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Carmine
When an underpaid, overworked secretary flees into the arms of an outlaw wolf—is it magic? Or is it fate? After a long days work, all Carmine wants is to put her feet up. But when she’s forced to run for safety she falls head-over-heels into a world of enchantment—where wolves change into men, fairies fly through the air, and she herself might be a lost fae princess with magical powers. Betrayed by his pack, the last thing wolf shifter Culann needs is a woman who’s never seen magic—even if she is his true-mate. And when he finds out she’s a fairy princess in disguise, all hell breaks loose. Can a lone wolf and a secretary-turned-princess find true love? Or will they lose everything to an evil queen’s lust for power. Fairy tale twist, a lost fae princess, and a reluctant hero… Download CARMINE today.
Want a taste? Read on for an excerpt from CARMINE… A stocky shadow separated itself from the shadowy overhang of a garage. “Well, look who’s here, back from working in the big city.” Compact and solid, with a wrestler’s build, the nemesis of the neighborhood, Jorge Gonzales moved out into the street. Carmine froze, hand still in her purse. “Hello, Jorge.” She eased it out, leaving her phone in her bag. If Jorge saw it, he’d likely try to take it from her, and she hadn’t bought the insurance. “Hello yourself, Carmine .” The way he rolled her name off his tongue made her back go rigid. Tightening up her grip on her purse straps, she sped up, boot-heels clicking loudly into the empty street. “Where you going, chica ? Too busy to talk to me?” She moved fast, but despite his shorter legs, he moved faster, blocking her way, forcing her away from the houses and into the middle of the street. She went to veer around him, aiming for the safety of the houses and light, and away from the dark line of trees, but he stayed right with her, herding her even farther into the dark. “Think you’re so special, don’t you, Carmine , with your big degree and your big job.” She was too close to the forest, too close to Jorge. Her heartbeat picked up, pulsing loudly in her ears. Danger. Danger. Danger . They were just trees, they couldn’t hurt her, couldn’t move. Couldn’t open up and swallow children and cats as if they’d never been there. She had to remember—the real danger was walking beside her, almost in front of her, his eyes bright with malice. One click and read CARMINE today…
Want a taste? Read on for an excerpt from CARMINE… A stocky shadow separated itself from the shadowy overhang of a garage. “Well, look who’s here, back from working in the big city.” Compact and solid, with a wrestler’s build, the nemesis of the neighborhood, Jorge Gonzales moved out into the street. Carmine froze, hand still in her purse. “Hello, Jorge.” She eased it out, leaving her phone in her bag. If Jorge saw it, he’d likely try to take it from her, and she hadn’t bought the insurance. “Hello yourself, Carmine .” The way he rolled her name off his tongue made her back go rigid. Tightening up her grip on her purse straps, she sped up, boot-heels clicking loudly into the empty street. “Where you going, chica ? Too busy to talk to me?” She moved fast, but despite his shorter legs, he moved faster, blocking her way, forcing her away from the houses and into the middle of the street. She went to veer around him, aiming for the safety of the houses and light, and away from the dark line of trees, but he stayed right with her, herding her even farther into the dark. “Think you’re so special, don’t you, Carmine , with your big degree and your big job.” She was too close to the forest, too close to Jorge. Her heartbeat picked up, pulsing loudly in her ears. Danger. Danger. Danger . They were just trees, they couldn’t hurt her, couldn’t move. Couldn’t open up and swallow children and cats as if they’d never been there. She had to remember—the real danger was walking beside her, almost in front of her, his eyes bright with malice. One click and read CARMINE today…
Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2019
About the author
Jessica Aspen
45 books427 followersJessica always wanted to be spirited away to a world inhabited by elves, were-wolves and dark dangerous men who walk on the sharp side of the knife. Luckily, she's able to explore her fantasy side and delve into new worlds by writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romantic Suspense.
Jessica loves indulging in dark chocolate, reading eclectic novels, and dreaming of exotic vacations. When she isn't crafting magical adventures she spends most of her time walking on the beach and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Jessica Aspen writes dark witchy Urban Fantasy and fast-paced Paranormal Romantic Suspense.
As her alter-ego, J.B. Aspen, she writes the magical para-cozy mystry series MAGICAL MIDLIFE IN RETROGRADE. You can also find her fantasy romance series, HUNTED BY THE FAERIE QUEEN, under the pen-name, Jesica Ash.
Jessica loves indulging in dark chocolate, reading eclectic novels, and dreaming of exotic vacations. When she isn't crafting magical adventures she spends most of her time walking on the beach and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Jessica Aspen writes dark witchy Urban Fantasy and fast-paced Paranormal Romantic Suspense.
As her alter-ego, J.B. Aspen, she writes the magical para-cozy mystry series MAGICAL MIDLIFE IN RETROGRADE. You can also find her fantasy romance series, HUNTED BY THE FAERIE QUEEN, under the pen-name, Jesica Ash.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 17, 2019
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
January 28, 2020
Mind blown!
Oh my goodness! I did not see this twist with Carmine, but I knew Cullen was bound to fall for someone extraordinary. I just fell right into their story and became a part of it.... but Gothel?!? I NEWD to know more!! That cliffhanger will be the death of me.
Oh my goodness! I did not see this twist with Carmine, but I knew Cullen was bound to fall for someone extraordinary. I just fell right into their story and became a part of it.... but Gothel?!? I NEWD to know more!! That cliffhanger will be the death of me.
August 3, 2019
When Carmine is left on a doorstep as an infant , she grows up amongst people who love her . When she is five she is transported to Underhill one day . She is saved by a wolf and taken back to the portal . Time passes and she grows up and while being chased by town gang . She is transported back to Underhill where she is once again saved by the wolf that saved her some time ago. Culann the wolf shifter and the man that can save her and himself in the process .
I truly love the characters in this series . Carmine and Culann are no exception . Carmine well she is like all the women of Underhill . She is sweet and innocent but there is an underlying strength that she has that keeps her fighting for those who she loves . She becomes the heroine that helps save Culann.
Culann is well he is complicated sort of man . He has been through so much , from being exiled from his pack for something he didn't do . He has been through so much and you just want to hug him . He is a sweet guy that you will want to bring home to mom but he is also so very flawed . You will love him and cheer for him and Carmine . There are some recurring characters back in this book also . Finn and Ella help Carmine and Culann out . Ronatta is back raising havoc and wanting Carmine for herself so she can do a spell . Ronatta is so evil in this book she really can bring on the havoc when she wants to .
I was so excited when I found out that there was going to be another book . I love this series so much . The author takes us on an adventure that shows us that a woman can be the hero of her own story . There are twists and turns that will keep you reading and loving every moment of it . There are some steamy scenes that will have you blushing and giggling . I love how the author takes a fairy tale and twists it into a story that is up to date and shows that a damsel doesn't have to be in distress . This can be read as a stand alone but if you want to get the full feel of UNDERHILL and all its residents read the whole series . This will be a great series to add to your summer and fall reading challenge .
I truly love the characters in this series . Carmine and Culann are no exception . Carmine well she is like all the women of Underhill . She is sweet and innocent but there is an underlying strength that she has that keeps her fighting for those who she loves . She becomes the heroine that helps save Culann.
Culann is well he is complicated sort of man . He has been through so much , from being exiled from his pack for something he didn't do . He has been through so much and you just want to hug him . He is a sweet guy that you will want to bring home to mom but he is also so very flawed . You will love him and cheer for him and Carmine . There are some recurring characters back in this book also . Finn and Ella help Carmine and Culann out . Ronatta is back raising havoc and wanting Carmine for herself so she can do a spell . Ronatta is so evil in this book she really can bring on the havoc when she wants to .
I was so excited when I found out that there was going to be another book . I love this series so much . The author takes us on an adventure that shows us that a woman can be the hero of her own story . There are twists and turns that will keep you reading and loving every moment of it . There are some steamy scenes that will have you blushing and giggling . I love how the author takes a fairy tale and twists it into a story that is up to date and shows that a damsel doesn't have to be in distress . This can be read as a stand alone but if you want to get the full feel of UNDERHILL and all its residents read the whole series . This will be a great series to add to your summer and fall reading challenge .
August 15, 2019
When life throws you a few lemons, by golly you make lemonade and a lemon meringue pie! Carmine is a strong independent, intelligent empowered female. She overcame a lot having been orphaned and left on her grandmother's doorstep. At 5 yo, she wandered in the forest and is transported to Underhill and was about to be attacked by a monster, when a wolf, Culann saved her. 20 years later, same forest this time she was being chased by Jorge. She somehow steps into another realm and Culann finds her again. Culan's Dad, Bruce is Alpha and asks him for help to save the pack. They join forces and go on a quest to find a cure for the poison and save the pack. Does Carmine struggle to understnad the paranormal? Does Culann answer her questions? Nice story. Carmine is amazing and Culann is a rock too! Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review. VERY nice cover art!
August 17, 2019
red riding hood meets a different kind of wolf
10 August 2019A dark and twisted tale that has elements of a fairy story , some of Greek mythology and some of your deepest darkest fears So well written you will not be able to put it down till the end and then will wait impatiently for the next story in the series. Romance, rejection , betrayal and friends that will literally die for you Mysterious magic and ghosts along with monsters ( some of whom do not look like you would think they do and some worse ! ) Battles between good and evil along with battles against family and yourself. WOW this story has it all and even more . A few questions do not get answered but maybe they will in the next book but it doesn't stop this from being a brilliant start to what promises to be a compelling series
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review
August 10, 2019
Fantastic story and this is the first book in this series that I’ve read from this author and it is a standalone. This is Carmine’s and Culann’s story and the bad guys are really good at being bad, I liked Carmine’s strength even though she is an innocent and Culann he is a big hearted wolf who was betrayed by his pack. I’m not going to get too much into this story so read the blurb and there’s also an excerpt and that will give you the gist to this story, there’s action, adventure, danger, suspense, twists and turns, hot scorching scenes and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages. Fantastic story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
August 16, 2019
I really love this author's visions of classic fairytales greatly twisted and entwined into a cohesive and enticing ongoing series. It is best for overall enjoyment and understanding, to start with the first book of the Tales of the Crimson Court series, a twisted version of the fairytale classic Rapunzel. But you can read this far out vision of Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf, out of sequence and still fall in love with Culann and Carmine's magical tale that is a shining example of the true power of love, fairytale fantasy or not.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2019
Overall rating: 4
A great read, this keeps a reader reading with plot twists and turns. The MC is a role model for an empowered female. The evil characters play their roles to the hilt. This author makes sure the hot and steamy scenes sizzle from the pages. Although part of a series, this easily stands on its own. This well written storyline makes it an easy recommend for fantasy fans that like hot and steamy in their reads. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
A great read, this keeps a reader reading with plot twists and turns. The MC is a role model for an empowered female. The evil characters play their roles to the hilt. This author makes sure the hot and steamy scenes sizzle from the pages. Although part of a series, this easily stands on its own. This well written storyline makes it an easy recommend for fantasy fans that like hot and steamy in their reads. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
August 15, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Jessica Aspen and it is a wonderful shifter romance. The characters attractions was strong and their chemistry generated lots of sparks. The storyline was engaging and fun and offers a solid amount of drama and emotional turmoil as Carmine and Culann relationship evolves into more than they ever imagined.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2019
Love these twisted tales. This one takes a little of several tales and puts them together into and adventurous and dangerous romantic journey. I love the character of Carmine. She has an innocence and at the same time a strong energy to her. And then there is Culann. That may needs love and smacked in the head all at once. Bring them together and the adventure is just beginning. Good Fae, bad Fae, witches and wolves. I can’t get enough of it.
August 14, 2019
I was drawn to this book because it sounded like a good storyline. I liked the characters in this book but the character and scene development could have been a lot more detailed. It was hard at times to follow the characters through the story. It felt like I was missing pages in my book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2019
I didn't think that I'd enjoy this one, but I was wrong. Eventhough it's not my usual type of read, I found it quite interesting and entertaining. The storyline was intriguing and well developed, as well as the characters. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2019
Carmine by Jessica Aspen is an amazing story to read. This is book number four in this amazing series that I ahve loved reading very much. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves readign about shifters, magic, fae, fantasy and paranormal romances in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2019
An enjoyable read. A story full of suspense, magic, shape shifters, danger, amazing chemistry and fated mates. This will take you on a ride. It will keep you interested till the end. A great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2019
I loved it! This story was so much fun to read! It has adventure and romance, magic and mystery. Wonderful story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2019
Book four in the Tales of the Crimson Court series a story of magic, suspense, drama, danger, and fated mates. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2019
I loved it!
Back to Underhill we go! I loved this book! Every book in the series (as well as from the Black Court series) filling in more in more pieces of the puzzle! I was engrossed from the start with their whirlwind romance and couldn't put it down!
Back to Underhill we go! I loved this book! Every book in the series (as well as from the Black Court series) filling in more in more pieces of the puzzle! I was engrossed from the start with their whirlwind romance and couldn't put it down!
August 8, 2019
Enjoyable
Magical, charming, steamy, danger, suspense, and more make this a captivating read! Great characters and a lot of twist and turns round out the story.
Magical, charming, steamy, danger, suspense, and more make this a captivating read! Great characters and a lot of twist and turns round out the story.
August 17, 2019
What a wonderful romance story. Totally different for me. A secretary on the run meets a shifter. So begins an amazing story to keep you reading.
August 17, 2019
How a young girl reacts to finding out she has magic when her entire life she didn’t know.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews