December 1, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Demonica by Will Davis plus 2 free ebook GIVEAWAYS

Demonica_Cover_(Resized)

The dark, psychological, modern day fairy tale and horror ‘Demonica’ by Will Davis is released today by Hashtag Books!

Already a renowned author, Will Davis is already published by Bloomsbury and a prize winning author for his debut novel ‘My Side of The Story’.

Check out the blurb for new novel ‘Demonica’ below followed by our review! SCROLL DOWN FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE E-COPY OF DEMONICA!!!

When spoilt eighteen year old Miranda suffers a terrible accident she survives, but her face is hideously scarred.

Unable to bear what has happened to her, she locks herself away. Her only companions are Veronica, her cruel and beautiful mother, and Nelly, the sympathetic housekeeper.

As time passes Veronica inflicts cruelty after cruelty on her disfigured daughter. Lonely and filled with despair, Miranda is astonished when Bernard, Veronica’s handsome younger boyfriend, takes an interest in her circumstances.

For Bernard believes there is an operation that can restore Miranda’s face. But it will involve committing an unspeakable crime. A decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life…

In the tradition of Angela Carter and Daphne du Maurier, Demonica is a terrifying modern fairy tale.

Caroline’s review:-

Will Davis’ Demonica has disturbed me like no other book! This sickening, twisted, dark psychological horror will certainly overhang your mind for weeks, if not months to come. It is a brilliant read for those that enjoy reading an uncertain trail of events as the storyline for the main character, Miranda, goes from bad to worse. It sure is a dark, dark read but I love the unpredictability and how stories like this feed my morbid curiosities.

The reader does not necessarily like or sympathise with Miranda initially as she is quite mean and cruel. She is the type of girl that uses her beauty to get what she wants and being left to her own devices she regularly finds herself in some sort of mischief. However, the reader is aware of the lack of attention paid to her by her parents and can begin to understand why Miranda is the way she is.

Will Davis wastes no time in reaching the beginning of the terror with the accident that is to change Miranda’s life forever. The description and account of the accident is a very powerful, dramatic and horrifying piece of writing which is a little bit too real at times, as well as being surreal. I think this is what makes it so chilling – that it is so realistic at times!

“I landed several metres away, my body twisting terribly as I hit the earth for a second time. Then the noise and light was joined by pain. Bright red was streaking out around my eyes and this time it wasn’t my hair. It was because my head was on fire. I couldn’t move to do anything about it. I couldn’t feel my legs. All I could feel was the white hot sensation of the flames.”

After the accident Miranda’s face is left severely scarred. This is extremely difficult for her to come to terms with and so she locks herself away at home. She not only has to deal with her physical and mental scars of the accident, but she has to suffer emotional abuse from her mother, Veronica, leaving her more than completely ruined. The reader is appalled at Veronica’s reaction to her daughter. Veronica truly is cruel, making her own daughter call her Veronica and indulging in beauty treatments and men right before Miranda’s eyes.

Hatred is probably the feeling the reader has for Veronica. Just like the feelings a little girl has for all of those step-mothers of princesses in traditional fairytales. Within the actual story, Demonica has been likened to Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. We’ve all come to learn the traditional fairytales where the role of the step-mother is to be jealous of their step-daughters and cause or plan to harm them. However, in this instance it is Miranda’s birth mother – which makes it even more bewildering for the reader to believe and this creates very dark, passionate feelings of hate towards Veronica. The reader feels Miranda’s pain and can easily sympathise with her at this point.

Miranda received her care and attention from their housekeeper, Nelly. I absolutely adored the character, Nelly. Nelly saw sense and was aware of the relationship that Miranda had with Veronica. Nelly, although always kind and caring, was also very matter-of-fact, and tried to encourage Miranda to make the most of what she had. Nelly was always very accepting of Miranda and made everything sound so practical. These moments lightened the mood a little and the reader is grateful for Nelly’s input as she is someone who sees sense and can hopefully give Miranda a nudge in the right direction.

However, to make matters worse still, Miranda begins to fall for one of Veronica’s male friends, Bernard. Apart from Nelly, he is the only one to take notice of her and not be horrified of her looks but accept her for who she is. Bernard provides hope for Miranda that one day she will look beautiful again with the help of a surgeon he is familiar with. To go ahead would mean that Miranda would have to carry out a twisted, immoral crime for her own selfish reasons. But will it work out? Will it be worth it?

Demonica surely provides the reader with many emotions, which are constantly changing from one extreme to another. Morals are certainly questioned and I found myself trying to empathise with Miranda’s situation. However, I’m sure many readers would agree that Miranda made a sickening choice, despite what she had been through prior to her decision, to go along with Bernard’s hint of a suggestion. This selfish decision surely did haunt Miranda forever and readers will question Miranda’s integrity!

I found it fascinating that there was not a true hero/heroine in Demonica. Nelly would be my heroine of the whole story even though she is more of a supporting character. I think, for me, that this is what makes Demonica quite realistic as many of the characters are flawed, just as many people are. It is not the fact that there are good and bad but the fact that we are all both. Only in Demonica, the bad is really bad, downright cruel and completely unforgiveable. As a reader, you’re mind will be scarred after experiencing Demonica. Be warned!

An Advanced Reader’s Copy was provided by Tim O’Rourke of Hashtag Books for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Will Davis’ Demonica is now available on Amazon UK and Amazon US. For more information please check out Hashtag Books.

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE E-COPY OF DEMONICA PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! THE CLOSING DATE WILL BE FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2013!

The lucky winners will be randomly selected on this date! Good luck everyone!!!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

December 1, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella) by Christine S. Feldman

SEASONAL ROMANTIC FUN

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella #1) gripped me from the first few pages and the story grows very quickly in this short, beautiful, seasonal contemporary romantic novella.

Trish encounters her former school bully, Ian, at her bakery years after high school has finished. He has absolutely no idea who she is and Trish decides to use this at her advantage and begins to plan her revenge. However, Trish becomes drawn into Ian’s life in ways she’d never imagine and during this time her plans for revenge diminish. After spending time with him and finding out more about him, i.e. his childhood and the man he is today, she begins to have feelings for him. The trouble she has now is explaining to Ian who she really is. Will she be able to tell him? If so, how will he react?

I loved the little comical opening with Trish cowering behind the counter of the bakery where she works, hiding from her High School devil. This scene immediately grabs the readers attention, making you curious and interested in finding out about this guys character and the history he has with Trish.

After initially hiding and wanting nothing to do with Ian, Trish then decides to use this opportunity on a game of revenge to teach him a lesson. However, it doesn’t quite go to plan. And as Trish’s situation snowballs the drama grows as does the feeling Trish and Ian have for each other, making the reader eagerly anticipate the outcome of this magical but tricky ride!

To lighten the drama there are some fun moments, especially when Trish is back at her bakery and there is some teasing between her and her friends about Ian. There are moments that made me laugh out loud and this was one of them:-

(Trish) “No. I’m just…confused.”

(Nadia) “About what? Which end of him to start nibbling on first?”

There are some comical moments in there which is a great way to add some light relief from the drama and tension!

Without elaborating (for fear of spoiling anything) I would have liked to have read more about how Trish helped Kelsey with her Dana situation, however the main focus on this short novella is the connection between Trish and Ian.

Pastels & Jingle Bells is beautifully written. It captures the festive season with the cold temperatures, snow, painting scenery on the window and christmas trees, plus the magical sparkle of romance. Everything you could want from a contemporary romance is packed into this short novella. The length of the novella is also perfect for this time of year – with people busy shopping and visiting. This story can be read easily within an hour or so. I certainly would like to read more of Christine S. Feldman’s work.

Pastels & Jingle Bells was received from the author, Christine S. Feldman, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

You can check it out at Goodreads, Amazon UK (77p) and Amazon US ($1.25). Please note that prices are correct at the time of posting but may be subject to change.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 21, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Christine S. Feldman’s ‘Pastels & Jingle Bells’ novella – blurb & info

Are you ready to begin the festive season? I have been Christmas shopping, watching Christmas movies, looking forward to putting up our Christmas tree next week and……..

………. I have finished reading my first seasonal novella, Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella #1), by Christine S. Feldman! Check out the blurb below for this beautiful seasonal contemporary romance (review to follow shortly in December):-

Trish Ackerly never expected to cross paths with Ian Rafferty again, but when she spots the former bully of her childhood years through her bakery window, she thinks she may just have been given the best Christmas gift ever: the opportunity to finally give Ian the comeuppance he deserves.

But clearly she does not have a knack for this whole revenge thing, because before she can make good on her plans, Trish gets inadvertently drawn into Ian’s life in an unexpected way that lets her see just how different the man is from the boy he used to be. In fact, much to her astonishment, she actually starts to like the guy.

A lot.

Trouble is, Ian doesn’t know who she really is, and explaining it to him is going to be a little difficult now—which is bad news, because Trish is starting to realize that all she really wants for Christmas this year…is Ian.

Like the sound of Pastels & Jingle Bells? I can assure you it is a lovely, short read that can easily fit into your busy shopping schedule.

You can check it out at Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK (77p) and Amazon US ($1.23). Please note that prices are correct at the time of posting but may be subject to change.

My review will be posted in December as we begin the run-up to Christmas. Enjoy!

Happy reading,

Caroline 🙂

November 19, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Roping Love (short story) by Tamara Hoffa plus author bio

Roping Love is an adult heart-warming western romance with a sense of erotica.

Cowboy Chance sure did rope and reel Carrie in a decade earlier but can he do it again? She fell for him and gave herself to him, and yet he left her feeling abandoned. Chance didn’t pick up or return Carrie’s calls, making her feel like a used fool. Carrie never completely understood what happened between them and had to carry on with her life by throwing everything she had into her horses. She bred them and trained them. They were her life.

However, after keeping away from the Showmanships and the All American Quarter Horse Congress all of this time, it was Carrie’s nephew, Tyler, who encouraged her to take him and go to the Congress. After reluctantly agreeing, and thinking it now unlikely that she would see Chance, it just so happened that she unknowingly walked straight back into his life. Angry, hurt and destroyed she wanted nothing to do with him.

It is so easy for the reader to sympathise with Carrie and fight her corner all the way. On the other hand, Chance is hot and all he wants is an opportunity to explain. So what do you say, guys? Should Carrie hear him out or leave him out?

The tragedy is that although he had his reasons for not continuing their relationship they both paid for it in their own ways. Now they are given another chance but will it happen this time round?

When it comes to attention to detail Tamara Hoffa is fantastic. Although a little ignorant of horse-rearing/showing myself Tamara does explain this subject in detail. For me, there was slightly too much description in this area as I prefer a little more action and dialogue but if you love a descriptive style of writing you’ll feel the complete setting and enjoy every second of this heartfelt story.

Although a very short story there is enough time for the drama to build and the reader to get to know the characters. Tamara Hoffa goes out to all lengths to ensure that the eroticism is hot, sensual and pulse-raising. The tension and momentum are perfect and reels the reader in. Maybe I am a little greedy as I was hoping for another saucy scene later on and was a little disappointed when that wasn’t to be.

Roping Love is extremely short and could have offered a little more if made into a full length novel with possible sub plots including Chance’s brother, Chase. However, I did enjoy this little tale and would like to read more of Tamara Hoffa’s work.

TAMARA HOFFA – BIO

Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 5 dogs and 1 cat. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

Contact Links:

Buy links:

Secret Cravings Publishing

Bookstrand

Roping Love was received gratefully from the author, Tamara Hoffa, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 16, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Coming soon: DEMONICA by Will Davis

Due for release in two weeks time, 1st December 2013, author Will Davis will be releasing his new novel, a horrifying modern-day fairytale , ‘Demonica‘!

Demonica will be published by Hashtag Books. Hashtag Books is a new publishing company established by author Tim O’Rourke, Lynda O’Rourke and Peter Buckman (who sold the movie rights for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ amongst many other accolades spanning 50 years in the TV, Movie and publishing industry).

Tim O’Rourke: “This is one great read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book!”

I will certainly be reviewing this one very, very soon. In the meantime, check out the blurb below and add to your to-read lists:-

When spoilt eighteen year old Miranda suffers a terrible accident she survives, but her face is hideously scarred.

Unable to bear what has happened to her, she locks herself away. Her only companions are Veronica, her cruel and beautiful mother, and Nelly, the sympathetic housekeeper.

For Bernard believes there is an operation that can restore Miranda’s face. But it will involve committing an unspeakable crime. A decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life…

In the tradition of Angela Carter and Daphne du Maurier, Demonica is a terrifying modern fairy tale.

Will Davis is already published by Bloomsbury and a prize winning author for his debut novel ‘My Side of The Story’.

Happy reading, guys!

Caroline 🙂

November 11, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Our latest blog update by Caroline

Hello readers, it has been about a month since our last update. I hope you have all enjoyed half term, Halloween and Guy Fawkes! It is now time when the nights are drawing in earlier and it is getting much colder. So just before, the Christmas hustle and bustle with all that shopping, snuggle up with a book! We’d love to hear what you are reading. In the meantime, here is what we have been reading:-

UNSCATHED by Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard

Unscathed is a great collaboration of my two favourite authors. Whilst concentrating on a contemporary romance theme, it is not without its slight paranormal hint which ends with a deadly twist! This one is not to be missed by any romance or paranormal fans!

Speaking of my favourite authors, the following two reviews are their solo ventures.

I Dead Water (Kiera Hudson Series Two, #6) have reviewed Tim O’Rourke’s DEAD WATER (Keira Hudson, Series 2 Book 6)‘. In this fantasy paranormal half-breed Keira and her Vampyrus friends are to make their way to the Dead Water in search for their friends, Kayla and Sam? Will they make it? And if they do, will they find what they are looking for?

The recent release of C.J. Pinard’s paranormal/urban fantasy Enchanted Immortals novella, BSI: Bureau of Supernatural Investigation grabbed my attention, especially after having read the whole series to date. Here C.J. goes into the history of the BSI: it’s formation, it’s founders as well as the reasons for it’s existence. This novella is great to read either as an introduction to the series or as a follow-up. The bonus is that it can be read at anytime of the series and is currently FREE on Smashwords!

More recently, I have been indulging myself with an amusing chick-lit with Laura Barnard’s ‘The Debt & the Doormat’! This is a super read, one of the funniest books I have read with it’s Bridget Jones/Miranda style humour! You will be in for a treat. Especially as it is FREE on Smashwords and Amazon at the moment.

HALLOWEEN

During Halloween Tina examined the magical qualities of fairy rings, with some examples of their enduring mythology around the world and suggested some suitable paranormal reads for Halloween. Click here to find out more.

I also reviewed a suitable story for this time of year with a HALLOWEEN HORROR in Steve Vernon’s ‘Tatterdemon‘. The town of Crossfall is cursed some 300 years previous. After a victim of an abusive husband kills her other half and buries him in the field outside their home he is resurrected as a demon to fulfil the curse – to ultimately destroy the town of Crossfall! Certainly one to read under those blankets!!!

During the following few weeks my intentions are to review the short erotic romance, ‘Roping Love’ by Tamara Hoffa, Peter Kassan’s sci-fi/paranormal ‘Lightpoints‘ and a book full of humour by the DJ/Comedian Hogwild, ‘Baby, You’re as Sweet as 3.14159265’! I will also try to review Molly Ringwald’s contemporary chick-lit, ‘When it Happens to You’.

Pastels and Jingle Bells (Heavenly Bites Novellas, #1) For the beginning of December I also have a little festive treat with Christine S. Feldman’s ‘Pastels and Jingle Bells’ (a Heavenly Bites novella). This is a great seasonal kickstart with from the contemporary romance genre.

Tina’s Recent Reads and Posts – Click on the links to find out more

Bella’s Bethrothal, by Anne Stenhouse – Delightfully Engaging Sweet Regency Romance – an exciting and engrossing read, which gripped me from the first page. It has murder, attempted kidnap and evil intent, family secrets, malicious gossip and mayhem, plus much wit and humour and engaging characters, not least the hero and heroine, whose sweet romance is at the heart of the plot.

A Heartless Design, by Elizabeth Cole – Fast Paced and Oh So Sexy Regency Romantic Suspense! An absolute delight. It contains a Regency style James Bond and an unconventional lady of independent means in a raunchy and rambunctious read. It absolutely sizzles with passion and desire and houses secrets that threaten the very security of the country, peppered with danger and deceit.

K- Girls (#1 in the Kylemore Abbey Series, by Lydia Little – A Spirited Tale of Irish Boarding School Escapades – Readers of all ages who relish tales of high jinks and adventure with a paranormal twist will enjoy K-Girls. The read will be particularly nostalgic for those such as me who spent their youth in the 1980’s and enjoyed reading Enid Blyton’s St Clare’s and Malory Towers series.

Save Dschinannya – An Invitation from Author Birgit Kluger aka J. B. Brooklin – Read Demons Die Harder, #1 in the Creatures of Fire Series for FREE and Get Involved in #2 of the Series. In Demons Die Harder, she is a half demon, oblivious to her true nature. He is a demon set out to avenge murder. Together they are hunted by the one person she thought she could trust. Separate they may be able to save each others lives. Contribute to the Crowd Funding Project “Save Dschinnanya!” with only 1 USD … or more. In return supporters will receive lots of extras.

Author Spotlight: Beverly Ovalle and her new release Lightning Strike – An erotic romance, which includes magic, a sacred glen, and a special female out to convince its guardian to continue the protection given by his ancestors.

Joshua’s Tree, by N.W. Harris – A Wild Ride through a Future Earth! This Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy, is a great romp, with a fantastic kick ass heroine and an unlikely hero who is transported to the future. It is set in a strange landscape, with terrifying cannibalistic creatures and it contains intervention from on high and non-stop adventure. There is also a budding romance and a plot that involves both personal growth and self-sacrifice. First novel in a series.

Tina’s Next Reads

Tina’s next reads include Samantha Holt’s One Knight Collection of sensual tales and A Handful of Blossoms, by Lara Biyuts, an historical novel with a paranormal twist. She will also be reviewing PODs , a Young Adult Sci-Fi/Dystopian novel, by Michelle Pickett and participating in her Blog Tour:

One Knight Collection (Medieval Romance), Samantha Holt

A collection of sensual medieval short stories – comprises One Knight, Black Knight, White Knight and Highland Knight. If you had one night to prove your love…could you?

A Handful of Blossoms, Lara Biyuts, Historical/Paranormal

This is written in form of a diary, a genre popular in the 18th century and which resonates in our time of blogging, webdiaries and webjournals. The book, set in 1764, a year after the Seven Years War in Europe, tells the story of a young damsel and her weird and unconventional marriage. It also includes some paranormal elements.

PODs, Michelle Pickett, Young Adult Science Fiction/Dystopia Romance

Seventeen-year-old Eva is one of those chosen to live, others face a swift and painful death from an incurable virus. Eva waits in an underground POD system, with other chosen until the virus has claimed those above. In the PODs she meets David. After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating… monsters.

Lastly, I would just like to mention that on Wednesday 30th October A Reader’s Review Blog was 1 year old. Tina and myself would love to thank all of our followers, readers and authors for all of their support! We wouldn’t be here without you. Please keep on reading, keep on writing and keep on following! Any shares, ‘likes’ and/or tweets are very important to us. You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.comAReadersReview and on Twitter @areadersreviewb.

THANK YOU 🙂

Caroline and Tina x

November 11, 2013 by Caroline Barker

The Debt & The Doormat by Laura Barnard

The Debt & the Doormat FUN, FUNNY, FUNNIER AND………….FREE, FREE, FREE!!!!

If you are looking for an amusing adult chick-lit with plenty of comedy, romance and a little drama then look no further than this incredible story by Laura Barnard, ‘The Debt and the Doormat’. This FREE fun chick-lit has the British humour like that of Helen Fielding’s ‘Bridget Jones’ and Miranda Hart’s tv sitcom, self-titled ‘Miranda’. The comedy is silly, dry, sarcastic and some great slapstick clumsiness. The humour is strong throughout but brilliantly written around the main plot of a hopeful romance that brings its own drama to the fore. Tuck in girls – grab a glass of wine and/or a box of chocs for this delight of a story!

After living alone for a year after a break-up with her boyfriend life is about to change for Poppy. She discovers that her sociable, party-animal best friend, Jazz, is in debt and whilst having a few drinks together, they get absolutely sloshed, share a few antics and agree to swap lives for a while! Poppy is to move into Jazz’s house, shared with three roomates and live a party-style life, making friends and overcoming her life of possible reclusiveness since her relationship to Stuart ended. Meanwhile, Jazz is to remain at Poppy’s flat, keeping a low profile and saving some cash to pay off her debt!

This is a fantastic beginning for a story. The reader initially follows the main plot, is curious how the change in lifestyles will affect both women and is kept smiling from the sheer craziness of these two gals and their idea. There is something here for every woman as we connect to these characters, some of us are Poppy’s while others are more like Jazz. These two characters are so easy to relate to – we either know somebody like them or we are them!

Once Poppy settles in her new home the reader meets the housemates, Izzy, Ryan and Grace. Izzy doesn’t seem too different to Jazz. She is quite open, sociable and bubbly, if not a little too energetic and heavily into her exercise regime! Grace is the perfect model-type with great looks and a super body. However, Grace’s attitude lets her down as she can also be perceived as a super bitch (not a word I like to use, however the best word to describe Grace’s character)! And last but not least there is………

……… Ryan – oh yes, Ryan! Initially perceived as a slightly scruffy layabout he does have an air of gorgeousness about him and although he appears somewhat moody and grumpy he does go out of his way a fair bit to cover for Poppy’s awkwardness and mistakes. Poppy and Ryan appear to be the complete opposites to each other, with Ryan’s sophistication and coolness at times making Poppy feel like a fool. But, there are some slight sparks amid all the craziness and this gives the reader hope that these two will be together. One minute your heart is beating so fast with intensity as they grow a little closer and the next your heart hits the floor every time a new problem gets in the way! Laura Barnard doesn’t make this an easy straight forward read as there are many ups and downs that these two strong characters have, making it impossible for the reader to guess the outcome.

As well as the main plot there are other sub plots taking place with Poppy having troubles at work with the creepy bosses son, a colleague having trouble with her husband’s affair, her mother adding pressure to Poppy’s personal life and preparing for her brother’s wedding. Even more trouble comes Poppy’s way when her ex, Stuart, re-enters her life. There truly isn’t a quiet moment with The Debt and the Doormat and I loved every little bit of it. Every now and then throughout reading a book I like to check how far I have read and I was very pleased to see that I was only half way through the book as I didn’t want it to end.

The Debt and the Doormat is proper girly fun. Funnier than Bridget Jones, The Debt and the Doormat is possibly the funniest book I have ever read. It does have its more serious moments, especially in the latter half of the book when the characters Poppy and Ryan seem to be developing some feelings for each other, which really helps balance the story out. It is certainly well worth a read. I personally would love to read the story again and would like to hear more from Poppy and Ryan. We have been informed that a sequel is due in March/April 2014 which is brilliant news!

At the time of posting this book (in Kindle edition) is FREE at Amazon UK, Amazon US and (in many formats) at Smashwords! Don’t miss out!!!

The Debt and the Doormat was received gratefully from Laura Barnard for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Laura would love you to check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks and while you’re visiting please give her a ‘like’!

Laura also has her own website at www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk and is available on Twitter: @BarnardLaura

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 6, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Unscathed by Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard

I just absolutely had to be a little naughty and squeeze Unscathed into my schedule to read and review, after it has been written by two fantastic authors, Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard (my personal favourites at the moment). I was also curious to find out what ‘deadly twist’ Unscathed had in store for its readers in this seemingly contemporary romance. After being wowed so often by Tim and C.J. on their solo ventures I expected a similar reaction to Unscathed, and I was not disappointed. Unscathed exceeded my expectation tremendously and was a different type of ‘wow’ as the authors interweave a unique story of romance with a paranormal edge. Unscathed comes complete with two amazing main characters in Mina and Jax who have their own demons to tackle and some pretty hot sensual scenes that certainly turn the heat levels up!!!

