Tag: paranormal romance

Audiobook Review: Pam (The Mates Series #3) by Teresa Gabelman

Posted on by Kim

Audiobook Review: Pam (The Mates Series #3) by Teresa Gabelman

Listened To: 6th February 2023

Audio Publication Date: 30th March 2021

Published by: Tantor Media

My Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5 – Flow: 5/5 – Character Development: 5/5 – World Building: 4/5

So, before we get into what I thought about Pam, a little disclaimer. I received a free copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media for an honest review. Thanks for the copy.

So, here’s what the official blurb has to say about the story:

With a past best left behind, forgetting was something Pam Roark could not seem to do. Nothing was more important than her mate, VC Warrior Duncan Roark, and her son, Daniel. But the circumstances surrounding Daniel and his remarkable abilities throws her back into nightmares she can’t escape.

During her journey to protect her son from those who would exploit him, Pam realizes it isn’t Daniel who needs help, but herself. With the help of her mate and son, a path leads her to the life she was meant to have—without the horrors.

The Mate series delves into the kickass world of the Warriors’ mates and how united, they can make a difference—just like their badass Protectors. Follow along to see how these exceptional women’s newfound freedom affect those around them and which Warrior may or may not support their feisty independent mate’s new and exciting path.

Contains mature themes.

I’d just like to add that Ms Gabelman weaves the main specifics from previous adventures into this one. However, so much has happened that I’m doubtful whether Pam can be read as a standalone title.

A Gripping Story That Pulled On All My Mothering Instincts.

I’m already a big fan of Teresa Gabelman’s writing style. You can find all the books in her The Protectors series and The Mates series on my bookshelves.

Pam didn’t disappoint.

I’d already fallen in love with this little family from the previous books. I love Duncan’s alpha-ness which makes him strong and domineering but always puts Pam and Daniel first with his heightened protectiveness (like all the VC Warriors). Pam’s resilience and gumption are second to none, and her drive to protect her son, Daniel, is monumental. Daniel is not your usual seven-year-old boy – he’s special. He has a wisdom beyond his years with a heart that’s kind, caring and full of love for his parents and his extended VC Warrior family. The Roarks are strong but together they’re invincible.

Pam has been part of The Protector series from the very beginning.

Her storyline has been one of high emotions and appalling brutality. From one trauma to another. However, Pam has proved time and time again that she has the strength of character to survive whatever life throws at her. Her journey in this book was raw and visceral but ultimately inspiring.

Jeffrey Kafer IS the voice of The Protectors.

Pam was read by The Protectors’ narrator, Jeffrey Kafer. I loved the way he narrated the book; his pace, tone and performance certainly added an extra dimension that kept me hooked, not wanting to turn it off. Jeffrey brought out each and every emotion that the characters were feeling. His performance enhanced the tension, highlighted the inhumanity and encompassed the joy.

I loved that this audiobook gave me all the emotions I’ve come to expect.

Pam horrified and shocked me at times, it got my blood boiling too. However, rest assured, dear readers, like all of Ms Gabelman’s books, the humour and love shine through it all. Pam hits all the right spots and warmed my old romantic heart.

I’d recommend Pam to lovers of relationship stories with gritty plots and lots of passion.

See PAM on Goodreads.com

Visit TERESA GABELMAN‘s own little corner of the web. Support her by buying a copy of this (or any of her books) directly from her website!

Take a look at my profile on Goodreads to see the other books I’ve read, or read more reviews here on The BG Blog.

Review: Viktor (The Protectors #14) by Teresa Gabelman

Posted on by Kim

Viktor (The Protectors #14) by Teresa Gabelman

Read: 6th – 7th May 2019

Publication Date: 27th April 2019

My Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5 – Flow: 5/5 – Character Development: 5/5 – World Building: 5/5

Quote from Viktor

“Okay, maybe she [Lacey] hadn’t been had. She stared at his fangs and frowned. One looked a little crooked. Did vampires need braces? That thought had her clearing her throat to cover the chuckle she felt building. Thankfully, the waiter picked that moment to come to their table.”

So what’s this book about?

Viktor is the thirteenth book (approx 287 pages) in Teresa Gabelman’s highly popular paranormal romance series, The Protectors. The series is about an elite group of vampire warriors who work for the Vampire Council. The Warriors police their laws and protect the innocent, whether human or those of their own race. This story takes place in and around Cincinnati, USA. We have known about the existence of vampires for less than a decade. Werewolves only came out a year ago, and it seems that more of the paranormal world is on the brink of exposure to the human world.

If you’ve read any of my reviews before, you’ll know that I don’t post spoilers of any kind or reveal any plot twists in my book reviews.

So here’s what the official blurb has to say about the story:

After having his life shattered by the woman who held his heart, Viktor Valentino put work before everything. Many years later, learning the truth behind his lover’s deceit, his anger shifts to the man responsible for not only her betrayal but her gruesome death. Viktor throws himself into finding him to not only appease his rage but to possibly save humanity.

Lacey Cruz has always wanted to be a writer, but she’s never had the chance to pursue her passion. After being fired from a company she was employed with since graduating high school, she now has plenty of time on her hands.

Lover of all things paranormal, Lacey sets out to do research in hopes that special something will fall in her lap. Something does in the guise of a powerful vampire warrior. What Lacey doesn’t realize is she may be the heroine in her own real-life novel.

Each book in this fast-paced series, focuses on the romance between one Warrior and his mate. However, the main story arc regarding the warlock Orjyll and the demon threat, began in the previous books. It is left to run into subsequent ones, too. Ms Gabelman weaves the main points about any previous story-lines into this one. But in all honestly, I’m unsure whether Viktor can be read as a standalone story. I think you’d miss the nuances of knowing the existing characters, understanding the dynamics of relationships, and be familiar with the adventures to date if you jump straight in.

So, what did I like about it?

I am already a huge fan of Teresa Gabelman’s writing style. I find her books easy to read, her plots are gripping, the pace is fast but never feels rushed. I’m further drawn into the world with strong main characters, and a fantastic array of supporting cast (both human and supernatural). Her characters are totally believable and leave me addicted, desperate for more! Viktor was worth waiting for.

I must be honest and confess that when we met Viktor Valentino in The Invisible Warrior my heart did a little pitter-patter; he’s exactly the sort of alpha that gets my tummy tingling. I couldn’t wait to read his book. Lacey Cruz is also everything that I look for in a lead female character; she’s intelligent, got a lovely sense of humour and definitely has gumption. I love that she’s an aspiring paranormal romance author and computer expert. Lacey’s another first class female lead to join the ranks with the other amazing women in this series.

And while we are talking about the other characters in this book, what would we do without Steve; he continues to be the comic relief and had me laughing my arse off numerous times throughout this book (until you made me cry Ms Gabelman). My favourite VC Warrior, Jill, stole quite a few scenes and is still as fabulous as ever! In fact, I loved the way that a lot of the other couples relationships developed in this book too. Seasoned VC warriors having to come to terms that there are things in this world that they are powerless to protect against. Oh, and I enjoyed meeting Charger, a fellow vampire and a Dark Guardian. I really hope we get a spin-off series about these alpha heroes too.

I love the VC Warriors, they all hold a special place in my heart. The paranormal world that Ms Gabelman has created for them is changing and growing. It’s expanding to include more supernatural beings such as the witches, warlocks and demons that we have recently encountered. Where magic is involved the Warriors have to evolve and change their tactics to succeed. I am looking forward to reading how the series evolves, along with our swoon-worthy vampire Warriors.

I loved that this book had me blubbering like a baby, got my blood boiling with anger and frustration, had me biting my nails with tension but also had me laughing my socks off, sent tingles of titillation to all the right spots *blush* and warmed my old romantic heart.

So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?

There wasn’t anything about this book that grated or niggled, which is why I rated it 5 stars.

I will just also say that The Protectors series has some long running story arcs — Crimson Rush (the illegal trade in vampire blood), human trafficking, and the rise in dark witch related crimes — to name but a few. I will confirm that some mysteries are concluded within these pages, while others are left to continue. But, there is no life-or-death cliffhanger ending for our romantic couple.

Ms Gabelman does attempt to weave basic details into her books so that new readers are not completely lost. However, I don’t think that you will get as much enjoyment from Viktor without having read at least the last couple of books in the series first. I feel that you’d miss an awful lot jumping straight in.

So, basically what I’m saying is…

This book left me breathless; I couldn’t put it down! It’s got everything that I look for in a 5 star book: action, romance, a gripping story-line, humour (like most Brits, I love good banter), and well written, erotic sex scenes.

Due to the graphic violence and sexual content I’d recommend Viktor to adults who aren’t offended by scenes of this nature who are fans of relationship and romance tales with gritty story-lines and oodles of passion.

So, has my review of VIKTOR (THE PROTECTORS #13) encouraged you to find out more? I really hope so. Just click on any of the links below to check out the book yourself or to find out more about the author.

See VIKTOR on Goodreads.com.

Visit TERESA GABELMAN‘s own little corner of the web. Support her by buying a copy of this book (paperback, ebook, or audio) directly from her website!

Check out my profile on Goodreads to see the other books I’ve read, or read more reviews here on The BG Blog.

Review: Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates #1) by Felicity Heaton

Posted on by Kim

Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates #1) by Felicity Heaton

Read: 4th – 5th October 2014

Re-Read: 6th – 10th June 2017

Format: Kindle

My Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars

…So what’s this book about?

This is a paranormal romance novel (approx 283 pages) mainly featuring humans and Elves with shapeshifters, demons and witches also making appearances and is set in the same world as Ms Heaton’s Vampire Erotic Theatre romance series. Kissed by a Dark Prince is the first book of Ms Heaton’s Eternal Mates series (currently 11 books in the series) but can be read as a standalone story as the romance aspect of the tale is concluded by the end of the book in Ms Heaton’s signature HEA style.

Now as my regular followers will know, I never post any spoilers or reveal plot twists in my reviews, so this is what the official blurb says:

Olivia thinks it’s her lucky night when a dangerously handsome unconscious fae ends up on her inspection table. He’s her chance to redeem herself with her employer, the demon-hunting organisation, Archangel. But when the tall, dark and deadly immortal warrior awakes, she gets much more than she bargained for…

Attacked by his enemy in the elf kingdom, the last thing Prince Loren expects when he comes around is a beautiful angel watching over him and medical technology of the mortal realm. Hazy from his injuries, all he can focus on is the pulse ticking in her throat and the sweet allure of her blood.

One single bite reveals she is his eternal mate, triggering a bond between them that will leave him weakened until it is complete… or broken, and pulling Olivia into the crossfire of his ancient feud.

To protect his people and his mate from the machinations of a madman, Loren must risk everything by working with Olivia at Archangel to find a way to break the bond blossoming between them.

But will Loren be strong enough to place duty before desire and give up the one thing he has waited millennia for and craves above all others—his eternal mate? And will Olivia be able to resist the incredible heat that burns between them and the temptation of her dark prince’s kiss?

…So, what did I like about it?

I am already a fan; I love Felicity Heaton’s writing style and find her stories very easy to read. I feel transported into the paranormal world she creates, love her complex, multifaceted characters and enjoy the twists and turns she builds into her plots. This story didn’t disappoint.

Now, I’ve gotta mention the sex; this is quite an erotic paranormal romance tale but I love the way Ms Heaton makes the most explicit sexual scenes very romantic (I think she’s a very talented writer to accomplish this), these erotic acts are balanced nicely with beautifully written descriptions and the characters’ internal dialogue. For me, a story is only really erotic if I’m emotionally connected to the characters involved, Ms Heaton gives her characters such depth that they become real. So of course, I got caught up with the naughty shenanigans (who wouldn’t *blush*) but the tender insights into both Loren and Olivia’s doubts and feelings and the growth of their trust in each other’s love was heart-warming to read.

This PNR made me chuckle, I shed a tear or two, the fighting and action fed my adrenalin and the passion put fire in my blood. In other words I was gripped and couldn’t stop reading.

…So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?

Nope – hence the 5 stars!

…So, basically what I’m saying is…

I loved this book! Great world building, multi dimensional strong characters and a gripping background story! It’s a tale of epic battles, secret histories & hidden foes, uneasy allies & new friendships and all consuming emotions but underlining all of that – it’s a passionate rollercoaster of a love story.

Due to the sexual content, I’d recommend this book to adults only – it’s definitely steamy – who are fans of relationship and romance stories.

So, has my review of KISSED BY A DARK PRINCE (ETERNAL MATES #1) sparked your interest? Just click on any of the links below to check out the book yourself.

See KISSED BY A DARK PRINCE on Goodreads.com

Visit FELICITY HEATON ‘s own little corner of the web and support her by buying a copy of this book (paperback, ebook, or audio) directly from her website!

Check out my profile on Goodreads to see the other books I’ve read, or read more reviews here on The BG Blog.