REVIEW: The Vitruvian Man Trilogy by Cate Masters

Cursed

The Vitruvian Man – Book One ....a cold and lonely existence.... Bruno diCesare lives in the shadows. Alone and hidden from the world, his only joy comes but once a year---at Carnevale. For ten days, he can blend in with the colorful, masked masses without revealing his true nature. But this time, he is faced with fiery temptation. Carnevale allows Melina Weaver to be someone else--someone sexy, daring, enticing, someone who lives on the edge. It's a far cry from her real life, with long and boring hours spent in a sterile lab. When her fire dancing arouses the curiosity of a dark and compelling stranger, she might have more excitement--and danger--than she ever imagined. Can Bruno escape his cursed existence? Can he protect her, and can she trust him to save them both? Ten days. The difference between bliss or desolation, redemption or remaining forever Cursed. ~Excerpt~ Light danced in his dark eyes. “I must admit, your fire dancing fascinated me. What made you choose such a dangerous skill to master?” “The thrill of the challenge, I suppose.” It balanced the rest of her mundane life, to a degree. His gaze intensified. “Mistakes must be very painful.” “I practiced a long time before I worked up the nerve to actually light the wands. I found the fire great incentive to focus, however.” God, her grin must be goofy, the way he stared. What gorgeous eyes, such a deep brown they almost appeared black. He probably had rugged features, if his large hands provided any indication. Too bad he wore gloves, another barrier between them. “Yes,” he said, “I imagine so.” “What about you? What other magic do you know?” Oh please, could she get any more ridiculous? It sounded like a line from a bad chick flick. The crinkle around his eyes was the only evidence of his smile, but enough to charm her. “Lifetimes of studying the dark arts have provided me with many tricks.” “Lifetimes?” He stiffened in her arms. “Pardon?” She watched him carefully. “You said ‘lifetimes.’ Plural.” And what the hell did he mean by “dark arts”? Graceful movements became rigid. “I’m sure you’re mistaken.” He stared over her head as they whirled to the music. Mistaken my ass. How very strange. More strange that the question upset him. He’d clammed up, and his muscles were so tense she expected him to bolt. Better to drop it. For now. “Must have been a slip of the tongue.” “Yes.” Relief sounded in his tone, though guarded. This man had something to hide. How intriguing. Charmed The Vitruvian Man – Book Two Brought together by accident, bound by fate—and magic. Love works its charm over Bruno DiCesare and Melina Weaver during his transformation from beast to man. But love likewise blinds them to the secrets each holds. Bruno thinks his secret will devastate Melina. Melina’s afraid Bruno will hate her for what she’s become. Neither guess the greatest danger lurks outside their door—and could force them to choose between love and life itself. ~Excerpt~ The ancient grandfather clock chimed the hour, the only way Melina Weaver tracked time these days. Eight o’clock. No wonder her stomach grumbled. When had she last eaten? It took her a moment to remember whether it was day or night. Beneath the city of Venice, inside the quarters Bruno had made his home, no light penetrated. Why hadn’t Leonardo da Vinci, übergenius that he was, factored in the human need for sunlight? Despite being cavernous, the chambers were closing in on Melina, like being swallowed by a giant python. She took a deep breath, but the stale air only reminded her how much she craved fresh, sweet openness. A masculine groan broke her self-pity. She hurried past the curtain to the bed where Bruno lay. The oil lamps in the outer room were dim but enough to show his furrowed brow, a sign of distress too common lately. She stroked his forehead. “Shh.” Covers clenched in his fist, he thrashed. He clasped her hand, his skin smooth rather than scaled like before. It amazed her to witness the process, how the human being inside slowly surfaced, as if a sculptor worked at a masterpiece, chipping away the layers of scales, smoothing away the roughness, leaving a magnificent man. So beautiful, Melina found herself constantly staring. At first, she yearned to map the mechanics of recovery into some logical reasoning. Later, she stared because his handsomeness captivated her. Did he know how striking he looked? How magnetic women would find him? Would every female hang on him like Elda did? A pang of jealousy surprised her. The vision of Elda sharpened. Irritable, Melina envisioned herself growing larger, an angry Alice in Eldieland. No way did she intend to stay there. She harnessed her will, condensed it into a roiling ball, and mentally thrust it at the sorceress. Claimed The Vitruvian Man – Book Three Forced to choose between life and love, their battle is far from over… Melina Weaver gave up everything—for Bruno diCesare. Fire destroyed everything Bruno held dear—except for her. They have no prospects, no place to hide, and are out of options—their only hope is to join with the rogue magicks to fight to overthrow the Council’s dictatorship. Can they forge a new world from their love or will their claim on each other damn them forever?      ~Excerpt~ “I love you,” I breathed. “I love you.” “Forever.” Melina’s lips pressed to my skin like raindrops on a thirsty man. I drank them up, but still wanted more. Her limbs quaked. I gently set her on the ground. “We should get back. You need to rest.” “So do you.” She nestled into my side as we strolled and sent me a lopsided smile. “But I’m glad you’re getting your strength back.” “More importantly, my head has cleared. Elda must have tainted the treatments.” It would explain the strange dreams; Elda’s way of muddling my mind so I wouldn’t know what was real and what was imagined. So far, it hadn’t weakened the shield I’d put up to hide my thoughts and power from the Council, but I couldn’t afford even one slip. It would send an undeniable signal that I still lived. Still presented a threat. Melina splayed her hand across my ribs. “I suspected she tried to keep us apart that way.” “You spent a lot of time alone.” No need to phrase it as a question. Much as I’d struggled to stay conscious, I’d managed to remain awake a fraction of our time together. A great unfairness to her. “I did a lot of reading, as you know.” Her casual tone belied her worry. I couldn’t help my past disapproval, but I could offer reassurance. “Yes. Of course. Your studies serve you well.” We reached the cottage, and she faced me. “It’s the only way I know how to protect you. They’ll find you here, won’t they?” “For now, I’ve shielded my thoughts from them. They’ll sense magic in use, however. Most who practice tap into a main source. Those with the greatest power learn to wield it with little effort, and create our own. It’s one way you’ve proven yourself to be a great talent already.” “But I know so little.” “You learn fast. And you command your magic well.” “Teach me to use it better.” Urgency edged her tone. And excitement. I dreaded the responsibility of the task. “I’m not the most patient teacher.” “And I tend to be a hardheaded student.” She linked her arms around my neck. “But we’ll make it work.” She made everything so effortless. Even when I imagined problems between us, she made them disappear. But how long would she grant me such grace? Erin's Review   Cate Masters spins a spellbinding tale of love, mystery, suspense and intrigue like no other. In The Vitruvian Man Trilogy we meet Melina, a self proclaimed boring genetic scientist who on holiday meets the mysterious Bruno diCesare, who is much more than meets the eye. The trilogy follows the pair through Venice and deep in to Da Vinci's secret world of magic. Melina proves herself worthy of what a great heroine strives to be in an epic battle that shows off her quick mind and her tenacity to hold on to what she holds close to her heart and you want to weep for Bruno, who after centuries of torment, is finally freed from a prison he had thought was permanent.  These books had me from the first chapter and I couldn't put them down. Paranormal romance has met it's match with these books and the history that is wound within the story sets the tone for what the underside of Venice is for those of magical persuasion.  I honestly cannot say enough about this wonderful story and once again proves that  vero amore conquista tutti

REVIEW: Carry Me Home by Alexa Bourne

Carry Me Home (Tease)

Alexa Bourne

Blurb:

After six months in the city, Mary MacDougall returns to the Scottish Highlands to finalize her divorce. Because of a past tragedy, she doubts her husband Jamie can possibly love her with the same unbridled passion as before and insists ending the marriage is best for both of them.
But Jamie has other ideas….

Jamie MacDougall has no intention of letting his bonnie lass go. At least not without a fight. Aye, they’ve suffered heartache, and she may be ready to call it quits, but he refuses to throw away the partnership they’ve built since they were children. Instead, he’ll remind her they were meant to be together, forever.

Can this marriage survive pride and grief to allow love to carry them home?

Available at:

Amazon

Decadent Publishing

All Romance Ebooks

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

~Excerpt~


“What do you want, Jamie?” She’d not get caught up in his soulful amber eyes. No, she would not.


“You’ve had your bit of fun, but I want you to come home.” He tilted his head to one side and drifted his fingertips along her bare arm.


She yanked away. “I’ve come to get my papers from you, to say good-bye to those I love, and to move on with my life.” She stepped around him and continued down the path to the center of Glenhalish. “I’ll be at the Kierlain House until Sunday. Please bring the forms and leave them with the front office.”


“I don’t have them.” He nearly shouted with glee. “I tossed them out.”


“I thought you might say that.” Smiling on the heels of another small victory, she fished through her handbag and pulled out another copy of the divorce papers. She’d come armed with a half-dozen copies just in case he chose to be difficult. She strode back to him with her chin held high and slapped the papers against his chest. “Here.”


Jamie stared at the lass’s fine arse strutting away from him. Her hair had been cut, straightened and the summer dress with the flowery print accentuated all the curves he’d fallen for so many years ago, the curves he knew so intimately. And those heels, for the love of St. Bridget, Mary hadn’t worn high heels like that since she left school. They’d brought her closer to his height, yet she still only reached his shoulders.


She’d left Glenhalish in January, a cold, distant housewife, and come back this alluring woman. For a moment, panic set inside his gut. He’d intended to convince her to come home so they could face their grief and move on together, but seeing how much happier, sexier, and sophisticated she was, perhaps Edinburgh was good for her, better than he could be.


But he wanted her back, wanted to get through this rough patch they’d strayed onto after the lad’s death, and return to the partnership they’d shared since primary school. They had too many years left. She couldn’t leave him. He wouldn’t survive without her.


The lass may have plans to leave him forever, but Jamie MacDougall wouldn’t give her up without a fight.

Sarah's Review: 
Thanks to Decadent Publishing and Alexa Bourne for giving me the chance to read this story.  What I didn't know or realize was that I should have read this one before Silent Surrender which was reviewed here.   While it is not extremely important to read this first, it kinda spoiled it for me since I knew what was going to happen. Since I read Silent Surrender first, I already liked Jamie and Mary both, but I am glad that I got to read their story.  It actually answered a lot of questions that I had after reading Silent Surrender. 

My favorite part of this story was watch Jamie fight to get Mary back.  It also shows how lack of communication can tear people apart when they need each other the most.  I was swooning over some of the things Jamie did.   

Now my question for Alexa:  Can you write more about the MacDougall brothers?   

REVIEW: Silent Surrender by Alexa Bourne

Silent Surrender
A Tease - Entice story
Alexa Bourne

Meggie MacDougall often dreams of Quinn O’Connell, the sexy Irish football coach who swept her off her feet in Dublin. But what happened in Dublin must stay there. She has responsibilities at home, and she refuses to fuel the gossip fires in Glenhalish.

Quinn has never forgotten Meggie and the explosive weekend they shared. Overwhelmed by memories of her passion, beauty, and zest for life, he jeopardizes his cushy career to find her and test the connection between them.
When Quinn arrives in her Highland village, Meggie is determined to ignore him. However, she isn't prepared for the claim he lays on her heart with his sexy charm and his tender soul.
Will pride and fear keep Meggie from embracing possibilities, or will Quinn's gentle persistence break down her defenses and lead her to a silent surrender?
Genre: Contemporary romance Heat level: 3 Word count – 18k Cover art by Tibbs Designs
~Excerpt~
Quinn came toward her, the ball juggling between his feet. “Get him, Miss Meggie!” someone called from across the pitch.

Her heart rate, already soaring, tripped at the sight of her man. Her nerves tightened, her muscles clenched. She rocked on the heels of her feet. She’d steal the ball for her team.

He closed the distance between them. Meggie pushed against his rock-hard abs and tangled with his feet. He tugged on her ponytail, slid his foot between hers, and sent the ball to his teammates.

Meggie yelped, her arms flailing to her sides. Her feet remained tangled with Quinn’s, and she lost her balance.

Quinn’s arms circled her waist and twisted her so his body took the brunt of the impact with the dirt-packed earth. She rolled to the side, still cradled in the crook of his arm and with the pressure of his delicious body over every inch of hers. “Are you all right?” He propped himself up and brushed her hair away from her face.

“Aye. Thank you for taking the fall for us.”

