The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice writing as A. N. Roquelaure

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

Before E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey and Sylvia Day's Bared to You, there was Anne Rice’s New York Times best seller The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty

In the traditional folktale of "Sleeping Beauty," the spell cast upon the lovely young princess and everyone in her castle can only be broken by the kiss of a Prince. It is an ancient story, one that originally emerged from and still deeply disturbs the mind's unconscious. In the first book of the trilogy, Anne Rice (author of Beauty's Kingdom), writing as A.N. Roquelaure, retells the Beauty story and probes the unspoken implications of this lush, suggestive tale by exploring its undeniable connection to sexual desire. Here the Prince awakens Beauty, not with a kiss, but with sexual initiation. His reward for ending the hundred years of enchantment is Beauty's complete and total enslavement to him . . . as Anne Rice explores the world of erotic yearning and fantasy in a classic that becomes, with her skillful pen, a compelling experience. Readers of Fifty Shades of Grey will indulge in Rice’s deft storytelling and imaginative eroticism, a sure-to-be classic for years to come.

Praise for The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty:

"Articulate, baroque, and fashionably pornographic." —Playboy

"Something very special . . . at once so light and yet so haunting." —The Advocate

 REVIEW 

Being a fan of Anne Rice, I have always been curious about this book. In an effort to read a "fairy tale retelling," I decided to give the story a try, and I am not sure how I feel having just finished the reading. What I am sure of is this, this is a BDSM fetish story. I don't know how it compares to what one gets out of the experience in reality. I only speak as someone with a mild curiosity on the subject. I was as uncomfortable with this story as I was excited by it. I understand the fixation. I can concede how willing participants might gain insight and restraint from the act, but the humiliation and degradation the love slaves suffered in Claiming of Sleeping Beauty was periodically hard to take. But I did read all the way to the end. Only to be handed a big stinking cliff hanger. Now I have to decide how much I want to know where the tale is going and if it is worth more titillating discomfort. So, this story is not for everyone. If you are easily offended by dubious consent or severe treatment, just don't read it. If you are interested, be ready for an in-your-face journey. Would I recommend it? Yeah, maybe, but still not sure.

Prisoner of Night by J.R. Ward

ABOUT THE BOOK

From #1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward comes an unforgettable story of passion and vengeance in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world.

When Ahmare’s brother is abducted, there is nothing she won’t do to get him back safely. She is unprepared, however, for the lengths she will have to go to save his life. Paired with a dangerous but enticing prisoner, she embarks on an odyssey into another world.

Duran, betrayed by his father, imprisoned in a dungeon for decades, has survived only because of his thirst for vengeance. He has been biding his time to escape and is shocked to find an unlikely and temporary freedom in the form of a determined young female.

Battling against deadly forces and facing unforeseen peril, the pair are in a race to save Ahmare’s brother. As time runs out, and the unthinkable looms, even true love may not be enough to carry them through.

Amazon

REVIEW

I am not typically a fan of novellas (although I seem to be reading a lot lately). I do however love J.R. Ward. The Black Dagger Brotherhood world is one of the few vampire book series I can engross myself in. Her voice is unique. The narrative is haunting, beautiful, and dark but often hilarious, hopeful and romantic. This story is just an off-shoot, so none of the Brotherhood makes an appearance, but I was perfectly fine with that. Even though both Ahmare and Duran are largely anti-heroes, I rooted for them in every way. Their reasoning was sound and their connection believable, I could have easily spent an entire novel with them.

The Darkest Captive: A Lords of the Underworld Novella by Gena Showalter

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a new story in her Lords of the Underworld series… 

For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. With good reason! This bad boy of bad boys has lied, stolen, cheated and killed with abandon. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything.

Then he met her.

Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey -- sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow. 

Galen's hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her. But as desires blaze white-hot, will Legion run again? Or will the unlikely pair succumb to love at long last?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Amazon

 REVIEW 

Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter was one of the first paranormal romance series I started to follow. I found them as I discovered reading a continuing series was my favorite way to enjoy paranormal romance. It is a fantastic concept, immortal warriors inhabited by the demons they set free as a punishment. They have to learn to deal with the evil inside of them, without becoming evil themselves. And they are sexy and very alpha. Fast forward to Darkest Captive, actually a few books prior, and I am not sure these books are for me anymore.

The pairing of Galen and Legion as a couple works well. Both characters require redemption at the start of their relationship. I love a salvation story as I find anti-heroes most intriguing. It is disappointing the couple did not receive a full-length novel since they have been circling one another for several books now. Perhaps the bulk of their story has already been told.

With the corruption that appears in the world, there are many ways of exploring how demons can alter one's outlook. In the current installment, False Hope and Jealousy inhabit Galen. These inner struggles as the demons influence the host is tense, clever and entertaining.

Legion's arc, several books back, is excellent. She barters with Lucifer to obtain a gorgeous human body, hoping to win the love of one of the Lords. In the end, just after meeting Galen, she is sent back to hell. From this return trip derives her PTSD. The physical and most notably the sexual, abuse she undergoes is a common theme in these books. Frankly, it is starting to feel overused. Not only that, but Legion does all her healing off stage making the struggle feel less genuine. What I am left with is the feeling it solely serves as the hurdle to keep Legion from wooing with Galen. And it gives Galen the opportunity to prove his love by exacting violence on Legion's abusers.

