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* Skye Warren: Author Override
* Narrator Lorelei King: Interview
* Stephanie Tyler: Interview
* Carolyn Crane: Author Override | UTC Review
* J.T. Geissinger: Interview | UTC Review
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Showing posts with label ACRO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ACRO. Show all posts

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Reading on the Dark Side: ACRO





MEET ACRO


Sydney Croft, the author of the hot and sizzling series called ACRO is actually a team of talented authors named Stephanie Tyler and Larissa Ione. Putting their heads together, Tyler and Ione have written a world that we would love to live in where supernaural powers may be a good thing and everyone has their secrets. Blending the perfect amount of hot sex and suspense, Sydney Croft knows just what it takes to keep you reading late into the night.

Take a moment to read what Stephanie Tyler and Larissa Ione had to say about the ACRO series...
Ah, the ACRO series. I have so many fond memories of writing these books with Larissa, I can’t even begin to tell you. When we work together, the words just fly, the stories come together and we have a blast. But probably more so in the very early days, before either of us actually had books on the shelves and didn’t have much to worry about beyond the actual joy of the writing. I’d never trade being published, but there’s something very freeing about writing those first books.


You’ll often see me and Larissa mentioning that Unleashing the Storm is our favorite book, and it really is. I mean, we love all the books and the characters, but every once in a while, a book rolls along that is just so completely easy to write, it literally writes itself. Unleashing did just that. I told her while we were plotting out the series that I wanted an alpha male who was a total asshole to everyone, and who didn’t change when he fell in love. That the woman who loved him back would get to see his gentler side but that he wouldn’t magically be nice to all.


Ender definitely fits that bill.


I think one of my favorite scenes is early on, when Ender goes out running and returns to find Kira is in the barn sitting on the hay. Such a perfect, sexy and simple moment. That book is about so much more than the sex and I love it when readers get that, see that the relationship grows with each sex scene – that it means something until it’s no longer just sex, but making love between Kira and Ender.
~ Stephanie Tyler

I think my favorite characters are also popular favorites with readers -- Creed and Annika, and Dev. Those three really took over the series and played such crucial roles. Creed and Dev were the anchors in the series, with Dev anchoring ACRO, and Creed anchoring Annika. Annika was the character who changed the most over the course of the six books, and watching her grow from a strong, cold warrior to a strong, caring woman was a lot of fun. Stephanie and I both enjoyed writing these characters!
~ Larissa Ione

ACRO Operative: Devlin O’Malley

Occupation: Head of ACRO

Skill: Psychic, possess extreme Controlled Remote Viewing (CRV) capabilities

Occupational Status: Devlin realizes that putting himself in compromising mission positions is not in ACRO’s best interest, yet is fully capable and prepared to go on mission if necessary.

Notes: Devlin’s parents initiated ACRO after the Stargate program disbanded. Devlin chose to go into the Air Force rather than work at the agency. Devlin lost his sight during a rescue mission and moved to NASA until finally resigning his commission and taking the helm of ACRO after his parents were assassinated.

Why we love him: As head of ACRO, he is one of the key players throughout the series, but he has do deal with a lot of personal developments, catch a spy in his organization, lose the love of his life and learn to trust others. You can't help but go through all the ups and downs in his life with him. Be happy with him, be turned on by him and cry for him!

Favorite sex scene: RAWR Dev is just so amazingly dominating, a true Alpha in human clothing! There are just too many to chose from, but lets just say he has an ability for making you melt and just want to hang on for the ride! HE.IS.INTENSE!

Book: All of them

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Operative Gabe


Potential ACRO Operative: Remy Begnaud

Occupation: Ex-Navy SEAL

Operational Status: classified

Skill: Seems to have a tie to the weather – can control storms to some extent while appearing to be controlled by them. Potential for worldwide destruction if urges are not contained and if subject cannot be taught to control said urges. Potential for kidnapping by hostile agencies is too high to be disregarded – subject must be brought in immediately to ACRO’s fold.

Why we love him: He's never been able to understand his powers, or as he sees it, his curse. He has been forced to live away from others, dealing with the prejudice for what they don't understand. Being able to control the weather has ruined his life up to now. Sweet and sexy!

Favorite sex scene: A lot of hot scenes in the swamps of LA. You will need an ice cold shower after reading this one! This sexy cajun definitely knows how to use his body for a woman's pleasure! I think my favorite scenes are at the beginning of the book, especially one outside, in the rain, by a tree, or inside his house, in the shower. Just raw and very erotic!

Book: Riding the Storm

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Operative Haley Holmes


ACRO Operative: Haley Holmes

Occupation: ACRO parameteorologist.

Background: Former Air Force meteorologist. Worked as a meteorologist investigating unusual weather phenomenon for private weather companies after leaving military. Parents deceased. No siblings. Self-described workaholic.

Operational Status: Non-field operative.

Lucky girl: She is sent to recruit Remy as an ACRO operative and due to her parameteorologist background, she can measure Remy's control on the weather. Now just because his power is directly tied to him being aroused and having sex, well, that's just a little job perk!

Book: Riding the Storm

Happily-Ever-After: Potential ACRO Operative: Remy Begnaud





ACRO Operative: Creed McCabe

Skill: Spirit whisperer / Medium

Operational Status: Fully operational

Notes: Adopted son of ACRO Ghost Hunters Dave and Martha McCabe. Found abandoned in a cave supposedly haunted by the Bell Witch in Tennessee. Born with tattoos covering the entire right side of body, head to toe. Since birth, had been followed by a spirit named Quaty, who is believed to be a direct descendant of the Bell Witch.

Appearance: He's 29 years old, usually dressed in head-to-toe black leather, black T-shirt; with a tattoo that swirls around his right eye and cheek and disappears beneath his collar nearly glowing against his tanned skin, and winds around his right thigh and buttock, down his calf and across his foot; pierced tongue, eyebrow, ears and nipples.

Why we love him: First, see above. The tats, the piercings, his persona! The fact that he rides a bike all dressed in leather...OK I'll stop salivating now.

Favorite sex scene: Anytime this guy gets naked and sweaty is worth mentioning, so I won't pick just one!

Happily-Ever-After: Francesca of course, and she's very possessive of him ladies!! But she shares him with ACRO Operative: Annika Svenson

Book: All of them!





ACRO Operative: Annika Svenson

Background: Born to Swedish parents. Kidnapped at the age of two by the CIA. Mother was murdered. Father unknown, whereabouts unknown. Was raised by CIA couple posing as her parents. Goal: To turn Annika into the world’s most effective assassin.

Goal successful.

At age 16, Annika learned the truth about her past and turned on the CIA, killing nearly everyone who was involved with her abduction. Captured later by ACRO.

Skill: Electricity. Can power up so no living thing can touch her, or she can electrocute at a touch. An expert with all weapons and fighting techniques.

Everyone has a kryptonite. Creed is hers.

Why we love her: She's one of my favorite characters in this series, and maybe one of my favorite female heroines! She is tough as hell, great at her job, she's been through so much in her life and is slowly opening up and letting others in. Allowing them to love her and for her to love them back. And of course she has Creed (no, I'm not bitter) and she's Dev's best friend! Lucky, lucky girl!

Favorite sex scene: She was a virgin before Creed because she would run an electric current into any guy she touched, so I liked her first time AND the first time she goes down on my hot ghost hunter and we learn all about how low the tats really go *among other things* with him leaning against a wall...

Book: All of them!

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Operative: Creed McCabe





Potential ACRO Operative: Kira Donovan (alias)

Occupation: Formerly considered one of the world’s best military and police dog trainers. Currently in hiding, thanks to arrest warrants and botched Itor attempts to kidnap her. Recently located in Idaho, working under the table at a privately-owned animal sanctuary.

Skill: Animal Whisperer – Extraordinarily powerful gift allows for communication with animals on a level not entirely understood by ACRO staff. Exceptional hearing and sense of smell. Suspected of having instincts and physiology more closely resembling an animal’s than a human’s. Case in point: Ms. Donovan goes into a form of “heat” once per year.

Rap Sheet: Known crimes include disorderly conduct at animal rights rallies, theft of caged animals used for fur, and sabotage of laboratory facilities. Suspected of arson (slaughter house fires) and convincing orcas to sink a whaling vessel. Has earned a place on the U.S. government’s terrorist watch list.

Mission priority: Highest. Extremely Urgent. ACRO psychics have determined that Itor is moving to acquire Ms. Donovan. Intel has revealed that Itor may intend to use subject’s unique physiology to create a biological weapon. If successful, the power to kill millions will be at Itor’s fingertips. If unsuccessful, Ms. Donovan could potentially use her gift to harness the loyalty of armies of animals, perhaps insects, to use as weapons. Subject must not be allowed to fall into Itor’s hands.

Notes: Is extremely paranoid and a conspiracy theorist. Distrusts all levels of government and has been uncooperative in the past. No contact with family. Trusts few. Strict vegan.

File Updates From Field Agent:

1. Ms. Donovan claims to be immune to human diseases
2. Subject’s mating needs require seminal fluids from male humans
3. Subject’s mating needs require fluids every four hours
4. Subject must mate or die.

Why we love her: I love her connection to animals!! She is one of the characters that we see do cameos in other books and she is so sweet and caring.

Favorite sex scene: Even though I wasn't too crazy about her "heat" and needing sex every four hours, there was one scene in the barn, there's a ladder involved, and it was ohhh so hot! *fans self*

Book: Unleashing the Storm

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Operative: Ender aka Tom Knight





ACRO Operative: Ender aka Tom Knight

Background: Former Delta Force Operative – Specialty: Sniper. Takes, one shot, one kill, to an almost mystical level. Court-martialed and sentenced to life in the brig. His release was bargained for by ACRO.

Skill: Excedosapien – includes lightening fast reflexes, beyond normal eyesight and speed.

Notes: Is so strong-minded that psychics can’t break into his mind unless he lets them, which is sometimes necessary when Operative is in the field.

Notorious for not checking in when on missions.

Eight years of ACRO service – no one has ever been out with him socially and his address is not public knowledge.

Rumors surrounding this operative:
1. He was responsible for the assassination of several political figures. TRUE
2. He killed his entire Delta team – a rumor no one has ever been able to disprove.

Why we love him: This guy can look just as hot being a military type special agent with super-human powers AND as a working cowboy! But most of all, I love that he opened up his "pad" not only to the woman he loves but to the countless strays she brings with her! It's a zoo!

Favorite sex scene: See referenced barn scene above!!

Book: Unleashing the Storm

Happily-Ever-After: Potential ACRO Operative: Kira Donovan





Former ACRO Agent: Oz

Background: Unknown. No records prior to nineteenth birthday. At nineteen, he first met Devlin O’Malley and began working for ACRO, which was, at the time, under the helm of Devlin’s parents. Subject is difficult to interview.

Skill: Medium with the ability to see and control the worst of the worst of the earthbound spirits.

Notes: Worked at ACRO from the time he was nineteen until age thirty-two. Left ACRO after a disagreement with Devlin O’Malley regarding a highly classified mission.

Current status: whereabouts unknown.

Why we love him: he gives up everything for love, and not just love of his partner, but love of someone else very close and important to him. He is a key player in this series even when he's not around, and he's been the source of more than one crying fit I've had. He's intense when he's around.

Favorite sex scene: Absolutely have to go with a certain threesome that I won't go into details about because it's spoilerish, but it was hot and emotional at the same time! Just intense!

Book: Almost all of them.





ACRO Operative: Wyatt Kennedy

Rap Sheet: Ex-Navy SEAL - Recruited for ACRO after accusations that he killed his stepbrother. ACRO changed his name (file deleted.) He is still reported MIA /AWOL from the Navy.

Skill: Telekinesis, combined with a sexual pull ACRO scientists so far failed to explain. Can manipulate inanimate objects outside the body and human sexual responses. Some Psychic Imaging Ability, which, when used, will drain his telekinetic powers.

Notes: Committed to a mental institution from ages 14 – 16 for misunderstood psychic gifts.

Mission Status: Following mission to acquire Remy Begnaud, Wyatt Kennedy disappeared on assignment. Current status – missing, presumed dead.

All that yumminess: Stout-coloured hair which brushes the collar of his tee, green eyes that turn amber when his powers flare up, six foot three inch tall.

Favorite sex scene: There's no question here. It's the "hanging off the pipes" scene. That was one hawt scene, I might've stopped breathing during the whole thing. And I have heard of a few people that have wanted to change the decor of their bedroom to a more industrial feel just because of it. ;)

Why we love him: After being through so much and having to re-invent himself or as he calls it pretending he finds the one person he feels he can trust and give himself to, only to face the ultimate question... Love or Duty?

Book: Seduced by the Storm

Happily-Ever-After: Head of The Aquarius Group (TAG) Faith Black





Head of The Aquarius Group (TAG): Faith Black

Skills: She's Biokinetic — a specialized telekinetic with the ability to manipulate living tissue.

Current Affiliation: Her and her partner, with funding from the British government, started up The Aquarius Group, a small, secret agency employing people with special abilities, like herself.

Mission Status: Trying to infiltrate Itor through her ex-lover Sean. She has to get their weather controlling machine to rescue her sister Liberty.

Favorite sex scene: So many good ones to chose from in this book, so how about I go with their first time together, when they're in the jacuzzi tub while Wyatt turned octopus, hands everywhere and water jets involved.

What endears her to us: Mr. Wiggums! Isn't it so cute that she was taking that little stuffed animal everywhere with her? She loves, she's suffered, and she's betrayed... time and time again.

Book: Seduced by the Storm

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Operative: Wyatt Kennedy





ACRO Operative: Trance

Mission: Sent to capture/retrieve a HVT (High Value Target) better known as Ulrika

Skills: Excedosapien with great strength.

Origins: From a destroyed family environment, joined the military and was recruited by ACRO who had heard of his "unusual abilities". ACRO was the first place where he found a home.

Why we love him: He is tough as nails, damaged on the inside, thinks he wants all the control, but doesn't realize he wants to relinquish it at times. He overcomes a great hurdle in order to be with Rik, probably one of the biggest any of the couples have to face.

Favorite sex scene: I'd have to go with the more romantic and emotional times here, in a way. When Rik gives up control to him and lets him chain her; and the first time they have sex in his home at ACRO Headquarters.

Book: Taming the Fire

Happily-Ever-After: Free Agent Ulrika





Free Agent: Ulrika

Skills: She originally belonged to a small, rare European tribe of theriantroped, people who believe they are animals in human flesh. According to ACRO's cryptozoologists, therians claimed to shift, spiritually and psychologically but not physically - that could be proven - into their animal.

Status: Currently on the run from Itor Corp. who mutated her powers without her consent making her a powerful shape-shifter who used sex to control the angry beast living inside of her.

Occupation: Current Dom at an underground London club. Prefers to be called Mistress and calls her sub boy.

Failed Mission: She failed to kill Faith Black, head of The Aquarius Group, which led to her escape when ACRO captured her handler.

Lucky girl: Even though she has an raging animal inside of her (Cujo), she meets her match in Trance. He is there to give her support and understanding as well as match all her sexual needs.

Favorite sex scene: Their second BDSM scene at the club, where she has him strapped to a bench and as a reward she brings in Syn (female) and lets him watch as she pleasures her, then while he's still bound, Syn helps her have her wicked way with Trance... there might have been some spanking involved.

Book: Taming the Fire

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Operative: Trance





ACRO Operative-in-Training: Gabe

Looks: As best described by Dev, Gabe is take-your-fucking-breath-away good-looking, in a rugged, I'll-kill-you-if-you-look-at-me-wrong way.

First shows up: As a present, at Dev's doorstep. Kind of.

Skills: He has the coolest power of them all!!! Invisibility.

Favorite sex scene: A favorite scene for me, not necessarily sex but sexy, is when he turns invisible during a sparring session with Annika while he knows Dev is watching, and during that time he disappears he walks over to Dev and caresses him. But if we're talking sex, then their first time. When Marlena pretends she's going to be with Dev and blindfolds him but then leaves and Gabriel takes over.

Why we love him: Behind his bad temper and rebellious nature he is truly in love with Dev and wants to do anything to please him. Anything.

Book: From Taming the Fire on.

Happily-Ever-After: Head of ACRO Devlin O’Malley





ACRO Operative: Ryan Malmstrom

Latest mission: To infiltrate Itor in the hopes of finding who the traitor at ACRO is that's giving away information to their enemies.

Current status: MIA

Latest problem: His memory was wiped and replaced with images of what Itor wanted him to believe he was and had done. But the only constant in the back of his mind is a woman. Coco

Itor's current mission for him: To retrieve Ulrika. Which is why the memories they've given him are of a sadistic BDSM player that doesn't care if a woman is consenting or not.

Deviation: He ends up kidnapping his Coco

Skill: He can see through others eyes.

Why we love him: Even though he has no true recollection of his past he fights through the blocks in his mind, and even through the fog he doesn't lose sight of the woman he wants.

Book: Taming the Fire

Happily-Ever-After: Meg


Meg a.k.a. Coco

Skills: After her and her brother Mose became pets for a big-time criminal as they were trying to rebuild their lives, she has become extremely competent at money laundering and at playing with people's money and lives.

Latest corporation she's pissed off: Itor

Target: Although she usually only goes after the bad guys, there was a time five years ago where she thought her target was not, and now he was dead.

Favorite sex scene: Her and Ryan's first time! And he says to her: "I remember falling in love with you, Meg. And the best part is, I'm doing it all over again, right now."

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Undercover Agent Ryan

Book: Taming the Fire





Ex-Military and Current Weapons Dealer Logan Mills

Career: Global Weapons Corporation owner's son and head of the operation in the middle of Amazon jungle.

Major Clients: Currently developing ultimate weapons for Itor Corp.

Special modifications: During his career in the military, Logan was shot and left for dead at the bottom of a ravine for three days. After a group of Marines rescued him, his father had a group of scientists and surgeons at a private facility save his life. He's been rebuilt with special bioware, his right arm, his legs and part of his brain are not human anymore.

Current Dilemma: After capturing the SEAL who'd been attacked by the "weapon" they had lost, he has to figure out who's side he should be on, who are the good guys and where his loyalties lay.

Favorite sex scene: When he masturbates in the shower thinking about Sela, while she's just outside and talking to him.

Book: Tempting the Fire

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Operative Sela Kahne





ACRO Operative Sela Kahne

Position: Cryptozoologist

How she got the job: By sleeping with Creed and reading his mind (How dare she?!?!)

Her obsession: Chupacabra - Myth No More

Skills: She can see into a man's mind while he orgasms.

Current mission: Sent to the Amazon after the video feed from a military helmet camera shows a gruesome "beast-like" attack on a unit. There's one missing guy and she's sent to bring him back.

Favorite sex scene: She's a woman of many talents. But two words people: Cave. Sex.

Happily-Ever-After: Logan Mills

Book: Tempting the Fire





Navy SEAL Chance McCormack

Previous Occupation: Military Special Forces - status: MIA

Last Know Location: South America. Brazil. Near the Colombia border.

Possible Abilities: After the attack by some sort of animal, they believe him to be, well, basically El Chupacabras (Goat Sucker) times a million.

Favorite sex scene: On the examining table of the medical tent he was being held at. That first time he scented her and the beast inside him that he didn't know was there recognized her as his mate.

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Seducer Marlena

Book: Tempting the Fire





ACRO Operative Marlena West

Her curse: She was cursed by her stepsister to fall insanely in love with every man she has sex with, and ensured that no man would love her once that happened. No cure has been found for it.

Her career: She's been Dev's secretary and sometimes lover for a long time, but has decided she is ready for a change in roles and wants to be trained as a Seducer.

Current mission: To go with Sela to try and capture the suspected Chupacabras. She is sent as the Seducer to help with his release from captivity.

Target: Logan

Why we love her: She has been there for Dev throughout the years, more so than her role really required and helped him get through a lot of heartaches. She deserves to find her own happiness.

Favorite sex scene: After they realize Chance has bonded with Marlena and he's deathly sick, she goes back to the medical tent to find him chained down... and at her mercy. But how is it that somehow he has all control even from his position?

Book: Tempting the Fire

Happily-Ever-After: Chance McCormack





ACRO Operative Stryker Wills

Current mission: Sent to kill the woman responsible for killing one of his best friends in front of him, by burning him alive.

Powers: His power is in a way similar to Remy's but he can control the earth instead. Earthquakes anyone?

Oz's prediction: You will marry a virgin.

Why we love him: Big. Strong. Loyal. He sees the good in Melanie and protects her even from his own people.

Favorite sex scene: This is definitely the "mile-high" club scene on the plane's little bathroom. They almost brought down the thing because of his powers flaring!

Book: Taken by Fire

Happily-Ever-After: Melanie Milan

Melanie Milan / Itor Operative Phoebe

Split personality: There are truly two women who share a body. They each have a personality, powers, attitude, memories. They've learned to communicate with each other.

Powers: Melanie is ice, Phoebe is fire. Their powers recharge with time or by having sex.

Family: Their father is Alex Kharkov, Head of Itor Corp.

Current work status: Melanie hasn't been trained for anything and doesn't know how to control her powers even. However Phoebe has been working with Itor for a while. She has big plans and ambitions in mind.

Favorite sex scene: While Stryker is training her to control her powers and they are at a river. She actually makes a "toy" with her icy power and they create a winter wonderland.

Book: Taken by Fire

Happily-Ever-After: ACRO Operative Stryker Wills


What the readers are saying
Two brilliant writers, Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler, under the pen name of Sydney Croft have created an unforgettable new world known as ACRO! And what an exciting world it is!

Most of us have seen X-men movies and loved the idea of people with supernatural powers used for the better of Humanity. And of course, it wouldn't be the same without some baddies trying to get the power into their hands to control the world. Although already popular idea, Sydney Croft gives it a completely new approach and story!

I only read the first four books and if someone asked me what would be the best word to describe them, I can only think of one - "scorching"! I can almost feel the passion rolling off of the pages in such powerful blasts that make the books heat up in my hands. And this is not a surprise! We know Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler both know how to write erotica giving us goose bumps and shivers with every new book.

As for the books themselves, I loved that every one of them had its own main story and characters together with all the other subplots so well woven in at the same time! Sometimes they might have felt a little distracting, especially when you are suddenly taken away from the "big" moment. However, even those smaller stories take you somewhere important in the end. I can't imagine ACRO books without Creed and Annika, Ryan and Meg, and yet their stories developed through all the books.

Full of action, mystery, passion, lust, betrayal, loss, happiness & forgiveness and many other characteristics that make a book great and unputdownable, ACRO series take us on an amazing emotional roller-coaster ride. I was devastated by Oz' death, I was panting at Faith and Wyatt's "pipes" scene, I was excited when Dev finally met Gabe and totally intrigued by Trance and Rik's BDSM behaviour! Those books got to me on so many levels.

My favourites would have to be "Seduced by the Storm" and "Taming the Fire". I couldn't get enough of Faith & Wyatt and Rik & Trance. Their passion towards each other completely broke all the rules and logic despite so many differences, dangers and mission objectives. How far they would push themselves to get to each other had me on edge all the time. And I absolutely love that in a book.

After all this it wouldn't be a complete surprise if I say that I am dying to read the rest of the books and sincerely wish there were more than only two left!
~ Kseniya from GoodReads
While I haven't yet finished this series, I have thoroughly enjoyed all that I've read so far. I love the mix of paranormal, fantastical, X-Men-like characters, in a world that is as equally erotic as it is fascinating. In addition to the main stories featured in each book, Croft also has the most amazing side stories taking place in the background, which are woven throughout the series, and not just in one book. I loved the growth and development of those characters, and I find that I am equally, if not more, interested in them as I am in the main characters of the book I'm reading. My favorite scene is with Faith in Wyatt's room on the oil platform. You know the one I'm talking about....my favorite in their book, and probably out of the entire series (of what I've read so far, which are books 1-4). Wyatt to Faith: "I have to taste more of you. Grab the pipe." **THUD** Not only does he give her amazing oral pleasure, but follows it up with raw, uninhibited back-against-the-lockers sex that is passionate and owning at the same time. So, yeah, um, that scene was AMAZING! It made me want to redecorate my bedroom from my normal country french design to a contemporary, factory-type setting with exposed piping. ;)
~ Leigh from GoodReads
ACRO is definitely one of my favorite series.  Right now, PNR and Erotic Paranormal is all about vampires and even shifters, so when I discovered this series it was a breath of fresh air!  I think it has the perfect mix of erotica and supernatural, with a superhero twist that we don't usually see in PNR books.  It's a unique world, I love the fact that every character has a power (I want Gabes!!!!!) and they each have intense personalities.  ACRO vs Itor works very well for me in the battle of good versus evil and Itor's world domination plots.  Yes, it does have an X-Men feel to it.  A very X-Rated version of X-Men. ;)  It also has a little bit for all tastes, there's plenty of alpha males, strong heroines, and even some very hot m/m romance!  I can actually say I've cried with more than one of the books in this series, so at the end of the day, it's about the relationships these characters create, not just about how hot the books are.  From couples to friendships.  But of course, we can't leave the sex behind... These books are hot, as in you will need a cold shower.  This is one of the most creative series I've read in that department.  Every book has another VERY memorable scene that will be forever branded in my memory.  I need to re-read these soon!!  I really wish there were more books in this world, but at the very least, I hope that these two amazing authors can continue writing together, because they do such an amazing job!
 ~ Francesca from Under The Covers

Are you an ACRO fan?  Want to show your ACRO love on your site, blog or profile?  Then take the button!










Credits:  Some of the information used on this post was taken from Sydney Croft's site so be sure you check it out for more info about ACRO.  We also would like to thank the wonderful girls from GoodReads for helping put this together and of course for making me want to re-read this wonderful series!  I have to say after having to skim through parts of the books to gather my info, now all I can think about it being in the ACRO world again!

Tuesday, 27 September 2011

Review: Taken by Fire by Sydney Croft

Taken by Fire
by Sydney Croft
(ACRO # 6)
Erotic Paranormal

I am so sad to see this series end. It really doesn't have to! There are still so many stories that they could create! Please, please, please! Or maybe write a spin-off series??? Something!! That's the end of my fangirl moment.

Taken by Fire is mainly the story of Stryker. He has such a cool power, he can affect basically earth, so watch out you don't piss him off or you may cause an earthquake! He is assigned to kill Melanie/Phoebe, the chick with two personalities that killed Akbar in the forest at the end of the last book. He watched as his friend burned in front of him, so this mission is personal for him. He wants to squeeze the life out of her!

Except once he finds her she explains to him about her dual personality. Can he believe her? There are actually two people living inside her body thanks to an Itor experiment, Phoebe is the bad one, and Melanie is the good one. Phoebe is out most of the time and has abused Melanie for a long time. Phoebe is the Itor agent, Melanie doesn't know anything. They each have a different power, Phoebe is fire, Melanie is ice. And yes, they find out that she's Alek's daughter (head of Itor), which of course makes Dev change his plans and decide to just bring her in, not kill her. She is his sister after all.

She needs sex to recharge her powers and when they find themselves in a situation where he needs her to get them out of a bind, he is the only choice for sex. After that first time, which was rough, she admits that even though her body might've not been, she was actually a virgin, and yes, Oz's prediction comes back to mind "You will marry a virgin."

He quickly starts developing feelings for Melanie, and after those first few rushed times, which were still pretty hot, there's more of a connection between them. Can I just say that even though this book was just a tad less creative in the sex department, at least with the main characters, they still had some hot scenes. They joined the mile high club and almost brought down the plane with both their powers; the back of an SUV after playing and training with her powers; he sits down at the kitchen table to have dessert *THUD*

So yeah, I liked the main characters in this one. I felt bad for Melanie, I hated Phoebe she was a total bitch! And let me warn you, Phoebe does get a little rough and there might be some scenes where you can't believe they went that far with what she was allowed to do, but that was still ok with me.

Now let me get to my favorite characters of ACRO. In every book, Creed&Annika and Dev&Gabe&Oz were also reason enough for me to keep reading. Their side storylines are amazing in my opinion. I did feel a lack of Creed and Annika in this book, we didn't get a lot of time with them and I missed them. Annika is pregnant, Creed is stressing out about Oz's vision that she would die if she has his child, Annika is pissed at Stryker for sleeping with Akbar's killer. But we didn't see a lot of Creed/Annika time.

Dev... He was my favorite character in this book! He is so intense, emotionally raw and devastatingly hot! Gabe is actually more the romantic and wants more from Dev than a booty call. Dev has to learn to cope with that and to give Gabe what he needs while still dealing with the takedown of Itor and his newly found sister(s) in ACRO's custody. Some of the best sex, and almost sex scenes in this book are Dev & Gabe's. Oh.My.Gawd!!!!!! HAWT! That's all I got to say. You have to read it! And yes, there is a threesome in this one! Oz gets to have a body for just one night!!!! *THUD*

The last two or three chapters of this book had me in tears... constantly. I cried for everyone! I'm tearing up again now. It seemed like there would be no resolutions or happy endings for anybody, and my heart was breaking. It was a great ending! Full of emotion, full of action. The ACRO family is all there. But I still don't want it to end! I can't let go!

Favorite quotes:

"I'd miss my own crowning to be the King of England to be with you." - Stryker

Because he's yours, Oz whispered in his ear, even though he remained where Gabe could see him across the room. Always was - I just kept him safe for you.

"We're all a bunch of goddamned heroes." - Stryker

"You be safe out there, Gabriel. You hear me?"
"Yeah, I hear you. I think I finally fucking hear you," Gabe whispered in his ear. "When I finish, I'm going to fuck you into the mattress."




Purchase from Amazon

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Waiting on Wednesdays



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  The pre-publication release we are eagerly anticipating this week is:

Taken by Fire 
by Sydney Croft

(ACRO # 6)

HIS MISSION WAS TO TAKE HER OUT.
BUT DESIRE GOT IN THE WAY.
 
A product of genetic manipulation, Melanie Milan shares a body with her malevolent sister Phoebe. A sleek, blonde predator with a heart of pure darkness, Phoebe puts their body through the wicked underbelly of sex for thrills—when she’s not igniting her pyrokinetic skills for an evil organization bent on taking over the world. Melanie rarely gets out to play—much less fall in love. But that changes when rival ARCO agent Stryker Wills shows up, with a mission to take out the woman who torched his partner.

An operative with rare abilities, Stryker soon realizes that the woman he’s about to kill isn’t the murderous fire starter he’s hunting. But he does want her. Melanie, with the power to ice anything in her path, is heating things up in ways that are setting his blood on fire. As long as Melanie stays in control, she is his best ally to bring down her sister and stop hellish havoc from being unleashed. Walking a tightrope of longing and hate, Stryker and Melanie begin to understand that true power lies in sweet surrender to each other, to the fire between them, to the erotic adventure that’s joined their hearts and abilities to become their salvation—and perhaps the world’s.

Click here to read an excerpt

Meet the Operatives

I'm so excited to get this book.  It'll be the final book in the ACRO series (book # 6), which a mix of X-Men with paranormal romance/erotica.  Yes, these guys and girls have superpowers, and there's a good agency and an evil agency battling against each other for supremacy.  Who is Sydney Croft?  The alter-ego of Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler!!  And... does this series really have to end?  Taken by Fire releases June 28, 2011!!!  Don't miss out!

Thursday, 19 May 2011

Review: Tempting the Fire by Sydney Croft

Tempting the Fire (ACRO # 5)
by Sydney Croft
Paranormal Erotica


I liked this book a lot more than I expected. When I first read the description I wasn't too crazy about it. In the previous books we never get to see much of Marlena, other than she was Dev's secretary and sometimes lover, and she is cursed with falling in love with any man she has sex with, but her curse also makes sure that that man could never love her.

Chase & Marlena Marlena is now trained as a Seducer and she is sent on a mission to the brazilian forest to help Sela figure out what's going on with a missing soldier, Chase. She is supposed to infiltrate this camp and seduce the head of the operation to find out what's going on and free Chase. But Chase has been infected with a "chupacabra" type virus and he is now turning into a beast when angered. Chupacabras also mate for life, and Chase recognizes Marlena as his mate when he first sees her.

Sela & Logan Sela is the expert on chupacabras, even though she doesn't believe in them. She's worked for ACRO for a few years, and she has a special ability to read peoples minds and see into their past but only while they orgasm. So she's back up in case Marlena can't get answers out of Logan. But Marlena doesn't even stand a chase. Logan wants Sela from the first moment he sees her. Even though Logan works for a private company that is supplying weapons to ACRO's enemies, it's run by Logan's father, which means he has little control over it. And he owes them his life, as he was injured almost beyond repair while in the military and they saved his life by making him part machine.

Dev & Gabe We don't get to see as much of them in this book as I would've liked. Dev is a bit disappointed with Gabe's lack of interest and dedication to ACRO and learning to control his abilities, and Gabe decides he has to prove himself by doing something majorly stupid.

Creed & Annika I love these two. Have I said that before? Yeah? Well, I'll say it again. I love them!!!! I want to have Creed's babies!!!!!  hehehe  First Annika is jealous because apparently Creed had sex with Sela (way before Annika), and then we get a *huge* surprise!!!! Won't give anything away here, but this is a big one and very emotional.

I'm really looking forward to the next book, and I'm sad this will be the last in the series. Are you sure you don't want to write more???  Really?  Pretty please with a cherry on top!

Review: Taming the Fire by Sydney Croft


Taming the Fire (ACRO # 4)
by Sydney Croft
Paranormal Erotica


At the beginning of this book I liked Trance a lot. The glimpses we get into his mind and his feelings made me feel for him from page one. However, when we started to throw Rik into the mix, I didn't like her at all at the beginning. Their relationship eventually develops, and I went through ups and downs between liking them and not liking them. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that some of their sex scenes were just not for my taste. Maybe it's just that I didn't like Rik 100%. I did feel bad for her and how she's had to live her life. The twist at the end of who she had actually killed I thought was a pretty hard thing to recover from, and I was a bit thrown off about how easy it was after so much tension for things to patch up and for them to end up together. Also, I didn't like that after the collar came off, Rik's personality changed completely.

That being said, I love the secondary characters, as always.  What a shock! After Oz's death in the previous book I couldn't imagine Dev being with anyone else. But, as Oz promised, he has sent someone new for him. Gabe. I just loved Gabe. And did I mention that he has the coolest power!?!? Invisibility. Except he can't control it well. When Dev was watching Gabe and Annika training and Gabe went invisible and next thing Dev feels is hands caressing him.... I almost died, sooo hot. And Gabe is determined, as is Oz and Marlena, to make sure they are together. I wanted to read more and more about these two!

Marlena.... what can I say? Even though she plays a small role in this book, we get a glimpse of what her life is like and the curse that she has. I do want to read the next book as it is her in her new role as a Seducer. Will be interesting to see how that will play in with her curse.

Ryan and Meg were sooo cute. Compared to all the other couples in this series they might be considered a bit normal and vanilla, but there was so much emotion there. It was sweet to see Ryan's memories come back, and how his feelings would show through even when he couldn't remember a thing. And this also ties in ML, who I wouldn't mind reading more about.

Not a lot of action in this book, plenty of sex, there is BDSM, some light, some a bit more extreme, and yes, some m/m. Other ACRO operatives made cameos in this book: Kira, Ender, Wyatt, Faith, Creed and Annika.  So keep reading!  This is a great series!

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Review: Seduced by the Storm by Sydney Croft


Seduced by the Storm (ACRO # 3)
by Sydney Croft
Paranormal Erotica

I've enjoyed this series so far, but this book is my favorite  ;)  I loved the first book, I struggled through the second book (thank God for the secondary stories!) and this one was just great!  I loved the main characters AND the side stories made me CRY!

I will admit I wanted to beat Faith senseless at times, but she was in a way what Wyatt needed, and he was soooo understanding, patient, sensual, hot, just... rawrrrr  Their powers were very useful and cool, I mean, she could make him come with just her power???  Anyway, I can see some advantages to their combined "skills".  And their sex was the most creative!  She was hanging off of pipes and they had sex in the cockpit of a plane... while he was flying!!!  LOL  Very hot!

I liked the small glimpse of Remy and how he has to try and save the day with his power, I've thought from book one his ability was very cool and I was glad to see it being used.

Now on to the sad moments... I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, so all I'm going to say is that Dev & Oz just made me cry... literally...  Annika and Creed (and Kat! hehe) are awesome as usual, even though a bit more emotional in this one, I can never get tired of reading about them.

I'm soooo curious as to where things will go from here in the ACRO world and will be reading the next book VERY soon.

"I'm assuming you're taking me to ACRO."
"Can't get anything by you," Annika drawled.
"What's going to happen when we get there?"
"They'll probably torture you for a few days." Annika glanced at Faith's hands and shrugged. "You didn't need those fingernails anyway. Terrible polish. Black doesn't look good on you." 
 

Review: Unleashing the Storm by Sydney Croft


Unleashing the Storm (ACRO # 2)
by Sydney Croft
Paranormal Erotica


This is a solid 3.5 Feathers.  Let me start by saying that I still do love this series, however this book didn't have the same effect on me as the first one did.

I couldn't really get into the story between Ender (Tommy!) and Kira.  I liked Ender in the first book, I just wasn't that into the "I'm in heat and need sex every four hours" storyline.  It took away from their story a little in my opinion.  Was it just her being in heat and putting out pheromones that got them together?

Kira seemed a bit needy for all her independent talk.  Their sex wasn't even always that hot, as it was becoming mechanical due to the "heat" cycle.  However, there was the one time with the handcuff chain that was pretty interesting :)  Ender gives off the impression he's an ass, but you can tell he's a big softie, and in a way Kira's attachment to the animals, and now having them all around his house, will be perfect for him.  It was actually pretty funny when we get to see the animals personalities.

The action and drama that we got in the first story seemed to be a bit lacking in this one as well.  There wasn't big action for the main characters, whatever we got was from the side stories.

And did I love all the side stories in this one!  First of all... Annika and Creed are still my favorite.  I felt so bad for Annika and what she almost did at the end.  In regards to their relationship, my heart broke at their/his final decision, but I really couldn't see him losing his powers!  I cannot wait to read more about them!  There wasn't even close to enough of their story in this book!

I enjoyed reading about the ACRO operative working "undercover" for Itor.  Ryan/Bryan, what was his name?  Anyway, he had a moment when he was looking through the eyes of another Itor op guy and he saw Annika.  Could it be they're bringing this guy into the storyline?  How's that going to tie in?

I enjoyed Dev and Oz's reunion as well.  However, after parting ways three years ago in such a bad way, it seemed that they got together rather quickly and without any major talk.  Can't give out spoilers, but I'm happy about what Dev got back!!  And shocked as the revelation the ghost gives him.  Where can the story go from here?

I am excited to read more of this series, and hopefully we'll stop reading about an agent having to recruit someone to join ACRO and actually start reading more about the actual operatives currently working for them, so we get to see the real story unfold!

Friday, 13 May 2011

Review: Riding The Storm by Sydney Croft


Let's start off by saying this is a completely different paranormal world than I'm used to reading and I LOVED IT. The story was very well written and I thought the characters were likable. I felt it had an X-Men feel to it, which I loved, and I could see developing more in the next books.

The connection between Remy and Haley was very sweet, and I buy into the whole soul mates thing, I think that's so cute and romantic how they find each other, so I had no issue with the lack of time they had to build a relationship. I could feel Remy's pain at not knowing how to control his "gift", how it had affected his life, and the possibilities that lay ahead.

I also LOVED Creed and Annika (secondary characters)! I could tell their attraction had been brewing for a while now and it's all starting to come out! It was great to see that they also got enough time out of the story even though they weren't the main characters and I was really excited whenever I got to read more about them. Those two have some explosive chemistry also, and I hope they get their HEA.

The third story that gets a bit of pages is Dev's. He's the Director of ACRO, has had a tormented and difficult life, even physically challenging. I wasn't expecting the twist of him being in love with Oz, who we read about but don't get to meet in this book. But it does sound at the end that he could, at one point, have to call him in. I wouldn't mind reading more about that either.

The only warning that should come with this book however is: This is 100% Erotica Paranormal. There's A LOT of HOT, I repeat, REALLY HOT sex. You will probably have to put this book down just to go take cold shower, or make sure you have something close by to fan yourself, or maybe just someone to help you through ;)  It's that hot... and that often! So, if that's not your thing, stay away from this book. But, in my opinion it was written in excellent taste, and refreshingly creative!
 

I'm officially hooked!