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Touch of Evil: A paranormal horror romance
Sometimes things are not what they seem - nor are people. Lyra Seville is about to find out that little in her life is as she believed it to be. She's come home for the summer to St. Simon's island where she grew up. She plans on relaxing and coming to terms with the loss of someone close to her. But fate has other plans in mind for Lyra. Just as she has returned to the island, so has something old and evil. Something that once caused much blood to be spilled in the sandy soil and marsh.Lyra will discover that evil can present itself in a form that is too appealing - so seductive and attractive that it's hard to recognize its true nature. She'll face the biggest test of her life and make decisions that could cost her life. And if she's very lucky, she'll survive to find the love she's dreamed of.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2010
8 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Ciana Stone
135 books256 followersCiana Stone has been reading since the age of three, and wrote her first story at age five. Since then she enjoyed writing as a solitary form of entertainment, before coming out of the closet to share her stories with others. She holds several post graduate degrees and has often been referred to as a professional student. Her latest fields of interest are quantum mechanics and Taoism. When she is not writing (or studying) she enjoys painting (canvas, not walls), sculpting, running, hiking and yoga. She lives with her longtime lover in several locations in the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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April 1, 2013I have a hard time reviewing books now, as I appreciate the time and effort it takes each author to complete one so much. However, a few things about this book made it seem important to review: firstly it is mislabeled as a romance. It has a love triangle (of a kind) and some romance (of a kind) and a sex scene (again, of a kind), but I think it is a real stretch to market it under the banner of romance. There are multiple sexual assaults and rapes, all more graphic and visceral than the descriptions of the relationships between characters.
Secondly, the mystery aspect is a bit of a misnomer also, as the culprits are revealed less than a quarter of the way through the book and the subsequent 'twists' and reveals are mostly muddled and overshadowed by this previous disclosure.
I bumped it up to 'okay' because I'm a nerd about including historical references in any fiction to add depth to a story, but that and the unique setting were essentially the only things going for 'Blood.' It was difficult to finish, but began with an interesting idea.
Lastly, if you are the kind of reader that can't handle any typos, word omissions, or syntax errors, this might make you very frustrated.
Secondly, the mystery aspect is a bit of a misnomer also, as the culprits are revealed less than a quarter of the way through the book and the subsequent 'twists' and reveals are mostly muddled and overshadowed by this previous disclosure.
I bumped it up to 'okay' because I'm a nerd about including historical references in any fiction to add depth to a story, but that and the unique setting were essentially the only things going for 'Blood.' It was difficult to finish, but began with an interesting idea.
Lastly, if you are the kind of reader that can't handle any typos, word omissions, or syntax errors, this might make you very frustrated.
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February 25, 2023AKA— Touch of Evil: A paranormal horror romance. ASIN : B0037CF184
November 3, 2011
I haven't finished this yet but seeing as it is the second time I read this I feel I can give a fair review.
First I'm going to start of with what really bothers me about the book for kindle and I'm not sure if it is like this in print but I doubt it, but every time Lucius' name appears it is followed but his name repeated 6 times. There is also a lot of grammar issues but I have learned to read between the lines on those. I think the author could have edited this a lot better than she did.
I will admit that it is a great story though sometimes it is dragged out but I can easily skip those parts if I get really bored. I do love how at first Nick was the one she wanted and then when she met Michael they fell in love. I honestly think Michael is a much better character, personality wise. Nick has way to many secrets. Lyra with a 'y' is a great character as well. She appears to be so timid and shy but underneath that thin layer there is a mature, beautiful, woman who I believe could kick some real butt.
Now that I have finished the book for the second time I can add to this review and make it better.
1. The typographical errors - bother me a lot. I believe if the author would have spent more time editing this it wouldn't be so bad.
2. Nick - cocky, lying, self-centered rapist who was trying to "own" the goddess inside of Lyra
3. Chelsea - one of your average stuck up, back stabbing rich girls. I wish they would have killed her in the beginning of the book.
4. Lexi- a selfish person who seemed to be a major whore and wanted to sleep with everyone in the book.
5. Leopold - creepy guy who turned out to be a good guy who got killed. Still not sure why he had to be so creepy.
6. Lyra - main character of the story who again is a shy, timid, girl in the beginning. I do like the way she became stronger through the book, and in the end was able to be with the one she truly loved.
7. Michael - a retired Navy guy who went into the police force. His "best friend" was Nick and at the very end found out that Nick was no ones friend.
I did like how the book went from present to past. But I do believe some could have been left out. Also why would May-May help Lyra if she was really on the side of the devil?
First I'm going to start of with what really bothers me about the book for kindle and I'm not sure if it is like this in print but I doubt it, but every time Lucius' name appears it is followed but his name repeated 6 times. There is also a lot of grammar issues but I have learned to read between the lines on those. I think the author could have edited this a lot better than she did.
I will admit that it is a great story though sometimes it is dragged out but I can easily skip those parts if I get really bored. I do love how at first Nick was the one she wanted and then when she met Michael they fell in love. I honestly think Michael is a much better character, personality wise. Nick has way to many secrets. Lyra with a 'y' is a great character as well. She appears to be so timid and shy but underneath that thin layer there is a mature, beautiful, woman who I believe could kick some real butt.
Now that I have finished the book for the second time I can add to this review and make it better.
1. The typographical errors - bother me a lot. I believe if the author would have spent more time editing this it wouldn't be so bad.
2. Nick - cocky, lying, self-centered rapist who was trying to "own" the goddess inside of Lyra
3. Chelsea - one of your average stuck up, back stabbing rich girls. I wish they would have killed her in the beginning of the book.
4. Lexi- a selfish person who seemed to be a major whore and wanted to sleep with everyone in the book.
5. Leopold - creepy guy who turned out to be a good guy who got killed. Still not sure why he had to be so creepy.
6. Lyra - main character of the story who again is a shy, timid, girl in the beginning. I do like the way she became stronger through the book, and in the end was able to be with the one she truly loved.
7. Michael - a retired Navy guy who went into the police force. His "best friend" was Nick and at the very end found out that Nick was no ones friend.
I did like how the book went from present to past. But I do believe some could have been left out. Also why would May-May help Lyra if she was really on the side of the devil?
August 10, 2016
This was an ok read to me, was it ok yes, was it great no. The book is very well detailed and the characters are well developed. The story had many interesting twists and turns and your trying to figure out what will happen next. The story tends to go in and out, through out different timelines so prepare yourself for that, it shouldn't be too confusing. Lyra, is an innocent girl she has a good heart and was raised by her adoptive mother, Nick isn't what he seems and Michael a sweet guy. The other characters also brought something to the book.
What I didn't like even though the beginning got your interest, it started out slow. Patience was the key in finishing the book for me. In ebook format the length is around 5781, as it took time to get into the plot, the plot is what kept me going. Also for a book with such length the ending was not what I thought it would be, a disappointing ending. Again, it was an ok read love the storyline but not the progress of the book if that makes sense.
www.romancenoveljunkies.com
What I didn't like even though the beginning got your interest, it started out slow. Patience was the key in finishing the book for me. In ebook format the length is around 5781, as it took time to get into the plot, the plot is what kept me going. Also for a book with such length the ending was not what I thought it would be, a disappointing ending. Again, it was an ok read love the storyline but not the progress of the book if that makes sense.
www.romancenoveljunkies.com
January 30, 2012
Wow this book certainly was a wild ride. I enjoyed it, I was glued to it, it was like watching a car crash. I just couldn't look away. I mean the whole book you know who the bad guy is and you are watching the whole thing enfold just going noooooooooooo! It was a very dark book compared to what I was reading of late and i found myself disturbed by the rape scene in particular. I myself don't mind reading disturbing things, many people might so be warned . If you can't cope with rape, ritual sacrifice and occult themes don't read this book.
All in all though, I thought the author did a good job of hooking me and reeling me in. There were a few publishing errors, but i am the type who can ignore these things, especially if the story has intrigued me. This was my first time with this author and i have to say, i will be checking her other books out to see if there are any others that tickle my pickle.
By the way, this book to me was more of a paranormal thriller, not really romance, although there was relationship stuff going on, it wasn't the sole focus of the book.
All in all though, I thought the author did a good job of hooking me and reeling me in. There were a few publishing errors, but i am the type who can ignore these things, especially if the story has intrigued me. This was my first time with this author and i have to say, i will be checking her other books out to see if there are any others that tickle my pickle.
By the way, this book to me was more of a paranormal thriller, not really romance, although there was relationship stuff going on, it wasn't the sole focus of the book.
August 15, 2011
This story is not the light, feel good kinda of romance. It is more suspense oriented. There is one scene that I felt was rather brutal and the description of the actions added nothing to the story.
The characters are well developed and thought out.
The journey begin in 1803, today it continues.
Lyra Seville has came home to St. Simons to relax and come to terms with the loss of her friend Lucius.
But not everyone in St. Simons are what they seem.
There will be many twist and turns that lead you to the conclusion of this story.
The characters are well developed and thought out.
The journey begin in 1803, today it continues.
Lyra Seville has came home to St. Simons to relax and come to terms with the loss of her friend Lucius.
But not everyone in St. Simons are what they seem.
There will be many twist and turns that lead you to the conclusion of this story.
September 23, 2012
If you like vampire books, ones where the vampire ends up being a sexy hunk of a man and lover, then this is the book for you. Ciana Stone has a wonderful heated way with words and makes you feel like your right there in all the 'action' or at least wish you were. This is an ADULT read and should be known as such before reading, or leaving around the house for ne of the kiddies to pick up.
I love many, many genres of books and Ciana is one of the reasons I like Erotic Paranormal Romance as well.
I love many, many genres of books and Ciana is one of the reasons I like Erotic Paranormal Romance as well.
June 11, 2011
This book was very good, and the characters are deep. Every development kept me on the edge of my seat, although it was progressing slower than is satisfactory. That, and the ending left me very disappointed. But all in all, this is a book that I would recommend to people, and I am looking forward to reading this authors other books
September 23, 2011
I enjoyed the twists and turns as well as the characters. I believe I recognized Detective Michael Santera from another book however. Really liked it. There were a few times where Lucius' names was repeated after itself 5 or so times. Not hard to get past and stay in the book though. Couldn't put it down!
June 12, 2011
The story had many interesting twists. It was a bit more brutal than I normally read, but it was hard to put down once I started. With the way the story went, I would have expected a more interesting ending.
Want to read
June 18, 2011Z
July 1, 2011
DNF...got about 50% through and couldn't do it anymore. Very weak plot with lots of jumping around. Confusing and just not worth it, imo.
October 4, 2011
A decent read. It was a little while ago, so I can't quite remember all that much of it.
May 28, 2012
this book was really confusing for me, it took a wile to get in to it but it did turn out to be a really good book
January 6, 2013
Definitely different from what I normally read. Not a bad story...just different.
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December 17, 2014Tag: Adult fiction; Vampires
September 12, 2011
I couldn't go past the rape scene.
April 25, 2017
Childish writing and I wasn't really that interested in the characters. The ending was rushed and very lame.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews