Tag Archives: paranormal

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The Mating (Law of the Lycans Book 1) by Nicky Charles

The Mating (Law of the Lycans, #1)‘The Mating (Law of the Lycans, Book 1)’ is a powerfully dramatic and beautifully written paranormal werewolf romantic suspense novel. It had me gripped from the very beginning, and what’s more – it’s free! The main character, Elise, has just been mated to the Alpha of a neighbouring pack, however this was not her choice of mate. Between her father, The Elders and Kane, the Alpha she is mated to, it was decided it was in the best interests of both packs to have these two young people mated to create a political alliance between the two packs and help maintain the wolves territories.

The reader initially feels sad for Elise, being forced into such an arrangement, without anybody caring for her feelings.  There are very passionate and sensuous love scenes between two people that may not even be right for each other, and yet the wolf’s instinct inside takes over. Kane reaches out for Elise, taking into account that she’s in unfamiliar territory and unsure of the whole situation. This helps the reader view Kane in a good light, realising that he too is in this predicament but willing to be caring and positive towards Elise and his future with her.

However, to make matters worse, Elise had formed a closer relationship with her longtime friend, Bryan. Elise had grown up with Bryan and so he is familiar and comfortable and she loves spending time with him, roaming the woods and running free. They were on the verge of taking things to the next level when the whole issue of being mated with Kane arose. As it was agreed by so many, so quickly Elise and Kane were mated that night, leaving a whole bunch of questions and emotions swimming around Elise’s mind. How was Bryan feeling about this? Will she ever grow to love Kane, or will their relationship just be physical? Does she have it in her to be an Alpha-female?

That being said, despite the uncertainties, I’m sure many a woman wouldn’t mind having Kane as their Alpha and mate with his domination, possessiveness, and love – not to mention his dark floppy hair, rippling muscles and his whole sexiness!!! Throughout the whole mating process and thereafter, Kane is very sensual and passionate and both of their animalistic instincts kick in when it comes to their physical relationship. I thought Kane was a hot character (if you haven’t noticed already!) who tries in his own way to make Elise feel comfortable and when he isn’t too busy being the Alpha of his pack he does take the time to empathise with the situation that Elise is in. He understands that she is lost when she leaves her pack to stay with him and his pack, surrounded by strangers who are quite possibly sizing her up and making up their own minds on whether or not she can live up to her status as their Alpha-female.

Throughout the novel there is the ongoing worry of the Oil Company and how their decisions will affect the pack and their land. I love how Nicky Charles keeps the reader involved with this plot, despite concentrating on the main characters and their personal relationship. At around three quarters through the book Elise begins to write down all of the recent serious problems that the pack have been having and who the problems are associated with to try and piece the puzzle together. There are the main suspicions as to who is behind the trouble but the question is why. With Elise making these lists it provides the reader with an update on the goings on, keeping the reader constantly aware of the whole story. I thought this was written very cleverly.

Aside from Elise and Kane, there are many other great supporting characters in ‘The Mating’. One of my favourites being Helen. Helen was the Alpha-female prior to Elise and she lost her mate and Alpha, Zack, in an awful car accident. Helen still lives in the Alpha house and takes pride in cooking and hosting for guests. She provides Kane with a motherly figure and offers a great deal of advice to Elise which really helps Elise to feel welcome and accepted in her new pack as the Alpha-female.

On the opposite end of the scale, the reader becomes acquainted to Marla. Marla is calculating, jealous and manipulative. She has a history with Kane and also his half-brother, Ryne. Marla loves reminding Elise regularly that she knows Kane better than her and tries to manipulate Elise in order to get what she wants. She is a great villainous character that the reader will just love to hate. I can assure you that Marla will get under your skin.

The reader’s knowledge of Ryne throughout most of the book comes mostly from what we are told by Helen, Kane and Marla. After Zack’s death he wished to be Alpha of the pack and challenged Kane to fight for the position. Once Ryne lost the challenge, although being asked to stay as Beta, he decided to leave the pack in the hope of starting his own! But, Ryne is hot-headed, impulsive and strongly wanted the position of Alpha. And it was really since Zack’s death that the pack began having so many troubles.

The whole story comes to a powerful crescendo and is very dramatic. It reaches the reader on all levels of emotion throughout. Will the pack’s problems be resolved? Will they be able to prove who was behind their troubles? How will this affect Elise and Kane’s relationship? Will they find love or will their relationship remain purely physical?

I would like to thank one of our followers for suggesting this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it! And guys, this novel is absolutely FREE, available on Amazon UK, Amazon US and Smashwords. Enjoy! I cannot wait to read the sequel, ‘The Keeping (Law of the Lycans Book 2)!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

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Minutes Before Sunset, by Shannon A Thompson

shan-003Epic Battle between Light and Dark – Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Minutes Before Sunset is the first book in Shannon A Thompson’s Timely Death Trilogy which tells of the elemental power struggle between Dark and Light. It is an amazingly well crafted and multifaceted novel with a fantastic hero and heroine and memorable supporting characters.

In Minutes Before Sunset, seventeen year old Eric Welborn lives in the Midwest town of Hayworth. Eric is a shade, not just any shade, but a descendant, destined by prophecy to battle with the descendant of Light, ancient enemies of the Dark, when he is eighteen, in a battle that will decide the fate of many. Eric has been rocked by tragedy in his life and his obligations weigh heavily on his shoulders, making him a loner, who fears to care for anyone, lest they be taken away from him. However, two encounters are about to change his life – one with Jessica Taylor, a new student at his high school and another, with a powerful, nameless shade, ignorant of her birthright and as such vulnerable to not only his shade community who do not trust outsiders, but also to the Light. He breaks the rules by not reporting her to his Elders and trains her to develop and control her powers, but cannot reveal all his secrets to her.

Jessica Taylor has moved to Hayworth with her adoptive parents, committed to finding out about her deceased biological family who were local to the town. To garner help from her adoptive parents in this quest they  require her to obtain perfect grades. This task appears impossible as she is paired with the taciturn Eric Welborn on a key science project. Eric is distant and preoccupied, often skipping class and is disinterested in completing the project with her. However,  not only will Jessica not fail her science project, but she also wants to find out more about his secrets and at the same time feels drawn to him.

As the battle between Light and Dark approaches Eric must devote more time to his training and remain focused. However, his thoughts often stray to the nameless shade, who grows more and more powerful and he is also distracted by Jessica, who piques his human side. Key players in the Light close in on Eric and he must protect those he cares about and keep himself alive until the battle commences, a battle he fears that he is destined to lose. Yet when he discovers that the Dark Elders have lied by omission about key elements of the prophecy, he feels deceived and the events which ensue threaten dire consequence for all he holds dear.

The cast of supporting characters is strong, from the adults to Eric and Jessica’s fellow pupils. The fact that neither the shades nor the Light  recognise each other easily in their human form adds an element of mystery to the plot and we as reader are therefore not party to the secret identity of  many characters. We can only guess at their true nature and I am sure that the author will reveal more in subsequent books in the trilogy.

Minutes Before Sunset is an original and compulsive read. The tale is told in the first person, with chapters told from the perspective of Eric and Jessica. This is effective in terms of both advancing the plot and giving depth to the characters. I particularly enjoyed the maturity and selflessness of the hero and heroine, Eric and Jessica, and found their growing attraction and love for one another both believable and sweet. The novel ends in such a way that I am chomping at the bit to read the next instalment.

Minutes Before Sunset is a magical, if slightly dark tale, containing romance and adventure, which explores fate and free will and self-sacrifice. I recommend it to readers of both adult and young adult paranormal romance.

To read author Shannon A Thompson’s author post, in which she talks about her inspiration behind the series, lease click here. Tina 🙂

Author Shannon A Thompson website

AEC Stellar Publishing

Cover artist Grace Griffin, Autumn Fog Photography

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Archangel’s Storm, by Nalini Singh

9738483[1]-001Sensual Tale of Love and Vengeance

Nalini Singh is one of my automatic ‘go to’ paranormal authors, where I know that I can be guaranteed an awesome read. I have been following her series of Guild Hunter Novels and also her Psy/Changeling Series for some time now and they are both amongst my favourite paranormal series. The Guild Hunter Series novels, the first of which was Angels’ Blood, take place on an earth where the Cadre of Ten Archangels, supported by vampires, rule across the various continents. These angels however, are far from angelic. They are thousands of years old and have become jaded in their immortality, indulging in great power games to stave off their boredom and trying to avoid the madness that can overcome them.

In Archangel’s Storm, Jason, the taciturn spymaster for Archangel Raphael, is sent on a mission to the court of Archangel Neha. Neha’s consort Eris has been murdered and her rage threatens cataclysmic devastation unless Jason uses all his skills to unearth the killer. Neha, like many of the Cadre’s Ten, is deadly and capricious and to earn her trust necessary to complete his mission, Jason is compelled to tie himself to her bloodline through a blood bond to the princess Mahiya. Jason believes that Mahija will pose no threat to his investigations. However, Mahija has secrets and an agenda of her own and neither she nor Jason is willing to trust each other. Neha’s court is dangerous however, and there is a great deal more than politics at play as the body count continues to rise. As Jason and Mahija are thrown together they are blindsided by an unexpected passion they feel for one another. Yet can Jason, who has kept his emotions tightly controlled after a horrific childhood experience, find it within himself to let Mahija in, and will Mahija survive the machinations of the Archangel and her court and other dark forces that are at play?

Mahija and Jason, like all of the author’s heroines and heroes are a great couple. Mahija has been abused both physically and mentally by Neha, her aunt. Her crime being that she was born out of a liaison between Neha’s sister Nivriti and Neha’s consort Eris. Neha murdered Nivriti as soon as she birthed Mahija, who has paid for her mother’s sin on many occasions. Despite her tortured past, she has not allowed her aunt to poison her mind. Indeed, she has an inner strength and optimism, despite her outward facade of compliance, which many see as weakness. Jason soon sees through this outward show however and connects with the strong but vulnerable woman within.

Such was the extent of Jason’s childhood trauma, that he has closed his mind to any close emotional attachments. He tells Mahija that he can never offer her a long term relationship. However, I loved that Mahija little by little, through her acceptance of what Jason was willing to give, managed to break down the barriers that he had put up for his own protection. It was beautiful to watch how the relationship developed between them and there were plenty of sensual and erotic lovemaking scenes, which the author excels in.

I also enjoyed the character of the Archangel Neha, who we meet in previous books. Although not at all likable, she is complex and unpredictable, with her own code of honour, which Jason and Mahija must play on to survive. It was also gratifying to meet other characters integral to the Guild Hunter world, such as Archangel Raphael and his consort Elena, the vampire Dmitri and his new wife, the Guild Hunter Honor and other characters such as the vampire Venom.

Nalini Singh has a fantastic ability to create a beautiful love story at the heart of each of her Guild Hunter novels, setting them within the framework of the overall story arc, neither of which detracts from the other. Her novels also contain vivid and beautiful descriptions of the magical world she creates. In this novel, for example, many of the buildings comprising Neha’s court she has based on forts in Rajasthan, India. This beauty contrasts vividly with the violence which she does not shy away from featuring in great detail. Her descriptions of broken bones, blood and internal organs ripped from body cavities is not for the squeamish, but reflect events which can occur in the world she has created.

I recommend this novel for lovers of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Whilst I feel that it could be read as a ‘standalone’, the reader would gain maximum enjoyment by reading the Guild Hunter Series novels in sequence.

Cover art by kind permission of Patrick Knowles

Author Nalini Singh’s website

www.orionbooks.co.uk

www.gollancz.co.uk

 

 

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‘The Wolfstone Curse’ by Justin Richards

Wolfstone‘The Wolfstone Curse’ is an action-packed thriller of horror and adventure where teenager Peter, visits the remote village of Wolfstone with his archaeologist father, Professor Crichton, who is due to be carrying out his work at the ancient Wolfstone Circle in the Cotswolds. As a teenager, in a very isolated place, Peter becomes bored and goes to explore the surrounding area, in particular the Wolfstone Manor. As the story unfolds Peter discovers the existence of werewolves and the curse that is placed upon them.

The story begins with a diary entry, dating from the Second World War, by a soldier who has just been briefed on the Nazi experiments taking place at Castle Wolfenburg. His group of commandos are sent to attack the genetically engineered SS Wolfen soldiers to prevent these experiments from taking place. There is no holding back with Justin Richards as the reader enters the story at the very beginning with plenty of action taking place. The reader is gripped from the first page!

I love the historical element of the story as the reader has insights to generations before in order to learn of the origins of the Wolfstone Circle and Manor. This in itself gives the story a great deal of depth, enabling the reader to have a great deal of background knowledge and to see the full picture and the development of the werewolves and their curse.

Whilst in Wolfstone Peter and his father are staying at The Red Fleece, a seventeenth century inn that is run by Faye Seymour, with the help of her teenage daughter, Carys. As events take place and Peter talks to them about what he has seen the reader becomes aware that Carys and her mum are not oblivious of the village life. As Peter becomes more curious and decides to explore further, Carys assists him and their relationship grows as they rely on each other during the dark and horrific times.

Peter and Carys are great, strong characters. Even when frightened they handle situations well. Although the book began with Peter, and it appeared that he alone was the hero and focus of the story, I feel that over time Carys’ character opened up and was equally as heroic as Peter. Carys seemed to be very determined to get to the bottom of the Wolfstone mystery, when Peter begun having doubts when events took a turn for the worse, and yet there were times that this led them into even more danger. However, Peter worked well with Carys and on several occasions helped her out of trouble.These two characters really compliment each other and both take on the lead roles, making them great heroes for both genders.

This action-packed adventure takes us across Europe as the characters discover a similar stone circle in Vrolask, Russia. Is there a connection between Vrolask and Wolfstone?

