November 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

BLOG TOUR with author interview Blood Master (Book 1 of the G.O.D.s series) by Kirsten Campbell

Blood Master

Book 1 of The G.O.D.s Series

By Kirsten Campbell

Genre: Urban Paranormal Fantasy

Blood Master Link on Amazon UK

Blood Master Link on Amazon US

Synopsis

2052: Two-thirds of the human population has been killed by the Great War, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Only one man survived the Death Plague, an albino man named Griffin Storm. He’s the only albino in existence. No one knows what happened to the other albinos, but most believe the rumors that they were eliminated by the Guild Faction’s deadly experiments.

Griffin is hiding out in Underground Atlanta. He has special abilities. He can manipulate crystal and glass. He uses these abilities for good, raiding warehouses and old buildings for food and medical supplies to give to the abandoned children that live in the Underground. During a raid, he meets Tassta Vinetti. She’s a resident of the legendary Brotherhood Fortress. Griffin is taken to the Brotherhood and chaos ensues as Tassta, her twin brother Penn and her Uncle Lerin Sanctobous keep their new visitor and his untold powers secret. They can not disclose that the only albino in existence is now at their fortress or they could all be in great danger.

Fact is, the Guild is hunting Griffin. He is the only survivor of their deadly experiments and his survival will have dynamic consequences. The Guild believes Griffin will transform into a G.O.D., a Genetically-enhanced Omni Dimensional being. If he transforms, he will have inter-dimensional doors within his body, doors that lead to heaven and hell. Griffin will become a Blood Master and he’ll be able to control the demons from the Dimension of Blood.

Will Griffin save the children of the Underground from their tragic life? Will he transform into a G.O.D. and become the Blood Master? Only time will tell…

INTERVIEW with Kirsten Campbell

Hi Kirsten,

Welcome to A Reader’s Review Blog! We would like to thank you for participating in an author interview for Blood Master.

I love the synopsis for Blood Master. What were your main influences for the story/character?

My influence for the storyline was in fact, my life. (I was abandoned at six years old, left with a terribly abusive grandmother.) For a long time I felt that I was robbed of my childhood. I somehow got past all the hurt feelings from the neglect and abuse and became what I truly wanted to be, a good parent and a fantastic grandmother. I envisioned a person like me (Griffin) when I wrote the G.O.D.s Series, a person that was robbed of their childhood, a person that somehow gets past that and manages to find love and show love and show deep emotional commitment.

After reading your bio I realize that you have had some dark moments. Have you used any of these experiences to help with your writing?

Yes, I have. Particularly when dealing with writing about the hungry, sick children of the Underground. When I was a child, starving and sick all the time, I wished for someone that cared enough to feed me, to clothe me and sometimes take me to the doctor. I used the pain of those moments to fuel the background of the story for the poor children of the Underground because though sick and hungry, the children still find ways to smile and be happy for a few moments, as I did.

Who is your favourite character in Blood Master, and why?

Why Griffin, of course. I truly love his innocence, his undying love and his ability to think before reacting.

Were there any particular scenes that you found either more difficult or easier to write?

Yes. The most difficult scene to write was (spoiler) the transformation, putting my sweet Griffin through so much pain. Unfortunately, for him to become a G.O.D. and for the Master Scroll books to be correct with their prophecy, Griffin had to change inwardly and outwardly.

What inspired you to write Blood Master?

Years ago, I got tired of all the vampires, werewolves and zombies. I was like, “God, can anyone come up with something different?” And—I did… LOL

Do you have a favourite author/book? If so, who/what and why?

I absolutely love Frank Herbert’s Dune Chronicles; beautiful writing, lovely world building and unforgettable characters. Yes, the books are long but there’s no way to get around that when there’s so much story to digest. I’m also a fan of Ron Silverberg, Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game) and Stephanie Meyer (Twilight Series). Hey, I just love to read.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I sculpt miniature dolls, make gemstone jewelry and paint landscapes. I go out with my grandkids, have dance contests with them at home and bake with them. (They love apple turnovers!) I also like long rides to unknown destinations and then I like to walk and walk, take in the scenery.

How would you describe your writing style?

My writing style is easygoing and real with mild swearing, just enough to give the writing a little flavor. LOL

What’s next for Kirsten Campbell?

I’m currently working on the second book of The G.O.D.s Series, Blood Storm. Griffin has to come to grips with his new abilities and decide whether his abilities are an attribute or a hindrance to the Brotherhood fortress.

Thank you for your time! We will look forward to hosting you as part of the blog tour! All the best for Blood Master and in the future!

Caroline, A Reader’s Review Blog

Author Info

Kirsten Campbell is the author of several short stories and poems that have been published in Bewildering Stories, Ascent Magazine, Beauty Talk, The Fairfield Review, Poets-Artists & Madmen, Interracial Voice, Sagazine Online, The Write Gallery, The Pittsburgh Quarterly Online, COBRA, The CoffeehousePress Journal and several other magazines.

Kirsten was abandoned by both mother and father at six-years-old and she somehow survived a very devastating childhood. She found strength and courage through reading and writing and she graduated from school, got married and raised four wonderful children. She also cared for several children that were abandoned by their parents and by society, (a few were literally left on her doorstep.) She fed and clothed them and sent them to school and taught them to be upstanding, decent members of society.

Kirsten wrote Blood Master several years ago and it developed into The G.O.D.s Series, a series of books that deal with Griffin Storm, a hero with feet of clay, a hero that saves the lives of several people, but most importantly, he saves hundreds of children from abandonment and neglect; takes them to a better life, (something of which Kirsten always wished for when she was a child.)

Her short story, “Dark Matters”, was published in Bewildering Stories and a character from the G.O.D.s Series made a special appearance in the story. Said character appears in the second book of the G.O.D.s Series, “Blood Storm”.

As a side note, Ladybug Press published her chapbook, “Poetry from the Covert Bourgeoisie,” in 2006 and her chapbook, “The Abandoning Kind,” was published by Pudding House Publications in 2009. She lives in Brewster, NY. , with her daughters and her five unbelievably beautiful grandchildren!

Links:

Website: http://www.kcampbell-gods.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GODsSeries

November 1, 2014 by Caroline Barker

SPOTLIGHT The Tears of San’Ferath by D. Thomas Jerlo

In a land that has lost its mage’ic, two souls are destined to meet, but an evil Nongéva Druid is pulling all the strings.

Book name: The Tears of San’Ferath

Book author: D. Thomas Jerlo

Date of Publication: August 29, 2014

Length: 72,000 words

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis: Allanoria is shifting into a new age—a world without mage’ic. For reasons unknown, I sense this is a passing phase, and that one day the land’s mage’ic will return. San’Ferath readies to succumb to my final spell, The Undying Sleep. Invoking such power shall end my life, but I go willingly, as does he, for when the need is great…so shall he wake.

Welcome D. Thomas Jerlo, with your debut fantasy novel, The Tears of San’Ferath. I’m looking forward to reviewing this one in the not too distant future!

Author Bio: D. THOMAS JERLO

As a best-selling, award nominated, multi-published author of fantasy and paranormal, D. Thomas Jerlo’s novels hook unsuspecting readers into worlds of mage’ic, and then refuses to let them go until that last page is read.

One rule keeps this author grounded:

“Everything in life happens for a reason, be it good or bad, and it’s because of this we learn to never take anything for granted.”

Website: www.dthomasjerlo.com

Purchase links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

More info:

Goodreads

October 31, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Review That Risen Snow: A Scary Tale of Snow White & Zombies by Rob E. Boley

That Risen Snow has a twist on the Snow White fairytale and is to be read as a sequel to the original, albeit adult readers only (17yrs+). Complete with Snow White, the seven dwarves, the prince and the evil Queen it is a quirky horror story that will certainly be a treat for Halloween!! This is Rob Boley’s debut novel, published earlier in 2014 by StoneGate Ink. And the first in The Scary Tales series.

BLURB: The zombie sequel to Snow White begins where the classic fairy tale ends, with the Prince’s kiss waking Snow from her cursed slumber. Snow wakes up, but she doesn’t wake up right.

Now a deranged zombie, Snow infects both the Prince and the seven dwarfs’ leader. That leaves the young dwarf Grouchy, who is secretly in love with Snow, to find a cure for her malicious curse. So begins an epic journey that pits the lovesick Grouchy against dwarf-hating human soldiers, Snow’s ever-growing zombie horde, and his own bad temper. But when Grouchy and his motley crew of survivors escape Snow’s clutches and seek refuge in a nearby human village, he soon finds that her affliction has spread faster and further then he ever could have imagined. Snow is hell-bent on spreading her horrid curse across the land, and it’s up to Grouchy to stop her before it’s too late.