I tend to listen to audio-books as much as possible. Therefore, my biggest complaint with the book/series may be due to the narrator's interpretation of the text, leading me to not fully commit to this criticism. Lately, I have felt a great deal of the character speech has been excessively juvenile. It has not been just one individual or one sex, and it seems to pop up several times over multiple installments. Actually, it has become cringe-worthy, so much so I considered stopping the book this go round. In the beginning, I did not have this issue, but the first few books I physically read. I may attempt the next book without the audio to make my final decision, but the series may have reached the back burner for me.

1001 Dark Nights Dragon Claimed by Donna Grant

 REVIEW 

Novellas present an opportunity to test a series or author. Reading Dragon Claimed as a stand-alone is possible, there is an explanation for all relevant backstories. I highly recommend the Dragon Kings to those who love paranormal romance and urban fantasy. I have been following this series for awhile, and it is one of my favorites out there.

I'll be honest I usually skip the novellas when I read a series. Romantic couples tend toward love at first sight, which is not my favorite approach. But, my sister advised me it is too far into the subplot arc to skip, which I agree. Cinaed and Gemma's romance was swift, but it did not feel forced. Donna Grant has a great formula when pairing her couples. And Gemma's addition will pay off later when the subplot reaches a climax. 

My favorite part of Dragon Claimed is Gemma perseverance. The trauma she experiences as a child hinders her adult life. She finds the courage to excel at something, while dealing with, at times, overwhelming fear and sorrow. When Cinaed comes to her with a resolution, she overcomes her terror and faces her past. Her courage is admirable. And Cinaed, well the Highland Dragon Kings are always sexy, intriguing, mighty and gallant. No way to go wrong with them.

Purchase your copy now: 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2SItG54

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2SJ7GXC

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2SNQZdq

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2SBLSNG

Watch the trailer: https://video214.com/play/1YF633MhbdD6Nb33tB42dg/s/dark

BLURB:

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant brings you another sizzling Dark Kings novella. 

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

Born to rule the skies as a Dragon King with power and magic, Cináed hides his true identity in the mountains of Scotland with the rest of his brethren. But there is no respite for them as they protect the planet and the human occupants from threats. However, a new, more dangerous enemy has targeted the Kings. One that will stop at nothing until dragons are gone forever. But Cináed discovers a woman from a powerful, ancient Druid bloodline who might have a connection to this new foe. 

Solitude is sanctuary for Gemma. Her young life was upended one stormy night when her family disappears, leaving her utterly alone. She learned to depend solely on herself from then on. But no matter where she goes she feels…lost. As if she missed the path she was supposed to take. Everything changes when she backs into the most dangerously seductive man she’s ever laid eyes. Gemma surrenders to the all-consuming attraction and the wild, impossible love that could destroy them both – and finds her path amid magic and dragons. 

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.** 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41882458-dragon-claimed 

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About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her "totally addictive" and "unique and sensual" stories. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Kings, features a thrilling combination of dragons, Fae, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children and an assortment of animals in Texas. Visit Donna at www.DonnaGrant.com

Website - http://www.donnagrant.com/ 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dgauthor/ 

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1141209.Donna_Grant 

Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-grant 

Dark Alpha's Awakening by Donna Grant

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

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…

Serving Death and the Reapers has been my life for centuries. I’ve always put my duty before everything, even my yearning for Death. But now, she’s fading – our foe is bent on destroying her and he will stop at nothing until he does. Death holds the key to our survival. I will do everything in my power to stop her from disappearing. For her, I will ensure we have the best fighting chance. For her…I will cross the divide keeping us apart.

This is a full length Reaper novel.

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 REVIEW 

The Reaper novel I have been most looking forward to is Dark Alpha's Awakening. Cael and Erith's romance has been building over the past six books of the series. I appreciate a gradual romance. Stolen moments, whispered desires, sly glances, it is all very intense this way. The payoff, in the end, is better for it.

Erith is a bada** chick, one of the best heroines in Donna Grant's world. Her origin story was quite interesting and makes sense with what has been revealed of her so far. Erith fears losing control of her power, which keeps her from forming a deep bond with Cael and the rest of the Reapers. She keeps herself at a distance, hoping the lack of any temptation will keep her desire for violence at bay. When outside conflicts begin to weigh on the group, realization Erith has wasted too much time on a fear of intimacy becomes abundantly clear. Erith opening herself up in Dark Alpha's Awakening is something I have been eager to see. It is obvious Erith has been lonely and that Cael was the object of her desire. Seeing them together was deeply gratifying.

Cael has always been my favorite Reaper. Calm and intelligent, Cael leads the Reapers efficiently. Watching members of his team fall in love and mate was hard on him. Convinced he would never have the chance he craved, Cael took solace that doing his job at least allowed him to spend time with Erith. When Erith began to retreat inside her domain, not even seeing Cael, he snaps and demands some answers from Erith. Erith's departure leading to Cael losing self-control is just what the two need to face their desire for each other. And it is well worth the wait.

Outside of the romance is the antagonist Bran. Death and the Reapers are hunting him, after his escape from the prison realm Erith placed him in. The conflict reaches a pinnacle here, one that wraps up some rather significant events. Do not miss this book.

Random spoilery thoughts:

Given the similarities between Erith and Rhi, I wonder if a connection exists on a biological level. But, that is pure speculation on my part.

I want Balladyn to, somehow, not be the epitome of evil. It would be great if he could get redemption, which I believe he is already on his way to obtaining. 

Cael is now just as bada** as Erith. He goes through quite the transformation, one that was pretty fricken cool. I was a bit worried about him through quite a bit of this story. Some genuine tension is present in this novel.

I cannot wait for Rhi to kick the ever loving crap out of Usaeil.

Dark Alpha's Awakening by Donna Grant was given to me by Saint Martin's Press, through NetGalley, for my honest opinion.