Review: Enchanted Book Promotions Presents: Murder At Midnight by John Ukah

About the Book

Title: Murder at Midnight

Author: John Ukah

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Alex Simpson, an ex-police officer, decides after a bout of typhoid fever to take a break in a serene and therapeutic environment. The last thing he expects is to be called upon to solve a murder at the Kinging Guest Lodge. But that is what happens, when the delectable and vivacious Maria Marshall is found dead in her bedroom at midnight.

The gallery of characters living at the guesthouse and thrown into the mix, do not make his task of solving this chilling and brutal murder any easier …

Author Bio

John Ukah is a seasoned banker and Associate of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ACMR). He is a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Benin, where he was listed as University Scholar. He also holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Review

I really liked what the author tried to do and the concept ... but I just couldn't get into the book. It was really hard for me to finish it and it just wasn't my cup of tea. I read a lot of different kinds of styles of writing and themes and I thought this would be something I could enjoy. Maybe you will like it more than I did. The quality of writing wasn't the issue the author did well on that. The story just didn't capture me. I wish it had.

3 Stars on this review.

Links

Purchase “Murder at Midnight” on Amazon: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and India.

It is also available on Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, Barnes & Noble (Nook)

Sunday Review: Sage Blog Tours Presents: Whisper of Crows by Jameson Hesse

Title Whisper of Crows
Author Jameson Hesse
Source Received this in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link AMAZON


Blurb


Kanaan James is a disturbed teenage boy obsessed with his childhood friend Abigail Caulfield. A horrible car accident leaves Abigail stricken with amnesia and Kanaan, desperate for her attention, convinces her they are soul mates, running from the law. In the midst of a passionate love affair, while hiding in an old abandoned house deep in the woods, Kanaan is forced to test the boundaries of his own humanity.
 
Review

I am usually a big fan of blood guts and gore but this time it was just okay. I really struggled writing this review and didn't quite know the words to say so I went and read other reviews on Goodreads about this book and I think I agree with them. Some things are just too much.

Now - as an author myself I was able to appreciate this story. I can very much see the plot and its progression but at the same time ... there was a bit too much imagery. There is a fine line with details and I think we crossed over on the dark side a bit much.

Maybe if the story had been in 3rd person and not 1st it wouldn't have been so bad. In 1st person I find myself easily slipping into the character and usually I really love that. I also like 'horror' books but hate horror movies.

This imagery really did play out like a movie and I think that was my turn off.

But that being said, the writing the plot (like I said before) the character development. All that was great.

But for me it was just too much. If you like books like that though I am sure you will love this one. To each their own right?

I'm giving it 3 stars because that's about how much I enjoyed it. I believe if I liked this type of book more then it would have been between a 4 star and a 4.5 star review.

Sunday Review: Sage Blog Tours Presents: Zaryk by C.A. Jonelle

Title ZARYK
Author C.A. Jonelle
Source Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link AMAZON


Review

First person is one of my favorite points of view. I always jump on the chance to read books that really pull me into them, mostly in first person. I connect better with the characters usually.

Unfortunately that didn't happen this time around.

I think this book had potential, a lot of potential. But it just wasn't doing it for me. I think it had to do with how basic the characters seemed.

The story was alright it was a very average read.

If you like simple plots that don't require a lot of thought then you will like this book. It was easy to read through. Nothing made me stop and wonder what the hell had i just read.

I just wish the characters had a bit more depth and could have drawn me in.

The writing wasn't bad. And I didn't catch any plot holes.

Overall I'm giving this a 3 star review.

Synopsis:

One fatal moment tears Zaryk’s life apart and he struggles to cope with his loss and grief. Years later, with his band ‘Twisted Epiphany’ on the cusp of success, Zaryk is finding the answers in
partying and alcohol. Enter Lyndsay, a shy college girl who gives Zaryk hope that there can be happy endings in life. But one night of passion ruins his dreams of something more meaningful and spoils their friendship. Misunderstandings drive them apart and Zaryk is soon lost in a different world as ‘Twisted Epiphany’ become ever more famous. Will he get the chance to tell Lyndsay how he feels? Or will Zaryk’s stardom and Lyndsay’s insecurities keep them apart?

A story of passion, love, loss and the pressures of fame, ‘Zaryk’ is the first in the ‘Twisted
Epiphany’ series that follows Zaryk, Zayne, Zayden, Deklan and Kreed as they take their band
from small town success to world-wide phenomenon.

**Not intended for those under 18. Contains mature content.**

Author Bio:

C.A. Jonelle lives in a small town in Ohio with her husband, daughter, two dogs, one cat, and six fish. She's been reading for as long as she can remember. She wrote several hundred poems in high school and started writing stories while in her late twenties. She loves a good romance
book with a tattooed and pierced rock star who is plagued by the reality of life. When she's not
reading or writing, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, or just catching up
on her favorite shows such as Hell's Kitchen or Devious Maids. She's currently working on the
next book in the five part Twisted Epiphany series that is slated to come out in 2015.

Links:

Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/CAJonelle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/cajonelleauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CAJonelleAuthor

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cajonelle/

Tumblr: http://cajonelleauthor.tumblr.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cajonelle/



Brief excerpt:

I growl loudly, echoing in the night air. “I’m not going to chase after you Lyndsay!”

Stopping, she turns to face me with a startled expression on her gorgeous face.

“What is it? Is he the reason you can’t get over Kendall and me?” I move closer to her.

“Yes.” Her answer is barely a whisper.

My heart drops into the pit of my stomach. The thought of anyone hurting her touches a

nerve … a big nerve. I inch closer until I’m directly in front of her. Reaching up, I glide

my fingers against her neck, rubbing my thumb along her jawline. She lifts her gaze to

mine.

“Tell me how he hurt you. I want to understand where this fear is coming from.”

She twists her face out of my hands and I drop them to my side. Tears are glistening in

her eyes. I can’t stand to see her like this and I can’t stand how she’s making me feel

right now. I can feel the fire building deep inside me. Deklan appears at the exit.

Lyndsay turns to go back inside. I’m fed up with this shit, but I don’t want to lose her. I

make one last attempt and grab her arm and turn her toward me. “If you leave, you

might as well take my heart with you. I won’t need it anymore, because it won’t bother to

beat without you.”

Deklan freezes and watches us, his face full of concern.

I let go of her arm and she turns back toward the building. She disappears and I feel a

big part of me die inside.

Sunday Review: Sage Blog Tours Presents: Madame Lilly, Time of Sanura Vol #3 by Dormaine G.

Title Madame Lilly, Time of Sanura
Author Dormaine G.
Source Received in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link AMAZON

Blurb

History has a way of repeating itself

Madame Lilly journeys back in time to her great-grandmother's era, the time of Sanura. Both women possess more than a kinship for they are each bound to harmful spirits whom they refuse to relinquish. By the hand of a mysterious being, Elijah, Lilly is transported into the past to witness the dark path Sanura chose—ultimately leading to her demise.

Sanura fights to deny her ability to see the non-living, but the more she refuses the sight, the more the dead flock to her. A dreadful accident takes place, forcing her to finally accept her once unwanted gift. She soon welcomes the dead.

Through Sanura's struggle of growing up an innocent child forced to take on the burdens no one should carry, she ultimately transforms into a frightfully powerful woman. Lilly watches from afar as Sanura grows more commanding with each act of wickedness, until her final downfall. Even then, Sanura refuses to surrender her bound spirits for they need her as much as she needs them.

Review

This was a very difficult story to review. Overall I think this was an average short story. It didn't keep me enthralled but I did finish it in one sitting. So that has to mean something right?

The characters were interesting. I liked the main character for the most part. She was a strong woman but not so strong it was being shoved in your face. I really like when its easy to accept like it was in this book.

The plot moved along rather quickly. I realize for a short novella the plots tend to do that. But I would have liked to have seen more depth in the characters instead of the faced paced plot.

Overall I'm giving this a 3 star. While it was decent in the plot line I really wanted more out of it to slow the pace.

If you like novella's and short stories then you are probably used to the quicker pace. You would most likely like this one.

Sunday Review: Sage Blog Tours Presents: The Paragraph Ranch by Kay Ellington & Barbara Brannon

Title THE PARAGRAPH RANCH
Author Kay Ellington & Barbara Brannon
Source Received from authors in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link AMAZON

Blurb

Every writer knows you can’t go home again. But that’s just what is required of West Texas expatriate Dee Bennett-Kaufmann when her mother is badly injured in a mysterious car accident.

Single-again “Dr. Dee” has never been on the "A-team" in her trendy East Coast MFA program. When a prestigious summer fellowship gives her the chance to finally finish her book, salvage her career, and spend some quality time with her college-age daughter, Dee’s certain her luck is about to change. Returning to care for her irascible, widowed mother threatens all of that.

With so much at stake, Dee engineers a series of unorthodox strategies and creative tradeoffs to keep her options in play—and despite herself finds friendship, love, and the power of words in the unlikeliest of places.


Review

This was quite a different book. I think the title is kind of cute, after having read the book. Because the best parts of this book were when the characters were in the writing classes on the ranch. There were a couple of scenes with Dr. Dee and her mom that made me laugh. Like with the rattler snake. And I enjoyed when Dee's daughter showed up. I liked her.

But overall this book just seemed very average. The story line didn't have a very 'obvious' issue to overcome, other than her mom being ill and in need of help. I would have enjoyed it more if there was some conflict other than that I think. Because I mean, after a while, we get what it is like to be a caretaker of someone who is older than ourselves and should be able to fend for themselves.

All in all I would say that if you like books that are very easy to read and not super hard to follow along if you need a lazy read kind of book then you might like this. I listened to it on my way to and from work in the car and it was easy to keep up even though my attention was obviously focused on the road.

I did feel like part of the time the authors 'voice' shifted, it made me think there were multiple authors. At the time I had that thought I hadn't realized this book did have multiple authors. So that threw me a little because it pulled me out of the story when the 'voice' shifted.

Overall 3 stars. Good book just some issues I couldn't get over.

About the Author

Kay Ellington, a native West Texan, has worked in newspapers from New York to California to the Carolinas—and back again to Texas.
Barbara Brannon formerly led the Publishing Laboratory at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, but got to Texas as soon as she could.

Website    www.ParagraphRanch.com
Facebook    www.facebook.com/TheParagraphRanch
www.facebook.com/ParagraphRanch refers to the writers’ retreat
Twitter    @ParagraphRanch    www.twitter.com/ParagraphRanch
Goodreads    www.goodreads.com/book/show/23198108-the-paragraph-ranch

Sunday Review: The Mortal One by Shannon Bell

Title: The Mortal One
Author: Shannon Bell
Source: I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link: AMAZON

BLURB

Hot vampires are everywhere and Dylan is finding it hard to control herself - especially since she is the only Mortal One. Her life was normal up until a few days ago. Then she met Nico on the streets of Florence and her world will never be the same again. Nico is sexy, Italian, and immortal - three features that she has never found more alluring in a man. She must now learn how to balance an exhilarating love affair and vampire politics at their worst. There's also a Parisian vampire that wants to claim her and she has to receive a mark in order to keep her safe from the troubles that exist.



REVIEW

This is a story about a woman, Dylan, who is obsessed with Vampires. Eat Sleep Breath Vampires. And when she finally finds them ... she freaks the F out!

I am not really sure how to start this review. The book wasn't bad, but it just didn't grab me. The characters moved along and sometimes I questioned the motives that they had. And sometimes the actions, or internal thoughts, didn't make sense to me from Dylan.

The book was okay - It was an easy read and I didn't find anything wrong with the overall plot. Just questioned the motives. But, they aren't my characters and only Ms Bell knows 'why' her characters do what they do.

In the end it worked out. I think if you love anything and everything vampire then you will find enjoyment in the story.

I give this a 3 star rating

Sunday Review: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Dragonfly In Amber
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Source: Purchase from Amazon
Purchase: Amazon

Blurb

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland's majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ...about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ...and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his ....

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire's spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ...in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ...and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves....

