Friday 20 December 2013

New Release! Also known as the "pimping my friends books" post!

Who doesn't love Werewolves? Really? I mean they are kick-ass, scary, hot, and like the best creatures to write about, read about, and watch.

What's my point? It is this, the third book in the amazing Eye of the Storm Series by Dianna Hardy was released today. Heart of the Wolf, like the books before it, is  hot, heartfelt, intense, funny, and just an all around fabulous read. If you haven't heard of this series, where have you been?

I don't even know how to begin explaining how fab this series is. So, I'm going to post my reviews for them after the blurb for each book. What I will say is that we all "know" how werewolves work as individuals and as a pack, well, Dianna Hardy has shook everything up. She has taken a step outside the box and wrote a unique, intense, and heartfelt story, and I for one can't wait for the next book. :-D

~ * ~

Releasing The Wolf
(Eye of the Storm Series: Book 1)
by Dianna Hardy

Lydia Martin has always had dreams, the weirdest and hottest of them all involving a faceless, muscle-bound man that speaks like sin and smells like sex. Like any sane person, she always put the dreams down to an overactive imagination, coupled with a higher than average libido.

One night, however, instead of their usual, erotic encounters, she finds him in her dream, chained to a wall and screaming in pain. Not only that, but she thinks she recognises the building he's being held captive in as one that's just a few streets away.

Awaking with an irrepressible need to save her fantasy lover, Lydia decides to humour her dream self and head on over to where she thinks he's imprisoned. 

What unfolds is beyond even her wildest imaginings, as she's sucked into a dangerous and deadly world she never knew existed ... and it turns out that the man who inhabits her darkest fantasies, isn't the only one that needs releasing.

Word count: over 34,000 words
This is an adult paranormal fantasy novella containing scenes of explicit sexual content and some violence, entwined with romantic elements.

Releasing the Wolf is currently a steal at the fab price of 99 cents! So head on over to one of the following retailers and grab yourself a copy of the brilliant first book in the Eye of the Storm series.


Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Releasing-The-Wolf-Storm-ebook/dp/B00AEXUFJ4
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Releasing-The-Wolf-Storm-ebook/dp/B00AEXUFJ4
Diesel eBookStore: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000259714/Hardy-Dianna-Releasing-The-Wolf-Eye-Of-The-Storm-1/1.html
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/releasing-the-wolf
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/releasing-wolf-eye-storm-1/id583609835?mt=11
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/259714
Sony eBookstore: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/dianna-hardy/releasing-the-wolf-eye-of-the-storm-1/_/R-400000000000000885041


Review:


I think the only way I can start this review is by saying I loved this book. It's sexy and intriguing, and for a 30k + story you get a great amount of action, lots of detail, and*fans self* plenty of hot scenes that will get your pulse racing.


I adore Dianna's writing style and her voice. She doesn't miss a beat when it comes to detail, and she knows how to start a story so that you are pulled in to the characters and their world immediately.

I think her new take on werewolves, their pack dynamic, and their rules on mating is fascinating. I won't go in to too much detail for the sake of spoilers, but if you are a fan of werewolf romance/erotica then you will understand the overall idea of how such things work with these species. There is a universal idea of how things work for them, and well, Dianna has shook it up, and reworked the stereotype . . . And it works brilliantly.

Lydia is a spunky young woman who I automatically liked, and envied her from page one. (Lucky girl, you.) And the guys . . . oh, good luck trying not to want any of them, that's all I can say.

Releasing the Wolf is a brilliant book for anyone who loves werewolf romances. The book also introduced a back story; there is some pack politics going on; some problems with outsiders which I am looking forward to hearing more about.

All in all, I will be reading this one again, and possibly another dozen times after that. I am totally ready for book 2 and will be waiting impatiently until it is complete.

(This book was received from author in exchange for an honest review.)


~ * ~

Cry of The Wolf
(Eye of the Storm Series: Book 2)
by Dianna Hardy

The full moon is a week away, and although Lydia is as excited as it gets to run as a wolf for the first time, she is also fighting to keep her independence while trying to understand her role in the lives of the three males that have come to rule hers: compassionate, tender Taylor; impetuous, fun-loving Ryan and distant, cold Lawrence.

There's also a fourth man in Lydia's life. Brendan, her previous "friend with benefits", is tirelessly searching for her. He's about to uncover things that should be kept hidden.

However, the testosterone surrounding her is the last thing she should be worrying about. Her family bear truths about her heritage she's not ready to face ... she may not have a choice, because the greatest danger to them all comes from within. The past never stays buried for long, and among the shadows of their species it is rising with a vengeance, threatening to tear their pack apart for good.

Notes: Book two of a series - it is highly recommended that book one be read first. This is an adult, paranormal fantasy short novel (over 55,000 words) containing scenes of explicit sexual content and some violence, entwined with romantic elements. (Written in British English.)

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Cry-The-Wolf-Storm-ebook/dp/B00CEHHWW6
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cry-The-Wolf-Storm-ebook/dp/B00CEHHWW6
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/307395
Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cry-of-the-wolf-dianna-hardy/1115182367?ean=2940044480513
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cry-wolf-eye-storm-2/id638839524?mt=11
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-gb/books/cry-of-the-wolf-5/vu_HDUZFlkus832UYdtlQw?MixID=vu_HDUZFlkus832UYdtlQw&PageNumber=1


Review:

One of the tag lines for this series - in regards to the leading males, of course ;-P - is“Everything just got three times hotter.”

Well, everything has gotten three times more interesting in Cry of the Wolf which is the next instalment of The Eye of the Storm Series.

Where do I begin? Well, if you loved the first book in the series then you're gonna love this book. Lydia is in the throes of finding her place in her new life, pack, and her role in her new three-way relationship/bond. Mmm. The boys are as hot as ever, but we now have the huge splash of dominance and submission going on. The tension between all three is like a delicious tug or war where they are all try/fighting to be fair in regards to the situation.

Ryan . . . *fans self* was the focal point in links to Lydia in book one, but the limelight is now turned to Lawrence and Taylor in book two, but for very different reasons. Darling, gorgeous Taylor is trying to say goodbye to his past, where as Lawrence’s has decided to rear its ugly head. I’m not going in to details because I dare not spoil anything, but my heart really went out to Lawrence in this book and I have developed a deep respect for him.

We also have another couple who make regular appearances throughout the story. Remember Sarah, Taylors ex-wife? Yeah, she has gone and got the attention of something tall, dark, and fury; Amil . . . well, you will find out the deal with him, but he is the character you know you should hate, but you end up loving him; finding yourself hoping for him.

This book runs a lot deeper. We see a mixture of pain from a lot of characters, for a lot of reasons, but we also see their strength; how they survived and how the experiences they have lived through have made them who they are.

Last, but definitely not least, the threads in regards to Lydia’s family and heritage are starting to weave together. Her life and family are still a mystery, and one that is slowly being revealed to the reader, but you just know something interesting is lurking round the corner.

All in all, Cry of the Wolf is a must read. We find out more about the structure of the pack, and how the trident came to be. We learn more about our three sexy alpha wolves. Tension and chemistry still runs high, and the sex scenes are toe tingling good. Action, humour, science . . . The story has it all. 

Dianna Hardy sure knows how to pen a good tail tale. (Bad pun, but I couldn't help myself. ;-P) The threads of the series are beginning to weave together and I can’t wait for the third and fourth book.

(This book was received from author in exchange for an honest review.)


~ * ~


Heart of the Wolf
(Eye of the Storm Series: Book 3)
by Dianna Hardy 

Lydia becomes ever closer to her three mates. However, with unrest all around, she is struggling to keep her wolves together for her first full moon, just twenty-four hours away. 


A trip back home for Ryan could bring much needed support for them all, but at what cost?

As The Trident close in on Ryan's pack, the pack itself becomes divided over Lydia's presence and Lawrence is encouraged to return as the Alpha. But they don't know his secret, and he's doubtful of his ability to protect them. Can he fulfil his rightful role, or will his efforts prove fatal?

Meanwhile, among the arid plains of Egypt, in a long-forgotten city, one man is pitting himself against the beast inside him in order to find salvation, only to realise, so much more is at stake than his soul.

(Notes: Book three of a series - it is highly recommended that the books are read in order. This is an adult, paranormal fantasy containing scenes of explicit sexual content and some violence, entwined with romantic elements. Written in British English.)

Buy Links:
Amazon US: 
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Wolf-Storm-Dianna-Hardy-ebook/dp/B00HFA9QBM

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heart-Wolf-Storm-Dianna-Hardy-ebook/dp/B00HFA9QBM
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/389880


Review:


I never know how to begin a review, and I don't like going in to details about the story as such, because that's the whole point of diving into a book yourself. So I'm just going to jump in with what I got from this book, and how I felt. So, there are no spoilers.


In regards to Dianna Hardy's work, I have said before that as an author I envy her imagination and ideas, and as a reader I enjoy her voice and am totally in love with her stories and characters; and this is indeed the case with Heart of the Wolf.

What I love about The Eye of the Storm Series is that Dianna has remoulded how werewolves work. We all know facts and myths about these creatures, and all authors - including myself - try to stick to and rework certain aspects, but Dianna has taken that extra step. She has gone outside what people believe to be the "known dynamics" of how a werewolf and a pack work, and that difference, that risk and uniqueness is what makes this series all the more fascinating to read.

I mean heck, the full moon is due to rise. Lydia is going to have her first shift. Everyone's hormones are going crazy, and they're on high alert because we have some fantastically made Frankenstein-type-beast/werewolves known as The Trident, trying to ruin everything, and kidnap Lydia.

A bat-shit-crazy old woman who is just evil and you want to hate her, but at the same time really want to know what the hell her deal is.
A desperate female werewolf who you want to feel sorry for, but don't because you're loyal to the relationship of the main characters, but then you end up feeling really freakin' sorry for her by the end of the book.

There's the bad boy who is trying to turn a new leaf.

The X-wife who your heart goes out for.

So much going on and keeping you on your toes. I was actually getting really anxious at a couple of points and found myself talking to my kindle. . . "oh god. Don't do it. Don't go there." The story plot is twisting, and becoming even more interesting with each book, and I really can't wait to find out what happens next.

But back to my original point, to the reason which makes this series stand out so much is the complexity of the relationship between Lydia, Ryan, Taylor, and Lawrence. Relationships between two people are hard enough, but between four? Can you say drama? Fights? Passion? These four are intense, and the way they all work is just brilliant. 

All I can say is that most werewolf lovers know how mating works in a traditional sense, well, you have to forget traditional in regards to this series. Be open minded. Lust isn't something you solely ever feel toward one person, it happens again and again toward many people and for many reasons. And love, throughout our lives we love many different people and in many different ways. And Romance is all about interoperation. 

Heart of the Wolf shows that. It shows how the heart is strong, forgiving, understanding, accepting, and heck, adaptable. It shows how people view romance/love/lust/life differently, and connections between people can heal and give an individual strength, courage and hope, and it's even more beautiful to read and watch the characters develop together and because of each other, because they are werewolves. Everything is more intense, raw, and urgent.

Like the books before it Heart of the Wolf is a great read. The chemistry and the connection between the characters is strong and jumps off the page. Any moments of intimacy between them, be it sweet and gentle or urgent and aggressive, melt both your heart and right off the page. Each character is unique, and it is so great to watch their individual development - especially Lawrence, oh Lawrence- as well as their development as a unit. The secondary characters continue to grow in number and they fit perfectly into their roles, and as stated early the plot continues to thicken in such a way that you will consider hounding the author to get on with the next one. ;-P

Fantastic read. If you love the first two you will definitely love this one. If you haven't read this series you should definitely give it ago. My advice would simply be forget what you know about Werewolves and go in with an open-mind, because the world building, history, myths and dynamics of this series and its characters is just fabulous.

(This book was received from author in exchange for an honest review.)


~ * ~

So, if you love yourself a good werewolf story that will keep you on your toes in all delicious kinds of ways, you will definitely want to give this series a read. Trust me, it is sooo totally worth it. ;-D


Find Dianna Hardy Online:


Website: http://www.diannahardy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordiannahardy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewitchingpen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/diannahardy
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DiannaHardy/posts
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/diannahardy
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/BittenFruitBooks/videos

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