Sunday, March 27, 2016

Desire’s Hostage by Emma Prince

Desire’s Hostage by Emma Prince
Viking Lore, Book 3
Publisher: Emma Prince (March 2016)
307 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

Alaric was selected by his Jarl to go in search of land on which they can form a new settlement for their people, and he lands in Pictland near a people who have had an unfavorable run-in with some Northmen already. Alaric is tasked with persuading the Picts to allow them to settle near them and join forces against any future enemies, and while these negotiations are taking place they have traded hostages to show good faith, Alaric taking the Pict Chieftain’s daughter, Elisead, but not all would see the negotiations good forward and they are plagued by incidents of sabotage in their efforts to move forward. Great mystery element to this story! I wasn’t quite sure until near the end who was behind the attempts at sabotage. I loved the glimpses of both Viking and Pict culture in this story, and their contrast to each other. The mystical “old ways” air that surrounded Elisead fit in so well with the Vikings, and I thought that was a very intriguing aspect of her character. Alaric was such a non-judgmental, protective companion to Elisead, and I really liked the way he made her an equal and a partner. Great story!

The Bride Prize by Emma Prince

The Bride Prize by Emma Prince
Sirens of the Northern Seas Collection
Viking Lore, Book 2.5
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing (January 2016)
73 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality: White Heart

Eyva wants to train as a Shieldmaiden, but it has been forbidden by her family, instead she is to be offered as the Bride Prize at the Jarl’s games. After losing his family to illness, Tarr hopes to gain a position with the Jarl’s Captain by winning the Jarl’s games, the Bride Prize is of no interest to him and he plans to refuse it, but he can’t seem to get Eyva out of his mind. Sweet short tale. Both can’t ignore the pull to each other, but are nonetheless resigned to being apart—luckily some friends help them along. Loved both characters. Great story!

Friday, March 18, 2016

Never Kiss an Outlaw by Nicole Snow

Never Kiss an Outlaw by Nicole Snow
Deadly Pistols MC, Book 2
Publisher: Ice Lips Press (February 2016)
354 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

When a dirty cop’s past catches up with him, he decides to check out early, and the club takes in his daughter out of loyalty for past favors, vowing to keep her safe from her father’s pursuers. Firefly is given the job of looking out for her, but their mutual attraction makes the job much harder than he anticipated. After seeing the enforcer’s hard shell in the first book of the series, it was nice to get to know him a little better and glimpse a softer side now and then. Cora was a good girl, with a hot temper—perhaps a bit too impulsive at times—but she had a strength that was admirable. Cora and Firefly were a good mix from the beginning, and the story kept you on the edge of your seat. I’m looking forward to Joker’s story! He’s such an intriguing character—my favorite of the series! Hope to see it out soon!

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Never Love an Outlaw by Nicole Snow

Never Love an Outlaw by Nicole Snow
Deadly Pistols MC, Book 1
Publisher: Ice Lips Press (October 2015)
338 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality: Red Heart

With the Club in financial straits, they set off to do a shakedown at a remote whorehouse, hoping to pick up enough cash to tide them over, but Skin stumbles upon a girl that claims to be there against her will. He vows that if her story checks out, he’ll come back for her, but Megan doesn’t have much time left. Great to start out in a new MC crew and start to get to know everyone. Skin and Megan had great chemistry from the beginning, and I liked the way she stood up for him with her family, and Skin stood by her even when it meant going solo without club support. There are a few references to the authors’ other MCs, and I thought that was a nice touch, wrapping it all up in the same MC world. I’m looking forward to Joker’s story—hope to see it out soon! Next up is Firefly. Can’t wait!