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The Rebel’s Return by Victoria James – a Review

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Rebel’s Return by Victoria James – a Review

 

Rebel's ReturnAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Natalia Puccini has spent her entire life playing by her overbearing but well-intentioned Italian family’s rules…except the one time she took a chance on a bad boy and fell hard. She’s worked to get her life back on track so when Aiden McCann comes sauntering back into town with his heart-stopping smile, Natalia vows not to fall for him again. There’s no way she’ll let him mess with her perfectly planned life…and there’s no way she’ll let him near her heart again…

Now reformed and a self-made success, Aiden is tormented by regrets and secrets. He left Red River years ago filled with anger and resentment and a promise to never come back. But when his ill father needs help, Aiden knows it’s time to face the mess he left behind, and face the one woman he never got over. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or intriguing she is, though, because he’ll never be able to give her what she needs. As soon as his father is healthy, Aiden is leaving Red River…for good.

 

Review:

Two thumbs up for The Rebels Return by Victoria James.  I absolutely loved Aiden McCann, he just stole the story for me.  As all of you know I love a good story where the hero is the town bad boy with a checkered past and Aiden fell into that category for me.  From his first appearance in the story I knew I’d be a gonner for him and Ms. James proved me right.  Aiden’s past broke my heart and made me want to make everything better for him.  He’s the type of hero you can’t help but root for and want to see get his HEA that he’s denied himself all these years.  Every time I learned a little bit more about Aiden and his brother Dylan’s past, and why he left Red River in the first place broke my heart even more for him.  However, even though I was sympathetic to Aiden and wanted him to be happy, he caused me much frustration at times.  I wanted to shake him silly and tell him to just spit it out, the whole reason as to why he lied to Natalia and broke her heart before leaving Red River.  I had an idea about the why, I honestly thought it was going to be Nat’s brother who cheated on someone, or was having an affair with someone and Aiden to protect Nat’s brother took the downfall, but I was wrong.  I was correct in that it did involve Natalia’s brother, only he told Aiden to never see his sister again and to leave town or else, so Aiden did just that, rather then face his screwed up life and figure out a way to fix it.  Thankfully by books end he finally grows a pair and tells Natalia the truth in front of pretty much the whole town.  That scene had me cheering and shedding a few tears at the same time.  Yes Aiden and his brother’s life went to hell after their mother passed and their father couldn’t deal with it and raise his sons, but Aiden didn’t need to go down the wrong path either. If it hadn’t been for Natalia then he really would’ve been lost.  She helped him stay somewhat on the straight and narrow, but it’s because of her that he leaves town to figure out his life and straighten it out, make something of himself and hopefully finally be worthy of her.           

Natalia was a breath of fresh air in an emotionally and angst filled story. She brought light and laughter to Aiden’s life and to the story.  She’s that quirky girl next door that’s sweet as pie and can charm the socks off the grumpiest senior in town.  Natalia balances out Aiden’s bad boy persona and brings out another part of Aiden he’s never showed to anyone but her.  With Natalia he can truly be Aiden, let his vulnerability and insecurities show and she never judges him for it.  If anything she loves him all the more when he’s like this, able to let his guard down and just be Aiden.  Their scenes are funny and sweet at times, while others are full of emotion that pours off the pages and makes your heart ache for this couple.

The Rebel’s Return is a fast paced read, packed full with emotional angst, regrets, lost love with the hope for future love, all set in the charming little town of Red River, with it’s cast of quirky fun characters that only add to the charm of this beautifully written story. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

DragonmarlAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Centuries ago, Illarion was betrayed– a dragon made human against his will, then forced to serve humanity as a dragonmount in their army, and to fight for them in barbaric wars, even while he hated everything about them. Enslaved and separated from everyone he knew and from his own dragon brothers, he was forced into exile in a fey realm where he lost the only thing he ever really loved.

Now he has a chance to regain what’s been lost— to have the one thing he covets most. But only if he gives up his brothers and forsakes the oaths he holds most dear. Yet what terrifies him most isn’t the cost his happiness might incur, it’s the fact that there is just enough human in his dragon’s heart that he might actually be willing to pay it and betray everything and everyone– to see the entire world burn and the Were-Hunter clans fall– to sacrifice his own brothers– for his own selfish desire.

Long ago, Edilyn saved Illarion’s life and almost tamed the feral beast. Now she must stop him from fulfilling the Dragonmark prophecy or do what she was trained to do. Slay the dragon who spared her life to save the rest of humanity. Something that should be easy for a dragonslayer of her skills, yet nothing is ever as simple as it seems. And sometimes, just sometimes, the key to salvation lies not in the hands of your most trusted friends, but in those of your worst enemies.

 

Review;

First off, before I say anything about the book, here’s an explanation from Sherrilyn that was posted on her FB page as to why she wrote Dragonmark the way she did.

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherrilynKenyon/posts/10153765866416444

I’ve added this link for anyone who is wondering why Sherrilyn wrote Illarion’s book with many ‘redundant’ scenes from Son of No One and Dragonbane. I was one of those fans, and at first didn’t catch on about the little difference in those scenes until I read Sherrilyn’s post, then it clicked.  These redundant scenes have been tweaked to give us Illarion’s point of view in each of these scenes in regards to his feelings and predicament. Am I happy this book was written this way?  Yes and no, and this is the first time in history where I can actually admit I was expecting more from a Kenyon book.  Did I enjoy Illarion and Edilyn’s story, yes, but I wanted more of them and less of the ‘redundant’ scenes.  I felt a little cheated out of a proper love story for our couple.  The beginning and last sections of the story where we see Edilyn and Illarion are well written and give us perspective into their views regarding the other’s species.  We also get to see how they fell in love and the lengths Illarion goes to, to make sure Edilyn stays his mate.  We get to see just how fierce and protective dragons are when it comes to what they treasure and hold dear. She’s a wonderful heroine, brave, spunky and well suited to be Illarion’s mate.  She teaches Illarion there is more to a dragon’s solitary life of just existing.  Watching Edilyn bring out another side of Illarion, a fun, light-hearted side where he actually doesn’t mind humans is charming and just downright sweet.  Edilyn and Illarion do steal the show when they are together.  Apart, Illarion is just miserable, pretty much hates life, and finds it hard to be around others who are happy.  You can’t help but feel bad for him and have your heart break for him.

Even though Kenyon does use many scenes from her previous two books in this series there are a few new fun facts that we learn in Dragonmark. For one, the term Dragonmark is significant, not just a fun title for a book.  Like Dragonbane has a specific meaning, so to does Dragonmark.  When Edilyn tries to prevent Illarion from fulfilling the Dragonmark prophecy we finally learn what the prophecy is and what the Dragonmark is.  What is it you ask?  Sorry if you want to know, you’ll have to read the book.  I will say that we learn Illarion and his sister Sarraxyn or Xyn for short are the last of their kind to have it and must be pretty important for Apollo to covet it so much.  On top of it being pretty important, it’s also a blessing for Illarion thanks to Edilyn but I can’t say how or I’ll ruin a good portion of the ending.  We also learn of Illarion’s parents and how it can be beneficial in their fight against Kessar and compamy, remember he’s a Gallu demon.  Aside from all the new info we learn about Illarion and the Dragonmark prophecy, we also learn that Sarraxyn, has been MIA for a long time now, so Illarion may just be the last of his kind.  Another tidbit I found interesting was during one of those repeat scenes with Karma and Thorn; Illarion makes mention about the looks that keep passing between the two.  Now I’m wondering if there’s some history there we don’t know about yet. 

One thing I will say that I found positive about these redundant scenes was the fact that it helped to refresh my memory and help me tie all these events and new characters together.  As well, it sets the groundwork for the next two books in the Dragon’s Rising Trilogy.  We get to see more of Falcyn from Illarion’s point of view and it’s left me salivating for his story to be told.  He’s one intriguing dragon and I can’t wait to see what Kenyon has in store for him and Medea.  Remember Medea, Stryker and Zephyra’s daughter.  Can I just say, a Falycn and Medea pairing will bring dysfunctional family to a whole new level.  LOL!!!  Bring on the fun of that storyline!! One last thing I have to say about Dragonmark is how much I enjoyed the repeat scene from Dragonbane where they are on Olympus with Ash and crew and Artemis is being Artemis and screwing up the English language and Thorn being his sarcastic best. LOL!!!  As much as I hate to agree with the ol’heifer goddess, Apollo needs to die and his powers absorbed.  When she actually yells at Ash and Styxx about this and the fact they’re both Chthonian’s had me ROFL!!!  Even though I still dislike Artie, she does make me laugh at times. 

For any Kenyon fan Dragonmark is a welcome addition to the Dark Hunter universe whether you agree with the way it was written or not. 

Until next time my fellow Menyons, happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

 

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Seducing the Boss by Mari Carr – a Review

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Seducing the Boss by Mari Carr – a Review

 

Seducing the BossAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
One weekend and all the sex she can handle…with her boss. What could go wrong?

Kellan James is unwinding at Score when he spots the last person he’d ever expect to find in his favorite bar. Sara Connelly — ER nurse, do-gooder, charitable crusader, and frequent pain in his ass. Both grew up privileged in swanky Southampton, but that’s where the similarities end. Kellan’s made it his mission to seek out life’s pleasures; Sara gains pleasure from lecturing him on his lifestyle. Kellan would never date someone like her. Ever.

But when Kellan discovers Sara’s been stood-up by an online date, something fierce and protective awakens inside of him. Typically, Kellan would enjoy teasing the jilted Sara, but something in her face sends him over to her table with a plan. He encourages her to take a walk on the wild side, one weekend of sin, no holds barred.

She accepts, but it quickly becomes apparent that one night isn’t enough. As the pull between them grows stronger, Kellan discovers it’s a very dangerous thing to say never.



Review;

I really enjoyed Seducing the Boss by Mari Carr.  I’ve never read anything by her before and I have a feeling this won’t be the last.  Ms. Carr has a talent for storytelling, plot and character development, with pure emotion pouring off the pages and bringing the heat.  At first I thought this story was going along the lines of all the erotic stories of late, but I was quickly proved wrong by Ms. Carr’s strong storyline behind Kellan’s fear of marriage and why he prefers the playboy lifestyle.  I will admit there were times I wanted to slap Kellen upside the head for being so pigheaded and stubborn when it comes to making a commitment towards a relationship, but it isn’t until we find out just why he has the marriage phobia that all his reasoning and arguments click.  Mind you, his perspective on marriage and trying to fight his stronger emotions towards Sara were very funny at times.  I did enjoy watching him fumble through figuring out his true feelings, and grumbling about like a bear with a toothache when Sara is avoiding him to protect her own heart. 

Their romance/attraction is instantaneous and their chemistry is off the charts.  You can see how they’ve known each other since childhood with the easy camaraderie they have, but throw in sex and it’s a whole new ballgame for both of them.  All of a sudden repressed feelings start to leak through the cracks and BAM!!  It’s all about feelings of love that are buried deep and coming to realize how they’ve always loved each other but never acted on that emotion where the other was concerned.  Their sexual chemistry is quick to develop, but the romance and true love behind their relationship is slow to develop and drives the story forward allowing the reader to see how Sara and Kellen have always been there for each other and do love one another deeply.  They just needed a little push in that direction and Sara’s no show date was that push.  The ending for me is probably my favourite part of their romance.  The way Kellen finally steps up to the plate, admits his feelings to Sara and then drops down on one knee and proposes…sigh, the romantic in me fell in love all over again with Kellen.  Such a beautifully, well written and placed scene for our marriage phobia prone hero.  Well done miss Carr, well done.

Seducing the Boss is a fast read, with plenty of emotion, romance, charm, friendship  and finding love when you aren’t expecting it.  Seducing the Boss by Mari Carr is the type of story that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon read, curled up in your favourite reading nook, on a beach, or by a pool with a glass of wine. 

Until next time, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Obsession by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Obsession by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

The ObsessionAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository


Description:
“She stood in the deep, dark woods, breath shallow and cold prickling over her skin despite the hot, heavy air. She took a step back, then two, as the urge to run fell over her.”

Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father’s crimes and made him infamous. No matter how close she gets to happiness, she can’t outrun the sins of Thomas David Bowes.

Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, a rambling old house in need of repair, thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known. Naomi wants to embrace the solitude, but the kindly residents of Sunrise Cove keep forcing her to open up—especially the determined Xander Keaton.

Naomi can feel her defenses failing, and knows that the connection her new life offers is something she’s always secretly craved. But the sins of her father can become an obsession, and, as she’s learned time and again, her past is never more than a nightmare away.

 

Review;

I just love a good Nora Roberts book.  She may be known in the world of literature as a romance writer, but her books are so much more then the romance between her hero and heroine.  The Obsession is a perfect example of this.  It’s a riveting, suspenseful, yet charming story.  Yes we have our romance between Xander Keaton and Naomi Carson(Bowes), but weaved into this romance is a mystery that involves  danger, murder and death.  All these elements had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting and praying that on the next page I’d find out who this person is that’s stalking Naomi and praying on the people around her.  Every time I thought I had an idea of who this mystery man was, Nora would drop another clue and I’d change my mind.  I will admit I never expected who the culpit was, I should’ve, the clues were there upon hindsight, but Nora was successful with the element of surprise for this reader anyways. 

No matter how hard Naomi has tried to put her past behind her, it’s always hovering on the edge of her life, causing her to keep her distance from people and living a quiet life.  However, things were about to change, and change for the good where Naomi is concerned.  Enter Xander Keaton, mechanic and lead singer of the town band The Wreckers.  I must confess I loved Xander from the get go.  He’s your typical alpha male on the outside, but underneath that macho stuff lies a man with a heart of gold.  Oh Xander………swoon, thud, ouch, rubs her backside, gets back into chair, resumes review. LOL!!  Yes okay Xander had me swooning on a few occasions.  His personality just jumps off the page and it’s hard to miss the connection and chemistry that Naomi and Xander have from their first meeting.  Xander is pretty much like a dog with a bone, he sets his sights on Naomi and vows to make Naomi his.  Just like Tag, the dog Naomi and Xander wind up rescuing from the side of the road and he talks Naomi into caring for him till he’s healthy.  She winds up keeping the dog, or is it the other way around? Tag winds up keeping her?  Sneaky Xander, that was step one to getting Naomi to open up and trust again.  I absolutely loved Xander’s pursuit of Naomi and watching him slowly but surely break through her defenses and bring her into the light and land of the living. Naomi is kind of like her photographs she takes, she’s developing into a whole new, more confident, trusting and courageous women.  Their romance is a sweet and steady climb, that just keeps building, all the while letting the reader learn more and more about our pair as individuals and as a couple. They really are well matched for each other. 

The cast of secondary characters is a strong, supporting and lively cast.  They help advance the story and bring an extra part and life of it’s own to the story.  The cast of characters is also instrumental in helping Naomi develop this new sense of self she possesses by books end.  She learns that even non-blood ties can become family if you only stop long enough to allow them too. 

If you are a Nora Roberts fan then you can’t go wrong with The Obsession. It’s a fast paced novel, with plenty happening all around.  A good solid romance, suspense, and murder to keep the reader on the edge of their seat soaking it all in to the very end. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone.

Reviewed by Marcie

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From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk – a Review

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From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk – a Review

 

From Fake to ForeverAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Sandra Moyer’s preschool is struggling, so when her sister suggests allowing a super famous actor to research his latest role there, she reluctantly agrees. Except the actor turns out to be Ben Capshaw–a playboy who’s never serious, always joking around, and who knows zero about kids or being a parent. Case in point: his involvement in the untimely death of the preschool’s class pet…

Ben is enjoying teaching more than he thought he would, but that doesn’t mean he’s looking for a permanent position. Sure, he’s ready for more serious movie roles and less goofing off, but the buttoned-up, beautiful Sandra and her young daughter are more than he bargained for. Plus, Sandra still won’t trust him–what if it’s all an act, research for the role? As the lines between make-believe and reality blur, Ben will have to decide if love is worth casting aside the role of his life for a new role…that could last a lifetime.

 

Review;

I loved From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk.  It’s a good’ol feel good kind of read.  It’s a perfect book to pour a glass of wine and get cozy in your favourite chair/lounger and spend a lazy Sunday afternoon reading and relaxing.  Even though it’s a quick read, I never felt that the storyline felt rushed, or that events didn’t flow along at a smooth rate.  Considering it’s a fast read, I was worried about character development because sometimes I find that can suffer, but Sandra and Ben are well developed characters we get to know and like, and are able to carry the story from beginning to end. 

Sandra and Ben are just trying to figure life out and where they want to go with it.  Their romance is fast but sweet, with the ups and downs, especially in the communication department thanks to Ben being in unchartered waters where committed relationships, love, marriage and family is concerned.  Ben wasn’t expecting to fall for Sandra and her daughter, he was just there for work, but when love unexpectedly falls in his lap, Ben’s up the creek without a paddle you could say. He tends to muddle things up when it comes to dealing with feelings and saying what he’s feeling, especially when it comes to love. It was rather cute and adorable watching Ben navigate this newfound emotion and figure out how not to screw up, which he eventually does, but manages to fix things in the end and say exactly the right words.  He’s one very charming, suave and sexy male that’s for sure.  I absolutely loved the scenes he had with Sandra’s daughter, and when Sandra comes home and finds Ben fast asleep on her couch with play-dough in his hair my heart melted and I just went ahhhhh. 

There were a couple of times where Sandra did annoy me because she was being so harsh to Ben, but once I found out where that was coming from, I completely understood and forgave her.  Poor Sandra, her ex is an actor as well, so I guess I couldn’t blame her for not wanting to trust and get to know Ben.  After the way her ex treated her and her daughter, its no wonder Sandra was a bit standoff-ish towards Ben at first.  I really liked watching Sandra throw caution to the wind and go for what she wanted with Ben, taking that second chance at love, happiness and happily ever after. 

As I said, From Fake to Forever is the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon read.  Filled with a sweet, charming romance between two people who never thought love would finally find them and complete them.

Until next time, happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Invision by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Invision by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

InvisionAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
***Please note if you haven’t read Instinct, there could be spoilers in the synopsis below.

One boy . . .Many demons.

Think there’s a lot of pressure on your shoulders? Nick Gautier was born to bring about the end of the world . . . it’s not easy being the heir of a demon overlord.

But Nick is determined to thwart his destiny and get into a good college. To be more than his genetics and prophecy foretell. No one is ever going to tell this stubborn Cajun who and what he really is. Or how to live his life.

Not even the Fates of the Universe. But now that he and his team of ancient gods and demons have claimed the Eye of Ananke and he sees the missteps of the future, he has to battle the demons within that are far deadlier and more treacherous than any he’s battled before. All the while his arch nemesis is back and determined to reclaim his place as the harbinger for Armageddon. Even if it means killing Nick and barbecuing everyone he loves to do so.

 


Review:

OMG, my head is spinning, don’t know which way is up or down, I feel like I’m on some funky acid trip right now.  That is the only way I can sum up Invision by Sherrilyn Kenyon for you. It’s a wild, crazy, information overload adventure filled with our favourite characters and Kenyon’s overly imaginative mind.  My note taking skills were seriously put to task in this one.  In true Kenyon fashion she continues her CON series by answering questions from the past book, creating new questions and dropping bombs on us we don’t see coming. These bombs leave our head spinning, jaw hanging open, and in the words of Achmed the Dead Terrorist yelling out Holy Crap!!!  I don’t know how many times I said that, along with my other favourites I tend to shout out; ‘No way!, Oh come on, seriously???? I thought my jaw was going to come unhinged by books end from all the shock factor she generates in Invision.  However, as much as Kenyon drove me crazy and made me feel like this book should’ve been longer for all the information she tossed my way, I did love this addition to her CON series.  There was never a dull moment in this one. 

Speaking of which, the information comes at us fast and furious and there really are moments when you will find yourself re-reading a paragraph or page 2 or 3 times to make sure you read that right. The bombs Kenyon drops on us are mind-boggling and you’ll just have to read this one to find out what they are, because as you all know I don’t like to spoil plot lines and those types of reveals.  I prefer to let you experience those reveals as I did, and enjoy Kenyon’s gift for wowing the audience.  Some of these bomb drops include;

-learning more about Cherise and Kody and just what they mean to Nick and his Malachai
-the reveal of Xev and Caleb’s dad and their connection to Nick, yes Xev and Caleb are half siblings
-the reveal of who Jared’s parents are and his connection to Nick
-the reveal of Xev’s mom
-we finally learn just who and what Verlyn is
-Nick’s connection to M’adoc the Dream warrior, and what it would mean should Nick fall before having a son
-Apollymi’s brother is…thus connecting her to her Nick as well

These reveals left me shocked and sputtering and needing to remember to breath!!!!  One event Kenyon finally explains and I don’t feel I’m spoiling anything for you if I tell is how the first Malachai – Monakribos came into existence.  It’s no wonder the Malachai is one pissed off preternatural being.  Monakribos was in love with Rhubati, but he was tricked into killing her by Grimm and Laguerre because they drugged him.  Once the drugs wore off, he saw what he’d done and went crazy, took her blood and painted the Malachai symbols on his body and using magic damned all the world and everyone in it to hell until they fixed the wrong done to him.  Hell I’d be pissed too if that was done to me, and you can’t help but feel for the guy and see where he’s coming from.  We also learn that from Rhubati’s death Bathymaas springs forth from her body at the moment, but is a shell of Rhubati because she’s missing her heart.  It’s not until Bethany is reborn from Bathymaas, and Styxx falls in love with her giving her back her heart that Rhubati is finally complete. So this is why Kody has felt connected to Nick from the very beginning of the series.

We also learn more about the Eye of Ananke and just what it does.  It shows you the ‘why of the matter or person’ and it can’t lie or distort the truth.  What you see has either happened or will come into being.  Thanks to the eye Nick keeps having these visions of events past(Monakribos/Rhubati), and events to come.  With events to come Kenyon launches us into the far future where we meet everyone’s grown kids; Kyrian’s, Nick’s, Simi’s, etc, all doing battle against the Malachai Ciprian.  Ciprian has freed Noir and Azuza by opening the Gates to Azmodea, and we also learn that Simi’s son Lucien is in love with Nick’s daughter Charity, but never find out who the father of Simi’s kids are because Kody says it would’ve altered the future if Nick had learned that tidbit.  Now I really want to know that answer, but in true Kenyon form she doesn’t speak of it again, arrrrr, so frustrating!!!!  I guess we just keep reading the series.  By books end another bombshell is dropped as we learn Ciprian is Nick’s kid as well, but I was completely stunned and pissed off by the reveal of his mother.  There’s no way Nick would get together with this female if she were the last female standing.  I’m thinking he had to have been tricked like Monakribos was before becoming the Malachai.  I really wish the next book were released already. Why must Kenyon make me wait another year to find out more about this reveal and everything else she dropped on my head in Invision.  

Oops, before I forget, one little tidbit we find out that is funny, but answers a few questions about our zombie hunting fave Bubba, his dad is actually a former Hellchaser, but that part of Bubba’s blood is dormant and his father never told him about it, but feels guilty because one of his dad’s enemies is the one responsible for Bubba’s wife and son’s death.  His dad feels guilty over it and keeps a close watch on his son now.  No wonder Nick and Bubba hit it off so well and why Bubba is attracted to Nick’s mom.  Yes, once again the plot thickens.  No wonder the guy is a little cooky, but we love him all the same.  That part of the book had me howling with laughter along with many others parts of Invision.

As I said at the beginning of my review, I felt like I was on some crazy acid trip by the time I was finished this one.  Invision is everything you come to expect from a Kenyon novel; well developed characters you can’t help but come to love, humour and sarcasm in bundles, twists and turns you never see coming, and reveals about characters that leave you stunned speechless, or yelling like a loon at you Kobo e-reader. I don’t know how Kenyon plans to pull everything together past, present and future by the time this series ends, and we get Nick’s adult DH book, but one thing we can count on, we’ll be in for a wild ride to get there. For all you Menyon and CON fans out there Invision is a must read and great installment to the series.

Until next time my fellow Menyon fans, happy reading, and I’m off to try and find my  zen again, LOL!!!

Reviewed by Marcie

 

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Blood Curse by Ella J. Phoenix – Review & Q&A

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Blood Curse by Ella J. Phoenix – a Review

 

Blood Curse
Dragon Heat series – Book #5
by Ella J. Phoenix
Release Date: April 29th, 2016

BloodCurse_Kindle2016_1563x2500Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / ITunes / Smashwords

Promotion:

On the launch weekend, from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, the latest novel in the Dragon Heat series, Blood Curse, will be FREE on iTunes, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, ARE & Smashwords.

To celebrate the release of yet another book in the series, Dragon Heat (Book 1) is completely free of charge on iTunes, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, ARE & Smashwords, and it’s just 0.99c on Amazon.

 

Description:
Descendant of a Cherokee shaman, Dyam is one of the vampire king’s personal guards and closest advisors. He has seen the worst of mankind and has vouched to stay away from personal entanglements and focus on serving his king. Then his resolve is shaken when Naiah, the water witch, finds her way into the busy vampire castle’s life and straight into his heart. But before he can nurture his feelings for her, she is killed in battle, causing Dyam to return to his self-imposed seclusion for good. 

Little does he know that Naiah has been brought back to life by his kind’s most infamous enemies. She is their ultimate weapon in a final battle that will rupture not only the balance of the supernatural world, but Dyam’s loyalty to his race.

 

Review:

Let me start off with saying I love Ella J. Phoenix’s Dragon Heat series and the final installment Blood Curse did not disappoint. Yes Ms. Phoenix is ending this magnificent series, but don’t despair, she’s starting a new series that will be a continuation of this one, just some years later in the timeline, yay!!!  I’m so grateful I was allowed to find this author through The Reading Café, and be given the chance to read and review every addition to this series.  Ms. Phoenix has a talent for creating intriguing, sexy characters who carry the reader along on a paranormal journey that keeps the reader hanging on to every word uttered and action taken by these characters.  Her world building is magical and pulls the reader into a paranormal world of wonder, danger, intrigue, folklore and steamy romances.  Blood Curse was all that and then some for me. 

At the end of the last book Vampire Legacy my heart broke for the vampire Dyam and I had hoped he’d have a story of his own to find his HEA.  Well, I didn’t have to wait long because Blood Curse is Dyam and Naiah’s story.  Wait, Naiah, didn’t she perish in Vampire Legacy you say.  Yes she did, but thanks to some dark magic from our dastardly duo of the Draconian Vraijator and Desert Daemon Osmon, Naiah is brought back to life as the Phoenix.  Now I have always enjoyed the story of the Phoenix throughout literature, so I was thrilled to see Ms. Phoenix bring it into her own story.  Watching Naiah deal with this new entity the Phoenix inside her, all the while trying to come to grips with everything that has happened to her, and is still happening/changing within her, had my heart breaking for her.  Sweet, innocent Naiah who stole our hearts in Vampire Legacy being used as a pawn by evil in the war between the gods and other entities who don’t like Tardieh and Zoricah, so not fair.  Don’t fret, not everyone is against Naiah the Phoenix, and would rather see her destroyed then saved.  When Dyam learns the tale of the Phoenix and how Naiah was brought back to life with dark magic for that very purpose, he takes it upon himself to be her knight in shining armor, her protector and hero.  Can I just say swoooooon!!! Oh what a swoon-worthy hero Dyam is too.  I loved him and his protective ways towards Naiah, just so sweet and loving.  Their scenes together are precious, tender and sexy as hell when they get down to business, but at the same time it’s dangerous because Dyam and Naiah never know when the Phoenix will rear it’s dangerous beak so to speak and possibly try to kill him, and everyone he holds dear. 

The fight to save Naiah’s inma(soul), and keep her safe is nerve wracking and kept me on the edge of my seat.  The battle scenes at the end were well written and had me feeling as though I was a part of it, hoping I didn’t become one of the Phoenix’s vicitims.   Seeing Tardieh and Zoricah become parents to one very cute little Zoe, future heir to the vampire throne, and try to keep her safe through all this had me cursing at everyone who is against them.  Can’t they just leave well enough alone and let them be happy, nooooo.  Oh and let’s not forget the big reveal that Ms. Phoenix tosses at us just to add a little more tension to an already sticky situation for Tardieh and Zoricah.  She’s not a demigoddess, nope, she’s a full fledged goddess, born of Zmyzel goddess of life, and Ucidhere god of death.  To protect their daughter they made everyone believe, including Zoricah, that she was the product of an affair with a draconian aristocrat, because the gods/goddesses of Apa Dobry aren’t supposed to procreate.  So now not only is Zoricah in danger, but more so her daughter due to the Blood Prophecy.  Oh what a tangled web we weave Zmyzel and Ucidhere.  This is another thing I love about Ms. Phoenix’s writing, her multiple storylines within the main story.  It just adds so much more to the book that the reader doesn’t have a chance to catch their breath because events come at you fast and hard and you feel like you are running to stay caught up with everything.  It causes the story to fly by and before you know it you’ve read the whole book and you want more.  This is exactly what happened to me.  I was like, wait, what, they are sending their daughter off with strangers….no you can’t leave it like this Ms. Phonenix, I need more, now!!!!!  Thankfully, she had and excerpt for her new series at the end of Blood Curse.  The excerpt made me happy and answered a burning question/thought I had based on the last scene Tardieh has with his warrior Joel.  Let’s just say, if where her new series is headed like I think it is, I can’t wait to see Tardieh and Zoricah’s reaction to the news regarding their grown daughter. 

Ella J. Phoenix thank you for the totally awesome series Dragon Heat.  I’ve enjoyed reading and reviewing this series.  As sad as I am to see you ending it, I’m excited to see what you have in store for us with new characters and storylines in your next series Sons of Apa Sambeti.

Until next time, happy reading everyone.   

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

 

 

Q&A

Ten things you didn’t know about Ella J Phoenix

  1. I really suck at interviews
  2. I love cheese more than I love chocolate
  3. I love wine more than I love cheese… no, actually that’s not true.
  4. I love a good debate
  5. I hate politics
  6. I truly believe in destiny
  7. Mainly because I met my husband is a true destiny-knocking-on-your-door kind of situation
  8. I’m a frustrated actress who found her spotlight in singing
  9. I’m a frustrated singer who found her voice in writing
  10. I’m addicted to awesome paranormal romance as much as you are

 

One Minute with Ella J. Phoenix

  1. Where do you do most of your writing?

            In my guest bedroom/home office, away from everything else.

  1. Who are your favorite authors?

Oh, they are so many! Jane Austen, Nalini Singh, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, and all the great indie authors out there!

  1. What’s the one genre you absolutely will NOT write about? Why?

I never say never, but “Self Help” books are not my thing.

  1. Do you use people you know as characters? And do you tell them if you do?

Maybe and maybe… but you’ll never know. 🙂

  1. Have you had any creepy fan experience yet?

No, not creepy, but I’ve had a few fans contacting me on Facebook as they read my novels. It was awesome to experience their journey through the story with them. It’s the best compliment an author can have in my opinion.

  1. Does your family know about ALL the books/stories you’ve written, or are you keeping a few hidden?

My immediate family are my biggest fans. But unfortunately, sex is still a taboo in many communities, including mine. Not everyone understands how liberating a good erotic romance can be. Maybe one day we’ll be able to share our stories without the fear of retaliation and hypocritical judgement.

  1. Last, but not least, is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

I write because I have a million stories and characters in my mind. It’s my therapy, my escape from reality, my happy place. Without you, my fans, I would be just a crazy woman locked in a boring day job or in a mental institution. So, thank you for your support and I hope my novels bring magic into your days as much as they bring to mine.

To learn more about Ella, you can check the following links

Facebook  / Twitter /  Goodreads / Website

 

 

 

 

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Wild Card by Aleah Barley – a Review

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Wild Card by Aleah Barley – a Review

 

Wild CardAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
He’s no saint, she’s all sinner.

Las Vegas showgirl Gina Malloy isn’t looking for trouble when she walks in on a shady backroom deal, but when the bullets start flying, she grabs the bag full of stolen loot and hits the road out of town. Of course, she didn’t count on the bad guys tailing her, or the sexy detective who comes to her rescue.

Detective Gabriel Finn is no one’s knight in shining armor. A former priest, he just wants to drag the witness’s butt back to town. Instead, he gets a tough as nails woman who’s all grit and heart. When a pair of thugs take a shot at her, he decides the best way to keep her safe is to stay out of Las Vegas and launch his own investigation.

Take one long-legged showgirl, a former priest turned detective, and a couple of mafia thugs. Mix carefully. The results should be explosive.

 

Review;

I couldn’t have said it better then those last couple of sentences from the book’s synopsis.  Wild Card was all that and then some for me.  I loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. From the first few pages I was hooked and couldn’t read fast enough.  Wild Card by Aleah Barley is a ‘love on the run’ Vegas style story.  It’s a fun, fast paced, flirty, sexy, high energy styled story.  The characters are well developed, with real issues/problems and are easy to like and get to know. There’s a solid plot with plenty of page turning action and just the right amount of sexual chemistry between our would be couple to keep the reader interested from beginning to end. 

The interactions between Gina and Finn are fun, playful and filled with sexual tension that explodes with one very hot sexy lap dance scene that leads to more in a seedy bar while on the run from the bad guys.  Their sexual chemistry simmered from their first meeting, and I enjoyed the way Ms. Barley kept building on it.  She didn’t rush the romance and just toss them together right away.  Instead, she builds off the energy that Gina and Finn have together and allowed the reader to learn who they were before and who they are now. 

While on the run Gina and Finn eventually fall in love with one another, but at the same time manage to take down the bad guys that are after Gina and come to terms with their lives and where they want it to go now.  Who would’ve thought a former priest turned cop and a showgirl would hit it off the way Gina and Finn do. This mismatched couple from different sides of the track do, and they create a fun adventure for the reader that carries us away on a crazy Vegas styled adventure filled with guns, bullets, and running for your life.

If you enjoy a fast paced, wild ride adventure then Wild Card is the book for you.  Until next time happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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