Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Fixed On You by Laurelin Paige

Fixed On You (Fixed #1) by Laurelin Paige

Release Date: June 23, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 247
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased by Reviewer/Review Copy for Tour
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Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Wither’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out—move up at the nightclub she works at and stay away from any guy who might trigger her obsessive love disorder. A perfect plan.

But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous—the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of it.

Avoiding him isn’t an option after he offers a business proposition she can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.


Fixed On You takes what has become a common basis—a girl who becomes involved with a mysterious, controlling billionaire (often with emotional scar)—and gives it a extra little oomph. Because in this story, which capitalizes on a whirlwind, fast-tracked romance, the leading lady has serious issues of her own.

Alayna "Laynie" Withers is a recent MBA-grad who focuses on work and avoids attachment in her relationships for one very important reason—she suffers from a sever obsessive tendency when it comes to romance. Years of counseling later, she's more or less on track in her life. Her sights are set on a managerial position at the nightclub she works at, when the club is bought by a mysterious new owner, who turns out to be business icon Hudson Pierce.

Hudson is rich, arrogant, and aloof—everything you'd expect and love from this type of book. The quintessential alpha male. But he has a dark past when it comes to relationships. He sets his sights on Laynie, but not for a normal relationship. Instead he has a a business proposition for her that threatens to destroy Alyana's tenuous control over her urges. Even though she knows it could end badly, she can't say no to him.

The chemistry between the two of them is intense and will draw you in from the start. Alayna and Hudson are strong, memorable characters, making their journey all the more enthralling. It makes for a fun, enjoyable read that's full of sexy tension. Getting into these characters' minds adds depth to the story that separates it from the romance masses.

For fans of dominant-male romances, Fixed On You is a winner. It manages to separate itself from the pack while also being a real crowd pleaser. It's a ride full of heat, overcoming past demons, and, ultimately, romance.

Giveaway!

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About the Author

Laurelin Paige is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She's a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there's kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn't seem to complain, however. When she isn't reading or writing sexy stories, she's probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine.

Blog Tour + Review: Damned If You Don't by Linda J. Parisi

Damned If You Don't by Linda J. Parisi

Release Date: March 18, 2014
Genre: Adult, Romance, Thriller
Publisher: Loose ID
Format: eBook
Source: ARC for Tour
Goodreads • Amazon


Andrew Jackson “Jack” Kent’s on the hunt for white collar criminals, and as a private investigator he always gets his man. Except in this case it’s a woman, the brilliant cellular kineticist Dr. Morgan Mackenzie, whose next thrilling discovery is—him.

On the run from her employers with the formula for a priceless but deadly diet drug, Morgan agrees to a night of pleasure with the outrageously sexy stranger. But when she leaves the next morning, Jack won’t let her get far, and that’s when she realizes horrible truth. Her cowboy on a white horse isn't a hero after all. He’s part of the posse.

Yet when Jack goes to turn Morgan in, he learns who the real criminals are, and suddenly, it’s a race against time to find a murderer before they’re killed themselves. To do that Jack needs to convince Morgan he’s on her side. Even though she doesn't trust him, Jack is a drug she can’t resist, leading her to find out that more often than not you're Damned If You Don't fall in love.


So a cellular kineticist and an Army Ranger walk into a room... Sorry, it just sounded like a good set up and I couldn't resist!

Do you like science?
Do you like romance?
Do you like thrillers?
Do you like sexy ex-Army Rangers?

If yes, Damned If You Don't is the book for you!

When I was contacted to review this book, first, I was flattered, and then I was pretty excited. It's been a while since I've enjoyed a mystery/thriller. Pair that with a steamy romance, and I was in book reviewing heaven!

I have to say, I really enjoyed the story of Morgan and Jack. They have obvious chemistry from the first chapter, and their passion burns like a supernova. While they move a little fast paced for my liking, they certainly keep things interesting on their journey to find the person responsible for using Dr. MacKenzie's research to kill people!

Discovering that her research for a new diet drug was being tested unethically on people, resulting in their deaths by acute malnutrition, Morgan steals her research and goes on the run. Unbeknownst to her, Jack is hired to track her down and bring her back, but his attraction to her quickly spirals out of control and he finds himself helping her rather than hunting her! As they come closer to finding the killer, they have to decide if they trust each other and what the next step will be for them.

Wouldn't it be awesome if there were a diet drug that kicks your metabolism into overdrive when you're getting ready for the dreaded swimsuit season? Yeah... not so much if it can't be stopped and causes some form of starvation/desiccation. No thank you! I'll stick to my celery and treadmill! This just sounds like a diet regiment nightmare...and also reminds me of a recent "Supernatural" episode. The one where Sam looks like this:

I'll just let you admire this wonderful specimen....

Focus, Izzy! Back to the book! The plot was pretty intriguing and I spent the better part of it trying to figure out which character was the potential serial killer. I was way off, which is a rarity for me. Wow. That sounded super conceited...but it's true. I pride myself on being able to see the end game by the first third of a book.

The antagonist was definitely not what/who I expected, and I still don't quite know how I feel about them. They were certainly an interesting character, I just don't know how they managed to get away with their behavior for so long.

As for the main couple, they are the epitome of opposites attract. Morgan is brainy and reserved, while Jack is brawny and boisterous. Yep, that's right, it's the classic geek gets the jock, and I love it! I probably identify too much, but I can't help it! I get super excited when the nerd wins out; it gives me hope for humanity! Was that a hyperbole? Possibly, I'm not really sure...

But anyway, given their differences, Morgan and Jack are definitely put on equal footing—Jack depends on Morgan as much as she does him—which is always nice. They have a great give and take relationship ;) that I wholeheartedly approve of. Long story short: I like this couple, I just wish they would carry Lysol wipes around with them. They have an affinity for having sex in public places, which, I mean, good for them, but let's keep it sanitary for the rest of society!

My only major hang-up about the book is that you are introduced to Jack and Morgan a day after they meet. It's such a nit-picky thing that I feel weird for being bothered by it so much, but I just feel like the plot would have run smoother if it had started a day earlier. I mean, everything is answered at some point in the story, but for a while there are references to things that happened before the novel started and it felt a little strained. But that's just my personal preference.

Anyway, if you are looking for a hot romance, I'd definitely recommend Damned If You Don't! It'll definitely keep you entertained.

Giveaway!

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About the Author

Let multi-published author Linda J. Parisi take you through the darker, spicier side of Romance with her Paranormal, Paranormal Romantic Suspense, and Romantic Suspense tales. Winner of the New Jersey Romance Writer’s Golden Leaf Award for Best First Book for her novel, Noble Blood, and winner of the 4th Annual Stroke of Midnight Contest for her novel, The Joining: Bound by Blood, Linda is a long-time member of the RWA and the current secretary of Liberty States Fiction Writers. Linda has seen the publishing industry turn upside down yet stay the same because everyone loves a well-written Romance. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, John, and a family which includes Audi, a Cocker Spaniel mix who had her at woof!

Review: Angel by Johanna Lindsey

Angel (Wyoming #3) by Johanna Lindsey


Release Date: April 3, 2001
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Adult, Romance, Western
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


Hoping to cool off a twenty-five-year-old feud between two neighboring families, Cassie Stuart only succeeds in pouring kerosene on the flames. Both sides have warned her to get out of Texas pronto. . .or they will burn her father's ranch to the ground. What Cassie needs is a peacemaker but she ends up with a widow-maker instead.

He is called Angel , a ruggedly handsome hired gun with eyes as black as sin. Unwanted and unwelcomed by his ungrateful employer, he would just as soon leave Cassie to fend for herself. But a stubborn sense of duty , and a desire to taste the sweetness of her kiss steels Angel's resolve to make Cassie want him, come hell or high water. . .and for more than his gun alone.


Disclaimer: I am shifting how I rate books. I typically stay within the 3-5 star range, but I have found that I need to widen the scope to allow for varying gradations of books.

Do you like westerns?

Do you like gunfights?

Do you like shotgun weddings?

If yes, this is the book for you!

The story of Angel and Cassie is definitely entertaining. There is never a dull moment in their relationship. From the moment he rides up to her ranch and her panther (yes, panther) spooks his horse, they are at odds. She is a willful woman and he is a stubborn man, and other than their ass-like personalities, they have little in common. But you know what they say about opposites attracting.... ;)

Angel is a gun for hire that is repaying a debt. A friend of his asks him to go down to Texas (Whoop!) to protect the daughter of a family friend. Cassandra Stuart is an independent young woman who just can't seem to stop meddling in other people's lives—a quality that has gotten her into a serious amount of trouble. Due to her pertinent nature, two families are both coming for her head. She really should have just let the feud continue.

Angel isn't particularly fond of Cassie's iron will and would love to just leave her to fight off ten-or-so wrathful Texans, but his debt keeps him at her side. That, and the fact that she seems to grow more beautiful every time he sees her.

In a moment of stupidity and panic, Cassie declares that Angel is her fiancee to the two families, trying to conceal that he is a deadly gunfighter, and goes the extra-mile to prove it: she kisses him right then and there on her front porch.

He never stood a chance.

As Angel battles his growing attraction to her and Cassie tries to conceal her desire for him, they discover more and more about each other.... (That was an innuendo... just to be clear). Eventually, they simply cannot deny their mutual desire, and fate happens to put them in a position where they can act upon it....

Okay, I enjoyed the story, but there were a lot of idiosyncrasies that bothered the heck out of me! For one, the culture of the time was way-off. I'm no historian, but I do believe that Cassie's behavior was out of line for a woman in the early West. Don't get me wrong—I love how independent she was—but a lot of what she does simply wouldn't be tolerated.

And she has a panther. In 19th-century-Texas. And an elephant roams the grounds of her family's ranch in Wyoming. What the hell? The only explanation (granted, there are two books in the series before this one) is that she has an eccentric grandfather who travels the world and gave her a panther.

Um...thanks, grandpa?

And Angel! I don't object to him personally. Given his background, I understand why he acts the way he does. However, if he tried to pull a stunt with me like he did with Cassie, I would've shot him. End of story. He may be a loner, but he should try and have some decency on occasion!

I don't mean to detract from the story—it really was enjoyable; it just wasn't remarkable. I wouldn't reread it, but I don't regret reading it.

So take my review with a grain of salt. If you're interested in the premise, please, by all means, proceed with it! If nothing else, you can laugh at the historical inaccuracies! :)

About the Author

Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most successful authors of historical romance. Every one of her previous novels has been a national bestseller, and several of her titles have reached the no. 1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list.

Ms. Lindsey lives in New England with her family.

Review: The Vampire and the Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Vampire and the Virgin (Love at Stake #8) by Kerrelyn Sparks


Release Date: March 9, 2010
Genre: Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Publisher: Avon
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads  Amazon
(3 out of 5)

Olivia's packing list:
1. Sunscreen
2. Bathing suit
3. Flip-flops

FBI psychologist Olivia Sotiris was looking for a cool ocean breeze, sand between her toes, and a break from her crazy, chaotic, and sometimes all-too-dangerous life. But when she escaped to the small Greek island of Patmos, all she got were meddling grandmothers trying to marry her off. Can't they see that none of the men around interests her—except Robby MacKay?

Robby's packing list:
1. Synthetic blood
2. More synthetic blood
3. Jogging clothes
(even vamps have to stay in shape!)

Robby needs to cool off, too, since all he can think about is revenge on the Malcontent bloodsuckers who once held him captive—but then he meets Olivia, the beauty with wild curls and a tempting smile. When a deadly criminal from a case back home tracks her down, Robby will have to save her life—along with giving her a first time she'll never forget . . .

Kerrelyn Sparks’s Love at Stake series continues with The Vampire and the Virgin—as a battle-weary immortal finds true love while on a well-deserved vacation. Funny, dark, and sexy, this eighth paranormal romance from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author is proof (O) positive that Sparks is going stronger than ever! Charlaine Harris/Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood aficionados will eat this one up. No time is better than now to drink in the heat and the humor of Kerrelyn Sparks—and to learn why Lynsay Sands (of the Argeneau vampire family novels fame) calls Sparks, “An absolute delight!”


So, I feel like it's necessary to describe the process of how I choose these novels. It's simple, really: I go into Half-Price with Emily and we go to the Romance section and pick the most ridiculous titles and/or covers. This one was both. I mean, how could I avoid that cover/title? It practically sang to me!

Like most of these novels, I was pleasantly surprised that it had a coherent and somewhat captivating plot. That wasn't meant to be a shaded insult...but that's what it sounds like—sorry! But really, it wasn't that bad. I mean—I was blushing for about half of it (it doesn't take much to make me blush—hell, I don't even have to be embarrassed or flustered to blush), but it was pretty entertaining.

Robby MacKay falls in love with the saucy and independent Olivia Sotiris, a FBI agent. He is soulless ginger. He is sexy. And he is a 300 year-old creature of the night. Who would've guessed?

Olivia, as aforementioned, is an FBI agent. However, she has a special ability: she's an empath. She is able to tell when someone is lying and, in general, what emotions they are feeling. But for some inexplicable (coughhe'sdeadcough) reason, her abilities do not work on the oh-so-sexy Robby. Can she love someone blindly? Of course she can! That's the entire point of this book!

Anyway, they meet on the Greek island of Patmos and almost instantly fall in love. But as fate would have it, before they can fully consummate their eternal love for one another, a serial killer who is obsessed with Olivia forces her to flee from Patmos. The (hardly) star crossed lovers are separated for close to a month before they are able to contact each other again. As their long-distance relationship grows more serious, Robby feels the weight of his lie profoundly. Can he tell her what he is and still keep her?

Okay, so I don't know all the vampire lore, but I'm pretty sure this book took a few liberties. And some of the logistics just don't add up. Emily, I expect your bulls@$t-science detector would go haywire and you would look like this for about 33.3333% of the story:

But I also didn't realize this novel was part of a series, so maybe things have been explained earlier on. I'll give Sparks the benefit of the doubt on that one.

But yeah, this actually was a decent plot. It could be cheesy at times, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well...I get squeamish pretty easily, so I was super uncomfortable during parts. But that is a personal thing.

I can't say I have a long narrative about this book, though. It was entertaining, and that was about it for me. If nothing else, I recommend you read it for that title. I mean, how could you not read it? It says exactly what it's about!

I'm sorry I don't have more to say about it; I really wish I could offer you guys more of a review, but I'm just at a loss for words about it.

Love ya, darlings!



About the Author

Kerrelyn Sparks’ first paranormal romance, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, zoomed out of the bat cave so fast it became Borders bestselling debut romance of 2005. Each book in the Love at Stake series has become a USA Today bestseller. When the fourth book, The Undead Next Door, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, even the Undead sat up and took notice, which made Kerrelyn a bit nervous. She lives in the Greater Houston area with her husband, children, and a house full of garlic. So far, there are no vampires in her family. Werewolves are another matter entirely.

Review: This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas

This Man (This Man #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Release Date: October 20, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 448
Format: eBook
Source: Review Copy from Netgalley
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Young interior designer Ava O’Shea has an appointment for a first consultation at The Manor with the owner, Mr Jesse Ward. She is expecting nothing more than an overweight, cravat wearing, well-to-do countryman, and on arrival, nothing would suggest otherwise. How wrong could she be? This Man is devastatingly handsome, charming and confident. He is also a conceited, hedonistic playboy, who knows no boundaries. Ava desperately does not want to be attracted to him, but she can’t control the overwhelming affect he has on her. Every instinct is telling her to run, so she does, but Jesse Ward is not so willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her. She knows she is heading for heartbreak, but how can she run when he won’t let her?


*DNF at 31%*

I understand the appeal of alpha males. I really do. In fact, I've read (and enjoyed) lots of books with really dominant male characters. It's definitely not a concept that offends me outright in any way - it can work really well in the context of certain stories and falls into the "you do you" category of interaction between characters.

So, to be clear, for me there're two ends to the alpha male story spectrum: sexy escapist romance and OH MY GOD RUN FROM THE CRAZY. Obviously, there are stories that exist in the mid-ground but as far as I'm concerned This Man... it defined the crazy end of the spectrum. I seriously couldn't do it. I ended up giving up on the book before even making it a third of the way through, which is rare for me. These are just a few of the reasons that stuck out:

1. Jesse refuses to tell Ava how old he actually is. That is just... so weird. And it made me super uncomfortable. I can't even exactly define why, but there just seems to be something inherently wrong with the whole scenario. I mean, she's already having sex with you. Just tell her, for goodness sake. I don't know why I'm fixating on this one aspect, but it really bothered me.

2. Continuing to touch someone until it feels good and they give in is not adequate consent. Jesse seems to be under the impression that it is. I take quite a bit of issue with that. While what he's doing is not actually rape, it walks much too close to assault for my liking. Also, if someone needs to go to the bathroom, the correct way to deal with it is not to hold them down and have sex. I'm rather appalled that it needs to be stated at all.

3. Ava is completely useless at making up her mind. One minute she acknowledges how crazy and controlling Jesse is, she knows she shouldn't be with him. Then the next, she thinks he's perfect and swoons over him. Listen to your crazy-meter, Ava. It's serving you well.

I really wouldn't recommend this book. There are much better examples of what This Man attempted to be out there, so go with those for your own sanity.

About the Author

First time British author Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northampton, where she lives with her family. Working for her father’s construction business full-time, she tried to ignore the lingering idea of This Man until it became impossible. She made time and found the courage to release her creative streak, unleashing the character Mr Jesse Ward, Lord of The Manor.

Website   •   Goodreads   •   Facebook   •   Twitter

Review: The Dark Horse by Patricia Simpson

The Dark Horse (Forbidden Tarot #2) by Patricia Simpson


Release Date: October 27, 2005
Genre: Romance, Adult, Paranormal
Publisher: Tor Paranormal Romance
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon 


Claire Coulter’s brother is dying. To Claire’s astonishment, her boss offers to pay for the the risky operation that might save him. The catch? Claire must accompany Tobias Benton on a search for the Fountain of Youth.

Despite believing Tobias is on a wild goose chase, Claire agrees—she’ll do anything to save her brother. The trip is a disaster: Tobias doesn’t just want Claire’s company—he wants Claire. But Claire is drawn to Jack, their mysterious and sexy guide.

Although the strange and beautiful deck of tarot cards she’s carrying with her predicts a positive outcome, Claire suspects everyone around her is hiding something. Especially Simeon, an urbane older man who claims to be studying snakes, but whose dark demeanor hints at a terrible past.

Claire’s psychic sensitivity alerts her that all is not what it seems, but can she figure out who to trust before it’s too late?


So, I think I’m immune to cowboys. I just don’t find them attractive, at all.

Okay the second book in the Forbidden Tarot series was not as appealing as the first, but I think that’s because it had less of The Mummy vibe going on. This book is also more explicit than The Dark Lord, in my opinion. Which, I mean, is the point of adult romance, but I was a little taken aback by it. Apparently, I’m a prude or something.

Also, I thought this novel had an inappropriate view on gender relations for a while. Claire, our beautiful protagonist, practically hates men—or at least, she distrusts them innately. At many points in the novel she shuns the help of men with a disdainful thought on how they’re all the same. Which, obviously, I disagree with. Now, I do concede that part of Claire’s development in the story is that she gets over this stigma, but it just really bothered me.

Oh boy, I feel a rant coming on. Hold on to your seats, guys!

I know you all probably know this, but being a feminist, or a strong woman doesn’t mean that you have to put down “the man.” Not at all. I feel like women, as a class, should not strive to dominate over men and vice versa. We should all just learn to respect each other. Unless of course, you or your SO wants to be dominated, then by all means you do you. Am I an idealist? Of course! But this is my personal philosophy and should by no means be construed as a mandate on how everyone should live his or her lives. I just wanted to give you guys a glimpse on where I’m coming from. :)

Rant over. We can resume discussing the novel.

Okay so basically, the plot of this book is that Claire comes into possession of the Tarot deck from The Dark Lord and her life goes to hell in a hand basket. Her boss Tobias is constantly sexually harassing her (you guys can guess my opinion on that front), and blackmailing her about her brother’s kidney transplant. What an ass, right? Don’t worry, you’re not supposed to like him. The only thing I have to say in his defense is that he is a virgin (NOT saying that is a bad thing! If that is your personal choice, rock on!). And his virginity is often used as an excuse for his actions. Such as: Oh, he almost raped her—it’s okay he’s a virgin! Which is obviously not an appropriate excuse for half of the things he does. However, it does give you insight into he character. He is starved for human contact, and unfortunately has no idea how to go about it. In his frustration, he often turns to violence. It’s sad really, but as I said before: not an appropriate excuse.

Now let’s get back to Claire. Claire just confuses me, and she confuses about half of the characters as well. About 60 pages in, she is miraculously given the ability to psychically communicate with animals, and it’s just weird. It serves a purpose, but there was no gradual lead-in to that. She’s also a very strong, very willful woman, and I completely respect that. However, she is so against violence that it’s dangerous. I mean she talks about how there is no good enough reason to beat someone up and then her boss tries to rape her. What are you going to do then, Claire? Talk him out of it? Because I’m pretty sure that that strategy ain’t gonna fly. But other than that and her general contempt for men, I like her!

And now Jack: the guide. He comes from a dysfunctional family, who hilariously accompany them on their journey to find a fountain of youth. They have a saddening relationship with one another, but they’re also great comic relief. Grandma Betty? I want to be Grandma Betty: the seventy plus year-old-woman who is so kind most of the time, but isn’t afraid to curse or give her family some much needed tough-love. I straight up think of Betty White. And I love it.

Oh, sorry, I was supposed to be talking about Jack. Anyway, Jack is the lone wolf kind of guy. Misunderstood and mistreated by society. He has a spirit animal that comes out at random intervals. Oh, and Claire can communicate with it. It’s kind of kinky, and sometimes really uncomfortable. But whatever, it’s their life. As he’s guiding them, he feels a certain attraction to Claire and it’s obviously reciprocated (SPOILER: THEY HAVE SEX…in a cave…good for them).

And lastly, Simeon Avare: yes, the very same Simeon Avare. He is not nearly as creepy in this book as he was in The Dark Lord. He takes a backseat, mostly. One thing I do have to say about him is that I felt like he did a 180 in character. The Simeon I remembered was suave and attractive and definitely into women. However, in this novel, he seems to shun them. I understand how Simpson explained his change in character, it just seemed contrived. There are also little excerpts from Set (AKA: Simeon), which just ruined the haughty image I had of Simeon. Don’t get me wrong, they’re hilarious, but I felt like they weren’t consistent.

And in conclusion I’d like to say this: I feel like everyone is watching too much Ancient Aliens. It’s weird and it needs to stop.

But I did enjoy this book, and I’ll probably read the last one just to see where the story is going.

Much love, babes! ;)

About the Author

Patricia Simpson grew up in the wilderness of Western Montana, where it meant a 3-1/2 hour drive just to buy shoes. When she was young, the iPad hadn't yet been invented, and there were no radio stations in the area, so on the many long drives for shoes, Patricia amused herself by reading novels or creating her own stories in her head. She was encouraged to write by her sister, who always asked to be read what she had written so far that day, her Egyptian-born English teacher in junior high, and then again by a creative writing professor at the University of Washington. Instead of seeking a writing degree, Patricia chose to pursue a BA in Art and has worked as a graphic artist/web developer at the University of Washington since 1982. Patricia still enjoys painting almost as much as she loves to write.

Ms. Simpson has won numerous awards for her fiction, including Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, Career Achievement Award, and has been a finalist in the RITA awards and for Best Indie Paranormal of the Year.

Review: The Dark Lord by Patricia Simpson

The Dark Lord (Forbidden Tarot #1) by Patricia Simpson

Release Date: December 23, 2004
Genre: Romance, Adult, Paranormal
Pages: 374
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


Dangerously appealing Simeon, who has awakened her long-dormant sexuality, and Michael, the brooding son of her late mentor. Rae and Michael have each inherited half of his father's estate, and are sharing a large house as they renovate it.

Being around Michael has rekindled the torch Rae carried for him as a young girl-but when Rae is with Simeon, everyone and everything else fades into the background, including the creepy souvenir Rae brought back from her Egyptian vacation.

Rae was warned the deck of tarot cards was dangerous. She was told to throw the cards into the sea, to not look upon them lest she set free evil spirits. The psychic she consults insists that the dark spirit of the Tarot has taken form as one of the men in Rae's life.

Rae must figure out whether the Dark Lord of the Forbidden Tarot is Simeon or Michael before she loses her heart... and possibly her life.


Hello, readers! Don’t be mislead by the title, this is not a biography on the Life and Lies of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I kind of wish such a thing existed, though!

This was supposed to be one of those joke books for me to read…. Kind of like An Original Sin, but I totally fell in love with this book!

I was severely mislead by the title, the cover and the summary and thought this book would be be a sappy romance novel—it’s not, and it’s totally awesome!

The Dark Lord is a classic geek-girl gets the jock, but with a paranormal twist. Fay Rae Lambers (I know, Mary-Sue name), usually referred to as Rae, is troubled by a dark childhood and crippling disease, which have hindered her from pursuing relationships in the past. However, after finding an ancient deck of Tarot cards during her trip to Egypt, all that manages to change! Strange occurrences surround her. Her old colleague, and father of her high school flame, Thomas Gregory dies mysteriously and leaves his beautiful mansion to Rae and his son, Michael.

At the same time, Simeon Avare comes sauntering into her life, promising her the world and a cure for her painful disease, in return for something her mentor has left for her. Rae must dig up the past, reunite with her old friend and crush Michael Gregory and all the while babysit her sister to find whatever has caused all these happenings.

Rae finds herself drawn in two directions: back to her old relationship with Michael and to the magnetic presence of Simeon. As she struggles to keep her emotions in check, she finds that everything and everyone are not as they seem. In the end, she must choose what life to pursue and will either save or condemn everyone she loves.

The plot of this book is actually riveting and pretty gosh darn original. Granted, 99% of my love for the entire concept stems from my childhood obsession with Egypt. What can I say—I really loved The Mummy growing up!

The romance isn’t over-the-top and is even pretty sweet, given the circumstances. Basically, I giggled like a little schoolgirl during some (most) parts, and that is rare for me.

The only criticisms I can give is that sometimes it can get cheesy, but I didn’t really mind that in the scheme of things, and that it is definitely a little dated. At one point Michael mentions a wireless router and everyone thinks it’s the coolest thing. It was pretty endearing actually. Also, apparently cellphones weren’t really a common thing when this story takes place, which can be a little hard to imagine nowadays!

I would strongly recommend this book to Emily and Caroline and to you guys as well! I think y’all would enjoy it—especially if you go for the YA paranormal romances like most of us do.

All I can say is that I’ll probably reread this book at some point and am seriously intending to read the rest of the Forbidden Tarot series! Interpret this information as you will!

Do svidaniya, my darlings!

About the Author

Patricia Simpson grew up in the wilderness of Western Montana, where it meant a 3-1/2 hour drive just to buy shoes. When she was young, the iPad hadn't yet been invented, and there were no radio stations in the area, so on the many long drives for shoes, Patricia amused herself by reading novels or creating her own stories in her head. She was encouraged to write by her sister, who always asked to be read what she had written so far that day, her Egyptian-born English teacher in junior high, and then again by a creative writing professor at the University of Washington. Instead of seeking a writing degree, Patricia chose to pursue a BA in Art and has worked as a graphic artist/web developer at the University of Washington since 1982. Patricia still enjoys painting almost as much as she loves to write.

Ms Simpson has won numerous awards for her fiction, including Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, Career Achievement Award, and has been a finalist in the RITA awards and for Best Indie Paranormal of the Year.