Monthly Archives: April 2018

Bound (Magnus Blackwell Series #2) by Alexandrea Weis-Review,Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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BOUND (Magnus Blackwell Novel #2) by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway Tour

BOUND
Magnus Blackwell Series #2
by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor
Release Date: April 17,2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, thriller

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About the book: Release Date April 17, 2018

Magnus Blackwell’s past is about to catch up with him.

An evil force has seized New Orleans. Pestilence, suffering, and darkness cloak the city. The citizens are scared and need their mambo to guide them, but Lexie Arden can’t help anyone. A diabolical presence has taken Lexie’s power and severed her ties with the other side.

Magnus Blackwell is fighting demons of his own. Torn between his devotion to Lexie and a spirit from his past, Magnus’s loyalty is put to the test. He must revisit his sins to uncover the key to the hatred ripping the city apart. If he doesn’t, Lexie’s reign as mambo will end.

Their search for answers leads them deep into the darker realms of voodoo—until a desperate Lexie does the unthinkable, and Magnus can do nothing to spare her from her fate

••••••••••

REVIEW: BOUND is the second full-length instalment in Alexandrea Weis’ (and Lucas Astor) contemporary, adult BOUND paranormal, mystery thriller, Voodoo fantasy series focusing on New Orlean’s Voodoo Mambo Lexi Arden, and her spirit guide Magnus Blackwell. BOUND can be read as a stand-alone but for cohesion and back story I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lexi and Magnus) BOUND follows Lexi and Magnus on the hunt for a killer. As Lexi slowly begins to lose her capacity as the reigning Mambo, a number of powerful Voodoo priests and priestesses become the victim of a serial killer, not of this world. Lexi begins to investigate the how and why of her missing powers, when a being more dominant and forceful makes Lexi an offer she should have refused. Without her powers, the spirits of the dead begin to descend upon the people of New Orleans, including two ghosts with close connections to Lexi’s spirit guide. Our heroine is determined to uncover the truth but in doing so walks a fine line between good and evil, wherein the darkness begins to override her soul. Not one to follow the rules Lexi will come face to face with a malicious spirit who is willing to do anything to bring Lexi to the dark side.

BOUND is an intriguing story of dark and white magic; of the influential lure of power, and the resulting repercussions of selling one’s soul for the ultimate prize. From priests and priestesses, spirits and ghosts, to Damballah (The Sky Father/ Primordial Creator of Life) and Kalfu (Master of malevolent spirits/ controls the evil aspects of Voodoo), Alexandrea Weis pulls from the Haitian and African history of the practice of Voodoo, the spiritual folkway of those who follow and believe. BOUND is a detailed, complex and enchanting story of mystery, suspense, drama and magic. The premise is entertaining and compelling; the characters are colorful and tenacious. The world building continues to take the reader on a journey through the fantastic as one determined and head-strong woman battles to regain control of the spirits, and the power within.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Blackwell
Damned
Bound

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

BLACKWELL: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

DAMNED: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.uk / B&N / KOBO / ibooks /

BOUND:  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

Confounded by what was happening, Magnus went to the green water at the swamps’ edge along the side of the house. Raindrops created ripples on the stagnant water. Their concentric circles grew, intersecting in swells, releasing voices in their wake.
Magnus paced at the slimy green bank, attempting to make sense of the strange sounds. The cries of men, women, and children rose up and overwhelmed him.
“Save us!” a woman shrieked.
“Please, help me. I want to be free,” a man’s husky voice entreated.
“Take me away from this hell,” a high-pitched wail begged.
The voices built around Magnus, crowding his ears, imploring him to rescue their tormented souls. He had never heard such noises from anyone.
A vision of his Frannie hurtling over the cliff’s edge at Altmover Manor replayed in his head. The sound she made as she toppled to the rocks below resembled the pitiful cries of the spirits around him. Magnus closed his eyes, disgusted by the memory.
When his eyes opened, he scampered backward. In the boggy water, hundreds of bodies floated in various stages of decomposition. Arms, hands, legs, and torsos bobbed on the surface. The woman in black he’d seen with Lexie stood at the water’s edge, calling to the dead to wake from their soggy tombs.
Horrified by the agony he saw on their contorted faces, Magnus wanted to obliterate the vision by returning to his shadowy realm, but he couldn’t tear himself away. The images of body parts and broken souls held him captive as bitter waves of anger and anguish rolled off the water.
“Your master’s in danger.”
Magnus spun around.
A little girl in a long white nightgown trimmed in yellow ribbon stood next to him. Down the front, a stain of burnt red went all the way to her bare feet. She held a dirty teddy bear in her arms, but when she peered up at him, a gaping wound across her throat exposed the bone underneath.
Magnus didn’t know if he could believe the phantom before him. Spirits had never reached out to him before. This was Lexie’s realm. Why did he suddenly have her gift?
“Are you real?”
“Yes, sir. Very real, just like you.”
He knelt down beside the child. “What is your name?”
“Mattie. I died in the swamp when I was six. The mistress has me enslaved to do her bidding.”
He touched the nose of the teddy bear in her arms. His fingers passed through the toy. “What mistress?”
“The Lady La Fay. The one who called your master to her side.”
Magnus examined her gray skin and sunken eyes. “I don’t have a master.”
She pointed to the cottage. “You’re bound to the woman who went inside. She’s your master and the one who controls your fate. We are all bound to those who work the dark realm. You’ll see.”

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From New Orleans, Alexandrea Weis was raised in the motion picture industry and began writing stories at the age of eight. In college she studied nursing and went on to teach at a local university. After several years in the medical field, she decided to pick up the pen once again and began her first novel, To My Senses. Since that time she has published many novels. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning books, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. Her work has been critically acclaimed and has been continually growing in popularity.

Alexandrea Weis is also a certified/permitted wildlife rehabber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. When she is not writing, she rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She is married; they live in New Orleans .

••••••••••

Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.

He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.

Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.

One of his favorite quotes is:  “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.”  ~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)

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The Phoenixes Choice by M.A. Abraham – Review & Giveaway

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The Phoenixes Choice by M.A. Abraham – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Kyllan has come home to find several surprises waiting for him, one in the form of a man he had thought dead. Trysuil is most definitely not lost to their people, and he couldn’t be happier. His daughter, Alena, is ecstatic, for her love has been returned to her.

The Phoenixes saved Trysuil from what would have been a certain death, for he had more potential than anyone could have imagined. They kept him in a state of suspended animation, until the time was right, with the knowledge that their world was about to go through many changes in the future. In his new position of power, he will be known as the Adjudicator. He only answers to the Phoenixes; he is their judge and jury.

Those who have gotten to know Kyllan respect and admire him as a good leader of uncanny foresight and abilities. As they get to know Trysuil, they find out that he is fair, just and a man of vision. He will not abuse his position. He would rather help those who have come to live on Tantalus build a future for the generations that are to follow, but he can bring down the might of the Phoenixes to bear on them, if there is a need.

 

 

Review:

The Phoenixes Choice by M.A. Abraham is the 5th book in her Tantalus series.  A brief refresher of the premise of Tantalus: This is a Sci-Fi story about three species (Humans, Sirens & Tantalarians) that are forced to work together on the planet Tantalus. M. A. Abraham once again gives us an exciting and interesting storyline, as the three different species come together in a common bond as we return to the world of Tantalus. 

When the Tribune Elder, Kyllan comes home, he discovers that his daughters mate,Trysuil,  has returned, having been saved by the Phoenxes.  Trysuil is now the go between the Tantalus leaders and the Phoenixes, and is also very powerful.   Trysuil is happy to be home, and is determined to work with Kyllan to build a better future for Tantalus, as they continue to grow bigger with more humans, and Sirens living among them. 

We met the Sirens in the last book, and Kyllan brings them to Tantalus to see a world better for them then what have in Mars.   Trysuil, who must try to keep everyone safe, and following the terms set by the Phoenixes, who want peace, has to at times be rough to those humans who do not follow the laws set by them at their arrival.  Kyllan worries that since he sent black pearls to help humans pay for their ships, that the humans who will be arriving in a few years to Mars, would be the dangerous and greedy ones who want more.

What I really enjoyed was watching the King and Queen Sirens of Mars, and their families visit Tantalus, and meet more of their kind from many years before.  They also loved the land and sea of Tantalus, which with help from everyone, will set the stage for the sirens to eventually move their people away from Mars to Tantalus.  This is especially necessary, as the ships arriving from Mars could lead to war, danger and destruction.  It was great to see many of the characters that we have meet previously, and who we have become invested in. 

What follows is a well written, informative and excellent story line.  If you have not read this series, to tell too much more, would be spoilers.  You need to begin at the start to learn about Tantalus and those who become a major part in bringing safety and togetherness to all the species that will  learn to work together to allow Tantalus to move forward to a safe and prosperous future for all.

M.A. Abraham has once again given us an exciting, enjoyable and interesting story of the three species working together.  Again, if you have not read this series, I do suggest you start with the first book to be able to understand this world.  The end of the story leaves things open to complete the growth of Tantalus and the ability to protect Tantalus from danger from afar.  I really cannot wait to see where M.A. Abraham takes us as we move closer to the conclusion of this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review   

 

 

M.A. is graciously offering a paper copy of THE PHOENIXES CHOICE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Turn Me On (Man of the Month #7) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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TURN ME ON (Man of the Month #7) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17, 2018

Sometimes one night just isn’t enough.

Though they see each other only once a month, Amanda’s sweet body and wicked ways have been driving Derek wild for over a year.

And now that he’s moving to Austin, Derek is determined to have Amanda in his bed permanently.

There’s only one problem: Amanda’s happy with their current arrangement. Can Derek convince her a lifetime of nights together will be so much sweeter?

Meet Mr. July … he’s determined to heat things up.

Each book in the series is a STANDALONE novel with NO cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA!

•••••••••••

REVIEW: TURN ME ON is the seventh instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult MAN OF THE MONTH erotic, romance novella series focusing on a fund raiser for the popular Austin, Texas bar known as The Fix. This is billionaire hotel developer for the family owner Winston Hotel chain Derek Winston, and real estate agent Amanda Franklin. TURN ME ON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary, although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Fix on Sixth, a local Austin hangout and bar, is in desperate need of renovations and a quick influx of cash so a plan is put into motion, by a group of regulars, a plan that includes a Man of the Month calendar competition, a recipe book, and a reality show aimed at rehabbing the bar.

NOTE: TURN ME ON is a bit of a departure from the series in that most of the events and story line take place in the months prior to the Man of the Month competition, celebrations and current events.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amanda and Derek) TURN ME ON follows the building relationship and atypical arrangement between Austin real estate agent Amanda Franklin, and hotel developer Derek Winston of the Winston Hotel chain. Derek’s once monthly visits to Austin comes with the side benefit of real estate agent Amanda Franklin, a woman he met on one of his visits to Austin, Texas. Neither one looking for a permanent relationship but an unspoken commitment for the foreseeable future finds Derek and Amanda agreeing to a once –monthly meet up when Derek comes to town. As the months pass, they will each reconsider their ‘casual’ arrangement as they struggle with jealousy, resentment and loneliness in the absence of one another. Derek will battle his father for his independence and the potential future of the Winston Boutiques division, as Amanda has second thoughts about their current arrangement.

We are introduced to Derek’s best friend Jared Ingram-a man who struggles with his own demons; Derek’s sister Mellie, and their father Anthony Winston who has little faith in his son’s personal affairs or friendship with Jared Ingram.