Review

I have a lot of feelings about this book ... Which makes writing a review a bit hard. I think I am going to do a pros and cons type post if nothing else to help flesh out my own thoughts.

The pros - things I like.
Ms. Gabaldon has a very well tuned writing structure. Her stories are easy to follow and her plots are very solid. The world and  cast of characters is very in depth and I love the fact that she includes so many different characters even in a first person setting.

I think that it is hard for an author to capture so many different characters at one time and I find her skill at that very impressive.

The cons - things I have issues with.

As great as her writing is, it is just too long. There are far to many details and I feel myself getting drown in the extremely long story. It felt like as much as I read it didn't matter, the book was going on forever and never going to end.

This is just too much for me and as such, I feel this is a 3 star book. I wish I could give it more.

Sunday Review: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Source: Purchased from Amazon
Purchase Link AMAZON

Blurb

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life...and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Review

I am really not sure where to start with this book. It was extremely hard for me to read. It felt like it went on and on, and so much of it felt like it was not pointless but not needed.

The writing quality was really good but it didn't help me overcome my issues of the story itself.

While the 'plot' wasn't believable in the realm of 'could really happen' it was a very believable plot line. I did like that part of the novel. I wish it was just half the size than it was.

I wanted to like it. I really did. My husband loves it and I wanted to enjoy it with him.

I am going to read book two, but, only because my husband is a fan of it. Not because I just have to know what happens with Claire and Jamie.

Overall this is a 3 star book to me. I'm sorry I couldn't give it more.

 

Sunday Review: The Road to Comfort by Becky Lower

Title: The Road to Comfort
Author: Becky Lower
Source: Given from the author in exchange for an Honest review

Purchase: Amazon

Blurb

Juliette St. James has only done two impetuous things in her life. The first resulted in her becoming a single mother at age 18. Now, she’s embarking on a cross-country trip to celebrate becoming an empty-nester. Not sure of what she will do now that she’s flying solo, she comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare—a cowboy.

When ex-bull-rider Cyclone Kelley heads out on his horse, the last thing he expects to find is a damsel-in-distress parked alongside the road. Especially one that resembles his first crush—Brigette Bardot. He doesn’t need or want a complication in his life. His wife died while he was chasing the elusive dream of fame and fortune on the rodeo circuit. Blaming himself for her death, he quit the rodeo and returned to Nebraska. Now his mantra is “love them and leave them smiling.”

They are attracted to each other and decide a one-nighter would be a good idea. After all, what happens in Comfort, Nebraska, stays in Comfort. But when Juliette’s car gets sucked up in a tornado, she’s forced to spend a week in the town instead of just one day. While neither denies their attraction, they both realize that a week together will change the course of their lives forever. They are both forced to decide if love is worth gambling on what could be. Or if tornadoes, and cyclones, are better left alone.

Review

Ms. Lower had a good writing style. This is the second book I have read from her. She consistently shows that her skills can stay consistent.

The Road to Comfort isn't my usual style of book but I liked the blurb so I thought I would give it a chance. I think that is the main reason I had some struggles with the story. It wasn't the writing quality or even the story line. So i don't want my lack of genre reading to hurt the potential readers who do like these types of stories on a regular basis.

I do like that Ms. Lower is consistent. Sometimes that is hard to find in authors and it is reassuring and pleasant to know there is a certain quality you will get when picking up a book.

All in all I'm giving this a solid 3 star.

Sunday Review: The City by Dean Koontz

Title: The City
Author: Dean Koontz
Source: Net Galley
Purchase Link: Amazon

Blurb:

A young boy, a musical prodigy, discovering life’s wonders—and mortal dangers.
His best friend, also a gifted musician, who will share his journey into destiny.
His remarkable family, tested by the extremes of evil and bound by the depths of love . . . on a collision course with a band of killers about to unleash anarchy.
And two unlikely allies, an everyday hero tempered by the past and a woman of mystery who holds the key to the future.

These are the people of The City, a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, their unforgettable story is a riveting, soul-stirring saga that speaks to everyone, a major milestone in the celebrated career of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz and a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share.



Review:

I used to love Dean Koontz. When I was in college I read his books constantly. he was one of my favorite authors and somewhere over the years I had phased him out. After hearing my husband talk about Mr. Koontz's books while he was reading the Odd Thomas series it made me want to dive into the author I used to love. When I saw this pop up on the recommendations for Net Galley I jumped at the chance to read it. Because to me, Dean Koontz was one of the classics!

Sighs - sometimes memories should just stay in the past.

I am really very unsure why I used to love his writing so much. After reading this novel it makes me question my own judgment. I am just, so disappointed. I wanted to love this story but I just can't. I am very saddened by this. It felt like his thoughts were being stopped mid sentence. He jumped around inside the scenes making me feel lost and confused.

And I didn't even realize the main character was African American until halfway through the book. Maybe I just missed the descriptions but I would think that it would  be important to paint a vivid picture of the main character from the get-go.

It wasn't all bad, the general premise of the story and the story line itself I loved. I really enjoyed 'the City' (a character in the story) and I loved the little boy.

I just didn't like the style of writing I guess.

Now if you are a current Dean Koontz reader then you will most likely love this book. But me, after being gone from his novels for so long, I just can't love it.

I'm going to give this a 3 star rating because I had a lot of issues with it. But overall the story itself was solid and I liked all the characters.

Sunday Review: The Reluctant First Lady by Venita Ellick

Title THE RELUCTANT FIRST LADY
Author VENITA ELLICK
Source I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Buy Links: Amazon

 

Summary

Ashley Taylor has been straightforward with her husband, the president-elect of the United States. She supported his candidacy, but she has no intention of assuming the traditional role of First Lady—a position she describes as “First Hostess.” Instead, she will resume her own career as head of one of the largest art museums in New York. The aftermath of her decision triggers reactions from the public, news commentators, late night comedians, and other political factions. While Ashley and Michael wrestle with saving their marriage and preserving their professional lives, the country debates whether the role of First Lady is a necessity, how the media influences the lives of public figures, and how much a woman should sacrifice for the person she loves.


Review

I love the concept of this novel. Its fresh, and honestly, we really could use something like this in our actual political life. The idea that women just have to fall into tradition is a rather outdated concept and I love that someone came up with a book based on this premise.

This book really had a lot of promise. And I liked the characters well enough. I wasn't in love with them. The dialog was very, simple. I was hoping for something more complex.

But it wasn't a bad book. I would recommend it to people who like a story where you shake up society and make people stop and think about why we are always doing the same thing over and over with out question.

Overall to me this was a solid 3 star book. 

 

New Women's Fiction That's Stirring Up a National Debate

by Venita Ellick 

About the Author:

Venita Ellick was fated to be a writer. She was named for a character in a book her mother was reading at the time of the birth. As a young girl, she spent so much time in libraries that librarians would save books for her almost daily visits. She began writing stories in the first grade, which her mother

patiently read. The intervention of a career as an educator and raising three sons delayed her focus on writing, but she has now completed three novels. The Reluctant First Lady is her fourth.

Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen captivated her as a teenager. The power and imagery of the printed word made her wonder what each heroine was thinking and feeling. She wanted to be the woman with the cape and hood standing on the edge of the cliff with the wind whipping around her. The mysteries that could be found in stories fascinated her and are echoed in The Reluctant First Lady.

Ellick draws on her experiences as a wife, mother, teacher, and principal to create her characters. Her sense of humor and recognition of the absurd and often whimsical nature of life have allowed her to capture her characters’ lives with authenticity and emotional resonance.

Venita and her husband David have experience as a two-career couple. They live on an island in the state of Washington.

Excerpt: 

From Chapter 3 of The Reluctant First Lady


Applause and pandemonium broke out on the other side of the curtain, indicating Michael had reached the end of his speech.

A stage manager nodded and, with Ashley and the twins leading the way, followed by the vice president- elect, his wife, and family, she stepped onto the stage and into the bright lights. The noise from the crowd grew in intensity as each of them came into view. They all walked forward to stand beside Michael, Ashley and the twins to his left; Robert Hughes, Catherine, and their children to his right.

The chaos and elation vibrating through the crowd was intoxicating. Cheers from a wildly exuberant audience and music blocked out what individuals were saying, but the camaraderie of those on the stage was evidenced by their smiles, hugs, and claps on the back. Before the world, she and Michael looked like the perfect couple. Michael pulled his family, plus Richard and his family, toward him while photographers snapped pictures of this historic event.

Amid the excitement, it almost went unnoticed that a reporter shouted a question at Ashley. She ignored him, hoping he would go away.

The reporter repeated his question. “Mrs. Taylor, what causes do you intend to champion during the next four years in the White House?”

Ashley winced inwardly, but no outward expression marred her serene expression. She had a choice. She could tell the truth or continue to go along with the lie. Damn it. She’d been dodging questions like this for months about what special causes she intended to champion if her husband were elected. In fact, she’d become a master of evasion, not something she was proud of. Unquestionably the smartest thing to do would be to give the same canned response she’d been giving throughout the campaign. It would be a lie, all of it. But then she wouldn’t be accused of rocking the boat, a boat, she might add, that she knew was taking on a lot of water.

She was tired of being evasive. She was sick to death of lying by omission. Michael’s managers had convinced her that he wouldn’t be elected if she declared her intentions. But, Michael had been elected. Was it possible that she was making more of this than necessary?

She leaned toward the reporter and his microphone and began speaking in a quiet, clear voice.

“First, I’d like to thank everyone here and at home for their incredible support throughout the campaign. I’m extremely proud of Michael and have always believed he’d be a great leader and a great president. The American people have chosen wisely and well this day. As for me, with the election over, I’ll be returning to my job as director of the Cameron Museum of Art in New York. It’s never been my intention to serve as the First Lady. Over half of the families in our country are two-career families. Our family isn’t any different. In fact . . .”

Ashley felt Michael’s hand on her elbow. “Ashley, just smile and wave. We’re getting off of the stage now.”

Links to Venita Ellick Author:

Amazon

Goodreads

Website

Facebook

Pinterest

Sunday Review: Blood Stained Tranquility by N. Isabelle Blanco

Title  Blood Stained Tranquility

Author: N. Isabella Blanco
Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Published: March 27, 2014
Source: Free Copy from Net Galley for an honest review
Purchase Link:AMAZON   

Blurb

The wheels of destiny are spiraling out of control quicker than even the gods can keep up. They all thought they knew what war was like—but have no idea how bad things are about to get. In the continuation of the Szolite series, two of the most dangerous powers in the Universe will be unleashed, threatening to push two fated beings apart.

A normal human girl. . .

Evesse Salazar never imagined that a violent end to her already difficult life would be just the beginning. After being thrown into a vortex, shredded apart, and killed, she is reborn as something more. Something she might not be able to manage. If that weren’t enough, she awakes newly mated to the last being in the Universe she ever would have chosen.

Now, with no other option, Eve must come to terms with her powers, her past, and her mate before he loses control of what might just be uncontrollable.

A god with a monster locked inside. . .

For over eleven thousand years, Zeniel, God of Tranquility, has done everything in his power to keep his other half, the God of Vengeance, from breaking free. A single glance from Mavrak is all it takes to kill those deemed guilty. The wraiths under his command can tear thousands to shreds in an instant, no matter how small their crimes. Zeniel knows he must remain at peace to keep Mavrak at bay, but he’s rendered helpless with one look into the eyes of his mate.

The longing for Evesse is enough to rip the demon out of its cage, and with the Gods on the verge of a cataclysmic war, Mavrak has every intention of gorging on both his mate, and the vengeance he so desperately needs.

 

Review

It makes me sad to say this but I was very disappointed by this book. I really loved the cover. It had that BDB feel to it that I love. Which was the sole reason I wanted to read it. Let me first start by saying the things I liked about the book. The writing was good. It was very easy to follow along and the flow and pace were good. I felt like the author did a great job describing the scenes and characters.

What I didn’t like. I honestly feel like this book was reading another version of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s The Dark Hunters mixed with J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood. The characters were just so similar. Even their names were similar.

I also think that 3 chapters in a row of nothing but sex was a bit to much. It got to the point of, come on already, what else could they be doing…

I really did want to like this book more but I just couldn’t get past the strong similarities to these other series.

This being said…if you have never read SK or The Warden, then you will probably love this book.

About the Author

N. Isabelle Blanco was born in Queens, NY (USA). At the age of three, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she began reading and writing. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life.

An avid reader in her teens, her fascination with Japanese anime eventually led her to the universe of fan fiction, which became her on-again, off-again hobby for the next ten years. During that time she amassed a following of fans that, by her own admission, she would never be able to live without. It was those fans who encouraged her to step beyond the fan fiction realm and try her talent in the publishing world.

N. Isabelle Blanco now has three novellas and two full-length novels under her belt, and spends her days working as an author, web programmer, marketer, and graphic designer. Her free time is spent with her “spawn”, as she calls her son, brainstorming for his future career as a comic book illustrator.

Author Links

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Other Books by the Author

 

Sunday Review: Madame's Double Life by Keegan Lace

Title: Madame's Double Life

Author: Keegan Lave

Source: Received a copy free from the author for an honest review

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Blurb

Lady Victoria was born into high society and high standards in the the English country side. The dictates of Victorian society do not provide a good fit for a 17 year old free spirit. Lady Victoria is as wild as the lavender growing on the white cliffs of Dover. She is a dreamer when her life is thrown into turmoil with the arranged marriage to the much older Lord Hawthorne.

He is the Duke of Wellington, a womanizer looking for his next conquest. Lady Victoria is just the type of woman the Duke can love and leave.

Will Lady Victoria give in to the dashing Duke of Wellington and risk causing a scandal to her husband’s name? Or will the Duke of Wellington discover love for the first time.

Review

This was a light and easy read that resulted in an enjoyable evening. Once i sat down and focused on reading it was easy to breeze through this book.

What I liked about it was the female lead was easy to identify with. It was easy to like her and she was enjoyable to follow through on her journey.

What bothered me were a lot of the transitions and sentences felt cut off. It was just missing something. I noticed it more when I sat down and read versus when my kindle was reading aloud to me. It wasn't something that pulled me away from the book just left me wanting more from scenes.

Overall I'll give this book a three star rating. I liked the ideas behind the story line. For the time period that it takes place it felt very believable to me. And the characters were all ones that I wouldn't mind reading a sequel about.

Sunday Review: Curatur's Curse

Title:  Curator's Curse

Author: Scarlet Hunter

Genre: Short Story, Erotic Romance

Published: February 10th 2013

Source: The author gave me this copy for an honest review 

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Blurb

The strongest Curator of the Immortal Bloods, a vampire, gifted with an array of powers, Larken yearns for the female who watched him from a distance. Because as she spied on him, he spied on her. A lady deemed forbidden to one such as he. Yet, Larken fought against all warnings to stay away and succumbed to her silent temptation. And a night that changed his destiny and hers forever.

Layla, a spirit-demon, had been hiding from her father, the king of hell, for two hundred years. Taking refuge in the fortress of the Immortal Blood vampires, she swore to the council never to acknowledge who or what she was to anyone. Until one night, her self imposed isolation is breached when she is approached by the one male vampire she’d watched from the shadows for years. She knew she had to stay away from him. For only he was capable of triggering an evil inside her. And yet for one night she gives in, but her dark secret can bring down the entire race of the Immortal Blood vampires.

 Review

This book has a lot of potential. The ideas beind it were good and it made me want to know more about the world that was created.

I think the my biggest issue with the book is it felt some what disorganized. I didn't realize we were in the middle of a flashback until the end and that had me very lost. I wished that parts of it were elaborated and not rushed through because i wanted to know more about the cahracters.

It wasn't a hard book to read, I didn't struggle getting through it. I wished that the main characters had more of their back story and why they were in love with each other. It was obvious they cared but I just wanted more. Which isn't a bad thing.

This is the first book of Scarlet Hunter's that I've read and I would read another title from her.