Healing His Soul's Mate by Dominique Eastwick

Title: Healing His Soul's Mate
By: Dominique Eastwick
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Published: April 29, 2016
Genre:Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: April 30, 2016

 

Things are not as calm at the Wiccan Haus as they usually are. The impending birth of Dana and Rekkus’ cubs has everyone on edge. The last thing anyone wants or expects is a series of uninvited guests.

Ashlynn Stone hasn’t spoken to her sister Dana since she left for the Wiccan Haus over a year earlier. But when a fluke accident on the fashion runway forces her to seek the healing of the Wiccan Haus, she has no choice but to pack her bags and take the ferry to the island with her family in tow.

Shadedor has been sent to the Wiccan Haus to assess the situation. But he soon finds more than he expected. His soul mate in need of healing. Can he negotiate the issues of the Wiccan Haus and overcome the walls Ashlynn has built to protect herself.

As the Haus prepares for the biggest event since it opened, can the siblings find harmony and manage to do what they do best, heal those in need? Or is it too much for them to take?

Welcome back to the Wiccan Haus.

My dreams and wishes have finally been granted. The baby is coming! The baby is coming!!

While Healing His Soul’s Mate is about a new fresh couple, it also includes the much anticipated birth of Dana and Rekkus’ babies. This story has been on my mind for ages. I first read their story in Shifting Hearts. After checking my records is been pretty much four years, almost to the date. It was the charter story for the sexy, fun and ever changing Wiccan Haus series.

If you are unfamiliar with Wiccan Haus, please take a moment to check it out. Here is the blurb from Goodreads: Meet the unusual residents of the Wiccan Haus. The staff can get a little hairy and not all of the guests eat what’s served in the dining hall. But the proprietors always do what they can to make the resort into a place of healing and peace, using all of their years of practice. At the Haus, where humans and Paras reside side-by-side, everyone in need of the Rowan siblings’ services is welcome.

The new couple to the island is Dana’s sister Ashlynn and the mysterious, Shadedor. Doesn’t his name even sound mysterious? Shadeor has come to Wiccan Haus to report on the status of the upcoming birth and other goings on at the Hause. Pretty routine for him, but what he didn’t expect is to find his possible mate.

Ashlynn has been estranged from her sister Dana since Dana cancelled her wedding and moving to the Wiccan Haus resort. Their dominating mother disowned Dana and Ashlynn was too afraid of her mother’s wrath to go up against her. Now that Ashlynn is in need of more than regular healing, her and the rest of the family are going to the island to see if they can help Ashlinn and to also heal the rift between the whole family. Well everyone but the mother. She is tagging along too, but she as forgiving and “lovely” as ever. What she finds is more than she expected.

Healing His Soul’s Mate is a bit longer in length than the normal WH read and a great big THANK YOU to Ms. Eastwick for doing it. She included two entwined stories that could have stood alone but was better told together. Great job!! I loved how she brought the whole island together for the event of the year and also was able to heal more than a few souls. She also was able to keep the stories separate. They each had their own feeling but yet fed into the story as a whole. Not an easy task with so many facets.

If you have ever been interested in diving into a connected world written by various exceptional authors, then consider the Wiccan Haus series. The flavors of the different authors are delicious and well balanced. They do an exceptional job working together to keep this amazing island running smoothly.

I stick by what I said from the very beginning and couldn’t be more true today…”This series is going to be fun and engaging with an eclectic mix of characters and countless romantic possibilities. I plan on enjoying this series from the beginning all the way to the end. I hope you join me. Come take a relaxing short vacation with me to the Wiccan Haus; where you will find inner peace, breathtaking magic and explosive romance.”

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Romancing the Wolf by Various Authors

Romancing the Wolf
By: Heather Long, Melissa Schroeder, Brandy Walker, Saranna DeWylde, Virginia Nelson, Rebecca Royce, Cara Carnes, Desiree Holt, Gayle Donnelly, Jennifer Kacey
Publisher: Self Published
Published: June 30, 2015
Genre: Contemporary, Futuristic, Action/Adventure, Anthology, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction
Length: Novella, Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: July 25, 2015

 

Sexy and we know it! They’re on the hunt after your heart. Discover 10 brand new passionate tales of friendship, desire, wolves, survival, and redemption. Escape to another world, another place, and another romance.

Warning: Contains wild heroes and heroines, tempestuous passion, old secrets, new discoveries, and pack ties binding them together. Sometimes love’s greatest challenge is romancing the wolf…

Books included:

Heart of the Wolf (The Devora) by Desiree Holt Shifter Lia Popescu is desperate to find the book Legends of the Werewolf, her only clue as to what happened to her pack. When she loses her heart to the sexy detective Riley Morgan, she wonders how he will handle knowing the truth about her.

The Ardennes Curse (Woolven Secret) by Saranna DeWylde Victoria’s determined to free her people from the curse that forces them to become mindless, slavering terrors every full moon. Even if it means taking, Armand Rommulus, their new Alpha to mate.

Odd Mate (Odd Stuff Series, #4) by Virginia Nelson Gretchen fell in love with Charly, a sweet, nerdy bear of a man but ran fast and hard from his side when she realized he'd hate her for a genetic twist of fate she couldn't change. Now she's back in town and drawn to his side. Can a wolf sworn to destroy all coyotes claim a coywolf mate or will he be forced to destroy the only girl he ever loved?

Running with the Wolf (The Cascadia Wolves) by Gayle Donnelly Abram spends his days protecting the pack children, but he finds himself wanting more. The quiet, elusive kindergarten teacher has sparked a hunger inside him and he knows it won’t be satisfied unless he makes her his mate. When her past comes calling, he must make a choice…defy pack law and bring her into his world or let her run and lose her forever.

Redemption’s Forgiveness (The Rending, Book 2) by Cara Carnes Marek will do anything to protect his pack and their land, including executing any Outsiders who dare enter pack lands. There’s no soft in war—until Felicity, a curvaceous wolf with more sass than sense limps into Redemption with an impossible tale of betrayal. 

Under Her Spell (Keystone Predators, Book 1) by Brandy Walker Diego wants Daphne as his mate instantly and is ready to do whatever it takes to make her his. Part wolf, and part witch, Daphne is a little more skeptical of the situation. Her wolf is telling her to go for it while her witchy side balks, knowing Diego will try to suppress her more enchanted side.

Always (Dragon Wars #3) by Rebecca Royce Robbie Owens has fought the dragons for seventeen years, leading his group of secret, elite werewolves. Tatyana Knox is a human in a world where humans are like unicorns—they simply don't exist. But she is real and she is Robbie's mate. If he can trust her, they will turn the tide of the war. But the clock is ticking and Tatyana's time with Robbie is almost up.

Violet's Shadow (Shadow Mates #1) by Jennifer Kacey Violet’s spent her entire life aching to belong and she finally finds it in the pack of Shadows she is destined to join. Everything she’s ever wanted in life and love is finally at her fingertips if she’s brave enough to embrace…her Shadow.

Wolf with Benefits (Wolves of Willow Bend) by Heather Long After graduating college and spending a summer breaking the law, Shiloh Sullivan needs to make amends and accomplish something for Willow Bend. When her best friend, the wolfish and playful Matt Montgomery moves her in with him, she’s hard-pressed to refuse. But pretending a relationship with a wolf is impossible, and while Shiloh might be human, she knows the rules...

The Alpha's Saving Grace (Lonestar Wolf Pack #1) by Melissa Schroeder Alpha Jacob Sanderson doesn’t have time for distractions as he hunts a vicious killer attacking his pack. Sheriff Alexandra Littlefoot is his best resource and a woman he can’t seem to resist. As secrets rise to the surface, the killer’s violence escalates and threatens to destroy the entire pack.

I picked up this rather large book for five reasons: Heather Long, Saranna DeWylde, Rebecca Royce, Cara Carnes and Virginia Nelson. But it was the addition of five other reasons that put additional yummy sweet frosting on my book cake.

This little voyage started with Under the Wolf Moon, written by the keeper ladies above. I started it because of one shining star and soon the other four were shining their own lights down on me. I absolutely devoured the book and couldn’t put it down. It started me on several new journeys with some totally exceptional characters. I finished the book excited, in love, totally pissed at the ladies.

I was pissed because I then had four additional series to read on top of Long’s, Wolves of Willow Bend. I had Woolven Secret, Dragon Wars, The Rending AND Odd Series. Four new series that took no prisoners and unconditionally devoured my only remaining free time. You want to know what those evil women did…they cackled at me. Yes others probably heard them sweetly chuckling or laughing, but it was cackling. There may have even been a muahahahaha thrown in there too. Evil I tell you!

Well thank goodness they took pity on me knowing they had a gem on their hands. I was late to the initial party, being the first book was out in January and I didn’t finish it until the end of May. One of the ladies that will LONGly remain unnamed actually sent me a teaser cover shot and mentioned that the next book was releasing thankfully at the end of June (hear the cackling? I do). The cover was gorgeous and tempting to all my womanly senses (yummilicious) but it had more names included: Schroeder, Walker, Holt, Donnelly and Kacey. WHAT?!?!

I couldn’t tell you if I was shocked or thrilled. I already knew I was neck deep in some great series and now I had the potential of more great series. But on the other hand I had the continuation of my initial five beloved series. See the problem?

I held out as long as I could. It took me days, yes days to read it. That alone is a shocker. I can read a novel easily in one day. This anthology is so HUGE that it took me days. As of today, it is cheaper than an Oreo Brownie Sunday from DQ and even sweeter! That’s quite the feat, those babies are sweet and tasty. Ten amazing stories and it’s so cheap.

I won’t go into each story, but I will say each were unique and special. This anthology can be read as is, without jumping into new series, if you don’t want to, but as I sit here you would be a stronger person than me. As soon as I’m done here I’m researching to see if the additional stories are one timers or are part of additional series.

So welcome Ms. Schroeder, Ms. Walker, Ms. Holt, Ms. Donnelly and Ms. Kacey. You have firmly placed yourself in with the women I love to hate. Into a well written group of women who love to torture me with waiting for the next installment of some of my favorite series and who love to know that my thoughts are always thinking of the amazing characters they have created. You are with some fine company. These are some of the best story tellers around. Bravo to you all. You did a fanfreakingtastic job!!

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Yuletide Enchantment by Cindy Spencer Pape

Yuletide Enchantment: 1 (Holiday Hearts)
By: Cindy Spencer Pape
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Published: December 9, 2009
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Holiday, Inspirational, Mystery
Content: M/F, Oral Sex, Toys
Length: Short Story
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Suki
Date: June 20, 2015

 

The company Christmas party goes awry in an erotic way when quiet accountant Shelby Carter is magically whisked into a miniature Victorian village with the boss's gorgeous son, Noel Holiday.

Noel has always honored the policy against fraternization, but when he's trapped for several days with sweet, sexy Shelby, he decides it's time to start breaking the rules. While exploring the enchanted surroundings, they delve into their deepest fantasies, even acting out scenes from a collection of erotic Victorian postcards. After all, what's Christmas without a little magic and a whole lot of sexy fun?

Though Shelby's crazy about Noel, she's sure he'll forget all about her once their interlude is over. But Noel has fallen head over snow boots in love with Shelby. Now he just has to convince her that holiday wishes can come true, and his devotion will last beyond their Yuletide Enchantment.

Yes I am reading a Christmas book in June.  Perhaps I am hoping for some of that snow we got this winter to cool things off a bit. This book is not going to cool anything off. In fact I think it rose the temperature a degree or two. 

Noel Holiday (HERO) works for the family greeting card company as a designer and is asked to check out the new Christmas display to see what is missing from it. When he gets there what he finds is Shelby Carter from accounting who is intent on the village. When they touch hands and the village at the same time they find themselves transported to the Victorian village or at least the house.  Complete with Victorian clothing and condoms. 

Once they discover there is no real way to escape they decide to make the best of it and let their attraction for each other takeover. But will it last when they are returned to reality?

I really enjoyed this book. And when you read any Ellora’s Cave book you know you are going to get sex scenes that are hot and detailed. I personally would have liked more about when they got back to reality, it seemed rushed. A couple more pages might have done the trick. But the book was very well written and edited and I fell in love with the Characters.

If you are looking for something to heat things up, this will do it.

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Under a Wolf Moon by Various Authors

Under a Wolf Moon
By: Heather Long, Saranna DeWylde, Rebecca Royce, Cara Carnes, Virginia Nelson
Publisher: Self Publish
Published: January 30, 2015
Genre: Contemporary, Futuristic, Action/Adventure, Anthology, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction
Length: Novella, Novel
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Toni
Date: May 26, 2015

 

Five brand new, hot paranormal romance stories from bestselling authors. Alpha heroes and heroines with dark pasts and the need to discover their own happy ever after will draw you in and make you turn to the next page.

Each novella offers a look into a different series and world, but each features the power of the wolf. Whether you like your wolves from small town, as billionaires, fighting wars they have to win or wrestling with ancient powers, Under a Wolf Moon has something for you.

Discover never seen before stories!
Meet tempestuous wolves!
Survive fiery battles!
Mark the date to meet their mates!

The wolf moon fills the sky and it’s time to howl!

Warning: Contains alpha heroes and heroines, scorching passion, tough love, family ties, and pack dynamics which bind them together. Sometimes a wolf’s greatest challenge is finding their way home…

Wolf Next Door by Heather Long
When Claire Webster was five years old Tyler Buckley, the wolf next door, told her he was her mate and then ordered her not to play with one of her friends. Butting heads throughout their childhood, her choice to leave Willow Bend tore them apart. Eight years later, she sends a request to the new Alpha—she wants to come home, and when he grants it, she’s both relieved and terrified. The first person she runs into is the last one who ever wants to see her again.

Princess of the Pack by Saranna DeWylde
Marchessa de la Luna’s duty is to the marriage arranged to the enigmatic and powerful, but aging Alpha Antony Rommulus. Her passion is for the rogue Cassius who can give her nothing except pleasure. Marchessa must choose if it will be duty or desire that will decide her fate and that of her pack.

Eternal by Rebecca Royce
Dougal Owens has served on the front line of The Dragon Wars for sixteen years. The last thing this Alpha werewolf expects is his mate to drop in with a plan to end the war. Together, they will battle to save the Wolves or die trying.

Hell’s Playground by Cara Carnes
The Quadrant Alpha once thought Mira’s death was the worst thing that could have happened. Learning she lives, and worse, survived torture and purgatory gives Adrik a chance to save Redemption and his mate.

Odd Wolf by Virginia Nelson
Dara is Alpha and used to taking control of the situation when it goes swirly. A rogue on her turf means a fight, and she’s ready to take him on. A woman with no plans to be tamed and a rogue wolf with no plans to stick around shouldn’t have more than a brief meeting to establish boundaries and be done. However, when Dara meets Lynwood, the call to mate might drown out logic altogether.

I got the Under the Wolf Moon anthology to read Heather Long's addition since I was reading Wolves of Willow Bend. I'm a stickler for reading order. Well, all I can say is that it downhill from there. I couldn't put the darn book down. Now I have read ALL of the stories and have countless additional series to read.

During my reading of this book I read, yes READ Saranna's Woolven Secret series - Blake Woolven is the bad boy CEO of Woolven Industries, but he’s badder than the luscious, BBW Randi Rutger would’ve guessed – Yes Please!!.

Researched and added Rebecca's Dragon Wars - Devin Owen has come back from the Dragon Wars a changed Werewolf – Dragons and werewolves. Sign me up!

I’m salivated for Cara's The Rending series - Hell's Highway--a parcel of land of genetically impure humans cast out during a savage battle between humanity's government, the NAH and the Paraspecies – Sounds dangerous and fun doesn’t it!

To top it off we have Virginia's The Odd Series – You get paranormal adventures, snark, sex and random acts of ineptitude – I’m always game for…well all of that!

I also need to finish Heather’s Wolves of Wolf Bend. Then I find out one of the next stories will be in this huge new anthology coming out, Romancing the Wolf with even more authors. I counted them, TEN new amazing stories. I’m excited and scared at the same time. I can see more series in my future.

Their evil plans worked! I'm now further buried under amazingly huge to be read list. The only reason I'm not jumping into the other right now is prior reviewing commitments. Please grant me more time in the day to read these new series before I add more with the next anthology. Pretty please!

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Romancing Austin by Various Authors

Romancing Austin
By: Riley Bancroft, Evelyn Berry, Cara Carnes, Jax Garren, Irene Preston, Rebecca Royce, Chandra Ryan
Publisher: Valkyrie Books
Published: May 5, 2015 by
Genre: Contemporary, Anthology, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Length: Novella, Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: May 3, 2015

 

Former rock star Dex Reed throws a wild comeback party in his Austin penthouse, and seven romances heat up the night.

No Quitting Allowed – Rebecca Royce
One last assignment and then Lana is quitting her job, quitting Austin, and moving on with her life. Until Jake stumbles into her and changes the direction of her whole world.

Twisted – Cara Carnes
Caleb "Colt" Douglas agreed to close out Twisted Delirium's sold out world tour with a gig at SXSW for one reason--win back the woman he left behind.

Do Over – Chandra Ryan
When life offers Juliana a fresh start, will she follow her heart or play it safe?

Consortium – Riley Bancroft
Record exec Holt Michaelson married the enigmatic Chloe to keep his assets safe from a vindictive competitor, but after a fiery encounter with his new wife, he's determined to claim her as his own, body and soul.

Tall Order – Irene Preston
Dylan made the worst mistake of his life when he chose his career over Aston, but tonight he'll take a risk on Aston even if it's too late.

Enchanted – Evelyn Berry
Stripped of her magic, fairy princess Aurora is torn between her duty to her imperiled family and to a brilliant musician who holds the key to their freedom...and her heart.

One Night with the Vampire – Jax Garren
Tonight Alex will finally possess the woman he's craved, but Sofia's dangerous family secrets threaten to tear them apart.

Welcome to my home town!

I have the hardest time reviewing anthologies or book sets, but I’m happy to say the last two that I have read have been perfect. The new trend of collaborative stories is brilliant and I love how over a half a dozen people can come together, brainstorm, make up “world” rules and then let their imaginations fly.

That is what you get with Romancing Austin. It’s not just a bunch of rock n roll related stories thrown together and distributed to capitalize on the popular Austin event; South by Southwest. You have a well thought out mini world of excellence. You have seven stories that wrap you up, keep you warm, and makes you want to cuddle and stay in for the night.

Each story has the element of different types of love stories. All of them are unique and fresh; with only a handful of them being part of established series.

No Quitting Allowed – is a story about “New Love”. Strangers brought suddenly brought together; one who loves Austin and the other who can’t wait to leave. I loved how Jake was able to capture Lana with is sense of adventure and determination.

Twisted – “Calculated Second Chances” are in the cards for Caleb and Shasta. What a sweet story of forgiveness with a touch of tragedy. While things were pretty set in stone and you can see that nothing has changed for these two; I loved how Ms. Carnes showed Caleb with strength and a bit of insecurity.

Do Over – is what happens when life decides to throw you over a cliff, but you look at the positive side and say “hey what a great view”. Juliana is all about making lemonade with Luke. Both of them are blindsided by “Surprise Love”. Loved it!

Consortium – From business partners to “Surprise Love”. Such a great story of a married couple trying to find common ground when what they thought was agreed upon is not what each of them want. I got tingles a few times.

Tall Order – The other “Second Chances” love story. While it may seem like a duplicate theme, the story had an abundance of heart and depth. I loved the journey these two had to go on to get back together.

Enchanted – tell of the “Magic of Love”. Two completely opposite people seem to keep getting gentle nudges into each other’s arms and I can’t be more pleased. What a different story! One that had me smiling most of the way through.

One Night with the Vampire – and to finish off the exceptional anthology, is the story of “Secret Love”. Oh my. How can the tender heart of a soul filled vampire champion his personal savior against great odds when he has nothing but himself to give…sigh. This story was a totally unexpected treat.

Each story is special and is well blended with the theme of the anthology. I enjoyed every story, but of course I had my favorites. While I really should rate them individually, this book can’t be separated and should be read in its entirety; making it very distinctive in the world of anthologies. I will admit I’m one of those readers that pick and choose stories to read in traditional anthologies, they are usually so vastly different or set deep into the authors other series, they are hard to enjoy. Not the case here. I never felt confused or not totally enthralled within the pages.

These seven ladies did an amazing job and this novel shouldn’t be missed!

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Hot Burning Love by Dominique Eastwick

Hot Burning Love
By: Dominique Eastwick
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Published: July 21, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Romance
Length: Novella
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: October 24, 2014

 

Rowena may be the best witch of her generation when it comes to crystals and their healing power but keep her far away from the oven. No matter how hard she tries there is no way to break a curse decades old that prevents her from baking anything at all. And she as well as her five witch friends have tried it all. So every month a cookie club time she buys her cookies to the thankful cheers of the others.

Caine has fantasized about Rowena and her curves since they met years ago while she visited her best friend at the college they both attended. When a job opportunity comes up in her home town it’s too much of a temptation to resist. After all when you want something for so long there comes a time a man just has to go for it.

When passion flames between them can love fight the dark magic swirling around them determined to break them or will the fires that burn in the kitchen burn them as well.

Hot Burning Love is a lovely story about two people who felt the pull of fate and let it encompass them wholeheartedly. They never doubted their attraction and went with the flow. While they had a huge momentary hurdle, they conquered it and moved on. Love persevered and now they have a future that is filled with love, family and friends.

At only 56 pages this is a very short read, barely a novella. There is little time to create an in-depth history, compelling backstory or even to dive into the inevitable relationship of the two main characters. You’d think, from those factors alone, I would have a problem with the story. I’m not disappointed one bit with Hot Burning Love other than this would have been an amazing as a longer novella or novel.

What Ms. Eastwick created was a magical love story. Even with no history, I understood what had happened to Rowena and her past generations. There was no involved backstory of the two characters, but anyone could see that Rowena and Caine had instant attraction when they met years ago. I felt strong emotions during their courtship and that is quite a feat to do in less than 60 pages.

So how can I give a story a five rating with no solid story building substance…easy, I’m rating this story on it’s simple, yet direct content, the sweetness of the story and how it made me feel. Ms. Eastwick captured the essence of the story, made me vested in the characters and while, heck yes, this story could have been made into a full novel – and boy do I wish it would have been, it wasn’t necessary. This is a perfect teeny tiny story that doesn’t beat around the bush. It gets right to the heart of the matter; Rowena and Caine were always meant to be.

Hot Burning Love is perfect for when you want a quick reminder that there is nothing stronger than the magic of love.

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