Review Blitz: Captivated by Crimson

Title: Captivated by Crimson

Author: Brynn Myers

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Amber Leaf Publishing

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb: 

She is the fated one I have been waiting for...

The crimson in her veins will restore me…

* * *

My desire for her burns like no other…

I must possess her…

Dare to touch her and you will be the one to suffer…

* * *

Nola Blair is a free-spirited photographer sent to cover the party of the century in Elizabeth Bathory’s ruined castle. It was an assignment she'd declined––twice, but when she was offered a hefty sum to indulge the wealthy eccentric, she finally gave in. Little did she know that the guests at this party were centuries old and their desires reached far beyond those of a normal partygoer.

One captivating night will change her life and the two vampires vying for her will fight to the death to get what they want. One wants her to be his and the other wants her blood.

Who will decide Nola’s fate?

5 BLOODY FANGS!

Fascinating plot featuring vampires! Those of you who love your vampires on the darker side will love this book. I was immediately drawn in, and what a ride it is. Nola, Quinn and Arianna are flawlessly written characters who stand out. Their talent for creating gothic art surrounds this story. Andrik, the male hero, is compelled to save Nola for unknown reasons. Ancient gods are out to protect humanity against an evil enemy thought to be long gone. Many of the secondary characters like Reese, who was one of my favorites, really rocked with their kick-ass attitude. The bad guys you'll love to hate. 

This is addictive with a smoldering hot romance. I don't know if it gets any better than this. Carve out some time in your schedule for this. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put this down till the last page is finished. Brava to this author for giving us a reason to love vampires again.

Reviewed by Janet

Brynn Myers is an adult paranormal romance author. After considering writing a hobby for years, she finally turned her passion and talent into a career. She came into the paranormal genre later than most but has always loved fairy-tales and all things magical. Using that love, she creates charmed worlds by writing stories involving passionate, strong willed characters with something to discover.

Brynn lives with her family in Central Florida.

Author Links:

Website: www.brynnmyers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrynnMyersAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brynnmyers

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brynnmyers/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xoKcNa

Google: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5391472.Brynn_Myers

  

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ggVQp8

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2v0Jt36

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2xd5ufF

iBooks: http://apple.co/2ldYf1r

 

"Manya and Thantos were the children of Nyx, the Greek Goddess of the Night. Nyx was the child of Chaos, and his traits also imbued the children she bore. They loved discord, Manya more than the others.

“Your murderous side is showing, Manya. Settle,” Andrik warned.

Manya hissed. “I want Bathory now. Enough playing––find her!”

Andrik turned to leave but called out without looking back. “Send Thea home to me then, and I will find you Bathory.”

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Review: Undiscovered

Undiscovered by Sara Haumphreys

Amoveo Rising Book 1

Published March 7, 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

Reviewed by Janet

5 BREATHS OF FIRE!

Synopsis:

He's the man of her dreams
A long time ago, Zander Lorens was cursed to walk the earth stripped of his Dragon Clan powers. Every night, trapped in a recurring nightmare, Zander relives his darkest moment. He can hardly believe it when the dream changes and a beautiful young woman appears. Zander believes she's the key to ending his torment. Finding her in the real world is one thing, but how will he convince her of who-and what-she really is?

She's the end to his nightmare
Rena McHale uses her unique sensitivity as a private investigator, touting herself as a "human divining rod" and finder of the lost. By day she struggles with sensory overload, and by night her sleep is haunted by a fiery dragon shifter. Nothing in her life makes sense, until the man from her dreams shows up at her door with a proposition... (Goodreads)

Review: 

Wow! A truly remarkable shifter novel. This is the first book kicking off the Amoveo Rising series. The first chapter will have you glued to your seats and your heart racing. Zander is one dragon who will not only melt your panties but your heart as well. He is centuries old and hot as sin. Rena, a strong protagonist, is quite unique in her abilities and is searching for answers about her gift. The spirit streams that Rena references really piqued my interest. Zander and Rena sizzle the pages while Zander sets out to help his twin brother. 

