K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 2
May 22, 2022
Book review: Silver Vixen – Between Her Pages
In Silver Vixen’s Between Her Pages, Allison thought she finally had everything figured out. She’d found her dream home, the perfect fortress of solitude in which to write her next book. Sure it needed some work, but she had some time before her deadline, and this place was hers, she just needed a little help to get it to match the vision of her dreams. The problem was she’d already caught the eye of the playboy realtor, and now the live-in carpenter hired to build her dreams was slipping past her defences. What she wasn’t ready for, was the curveballs. Things were never easy, as her past had taught her, a lesson she seemed to be forgetting as the two men vie for her attention, bringing their troubles and drama into the fold. One thing is for certain, the future she envisioned isn’t the one being mapped out before her, but maybe that’s a good thing.
Romance is fast becoming one of my favourite genres, and this Between Her Pages has its spirit in spades. Silver Vixen captures the setting of a writer, striving to work and make time for herself, and reminding her that books should not be judged by their covers. Millionaire playboy Benedict is proving this to her as he seeks out her affection, trying to win her heart from the man who has sneaked into her home and bed, bringing with him more baggage than she could ever have anticipated. At once the life she thought she would have is gone, and a new future and new ideas build upon what fate has placed in her path, opening her heart and mind to new ideas. I loved watching the character progression and discovering the backstories. The way their past and past mistakes reflect on the future they try to create. There is a lot to this book to be enjoyed, twists and surprises, great scene-setting, and difficult decisions and unexpected solutions. It’s well written and has a pull for the reader that will ensure they want to see exactly how it turns out.
May 17, 2022
Book review: JCR Paulino’s The Swords of Blood and Gold
In JCR Paulino’s The Swords of Blood and Gold, Jon had found his passion early in life and had excelled in the field of deep-sea treasure hunting. There was nothing he loved more than planning a voyage and reaping the rewards of their hard work, nothing, except maybe the comradery of his friends and colleagues who sank every bit of themselves into the expeditions. But the business wasn’t as booming as it could be. The reason? The boss was obsessed with bringing home a certain haul. Maybe he shouldn’t have butted heads with the big man, had he known the day he left the office would be the last time he’d see any of them alive, he may have rethought things. Wanted by the police under suspicion of mass murder, and on the run from a homicidal maniac, Jon must separate truth from lies and find a means to stop the vicious murder from continuing to target those he loves.
From the very start, this book had me hooked. I was completely enthralled, drawn into the pages as vibrant characters and passion fill the page in a gripping and intense plot. The Swords of Blood and Gold went from a genre I don’t read often, straight to my recommended reading list, and I never recommend a book lightly. I loved the immersive storytelling, you’re not only whisked away on a terrifying ride of justice, love, loss, and hardship, but on an epic and mystical adventure that keeps you glued to the page. It’s the kind of book you want to read in a single sitting, JCR Paulino has a way of weaving a scene, growing their characters and ensuring the reader is fully invested. The meeting of worlds, past and present through fables and the supernatural was brilliant as a threat forged in ancient times endangers the lives of everyone Jon cares for. You share the grief and loss, celebrate the victories, and when the book ends, you have to take a moment to appreciate the magnificence of what you’ve just read. I’ll certainly be looking out for more books from this author.
May 8, 2022
Book review, The Replacings – Sandie Will
In Sandie Will’s The Replaclings, Wyatt Corringer didn’t want any part of Adrian Webster’s plan, but there’s only so much you can do to thwart the plans of your kidnapper. He had tried to kill him, tried to stop him from completing the family he had once lost, but nothing he did made any difference. Or maybe it did. Adrian needed him, needed his family to keep his demon, Shade at bay. The thing is, even though he has everything he needed, his demon is not at peace, he is more determined than ever to ensure everything is just as Adrian desires, no matter who gets hurt.
