Tuesday, 2 March 2021

Review: Takakush

Takakush Takakush by Raine Reiter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Takakush is the first book in the Genus Magica series by Raine Reiter, and it was a quick and addictive read. It’s one I was happy to power through in a single sitting, eager to see how everything came together.

I’ll be honest and say, as addictive as this was, it did take me a little while to get into it. The magical world that was introduced was interesting, but it took a while for me to understand it. Even then, there were some details that weren’t quite as clear as I would have liked them to be. Due to this, there were some details that did not hit me quite as hard as I would have liked. Despite this, the story did keep me hooked throughout and there was enough packed into the pages to ensure I was gripped by the unfolding storyline.

All in all, Takakush was an interesting start to the Genus Magica series. Takakush introduces mythology that is not often seen, making it great for those looking for something a little bit different.

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Blog Tour: Takakush.

Takakush banner

This is my stop during the blog tour for Takakush by Raine Reiter. Takakush is the first book in the contemporary dark fantasy series Genus Magica where a family of priestess deal with normal life and fight monsters.

This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 1 till 14 March. See the tour schedule here.

Takakush
Takakush (Genus Magica #1)
By Raine Reiter
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy/ Dark Fantasy/ Urban fantasy
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 25 January 2021

Blurb:
“A fantastic tale that weaves a spell of ancient mysticism and modern charm." --Tim Marquitz, Author of the Demon Squad series, The Enemy of My Enemy series, and more

When Professor Elena Lukas returns to her cozy Pacific Northwest hometown with a broken heart, she’s plunged back into the fate she tried to escape. Like her mother and grandmother before her, Elena must now dedicate her life to a powerful ancient Lithuanian goddess. Although she is prepared to live as a priestess hiding in a contemporary tourist town, she arrives to find that a series of so-called animal attacks have terrorized her forest.

With the help of a handsome detective from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Elena uses her expertise in invasive and endangered species to identify that these are no normal animal attacks. The woods are stalked by a dark, mystical creature bent on ravaging the area in an attempt to quell its insatiable hunger. When her little sister goes missing, Elena realizes that the beast can only be vanquished if she is brave enough to face it in-person, embrace her identity as a high priestess, and expose her powers to the man she is growing feelings for.


Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon
- Kobo

About the Author:
Raine Reiter weaves together an empowered, female-centered narrative with rich descriptions of nature and an ever-present sense of mystery. Her vivid, flowing prose takes readers of dark fantasy into a world that looks and feels real, while still evoking the enticing paranormal creativity shared by authors such as Richelle Mead and Kat Richardson.

A fifth generation Washingtonian, Raine lives in the gloomy Pacific Northwest and prowls the rainforest with her silly spaniel, Luke.

Author links:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Pinterest
- Goodreads

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Takakush. 4 winners will win a Takakush prize pack containing a Takakush t-shirt, sticker, magnet and a signed copy of the book. US Only.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Release Blitz: The Right Time.




Title: The Right Time
Series: perfect for you #2
Author: Amanda Siegrist
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 2, 2021


BLURB

The plan: Organize an epic birthday party without spilling the massive secret—that has nothing to do with the party.
Time Frame: Two weeks.

Plan a party? Check.
Try not to think about the man she can’t have? Check.
Suddenly accept said man’s proposal. Check.
Wait…what did Mia Carter do? There was no way she could marry Jaxson Brandt. It would never last. Nothing in her life ever does. They weren’t even dating. They couldn’t go from just friends to marriage. She’ll just have to tell him she changed her mind. If only he’d give her a chance to do so. But between planning a birthday party and trying to keep her bestie from finding out they’re getting hitched, she can’t seem to find the right time. He’s making it his mission to show her what love is truly about—something she’d never had before. She’s just not sure it’ll be enough to convince her.

Warning: This is not a full romcom. While it has moments of humor, it also has a twist of angst. Okay, now you can dive in, you’re prepared!







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EXCERPT

A slow, seductive smile grew right before he tossed her onto the bed. She giggled, her eyes filled with pleasurable delight and a bit of surprise.
Then he joined her on the bed, covering her with his body.
“You threw me,” she said with a teasing twinkle in her eyes.
He couldn’t even say why he tossed—definitely didn’t throw—her on to the bed. Maybe to get a reaction out of her. Sometimes, it was hard to get the kind of reactions he wanted from her. It was like pulling teeth, hard and tumultuous.
“Did I?” His lips found her neck, making a delicious path up to her ear. “What can I say? I'm excited to get you in this bed.”
Then he pushed into her, so she could feel how hard his cock was, and how damn excited he was that this was finally happening.
Her arms wound around his neck, pulling him closer. Then their lips matched, more pleasure exploding throughout his body as their tongues mingled and their bodies moved to a beautiful rhythm.
But they had too many clothes between them.
“I need you naked, now,” he said between kisses as one of his hands wove down toward the edge of the silky shirt she wore.
She pushed on his chest, giggling. “Don’t even think about pulling up on this shirt. I don’t want to have to fix any of the buttons with your eagerness.”
He winked, pretty sure he would’ve popped a button or two pulling her shirt up and over her head, as she tried to sit up.
“Oh, no, sweetheart, I got this.” Then he sat up and scooted back a little and popped one button undone.
Bending down, he pressed a kiss to the small patch of skin exposed. He felt her tremble beneath him. Oh, the things he wanted to do with her. He’d been imagining having her in his arms for so many years, it would take more than one night to enact every scenario. It was a damn good thing she’d agreed to marry him. Now he had a lifetime.
Never in a million years had he expected this outcome when he came to her apartment. He had meant to make sure she was all right. Comfort her, hopefully. Let her use his shoulder for her tears. But this. Her willingly in his arms, saying yes to being his wife. Never in a million years.
Another button came undone with ease. His lips inched up, following the path his hands were taking. Each time he found a new spot to kiss, she trembled and a breathy moan left her sweet, luscious lips. He was torn between kissing her soft skin and tangling tongues with her. Both were like being in heaven.
“This is torture. Let me do it.” Her words came out soft and breathy. And not like she wanted him to stop.
Instead of answering, he continued his path upward, undoing another button, his lips meeting silky, beautiful skin. When he neared her breasts, he paused, taking in the view. A white lacy bra covered her, exposing more skin than containing it. He was in love…with this bra. Who knew she wore such sexy lingerie underneath her clothes? Well, now he did, and he’d be letting his imagination run away more and more from now on. He knew it.
He undid the last few buttons, then cupped her breasts. His eyes zeroed in on a rosy nipple, suckling hard as she arched upward off the bed.
“Jaxson…” Her breathy voice had him ramped up and ready.
But he wanted to take this slowly. He wanted to savor every second with her.
“You are so gorgeous. Every inch of you.” Then he slid his hands underneath her and unclasped her bra.
She sat up as he helped her slip off her shirt and bra, tossing them to the floor. Before she could take off his shirt, something he could tell she wanted to do when her hands reached for the bottom, he pushed her down and reclaimed a nipple.
He took his time giving each one attention, biting playfully and kissing afterward to soothe. He knew she liked it as her low moans and constant shifting closer to him didn’t stop, but only increased.
“Okay, I take it back. I’ll fix any button you want, but you need to take that shirt off now.”
(Copyright © 2021 Amanda Siegrist)






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AUTHOR BIO


I’m a USA Today Bestselling Author that loves to write sweet contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, although I am partial to romantic suspense. Honestly, I love anything that has to do with romance. As long as there's a happy ending, I'm a happy camper. And insta-love…yes, please! I love baseball (Go Twins!) and creating awesome crafts. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, working in that field for several years before I became a stay-at-home mom. I have a few more amazing stories in the works. If you would like to connect with me or see important news, head to my website at http://www.amandasiegrist.com. Thanks for reading!


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Release Blitz: Stains of Desire.




Title: Stains of Desire
Series: Behind Closed Doors #5
Author: Maggie Cole
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 2, 2021


BLURB

Everything about this mission is a first. The hemisphere we’re in. The lack of direction from headquarters. The stunning redhead and inappropriate thoughts I can’t keep to myself.

But the filthier my mouth becomes, the more she responds to me.
Then I learn about her daughter. Santiago kidnapped them together, then ripped Millie away and used her as a tool to make Penelope obey him.
I vow I will find Millie and deliver her to safety. But the clock is ticking. And Penelope makes me promise her something I don’t want to.
If I make good on this promise to her, the window to save her could close. I risk losing her forever. There is no choice. I have to save them both or die trying.

(Stains of Desire is the fifth jaw dropping installment in the Behind Closed Doors series. Each novel is a stand-alone regarding the HEA of the couple, but the plot develops with each story. This steamy series is for mature readers only and is best if read in order. This series may contain situations that may be sensitive for some readers.)







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SERIES TRAILER




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COMING SOON


Releasing March 16

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AUTHOR BIO


Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends. She's been called the "literary master of steamy romance." Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. 

She lives in Florida near the Gulf of Mexico with her husband, son, and dog. She loves sunshine, wine, and hanging out with friends. 

Her current series were written in the order below: 
All In (Stand alones with entwined characters) 
It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters) 
Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order) 
Coming January 5, 2021: Behind Closed Doors (Read in order) 
Coming April 1, 2021: Mafia Wars


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Release Blitz: Savage Liar.




Title: Savage Liar
Series: Sinfully Savage #2
Author: Kristen Luciani
Genre: Dark Mafia Enemies to Lovers Romance
Release Date: February 25, 2021


BLURB

I Kidnapped My Enemy’s Little Sister…Now I’m Obsessed.

Jaelyn Torres is equal parts sexy and ruthless, with a confidence that grabbed me by the balls. She’s no innocent dove with her fiery tongue and a body so sinful it could tempt even the most faithful of men.

But she’s my captive not my plaything. I need to keep my mind and my hands off the leather-clad siren to protect my empire, no matter how badly I want to punish her for running her smart mouth.

I will claim her.
Break her.
Use her.
Jaelyn, you will be mine.

One taste of the seductive beauty ruined me,
Crushed my resolve.
Before long, I’m infatuated, on fire for the woman I’m supposed to hate.

So I give her an ultimatum.
If she wants to save her brother’s life, she’ll have to submit…
To me.





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Releasing April 1

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AUTHOR BIO


Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling romance author and coach with a penchant for stilettos, kickboxing, and grapefruit martinis. As a deep-rooted romantic who loves steamy, sexy, and suspense-filled stories, she tried her hand at creating a world of enchantment, sensuality, and intrigue, finally uncovering her true passion. Pun intended…


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Monday, 1 March 2021

Release Blitz: The Risk Taker.




Title: The Risk Taker
Series: Boston Hawks Hockey #2
Author: Gina Azzi
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Release Date: March 1, 2021


BLURB

My brother's best friend, NHL god Easton Scotch, has always seen me as a kid. Now, I'm his new roommate and I'm determined to show him that Claire Merrick is all grown up.

Boston Hawks left wing and bad boy personified, Easton is untouchable, reckless, and sexier than any one man ought to be. He has a complicated past, makes questionable life choices, and doesn't want anyone growing too close. Least of all me.

East makes himself clear on his first day out of rehab, when we become reluctant roommates. At best, I'm angling for friendship. But soon, East is lowering his guard and we're bonding.

When we cross a line there's no coming back from, he spirals, jeopardizing his recovery and my heart. If Easton is the risk taker, then why does it feel like I'm the one gambling it all?





PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU





EXCERPT

“I want you, Claire. I want you in every way imaginable. But I can’t lose everything, including you, when this goes sideways between us.”
“Why would it go sideways?” Her voice catches and I hate the uncertainty I always manage to fill her with.
“Because I’m messed up, babe. And I will ruin this. It’s only a matter of time.”
She shakes her head, her eyes as clear as a summer sky. “I don’t believe that.”
I chuckle harshly and move to lean back in my chair.
“If you take me to your bed, Easton, you can’t just walk away from me.”
“I know that,” I say, a strange mixture of anger and relief clogging my throat.
“So don’t.” She throws out, her eyes flaring with challenge.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t ruin it. You’ve always been a risk taker, Easton. A gambler.”
I blow out a breath, not refuting her statement. Because it’s the truth. I take big risks, willing to lose it all, for that one moment of having it all. “I won’t risk you, Claire.”






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AUTHOR BIO

Gina Azzi writes emotional and captivating contemporary romance novels with heart-warming happily-ever-afters. She is the author of Second Chance Chicago Series, The Kane Brothers Series, Finding Love in Scotland Series, The College Pact Series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay. All of her books can be read as stand-alones. 

A Jersey girl at heart, Gina has spent her twenties traveling the world, living and working abroad, before settling down in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three children. She's a voracious reader, daydreamer, and coffee enthusiast who loves meeting new people. Say hey to her on social media or through www.ginaazzi.com.


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Review: A Secret Garden

A Secret Garden A Secret Garden by Katie Fforde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Secret Garden was my first Katie Fforde book, and my feelings toward it are a bit conflicted. On the one hand, it was an easy read that I happily devoured in no time. On the other hand, it was a bit too twee for me and I expected more.

I think my issue with this one is that I expect a bit more to happen in my romance books. This one had an interesting premise, there were some nice details, but things were a bit too easy for me. There was not as much conflict as I would have liked, and things were resolved a bit too easily for my liking, Add in the fact that the secret garden did not appear until nearly the end of the book, and this wasn’t quite what I expected.

Although I’d expected more from this one, it was an easy read. If nothing else, it made for a nice break between heavier reads.

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