You don't often come across dragon shifters, so this is a great chance for paranormal romance fans to pick up something different. Give me a nicely developed plot and a happily ever after, and I'm a happy camper. This is a new-to-me author, so now I can't wait to delve into her other books. It seems I have a lot of catching up to do. Oh, what fun!  

Review: How I Magically Messed Up My Life in 4 Freakin Days

How I Magically Messed Up My Life In 4 Freakin Days by Megan O'Russell

The Tale of Bryant Adams Book 1

Published August 15, 2017 by Curiosity Quills Press

Reviewed by Jenn

4 Magcial Stars

Synopsis:

Ever wanted to grow a five-story tall flower in central park? How about fight a deadly battle under the subway tunnels of Manhattan? 

Don't worry. I never wanted to either. But if you're ever being chased by ladies made of mist and you have to save the girl with the sparkly eyes you've never had the guts to say actual words to, there's an app for that.

I found a magic cell phone, opened an app I shouldn't have, burned down the set shop for my high school's theatre, and it was all downhill from there. A drag queen seer who lives under a bridge is my only hope for keeping my mom alive, and I think the cops might be after me for destroying my dad's penthouse.

But it gets better! Now I'm stuck being the sidekick to the guy who got me into this mess in the first place. It'll be a miracle if I survive until Monday. (Goodreads)

Review:

Ever have your phone fall out of your pocket? Ever find someone's cell phone? Ever try and check out what's on that phone? DON'T!

Cabs in New York are a luxury, so when a pale drunk guy stumbles out just as you are hailing one, you don't take the chance of someone snagging it while you return his cell phone to him. But, unlocking the phone and checking it out, not a good plan. And don't play with apps you don't understand either. Bryant learns this the hard way.

This was a cute romp through the Big Apple...lots of action...and a love story to boot. I really enjoyed this book. I am glad I took a chance on it!

Review: Forbidden Bite

Forbidden Bite by Cynthia Eden

Bite Book 1

Published June 16, 2017 by Hocus Pocus Publishing

Reviewed by Rose

5 Bloody Fangs!!

Synopsis:

“Don’t look into her eyes. If you do, she’ll take your soul.” 

Werewolf Griffin Romeo has new prey—a sexy female vamp named Isabella has been hunting in Sin City, and it’s Griffin’s job to stop her. Tracking Isabella is easy work for an alpha wolf, but once he gets close to gorgeous Isabella…Griffin’s careful plans go straight to hell. Because with one bite, he’s absolutely hooked on her, lost…mated. 

Vamps and werewolves are supposed to be sworn enemies. They aren’t supposed to feel a white-hot attraction that burns soul deep. Now that he’s found his mate, Griffin isn’t about to let Isabella go, especially not when he learns that Isabella isn’t the killer who is attacking humans in Vegas. Griffin’s mate has been set-up, and he’ll fight with a wolf’s fury to find the enemy who is working against them both. Someone wants Isabella to be judged guilty by the wolves in Vegas, but Griffin won’t let that happen. 

Their mating may be forbidden, but Griffin and Isabella are about to show the paranormal world just how fiercely a vamp and werewolf can fight for each other—because mates bond forever. And nothing will come between them. 

Author’s Note: FORBIDDEN BITE is a short, sexy story (32,000 words) about one hot werewolf and his sexy vamp mate. Lust comes first (and fast!) in this tale, and then love is close behind. If you enjoy a hero who will gladly sacrifice everything for his lady, hot times, and a happy ending…then maybe you should take a BITE. (Goodreads)

Review:

This one is a short story, but a well written one. I tried to savor it , I really did. I usually  don't prefer short stories because they usually lack backstory and lots of plot. This one had loads of details, backstory and lots of heat. It flows smooth and left me wanting more, but satisfied. The characters are developed and continue to do so throughout the story.  Wolves and Vamps, my favorite, even if they are forbidden to bite. 

Review: Blood Shackles

Blood Shackles by Rosemary A Johns
Rebel Vampires Book 2
Published October 18, 2016 by Fantasy Rebel Limited
Reviewed by Rose
3 Fangs

Synopsis: 

Would you sacrifice your freedom to save your family? When vampires are slaves, and humans are acting like monsters, it's a dangerous game to love your Mistress. 

In a divided paranormal London, Light is the bad boy vampire of the Blood Lifer world, but then for the first time he becomes the hunted, not the hunter. When he’s bought by his Mistress, Light fights to escape. If he doesn’t, he’ll never solve the conspiracy behind the Blood Club.

London, Primrose Hill. Grayse is the slaver’s daughter. She buys Light, like he’s a pair of designer shoes. So why does Light feel so drawn to her? Especially when his family is still in chains. Will he risk everything – even his new love – to save them?

A stunning revelation leads Light to the dark heart of the Blood Club. If he can face his worst terrors, he can save his family and whole species from slavery.

Maybe he can even save himself. (Goodreads)

Review:

This is the second book in the rebel vampire series. I did enjoy it a touch more than the first, although I still do not prefer the journalist format. It made it hard for me to truly get into the story, as I tended to lose interest. While this installment does have more action and a smidgen more dialogue, it was very much Shadows journal to his master’s daughter. 

The time setting is after the loss from book one, and Light is captured. Renamed Shadow as a slap in the face, due to his name being Light. I really didn't think I would like Grayce much, but I think she grew on me. Still not overly excited about slavery, it is a bit odd to me how one can form such a connection to the one holding him captive, it's too much like Stockholm Syndrome Romance for my tastes. I think that may be on me, not being a fan of such books. 

The ending was wrapped up nicely, and I think Sun will make Light a nice companion. There is the same amount of colloquialisms peppered throughout this book, but it was expected. I am curious to what Light and his new family will be up to next. Ms. Johns does have a unique way to tell a story, with plenty of fresh twists. 

Review: Gone With The Dead

Stories By 
Christina and the Virus by Sarah Bale - A Dead Man is Hard to Find by Ellay Branton - A Piece of Him by R. L. Merrill - A Happy Medium by Freddie Milano - Bait by Isabelle Drake - Bloody Line by Carolyn Haven - Devil’s in the Well by Harley Easton - A Ferocious Blossom by Marie Piper - Kissing Summer by Megan Hart - If I Only Knew By Genevieve Williams - Animals by Sue Ayers - Dogs of War by Andrew Robertson - The Music Man by Kimberlie L. Faye - Fallen by Xio Axelrod - Leftovers by Cassandra Chandler - Here for You by Kate L. Mary

Published May 3, 2017 by Riverdale Avenue Books

Reviewed by Terri

5 Deadly Stars!!

Synopsis:

An Anthology of Romance and Horror where Gone with the Wind meets The Walking Dead! 

When a convention of more than 4,000 romance writers and readers descends upon Atlanta Georgia, it can only mean one thing…a mash-up of two of the finest Georgia traditions. 

Erotic romance anthologist Lori Perkins has brought together 16 tales of Southern love and death in this unique short story collection. (Goodreads)

Review:

I am not a huge Gone With the Wind fan (please don't throw rocks), but I am in love with the antebellum south. And if you read many of my reviews, you know I love a good paranormal story line. So this anthology of short stories truly felt like a good fit for me. I enjoy reading anthologies because I get introduced to several authors at one time. There was not one author in this group that I had heard about before reading this. Now I'm in love with each one of them and added several to my TBR.

Not everyone likes short stories, but I love them. I honestly think they are harder to write because there is limited space to tell the story. Each one of these authors did a fantastic job of creating powerful stories that started with a bang and ended with an even bigger bang. The plots moved fast, the characters were well-developed, and the stories felt original. It's hard to say which were my favorites. There was only one I could not finish and that was no because it was written badly. In fact, it was written so well it gave me the willies. It was about bugs and I hated bugs. If a gun was held to my head and I had to pick two, I would pick "A Piece of Him" and "A Ferocious Blossom".  But trust me when I say all these stories are good. It would be fun to read some of these for a Halloween book club.

Review: Crossroads In The Dark

Crossroads In The Dark by Frank Martin, Samantha Alexandra, Edward Kenyon, Ellen Denton, DM Slate, David Owain Hughes, Shaun Phelps, CC Adams, Jonathan Shipley, AJ Brown, Alice J. Black, JC Michael, Adrian Ludens, Sergio Palumbo, Peter Oliver Wonder, Audrey Brice, Lisa Lepovetsky, Carl Alves, Kevin Bannigan Jr., Richard Farren Barber, Donna Marie West, Veronica Smith, John Pham 

Published October 30, 2015 by Burning Willow Press

Reviewed by Janet

5 Bloodcurling Screams!

Synopsis:

How many lives would you say matter to you? How much would you take for yourself to merely get by if it were free? At what cost would you allow someone other than yourself to succeed, to prosper, and to get ahead? What would you sacrifice to help someone less fortunate? 

When the stakes are at their highest and the line you must cross could end up being the one that ends your life what are you willing to do? 

This collection of stories tests boundaries of your vulnerabilities, the human will to survive, and the facade we put on for the rest of the world. "Crossroads in the Dark" probes the darkest parts of the soul with over twenty tales of the macabre, making you ask... 

What would you do? (Goodreads)

Review:

A terrifying taste of the macabre within these short but powerful stories. These authors captured perfectly the lengths some people will go to in order to keep their secrets. You may find yourself holding your breath in anticipation of what will happen next. Each author brings something to the table, and readers get a dose of their unique writing style. 

I'm not a fan of anthologies in general, but this gets a big thumbs up for originality and amazing talent. Hold on to your seats because this is one wild ride you don't want to miss! 

Reviewed by Janet      

Review: WereBiker

WereBiker by Paige Cuccaro

Publication Date September 12, 2017 by Swerve

Reviewed by Rose

5 HOWLS!!!

Synopsis:

Years after she thought she left town for good, Jillian is back and has enlisted the help of her older brother’s ex-best friend (and the man who broke her heart), Jack, to track down her sister-in-law, who’s fallen in with a rival biker gang—but Jack knows they’re werewolves, and that he has to protect Jillian at any cost, even if she hates him. (Goodreads)

Review:

This is not your ordinary Jack and Jill story. Jill’s brother asked her to help check up on his wayward wife, little do they know the can of worms that simple question will cause. This is the first I have read of this author, and I was not disappointed. If you love werewolves, you will devour this in one sitting like I did. The sizzle factor is off the charts! The characters are well developed and continue to grow throughout the entire book. The flow is smooth and you will be poked from page one. Even the characters you don't really care for, Carrie the wayward sister in law, you will end up rooting for. She falls into thrall of the Alpha, and her battle to be free is real. I loved Jill’s spunk. Don't mess with a woman on a mission. Jack is a tortured soul, the kind of dark broody we love. I can't recommend this shifter book enough. I hope there will be more to come, I’d love to follow the rest of the pack to be there for their HEA.

Review: Drift

Drift by Amy Murray

Publication Date August 28, 2017 by Entangled

Reviewed by Rose

5 Stars from the Past

Synopsis:

I’m not crazy. My mother may have died with everyone believing she was insane, but I refuse to accept that as my fate. Even if I am recalling memories about a life I never lived. A life that includes the mysterious James—a guy I’ve only just met, but feel as if I’ve known all my life. The memories are coming hard and fast, and I’m falling down a rabbit hole with consequences that far exceed anything I could have ever imagined. And now, someone is trying to kill me. 

Someone from my past who knows about my visions and is looking for something he believes I took from him. All I have to do is figure out how these memories relate to the present and maybe I’ll survive to live another day. (Goodreads)

Review:

Wow, just wow. I read this in one entire sitting. I just couldn't put it down. Who needs sleep, right? From moment one, page one I was hooked.  There was no way I think I could have waited to find out everything. But be prepared you will get a case of the feels. Its like Outlander meets Dr Who. There is mystery, murder, mayhem, with a dish of romance, and just WTF moments.  The past is not 18th century Scotland, but 1920’s Texas. The author is new to me, and I must say I will be following her work from now on. The story flowed very well, with the time alterations smoothly and was seamlessly done. You know how sometimes with time travel books where there is a rift or the shift doesn't read well, this book did not have any of those flaws. I knew when I was in the past, I knew when I was in the present. The characters were very well developed. The plot well thought out. A joy to read. 

So many twists and turns. A few thing will lead you to tears, some will raise your eyebrows to your hairline, others will have you thinking uh huh right. The main characters were James, a painter with a few extra talents, Abby, the gal with the mostest (I think anyways), and Collin (aka Mack or as I call him McDreamy). I think while James was perfect for Abby, I could not get over the connection I felt with Mack. His story, past and present, really gets you in the heart strings. Is he perfect, no he is not. Is anyone, who knows. I really was rooting for him in the end, but was satisfied with the major characters outcomes, as I felt it did give some sort of closure or redemption if for a better word.  

A solid five star read. I recommend you get comfy because you will not be going anywhere once you start this awesome book. I hope the story continues in future books, as this concept is a brilliant one. 

Review: Follow the Ashes

Follow the Ashes by Kindra Sowder

Executioner Trilogy Book 1

Published January 10, 2015 by Burning Willow Press

Reviewed by Terri

3 Fangs

Synopsis:

What does it mean to be the Executioner?

Is it the struggle between good and evil, and the fulfillment of a Gypsy legend?

For Robin, it’s simply another day in the park in downtown LA. It’s killing the undead as she attempts to juggle life and love the same as any other ordinary woman would. That is until she meets Gordon, a crazed demon with a conscience. Now she must battle an ancient evil far more powerful then she’s ever faced before, or risk losing the world to Lilith, the mother of all vampires.

Will she save mankind? Or will we all follow the ashes of destruction as we burn in Hell? (Goodreads)

Review:

The idea behind this book is a nice twist on the vampire hunter trope. I really liked the prologue because I feel like it set up the pace of the book and gave a cool hint as to what was going to happen next. I would have liked to give the author a higher rating, but it needs some more work to make it that perfect read. It does have potential for being an excellent series.

What I would like to see in the next book in this series is more character development, a lot more dialogue, and more detailed fight scenes. What can I say? I'm a woman of action, well, one that loves to read action scenes that make me feel as though the fight were taking place in front of my very own eyes.

I really think the author has a good backbone here, and would love to see it grow within the pages of the next book.

Review: The Forbidden Series

Forbidden Blood by R. L. Kenderson
Forbidden Book 1
Self Published July 1, 2014
Reviewed by Deja
5 BLOODY FANGS!!

Synopsis:

Next in line to lead the vampire species, Princess Naya Kensington has always abided by her royal responsibilities. At the urging of her best friend, Naya breaks the rules and crosses the line when she goes to a human nightclub. Following a chance encounter, Naya alters her life with a singular act forged from lust and blood.

Vaughn Llewelyn has secrets and obligations of his own, but he ignores them when he spots Naya across the nightclub. He wants her in a way he’s never felt before, and although he can’t possibly have more than one night with Naya, he knows no one else will do.

One night of forbidden love creates a bond that will forever change both of their lives…as well as their worlds. (Goodreads)

Review:

This was my first time reading R.L. Kenderson and I have to say that I am so glad a I took a chance on this book. This was an amazing book and I could not stop reading. Naya and Vaughn are the perfect couple, I loved the alpha maleness of Vaughn and the innocence of Naya. I loved how the relationship between the two developed it made for more interesting reading. The one thing I loved above all was the authors ability to switch from character to character without overwhelming the reader it was cool, and it made it harder to figure out which characters would be the focus for the next book I loved that usually I can figure it out but not this time. Overall I was extremely pleased with this story.