So begins THE SCARY TALES, a dark fantasy series featuring mash-ups of traditional fairy tale characters and classic horror monsters.

REVIEW

Trick or treat? That Risen Snow is a brilliant combination of horror, quirkiness and fairytale, although certainly for the adult reader! It is definitely a ‘treat’ in my opinion. I imagined the dwarves to be scared for their life in a truly dark, life threatening and terrifying horror, filled with blood, guts and gore. Although this was a part of the story, what really surprised me was the fun and humour content as well as the heart-warming feelings that Grouchy has for Snow White.

The dwarves are like you have never imagined, with bad language and sarcasm, but these moments add another element. They are not typical of the dwarves we are familiar with, but in fact have characteristics of real people, which I loved. Even Snow White wasn’t as graceful and elegant as one would think!

The layout of the story is interesting too, with chapters written from the different character’s perspectives. The reader learns what is happening with each character which keeps the reader informed and able to see where the author is going, and suspense can be built-up from this. Another area of the story which fascinated me were the flashbacks. The flashbacks were mostly Grouchy’s personal thoughts and feelings towards Snow since she came to their cottage. The reader feels the growth of affection that Grouchy has for Snow and begins to understand why he wants to find a cure for her curse, rather than just be rid of her and the undead.

After reading this you will certainly feel that you know the dwarves more personally than ever before. From the past thoughts and dialogue between the dwarves we are made aware that they have all been having private discussions with their leader, Bones. Each dwarf has their own problem and obstacle that they need to overcome and Bones was helping them with this. Merry’s story was one that touched me, as we learn that he longed to be trusted and respected by the others. Bones gave him tasks to do to make him feel worthy and needed, but once their life changes and they are being chased by the undead Grouchy tells Merry how it really is. It is then up to Merry to either pity himself or do something about it.

Battson, a dwarf-hating human soldier working with the Prince, is, initially, an unlikeable character who would prefer to see the dwarves harmed in a typical encounter. Yet, as the story unfolds and continues into a survival story, the war between human soldiers and dwarves is swept aside as they begin to work together to keep the remaining survivors alive and hopefully find a cure for this disease that their friends are suffering from. Battson does begin to slowly show a quiet, heroic side which changes the readers opinion into respecting and admiring him for his new-found quality.

Although an extremely trying time of desperation, hardship and fear, the reader does not be given many opportunities to feel the tragedy and terror due to the humour and fun way in which it That Risen Snow is written. However, as the story continues, and more dwarves and soldiers are turning, it does become a little more serious and desperate for the remaining survivors. The reader is left on a hanger at the end, and I for one really want to know the outcome in the sequel, That Wicked Apple! Grouchy has come so far, and for the reader to walk away at this point would be like leaving him there for the curse to take him too!!

A copy of That Risen Snow: A Scary Tale of Snow White & Zombies was provided by the author, Rob E. Boley, for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

You can check out our SPOLIGHT for That Risen Snow with author bio for Rob E. Boley, along with extracts of more reviews here.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 28, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Amethyst’s Incredible Journey by Lisa Bland

Fantasy adventure

For ages 11yrs+

Synopsis: Amethyst is a witch with extremely evil and powerful parents. Amethyst is terrified that if she don’t stop her parents soon it will be too late, and they will gain control of Golden Dragon City and the Fountain of Magic. Amethyst knows that she has only got until her next birthday to stop them!.Amethyst has to travel through different realms to collect the blood red rubies that she needs to stop them.

REVIEW

Amethyst’s Incredible Journey is a magical fantasy that will enchant the younger reader. Children will love the magic, spells, witches, dragons and worlds that Amethyst encounters.The author has great imagination that allows the reader to escape, with Amethyst, to all of the magical realms she visits.

The story opens up well and the reader is given a clear picture on Amethyst’s father, Andrew Shadow’s background. This allows the reader to understand how he thinks and why he does the things he does. Amethyst grows up in Forest Falls, where her parents have gained control of most of the magic that others previously possessed. Their aim is to take the magic from all and gain control of Golden Dragon City and the Fountain of Magic. This will make them the most powerful people in the realm and they can then take full control. Anyone who gets in their way is killed or harmed.

Amethyst, being born into this, knows no different. Although she does have a best friend and as she grows older, she soon realises to what lengths her parents will go. It all comes to a head for Amethyst when her father has her best friend killed. This she cannot forgive and decides to leave Forest Falls, after she realises that if she can collect the four red rubies and add a drop of her father’s blood, at Dead Witch Mountain, her father will be wiped of all his power and will no longer be able to control the power of others.

Lisa Bland demonstrates how strong Amethyst really is, to go against her own parents. She certainly has her morals in check, but will she be able to complete her mission before her parents catch up with her? To help her on her journey she meets up with, Grog (also able to use magic), who quickly becomes a friend to her and travels with her to help.

As well as providing a story of escape, Amethyst’s Incredible Journey also provides some realism and a chance for the reader to relate to Amethyst as she is flawed, as are many of the characters and the relationships they have. It is a nice reflection on reality that connects to the reader. For example, despite how close Amethyst and Grog are they still have their disagreements.

Although the storyline and characters are a pleasure to read, there are many issues with the punctuation, grammar and sentence structure. Whilst I understand that this story is self-published it would really benefit with a proof-reader and/or editor. The first page alone has punctuation errors. That said, I did finish the book and found myself reading through the story fairly well as it was easy to follow. And again, the magical lands that the author has created, as well as the characters and the main storyline is super. I will be giving Amethyst’s Incredible Journey 3 stars on Goodreads and Amazon, however once edited to a more readable level I would give this a 4 star.

A copy of Amethyst’s Incredible Journey was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US. (Please note that this book is showing as currently unavailable, possibly due to editing. We do hope that it is available as soon as possible.)

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 25, 2014 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW By the Sea (novelette) by Katherine McIntyre

By the Sea

A short, light and refreshing romance with fantasy and paranormal elements!

Most kids had imaginary friends, but most weren’t like Megan’s friend Niall. There were rules: only at night and only by the sea. She could’ve sworn he was real, but when someone vanishes without a trace, what else can you believe?

All that was seven years ago, buried in the past until Niall shows up in town with his tight swimmer’s body and easy smile. For Megan, just the sight of him is enough to tear open a scar that never fully healed. However, their reunion only elicits more questions. Niall’s keeping secrets, unbelievable ones, and as Megan delves into the supernatural depths of who he really is, she’s sure he’ll vanish again.

Megan’s not stupid—she knows how bad it’ll hurt if she gets involved. The first time Niall disappeared, she never thought she’d recover. But the moment they lock eyes, it’s too late—because Megan will go to any length to see that boy smile.

REVIEW

By the Sea is a great novelette that reads as a short, fun, contemporary romance from the onset. However, as it opens up and the reader begins to settle into the story, the fantasy paranormal elements emerge.

Megan had been through so much to be rid of the delusions of her imaginary friend, Niall. And yet here is the new boy in town, Mason, with so many likenesses to her long gone friend. Megan wants to lead a normal life and decides not to let Mason in too much. She cannot go down that path and be left hurt and confused again. And yet despite this, her feelings of the past have not disappeared and have re-ignited with Mason.

As well as the romance current running gently throughout the story, later we realise that Niall is also on a mission to seek something that has been taken from him. Not only that but it could also bring a little paranormal trouble to Megan. These scenes I found exciting and left wanting more.

Being a short story doesn’t always allow much build up to prepare the reader, and I found this to be the case, only ever so slightly, with the supernatural element of the story. Once I had accepted the idea of what Niall was I was able to delve further and empathise with Megan’s character – the confusion and re-surfacing of her past feelings.

By the Sea is a nice story with something to offer the contemporary romance reader and the fantasy paranormal fans. I would recommend that it is suitable for Young Adults and over, and there is a coming-of-age feel in regards to the young characters of the book.

A copy of By the Sea was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

By the Sea by Katherine McIntyre is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

October 8, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Recent Release The Golden City of Doubloon by Richard Natale (with author bio and excerpt)

We are excited to introduce a recently released (on 26th September 2014), a Young Adult, fantasy novel, The Golden City of Doubloon by Richard Natale. It is published by Double Dragon Publishing and is available both as an e-book and paperback. (Please scroll down for author bio and exerpt.)

BLURB: The Golden City of Doubloon is an adventure novel with a strong moral and spiritual underpinning. Set in the Great Depression, the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery includes a massive flood, a tornado, a terrifying massacre at a tent revival meeting and a climactic battle aboard a zeppelin. Our hero, Japeth Finian, 20, the devout, orphaned son of missionary parents, embarks on a time-constrained journey to Doubloon, the “oasis of the Midwest,” to find a serum that will save the inhabitants of his small town from a blood disease that robs them of their immortal souls in return for the promise of eternal life. When they arrive in Doubloon they are confronted by all the wonders, and terrors, of modern life. Joining Japeth in his adventures are his friends, the brave and noble Crowell, the loyal but scatterbrained Lon, Crowell’s sister Lucinda, with whom Japeth is not so secretly in love, and Abra, Japeth’s mute younger sister who may possess secret powers.

Author Bio

Richard Natale is a writer and editor living in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in such publications as the The New York Times, the L.A. Times, The Washington Post, W and Time Magazine among others. He is also a past winner of the National Playwright’s Competition. The Golden City of Doubloon is his third published novel.

Excerpt

A few minutes later, they pulled up to the shelter and pounded their fists on the metal doors, shouting “Open up, Reverend, open up,” until they were hoarse. But the howling wind drowned out their efforts.
“We’re too late,” Lon screamed. “Now we’re gonna die.”
They looked up in horror as one of the twisters touched down on the far end of Main Street, wrapping itself around the new fire house and spitting loose bricks like they were bits of confetti. One by one, the swirling, dark eddy ripped its way down the street, dismantling the post office, the general store, and the schoolhouse.
Abra pulled on Japeth’s arm and drew him down the hill toward the church. One of the chapel doors was open, flapping aimlessly in the wind like an invitation.
“But there ain’t even so much as a basement in there,” Lon cried.
“Don’t matter. It’s our only hope,” Japeth said.
Crowell climbed into the truck and rolled it downhill. Japeth and Abra jumped onto the running board and held on. Lon brought up the rear, riding Becka up the steps and inside the church.
“I don’t care if it is the Lord’s house, I ain’t leaving her out there,” he said before anyone could protest.
“All creatures great and small,” Japeth reassured him.
After parking the truck behind the church, Crowell helped Japeth secure the doors and bolt them, while Lon rode Becka around to shut all the windows and attach the shutters. They scanned the dimly lit room for a suitable place to take cover and nearly jumped out of their skins when the wind blew through the organ pipes, producing a blaring, discordant tune.
“That’s it,” Japaeth shouted. “We get behind the organ. Thing weighs a ton. Not even a twister could lift it.” He crouched down and peered behind the organ. It was a tight fit, but it would have to do. “Get in,” Japeth commanded Abra, who got down on all fours and crept into the darkness.
Japeth was about to follow when there was a sudden roar. The twister, now just outside, was rattling the front door like an determined burglar.
Lon got down from his horse and tried to find someplace to tether her. Frightened, Becka bolted and ran straight toward Japeth. He jumped out of her path and spun around. One of the window shutters exploded and slammed against the back of his head, throwing him across the room.
The gyrating wind howled through the insides of the church picking up any loose object it could find. Crowell and Lon flattened against the floor and crawled over to Japeth, who was unconscious. They dragged him toward the narrow opening behind the organ. Lon went in first, grabbing Japeth’s wrists. Crowell clamped his hands tightly around Japeth’s ankles to keep from being swept away.
“I can’t do it. I can’t,” Lon said in a panic. But slowly, he inched Japeth in. The last thing Crowell saw as he folded his body under the organ was poor Ol’ Becka being lifted into the vortex.
The wind tapped out a deafening dirge on the organ as it devoured the chapel. Abra had to press an ear against her brother’s heart to be certain it was still beating.
A few minutes later, as impulsively as it had descended, the twister relinquished its hold on the church and raced away. But the group remained huddled behind the organ taking no chances. The two tornadoes flirted with each other on the outskirts of town for most of the day. They finally gave in to their attraction and, just after nightfall, returned to visit their combined wrath on the graveyard. The giant twister skipped lightly over the old cemetery and concentrated its fury on the annex, churning the dead from their eternal rest. Tombstones were overturned, coffins lifted out of the ground and corpses were carelessly tossed about.
Sated, the tornado then trailed off in search of fresh prey.

PURCHASE LINKS

The e-book is available from Double Dragon, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and Ibook among others.

AMAZON US (e-book)

AMAZON UK (ebook)

LULU (paperback)

August 5, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Introducing Strands of Sollus by Cheryl Suchacek

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.

Blurb: A contract from the Order of Aurora sends Myst in pursuit of a stolen magic sword. The job soon finds her partnering with Lotus, the rightful owner of the sword, as well as two beings bound to each other, Tol and Grayoch.

In the course of their mission, the group uncovers that behind the theft are sinister forces bent on resurrecting the dark lord, Maridon, in order to overwhelm the forces of light and take over the world of Sollus.

Facing their enemies, Myst finds that not only does she have to contend with Maridon and his minions, she also has to deal with the growing complications of her relationship with Tol and Lotus.

Book 2 of the series is currently in the making.

Strands of Sollus is available now on Amazon US and Amazon UK, as well as Barnes & Noble.

For more info and to check out some more fantastic artwork on the characters of Strands of Sollus you can check out the website www.strandsofsollus.com.

August 2, 2014 by Tina Williams

Cover Reveal and Contest for ~HUNTER BETRAYED, Wild Hunt #1~ by Nancy Corrigan

An Erotic Paranormal Romance 18+

A HUGE welcome to Nancy Corrigan and her new novel Hunter Betrayed: Wild Hunt 1, which releases on September 3 from Ellora’s Cave. The novel is an erotic paranormal romance based on of the myth of the Wild Hunt — a tale of spectral hounds and horsemen riding across the night sky. Nancy is sharing the cover, blurb and the links with us today as part of her celebration!

Book Blurb

Tainted from birth, Harley lives a life cloaked in darkness and temptation. She resists the lure of her evil legacy by holding the memory of her ghostly savior close. Every night without him is agony. She fantasizes about him and yearns for his body, but he’s not the protector or lover she’s envisioned. He’s a Hunter bred to eliminate her kind. He’s also her only hope of salvation.

Calan, the leader of the Wild Hunt, was created to protect mankind from the Unseelie Court. For a millennium, he’s sacrificed to ensure the horrid creatures remain in the Underworld, but his strength wanes. He must rely on his enemy’s daughter to save him, but he doesn’t expect the intensity of their lust or love. Her touch calms his wild nature and ignites his carnal desires. He’ll risk all to save her, but doing so forces him to make the ultimate sacrifice, one that’ll damn him to suffer forever in his own living hell.

A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Excerpt

“I’ve fantasized about you for years and this…” She pressed her fingertips to his cheek. “This face is more captivating than any I could’ve imagined.”

The rightness he’d experienced nine years ago returned, stronger than before. He wanted Harley and he’d have her. “Kiss me.”

She shook her head.

“Harley.” He waited until she met his gaze. “Kiss me.”

Hesitantly, she pressed her mouth to his. He nudged at the seam of her lips with his tongue. She parted them and he slipped inside. Her flavor hit him. She tasted of candy, a delectable treat he could easily become addicted to. He moaned and kissed her harder. After a long moment where he led her into passion, she dug her fingers into his hair, grabbing sections of the short strands and tugging him closer.

On a whimper, she linked her legs around his waist. Her heat pressed against his stomach. He automatically arched his back to line his erection to her sex. Her small stature and his tight bonds prevented him from experiencing her tempting warmth along the length of his shaft. It didn’t dim the lust consuming him. The scent of her arousal and her squirming body intensified it.

He took control of the kiss, needing her wild. She’d beg for his manhood to fill her dripping center. He wouldn’t settle for anything else. Their teeth banged as the melding of their mouths grew wicked. He swallowed her moans and fed her his. Quicker, deeper he stroked his tongue with hers. She tightened her grip on his hair. Her nails bit into his scalp. The sting pushed his lusts higher.

More. By the gods, more. He nipped at her lips. Blood flavored the kiss, blood that held the tang of pure chaos. It was her taint, a curse from her father and the reason she was turning into a monster.

He turned his head, breaking the kiss. The evidence of the stain working its way through her body and soul, infecting her slowly and steadily, killed his runaway desire.

She eased back. The weight of her stare forced his lids open. Tears welled in her eyes, yet her expression remained neutral. “You can taste it, can’t you? It’s not just me.”

Pre-Order Links (Releases SEPTEMBER 3, 2014)

Add to your Goodreads TBR list! Hunter Betrayed

Author Bio

Nancy Corrigan believes in unending love and epic tales with a paranormal flare. She enjoys transcending the boundaries of reality to take her readers on an erotic, emotional and romantic journey.

She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. When she’s not weaving sizzling fantasies, she works as a chemist in a pharmaceutical lab.

Social Media links

CONTEST!

Click on the rafflecopter code below for the chance to win some super gift cards!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b9820a6/

July 31, 2014 by Caroline Barker

The Mechanic by Tim O’Rourke REVIEW plus 2 x GIVEAWAY

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