Tag Archives: novella

by

**REVIEW** A True Alpha Christmas (True Alpha series, novella) by Alisa Woods

A True Alpha ChristmasSTAND-ALONE NOVELLA – best enjoyed after reading the True Alpha Box Set (Vol 1-6)

Blurb: Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City. Mia is your everyday college girl, trying to earn her business degree—and a shifter who’s long hidden her identity from everyone, including her mother, who believes shifter is synonymous with criminal. Six months ago, sexy and powerful alpha-male Lucas rescued her in an alley and claimed her for his mate. Now Mia’s heart belongs to Lucas, and everyone in the world of shifters understands the magic of their mating has bonded them for life. But in the human world, there’s no wedding ring on her finger to show for it. With Christmas looming, Mia’s mother wants to finally meet Mia’s mysterious and high-powered live-in lover. With her human and shifter lives about to irrevocably collide, Mia fears there will be nothing but broken hearts in the end.

A True Alpha Christmas is 80 pages or 20,000 words. This novella can be read as a standalone, but readers will enjoy it more if they read the True Alpha serial (Vol 1-6) first.

REVIEW

To find out that Alisa Woods had written A True Alpha Christmas was a lovely surprise and it was definitely a read I was excited for since the whole True Alpha series has been one of my top reads this year. This time of year is full of magical sights and feelings, and this is what A True Alpha Christmas is all about. Now Mia has been claimed by Lucas and will be his mate for life she is absolutely over the moon. But as Christmas approaches, and she has to be prepared for office parties and Lucas meeting her mum, Mia wants her relationship with Lucas to be common knowledge and for people to realise how serious they are.

Readers who have followed this series will know just how hot and intense the relationship is between shifters, Mia and Lucas. This novella is no different. After dressing incredibly sexy for a Christmas party, Lucas wants nothing more than to whisk her away to the cloakroom for some hot and intimate attention! Whilst the inner wolf of Mia, and a part of her human side, want the same she cannot help but feel ‘why does it have to be like this?’. Why can’t everyone know that they are man and woman, together, mated? Without Lucas quite realising it, the human side of Mia wants a ring on her finger, a symbol to show their declaration of love for each other.

To make matters worse, it is time for Mia’s mum to meet Lucas. Mia’s Mum knows nothing about her daughter being a shifter, and taking after her father. Shifters, to her, are criminals, violent, and her only experience of a shifter left her abandoned by him. At the same time, if Mia doesn’t come clean to her mother, it will leave her mum believing that Lucas is trying to control her daughter, use his status to exploit her until he has had what he wants and moved on to the next woman.

Mia’s dilemma leaves her feeling that nothing she can say will encourage her mum to like Lucas. Will Mia be able to diffuse the situation or will her mum and Lucas never get along? With the same intensity as the True Alpha series, fans and new readers will love this paranormal romance. It is written just as brilliantly as the previous short stories, with the heat, emotions and surprises.

A copy of A True Alpha Christmas was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

A True Alpha Christmas is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

All short stories are available at Amazon UK and Amazon US individually. BUT, the TRUE ALPHA FULL SEASON is available to order!!

AMAZON UK link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

AMAZON US link to TRUE ALPHA BOX SET

You can check out my reviews for each book of the series below.

Desired (True Alpha #1) – short story

Guarded (True Alpha #2) – short story

Hunted (True Alpha #3) – short story

Captured (True Alpha #4) – short story

Sacrificed (True Alpha #5) – short story

Claimed (True Alpha #6) – short story

by

Summer in Rye (novella) by Lucy Oliver

Summer in Rye

Book blurb: A tragedy brought Eva Brookwell and Samuel Shaw back into each other’s lives. But will lies from the past destroy their chances of a future?

Left penniless after the death of her philandering father, Eva Brookwell takes a job as a governess at Rye Hall, but didn’t expect to find her young charges scarred and blinded from smallpox. Rye Hall is an unhappy house with a tyrannical master and Eva is forced to turn to her pupils’ uncle, Samuel Shaw for help.

Eva and Samuel had once been engaged, until his lies drove them apart. Still in love with him, Eva knows she could never trust him again; however he is her only ally in the dark and disturbed household she now lives in.

Absolutely gripping, high intensity and powerful novella! It will certainly steam up your cold January evening!

Summer in Rye is an exceptionally captivating historical love story, with truly good, strong characters that instantly draw the reader in. It has a hot and steamy moment, with the ongoing tension that Eva is feeling for all of the right AND wrong reasons. This intensity continues through the whole story as Eva battles her feelings for Samuel against her fear of the future turning out the only way she can possibly see it to be.

It must be quite tragic and embarrassing for Eva, coming from a well-to-do family, having to work as a governess for a family that are already only too aware of her downfall. However, Eva is a strong woman and holds her head high. Although not made to feel too welcome by Lady Florence Shaw (Samuel’s sister-in-law), after meeting the children she feels compelled to ensure their wellbeing and make a living to support her mother and sister.

For this novella, Lucy Oliver has packed a great deal of emotion and described the relationship that Eva has with each character really well. There are only a few characters but the reader is provided with a great idea of who they are and what they care most for. Eva clearly has to decide on her feelings for Samuel, try to maintain a civil relationship with Florence and also be aware of the intentions of Edward, Samuel’s brother, towards her.

Eva’s feelings for Samuel may only be explored in one moment. It is very erotic and sensual, with the reader believing that this will be the only time these two greatly matched people will ever be as one. Eva finds it difficult to follow her heart entirely and decides to have what she can, while she can – without the risk that she may someday marry Samuel, for him to gallivant with mistresses and push her aside just as her father did to her mother.

Despite of all the doubts that Eva has regarding Samuel’s love, it is pretty obvious to the reader that he thinks fondly of her from the first time the reader is acquainted with him. It isn’t too long before we realise that Samuel loves everything there is to love about Eva. As a reader, I longed to strongly urge Eva to just go and be with him. He is hers, completely. The feelings that these two characters have are overwhelmingly strong. And I love that Eva keeps him at arms length mostly and considers her family. She is using her mind but instinct should surely show her to follow her heart on this occasion.

The story’s novella length is perfect as the story continues at a steady pace with every intensity and passion you can imagine. There is certainly no opportunity for the mind to wander anywhere else. Lucy Oliver’s writing style is quite direct and easy to follow, at a good pace and leaves the reader intrigued with the characters and how they feel for each other.

There is no reason why Summer in Rye couldn’t be a Top Seller. I would certainly like to read more of Lucy Oliver’s work in the future.

I think one conclusion I can draw from this is for all those doubtful ones amongst us to go and grab the bull by it’s horns. Go grab your man, girls, before you miss that chance. Sometimes it is good to follow your heart, especially when it is being heard by another!

A copy of Summer in Rye was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Summer in Rye is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

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

PastelsJingleBellsSEASONAL 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

by

BSI: Bureau of Supernatural Investigation (An Enchanted Immortals novella) by C.J. Pinard

BSI-revisedWhether you’re a fan of C.J. Pinard’s paranormal/urban fantasy series, Enchanted Immortals, or being introduced to it now BSI: Bureau of Supernatural Investigation is a fantastic novella to read at any point in the series. It provides backgrounds to already known characters as well as introduce fresh characters from different cities and era’s. It comes complete with imagination, action, fun and drama. Not to mention the various fae, including vampires, shifters, succubae and sylph.

This Enchanted Immortals novella takes the reader into the very beginning of the BSI; who set it up, how it was set up, agents that were assigned to the BSI and unexplained/unsolved investigations that had been re-opened. You may find some similarities to the tv series, The X-Files, in that the investigations are of a supernatural kind and some of the agents are more open-minded and knowledgable of the paranormal than others. The difference being that the BSI concentrates on the shifters and vampires mostly.

The prologue explains the setting up of the Bureau of Supernatural Investigation. After the FBI’s Assistant Director Jim Blackwell’s  son, Paul, is murdered in Washington, 1945 it becomes more evident over time that this killing was possibly of a supernatural kind. As all lines of inquiry begin to dry up, Jim still remains determined to find the killer of his son. When approached by General Frost, Jim’s mind opens up to the possibilites of paranormal behaviour.

BSI is separated into three main sections (excluding the prologue and epilogue). Each section focuses on a different city and era, i.e. San Francisco (1946), Chicago (1963) and New Orleans (1989). (This reminded me a little of the CSI’s on tv as there are different series based in different cities.) Each of these sections have their own case to follow, with different BSI agents in each section.

The epilogue then takes us back to Washington as the reader discovers the outcome of the case of the BSI Founder’s son! Will the killer be caught? Does Jim have all the answers in the end? One of my favourite aspects of this novella is the way in which C.J. begins with the prologue, the beginning of the set up of the BSI, and then leaves it open until the epilogue where one way or another ends this novella brilliantly.

In this novella the reader will be informed that some Immortals become BSI agents as they need to discover how much the human agents know about them. The agents are selected by excelling at their job and are able to close most cases, apart from the ones that are unexplained and are left unsolved. In some instances, once the agent begins working for the BSI they are then able to try and crack their unsolved case with a more open mind as they are made aware of the existence of vamps, shifters and succubae.

In some instances the Immortal agents open up to their human partner, especially if suspicions have risen with their supernatural powers and their knowledge of the Fae, and make them aware of what they are – although this usually comes with a price itself and the human then must become an Immortal. During the times when the Immortals reveal their true selves they also explain their age and lack of aging, the elixir and their healing abilities. This is a fantastic way to introduce these qualities into the novella as it supports the main books of the series.

There’s a little action in each story, with some stories focussing on shifters more and others on vampires and succubae. During some of these action scenes, in particular the vampires, there are instances where heads are completely cleared from their bodies and heads popping or bursting. Even though these are serious moments of action and gore, and are in context and necessary for the story, I cannot help but smile as the terminology makes reading these scenes fun instead of being too horrific.

I cannot help but personally hope for more stories from C.J. Pinard in the Enchanted Immortals series. The BSI novella has familiar characters in Agents Swift and Bianchi, and yet have introduced some fresh characters that could easily be written into new work, therefore opening up the possibility for some fresh Immortals in the main series. The characters are likeable, special even, with their powers and relationships with each other. I would also like to read more about the succubae, a form of vampire that takes the whole soul of a human, rather than their blood.

So, if you fancy a new urban fantasy/paranormal to sink your fangs into, or you are a fan of the Enchanted Immortals series, please check out C.J. Pinard’s BSI: Bureau of Supernatural Investigation on Smashwords for FREE!!!! This fantastic novella can also be purchased for a tiny fee via Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

If you would like to contact C.J. Pinard you can reach her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CJPinardAuthor or you can e-mail her at cjpinardauthor@gmail.com.

Below you will find links to my reviews for C.J. Pinard’s urban fantasy/paranormal Enchanted Immortals series, books 1-4, as well as a recent contemporary romance, Patriotic Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 1.

Enchanted Immortals (Enchanted Immortals Book 1)

Enchanted Immortals: The Vortex (Enchanted Immortals Book 2)

Enchanted Immortals: The Vampyre (Enchanted Immortals Book 3)

Enchanted Immortals: The Vixen (Enchanted Immortals Book 4)

Patriotic Duty (When Riley Met Cara, Book 1)

by

Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets (Kiera Hudson Series Two #1.5)

Dead Night - Potter's Secrets (Kiera Hudson Series Two, #1.5)I have read at least one review that says that this novella is as good as a full novel and I have to agree. As with the regular Keira Hudson novels, there is a great storyline with plenty of mystery, action and emotion. Not to mention intense characters, be they human, wolf or Vampyrus. In this novella the world has been ‘pushed’ and not as we know it: the wolves are living among the humans and the Vampyrus do not exist!

The main focus for this novella is Potter’s search for his first love, Sophie, as she is the only person from his last world that he thinks may exist in this ‘pushed’ world. He is hoping that if she exists here and he can find her, then maybe she will hold some answers to help him understand how the world was ‘pushed’. His aim, ultimately, is to ‘push’ the world back to how it once was.

When we are introduced to Sophie she has problems of her own. She has been ‘pushed’ with the rest of the world. Sophie is running from the wolves and police, desperate to seek out answers to her own questions. Will she get caught? Will she discover the answers she needs? It becomes clear that Potter’s role is to find out as much about this world from Sophie as he can, at the same time as trying to keep her safe from the wolves. Will this rekindle their original feelings for each other?

Even though we know from ‘Dead Flesh (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 1)’ that this novella is completely about Potter and the twenty-four hours he went away from Hallowed Manor, I missed Keira. This surprised me as Potter is my favourite character, but without Keira it wasn’t quite the same. That said, we must not forget that she is part of the reason for him tracking down Sophie, so that everybody can go back to the world as it were and maybe their curse from The Elders will be lifted in some way.

The world in ‘Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets’ does not seem to be set in the past or the future but more like a parallel universe. As there are no Vampyrus in this world it is uncertain that Potter and co ever existed. However, if there is anyone from their previous life in this new ‘pushed’ world advice is given that it would be best not to track them down, meet them or engage with them in any way to ensure that circumstances are not changed. This reminded me of the ‘Back to the Future’ movies, that I have been watching recently with my son, where the ‘Doc’ is advising ‘Marty’ to not interfere with his family or friends in the past in order not to meddle with the time space continuum. I had to smile when beginning ‘Dead Angels (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 2)’ as Michael J. Fox is referred to and he plays ‘Marty McFly’ in the ‘Back to the Future’ movies. However, please remember that this novella is not set in the past or the future as far as we know, just a different version of the world we are used to.

As Potter reminds me of ‘Gene Hunt’ from the ‘Life on Mars’ tv programme, this novella and previous novel ‘Dead Statues’ felt that it was like ‘Gene Hunt’ waking up in a different world rather than the character ‘Sam Tyler’. ‘Gene Hunt’, just like Potter, would be grouchy, aggressive and temperamental on the outside, but on the inside would be confused and in search of answers in a similar way to Potter. These types of characters do not wear their heart on their sleeves, and in many ways this supports their mysteriousness and their dark side, thus making them unpredicatable but so loveable.

Throughout the Keira Hudson novels, the iPod is a regular mention and a favourite of mine. For me, it helps me connect more and adds a little reality to the fiction. In this particular book, there is a scene which uses the song ‘Fix You’ by ‘Coldplay’ which is more than appropriate. It completely sets the mood and atmosphere of the feeling of the character and where their head is at. Perfect.

In between the emotions and action that the reader is taken through this novella did hold a few nice surprises, which help keep the hope alive for Potter, Keira and co to ‘push’ the world back to how they once knew it. However, that is not to say that all is well. After reading, I am left wondering whether Potter will keep his secrets or not. How will they affect Potter and co in future novels?

As with all of Tim O’Rourke’s Keira Hudson books this novella is fast-paced and adventurous. It is written from Sophie’s perception as well as Potter’s. This enables the reader to connect with the characters more by understanding them and knowing more about each one. This style allows the reader to feel like they are a part of the story. It is truly amazing.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Wolf House (Potter’s Story) (Kiera Hudson Series One #4.5) by Tim O’Rourke

I was very excited to read this novella to understand Potter’s character more as all of the main feature novels are written from Keira’s point of view. In this novella, we have an insight into Potter’s thoughts. We find out about Potter’s history and his relationships with Luke and Murphy; his feelings on Keira; and also, we learn a little about the Lycanthrope’s character and how murderous they have and can be.

Potter maintains his dark, mysterious, moody self and behaves in an awkward manner to those around him, which I absolutely love in his character. It is rarely that his softer emotions are revealed, making him more exciting and believable. He does not suffer fools gladly, however there are moments when he should work as part of a team without being so stubborn.

Even though this novella is very informative, well written and has a good story I couldn’t help but feel that something was amiss in comparison to the main feature novels. I felt that Potter was missing some passion and rage somewhere. I didn’t quite connect emotionally to the character as I have before. This may be due to how tired I was when reading or perhaps Tim O’Rourke was holding back for the main feature.

Either way, this novella does help us understand Potter as it gives a great background of his character. I would have liked more mention of Keira but I suppose there is nothing more for Potter to think. He is very black and white with his outlook and as he admits himself, he is not a romantic.

The actual story of this novella is set in a dilapidated house in the woods, which gives it a dark, eerie feel and Potter cannot trust anyone. His investigative skills are highlighted and amid the twists and turns there is some action. This novella is still a little treat for fans of Potter and the Keira Hudson series.

I cannot wait to get my head into ‘Vampire Hollows (Keira Hudson Series One, #5)’. Will Potter find Luke? I’m off to find out!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker