April 29, 2017 by Tina Williams
*REVIEW* ~ Hooked (Viking Bastards MC #1), by Christina Phillips
#Erotic #MC #Romance
I like my sex dirty and disposable. I'm not into commitment or chicks who want more than one night. My brothers and club come first, second and last.
Until she walks into my life. Classy, rich and so out of my league it's crazy. A week together should get her out of my system, but this good girl is so bad when we're all alone and I can't get enough of her.
I don't do forever, but she's hooked me so bad I don't ever want to let her go. Except there's no way a princess can live in my world and I sure as hell won't live in hers…
My Review – 5 stars *****
Opposites attract in this sizzling erotic MC romance
Hooked, by Christina Phillips is the first book in her new contemporary romance series, a sizzling erotic foray into the lives and loves of the Viking Bastards Motorcyle Club. It is a scorching read which pairs Zach, the hot and dirty commitment-phobe with the mega rich and uber classy Grace. It's definitely a case of opposites attract when Grace's car breaks down on the wrong side of town and she ventures into the club's bar to seek help. Yet help is not all she finds once she catches the eye of Zach…
Zach is angling for a casual hook up with one hell of an attractive female and Grace throws her usual caution to the wind and indulges in one night stand. Neither think it will go any further but it does. Very soon it develops into a case of 'friends with benefits' and the couple, whilst telling themselves their relationship is not serious – after all their lives are chalk and cheese, cannot get enough of each other. Zach finds that although Grace does not fit into his usual love 'em and leave 'em plan, he is not sure where their relationship is going and Grace is equally unsure whether Zach sees any future for them other than casual sex.
The sex scenes and the banter between Grace and Zach sizzle and I loved how the couple fell for each other. Yet their HEA seems so elusive as their lives are so different. Will Grace find the courage to escape a lifetime of conformity and can Zach break his cardinal rule of not getting emotionally involved with a woman, least of all one whose life is far removed for his own? Will their burgeoning relationship survive when their worlds collide?
Christina Phillips writes the most scorching sex scenes (hot and down and dirty)! There is also plenty of romance and I found the couple very believable. If you like strong alpha types and classy heroines not afraid to put them in their place, you will love this read.
Recommended for fans of the genre.
A copy of this novel was given to me by the publisher for the purpose of a fair an honest review.
Posted in Contemporary, Erotica, Review, Romance
Tagged christina-phillips, hooked, mc-romance, opposites attract
Illicit Relations by Lucy Felthouse Now Available in Audiobook Format! #audiobook #audible #gay #romance
Lucy Felthouse's almost-but-not-quite taboo M/M erotic romance novella, Illicit Relations, is now available in audiobook format. Narrated by voice artist Nick Dee, you can now listen to this coming-out romance on the go!
Illicit Relations Blurb:
Terry's had a crush on his second cousin Justin for what seems like forever. He's hidden it as well as possible, knowing that the other man is out of bounds, forbidden fruit. Second cousins getting together isn't actually illegal, but for Justin the relationship is too close—he just can't contemplate them being together.
But when some new information comes to light about Terry's birth and his place in the family, the whole game changes. Suddenly the relationship isn't so impossible, and things soon begin to get hot and heavy.
Audio links:
Amazon UK: Amazon US: Audible UK: Audible US: iTunes UK: iTunes US:
eBook available here: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/illicit-relations/
Praise for Illicit Relations:
"One of the sweeter stories as it unfolded of the M/M romance that I have read, the sex is hot and steamy, and enhanced by the POV of the characters in the wonder of the moment, and the descriptions used. At just over 60 pages, this isn't a long and complicated read, but a quick reading story that gives detail and breath to the characters, and provides some incredibly steamy moments for readers, leaving everyone with a smile." 4 out of 5, The Jeep Diva
"Lucy has done it again with another great story that both entertain and enjoyable to read. Surprises are plenty in this quick read. Solid 4 star read." In the Pages of a Good Book
"I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a short, highly erotic and romantic read. Illicit Relations would appeal to readers of both sexes." 4 out of 5, Blood, Lust and Erotica
Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk's 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You've Never Heard Of, and an Amazon bestseller), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café's Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller) and The Persecution of the Wolves. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 150 publications to her name. She owns Erotica For All, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more about her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk, or on Twitter or Facebook. Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. You can also subscribe to her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9
Release blitz hosted by Writer Marketing Services.
