Review of Destiny of the Wolf by Terry Spear

In what is one of my favorite reads so far this year, Terry Spear provides readers with a suspenseful paranormal romance that I couldn’t put down!

 

I was drawn into the story from the very first page as we meet Lelandi Wildhaven, a red wolf shapeshifter who has come to Silver Town to investigate the death of her triplet sister.  Despite her determination she faces some difficulties as the townspeople are reluctant to believe in her motives for being there and someone is out to stop her from discovering the truth.  Lelandi is a strong character full of grit and determination whom I instantly liked.  I especially loved the strength she demonstrates throughout the story as danger seems to stalk her at every turn.

 

As for the hero of the story, still blaming himself for his mate’s death, Darien Silver, the alpha pack leader of a group of grey wolf shapeshifters, is enchanted and confused by the appearance of one who looks so much like his deceased mate.  Lelandi’s appearance and the danger that seems to follow her leave Darien with questions that only Lelandi can answer, but Darien is not sure he’ll like those answers.

 

Unsure of who to trust and determined to prove her sister’s death was not a suicide, Lelandi discovers some interesting details that could and does endanger her own life.  And when she finds herself under Darien’s protection, she learns more about the pack leader and his role in her life.  As Lelandi and Darien work to discover the truth they face danger, but also discover a love and fate that neither can deny.

 

I really enjoyed the relationship and chemistry between Lelandi and Darien.  Both are very headstrong individuals, as both are alpha wolves, and butt heads time and time again as they argue over what is best.  Yet they also share a touching and sensual romance and bond.  Darien is an instinctual protector and Lelandi does not make his job easier.  In addition to Darien’s determination to keep Lelandi safe once he learns of her identity, he also must keep his own pack safe.  There are quite a few interesting characters in Darien’s pack, each with distinct personalities that really helped to make the story interesting.

 

The strong and interesting cast of characters as well as the suspenseful plot help to make this one highly entertaining read.  I was fascinated by this page-turner as I wondered what would happen next and I was definitely not disappointed as all of the different surprises and twists to the story led to one fabulous ending that I didn’t see coming.

 

Destiny of the Wolf is a wonderful read full of action, suspense, and romance that I would highly recommend you read!

A brief review and an interview…

I recently had the chance to read Helen Hollick’s The Kingmaking and it was a very interesting read, if a bit different from what I typically read.
I was also able to ask Helen a few questions about the book and about writing it.

 

But first here is my brief review of the book:

 

The Kingmaking is a fascinating tale about the life of King Arthur.  The first in a series of books about this legendary figure, this historical fiction novel focuses on the early years of Arthur rise as he becomes a warrior and the King of legends.  A complex story full of intrigue, drama, emotion, and more, I was swept away by the story as Ms. Hollick brought this legendary figure to life.

 

I’ll admit that prior to this book, what little I knew about the legend of King Arthur came from films that romanticize the legend (both live action and animated…one of my fave movies as a kid was The Sword in the Stone if that tells you anything about my prior knowledge) and this book is definitely not a fairy tale version.  This story is at times very dark, violent, and gritty, but I truly enjoyed Ms. Hollick’s take on the legend as she skillfully wove a story that enthralls the reader.  Through her words we come to see Arthur as a man rather than a legend complete with flaws and fears and I was fascinated by him as well as by many of the other characters. Her attention to detail and her well-crafted characters and story made me believe in the legend of King Arthur.

 

And now here is my interview with the author, Helen Hollick.

 

 

Welcome.  Can you please tell us a little about your book, The Kingmaking, and the Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy?

My pleasure!

 

The Kingmaking, Pendragon’s Banner and Shadow of the King are about King Arthur as you may not have seen him before.

 

Set earlier than expected—pre 500 A.D.—I wanted to write what might have really happened. Arthur, if he truly existed, would have been more Roman than Medieval. No armour, no castles – no Holy grail. This was a time when Rome had abandoned Britain and the Anglo Saxons were beginning to settle – and to form England. It was a time of a vast power vacuum and of intense conflict. The real Arthur would have been a hard, dedicated war lord – and according to the early legends probably Pagan, not Christian.

 

My books are not all fighting and battles, though. The people of that time laughed and cried, loved and hated just as we do. There is romance in the pages of my books, for Arthur must have his Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere.) But my Gwen is as feisty as they come – and their relationship is not always plain sailing.

 

What inspired you to write about the legend and life of King Arthur?

While at school I had no interest in history. The history teacher gave very dull lessons, I have no memory of being taught anything. The lesson I looked forward to was English. Mrs Llewellyn was passionate about the subject and often suggested exciting stories to read. She encouraged my writing and spent her own time after school showing me how to make my essays read better.

 

After leaving school I worked as an assistant at a local library. While there I re-discovered Rosemary Sutcliff’s superb novels about Roman Britain – Eagle of the Ninth, Frontier Wolf, Mark of the Horse Lord etc, and then Mary Stewart’s Hollow Hills Trilogy, and I had discovered Arthur.

 

I had never enjoyed the traditional Arthurian stories – I could not get on with the King Arthur of the Medieval tales being so poor a king. As King he obtained a beautiful wife then disappeared in search of the Holy Grail and abandoned his Kingdom. Surely he should have foreseen the affair between Lancelot and Guinevere? I disliked Lancelot, and those goody-goody knights – none of the stories seemed real history.

 

An author’s note was included in Mary Stewart’s novels; she stated that if Arthur had existed he would have been a post-Roman war lord. I liked the idea far better than knights in armour and read as much about the ‘real’ Arthur as I could.

 

I read non fiction and searched for novels – but I was so frustrated with most of them because they were not how I saw Arthur. With one portrayal of Gwenhwyfar I even threw the book across the room. That is what clinched it. I was going to write my ideas. My novel.

 

A ‘what might have really happened’ novel. No knights in armour, turreted castles or Holy Grails, No myth, magic, Lancelot or Merlin. Instead, I used the early Welsh legends of Arthur and his wife, Gwenhwyfar (one of the Welsh spellings for Guinevere). The legends were far more emotionally exciting than the Medieval stories.  Arthur was more plausible. More real.

 

It took me ten years to write what eventually became The Kingmaking – and I am so delighted that Sourcebooks have published such a superb edition!

 

This appears to be very well-researched.  What type of research did you do to help you in writing this book?

Mostly books, non fiction – whatever I could lay my hands on.  Working in the library had its compensations. I am not an historian, I have no official degrees or anything, just an A+ in enthusiasm and passion. I have several shelf-fulls of books about Arthur, a few of the books are now well thumbed, and are treasured.

 

I also visited as many locations as possible. Some I went to see because I wanted to set a scene there – others, I happened to be in the location, thought the place was interesting, so used it in the book.

 

Although the modern world interfered slightly, I learnt the knack of not seeing houses and roads, or hearing traffic. At Cadbury Castle in Somerset (thought to be the location of Camelot) I stood and imagined what it would have been like in Arthur’s time. On top of Glastonbury Tor I heard the wind sing as it danced through the grass… My husband took me on a 300 mile round trip just to see a river crossing. (I am aware that 300 miles in USA terms is not much – believe me in the UK it is regarded as a long journey – a day’s outing!)

 

Museums were helpful – I looked at a beautiful Saxon broach in the Museum of London – and incorporated it into The Kingmaking.

 

Did you learn anything surprising during your research?

Yes, the Welsh legends. When I first started investigating then they thrilled me. The Arthur of these early tales was so different to the Knight in Armour one. He was far more “earthy” – a bit of a rogue, a rebel. Nor was he the chivalric God-fearing King of later stories. This Arthur was a war lord who put his Kingdom and his men first – as it would have been in the Dark Ages when the Christian Church was still emerging and Paganism was very much to the fore.

 

I also discovered that Arthur had several sons. I’ll not tell you any more detail though, it might spoil the books!

 

What is next for you?

I am currently having fun with writing an adventure/fantasy series based around the Golden Age of Piracy. I wanted to do something that was not quite as ‘serious’ as my historical novels – and I wanted to invent my own character who does not have to die at the end of the story! My pirate captain is Jesamiah Acorne, and he sails in the Sea Witch. For love interest and that touch of fantasy his woman is a healer and a midwife – and a White Witch. Her name is Tiola Oldstagh, an anagram of ‘all that is good.’  Although not “serious” fiction, I have still researched the background details thoroughly, and my sailing scenes are as accurate as a landlubber can get them.

 

I am also involved with a proposed movie – ‘1066’, based on my novel Harold the King, which is about the Battle of Hastings. I am co-scriptwriter, and this movie is going to be fantastic. Assuming we can get the funding to make it that is.

 

Keep up to date on developments on any of these websites:

 

Main Website:  www.helenhollick.net
My Pirate Novels:  www.myspace.com/cptjesamiahacorne
1066 the Movie:  www.myspace.com/haroldgodwinson
or: www.1066thefilmplc.com

 

Is there anything you’d like to ask my blog readers?
Not so much ask, but a slight bit of advice perhaps? Please keep in mind if you are writing your own work, how important editing is. I don’t mean just checking it over for correct spellings and punctuation, I mean asking someone you can trust to be honest to read it.  No author can check their own work for “readability.” You know what happens because you wrote it – but maybe your reader does not understand why a character is doing a certain thing, or is in a certain place. You are aware of the “running order” of the scenes, of the continuity – so aware that you may not be able to spot that one moment your heroine is drinking coffee in the lounge, the next she is driving her car.

Editing can make the difference between a decent novel and a brilliant novel.

If anyone is interested I have an article giving hints and tips on writing on my website – http://www.helenhollick.net/culpa41.html.  You are welcome to take a look. Please note however, that I mention “cowboy” self publishers. In the UK this refers to a company up to no good, but I understand in the USA ‘cowboy’ means the opposite.

 

May I wish you all happy reading!

Helen

 

Thanks Helen!

 

Readers, you can learn more about Helen’s work by visiting her website and look for the recently re-released version of The Kingmaking (now available) in stores or online.

 

Helen is also in the midst of a blog tour right now with other sites having Helen as a guest and/or discussing The Kingmaking.

 

Keep Reading for the list and schedule of blog dates.

 

 

Review of Land of Falling Stars by Keta Diablo

You can see yesterday’s post for the blurb for this book.

 

Land of Falling Stars is a fascinating historical about two childhood friends finding love amid heartbreak and danger.  In this story, childhood friends Jesse and Sophia have been promised to each other in marriage since birth, but the outbreak of the American Civil War has separated them from each other as well as from their best friend Gavin, who chose to fight for the North while Jesse fought for the South.  Gavin soon returns with secrets that could and do deeply affect his and Sophia’s relationship once revealed. 

 

I was initially drawn to this story because of its setting and time period…the south during the American Civil War.  You don’t see too many romances set during that time period any more, but it is such a volatile and fascinating time period that I would enjoy seeing more books set during this time.  While set during the war, what I enjoyed about this story is that it didn’t get weighed down with events or historical facts as so many historicals set during this time period do.  The focus was on the relationship and how the war affects it rather than on the war.

 

And what a relationship it is!  Sophia and Gavin share a passionate relationship filled with many ups-and-downs and emotions.  Love, lust, anger, hurt, fear…you name it, they experience it in this story.  The two clash quite a few times and definitely have a chemistry which leads to some passionate moments.  But they have a lot to deal with throughout the story and the various obstacles the couple face strengthen both the story and their relationship.

 

I especially felt for Gavin, a fascinating character who the war has affected a great deal.  He is haunted by events and his secret as he struggles with the dilemma of whether to tell Sophia or not.  His silence and the secret deeply affect his relationship with Sophia as do events throughout the story.  The couple’s happy reunion definitely takes a turn as Sophia learns the truth and I really felt for both of them and their grief, but especially for Gavin.  He carries a heavy burden and it is not made easier by other trials the couple have to face and his growing lust for Sophia.  Gavin has always loved Sophia and his love and desire are evident throughout the story, however, he does make a few decisions regarding Sophia and their relationship that I didn’t quite agree with or understand.

 

As for Sophia, she has also lost quite a bit thanks to the war, but she is a strong individual who has learned to survive and adapt.  Sophia faces both external and internal struggles as she deals with tragic events and her feelings for Gavin and Jesse and they affect how she treats Gavin. Her obstinacy and treatment of Gavin did bother me a few times as she seemed to play hot and cold with him while she struggled with her feelings toward him. While she awaited Jesse’s return, she never thought to see Gavin again.  His return stirs up quite a few feelings in her as well as bringing more trouble for the pair as someone is not happy to see him return. 

 

As Sophia learns the truth behind Gavin’s return, an evil neighbor’s actions wreak more havoc for the couple injuring Sophia and causing the couple to embark on a long and dangerous journey North.  Along the way they have to deal with not only each other and what has happened, but threats from those that would do them harm.

 

The story and Sophia and Gavin’s journey take an unexpected and interesting turn when they meet a band of gypsies who I found fascinating.  They make an intriguing addition to the story and I actually would have loved to have seen more of them. 

 

In addition to the gypsies there are other fascinating secondary characters in the story from Sophia’s devoted servants to her loyal dog, Ricochet.  In fact, Ricochet is a hero in his own right and I loved this animal.

 

However, while I enjoyed the characters and the story there are a few times where the story seems to jump forward in time and I wish the author showed us what was happening with both Sophia and Gavin rather than briefly telling us about what happened during these time periods.  I believe it could have made the story even stronger. And I definitely would have loved to have known a bit more at the end as I am curious about what is going to happen with Gavin and Sophia.

 

Despite this, I found Land of Falling Stars to be an interesting read filled with heartache and passion.  I really enjoyed the volatile relationship between these two strong-headed individuals who face a great deal on their way to a happy ending.

 

You can purchase this book in both ebook and AUDIO format here.

Review of Scarlet and the Sheriff by Carly Carson

Scarlet and the Sheriff is a wonderful romance full of passion and great characters that you won’t want to miss.

 

Fleeing from a cheating fiancé, Victoria “Scarlet” Monroe (AKA Tory) finds herself stuck in the small town of Lovestruck.  Sheriff Rand Hart is attracted to the whirlwind that has turned his quiet town upside-down, but he faces a dilemma when he learns of an arrest warrant for Tory courtesy of her ex.  Despite this Rand cannot help but act on the attraction that sizzles between him and Tory, but they have a lot to figure out before they can move forward.

 

What I really enjoyed most about this story are the characters of Rand and Tory and their steamy romance.  Tory is a charming character full of sass and determination.  Deeply affected by her childhood and the events with her ex, Tory finds it difficult to trust anyone which causes some problems for her and Rand.  Lately she has faced a string of bad luck, but she seems to handle it quite well.  As for Rand, he’s strong character who knows what he wants and is determined to get it.  I admired the confidence and strength that he demonstrates throughout the story. 

 

I really enjoyed their relationship and loved the flirtation and innuendo that takes place between the two as they banter with each other.  They share an obvious chemistry which leads to a scorching romance and some very steamy encounters.  With Rand and Tory, the author has created two strong-willed individuals who are perfect for one another.

 

If you are looking for a fast-paced and entertaining read with feisty characters, then I recommend you check out Scarlet and the Sheriff.

 

You can find this book here.

Review of Secrets Volume 26

The highly erotic anthology Secrets Volume 26 is a fun anthology with a little bit of everything including a couple of contemporary stories where couples discover or rediscover love, a magical tale where witches and wizards are involved in a feud, and a historical tale of espionage and love.  Each story sizzles with great characters and steamy romance.

 

The first entry in the anthology, “Secret Rendezvous” by Calista Fox, is wonderful story in which a conservative young woman meets her match and explores her inner bad girl with a bad boy.  McCarthy Portman has matched countless couples through her successful dating service, but she has yet to find her perfect match.  Deciding to try the matchmaking software for herself she is shocked to discover that night club owner and friend Josh Kensington is her match.  Things soon change between the couple as they both begin to see each other in a whole new light.  I really enjoyed the friendship and banter between these two characters.  The existing chemistry and heat between the couple makes for a believable shift in the relationship as they go from friends to lovers.  This was a fun story that I enjoyed immensely.

 

Next we have Rachel Carrington’s “Enchanted Spell,” a fun and magical tale in which a witch unexpectedly finds herself in the middle of Wizard Country.  Soon Ella, the witch, and Kevlin, a wizard, find themselves caught up in the middle of feud between wizards and witches.  This was a fun story and I really enjoyed the sparks between Ella and Kevlin.  The two strong characters butted heads time and time again, but the passion between them was undeniable.  This was definitely a passionate and magical tale.

 

The third story of the anthology is “Exes and Ahhs” by Kate St. James, a fun contemporary story of former lovers reconnecting.  Eric Lange longs to have Risa Haber back, but he faces an uphill battle as he tries to convince Risa to give him another chance.  Risa is only willing to offer Eric one night, but Eric knows that one night won’t be enough.  This was a great story with a few humorous moments that had me smiling.  I really enjoyed the bond and history that existed between Eric and Risa.  You can’t help but fall for Eric and hope that he is successful in his endeavor to win over Risa.  I truly enjoyed the characters and plot of this story.

