The Seventh Son (Norman Conquest #4) by Ashley York

Title: The Seventh Son (Norman Conquest #4)

Author: Ashley York                            
Genre: Medieval Romance
Length: 324 Pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: March 30, 2016
Source: Review Request
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Vashti                                                                                        

Drogheda, Ireland 1075

The sixth son bears a curse as certain as the seventh son bears a blessing. When Tadhg MacNaughton’s betrothed is ripped from his arms and married to another, he believes the legend is true.

Tisa O'Brien's life slams into a downward spiral at the news she is no longer betrothed to the love of her life but to the tanist of a warring, prideful clan with dangerous political aspirations, the Meic Lochlainn. She faces her destiny with all the strength and dignity of her Irish heritage despite dealing with a husband who resents her and meets his needs in the arms of others, fighting off the lustful advances of her father-in-law, Aodh, and longing for the husband of her heart.

Tadhg MacNaughton makes a deal with the devil to ensure the survival of his clan as he is commanded to fight for Aodh who envisions himself the new High King of Eire. Up close and personal, Tadhg must witness his true love's marriage and remain silent even as it rips him apart. When a sinister plot to overthrow King William of England led by the exiled Leofrid Godwin and Clan Meic Lochlainn comes to light, Tadhg is faced with saving his clan or endangering his sister and her Norman husband.

An Irish beauty and a warrior betrayed, doomed in love from the start or does fate have something else in store for them?

The Seventh Son is the final book in the Norman Conquest series.

This is the story of Tadgh and Tisa, and whether they will get their happy ever after or not.  However, given that  this is the last book in the series, we see all the main characters from the first three books brought back and questions answered. Including the question of  Sir. John's paternity.

This could be a stand alone read but I think there are too many story lines going on, and the reader may have a hard time understanding all that is happening and why.

There really is not  much interaction between Tadgh and Tisa until midway near the end of the book. To me, this story seemed to revolve more around Tisa, her queen of a husband Darragh, and Tisa's struggle for survival in an unfamiliar, totally foreign, and many times hostile situation.   Tisa and Darragh are both forced into this marriage by their fathers.  A marriage that neither of them wants.  Tisa was really blindsided by her father, Roland, and not only because he ends her engagement to the love of her life.  It was very cruel, no matter his reasons, and Roland never redeemed himself in my eyes.

Sometimes a character can rub you the wrong way in the beginning of a story and then totally redeem themselves, but Darragh is not that character!  I think Darragh was very much bipolar because he seemed cruel, hard, and extremely self-centered, but after the marriage sometimes he's kind and warm, wanting to protect and help Tisa.  Then BAM, in the blink of an eye, or in the wink of a guy, he flips and is all about himself and what he wants.  Leaving Tisa to fend for herself on more than one occasion.  It actually got really old, very fast, hearing him drool on and on about how he doesn't sleep alone, or seeing him fawning over his preferred bed partners. The fact that he is so disrespectful to his wife in their home and then at one point he has the nerve to question her as to whether she's cuckolding him, was one of many reasons why I totally disliked Darragh.  He keeps saying he wants to protect her and he sees how she is truly protecting him from his father Aodh, yet he does not reciprocate.  Every time I started to warm up to him, the bipolar switch came on and he would do something that just disgusted me.

When Tisa and Tadgh finally get together and interact it is literally so heart-wrenching I was tempted to go to the end of the book to find out what happened but that's not my style.  I will never go to the end of the book because I thoroughly enjoy the "read" when a book captures my attention.  I really was tempted though, because Tisa seemed like she just couldn't catch a break, and I was desperate to find out how it all ends.

There is an extreme amount of confusion that leads to heartache for most of the characters in this story, which all started off in book 2 with Padraig, Tadgh's father.

This book is a journey, to say the least.  Not just the struggles of Tisa and Tadgh, but some of the very evil characters that are introduced in this book  are literally cringe-worthy, and you actually want them to die.  Tisa's father-in-law or more accurate, her Creep-in-law, was the worst in the series and I didn't think anybody could stoop lower than that swine Ivan from books 1, 2 and 3.  Garrett is another vile creature but Malcolm, who was assigned as a sort of bodyguard, seemed at first an iffy guy, but he actually turned out to be one of the best men in the book.

There were a few bits I found hard to believe such as Aodh having tears of grief.  Simply because he was so vile and disrespectful to Tisa and Darragh.  Also his vain ambitions led him to badly mistreat his first wife and granddaughter.  Just hard to believe this first rate A-hole even had tears in is body.  I'm sure they were as black as his soul!  I won't go into much more detail but I seriously question the naming of Tisa's first born.  Hard to believe that no matter Tisa's thinking,  how could her husband approve of his 1st born son being given a name other than his.

This was not my favorite book of the series, which is ironic because this book is the one I had the most anticipation to read.   The cover was actually my favorite out of all four books.  By no means is this a bad book,  I simply liked books 2 and 3 more.  There were just so many different stories and points of view going on that from chapter 1 to the next it was jumping back and forth and just a little hard to follow in the beginning.  Along with a few typos, but not enough to distract from reading.  Lovers of this series will certainly love this book.

I recommend to anyone who is into medieval romance novels,  Irish medieval history, which I thoroughly enjoy,  men with a twitch in the wrist, or just heartfelt struggles and wondering if your hero and heroine are ever going to find their way through to a happily-ever-after, then this book is for you.

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The Norman Conquest

The Saxon Bride #1

The Gentle Knight #2
The Irish Warrior #3

Review of "The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst"

Title: The Marriage Bargain 

Author: Jennifer Probst
Source:  Requested Review

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook - 286 pages

Release Date:  2/14/2012
Author's Website

Review Hunter Moon by Cait Lavender

Title: Hunter Moon (A Lupine Moon Novel)
Author: Cait Lavender
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: Novel (ebook 384 pgs)

Review Demon Crossings by Eleri Stone

Title: Demon Crossings
Author: Eleri Stone
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: E-Book; 76,000 words
Release date: January 2, 2012

Private investigator Grace tracks a kidnapped child to middle-of-nowhere Iowa. Encountering a strange creature she knows can’t be a local animal, she doesn’t need her psychic abilities to figure out the sleepy town is not what it seems. When she meets the intriguing Aiden, she’s plunged into a world of Norse gods and fire demons where the Wild Hunt still rides the night.

Aiden needs Grace’s help to cross the portal between worlds and rescue his daughter. Grace is unlike any woman he’s ever met. He’s drawn to her courage, distressed by her vulnerability and doubtful of her motives. But he knows that her visions are the key to defeating the enemy and bringing everyone home alive. Grace wants a future with Aiden, even if it means she’ll never have a normal life.

When a test run to the portal takes a terrifying turn, they must learn to finally trust each other or Aiden’s daughter, and their chance at love, will be lost forever…

ARC Review White Wind by Susan Edwards

Title: White Wind
Author: Susan Edwards
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: e-book; 114,000 words
Release date: Mass Market original release- March 1996; e-book re-release- November 21, 2011



Alone in the world since the death of the man who raised her, Sarah Cartier is forced to flee her home to escape her abusive guardian. No sooner does she ride off into the untamed wilderness than she is swept away by Golden Eagle, the Sioux brave who saved her life once before. Insisting that Sarah belongs to him, Golden Eagle brings her to his village to learn the ways of his people. Her fantasies becoming reality, Sarah is a willing captive—but she fears the danger she'll bring when her guardian finds her.

The blue-eyed beauty has haunted his dreams ever since their first encounter. Now Golden Eagle is determined to claim her as his own. As future chief, Golden Eagle is betrothed to the daughter of another tribe. Consumed by passion for Sarah, he knows he will be forced to choose between love and duty…



Rating-



Sexual-



My review-

The final book in this set of four re-released books in Susan Edward's "White Series" is "White Wind". This book was actually the first of the series that was published, telling the story of the little girl we meet very briefly as a toddler in "White Dawn". As I am the type of reader, at times, that likes reading things in chronological order, I was pleased with the chance to start this series in the correct chronological order. Though, as I mentioned in my previous review, I would recommend reading "White Wind" before "White Shadows".

Just as her other stories are, "White Wind" is another fabulous addition to this series. We have the opportunity to see someone not raised by Native Americans adapting to their society. What I still find so wonderful about this series in these first four books is that we get such real characters to enjoy watching evolve, love, go through sorrow and joy, but we also are given a glimpse into a way of life that seems so glossed over in other pieces of fiction we see that are set during this time period.

This series is wonderful so far and I am looking forward to the re-release of the next set of four into e-book format.

ARC Review White Shadows by Susan Edwards

Title: White Shadows
Author: Susan Edwards
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: e-book; 67,000 words
Release date: Mass Market original release- October 2003; e-book re-release- November 21, 2011



Night Shadow is driven by the need for vengeance, to find and punish the man who murdered his family and kidnapped his sister. And what better way to exact that revenge than by stealing his enemy's intended bride on their wedding day: a woman for a woman. He will release his captive if and when his sister is returned to him.

The daughter of a great chief and no meek maiden, Winona fights her captor every step of the way. But she cannot deny that the warrior's touch arouses something in her that her betrothed never has. She sees through the anger in Night Shadow's eyes to the despair within, and knows in her heart it is her destiny to help him learn to live again.

Night Shadow is mesmerized by Winona's beauty and spirit, and soon realizes he must face his past and end the hatred in order to offer her a future.



Rating-



Sexual-



My review-

Once again continuing with the Susan Edwards' "White Series", the next book in the series, "White Shadows" is technically considered the third in the series based on information on Edwards website. However, I personally feel it should be read after the fourth book, "White Wind", as it does show us some continuation of the hero and heroine in that book.

However, if you choose to read this book before "White Wind", there's nothing that will truly spoil you in terms of enjoyment. Yes, you will know the fate of the two in that book, but it doesn't take away from the overall story.

However, I am jumping the gun on that book. That review will come soon. On to "White Shadows", which is another wonderfully written addition to this series. I have started to notice a bit of predictability in how the hero and heroine get together in the last couple books, but the quality of writing makes you forget that at the same time.

Edwards gives so much into these stories that you feel you are right there and you ache when the characters do, love when they do and cheer for them when it is needed. What is wonderful about these books is you get an insight into Native American culture during a period of time that was such a struggle in their history, as well as US history, during the early 19th century.

Another aspect I love about this series is that the love scenes are definitely HOT and deserve the rating, but they are tasteful enough that someone who may not be at all interested in erotica will enjoy them.

I highly recommend this book if you are following the series.

Review of SHADOWED SOUL BY by Stacey Kennedy

SHADOWED SOUL, a 1NS Story
Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Date: October 7, 2011
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
E-book, short story
Author Requested Review

Four months have passed since Ellie’s heart was broken by her cheating boyfriend, Gerrid. Sick of mourning, she sets out in search of one thing, a man to make her forget. Madame Eve, a matchmaker, arranges for Ellie to meet just the man at Nocturnal Nightclub in Miami. Bryce is not only sexy as sin, but full of mystery. He does things no man should be capable of. Ellie might question his fast speed, cold hands, and even the way he bites at her skin―if he wasn’t so determined to awaken the part of her that’s been buried by lies.

Days have passed since Bryce’s last feeding and his vampire hungers demand to be sated. But feeding is not his only intention. Ellie seeks to be a different woman, to gain power for herself, and Bryce plans to push her to discover it. To show her she can do things she never thought possible and force her to see the strength she yearns for already lives inside of her.

Ellie will have to choose, expose all of herself, or remain hidden in the dark shadows. But Bryce will have to make a choice of his own—let her go or keep Ellie forever?

My Ratings

Review

Sexual

If you’re not familiar with the 1NS series of short stories, well then, you are in for a treat.

Ellie has been depressed and feeling worthless ever since her last boyfriend dumped her.  She decides to use the services of Madame Eve and 1NS (One Night Stand) to treat herself to a night of no-strings attached, uncomplicated, completely fulfilling debauchery.  Bryce on the other hand had grown tired of string of women coming through the revolving door.  The services offered by Madame Eve allow him to satisfy his physical needs and give something back to the women in return.

For a short story, Ms. Kennedy packs a wallop.  Just enough emotional pain, love lost, and self-esteem issues to get you involved with the characters but not overburden the story.  Ellie’s one-night stand is more than she ever expected; as Bryce worships her and brings out the woman hidden inside.  But oh no, this is not a one-way street.  What Ellie unknowingly offers Bryce is too good to be true. 

Get out the fan and ice water and keep them close by – you’ll need them.

Review of TAKEDOWN, a 1NS Story by Stacey Kennedy

TAKEDOWN (1 Night Stand Series)
Stacey Kennedy
Decadent Publishing
Date of Publication: June 7, 2011
M/M Erotica
Ebook, 29 pages (more or less)
Author Requested Review
Stacey Kennedy Website

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Tanning has been on the hunt for a killer on the run in Turks and Caicos. A week into the investigation, he has absolutely nothing to show for his efforts. Feeling defeated he returns to Castillo Resort to drown his frustrations. There he meets UFC fighter, Rye Daniels. Now the resort’s bartender, Rye recognizes a man that has been beaten down, but he also senses a shared attraction that is hard to ignore. Wyatt might not be ready to step out from behind the shadow of lies, but Rye will stop at nothing to unleash the beast within.
*Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.

My Ratings...
Review

Sexual

Well now – that’s a hook-up! And I would expect no less from Ms. Kennedy and Decadent’s 1NS series. The cover alone lets the reader know they are in-store for hot deliciousness!


Both Wyatt and Rye, separately, contacted 1NS dating service months ago, hoping the agency would be able to connect them with a female of their dreams; if only for one night. What they don’t expect is their mutual attraction toward each other. Wyatt is hesitant to acknowledge his emotions because of his position as a U.S. Marshall. Whereas, Rye has no doubts about how he feels for the rough and rugged Wyatt. The initial seduction of Wyatt is volatile and what immediately follows between the two alphas is explosive.


Ms. Kennedy teases near the end with the same cryptic text message sent from Madame Eve, of 1NS, to both Rye and Wyatt. Which leads me to believe these two may get their match from 1NS yet. A girl can dream……

Review Shadow of the Vampire by Meagan Hatfield

Shadow of the Vampire
Author Meagan Hatfiled
Paranormal- vampire and dragon shape shifters
Mass paperback 384pgs
Authors website
This book is due out July 1st



Book Description:
Even vampires should never sleep with the enemy.

Vampire princess Alexia Feodorovna has been undead for 125 years, so it's been a while since any man has made her pulse race. Until Declan Black. One look at his bronzed body and a fire like no other consumes her. Then she discovers that he's a dragon lord come to take revenge on the vamps who killed his parents. And claim a crystal said to imbue its owner with incredible powers.

Alexia is ordered to torture and kill the dragon lord. Yet with each reckless encounter, she finds herself consumed by his fiery passion. A passion Declan battles, as well. Will he be able to resist the fire of lust she kindles within him and keep revenge in his heart? Or will he risk everything to quench the burning desire and claim the vampire as his own?

My reivew
Rating-

Sexual

I have two version's of this review. The first one is more spoilers the next one is less spoilers, so if you want less just keep scrolling unitl you hit less spoilers.

This was a excellent read! Hatfield has a wonderful talent that shows bright in this highly intense action packed sexy book. The talent she has is to take you in depth in the characters in a short length of time and add so many twist and turns you can’t seem to turn the pages fast enough to learn what’s happening next. In this book you get tons of intense action, torture, fighting, (dragons against vampires), betrayal, HOT Sex, and a huge cliffhanger that really makes you want the next book or maybe its two books yep, that’s it two books. I would like to give a warning to those that are of the faint of heart ,there is a lot of torture in the first of the book for both Declan and Alexia, so be prepared it starts right off. With everything going on in this book I never felt lost or confused on who is who or what is what. The way Meagan writes it, its very easy to read and understand.

What would you do if the woman that compels you with hot passion is your enemy? The very one that could have killed or had a hand in killing of your parents, then she is the one that captures you and beats you then throws you in a dungeon. Is she the brutal monster or someone else? If not, is there anyway he can keep her without his family killing her.
They both also have another problem, she is a vampire and his family won’t accept her unless she is a dragon, now how are they going to be able to jump through that hoop.

Now for Spoilers! If you want to know more.
There is so much in this story I don’t want to give out to much, but yet I want to touch on what I enjoyed most, the only thing is I have a problem with that because I enjoyed it all. There’s a war going on between the vampires and the Dragons. Alexia (vampire) is soon to be queen, her mother (named Catija, vampire) is being controlled by the evil general ( named Lotharios, vampire). Alexia’s mother and the evil general kills the King and Queen of the dragons, well lets just say the dragon King and Queen was pretty much tortured to death by them. Now Alexia needs a crystal to have power, so this is were we get into the action, Alexia knows Declan (dragon) has it so she captures him and tortues him to tell her where the crystal is, when he doesn’t comply he is thrown in the dungeon after beaten then beaten some more, later she comes to see him to see if she can get more out of him, but what she finds is an attraction between each other. What Alexia doesn’t know is Declan is the dragon’s King and Queens son. From there Alexia finds things are not as they seem in the vampire world and she now has to help Declan escape while she herself takes beating’s from Lotharios.

I know this is one big spoiler here, I just cant resist. After Declan and Alexia escape Declan is still in week state, but when Alexia is thrown off a cliff he jumps and changes into a dragon in mid flight avoiding the pain and the hard rain trying to get her, This is one intense moment where you really can’t turn the pages fast enough to see how he gets her and makes it back up the high cliff. If I don’t stop now I will giveaway everything and I don’t want to do that. I have to let you know some of this I just wrote will have a few changes as you read the book, I can’t give everything out LOL you’ll also find quite a few more surprise’s yourself.

I do believe this book will hit this top of my favorites of this year right now it’s tied with the top one so far, that’s how much I enjoyed this story. I would recommend this book to anyone that reads PRN reader even some UF readers that enjoy a little sex would like this book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Less spoilers

This was a excellent read! I would recommend to anyone. Hatfield has a wonderful talent that shows bright in this highly intense action packed sexy book. The talent she has is to take you in depth in the characters in a short length of time and add so many twist and turns you can’t seem to turn the pages fast enough to learn what’s happening next. In this book you get tons of intense action, torture, fighting, (dragons against vampires), betrayal, HOT Sex, and a huge cliffhanger that really makes you want the next book in had to start it. I would like to give a warning to those there is a lot of torture so be prepared it starts right off at begging. There is a lot going in this book, I have to say I never felt lost or confused on who is who or what is what. The way Meagan writes it, its very easy to read and understand.

There is a war going on between the Dragons and the Vampires. They both want a crystal. One has it and his name is, Declan (dragon), Alexia (vampire) needs it, so she captures Declan and torture’s him but he doesn’t talk. In the dungeon they both find a passion for each other that wont let up. They both escape the evil vampire general. Now Alexia is with Declan and has to brave the dragon layer and they don’t want her. The only why Alexia and Declan can make it together is if she is a dragon this is an intense adventure to see how these to make it happen. You also read about some more characters on both sides, so I know I will be looking out for more books.


This book receives Top Bite Award