Saturday, January 23, 2016

REVIEW: The Salvation State by Marcus Damanda #Dystopian #YA

“This is what the truth is. Second Salvations murdered my parents, and I’m running away.” 

A single post over unregulated Internet channels. A sleeping society awakens to a chase, broadcast live on television screens all across the New United States of America... 

Rebecca and Daniel have never met. A fifteen-year-old preacher’s kid and a sixteen-year-old atheist outcast, they appear to have little in common. And yet they have both attracted the attention of a recruiter for Angel Island, where bad kids go to be remade—or destroyed. 

Agents of the all-powerful New America Unity Church will stop at nothing to get them. They’re building an army, a modern children’s crusade, in which Rebecca and Daniel may be just the kind of future leaders they need. 

If not, they might be just the kind of sacrifice necessary to keep the rest of the faithless in line.



Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/The-Salvation-State-Marcus-Damanda-ebook/dp/B01AHDT672

REVIEW:
RATING: 5 Stars 

There are very few times when I am not reading at least one book in my life. Recently I have spent my time reading books over again while waiting for something new to catch my attention. Even with numerous books available, I hadn't found anything I really wanted to read and not put down in many months. Yesterday, however, I started reading The Salvation State  by Marcus Damanda and was drawn into a future world that refused to let me go until I finished. Rebecca and Daniel are both very well written characters, you can't help liking them and wanting them to succeed. The other characters surrounding them, gave greater life to the main characters, bringing more depth to their stories. this book will be one I am sure I will re-read and add to my collection. Mr. Damanda has written a captivating novel, and I am looking forward to reading more of his work as soon as possible. 

Reviewed by: Jessica R.



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REVIEW: Dixie's Gift by Barbara Edwards #Holiday #Romance

Ellen Carter deeply grieves for her husband Dan, but at least she still has Dixie, her beloved Malinois. However, soon Dixie leaves her too. But the faithful dog cannot rest easy in heaven while her mistress is unhappy. Dixie pleads with the Archangel Michael to let her send help, and intercedes for Ellen in the only way she can. But will Ellen get the message, and more importantly, will she accept Dixie's gift?

Sexy newcomer Michael Burke can barely take enough time from his successful restaurant for a decent night's sleep, let alone romance. Still, he is intrigued by the beautiful widow and can't resist entering her shop. Sparks fly, and when Ellen has an accident in a snowstorm, he comes to her rescue. Trapped by a blizzard and aided by Dixie's Gift, Ellen and Michael find more than shelter--they find love.



Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/Dixies-Gift-Barbara-Edwards-ebook/dp/B017OJGVIY/

REVIEW:
RATING: 4 Stars 

Anyone who has lost loved ones, people or pets or both, will fall into ‘Dixie’s Gift’, immediately familiar with the feelings and sensations being so well presented.  This story is simple, quiet, somewhat predictable – and very enjoyable.

It definitely is not difficult to understand, and sympathize with, lead character Ellen Carter, who still suffers from the death of her husband, and now is also grieving for her dog, Dixie, a faithful Belgian Malinois who had been such a comfort after losing Dan.  She still pushes herself on, running her gift shop.  As the story opens, she is removing the Thanksgiving merchandise and replacing it with Christmas items.  Michael Burke, who is relatively new to town, having recently opened a successful restaurant, is watching her through the store windows – and eventually can’t resist.  He goes into the store, to meet this attractive woman he has watched through those windows before.

Under most circumstances, the meeting would not have moved these two into a serious relationship, but Nature intervenes.  Michael has to rescue Ellen when a growing snowstorm leads to a car accident.  The storm continues, eventually stranding the couple, along with a stray puppy, in Ellen’s little house outside town.  They don’t realize it, but none of this is entirely accidental; Dixie, worried about Ellen’s loneliness, is watching from above, and has asked the Archangel Michael for help.  And as the blizzard continues, eventually leaving the still stranded couple cuddled in Burke’s truck, feelings grow, and two lonely people become nicely attached to each other.

Again, this is not a complicated story.  But it is a lovely one, and the added element of Dixie’s heavenly intercession gives it an original touch.  With the coming Christmas holiday serving as a pleasant background, romance is still the center of the story, and it leaves the reader with a nice, warm feeling.  The characters are beautifully drawn, and the warmth grows as the blizzard pushes them closer together.

I would have liked a little more detail about Michael Burke’s background and current position in town, and perhaps some more information about Ellen’s past, but overall, I rate ‘Dixie’s Gift’ as worth 4 stars. I do recommend readers give it a try, a chance to enter their hearts.

I am grateful for the reviewer’s copy I received.


Reviewed by: Roberta




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REVIEW: No Accounting for Love by L.M. Gonzales #Contemporary #Romance

Laura Cortez, a single mom, works full-time and takes classes toward an accounting degree for a better income for her family. She meets her dream man on a blind date set up by their siblings but thinks she should have stayed home. When he asks her to his company’s Christmas party, she agrees against her better judgment; she’s attracted to him despite all the reasons she shouldn’t be.

Tony Alvarado has spent his life, ever since his marriage, building his accounting firm because his ex-wife nagged him constantly about money. When she divorced him, claiming he was always working, she took half his money, and his son. Now he believes women only date him because he’s rich. His reactions to Laura puzzle him, but he continues to see her because he can’t figure her out.

Will the holiday season help them forget the liabilities and balance out the miracle of love in adding together two lonely hearts?


Purchase Links: 
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6500

REVIEW:
RATING: 4.5 Stars 


Laura Cortez and Tony Alvarado are both divorcees who have not quite recovered from the pain of their failed marriages.  Tony threw himself into expanding his accounting firm, spending very little time with his son, who lives with his mother – and her ever-changing list of boyfriends.  Laura threw herself into raising her two sons, with virtually no contact with their father; she is working on finishing her accounting degree, and also works full-time.  Neither one is particularly interested in finding another serious romance.  But a blind date brings them together right around Christmas, and despite themselves, the attraction is undeniable.

No, this is not a love-at-first-sight story.  There is a definite mutual physical attraction, but they both try to fight it off, despite siblings and co-workers who keep encouraging them to get – and stay – together.  And then there are three young boys, who might be able to accept a new relationship for their respective parent, but have trouble accepting each other.  Drop in Laura’s plan for starting an accounting career, mix it with Tony’s very successful accounting firm, and this chemistry experiment keeps growing.

This is not a totally unfamiliar plot for a love story, especially with Christmas always in the background, so, as with most books in this genre, for it to succeed, the development of the characters has to overshadow that plot.  L. M. Gonzales definitely achieves that here.  Both primary and secondary characters are interesting, believable, and understandable People.  Laura and Tony are very well-portrayed, with their own plans, goals, and problems, with sympathetic, attractive, growing personalities.

‘No Accounting for Love’ is a nicely constructed, smoothly developed feel-good story.  I recommend it to any fan of the contemporary romance genre, and rate it at 4.5 Stars.  Read it, relax, and enjoy.

I am very grateful for the reviewer’s copy I received.


Reviewed by: Roberta


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Monday, January 18, 2016

REVIEW: Carpathian Blood (Book 1 in series) by Michelle Hoefle #PNR

All she wanted was a
new life...now caught in the middle of a war...will he be her salvation or her
damnation?


Enter a world where
vampyres truly exist and join the Terranian Warriors and their mates who fight
them.

Mackenzie Hilton and
her young brother come to Romania to begin a new life.  After an attack by a vampire, they are
unwillingly brought into another world.

Vlad is the leader of
the Terranian warriors.  When he rescues
Mackenzie and her brother from a vicious attack, he instinctively wants the
lovely Mackenzie for his own.

 Terrorized by a
power-hungry vampire, will Mackenzie be able to trust in Vlad's love enough to
save her?  Or will being brought into his
world of danger and war break her?


Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/Carpathian-Blood-Michelle-Hoefle-ebook/dp/B00BA4JOBQ/

REVIEW:
RATING: 4.5 Stars 

When I chose this book, I hoped that I would like it. I didn't just like it; I loved it. "Carpathian Blood" is not your typical Dracula romance story and I loved the fresh twist that Michelle Hoefle put on it. Vlad and Mack's chemistry is off the charts. This is a panty scorcher for sure but it is so much more. There is a really great story-a plot full of twists and turns that makes this a great thrill ride to read. I highly recommend this book. Is a "MUST READ".

Reviewed by: Nikki



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REVIEW: Intergalactic Brides 4: Charlotte and the Alien Ambassador by Jessica Coulter Smith #SciFi

Born into a world of silence, Charlotte has always been made to feel inferior to her sister in every way. When her father demands she take Charity’s place in a bride exchange on another world, Charlotte decides to embrace her future and hope for the best. She knows it's her last chance to find happiness, and she'll do anything to grab it with both hands.
Borgoz agreed to see the young girl married, but the ethereal woman who steps off the shuttle holds him spellbound. She's everything he's ever wanted, and the one thing he can never have. His job as Chief Councilor of his world is too demanding to give him time for a family of his own… but that doesn't stop him from wanting her.

A moment of passion flares bright between them, and unbeknownst to Borgoz, has lasting consequences. When Charlotte returns to her world, he's devastated and realizes he's lost the one thing he wants most. Will he buck the rules of his planet and go after Charlotte? Or will he live with the heartache he feels as the memory of her touch haunts him?


Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Alien-Ambassador-Intergalactic-Brides-ebook/dp/B018ER3CW8/

REVIEW:
RATING: 4 Stars 

I am not usually an alien romance novel fan but I dearly loved this book. Jessica Coulter Smith has written a very sweet, sensual, and heart warming read. I adored Charlotte and how her character was written with so much strength despite being deaf. The chemistry between Charlotte and Borgoz are off the charts. It was such a sweet read. 

Reviewed by: Nikki


 
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REVIEW: Queen of the Hollow by Jacci DeVera #Romance #Interracial

Calla is a young shifter, the only female within miles High Lonesome, her small southern West Virginia hometown. Her mother had managed to keep her safe from the bounty of male mountain lions in the past, but now Calla finds herself alone and without a protector...and the moon is full.
Haben hasn’t been able to get close to Calla since their first meeting, right around Valentine’s Day. When he shows up at her house a year later, he finds the wounded spit-fire determined for him to keep his distance - despite his instinct to keep her safe.

Calla must choose to either place her trust and safety to an outsider, or fight off every male mountain lion between here and Charleston with just her wits and a shotgun. The stakes are high and the numbers are against them. Even if they prevail, will Calla be able to keep her heart safe from her protector till sunrise?


Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Hollow-Jacci-DeVera-ebook/dp/B017AQLJFQ/

REVIEW:
RATING: 4.5 Stars 

This novelette is one of the best shape shifter stories I have ever read – and since I am very interested in this topic, I’ve read a LOT of shifter stories.

‘Queen of the Hollow’ is a beautifully written romance intertwined skillfully within a nicely drawn shifter culture, set in West Virginia.  Calla is a young, solitary female mountain lion shifter, going into ‘heat’ for the first time since her mother died, and it was always her mother who protected her from all the demanding males in their rather isolated mountainous region.  Understandably, she’s quite frightened, and not really sure just how she’s going to protect herself alone, or even if she can.

But around a year earlier, another shifter, Haben, a leopard, met Calla in human form, and became very interested in her.  He has come to her cabin, hoping to finally get to know her better.  Calla has already been injured, and there are quite a few males circling around in the woods.  She doesn’t know Haben very well, but at least she had met him previously, however briefly, and the circumstances lead her, reluctantly at first, to accept his help.

The courtship happens in intervals between attacks, as Calla and Haben get to know each other in both forms.  Heat builds rapidly, and there is definitely romance all through the intense fighting.    As you read, you know these two must come together, and you will not be disappointed.  Make no mistake: ‘Queen of the Hollow’ is not novel-length, but it IS a complete story, very tightly written, covering the backgrounds and personalities of both Calla and Haben, the structure of their shifter society, which has many original elements, and the development of their romance.  However, even though this story was complete, I admit I would love to read a sequel.

I enjoyed it very much, and give it a 4.5 Star rating.

I am very grateful for the reviewer’s copy that was sent to me.


Reviewed by: Roberta

 

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REVIEW: A Wolf's Bane by Sherrie Henry #PNR #Romance

Can a human and a werewolf overcome obvious obstacles to be together? Romy and Kai have been hiding their affair from Kai's clan; it's not only that Romy is human, but she's also much older than Kai. Will Kai's obligation to his clan and tradition tear them apart?

Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/Wolfs-Bane-Sherrie-Henry-ebook/dp/B00IM4A2QI/

REVIEW:
RATING: 4 Stars 
 
A Wolf's Bane by Sherrie Henry is a hot read but it is also one that will make your heart race, break a little, and rejoice for Kai and Romy. Their romance is forbidden but unlike Shakespere's "Romeo and Juliet"-these two aren't going down without a fight. Passion and raw emotion run deep in this book. Sherrie Henry has a real hit and I can't wait to read the next installment.

Reviewed by: Nikki

 

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REVIEW: Eyewitness by Carolann Camillo and Phyllis Humphrey #Mystery

The big break Toni Abbott longed for has finally arrived. She has been cast as the soap opera villainess everyone loves to hate, and because of her, ratings are soaring. Then her lucky streak runs out. During a late-night photo session, Craig, the photographer, is shot to death. In the confusion Toni hits her head and is knocked unconscious, and when she awakes, she can’t recall what happened. If she could regain her memory, could she identify the killer? Apparently the killer thinks so, because soon after the incident, Toni hears someone breaking in to her apartment and barely escapes. Too bad the police believe she is somehow responsible for Craig’s murder. It doesn’t help that her character on the show is so convincingly nasty and conniving. Was the target really Craig, or did the killer aim for Toni and miss? Craig was an unscrupulous womanizer. Any number of people might have wanted him dead, including a career criminal he helped convict, his business partner, his wife, and his mistress. Despite her winning personality, Toni has her share of enemies, among them an older actress jealous of her success and the show’s director, whose animosity baffles her. With the help of Michael Benedict, a handsome young criminal lawyer, Toni sets out to awaken her dormant memory and unmask the killer. Meanwhile the character she plays, Alexandra, is in a coma, fighting for her life. The writers will decide Alexandra’s fate, but Toni must save herself.

Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/Eyewitness-Carolann-Camillo-ebook/dp/B016L5P9H6/

REVIEW:
RATING: 4 Stars 
 
Toni Abbott is building her acting career on a soap opera, and has become extremely popular, although her character is as much villainess as heroine.  Her popularity may please the producers and the network, but not all of the cast members, some of whom want the director to kill off her character.  Toni is thinking about this one evening, when she is working with a photographer on a publicity shots, but suddenly she is shockingly interrupted.  The photographer is shot, and while trying to save herself, Toni is knocked out.  When she regains consciousness, she cannot remember anything about the murder.

From this vivid opening, ‘Eyewitness’ proceeds to grow as an intriguing mystery, with possible suspects turning up all over the place – and as far as the police are concerned, Toni is definitely one of them.  Also, because of the character she portrays on the show, a lot of viewers blame her, too.  A top criminal attorney, Michael Benedict, takes her case, and ends up protecting her physically as well as legally.  The puzzles weave back and forth, through incidents on the set, her character’s storyline, the interactions between many of the show’s performers – and their off-screen family and friends.  As the circumstances become more and more complicated, Michael and Toni predictably come closer together.  They face an array of unpleasant people, jealous of Toni and eager to build their own stature by trampling on her, and a variety of individuals engaged in criminal activities related to other aspects of show business. 

There are few quiet or slow parts to this story, with new suspects cropping up all the time, along with new possible motives.  Mystery readers are not likely to get bored, nor will you easily figure out who the murderer is.  Oh, you’ll find a few favorite suspects, but you will probably still be surprised.  Of course, if you’re at all like me, when reading a murder mystery, you want to be surprised, and I doubt you’ll be badly disappointed.

Actually, the only problem I had with ‘Eyewitness’ was having too many possible explanations!  I got a bit tired of how the list of suspects just kept growing, leaving some small questions unanswered, while you’re trying to sort out all the elements.  Still, I enjoyed reading the book; I liked getting to know Toni and Michael; the intrigue was nicely portrayed, for the most part, and I enjoyed the final surprise.  I recommend the book to most romantic murder mystery fans, and give it 4 stars.

I am grateful for the reviewer’s copy I was given.

Reviewed by: Roberta



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Sunday, January 17, 2016

REVIEW: Falling for Her by Lily Vega #Fantasy #SciFi #Romance

A millennia ago a woman's betrayal resulted in the loss of Kristoff's wings and his banishment from heaven. Forever lonely, he seeks a companion to spend eternity with in his own personal hell dimension.
Xanthe, a matchmaking lust demon, has the perfect cure - a blind date with a witch. But when Chandra offers Kristoff sexual healing, will he go through with his plan to keep her forever, or will falling for the beautiful witch be his undoing?


Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Her-Devil-May-Care-ebook/dp/B015NGF5A0
REVIEW:
RATING: 3.5 Stars 

It was a charmingly sweet quick read. It was the amuse bouche of books. It was a good story and worth the read. Lily Vega is quite talented and her sensual bites are a tasty tidbit for any e-reader who wants a really quick fix.

 Reviewed by: Nikki



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REVIEW: Bite Me (The Transfigured Series) by Michelle Roth #PNR #EroticRomance

Magnus Corbett is the world renowned head chef for Usquebaugh, the wildly popular restaurant and whiskey bar inside the Foxwood Hotel and Casino. He's certain that it was his status as one of the Transfigured that put him on the map. It will be bold flavors and his tireless work ethic that keep him there. And, if he has to be a little blunt to get things done? So be it.
When bar manager, Caroline Lundquist, develops a line of cocktails to breathe some life into the drink menu, she's determined to have new gin-inspired dishes to pair with them. During their collaboration she finds herself falling for the side of Magnus that people rarely see. He's sweet. Compassionate. Caring. As they begin to navigate the perils of a vampire-human relationship, both of their pasts crop up, threatening to destroy everything they're working so hard to build together.


Purchase Links: 
http://www.evernightpublishing.com/bite-me-by-michelle-roth/
http://www.amazon.com/Bite-Me-Transfigured-Ones-Book-ebook/dp/B016NE0WRC/

REVIEW:
RATING: 5 Stars - Top Pick!  

Bite Me is a sinfully decadent bite that will have you drooling for more. Magnus and Caroline are two sexy spitfires that combust when they come together. This story by Michelle Roth had it all-passion, a good dose of naughtiness, romantic comedy, a fang boy to die for, a heroine that is far from being a damsel, and an informative look at what pairs well with Gin. I loved this book and I have read it twice. I can't wait for the next book in her Transfigured Series. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!

 Reviewed by: Nikki




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REVIEW: Trouble Walked In by Michelle Roth (The Forsaken Few 1) #PNR #EroticRomance

The moment Moira Devereaux walks into his bar, shapeshifter Ronan Kelly knows she's going to be trouble. No matter how tempting she is, he won't risk the safety of his makeshift pack. He has every intention of sending her on her way until he hears her compelling story.
When Moira's father, the mayor of Lorelei, tries to force her to wed a man she doesn't know, she runs to the one place he won't follow. The local shifter bar. Nothing could have prepared her for the immediate attraction she feels for the owner, Ronan.

In a moment of weakness, Ronan offers her a job and a place to stay despite his misgivings. No one is more shocked than he is when he discovers that she's his mate. Will he be able to convince her that he's worth taking a risk on or will he be forced to let her go? 


Purchase Links: 
http://www.evernightpublishing.com/trouble-walked-in-by-michelle-roth/
http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Walked-Forsaken-Few-Book-ebook/dp/B013TKPVRY/

REVIEW:
RATING: 4 Stars 

Moira and Ronan are sizzling hot in "Trouble Walked In" by Michelle Roth. From the first chapter I was obsessed with the book. I simply had to read it non stop. So far with all of Michelle Roth's books, I have ended up reading them more than once or twice. This book is no different. Her take on shape shifters in this book was done really well and wasn't cliche or "overdone". Her love scenes are hot yet tastefully filled with passion and seduces the reader to keep reading. I can't wait to read the next one.

 Reviewed by: Nikki



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