Nicky Peacock's Blog, page 41
October 18, 2013
Book Spotlight: Beneath the Veil by Aimee Roseland
Beneath the Veil
Anthology - Books One through Five
Synopsis:
A Kiss Beneath the Veil
Daphne became a ghost whisperer when the Veil was lifted and the others came out of hiding. Now she’s intent on using her new ability to track down a serial killer who’s been terrorizing children in her small town. Isaac is an ancient vampire pursuing Daphne as she runs from his love and the promise of his immortal kiss. He will do anything to prove that they belong together, forever, including slaying a real monster for her.
A Taste for Moonlight
Anne gave up on finding her Prince Charming exactly one divorce, two kids, and (ahem) several pounds ago. Besides, she’s too busy building her business and being a good mom to even miss love anymore…usually…sometimes. But all that changes when she finds herself tricked into going to a werewolf strip club on her birthday. That’s when Thomas sees her for the first time and realizes that she is the mate he’s searched centuries for.
A Darker Shade of Dawn
Roschana doesn’t have many friends. Maybe it’s that whole I-eat-sex-for-breakfast thing? Too sexy? Too creepy? Whatever. She can’t help that she’s a succubus or that when most people find out about her eating habits they usually get the wrong impression and bolt, or drop trou on the spot. Eeww. But Thomas isn’t like most people. He’s a nerd who understands the stars better than he understands people. Who knew that the fastest way to a succubus’s heart was through a telescope?
A Heart of Stone and Fire
Athena is dying. There, she admitted it. So now what? In a world made topsy turvy by the lifting of the Veil, a girl ought to be able to find a cure for something as banal as cancer. And if she can’t? Well, then there’s always shopping. Gestein has guarded Athena since their paths first crossed when she was just a child. He would do anything to save her from the fate she has in store, but he’s bound to honor the vow he made not to interfere in her life. And a gargoyle always keeps his word.
A Constant Rapture
Constance is searching for a miracle; because that’s the only way she’ll be able to save her little sister and herself from the Ochi’s grasp. Xavier is working as a stage magician on the Vegas strip when Constance barges in and disrupts his carefully ordered plans: work, drink, rinse, repeat. He doesn’t see how his one shite talent could possibly help in her search until he’s already neck deep in Ochi mercenaries. By then there’s the complication of him starting to fall for his dream girl…
About the Author: 
I was born and raised near Las Vegas, NV and grew up dreaming of rain. I also dreamt of heroes and villains and the women that inspired the best and worst in them.
It seemed like every book I read as a teen was a classic bodice-ripper. Wimpy-virgin-heroine always making bad choices and getting herself in trouble, cue the macho hero, yadda yadda yadda. Those books are what inspired me to write my own stories, not because I loved those retro-romances, but because I constantly found myself tossing them aside and fuming. I would think of all the ways the story would have been better: if she had just picked up the sword and stabbed the bad guy when she had the chance…
I LOVE writing and I love the new direction that fiction has taken over the last decade. So many amazing, strong female leads now! And so many new writers that finally have a voice in the indie publishing community.
I was blessed with a wonderful husband who supports my passion for writing and reading and who really helped me focus my desire to publish my work. When I’m not busy enjoying my daughter and husband I’m usually developing a new story idea or sneaking in a bit of free time with my favorite authors.
I’m a bit of a hermit, they called it being “shy” when I was a kid, but I love hearing from fans. I also love ferrets, hiking, chili dark chocolate, strong coffee, nursing mamas, and rain.
www.aimeeroseland.blogspot.com
http://www.amazon.com/Aimee-Roseland/e/B0078NMJB0/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1379552323&sr=8-2-ent
Twitter @aimeeroseland
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aimee-Roseland/272666576177146
Available on October 1st.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/358338
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Aimee Roseland, anthology, Beneath the Veil, Monster Book Promotions, paranormal romance
October 17, 2013
Book Review: Reluctant Guardian by Melissa J Cunningham
Synopsis:
Guarding Brecken Shaefer—a dark and dangerous rebel—is harder than it looks.
Death was nothing like sixteen-year-old Alisa Callahan thought it would be. Resting on pink, fluffy clouds for eternity with her gram and best friend sounded like a dream come true. After all, enduring one torturous experience after another in her short life deserved some kind of reward, right? Unfortunately, eternal rewards aren’t given out so freely when you take your own life.
Required to pay the debt for committing suicide, Alisa must become a guardian. It sounds easy enough, but not when the boy she is forced to protect has a dangerous secret and wants absolutely nothing to do with her.
Brecken Shaefer isn’t any normal teenager. He has special gifts that are sure to make Alisa’s afterlife miserable. When feelings develop between them, everything spins out of control. Not only must Alisa face her own demons— but to protect Brecken, she must face an evil so heinous that it threatens to destroy their souls completely. Alisa is tired of hiding from her past. When the easiest thing to do is run, can Brecken give her the strength to stay?
About the Author: 
Melissa J. Cunningham began writing five years ago when she decided, out of the blue, to enter a community writing contest and won first place. From that moment on she had a new love: Writing. Melissa is a member of the League of Utah Writers. Her past publication experience includes a recurring opinion column called Writing Reality, for her local newspaper: The Leader
Melissa’s first novel: Reluctant Guardian, was accepted for publication through Clean Teen Publishing in August 2013.
When Melissa is not writing you can find her spending time with her family and her horses, cats, dogs and chickens or reading. Melissa is also a local music teacher.
Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog
My Review:
I always have to give myself a mental adjustment when I switch from reading adult paranormal romance to YA. However with The Reluctant Guardian, although YA and centered around teen characters, it really did deal with some dark issues and didn’t tread lightly on them – which is a refreshing change.
The book moves between first person Alisa, to third person Brecken, and I did find myself preferring Alisa’s parts. Brecken’s seem a little less like prose and more like reports containing info dumps and not much that help to engage with him as a character. Alisa does come across a bit selfish – although I must admit that my personal opinion of suicides are that they are selfish in their actions (just my opinion – I’m not a psychologist or claim any knowledge on the subject matter) so perhaps it was more of a clever character point.
From a writer’s perspective, It’s slow to really get going and to be honest I’d have preferred to have skipped ahead to when Alisa is actually with Brecken and the rest of the information from before slotted in as back-story where appropriate. The secrets throughout the book are cleverly introduced and I can’t fault the writing style in Alisa’s parts of the story.
The front cover is beautiful and was what actually drew me to review the book in the first place and I feel that, as teen reads go, this is one of the good ones available.
Overall I’d give The Reluctant Guardian 4 out of 5 stars – interesting, thought provoking and beautifully written
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: fireside reads, Juniper Grove Book Solutions, Melissa J Cunningham, paranormal YA, Reluctant Guardian, Reluctant Guardian review
October 16, 2013
Book Review: Inhuman by Kat Falls
Synopsis:
In a world ravaged by mutation, a teenage girl must travel into the forbidden Savage Zone to recover lost artifacts or her father’s life is forfeit.
America has been ravaged by a war that has left the eastern half of the country riddled with mutation. Many of the people there exhibit varying degrees of animal traits. Even the plantlife has gone feral.
Crossing from west to east is supposed to be forbidden, but sometimes it’s necessary. Some enter the Savage Zone to provide humanitarian relief. Sixteen-year-old Lane’s father goes there to retrieve lost artifacts—he is a Fetch. It’s a dangerous life, but rewarding—until he’s caught.
Desperate to save her father, Lane agrees to complete his latest job. That means leaving behind her life of comfort and risking life and limb—and her very DNA—in the Savage Zone. But she’s not alone. In order to complete her objective, Lane strikes a deal with handsome, roguish Rafe. In exchange for his help as a guide, Lane is supposed to sneak him back west. But though Rafe doesn’t exhibit any signs of “manimal” mutation, he’s hardly civilized . . . and he may not be trustworthy.
My Review:
I really enjoyed Inhuman. At a time when we’re being saturated with zombie fiction, Kat Falls manages to give us something that’s just as nasty, but different enough to be slightly more realistic. It kind of reminded me of two of my favourite movies, 28 Days Later/ 28 Weeks Later as the horror was all down to a virus rather than the undead (it does tend to get lumped into the zombie movie category and really shouldn’t be)
The world she lays out to the reader is both compelling, and a little disconcerting, I’ve quite often said that this is the kind of end of the world that could actually happen. Lane is a cool protagonist and has a strong story arc and character development throughout the book. I also completely agree with her hand sanitizer issues! Germs, germs everywhere and all that! Although, she certainly doesn’t beat The Hunger Game’s Katniss in the survival skills stakes.
From a writer’s perspective, it does have the A-typical love triangle that we’ve come to expect for YA fiction, which made it slightly cliché for me, however the fact that one of them (Rafe) comes across as a bit of a knob for most of the book, separates it nicely from the likes of Twilight.
The book was fast paced, which kept me reading well into the wee hours of the night, and it’s pretty obvious that this will be a series. I’ve seen a couple of different front covers online, but the one I like most I’ve put with the post (they probably differ depend on country)
Overall I’ve give Inhuman 4 out 5 stars, bring on book 2 Kat!
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Book Review for Inhuman, dystopia, Fetch Series, Inhuman, Kat Falls, Scolastic Publishing, Viral outbreak
October 15, 2013
Book Review: No Shelter From Darkness by Mark D Evans
Synopsis:
“Her hands began to shake as she looked down wide-eyed at the blood-soaked cotton that covered her.”
London emerges from the Blitz, and every corner of the city bears the scars. In the East End—a corner fairing worse than most—thirteen year-old Beth Wade endures this new way of life with her adoptive family. She also suffers the prejudice against her appearance, an abiding loneliness and now the trials of adolescence. But with this new burden comes a persisting fatigue and an unquenchable thirst that ultimately steals her into unconsciousness . . .
What happens next is the start of something Beth will fear more than the war itself. She begins to change in ways that can’t be explained by her coming-of-age, none more frightening than her need to consume blood. The family who took her in and the former best friend who’s taken refuge in their house can never know. Aware of the danger she poses to everyone around her, Beth has never felt more alone. But someone else knows Beth’s secret . . . someone who understands just how different she really is. He alone can decrypt her past and explain her future. But he’s been sworn to destroy her kind, and as Beth grows ever more dangerous, he’s forced to take sides.
Can Beth keep all of the secrets? Can she trust a man sworn to kill her? And can she stop the vampire within from taking her humanity?
About the Author:
MARK D. EVANS was born near London, England. He graduated university with a degree in something not even remotely connected with writing and went on to become a successful consultant. Then he threw it all away to chase his dream of being an author, via a considerable amount of travelling. Today, his life largely resembles that of a nomad, and he can currently be found typing away in a tiny flat in north London, sustained by coffee.
He is the author of two short stories, one of which made it into a Kindle Top Ten.
His latest work is his debut novel, No Shelter from Darkness, which is the first book in his series, The Cruentus Saga.
Visit Mark online:
https://www.facebook.com/authormarkdevans
Twitter: @TheMarkDEvan
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/markdevans
My Review:
I loved the concept of this book. To have a coming of age vampire novel set against the backdrop of the Blitz, certainly an interesting premise.
From a writer’s perspective, I really have to ask, why third person narrative? I felt that the story and emotion would have filtered through better if it were from Beth’s perspective only. Although this brings up the age old writer’s question of gender narrative. I personally find it very difficult to write first person from a male’s point view for too long, and even what I have written, tends to be full of cliches and more my ideal of what a man might think, that the harsh reality.
There was obviously a lot of research done on the era – which adds to the reality of the whole story – even though we all know vampires are not real – or at least we believe them not to be…The feel of it was very authentic and even slightly claustrophobic in places which goes to show the quality of writing style.
The front cover really lets it down for me. The importance of an expressive and pretty front cover is paramount in book sales. We all know this, although some of us might be ashamed to admit that we are drawn to pretty, shiny things. Perhaps something with Beth on, more detail that makes it more obvious of the time period, and its attraction level will rocket. As it stands, it kind of looks like an autobiography cover – not the classy piece of paranormal historic fiction it is.
Overall I’d give ‘No Shelter from Darkness’ 3 out of 5 stars. I was drawn to it because of the setting and the vampire theme, but stayed for the writing style.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Bewitching book tours, fireside reads, horor, Mark D Evans, No Shelter from Darkness, vampire fiction
October 14, 2013
Book Spotlight and Interview: Luck of the Dragon by Susannah Scott
Synopsis:
Luciana de Luca has a PhD in sass and gemology—and a problem. Her twin brother’s gambling debts have gotten out of hand, and a mob enforcer is blackmailing her to rob the latest, greatest mega-casino on the Strip. Although Lucy has worked her whole life to get away from her family’s grifter past, to save her brother, she dons three-inch heels and a sluts-r-us dress and struts into Alec’s Gerald’s casino, determined to put her long-forgotten thieving ways to the test again.
Alec Gerald, a shape-shifting dragon, has built the Crown Jewel casino to provide sanctuary for his people amongst the flash and awe of Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the sexy little thief trying to rob his gem exhibit turns out to be his mate, and he must woo her before he loses his dragon form forever. With enemies in every corner, and the all-important mating ceremony looming, Alec and Lucy must learn to trust each other, before time runs out for Alec and the rest of the dragons.
About the Author:
SUSANNAH SCOTT lives in the Missouri Ozarks and is the lone female in a very loud household of males ranging in age from 4 to 40. While she jokes that the extreme levels of testosterone inspired her to write romance, it is really the love of creating an excellent story, and the occasional dreams of twenty-foot dragons, that wake her and send her to the laptop before the chaos of daily life ensues. Susannah loves to hear from her readers at the following social media locations:
Susannah Scott Facebook Author page
Interview: 
Thank you so much for having my on your site today to celebrate the release of my Paranormal Romance, Luck of the Dragon!
Tell us about your publishing journey and what inspired you to write Luck of the Dragon?
I love dragons and I love to write, but when first started writing I wasn’t very good, so I started taking a ton of classes. At the end of an intensive editing class with Liz Pelletier, she gently “passed” on acquiring my then super-duper epic, fantasy romance. I asked her what she would like in the dragon variety? She said, “something fun, and contemporary, and sexy.” Viola, Luck of the Dragon began to form in my head. I submitted the completed manuscript to her within a few months. True story.
If you could be a supernatural creature – which species would you choose?
I was a total Werewolf fan until my husband and I watched the ENTIRE TruBlood series this summer. I heart Eric Northman now, and he better still be alive! So, I would choose werewolves with an Eric Northman cut out!
You find a genie and he grants you three wishes – what are they?
Health, Faith, Contentment.
What piece of life advice do you wish you’d be given sooner?
RELAX! I tell my sisters this all the time. You really can climb a mountain one-step at a time, but not if you sprint, and not if you stumble because you are so desperate for the peak.
If you could have dinner with a literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
I loved the hero from Lisa Kleypas’s Sugar Daddy, and we would eat something ethnic. We only have Chinese and Mexican here in the Ozark boon-tool-ies.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
As a brand new author, definitely it was promotion. That has gotten a little easier now. Right now, it is finding the time to write new material.
Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever written?
I wrote a love scene at my son’s football practice once. That was weird. But, I was on deadline and had no choice. I think it turned out pretty good too!
What are you reading right now?
I have an Elizabeth Hoyt novel on my nightstand, but I haven’t cracked it open yet because I have been covered up with edits. I use books as a reward for meeting my writing goals. I tend to read outside my writing genre. Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Sherry Thomas and Lisa Kleypas are some of my current favorites.
What are you working on at the moment?
Stop Dragon My Heart Around will be out this spring. It is Leo and Tee’s story. A fun, friends to lovers tale with lots a sexy bantering. Tee is part of the Las Vegas Paiute tribe so there is a cool theme of “belonging” that runs through the story too. What is means to belong to the dragons, to a tribe, to each other?
Thank you again for having me on your blog, and giving me an opportunity to connect with your readers!
Filed under: Book Review, Interviews with other authors Tagged: author interview, Bewitched book tours, Dragon Shifters, Entangled Publishing, Luck of the Dragon by Susannah Scott, paranormal romance, were dragons, writing advice
October 13, 2013
Interview with Raine English
Tell us about your publishing journey:
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t start out writing novels. In college I majored in journalism, and after that I worked at a number of radio stations doing news and writing ad copy. It wasn’t until years later that I began writing fiction. I joined a local writer’s group and discovered Romance Writers of America®—a gold mine for an aspiring author—and did quite well in a number of their contests, such as winning the Daphne du Maurier Award with a Gothic historical and being a Golden Heart finalist with my Christmas contemporary romance, Tin Angel. That book was my debut, published in November 2012. My next book, Date with a Vampire, a light, humorous paranormal romance, was just released in September of this year; and Mistress of Raghery, a romantic suspense set in the Victorian period is due out the end of this month. As you can see, I write in a number of subgenres of romance.
What part of being a writer do you love most?
I love the creative process. I began to draw, paint, and write short stories as a child, but novel writing is what I love best. You really work your imagination, bringing an entire world to life.
What part do you hate most? 
When I’m through with a project, I’m ready to move on to the next one. So, I get impatient waiting for publication.
If you could be a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
A vampire. I could save lots of money on anti-aging creams.
If you had a time machine, what era would you like to visit and why?
The 1800s. It was such a beautiful, romantic time.
What life advice have you been given, that you wished someone had given you sooner?
To live life more in the moment and enjoy each day, instead of worrying about the future.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Because I write in so many genres, I also tend to read many. I love Jane Austen. Of her books, Pride and Prejudice is my favorite. I grew up reading Victoria Holt. She inspired me to write Gothic historicals. And I enjoy anything dealing with the supernatural. To me, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire is the ultimate vampire tale.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on book one of a paranormal young adult series involving a love triangle between a teenage psychic, a ghost, and a Native American skin walker.
Where can fans find you online?
My website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. I also love to hear from readers. They can drop me a line at Raine@RaineEnglish.com and sign up for my new releases newsletter there, as well.
Website: http://www.RaineEnglish.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaineEnglish
Facebook: https:www.facebook.com/RaineEnglish
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/RaineEnglish
Thank you, Nicky, for taking the time to do this interview. A pleasure Raine, come back and let us know when your next book comes out.
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: Date with a Vampire, fireside reads, interview with Raine English, Interview with romance author, paranormal romance, Raine English, romance books, Tin Angel, writing advice
October 11, 2013
Book Review: Deep in Crimson by Sarah Gilman
Synopsis:
Kidnapped by humans and raised in a research facility, Jett was taught to believe his own race of demons insidious and violent. But a friendship with the archangel Raphael shatters Jett’s reality. Caught between two worlds, his first months of freedom find him lingering on the fringes of his home colony, Sanctuary.
When the human who stole Jett captures another demon youth from Sanctuary, Jett learns of the real plan—to steal Raphael’s archangel grandchildren. Jett wants to bring his captor to justice, but he must overcome the lies from his past and join forces with the demon Guardians, and the demon child’s older sister, Lexine.
Irresistible attraction grows between Jett and Lexine, but Lexine’s prophetic dreams of being mated to a poacher make her wary. And if Jett goes through the all-consuming process of becoming a Guardian, he may forfeit any chance they have of being together.
About the Author:
Sarah Gilman writes wicked paranormal romance and fantasy in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where she was born and raised.
Website: http://sarahgilmanauthor.wix.com/sarahgilmanauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Gilman-Author/161335997299439
Twitter: @Gilman_Sarah
My Review:
I really loved the premise of this book. There are a billion books with Angel and Demon characters on the market right now – but Deep in Crimson really spins your beliefs on their head.
I instantly loved Jett as a character, he has such a tragic past but just simply gets on with things, rather than being all maudlin and depressed – past events are also cleverly introduced rather than just randomly info dumped and shoved in the reader’s face, so a big plus to Sarah Gilman’s writing.
From a writer’s perspective, the plot was well thought out and moves the reader through with ease and poetic prose. It was third person and did head hop, which usually puts me off or loses my attention (I know short attention span – I watch far too much TV!) but this one held me on the strength of the characters and their journey.
One of the themes in the book is being ‘mated’ which although is quite cliché and can limit the romantic elements of the storyline – did work well, adding in a kind of Romeo and Juliet vibe.
Now, I actually only realised half way through that this is a second book in a series (I know, I’m an idiot) however you really don’t need to read them in order as it looks like the events in the first revolved around separate characters. However I will be reading it now and would still advised buying both.
The front cover could have done with a bit more intrigued – but hey, it’s still a half-naked six-pack sporting angel, so still works for me!
Overall I’d give Deep in Crimson 5 out 5 stars – definitely read this book if you are looking for an intriguing and original paranormal romance.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Bewitching book tours, Deep in Crimson, Deep in Crimson Book Review, fireside reads, paranormal romance, Sarah Gilman
October 9, 2013
Book Review: The Genie Smolders by Kellyann Zuzulo
Synopsis:
Feel the heat of a long-awaited reunion…
Zubis. A jinni. A creature of fire. A lover who touched her body and soul like no man ever could. He swore to love her forever. When their enemies closed in, they were torn apart. The only token of their love was the child she carried and a broken heart.
To be a family, Bethany is determined to find Zubis again. But there are forces at work that condemn the very existence of their baby daughter, Fia. She will never be safe without her father’s ferocious power to protect her and the ancient magic of a mother’s prayer.
When Fia is taken,Zubis and Bethany are reunited in a storm of heady desire and deadly intrigue. Together, they reignite a smoldering love that has the power to set two worlds
on fire.
About the Author:
Kellyann Zuzulo writes fiction about genies. Her combination of research and personal experience (ask her about that one time the genie set fire to her Kindle) bring the world of the jinn to life.
THE GENIE IGNITES, a paranormal romance novel, is Book One of the Zubis Chronicles from Boroughs Publishing Group and is a finalist in the 2013 Abalone Awards, which recognizes “Outstanding Ethno-Cultural Romance.” Book two, THE GENIE SMOLDERS, will be released in Spring 2013. Her paranormal romance series, 101 Nights, starts with TO HAVE AND TO HOLD and will tell the story in five installments of a beautiful genie trapped in the wild suburbs of New Jersey.
Kellyann’s first novel, A GENIE IN THE HOUSE OF SAUD: ZUBIS RISES, was a winner in the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Kellyann contributed the story STAR LIGHT, BLOOD BRIGHT to the anthology SEVEN SOULS A LEAPING, which was selected by Joyfully Reviewed as one of the best of 2011.
Kellyann is a member of the Romance Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Backspace Writers Group, and a regular contributor to The Pop Culture Divas blog. A former journalist, Kellyann lives on the East Coast with her husband, three children, and two jaunty terriers, Djin-Djin and Dixie.
My Review:
I must admit that I didn’t know that this was a second book in a series – I much prefer to read novels in order, however I don’t think you need to with this one, as it catches you up along the way quite nicely.
Jinn are an interesting paranormal creature to write about, and I must admit that they are one of my favourites – ever since I watched ‘I Dream of Genie’ when I was a little girl. There’s a lot of world building in the book and sometimes I got a little confused and frustrated to have unknown words thrust into paragraphs – it was a little jarring and kind of takes the reader out of the scene – but maybe this happened because I jumped in at book two?
From a writer’s perspective the opening scene was hard to get into. It’s basically a Jinn hassling an old nun and quite a number of info dumps which seemed to simply repeat the same thing over again. If I hadn’t have been reading this book for a tour, I would have given up there. The Jinn is a bully and nothing much happens for a number of pages. I pushed on, and to be honest, I’m really glad I did. If I’d have stopped reading I’d have missed out on this new world and it’s characters. Once again I’m guessing that the opening scene makes more sense after reading the first book – but even mid series the opening chapter should really contain the beloved characters as, even regular readers will have spent time apart from them, and need them to cling onto when starting the next installement.
The front cover doesn’t really tell you much and, I know I harp on about this a lot, I think that’s a big mistake from a marketing point of view. Some readers might overlook a good story if the cover is boring. And with this series there is soooo many cool aspects that can be used to make a beautiful and alluring cover.
Overall I’d give the Genie Smolders 3 out 5 stars – a different paranormal romance that successfully strays from the traditional vampires and werewolves.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Book Monster promotions, Genie Smolders, jinn, Kellyann Zuzulo, paranormal romance 
October 8, 2013
Book Review: Daughter of the Dragon by Nina Croft
Synopsis:
Found abandoned as a baby and brought up in a children’s home, Lily Palmer has no clue that she is the last of the Dragon Princesses and destined to be mated to a king. But when she wakes up one night to find her apartment invaded by a stunningly gorgeous, but totally deluded madman, she can no longer ignore the dreams which have haunted her life.
Exiled on Earth, and trapped in human form, the dragons have waited two thousand years for the only person who can open the portal between their world and this one. Now they have found her and Malachite Smith has one job—to deliver Lily to his King. According to dragon law, only the King and the Dragon Princess together can open the portal and take them home.
But neither Mal nor Lily are prepared for the overwhelming attraction which flares between them. Or for his reluctance to hand her over to a king he despises. Can they stand as one and challenge the old ways, even if it means destroying his people forever?
About the Author:
Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.
Website: http://www.ninacroft.com
Facebook: ttps://www.facebook.com/Nina.Croft.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nina_Croft
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NinaCroft
My Review:
There are a lot of Dragon books available at the moment and although this one doesn’t stray too far from the normal plot lines of paranormal romance, it was one of the good ones.
It is third person and does head hop – which I’m not a fan of, but it flows nicely and to be honest, I didn’t notice that much and became too engrossed in the story to care.
Mal & Lily were great characters and their relationship is a slow burn (pun intended) that gives the reader a more likely ‘will they, won’t they’ love tug of war – which I feel, in a lot books I’ve read recently, seems some what missing – having the main characters in love before they’ve even met! Which is kind of a let down in a book with a strong romantic theme.
From a writer’s perspective there were a few scenes that were jerky and hard to follow and the 3rd person limited point of view strayed a few times toward the end, having both characters thoughts and actions present when it should have stuck to its original pattern of limited to the one character per section.
The front cover is interesting but doesn’t really do the book justice, and the characters on the front do not really look like those described in the book – which is a bit of shame as it makes the whole thing a little disjointed.
That said, I really enjoyed it and would give it 4 out of 5 stars, it would have had 5 out of 5 if it had gone through one more final edit and a cover revamp – then, in my opinion, it would have been a perfect paranormal dragon romance!
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Bewitching book tours, book review, Daughter of the Dragon, Dragon Shifters, Nina Croft, paranormal romance
October 7, 2013
Book Review: Tangled Souls by Jana Oliver
Synopsis:
Wiccan Gavenia Kingsgrave’s psychic gift, the ability to talk to the dead, comes with strings attached. As a Shepherd, she escorts them into the hereafter, but not all the souls want to cross over, and some can be downright vicious. When her latest case involves a heart-breaking hit-and-run victim, Gavenia is stressed to the max. The last thing she needs is a no-nonsense private detective on her tail, even if he is a handsome Irishman.
Former homicide detective Douglas O’Fallon possesses his own psychic gift, one he’s denied for years. Hired by a wealthy client to prove that Gavenia’s a con artist, he is skeptical of the witch’s claims she can speak to the dead. If he finds her gift is genuine, then he will be forced to accept his own. When their two cases intersect, opposites attract. But will they be able to set their differences aside long enough to outwit their foes – both the living and the dead?
About the Author.
Jana Oliver has the perfect job—she listens to the voices in her head and then writes their stories. Her latest creation, BRIAR ROSE, is a dark steampunk retelling of Sleeping Beauty, complete with Hoodoo, a vengeful Civil War ghost, and metal magic (Sept. 2013 Macmillan Children’s Books). In Jana’s young adult DEMON TRAPPERSSeries, Riley Blackthorne, Atlanta’s first girl Demon Trapper, takes on a host of Hellspawn and their diabolical masters. This award-winning series has spread across the globe, with editions in ten countries. Jana’s foray into time travel and alternate history resulted in the Time Rovers Series. Set in 1888 London, the series deftly blends time travel, shape-shifters and Jack the Ripper. The trilogy received twelve awards, including the Prism Award for Time Travel and the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. When she’s not daydreaming, she can be found savoring a growing collection of single malt scotch and old books. Visitors are always welcome at her website: www.JanaOliver.com
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My Review:
It was a bit confusing as a story and, after finishing it, I still have a few unanswered questions – but hey that’s why its adult urban fantasy – not everything is wrapped up in a neat shiny bow when you get past your teens. It definitely had the feel of an almost Film Noir detective novel and perhaps would have been better set back in the 1920s. The love story was very believable and kind of sweet to see two very dark, broken souls come together.
From a writer’s perspective it was a great plotted mystery and the two characters were well defined. For me, it could have been a bit more action heavy. It was very slow going. After reading the history of the book I noted that Jana Oliver had been working on it for several years and that could have been the issue. The longer you cook a manuscript the more themes, facets and connecting scenes end up in there.
I do love the front cover – very pretty indeed. If I could change it, I’d add O’Fallon in there too – as he is just as much a part of the story as Gavenia, as its told through both of their eyes.
Overall I’d give Tangled Souls 3 out of 5 stars – a great example of an supernatural mystery with a healthy dollop of romance.
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