Darkiss Reads

Lord Malachi (House of DeDe) by Sharon Mamaolo

2013-05-12T22:51:00.000+01:00

It was a typical night for the powerful and mistrusted half-breed, Lord Malachi. He was working on his daily list of those who needed to be manipulated, seduced, coerced and in extreme cases, eliminated when he suddenly realizes he must reevaluate his long and lurid past with his best friend and shadow, Lord Aleksander. They made many mistakes throughout the years, and he believes he can rectify some of the more egregious crimes. He wants to right the wrongs because the sordid secrets they share have exacted a steep toll; a toll he is no longer willing to pay. In his typical approach to all business matters, the half-breed decides to gamble with their lives one more time. If he succeeds, he'll be able to save the dark-elf from himself; if he fails, they shall lose more than their lives. Book Description.

My reviews are genuine whether I bought book or received it as an ARC, I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.

A Lady of the Realm was one of the first books I reviewed and I was instantly hooked into the series. I love the world Sharon has created, full of witches, fairies (not with pretty wings and six inches high but some tough characters..) Elves (same for them – no sweet tiny helpful creatures but some scheming manipulative people), vampires, werewolves and demons. None are really stereotypical and they balance really well in Sharon's world. This is book four – initially I was a bit disappointed – I love Malachi, who wouldn't? But was hoping to pick up from where the last book left off. This takes us right back to the start of the boys meeting – a prequel to Lady of the Realm if you like although as it contains elements from later stories where it brings us up to date it couldn't have worked as book one. Its a great book itself , just my wanting to know where and whets happening with Beth right from start that got me feeling a bit lost. Expectations and all they – but book five hopefully later this year will bring that and I'll be eagerly waiting :)

It was fascinating picking up from the early days and seeing what the “boys” were like then, and seeing some of the events happening that shaped their later behaviours. Sasha is still the same erratic manic person but harder I feel than when he has Beth to temper him in later books – even though she's often the cause of his problems. I liked seeing the young Maria too – and finding out why Sasha married. Malachi was pretty much the same as I see him now – very intelligent, always on the ball and definitely out to give anything to protect Sasha.

As always Sharon's writing is riveting and in the first book I noted the overuse of apostrophes – that's all long gone and these later books are far more polished. Its been good to see how Sharon's writing had developed – more finesse and yet still the same raw, gritty storyline with real people who are tough, bitchy (Beth – definitely Beth!! ) manipulative and yet lovable. (Not cuddly loveable but emotive love) It’s been good to read about how it all started and what happened from a POV other than Beth and to see if what I thought was going on was what actually happened – two sides to all stories and all that...it’s given me a greater understanding of much of the boys actions where it went over my head quite often before.

Sharon does bring us up to date towards the end, and a brief glimpse of the next book - whetting my appetite for more from the Realm...hope you get a quiet life this year Sharon and plenty of writing tine : ) as I'm keen for more to feed my fix!

Stars: four and half – only because of my expectation of what it was going to be, not because the writing isn't up to scratch. Like I said I can see why it wasn't released earlier but I need (OK wanted...) more of the story as it is now. I'm just a terribly impatient person :( and when I'm lost in another world as I ma here I just want to know more of the story. At £1.94 for 198 pages is a good price because its definitely one for my keepers file to be read over again. I love to read a complete series once all books are out and with good writing there's always bits the reader has missed that get picked up second and subsequent readings I've found.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Lord Malachi" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Influential Magic (Crescent City Fae) by Deanna Chase

2013-05-05T22:35:00.000+01:00

It’s tough being a faery in New Orleans, a city fraught with vampires… especially when their very existence drains your life-force.

Willow Rhoswen, owner of The Fated Cupcake and part-time vampire hunter for the Void is having a rough week. Four years after her twin brother’s mysterious death, Willow’s life is threatened and the director saddles her with a new partner—her ex-boyfriend, David. To her horror, he’s turned vamp, which causes her physical pain whenever she touches him… and any other specimen of the undead.

In order to save Willow’s life, David agrees to turn double agent against the most powerful vampire organization in New Orleans. Or so he says. And she’s convinced they know something about her brother’s death. Unsure where David’s loyalties lie, she turns to Talisen, her childhood crush, to help her solve the mystery.

Caught between two gorgeous men and a director who’ll stop at nothing to control Willow’s gifts, she’ll have to follow her instincts and learn who to trust. Otherwise, she risks losing more than just her life. Book Description.

I received this from the author in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.

Well, another book from the genre I love, paranormal romance with vampires and Fae. Willow has some special abilities and uses them in her part time work for the Void, as well as owning The Fated Cupcake. She's still reeling from the breakup of her year long relationship when she discovers her life is in danger, and the void have given her a new partner. It’s David, her ex, but he's no longer human but a vampire – and her special abilities leave her vulnerable to their touch. Double whammy for her....and then there's the complications of her longtime friend and childhood crush Talisen who's been searching for info on her twin brothers death four years ago and now turns up in New Orleans. Surrounded by two attractive man and with her life in danger willow doesn't know where to turn or who to trust. It’s a riveting tale of mistrust, double dealing and danger and the action doesn't stop. It’s hard to see how things will turn out – every time I thought I had an idea of what was going to happen Deanna threw in another twist to keep me confused. As always I was tempted to have a quick peek at the ending as I'm always so impatient to know what happens but I resisted and I'm glad I did. It came as a total surprise what was going on and just who the bad guys were.

I loved Willow – felt so sad for her after the David text breakup – what an ass I thought – but then as always things are not quite as they seem and he seemed to still have strong feelings for Willow. Then there's Talisen, fairy hottie, knows Willow but until now has always been a player for the girls and simply good friend to Willow. Add in her shape shifting Shih-Tzu/wolf Link and her witch best friend Phoebe and there's a cast worthy of a great story full of multiple and sometimes complex plots that entertain the reader to the very end. I loved this book – it’s hard to define what makes the difference between a four and a five star read, I think maybe it’s the complexity of the story and the world building and in this book Deanna has done it just right for me and although first in series rarely get five stars from me this one does. It'll definitely go on my keepers list for re reading and I'll look forward to the next in the sere is. This story is compete – thankfully Deanna hasn't gone the horrible cliffhanger route that I hate yet so many authors seem to love, so you can feel satisfied with a proper ending at the finish of this novel.

I've not read any of Deanna's other works but will look to see if she has written more like this, as this series looks to become one of my favorites. It’s well edited and written and doesn't leave plots that are unanswered but ties up all loose ends in a way the reader can't imagine (well, this reader anyway ) and that's always good to find.

Its priced at £2.86 for the kindle version of 273 pages, a decent length that allows for the author to really flesh out the story and contrive some decent plots. I st also available in paperback version for £6.99 on amazon.

Stars: As I said – full five, excellent start to new urban fantasy series.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Influential Magic" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Dragons and Cicadas: The Society On Da Run by L'Poni Baldwin

2013-05-03T01:43:00.002+01:00

The space dragons are coming home. No vampires rule this land, no wolves take claim to the Dragon's throne. In this collection of interlinked stories, these dragons are unbound by standard cliches. These dragons live among us, taking our forms, drinking our food, breeding with our bloodlines...nobody knew their families dwelled in the stars, awaiting for a time to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. When cruelty and greed pulled the last straw, they attacked with technology superior to our own. Welcome to The Society, and we're running for our lives.Book Description.

Not sure how to start, but I suppose at the beginning. I chose this as it appeared to be up my street, and more importantly it caught my imagination, plus the book was quite a length.

The term book is important as I was anticipating your standard in depth novel. Well I was wrong, it is lengthy but not your standard novel by any sense of the imagination, in fact it does not follow the normal format. It's very much a collection of short stories, novellas & poetry, but all on the same subject. It took me quite a while to get into, and more than once I considered giving up, especially as the stories appear quite random, it continually jumps so that I couldn't fix on any character or storyline, but I couldn't give up as parts of it did grab me and its unfair to give up on something that is different.

I'm glad that I persevered. Yes the format is different for me, but what I did love was the poetry, the authors fantastic imagination, the writing style (not all, but overall) & the fact that the author explained her thought processes at the end of each segment. When you read these thoughts your understanding of the story segment or poetry obviously changes, so that when you read that segment again it takes on another dimension. Very clever.

The fact that the whole thing is a collection of parts allows you to read it at your leisure. I found that I was able to progress more easily if I read it over time, and not in a continuous session, and I think it is written with that in mind. In fact I'll admit that I am writing this review while still reading the last few segments, and I'm ok with that as you'll understand if you do read this.

Another fascinating thing for me, is that the story is continually being refreshed and added to, so it continues to evolve, no end in sight, which can be good or bad depending on preference.

I will say it is worth trying out, the poetry I found especially good, so try to stick with it even through the difficult bits, of which there are a few, especially if like me you are more used to long in depth novels.

Overall even though it is really not my thing, I would quite happily recommend it, but I can only give it 3.5 stars, though I am and will keep reading.

Reviewed by Cardmon

You may purchase "The Society on Da Run" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Kickass Guns and Samurai Swords by Craig Askham

2013-04-27T19:34:00.000+01:00

Eleven men died, and three women,” Lukwaro countered straight back at me, and there was a bit more bite to his voice. “Four gamers and ten locals, each of them as real as you and me. No saving and starting again, no repeating the level until you stop getting killed, just a distinct lack of heartbeats and no more air in your lungs. Dead on that planet, dead on this planet, dead on every planet. How many of them did you kill, I wonder?”

Please use Stillwater responsibly. As you can see from the above, it's really not a game. You pay your money, we send you on holiday to another planet. It's a bit medieval, and you'll need to get your head around the fact that magic exists. Oh, and your ability to protect yourself from life-threatening situations will really need to be top notch. Because, like we said, it's a bit medieval. In fact, it's a fantasy geek's adventure playground.

We understand that accidents happen, and sometimes you might need to kill a local or two. But you don't kill other gamers, because that's something we'll need to explain to their families back home. And the paperwork is immense.