The way in which Richards describes Wolfstone Manor, the wolves and their actions is absolutely brilliant. These descriptions make it a fast-paced and very visual story and it is accompanied with plenty of dialogue from the characters. The reader grasps the characters and the story very easily due to this style of writing, enabling the reader to connect very quickly with the characters.

Justin’s description of some of the scenes is fantastic. His use of onomatopoeia, with words such as, smash, snap and crunch and the context in which they are used allow the reader to really get a feel for the horror and gore. There are great descriptions of the transformations, blood, gore and bones. And yet written so brilliantly in a way that is suitable for its young target audience. Short, sharp, punchy sentences are also used to emphasize the actions and their speed, which in turn helps the reader to play out the scenes in their mind. This also helps to connect with the characters and easily helps  the reader to visualise the characters and their actions. Thus, making it a more exciting read for the reader. It never loses momentum from start to finish, despite being around 430 pages.

I feel that this book is suitable and will intrigue readers from the age of 12 onwards. When reading ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ I experienced feelings that I had as a child when reading Enid Blyton’s Famous Five novels – there is this great mix of young people, mystery and curiousity that creates an eeriness. (However, ‘The Wolstone Curse’  has a more modern twist and a darker and eerier entity.) For example, when Peter checks out Wolfstone Manor it is an eery, dark and mysterious ruin in a very remote area. He and the reader knows he shouldn’t be there so he and the reader are afraid and yet far too curious to leave the story there and so Peter and the reader alike continue to delve into the unknown!. As the story moves on it becomes even more darker and horrific with the introduction of the wolves!

I say that Justin Richards’  ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ is a must-read for any reader that enjoys mystery, action/adventure and paranormal fantasy novels that are fast-paced with great heroic characters as well as fantastic supporting characters. There is never a dull moment. It is a very, very exciting thriller. Roll on July 2013 when ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ will be released and available to the public. You will not be disappointed!!!

‘The Wolfstone Curse’ was received by A Readers Review Blog by Templar Publishing in return for an honest and fair review.

Cover art by the-parish.com

Please check out Justin Richards,  the Creative Consultant for BBC Books on the Dr Who titles, author biog and look out for Tina’s review on ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ in the coming weeks with a video exclusive! ‘The Wolfstone Curse’ will be available from July 2013!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

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Bloodright, by Karin Tabke

isbn9780755395101-detail[1]-003Erotic Paranormal Romance

Adult Content/18+

Lycan Love Triangle

Bloodright is the second instalment in the erotic paranormal romance Blood Moon Rising Trilogy by Karin Tabke. It continues the tale of Falon who has been drawn into a blood feud between two alpha werewolves, Raphael and Lucien. Do not read any further if you intend to read this series and have not yet read book 1, Blood Law, as this review contains spoilers for book 1. Click to see my review of Blood Law.

Bloodright takes off immediately after Blood Law ended. The Amorak Council has decreed under Blood Law that Falon’s life will not be forfeit to Lucien. Instead Falon is his to either return to Raphael as his chosen one, or to make her his own mate. Raphael is left to find and mark another, to ensure that the Vulkasin pack continues. Falon is heartbroken, not believing that the Council could reach such a decision. When Lucien and Raphael start to fight to the death, she shoots herself to save Raphael’s life. Lucien takes her back to his Mondragon pack and heals her. Lucien is ecstatic that circumstances have played into his hands. He is filled with lust for Falon and believes that it is just revenge on Raphael for killing Mara, his own mate, as he will suffer greatly as Falon now belongs to him.

Lucien and Falon could not have had a worse start. Falon knows that she can never stop loving Raphael. However, she allows Lucien to mark her as his, to secure the future of Lucien’s pack, essential to defeat the Slayers at the coming Blood Moon. She resolves that Lucien will never have her heart. Lucien and Falon’s lovemaking however is off the Richter scale and Lucien pushes her well out of her comfort zone and their physical connection is something magical.

As Falon and Lucien try to accommodate their turbulent feelings, their physical attraction grows into more emotional bonds. Raphael’s state of mind suffers greatly at the loss of Falon and her growing attraction to Lucien. Also the spirit of the ancient wolf Fenrir, contained in the ring worn by Raphael, fights for release. At the same time Lucien and Falon have a number of violent encounters with the Slayers. Raphael is compelled to choose another mate and some major truths are revealed before the novel reaches yet another startling conclusion, setting the scene for the final book in the trilogy.

I love the characters of both alphas. However, I felt for Lucien more as it becomes clear that his bad ass personality is really a front and he has great capacity to feel emotions. He soon develops deep feelings for Falon and cannot accept that she still loves Raphael, even though she is his chosen one. He wants her heart not just her body. Raphael is devastated at his loss of Falon and knows that there will never be another that holds his heart. Yet again he is bound by his strong code of honour and prepares to mark another.

Falon goes through a lot in this novel – the loss of her chosen one, becoming the mate of a hated enemy and then dealing with her conflicted emotions. Although she initially despises Lucien, she begins to see a different side to him and grows to love him. Falon also discovers some secrets of her own birthright and begins to explore her ever growing powers, which are at their strongest when united with both brothers.

Once again Karin Tabke has successfully woven the erotic romance into a great plot and a cast of supporting characters. We learn a great deal more about the Slayers in this novel and characters come to light that impact on the pasts of Falon, Lucien and Raphael. The Amoraks, the human spirit keepers of the wolves also play a role. As the Blood Moon approaches packs and Slayers converge for the great battle yet to come.

This novel is full of mind blowing erotic Lycan sex. If you are not comfortable with explicit love making scenes, ranging from violent to sweet, wolf/ wolf sex and on one occasion human/wolf sex and a ménage scene (albeit in a dream state), you will not want to read this book. However, if you sometimes like your paranormals to get down and dirty and only an erotic romance can do, you will love this series. For lovers of erotic romance and paranormal romance who wish to experience a passionate read. The final book in the trilogy, Blood Vow is already near the top of my ‘to read’ pile.

Cover photo – kind permission received from Claudio Marinesco

Author, Karin Tabke’s website http://karintabke.com/

Cover design – www.isitdesign.co.uk

Published by www.headline.co.uk     www.eternalromancebooks.co.uk

 

 

 

 

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‘Bewitching the Werewolf’ short story by Caroline Hanson

Bewitching the WerewolfAre you looking for a FREE, fun and hot story to read just before bed, during a lunch break or even for on the train? ‘Bewitching the Werewolf’ is just the book. I found myself smiling on the first page alone! The story is so enjoyable with plenty of magic, heat and great characters.

Megan Stephens is an outspoken, quirky Wiccan who, as a witch for hire, is asked to aid the leader of a local werewolf pack to find his mate. Although she initially laughs it off, when she meets Zach Connor he is like no other werewolf. He is tall, dark and handsome, smartly dressed and smells great. He has had his fair share of women but so far none have been his mate. If he doesn’t find his mate soon the pack will disperse.

Caroline Hanson sure knows how to write these characters and allows you to become up, close and personal with them on just a few pages! I thought the whole story was just perfect: the timing, the characters, the use of magic, hot scenes, etc.

As these characters are so likeable it would be nice for them to be written into another story and maybe allow the reader to discover Zach’s transformation during a full moon and how Megan handles it! Alternatively, how would Zach deal with Megan’s sorcery?

‘Bewitching the Werewolf’ is a must-read for paranormal romance fans, preferably over the age of 16yrs due to the more intimate scenes. For such a short story it really does pack everything! And did I mention it was FREE?

I am hoping to read Caroline Hanson’s ‘Love is Darkness (Valerie Dearborn #1)’ in the near future. The synopsis and excerpt is inside ‘Bewitching the Werewolf’ and after reading them I can’t wait to read the full novel!

You can follow Caroline on Twitter @caroline_hanson and you can check her blog at http://carolinehanson.blogspot.co.uk/

Cover art by Kim Van Meter

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

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‘Cursed (A Werewolf’s Tale #1)’ otherwise known as ‘Frostbite’ by David Wellington

Cursed: A Werewolf's TaleThe first book to be reviewed for our Werewolf theme, ‘Cursed: a Werewolf’s Tale’, otherwise known as Frostbite, is an urban fantasy that will blow your mind with panic and horror. A very quick-paced novel with plenty of action that the reader will read in no time at all. David Wellington surely knows how to scare the pants off you and yet allow you to completely endure the ferocious attacks and animalistic behaviour no matter how chilling and raw!!!

The story begins with Cheyenne Clark lost, hungry, cold and lonely in the Arctic amid the trees and snow. Before too long she is being tracked by a pack of wolves. Knowing that she couldn’t possibly run from them, and with very little energy, her only chance is to climb a tree high enough so that the pack can’t reach her. However, when howling of another is heard nearby the pack of timber wolves below Cheyenne’s feet soon flee, leaving her sitting on a branch of the tree. Moments later Cheyenne meets with the wolf whose howling she heard. Much larger than the timber wolves and much more ferocious this one tries to reach Cheyenne, jumping at her, lashing at her with large paws. Until he reaches her ankle and manages to claw into her flesh!

Although the beast couldn’t quite attack Cheyenne completely, enough damage was done to make Cheyenne’s world come crashing down. She would never be the same again. She was a werewolf, a monster, a Lycanthrope. There are many names for these species and now she herself carried the curse! For every time the moon rises, Cheyenne would transform, having to learn a different way to survive and avoiding the one element that could kill her: silver, silver, silver!

Loneliness is not natural for a wolf as they tend to live and move around in packs. As a new lone wolf, Cheyenne could really do with a companion. This proves to be just as difficult as trying to deal with her new ‘self’ as the only one who could truly understand is the one that tried to kill her. Now a wolf, Cheyenne not only needs to worry about being the victim, the prey, but also has to live with being a hunter. Will she kill the one that cursed her? Will he return to kill her?

Cheyenne’s character is written with a great deal of contrast from how she feels and thinks as a human and how she is in her wolf state. The natural animalistic behaviour takes over when she is transformed, her sense of smell and hearing is much greater than her sight. As a wolf she doesn’t reason, she doesn’t use logic she survives the only way she can. Back in human form, Cheyenne wakes frozen, naked and never fully aware of what her wolf has done.

Without trying to spoil the story one of my favourite areas of the novel was when the reader begins to understand the man of the wolf that attacked Cheyenne, Powell. The reader is educated in Powell’s history as a man and how the curse affected him and we also learn a little of werewolf mythology! I found this to be very interesting and exciting but cannot elaborate more than that. This novel simply needs to be read without much explanation beforehand. It truly does speak for itself!

On a different note, David Wellington has written the setting of the scenes beautifully as one can imagine the freezing cold of the Arctic wind, the icy water of the small streams and lakes, all silent and remote from most civilisation with only the sun or moonlight to estimate time. Although not a novel of romance it most certainly is a novel of survival! But can one survive alone? Would one want to survive alone? Or is their only option to try and kill the other to eliminate a dangerous threat?

‘Cursed: A Werewolf’s Tale’ is an absolutely fascinating read. For more fur, fangs and fear I am hoping to read the sequel, ‘Ravaged’, otherwise known as ‘Overwinter’, very soon!

Cover design: Unreal-uk.com

Photograph: Getty Images

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

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‘Control (The Soul of Voodoo #1)’ by M.C. Lavocat

Control (The Soul of Voodoo, #1)If you like to be up close and personal to the characters in a saucy sort of way, as well as have the added bonus of some fun, quirky comedy and dark paranormal goings on, then this is definitely a great book for you! Things are not always as they seem at the beginning of ‘Control’, as the reader and the characters become more and more drawn to darker sides – leaving us baffled, scared and tense. ‘Control’ is packed with romance, fun and horror as it opens up to reveal a deep, dark paranormal entity. Due to the passion and horror I would recommend this novel as a more adult read, possibly 16 years+.

The main focus is on Cecelia Milonas.  Studying neuroscience for her doctoral program, Cecilia also revelled in a social life and yet was still able to maintain good grades. Many were jealous of her and she had just about had enough of studying and dealing with her fellow students and so decided to leave. However, there is more to Cecilia as she is a ‘Foxy Lady’ as Jimi Hendrix would say. She has curves in all the right places that any woman would be jealous of and any man would admire.

It isn’t too long after leaving her doctoral program that Cecilia begins a hot and saucy, lustful relationship with her landlord, boss and panty-melter, Andre St. Clair. This is a guy she has yearned for but has never thought that anything would become of her feelings for him. Andre was her friend but he didn’t date anyone. His mind was in his business. As their relationship grows it becomes more and more intense and passionate and Andre in particular is becoming addicted and obsessed with Cecilia – he is burning for her. It is the intensity and passion here that reminded me a little of Fifty Shades of Grey! Hot! Hot! Hot!

And then there is Lance Bradley.  Aside from Cecilia, Lance is my favourite character. Whether it be destiny or a curse, Lance is drawn to Cecilia in ways that he cannot explain. His first introduction with her was so slight and yet he couldn’t remove her from his mind and had to follow his instinct to find a way to be with her. He would not force the issue but he was around enough to remind her of him to the point that at times she could not forget about him. (Whereas Andre is the tall, dark handsome type, who appears quite slick and smooth, Lance is very masculine and rugged with an athletic/muscular body.)

James is Cecilia’s best friend and in many ways he reminds me of the character Lafayette in True Blood. His character provides a great deal of the comedy, especially when mixed with Cecilia and/or Lance. James could quite easily be your best friend as he is very jovial. He knows how to lighten the mood and creates a good vibe. His friendship with Cecilia is so close that he is aware of her emotions and can sense the atmosphere/mood she is in and when something is up with her. However, these senses become a much deeper aspect the further the story goes on.

The story is written from Cecilia’s point of view and from Lance’s. I love this as the reader can connect to both characters from early on and understand their feelings and decisions. The relationship of Cecilia and Lance is magnetic and whether they want to or not it is almost inevitable that something could possibly happen between them. However, Cecilia is with Andre and even though their relationship can be tense at times she still wants to make it work with him, after all he is the panty-melter and the guy she has been wanting for three whole years.

In many ways the first part of ‘Control’ can appear to be a romantic love triangle situation but as the reader gets sucked in too, by the spell, we realise that it is so much more; where lives are at stake, time is not as it seems and people’s destiny’s are affected! There is nothing we can do to prevent it – or so it seems – but we have to find a way! A curse, a spell, voodoo even is considered when darker events take place and the ‘control’ or lack of it goes to a complete extreme. This is a must-read for those that love dark, paranormal horror, mixed with comedy and romance!

The second novel of the series, ‘Power’ will be released in the near future and as ‘Control’ has left me on tenterhooks at the edge of my seat, I simply need to know how the story can move forward.

For more information on M.C. Lavocat and/or ‘The Soul of Voodoo series please visit www.soulofvoodoo.wordpress.com

Cover artwork by Sugar Magnolia Photography

‘Control (The Soul of Voodoo #1)’ was received by myself gratefully, from M.C. Lavocat, in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

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The Genie Ignites, Book One of the Zubis Chronicles, by Kellyann Zuzulo

genieignites_full-17942442_std[1]-001Passionate and Magical Romance

After reading this tale I will never look at copper lamps or think of genies in the same way again! The Genie Ignites is a passionate and magical romance with an intricate plot. In it, a young American woman is recruited by a secret society to help it eradicate all genies. In doing so she is reunited with her lover, a three thousand year old genie she betrayed in a past incarnation she is unaware of.

American editor, Bethany O’Brien, has been beset by disconcerting dreams of a dark and handsome man. Whilst attending a reception at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, she is stunned to meet the very man she has dreamt about, a man she has never met, but whom she finds strangely familiar. The man is Zubis, counsellor to the Saudi Arabian king.

Later that evening, Seth Nasser, her liaison at the embassy, reveals to her the existence of the Jinn and the Veil of Thoth, an ancient order committed to controling the Jinn and keeping them from overrunning the world. Seth informs Bethany that she is the reincarnation of the high priestess Lina, murdered by one of the three genies who served King Solomon, the high priest she was apprenticed to.

As a malachi, a human killed by a genie in a previous incarnation, Bethany cannot be harmed by that genie and is the only person who can destroy it. She is therefore valuable to the Veil of Thoth and Seth wants her to travel to the Middle East to help the society. Although sceptical, some of the things Bethany hears sound strangely familiar, and as a committed journalist, she resolves to go to the Middle East to investigate a strange copper vessel that has been discovered and also Seth’s story.

There are many other players in this game however and Bethany finds that she has to flee the US and travel across Europe to the Middle East with Derek Martin, a photojournalist, with others in hot pursuit, including a second genie called Borzal. There is also Prince Faisal, who covets the throne, who only has his own interests at heart, which involve Zubis. Neither the reader nor Bethany know who to trust and the remainder of the plot involves murder, betrayal, deceit and some hot lovemaking scenes, which incorporate a little genie magic!

Zubis, the handsome genie, should despise Bethany for her betrayal in her previous life, but he cannot as he is deeply in love with her. Advisor to the royal family, he has already granted two of the three wishes due. On the granting of the third he will be free and this, combined with the power of his connection to Bethany, will enable him to open the gates to Jinnistan, where he wants her to return with him. He knows that once Bethany regains her memories it will be her decisions which govern whether he lives or remains free. King Jul is adamant that it will not be him who unleashes the power of the Jinn and will not make the third wish. Instead he keeps Zubis trapped in his palace.

Bethany is sassy, confident and self-assured, more than a match for an autocratic genie. When she meets Zubis and recognises him as the man from her dreams, she senses that she knows him. As she approaches the palace, her bond strengthens and her memories of him and the ancient betrayal slowly resurface, as Zubis visits her in a series of dreams and visions. One particular lovemaking scene where Zubis uses his ability of transmorphic migration is extremely memorable! I shall now be forever rubbing copper lamps to conjure up my very own genie!

The author weaves a complex plot whilst developing and maintaining a hot romance. She has clearly done a great deal of research into the mythology of the Jinn and the customs, history and politics of the Middle East. I liked the way she spins her tale and her world building is excellent. We feel for the heroine throughout and swiftly come to adore Zubis and hope that the couple will find their HEA this time round. I recommend this book to readers of paranormal romance and also those who enjoy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. The romance between Bethany and Zubis is continued in The Genie Smolders, which is due for release this spring.

This book was given to me by the author, for the purpose of an honest review.

Boroughs Publishing Group Website

Kellyann Zuzulo Website

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Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book One) by Tim O’Rourke

I thought Tim O’Rourke had me with the Keira Hudson series. I thought the same again when I read ‘Moonlight’, from his Moon Trilogy, and then in his latest series, Sydney Hart, in the novel ‘Witch’. ‘Vampire Seeker’ is no exception to the rule. It’s wacky, adventurous, action-packed, fun and gory. From a vampire seeker in London, 2012, to a cowgirl in the Wild West in 1888, Samantha Carter is a brilliant heroine.

‘Vampire Seeker’ begins with Samantha following a Jack the Ripper copy-cat killer in London 2012. Samantha believes that the killer is a vampire and, as she has had an obsession in trying to prove their very existence, when she hears of the latest murder via a police scanner she exploits the situation by tracking him down. This is a very brave and courageous move, and even though risky, Sammy is on a mission for what she believes in. She is studying criminology but reading about, researching and studying vampires is her thing. She cannot let this moment pass. She is so close to the truth.

With the police on her tail, as she is seen near the crime scene, she follows the stranger she believes is a vampire and murderer as quickly and quietly as she can. She ends up at a Tube station and boarding a train she sees the stranger take. With only moments before the police reach her she pushes her way through the carriages to find her ‘vampire’. Throughout the following pages words are exchanged and then there is a bright light….

….when she wakes, Sammy is in the Wild West in 1888. She is dressed in denim and can handle a gun or two very well. She is in a tricky situation as soon as she wakes, with a gang of men lying around her that she has supposedly killed and another man behaving in a threatening manner towards her who has disarmed her and ready to take advantage. It is at this point that Samantha meets the Preacher, Louise, Zoe and Harry, a group of possible outlaws that treat Samantha as if she were one of their own.

To elaborate any further would completely spoil the story, however Samantha needs to work out how she arrived in the Wild West in 1888, why she woke up there and how she can get back to London, 2012. Is it connected to the murders taking place, or the possible vampire she had followed? Or is it all a dream?

Sammy’s character is very strong. She is a decisive gal with ambition and courage. She handles herself well in most situations and stands up to the other characters in the novel. Although she isn’t easily pushed around or deceived easily she still retains her femininity and sexiness. Samantha is wise and is able to pick up skills very quickly, despite having to get used to a new way of life.

Throughout ‘Vampire Seeker’ there are many action scenes that are quick-paced, violent, gory and sickening. This all adds to the thrill and excitement and the pace of the novel. Tim’s writing is so clear to the reader that although you are using your own imagination, the details of these action sequences are still vivid and clear from the writing. Every movement made can be imagined easily, allowing the reader to live in the moment themselves.

With Tim’s books that I have read thus far I have felt alive when reading them, as if beside the characters, like I am there with them. With ‘Vampire Seeker’ I felt most of this, however I not only wanted to be there with Samantha but I wanted to be Samantha Carter. I wanted to know how it would feel to shoot pistols and ride a horse in denims, belonging to a group of possible outlaws. Would I want to stay in the Wild West, 1888, or return to London in 2012?

‘Vampire Seeker’ not only makes for such a great read, but it captivates the imagination so much that you can see it, you can feel it. I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of fantasy every few pages where one minute it is like the TV series ‘Life on Mars’, the next ‘Back to the Future Part III’. The only difference being that here we have a female lead character. I have been watching a few westerns on TV recently, such as ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Hell on Wheels’, and reading Vampire Seeker simply tied in with this theme with the added bonus of the faster, more adventurous pace, along with the paranormal direction. There are also so many twists and turns that one direction that the novel took made me think of the movie ‘From Dusk ’til Dawn’ but I will not elaborate too much here, other than to say that a relationship between certain characters have similar circumstances.

The Preacher character is almost like a father-figure type character in my mind. He is out on a mission himself with his fellow riders and he is a leader. Samantha is helped by the Preacher and although he, Zoe and Louise have been friendly and accepting of Samantha, taking her in as one of their own, Sammy has her doubts about the group as the story unfolds and questions the Faith of the Preacher.

And then there is Harry, Harry Turner. I can definitely see why this novel is for new/young adults, 17 yrs plus, as the sexual tension is very hot and intense. If you are looking for a romance theme, or at least the hope of one with a strong and silent type cowboy you will not be disappointed. He is like Clint Eastwood in ‘High Plains Drifter’, which funnily enough has an almost paranormal feel but not in quite the same way that ‘Vampire Seeker’ has. Aside from Samantha, Harry is my favourite character that I cannot live without. I am just dying to know just how bad he is. I can honestly say that if the action and gore don’t get the blood pumping, Harry certainly will!

I need to read the sequel right now. I cannot wait for the release date!

‘Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book One)’ was received gratefully from the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Other series’ to try are Keira Hudson, Black Hill Farm, The Moon Trilogy and Doorways. You can find all information on Tim’s website.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker