Once Upon a Wolf, @Rhys_Ford @dreamspinners #REVIEW

Once Upon a Wolf, Rhys Ford, Dreamspinner Press
Wayward Wolves #1
Once Upon A Time, There Was A Wolf….

Gibson Keller’s days are fairly routine: wake up early, get some work done, drink lots of coffee, and take care of Ellis, his older brother stuck in wolf form after coming home from the war. It’s a simple life made up of long runs on two legs—or four—and quiet evenings…. Until Ellis chases a handsome man off a cliff and into the frozen waters beside their cabin, changing Gibson’s life forever.

For Zach Thomas, buying an old B&B is a new start. Leaving behind his city life, he longs to find peace and quiet, and hiking the trails behind his property seems safe enough—right up to the moment an enormous black wolf chases him into a lake, nearly drowning him. Discovering werewolves are real astounds him, but not as much as the man who rescues him from the icy water then walks into Zach’s heart as if he owns it.

Loving a werewolf—loving Gibson with all his secrets—has its challenges but Zach believes their love is worth fighting for, especially since his heart knows the big bad wolf is really a prince in disguise.




REVIEW:
Wow, what a beautifully stunning cover. And what's inside is just as good. This was something new and different from this author, but it still felt like a Rhys Ford book. I am always impressed with an author that can create a new world with fully fleshed out characters in 100 pages.

While this book was about Gibson and Zach, there was a lot of page time spent on Ellis, which made me want his book real bad! The slow burn relationship between the MC's made for a nice anticipatory read that will leave you satisfied.

Lots of different ways the author can take this series and I will be in line for the next one.



Dreamspinner
Amazon




RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by the author.

To Touch You by @CardenoC #REVIEW #AUDIOBOOK

To Touch You, Cardeno C
Mates #4
“His name is Salvatore Rossi. He’s a vampire. And he’s my true mate.”

By not relying on anyone except himself, Salvatore Rossi escaped a dead-end existence and reached the height of corporate success. But just when he has everything he always wanted, fate throws Salvatore a challenge he can’t solve alone and a young wolf shifter comes to his rescue.

Since childhood, Yoram Smith’s family was certain he would grow to become Alpha and save their beloved pack from its slow demise. When the time comes for a new leader, Yoram is forced to juggle his duty to care for a splintering pack with his duty to care for an absent mate, and his own strength suffers.

Being turned into a vampire didn’t alter Salvatore’s life philosophy: if you don’t rely on anyone, nobody can let you down. But when the boy who saved his life becomes a man who needs his help, the icy vampire must find his humanity.

Audio Review:
I am a fan of this series, and appreciate the way the author has connected each story. She has a way of pulling you into the story and making you forget about the world around you. Add in Charlie David's narration and I was completely taken away.

The meeting between Yoram and Salvatore is almost as cute as Zev and Jonah's from Wake Me Up Inside. Yoram knows at 7 that Salvatore is his, but human Salvatore doesn't understand why the strange boy insists they are friends. It may take 20 years before the couple actually come together but when they do it makes for the best kind of AWWWW moment.

This world that Cardeno C has created is as flawed as real life, but she finds a way to make it a better place.

Charlie David's voice is mesmerizing and adds depth to the story. You can feel Yoram's need to care for his mate and his pack, and the confusion that Salvatore is feeling about the situation in which he finds himself.

A great listen to warm you up during the colds days.



RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by the author.

Holiday Reading - Shifting Through the Snow @MLRPress #HOLIDAYREADS

This year MLR Press has a series of shifter books coming out each week in December by a different author .

December 1:


Reindeer of a Gift - Nina R Shluntz
Getting hurt on Christmas Eve hurt Prince's pride more than his ankle, but he never imagined to fall off the roof of a such a hottie.

Prince knew his ankle was tender so it was no surprise when he slipped off the roof during deliveries. The team and Santa continued on, leaving Prince to wait until morning for a lift a home. The broken family in the home welcomed him inside and Prince found his accident was exactly the present the single father needed.


Rudy - Terry Poole
Hated by his family for simply existing, Rudy never thought a blind date mix-up would change his future and possibly save his life in this modern retelling of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.

Clay, an engineer fresh out of the military, is the answer to Rudy's dreams, becoming Rudy's co-worker, protector, and lover all rolled into one gorgeous package.

Not only do they mesh well together to bring Rudy's vision to life, neither can deny the overwhelming attraction that sizzles between them. An attraction that almost ends before it can begin because of a misunderstanding that leads to Clay being in jail for assault.

Filled with hate, Donny, Rudy's older half-brother, tries to destroy him and stop Rudy from saving his grandfather's toy factory.

Only Clay can save Rudy's life and the toy factory, if he's not too late.

December 8:


Snow Creek Mounatin - Shiloh Saddler
When Marshal Oden is left for dead on Snow Creek Mountain he never thought his rescuer would be a reindeer shifter.

Two outlaws take Marshal Oden prisoner and leave him to freeze on Snow Creek Mountain. Marshal Oden tries to find shelter and build a fire, but he knows his time is running out. He sends up a silent plea for help, and is shocked and relieved when a mountain man comes to his aid.

Horatio Kringle is a member of K herd. He knows he’s different from the other reindeer shifters-he prefers men. He hasn’t come out yet, but when he saves Marshal Oden he knows the lawman is meant to be his mate.

The two of them are vastly opposite. Can they find a way to make this sudden pairing work?


The Reindeer Conundrum - Mark Zubro
Rudolph must find the true message of Christmas to save Santa and the holiday for the world. During the frantic search for the missing Santa, we learn the heart and soul about what is important in the way we deal with each other, including among the magical reindeer, elves, and people - all the denizens of the North Pole. Who they are and how they care for each other leads to the truth and about what we all need to value.

December 15:


Bolt's Vixon - Jenn Dease
Can a flight instructor and stable manager find love, especially when one is a reindeer shape-shifter and the other is Santa's relative?

Lester is a flight instructor. Humboldt is the village stable master. After Humboldt suggests something that helps two of Lester's students, they begin the journey both have wanted but hadn't taken the chance to start.

It's a month before Christmas and Humboldt's Uncle Nick needs a reluctant Lester to once again join his team for the holiday. Humboldt has Miriam doing her best to get between the two.

With the village behind them, and family encouraging both of them, can the two find lasting love? The reindeer shape-shifter with a secret, and St. Nick's (Yes, we mean Santa Claus) Austrian relative?

Love Shift - Neil Plakcy
Can a snow-loving Prancer give up shifting and service to Santa to follow his true love to Florida?

Peter's ability to shift into reindeer form appeared at puberty. As a Prancer, he's in service to Santa, and working as an EMT in rural Vermont when he's not delivering gifts to kids around the world. But when his boyfriend needs to relocate to Florida, where it's too hot for Peter's shift to take place, which will he sacrifice -- his love or his service?

Rudolf's Reins - Pelaam
A reunion of friends leads Clevelly to a magical revelation.

Rudy makes a surprise visit to an old friend, Casey. Rudy, and his friends Nic and Jack haven't seen Casey since he and Jared admitted their love. But all doesn't go smoothly.

A misunderstanding by Jared needs addressing, and Rudy's just the one to put things straight.

At the offer of attending reindeer games with Rudy, and seeing Nic, and Jack again, the couple quickly agree, and Jared arranges to be met at the airport by his cousin Clevelly.

When Rudy meets Clevelly, he immediately recognizes the man as his mate. But since Rudy is a reindeer shifter, and Clevelly a human, courtship proceeds slowly.

When danger strikes, will Clevelly accept Rudy for who, and what he is, will he don Rudolph's reins?

December 22:


Magical Rescue - Laura Baumbach
A large dose of Christmas shifter magic, and a little Elf love, help Daniel recover from a devastating year.

Christmas is only a few days away. New Year's Eve, with all its terminal finality, would, thankfully, bring an end to Daniel Sherman's traumatic, pain-filled, empty year. Its seem like an appropriate time to bring everything in his world to a close. Spirit broken, Daniel's plan is to enjoy maybe his last holiday in the icy cold of his beloved wilderness. It would be a comfort to end his days wrapped in the peace and solitude of the mountain -- If only he didn't feel like he was being watched, a feeling he'd had since his accident. Maybe adventure wasn't out of his life yet.

Dashing - Shawn Bailey
Can an enchanted reindeer and a cupid angel find love in the North Pole?

Reindeer Lancelot Rein has been in love with angelic singer Gracien Camari from the first moment he laid eyes on him many years ago. He never really thought he'd stand a chance with someone so glorious until he got assigned to be Gracien's bodyguard and asked to accompany him from his present home at the North Pole to Rome to sing with the Vatican choir. Just being near him made Lance' heart beat faster. But could a singer for the Pope date an everyday Joe like him? Just one kiss from the angel's full lips made Lance brave enough to take their relationship to the next level. Then he learns that Gracien was created by the archangels and had a preordained future waiting for him. Could Lance let Gracien go to Heaven to do the Lord's work after seeing the beautiful angel naked and in his bed?

December 29:


Granite Peak Holiday - Mark C Wade
When Ross takes a cross-country holiday road trip, his travel companion turns out to be more than expected.

Ross is inexplicably drawn to Byron. When it turns out they are from the same place on the other side of the country, Ross suspects something strange is going on. Why does Byron have so much holiday cheer? Why do weird things always happen when he's around? And most importantly, will they really attempt to climb a mountain in the middle of winter?

These books are available at both MLR Press and Amazon. 

Audiobookworm Tour for Whiskey Witches #Blood Moon Magick @SMBlooding

Blood Moon Magick

A Whiskey Witches Novel, Book 2

By: S.M. Blooding

Narrated by: Kalinda Little

Series: Whiskey Witches, Book 2

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Unabridged

Release date: 07-05-17

Language: English

Publisher: Whistling Book Press

Genre: Supernatural Thriller

Synopsis

Going back to Denver should have been easy. Old life. Old routine. Ten kinds of "all good." However, with her gifts open, the paranormal world isn't going to let her have that easy life. It turns out her partner of the last five years is a vampire and has been for several decades. He's also the regional paranormal protector. 

So when a few shapeshifters go missing, he gets the case. But there's also a demon killing those shapeshifters, a demon she can't hunt because she's still an open target for possession. Not to complicate matters, Dexx isn't about to let Paige out of his sight. Bringing a demon hunter to a shapeshifter party only makes things that much more interesting. But when he gets bitten, the entire game changes. 

BUY LINKS

Amazon

Audible

Review

Detective Paige Whiskey doesn't get much of a break - on the heels of a major demon possession, housing the portal to hell within her body - she returns to Denver and hits the streets with her partner and a strange new murder.  Except that she is no longer alone - with her memories intact, her best friend Dexx in tow - and discovers a whole new world of paranormal creatures including vampires and shapeshifters.  Turns out you can blow the mind of a demon summoning witch!  This new and quite odd band of paranormals find a way to work together - to solve the murder and disappearance of multiple shifters from a nearby isolated community.  And yes, her demon nemesis Sven Seven Tails is still taunting her from both near and afar which adds a sinister element to the ongoing mystery that Paige and company are "hell bent" on solving.  

The world building continues in book two - having thrown the protagonist and the reader the curve balls that shifters and vampires are actual creatures, and as far as new world building goes, SM Blooding gets better at informing while evolving.  The addition of elemental, animal and plant shifters being the key to safeguarding her demon door so she can continue to work and grow her gifts was very awesome.  The angsty moments that Paige has with her family and her fledgling romance with Dexx slow the flow in places but it is a definite improvement over the constant self loathing of book 1.   

Kalinda Little delivers another solid job as narrator for this series. There are still some issues with inconsistent accents and Tony's voice conjures up images of a smarmy mob boss and not a dashing police detective, but there are some moments of pure comic relief that she conveys brilliantly.  I enjoyed the overall pace of the reading and felt that her characterization of Paige and the supporting cast was enticing enough to keep me in the car for a good while after returning from most outings. Overall this was the perfect October read - I can say it was time well spent driving through the autumnal countryside with the Whiskey Witches!

RATING FOUR Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. I received this audio book as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by S.M. Blooding. The gifting of this audio book did not affect my opinion of it.

Author Bio

Frankie lives in beautiful Montana with her Darling Dork, his two part-time girls, and their cat, Tesla. She enjoys creating with her wonderful husband, doing everything from crochet, to sewing, to art, and, of course, writing. She's lived a pretty colorful life, giving breath to her stories.

She's dated vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, weapons smugglers, U.S. Government assassins, and slingshot terrorist. No. She is not kidding.

Website⎮Facebook⎮Twitter⎮Pinterest

Narrator Bio

Kalinda Little is a 28 year old web developer who started playing around with audio and never stopped. Currently based out of Portland Oregon, she has spent time all up and down the West Coast, including several years is Ashland where she worked backstage at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She is a chapter leader for the Nine Bridges Writers, a nonprofit that aims to assist and support writers in all genres, by providing resources and critique.

While she only started recording professionally in April of 2016, she had over two hundred hours of amature recording and editing available before that point. To date, she has narrated 27 books, with another 3 set to come out before the end of 2017.

Facebook⎮Twitter

Guest Post

The Perks of Being An Author by S.M. Blooding

Really and truly, being an author is hard work. I get up at 6:30am and work until about 9-11pm with very few breaks. There’s so much to do! There’s writing and editing and covers and marketing and ads and formatting and websites and...that’s just your book. When you’re also working with other authors, then you get to do that with their books, too. 

It’s a lot of long hours and sore muscles and eating like a college student--not because you can’t afford more, but because you don’t have time for anything else. Your house looks like a wreck and you just hope that no one actually wants to come by because you’re screwed. Your family constantly wants more time with you and your writing is constantly suffering because everyone needs more time than you do, and you’re constantly being guilt-tripped into doing other things because… it’s just writing. 

But it’s amazing when your book touches someone. When your soul vomit reaches through the pages and touches and someone, talks to them, or teaches them something. When they see something they normally wouldn’t have. It’s beautiful and amazing. 

And makes all the long hours, sore muscles, bad meals, and whining kids worth it. 

Spotify playlist for Whiskey Witches

 

Gummy Bears & Grenades by @CharlieCochet @dreamspinners #REVIEW #ULTIMATEINDULGENCE

Gummy Bears & Grenades, Charlie Cochet, Dreamspinner Press
THIRDS #9.5
THIRDS agent Dexter J. Daley can’t wait to marry his fiancé, Team Leader Sloane Brodie, but first he’s looking forward to celebrating his bachelor party—which he intends to be a shenanigans-free evening of getting his groove on with family and friends.

Of course events don’t work out as planned, but for Dex that’s nothing new. One thing is for sure, dodging drug dealers and hired thugs amid booze, dancing—and even a bear costume—will guarantee it’s a night Dex will never forget. Now he just needs to survive all the fun.

***
Enjoy this bonus story from the THIRDS universe. These events occur between Darkest Hour Before Dawn and Tried & True in the series timeline. While reading this story would enhance your experience of the THIRDS series, it is not necessary to read before Tried & True.



REVIEW:
It's Dex's bachelor party!!!!

I have to admit I thought it was a little odd that Sloane wasn't included in the festivities,  and shared his fear of the gang on the town without him. But then I was laughing to hard to care.

This novella had everything I wanted and more. Tasty drinks, yummy food, a hot as Hell lap dance, and because we are talking about Dexter J Daley, lots of bad guys, guns and a bear costume.

And lots of Gummy Bears!

This may be a short story but the author brings all the feels, sexy times and mad cap adventure that I have come to expect in a THIRDS book. If Ms. Chochet writes it I will read it!

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by Dreamspinner.

Thick & Thin by @CharlieCochet @dreamspinners #REVIEW #ULTIMATEINDULGENCE

Thick & Thin, Charlie Cochet, Dreamspinner Press
THIRDS #8
In a matter of days, Dex has been kidnapped, tortured, killed, revived, become half Therian, offered the chance to become a spy, and accepted a proposal to marry his jaguar Therian boyfriend, Sloane Brodie. It’s been a lot to take in, and although Dex is still trying to wrap his head around everything that’s happened, he knows he has to move forward.

After the events of Smoke & Mirrors, Dex and Sloane find themselves in one of the most frightening situations of all: revealing the truth to their Destructive Delta family. When the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same, and it’s up to Dex to prove that in the face of change, the one thing that will always remain the same is family.

REVIEW:
Thick & Thin picks up right where Smoke & Mirrors ends. This book is basically the bridge and fallout book of everything that has been happening in the last few books and sets up what is to come.

It's not all smooth sailing for the newly engaged power couple from Destructive Delta. Anytime you mix change with family and your co-workers that are an extension of your family there are going to be bumps. Dex's smile may get him out of a lot of things but it doesn't work on Cael or his dad.

This book is filled with all of the things that I love about this series; humor, love, family and action. My favorite parts are always the banter between the team mates. When it's just Destructive Delta kicking in doors and giving each other shit.

#Squee! Happy Release Day! @SeanMichael09 BRANDED BY FLAMES #mmromance #dragons

Squee! Introducing a brand-new male/male dragon shifter series from bestselling LGBTQ author Sean Michael! It's like I don't even need to say more... all the pieces that guarantee an amazingly hot read are spelled out right there... m/m, dragon shifters, and Sean Michael. The cover caught my eye first and I knew as soon as I read the blurb, it was another must read.

I was most certainly not disappointed. With all the heat a sexy dragon brings, Jake and Shae scorch the pages of this story. Together, they're combustible and also sweet with one another. Despite all the yummy sexy goodness, the strong story line is woven into the heart of the story. I wanted these men to find their HEA, was invested in their happiness and genuinely enjoyed the other people who were a part of their lives.

I can't wait to read more in this series. The author clearly laid the foundation for a magical world filled with unique characters and all sorts of sexual fantasies come true.

BLURB
Meet the Beteferoce brothers. Five dragon shifters, each with a strong elemental power. And each with a fierce desire to find his soul mate… 

For years, dragon-shifter-slash-firefighter Jake has been searching for his mate, but he's beginning to tire of the search. Maybe soul mates are only for the lucky few. 

Then he meets Shae. 

A former navy welder, Shae is handsome, talented, into power play and rough sex, and covered in dragon tattoos. All of this suits the shape-shifting dragon just fine—until he finds out that Shae literally has Jake's family crest already tattooed on him. A coincidence? Or something more… 

Jake must convince Shae to trust him as a man and as a Dom before the heat between them burns out of control. Becoming a dragon's mate is not without danger, and Shae will need Jake's guidance—and love—if he's going to make it through alive.  

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
THIS BOOK IS AN ULTIMATE INDULGENCE.
This book was given to us by the author through NetGalley. Many thanks.

READ Frostbitten @Charlotte_Stein, A Winter #PNR Romance

FROSTBITTEN by Charlotte Stein

Shy nurse Cora both dreads and lives for the moments she sees Zeke, an orderly at the hospital where
she works. Zeke is too handsome, too compelling, too much, and seems totally unaware of Cora. But before she can bring herself to his attention, an explosion rips through the hospital Christmas party.

Zeke has noticed Cora—in fact, he’s so irresistibly drawn to her that he saves her from the explosion by turning her into a vampire, much to the jealousy and resentment of his partner, Merrick. Zeke hates being a vampire, and now that she’ll live, doesn’t want Cora to suffer his fate. If they can both resist the overwhelming instinct to bond, joining their bodies as Cora draws her maker’s blood, she might be able to return to her normal human life.

As Merrick uses every erotic trick to keep Zeke distracted from the blood passion, Cora becomes more and more drawn to both of her reluctant captors. And more and more happy to abandon her old life in exchange for an eternity with two hot immortal lovers. All she has to do is convince Merrick and Zeke that being a vampire isn’t all that bad.

This book was provided through NetGalley. Many thanks.

HAPPY HUNKY DAYS #4 Santa Paws by @HarmonyRaines1 #REVIEW #HUNKYDAYS

DAY FOUR... 
Happy Hunky-Days!

Seasons greetings to all our friends, family and fellow book lovers.... It's hard to believe the year is wrapping up - life can get so hectic with work, school, kids, pets, etc that it seems like the train will never stop!  The beauty of this holiday season is that we, the Ndulgent Bloggers, are here to celebrate with you all that is good with our crazy world. Despite the chaos, we assure you there are some divine new stories out that are guaranteed to grab you for a moment or several and carry you away to a holiday oasis.  Please join us for our SEVENTH annual Happy Hunky-days!!  Twelve fun filled days of Christmas where we treat you with gifts of joy and happiness (aka excellent books to place on your TBR pile and very yummy eye candy!)  Savor the calorie free treats and join us daily for more fabulous Ndulgent reads!

Santa Paws By Harmony Raines
Christmas Bear Brothers Book 1
All Dermot wants for Christmas is a mate. Because a mate will lead to cubs, and a family to spend the holidays with.

But since Dermot, a paramedic, hasn't met his special lady yet, he agrees, as he always does, to work Christmas so others can enjoy time with their families.

However, fate is about to step in and give him just what he needs.

Vicky is a reindeer shifter who has lost her Christmas spirit. Can Dermot help her find it before it's too late?










REVIEW:
I was wondering how long it would take to me to run across a reindeer shifter in a holiday series! Good news, there’s more Bear Brother books to enjoy.

4 Chocolate dipped strawberries

PEACE

Smoke & Mirrors by @CharlieCochet @dreamspinners #REVIEW #ULTIMTAEINDULGENCE

Smoke & Mirrors, Charlie Cochet, Dreamspinner Press
THIRDS #7
Life for Dexter J. Daley has never been easy, but he’s always found a way to pick himself back up with a smile on his face. Taken from his home, and the arms of his boyfriend and THIRDS partner, Sloane Brodie, Dex finds himself in a situation as mysterious and lethal as the Therian interrogating him. Dex learns what he’s secretly believed all along: his parents’ death wasn’t an accident.