 

“The Spy’s Surrender” by Juliet Burns, the final story of this fascinating anthology, is quite erotic and intriguing as a double agent is forced to attend an erotic house party in order to rescue a captured British spy.  Courtesan Eva Werner must go along with a depraved marquis’s sex games in order to rescue Major Ambrose Delacourt, a British officer and spy.  She must also earn Ambrose’s trust and get him to believe the truth about her status as a spy.  As Eva works to free Ambrose and the two are forced to play sex games, they grow closer to one another in this highly erotic story.  This story is full of erotic imagery and scenes that heat up the pages.  I enjoyed the little twists and surprises of the story as events unfold.  There is an obvious chemistry between Eva and Ambrose and despite her tough façade, she displays a vulnerable side when it comes to Ambrose that is very touching.  This was great finale to the anthology.

 

Overall, this is steamy anthology full of passion and romance between memorable characters that I enjoyed a great deal.  Featuring a variety of settings, genres, characters, and plot lines, this one is definitely an entertaining read.

Review of Megan’s Choice by Ellie Marvel

Megan’s Choice is a fascinating story with a very unique concept where the reader gets to choose the outcome of the story by choosing between two options at the end of each section.  As a fan of the “Choose-Your-Own Adventure” stories as a child, I was eager to read this one and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.  With so many different paths you can take it is like having multiple stories in one.  I read through it a few times making different choices each time and I am not sure I even covered all the possibilities, but I enjoyed each journey that Megan took.

 

This futuristic story focuses on the heroine of the story, Megan Malone, an overworked zip ship pilot who wants nothing more than a vacation.  But she finds her plans changed with the government requests Megan for a diplomatic mission…a mission that includes her ex-lover Yusef Gunnen.  The story takes many unexpected and interesting turns as you get to make Megan’s decisions.  I really liked Megan and enjoyed her adventures and hope to read more in the future as a few of the paths she took left me feeling like more was to come.

 

Overall, this was a fascinating and intriguing story with interesting characters and several different intriguing threads.  In addition to enjoying the story, I truly enjoyed the power that reading this story gives the reader and hope to read more romances featuring this concept.

 

You can purchase this story here.

Review of Secrets Volume 25

Secrets Volume 25 is a fabulous anthology featuring four very different and erotic stories that you won’t want to miss.  One thing I really enjoy about these anthologies is that the stories are all so different from one another and can cover a variety of romance genres.  There’s something for every reader and as a fan of all genres of romance, I really enjoy the variety they provide.

 

As for this particular volume it starts off with Cynthia Eden’s “Blood Hunt,” a steamy story featuring Slade Brion, a bounty hunter whose latest assignment turns out to be more than he expected when he learns his prey, Nema Alexander, is a vampiress.  The couple soon finds themselves on the run for their life in this fast-paced and fascinating paranormal romance.  The characters of the story were great and I really enjoyed the interesting twist of the plot in this wonderful story.

 

Up next is “Scandalous Behavior” by Anne Rainey, an entertaining story in which Tess Marley, who has lusted after and fantasized about her boss, Kevin Haines, for five long years finally decides to do something about it.  Soon the couple finds themselves mixing business with pleasure in several steamy encounters.  I really enjoyed the relationship between these two characters and they begin to explore what could be between them.  I really liked Tess and could relate to her insecurities and doubts as she longed for love in what is truly a great story.

 

In Sedonia Guillone’s futuristic romance “Enter the Hero,”  longtime friends, Kass and Lian find themselves sentenced to sexual servitude as prisoners of the Confederation, the new government.  Forced to make love for an audience, the two are determined to escape and find freedom away from the Confederation in Paradise in this action-packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat.  Kass and Lian’s story is a very touching one and I enjoyed the friendship and love that exists between them in this enjoyable read.

 

Sparks fly in the final story of the anthology, “Up to No Good” by Natasha Moore when Allie Chandler, a young writer tracks down her idol, former writer Simon “Mac” Mackenzie at a bar.  Determined to get an interview, Allie is persistent, but finds more than she bargained for as she learns more about the mysterious “Mac.”  I loved the chemistry and the banter between Mac and Allie as their relationship grew.  They were perfect for one another and I enjoyed the ups-and-downs of their relationship as they dealt with issues of trust and the past.

 

Overall, this was a wonderful anthology featuring four stellar stories that definitely heat things up.  Each story shines with its sensuality and chemistry and no one story is stronger than the other.  All four are strong stories with great characters and I recommend you get this one if you like variety in your romance.