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Reviews of New Releases

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts – a Review

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts picks up where The Next Always left off, is the second book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy.  In the first book, Clare and Beckett were the first of the couples, and this story belongs to Owen and Avery.

This is a very good book, and an enjoyable read.  It is strictly romance, and different then the first book, as to no suspense at all. But I loved Owen and Avery together. What makes this book good, is the family dynamics.  Since the new Inn is still in progress throughout most of the book, we get to spend a lot of time with all the Montgomerys, as well as Clare and Hope.

Owen is the organizer of the three brothers; he is one who always has a plan, and ensures that everything is kept on schedule.  He has always loved Avery from afar, but more like a member of the family.  

Avery is independent, knowing what she wants, and runs Vesta Pizzeria successfully. She is a hardworker, like Owen, but she is also a whirlwind, as trying to keep up with her is hard.  Avery has also loved Owen way back when she was 5 years old, and he was her first boyfriend. But now they both find themselves surprisingly attracted to one another, and decide to move their friendship to another level, since they are both single adults, and why not enjoy the benefits.

It was such a sweet romance between the two of them.  Right from the start you wanted them together, as did the Ghost of the Inn Boonsboro, and if you know Nora’s romances, you know that will eventually happen. Happy endings are the norm in Nora’s trilogies, but its fun to watch them discover their growing feelings, enjoy their relationship as the story unfolds. 

Even though there is no real suspense in this story, as was in the first book, there was a sideline story.  Avery’s mom, who walked out on her and her father, when she was very young, shows up one night.  When Avery comes face to face with the mother she hardly knew, she is bitter and cold, but inwardly she freaks out.  It takes Owen to make Avery know she is nothing like her mother, and that brings them closer to realizing they love each other.  I thought one of the best moments, was when Justine (mother of the Mongomery brothers) tells Avery, that she has always loved as her as her own daughter.  Nice moment, which totally heals Avery.

I enjoyed seeing them all together;  put the finishing touches to the Inn, the grand opening; the wedding of Beckett & Clare; the new restaurant for Avery as part of the Inn;  loved the friendship of Clare, Avery and Hope. I thought the scene with Owen seeing Avery at the drugstore, and the ensuing conversation was funny.  There was a lot to enjoy, but I also thought there was a bit too much detail on the renovation and rooms in  the Inn, which can get a bit boring at times.  I did love the book, because it continues the story of the Montgomerys and the girls they marry.  A similar concept was used for the Bride Quartet, but that series was better, even if the Inn Boonsboro is still a  good book.

The last book of the series is “The Perfect Hope.  I really like Hope, but as of now, I am not a big fan of the surly Ryder, whom we know is destined for Hope.  The Ghost story will also play out in the last book, as we know Hope has a big part in it.

Reviewed by Barb

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TAKING A SHOT by Jaci Burton-a new release review by Marcie

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TAKING A SHOT by Jaci Burton

Taking a Shot
By Jaci Burton

I had never read anything by Jaci Burton before, but when TRC put the cover for Taking a Shot up I knew it was a book I had to check out. The main male lead is a professional hockey player and that’s my number one sport. I swear I was born in a hockey rink. Actually, I’ve been going to hockey games since in the womb so it’s in my blood. Nothing like watching a bunch of guys skating on ice after a rubber puck, jostling, fighting, roughing it up to score a goal. A very enjoyable way to pass an evening. So I had a feeling this book would be right up my alley. Not to mention the cover is damn hot. Okay enough of my ramblings about hockey, onto my review. 😉

Taking a Shot is part of Burton’s Play-By-Play series. I’ve only read this one and if it’s any indication for how she writes, she’s an author that can keep me interested in storyline and characters, especially of the athletic variety. Her athletes are definitely not lacking in the hotness department or stamina department, both on the playing field and the bedroom.

Ty Andersson is a professional hockey player who plays for the St. Louis Ice. He and his teammates have made it a habit of hanging out at Riley’s, a popular sports bar in town after home games. Ty had met the bar’s manager Jenna Riley through her brother Mick earlier on and now has become intrigued with her. There’s only one problem with that, Jenna has vowed to never date or fall for anyone involved in sports. Being the athlete he is, Ty never gives up on a challenge, and right now, Jenna is a challenge Ty has set his sights on.

Jenna Riley comes from a sports oriented family. Her two older brothers Mick and Gavin are professional athletes. Mick plays pro football and her brother Gavin plays pro baseball. On top of all that her family has always run one of the city’s most popular sports bars Rileys. No matter where Jenna turns there’s something sports oriented always popping up in front of her. From her brothers, to their friends, to work. She can’t seem to escape it. So when Ty Andersson walks into the bar one fateful night, Jenna decides that she needs to stay clear of him before something happens.

Jenna never saw herself becoming the manager of Riley’s Sports Bar, but after her father suffered a heart attack a year ago, she felt she owed it to her family to step up and take charge. In doing so Jenna put her plans and dreams on hold and never told her family about a secret talent she’s had all her life. It isn’t until Jenna starts seeing Ty that things begin to change for her. Even though she’s stated she’ll never date or fall for a guy involved in sports Jenna can’t seem stop the attraction or chemistry she feels for Ty.

As the relationship progresses Jenna keeps trying to convince herself she just hasn’t expelled Ty from of her system yet. It’s like she’s trying to exorcise some demon from her life, but instead she keeps falling further and further in love with Ty and doesn’t realize it, or at least won’t acknowledge it.

Not only is Jenna falling fast for Ty, but so are the walls she’s built up around herself. She starts to let Ty into her life more and more, even going so far as to confess her secret passion in life, singing and song writing. Ty convinces her to sing for him one night and from that moment on gets Jenna thinking that maybe she doesn’t have to put her dreams on hold or keep her singing and song writing a secret anymore. There’s only one problem, Jenna is afraid of failure. This fear of failing goes all the way back to the time she spent backpacking her way through Europe. She had joined up with a band and was living her dream singing in different bars and towns night after night until one day she was told she wasn’t good enough. From that day on she decided to keep her talent a secret.

Jenna isn’t the only one who’s built up walls to protect themselves, Ty has too, but for different reasons. Ty witnessed his parent’s marriage fall apart from an early age and decided that commitment and marriage wasn’t for him. He didn’t want to chance the same thing that happened to him when he was a kid to happen to a child of his own. However, the more time he spends with Jenna and her family Ty starts to re-think his ideas on love, marriage and commitment. He realizes that he’s falling for Jenna and maybe there’s hope for him after all. Ty realizes that if he can get over his fears of commitment and marriage, then maybe Jenna can get over her fears as well. Ty pushes Jenna to pursue her dreams and tell her family about her talent. Knowing this won’t be an easy task Ty is patient and allows Jenna to come to her own conclusions, even when she blows up at him and tells him it’s over. Being the ‘never back down from a challenge’ type personality Ty decides it isn’t over but gives Jenna the time she needs. In the end Jenna comes to realize she doesn’t want a life without Ty or her dream. She opens up to her family and sings for them, then tells them about her dream of running a music bar, where she can sing whenever she wants and promote other singers and bands. Being the supportive family they are, her parents and brothers are there for her and let her know they will always be. Once Jenna comes clean with her family and accepts who she really is she’s able to completely embrace what Ty has brought to her life and what they can be together. Jenna decides it’s finally time to go after what she wants and that’s a life with Ty and her music.

Being the hockey fan that I am I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Burton gives you action on and off the ice. It’s hot and heavy at times and other times very sweet and romantic. I enjoyed both characters and feel anyone who loves sports as much as I do will enjoy this book or any of Burton’s books in the Play-by-Play series. Even if you aren’t a sports nut you’ll enjoy this book too. Looking forward to back tracking now and reading the previous books in the series and then any future one’s she writes.

Play-by-Play Series reading order
-The Perfect Play
-Changing the Game
-Taking a Shot
-Playing to Win (Sept 4, 2012)

reviewed by Marcie

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INFAMOUS (Chronicles of Nick YA #3) by Sherrilyn Kenyon-A New Release Review by Marcie

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Infamous By Sherrilyn Kenyon

Infamous is book 3 in The Chronicles of Nick. This is a YA series by Kenyon that follows Nick through his teenage years. If you are a fan of her Dark Hunters, then this series is a must read. Having read all the Dark Hunter books so far, and now reading Nick’s series there are times I feel like a ping pong ball. My mind keeps jumping back and forth between to the two series. I know how things have played out in the Dark Hunters, and am trying to wrap my mind around the events that are playing out in Nick’s teenage world, and how they will affect his present and future. I won’t lie to you and say at times I don’t get frustrated reading this series cause I do, but it’s not because I don’t like what I’m reading, it’s because I can’t figure out where she’s going with a certain storyline, or how something will play out when I know what’s already happened in the Dark Hunter series. Don’t worry people, it’s all good, it really is. It’s all part of the fun that Kenyon creates in her books with her wonderful characters and storylines. To me this is a sign of a great author because her writing keeps me coming back for more. Okay onto my review. 😉

The prologue of the book begins with Ambrose telling Nick more about their life. He explains how he’s able to come back in time to try and aid Nick so that he won’t make the same mistakes Ambrose has made. Nick is well aware now that he was born to be an instrument of evil. He can’t fathom that since he has never done anything evil and is against anyone causing evil or hurt to anyone. This part of Nick is in thanks to his mother and the human half of his DNA. Thanks to his mother and her upbringing we see that there is hope for Nick in the future and hopefully may be able to over come the darker side of his DNA. Enter Nick’s father Adarian. He’s the elder Malachai and evil to the core. If there was ever a father more deserving of Father of the Year, it would be him. Yes I’m being sacarstic, it’s so thick you can cut it with a knife. 😉 Adarian wants Nick dead before he comes into his full powers, or else Adarian will die at the hands of his son. Since the Malachai thrives on anger, evil intent, despair, etc he’s been quite content to live in a jail cell hiding from his enemies, namely Noir, all well biding his time to take out his son and consume his powers.

As the story begins chaos once again has erupted on the school grounds. Seriously, if I were attending that school, I think I’d be dousing myself in holy water and wearing crucifixes at all times. LOL!!! Someone has it out for the students in the school and has set up a website that is posting doctored pictures and false information about fellow classmates. At the time of this attack no one, not even Nick, Kody or Caleb realize it’s due to demon possession. Nick, Kody, and Caleb with the help of their friends Bubba and Mark over at the Triple B are working at finding out who this person is. Along the way however, trouble just seems to follow Nick in one form or another, literally. At one point Nick is being severely beaten by a fellow classmate who’s been possessed by a lower class demon and left for dead. Thankfully Kody is able to track him down and get him medical aid. Well Nick is unconscious he has no protection against his demon DNA and winds up visiting the one place Ambrose warns him about, Azmodea in the Nether Realm. At first this is a funny scene as Nick meets another demon Asmodeus, but it quickly turns dangerous for him. He learns where he is and hasn’t a clue as to how he got there. It’s during this little jaunt into Azmodea and a visit with Thorn that we witness Nick begin to tap into his Malachai powers, and see just how powerful he can be. At one point Nick lights up like a human torch and manages to fry some demonspawn. With the help of Thorn, Caleb and Asmodeus in the Nether Realm and Kody back in the human realm she manages to wake Nick up in time and bring him out of the Nether Realm. Later on in another unconscious trip to the Nether Realm we get to see Nick in all his Malachia glory, from his true form to his unlimited powers. It’s during this scene where Kenyon gives us hope for Nick’s future in his actions towards Kody. The scene had me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what Nick would do, all well begging him to do the right thing.

Even though this book takes us down a darker path as Nick’s Malachai powers keep growing there are many bright spots along the way. We get to see more of Nick’s relationships with Kody, Caleb, his mother Cherise, Ash and Kryrian. There are many emotional moments with Nick and his mom and we get to see what Cherise went through well pregnant with Nick and then his birth. Their relationship and mother/ son bond is unbreakable and very touching. If it wasn’t for his mother there wouldn’t be any hope for Nick at all. Another bright spot in the book is meeting Bubba’s mother and getting more insight into his background and relationship with Nick. Bubba’s mom also played a vital role in Nick’s earlier life that we didn’t know about before. It’s these relationships and ties to humanity that I feel will all be beneficial to Nick if he’s to stay on the good path and beat his father and his Malachai heritage.

All in all this was an excellent book for both new readers and old(those who have read the Dark Hunter series) There are little snipits of information along the way that allow us faithful Kenyon minions to see where she is beginning to overlap the two series and bring certain storylines together. At one point I had a major AHA moment, but this moment didn’t come about right away. It was through a discussion I was having with a fellow Kenyon fan and the light bulb went off. Like I said earlier there are times I feel like a ping pong ball wondering how is she going to do that, can she rewrite that portion of the Nick’s life, etc. She keeps me guessing and wanting to read on. I know I’ve just finished Infamous, but I want to read Inferno now, I want the story to keep going.

READING ORDER for The Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon

1.  Infinity
2.  Invincible
3.  Infamous (March 2012)
4.  Inferno (March 2013)

Reviewed by Marcie

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EXPEL (Celestra Series #6 YA) by Addison Moore-Review

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EXPEL (Celestra #6) YA (New Release) by Addison Moore

March 28, 2012-INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY with Addison Moore

EXPEL is the 6th instalment in Addison Moore’s Young Adult Celestra series. Released this week, Expel continues the adventures of 17-year old Skyla Messenger and her triumphs and failures as a young teen trying to navigate a world of demons, angels, possessions and the love of 3 men. What we all wouldn’t give to have 3 beautiful men who adored and worship the ground on which we walk. And just to add more company to the misery already inflicted upon her young life, there are others standing in line, in the hopes of gaining access to the next Queen of the Celestra.

Skyla continues to be her own worst enemy. Although Chloe is still valiantly trying to destroy Skyla’s life, Skyla once again ignores the warnings from Marshall Dudley, Logan and Gage Oliver, and Candace her birth mother—all in the name of spunky independence and teenage melt-down. Facing a faction war with the Counts and the Fems, Skyla inadvertently tosses the coin that forces a loss for the Celestra changing their odds in the win/loss column. Untrained and without the knowledge she requires, Skyla is drawn into a war that she is not prepared. Lives are lost and those that are responsible seem possessed to otherwise stop. When Candace (Skyla’s birth mother and head of the Council of Celstras) warns Skyla that her actions could end the lives of many Sectors and Celestra, Skyla refuses to acknowledge that she will be the cause of so much sorrow and pain. Like most teens, she thinks the warnings are exaggerations and ploys to keep her under control.

At the end of VEX (book 5) both Gage and Logan are ‘killed’ when they are struck by Skyla’s Mustang, and it is Skyla who will sacrifice both her blood and her body to resurrect the loves of her life. And witness statements cannot account for a driver, but accusations and innuendo will cause much grief for their families. But warning Skyla that she is treading into dangerous territory only invokes another round of teenage petulance and enough attitude that her actions will cost her more than she is willing to give. Bargaining for the return of someone close, will force Skyla into a deal with Ezrina that she may never be able to repay.

Skyla’s ongoing defiance will once again, place everyone she loves in danger. And the Landon/Messenger household becomes a battleground between family members, when her sisters start growing up too fast. Drake and Brielle’s pending parenthood looms closer, but it is Holden’s spirit that will continue to invade every aspect of Skyla’s life. From brother to lover, to friend and foe, Holden’s presence continues to haunt Skyla. As the household grows, so does the mistrust and anxiety between child and parent. And having an ally in Ellis may not necessarily be all that she bargained for. As a young Count, his familial connections could help destroy both of their lives.

Marshall Dudley’s continued pursuit of Skyla grows stronger and his need for the young Celestra becomes increasingly obvious. His power and influence over Skyla, pushes the teen to rebel. And it is Marshall’s reluctance to back down that Skyla perceives as control. Skyla’s defiance and unwillingness to heed the warnings will risk the lives of everyone she loves. It is the glimpses into the future that have Skyla confused. Although each and every scene will come into fruition, it is the circumstances that will continue to allude. Not everything that Marshall shows, will follow a predictable series of events.

Demetri Edinger continues to prowl the Landon household hoping to re-capture someone from his past, but his motives may not be one of love or lust. And a mirror with the ability to grant all that one desires, shows Skyla more than she is willing to see. It is Demetri’s relationship with Chloe that will force Skyla to open her eyes and see the truth. But to open your heart and realize that your love has been manipulated, will force Skyla to make a decision that will cost more than her heart’s desire but quite possibly her life.

Once again, Addison writes a fast paced storyline with many twists and turns. The back and forth relationship between Skyla and Logan, as well as Skyla and Gage will be tested on many occasion, but like the scene from the movie Carrie, prom night will be one long disaster. It is Skyla’s defiance against authority that has risked everyone she loves and her meddling in the past will risk everyone in the future. All is NOT fair in love AND war!!

Reviewed by Sandy

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BEAR MEETS GIRL by Shelly Laurenston-A New Release Review

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BEAR MEETS GIRL by Shelly Laurenston

BEAR MEETS GIRL is the latest instalment in Shelly Laurenston’s Pride and Pack Shifter series of novels. Bear Meets Girl focuses on Lou “Crush” Cruzek (polar bear) former undercover police officer and Marcella “Bare Knuckles” Malone (tiger) professional hockey player/enforcer for Bo “The Marauder” Novikov and one of the elite feline protection-contractors for the KZS.

Lou ‘Crush’ Cruzek had too many jello shooters at Mace and Dez’s party. But when he wakes up with a hangover and a naked feline-shifter draped across his chest, he has no idea what is in store. And the fact that she is teasing and tormenting a 6’9” polar bear-shifter has him concerned. Doesn’t she know NOT to poke an angry bear?

Crush’s cover has been blown and to complicate matters someone from his childhood is directly involved. So he is re-assigned to another division and partnered with the infamous Dez MacDermott-Llewellyn human wife of lion male Mace Llewellyn. Not happy with his re-location, Crush considers early retirement versus a potential desk job. But when their assignment involves missing and murdered shifters the same 2 names from his past keep making an appearance.

Cella is a single mother and a protection-contractor for the KZS. A shifter assassin working for the KZS and the Group, she has been working with DeeAnn Smith –mate to Ric Van Holtz and Cella’s boss at the Group. Cella is surprised to find Crush has also been assigned to the same investigation, but finds it even funnier that he refuses to acknowledge their awkward morning after. But life has a funny way of pairing up potential mates, and Crush must now work alongside Dez, DeeAnn and Cella in the hopes of locating and stopping a man determined to add to his trophy collection.

Throughout the storyline, Crush is amazed that Cella is the same ‘Bare Knuckles’ Malone- enforcer for the professional shifter hockey team and the daughter of the infamous ‘Nice Guy’ Malone-one of Crush’s favorite players. In awe of their reputation, the polar also meets many of the current stars including Bo Novikov and Lock “The Tank” MacRyrie. With Bo’s reputation as a hard-assed, take no prisoners attitude on the ice, Crush finds himself in the unenviable position as one of the few friends (including Cella) who is able to tolerate Bo’s outbursts and tantrums. Even Bo’s fiance Blayne has a few choice words for her mate.

There are several secondary storylines as well. Cella’s mother Barb is a wedding planner who has arranged the wedding for Cella’s ex. Like many pride females, Cella was never married to her daughter’s father, but remains friends with both he and his new fiancé. As well we are introduced to Cella’s best friend and team doctor Jai Davis and her daughter Josie, and Cella’s extended family of Malones. Cella’s daughter Meghan is readying for university but there are secrets that threaten her mother’s happiness. And like many families, Crush’s relationship with his brothers is difficult and their connection with someone from his past may place them all in danger. Orphaned as young children, the trio was raised by a woman willing to risk everything for what she wants.

Crush and Cella’s relationship started as a matter of convenience. Hoping to keep her family from match-making with cousins, Cella enters into a deal with Crush. Pretending to be a couple only brings them together, but when Cella becomes the on-ice target for an off-ice game of revenge, Crush knows exactly who to target for his next take-down assignment.

Bear Meets Girl is another great storyline in Shelly Laurenston’s Pride and Pack series. I was pleased with the return of many of her former storyline characters including Bo, Blayne, Loch, Ric and DeeAnn, but I am also looking forward to the ‘weddings of the century’. Shelly has introduced a few new shifters and brought back a couple of secondary characters from other books. Shelly’s writing is filled with humorous dialogue and sexy love scenes. Shelly is one of my favorite authors and along with her counterpart in the Dragonkin series G A Aiken, I look forward to every new book in both of her series.

READING ORDER
Shelly Laurenston
Magnus and Pride Series

1. Pack Challenge
2. Go Fetch
3. Here Kitty Kitty
4. When He was Bad..anthology
5. The Mane Event
6. The Beast in Him
7. The Mane Attraction
8. The Mane Squeeze
9. Beast Behaving Badly
10.Big Bad Beast
11.Bear Meet Girl (Mar 2012)

Reviewed by Sandy

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ORACLE’S MOON by Thea Harrison-A New Release Review

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ORACLE’S MOON by Thea Harrison

ORACLE’S MOON by Thea Harrison

ORACLE’S MOON is the 4th novel in Thea Harrison’s Novels of the Elder Races series. Grace Andreas is a ‘witch’, and the lone survivor of a car accident that killed her sister Petra and brother-in-law, and left Grace severely injured and in need of reconstructive surgery. She is now the sole guardian of her sister’s two children and has inherited the mantle and the Power of the Oracle. The Oracle is a position inherited through the female lineage and one that was never expected to pass to Grace. With it comes the responsibilities and power of a seer, a medium and a whole lot of spirits hoping to make contact. Grace is broke, without any means of support and snubbed by the local coven of witches

Khalil, Djinn prince of House Marid, one of the eldest beings in the universe, has taken it upon himself to be protector and guardian of Grace and the two children in her care. We first met Khalil and Grace in Serpent’s Kiss, where Khalil was drawn to the children in Grace’s care. But Grace’s powers are soon put into practice, when she is petitioned to ‘see’ for a number of the Elder Races (including Dragos, Pia and the vampire King) and it is Khalil, who soon finds himself, falling for the human female.

Unlike previous Oracles, Grace must gain the knowledge through experience. Without a mentor to guide her on her journey, she must navigate the pitfalls and dangers of allowing others to control her dreams and actions. But with her new-found powers Grace is blessed with a rare ability that will draw the attention of more than one Djinn Prince and his family. And with the Power and the position comes a threat against both Grace and her young family. And with the threat, comes the knowledge that some accidents are really not accidental.

Oracle’s Moon is more of a fantasy romance than an action/adventure. We follow Khalil and Grace’s growth as a couple and their connection to one another crosses the dimensions of time and space. Grace slowly discovers and develops her powers with the approach of the Oracle’s Moon, and Khalil’s energy enables Grace to discover that there is a history to the family lineage that she does not want to pass to her niece. There is an energy pull between Grace and the Djinn prince; a thread that connects the soon to be lovers. But it is the love between the couple-that anchors-this particular storyline. Khalil is a being of immense knowledge, age and power, but still a man. And with his feelings come emotions that he never knew existed. Thea’s descriptive detail regarding Khalil and Grace’s love making, will leave you breathless and wishing that a being like Khalil, were real and not part of a fantasy between the pages of a novel.

There are humorous moments when Khalil must ask Rune for dating advice-how to dress, what to eat and where to go. And of course, like many first dates, the inevitable disasters will always happen. But add the supernatural and paranormal elements, and watch the fur, scales and fangs fly. Chloe’s doggie-cat and horsie comments will remind every parent about play-time with the young, but it is the relationship and the knitting of a family, that will be the mainstay of Oracle’s Moon.

Oracle’s Moon is also a prelude to Thea’s next instalment.  Dragos needs the Power of the Oracle, and with that knowledge, perhaps a way to prevent an all-out war between the humans, the Elder Races and the demons from the other side.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Christine Feehan & Suzanne Brockmann-NEWS

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TITLE: Dark Nights

AUTHOR: Christine Feehan

SERIES: Dark Carpathians (re-issue of Dark Descent-with 100 new pages added and Dark Dreams)

 

NEW SERIES from Suzanne Brockmann

 

TITLE: Born to Darkness

AUTHOR: Suzanne Brockman

NEW SERIES: Fighting Destiny

SYNOPSIS:  

In the not-too-distant future, the Obermeyer Institute (OI) has made a revolutionary discovery: With special training, humans can tap into the brain’s hidden powers (think telepathy, telekinetic powers, super strength, and more). The training is strenuous, though, and it works only for those with natural potential.

Tough girl Mac has that potential, and she’s a devoted member of the OI. But there’s one rule she can’t help but bend. Her boss thinks celibacy is key to their work. Mac’s learned differently—an active sexual life enhances her powers. And when she meets Shane, a sexy former Navy SEAL, the sparks are instant. But after the two spend an amazing night together, Mac finds out that Shane’s a new recruit at the institute. How can she mix business and pleasure?

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GABRIEL by M A Abraham-a review

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Gabriel by M. A. Abraham – a review

 

 

The Reading Cafe has decided to do a new feature, that we may post from time to time.  Below is a dual review on the novel Gabriel by new author M.A. Abraham.  We thought, we would take two different looks at the same story.  We hope you like the new feature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GABRIEL by M. A. Abraham

Reviewed by Sandy

GABRIEL is the first book and series for new author M. A. Abraham.  As part of the Elven Chronicles, Gabriel is the introduction to a new and exciting family of Elves and Fae in the recovery phase following 500 years of war.  Hoping to gather their ‘people’ back home, Gabriel is commissioned by Elven King Daroth to locate and return the Elves who have gathered in the Hidden Valley for centuries.  But unbeknownst to him, Gabriel’s journey is more than a mission of recovery- but a mission to find his heart.

High Lord General Gabriel Eagle Talon knew that this mission was more than a search and rescue.  King Daroth had the gift of foresight, and without a doubt, he was hiding something from his friend. Knowing that the King’s true life-mate was one of the missing Elven maidens, Gabriel was willing to risk his pride for his friend.  But the cryptic signals between Gabriel’s nephew Marious and the King were exasperating-something or someone was waiting.  Hoping to end their charade, Gabriel and his warriors, set out to discover what secrets the King was hiding.

Eden is an Elven maiden, trained as a warrior but with the ability to ‘talk’ to the trees.  Her presence and nurturing gift aids with the renewal and growth of the surrounding forests and trees.  But the trees whisper of pain and sorrow, as well as warn Eden about the ongoing search for her people.  With the warning comes a revelation that her future is about to change. But Eden has always felt that something or someone was missing in her life-would the quest answer her prayers?

Eden and Gabriel are true life-mates, but neither will accept what fate has ordained.  With the knowledge that they refuse to admit to their life mate bond, Eden’s brother takes it upon himself, to assist the couple on their journey.  But a critical error in judgment forces Gabriel and Eden into a situation that ends in suffering for both.

Upon return to their homeland, Eden’s sister C’liandra is betrothed to King Daroth, and the bonding ceremony is immediate. When Eden’s great-uncle recounts the history of the family lore, it is discovered that Eden’s gift and ability to talk to the trees, as well as heal the earth, is one of the rare Tratchar. The power to aid in the renewal of life, is only half of what the fates have destined for Eden.

Gabriel is once again sent on a journey to aid the King and his reluctant mate, is sent in search of her missing extended family.  The King has a plan to reunite the reluctant lovers.  Separation for the life-mates is difficult, and Eden still refuses to accept Gabriel as her soul/her heart. Eden’s need to aid with the sick and dying trees, drains her power and energy, which leaves her emotional and exhausted.  She needs her life-mate, but by not accepting their bond, her true powers, have not manifested, and she grows weaker every day.  It Is only when she discovers another life herself, does the true meaning of family and life reveal.

Gabriel is a short story about destiny, fate, family and the power of love.  M A Abraham writes from the heart about the Elves that she has created. A long history of morals and norms are addressed, although some are reluctant for change.  The joining of two life-mates brings with it a revelation and a power  that has not been seen in centuries, and the discovery of an another will aid the Elves in ways that only multiply with each bonded pair.  I enjoyed Gabriel’s story and I have no problem recommending GABRIEL and M A Abraham’s ELVEN CHRONICLES series.

Additional comments by Barb

Since Sandy’s review is complete, and explains the premise of Gabriel, I would just like to give my overall impression of the story, as well as the writing by new author M.A. Abraham.

I have not read a many stories regarding Elves, so this was a new road for me.  M.A. Abraham takes us on a journey of a romance that was going to be a difficult path for the destined couple. The main characters and story in Gabriel were different from the usual romance, as they seemed totally incompatible to each other.  From the moment we met Eden, I liked her, but I too thought she needed to be tied down.  lol  At first, I was not crazy about Gabriel, but as time went on, I got to like him a lot.  I thought they made a great couple, and Eden was really a hoot.  But then when she came into her powers (Tratchar), she settled and became an equal life mate and partner to Gabriel.  The world created by M.A. Abraham was different, and very interesting.  I thought she created some excellent characters, and you can see future stories coming out of this first book. Marious was a fun character, and you know near to the end, he is the next book.  Then there are some other good characters that I would love to learn more of such as, Haylo and Larek, C’Liandra and King Daroth, and the new girl we have yet to meet, whom must be destined for Marious.

M.A. Abraham takes us into this world, with elves that have different and unique powers, but most importantly, she takes on journey of pure romance.  This is all about Gabriel and Eden, their romance, and their journey to discover their bond, and to save the land they live in.  M.A. Abraham is a fresh and interesting new author, with a wonderful imagination.  She gives a new meaning to romance. I enjoyed Gabriel very much.  If you love a pure romantic story, Elves, fun characters, and a fantasy world,  look no further then Gabriel.

NOTE:  ALL OF THE VERSIONS FOR eREADERS will be available on March 20, 2012
ALL VERSIONS of GABRIEL will be available for download from SMASHWORDS
PRICE:  99 cents for the first 7 days as an introductory offer.

CLICK HERE to order from Amazon.com: Amazon

CLICK HERE: M A Abraham

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