“You’re down here with me, aren’t you?”

“Aye, but you protected me. Thank you, my Irish knight.”

“My pleasure, my lady.”

Aye, she was his lady and she decided she rather liked it.

He leaned down and claimed her mouth.

“Is she hurt?” one of the lads yelled. The ground trembled beneath their feet.

“Aye, ye daft fool. He’s giving her mouth-to-mouth,” yelled another.

Together they both giggled and ended the kiss. “You should probably let me up before they call for an ambulance.”

“Right.” He jumped to his feet. “No worry, boys. She’s fine.” She missed the feel of him against her body. As she propped herself on her forearms, he reached down and pulled her to her feet.

Sarah's Review:

Thanks to Decadent Publishing and Alexa Bourne for the opportunity to read and review this story.  This story is part of their Tease line.  Once again, Alexa has drawn me into her story telling. I love that she has her stories set somewhere other than the US.  

Quinn and Meggie had me rooting for them right from the start.  Quinn going to find Meggie was what sucked me in.  Who wouldn't want a man that came looking for her? Well in a non stalker type way!!  Meggie tried to resist, but Quinn was able to convince her to go on a date with him.  

I will admit that I wanted to smack Meggie for using family as an excuse, but I understood why.   I am glad that Jamie, Meggie's brother did what he had to do to cause Meggie to wake up!  

Even though I want more, this story was a great addition to the Tease line.  Hey Alexa, can Ewen and Cat get a story too?  You did set that up perfectly for it!

REVIEW: Undercover Temptations by Amanda McIntye

Undercover Temptations
Red Boot Diaries
Amanda McIntrye
 
Cat Madsen left her hometown ten years ago, escaping to Vegas with hopes of becoming a famous showgirl, but those dreams evaporate when she finds out that the owner of the club she pole-dances at also dabbles in drug trafficking. Now, using her ailing father as an excuse to return home to the town that rejected her, Cat is back with a renewed determination to prove her worth. But her tarnished reputation may prevent her from building a future among small-town attitudes.

When an undercover assignment lands Detective Reese Jamieson in the tiny town of Sweetwater, he is skeptical it’s a hotspot for anything. Then he gets his first glimpse of the ex-Vegas showgirl who runs the new pole-dancing workout studio. Reported to be a hometown gal with a checkered past, she is considered the prime suspect to front a drug ring, but he begins to wonder once someone threatens the beautiful woman’s life and business. Reese struggles to keep things professional. When things become personal, Reese must risk everything, including Cat’s trust, to protect her from the past.
Genre: Contemporary, sweet romance, suspense/thriller Heat level: 2 Word count – 24k Cover art by Scott Carpenter
~Excerpt~
He arrived a few minutes early, noting the lone baby-blue F-150 in the gravel lot. The sun sat like a red fireball on the horizon, casting long shadows across the parking lot. He got out of his car and dropped his bag in the trunk, squeezing the automatic lock on his keys. He took his time walking to the front door, taking in the solitary light pole at the driveway entrance, the sagging overhang of the front porch, and the sputtering welcome sign missing its last vowel. As he got closer, he heard the thump-thump of sensual bass coming from an exceptional sound system. The wicked beat caused goose bumps to rise on his flesh and thoughts he shouldn’t be toying with to filter into his brain.

Yeah, she’s wild, our little Cat. The words of the man at the bar slithered with a slow hiss into his brain, and he swallowed hard to fight off the images it brought with it. The daily grind and pressure of his job left little time for dating. Besides, he was getting too old for the bar scene and though they’d tried, the younger guys on the force had only managed once or twice to drag him to a dance club. He paused at the front door, observing the weathered barn-board exterior. In its day, it was probably a busy place—maybe even a place he might have frequented. The door stuck, and he shoved his shoulder against it, forcing it open.

The main room was empty, dark except for the tables and chairs stacked to one side. Farther back beyond the bar was an area that appeared to be a dance floor. It didn’t take long as he moved toward the dim light to realize it was no ordinary dance floor. He stepped from the shadows and halted in his tracks at the sight before him. It resembled a silvery forest with at least nine—to his quick count—steel poles positioned at spaced intervals across the room. Above, bare light bulbs stuck out from sockets strung across the beams of the ceiling, providing light to each of the stations. He wasn’t sure what he should have expected, but this wasn’t it. The music grew a bit louder, drawing his astonished gaze to a tenth pole set up in the middle of the small stage at one side of the room. Above it, a single bulb housed in a metal, industrial shade spotlighted the pole.

From the heavy black drapes hiding the backstage area emerged a woman the likes of which Reese had never seen. Her long legs were encased in skintight black Spandex that rode miles, it seemed, before disappearing beneath a faded, cherry-red zipped hoodie. She gripped the pole with one hand, letting it slide effortlessly as she dropped her body to a squat position and let her body sway to the provocative beat. She dropped her head back, her dark brown hair done up in a ponytail swished back and forth. Her eyes were closed. Performing silently, she obviously thought she was alone.

Lord have mercy.

Sarah's Review: 

Thanks to Decadent Publishing and Amanda McIntrye for the chance to read and review this story.  This is from the Tease line that DP has out as well.  These stories truly fit their line name.  I was left wanting more with this story, even after the epilogue.  

What I loved most about this story is that it could have happened in my hometown.  The small-town drama that everyone seems to know what everyone is doing, yet they truly don't know what anyone is doing is so true.   I enjoyed watching Reese and Cat learn about each other, but then when Reese's true job came out, watching Cat decide whether she could trust him.   

This one is more difficult for me to review because if I say what I want, I will give the story away. 

REVIEW: Sun, Sand, and Seances (Tease) by Kathleen Ann Gallagher

Sun, Sand and Seances (Tease)

Kathleen Ann Gallagher

 

Bobbi Collins is a caring and devoted kindergarten teacher who had her world turned upside down when her fiancé died after a lover’s quarrel. Five years later, she still struggles with acceptance. Her role as an educator fills up her week, but on weekends, she longs for something more. When she stumbles across a newspaper ad for a psychic fair in the historic town of Cape May, New Jersey, it seems like the answer. Bobbi is determined to revive her once vibrant life.
Kevin Carlton a successful realtor is tired of the dating game. He doesn’t remember buying a raffle ticket, but when his co-worker announces he holds the winning number, he decides to take a chance and attend the all expense paid weekend in Cape May, at the Lady of the Sea's Psychic Fair. He hopes to find a spiritualist who has the ability to contact his late father and prove he has become a man to be proud of.
Sparks fly when Bobbi and Kevin run into one another at the fair. When strange happenings occur, Bobbi rushes into her ex-boyfriend’s arms. She never imagined having a weekend of magic, memories, and a chance to rekindle the flame with her lost love.
Can sun, sand, and séances cast a spell on their hearts and allow the reunited couple to find what they both desire, or will the spirits sabotage it all?

Genre: Paranormal romance, contemporary, chick lit
Heat level: 3 Word count – 15k
Cover art by Gilded Heart Designs
~Excerpt~
“Maybe someone doesn’t want us to go out together.” She folded her arms and trembled.

He sat beside her on the bed and slid close. “Don’t be scared. There’s always something to repair in these old hotels. Try not to let all of the ghost stories get to you. It’s all in fun.”

“The stories I’ve heard sound real.”

“I think the air conditioner made the noise.” He laughed.

Bobbi grabbed the blanket from the edge of the bed and placed it around her shoulders. “Don’t you feel the cold air?”

“Did you turn it on when you came into the room?”

“No, I thought you did.”

“Now, that’s weird. I didn’t touch it.” Kevin tucked her against him. With their bodies close, neither of them said another word.

The warmth of his touch calmed her nerves, and Bobbi turned to gaze into his eyes. She gasped when he gave her an intense stare and placed his hand on the side of her face. Her desire surfaced and the wall she’d built to protect her heart since her fiancé’s death began to loosen. His cologne teased her to remember how sweet he had always been. As Kevin pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, she wrapped her arms around his broad back. When he placed his lips on hers and searched her mouth with his tongue, she whimpered and surrendered to his embrace. His kiss a reminder of the fun-filled days and long passionate nights. Why had she given him up? The image of her fiancé flashed in her mind like a bucket of cold water, and she shoved against Kevin’s chest, loosening his hold.

“Wait, wait…. We can’t do this! I came here to contact Greg. It doesn’t feel right.” Bobbi broke loose and straightened her blouse.

Emotion she couldn’t identify touched her deep within and twisted her heart. “I’m sorry I upset you, Bobbi. I’ve always remembered what we shared.” His voice cracked, and he slammed his hand down on the bed. “I know we were both young, but I made a terrible mistake to lose touch with you. You’re a beautiful woman….”
Author Bio:
Although writing is my passion, nursing is my vocation. I work in an emergency room, and it’s been challenging and rewarding to be such an integral part of so many others’ daily struggles. I have a wonderful husband who always offers his support, and never complains about my crazy schedule. One of our favorite romantic getaways is Cape May, New Jersey, an old, historic beach town where we take a step into the past and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Although my children are all grown with busy lives of their own, Chaz, our Shepherd mix, still dutifully stands guard at the house. We are also blessed with three adorable grandsons.
Other interests of mine include cooking, reading, and the theater. However, spending time with my family is most important to me. Even though my life is filled with work, family, etc., my mind continues to ponder the next story or concept for a new novel.


Sarah's Review:

Thanks to Decadent Publishing for the opportunity to review a story from the new Tease line. I hadn't had the chance to check out that line yet.  Thanks to Kathleen Ann Gallagher for creating a story that took us to a place that not many do.  

I love that this story brought in the aspect of spiritual advisors to light.  Some people believe in them, some people don't.  I don't know where I stand at this point because I have never seen one, but my mom and two of my sisters have.  Some of the predictions have come true and some have not.  However, I will say that I have faith that there is a plan for everyone and if something is meant to happen, it will.  

I enjoyed watching the two characters reconnect and also talk about why they were at Cape May for the weekend.  Some things have a way of working out in ways that we don't expect.  

PROMO: Silent Surrender by Alexa Bourne

Silent Surrender 

Alexa Bourne

Book Blurb:

Meggie MacDougall often dreams of Quinn O’Connell, the sexy Irish football coach who swept her off her feet in Dublin. But what happened in Dublin must stay there. She has responsibilities at home, and she refuses to fuel the gossip fires in Glenhalish.

 

Quinn has never forgotten Meggie and the explosive weekend they shared. Overwhelmed by memories of her passion, beauty, and zest for life, he jeopardizes his cushy career to find her and test the connection between them.

 

When Quinn arrives in her Highland village, Meggie is determined to ignore him. However, she isn't prepared for the claim he lays on her heart with his sexy charm and his tender soul.

 

Will pride and fear keep Meggie from embracing possibilities, or will Quinn's gentle persistence break down her defenses and lead her to a silent surrender?

 

Excerpt:

Quinn came toward her, the ball juggling between his feet. “Get him, Miss Meggie!” someone called from across the pitch.

Her heart rate, already soaring, tripped at the sight of her man. Her nerves tightened, her muscles clenched. She rocked on the heels of her feet. She’d steal the ball for her team.

He closed the distance between them. Meggie pushed against his rock-hard abs and tangled with his feet. He tugged on her ponytail, slid his foot between hers, and sent the ball to his teammates.

Meggie yelped, her arms flailing to her sides. Her feet remained tangled with Quinn’s, and she lost her balance.

Quinn’s arms circled her waist and twisted her so his body took the brunt of the impact with the dirt-packed earth. She rolled to the side, still cradled in the crook of his arm and with the pressure of his delicious body over every inch of hers. “Are you all right?” He propped himself up and brushed her hair away from her face.

“Aye. Thank you for taking the fall for us.”

“You’re down here with me, aren’t you?”

“Aye, but you protected me. Thank you, my Irish knight.”

“My pleasure, my lady.”

Aye, she was his lady and she decided she rather liked it.

He leaned down and claimed her mouth.

“Is she hurt?” one of the lads yelled. The ground trembled beneath their feet.

“Aye, ye daft fool. He’s giving her mouth-to-mouth,” yelled another.

Together they both giggled and ended the kiss. “You should probably let me up before they call for an ambulance.”

“Right.” He jumped to his feet. “No worry, boys. She’s fine.” She missed the feel of him against her body. As she propped herself on her forearms, he reached down and pulled her to her feet.