So please use Stillwater responsibly. It's been said before, but it's worth mentioning again.

Kickass Guns and Samurai Swords is a novella, and Part 1 of the Eredian Alliance trilogy. 40,00 words approx. Book Description

Craig supplied me with a copy of this novel.

Like Craig's short story Both Sides of the Portal this is a Gaming novel, based around real life Gaming. As I said before what I know of gaming can be written on a postage stamp, my only experience is with Legend of Zelda on the Snez back in eighties....tells you a lot doesn't it!!

This time we meet /Troy, single male – lives with parents. To be honest I think Troy fits the Geek Gamer stereotype to a T. He lives, works and trains in order to fulfill his cravings to enter another world via Stillwater. What is Stillwater ? – well it seems a company have found a way of opening a portal to another dimension, and people rich enough can pay and be transported through to play out real life scenes with real people. It’s expensive and Troy only manages to go about once a month. His parents don't know of his visits and his alter ego Kalyan is a product of his imagination creating a character. All Stillwater visitors do the same so when they meet through the other side they could be anyone – the names and appearances have changed so no-one knows who they are in real life, well the reality we live in. The world through Stillwater is real also but on a different plane, however it’s not without danger – this is playing for real and not a game of “Life ended do you want to play again?”.

Kal meets up with a small group and they agree to form a group and buy a consignment of silks and spices to trade – of course the trade is illegal and that’s where they'll make money as well as having the adventure they all seek. It’s risky though and they face brigands, cut-throats and others keen to strip them of their cargo as well as the problems of bribing guards and getting the cargo sold. As they don't know each other for real they take a risk in trusting each other – and they need to be careful because they'll rely on that support to save their lives.

Despite my usual aversion to fantasy of this type I was quickly immersed in the world Craig has created. Even for none readers like myself of this type of fantasy its easy to follow, and I felt as if I was there with the characters, fighting alongside them, holding my breath til they were safe at times. Of course nothing is straightforward, there are problems with the trade, Stillwater rules are broken, people get killed and subsequently the Stillwater team gets involved as they do when a cover up is needed to keep the other world out of this worlds eyes. When people die there they need to arrange a story for the death here that will be believed, and not cast any glances to the secret world of Stillwater. The trade goes wrong, there's deaths and betrayals and Troy comes back a bitter man vowing vengeance. Stillwater won't allow anything that exposes their world though and he's warned off – but then they discover things that make them need his involvement to find out the truth.

Its a great book, short but realistic and I can see that there's lots of opportunity for further Stillwater adventures and take the world Craig has created into a series. I like the way the Stillwater reach goes so far that the reader is left wondering just how its all done. Its like a conventional type thriller but with two worlds to carry the story, and the added dimension of the unforeseen through the portal into the other world and staying within Stillwater rules – and they are rigorous about keeping hidden.

Stars: well its well written and edited, priced at £2.06 for 120 pages on kindle. Its not one I’ll read again but I did enjoy it as a one off and for sci-fi type fantasy readers its a fun read. So 4 stars from me. Maybe it was from being more familiar with the setting from reading the short story but I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed reading this – it’s the type of fantasy I normally avoid but was easy to read and get involved in.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Kickass Guns and Samurai Swords" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Silver/Steel by Belinda McBride

2013-04-17T02:57:00.000+01:00

When dream hunter Dylan Ryve spots a beautiful shapeshifter raising hell in a bar, he knows he wants the wild young man. But Travis Feris is more to Dylan than a few hot minutes outside in the snow; he's the assassin's ticket into the magical town of Arcada. He didn't plan to rescue the kid, but when he found the shifter being attacked, the opportunity to play hero was too good to pass up.

Through the solitude of a long winter night, Dylan walks in Travis's fevered dreams, learning about Arcada and the pack, and showing the shifter the man he'd been so very long ago. When morning comes, both men know their lives will be forever entwined.

From Dylan, Travis learns that he is a strong, valued member of the pack. The dreamwalker sees his own worth reflected back at him in the dark blue eyes of the wolf. Yet when Dylan has the chance to free himself from centuries of enslavement, can he betray the man he has come to love

Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM elements, domination/submission. Book Description. Book Description

I received this book free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.

My first Belinda McBride novel was Blacque/Bleu – if you've read my review you'll recall my problem with the twee names...this time we meet others from the pack along with a mysterious fae named Dylan – a name I can deal with much easier : ) This is gay (m/m) romance which I feel is often very touching, and heartbreaking. If you're offended at work like this don't read it – but you'll miss out on a good romance. It’s in the LGBT Shape-shifter/Vampire Paranormal Genre, and please take note of the publishers warning “contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Bondage, domination, male/male sexual practices, violence.” I hate reading reviews where people complain about content when its clearly labeled beforehand....

As with book one the description covers the storyline pretty well so I won't repeat that but say why I enjoyed this story. Firstly the characters – once more they're well written and feel like “real” people even though they are simple imaginary and of fantasy type beings. That’s a tough one to do – but Belinda does it and made me feel once again as though I was there with them.

The story itself is thorough, not too complicated but clearly defined and with a number of interrelated plots. So many erotic romance books use the story as simply a vehicle to tie together myriad sex scenes - and to me that's just boring. Belinda does more with keeping the undoubtedly explicit sex to its proper place within the framework of a good story. The whole town of Arcada has a contingent of mystical people that deserve to be heard more of and are solid enough to carry further novels, so as I noted in the Blacque/Bleu review its good to read more of them. They're an interesting mix of characters, not just Pack, but a mix of beings welcome in a village that looks after them. Dylan speaks to Arcada in dreams here being a dream-walker himself, and it was intriguing to learn more about the construct of a being that can take over and look after inhabitants of a village. I enjoyed the whole of this story – even more so that book one maybe because I felt I was getting to know the people and the world its set in – I think the Fae element is particularly intriguing and hope Belinda includes more of those in the future. Poor Dylan had a tough choice to make and in the beginning I wasn't happy with what he was trying to do even though I understood why – but as in the best novels (well – my best anyway – I like a HEA ) it all works out in the end. Interesting and gripping journey getting there though.

Its priced at £5.14 for 258 pages, even more expensive that book one – and I found that quite dear for the length. Still, as I noted then Belinda is a well-established author so I guess her works command a higher price. It’s well edited too with few spelling or grammar errors and a book I would enjoy reading again at a later date. Again this is not a strong enough story to make it to my five star rating but it's a well-deserved 4 stars.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Silver/Steel" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Celtic Fury by Ria Cantrell

2013-04-14T07:05:00.000+01:00

Celtic Fury

Intended for Audiences 18 and older.

In 14th Century Scotland amid Highland Feuds and Clan division, rugged men fight for their birthrights and their place in history. The MacCollum and Campbell Clans are bitter enemies, especially for the son of the Laird MacCollum, Rory, the fabled and lethal Wolf of the Highlands. When his betrothed is killed at the hands of his enemies, Rory has sworn vengeance on all named Campbell. Darkness pervades this warrior to the point of poisonous destruction. Each day the darkness creeps forth, changing him and embattling his psyche. Each day, the blackness is becoming harder and harder to quell. Only Love can save him from the impending darkness, but his heart is walled.

After years of self-enforced exile in England, Rory returns to Scotland to seek his own destiny. On his journey, Rory aids and rescues a young woman who is broken and battered from a terrible accident. Rory knows he has to save her. In saving her, is it possible to save himself? His heart gradually opens, only to find this woman is his most sworn and hated enemy. Amid lies and betrayal, can Brielle’s love save Rory from the Darkness that seeps through his veins? Can her love prevent him from the self-destructive course he has been destined to run?

Celtic Fury is the first book in the Celtic Storm series by Ria Cantrell, and is classed as a paranormal romance. However after reading this story it is a romance novel with whispers of the paranormal. The story follows the Ruiri MacCollum who on his way back to the Scottish Highlands stumbles on the carriage accident and discovers a very injured young woman – Brielle Val Cour. Compelled to help her Ruiri takes her under his protective wing as their story becomes complicated by a long standing hatred between Clan MacCollum and Clan Campbell. The two struggle to come to terms with their growing love for each other. Will the hatred between the clans tear them apart or will it bring them closer together?

As I started to read I realized that this book was going to be more about the romance, than things that go bump in the night. It is a bit formulaic and brings nothing new to the genre other than a different story to be told. For those who love romance novels will be intrigued and delighted to read this story.

In my option the first book in any series much is the most difficult one to write. For the author has to lay the groundwork for future story lines so I keep that in mind as I read and try not to make quick judgments and to understand that this book is a special creation of the author and as I read they are growing as a writer. This first book in the Celtic Storm series is just that, the first book in the series. The book started off a bit choppy and I was struggling to find the rhythm of the author’s writing. With a series of stop and go paragraphs coupled with the Scottish dialect it was a bit confusing but as I continued to read it started to flow and the grammar and formatting much improved. This book is rated for adults and it has its fair share of steamy scenes, which is fitting for it is a romance book. However, I felt that it stalled the story a bit and slowed the plot down.

The Characters of the is novel are interesting and have great potential to become bigger than the story. The author really has a love for them which can be felt through her writing. The hero of the story Rory MacCollum is said to be feared throughout the highlands and his dark past stemmed from loved lost. However as I read Rory was never really dark, there were only hits of his darkness, it was to evenly balanced with love for his family to be a flawed dark hero and he felt a bit flat and never had the depth that I would have liked to have seen. Though this is the first book and I would hope to learn more about Rory as the series continues.

As for the Heroine of the story Brielle, she felt much more defined and was the only character that had any kind of growth as the story progressed. We see her morph from a timid and fearful person to coming alive within her relationship with Rory, even in the height of terror or danger she found strength within herself to survive. She is the survivor of this story and in my opinion had darker demons than Rory. There were many supporting characters of the book that were either briefly introduced during the telling of this story whom may or may not make appearance in future installments of this book.

This is an easy book to read once you get past the beginning and it moves along at a decent pace until the steamy bits of the book, but then the pace returns to normal and we see the plot unfold. We see a bit of excitement at the end of the book that ties everything together nicely so you will not be left hanging at the end of this novel and be waiting for the next book. I would recommend this book for those who have a love for the romance genre. The story was light-hearted, predicable though it brings nothing new to this genre still enjoyable if you are looking for something to pass the time. With that said I give this book 3 stars.

This is the first published book for the author Ria Cantrell and is available at amazon as an ebook for $3.99.

Reviewed by Rayven

You may purchase "Celtic Storm" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

You may find more about Ria Cantrell here :

Ria Cantrell Facebook page

GoodReads - Ria Cantrell

Ria Cantrell Twitter Page

Night Blade. (Colbana Files) by J.C.Daniels

2013-04-08T06:02:00.003+01:00

Kit Colbana is always biting off more than she can chew. She has a knack for finding trouble. This time, though, trouble finds her. Someone from her past drops a case into her lap that she just can’t refuse…literally.

People on the Council are dying left and right and she’s been requested to investigate the deaths. The number one suspect? Her lover, Damon. If she doesn’t clear his name, he gets a death sentence. Even if she succeeds? They still might try to execute him. Oh, and she’s not allowed to tell him about the case, either.

The stakes are high this time around, higher than they’ve ever been. Kit may be forced to pay the ultimate price to save her lover’s life…a price that could destroy her and everything she loves. Book Description.

I read the first book and was instantly hooked on Kit’s life and adventures. She's a great character, flawed and believable, strongly moral when it comes to fairness and trouble seems to find her like a magnet. From the start the interaction between her and Damon was entrancing, sexual tension at its best, with Jude the vampire being a great protagonist. Half Aneira and half human Kits knows her strengths – and her weaknesses, and protecting her lover, Cat alpha Damon, turns out to be a mental weakness for her in this novel. She has to clear his name – quickly – or he'll be killed, but the catch is she can't speak about what she's doing to him or anyone.... trouble in store – yep, bucket-loads! The description is exact and yes – she really faced a huge problem. It makes for a very emotional read at times.

J.C.Daniels is the alter ego of popular novelist Shiloh Walker – I didn't know this when I bought the first Colbana novel, which was good as I'd only read one Shiloh Walker novel, Tori and Declan, and it wasn't really one I enjoyed..., good enough but the sex was more than the story and though I like some sizzle in my reading the story always comes first. In the Colbana Files the story is definitely first, with sex and romance there but very secondary. The world building and cast of characters is excellent and plots all intertwine seamlessly. There's so much to take in it makes for one of my favorite types of novel, one that stays fresh after multiple reads. Great value for money that way as opposed to the Shiloh work which was a one read only for me – that’s personal taste of course and lots of people like light and easy novels. I like something meaty that makes you wonder where the story – and characters – are going next and this novel delivers all that and more.

At £3.31 for 351 pages its excellent value for money and a series I'm totally hooked on. Its well edited, pretty much error free. I'd say totally but we're human and there's bound to be one or two somewhere – suffice to say I didn't see many and that’s a treat considering how full of mistakes many ebooks are : ( If you want a read that keeps you on the edge, plays with your emotions and plays out well this is the book for you. Its not a cliffhanger ending either – I HATE those, but I'm anxious for the next novel to see if Kit can pick up on what went awry in this one – can't say more without spoiling the novel but J.C – get writing quickly, Please!!

Stars: well, has to be five of course. One for my keepers file and one I'll happily re read : )

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Night Blade" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Wishing For A Highlander (Highland Wishes) by Jessi Gage

2013-04-02T05:23:00.000+01:00

Highland Wishes, #1

For Melanie, "Be careful what you wish for" becomes "Be careful what you wish on."

While examining Andrew Carnegie’s lucky rosewood box, single-and-pregnant museum worker Melanie makes a tongue in cheek wish on the artifact--for a Highland warrior to help her forget about her cheating ex. Suddenly transported to the middle of a clan skirmish in sixteenth-century Scotland, she realizes she should have been a tad more specific.

Darcy, laird in waiting, should be the most eligible bachelor in Ackergill, but a cruel prank played on him in his teenage years has led him to believe he is too large under his kilt to ever join with a woman. He has committed himself to a life of bachelorhood, running his deceased father's windmills and keeping up the family manor house...alone.

Darcy's uncle, Laird Steafan welcomes the strangely dressed woman into his clan, immediately marrying her to Darcy in hopes of an heir. But when Steafan learns of her magic box and brands her a witch, Darcy must do what any good husband would--protect his wife, even if it means forsaking his clan.

WARNING: A pregnant museum worker, a sixteenth-century Scot, and a meddlesome wishing box. Book Description.

I received this book free via Darkissreads.com in exchange for an honest review.

It’s an easy to read time travel romance and immediately reminded me of a very simplified version of Diana Gabaldons Outlander series. That's long been one of my favorites.

There's the 20^th century lady falling back through time via a stone circle (though aided by a magic box) in Scotland. Gets caught in a skirmish, suspected as a spy and has to marry a virgin Scot, tall and good-looking – sound familiar? Well I guess there's only so many ways to write a story and along with the legendary saying there are only seven original plots for stories I guess some overlap is inevitable. Jessi's writing is very different from Diana though and far simpler and briefer. Diana would have taken the book length to cover a single plot-line! I enjoy heavy lengthy stories but lots of readers just want a gentle easy to read escape for a few hours and for that Jessi's book is perfect. Some things I thought were too thin – the reason “big Darcy” was a virgin – he's an intelligent man and I just thought that ploy was one he'd not have fallen for – it made me think of him as a local yokel rather than a well-educated and kind man. Still, he was well described other than that and I can understand why Melanie fell for him. It’s that Alpha male protective thing.... Then marrying with Outlander again there's the witch theme that forces them to run (later there's even the common thread of deadly snakebite, and the way of leaving notes to be found by her family in the future, even when meeting another time traveler we find her rescue echoes Claire’s from the pyre in Outlander...) – anyway, I found it hard to believe the Laird would have acted as he did, as quickly as he did on such flimsy evidence of witchery – first we're told he's fair and clever, then he seems to have a streak of madness that erupts sometimes and yet the clan do nothing? Given the quality of rest of the writing these little irritating problems could have been done better IMO and the book would be far improved. But then I'm a reader and not an author so......

Anyway – the characters – well described but I felt they acted out of character at times just to fit the story line – to me its like a farrier altering the horse's foot to fit the shoe (yes * sigh * I’m a horse nut, sorry...) Its better to make the shoe fit the horse and the actions fit the character, even if that means changing the story or finding a different way of telling that part. Even though the characters were clearly written I found it hard to empathize with them. I understood Melanie's let down by her ex but to blame pregnancy hormones on her actions, or to find her longing so quickly for Darcy after being in love with ex made her seem shallow and I really don't think that was the intent. As with all Lyrical books I've read the spelling and grammar were perfect, a treat when sadly too many still are error ridden :( though that’s improving slowly.

So overall – only two and a half stars from me, it’s got good premise but far too simplistic and too many out of character actions to rate higher for me. It’s not one I'd re read so doesn't get my cost per read value either... at £3.71 for 265 pages its mid-line priced – there are cheaper novels but also lots that are in the £5+ bracket. I guess value depends on what you want to read - If you want a simple escapist story and can live with things like that fine – I want more from a book though

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase " Wishing for a Highlander" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Timepiece by Heather Albano

2013-03-28T23:10:00.003Z

A steampunk time travel adventure about a girl, a pocket watch, Frankenstein's monster, the Battle of Waterloo, and giant clockwork robots taking over London.

Elizabeth Barton longs to escape the endless round of social ritual that defines life in the village of Hartwich during the Regency of Prince George. Her neighbor William Carrington has lost the use of his arm in the Napoleonic Wars, and now must watch from the sidelines as the final act of that conflict unfolds without him. Both go through the motions of their lives, dutiful but dissatisfied, as the Battle of Waterloo looms on the horizon. When an anonymous benefactor sends Elizabeth a pocket watch that is more than what it seems, they are swept seventy years into the future.

The London of 1885 is a steampunk dystopia where the streets are patrolled by Gatling-gun-wielding robots and the clockwork of the British Empire is slick with its subjects' blood. This future has its roots on the field of Waterloo--in the secret weapon Wellington employed there--and it will come true in seventy years' time unless Elizabeth and William find a way to stop it.

I was looking for something that I thought would be enjoyable and fairly light hearted to read while the extended winter snow was still falling and this in Spring. I couldn't decide between two, so I picked both and I'll review the other in a few weeks’ time.

It got off to a good start, straight into a well-known battle, though with a slight twist as you might expect from a Steampunk novel. Straight away the writing of the Author came to the fore, descriptive & written in such a style that she was able to convey the mood exactly. It was I thought both somber, exciting and eventually dark. Best start to a novel that I've seen in a while.

The story throughout was well paced, not too fast & the descriptions of the various scenes were like the start, very well thought out with the right note hit more times than not. The main two characters were as you tend to find in a story of this theme, but they were likable and grew as the story went along, an added bonus was their Mentor so to speak in the time travelling department. The same thing can be said for the general theme of the story, though I found it better than most. The time travelling element was handled well, though I would like to know more about the device used for this (hopefully in time), and the interactions with historic events and the possible outcomes thoroughly enjoyable, with just enough surprises to keep you guessing.

The ending was a slight surprise to me, but it has set it up for the next installment, which I believe is out now. As usual my review is short, suffice to say that the Author can weave a story well, writes well & has enough of a mix between action and story to keep things interesting, plus her use of alternate technologies were well used and thought out.

For me an impressive novel of the genre, a fantastic price for a well written and enjoyable novel. Looking forward to the next chapter, and I can happily recommend this, so 5 stars from me.

Reviewed by Cardmon

You may purchase "Timepiece" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

You may find more about Heather Albano here : www.heatheralbano.com

Lucifer's Daughter by Eve Langlais

2013-03-24T07:03:00.000Z

Hi, I'm Muriel, the only white sheep in a sea of black ones, and a virgin to boot. I am determined to wait for love, but my Dad, more commonly known as Lucifer, just wants me to stop being an embarrassment. I'm hoping the hunk I met in my bar will turn out to be the one-just looking at him makes my insides melt like marshmallows over the coals of Hell, but trusting is hard when it seems everyone I get close to ends up trying to kill me.

Not only am I dealing with an extreme case of lust, there's a new threat in Hell, one my Dad says to ignore. Something easier said than done since it seems everywhere I turn demons are trying to kill me. But I'm okay with that, because one thing I've learned being a princess of Hell is that sometimes I have to grab a demon by the horns and slap it around a bit.

A rebellion in Hell, demon assassins and scorching kisses, could my life get any more interesting? Book Description

Muriel is Satan’s daughter – a virgin still at 23 and holding out for true love Satan is disappointed in her failure to live up to the demonizing ways he wants. He loves her though, and is always trying to get her to flip over to the “dark” side of morality. She has lots of half siblings, mostly incubus/succubus so Satan’s very happy with their morals of course! We meet one, Bambi (Bambi the succubus – what irony!) who tries to help Muriel and protect her. Satan isn't the bad guy we expect – just one who loves his family and tries to live up to his reputation. He's a soft spot for Muriel and pops in almost daily to chat to her and offer tips on how to lose her virginity or do something to keep up the family reputation for evil. Muriel owns a bar and one evening three gorgeous hunks stroll in...life is never quite the same after wards.

Eve has a great way with words – I read one of her books last summer and it had me in stitches, this one has similar results. Whilst I was reading I couldn't help the sniggers slipping out and Him Indoors kept saying “what’s so funny?” but you have to read it in context to understand it. Satan has some great lines, Muriel is lovely, one of life's innocents in many ways and yet being brought up by Lucifer she is very familiar with the world of hell-hounds and the dangers of demons. Suddenly however it seems that more than usual numbers of demons are out to kill her and there are whispers of another uprising to overthrow Lucifer. The plot thickens, Muriel's finds sizzling romance ( and a good helping of lust), demons abound, there are captures and escapes and all wrapped up in some fantastic snarky quips from Lucifer.

The book is written from Muriel's point of view and very dialogue based – my favourite type. It allows the quips and humour to come through and makes me feel as though I'm present in the novel. The characters are well written and feel real, and I was quickly drawn into the novel and the actions and drama. Its fast paced and the humour just shines through – it’s a kind of demon-lit novel. Super-lit? Fantasy-lit? Hard to describe but like a chick-lit but with supernatural characters. They feel real though and it’s easy to get absorbed into the events. Muriel's brilliant, proud she can protect herself and yet happy like lots of females for a real Alpha male to take charge (or at least think he's in charge – we all know how to do that don't we?) And Auric is certainly all Alpha male. He has secrets though and Muriel needs to know what they are. I love when she goes out with him against dads edict and he them tells her she's grounded – but the demon carrying the message is confused by it :) the novel is full of little quirks like that and made me laugh – a lot.

It’s a funny light-hearted feel good book, not a great in-depth drama but one to relax with and lose yourself in for a few hours. It’s an easy read with no huge surprises but fun all the way through. There’s sex here, scorching hot sex at times but not too graphic and it fits the plot lines perfectly. If you want a sexy, light, romantic fantasy read to brighten your spirits for a while this is it. I hope Eve writes more from Lucifer and Muriel ( and the delicious Auric of course).

Stars: well, it’s well edited, a bit short for me at 110 pages but that’s personal taste. I love long novels being a quick reader, but have friends who want short books as they only read a few pages at a time and want a book they can finish. Actually this is the perfect read for a train ride or something like that. Priced at £1.99 its par for the course with similar novels and worth the money. I'm giving it four stars.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase" Lucifer's Daughter" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

2013-03-18T06:04:00.000Z

HOUNDED

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Tempe, Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time. A handsome, tattooed Irish dude, he looks like he’s about twenty-one years old—actually, he’s twenty-one centuries old and he wields a magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer. Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and now Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, and a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.Book Description

HEXED

Atticus doesn’t care much for witches, but he’s about to make nice with the local coven when suddenly the witch population in Tempe quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II. But with a fallen angel feasting on local students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. Book Description

HAMMERED

Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is a blowhard and a bully, and Viking vampire Leif Helgarson has asked his friend Atticus for help taking down this Norse nightmare. As a rule, Atticus generally tries to stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. Soon, though, Atticus and Leif are off to the plane of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.Book Description

I have wanted to read the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne for quite a while, but with the large review list we have here at DarkissReads sometimes reading for pleasure vs. reviewing is hard to do. Darkiss has a habit of listening to audio books before bed and he purchased the first book in the series “Hounded” and I was jealous! I have wanted to read this for ages….So I broke down and agreed to listen to the audio book with him, and I LOVED it! I was hooked after the first chapter and I still can’t seem to get enough.

The series follows Atticus O’Sullivan ( aka Siodhachan O Suileabhain) a two thousand year old Druid who just happens to be the last of his kind. Atticus has spent much of his lifetime running from the Irish God Angus Og who wants him dead and his prized sword Fragarach. To the outside world Atticus appears to be a young 22 year old who owns his own Occult store & Apothecary, and when his two worlds collide he finds himself with a whole set of new problems when The Gods come a knockin’

Throughout the series we see the as Celtic Myths the main focus, but the author did a fantastic job of bringing in the Norse, Native American and Slavic pantheon’s as well. The author’s attention to detail was amazing he thoroughly did his research and through his great writing their worlds came alive. We also are blessed with loads of different supernatural creatures, Vampires, werewolves, demons, skin walker to frost giants of all things!

These stories are jam packed with fantastic characters which are well written and fleshed out. As each character plays its part you slowly get to discover their story and you realize how integral they are to the stories. I found myself emotionally connected to each of them; it was either love or hate depending on Atticus’s relationship with them. Within each story the relationships that surround Atticus start to develop much to the druids surprise as he realizes that after hundreds of years he has people he care about and that care about him. His knows this puts them in danger and he does everything that he can to make sure they are safe.

Not wanting to take away anything from the main character Atticus, there is one character that stands out above the rest and that is Atticus’s Irish Wolfhound Oberon. Oberon has a very unique connection to Atticus, a link that allows them to communicate to each other by speaking. The conversations between Atticus and Oberon are hilarious and I have never laughed so hard listening to book. Oberon is a Star and he has won over my heart. Oberon is truly the comic relief in these books, with his love of bacon, apple sausages and French Poodles is enough to send anyone into a fit of laughter. It is now common place in our household to have spontaneous outbursts of Oberon’s wisdom and one-liners.

Kevin is a brilliant writer and has a unique ability to our household into fits of laughter while listening to his books. I am extremely impressed with his comedic timing for it was spot on. The plot lines were well thought out and researched that he left nothing to question even the smallest of detail it always comes to closure.

If you have read the books, as I mentioned above I highly recommend listening to the audio book. The series is narrated by Luke Daniels who is one of the best narrators I have ever heard. He was able to bring each of the characters to life, with different voices, dialects and which brings these stories to a new level of fabulous. I am currently listening to book 4 & 5 again because June is just to far away. I so excited for the next in the series “Hunted”. I cannot recommend this series enough, if you are a lover of magic and folklore then this book is a MUST read. With that said I give The Iron Druid series 5 stars and then some!

Reviewed by Rayven

You may purchase "The Iron Druid Chronicles" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

You may find Kevin Hearne on the web here : www.kevinhearne.com

The Celtic Knot (Suit of Cups) by Shannon MacLeod

2013-03-10T07:05:00.001Z

The balance may hang on the turn of a card... Lily has her whole life planned out; she'll live if not happily, then at least ever after. She's got a great job working with her college sweetheart at his family's insurance agency, and once she gets her producer license, they'll get married, take over the agency and start a family raising little insurance agents of their own. But something is missing... At her best friend's urging, she decides to do one last wild thing before committing her life to a future of policy endorsements and takes a part time job reading Tarot cards at a local Renaissance Faire theme park. Her longtime boyfriend Lucas is completely unimpressed by her fascination with the mystical, but has no doubts she'll settle down once they're married. Enter Ian Kelly, mural painter, actor and... witch.

He and Lily have a chance meeting at the park, and the attraction is immediate. They have a history... a lot of history. Several lifetimes worth, in fact, and their business together is unfinished. All three have secrets, one of them deadly. Add in heaping helpings of magic, mayhem, Cuban sandwiches, one large Irish family and one very demanding feline, and you have a story of love so strong, it takes more than one century to contain it. Book Description.

I received this via publishers in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or an author so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.

I love paranormal and I love romances so both in one book is always a bonus. In this book the paranormal elements comes via the male leads inherited abilities as a witch ( though not of the ear of newt spells type – just abilities to see snippets of future, to astral project and to glamour – that kind of supernatural element. )

Lily is working for her longtime boyfriend in his family business. Plans are for them to marry and then to run it themselves, but Lucas has become gradually more overbearing and sapping at Lily’s confidence. She takes one last fling – against his wishes – reading tarot cards at a local theme park. The park is lovely – very medieval in style and the characters places and actions make the reader feel at times as if they've traveled back into history. She meets Ian the artist and from then on her life changes. Seems they've past life history together and the attraction between them in this life is instantaneous, but they're both cautious in their own way. Events conspire to place Lily in serious danger and the secrets the three main characters have could make things turn deadly.

It’s a great book – the characters well fleshed out and easy to “read”, they seem real to me and I could feel and understand their problems and emotions. There were times when I wanted to give Ian a kick up the ar$e but then a story without a few hiccups and some angst would be bland wouldn't it? I was lost in their world for a while and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Would I reread it though – that’s my five star acid test – well, though I really enjoyed it the story didn't have the depth that would make me want to go there again, it’s a light romance with paranormal elements rather than a deep one with secrets and nuances that take several readings before reader is tired of the story, so no – it’s a onetime only read. Well edited though and well written with multiple plot lines all neatly tied up at the end. I hate when authors bring in events and then leave them unfinished and that doesn't happen here :) so I was well satisfied on that point.

It’s not a bad length and price ratio at 267 pages for £3.88 and for readers who want a lighter romance its perfect.

Stars: four, a decent read but a bit light for me. Some readers just want an easy entertaining read rather than one that makes you concentrate hard and look for answers so for those this novel is ideal. After all everyone wants different things from their books and I can think of several friends who'd give this five stars – just not that rating for me.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "The Celtic Knot " here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Broken Elements by Mia Marshall

2013-03-08T05:35:00.000Z

"It's happening again, Aidan. We didn't stop it, after all."

Aidan Brook has spent ten years hiding from everyone she once loved, plagued by memories of one horrible night long ago. When her former best friend and partner in crime appears on her front porch, her self-imposed exile is brought to an abrupt end. An elemental killer is once again murdering her friends, and she is forced to return to the scene of her own crimes.

Lake Tahoe proves more than she bargained for. Between a sadistic killer, some clever FBI agents, an annoyingly attractive landlord, and way too many new roommates, she has a pretty full plate. Add in a past she’s desperate to escape and her own dangerously uncontrollable powers, and Aidan Brook is having a very, very bad month. Book Description.

I love books with romance and paranormal elements and there's any number about vampires and shape shifters but far fewer involve people with talents derived from the Classical Elements – air, fire, water, earth. I read first in a popular series some years back that I didn't enjoy and this put me off until recently when I found the amazing series Elemental Mysteries by Elizabeth Hunter. Then I saw a description of this book and it hooked me in. Its written very much in the mold of the Hunter series, with people having talents derived from the elements and contains shape-shifters but no vampires.(Well, maybe if Mia continues making this into a series she might include them but this book doesn't). The characters are very real and even though they have abilities we don't they still feel like real people, and friends that I could relate to. It took me a little while to get “into” the story but then I'm reading about new book characters with talents I need to understand and as with the best books Mia releases information a bit at a time to keep the suspense of the tale flowing well. I really enjoyed it – enough to let me escape from the real world into another, with plots that are perfectly written and don't run off into weird escapes but wraps up in a believable way – given that the whole world building isn't real but we need to believe it is.

It’s a gentle romance in the book that's really a back story to the main one of who is killing people and has the one Aiden (a water element) and Sera – her best friend at one time who's a fire element thought they had killed ten years previously. The killings had stopped after but have recently started again killing people she had #sera knew.

There's so much of interest here, the main characters and the interaction between them, the clever FBI guys, the powers the friends have, the way the deaths seem to be implicating Sera and Aiden. I had no idea “who did it” and the culprit came as a complete surprise. As with all the best stories there's lots of edge of seat action along with the team throwing out all sorts of theories about who and how many people are involved. I loved the minutiae of everyday details that acted as a great foil to the tempestuous actions that were contained in the main plots and allowed time to reflect on what had just happened. It’s a gripping story and one I really enjoyed and I hope Mia goes on to write more from this world – I think she's created a team of characters and a world that have great possibilities for future novels.

Beautifully written and executed, a great length at 332 pages for £3.99 which also makes it excellent value under my read again mentality because it’s one of those that bears reading over and over.

Stars: full five, it’s simply a terrific story.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Broken Elements" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Magicians Law by Michael Scott

2013-03-07T04:43:00.001Z

A figure stepped out from beneath the trees-and the bard stopped in his tracks. The shape was man-like, a head and taller than Paedur, as thin as a sword – and completely enveloped from head to foot in a cloak of seared and withered leaves.

‘Bard come forth; face me.’

So begin the extraordinary adventures of Paedur the Bard. Confronted by the hideous figure of Mannam, Lord of the Dead, Sovereign of the Silent Wood, a perilous deal is struck. And in the course of its mysterious fulfillment, Paedur travels through awesome, magical realms of enchantment, terror and brutal powers, where the forces of darkness are always at his heels, threatening to engulf the enlightenment he so boldly upholds…

I asked Rayven if she minded me doing a review of a fantasy novel from my own Library. If you're like me you will have books that you constantly re-read, and this is one & strangely one that doesn't appear to popular. I do find that strange, hopefully my review should show that.

The art work to the book cover immediately said to me that this should be interesting; it had an immediate mythical quality.

You are immediately introduced to Paedur (depicted on the cover), the main character and his current situation, not to exciting but then he meets Mannam, the god Death for the Old Religion & things take shape quickly and get interesting almost immediately. A god asking a mortal for assistance, and with that mortal being a bard who knows all about the myths & legends of the land, could he refuse? As I said interesting straight away, a definite catch the imagination moment, which draws you in. Does it get any better?

The story is fairly traditional, but the writing is in a classic storytelling style, with plenty of surprises along the way. He has woven a vivid world, an excellent creation myth and a thoroughly detailed & believable Pantheon, as well as a strong rival to this crown. It seems that Paedur has been chosen to be the champion of the Old Religion and its Pantheon, it could be said by trickery, though the Mannam says otherwise, and the remainder of the story looks at how he is to achieve this.

I will not say much more as it would be giving the game away. I can safely say that the writing is fast paced, there are plenty of big characters (more so than I originally thought), numerous interwoven plots, well described scenery, legends and concepts that resonate, you feel as though you have heard something similar before, but with a little extra. The fact that the Author is well read & has written books on Celtic mythology shines through, producing a diverse and exciting world, which takes you back to childhood stories.

My only downside, if you call it that, is that there was a lot crammed into a small novel, a lot to take in & a lot left unspoken or explained, but that is all left to your imagination, which really is a good thing and for me is part of the fantasy genre.

As usual apologies as it is a fairly scant review, but I definitely think you should experience it yourself. Unfortunately not available in e-format, though the full 3 volumes have been released as a single volume. As you would expect from one of my own library favourites (a very well-thumbed book), a must read.

5 stars

Reviewed by Cardmon

Incubus (Fairwick Chronicles 1) by Carol Goodman

2013-03-04T00:12:00.000Z

This is where all stories start, on the edge of a dark wood...' Ever since moving to Fairwick to take up a teaching post at the local college, Callie has been having vivid, erotic dreams about a man made out of moonlight and shadows. Dreams she begins to fear as well as anticipate...She learns that her home - a Victorian cottage at the edge of a wood she bought on a whim - is supposedly haunted. And then her new - and rather strange - colleagues tell her a local legend about an incubus demon with a human past who was enchanted by a fairy queen. Book description.

I received this via Netgalley in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read are what I truly feel about a book.

Having reviewed and been transfixed by the magic in the second book The Water Witch I just had to read the first novel. I was lucky enough to be supplied with a copy via Netgalley and eagerly rushed in to the beginning of the story. Callie is a teaching professed and is offered a job at Fairwick College. She buys a local house that entrances her from the moment she sees it. Locals tell her the house is haunted and she begins to have vivid erotic dreams. Her new colleagues tell her about the legend that goes with the hauntings – about an incubus demon who was enchanted by the Fairy Queen. Gradually Callie learns that not all her colleagues are as they seem and that she also has supernatural Qualities. It comes as a shock to find the college tutors and local people consist of witches, fairies, shape-shifters and other supernatural creatures and Callie is drawn into a huge problem surrounding their lives. It places her in danger, affects her relationship with her long distance boyfriend, brings her a new romance and changes her long held beliefs of herself and where she's going in life.

From the start the book sucks the reader into a magical world. Having read book two I knew some of what was going to happen but this didn't affect my enjoyment – indeed this is one of those novels so full of detail and excitement that it bears reading over and over. I'm really keen to read the ending of the trilogy – sadly I think that’s a good few months away :( but once it’s out this trio will go in my re read collection for those novels good enough to bear reading multiple times and yet still retain freshness and interest.

As with the second book it’s well written and edited, not a light quick read but one where you can get lost in another world and feel you are there with the characters. I love a good meaty book to really get into, and this trilogy fits the bill perfectly. Carol writes sex scenes that are seductive and erotic without being overly graphic which upsets many people. It’s more sex of the imagination than written in print, the suggestions planted to the readers mind.

To sum up – fantastic well written beginning to trilogy, excellent value for money. I'm a great fan of re reading great books and this series will join that file so I can dip back into that world when I want to escape from mine for a while...

This series reminds me very much of two other favorite series – Deborah Harness All Souls trilogy and Allison Pang's fabulous series that begins with A Brush of Darkness and if you like either of those I'd suggest this trilogy will suit you. Its great value and 482 pages for £4.74 on kindle and it’s also available in paperback for £5.24 from Amazon.

My star rating: full five – great book, fantastic value read.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Incubus" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Spell Blind (The Witchblood Dossiers) by Nicole J. Fawcett

2013-03-03T07:07:00.001Z

Rhiannon Grey is a detective in a hectic police headquarters. She’s also a witch, in a society that’s learned not to think too highly of the supernatural, and her boss is a two thousand-year-old vampire. Rian has discovered the hard way that trouble is always just around the corner.

This time, trouble is called Griffin King, a fifteen year old runaway whose strangled corpse is found floating in the river. He’s not the first street-kid to vanish recently, or to turn up later, very dead. When Rian starts to suspect he was a witch, too, and that his magic led to his death, her investigation turns into a personal crusade.

No one seems terribly concerned about the fate of a few disappeared urchins, though. And when a series of brutal murders starts panicked speculation about a nest of vampires, Rian’s boss has other things on his mind.

But Rian won’t be distracted. Not by bureaucracy, not by murder, and certainly not by her dysfunctional private life. Her family thinks she’s going to end up dead; her friends think she’s going to end up dead lonely; and her lovers are dead frustrated . . .Book Description.

I received this from the author in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or an author so what you read is what I truly feel about a book. I'd read book one and loved it (Spell Struck) so was looking forward to more from Rian and Co. This book picks up several years after the first, Rian and Cato are having one of what seem to be fairly regular spats and we don't see so much of them. I thought I'd miss them but there's enough to keep me happy and I just loved the new focus on a grownup Rhodry and Marco and Rian's longtime friend Elise.

Elise has come to stay after big problems in her career and personal life caused by the betrayal of her lover. She's feeling vulnerable and in need of some rest and care – but she's come to the wrong place! Witnessing the end of what seems to be an act of vandalism she mentions it to Rhodry as there were anti witch slogans daubed on the wall. Rhodry works for Rian at her detective agency, Wright Noble and Trew. (What a name :) love it). Turns out that the vandalism is a bit more, one of the building’s owners disappears and the kidnappers seem to think Elise knows more than she does plunging into what seems an endless spiral of danger...along the way she becomes very close to Rhodry, though she worries about the age difference at first then finds that maybe his relationship to Marco could be a greater problem. The police are very unhelpful to the point where they are obstructing the agency's enquiries placing Elise in more danger.

Its once again a riveting read, a romance with a twist (I’m not saying more but that scene after Elise has showered...hot!) and plenty of action. Nicole is spot on with editing and plot lines that flow seamlessly together – I'm always amazed at how tiny hints earlier in the story turn out to be major parts of a later plot. The trick is to look for them. This is one of those books – like the first- that has so much detail it bears reading over and over and will go into my favorite’s collection. If you love romance, a great adventurous storyline, witches vampires and fae (though they fae aren't much in evidence here) then you'll love this book. Its fantasy and romance for the thinking reader – not one where you're spoon fed each plot but one where you have to think and wonder whatever is coming next :) Right up my street.

It’s a good length too allowing Nicole to get in depth with the characters and spread the story over multiple plots to keep reader hooked. The end had me in tears of sadness first then tears of joy – I loved it. Great value for money at 362 pages for £4.84 on kindle as its one to re-read so cost per read goes down considerably ( I am happy to pay more for books I’d re-read – increases the value of them to me)

Stars: full five – it’s a terrific novel and I hope Nicole is on to book three (please Nicole – we need more and I want to know how things continue for Elise as well as Rian....)

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase Spell Blind here : DarkissReads Bookstore

The Moonstone (The Wolfmoon Series #1) by Nikki Broadwell

2013-02-25T05:17:00.000Z

Finna’s mother is dead. So why is this woman standing on her stoop claiming to be just that? Catriona arrives bearing a gift—a luminous moonstone that holds the secrets to Finna’s heritage. What heritage? Catriona insists that the two of them must journey to the castle of the Celtic moon goddess, Arianrhod. Moon goddess? The story Catriona weaves is preposterous. A parallel reality, known as the ‘Otherworld’, exists next to this one. According to her, this place has no electricity, cars or any other modern conveniences. “The moonstone will show the way,” Catriona intones cryptically. Newly pregnant Finna is naturally skeptical. Where has this woman been for the past eighteen years? And why would her father lie about her mother’s death?

All her instincts tell her to stay put during this critical time. But Catriona is uncannily persuasive, convincing her despite Finna’s misgivings. What a trip through this alternate reality really means, and the secrets Catriona reveals about their family and the baby Finna carries, have Finna questioning everything she has ever known. With her life and that of her unborn child in jeopardy, Finna must find a way to survive. Book Description

After hearing about the Wolfmoon series by Nikki Broadwell on the Free Read and review page on FB, I decided to give the first book in the series a try. Moonstone definitely fits into the fantasy genre and will be a favorite for those who have a love of myth, magic and lore.

The book follows the story of Finna who has moved into a small cottage and is waiting for the birth of her baby. Just as she starts to feel safe and comfortable on her own, a woman shows up with a gift and the news that she is her mother. Catriona carries with her a prophecy and the story of Finna’s heritage as they both embark on a dangerous pilgrimage into the otherworld to receive the Goddess Arianrhod’s blessing for her child.

The first thing that I feel I must say is this book is a beautiful descriptive book, so much so that this was a very visual read for me. I absolutely love books that engage my imagination, and the author did just that as the rugged terrain of the “otherworld” came to life with each page of the book. Along with being wonderfully descriptive, the author does a beautiful job of weaving into the story the myth and folklore of the Celts.

Being the first book in the series the author lays the groundwork and gives us a glimpse into the background of the two main characters Finna and Catriona. I really could identify with Catriona and I enjoyed getting to know her as a character, she is strong-willed and very free. Finna on the other hand I had trouble liking for she was weak and always complaining and even jealous at times of her mother. Though we do have to take into count that she is expecting and her hormones are all over the place. I felt the discord in their relationship slowed the story down a bit for Finna seemed to be having a wee strop more times than not. There were quite a few supporting characters in the form of people and deities which helped move the story along and added depth and believability to the story. As in every good fantasy book we have the aspect of evil, and Moonstone has its villains who are slowly introduced as the story moves along with a very quick build up towards the end of the book.

I would like to make mention that I really enjoyed the attention to detail the author has paid to the Celtic pantheons. The Gods come to life in her beautiful depiction of them and their interactions with the characters. There was one that piece of writing that stood out from the rest that brought tears to my eyes for it is one God that has a special place in my pagan heart. There was so much more I could have said about this book, but I do not want to give away the story.

The book was extremely well written and I could not find any fault with the author’s writing ability. The story-line is enjoyable even if it is a bit predictable,which is why I give this book 4 Stars. I do like stories that unfold with the unknown, rather that figuring out the ending before I am done. I curious to know what is in store for Finna and Catroina so I will be reading the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Rayven

You may purchase "The Moonstone" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Dream Seeker by Storm Savage

2013-02-23T20:14:00.000Z

These men don’t drink female blood to survive—they need it to regain virility and for the sexual high!

Gorgeous rock stars sweep into major cities and seduce women of their choosing. Commoners call them vampires, but they see themselves as cursed men, not vampires. They don’t need blood to survive. They drink female blood to reverse a spell cast upon them by a scorned lover who took her own life decades ago. While deep-sea diving in Spain, they were attacked by a vicious creature and rendered impotent by her bite. Women’s blood is a sexual enhancement aid to them.

Blackmailed into a marriage of convenience at eighteen, Angel deems herself the world’s oldest virgin living outside a convent. Her thirty-year fantasy involving a special rock star leads her into unexpected territory. Savaant is everything she dreamt of and more. His sweet and sexy ways are irresistible and she surrenders to his powerful seduction. Can she accept what he is when the truth unfolds about his curse? Will she be able to hold her own in his precarious world and travel with him to his tropical island home? Book Description

I received this via Netgalley in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read are what I truly feel about a book.

Well I have a real weakness for paranormal romance especially that with a little spice …..so looked forward to starting Dream Seeker, a two part series. It begins with angel, sadly blackmailed into marriage to an impotent controlling husband. At 48 she's still a virgin and lusts in her daydreams after hunky rock star Savaant, and has been buying items of his clothing via an auction site. Savaant is a Blood Dragon, cursed along with the other members of his band to need blood. Savaant has the greater problem though in that he cannot have sex til he finds his other half/soul mate. He's been searching for her for some time and all he knows is she is a blonde blue eyed virgin, so he uses his clothes for auction as a way of tracing her. Yep – you've guessed – its Angel. The book then continues with how they manage to get together.

The story line is quite shallow and the plots thin and easily guessed, but its a light read and its entertaining if you just want an easy escape for a few hours with nothing too taxing for the brain. I did find the characters to be quite shallow – Savaant dismisses the accidental death of a roadie who touched the enchanted pendant (and Storm – its pendant not pendent!) very lightly and both he and Angel use mind powers to kill two people when they could have just used them to direct the men into doing whatever they wanted rather than kill them.

Book two – Dream Keeper picks up where this leaves off and I'm reading that next. Its interesting enough to enjoy as a sweet casual read but it’s not got the heavy in-depth plot and characters that I favour to go in my keepers lists though. Like always though books are subjective and what doesn't attract me may be just what another reader wants.

Stars: 3 stars. Although the editing is excellent the story is too lightweight for me to give more and I do feel that at £3.20 for 125 pages it’s expensive.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Dream Seeker" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

When Silver Moons Rise by KaSonndra Leigh

2013-02-18T04:13:00.000Z

Facing an unstable future, Chela Prizeon leaves Castle Hayne and crosses over to enemy territory in pursuit of Faris--the boy of royal blood who is cursed by a bitter rival. But soon Chela learns that he has been taken deep into the treacherous frozen prisons--a majestic, but deadly place where people enter and are never seen again. To find the boy she loves, Chela must join forces with one of her greatest enemies. And even though she pulls strength from the good in her powers, she finds herself drawn to the dark side's temptation as well.

Narrated from both Chela's and Faris's point of view, this enchanting sequel to When Copper Suns Fall will take them on a voyage into unknown lands, where the dark, twisted, and revengeful wait to make this their most dangerous journey ever. Book Description.

I have been waiting & looking forward to this since I finished the first book in the series. That one took me by surprise, and in giving that 5 stars and saying that the Author was one to watch, has definitely made the anticipation of this all the greater. My expectations are higher because of that book.

Anyway, my take on this second installment in the series. Like the first book, the pace is fast & the interplay between the characters complex but believable. The complexity comes from the introduction of new characters, their past ties with Faris, Chela and Seth and how this impacts on the current and at times tangled web of emotions. The writing and the insight into relationships is really superb, and the sense of love, betrayal & longing leaps from the page.

We see a lot more of the world outside Castle Hayne, and a fascinating place it is. This land to me comes across as a border land between various planes of existence, with all the danger, wonder, beauty that such a mix produces. This might not be everybody's interpretation, but it is one that has stuck with me and I'm quite happy looking on it as that.

Like the first book the story took me in directions I didn't expect, as well as feeling emotions that I certainly didn't expect. KaSonndra's writing is for me sublime, her ability to portray emotions is as good as anything I've read before.

I apologize for my lack of ability in putting across what is so good about this story, if I gave myself more time to write this I might have done. All I can say that at £1.31 for the Kindle edition, it is a bargain and if it came out in a printed version then I would very happily place it in my library of things to keep.

I said in my review of the first book that the Author is one to watch, and I can only reiterate that statement. The book has answered so many questions that I had, but has left many more so the third book can't come quick enough.

Highly recommended. 5 stars again.

Reviewed by Cardmon

You may purchase "When Silver Moons Rise" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Water Witch by Carol Goodman

2013-02-13T03:13:00.003Z

"You have only to call my name to bring me back," he whispered, his breath hot in my ear. "You have only to love me to make me human." Seduced by a powerful incubus demon, Callie has succeeded in banishing him to the Borderlands but Liam still haunts her dreams, tempting her with the knowledge of how to bring him back. But loving an incubus usually ends in death for a human. For her own sake, Callie must learn to control her desires and ensure Liam remains trapped for all eternity in his watery prison. Only there is a more dangerous creature than Liam in the Borderlands. The Water Witch is looking for a way back. Book Description

I received this via Netgalley in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read are what I truly feel about a book.

I saw this in the Netgalley listings and it immediately appealed to me although I haven't read the first book in the series. It’s full of my favourite things, gripping storyline with great believable characters and lots of magic and mayhem....Callie is a great main character – she's not some snippy teen, or flighty 20's person but someone we can empathize with and understand her motives. I really wish I'd read the first book – not because it was necessary to understand this one but simply because it seems a great story. I will buy it when funds allow because this series is going to join my keepers list of books I love that I re read often.

The supporting characters are great too and although I didn't know too much of the background story Carol gives enough detail to keep new readers informed without boring established followers of the series. From the start the reader is drawn in to the story and I simply loved it – devoured it in one sitting...Its very well written, a longer length for those of us who really like a good meaty book to get into. I'm not one for 150 pages of light fluff – other readers love that but I like to get so engrossed I become lost in the world of the novel and this found me living in Fairwick voyeuring over the lives of Callie and her friends. The magic was believable – you have to suspend normal beliefs of course for any novel about magic to work, but sometimes authors use magic as a way of getting the hero/heroine out of trouble in a way that leaves reader feeling cheated. Not so here – it was a well-paced tale, with great moments in the plots where the magic was necessary but fitted properly in the story. I loved the way Callie's spine was knitted together. Often books that include magic and anything paranormal share experiences but carol brings lots of new ideas about magic forward in this book. The romance is essential and yet isn't overpowering the rest of the tale, and the sex scenes are seductive and erotic without being overly graphic which upsets many people. Fantastic ending - I really can't wait to get to book three to see what happens next, but then I know I'll feel sad to leave the world of Callie and Fairwick. However as I said I'm a great fan of re reading great books and this series will join that file so I can dip back into that world when I want to escape from mine for a while...

This series reminds me very much of two other favourite series – Deborah Harness All Souls trilogy and Allison Pang's fabulous series that begins with A Brush of Darkness and if you like either of those I'd suggest this trilogy will suit you. Its great value and 354 pages for £4.74 on kindle and it’s also available in paperback for £5.61 from Amazon.

My star rating: full five – great book, fantastic value read.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Water Witch" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Under the Gun by Hannah Jayne

2013-02-10T05:08:00.000Z

Quick thinking and loyalty have taken human Sophie Lawson a long way in the UDA - along with a healthy dose of magic immunity. But when her old boss Pete Sampson asks for help after a mysterious two year disappearance, she's determined to find out what high placed demon has put two ruthless werewolf killers on his tail. Of course, sucking up to her icy vampire department head and negotiating a treacherous interoffice demon battle are the kind of workplace politics that could easily get a "breather" way worse than reprimanded. And sexy fallen angel Alex is doing whatever it takes to heat up Sophie's professional cool and raise feelings she's done her best to bury. Too bad their investigation is about to uncover the Agency's darkest secrets...and powerful entities happy to sign one inquisitive human's pink slip in blood. Book Description

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read the earlier books in the series and wondered how difficult it would be to pick up the story. Fears unfounded, Hannah explains enough to make the story and characters clear but not so much that a loyal reader who's followed the series will get put off. Sophie works at an organization called the Underground Detection Agency, who are tasked with sorting and cleaning up crimes by supernatural creatures and keeping them out of the public eye. There's a nice tangled romantic conflict between Sophie who is half human half demon, Alex – a luscious fallen angel ex-boyfriend who she still hankers after and Will, her Guardian – good-looking, charming English guy. He's actually guarding the vessel of Souls contained with Sophie and as she has a penchant for seeking out trouble that is dangerous and hasn't any helpful superpowers to defend herself she needs someone like that. He's not much in evidence in this book though being recalled to England which gives lovely Alex a home run...if he's interested and if Sophie still wants him. They tiptoe round a bit to begin, and get very defensive of each other, it’s very will they - won't they? It’s all part of the magic of this book. Between trying to save lives, sort crimes, keep out of danger ( that's a joke!!) and hiding her ex-boss whose life is in danger does she even have time for romance?

I just love Sophie – it’s great to have a heroine we can relate to, one who doesn't have miraculous powers to get out of trouble, who's chaotic and falls headlong into perilous conditions as she doesn't think problems through, who's sometimes dangerously loyal to her friends, in short someone just like one of us. Will; well I don't know much about him but he seems an attractive, good guy, not sure how he and Sophie ended up together although it seems to have been a one off, Alex – oh I’m team Alex all the way :) but then is he right for Sophie will the whole fallen angel drama and redemption going on? Then there's Sophie's flatmates, a couple of snarky vampires. I just love Nina’s TV shopping addiction...and a host of other characters that all play their part in the story. It’s quite roller coaster with what seem to be different problems for Sophie becoming intertwined in the main plot. I didn't guess who was the bad guy, couldn't tell if Sampson was good or bad, wasn't sure about a couple of other characters that kept me guessing which side they were on. I loved the whole story and the way it played out that kept me guessing, laughed at poor Sophie's mishaps, shared her embarrassment when she said or did things wrong ( yep – I'm just like her, if it can come out wrong and embarrass me it does)

I would love to read the earlier novels as the quality of writing is excellent and I’d get more I think from this story if I understood the background clearer but never the less it can be read as a standalone although it’s clear it’s a series and I’m keen to read more of Sophie's adventures and romance. I love books with a supernatural slant and a bit of troubled romance thrown in, and to have a heroine I can relate to rather than one who has the power to just Zap out of danger, who has to think as we would in same situation is a real treat. It’s so much easier to empathize when we know we'd face the same scenario were we in that position. And of course she's a great sense of humour and makes me laugh whether intended or not ( getting out of trouble by missing the shot but hitting that bad guy in the rear – getting stabbed by a pair of scissors and worrying about the germs as the guys house was a tip...that’s the way my mind would work too )

Well, Stars: the book is excellent value for money as it will join my re read collection, 321 pages for £3.91 so a nice decent length read. Well edited, with plots that flow and join each other and no gaping holes, kept me entertained and guessing right to the end, accurate spelling and grammar etc. Has to be five stars!

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Under the Gun" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Underworld (Dark Passage) by M L Woolley

2013-02-08T06:03:00.000Z

Print pages 345-

Underworld is part 2 of the Dark Passage Series and is set for general release in February 2013. In a green ocean of pine trees and twisted branches it seems impossible that light can penetrate the darkness. I find myself outside the strange house in the coolness of a pine forest with my backpack slung over my shoulder. The pine scent lingers in the air and I can hear the faint sound of music from far away. Book Description.

Underworld is part 2 of the Dark Passage Series and is set for general release in January 2013. I was supplied with a copy by the author in return for an honest review. I found this book incredibly intense, and as I hadn't read part one it took some time to work out what was happening and who the characters were and how they related to the story. Ivy, a 19 year old girl is a Chosen and needs to go into a sort of parallel realm called the Underworld to save her friends. The main focus seems to be on the age old good versus evil, light versus dark conundrum with Ivy being chosen to spearhead the war against the dark evil forces. It feels and if she's stumbling along blindly in parts as she has had certain skills all her life but nothing has prepared her for the enormity of the task she faces, and it’s very much learn as you go for her. It makes it easy to relate to her as an everyday person trying to do her best against forces she knows little of. I admired Ivy although at times I didn't understand her. She's loyal to her friends and trying her best to live up to something she's been plunged into without her consent. The story foes seem to jump from one crisis to another and often I hadn't really got to grips with what was happening when we were headlong into the next problem. I think if I’d read book one I'd have had a clearer picture of the world written about and maybe been better equipped to follow the plot. As it was I felt left behind much of the time, not knowing what had happened and what was going on.

The physical descriptions of the lands are beautiful and it’s easy to imagine what the landscape looks like, and feel as though we're actually in there with Ivy. The dark forces though are very very dark and scary and poor Ivy is often scared – I like that, it makes her feel like a normal person not one of those heroines who are so capable they make the reader feel inadequate. It’s good to have a heroine who struggles sometimes. Ivy's problematic background impacts on the way she behaves too, and she fights to get beyond the fears it has left her with.

It’s more fantasy in the LoTR, Eddings, Pratchett style than my usual urban fantasy and paranormal romance reading and its not a genre I favour and perhaps that’s why I struggled with the story. The characters were good, and I enjoyed and could relate to the way their past problems impacted upon their current reactions. I just couldn't get into the actual plot lines and story itself. To be fair in the star rating I’m giving I feel I need to make it clear that although this book wasn't to my taste for those like Son No 1 who loves the above authors this book will probably appeal greatly. It’s the second in a trilogy, and is certainly value for money in the complexity of the story and length of the book. Its definitely not a quick read but one to be savored, and I'm sure if it’s the sort of novel you like you'll find more of interest on second and subsequent readings as its got so much incredible detail and drama.

Stars: well only 3 from me but that’s because its really not my sort of fantasy book but as I've said for lovers of Pratchett et all it'll probably be a 4 or 5 star book.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Underworld" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Enslaved - An Erotic Paranormal Thriller (The Fire and Ice Series) by Kim Faulks

2013-02-05T04:07:00.000Z

After the tug-o-war events between her two immortal lovers Alexander and Malik, Natalie Sommers thought she knew it all. She thought she knew what she wanted. She thought she was safe.

She was wrong.

Hot on the tails of Reclaimed and Seductive Sands, Natalie finds herself the unwilling guest of a vicious and bloodthirsty immortal who will stop at nothing to get what she wants and what she wants will drive Natalie to brink of her sanity and beyond.

Enslaved is the third installment in The Fire and Ice Series and will catapult the reader back into Natalie's search for the truth of her past and the two immortals that are destined to be a part of her future.

And this time, all bets are off!

It has been a while but we have a double book review! Let’s see how this installment of the fire and ice series holds up against two of DarkissReads reviewers.

Midnight Ruby :

I was supplied with this copy by author but as always on the basis that my opinion is honestly held and not influenced by whether the book was free or paid for. Integrity of reviewers is important to me, and false reviews do no favours to authors or readers.

Well, onto the third installment. I'd loved the first two so was looking forward to what would happen to Natalie next. We meet her when she's been caught captive by yet another supernatural being. She thinks it may be Marrah, the last supernatural who she recently escaped from but it turns out to be someone else, Kaige, a ruthless and cruel vampire. She thinks she's finally broken Natalie by keeping her in captivity chained in the dark, and fed very little, and finally she allows her out to join the rest of the gang where she becomes a plaything for a horrific band of supernaturals. There are some quite atrociously cruel scenes both in her capture and her escape attempt that are a bit stomach churning if you're a feeble wimp like me! My kids laugh (and the grandkids) as anything remotely gory makes me cringe and get out of the room so it could just be me that finds these scenes a turn off. They do fit the story well though – I just wish I didn't paint such a graphic mental image when reading them...

I missed Alexander and Malik in this book – we only see them via dreams sadly – but given the book was so short that’s unavoidable. I want to comment on the length here – I think £1.97 for just 54 pages is too expensive. I know we can pay more than that for a magazine that gets thrown away but there's so much competition on ebooks that this seems a little too much money. A longer book would have been better too – the last book was 239kb compared to this at 153kb for the same price. I note the next book is back to 242kb for the same price and I'm looking forward to what happens next to Natalie- I have the book already but needed to get this review written before I started as I don't want to muddle the two books. Now I can crack on with her and see where she has got to and hopefully catch up with Malik and Alexander too. One thing Natalie can safely say – her life is never boring!

Stars: well edited once again, and thankfully Kim writes quite quickly so readers don't have to wait a year for each new installment, but- and its a big But – I do feel its priced wrongly, I missed seeing Alexander and Malik – the stories have been as much about the as Natalie so far and I felt the lack of their presence so I’m going for 3 and half stars this time.

3.5 Stars!

Rayven :

Enslaved is the third installment of the Fire and Ice Series. The story picks up right where Seductive Sands left off, Natalie has been kidnapped and being held in the dark and really she is thrust into solitary confinement. We see how Natalie’s mind copes with being alone and tortured. Her captures push her to the limit in attempts to break her and enslave her to do their bidding.

In my own personal opinion Kim Faulks has outdone herself with this episode. The subject matter is dark, gritty and powerful, all the things that I have come to love about Kim’s writing. She pulls no punches and as a reader pulls you into the Natalie’s inner darkness. I felt her pain and suffering it was very real to me and painful to read at times, which made this story much more believable. This is an up-close and personal very of how dark humanity can get even if the book has a supernatural twist.

The author does push the limit with this one and if you are go weak in the knees at the sight of blood then I offer a word of caution, your knees will go weak. As always the book is extremely well written and does a great job of bridging the gap between “Seductive Sands” and “Emergence”. This book is truly about Natalie for Malik and Alexander make short appearances to help move the story along. This in my opinion was the right move for this book because sometimes in real life the dashing heroes’ are not there to rescue the princess. In this story Natalie has to decide to either give up or do what it takes to survive.

I would like to mention how much I love the cover art with this series. The author does a fantastic job a picking just the right image to give a quick glimpse as to what the “feel” of the book will be. This is the perfect cover for this story.

Though a very short read I enjoyed “Enslaved” and it stuck with me for days and I look forward to reading the next installment. So far this is a fantastic series that I am enjoying but I would like to offer a bit of suggestion to those who wish to read this series, purchase all of the ebooks, for once you start reading you will not want wait to read the next one. With that said I give this novella 5 stars for it fed my love for the dark and twisted!

5 Stars!

You may purchase "Enslaved" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Mojo Queen by Sonya Clark

2013-02-01T06:36:00.000Z

Hoodoo and high magic are on a collision course.

Roxanne Mathis isn't like everyone else. Not only can she see auras and spectral entities, she can mix herbs and roots for spells to do good or ill. She can even light a candle without the benefit of a match. But when she’s hired to exorcise a demon from a young girl, she discovers the limits of her powers.

With her vampire cousin at her side and a sexy sorcerer chasing her on the rebound, Roxie sets out to send that evil entity back to where she came from.

Nothing is as it seems and Roxie’s in over her head. It’s not going to be enough for her to just be a paranormal investigator and old school root worker – to defeat this demon; she’s going to have to be the Mojo Queen. Book Description

I was supplied with this copy by the publisher but as always on the basis that my opinion is honestly held and not influenced by whether the book was free or paid for. Integrity of reviewers is important to me, and false reviews do no favours to authors or readers.

I started this series by getting the terrific Red House to review – that’s the follow on book to this one. I loved it so much Sonya kindly gave me Mojo queen so I could start the series from the beginning (and I'm hoping Sonya is busily writing more of Roxie and Blake. It was good to see the beginning of Roxie’s adventures and how she meets up with Blake. She a very talented witch using many different forms of magic but always with the ethos of “do no harm”. He's a sorcerer, definitely yummy and sexy but with an ambitious dark side that’s led him to become involved in demon summoning – unfortunately demons lie...as Blake finds out to his cost and Roxie gets hired to help dispatch this particularly nasty one back before she can extend her killing spree.

Its edge of seat action from the start, and yet even when in the middle of a really tricky situation Roxie still has that great sense of snarky humour that makes her such a fabulous heroine. It seems little really fazes her and she'll always do what’s right regardless of the cost to herself. Sadly this leads to her car, home and office being damaged badly and her life being in danger. All in a day’s work for the fearless Roxie though. I loved the introduction to her Root magic, and found it a very interesting balance to the traditional spells and incantations so often used to describe magic.

Having seen how Roxie meets Blake and what results I can see why her cousin/ancestor vampire Daniel dislikes him so much. Daniel is very protective of Roxie and hates that Blake has put her in danger. Blake's reaction at the end of the novel would make me feel the same way as Daniel and Roxie and he has a lot of ground to catch up on in the next book.

Roxie is a heroine in the best of traditions, smart and sexy, sassy and yet sympathetic, impulsive but also thoughtful and always on the side of Right. Daniel is the perfect foil, quiet and protective, strong yet smooth and always wanting to look after Roxie. He's the only one of her family that accepts her for what she is, the rest are afraid of her magic and would rather ignore it regardless of the problems it would cause her. Daniel is just perfect and for a change there's no romance between them, just a very intense feeling that they will protect each other no matter what. Daniel is shown as a real vampire with a need for blood and we see how he's not just a typical PNR sexy vamp but also one that can be very dangerous when the vampire takes over even to those he loves. Blake – well – what can I say, you messed up big time Blake with the demon summoning but didn't mean to, and generous hearted Roxie is ready to try to forgive that but then at the end – Just What did you think you were doing? I'm not going to spoil it – but just say that was a huge surprise for me and thank goodness book two is already out so readers can catch up with what happens next.

Stars: five – great book, well priced and one to join my favourites re read series.

Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Mojo Queen" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Expedition to the Mountains of the Moon by Mark Hodder

2013-01-30T04:59:00.000Z

BACK TO WHERE THE ADVENTURE BEGAN!
It is 1863, but not the one it should be. Time has veered wildly off course, and moves are being made that will lead to a devastating world war. Prime Minister Lord Palmerston believes that by possessing the three Eyes of Naga he'll be able to manipulate events and avoid the war. He already has two of the stones, but he needs Sir Richard Francis Burton to recover the third. For the king's agent, it's a chance to return to the Mountains of the Moon to make a second attempt at locating the source of the Nile. But a rival expedition led by John Hanning Speke stands in his way, threatening a confrontation that could ignite the very war that Palmerston is trying to avoid!

Caught in a tangled web of cause, effect, and inevitability, little does Burton realize that the stakes are far higher than even he suspects.
A final confrontation comes in London, where, in the year 1840, Burton must face the man responsible for altering time—Spring Heeled Jack!

Had this for a while, saving it for a rainy or in this case a snowy day. Loved the first two books in this series, so I roughly knew what direction it might take. As usual with these things, the direction sometimes bends away from your planned route, this is one of those times.

As in the other books the writing alternates between fast & furious to fairly sedate. The settings are well described & if you have read any of Sir Richard Burton’s books, you will notice how well the Author uses his expedition notes & exploits. He has managed to mingle fact & fiction very well.

He definitely has a lot more timelines running through this story, and even though he accomplishes it well, at times I was unsure which timeline I was reading, and in-fact I read a few paragraphs before I realized that it wasn't the timeline I thought. The chopping & changing does take a bit of getting used to, it is worth it though it does make the story flow sluggish at times.

The imagination to create these alternate histories, inventions & characters is an excellent quality in a writer. As well as this his characters are well defined & his settings are atmospheric, you could almost be there. Overall an enjoyable read, though the ending was a little flat and its a shame the partnership of Burton & Swinburne seems to be at an end, but definitely worth a read. I read a review of his first book by Michael Moorcock which stated that the Author 'has given us a Steam Opera at its finest', and that definition 'steam opera' says everything about this book & the others in the series.

4.5 Stars! Reviewed by Cardmon

You may purchase "Mountains of the Moon" here : DarkissReads Bookstore