Book Review - Cross Keys, By Ally Shields - BOOK TOUR

I am beginning to think that there are times I bite off more then I can chew, but it's all part of being an adult.

Book tour, here we go....

 

Description:

When the first wanderer—a common elf who isn’t authorized to use the portal—is spotted on the streets of New Orleans, the king assigns Kameo Ryndel to capture the elf and bring him home to Elvenrude. But before she can intervene, he's shot and his body stolen by the gunmen. Just as puzzling is the appearance at the scene of Seth Lormarc, an Elite elf from a rival guild and heir to the centuries-old feud between their two families.

Seth is in New Orleans at the behest of his grandfather to find out who was behind the portal breach that could expose their existence to the world of men. His best lead is the intriguing Kam Ryndel. When he stakes out her apartment and finds her sneaking out in the middle of the night, dressed in black and leaping to the top of the nearest building, he realizes she's more than a beautiful woman. That kind of feat requires magic. Ancient magic.

As their paths cross and draw them deeper into a mysterious conspiracy, attraction sparks between them, but there’s little time for romance. The portal breach is tied to an illegal smuggling operation that has come to the attention of the human CIA. And the stakes are raised when Kam and Seth discover a band of rebels deep inside Elvenrude that offers nothing except violence and destruction of their world. 

Review:

Let me just say that I love any story that brings elves into my world again.  I love when an author tries to work with them.  I just wish that each author would give us a back ground. This book is no exception, I want more history, more about how we got to where we are today in the book.  I just like knowing how people got to be the way they are in the books I read.

Kameo was a great character and I can't wait to see what comes next for her.  I just wish we had a better love interest for her. I want my main characters to have a strong, good love interest.  I know that there are bad boys, but they aren't the ones who leave me with a bad taste in my mouth.  I am all about a good "bad" boy, but I got this feeling that Caleb is just not that kind of bad boy.  I think that he will end up being a bad love interest.

I can't wait to see what will happen with the series.  I think that since it is elves, we have so much we see being done.  I know there are books out there with elves, but really no many that have the main story built off of them.  They are just a part of a whole, not the central theme.

I think that Ally has got a great start to a series and she did it so well!  It was not rushed and the build up of the love interest side was better then most books.  I just hate when an author has her characters fall in love in like three pages, or 24 hours.  (Which ever comes first.) I can't wait to see what she does next!

Pros: Elves!  Smooth Story, great ideas

Cons: Some characters just didn't do it for me.

Overall rating: Definitely recommend it!

Impressions: Strong story, good ideas, ELVES!!!

Stars: 4 out of 5 stars

 Excerpt:

Caleb nodded absently at the departing couple, then returned his gaze to Kam. “I’m serious. It’s time you became more involved with trade matters. In fact,” he paused, “you have several decisions you should be making. When are you coming home?”

“I’m here now.” She clamped down on a spark of anger. Why did every conversation with him lead into demands about the future?

“You know that isn’t what I meant.”

She stiffened. “It’s too soon for any long-term decisions. I like where we are now.” A storm was gathering in his eyes, and she took steps to head off a fight. The King's Harvest Ball was hardly the time or place. She tilted her head and looked at him. “Are you about ready to leave?” A diversion was in order before she lost her temper and said something she’d regret. “I have to be back in the city by early morning, and I can think of better things we could be doing.”

“More than ready.” His smile held a provocative edge. “Shall we start our round of goodbyes?”

“I’m going to visit the ladies’ room, then I’ll catch up with you.”

“Don’t be long.”

She ducked her head and hurried away, anxious to get out of sight before he realized just how annoyed she was. She shoved the door open into the hallway a little harder than was necessary and ran into a solid body. She stumbled, throwing out her arms for balance.

“Oh, I’m so sor—” Strong hands caught her, and she looked up into Seth Lormarc’s glittering green eyes. “You!”

His eyes widened in surprise. “Do I know you?”

A spark of unexpected awareness ran up her arms, and she tried to shake off his grasp. He held tight until she was steady. “No, but I know who you are.” She looked pointedly at his hands. “Take your hands off me.”

“No problem.” He released her and stepped back, a smile parting his lips. “Are you always so charming?”

She frowned at him, ready to give a sharp retort, then hesitated, realizing how rude she’d been. “You’re quite right. Mother would be appalled at my manners. Thank you for your assistance. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Certainly.” He moved to one side.

Her throat suddenly dry, Kam hurried past and down the hall. Insufferable Lormarcs. She entered the powder room and took a deep breath. The mirror revealed her heated cheeks, and she dipped a handkerchief in the water basin to cool her face. Why had she reacted so strongly, been so impolite? Was it the lazy smile he’d made little attempt to hide or just her anger at Caleb spilling over onto the first male she saw?

Bio:

Ally Shields grew up in the Midwest along the Mississippi River and currently resides near Des Moines. Writing has always been a part of her life, but in 2009, after a career in law and juvenile justice, she turned to full-time fiction writing. Her first urban fantasy novel, Awakening the Fire (Guardian Witch Book One) was published in 2012 and the seven book series was completed in 2015. She loves to travel in the US and abroad and incorporates many of those settings into her books. Ms. Shields can be contacted through her website or twitter (@ShieldsAlly).

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Book review - The Haunting, By E.M. MacCallum

Have I mentioned how much I love that I get to work with some great authors doing my reviews?  If I have not, let me tell you now.  There are some great authors I have blogged books for and they have given me some of the best books to read.  I can't wait to see what comes next from these authors.

That being said, I have the third book in the series I recently reviewed.  The first book was The Demon Grave.

Let's get on with the review...

Book Title: The Haunting

Author: E.M. MacCallum

Publishing Date: August 13, 2015

Page/Word Count: 325 pages

BLURB:

One by one, they are losing the battle.

With the shock of death ringing in their ears, the group has to face one final test.

The Challenge is a classic haunted house and the creatures within are out to twist truths and reveal dark secrets.

Nora has to overcome her strange familiarity with the Demon's Grave as well as her infatuation with the demonic overlord, Damien. But, not everyone wants her there, and she could end up fighting for more than just her friend's freedom. 

Pros: Great characters, great story line

Cons: The story doesn't need to end!  

Overall rating: Highly recommended!

Impressions: Great book, part of a great series

Review:

Alright, so I got very lucky with this one.  I was asked to read this book in exchange for an honest review.  I was beyond excited when the author sent me this book to read.  I loved the first two and was giggly when the author e-mailed me and asked me to read this book.  I read it as soon as I could!

This was a great way to wrap up the two previous books.  The characters are well developed and I love how they interact with each other.  The chemistry between them, be it good or bad, was great and I wish more books had characters that worked together.  

I still have a mad crush on Damien.  Until I find a new book boyfriend, he is going to have to settle for me, haha.  He is just a great character and I love how he interacts with Nora.  They have this relationship that leaves you wondering what is going to happen to them.  The ending to the book leaves me hoping that I get to see more of them, to see what happens.  I am not going to give it away here, just know I want more!!

The book was not rushed and this author timed things perfectly with this series.  She didn't seem to rush things, which meant that if she couldn't get to it in one book, she put it in the next.  I love that, because you shouldn't have to rush from point A to point B.  You need to flesh out your story and E.M. did that with this book, with the whole series.

If you have not read these book yet, I suggest you grab this one, and the other two, and start reading.  I warn you though, you will not get to put them down until you are done.  They are that good!  I read this one again in one night, like I did the first two.

Stars: 5 of 5

Amazon Link: Buy it here

Goodreads Link: Click Here

Twitter Link: @EMMacCallum

Facebook Link: On Facebook

Webpage: http://www.emmaccallum.com/

Book Review - Redemption, By R.K. Ryals

So I am part of several of those free book/cheap book groups.  It is always fun to get the e-mails with new free or cheap books for me to pick up.  I look forward to seeing what is available for me. I have found some great books and I made the choice to start reviewing them as I can.  I have others to review on certain dates, but sometimes it's nice to get something in between.

We are also looking at starting up a podcast as well.  I am nervous but I am very interested in doing some kind of audio on books and such.  We shall see though, I am very hesitant to talk to myself, lol.

For your reading pleasure....

Book Title: Redemption

Author: R.K. Ryals

Publishing Date: October 11, 2011

Page/Word Count: 322 Pages

BLURB:

A fateful car accident, a strange Abbey ruled by an even stranger Abbess, an insane Demon, a world where right and wrong becomes dangerously twisted, and a confident, rebellious teenager . . . .

Dayton Blainey is a foul-mouthed, grief-stricken young woman forced to live with a religiously eccentric aunt who favors her moral older sister. But when Dayton's life becomes intertwined with a dangerous stranger, she suddenly finds herself at the center of a war fought since the beginning of time.

Trapped between what she believes is right, and a forbidden attraction, Dayton must come to terms with betrayal and her surprising lineage to stop a war before it even begins.

Pros: Great story, great characters

Cons: Seemed rushed in some areas

Overall rating: Good book, would recommend it

Impressions: Good characters, rushed story

Review:

So I picked this up as a free book on a list I got my e-mail.  I am glad I did.  I really enjoyed reading it.  It was definitely something that fit into my normal reading lists.  

The characters are great, and let me just say that I loved that the main characters was named Dayton.  It's not a normal name for a character and I love that about this book.  The names aren't just the normal, run of the mill names.   She is a good base character as well.  She is strong when she needs to be but at the same time she has her vulnerabilities.  You want your characters to be real, not some perfect person.

This book was a great start to this series though.  The idea behind it was well thought out but I think that the author wanted to get more into the first novel and pushed to hard in some areas.  That is why it felt rushed for me.  I think that if she had really planned out the series she could have stretched it out more.  That is just my opinion.  I know that she has a whole series now, but this was still rushed to me.

Stars: 4 out of 5 stars

Amazon Link: Buy it here

Goodreads Link: Click here

Twitter Link: @RKRyals

Facebook Link: R.K. Ryals

Webpage: Author's Site

Book Review - Revenge of the Wolf, By Skyler Patterson - BOOK TOUR

Good morning!  Well I say good, but I don't have enough coffee in my system to really justify that statement.  So perhaps it should be, Morning!  Where is the coffee?

And here we go.....

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Title: Revenge of the Wolf
Author: Skyler Patterson
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Horror

REVENGE OF THE WOLF is a story of paranormal romance/action/horror. This story is set in the early settled New York. A wealthy shape-shifting young man named Justice Sorrowfell falls in love with a beautiful young woman named Angelica Innocenta. When the woman is murdered, Justice goes on a spree of vengeance against all outlaws, in the form of a wolf, and a werewolf. Justice is urged on to continue his revenge by his un-dead fiancé Angelica. This is the first book of a series. This is a tale that gives the message that death is not always the end. This tale shows that true love cannot ever die.—SKYLER PATTERSON

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Book Title: Revenge of the Wolf

Author: Skyler Patterson

Publishing Date: June 6, 2015

Page/Word Count: 300 Pages

BLURB:

This is a tale of romance/paranormal/action/horror. A wealthy young shape-shifter named Justice Sorrowfell falls in love with a beautiful woman Angelica Innocenta. When she is murdered, Justice goes on a spree of vengeance against all outlaws in the form of a wolf and werewolf. This tale takes place in colonial New York. Justice is urged on in his revenge by his un-dead fiancé Angelica.

Pros: Great ideas, good characters

Cons: Not a big fan of the writing style

Overall rating: Would recommend it to others

Impressions: Strong story idea, strong characters, hard format to follow because of the writing style

Review:

So I got this book in exchange for an honest review.  I am all about honestly.  This was a good book but not written in a style that I am a fan of.  I am all for giving your readers more then one point of view, but I have a problem with the "journal/diary" format this was done it.  It made it harder to follow at times.  Especially when ti changed from that style to regular book formatting.  I just got a little lost.

Other then the formatting this book was definitely a good read.  I loved the ideas given during the book.  I am all about a good paranormal book and I can see this being a good series to follow.  I just think that cleaning up the format a little will help it be easier to follow.  Yes, I know I am harping a little. I have to wonder if this was sent in for editing more the once, just to help with the flow.

I do think that this book has great potential to be one of those series that goes on for a while.  Skyler has written some strong characters and that means great potential in my book.  If you have strong characters you can take them anywhere and they can carry your story.  

I think with a little more polish I could go back and change my rating.  But over all I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Excerpt:

Many a soul may ponder how it was, that a man of my wealth and sense of adventure came to be in such a predicament. It is said that a man cannot ever truly know anyone less he has walked in his shoes. For surely the words hold irony. For not a man could think to judge me less he could walk on all four of my legs, and howl by the fullest of moons. I can recall it like it was yesterday. And yet in truth it was many years prior. I was just a young green lad. On a hunt I was. Twas me and my brave father. On the hunt for game we had no luck. until we were both set upon by a pack of bedeviling wolves. One of the grievous death hounds, jumped into my path. The creature crouched growling preparing to pounce. The beast’s eyes were like red hot fires, his teeth like icy white death! The creature leapt at me. I raised my rifle. However my courage possessed no conviction and there I stood paralyzed in my fear! The beast lunged at me but I felt no fangs, and felt no blood spilling from my veins. The creature did manage to bite my woolen coat. The only sound I heard was the crack from my dear father’s rifle. And then the resounding thud as the beast fell lifeless on the cold dark ground. It was then my father told me words that I would never forget: “The wolves are the most devilish creatures on the earth! The wolf is the beast that hunts not on his own but amongst a pack. He is the creature that kills not in the light but from the dark shadows, and the light of the moon”. For strange as it was there was beauty in this horror and a horror to this beauty. For in time the moon turned, the horses gave way to the great steel snake called the train. I became a great man. I hunted game round the world. I fell in love. I became a soldier, and  I became what others dreaded most… I became a wolf. And then my life began… I was a young man and grew up in a mansion on the Hudson. Who am i? My name is Justice Sorrowfell. But let us go back to when I first became the beast. It was weeks after that dreaded hunt. I was in my bed chamber at the manse, and noticed the puncture marks on my arm. I did not vex myself as I had felt no ill effects. It was many years later when I was entering manhood when I noticed a change. I went to sleep in my bed and awoke on the floor, curled up in front of my mirror. When I gazed into the mirror I saw not a young man but a wolf. I found  that i could change into the beast at will. I also began to smell other beings and none of them were human. I could smell the horses in front of the estate. I could smell the mice within the cellar. I also could hear things from impossible distances. I also found that I could control other creatures. I could shape shift into bodies of Rats and birds; and I could have them to do my bidding. I told no one of my dark gift. It was my lone secret in all the world. I also developed an insatiable appetite for meat and none of it cooked. I began to have the house chef prepare for me meals of raw salmon fish, and other raw dishes. My dear father began to think me growing dim. For me it made no matter. It was soon after that I met an exquisite woman. In love I fell madly. This woman was the most beautiful creation that god did see fit to bestow to walk amongst this earth. Raven of hair she was. The woman had a round perfect face with cheekbones high. The woman was shapely as an hourglass. And indeed I did spend hours admiring her face and body. The woman had light grey piercing eyes. For this woman gazing upon me truly could never fail to pierce my heart, like a proper dagger. Angelica was her name. And in all truth god certainly removed an angel from his heaven that she could walk this earth with a soul such as myself. I courted her about the city. We dined in the finest eateries, and her arm stayed entwined in mine through the very best operas. It was in the hazy days of summer when I fell down into that blissful well called..love. Let us begin our story there. Let us begin when I was more happier than now. Let us go back to before things shattered like an expensive vase in my father’s Victorian den. Let us go back to when i first met..HER.

Stars: A very tentative 4 out of 5, I would say more like 3 1/2 but you can't do half on sites :)

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AUTHOR BIO:

How did I become a writer? My story could be a book of itself. I will not lie. I am the “accidental writer”. I have been working in health care for many years. It was when i decided to read books on my way to work that I stumbled upon the possibility of writing. How did it happen? I take the train to get to my job in N.Y.. I had become bored with reading the daily newspapers .It was then that I decided to read a book instead. Mind you, I had not read a book in years! I proceeded to read books by J.R. Tolkien, Anne Rice, Bram Stoker, and George M. Martin. I found those books sooo cool! I love fantasy fiction. It was when I became addicted to a certain series; that it happened. I read every book from that series and when I asked the book store clerk when there would be more the man gave me terrible news. “Ha, that guy puts out a book every five years. “WHAT”? I could not believe that. It was then that I began to wonder what if I (yes me) could write a book myself. This was a joke to me until I came up in minutes with a plot for a fantasy fiction tale. HOW did I do that!? The plot was way TOO COOL to just do nothing with. And I will not lie. I made every type of mistake one could make in learning how to write. I have had no formal training and I successfully dropped out of college, years ago! That first idea became THE BOOK OF SWORDS, a medieval styled swords and sorcery epic. That book gave me many headaches, before I learned how to write it!(great e book that it is) So I took a break and wrote: THE LAST KRAKEN, a tale of a giant, leviathan squid running amok, in the 1800’s. It was when I was writing that book that I began to realize that I had somehow in only a little more than a year became an author. I finished that first book. I then proceeded to test a chapter of it on my school teacher sister. My sister invited me over to hear my tale. My sister gave me many words of encouragement: “Let’s all have a good laugh”! were her words! I read her a chapter. After I read that chapter my sister began to stutter and jaws were dropping everywhere! “HOW IN THE HELL”?! were her words! And then I began to write another book called REVENGE OF THE WOLF. One day I passed my laptop to a girl I was dating and asked her to read an emotional turning point of this romance/action/horror story. As she was reading it; I was in awe as the woman slowly began to cry! I then spent the rest of that year writing many books. And here I am! I am in this for the long haul. I am now an author/poet/songwriter. My journey just goes to show that one can never truly know what they are capable of; until they give it that one good try! I can truly say I LOVE WRITING.---SKYLER PATTERSON

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Where to find the book:

Goodreads: Click here

Amazon: Buy it here

Book Review - Santeria & Sorcery, By Lola White - BLOG TOUR

So I have been trying get the blog into more blog tours and such.  We have cover reveals and many other things we are trying to get into as well.  I just wanted to get the blog out there as much as I can.  More people on the blog means more people reading, just saying.  I love the thought of helping people find new books to read.

That being said....

 

Book Description:

Magic is necessary to all things, but like any other source of power, it can be abused. The king of gods has created a Special Collections Team to deal with illegal magic users, those who break the law set forth by the Council of Five. Being part of the team is not an honor however, but a punishment for the crimes the teammates have committed themselves.

Zahra is a magic-addicted djinn charged with the capital crime of consorting with humans. Niccolo is a vampire who betrayed his goddess. Beryl is a fairy assassin demoted for her transgressions against a queen. Wade is the only human on the team, and though his inclusion is supposed to be a compliment, it’s clear there’s a larger plan in play.

From tragic romance to zealous belief, the Special Collections Team is in over their heads, but still must find a way to be successful in their investigations, pay their penance and learn to work as a team.

In Santeria & Sorcery, their first case finds them in Miami, where trouble has come to the attention of the Council of Five. A sorcerer is stealing magic to set himself up as a god, but the team is new and each are unused to working well with others. Their personal issues also hinder their investigation—dealing with bloodthirsty boyfriends, jealous fairy kings and a dangerous fallen angel on top of their own emotional deficiencies take a toll.

The Tithe Collector is an erotic series and does include graphic scenes: M/M, M/F and multiple partners.

_______________________________________________ 

Book Title: Santeria & Sorcery

Author: Lola White

Publishing Date: June 11, 2015

Page/Word Count: 240 Pages

Pros: Well thought out characters, story was strong

Cons: Needs more back story

Overall rating: Pretty good good

Impressions: Heavy on the sex, heavy on the magic, good story but back story was lacking.

Review:

I should point out that I don't normally read books that are this heavy on the erotica.  I wanted to give this book a chance, since it is out of my normal reading genres.  I am glad that I did.  It was a very good book.

So let's get this started.  First, I want to talk about what I think the book needs.  It needs more back story.  We get many points of view but we don't get too much about each.  I want to be able to get into my characters.  I want to relate to them, understand where they are coming from.  I know that we get bits and pieces, but I wanted more from the past.  We have Zahra, the Djinn, and we get some idea of what is going on, but I feel like I couldn't relate to her because I just don't know what makes her tick. It was the same with the other characters as well.  We needed more then we got on each of them.

I think that the idea of the story was great.  You have these paranormal creatures all shoved together because they have pissed off the leaders of the groups they are a part of. This means they have to work together to get back into the good graces of their leaders.  So you get this group working in the human world to get to the bottom of this over abundance of magic use.  It worked.

I will say that if you are not into heavy erotica and sex scenes, you need to pass this one by.  I can handle some sex in books, I do read romance, but this is very heavy on it and if you aren't used to it you will be overloaded and probably overwhelmed.

_______________________________________________ 

Excerpt:

“I think this team has been assembled as more than punishment. I know Niccolo is well placed in vampire society, for all he believes he is not. From what he’s said, I think Zahra also has some importance she is not telling. Beryl has served her goddess for a thousand years, and people say simply speaking the assassin’s name is enough to make Lucifer’s Fallen cower in fear.”

“So what?”

The bouda shook his head. “And you are Blessed. I think the team is being used for a bigger purpose than what we’ve been led to believe.”

“Sure, Chimbwe, that’s possible.” But that’s all I was prepared to say on the matter, at that moment with his words of war mocking my memories. I was half-believing, and half-resistant to the idea. On one hand, it was excellent strategy to take the wind from the enemies’ sails, on the other, it was hard to imagine God being so manipulative.

“I don’t know what is going on yet,” Chimbwe whispered. “But the team needs to learn to trust each other. I am afraid of what may happen in the future, and I do not want Niccolo caught in something that may lead to his death.”

