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A Spellbound Consortium #3
The Gatekeeper's Key
PRE-ORDER SPECIAL
The Gatekeeper’s Key will be 99 cents for a limited time only until the date of release!
The magical world is in an uproar, cast into turmoil by attacks from Hellish minions. Amid the chaos, Sorceress Krystine Iamides bears the daunting responsibility of concealing the supernatural from humanity.
While investigating a wicked cult's ritualistic sacrifice, Krys is thrust into the path of her estranged lover, Detective Jean-Luc Chevalier—a man with a knack for returning from the dead. At first, her psychic ability seems like the right investigative tool to aid his case -- until it attracts a demonic entity with a taste for human flesh.
Now, as the cult’s activities risk exposing their magical society, old rivalries between the supernatural factions become precarious new alliances. Fated to work with her ex-lover again, she determines her feelings for Jean-Luc have never changed… but have his? Together, they must overcome past differences to combine their mysterious gifts, survive deception and treason, and exterminate the evil threatening the world.
WARNING
This adventurous, fast-paced novel includes mature situations, intense action, some passionate sex, magical violence, and adult language. If you aren’t an adult in your country, you shouldn’t be reading this! Some of the ideas in this novel may offend you, turn you on, or turn you off. You have been warned.
The Gatekeeper’s Key will be 99 cents for a limited time only until the date of release!
The magical world is in an uproar, cast into turmoil by attacks from Hellish minions. Amid the chaos, Sorceress Krystine Iamides bears the daunting responsibility of concealing the supernatural from humanity.
While investigating a wicked cult's ritualistic sacrifice, Krys is thrust into the path of her estranged lover, Detective Jean-Luc Chevalier—a man with a knack for returning from the dead. At first, her psychic ability seems like the right investigative tool to aid his case -- until it attracts a demonic entity with a taste for human flesh.
Now, as the cult’s activities risk exposing their magical society, old rivalries between the supernatural factions become precarious new alliances. Fated to work with her ex-lover again, she determines her feelings for Jean-Luc have never changed… but have his? Together, they must overcome past differences to combine their mysterious gifts, survive deception and treason, and exterminate the evil threatening the world.
WARNING
This adventurous, fast-paced novel includes mature situations, intense action, some passionate sex, magical violence, and adult language. If you aren’t an adult in your country, you shouldn’t be reading this! Some of the ideas in this novel may offend you, turn you on, or turn you off. You have been warned.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2015
5 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
A. Payne
15 books78 followersAlisha Payne is a Stay-at-Home-Mom with two wonderful children, a son and a daughter, and a husband serving in the United States Navy.
Her interest in writing started during her middle school years, beginning with poetry, and advanced to short stories. Later in high school, she enjoyed writing longer stories with a small group of friends, though none of their projects were ever finished.
Alisha is both an avid reader and, believe it or not, a video gamer. Her current favorites when it comes to games are Dragon Age, the Mass Effect series, anything Elder Scrolls related, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, and Fallout 3. She also likes a good hidden object style game and playing Skylanders with her son.
She owes her love of reading to her mother, who introduced her to the worlds of Pern and Xanth. She favors several authors and book genres but the following are among her favorite: Stephen King, Tolkien, Mercedes Lackey, Christine Feehan, J.K. Rowling, James Rollins, and Jim Butcher.
Her interest in writing started during her middle school years, beginning with poetry, and advanced to short stories. Later in high school, she enjoyed writing longer stories with a small group of friends, though none of their projects were ever finished.
Alisha is both an avid reader and, believe it or not, a video gamer. Her current favorites when it comes to games are Dragon Age, the Mass Effect series, anything Elder Scrolls related, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, and Fallout 3. She also likes a good hidden object style game and playing Skylanders with her son.
She owes her love of reading to her mother, who introduced her to the worlds of Pern and Xanth. She favors several authors and book genres but the following are among her favorite: Stephen King, Tolkien, Mercedes Lackey, Christine Feehan, J.K. Rowling, James Rollins, and Jim Butcher.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 2, 2015
I FREAKING LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF THIS BOOK!!!! Nick and Alisha always does this to me. They write an awesome book, and they leave me wanting, no needing more.
Jean-Luc is one of my favorite characters, so of course I loved this book. Jean-Luc is a bad ass by himself, but when you add Krystine, you get one crazy book.
A lot of things happen in this book that will have your mind spinning trying to keep up with the fast pace action. Not to mention the sweet romance between Krys and JL.
With every book these two ladies write, I am blown away each time. I don't know how they keep up with it all. I am a huge fan, and I eagerly await the next book in this series.
Grab your copy today, and dive head first into this awesome world!
***Book provided by the authors for an honest review.***
Jean-Luc is one of my favorite characters, so of course I loved this book. Jean-Luc is a bad ass by himself, but when you add Krystine, you get one crazy book.
A lot of things happen in this book that will have your mind spinning trying to keep up with the fast pace action. Not to mention the sweet romance between Krys and JL.
With every book these two ladies write, I am blown away each time. I don't know how they keep up with it all. I am a huge fan, and I eagerly await the next book in this series.
Grab your copy today, and dive head first into this awesome world!
***Book provided by the authors for an honest review.***
February 13, 2015
I have several issues with this book
1.I stayed up till 4am this morning reading the book. The authors might be selfishly unaware that I work with children, and will possibly need medication to get through the day.
2. Because of the many humourous and sassy lines in TGK I laughed out loud at times. A good thing surely? You would think so. Let me give up a little insight into what went down. I laughed at 3.23am, it woke the cat beside me (Sibby Siburton) who farted with the fright. Now the fact that I was forced to read the next seven pages with a cushion pressed to my nose is not the crux of the issue. Sibby meowed for the next hour straight until I FINALLY resorted to locking him in an outdoor shed. My family have "mentioned" the noise all morning, just in case I was "unaware."
3. I am a bit jealous of authors who are able to weave such an intricate and beautiful story like a pair of little of ladies at a spinning wheel. Before reading N.Taylor and A.Payne, I would never have read anything in this genre. It just never appealed to me. But from the first time I met my second imaginary husband Jean-Luc and the lovely Krystine, I was smitten.The writing is fluid and so vivid, the imagery gives a massive sense of time and place and the story line itself is not a well worn overdone plot. It's fresh and exciting. Each character should be in the story, nothing is overdone or wasteful. Perfection.
Oh maybe I should talk more about the story line?? Nope. You must trust me and dive in face first. You will not be disappointed. Immerse yourself in each and every emotion and visualize each and every character. I just hope you put the cat out first.
5 big fat stars!
1.I stayed up till 4am this morning reading the book. The authors might be selfishly unaware that I work with children, and will possibly need medication to get through the day.
2. Because of the many humourous and sassy lines in TGK I laughed out loud at times. A good thing surely? You would think so. Let me give up a little insight into what went down. I laughed at 3.23am, it woke the cat beside me (Sibby Siburton) who farted with the fright. Now the fact that I was forced to read the next seven pages with a cushion pressed to my nose is not the crux of the issue. Sibby meowed for the next hour straight until I FINALLY resorted to locking him in an outdoor shed. My family have "mentioned" the noise all morning, just in case I was "unaware."
3. I am a bit jealous of authors who are able to weave such an intricate and beautiful story like a pair of little of ladies at a spinning wheel. Before reading N.Taylor and A.Payne, I would never have read anything in this genre. It just never appealed to me. But from the first time I met my second imaginary husband Jean-Luc and the lovely Krystine, I was smitten.The writing is fluid and so vivid, the imagery gives a massive sense of time and place and the story line itself is not a well worn overdone plot. It's fresh and exciting. Each character should be in the story, nothing is overdone or wasteful. Perfection.
Oh maybe I should talk more about the story line?? Nope. You must trust me and dive in face first. You will not be disappointed. Immerse yourself in each and every emotion and visualize each and every character. I just hope you put the cat out first.
5 big fat stars!
January 11, 2015
OMFG!!!!!! From beginning to end I love this book. I've read every book in this series and just wow. The way the authors wove this story amazes me. How they were able to continue the series without flaws is awesome.
February 24, 2015
I was given this book to read for my honest thoughts and a review. Thank you N Taylor for this opportunity once again.
The Gatekeeper's key is the third book in Spellbound Consortium series and what a book it is.
This book is all about Sorceress Krystine Iamides & Detective Jean-Luc Chevalier, its fast paced Magical and very sexy.
The magical world is in a huge uproar, cast into turmoil because of attacks from Hellish minions. And Amid the chaos, Beautiful Sorceress Krystine Iamides Holds the extremely daunting and huge responsibility of concealing the supernatural from humanity.
Whilst investigating a wicked cult's ritualistic sacrifice, Krys is pushed into the path of her estranged sexy lover,
Detective Jean-Luc Chevalier is a man and one with a knack for returning from the dead.....
At first, Krys's psychic ability seems like the right tool to help aid Jean Luc investigation. But it does the opposite and it attracts a demonic entity with a taste for human flesh.
As this cult's brazen activities risk exposing their magical society, old rivalries between the supernatural factions become precarious new alliances.
With fate deciding krys must work with her ex-lover again, she realizes her feelings for Jean-Luc have never ever changed... but has his?
As a team together, they must overcome there past differences and combine their mysterious gifts, and survive deception and treason, and eliminate the evil that's threatening the world.
Another fab read from two amazing authors that weave magic together with there combined writing talents, i was very impressed to say the least. i very much enjoyed the fast paced action mixed in with some sizzling sex scenes and of course Love i am looking forward to seeing where there love takes them and ends.
It was very easy to fall in love once again with Krys i was hooked maybe even a touch smitten.
I also appreciated the humor that was weaved amazingly in the TGK
Overall an outstanding and very well written book with allot to give to us readers.
5 Out of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
The Gatekeeper's key is the third book in Spellbound Consortium series and what a book it is.
This book is all about Sorceress Krystine Iamides & Detective Jean-Luc Chevalier, its fast paced Magical and very sexy.
The magical world is in a huge uproar, cast into turmoil because of attacks from Hellish minions. And Amid the chaos, Beautiful Sorceress Krystine Iamides Holds the extremely daunting and huge responsibility of concealing the supernatural from humanity.
Whilst investigating a wicked cult's ritualistic sacrifice, Krys is pushed into the path of her estranged sexy lover,
Detective Jean-Luc Chevalier is a man and one with a knack for returning from the dead.....
At first, Krys's psychic ability seems like the right tool to help aid Jean Luc investigation. But it does the opposite and it attracts a demonic entity with a taste for human flesh.
As this cult's brazen activities risk exposing their magical society, old rivalries between the supernatural factions become precarious new alliances.
With fate deciding krys must work with her ex-lover again, she realizes her feelings for Jean-Luc have never ever changed... but has his?
As a team together, they must overcome there past differences and combine their mysterious gifts, and survive deception and treason, and eliminate the evil that's threatening the world.
Another fab read from two amazing authors that weave magic together with there combined writing talents, i was very impressed to say the least. i very much enjoyed the fast paced action mixed in with some sizzling sex scenes and of course Love i am looking forward to seeing where there love takes them and ends.
It was very easy to fall in love once again with Krys i was hooked maybe even a touch smitten.
I also appreciated the humor that was weaved amazingly in the TGK
Overall an outstanding and very well written book with allot to give to us readers.
5 Out of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
November 18, 2015
4.5 stars
These books keep getting better. The skill of the authors has grown so much. The storytelling remains rich and vivid, while the verbiage gets more concise - and therefore packs a more powerful punch.
The story of Jean-Luc and Krystine is a great love story as well as a great adventure. We're taken on the run from gargoyles at Notre Dame in Paris, through tunnels full of demons in a Labyrinth in Greece, and defending civilians from possessed gunmen across Central Park.
The battle against an organization of occultists is growing more heated with every book, and I find myself rooting more and more for the company of young mages and their fae and sylvan friends who put their lives on the line time and again.
The characters are so well drawn and the story so seamless that I felt like I was inserted into their lives, a passerby, or a close friend, who is asked to participate in the action. The drawback to that is sometimes I felt like important things had happened that I wasn't privy to, and I occasionally got lost. However, as I read on, things became clear again.
These books are supposed to be standalone, and the first two both contain a story arc that is complete by the end, however The Gatekeeper's Key has a story arc that is not complete, though I understand the next book will wrap up the entire series, including the overarching storyline. I do recommend that readers start with The Regent's Gamble, and follow the stories in order, if only to help you avoid spoilers, because the stories are intertwined, and the books do reference things that happened in a previous book.
These books keep getting better. The skill of the authors has grown so much. The storytelling remains rich and vivid, while the verbiage gets more concise - and therefore packs a more powerful punch.
The story of Jean-Luc and Krystine is a great love story as well as a great adventure. We're taken on the run from gargoyles at Notre Dame in Paris, through tunnels full of demons in a Labyrinth in Greece, and defending civilians from possessed gunmen across Central Park.
The battle against an organization of occultists is growing more heated with every book, and I find myself rooting more and more for the company of young mages and their fae and sylvan friends who put their lives on the line time and again.
The characters are so well drawn and the story so seamless that I felt like I was inserted into their lives, a passerby, or a close friend, who is asked to participate in the action. The drawback to that is sometimes I felt like important things had happened that I wasn't privy to, and I occasionally got lost. However, as I read on, things became clear again.
These books are supposed to be standalone, and the first two both contain a story arc that is complete by the end, however The Gatekeeper's Key has a story arc that is not complete, though I understand the next book will wrap up the entire series, including the overarching storyline. I do recommend that readers start with The Regent's Gamble, and follow the stories in order, if only to help you avoid spoilers, because the stories are intertwined, and the books do reference things that happened in a previous book.
January 27, 2015
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an excellent paranormal/fantasy.
I read the Christmas prequel before reading this, so I had some idea of what to expect from the writing, but I couldn't have predicted that the storytelling would be quite this amazing. These ladies know how to weave a plot and keep things interesting. Normally, I can read pretty quickly, but this book encourages the reader to sit and chew a while before moving on. I love that. It was definitely more than a romance, more than a paranormal, more than a fantasy thriller.
There are some steamier parts, but they are neither over-the-top or under-done. I am looking forward to buying and reading the next in the series.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read the Christmas prequel before reading this, so I had some idea of what to expect from the writing, but I couldn't have predicted that the storytelling would be quite this amazing. These ladies know how to weave a plot and keep things interesting. Normally, I can read pretty quickly, but this book encourages the reader to sit and chew a while before moving on. I love that. It was definitely more than a romance, more than a paranormal, more than a fantasy thriller.
There are some steamier parts, but they are neither over-the-top or under-done. I am looking forward to buying and reading the next in the series.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2015
*I was provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Gatekeeper's Key is book 3 in this series, and can be read as a standalone, which I have. Now I simply MUST get my hands on the prior books! I have fallen in love with it! This may be my favorite find so far this year!
Keys and Jean-Luc's banter.. priceless! From the moment he comes back to be her knight in shining armor... till the last flip of the page, I was enthralled!
I can't wait to start the first of the series and I suggest you start reading them as well! Devote some time for it, you like me, wont want to stop till it says 'The End'!
~Dowie
The Gatekeeper's Key is book 3 in this series, and can be read as a standalone, which I have. Now I simply MUST get my hands on the prior books! I have fallen in love with it! This may be my favorite find so far this year!
Keys and Jean-Luc's banter.. priceless! From the moment he comes back to be her knight in shining armor... till the last flip of the page, I was enthralled!
I can't wait to start the first of the series and I suggest you start reading them as well! Devote some time for it, you like me, wont want to stop till it says 'The End'!
~Dowie
February 10, 2015
Received a complimentary copy to read and review. Great book. I couldn’t put it down. Love the characters and world that was created. It has some great twists and turns. Readers are drawn into the story from the first page. This is one to add to your TBR lists. Look forward to reading more books by the authors.
June 7, 2017
I loved this book.
All of the magical creatures, good and bad, all combined to .........
Can the ..........be saved from .......
This story keeps you on your toes and drags you through all sorts of emotions, :0 :) ;) :(
I can't wait for the next book!
All of the magical creatures, good and bad, all combined to .........
Can the ..........be saved from .......
This story keeps you on your toes and drags you through all sorts of emotions, :0 :) ;) :(
I can't wait for the next book!
July 5, 2017
That was a good piece of paranormal read, really enjoyable, but in few places, I had problems with following the plot, but due to a really nice building of events and characters together with last scene, it got 4 stars!
June 29, 2017
The action was gripping. Details were great. Story was heartbreaking at times. Grabs your attention and doesn't let it go.
February 18, 2015
While I attempted in good faith to read through the entire novel, I simply could not force my interest long enough to make it more than the halfway mark.
What I found in this novel was a mash-up of anything and everything mythical, fantastical, and horrific, liberally sprinkled with racy sex scenes, rape, and fantasy violence. Not only was evil attempting to overtake the mundane world, but a slew of mythical creatures were utilized, including vampires, unicorns, demons, mages, wizards, gargoyles, and a host of others that cluttered the storyline. The boundless amount of these elements buried the under-reaching plot and made the book much more difficult to follow.
I am not against sex and violence when it furthers the plot or character development. Unfortunately, this novel seemed to build it's largest supports with these elements and left gaping holes in the story. Several scenes could have been cut to make the book more compact.
There were certainly bits of writing within the book that I enjoyed; and saying that, I felt that perhaps the two authors of the book did not match their styles well enough to feel completely solid. Some sections seemed plain and flatly written, while others were adorned with florid language for richer descriptions.
If you enjoy horrific violence and erotic romance, you'll probably enjoy this book more than I did.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What I found in this novel was a mash-up of anything and everything mythical, fantastical, and horrific, liberally sprinkled with racy sex scenes, rape, and fantasy violence. Not only was evil attempting to overtake the mundane world, but a slew of mythical creatures were utilized, including vampires, unicorns, demons, mages, wizards, gargoyles, and a host of others that cluttered the storyline. The boundless amount of these elements buried the under-reaching plot and made the book much more difficult to follow.
I am not against sex and violence when it furthers the plot or character development. Unfortunately, this novel seemed to build it's largest supports with these elements and left gaping holes in the story. Several scenes could have been cut to make the book more compact.
There were certainly bits of writing within the book that I enjoyed; and saying that, I felt that perhaps the two authors of the book did not match their styles well enough to feel completely solid. Some sections seemed plain and flatly written, while others were adorned with florid language for richer descriptions.
If you enjoy horrific violence and erotic romance, you'll probably enjoy this book more than I did.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2015
A perfect pair!!!
I'm not going to give you a song and dance about this book it was one of my favorites, but it couldn't help be my favorite. Two wonderful people get together and bring magic to paper. After reading the first couple of books thinking that they couldn't do any better than the last book I am glad to admit how wrong I was. The Gatekeeper's Key is a keepsake for your bookshelf. Pick up a copy and enjoy the world a make-believe
I'm not going to give you a song and dance about this book it was one of my favorites, but it couldn't help be my favorite. Two wonderful people get together and bring magic to paper. After reading the first couple of books thinking that they couldn't do any better than the last book I am glad to admit how wrong I was. The Gatekeeper's Key is a keepsake for your bookshelf. Pick up a copy and enjoy the world a make-believe
April 12, 2015
Did not finish. Did not care for the story.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews