forms, but she only wants Reed. Too bad he doesn't want in on the competition. But when the Cult kidnaps Carolyn to sacrifice her in an effort to make the curse against the female dragons permanent, Reed must face his fears—and feelings, racing to save the woman he realizes he can't live without.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

This book was really greatI I love when a review book becomes a new obsession... I honestly couldn't put it down and it was exactly what I needed.

Jamie K. Schmidt is a new author for me. When I got an email about Entangled's new May releases and noticed this one on the list I decided to request it for review and see what would happen. I was long overdue for a good dragon shifter book and decided it couldn't hurt to support a new author. I didn't expect to read it in one long sitting with a smile on my face almost the entire time.

The Queen's Wings, the first of a new Paranormal Romance series THE EMERGING QUEENS, was witty, full of fun pop culture references, magic, mayhem, romance and was, in a word, just FUN!

Ms. Schmidt has a knack for plucky female leads. Carolyn draws you in from page one with her no-filter tendency to think aloud and say largely inappropriate things at the most inappropriate times. Most people thinks she's completely nuts, but aside from her being an emerging dragon Queen, she's really just like the rest of us - a book addict with an internal goofball. She was instantly likable and relatable.

Reed is one of those alpha males that you just want to smack upside the head. He's hot, sexy, sometimes standoffish, and yet has this romantic edge that shows through in the subtlest of ways and yet he's just... aaarrrgh. He's a bit stuffy, tries to stick to the "ways of the people", and yet it was really fun to see Carolyn exasperate and challenge him and have him capitulate. I will admit that I actually wanted her with Jack (he was the easier of the two choices), but was glad that while there were multiple (somewhat) love interests, it wasn't a love triangle and that things turned out the way that they did. They really are the perfect match.

The world building was both what we've grown to know and love in dragon shifter paranormal romance, but also new, unique and exciting. There were multiple types of dragon shifters in The Queen's Wings, and having the matriarchal structured society was very cool. It reinforced the fact that strong females would be prevalent throughout the EMERGING QUEENS series.

I LOVED the little twist at the end and I think that all book addicts will appreciate with Ms. Schmidt did with Carolyn's HEA!

I would definitely recommend this book for all paranormal romance fans that like dragon shifters, and even those who think they might want to try some. I also highly recommend it to readers who appreciate a light-hearted read with a strong, yet goofy female lead.

I'm really looking forward to more in the EMERGING QUEENS series! Way to go Jamie. :)

The Queen's Wings

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Spellbound in Sleepy Hollow

Patricia Eimer is a small town girl who was blessed with a large tree in the backyard made for reading in on summer days. Mixed with too much imagination it made her a bratty child but fated her to become a storyteller. After a stint of "thinking practically" in her twenties she earned degrees in Business and Economics She currently lives in eastern Pennsylvania with her two wonderful kids and a husband that learned the gourmet art of frozen pizzas to give her more time to write. When she's not writing romance novels she can be found fencing, training for triathlons and arguing with her dogs about who's in charge.

Follow Patricia online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Rosalie Lario is the award-winning, paranormal romance author of the Demons of Infernum and the Fallen Warriors series. Rosalie double majored in Anthropology and Classics as an undergraduate student, and briefly considered becoming an archaeologist before realizing they don’t actually live the life of Indiana Jones. So what was a classical geek armed with a lot of useless knowledge to do? Become a lawyer, of course!

After attending law school in Florida, she practiced real estate law for several years before finally admitting to herself that negotiating contracts wasn’t nearly as fun as dreaming up stories. She never imagined all the mythology she’d learned throughout her undergraduate education might actually come in handy, but it makes perfect fodder for the paranormal romance stories she now dreams up.

When not writing, you can find her on a boat somewhere along South Florida’s waterways, chasing down a rainbow or pretending to be a pirate.

Follow Rosalie at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Boone Brux is a bestselling author in both fantasy and series romance genres. She began writing in an attempt to ward off the slow decomposition of her mental state while taking care of her twin toddlers. It soon became clear that storytelling was her true calling.Her books range from medieval fantasy, filled with demon's and hot heroes, to humorous paranormal and spicy contemporary romance. Though she loves writing romance, Boone much prefers stories where she gets to kill somebody or blow something up.

She lives in the beautiful and rugged state of Alaska with her husband, two kids, their dog Oreo, and her black cat Velma Underfoot. Not to mention the numerous wild creatures that  lounge in her backyard.

Find Boone online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads. 

Spellbound in Sleepy Hollow

RELEASE DATE 5/27/14

Buy from Amazon / B&N / Entangled

The Von Tassel sisters are in deep. With a new inn opening up to non-magic guests, these three witches have enough to worry about, but after a deal with the Headless Horseman, all three Von Tassel sisters must find their true loves by All Hallow's Eve or forever be trapped as ghosts in Sleepy Hollow like their ill-fated aunties. 

Will Stephanie be able to forgive her playboy ex? Will Bri be able to win back her childhood cruch-turned-ghost hunter? Will Lexi be able to sway her supernatural employee? And will they all be able to fall in love by the week's end?

Our Review by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

What a fun and clever collection! Three intertwining, yet unique tales, using the basis of the original story of Sleepy Hollow and the headless horseman and turning it into a thrilling, romantic comedy of sorts. 

In the 'original' Sleepy Hollow we all get to meet Katrina von Tassel, but in Spellbound in Sleepy Hollow we get her AND her sisters, Elizabeth and Cassandra, ghosts bound to the Inn of the Headless Horseman that their nieces, Stephanie, Bri, and Lexi, run. 

Bound via a middleman to the Dark Prince, the sextet is tasked with finding and pledging their love to their destined soul mates or be denied entry to Summerland forever. The problem... each and every one of them has a convoluted history with those that they covet and love - heartbreak, lies, subterfuge, & more! - and there is many a hurdle to overcome. 
The book was chock full of wit, romance, comedic action and surprise, and was entertaining from cover to cover. 

I would highly recommend this book to just about anyone. If you like the legend of Sleepy Hollow you will find this fun and refreshing. If you just want a light-hearted read to put you in a good mood, this is a good one to try. 

Kudos to the authors for spinning a fresh, interesting and unique new light paranormal romance. I love each of these authors' independent works, getting them together for a project like this was brilliant! :)

Spellbound in Sleepy Hollow

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of For the Longest Time

Kendra Leigh Castle is a RITA award-nominated, multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Raised in the far and frozen reaches of Northern New York, where her love of curling up with a blanket and a good book came early, she penned her debut novel as a Navy wife living in the Nevada desert. Since then, she has managed to continue working in her pajamas while moving around the country. Kendra currently makes her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband, three children, and a menagerie of pets. She drinks too much coffee, stays up too late, and loves to hear from her readers, who make this crazy job worthwhile.

Keep up with Kendra online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

For the Longest Time

HARVEST COVE Book #1

RELEASE DATE 7/1/14!

Buy from Amazon / B&N / BAM / iTunes / Powell's 

For Samantha Henry, it took a ten-year absence to appreciate the close-knit New England town with an appeal all its own….

After a perfect storm of events leaves Sam high, dry, and jobless, she has to head home to Harvest Cove to regroup. Growing up, she was the town misfit, and a brief high school romance that resulted in heartbreak made her realize she was never going to fit in. But now with the support of her mother and an unexpected circle of allies, Sam starts to wonder if she’s misjudged the town all these years.

Life’s been good to Jake Smith. He transitioned from popular jock to town veterinarian without any trouble. But Sam’s homecoming makes him question his choices. The sharp-tongued beauty was never a good fit for the small community, but he’s never forgotten her—or how good they were together. While she makes it clear she’s not about to repeat the past, Jake’s determined to convince her to give him—and Harvest Cove—a second chance.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

I spotted this and thought "oh that's different", as I'm used to this author delivering paranormal romance, so was intrigued to see her tackling a more contemporary and dare I say normal setting? As I have read her Dark Dynasties series, the idea of something set in a non magical New England seemed to be a total dichotomy. I've always considered New England to be a magical area in its own right even without the paranormal world encroaching upon it so with a willing heart and a fully charged kindle I prepared to be taken away by Ms Castle's imagination.

Sam is an artist at heart, but recent events in her life have seen her doubting her own talent. She's spent the last few years trying to make a name for herself in New York, but now she's at a crossroads in her life, and decides to return home to Harvest Cove were she grew up. The only problem is that when Sam left Harvest Cove she didn't just leave the town and her family behind... she left heartbreak and humiliation and she's about to come face to face with the very cause of it!

Jake was the uber jock at school, liked by all and part of the 'in crowd'. He had noticed the arty Sam, but her wild ways and unique style always cast her as a bit of an outsider. Now she's back, and they've all grown up. But have they really? It's a small town, and unfortunately, a small town mentality is not always healthy. Sam wants nothing to do with Jake but everyone deserves a second chance and Jakes quietly determined to seize his!

I found this to be a feel good type of story filled with warm characters and snatches of humor. Jake is a vet and uses Sam's soft spot for animals against her unashamedly, which made for several humorous moments in this story. There's a very strong feeling running through that prejudice can (and does) cause long term harm. Sam might not have been a typical New England teenager, but having her peers treat her like a freak was unkind, and the damage and memories have stayed with her. As Jake reconnects with Sam, he starts to realize that his own insecurities and those of his friends are nothing to be proud of, and his eyes become well and truly opened. Sam is a survivor and it was lovely to see her open up and finally realize some of her dreams.

For the Longest Time wasn't a particularly fast paced plot but a gentle story of two people reconnecting in spite of everything that's happened. I particularly liked the supporting characters, and was very interested in the undercurrents so would love to read more about them.

This was well written with believable dialogue so very easy to sink into, and I truly enjoyed my visit to Harvest Cove.

For the Longest Time

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Branded

Laura Wright is the bestselling author of the phenomenal MARK OF THE VAMPIRE (MOTV), WICKED INK, and BAYOU HEAT series, as well as, some great standalone novels (for a complete list of Laura’s standalone romance titles click HERE). In case you’re not familiar with Laura yet, here’s her bio so you can learn some more about her:

Laura Wright spent the early years of her life immersed in the worlds of singing, acting and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing, she knew she’d found her true calling. Laura lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, two children, three dogs, two frogs and two fish. She’s been thrice nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and loves hearing from her readers.

Connect with Laura: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Branded
THE CAVANAUGH BROTHERS Book #1

RELEASE DATE 6/3/14!

Buy from Amazon / B&N / iBookstore / Indiebound

In the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers....

When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way.

Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Alluring Angel - Kathy:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

Branded, the first book in Laura Wright’s new series, The Cavanaugh Brothers, is a keeper. The emotions are intense, the sexual steam is sizzling hot, and the storyline never lags.

Branded features the eldest of the Cavanaugh brothers, Deacon. And the one thing that this urban businessman wants is to destroy the ranch that he grew up on. The land and everything on it are reminders of an unsolved murder, betrayals, and old family secrets.

Mackenzie is the foreman of the Triple C Ranch, and she will do what ever she can to stop the destruction of the place that she loves and calls home.

Deacon and Mac clash something fierce, but the attraction that they both feel can’t be denied.

The dialog in Branded is smart and realistic. The sex will have you fanning yourself.

I can’t wait to read the next in this series. The remaining Cavanaugh brothers, Cole, James and Blue, are men that I’ve just got to know better.

Branded

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Ghost Seer

RITA® Award Winning novelist Robin D. Owens credits the telepathic cat with attitude in selling her first futuristic/fantasy romance, HeartMate, published in December 2001. Since then she has written thirteen books in the series, Heart Fortune the latest in August, 2011.

Her five book Luna series included average American women Summoned into another dimension to save a world. Her Mystic Circle series is a mixture of contemporary urban and romantic fantasy set in Denver.

And her newest stories, about an uptight accountant who sees Old West ghosts and helps them move on, will start with Ghost Seer in April of 2014. She is profoundly thankful to be recipient of the 2004 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year award as well as the 2011 Writer of the Year Award, the Colorado Romance Writers Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2010 Best Paranormal and Best of the Best Daphne Du Maurier Award…actually, after winning an award she tends to dance around bored cats.

Find her online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Ghost Seer

GHOST SEER Book #1

Buy from Amazon / B&N

There’s just something about Clare. Apart from the ghosts…

When her eccentric aunt passes away, no-nonsense accountant Clare Cermac inherits more than just a small fortune. She receives the gift of communicating with ghosts. While Clare may not believe in spirits, it’s hard to overlook the shadowy talking dog appearing on her bed or spectral cowboys tipping their hats to her in the streets of Denver. And when she locks eyes with sexy—and living—Zach Slade, there’s certainly no ignoring him either.

A former deputy sheriff, Zach is leaving a painful past behind in Montana for a new life in Denver as a private investigator, a job that has him crossing paths with beautiful Clare. Not that she minds. After the restless ghost of a Wild West gunman demands her assistance, Clare finds herself needing Zach more and more—and not just for help.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Alluring Angel - Kathy:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

Ghost Seer by Robin D. Owens is the first in a new series that features Claire Cermak and Zack Slade, two people who find the life that they have each known, suddenly and drastically changed. Claire is a no nonsense accountant who likes things straight forward and orderly. But on the death of her kooky aunt, she begins to question her sanity, as she begins to see and hear ghosts. And since she doesn’t believe in ghosts, this is quite a problem. Zack has dedicated his life to law enforcement until he is shot. No longer able to work in the field, and not interested in spending the rest of his career behind a desk, he finds himself bitter and rudderless.

Ghost Seer is a nice mix of romance, paranormal and a dash of mystery. Enzo, the talking ghost dog that Claire inherits along with the the ability to see ghosts, is a wonderful addition. Part goofball, part advisor, Enzo tells Claire that she must accept her new power or risk going mad and even dying. Zack, also a nonbeliever, refuses to acknowledge his own touch of sight.

Ghost Seer is an easy read. Slow at times, but enjoyable overall.

Ghost Seer

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Gilded Lily

Delphine Dryden majored in English at the University of Texas at Austin, and probably should have gone ahead and gone for that MFA and PhD to become an english professor like she planned. Instead, she took a detour through law school, practiced law for a woefully brief time, and wound up working in special education for the next fifteen or so years (first as a teacher, then as an educational diagnostician). Somewhere in there, she also obtained a Master’s in Educational Psychology/Special Education.

Delphine writes contemporary erotic romance for Carina Press, and mainstream steampunk romance for Berkley. She has also published with Ellora’s Cave and Cleis Press. Her writing has earned an Award of Excellence and Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times Book Reviews, an EPIC Award, and a Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence.

In 2010, Delphine gave up the day job to write full time. Now she balances that with parenting two kids and two dogs, and occasionally designing web sites or making trailer videos. She and her family are all Texas natives, and reside in unapologetic suburban bliss near Houston.You can keep up with Delphine online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Gilded Lily

STEAM AND SEDUCTION Book #3

RELEASE DATE 7/1/14!

Buy from Amazon / B&N

Frederique Murcheson’s introduction into society hasn’t gone smoothly—some would even call it a disaster. Only Freddie considers her debut a success. Her scheme to become a makesmith has gone off flawlessly. The only thing that could upset her plans now would be if someone discovered that brilliant tinker Fred Merchant is, in fact, a lady in disguise.

Wooing a spoiled heiress is not exactly Barnabas Smith-Grenville’s idea of high espionage. However, considering his brother disappeared on the job, supposedly into the most iniquitous of opium dens, he cannot expect much better. At least the assignment will afford him time to search for his brother, whom he suspects is in spy-related trouble rather than a drug-addled haze.

But when Freddie proves to be both irresistible and the key to the answers he seeks, Barnabas finds himself not only entwined in a scandalous mystery involving lethal submersibles and deranged dirigibles, but also in a dangerous game of the heart…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

This is book three in the Steam and Seduction series, which is set within a steampunk type era. A landscape that resembles the Victorian, but feels quite twentieth century at times. A world where steam is the ultimate power, is closely guarded, but anything is possible . This is an alternative reality without the nuclear power or the technology we take for granted, and more importantly, a life that's set with rigid rules. Welcome to a new age of human imagination!

Having read Scarlet Devises I was very curious to see who the author would write about next and was quite surprised when this story turned out to feature Barnabas Smith- Grenville whose brother Phineas was previously mentioned. Barnabas wants nothing more than to serve his country and find out what really happened to his missing brother. Rumours abound that Phineas was heavily involved with opium but Barnabas wants so much to discover the truth about his baby brother. When asked to maintain a watchful eye on a wealthy young heiress whose father is heavily involved in political machinations it seems the answer to his prayers. Keeping tabs on Frederique Murcheson in the last place his brother Phineas was seen is the perfect assignment for Barnabas. He knows his brother served his country well and now he's determined to do the same but espionage doesn't suit everyone!

Freddie is a talented young woman who just feels so stifled by all the rigmaroles of society. As a young woman of considerable talents and ingenuity she's found a way to spend her days more profitably. Freddie sneaks out dressed as a young man and works as a Tinker, a man who fixes all manner of machinery and yes she's good at it! The only problem though is her father has yet again placed a watchdog in her life and his name is Barnabas ! He seems harmless enough and Freddie has no compunction about directing him to help further her own endeavours but when they both stumble across something that puts them all in danger suddenly Freddie sees a whole new side to Barnabas and boy does she like it!

These novels are set in an alternative steampunk world that imagines what life could be like if the American revolutionary war had never taken place and are just full of political intrigue and conspiracy usually. This particular story, however, featured a lot more about the corruption and greed that fuels the underbelly of society. Opium dens may seem fanciful, but are a part of this reality and smuggling is a highly lucrative and dangerous business. The author cleverly interweaves modern ideas such as the possibility of an underwater tunnel connecting the English Coast with mainland France whilst adding amazing and bizarre creatures to the mix. Fear not though if it's the technology that always hold you gripped as submersibles and dirigibles abound in this story, but this time it's the underwater world of possibilities that firmly take center stage.

I always enjoy the mystery of these stories, but obviously also seek to be entertained by the romance and this time I was a little disappointed if I'm honest. Freddie is a plucky heroin,e but I thought she took advantage of those who trusted her and I didn't always like that about her. Barnabas is not the usual chest beating alpha male that so many authors seem to prefer. He was a more reserved type of chap, and I hate to say sensitive but he certainly felt a little weaker at times then I wanted. I have no doubt that the two central characters enjoyed their "games" but it just felt as if Freddie was always in charge and for me that took some of the thrill out of the romance. He certainly deserves to get his girl but I'm still not sure if Freddie deserved him! She's a loyal friend and as the story unfolds clearly sees all the good that is Barnabas but for this reader it wasn't my favorite pairing .

I'm not particularly a geek or anything, but I do enjoy reading about all the inventions in these books. Add a large dose of political intrigue and mystery and these stories are addictive. A fast paced, fun, and truly fascinating world that's filled with entertaining characters . These books are pure escapism and Gilded Lily was no exception!

Gilded Lily

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Straddling the Line

Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 60 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn't on deadline, she can usually be found trying to convince her husband to remodel some room or another in their house (she blames HGTV for this). She loves gardening, sports, casinos and getting lost in a great book. She's a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you'll find in all her books.

Connect with Jaci online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Straddling the Line

PLAY BY PLAY Book #8

RELEASE DATE 7/1/14

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An erotic new game in the 'must-read' (Fresh Fiction) Play-By-Play series from the New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Play, Jaci Burton. Perfect for fans of Lori Foster, Maya Banks and Jill Shalvis.

Trevor Shay has a successful career straddling the two sports he loves-football and baseball. He puts it all on the line for old friend Haven Briscoe though, when she has a tough time getting her professional career together after the death of her father. Despite her misgivings, Haven accepts the assignment of doing a feature bio on Trevor, but he's an attractive force of nature and there's a lot more to him than meets the eye. Secrets are revealed and chemistry is added to the mix as they help each other through some tough times.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

Straddling The Line is the eighth book in the Play by Play series. This very popular series is centered around the sporting achievements of the Riley family, but this particular book centers around characters who have previously been kept on the sidelines. Prepare to be engulfed in a world that will both surprise and delight you!


Trevor Shay is quite literally a sporting legend. He's one of that rare breed of sporting superstar who plays both Baseball and American Football professionally. He's loved by many, but still remembers where it all began. Asked by an old friend to help her daughter Haven who seems to be at a crossroads, he agrees to let her interview him, but it's going to be a long process.


Haven isn't quite sure anymore if what she's doing as a journalist is exactly what she really wants to do. She's devastated by her father's death, but out of the blue, the one guy who always seemed out of reach offers her a plumb assignment. Trevor has always shunned in depth interviews but getting reacquainted with Haven he starts to allow someone to see the man beneath the uniform. What started out as a favour turns into something much more serious as Haven and Trevor spend more time together. 


Trevor has always kept his distance, but with Haven around he's finding it much harder to keep his secret. Trevor has reasons for not letting anyone really close, but Haven isn't a journalist for nothing, and if there's a mystery to solve, she's prepared to dig deep! Boundaries are about to be breached, and these two damaged people might just find a solution together .


This is a very very sexy read. Be prepared to want to grab your man or battery operated friend as this author has written a seriously hot book! Trevor may not want to discuss certain things, but when it comes to being a performer he excels, and not just on the field. 
Haven is suffering from grief. Grief is not a common theme in romance, and it was very pleasing to see the author tackling it and making it acceptable. Far too often we struggle and refuse to admit to emotions, but these things need to be addressed, and for Haven, it was certainly time to move forward.


I've read a few books by this author and although I'm not a huge sports fan ( I'm English so don't really understand baseball) these books are highly addictive. Ms Burton has the knack of making these stories come to life as we read of people who are either family or who met at college and are interconnected . This tight knit group of people are highly entertaining, and there's always something going on so it's a wild ride that the author takes her readers on.

A very sexy installment, and it was great to revisit characters that always delight.

Straddling the Line

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Demon Creed

About Paula Altenburg:

I’d like to be able to say I always wanted to be a writer, but the truth is I thought it looked like a lot of hard work. Life, however, sometimes leads us down paths we never intended to take.

From the very beginning, my parents encouraged my love of books. When a Grade One teacher suggested I wrote too many “thrillers,” my mother, an English teacher, said I could write – and read – whatever I wanted. My high school English teachers later backed her up on that. In university, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Anthropology. At the time it was a whim, but it’s amazing how much that little piece of paper has benefited me over the years.Researching the history of civilizations has led to many intriguing worldbuilding possibilities.

When my children were babies and money was tight, my mother, grandmother, and husband bought me an electric typewriter for my birthday because they knew I was bored and wanted me to be happy. My mother became my very first critique partner, willingly reading pages and pages of manuscripts no one should ever have to suffer through. She researched markets for me, and introduced me to a journalist friend, who in turn introduced me to the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia. My brother and my brother-in-law introduced me to Thieves’ World, David Eddings, and Piers Anthony. Mysister gave me my first computer.

My grandmothers believed if something’s too hard, you aren’t working hard enough. My brother and sisters have all successfully followed their dreams, and my husband and two sons offer me proof every day that hard work is something to be embraced, not avoided. With these people behind me, how could I possibly stray from a path on which life seems to have planted them as guardrails?

Keep up with Paula online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

The Demon Creed

DEMON OUTLAWS Book #3

RELEASE DATE 5/27/14!

Buy from Amazon / B&N

As a highly skilled assassin, Creed is used to being called upon by the Godseekers for help. But in a world just recently rid of demons, the task to now track down half-demons isn't as easy as it seems. Not only is Creed himself a secret half-demon now going against his own kin, but when he discovers numerous innocent children are being kidnapped in the mountains, he second guesses his mission. Justice should be for all, not just for demon spawn. Living in a world of cruel men, Nieve has no memory of her life before her enslavement. But when Creed comes around asking questions about missing children, the memories of her half-demon son - and the demon who tricked her - come flooding back. Now, Nieve will do anything to get her son back...even if it means putting her trust in Creed. Together they set out to find the Demon Slayer who can help them. Little do they know the demon who fathered Nieve's son is also searching for Nieve, and he's teamed up with the kidnapper to draw her out. Creed and Nieve must race against the clock to save the children, their hearts, and the world.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

Well, this is apparently the last installment of the Demon Outlaws series, and I for one will be sad to finish reading about these brave characters who live in such a dangerous and twisted world. If someone had told me that I'd be reading an almost dystopian romance that featured demon hunting cowboys I would have just laughed, but this author has surpassed all expectations with these books. Incredible world building and now with this installment, it almost feels as if we have come full circle. A hero unlike any other and a chance to catch up with characters who captured my interest in the vey first book.

In the not so distant future, the world as we know it will topple and be overran by demons. Civilization will crumble and technology will be no more. Out of those ashes will rise a new way of life with god fearing people following goddesses and praying for the demons to be banished. One will be born with the power to help beat the demons back to their own dimension but disillusioned mortals will always fear that one day the demons will find a way back.

Creed is a demon hunting Assassin working for the god seekers and a recent spate of missing children brings him away from his usual haunts and further into the mountains. It's believed that the children that have disappeared are half demon and known as the despised Spawn, demonic hybrids with ungodly powers and the ability to call back the full blood demons. Creed is determined to find the truth and travels to a ranch where he's heard of a child being sold to slavers. What he finds there is Nieve, a woman whose very essence calls to him but she's cruelly mistreated and it's her child that might hold clues to what's happening. Creed saves her life and promises to help if he can but the journey they take is not an easy one. Nieve has been abused by both mortal and demon alike and doesn't trust easily but as they are thrown together Nieve faces her biggest fear, a demon! This demon is no child though as the demon is Creed! Creed has spent his life hiding in plain sight and now he will have no choice but to show his inner beast!

Creed is unlike any other paranormal hero I have ever read about! He's quite literally a man on a mission and he's not giving up no matter what the cost. As the son of a demon he can manipulate peoples minds and has always managed to live amongst the mortals undetected but fooling Nieve is not easy to do! I loved Creed! He's a sworn protector of innocents and thinks that everyone deserves a chance . Heritage, colour or abilities none of that matters to him. What he cares about is ensuring that everyone gets a fair hearing and the possibility of a future.

Nieve lives in a world were women are nothing more than chattels and it's a truly abysmal life that is forced upon her. She has been betrayed by everyone she cares about and yet is not totally broken. Her fervent desire to be reunited with her missing son drives her on but it's an inhospitable reality for women and she needs Creeds protection. Luckily Creed is not just the most affable Assassin you could ever imagine ( people always trust and like him due to his powers) but he's also total eye candy! Nieve is many things but she's not brain dead and as a female only too aware of Creeds latent sexuality . Don't expect lots of explicit scenes though as this story is completely plot driven and the relationship they form is only part of it.
It was wonderful to meet characters from the first book again and it felt as if old friends had returned . These are reluctant heroes who are just doing what they see as right in such an inhospitable environment. The authors words conjure up images of old westerns and to say it has a feel of the old west is probably the best description I can come up with! The world building is truly astounding and as the story progresses we see glimpses of what went before which made it for this reader very perturbing and quite believable . A disturbing alternate reality that has completely captured my imagination. 

As I mentioned, this seems to be the last in this series and maybe Ms Altenburg saved the best for last! Creed is a character who never expects to find love but the future is not set and there's hope for everyone. I will miss these characters and can only hope that whatever the author has up her sleeve next will be just as enthralling!

The Demon Creed