I waved my mug because it seemed a better option than putting it down to cross my arms over my chest. “So you and I need to be all buddy-buddy to get the job done. Is that it?”

Chimbwe grimaced. “Even if my suspicions are not correct, this team must meet the expectations of the Council in order to be released from their punishments. I want Niccolo to be free, so you four will need to work as one.”

I weighed his words carefully. I was used to being a part of a team that shared the same training, values and goals. This team, though, was all over the map. They only spoke to each other when they had to, came from different Nations, definitely had different training because I couldn’t imagine Zahra or Niccolo handling a weapon like Beryl, and they all reported in to different leaders.

Hell of a team. Four of us were moving in four different directions, and it seemed Chimbwe wanted to be our wise guide, leading us all into a cohesive whole. A wise guide might be just what we all needed.

That realization had me sitting back down at the table. “I would like this team to work together,” I told him. “Considering the monsters we might run up against, our lives might depend on it.”

Stars: 4 out of 5

_______________________________________________

Bio:

Lola White writes what she writes, which is erotic fiction. Sometimes horror, sometimes paranormal, sometimes romance. It’s all sexy, but never predictable because she likes to twist reality at its edges in her stories. She likes delving into the emotions of her characters, finding their strengths and weaknesses, and seeing (and showing) how they get themselves out of whatever trouble has found them—if they can.

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Book Review - Valamine, By Jane Stoker - BLOG TOUR

So I have slowly but surely been getting myself caught up on my reviews.  I have gotten a nice little system going that gets the reviews out and in between book I can read something not on my review lists.  It keeps me from getting burnt out.

This time around we have a blog tour book...

Valamine

(Book One – Lover’s Rift series)
Jane Stoker

Book Title: Valamine

Author: Jane Stoker

Publishing Date: April 18, 2015

Page/Word Count: 188 pages

BLURB:

Valamine is a gifted healer, and her life studying with the herb witch, Elder-Sha Ameena, is peaceful. When her home is attacked and her elders slain, the fate of the land is thrust upon her with the dying breath of her mentor. Now she must leave everything she knows and journey to a far-off city to stop the forces of hell from overwhelming her world. But it isn't the daemons, hungry for her blood, making her nerves shatter and her heart pound like a tribesman’s drum, it's the two hundred and fifty pounds of lean, toned warrior sworn to keep her from harm.

Fighting is what Nyle lives for. He relishes the rush of battle, even with the odds against him and a horde of daemons bearing down on him. When he’s tasked with the latest mission, it is a seemingly simple one—protect the girl, save the world. Easy enough for a skilled warrior who prides himself on coolness under pressure. Something about the bold healer though is testing his restraint to beyond breaking, and he can’t keep his mind on the game. But if he fails and the daemons come, how can he face losing his bewitching Valamine

Pros: Excellent characters, great storyline

Cons: Felt like some pieces were missing

Overall rating: Very Recommended

Impressions: My first impressions of this book were that it was slow starting out for me.  There was something missing.

Review:

When I started this book I felt a little lost.  We started out in a battle.  I love when we get action right away, but I felt like we didn't get enough back story to really understand what was going on.  The bad guys were there and there were a lot of them. Yet later in the book, they are talking about a portal or rift being in the school. 

You don't get any idea on how they are getting out if the rift is still sealed.  I would think that they would have noticed Daemons coming through at the school so I really want to know where they were coming from. I feel like this is a hole in the story that was not explained.

I loved the book as whole though.  Once I let the whole not knowing where the Daemons were coming from I found that I really enjoyed the book.  The characters were well thought out.  I wish we could have had more back story to help us understand why they were the way they were.  I find that I can connect and relate better to characters when I know more about them.

I can't wait until the next book in this series.  I want to see what happens next.  I did find that once I got into the book I was hooked and couldn't get out. I read it all in one sitting.  It just took me a bit to get myself all engrossed in the book.

Stars: 4 out of 5

About the Author

Jane Stoker

Jane is the author of Valamine, the first instalment in a fantasy romance series based in a magical world on the verge of

When she is not teaching or sloping off to write fantasy romance, Jane devours TV drama box sets – the more

paranormal and post apocalyptic the better. She also like to walk the dog in the surrounding woodlands; a setting

Jane lives in Surrey with her husband and two sons.

Find Jane at: https://www.facebook.com/janestokertheauthor

_______________________________________________________________________________

Book Details: Novel

Genre: Historical Epic Fantasy Romance

198 pages – 66,300 words

e-book ISBN: 978-1-925296-04-4

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-925296-05-1

$3.99

Buy Links

BDP SHOP: http://www.bottomdrawerpublications.net/#!valamine/c1zbj

AMAZON US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VWA36BM

AMZ UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1925296059/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk?tag=chrome03-21

iTUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/valamine/id984946242?mt=11

 B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/valamine-jane-stoker/1121724696?ean=9781925296051

  KOBO:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/valamine

For more information:

www.bottomdrawerpublications.net

info@bottomdrawerpublications.net

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25278521-valamine

Book Review - When Lightning Strikes , By Kathleen Rovner

I think this is a week of Mondays, or at least it feels that way.  Just so much to do and not enough of me to get it all done.  Some days I just think that I spread myself too thin.  It happens, but let me tell you, I am not a fan of it.  I am exhausted.

That being said, I have been reading, a lot.  So there will be reviews coming, because, well, books!

On with the show....

BLURB:

Julie Marin is a talented dancer, and her family has the means to make sure she can live her dream. Her life is close to perfect—until the night she leaves practice late and gets attacked.

Then her world takes a terrifying turn. With no notice, her family has to pack up and move overnight. And they won’t even tell her why.

Now everyone around her has secrets—her brother, her parents, and the disturbingly alluring Lucas Black, a new teacher at her school. And there’s definitely something going on in the small town the Marins move to.

When Julie finds herself drawn to the arrogant but handsome Rory, nothing makes any sense. Is she just paranoid, or is she going crazy? Will these secrets destroy everything Julie has worked for—or destroy her as she fights against them?

A 300 page young adult fantasy with romantic suspense.  

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Book Title: When Lightning Strikes

Author: Kathleen Rovner

Publishing Date: May 7, 2015

Page/Word Count: 217 pages

Pros: Great idea, great characters

Cons: got a little lost at times, some ideas didn't seem fully fleshed out

Overall rating: Good book

Impressions: Fasted paced from the get go, some spots were slow.  Some things were lacking a "body" if you will.

Review:

I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)

So I had high hopes for this book.  The idea was great and I liked most of the characters. Unfortunately some parts just felt rushed or lacking in information. The idea behind the story was a well thought out idea, and I can tell that the author wanted to make sure it was done well.  Sadly I felt lost in some areas, like the idea was there but the words never made it to the page.

Julie was a good character, but I could not love her.  I just didn't feel like I connected with her.  I felt like she was annoying at times.  I feel like her part of the story was actually the parts that were lacking something for me.  I think she needed to be flashed out more. The parts of the book that I got the lost the most in involved her and her random trains of thought.

I think that with a little work this book could be a great one.  With a little fleshing out of things it cold become one of those series that everyone loves.  I just don't see that yet.

I loved the hanger at the end though.  That little tidbit was enough to make me want to know what happens next.  I am willing to give the next book in the series a try, with the hope that things get fleshed out better. 

Stars: 3 out of 5

Amazon Link: Buy it here

Goodreads Link: Click here

Book Review - The Darkest Frost, Volume One, By Tanya Holmes

So I have been doing some blog roaming.  I looked at other people's reviews and how they lay out.  They all seem so very professional, so I decided I would redo how I lay out the reviews a little bit.  I wanted things to seem a bit more like someone who knows what they are doing, even if I really never know what I am doing, lol.

That being said.......

BLURB:

When the ghost of her best friend begs for her help, psychic detective Denieve Knight goes undercover as a live-in domestic to catch a killer. She sets her sights on the most likely suspect: her friend’s mysterious employer, Doctor Braeden Frost.

Dubbed "Dr. Death" by the press, the notorious hematologist is linked to nineteen other suspicious fatalities—all are former patients. The brooding recluse is a man of many secrets, the darkest of which may be lurking beneath the leather gloves he never removes.
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Book Title: The Darkest Frost, Volume One

Author: Tanya Holmes

Publishing Date: June 11, 2015

Page/Word Count: 83K

Pros: Great characters, engaging story

Cons: I hate but love the cliff hanger :)

Overall rating: Highly Recommended

Impressions: Great story flow and I was not able to put it down once I started reading it.  It left me wanting more, which means I am going to need that second volume, like yesterday. 

Review: Over all this book is a great book.  The characters are not the stiff, cold types.  You can love them, hate them, and can relate to them at times.  This book kept me engaged the whole time.  I just couldn't put the book down, or rather the Kindle.  I had to know what would happen next.

I knew we were going to be left with a cliff hanger.  I will be honest, I love them because I always get more of my favorite characters from the authors when they do that to us.  I just hope that I don't have to wait long for the next one.  I was left with the whole "WHAT!!! NO!!!!" feeling because I just wasn't ready to let these characters go.

I can't touch on the story too much or I will give things away.  The book is well written though and the story doesn't skip around or leave you wondering what is going on.  You have enough information given to you that you aren't having to reread things to try and get what they are trying to say to you.  

I can say that when I was trying to figure out the big secret, I was left surprised that I was wrong with what I thought was going on. Trust me, you need to read this book!

Excerpt: 

Braeden tore away leaving me feeling cold, like the only leaf on a barren tree, a leaf left to tremble alone in the wind. He raked a hand through his hair while he paced the floor. He was tortured and scared, a man barely hanging on by a thread. 

Seconds dragged until he said thickly, “I don’t understand any of this.” 


“Because it makes no sense, right?” I snatched my barrette up with trembling hands and started fussing with my hair. “I’ve only known you a little over a month, yet it feels like a million years. And now I’m thinking—” 


“Don’t.” He stalked back over to me and grabbed my hands. “No more talking. No more thinking.” His voice was rough and desperate. “Because if I allow myself to ponder this insanity—to try and understand it…I swear, I’ll go mad.” He inhaled deeply and pressed his forehead to mine. “I knew you were trouble the moment I saw you in that window. God help me.”

Stars: 4 out of 5

Amazon Link: Buy it here

Goodreads Link: Clink here

 

Book Review - Semi-Charmed, By Isabel Jordan

I love summer.  The days last longer, the sun is out, and the mornings are calm and quiet.  I hate one thing, mosquitoes.  My area of Texas is one that has been getting the rain that floods us, so that means we have the little flying vampires all over the place.  I was trying to get into the whole walking in the morning thing again, before work, and they made a meal of me.  Who knew you could develop an allergy to the little buggers?!

So I have a great book for you today!  I picked it up because they are reading it as a book of the month in the Goodreads group, Lovers of Paranormal.  I have been trying to get more involved in the groups I am in.  I have grabs some new books to review as well. So keep your eyes open!

On with the show...

BLURB:

Psychic and paranormal PI Harper Hall isn’t that surprised when her business partner skips town. Really, she can’t help but feel it’s her own fault for trusting a guy named Romeo in the first place.

But if Harper wants to consult for the police on a high profile case, she’ll need a new partner-- preferably one with some supernatural skills of his own. Enter Noah Riddick, a slayer left jobless by the legalization of vampirism.

Riddick’s dark secrets and shady past have forced him into exile from human society--an exile he was completely comfortable with until gorgeous and exasperating Harper waltzed into his life. Now, all too aware of how…unlifelike his life has truly been, he agrees to partner with her (as if saying no to Harper Hall was ever really an option).

Fighting vampires, making immortal enemies, engaging in semi-sadistic interrogation techniques, staging daring rescues…it’s all in a day’s work for this paranormal odd couple. But falling in love? Well…that’s a little trickier. Even for the Semi-Charmed Harper Hall.

Semi-Charmed is a full-length paranormal romance novel, completely free of cliffhangers, with a HEA. For readers 18+ only. 
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Book Title: Semi-Charmed

Author: Isabel Jordan

I was so glad that I decided to pick up this book and join in on the reading for the month.  Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.  I fell in love with the whole idea and the way the author laid out the story.  She didn't rush things and let it go on it's own.

To start with, the characters were great. I love Harper and can't wait to see if Isabel does more with her. I think that she is well developed and thought out.  I also love that we get a taste of her past, that always helps when you are trying to get to know your characters.  I find that it is harder to connect when you can't see how a character got to be who they were once  you start reading the book.

Noak.  What can I say about Noah.  He is almost on my list of book boyfriends.  I think that if he happens to show up in another book and he is still the dark, brooding man Isabel wrote, he will definitely make that list.  He is hard to like a first but you can tell he is struggling with what he was always taught and what he is feeling.  It can't be easy to always hide that you have emotions and then meet a woman who forces you to let those feelings out.  

Over all, this book was a great read and I had to finish it once it was started.  It was definitely a good thing that I didn't start it too late in the day or I never would have gotten any sleep.  That is definitely the sign of a good book. I am hoping that we will get to see more of these characters in the future.  We have a great psychic, a hunky vampire hunter and all the friends and family needed to make a great series.  (Hint Hint)

Pros: Great story, great characters, great book

Cons: Need more books!!!

Overall rating: OMG, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!