TURN ME ON is a sexy, provocative and playful story line. The premise is engaging and enjoyable: the romance is sensual and passionate; the characters are captivating and engaging.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Down On Me
Hold On Tight
Need You Now
Start Me Up
Get It On
In Your Eyes

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

DOWN ON ME (Man of the Month #1) by J. Kenner

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J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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Leading the Witness (Conflict of Interest #4) by Chantal Fernando-Review Tour

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LEADING THE WITNESS (Conflict of Interest #4) by Chantal Fernando-Review Tour

LEADING THE WITNESS
Conflict of Interest
by Chantal Fernando
Release Date: April 17, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / / Amazon.uk /Amazon.au /B&N / KOBO / books /  Chapters Indigo / iBooks /Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release April 17, 2018

Hunter Brayze doesn’t always like his clients but as the divorce attorney for Bentley & Channing Law, he doesn’t have to. So when he meets his latest client, even though he can’t stand the guy, let alone understand how any woman would ever marry him, he is still determined to win his case. But he never expects taking this client would turn his entire world upside down.

When he comes face to face with his client’s soon-to-be ex, he’s shocked to see Riley McMahon, owner of his local pub and the woman he’s wanted ever since he first laid eyes on her. He didn’t even know she was getting a divorce, and now he’s stuck defending the man who wants to screw Riley out of everything. Feeling like he’s betraying her, Hunter vows to settle this case as quickly as he can by any means possible. Because after months of flirting with Riley at the pub, and now knowing that she’ll soon be free, Hunter is determined to make her his.

But as the proceedings get messier and secrets are revealed, Hunter’s running out of tricks to keep both parties happy. And when someone sets Riley’s pub on fire, he can’t help but suspect his own client. Torn between his professional code of ethics and his intense connection with Riley, Hunter finds himself at a crossroads wondering whose interests he’ll ultimately protect.

•••••••••

REVIEW: LEADING THE WITNESS is the fourth instalment in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult CONFLICT OF INTEREST erotic, romance novella series focusing on the legal team at Bentley and Channing Law. This is family law attorney Hunter Brayze, and bar owner Riley McMahon’s story line. LEADING THE WITNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hunter and Riley) LEADING THE WITNESS follows the building relationship between attorney Hunter Brayze, and bar owner Riley McMahon. For over a year Hunter and the partners at the law offices of Bentley and Channing have frequented Riley’s bar-a local bar and tavern serving great food and the perfect atmosphere for our story line her. Meeting Riley McMahon gave purpose to Hunter’s late night fantasies but what Hunter never expected to be the lawyer for the opposition in Riley’s divorce against her pr*ck of an ex. Without the ability to help the woman that calls to his heart, Hunter makes it possible so that Riley is able to get the best defense against the accusations and threats by her determined ex. With Riley’s divorce behind them, Hunter begins his slow seduction of our story line heroine only to be brought back to reality when said ex makes another attempt to destroy any happiness for Riley, this time going after the attorney in question. What ensues is the building romance between Riley and Hunter, and the potential fall-out as Riley’s bar is targeted, and ethical misconduct threatens on the horizon.

Riley McMahon can’t soon be rid of her maddening ex-husband but embarrassment and pride stopped Riley from approaching the gang at Bentley and Channing. Hunter Brayze had no idea that his newest client was Riley’s soon to be ex-husband, a man Hunter considers a douche and an a$$hole.

The relationship between Riley and Hunter is one of immediate attraction but Hunter knew Riley was married, and he was never willing to cross the line into dangerous territory. For close to a year Hunter has dreamed about making Riley his own but it wasn’t until they were seated across from one another during the divorce hearings did Hunter ever consider making Riley his own. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Hunter Bentley is the epitome of perfection from looks to suits, seduction and acceptance of our story line heroine.

Most of the previous story line couples plays secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Hunter’s parents, and his struggling sister Cleo as well as Riley’s employees: restaurant cook Cheffy, bartenders Izaac and Preston, server Callie, and Riley’s ex-husband Jeremy Rodgers.

LEADING THE WITNESS is a sexy story with limited conflict, low level angst and great sexual chemistry. The bulk of the drama is between Riley and her ex-husband, a man who is hoping to destroy out story line heroine. From the outset Jeremy Rodgers is hoping for a clean sweep leaving Riley with nothing including the loss of her bar. The premise is entertaining; the romance is slow to build, passionate and seductive; the characters are energetic and lively.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Breaching the Contract
Seducing the Defendant
Approaching The Bench

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

BREACHING THE CONTRACT: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / amazon.uk / Amazon.au
B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

SEDUCING THE DEFENDANT: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au/B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / ibooks /

APPROACHING THE BENCH: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N / KOBO / ibooks /

LEADING THE WITNESS: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /  Amazon.au / B&N / KOBO / ibooks /

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon’s Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers.

Follow Chantal: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

 

 

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Fearless Mating by Milly Taiden – a Review

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Fearless Mating by Milly Taiden – a Review

 

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Description:
Sergeant Major Candace Obermier has arrived at Alpha League Federal Agency headquarters with one task in mind–shutting it down. While A.L.F.A.’s pledge to protect humans from paranormal threats is noble, they’ve caused nothing but mayhem as far as Candy can tell. And their director? He’s the worst of the lot.

Director Josh Tumbel has finally found his mate. And she’s doing everything she can to shut down operations, while he struggles to control his mating instincts. But when A.L.F.A. headquarters is taken in a hostage situation, Josh has a chance to demonstrate the critical nature of the agency’s existence, and prove his worth to Candy as a protector and lover.

 

 

Review:

Fearless Mating by Milly Taiden is the 4th book in her A.L.F.A. series. . Though each book revolves around an A.L.F.A. agent and finding his mate, these do read very well as standalones.

Josh Trumbel, our hero, is the director of A.L.F.A, as well as a wolf shifter.   When he meets a new government official, he is shocked to see that she is his mate.   Sergeant Major Candace Obermeier, our heroine, is a tough woman, who works in a new position reporting to the new president.  She is determined to save money for the budget, and when she meets the director, she tells him she is immediately shutting down his office.  Josh doesn’t take her too seriously, as he is still in shock and very happy to be looking at his mate.  Before he can explain to her the value of his group, she ups and leaves telling him to make sure he tells his employees.   Candace is in a rush to get out of Josh’s office, as she feels a strong attraction to him, making her feel uncomfortable, as she is not interested in men, except to rule them.

Later that evening, at a dinner honoring A.L.F.A., Candace shows up and reminds Josh to tell his team not to come to work the next day.  But just then, all hell breaks loose as a Russian terrorist group takes over part of the building, forcing Josh and Candace to work together.  Though Candace tries to take control, she will see Josh and his men in a different light, as she discovers they are shifters, which also gives them other benefits to fight off enemies. 

What follows is an ultra exciting, action packed  story, with Candace, Josh, his team trying to stop the terrorists and discover who and why they are under attack. During their rescue attempts, Josh continues to flirt and call Candace his mate.  At first she ignores him, but slowly she finds herself succumbing to his advances, especially when he keeps finding ways to kiss her.   When things are under some kind of control, both Candace and josh have a bad feeling that something is still not right.  This will escalate as they discover the new president is the target.  When they will race to protect the President and First lady, they begin to get closer, as their lives are in constant danger. One of the best things about this series is Taiden’s trademark humor throughout, as well as being very sexy. You can’t help but laugh at some of the situations, and find yourself enjoying the banter, even in difficult spots.  Just when things seem over, both Candace and Josh will find themselves in a death defying situation that looks hopeless. 

I did like Candace and Josh, and even enjoyed the President and his wife.  I was surprised how I came to like Candace, as she was a bit too tough and unbending early on.  Josh was simply great, and you knew in time he would change her mind about him, as well as the A.L.F.A team.

Fearless Mating was an exciting, suspenseful story, with lots of action.  If you enjoy paranormal romances, with humor and suspense, as well as a hot sexy read, then you should be reading this series.  Milly Taiden once again gives us another fun filled exciting story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The City of Lost Fortunes by Bryan Camp – a Review

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The City of Lost Fortunes by Bryan Camp – a Review

 

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Description:
The post–Katrina New Orleans of The City of Lost Fortunes is a place haunted by its history and by the hurricane’s destruction, a place that is hoping to survive the rebuilding of its present long enough to ensure that it has a future. Street magician Jude Dubuisson is likewise burdened by his past and by the consequences of the storm, because he has a secret: the magical ability to find lost things, a gift passed down to him by the father he has never known—a father who just happens to be more than human.