English-born Mina Porter is sent to Florida, USA, to live with her uncle after an incident in London upsets her mother. Unfortunately for Mina her secret is difficult to escape from and when she meets Jax McElvoy, a tattooed bad boy mechanic, she feels compelled to follow him. It isn’t too long before Jax begins to take an interest in Mina and romance begins to blossom. That is until Mina’s strange behaviour makes him question her motives and he becomes determined to discover Mina’s secret. Once revealed, Jax wishes he hadn’t found out as it shockingly affects him personally in an unimaginable way. Is Mina crazy? Or does she hold answers that he needs to seek? Either way, how will he now deal with his feelings towards Mina and her secret?

What began as a contemporary romance, and what I initially felt was right for the Young Adult alone, began to turn into something a whole lot more with hints of the paranormal and a darker, denser plot as the story moved on, encapturing the mind for all adults. Due to the momentum of the story, the strong characters, style of writing and of course the curiosity and need to have to find all the answers I found Unscathed to be a quick read and had it read within a day.

Unscathed is told from Jax and Mina’s point of view, making it easy for the reader to connect to both characters as we are made aware of both of their histories. Mina is a girl that didn’t intend to cause any of the trouble that she found herself in. And yet in many ways it couldn’t be helped. Having to start a new life at her young age and to leave her mother and friends behind must have been an ordeal in itself as she has had to settle down and make new friends in Florida. This alone makes Mina a very strong character. She doesn’t seem too daunted by her new life in the US and even with her secret shadowing her she appears confident and sociable.

Jax, I LOVED Jax!!! Although much younger I personally couldn’t help but picture the character ‘Jax’ from FX’s ‘Sons of Anarchy’ series. Whilst the two characters’ appearance are different there were some similarities in their name, image of being a little rough/tough with tattoos and them both working at a garage. This made it so easy for me to instantaneously click with the character and want to fight his cause from the very beginning. Actually, ‘can I be Mina?’ I hear myself ask! Jax is HOT!

Jax and Mina’s chemistry is ELECTRIC! The physical scenes are written very sensually. It kept the momentum and the passion/intensity flowing. There is also a sense of realism when some of these moments don’t always end up rosey. The story can change very quickly from love being in the air to confusion and awkwardness between the characters due to the tension that is created from Mina’s behaviour and the revealing of her past and how it is possibly connected to Jax. The reader is left feeling sympathy for both characters.

Both characters had a type of common ground and both, over the course of the story, were willing to change or at least try to listen. Unscathed is quite tragic in many ways. This is a story that not only tells of the romance between two young adults but also of how their young, innocent lives have been affected by their elders, which in turn has forcd them to face truths that no young person should have to face. Due to their separate ordeals they are actually more mature than their peers but still feel the need to try and fit in.

Even after reading Unscathed I was still excited about the characters, the chemistry between them and the emotional ride that the reader goes on with them. I simply couldn’t stop thinking about this book. It is difficult to believe at the end of the novel that these two young individuals have only been together a short time as they have been through so much together.

Unscathed was received gratefully for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Unscathed it can be found on Amazon UK for £1.91 and Amazon US for $3.04. (Prices correct at the time of posting.)

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 31, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Tatterdemon by Steve Vernon – HALLOWEEN HORROR!!!

Steve Vernon’s ‘Tatterdemon’ is a horror like no other! It is more than appropriate to read at this time of year during the harvest and Halloween season! Highly recommended for adults only due to its violent, gory and horrific theme, Tatterdemon is full of terrifying tales as well as being one complete horrifying nightmare based in the small town of Crossfall. The town’s people have all been cursed by Thessaly Cross, a witch, 300 years previous and now after a wife-beating husband is killed by his wife he returns from being buried in his field as a zombie scarecrow – the Tatterdemon! Many of the local folk begin to take their personal matters into their own hands and face the ones they feel ridiculed or belittled by. As each person is killed the Tatterdemon is able to have them buried and then begins to raise the dead for more mayhem and to destroy the town of Crossfall for good!

The prologue introduces the reader to Thessaly Cross, a witch who has been condemned by the townsfolk and is being buried alive, after many various methods of trying to kill her has failed. She accuses them of trying to take her land and as she is being buried she ensures that she leaves the people of Crossfall with a curse for their descendants to encounter some 300 years later. We then fast forward to the present where Maddy Harker has had enough of her violent and abusive husband and kills him spontaneously with a frying pan after he comes home late complaining about his dinner or lack of it. Maddy then buries her husband, Vic, in the very same field that Thessaly Cross had been buried in all of those years before. Only for Vic to be raised from the dead as a demon of the witch, the Tatterdemon, a somewhat strange and scary vision of a scarecrow mixed together with mud, straw and of course Vic.

From the very beginning the reader is introduced to the atmosphere of Tatterdemon. It is dark and horrific, tense and terrifying with a great deal of violence and gore. Tatterdemon is certainly not for the young reader or those faint of heart, however it provides a story complete with action and evil depths that provides readers of the horror genre something profound to become gripped with instantaneously. It is a nail-biting and under-the covers type of read and works brilliantly late at night with the lights dimmed! Steve Vernon also shares his sense of humour which really relieves the tension and calms the blood in between the most tense scenes before it begins to boil with adrenalin again for more fear.

One of my favourite aspects of Tatterdemon are the characters. Many of them seem to be going through their own personal ordeals, however they are familiar with each other and as their paths cross their own troubles do too. From the victim of an abusive husband, Maddy, to the grieving husband of a suicide victim (who just so happens to keep his wife’s body in his freezer at home – and that is the Chief of Police for you), you can already begin to imagine what life might be like in Crossfall. From the creepy peeking mailman to the reclusive circus freak living reclusively in a trailer and to many, many more wonderful and weird characters. Tatterdemon in many respects is a fascinating read from the vivid imagination of Steve Vernon. If this genre is for you, Tatterdemon will tick all of the boxes that intrigues you and draws you in to this surreality.

Within each chapter the reader visits the different characters of Crossfall. And even though they have their own story to tell they are not too dissimilar from each other. The chapters themselves are broken down into smaller sections so that the reader can discover which character is doing what. In this way there is no waiting pages or whole chapters to find out what your favourite character is up to. The chapters have been put together cleverly and carefully in this manner. I also found this method to be faster to read and keep up with the story, especially with Vernon’s style of writing that is direct and easy to follow, allowing for plenty of momentum and horror to build up!

To make Tatterdemon the perfect horror story Steve Vernon hasn’t missed a thing from this genre. Tatterdemon holds it all, from witches, ghosts, zombies and killer scarecrows and complete with resurrections, spells and voodoo. There is no shortage of crime with murders and suicides taking place regularly. Yes, Tatterdemon is very disturbing but for all of the right reasons in this fantastic fun and gruesome horror!

Tatterdemon was provided by the author, Steve Vernon, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

The Kindle version of Tatterdemon is available at Amazon.com for $1.24 and at Amazon.co.uk for 77p! (Prices correct at the time of posting.)

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 31, 2013 by Caroline Barker

On the Lips of Children by Mark Matthews (with author bio and author post link)

Happy Halloween, readers. If you’re looking for something that’s chilling-to-the-bone to read on this cold, dark day then you may want to try Mark Matthews’ On the Lips of Children! You’ll most certainly need those bed covers to hide behind!

Caroline & Tina 🙂

areadersreviewblog

On the Lips of Children by Mark Matthews is absolutely terrifying and chilling to the bone, quite literally within the first few pages of the prologue. Certainly not for the younger reader, On the Lips of Children is an over 18yrs read due to the horror and gore, not to mention the emotional scar it leaves behind. This is definitely a must-read for all horror fans that like a book to leave a profound impact on them.

Macon is a tattoo artist and an avid marathon runner. These two interests of his are his life along with his partner, Erin, and their six year old daughter, Lyric. Erin and Macon have had their fair share of dark ordeals before they met, however nothing could have prepared them for the terrifying horror that they were about to encounter.

After arriving in San Diego to run a marathon in two days time…

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