Tag: Donna Grant

Sunday Spotlight: A Cowboy Like You by Donna Grant

Posted November 24, 2019 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 2 Comments

Sunday Spotlight is a feature we began in 2016. This year we’re spotlighting our favorite books, old and new. We’ll be raving about the books we love and being total fangirls. You’ve been warned. 🙂

Sunday Spotlight: A Cowboy Like You by Donna GrantA Cowboy Like You (Heart of Texas #4) by Donna Grant
Series: Heart of Texas #4
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: November 26, 2019
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Westerns
Pages: 304
Add It: Goodreads
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In the Heart of Texas, a heartthrob cowboy may get his second chance at love…

Danny Oldman, the handsome Lone Star sheriff, is still single. He tells himself, and anyone who asks, that he is married to his job―and what matters most is keeping the people of his beloved Texas hometown safe. The truth? Danny still hasn’t gotten over his high school crush. She moved away after graduation and took Danny’s heart with her.

Skylar Long never thought she would have to flee Houston and return home―where it all began for her. But that’s what happened after the man of her dreams turned out to be an actual nightmare. Now, Skylar is desperate to escape her obsessive boyfriend. Nothing shocks her more than seeing Danny again and realizing that their long-ago attraction is more powerful than ever. But can she and Danny find a way to fight against Skylar’s wealthy, powerful ex who is dead set on tearing them apart?

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant adds to her popular Heart of Texas series with A COWBOY LIKE YOU (St. Martin’s Paperbacks; November 26, 2019). In her latest captivating and compelling Western, a heartthrob cowboy who’s been stuck in a rut may get his second chance at a love with a woman he never forgot.

Excerpt

Excerpt from A COWBOY LIKE YOU by Donna Grant

Of all the people Danny had thought he might run into, he’d never in a million years expected to see Skylar Long again. If he believed in destiny, he’d almost accept that his thinking of her earlier had brought her straight to him.

One of the things he remembered about her was how she’d wanted to get out of their town and move to a big city. Her sights had been set on Houston or even Dallas. She had wanted to get lost in all the people.

Many of his classmates had spoken about leaving their little town, but few did. And many who left eventually returned. Not Skylar. She’d gotten out, and he’d figured she would stay gone forever. After all, her parents had moved about ten years ago, which meant there was no reason for her to return.

Yet, here she was. And more stunning than ever.

She had been Danny’s crush from the time they were in grade school. Skylar had always been a free spirit. She had confidence that most girls her age lacked. It wasn’t arrogance, simply a belief in herself that came through in everything she did.

While beautiful, she had been a little reserved. She had run with the popular crowd, but she didn’t wield that social level to degrade anyone or use it to her benefit like others had. She had been kind, and she wore her heart on her sleeve.

He and Skylar had been able to talk about anything. She was always open and engaging, but Danny had never pursued her as his girlfriend. He’d never thought he was good enough for her, not when so many of his other friends had wooed her.

Danny looked at her. The harsh light of the streetlamp above them couldn’t diminish her beauty. Her golden blond hair was pulled up haphazardly with strands falling around her face and neck. But her large, azure eyes still held more shock and fear than he liked.

She was on the petite side with curves in all the right places. Her lips were full, pouty even, and they made his blood heat just looking at them. Her skin had the dewy glow of a healthy lifestyle that made him want to reach out and run the pads of his fingers down her cheek to see if her skin was as velvety as it appeared.

Hearing her story earlier made him want to go find Matt and punch him a few times. Danny had never been so happy to be in the right place at the right time. He gave himself an inward shake to get back to the matter at hand. “And what happened tonight?” Danny asked to get the final piece of the puzzle.

Skylar shrugged. “It was Matt’s night out with friends. I made sure to keep to my same schedule, not doing anything that would alert him that I planned to leave. I waited an hour after he left before I grabbed an overnight bag and threw a few things in. I just wanted to get out. I didn’t care about the rest of my stuff. I figured I could get it back later or replace it.”

“It was a good decision. Things can be replaced. Your life can’t. So, how did he figure out that you left?”

“I honestly don’t know.” Concern clouded her face. “He was gone, I know it. I even drove by the bar to make sure his car was there. Then I headed straight out of town.”

This wasn’t the first time Danny had dealt with a domestic situation like this, but he didn’t like that he knew one of the parties involved. Mainly because he knew the odds of how such circumstances turned out.

Danny ran a hand down his face, his gut churning. “If he was gone from the house and at the bar, then he had to know you left somehow. Are there cameras in the residence?”

Her eyes widened, and her lips parted in shock. “I . . . I don’t know. There could be. It sounds like something he’d do. He was adamant about me moving into his place. It was bigger than mine, even though mine was in a better location, so I agreed.”

“What about tracking your car?”

She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders at the same time. “I wouldn’t put anything past him.”

“Does he always know what’s going on in your life?

People you’ve talked to, places you’ve been?” “Yes.”

“What about phone calls and texts? Does he ask you specifics about them?”

She frowned as she thought about his question. “He used to, but not anymore.”

Danny figured as much.

Skylar’s gaze sharpened on him. “Why? Do you think he installed some kind of spyware on my phone? Oh, God. He installed spyware on my phone.”

“We’ll get you a new one, and I’ll have my guys look over your car to see if there’s any kind of device.”

Her eyes filled with tears that she hastily blinked away. “How did I get into such a situation?”

“It doesn’t matter. What counts is that you’re getting out of it. If that’s what you want.”

Her head bobbed up and down rapidly. “Yes. I knew I was getting away from him tonight, one way or another.”

Danny recalled that she had said she had a handgun in her car. Not that he could blame her for having it, but he was happy she hadn’t had to use it. “I’m glad you pulled in here.”

“I wasn’t going to. As soon as I thought the headlights were from a car like his, I thought it was just my imagination, that I was just scared and seeing things. Then something told me to pull in here and see if the vehicle followed. As soon as it did, I knew it was Matt. Why were you here?”

Danny lifted one shoulder and twisted his lips. “Eating dinner.”

She blinked and looked around. “At a rest stop?” “Yeah. Where were you headed?” he asked to change the subject. He didn’t want to discuss his lack of a life, not when her situation was more important.

Skylar blew out a breath. “I don’t know. I just got on the road and drove. I didn’t even realize I was here until I saw the county sign five miles back.”

“Is there anyone in town you can stay with?”

Her gaze dropped to the ground. “I didn’t keep up with anyone here. I can stay at a hotel.”

“That’s the first place Matt will look for you when he gets out of jail. I could post a deputy to keep watch, but that’s a temporary fix.”

“I understand.” Her gaze lifted to his, and she forced a smile that didn’t reach her blue eyes. “You’ve been a great help tonight, but you’ve done enough. I’ll figure something out.”

Danny took a step toward her. “If you think I’m going to walk away, then you don’t remember me at all.”

“Oh, I remember you,” she said. This time, the smile was the one he remembered from years earlier.

“Then let me help.”

Worry crossed her face once more. “Matt is the kind that won’t give up, isn’t he?”

“Let’s just say that I don’t want to take any chances with him. I know the perfect place you can stay. It’s a fortress unto itself. There’s no way Matt can get anywhere near you there.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Her relief was so great that her shoulders drooped with it. “I can follow you there.”

“Your car is staying here. I’ll have it towed to the station to be looked over. Get whatever you need. I’ll drive you.”

Hearts of Texas

Giveaway Alert

We’re giving one lucky winner their choice of one of our Sunday Spotlight books. Use the widget below to enter for one of this month’s features.

Sunday Spotlight: November 2019

Are you as excited for this release as we are? Let us know how excited you are and what other books you’re looking forward to this year!

About Donna Grant

Donna Grant Author Photo

Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty-five novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

In addition to her novels, Donna has written over forty short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.

She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.

Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.

Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.


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Sunday Spotlight: Dark Alpha’s Hunger by Donna Grant

Posted August 5, 2018 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 1 Comment

Sunday Spotlight is a feature we began in 2016. This year we’re spotlighting our favorite books, old and new. We’ll be raving about the books we love and being total fangirls. You’ve been warned. 🙂

Sunday Spotlight

Sunday Spotlight: Dark Alpha’s Hunger by Donna GrantDark Alpha's Hunger (Reapers) by Donna Grant
Series: Reaper #6
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Paranormal Romance
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Dark Alpha's Hunger is the sixth paranormal romance novel in New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant's Reapers series featuring a brotherhood of elite assassins who wage war on the Fae at Death's behest--and the women who change their hearts.

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

Where Death leads, I follow. Nothing will stop me from my duty – not even the darkness that claims me. It’s the music that leads me from the dark, returning me to my brethren and a new foe that has risen. Learning who hunts Thea could be the key to unraveling what we need to know to defeat our enemy. The Half-Fae’s music stirs a passion within me that I’ve never known. For her, I will break my vow of silence. For her…I will risk everything.

Order the Book:

AMAZON || BARNES AND NOBLE || KOBO

Excerpt

Chapter Two

The bombardment to his senses slowly pulled Eoghan back to consciousness. He dug his fingers into the cool grass and dirt. The soft rush of a breeze over his face cooled his flesh and caused a strand of hair to tickle his cheek.

He remained on his back and took it all in. The beast that had chased him was gone, left behind on that horrendous realm of darkness. It was the music that had lured Eoghan to freedom.

His eyes snapped open as he recalled the woman. He stared at the stars above him in the night sky as he remembered how she had pulled him through the portal. It was by sheer luck alone that he managed to close the portal before the beast got out.

He sat up and looked around. His gaze clashed with the broken dolmen. There were few portal stones left intact – and for very good reason. They were exactly as they were named. Thanks to a few Half-Fae who used what magic they had, mortals had begun crossing into other realms for centuries.

Most were never seen or heard from again.

Eoghan’s thoughts returned to the woman. His head swiveled as he searched for her. Spotting something shining in the grass, he pushed to his knees and leaned forward to grasp the item. He lifted it, staring in confusion at the black cat face earring.

He stilled as he felt something behind him, a stir in the air that sent a warning through his body. He rose to his feet and spun around, his magic ready to launch at his enemy.

But the petite woman standing before him in a black dress with full skirts halted his movements.

“Eoghan,” she said, a slow smiling pulling at her lips.

He dropped to his knees and bowed his head in deference.

A slim finger lifted his chin so he was staring into her lavender eyes. Her long black hair was pulled over her left shoulder into a fishtail braid. “We’ve been searching everywhere for you. I felt powerful magic and came to investigate. I’m delighted to find you. But how did you return?”

He glanced back at the dolman before returning his gaze to Death. There was something different about her. Almost as if she were…diminished.

Her smile was sad as she dropped her hand, her gaze holding his. “I’m dying. Bran is stealing not just my magic, but my life force as well.”

Fury ripped through Eoghan as he got to his feet. How could he have forgotten about Bran? He had to find the other Reapers so they could finish him once and for all.

Erith’s hand on his arm stopped not just his body, but his thoughts as well. He frowned as he looked at her, waiting to hear what she had to say.

Death blew out a soft breath and released him. “I know it was what happened in your past that made you take a vow of silence. You’ve been an invaluable warrior for me and the other Reapers. I don’t know how much time I have left. I no longer have the energy to keep everything going. I have need of you, Eoghan.”

He frowned, not liking her words or her tone. But he waited for her to continue. He owed Erith much, and serving her for eternity was just a small part of it. After his betrayal and death, she gave him life and a reason to continue.

He nodded, letting her know that he was listening.

“I never pushed you to do more than you were willing,” she said. “You were a general in the Light Fae army. You – just like Cael – were born to lead. And that’s what I need you to do now.”

Eoghan shook his head. There was no way he would push Cael out of being leader of the Reapers. Besides, Eoghan had no desire to lead.

“You misunderstand. Cael’s position isn’t in question.” She briefly closed her eyes. “I allowed you and your team to believe you were my only Reapers. Over the years, I’ve been accumulating more betrayed warriors. They work in the shadows as my spies and to back the seven of you, if needed.”

Eoghan was so shocked that he took a step back.

“These Reapers need a leader. They are very good at what they do, but they lack a cohesiveness to work as a group. What they need is you,” she stated.

It was the first time in years that Eoghan wanted to talk. The words jumbled in his head in a mass as he tried to sort out a way to get them out without speaking.

“Bran is about to win,” Death continued in a harsh tone. “I can’t stop him from taking my magic. He’s going to eventually assume my position. And he’s going to wipe out all the Reapers. For now, he has no idea of the other group. I’ve kept them hidden because of this. He believes you’re gone. With you leading the others, you have an advantage over Bran that could stop him.”

How could Eoghan refuse? But not to return to his brethren was going to kill him. Cael and the others were his brothers, his family.

As if reading his mind, she said, “Find Cael. Tell him what you’re doing.”

Eoghan gawked at her. Him? Why wasn’t Death going to fill Cael in?

Her face fell, a flash of regret passing over her features quickly. “You saved Cael from Bran’s magic, but the battle didn’t end. Bran turned Neve’s brother who betrayed and killed her.”

Eoghan nodded in understanding. Talin had fallen hard for the Light Fae, and with Neve’s betrayal and death, she had taken Eoghan’s spot with the Reapers.

“Your brethren have never stopped looking for you. They need to know you’ve returned.” Death gave him a smile. “I knew you would find your way back.”

In the next instant, Erith was gone. Eoghan stared at the spot she had been in for several minutes thinking over all Death had shared – and wondering what she left out.

He fisted his hand that held the cat earring, the back poking into his palm. There was a deep, profound longing to hear the music that had called him back to Earth. Was it the woman who pulled him through the portal that played the music?

He’d only gotten a quick look at her before passing out. Shoulder length blue hair, sienna brown eyes, and a tiny diamond stud in her nose. But even with that brief glimpse, he’d recognized her as a Halfling.

A frown formed when he recalled that he’d spoken to her. He told her to run. And it appeared as if she had done just that. It was for the best. She was much better off far away from him and the war.

Eoghan began walking. It didn’t take him long to realize he was in Ireland. He briefly thought of going to Inchmickery, the small isle off the coast of
Scotland near Edinburgh that the Reapers used as a base, but he wasn’t ready to be among them just yet.

Instead, he veiled himself and teleported to outside of the Light Castle in a copse of trees. And he watched the castle. At one time it had been a beacon for him, a place that he believed would outshine the Dark Fae in all ways. It didn’t matter if it was the castle on Earth or the one on the Fae Realm that was destroyed.

Just because a Fae was Light didn’t mean they couldn’t turn Dark. His wife was a prime example. How had he ever been so blind as to not see that she wanted power? His position had given her just that, but it wasn’t enough for her.

The pain of her betrayal no longer cut as deep after so many thousands of years. It was a dull ache now. But it would never leave him.

Perhaps it was time to put aside his silence. He couldn’t lead the Reapers if he didn’t talk. Damn. This was going to be harder than he thought.

He was about to teleport away when he spotted Rhi off to his left hiding in the trees not far from him. The infamous Light Fae who fell in love with a Dragon King was of interest to Death. So much so that Erith had Daire follow Rhi.

Yet, as Eoghan sought a glimpse of his friend, there was no sign of Daire. A Reaper could see any Fae – veiled or not. Without a second’s thought, Eoghan dropped his veil. Immediately, Rhi’s head jerked to him.

“Eoghan,” she said as she released her veil and walked to him. She looked him over, a grin forming, as she tossed back her long black hair. “We didn’t know what happened to you.” Her smile froze when she looked into his eyes.

He frowned, wondering what caused such a reaction.

“Look, hunky, I’m not a mind reader. I know the human adage of ‘silence is golden’, but not in this instance. I need you to talk to me.”

Eoghan hesitated. He swallowed twice before he asked, “What’s…wrong…with…me?”

“You’re eyes. They’re silver but…different.”

He formed a mirror in his hand and looked into it. Rhi was right. His eyes were silver, but no longer did he have a pupil showing. All that he saw was metallic silver staring back at him.

Rhi wrinkled her nose. “You might want to think of using glamour or wearing sunglasses when around humans.”

He made the mirror vanish and gave her a nod.

“Are you going to tell me how you got back? Where were you?”

“Tonight. Not sure.”

Rhi sighed dramatically. “Well, I guess I should be happy that I’m getting answers. Have you seen the others?”

Eoghan shook his head. “Where’s Daire?”

She shrugged indifferently, but she couldn’t quite hide her pain. “I don’t know. One day he was following me, and then he wasn’t.” Rhi suddenly put her hand on his arm. “I’m glad you’re back. Cael and the others have been beside themselves with worry.”

He didn’t get a chance to reply because she teleported away. Eoghan blew out a breath. It was time he spoke with Cael. He teleported to a cliff on the east side of Ireland and said his old friend’s name.

Within moments, Cael was standing before him. Their gazes met. The relief on Cael’s face made emotion well up in Eoghan’s throat. He’d never had a brother, despite wishing for one. The Reapers were his family, but Cael was like a true brother in every sense of the word.

They embraced before Cael grabbed his shoulders and stepped away to look at him. There was a slight frown when Cael saw his eyes. “Where have you been? How did you get back? When did you get back?”

“One at a time.”

Cael’s smile vanished as he dropped his arms and stared in shock. “You’re speaking?”

“Death said I must.”

All emotion was wiped from Cael’s face. “She spoke with you?”

Copyright © 2018 by Donna Grant in Dark Alpha’s Hunger and reprinted by permission of Swerve.

Reaper

Giveaway Alert

We’re giving one lucky winner their choice of one of our Sunday Spotlight books. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter for one of this month’s features.

Sunday Spotlight: August 2018

Are you as excited for this release as we are? Let us know how excited you are and what other books you’re looking forward to this year!

About the Author

Donna Grant Author Photo

Donna Grant

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | GOODREADS

Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty-five novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

In addition to her novels, Donna has written over forty short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.

She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.

Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.

Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.


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Review: The Hero by Donna Grant

Posted December 28, 2016 by Rowena in Reviews | 2 Comments

Review: The Hero by Donna GrantReviewer: Rowena
The Hero by Donna Grant
Series: Sons of Texas #1
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: December 6th 2016
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 320
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
two-stars
Series Rating: two-stars

THE HERO’S HOMECOMING

Owen Loughman is a highly-decorated Navy SEAL who has a thirst for action. But there’s one thing he hasn’t been able to forget – his high school sweetheart, Natalie. After over a decade away, Owen is returned home to the ranch in Texas for a dangerous new mission that puts him face-to-face with Natalie and an outside menace that threatens everything he holds dear. He’ll risk it all to keep Natalie safe – and win her heart. . . .

Natalie Dixon has had a lifetime of heartache since Owen was deployed. Fourteen years and one bad marriage later, she finds herself mixed up with the Loughman’s again. With her life on the line against an enemy she can’t fight alone, it’s Owen’s strong shoulders, smoldering eyes, and sensuous smile that she turns to. When danger closes in, she holds close to the only man she’s ever loved…

The Hero is the first book in the Sons of Texas series and it’s the first book by Donna Grant that I’ve ever read. I just finished watching 13 Hours when I requested this book for review on Netgalley so I went into this book, not really knowing what to expect but hoping for a good story. The story started out great. Owen Loughman’s a Navy SEAL who gets taken off a job and flown home, where he finds his Aunt and Uncle were murdered and his Dad is missing. He also finds his ex-girlfriend on the premises and has a whole bunch of questions.

Natalie works at the Russian Embassy. She is thrown into the mix when she was approached by Owen’s father for information on a super secret project that Natalie has no idea about but when the code word comes across her desk at work, later on, she’s really thrown into the thick of things and seeing Owen again after all of these years, doesn’t help matters.

There have been a lot of years that separated Owen and Natalie. They’re not the same people they were when they were in high school but that doesn’t seem to stop them from wanting the hell out of each other and while that would have been fine and dandy, this book suffered from the inappropriate lusting. I’ve spoken about it before after reviewing some other romantic suspense books and I just can’t get on board with danger being a turn on because I don’t understand it. The last thing on my mind is sex when I’m covered in blood but hey, that’s just me. There was a lot of stuff that didn’t make sense to me as I continued on with the book and in the end, I just don’t know if I’ll be continuing this series because shock of all shockers, this book ended on a cliffhanger. Ehh. I’m not a fan of that either so while the book started off well, it didn’t really end well and too much happened that had me rolling my eyes down the street so I’m giving this one a 2. That’s a bummer.

Grade: 2 out of 5

two-stars


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Guest Review: Dark Heat: The Dark Kings Stories by Donna Grant

Posted June 4, 2014 by Tracy in Reviews | 0 Comments

Guest Review: Dark Heat: The Dark Kings Stories by Donna GrantReviewer: Tracy
Dark Heat by Donna Grant
Publisher: Macmillan, St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: December 31st 2013
Genres: Fantasy
Add It: Goodreads
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four-stars

The Dark Kings are sworn to defend an ancient legacy of dragon magic. But their fiercest challenge lies in the modern world, where a woman's love conquers all. These are their stories.

Includes a bonus Dark Kings story: Passion's Claim!

Dark Heat gathers together these favorite stories of Donna Grant's Dark Kings.

Dark Craving

Fueled by ancient magic—and enflamed by human desire—the Dragon King known as Hal can transform himself at will into one of the legendary winged creatures he is sworn to protect. But one thing he can never do is fall in love…with a mortal woman.

Everything has gone wrong in Cassie’s life and she’s down on her luck. Her brother, Dan, who lives in Scotland has agreed to let her live in his cottage which happens to be near Dreagan land – the land of the Dragon Kings who are dragon shifters.

Cassie manages to make it to Dan’s cottage but can’t make it inside the house during a blizzard. She almost dies in her car but is saved by Dragon King Hal. Hal is immediately drawn to Cassie and when she wakes up, she’s drawn to him as well. They can’t seem to stay away from each other, though Hal does try. He and his fellow Dragon Kings had had a spell put on them many years before so that they would feel nothing towards humans (their kind had been betrayed by a human in the past). Unfortunately Hal’s feelings are blowing the spell right out of the water. He becomes determined to stay with Cassie no matter what it takes.

Night’s Awakening

The dark immortal warriors were never meant to experience human desire. But when Guy, a member of an ancient order of shape-shifting warriors, meets Elena—a mere mortal whose beauty and blind ambition shakes him to his core—all bets are off…

Sloan insists on taking her new employee caving, much to Elena’s dismay. Elena’s not really into it but Sloan insists and since Sloan is her new boss she decides to humor her. Unfortunately Sloan also insists that she needs to investigate a shaft that she’s found once they’re deep in the cave. That doesn’t turn out so well for Sloan and leaves Elena alone in a cave she can’t get out of with a severely sprained ankle. Luckily she is saved by 3 Dragon Kings who are all big and fierce but also very kind – especially one, Guy.

Guy is almost immediately smitten with Elena but Con, the King of the Dragon Kings, knows something more is going on with Sloan and Elena being on Dragon King land. He fears that someone knows about them being dragon shifters and they must put a stop to it before any of their secrets get out. They decide to investigate Elena’s place of work, PureGems, in London, to see if they can find who knows what.

While all the decisions are being made Guy and Elena are getting closer together and quickly falling in love. Guy wants nothing more than to keep Elena safe but she knows she must help find anyone who has it out for the Dragon Kings and agrees when they decide to make her bait.

Dawn’s Desire

For centuries, the Dragon Kings have hidden their shapeshifting powers from the world. But when a mortal enemy threatens to expose them, the warrior Banan must leave his secret lair in the Highlands to risk his life for the dragons within—and resist the temptations of human love.

PureGems’ London base is run by Richard Arnold. His secretary is Jane Holden. Banan, a Dragon King, is acting as a chauffer for the company so that he can see who needs investigating further. Jane meets Banan when he drives her to the airport. Almost immediately they’re attracted to each other and Banan approaches Jane to have dinner with him. She eventually finds out that he and his friends need info about Richard Arnold and she agrees to help, but then believes that Banan only approached her for her help – not because he liked her. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Though the spell had been cast on the Dragon Kings so that they wouldn’t feel for humans, that apparently doesn’t apply when it comes to the Kings’ fated mates. Jane is Banan’s and he doesn’t want to let her out of his site once he realizes that she is his one and only. He can’t be with her at all times, however, and soon the person who knows more than he should about the Dragon Kings is kidnapping Jane.

The three first stories in the Dark Kings series were pretty entertaining. Yes, the stories move fast and the couples fall in love quickly but when you’re fated to be together, why wait, right? lol Even though each story had the insta-lust theme and the pairings were fast it all worked for me.

In the second book we started to see what would be a continuing story ARC and that made the story that much better. I can only assume that the next novel continues where book 0.3 (Dawn’s Desire) left off and we’ll eventually find out who the villain is. I gotta be honest, I’m dying to know.

There is a bonus story in the book called Passions Claim that continued Balan and Jane’s story as well as showed us a big problem in Elena and Guy’s relationship. I admit I don’t normally enjoy reading about tension between lovers after they’ve had their HEA but it is reality and this one had a happy ending so it was all good.

If you don’t mind fated mates and you’re a fan of dragon and shifter stories then this book is definitely one you need to read.

Rating: 4 out of 5

four-stars


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What I Read Last Week

Posted May 12, 2014 by Tracy in Features | 3 Comments

How y’all doin?  Hope you had a nice weekend.  Happy belated Mother’s Day to all of the Mother’s out there – I hope your day was wonderful.  I spent mine with my husband’s family (since my fam all moved away! sniff) and that was a lot of fun.  

Let’s see…what’s going on in my life?  Not a lot.  My oldest has a new boyfriend – ug. lol  I’ve only met him once but he seems nice – always a good thing.
My youngest is gearing up for her 6th grade graduation and getting ready for 7th grade (OMG Jr. High! lol).  I was thinking about it yesterday and realized she’ll be in the graduating class of 2020.  That cracks me up for some reason.  I think because back in the 70’s everyone thought we’d all be driving flying cars and/or spaceships by then. Too funny.  We’re not quite in the space age yet. 🙂

On to what I read…

I started off the week with The Kraken King Part VI: The Kraken King and the Crumbling Walls by Meljean Brook.  I was on a roll with parts 4 & 5 so I had to read 6!! Zenobia and Ariq are getting closer as they try to save Krakentown.  I can’t tell you much because I don’t want to give any spoilers but it was good! My review will post on the 20th.  4.25 out of 5

Next up was Secrets and Sin: Raphael by Naima Simone.  This book has Greer drowning her sorrows after her engagement is broken and spending a torrid night with Raphael.  She is then accused of murdering her ex-fiance and she also find herself pregnant.  The story was a good one.  I did have a bit of an issue with Greer but it was still good.  3.75/4 out of 5

My next read was Sir, Yes Sir by Dinah McLeod.  This is a book in a series called Old Fashioned Husbands.  It’s a story that involves domestic discipline and that’s just not my cup of tea. Despite that I thought it was a decent read.  The story has a former Army man coming to terms with life outside the military and his wife dealing with his mood swings.  3 out of 5

Just for the Weekend by Susanne Matthews is the story of Cleo and Sam.  Cleo is a kindergarten teacher who is helping out an author friend at a sci-fi convention in Vegas.  Sam is the man who can’t get Cleo out of his head.  They get together for just the weekend but Cleo knows it can’t last.  She thinks he’s a Chippendale dancer and with her hometown holding her to a high standard she can’t be with him.  He’s actually a multi-millionaire who is trying to figure out if Cleo wants him or his money.  It was a darned good read and one I really enjoyed.  4 out of 5 (read for Book Binge)

Three French Hens by Lynsay Sands is a novella that has Joan, a French woman, who doesn’t want to marry the man she’s betrothed to.  She finds a maid, Brinna, who looks like her and pays her to be Joan, with Brinna understanding that it’s just for a day or two.  Brinna, however, falls in love with Joan’s betrothed which she really wasn’t supposed to do.  This is a really cute story and I loved Brinna. Royce, the betrothed, was a sexy beast and a great guy and I wanted nothing more than for him and Brinna to be together.  4 out of 5

Dark Heat: The Dark Kings Stories by Donna Grant was a compilation of 3 novella’s having to do with the Dragon Kings.  Each story has a fated mate and pretty much insta-lust but they all worked for me one way or another.  I’ll post my review this week. 4 out of 5

Next up was Hard to Hold by Incy Black.  This story is about a single woman who goes out and gets IVF to have a baby.  Now someone is trying to kill her.  Her ex-husband gets involved even though she doesn’t want him to.  She still loves him and he her but they have so many issues between them it’s almost insurmountable.  The story is more suspense than romance but it does have it’s own special blend of romance – and not the sweet, gentle kind.  Anna and Nick are at loggerheads almost the entire book and besides the outside “evil forces” the book is really about them working through their issues in their lives and in their relationship.  It was good – I just don’t have a clue how to rate it.  I finished the book 2 days ago and I still don’t know.  I’ll get back to you on that. (read for Book Binge)

Last for the week was an oldie but goodie called The Deed by Lynsay Sands.  This was Sands’ first book and it made me laugh yet again.  Emma has an audience with the King because her husband of two years has never consummated the marriage.  The husband dies on his way back to follow the King’s orders to do the consummating and Emma’s immediately ordered by the King marry someone else (else her lands will fall to her husband’s mother and Bertrand (a relative but I can’t remember the relationship).  He thinks she must be a hag, I mean, why else would a man not bed his wife for 2 years???  She’s not a hag and Amaury actually has a hard time holding himself back from bedding her immediately. Emma’s got self esteem issues and Amaury’s got someone after him and a temper to boot.  The whole story had me smiling because Emma was just so naive (but still highly intelligent) and Amaury had no patience at first but became a great hero.  Just a cute medieval romance.  3 out of 5

My Book Binge reviews that posted last week:
crickets

Happy Reading!!


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