Jude has been lying low since the storm, which caused so many things to be lost that it played havoc with his magic, and he is hiding from his own power, his divine former employer, and a debt owed to the Fortune god of New Orleans. But his six-year retirement ends abruptly when the Fortune god is murdered and Jude is drawn back into the world he tried so desperately to leave behind. A world full of magic, monsters, and miracles. A world where he must find out who is responsible for the Fortune god’s death, uncover the plot that threatens the city’s soul, and discover what his talent for lost things has always been trying to show him: what it means to be his father’s son.

 

 

Review:

The City of Lost Fortunes by Bryan Camp is a fantasy/urban fantasy standalone novel.  I had mixed feelings about this book, which I will go into more in my review.  The City of Lost Fortunes takes place in post Katrina New Orleans, and revolves around our hero, Jude Dubuisson, who is a street magician with the ability to find lost things.  Jude has laid low since Katrina, which was 6 years ago, but now the Fortune god, whom he owes a debt, is calling him back to meet.

Jude ends up in a card game with other gods, besides the fortune god. He knows this is not a normal game, and as he faces all the gods, Jude must try to figure out what they are up to and why; because he knows his life is on the line. This fateful game, with these trickster gods trying to win something, will put Jude into a dangerous fight to win against each god. When the fortune god is murdered, Jude knows he cannot trust anyone and must find a way to beat them at their own game, which is the game of life.

What follows is an extremely complicated plot with each god trying to gain control of the Luck/Fortune of New Orleans.  Jude who is a demigod, must step up and learn to use his own powers to win or die.  I thought the first third of the book was slow, mainly do the all the details Camp gave us in this world of magic, gods, demigods and afterlife.   I also found myself becoming confused quiet often, but once you get past the half way point, the story became more exciting and better.

The best part of the book was Camp’s knowledge of New Orleans, and giving us a glimpse of one of the best and unique cities in the world. He eloquently shows us the culture, the mythologies, the wonderful attractions, restaurants, streets and overall atmosphere of this wonderful city.  This to me was the fun part that I did enjoy.

 The last third of the book was very exciting, with some twists and turns along the way.  Jude must face each of the gods individually to try to find the murderer of the fortune god, and a few times his life hangs by a thread.  I did like Jude, who made a great hero, and some of other characters were very good: Regal, Renai, Sal, Papa Legba, Mourning, just to name a few.

The City of Lost Fortunes was a story of magic, gods, demigods, greed within a city that was literally destroyed, and the fight to rebuild it against the threats that would destroy any future.  Despite my mixed feelings, this was well written by Bryan Camp.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description: 
In Egypt’s Western Desert lies the tomb of an unnamed pharaoh that hides a secret so powerful, it could destroy the world as we know it.
 
Archaeologist and adventurer Matthew Connor has made a career of finding legends the world has all but forgotten. Though there’s one in particular that has fascinated him for years—the Emerald Tablets. Myth says that they possess the knowledge of the universe, allowing humankind to traverse Heaven and Earth, and have the power to bestow wealth and wisdom upon whoever possesses them. But if they fall into evil hands, it could cause a global disaster.
 
So when a former colleague stumbles across an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic map that promises to lead to a pharaoh’s tomb and the Emerald Tablets, there’s no way he’s turning down her invitation to join the dig. He only has one stipulation: his best friends Robyn Garcia and Cal Myers come with him.
 
The road ahead isn’t going to be an easy one, and their shared dream of recovering the Emerald Tablets is being crushed at every turn. And just when they think it’s all over, they learn there are a few clues they have overlooked. But they’re no longer the only ones searching for the Tablets. Now, the fate of the world hangs in the balance, and soon they’ll find out that when it comes to hunting legends, they can’t trust anyone.

 

 

Review:

The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh by Carolyn Arnold is the 2nd book in her Matthew Connor series.  Matthew Connor, our hero, is a famed Archaeologist, whom we tend to look at like a modern day Indiana Jones.  I am happy to say, that I really enjoyed The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh.  This is a fun series, as Arnold takes us on an adventure to Egypt, under the dig sites, allowing us a real feel of what archaeologist do, as well as giving us excitement, danger, murder, mystery.

Matthew is contacted by a former colleague Alex , an archaeologist, who had found a major discovery on a dig.  She calls Matthew to help her find the Emerald Tablets, which was considered a myth.  Matthew agrees to help, and brings with him his friends and partners, Robyn and Cal. Robyn is curator at a museum, and Cal is a photographer.  

When they meet Alex, she introduces them to her team.  As the adventure begins, things go wrong, with a group of them trapped underground, but also while trying to find a way out, they come across the tomb of a pharaoh, with all the riches.   They manage to be rescued, but the expedition is fraught with mishaps, curses, betrayal, distrust and murder.  

What follows is an exciting. action packed,  edge of your seat adventure that constantly has us in suspense.  Just when you think things are over and they are safe to go home; things will take a turn, with some twists along the way.  Matthew begins to be concerned that finding the Emerald Tablets may not be worth allowing this powerful tool to be put in the wrong hands.  What will Matthew do if he finds those tablets?  To tell too much more would be major spoilers.  You need to read this book to discover everything for yourself.

Carolyn Arnold has written an amazing story, describing everything in detail, giving us a complete picture of Egypt dig sties, heat, desert, underground tombs, mummies, tunnels, snakes, and all kinds of long lost treasures.  I loved Matthew, Alex, Robyn and Cal, and the villains in the story were very well done.  I look forward to more from the Matthew Connor Adventure series. Carolyn Arnold has created another winner.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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The Deadly Thief (Stolen Hearts #7) by Mallory Crowe-a review

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THE DEADLY THIEF (Stolen Hearts #7) by Mallory Crowe-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: April 8, 2018

Hunter is a killer.
Don’t invite him in.
Don’t believe his lies.
Don’t trust him with your life.
And whatever you do, don’t fall in love with a deadly thief. Because Hunter will leave nothing but broken hearts and blood in his wake…

•••••

REVIEW: THE DEADLY THIEF is the seventh instalment in Mallory Crowe’s contemporary, adult STOLEN HEARTS romantic, suspense series currently focusing on the men and women who work for Hart Security. This is security specialist and enforcer Hunter Cornell and florist Gabby Cooper’s story line. THE DEADLY THIEF can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Gabby and Hunter) THE DEADLY THIEF follows Gabby as she tries to reconnect with the man she hasn’t seen in close to ten years. Discovering her father wasn’t the man she thought him to be, Gabby found herself in a precarious position, when Hunter landed in prison trying to protect our story line heroine. Fast forward to present day wherein Gabby contacts Hunter in the hopes of starting anew but Hunter’s return to Brighton, Michigan alerts the people formerly in charge. What ensues is the rekindling relationship, and romance between Gabby and Hunter, and the potential fall-out when Gabby is targeted by someone from her past.

Gabby Cooper knows loss including the loss of her friend ten years earlier. Hunter found himself charged with murder trying to protect our story line heroine, a charge Gabby tried desperately to have withdrawn. Hunter Cornell has never stopped thinking about the woman he left behind but returning to Brighton meant placing himself and Gabby in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Gabby and Hunter is a second chance of sorts-although thier earlier friendship never crossed over the line Gabby and Hunter’s attraction to one another was palpable and electric. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Gabby’s friend Kate, as well as the reintroduction of the head of Hart Securities, Toni and Scott Hart, and team members Melissa Slade and Gage. Melissa and Gage’s story line is next in The Arrogant Thief.

THE DEADLY THIEF is a quick paced and edgy story line with a little bit of suspense, romance and danger. The premise is energetic; the characters are dynamic and colorful; the romance is provocative and intense. THE DEADLY THIEF is a fantastic addition to Mallory Crowe’s STOLEN HEARTS romantic, suspense series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Cocky Thief
The Beautiful Thief
The Dangerous Thief
The Reluctant Thief
The Vengeful Thief
The Cunning Thief
The Deadly Thief

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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