Discovering the whole truth about John and Gina Daley’s homicide sets off a series of events that will change Dex and Sloane’s lives forever. As buried secrets rise to the surface and new truths are revealed, Dex and Sloane’s love for each other is put to the test, with more than their relationship on the line. If traversing the waters of murder and secret government agencies wasn’t enough, something inexplicable has been happening to Dex—and nothing will ever be the same.





REVIEW:
The seventh book in the THIRDS series is a game changer. Authors of long running series who are looking to transition the story line need to take a page from Ms. Cochet's book. It sets up the next book seamlessly while staying true to the characters and the world that she has created.

If you are like me and have been screaming since the end of Catch a Tiger by the Tail because of the stop your heart cliffhanger you will be rocking some red eyes for the next 24-48 hours. You will not want to put this book down and will be bereft once you do reach the end. I don't know how long the wait is for the next book, but if it's more than a week, it's too long.

This book picks up right where CATBTT leaves off and our favorite gummy bear eating agent is in deep trouble, Sloane is about to go feral, and Sparks is still rocking the catwoman suit. While the book centers around the 25 year old  mystery of what happened to Dex's parents, you still have all the relationship drama and team interaction that keeps me coming back to these books again and again. There is one WTF moment that happens, that I SO did not see coming and it was completely awesome!

Lots of changes in store for Destructive Delta and especially it's leaders Sloane and Dex. I'm not sure exactly where Charlie is taking us, but if she is driving the BearCat, you can bet I will be along for the ride.

If you have not read this series...STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING....and get them now!

BUY LINKS:
Dreamspinner
Amazon

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks. This book was READ & RATED by Tyra



 

#Audiobook #REVIEW: Scottish Werebear @AuthorLMoone

An Unexpected Affair (Scottish Werebear #1)
by Lorelei Moone (Author) and Patrick Blackthorne (Narrator)

A sexy shifter romance, this scottish werebear audiobook was a good listen. Despite moments of connection, there were equal moments of suspended disbelief. It's a short read but I still wish the author had dug deeper into the characters. It's a nice beginning to the series and I'll listen to the next when its available on audiobook.

Romance novelist, Clarice Adler, has lost the inspiration to write ever since dumping her cheating boyfriend. How do you dream up a plot of two people falling in love, when you’ve stopped believing in love yourself? But her deadline is looming, and her career hangs in the balance, so she decides to lock herself away on the secluded Scottish Isle of Skye to finish her manuscript. Upon meeting Derek McMillan there, it seems she’s found her new muse and the words start to flow out of her as if by magic. Clarice falls for him, hard, despite knowing nothing about the man, except that he’s unavailable.

Derek McMillan has been managing his farm and renting out a few holiday cottages on his own for years now. He deals with the occasional tourist for some extra money, but mostly keeps to himself. When he first lays eyes on the curvy beauty, Clarice, he immediately regrets accepting her booking. Lightning strikes, and as much as he tries to deny it, his inner bear knows that she’s his mate. But he’s a shifter, and she’s a human, and the two can’t ever mix, can they?

In this steamy paranormal romance novella, follow along as an impossible love blossoms between two people, who couldn’t be more different. One might say fate intended for them to meet, if you believe in that sort of thing, but they’re both set on fighting their attraction with everything they’ve got. They’re going to need another push to admit to themselves as well as each other what’s going on…

RATING: 3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

#SeriesSunday The Thirds #REVIEW @CharlieCochet #MMRomance @Dreamspinners

I've already reviewed the first two books of the Thirds series but now I've listened to the the first five on audiobook and I have to tell everyone how awesome this series is... these men are real - they're funny and intense, caring and strong and the best group of men you could meet.

Best PNR/ Sci Fi M/M Series Ever.

THIRDS series
With the panic and growing number of casualties both Human and Therian during the riots of the 1980s, it was clear something had to be done to ensure public safety, and offer an unbiased justice system for Therian citizens. After a new Therian legislation branch of the government was established, along with the implementation of Therian laws, officials answered the cries of its citizens for a new law enforcement agency equipped to handle Therian threats.

In 1990, the Therian-Human Intelligence, Recon, Defense, Squadron -or- the THIRDS, opened its doors, pairing every Human element within the organization with a Therian one, in the pursuit of justice for all species.

Hell & High Water (THIRDS, #1)... listened and fell in love
Blood & Thunder (THIRDS, #2)... listened and loved
Rack & Ruin (THIRDS, #3)... listened and loved
Rise & Fall (THIRDS, #4)... listened and loved
Against the Grain (THIRDS #5)... listened and loved
Catch a Tiger by the Tail (THIRDS, #6)... just released
Smoke & Mirrors (THIRDS, #7)... coming soon

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

Red River by @CardenoC #REVIEW #EXCERPT #CONTEST

Red River, Cardeno C.
Pack #2
Two Alpha shifters join together to lead their pack and build a family.

Commitment, loyalty, and strength aren’t enough to make Wesley Stone’s birth pack accept an Alpha with a physical imperfection, even if it’s a meaningless mark. Putting the safety of his pack above his own wellbeing, Wesley trades himself for another Alpha and agrees to mate with a stranger in a mysterious, insular pack.

Alphas from Jobe Root’s family have led the Red River pack from the first day shifters walked the earth. Now the time has come for Jobe to fulfill his destiny, but to do that, he needs his mate by his side. Spiritual, easygoing Jobe reveres Mother Nature and trusts in fate, yet he can’t help being nervous about how his mate will react to his new life in Red River, his new life with Jobe.