I really enjoyed learning more about Adrian and Shade, seeing into the mind of the villain, how he studied and applied techniques of manipulation in order to ensure cooperation, and the ever-escalating fury and threat of Shade ensured the reader dared not step away for too long. I loved this, it really was a psychological thriller. Sandie Will plays off her version of Stockholm Syndrome against Wyatt’s drive for survival and the need to protect Adrian’s other victims. The Replaclings truly is a tale of twists and manipulation. You fear for the characters as you’re dragged into the horrific things they are forced to endure, while all the time, glimpsing things from Adrian’s perspective. He is a saviour, taking his new family from cruel and neglectful hands, giving them a new life, a new purpose in his family, ensuring they have everything they need, within his limits that is. All he needs is their cooperation. And that’s precisely what Shade will go to any lengths to ensure. Gripping, horrifying, and thrilling, this is a page-turning sadistic delight for readers who love a deep-rooted psychological thriller.
May 4, 2022
Book review: Vivian Woolf – Eye Contact
In Vivian Woolf’s, Eye Contact, Isobel was a straight-A student. She was only seen as that, a nerd, a geek, brains. Whatever they said about her, however, they teased her, one thing she’d never been as seen was beautiful, at least not by a boy. That all changed the day Evan walked in. Although new to the school, he owned the halls, he singled her out, he stirred in her things she had never known. But there was something off about him too. Jealousy, with an aversion to talking about his past and his previous girlfriend. He wanted every minute of Isobel’s time, and when that didn’t happen, other things did. Things aren’t as they seem, that’s for sure. Where does love end, and obsession begin?
Eye Contact was an easy read following the drama of school mingled with a new romance, alternating priorities, and the all too familiar back-handed bullies. I loved how while reading it, Vivian Woolf managed to weave a fun, yet troubling, story that made you work at uncovering what was going on. I loved the real feel of Isobel, she had human traits of selfishness, thoughtlessness, being carried away and self-involved, while still possessing the traits that had made her a good friend to start with. How she was made her real, believable. With all the suspicious and strange goings-on, I was desperate to uncover the truth behind events, was there something more to Evan than there seemed, was there a reason people acted so strongly towards him? The setting was well created without being overpowering. A smooth and enjoyable read that will keep you turning the pages for answers. Romance, tension, and questions, combine to make a thrilling read.
May 1, 2022
Book review: Palmer Pickering – Light Fighters (@PalmerPickerin1)
Cassidy had been taken, kidnapped, taken from her twin and forced to endure the most horrendous torture while her brother, Torr, fought for his life before embarking on a desperate struggle across the moon, hoping to get her back. But his journey is not just one for his sister, it is one of discovery. A new gift has awakened. The Star Children are coming into their power and must confront the odds to move forward. But Cassidy’s captor is not one to let her slip idly through her fingers, determined to find her he sets his loyal dog upon them, unaware of the power he possesses and the trouble it will bring. If the Star Children fail their journey, there may not be another chance. When one of the three Hearts-of-Sky exploded, the path home had been lost, and hope of survival along with it. But there had to be away, the scrolls had said so, and life could be forfeit should they fail.
I read the first book in Palmer Pickering’s Star Children Saga back in 2019 and was thrilled to discover book Two, Light Fighters had been released and continues to be a book I could really get my teeth into. I love a big book when it’s well written, especially a fantasy of such epic proportions, and Pickering once again delivers on her promise to entertain, engage, and stir her readers. Pickering is an expert scene setter, she builds the worlds, lure, and history one word at a time like an artist’s brushstrokes to create vast, rich, and vibrant worlds, filled with deep characters, interesting quests, magic, twists, and a quest passed down by fate itself for the very survival of all.
There are such a vast array of characters in Light Fighters, from those you love, to those you outright hate, those whose motives you question, to those you will see to be pure and true, set and devoted to their tasks and morals despite how others would view them. This is a book that will stir thought and consideration, and not just for the driving force and ideals of the characters within, but to the truth of how this came to be, and how mistakes once made are destined to be repeated if not learned from. The fate of all rests on the journey of the Star Children, life weighs heavy on their shoulders and they must learn to use their gift, see what others cannot, and create the future written in the ancient scrolls as their destiny. But the path is never easy, but then again, if it was easy, anyone, not just those fated, would do it.
April 24, 2022
Book review: Charlene A. Wilson’s Awaken
In Charlene A. Wilson’s Awaken, in the blink of an eye, James’ life had changed. While he did what was warranted, what was needed from him, he never expected the home he’d return to wouldn’t be the one he left. For him hardly any time had passed, but for everyone else, ten years had gone by while his love waited for him to return, while children aged, and the world moved on. He didn’t want to make Linda wait a minute longer. Needing to know whatever happened, whatever the future held, she would always be his, he proposed, unaware his world was about to change again. Whispers of war, the death of a queen, a banshee’s cry, and a prophecy, the future moves in strange ways, but nothing quite as jarring as the fae princess arriving at their gates and stirring in him something he had long given up on finding, the bond of an eternal mate. Not long ago he promised Linda he would love her for the rest of her life, and she is going to hold him to that vow.
Awaken is the Fourth book in Charlene A. Wilson’s Shilo Manor series. This is clearly a full and vibrant world with a rich history explored in previous books, however, aside from this feeling of missing out on the previous adventures, at no point did the fact I have not read the books cause any issues. Everything is discussed and filled in beautifully. I loved meeting the vast array of characters, each distinctive and chasing their own goals and dreams as they follow the path before them. The ever-evolving plot will keep the reader on the edge of their seat as they uncover secrets and face hardships that seem only to escalate as James tries to bring balance to heart and soul, to keep his vows and himself intact while being pulled in all directions. The challenges and struggles are brilliantly written. It’s impossible not to be pulled into the emotional turmoil and strife, that are just a small part of a larger plot. A rich and vibrant world, hosting a series of epic story arcs, plots, secrets and turmoil. There’s nothing not to love.
April 18, 2022
Book review: Nikky Lee’s The Rarkyn’s Familiar. (@NikkyMLee)
Lyss had a plan. A vow of revenge. She had watched her father brutally murdered, almost lost her life herself. The only way to bring down something like that was from the inside. She had to get close enough to those responsible. What she didn’t know was destiny had its own plan for her. She trained with sword, failed with runes and magic, but her resolve never faltered. Not even when a terrible mistake by a boy she now thought of as her brother condemned her to a fate worse than death. Before madness claims her she wants to make true her pledge of revenge. But mistakes like this don’t go unnoticed. The closer she gets to the end of her time, the more she is hunted as the madness and power she fears leaves a trail those seeking to control the very application of magic can’t help but follow. Can she make it to her one chance of salvation and revenge before being lost forever? Find out in Nikky Lee’s The Rarkyn’s Familiar.
From creatures unseen in the underworld, summonings, and magic there is so much to love about Nikky Lee’s The Rarkyn’s Familiar, and one of the things I love most, is that it is book one in The Rarkyn Trilogy, meaning there is already a promise of more to come from this spectacular world and its characters, because I’m going to be honest, I NEED more. I am already addicted to this series. Even before touching on the complex characters with rich back stories and pressing motivations, this book has so much to offer the reader. I enjoyed watching the letters from one of the characters unfold, filling in the past, bringing to light new information on characters we’ve already met and how time and events twisted and changed things. As a reader all my thirsts were slaked, from complex magics, differentiating in uses and types, to wondrous lore, epic adventure, danger, and the forging of bonds. I couldn’t devour this book quickly enough. This is without a doubt an author I would recommend, and a book I have already suggested to fellow readers. It’s a gripping and gruelling adventure with truths uncovered, fates intertwined, and manipulation running rampant. A rich world, vibrant characters and an adventure that will mesmerise, bind, and captivate. I need more of these characters. I can’t wait to see where their next adventure takes them. This is the kind of book you have to own, a boon to any library.
April 5, 2022
book review – Kaylin McFarren’s Annihilation (@4kaylin)
In Kaylin McFarren’s Annihilation, Hell is no place for mercy, nor to make trusted allies. Lucinda, having overthrown her father, Lucifer, seeks now to cement her leadership and become the most powerful ruler, obtaining the loyalties, or servitude of all. But what are loyalties in a realm where treachery is a virtue and betrayal a must? She is not alone in her games, there are those who plot and scheme against the new queen, while she attempts to create an unstoppable army, other forces move against her. But everything was not as it seemed. Her father has returned, hiding away until the time was right to make his move and reclaim his kingdom. He has planned everything. Everything but for one thing. Samara. The daughter of Crighton Daemonium, has a power over him he can’t explain. But will she bring salvation or ruin?
Annihilation, being the second book in Kaylin McFarren’s Gehenna series can at first seem a little disorientating. The characters clearly had a complex and involved background from the previous book, but as the story progresses important details are explained allowing readers to build a clear picture of events and trials from the previous book that brought us to the situation at hand. With a large cast of characters from the corrupted innocent to the twisted malevolent, there is certainly someone every type of reader will find a connection with. Schemes and plans will keep you guessing, waiting on tenterhooks as nefarious plans unfold and treachery, betrayal, and manipulation run rampant. It’s a combination of horror, supernatural, and romance where the forces of Hell prepare to make their move. I enjoyed how each character had their own distinctive personalities and motivations, and how their approaches differ. A love story, a power play, a quest for domination, this book has it all. Well written with clear attention to detail and scene-setting that will ensure the reader remains engaged and present through the unfolding drama.
March 30, 2022
Book review: C. Vonzale Lewis’ Zealot
C. Vonzale Lewis’s Zealot, Ronald Stewart was mocking Nicole. Goading her. Sending pictures of the people he killed, people who looked like her. He was killing her in his mind over and over. Killing the innocent and announcing it to her once he’d moved on. It was torture, and she was helpless but to look. He was out there because she failed. But he was not her only issue. Nicole uncovered that the practice of blood magick on Tulare was more present than she had thought, and a contract to find and deal with those responsible was just what she needed. Except her investigations led her to the Young family. A visit to the church started more than she bargained for raising questions and stirring memories she wasn’t ready to face. Her past is deeply intertwined with cults, and now her present has brought her back to this scene, but can she stay focused enough to see clearly, or will her past and present troubles seal her fate?
I really enjoyed how all the characters in C. Vonzale Lewis’ Zealot, had their own demons, some are mental and some have a more literal demon to battle. Written in a smooth flowing style I found myself effortlessly progressing the story, wondering what would be uncovered next, which truths and deceptions would become illuminated, and what the motivation and schemes lurking beneath the surface would grow to become. I enjoyed the tiny threads woven in the plot that expanded the story and hinted at things to be unravelled, but nothing is ever as it seems, especially with countless twists and a good helping of mystery to keep the reader on their toes. This is the second book in The Blood and Sacrifice Chronicles Series and to start with settling in with characters who’ve already had one adventure can be difficult, however, through story progression all important aspects the reader wants to know are incorporated to give the larger picture to anyone who hasn’t read the first book. There’s an ever-present threat looming in the book, piquing curiosity, and creating a rich environment. Nicole’s battle with her past while trying to come to terms and understand the fallout from things kept sealed and hidden is amazing to watch and her personality really shines through. This was a fun and gripping read that will keep the reader entertained from beginning to end.
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March 26, 2022
Book review: K J Walt’s Monstrosity
In K J Walt’s Monstrosity, Yoska Draper was never going to settle down. He had no ties. His gypsy blood was strong and there was grief in his past he could never outrun. He thought he’d figured everything out, until an uncle he never knew left him a monstrosity in his will. As far as Draper was concerned he couldn’t sell it quickly enough, but there was something about the ugly green, rundown house that spoke to him. Perhaps it was the handsy ghosts, the demon in the corner, or maybe how the most brilliant group of misfits and outcasts had found each other under this old roof, but there was something about this place, this monstrosity, that gave him a strange feeling, and for once, it wasn’t the need to move on.
Monstrosity: Apartment Complex On Deadman Lane Box Set by K J Walt is a phenomenal and gripping read that will hook you from the first page. From the first paragraph the personality of Yoska Draper really erupts from the page, instantly gripping the reader’s attention. I love books like this, ones that get you invested in the first few lines. There isn’t a single character that wasn’t vibrant and unique. I loved Draper’s intense and opinionated personality. While he has a view and opinion on everything, he’s also one to embrace people and their difference without prejudice, and able to kick ass when the need arises. I loved this, loved how his character was so intense, and watching him grow and change as he spends time in the converted mansion was executed brilliantly. I loved seeing his mind work and the evolution of thoughts and understandings as he grows closer to the motley crew, becoming entangled in their lives. This is expertly written, flows beautifully and hold the reader’s attention from beginning to end. I really hope the author writes more books like this, it was nothing short of outstanding.
