The competition to Tim O’Rourke’s ‘The Mechanic’ is now closed.
The lucky winners are Louise Chapman and Kristy Petree. Well done girls, we hope you enjoy Tim’s latest release!! 🙂
And a big thank you to all who entered, whether via the blog or on our Facebook page.
If you would like another chance to read the blurb and our review you can do so here. And the links to Amazon are below for more info and purchasing.
Have a great week 🙂
Caroline and Tina
Title: Prey of Desire
Author: JC Gatlin
Genre: Mystery-Suspense, New Adult
Published: February 2014
Book Description:
They said the disappearance of two high school students over 25 years ago was mystery that couldn’t be solved.
No one ever said it shouldn’t be.
Following the abrupt end of a relationship, college student Kimberly Bradford finds comfort in the friendship with her over-the-top neighbor, Mallory. And, Mallory encourages her to get back out there. She would of course if it weren’t for the thrilling little love notes and gifts she’s been receiving.
Kim thinks they’re from her ex-fiancee, not realizing he’s been murdered. Worse, whoever is sending her all the extra attention is not only in her inner-circle, but has a connection to that unsolved murder some 25 years ago. That connection puts her life in danger, and exposes secrets better left buried around her closest friends and family.
Author Info:
JC Gatlin lives in Tampa, Florida. In addition to regular fishing trips, he wrote a monthly column for New Tampa Style Magazine, then began penning several mystery/suspense stories. He also maintains a blog about the art of spinning a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat mystery yarn.
Coming from a large family with five brothers, JC grew up in Grapevine — a small Texas town just outside of Dallas. He moved to Tampa in 1999, and most of his stories feature the rich landscapes of Texas and Florida as backdrop.
*The author is also offering a giveaway for a $50 Amazon GC on the tour! Please click on the Rafflecopter link below!*
Website: http://jcgatlin.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/JC-Gatlin/e/B00ENPSDU2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJcGatlin
The following websites are taking part in the Prey of Desire blog tour:-
August 8th Reading Shy with Aly
August 10th The Book Adventures of Emily
August 11th Cross My Heart and Hope to Read
DEBUT novel ‘Strands of Sollus’ by Cheryl Suchacek is an erotic/fantasy novel that I am looking forward to reviewing over the coming months. Planned to be the first of a series of 5, Strands of Sollus is a mix of two different genres,of which are high fantasy and erotica.
Hi readers, hope you are all doing well. We are at the peak of our summertime here in the UK and have been enjoying some fantastic sunshine and warm temperatures this year. It has been a lovely opportunity to take a short break and enjoy a book or two. Or even spending hours in the garden, enjoying a read with a cool, refreshing drink, a nice calm breeze to relax in, whilst hearing the birds hiding within the swishing trees and singing in the background!
And so, as the holiday season is in full swing we thought it best to provide you guys with our latest review round-up of the last few weeks. If you still haven’t decided on the all important book to take with you on your hols, or need a new one fast, or even are open to a mind change – here’s a few that might pique your interest as they did ours!! (Please click on the links for our main feature with review.)
Happy summer, guys. Enjoy whatever you are up to, as well as a cheeky read in-between!!
Caroline and Tina 🙂 xx
Restoring Lady Anna by Em Taylor, Historical Regency Romance (reviewed by Tina)
Blurb: When Lord James Eversley is accused of a murder he did not commit, he dresses up as his new brother-in-law’s footman and hitches a ride in their carriage out of town. When it seems they are no longer being followed he begins to relax until a minor accident causes them to stop at a shabby looking inn. As his “master” and his sister sip tea in the scruffy parlour, James comes face to face with Lady Anna, the woman who left him in the dead of night five years before and a familiar looking child.
Lady Anna has accepted her life as Mrs Johnstone, mother of four-year-old Viola, “wife” of Peter, the mentally ill former footman and land lady of a shabby inn on the Great North Road. Her plans for a love match with the handsome Lord Eversley were cruelly snatched away from her five years before. Her ruination means there is no opportunity to return to her family or the ton. When James turns up, dressed as a footman and demanding answers, Anna must decide whether to tell the truth.
James never stopped loving Anna and now he must learn what happened that fateful night that Anna left him heartbroken. With the truth out in the open, he must convince the love of his life to take a chance on him. He wants to marry her and restore her reputation among the aristocracy. But in Regency England reputations are easily lost and difficult to regain. Can Anna trust James enough to do what is right for Peter, despite his actions, her child and most importantly himself? Can James convince Anna to seek the help that Peter needs and return to the ton?
Content warning: Contains scenes of an adult nature.
The Hunter’s Realm by Brianna Hughes, Fantasy/Romance (reviewed by Tina)
Kelly Jackson has spent four years running and hiding. Her prince turned out to be an abusive bastard who tried to take her son. Moving into a nice quiet neighborhood the last thing she wants is to be drawn to her McHottie neighbor. No matter that her children think he belongs to the family.
Elliot Hensworth, one of the Realm’s mightiest warriors, was sent to the other side to guard the weakening wall between the Realms. The last thing he needs is a petite sexy neighbor with her inquisitive children to find out that he isn’t what he seems.
The Hunter’s Realm is a story of strength, love and courage, face your worst fears and survive, to put your faith and trust in another person and the joy that comes when you do.
Vampire Flappers (Samantha Carter #1.5) novella by Tim O’Rourke, Sci-Fi/Paranormal Romance/Mystery (reviewed by Caroline)
Blurb: What happens in Paris . . .
Since returning home, Sammy’s been struggling desperately to remember her friends and her adventures back in the Wild West. Were they real? Could the vampires, the werewolves, even Harry be just figments of her imagination? Desperate for answers, Sammy has returned to the Underground, where it all began, and finds herself snatched back in time once again.
Plunged into the middle of a desperate battle, Sammy’s soon fighting for her life, for her memories . . . and for her man!
Short, sharp and sexy, this is the perfect remedy for O’Rourke addicts needing a quick hit, and for new readers looking for something new and exciting!
The Re-Awakening (Second Coming #2) by Carter Vance, Mystery/Thriller Suspense (reviewed by Caroline)
The saga continues. He has returned, but not yet awakened to fulfill His destiny.
With The Re-Awakening, the second book of the Second Coming Series, author Carter Vance continues the thrilling story of the modern day return of Christ.
Like the first book, it is full of action and suspense that takes place in a chaotic world reeling towards the prophesied Apocalypse.
The first book, The Return, re-counted the circumstances of His birth. The Re-Awakening chronicles the events of His growth and the re-acquiring of His Christ Consciousness.
The first son in the bloodline of Jesus Christ, Lazarus J. Christos, must immerse Himself in the modern day world and prepare to fulfill His mission that has been prophesied for two thousand years.
With the aide of the order of the Knights Templars, long existing in the shadows, and the even less known organization of The Founders, young Lazarus, on a path of personal discovery, encounters His doubts and faces His fears of His ability to fulfill His mission.
Meanwhile, His enemies mount their plan for His eradication and their goal of world domination. They believe there is a way for them to prevail beyond the prophecies. These Dark Forces embark upon a worldwide hunt for legendary artifacts of power that might tip the balance of power to their advantage for the forthcoming ultimate battle of good versus evil for the soul of humanity.
Crimson Sins by Madeline Pryce, Erotic/Paranormal Romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)
Created in Darkness and born of Death, three brothers carry a deadly secret.
One lethal enough to have the dead outnumber the living. Necromancer. Biohazard. Zombie. The abomination inside Bastian Hale demanded constant payment—fresh blood. Without it, he’d rot from the inside out and become little more than a mindless monster. Some called him a living vampire, others considered him contaminated. One woman would call him hers.
Morgan Cross never understood the innate necromancer power running through her veins or why ghosts and zombies sought to ruin her life. When someone’s deadly obsession throws her into Bastian’s arms, their pasts come back to haunt them and she must avoid the one thing she was born to do—claim him as hers.
WARNINGS: violence, gore, mention of rape, torture, images of past abuse, spanking.
Red Hot Obsessions by 10 Best Selling Authors, Contemporary Romance (reviewed by Tina)
Milk – Blood by Mark Matthews, Psychological Horror (reviewed by Caroline)
Blurb: Lilly is ten years old, born with a heart defect, and already addicted to heroin. Her mother is gone from her life, and there are rumors that she was killed by her father and buried near the abandoned house across the street. The house intrigues her, she can’t stay away, and the monstrous homeless man who lives there has been trying to get Lilly to come inside.
For her mother is there, buried in the back, and this homeless man is Lilly’s true father, and both want their daughter back.
Heart of Eternity by N. Jay, Fantasy Paranormal/Romance (reviewed by Caroline)
Blurb: When you are invited to dance with the muse of love, when you are driven to the edge by the pain of the past, when you hold the remedy for what ails you in your arms you will find yourself in the heart of eternity.
Set in the Blue Mountain’s town of Blackheath in New South Wales, Australia, the novel Heart of Eternity introduces two very different characters, Jay and Naida, who encounter each other at a challenging time in each of their lives. Their individual expressions of the feelings they provoke in each other give rise to a turmoil that could ultimately claim their lives. When two people understand so deeply the pain each other has faced will it force them into the abyss of darkness or will their combined need for healing allow love to enter both their hearts?
Irrevocable by Skye Callahan, Dark Erotic Romance (reviewed by Tina)
Blurb: Sometimes when you can’t go back, the only way out is to descend into the darkness.
my Captor
When I woke in that place, I just wanted to survive. But survival came at a cost, for which they demanded my will and body.
my Master
With pain came acceptance. Fully-dependent on the man who claimed me, I learned to appreciate what I had-life and relative safety.
my Protector
I watched him spill blood and tend my injuries. With betrayal came a revelation.
The only way out was to bring them all down or die trying.
Warning: This isn’t your rainbows and love sonnets kind of romance. This story explores topics of abduction and slavery, and contains explicit scenes of graphic violence and (non-con/dub-con) sex.
Weeping Angels by Cristy Rey, Women’s Fiction/Contemporary Romance (reviewed by Tina)
Blurb: Four years ago, Frankie Rios walked away from her best friend and big sister, Iris. To Frankie, Iris died the day that she last rejected Frankie’s attempts at getting Iris alcohol and drug treatment. Rather than accept grief for her beloved sister’s loss, Frankie turned to her music. A renowned cellist, Frankie has managed to ignore the pain and suffering of losing the person she loved most in this world. With Iris out of her mind and out of her life, Frankie was able to move on…or so she thought. Until Iris really died.
Topher went to war in 2001 only to return two years later damaged and broken. Unable to reconcile the war vet with the boy he used to be, Topher gave up on life. When Iris Rios, his long-lost childhood best friend, dies from liver failure at thirty-two years-old, Topher is forced to confront his past. He must decide whether he deserves to heal. He must decide whether he will take that first step and then take another until he can recover what he lost: himself.
Weeping Angels is a story of grief carried and grief ignored. It’s about learning to love and moving on. Mourning someone once is hard enough, but mourning someone twice is unimaginably harder.
Touched by the Sandman by Beverly Ovalle, Erotic Fantasy Romance (reviewed by Tina)
~ A lonely woman’s torrid sexual dreams and fantasy partner await her as reality in another dimension.~
The sandman visits those that need him, assisting them to sleep. Until one night he meets a woman that he cannot help but return to time after time.
She is lonely. He comes to her as she drifts off to sleep, the man of her dreams. Awake or asleep, which is her reality?
He knows she is the one meant for him. He will find a way to make both of their dreams come true.
The Mechanic by Tim O’Rourke, Sci-Fi Romance Mystery (reviewed by Caroline)
Blurb: The Mechanics were built to help people. They looked and behaved just like humans. But when the Mechanics malfunctioned and started to kill those who had given them life, they were hunted down and destroyed, until only one remained.
When twenty-two-year-old, Hope Last, has a chance encounter with a mysterious man named Aidan Croix, an immediate and intense attraction forms between them.
…
Hope soon fears that Aidan is keeping a terrible secret and begins to suspect that he might not be human after all but the last of the Mechanic’s the world has been hunting for. But Hope knows that it isn’t just her heart but her very life, Aidan holds in his hands.
Wow!! Released today, we have the thrill of hosting Tim O’Rourke’s New Adult sci-Fi romance ‘The Mechanic’. Not only were we privileged to read this fantastic story before its release BUT we are also excited to host a 2 x paperback GIVEAWAY. (Please scroll down for the blurb, our review and info on the giveaway, plus links.)
Blurb: The Mechanics were built to help people. They looked and behaved just like humans. But when the Mechanics malfunctioned and started to kill those who had given them life, they were hunted down and destroyed, until only one remained.
When twenty-two-year-old, Hope Last, has a chance encounter with a mysterious man named Aidan Croix, an immediate and intense attraction forms between them.
…
Hope soon fears that Aidan is keeping a terrible secret and begins to suspect that he might not be human after all but the last of the Mechanic’s the world has been hunting for. But Hope knows that it isn’t just her heart but her very life, Aidan holds in his hands.
Review
The Mechanic is a dark, exciting and mysterious sci-fi romance, with plenty of passion and curiosity to keep you tense and guessing until the end! Within the first few chapters alone the reader is introduced to the characters, is aware of the situation with the mechanics and is subjected to an incredible action sequence which does end in upset and controversy for some. As well as working out the stranger in Hope’s life, Aidan, there are also murders to solve and a cop to answer to.
The Mechanic is written from Hope’s point of view. The reader sees everything from Hope’s mind and knows her every thought. This creates a feeling of empathy and understanding for the reader towards her, and as we do not see from the others POV it is very easy to suspect and mistrust the other characters. This is great for the story and allows the reader to keep questioning who The Mechanic could possibly be.
Hope has recently been cheated on by her boyfriend, Jake, and feels so alone. She feels abandoned by her dead mother, and now once more by Jake. Betrayed and let down, Hope is vulnerable and empty until Aidan Croix enters her life. He changes her world.
Aidan has all that a fictional love interest should have with his good looks, infectious smile and sweet mesmerising stares. There is a profound connection between him and Hope that reaches way beyond the physical attraction. There were moments when I was captivated by his character, especially with the physical love scenes, and yet I couldn’t quite bring myself to fall for him completely as I was constantly questioning whether or not he was The Mechanic, a killer, the hunted. I felt like I was Hope’s conscience and yet where Hope allows his presence to fulfil her every moment of loneliness I would be more cautious.
To set the scene of the mood of the story we know that Hope lives in a more run-down apartment in the city, there is plenty of rainfall, and the thunder and lightning create an eeriness, a feeling of danger, tension and yet heightened passion. Yes, there is plenty of passion between these two characters!! Not hearing from Aidan’s point of view makes him more mysterious to the reader. But Hope drowns in him, longs for his touch as soon as he leaves her each morning, longs to be with him for eternity.
As Hope begins to wonder if Aidan is The Mechanic being hunted there is also a part of her that cannot live without him, she cannot be lonely again. She’s been left alone by her mother, her boyfriend, so Aidan is the one thing that she can hold on to. She begins to question if it is possible to fall in love with a machine, and could a machine fall in love too? Even if he is The Mechanic will she be able to give him up? She is torn.
Hope’s conflict doesn’t end there as she hears her friend’s, Ingrid’s, warning in her subconscious about Aidan, making her confused and frustrated. And to add to her confusion there is also the feeling that she knows Aidan from somewhere else, maybe from her past, or maybe he is a friend of a friend. Either way nothing is clear, apart from the sense of love that she feels for him.
As always Tim’s writing is very direct, easy to visualise and a quick read. And yet it packs so much on terms of plot, character and emotion. Even the setting, the 80’s soundtrack and mechanical descriptions, although not too heavy, were so interesting with the cogs, springs, etc and help create a dark and eerie mood which really adds to the story. I absolutely love it!
There were elements that even reminded me of The Terminator (movie) – the notion that a machine can have human flesh, blood, bodily functions as well as possibly developing feelings towards a human. Then there is the storyline that he is the only one left and he is being hunted down. (However, there is no time travel or end of the world scenario in The Mechanic.) I personally thrive on this level of excitement in a book and Tim O’Rourke is a genius when it comes to these fast-paced adventures.
I thought it ended brilliantly with great twists and wraps up with all questions answered. Without spoiling, it was quite surprising and emotional and ends with a slight possibility for a sequel (fingers crossed!!). Throughout the novel there are hints and clues as to what could be, and who The Mechanic is. If Aidan is The Mechanic, then he has possibly murdered and is now being hunted! How can Hope fall for him? Can a virtually human machine have the possibility of developing human feelings and emotions? Hmm, I think you’ll have to have a read to find out!
A copy of The Mechanic was received gratefully in return for an honest and fair review.
GIVEAWAY INFO
To celebrate the release of The Mechanic, A Reader’s Review Blog has been offered to host a paperback giveaway of two copies!!!
For a chance to win one of two paperback copies of The Mechanic all you have to do is add your name in the comments list below (or on our Facebook page) before Thursday 13th August 2014, when the two lucky winners will be randomly selected. Good luck, guys 🙂
If you simply cannot wait The Mechanic is also available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Reviewed by Caroline Barker
Blurb: When you are invited to dance with the muse of love, when you are driven to the edge by the pain of the past, when you hold the remedy for what ails you in your arms you will find yourself in the heart of eternity.
Set in the Blue Mountain’s town of Blackheath in New South Wales, Australia, the novel Heart of Eternity introduces two very different characters, Jay and Naida, who encounter each other at a challenging time in each of their lives. Their individual expressions of the feelings they provoke in each other give rise to a turmoil that could ultimately claim their lives. When two people understand so deeply the pain each other has faced will it force them into the abyss of darkness or will their combined need for healing allow love to enter both their hearts?
REVIEW
Heart of Eternity is a profound and interesting fantasy story, exploring the demons and inner light within two main characters in Jay and Naida. The narrative is beautifully written with the use of powerful and descriptive language. There is dark and there is light. But when they meet, will they really be whole? That is the key question and mystery of this short story.
From early on in the story the reader discovers the first of Naida’s conflicts. Being a sufferer of cancer she longs to exorcise her mind and spirit, instead of using more conventional methods, to make it easier and give herself more time. It’s almost like she feels that faith, hope and a positive mind will play an important role in her well-being. However, the conflict lies when her own father, an atheist, has long lost his faith and longs for her to seek out the medical and practical methods at hospital.
Meanwhile, Jay on the other hand behaves like one of the lads, encouraging dares, drinking, racing, being leary and flirting with many. He is a typical bad boy, with the good looks and the carefree attitude with nerve and a cheekiness about him. But Jay’s characters also holds an inner demon inside of him after suffering many bad and tragic ordeals. He has reached a point in his life where nothing matters and so he does as he pleases.
The story is told from the perspectives of both Naida and Jay, making the reader aware of both of their circumstances, feelings and their own esteem. I love this as the reader can gain an understanding of their thoughts and actions. Because of this there is a nice build up to the meeting of these two souls, albeit it is mysterious considering Naida’s vision of a shadowy figure, green eyes – without knowing who they belong to.
It’s obvious that they both have this deep connection and as they realise each other’s inner souls the reader longs for them to reveal all and, where possible, use it to help the other. Will Jay face his demon? If so, who will win? And will Naida deal with her cancer in a positive manner?
Naida’s Uncle Zachriel is a great supporting character with the patience and understanding to help Naida, and later Jay. He is the one who helps Naida look further and further into her soul where she finds a darkness within her. Without swaying her decisions either way he guides her and yet allows her to be independent and make her own decisions. He trusts her judgement and reasoning. Zachriel also encourages her to make more progress each time they sit and look within, once Naida had decided that this was the way for her.
Although a beautiful story I felt that the characters could have explored each other more. To really beef the story up it would have benefited from more romantic suspense and a physical love scene in order to allow the reader to really feel the depth of their feelings for each other. This would have made for a more emotive ending.
However, I did feel that as I continued reading the intensity and emotion did build up, crescendo-like (albeit gradually), until the very end. It is also at this point when I realised just how meaningful the title of the book is! Of course I’m not to spoil the story but the latter chapters were amazing to read and I thoroughly enjoyed them. It is great fantasy writing, especially the tension and conflict between Jay and his demon.
I would certainly recommend this read to young adults and over of whom are particularly interested in fantasy, but be prepared for a little paranormal.
A copy of Heart of Eternity was provided by the author, N. Jay, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
Heart of Eternity by N. Jay can be found at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Reviewed by Caroline Barker
Blurb: Lilly is ten years old, born with a heart defect, and already addicted to heroin. Her mother is gone from her life, and there are rumors that she was killed by her father and buried near the abandoned house across the street. The house intrigues her, she can’t stay away, and the monstrous homeless man who lives there has been trying to get Lilly to come inside.
For her mother is there, buried in the back, and this homeless man is Lilly’s true father, and both want their daughter back.
Review
Milk – Blood is a completely unique horror, mixing the physical tension of fear, dread and violence with psychological and social concerns of poverty, drug abuse and social care surrounding a motherless young girl, Lilly, who has been struggling with a terrible illness from birth and later comes to learn the true fate of her mother as well as becoming reliant on heroin.
There is a sense of darkness and eeriness in the setting alone, with the story based on a rundown street in Detroit in a poverty-stricken area where virtually every other home is boarded up, the homeless roam the road in need for shelter and crime and drug use is always an issue. Lilly has to walk down this road on the way home from school every weekday evening, with the dark house across the street and a strange, creepy homeless man calling to her. She is teased by school kids and returns home to be ignored regularly and yet still dealing with her illness and pain. And yet these latter issues are nothing compared to the horror she is to encounter deeper into the story.
I found the opening chapters alone of particular interest as Matthews has written the same scene but from each point of view, i.e. the mother’s and her partner’s. This enables the reader from the offset of the story to empathise as much as possible with both sides. I found these chapters, although very tragic concerning the death surrounding the mother, very beautifully written when it came to the partner taking care of the very ill newborn. Such a caring and gently written sequence is rare in many horrors. It is because of this that I believe Milk – Blood begins like a thriller which later develops into a horror.
To use a child, especially one so young and addicted to heroin, I thought was daring of the author in this type of horror and yet it plays out really well. There were moments earlier on in the story that I couldn’t quite comprehend the direction of the story, however these passed very quickly and as the reader continues the story opens out into a great psychological horror that will not disappoint the reader! Due to the content I would recommend that the reader is of mature age of at least 17yrs.
The homeless guy in the boarded up house across the street is also one that has his demons (and for me could have easily been a development of a scavenging character from one of Matthews’ previous books, On the Lips of Children). For he sees and hears more than you would expect. Whether it is partly due to his drug intake or a ‘gift’ he has it adds a deep sense of grittiness, mystery and fear and the reader cannot help but long Lilly to have nothing to do with this character. Of course, Lilly might just get sucked into some inevitable danger as the reader is pulled into the horror too.
Mark Matthews has written Milk – Blood in a clever manner, being able to use some personal experiences and developing them into a suspenseful horror. And not all meets the eye to begin with but as the story wraps up (which it does superbly well) the reader is treated to a little more and realises that there certainly is a purpose for every character mentioned! Despite there being many horrific and tragic scenes, the real horror is where the story takes us – the end result.
This is written in a fantastic way and I love how the reader has no sense of the bigger picture until the conclusion! Although my personal favourite book of Mark Matthews is On the Lips of Children, this one is very close, using a blend of horror from On the Lips of Children as well as the social and dramatic elements of the author’s Stray. (The links of Stray and On the Lips of Children will take you to my previous reviews and some background info on Mark Matthews with On the Lips of Children review.)
A copy of Milk – Blood was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
Milk – Blood is available on Amazon US and Amazon UK.
Milk – Blood was recently released in June 2014. The cover design is from Kealan Patrick Burke of Elderlemon Design, and the story was edited by Richard Thomas, Editor in Chief at Dark House Press.
The term upon which the title is based, “Milk-Blood” was made famous in the Neil Young Song “The Needle and the Damage Done.” A companion piece featuring a character from Milk-Blood, The Damage Done, is available for free on Amazon and has been receiving tremendous reviews.
Reviewed by Caroline Barker
Blurb: The saga continues. He has returned, but not yet awakened to fulfill His destiny.
With The Re-Awakening, the second book of the Second Coming Series, author Carter Vance continues the thrilling story of the modern day return of Christ.
Like the first book, it is full of action and suspense that takes place in a chaotic world reeling towards the prophesied Apocalypse.
The first book, The Return, re-counted the circumstances of His birth. The Re-Awakening chronicles the events of His growth and the re-acquiring of His Christ Consciousness.
The first son in the bloodline of Jesus Christ, Lazarus J. Christos, must immerse Himself in the modern day world and prepare to fulfill His mission that has been prophesied for two thousand years.
With the aide of the order of the Knights Templars, long existing in the shadows, and the even less known organization of The Founders, young Lazarus, on a path of personal discovery, encounters His doubts and faces His fears of His ability to fulfill His mission.
Meanwhile, His enemies mount their plan for His eradication and their goal of world domination. They believe there is a way for them to prevail beyond the prophecies. These Dark Forces embark upon a worldwide hunt for legendary artifacts of power that might tip the balance of power to their advantage for the forthcoming ultimate battle of good versus evil for the soul of humanity.
Review
Another mysterious, dark read from Carter Vance in regard to the Second Coming!
After failing to prevent the rebirth of Christ (The Return, Second Coming #1), the Dark Forces are now out to track Him down in order to keep a watchful eye on Him, being ready to pounce at any time but also to be made aware of His movements and gauge what He could be learning and planning for future events.
Meanwhile, these Dark Forces also spend their own time planning for a major worldwide event to take place in which they will almost probably come head-to-head with the Reborn and therefore seek many relics and objects of religious and powerful value to assist them with their cause, in the hope that these items will give them power, wealth and control.
The Re-Awakening is written well, if a little on the heavy descriptive side. It is also an educational read in some areas. The author has again clearly carried out a great deal of research into historical events, myths, relics and many religious ideas mentioned in The Bible. This is obvious due to his fantastic in-depth explanation of them and their meaning. Carter Vance supports his fictional side/story well with these historical facts, and biblical/theological ideas. Vance also expresses his knowledge of The World and it’s geography as this trilogy covers almost all areas of the globe.
As The Re-Awakening is the second book of a trilogy I found most of this book was the basis for the third and final story in the Second Coming Trilogy. I found the first half, particularly the first third quite descriptive of the relics, their meaning and concentrating on the politics of the Dark Forces, mostly within the Vatican.
Due to the heavy descriptive style I found The Re-Awakening to be a more challenging read as it did not keep me engrossed at times. (Although it would be fair of me to mention that this is not my usual/preferable type of read.) Many of the chapters begin at different points and/or with different characters of the story during the first few chapters, making it a little more difficult to follow. Although this does make it an interesting screen-play style read.
For a fictional story it does lack the fluid-like story-telling and the reader can easily lose track for a while. Due to this writing style, as I mentioned in my review of The Return (Book 1), there is little connection between the characters and the reader, making it difficult to relate to and sympathise with the characters.
As the Re-Awakening is setting up for the finale, Book 3 of the Second Coming trilogy, I did find it interesting how Laz Christos (the Reborn) develops into a young man and how he is educated and experiences life across the globe. Although initially wanting to put The Re-Awakening down, I persisted and was amazed by the end just how much it had actually sucked me back in. It certainly has an air of mystery about it. I did miss the Knights Templar a little as they did have little to do in this book, however I did welcome reading about Laz and his family, as well as the kinky nuns working for the Darker Side who do add a little relief to the seriousness of the book!
A copy of The Re-Awakening was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
The Re-Awakening is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Reviewed by Caroline Barker
Blurb: What happens in Paris . . .
Since returning home, Sammy’s been struggling desperately to remember her friends and her adventures back in the Wild West. Were they real? Could the vampires, the werewolves, even Harry be just figments of her imagination? Desperate for answers, Sammy has returned to the Underground, where it all began, and finds herself snatched back in time once again.
Plunged into the middle of a desperate battle, Sammy’s soon fighting for her life, for her memories . . . and for her man!
Short, sharp and sexy, this is the perfect remedy for O’Rourke addicts needing a quick hit, and for new readers looking for something new and exciting!
REVIEW
After the action and thrills from Samantha’s adventures in the Wild West (Vampire Seeker – Samantha Carter #1) Samantha is back in the present day wondering if it was all real or just a dream. She keeps returning to the Underground regularly in the hope that she could go back in time again. Despite the danger, fear or mystery she simply can’t let go of the idea of seeing her friends from Vampire Seeker, in particular Harry, again!
From the first few pages I could feel my muscles tense and my heart pace quicken, with the sense of excitement and thrills becoming more and more. Tim’s novella writing style is absolutely spot on in Vampire Flappers. The first few pages offer the reader an understanding of where the plot and characters are and then we jump straight into the action, adventure, mystery, violence and thrill!
The Samantha Carter series already has to be my favourite of Tim O’Rourke’s books. If I could be any character of any book it would be Sammy – partly because of Harry and also because she has everything I would be interested in, with her studying of criminology, her interest in vampires, her time travel experiences, her sense of adventure and keeping herself from living an average life in the hope that she could one day pursue her experience of time travel and the paranormal again.
Of course, it doesn’t take long for the reader, along with Sammy, to be sucked back into the 1920’s, France,, where all is a little confusing and mysterious for Sammy initially. However, it doesn’t take too long before O’Rourke plunges into the action and the reader is swept off their feet with chases, fight scenes, blood and gore, only to be led into a highly tense, powerful and intimate scene which will never leave your mind!!
The character Harry is the HOTTEST damn thing on the planet, and by far my favourite male character of any book I have ever read! He is demanding, aggressive, powerful and completely spellbinding. He can certainly handle himself well, not to mention Sammy. Tim O’Rourke certainly knows how to write a sexy, passionate scene!!
The reader is left curious when it comes to Sammy’s character in Harry’s life. Harry hints that she cannot remember what has been said to her or certain events, meaning that some part of Sammy must be/have been with Harry at certain times and yet she has no idea what he is talking about. For Sammy, she has only travelled back in time twice, and after the first time, she feels like she is forgetting moments already. The whole time travel aspect adds a great deal of mystery to Sammy, the reader and the story.
I could not lose the exhilarating feeling I had even many hours after I had read Vampire Flappers!!! I cannot wait to find out more in Vampire Watchmen (Samantha Carter #2), due out in September 2014.
A copy of Vampire Flappers (Samantha Carter #1.5) was received for the purpose of an honest and fair review.
Vampire Flappers (Samantha Carter #1.5) by Tim O’Rourke is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Reviewed by Caroline Barker
Already reaching the Top 100 horrors on Amazon upon it’s release, A Reader’s Review Blog is excited to provide the press release details for the supernatural horror MILK-BLOOD by Mark Matthews. I cannot wait to review this one in the next few weeks!!! But for now, check out the blurb and quotes from early reviews, as well as the links! Enjoy!!
“One of the most anticipated reads of the summer.” –The Horror Bookshelf
MILK-BLOOD, by Mark Matthews, is now available on Amazon. It is a tale of urban horror set in Detroit that may be unlike anything you’ll read all year. MILK-BLOOD is the follow up to On the Lips of Children,the author’s debut piece of horror. The cover design is from Kealan Patrick Burke of Elderlemon Design, and the story was edited by Richard Thomas, Editor in Chief at Dark House Press.
What’s it about?
Lilly is ten years old, born with a heart defect, and already addicted to heroin. Her mother is gone from her life, and there are rumors that she was killed by her father and buried near the abandoned house across the street. The house intrigues her, she can’t stay away, and the monstrous homeless man who lives there has been trying to get Lilly to come inside.
For her mother is there, buried in the back, and this homeless man is Lilly’s true father, and both want their daughter back.
The term upon which the title is based, “Milk-Blood” was made famous in the Neil Young Song “The Needle and the Damage Done.” A companion piece featuring a character from Milk-Blood, The Damage Done, is available for free on amazon and has been receiving tremendous reviews.
Praise for MILK-BLOOD
“An incredibly powerful story and one of the most original horror novels I have read in years. Guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat!”—The Horror Bookshelf
“I had to keep on reading no matter what, not able to break its spell.” -Goodreads Librarian
“The originality and tension of the urban horror story, Milk-Blood is evident on every page. Matthews takes you to some very dark places, twists and turns, with the rabbit hole going deeper and deeper, until there is no way out. Not for the faint of heart, this story of love, loss, family and acceptance is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.” — Richard Thomas, author of Staring Into the Abyss
“What a dark, twisted and bizarre book this was. One of the most striking urban horror stories I have read in a long time.” —Author Adam Light
“This is a helluva story. A discomforting tale of true inner city horrors, told by characters so real they pop off the page. Add the supernatural mix to the story and it really grabs you by the throat. Very much recommended!”— John F.D. Taff, author of Little Deaths
You can also check out our review of On the Lips of Children, also by Mark Matthews.
Official Author Page for Novelist Nina R Schluntz
Just another WordPress.com weblog
Books, Reviews and bookish thoughts
A Reader Lives A Thousand Lives Before He Dies.
"So many books, so little time" - Frank Zappa
Romance writer and reader
All about my written words...
Epic fantasy & military sci-fi author.
Creative writing advice videos
Books, reviews and more...
Submit your film, screenplay, novel, to the festival and get it showcased at the FEEDBACK Festival. Full Feedback on all entries.
Submit your work for FULL FEEDBACK, plus get it performed/showcased at the monthly festival.
Books and writing
Entertainment news, film reviews, awards, film festivals, box office, entertainment industry conferences
Strong Women. Strong Words.
Author of dark and powerful romance novels
areadersreviewblog 