Two Alphas with contrasting personalities, different upbringings, and divergent beliefs come together for the good of their packs. But to stay together, Wesley and Jobe must see beyond the surface and embrace every facet of themselves and their union.


EXCERPT:

“You’re my mate.” Jobe placed his palm against Wesley’s chest and rubbed his nipple through his shirt.

The motion caused the cotton to rub against Wesley’s belly and he nearly gasped at how good that felt.

“That isn’t an answer.” He grabbed Jobe’s wrist, stilled his movements, and growled, “Do you want me to fuck you?” Because no matter how much Wesley wanted that, no matter how heavy his balls or distracted his brain, he wouldn’t force Jobe to do the very thing he had dreaded before he had met him.

“I want you.” Jobe raised his face and brushed his lips against Wesley’s, the touch gentle in comparison to the testosterone-laden shouting match from moments earlier. “The position doesn’t matter.”

After being with Jobe nearly nonstop for three weeks straight, Wesley had gotten a good sense of his character. Jobe was an honest man. And if that hadn’t been enough to confirm the truthfulness of his assertion, the hard dick pressing against Wesley’s hip would have done the job. Confident about Jobe’s desire, Wesley had no other reason to wait so he cupped both sides of Jobe’s face, tilted his head back, and slammed their mouths together.

The kiss was electric, obliterating the tight reins Wesley’d had on his libido since he had met Jobe. When Jobe moaned and parted his lips, Wesley thrust his tongue into his mouth, drawing in a rich flavor that was somehow already necessary and familiar.

“Jobe,” Wesley rasped, tangling his fingers in Jobe’s hair to keep him as close as possible. “Why is it I feel like I’ve known you forever?”

REVIEW:
I am such a fan of this author's character development, especially with her shifter stories. This book is a great addition to the Pack series and I can't wait for the next one to see if it brings the  Blue Mountain and Red River packs together or if she is going to bring us a third pack. I appreciate that each pack has their own histories and dynamic.

Wesley is one of those strong Alphas that is going to do what is best for his pack no matter how miserable it makes him. I was so angry at his grandfather and the treatment he received.

I loved Jobe and his laid back hippy style, but I felt myself screaming at them both to explain themselves more. Then I had to sit back and remind myself that this was a book and they couldn't hear me. LOL

There are some wonderful surprises with this story, and a hint of who might be in the next, and I would love a follow up story with this couple.  This author writes couples that you fall in love with and you just want more!


CONTEST: Comment for a chance to win a book from Cardeno's  backlist!!!

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

 This book was READ & RATED by Tyra

  

HAPPY #HunkyDays! CUPID #Review by Lucy Felthouse @cw1985 @EvernightPub

DAY ELEVEN...Happy Hunky-Days!

Seasons greetings and literary tidings to all our Ndulgent Blog readers. It's the most wonderful time of the year... to celebrate with family, friends and fellow book lovers galore! We have enjoyed another year of fabulous reads and hope you will all join us for our SIXTH annual Happy Hunky-days! Twelve fun filled days of Christmas where we treat you with gifts of joy and happiness (aka free books and very yummy eye candy!).

ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY!

All good readers who jump over to our Hunky Days Page will get a chance to win a Kindle Fire! Seriously, you can even be quite naughty and still get treats from us to you - just remember to enter to win!

Cupid by Lucy Felthouse is a quick flirty Christmas story that's part of a set of novellas focused

on Santa's reindeer who are shifters with normal lives 364 days of the year. I read Cupid during a day of baking cookies and listening to holiday tunes. It was the perfect addition to my day.

As a postman by day, and one of Santa’s reindeer on a single very special night, Cassius Cupid eats, sleeps, and breathes deliveries. He doesn’t mind, but sometimes wishes that someone would send him something more exciting than bills and junk mail.

One cold January morning, Cassius gets his wish. A young woman arrives with a parcel. Turns out it’s for his housemate—but Cassius doesn’t care. All he’s interested in is Carina – the beautiful female courier.

Has Cupid finally met his match?

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

It's AMAZING! #Spanking #PNR Book #Review: ALPHA @NatashaKnight13

Alpha is Amazing! So freaking hot and equally sweet in certain moments, the tension boils off the pages. The chemistry between Zane and Aria is undeniable. The story line is just so tight, every scene mattered and played into the next. I couldn't put it down because I needed to know the truth behind their pasts. And in the end, it unraveled without being overdone or too simple. It is simply perfect.

I hope this will be the beginning of a series. I want to know about Fly, and this has so much potential to be a top shifter series.

Each time I read a book by Natasha Knight, its better than the one before which I already thought was great. She's definitely honing her craft. 

BLURB

Zane 
Six years ago, I did something I shouldn’t have done. I took something that didn’t belong to me. It had felt good, so damn good. It was a night I’d never forget. One that would ruin her for other men.

But there’s always a price to pay when you break the rules. I just didn’t realize she’d be the one to pay it. I didn’t know that my weakness would destroy her life, take away everyone she loved.

I was son of Alpha. A hunter. I was a cocky SOB. I’d been sent to find Aria Hale and her family. They’d said it was to bring them home. But that was a lie.

That night six years ago was when I learned what betrayal was. When those I trusted destroyed what I’d come to love.

I ran that night, leaving everything behind, leaving her behind. But when your Alpha’s son, when you have his blood in your veins, no matter how fast or how far you run, you’re never really out. I was a fool to ever think I was.

I never expected to see Aria again, but here she was, six years later, standing on my doorstep, looking for answers, trying to understand something that couldn’t be understood.

She had every right to know the truth about the night her family was murdered, but I couldn’t give it to her. She didn’t belong in our world, we were monsters. And as powerful as the urge to claim her was, she couldn’t belong to me. I’d do whatever it took to keep her from ever finding out what I really was, what really happened that night, because if she did, she’d hate me.

I could live with blood on my hands. I could exist without her if it meant keeping her safe. I just couldn’t live knowing she hated me.

Aria
I guess he thought I’d leave the past alone. Forget it and walk away, like he had. Like it meant nothing. Like I meant nothing.

Six years had passed since the night my life changed forever. The night I lost everything. It was supposed to be the happiest of my life, but it had turned into a nightmare that ripped everything and everyone I loved from me, leaving me alone and lost, stumbling in the dark for answers.

Zane Von knew more about that night than he let on. He was the key to understanding what had happened when my family was killed. To learning why they died and I didn’t. Whether he liked it or not, our lives were bound together irrevocably and if he thought I’d turn my back on the past, well, then he didn’t know me as well as he thought.

Note: Alpha is a standalone paranormal (shapeshifter) romance. The story is dark and gritty with strong language and dirty, kinky sex. No cliffhanger.

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us through NetGalley. Many thanks.

Oriana and the 3 Werebears #REVIEW @TiaFanning

Oriana and the three Werebears by Tia Fanning

Oriana Ricci has taken over the family business--flying cargo and rich tourists around the barely inhabited Kodiak Archipelago. When her plane malfunctions and she's forced to make an emergency landing, she finds herself stranded in the middle of a National Wildlife Refuge. With no civilization for miles and no hope of rescue, she thinks all is lost--Until she stumbles upon the entrance to an underground bunker.

Jack, Jordan, and Jonathan McMathan own and operate a secret security firm contracted by the US Government. Hidden away in an old Cold War spy station located the middle of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, the brothers are not only able to do their top secret jobs safely without fear of discovery, but are better to protect their other, more personal secret: They have the ability to shift into Kodiak bears. Like a fairy tale gone bad, the brothers return home to find their lunch tasted--or eaten, their computer chairs adjusted--or broken, and a beautiful blond sleeping in one of their beds. This situation poses a big problem for the brothers--Their location is now compromised, but more importantly, what are they to do with the lady?

I give this book 3 chocolate dipped strawberries

The Mates Series by @CardenoC #SERIESREVIEW

Wake Me Up Inside, C. Cardeno
Mates #1
A powerful Alpha wolf shifter and a strong-willed human overcome traditions ingrained over generations and uncover long-buried secrets to fulfill their destiny as true mates.

Regarded as the strongest wolf shifter in generations, Alpha Zev Hassick is surprised and confused by his attraction to his best friend. His very human, very male best friend. A male shifter has to mate with a female shifter to keep his humanity, so shifters can't be gay. Yet, everything inside Zev tells him Jonah is his true mate.

Maintaining a relationship with the man he has loved since childhood isn’t easy for Jonah Marvel, but he won’t let distance or Zev’s odd family get in their way. When unexplained ailments begin to plague Jonah, he needs to save his own life and sanity in order to have a future with Zev.

Zev and Jonah know they're destined for each other, but they must overcome traditions ingrained over generations and long-buried secrets to fulfill their destiny.

REVIEW:
I started this book last night and was awake way past my bedtime because I just could not put it down. The meeting between Jonah and Zev as toddler and pup had to be one of the sweetest beginnings I have ever read. Their courtship, which neither realized was happening, was endearing and drew me into the the story so quickly I couldn't believe how quickly I cared about these two people.

I always know it's a good book when I find myself talking to the characters. I was so frustrated with what the separation was doing to both Zev and Jonah that I was yelling, "Just tell him already" a couple of different times.

A very unique premise and a story that was wonderful and sexy to read.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Until Forever Comes
Mates #2
A sensitive wolf shifter and a vicious vampire challenge history, greed, and the very fabric of their beings in order to stay together until forever comes.


Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can’t shift. Hoping to find an honorable death by joining his pack mates in a vampire attack, Ethan instead learns two things: draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate—a vampire named Miguel.


Over four centuries old, strong, powerful, and vicious, Miguel Rodriguez walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they're true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent and being with him comes so naturally that Miguel can't resist for long. Their challenge is staying alive so they can be together until forever comes.

REVIEW:
Stubborn has a name and it is Ethan Abbatt. Once he figured out that Miguel was his true mate he wasn't going away no matter what anyone else said....even Miguel.

Miguel was savage and ruthless with everyone but Ethan and that dichotomy made me fall for his character.

I have to say after two books, this one being a prequel to Wake Me up Inside, that if the shifters don't make more of an effort to integrate, their species as a whole isn't going to survive. And while the main theme may be forbidden but true love the more important lesson is acceptance and adaptability. And in that the shifters could learn from both the humans and the vampires.

Lots of sexy, sweet scenes and I have to say a nice change in that the older more experienced very alpha male didn't necessarily take the lead in the bedroom. And on a side not Katie totally cracked me up...she had no boundaries. LOL

My favorite part was the epilogue, seeing how the two stories tied together. I hope there are more stories planned in the future and that the shifters learn to tolerate difference.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

In Your Eyes
Mates #3
Two very different men with a tumultuous history must overcome challenges from all sides and see past their society’s rules to realize they are destined for one another.

Raised to become Alpha of the Yafenack pack, Samuel Goodwin dedicates his life to studying shifter laws, strengthening his body, and learning from his father. But despite his best efforts, Samuel can’t relate to people, including those he's supposed to lead.

When Samuel meets Korban Keller, the son of a neighboring pack's Alpha, he reacts with emotion instead of intellect for the first time in his life. Resenting the other shifter for throwing him off-balance, Samuel first tries to intimidate Korban and then desperately avoids him. What he can't do is forget Korban's warm eyes, easy smile, and happy personality.

When a battle between their fathers ends tragically, Samuel struggles to lead his pack while Korban works to break through Samuel’s emotional barriers. Two very different men with a tumultuous history must overcome challenges from all sides and see past their society’s rules to realize they are destined for one another.


REVIEW:
I am a big fan of this series and was very excited when I saw there was another book. This is one of those series where if you read all of the books it will add to your enjoyment, but it's not required to understand the world.

It took me a while to come around to liking Samuel. He seems so suspicious of everything and everyone that he is very off putting at first. But once I understood he was basically an introvert in a position that is built for an extrovert I got how relating to people was difficult for him. He needed Korban to help balance him.

Korban is so trusting of the bond that he knows he and Samuel have, even though he knows that Samuel isn't aware of it. I laughed every time he talked to Samuel and basically made him have a conversation knowing how uncomfortable he was making Samuel. Korban literally puts his life in Samuel's hands, hoping to finally get Samuel to see what Korban is to him.

This story is told in first person from Samuel's point of view, so we see the struggle he goes through to be the best Alpha for his pack, all while doubting his ability.

We get a bit from previous characters, but this story is mainly about the two MC's and the trouble between their two packs. I would love to see all of the m/m mates come together in the next story to try and bring the truth about matings into the open.

Once again the author has given us a story of love that didn't come easy but was so worth the effort.


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.


Author Links
email: cardenoc@gmail.com
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) http://caferisque.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CardenoC/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+CardenocAuthor/posts
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/

Short Bio: Cardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.

Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.

BUY LINK: AMAZON

 These books were given to us by the author. Many thanks.

Freaky Friday

Grizzly Love by Eve Langlais


Dr. Jess is his soulmate. His grizzly knows it. He knows it. Suspects she does as well. But he does have one dilemma standing in his way.


Her husband.


Talk about inconvenient.


Good thing Travis is tenacious. Even if he has to travel across an ocean, endure scorching temperatures and survive attempts on his life, he won't give up until he wins her heart.


Or dies trying.


Jess made a mistake. She married too young, to the wrong man. Problem is, hawks mate for life, and murder is frowned upon. To add more insult to the situation, her mate won't even attempt to be a husband. It seems he isn't interested in keeping his vows, nor is he coming home anytime soon, so when the chance arises to confront him, she takes it. However, facing him changes nothing.


Freddie doesn't want her...but Travis does. And oh how she wants him too. Wants, and yet can't have him.


However, her marital problems aren't the only issue. Their pursuit of the nefarious being behind the attacks on their town is being sabotaged by treachery. When Jess and Travis barely survive an ambush, she can no longer deny her love for the rascally bear.

Can they dodge death long enough to see if it's possible for her to rectify a wrong and take him as her mate?


Travis is so my favorite!

I give this book 5 chocolate dipped strawberries

Finally Free Friday

Wolf's Capture by Eve Langlais

She might think she’s captured the wolf, but in the end, he’ll take her heart.

Brody is a soldier who misses the excitement of the military and its missions. He retired to work as clan beta in Kodiak Point. Talk about boring, until he's captured by a foreign enemy.

Him, a prisoner?

Not for long. This wolf will do anything in order to get away--even if it involves seduction.

First step in plotting his escape: pretend interest in a woman. But Layla isn’t just any woman. She’s special.

Not human. Not shifter. He doesn’t know what this exotic lady is other than his.

A prisoner for years, Layla isn’t sure what to make of the enemy who shares a cell with her. He promises her hope, but that would involve trust. Despite her doubts, she can’t help but be drawn to him. Unacceptable which means she does her best to drive him nuts.

Working together, can they escape the clutches of the enemy?

And do they dare fall in love?

I discovered this series back at Christmas and read a few more of them afterwards. Then soccer season happened and I lost my way but I found them again and I still enjoy them.

I give this book 5 chocolate dipped strawberries.

It's Another #REVIEW for #Dragon Week! @LoWriter WICKED DARK DRAGON

Wicked Dark Dragon (Dragon Heat #3) by Lolita Lopez will capture PNR readers.

Adopted a few weeks after birth, Ivy Morales suspects that she might not be totally human. Fully aware that one whisper of such insanity would land her in a mental institution, she keeps the outlandish thought to herself. But there's no ignoring the increasingly vivid and stunningly powerful dreams of an ancient blood feud that plague her nightly—or the darkly erotic turn those dreams have recently taken.

Drawn to Mexico for Spring Break, Ivy unwittingly stumbles right into the path of the same evil presence from her mysterious dreams. Kidnapped and held hostage, she has only one chance to survive. She reaches out to the wickedly sexy man from her dreams and prays he'll answer her call for help.

Welsh dragon shifter Ian Madoc struggles to understand the strange dream connection he shares with this unknown woman. In all his centuries of life, he's never experienced anything like it—and it unsettles him. When the dreams turn to pleas for help, Mad rushes off in the middle of the night, hell-bent on saving the young woman he fears may be his mate.

But rescuing Ivy from the clutches of the Knights is only the beginning of Mad's problems. When Ivy's true identity is revealed, old secrets and a close friend's betrayal put him at odds with the rest of the Brotherhood. Protecting the dragon species is no longer his top priority. He'll do anything to keep Ivy safe, even if it means walking away from the only life he's ever known.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us through NetGalley. Many thanks.