Posted in Erotic Romance, Erotica, Romance
Tagged audio-book, erotic, gay, illicit-relations, lucy-felthouse, m/m, novella
*RELEASE BLITZ & EXCERPT* ~ Come Hell or High Water (Water Trilogy #3)
Author: Britney King
Title: Come Hell or High Water
Series: Water Trilogy #3
"I've been studying her for weeks. I know how she takes her coffee, the color she prefers on her nails, the way her mouth moves when she sleeps. I don't know what she looks like when she's happy. But I will."
When Cheryl Steinbeck-Edwards makes the decision to get in a car with a potential contractor, meticulous hitman Jude Riley and his lovely wife Kate, it appears to be the perfect partnership. Turns out, nothing is perfect, and getting in that car was a poor choice, to say the least.
When Kate decides not to kill the woman, as she and her husband agreed, a series of events, some might even call it karma, conspire to turn their worst fears turn into reality.
Amazon – http://amzn.to/2nXQ8bM
Barnes & Noble – http://bit.ly/2oDej1Y
Kobo – http://bit.ly/2nEgptX
iBooks – http://apple.co/2oDiAT3
I've been studying her for months. I know how she takes her coffee, the color she prefers on her nails, the way her mouth moves when she sleeps. I don't know what she looks like when she's happy. But I will.
That's not to say I meant to keep her this long. And, of course, you, well you, never intended to keep her at all. But then, what's done is done.
"I want you to be happy here," I told her the first week she was here, not long after we let the drugs wear off completely.
"I don't see how that's possible," she said.
"Tell me what makes you happy."
I could see her thinking about my question; I could see that I'd set something into motion. It wasn't immediate—most things that are truly great rarely are, but eventually her lips turned upward. Slowly, she broke out into a full-on smile, and it was like the sun coming out on a cloudy day. "He makes me happy."
"Your husband," I said. It wasn't a question. Mostly because it hadn't occurred to me that it should be.
She laughed just slightly. The smile remained. "Something like that
"I see," I told her, raising my brow.
She looked at me then, really looked at me. The smile faded but her eyes lit up. "Not yet, you don't," she said. "But you will."
Author Info:
Britney King writes modern love stories for mature audiences. She also enjoys suspense and often finds her sweet spot penning a good mixture of the two. Britney is the author of eight novels and is currently at work on number nine. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, children, two dogs, one ridiculous cat and a partridge in a pear tree.
Facebook – http://bit.ly/1Mwe1LG
Twitter – http://bit.ly/2ell0jN
Website – http://bit.ly/2iw8hcp
Goodreads – http://bit.ly/2exNnIR
Posted in Dark Read, Psychological, Release Blitz, Romance, Romantic Suspense
Tagged britney-king, come-hell-or-high-water, dark-romantic-thriller, psychological thriller, water-trilogy
*REVIEW* ~ Rising for Autumn (Philadelphia Coven Chronicles Book 3), by Katherine McIntyre
#paranormal #romance #urbanfantasy
Crisis and danger have become second nature for Alanna Carrington. After all, as the boss of the Philadelphia Coven, she's responsible for upholding the laws amongst the supernatural. Which means when the Order of the Serpent rears its ugly head, this time with the most powerful necromancer this city's ever seen, she's the one person who can keep Philly safe. Ex-Order djinn and now ally, Samuel Karim, happens to be the best-suited guy to help. Except he's also the first man who's stoked her interest in far too long, and ever since she commandeered the lamp he's tethered to for safekeeping, he also hates her guts.
As the Order gathers the necromancers of her city and sparks a dangerous alliance, she finds herself working with Samuel Karim more and more. Hatred turns to passion, and when he exhibits a strength and compassion that breaks through her ironclad defenses, she finds herself falling deeper despite the complications between them. Yet with her city under siege and their lives on the line, the sharp desire between them erupts into the temptation to break their own rules, before the Order of the Serpent robs them of the chance permanently.
My Review ~ 4 and a half stars
Enemies to Lovers Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
I just love an enemies to lovers romance – there is something beguiling about all that emotionally intense angst filled hate, flip flopping and fuelling the desire afflicting two individuals attracted to each other despite their best convictions! Rising for Autumn is the third book in Katherine McIntyre's Philadelphia Coven Chronicles series. The read pairs world weary djinn Sam with Alanna, the ice princess, who is head of the Philadelphia Coven. Those familiar with the earlier books in the series Hunting for Spring and Scrying for Summer (click on titles for reviews) will already be familiar with both characters and I have been looking forward to reading their romance.
The odds are stacked against the two would-be-lovers from the start. Sam clearly has reason to despise Alanna, for as she is the holder of his lamp, he is obliged to do her bidding. As Sam was previously in thrall to the Order of the Serpent the Coven's arch enemy, Alanna cannot take his loyalty for granted, even as he assists her and her team in its battle against the Order. Sam resents her control over him, as he has resented the control exercised by all those who have possessed his lamp. However, the Coven's work is a worthwhile cause and once more their current adversary, a powerful necromancer, is one with whom he has an important personal score to settle.
I enjoyed the story and romance between the couple, for although they seem to have so much against them, they find they have much in common if only time and fate will give them a chance. I loved that despite his situation Sam finds himself drawn to Alanna, especially when they are increasingly thrown together and circumstances conspire to expose the real woman beneath the hard exterior. He is intrigued, even as he resents her for possessing his lamp. I found Alanna rather remote and cold in the previous books, but I soon warmed to her as the author turned this around and made me empathise with her through revealing her character and backstory. It will take Sam, an immortal and a former enemy, to penetrate her hard exterior and I found myself becoming invested in their HEA very quickly. The book has plenty of romance, including explicit lovemaking scenes.
Yet how can the couple have a future together when the balance of control is clearly stacked in Alanna's favour? Once more what chance do they have when the powerful necromancer Akanda will use every weapon in her arsenal to destroy the Coven, its allies and above all Sam with whom she has a history? It is not clear who will remain standing after she unleashes her worst and whether Alanna and Sam will be amongst them, let alone find a HEA.
The read is an action packed one and there is plenty of dark magic as the necromancers and their army of the undead attempt to destroy the Coven and wreak their evil plans on the city. The blood and gore flow as the Coven's witches and their allies do battle with the wights, redcaps and necromancers.
Rising for Autumn is recommended for readers of action-packed paranormal and urban fantasy who like their reads served with plenty of passion and romance.
Website: http://www.katherine-mcintyre.com
Tumblr: http://www.booksteacoffee.tumblr.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kmcintyremt
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kmcintyreauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pixierants
Posted in Erotic Romance, Paranormal, Review, REVIEWS (ALL) - Reverse Chronological Order, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Tagged adult-paranormal-romance, alpha-male, djinn, enemies-to-lovers-romance, Katherine McIntyre, paranormal-romance, strong-female, urban-fantasy, witches
The Substitute (The Bros Series #1), by Xavier Neal
#TabooThursday #ComingSoon
Releasing May 1, 2017
Title: The Substitute (The Bros Series #1)
Author: Xavier Neal
Add to your GR: http://bit.ly/2nAfU5P
Being a substitute teacher is good for me.
It's sensible.
Logical.
Abandoning my plans for a career in the film industry and a life full of fun, albeit slightly reckless, actions was the responsible thing to do.
That's who I am now.
That's who I've become.
Mr. Boring. Mr. Predictable. Mr. Anal Retentive.
At least that's what I thought until one irresistible student breathes life back into the version of me I've been desperately trying to suffocate.
Being with Ainsley isn't a want. It's a need.
And I'm willing do anything to fulfill it.
I've spent my entire life ashamed of who I am.
Who my mother is. What she does.
Being forced to attend a private school where people endlessly whisper about it is only bearable because I know exactly what's in my future.
I know exactly where I'm going.
I know exactly what to do to get there.
Or at least I thought I did.
One class with him and suddenly my entire world was missing one very important piece.
Being with Nate isn't just about sex.
It's about loving life in a way I never imagined.
The situation isn't ideal, but I'll do whatever it takes to be with him.
Posted in Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Romance
Tagged forbidden-romance, the-substitute, xavier-neal
*REVIEW* ~ The Vodka Trail, by AA Abbott
#crime #thriller
Orphaned and destitute as a teenager, Kat has made a new life for herself in London. Now she's determined to reclaim her father's vodka business in the former Soviet Union.
Birmingham businessman Marty wants to stop her. That alone isn't why Kat hates him – she blames him for her parents' deaths. But when she's taken hostage by freedom fighters, only Marty can help her survive.
~ Slick and Entertaining ***** (5 stars) ~
The Vodka Trail is a slick and entertaining crime thriller, with believable characters and plenty of plot twists, taking place in Birmingham, London and the former Soviet Union. It is the second book in the Trail series (the first being the Bride's Trail), but can easily be read as a standalone, for although it does feature some characters from the first novel, it contains a brand new plot.
Kat travels to the former Soviet Union to reclaim her family's vodka business. At the same time Marty, a Birmingham businessman, also finds himself there on what is to turn out to be an ill-fated business trip. The two protaganists have a history going way back, to when Kat was a child, and they are both as stunned as each other when they discover that they are both held captive by freedom fighters. They know that their situation is precarious and that they will be lucky to escape with their lives. Kat in particular finds that she has to rely on Marty to maintain her sanity and recognises that the man she blames for so many past events in her life may be the one man who could save her life.
As Kat and Marty spend time in captivity together they are compelled to confront events which took place in the past, little realising how much of the past and present have collided in their current predicament. Their situation also impacts on family and friends in the UK and it is an anxious time as they await their, fate hoping for the best, yet fearing the worst.
The read is a realistic and harrowing portrayal of kidnapping and of the contrasting lives of those who live in the former Soviet Union and the UK. Not only was I on pins to see if Kat and Marty would survive their ordeal, but also how they would endure their close proximity given their animosity towards each other. Scenes expertly pan from their desperate situation to the lives and motivations of their captors and friends and family (including Kat's fiancé) in the UK. Their existence is far removed from the shenanigans of some characters and the contrast makes for an entertaining read. I enjoyed both the two main characters as well as the insight into the political situation which has prompted their kidnapping.
The author has a gift for scene setting and I particularly liked her descriptions of Birmingham and London's business community and those of the former Soviet Union, which I found very insightful. I particularly enjoyed the complex relationship between Kat and Marty and how this develops throughout the novel.
A super crime thriller, which is a thoroughly entertaining read.
PLEASE NOTE: The book is available in e-book and paperback. The author has published this series in a dyslexia free format. See the author's blog post Fun, Fast Thrillers and Dyslexia Friendly Too
Twitter as @AAAbbottStories
http://aaabbott.co.uk/
Posted in Crime, Review, REVIEWS (ALL) - Reverse Chronological Order, Thriller
Tagged aa-abbott, city-of-london, crime thriller, kidnapping, soviet-union, the-vodka-trail
*SALE BLITZ* ~ Water Under the Bridge by Britney King
Title: Water Under the Bridge
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Thriller
As a woman who feels her clock ticking every single moment of the day, former bad girl Kate Anderson is desperate to reinvent herself. So when she sees a handsome stranger walking toward her, she feels it in her bones, there's no time like the present. He's the one.Kate vows to do whatever it takes to have what she wants, even if that something is becoming someone else. Now, ten pounds thinner, armed with a new name, and a plan, she's this close to living the perfect life she's created in her mind.But Kate has secrets. And too bad for her, that handsome stranger has a few of his own.
With twists and turns you won't see coming, Water Under The Bridge examines the pressure that many women feel to "have it all" and introduces a protagonist whose hard edges and cutthroat ambition will leave you questioning your judgment and straddling the line between what's right and wrong.
DEAD IN THE WATER (BOOK TWO) IS NOW AVAILABLE.
Britney King writes romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers set in suburbia. She is currently writing three series and several standalone novels.
Posted in Crime, Dark Read, Psychological, Romance, Sale Blitz, Thriller
Tagged britney-king, dark-romantic-thriller, psychologcal-thriller, romantic-thriller, serial-killer, thriller, water-under-the-bridge
April 7, 2017 by Tina Williams
*Interview with Ian Cawley, author of GNOSIS*
#technothriller #thriller #politicalthriller #futuristic #mysticism
Today we are thrilled to welcome Ian Cawley, author of Gnosis, a thriller which blends big business and politics with world events, climate change and ancient mysticism. I was fortunate to meet Ian (pictured above) when he visited Tamworth Literary Festival in March this year and I am very much looking forward to reading Gnosis.
Scroll down to read the interview Ian with and find out about Gnosis. 🙂
How far would your conscience take you?
In a world increasingly disturbed by the Climate Change Phenomenon, and with overwhelming economic refugee migration, Max Harrington's conscience led him to create GNOSIS; a computerised management system to regulate energy and fuel consumption around the globe.
His vision was of a cleaner, fairer and healthier world. What he didn't see, however, was that the big data created would become a far more valuable prize to those less bound by conscience.
This political thriller, set in the digital age, follows a trail of murderous clues, running from the academic fields of Cambridge, through the powerbrokers of Westminster and into the war-torn desolation of the Holy Lands.
1. Tell us about yourself
Born in the Manchester area, I've worked in jobs that have ranged from loading fruit & veg vans to running a film school, but mainly in the graphics and the audio-visual industries. I wrote my first screenplay in 1989, shortly after graduating, which gained the attention of Channel 4, though the project was scuppered with all the others thanks to Lady Thatcher selling off the TV franchises at that time.
Since then, encouraged by a year's MA of Scriptwriting at Film School, I have endeavoured to continue my writing of unique stories with some success through independent fiction films and documentaries.
Now living in the Midlands, I'm married with two children.
2. Tell us about GNOSIS.
I had become tired of trying to get writing and film projects up and going, so I decided on a different approach to getting my work out there.
The advent of Amazon's self-publishing option came as an obvious outlet; a relatively easy way in which to get your work out to a wider public and see how it's received. It was also a fresh challenge since I had never attempted to write in the novel format before.
The idea for GNOSIS came about, I think, after watching Tobias Churton's documentary series on 'The Gnostics' whilst at the same time reading up on some of the ideas of two scientists – Fritjof Capra and James Lovelock. Capra was postulating theories of connectivity of all matter in the universe whilst Lovelock was expounding his Gaia Theory – the earth being a self-regulating organism.
I found myself intrigued by these philosophical ideas and pondered the prospect of weaving them into a fictional story using conventional narrative devices. These creative musings, however, have taken twenty-five years to come to fruition.
Gnosis is the story of Max, a digital engineer who wants to save the world.
How far would your conscience take you? In a world increasingly disturbed by the Climate Change Phenomenon, and with overwhelming economic refugee migration, Max Harrington's conscience led him to create GNOSIS; a computerised management system to regulate energy and fuel consumption around the globe. His vision was of a cleaner, fairer and healthier world. What he didn't see, however, was that the big data created would become a far more valuable prize to those less bound by conscience. This political thriller, set in the digital age, follows a trail of murderous clues, running from the academic fields of Cambridge, through the powerbrokers of Westminster and into the war-torn desolation of the Holy Lands.
3. I understand that one reviewer has called it 'The Da Vinci Code meets Big Data'?
Yes. I can see why that may have occurred to the reader since it is a traditional mystery plot involving the lust for power and control (information being the asset) whilst having undercurrents of possible supernatural forces at work, the use of codes and mysticism.
4. Lots of people have also said that they can see GNOSIS as a film
Absolutely. GNOSIS is really a movie script hiding in a novel. Given that my first love is cinema and all my previous writing has been for the screen, it was inevitable that that style would surface in the way it came off the page. It is also structured very much like a movie.
5. How long did it take you to write the novel?
The idea for GNOSIS had been kicking around for over 25 years, but I only really started writing it up in anger (as a novel) in 2011 and published it in the summer of 2016.
6. It's extremely topical, and in that respect I am talking about the political, EU, terrorism, climate change, big data and hacking themes. Readers have called GNOSIS 'an uncanny prediction".
Are you psychic?
Well to quote Bob Dylan "You don't need a weather man to know which way the wind blows."
7. What kind of research did you do?
As I went through the story, the technical details were served purely though the internet. For example, YouTube showed me the drive from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The internet is a wonderful tool for the writer and it can allow you to do neg checks as well before releasing the story.
8, Which is your favourite character in GNOSIS, and why?
Oh gosh, that's hard – like saying who is your favourite child. That's a tough one. If I had a few I'd pick – Max of course, but I do have a soft spot for Brent McGregor. He's an utter buffoon. I also like the character of Francois because he cares and doesn't care in the same measure.
9. Are any characters like you?
Of course. Max. In my fantasies. 🙂
10. When you were writing it could you see certain actors as the characters?
It was only towards its completion that we began to fantasise about potential actors. Kevin Spacey I thought would be excellent for Joe Green. Emily Blunt for Georgina.
And for Max…? I never really came up with one for Max. My wife came up with several. 🙂
Clifford? Maybe Derek Jacobi as Clifford…
11. Are any of the characters real life people – politicians for example?
There are elements drawn from people who I have never met but know of, and there are elements of people I know and have known quite well.
12. Your favourite football team has made its way into GNOSIS. You support Manchester City. Tell us more.
It just seemed a fun thing to do for City fans. Some of the in-jokes are a bit obscure and you would have to be a City fan of some long standing to get all of them. I've supported Man City since leaving primary school.
13. You have several films featured in GNOSIS (Night of the Demon etc.) – are they your favourites? Why were they included….
The 30's horror films tend to be a motif for my childhood. The reference to Jacques Tourneur's 1957 film 'Night of the Demon' has two significant elements to it – firstly, I saw it as a kid and it had me absolutely captivated. Secondly, I saw it when I was older with a group of mates; it being part of a BBC 2 double bill with The Ghoul starring John Hurt.
Night of the Demon is a bizarre collaboration of a European director using American money for a British production. Without going into all the politics behind the film, the mix of the American star Dana Andrews, the perverse American view of what "English countryfolk" are and the types of dwellings they live in, along with a stunning performance by Niall MacGinnis as the evil Dr Karswell, it's an utter delight to watch. I would suggest the séance where they all sing "Cherry Ripe" together to be a moment of cinema legend.
Some of the motifs throughout the film seemed to marry so well with some of the elements and ideas in the story. It just seemed fitting to put it in. Also, it might tempt readers to search out the film and watch it.
14. How do you pick character names? Do they have any special meaning to you?
Yes. Because they have need to suit the characters and there is always an opportunity to play an in-joke. For example, Colleen Bell – is one of the major characters to survive into the sequel. Those who can make the link with the other characters in the book will find the entire MCFC 1969 FA Cup winning side appearing here, there and everywhere.
15. Do you ever surprise yourself with what you've written?
Yes. When it's a good gag and you are the first one to hear it.
16. What's the best and the worst thing about being an author?
The hardest thing is filling white spaces with words. I don't think it ever gets any easier. However, once you are through the process having produced what you believe to be a credible novel, there is a sense of achievement and legacy that stays with you. There's also nothing better than to receive a glowing review from a complete stranger.
17. Where do you most like to do your writing?
In solitude and silence but that is very difficult with a growing family and several pets.
18. Do you ever get writer's block? How do you tackle it?
No. I just get 'lazy-itus'.
19 What is the best writing tip you have ever been given? How has it influenced you?
Alan Plater, acclaimed writer (who mentored me in the early 90s) corresponded with me frequently. To be honest, I learned more from Alan, in a few sentences amongst the paragraphs, than a whole year studying at film school.
Diana Hawkins, Film Producer. She advised me on the importance of structure. She encouraged me to get my stories into a proper structure and from that point on I understood how important it is to make your story really work.
20. How much of your own life experiences appear in your writing?
I think it's inevitable that your own daily experience of living will find a way into some aspect of the stories, plots, characters, settings and dialogue. Writers often start writing from a point of something they already know or have an interest in.
21. What's your usual writing routine?
My usual writing routine is to steal what time I can and promise myself that unless I write at least two paragraphs City will lose at the weekend.
Is that true? – Yes.
20. You self-published GNOSIS. Why, and how easy did you find it – the process?
As I said earlier, I just wanted my work out there, read and enjoyed.
In retrospect it was fairly easy, but having my own design and computer skills helped the process immeasurably. Someone who isn't tech savvy might need to seek help or buy the service in. For example, I designed and created my own book cover using Photoshop and After Effects with some photography. I also handle my own Social Media accounts.
21. You are presently writing a sequel. Care to tell us anything?
The sequel picks up the story where GNOSIS left off. It is a time for justice to be meted out and certain individuals to get their comeuppance. A lot of readers have already got in touch with me, and asked what's going to happen to the 'baddies'… Hopefully soon they will find out, and they might even get a happy ending. 🙂
Posted in adventure, Author Interview, Fantasy, Futuristic, Mystery, Thriller
Tagged climate-change, fantasy, Futuristic, gnosis, ian-cawley, mystery, mysticism, political-thriller, refugees, suspense, techno-thriller, technothriller, thriller
*ARC REVIEW* ~ The Red Cobra, by Rob Sinclair
#crime #spy #thriller
Carl Logan dedicated nearly twenty years of his life to the Joint Intelligence Agency. Now living in a secret location, under the new identify of James Ryker, he wants nothing more than to be left alone, the chance to start a new life away from chaos, violence, destruction and deceit.
It's not long, however, before Ryker's short-lived idyll is destroyed when he is tracked down by Peter Winter, his ex-boss at the JIA. Winter brings with him news of the murder of a woman in Spain, Kim Walker, whose fingerprints match those of one of Ryker's former adversaries who's been missing presumed dead for years – an infamous female assassin known as the Red Cobra.
A cyberattack at the JIA led to the Red Cobra's profile being compromised, and Winter believes JIA agents may now be at risk too, Ryker included. But Ryker knew the elusive Red Cobra better than anyone, and when he sees the grisly pictures of Kim Walker's corpse, he has news for Winter – she isn't the assassin at all …
So just who is the mystery dead woman? And where is the real Red Cobra?
The Red Cobra is a fast-paced thriller filled with twists and turns and intrigue that will appeal to readers of big-hitting thrillers by the likes of Lee Child and David Baldacci, and with echoes in its plotting and breadth of the globe-trotting spy thriller I Am Pilgrim.
My Review ~ Engrossing and Expertly Written Spy Thriller ~ 5 stars TOP READ
This read is another tour de force from bestselling author Rob Sinclair. In his latest Spy Thriller, The Red Cobra, we are reunited with James Ryker (aka Carl Logan from the author's page-turning Enemy series). Prepare for a white knuckle ride as Ryker goes up against the mafia, intelligence services, bent policeman and a mysterious figure from his past. The read is a standalone but the book's conclusion lays the ground nicely for the continuation of the series.
Ryker's life in Spain has become an idyllic one, far removed from his previous life as an employee of the Joint Intelligence Agency. However, he is tempted out of retirement by his former boss, to investigate a vicious murder in Spain. The victim's fingerprints match those of a notorious female assassin, the Red Cobra, whom Ryker has encountered in his former life as Carl Logan. Ryker knows that the body is not that of his old adversary and it appears that moves are afoot to compromise the identity of fellow agents rendering them at risk. It is a race against time to track down the perpetrators and prevent more lives being lost.
The plot is fast moving and totally engrossing. Much of the action takes place in Spain, although some chapters pan back to the past in the Soviet Union and beyond where we find out about The Red Cobra and her shared history with Ryker. This added a great deal of depth to the story and helped explain their motivations. There are a number of well drawn secondary characters who accompany Ryker on his quest to put the pieces of a complex puzzle together. Aside from the main protaganists, I also enjoyed the character of Eva. Ryker certainly has his work cut out to identify friend from foe, find out the whereabouts of the real Red Cobra and the identity of the murder victim.
I enjoyed how in this read the author has further developed the complex character of Ryker, who I met as Carl Logan in his previous books. Although Ryker still maintains his hard and ruthless persona with his take no prisoners approach, as events unfold we witness how this complex man has now developed his own code of honour and is not simply just a blunt instrument of his employers. I loved the role of the enigmatic Red Cobra in the plot and the part she played in Ryker's past and thought that the author portrayed her role as a female assassin in expert fashion.
There is plenty of action, suspense and some violent and gory scenes as the plot unravels and Ryker carries out his mission in the sweltering heat of Spain's Costas. The stakes are high and there are twists aplenty! Indeed, The Red Cobra is a real treat for lovers of Spy Thrillers and is, I feel, the author's best Carl Logan inspired book yet. I am so looking forward to the next in the series.
Please note that an ARC of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of fair and honest review.
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Tagged assassins, mafia, rob-sinclair, spain, spies, spy thriller, the-red-cobra, thriller
*ARC REVIEW* ~ Claimed by Power (Empire of Angels), by Zoey Ellis
#paranormal #romance #urbanfantasy #angels #demons
Not all angels are angelic…
Thea Robinson has never needed anyone's charity. Sure, her impoverished existence isn't desired by most, but her ability to manipulate people's emotions helps her to blend into the shadows of an unforgiving city. When hideous creatures threaten her life, a surly but gorgeous stranger shows up revealing a world she didn't know existed. She refuses to put up with his rude, arrogant attitude, but how do you dismiss a warrior angel? And does she really want to when his stormy gaze sends delicious thrills straight to her core?
Cam is one of the most ruthless Power angels in the fight against evil. His devotion to kill demons has made him a celebrated warrior in the Angel Realm, even though his motivation stems from grief. When he is assigned to train and protect a half-angel just coming into her abilities, his rage is unparalleled. Until he realizes Thea isn't like any others. She stirs a carnal passion in him that he can't shake. He never counted on her being so beautiful… so fierce… so most definitely his.
Claimed by Power is the first book in the Empire of Angels series, a paranormal alpha angel romance series. If you're a fan of alpha heroes, powerful heroines, paranormal worlds and falling in love, Zoey Ellis' riveting, sexy tale is perfect for you.
About the end: Although this book can be read as a standalone, Cam and Thea's story does continue over the next two books.
Sexual scenes and strong language included. Not suitable for readers under 18.
Smexy and captivating start to a new series ~ 4 and a half stars
Claimed by Power is a smexy and captivating start to new series by Zoey Ellis. It pairs a drop-dead gorgeous alpha angel, with serious attitude issues, with a strong-willed young woman who has only just come into to her powers as a fledgling half-angel. If you are after a sexy and fast-paced read with a paranormal twist then look no further – this book delivers on all counts!
Thea's existence is a hard one, as she tries to make a life for herself on the wrong side of town. She is fortunate in that she has always had an uncanny ability to influence the emotions of others – a talent that has got her out of many a scrape. At first she thinks she is going crazy when she starts to see hideous creatures, creatures that her friends cannot see. However, when the warrior angel Cam appears in her life and explains that these creatures are not only real but that they are demons which she can see as she herself is a half-angel, a Nephilim and that he is to train her to slay them, she realizes that her life will never be the same again…
All is not plain sailing as Cam has vowed never to take another mate, after his beloved was killed by demons and Thea does not want to submit to any male, especially one who is so gruff and uncompromising, even if he is gorgeous. Indeed, I loved how sparks fly between them from the off. Cam is a Power Angel, an alpha through and through and is not at all happy with playing nursemaid to this sassy half-angel, when he could be out seeking vengeance on demon kind. Similarly, Thea resents his surly and high handed attitude. It does not help that both feel an strong pull towards each other, a pull that neither of them can afford to succumb to.
Fate seems to have other plans however… believe me, the plot is sexy and fast moving as the couple become ever closer. There's oodles of sexual tension and the lovemaking scenes are no holds barred and contain scorching scenes of Angel-sex. Will Cam be able to keep his headstrong charge safe from demon kind? Can Thea trust Cam when he blows hot and cold? And why do her abilities far exceed those of other Nephlim? The path to their HEA is far from guaranteed. Life is certainly not smooth for these two proud and stubborn individuals, especially when there appears to be more at play then they could ever imagine…
All in all a compulsive read and a cracking start to a new paranormal series.
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Posted in Paranormal, Review, REVIEWS (ALL) - Reverse Chronological Order, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Tagged angels, paranormal-romance, paranormal. urban-fantasy, zoey-ellis