Forbidden Book 2

Self Published December 16, 2014

Reviewed by Deja

5 BLOODY FANGS!!

Synopsis:

Payton Llewelyn, daughter to the cat-shifter alpha, wakes up with a throbbing head and a bullet wound to the hip. Recalling the events that led her there, the scent of a shifter permeates her senses—not that of a cat though, but of a wolf.

Damien Lowell, future pack leader of the wolf-shifters, has found himself in an impossible situation. Cat-shifters and wolf-shifters aren’t friends, and what she doesn’t know is that his father is behind her attack. He only meant to prevent her from being kidnapped, and he now has the wounded princess of the cat-shifters in his custody.

But when the heat becomes too much to handle, Damien and Payton must choose whether to follow their instincts or question the forbidden. (Goodreads)

Review:

Another slam dunk for R.L. Kenderson, This was an unexpected book there were so many characters mentioned in book 1 that Damien and Payton were one of three options and I should've guessed they would be next. Damien was an unlikely alpha hero I knew he was an alpha but I didn't think he was that dominant but I was so happy to see he was. I loved Payton from book 1 so when I got to really get to know her in this book I was surprised to see that she became my favorite female character. Payton and Damien's relationship was rocky at the start and partially in the middle but they ended on a good note. Once again the authors made it impossible to figure out who would be getting the next book Love it.

Book 3

Self Published August 8, 2015

Reviewed by Deja

5 BLOODY FANGS!!

Synopsis:

Since one fateful evening at a nightclub, Kenzie Swanson and Sawyer Lennar have shared an undeniable attraction. They’ve had moments where they couldn’t ignore their desires, succumbing to their needs, and Sawyer has marked Kenzie in a way that no other man can.

But there is one problem that continues to keep them apart.

As a cat-shifter with a traumatic past, Sawyer hates humans—and Kenzie is all human.

Sawyer’s hatred pushes Kenzie away, and they try to maintain their distance from each other—until they are mistakenly kidnapped and have to act as a couple. When the unforeseen happens, Kenzie can only do so much to deny herself from being intimate with Sawyer. 

Given a chance at what might have been, Sawyer and Kenzie are forced to face the forbidden temptation to be with one another. (Goodreads)

Review:

WOW! Kenzie and Sawyer were definitely explosive from beginning to end. I knew that their book would be good, I could tell from previous books. Kenzie and Sawyer were definitely opposites attracting, I loved the complexity of Sawyer the fact that he hated humans but yet was attracted to one and didn't want to want her. It was amusing to see him struggle and fail. Kenzie definitely had more depth than I originally thought and I was glad for that. I loved this book it was a definitely an awesome read.

Book 4

Self Published August, 2017

Reviewed by Deja

5 BLOODY FANGS!!

Synopsis:

With a tortured past, she’s a cat-shifter who refuses to get close to anyone. Yet she can’t seem to resist the leader of the vampire protectors. 

Phoenix Kaplan has never felt a connection like the one she has with Dante Leonidas. She might service him monthly, allowing him to feed from her blood, but as much as her body tells her differently, she knows it can be nothing more, not with her insecurities and inability to be intimate with a male. 

That is, until she realizes the one thing she desires most in the world is something he can give her…and she propositions him to impregnate her. 

She’s never wanted anything more than to be a mother, and all she needs is this one thing from Dante. 

Although he should refuse, Dante can’t resist the temptation. He’s addicted not only to her blood, but also to the enigma that is purely Phoenix. And he is determined to prove to her that he can give her much more than what she asked for.
She might protect her heart with an impenetrable wall, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes to break down that wall in order to get what he desires most in the world. (Goodreads)

Review:

My favorite book in this series so far, I was waiting for Phoenix's book I knew that it would be good, and I was not disappointed. This story was truly amazing I loved every page, and I hated when it was over because I wanted to keep reading about Phoenix and Dante. Dante was the perfect alpha male for Phoenix, I loved how he forced her out her comfort zone, but at the same time respected that she wasn't always ready. This was a great book and definitely on my all-time favorites list.