Gothic Mom’s Book Reviews

Book Review: Monkey Jump

2013-01-14T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Monkey Jump by Deborah Riley-Magnus

Monkey Jump is the second installment in Magnus' twice-baked vampire series. Like the first, it is chock full of danger and adventure with a healthy handful of romantic woes.

Running the new "tank" is difficult enough for the double-dead vampire Gabriel Strickland, but now he has been assigned to go on a Monkey Jump to see how the other managers handle things. The only good thing to come out of the assignment is that he can take an assistant, so he brings his girlfriend Dori. As usual though, thing's are never as they seem.

Along with Gabriel, Dori, and the ever annoying Leprechan Feever Clovely, the crazy Witch Neave Cook and her pawn/Soul Eater "friend" Don Carson are on board the plane scheduled to take them all to Seattle. Unknown to Gabriel and his friends, Neave and Don have plans of their own and this time it may mean the end of them all.

Vampires, Shifter Polar Bears, Witches, and even a Dragon are in the mix in this delightfully written sequel. I'm looking forward to the next adventure.

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

Twice-baked vampire Gabriel Strickland may appear to be coping well with the responsibilities his life after double-death has dealt him, but it's only show. The struggle to earn his ticket through the Pearly Gates takes a toll when he's assigned to perform a Monkey Jump - a program designed to teach newly assigned management the skills required to do their job. To soften the blow, he takes Dori as his assistant. What he wants is peace and serenity to think things through, what he gets is startling temptation and a Soul Eater with his sidekick, Master Witch Neave Brittania Cook. One has a revenge agenda and the other, designs on Gabriel's soul. The Monkey Jump itinerary, scheduled for Phoenix and Seattle, takes a perilous detour to a north Alaskan community of the oldest, most evolved vampires on the planet. Secrets must be kept and Gabriel must protect Dori as well as his own path to paradise. Well, hell, this can't be good.

Book Review: Redemption

2012-12-17T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Redemption by Denise Grover Swank

There are some books that make you laugh and some that make you cry. There are some that you suffer through and those that seem to just fly by. There are even some that you are thankful for their ending. What there aren't many of, are those that are coming to an end and leave you wanting more. Redemption is one of those books. It is the final book in Swank's The Chosen series and let me tell you, I takes you on the most emotional ride of all of them. You will laugh, you will cry, the pages will seem to fly by, and you WILL be left wanting the series to go on and on.

Swank's ability to capture your heart with her delightful characters is apparent from the very first book. But whereas some characters in other books loose their appeal, those in this series maintain their grip and become a part of you.

Love, danger, and loss are main components of this series, and as it comes to a close Emma and Will face all three at once. But even the best played out plans may not work out, and tough decisions must be made. But at what cost? Not only is the fate of Emma, Will, and Jake at stake. The fate of the world hangs in the balance.

I have been a strong proponent of Swank's writing, as I have simply loved each and every book she has written so far. Her style of writing flows easily and her characters are believable. Her books do exactly what they are meant to. They take the reader away on and adventure. A joyful escape from the days stresses that you know will eventually end in some sort of happiness.

I recommend you pick up any of the books Swank has written. In a word, they are all........exceptional.

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon
The explosive conclusion to the bestselling series- The Chosen.

Four shall fight. Two shall remain.
The game of immortal elements has advanced to an unexpected level since Will and Emma have joined. But was their union a part of Water's careful orchestration? Has the game swung to his advantage? With

Emma's life -- and the lives of those she loves -- at risk, every move could be deadly.
A mother's quest to protect her son has turned into a fight with eternal ramifications.
Realizing she's the weakest participant in the final version of the game, Emma will do anything within her power to save Jake and Will. Even if it means dying.

A man who will do anything to save the woman he loves.
As Will struggles with the implications of his destiny, he's left to question the true intentions of the father he's never known and what it means to Emma's survival. The woman he is now bound to for eternity.

A boy who is the key.
In loneliness and desperation, Jake friends the lurking shadows, and now his heart battles between love and hate. The shadows offer to help him save his mother but does it come at a price?

The final confrontation is on the horizon and Emma is forced to confront her nightmare--is she the destruction of the world or the savior?

Book Review: Fate's Wish

2012-12-13T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Fate's Wish by Milly Taiden

Fate's Wish is the first book that I have read by Taiden, and though there was oodles of fantastic hot sex between the two main players, I was left feeling ripped off at the end. This doesn't mean that I did not enjoy the book. In fact I did! It's just that this short and sexy tale is just too short.

There was enough pull in there that I think the author could have written more. That this is just the beginning few chapters of a great sexy paranormal romance. Did no one else see this? Don't just let me wet my toes, I want to jump all the way in! At any rate, I'll be keeping my eye out for more of Taiden's work.

3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

The man she loves left her, but he’s the only one that can protect her.

Sharmila is a witch with a problem. Her magic is waning. And her lack of sex may have something to do with it. Her mother’s solution? Easy. Sharmila needs to get laid. Easier said than done, though, because Shar is still in love with the only man to make her melt, Zahir Darkwrath. Her missing husband. Her demon.

Zahir knows he’s a danger to Shar, so he’s done his best to stay far away. Darkness flows through his being, and when emotions run wild, destruction rages around him. And sex with Shar is definitely wild. Staying away from the woman he loves is the hardest thing he’s ever done, but hurting her would be far worse. So he’s astounded when Shar’s mother hires his company to watch over her.

Evil is heading Shar’s way, and Zahir is the only one who can stop it. To save her, Zahir will need more than control; he’ll need the power of his own darkness--which might be his undoing.

Book Review: One Plus One

2012-12-10T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on One Plus One by Kay Dee Royal

One Plus One is a Hot & Sexy short read that will most definitely save you money on your hot water bills! You, just like the decadent Blade, will need many a cold shower to get you through to the last page, and then some.

It's not the best erotic novella that I have read, but it is right up there along side them. It's written well and takes you right to the meat of things; pun intended, with characters that you want to undress and dream about. After all, who among us wouldn't enjoy a singles cruise where we could let our hair and have a little uninhibited fun? Or who doesn't need a little erotic pick me up?

One Plus One is a great addition to my library's erotica section.

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

Coerced by her friend, Lacinda, a woman crushed by love, winds up on a three week singles cruise.

Blade, a man of means, discovers Miss Right under the guise of a singles cruise set up by his business partner.

Once Blade focuses his efforts he always gets what he’s after, until Lacinda throws his arrogant reputation back in his face.
Can Blade break through Lacinda’s angry barriers? Will she ever see him as anything more than a player?

One Plus One
Kay Dee Royal

Contemporary Erotic Romance –

WARNING: Explicit sex scenes 18+

Muse Info/Buy Page
Amazon Buy Page

Tagline: Lacinda and Blade discover more than sexual ecstasy on a lust-filled singles cruise. Winners can’t be losers.

One Plus One Blurb:

Coerced by her friend, Lacinda, a woman crushed by love, winds up on a three-week singles cruise.

Blade, a man of means, discovers Miss Right under the guise of a singles cruise set up by his business partner.

Once Blade focuses his efforts he always gets what he’s after, until Lacinda throws his arrogant reputation back in his face.

Can Blade break through Lacinda’s angry barriers? Will she ever see him as anything more than a player?

About the Author:

Kay Dee Royal writes paranormal and fantasy romance—maybe because it's also her favorite genre to read! She pens tales with wild, rugged heroes and strong, intelligent heroines. She'll give them both a few shadowy secrets, making her stories intriguing and fun. She resides in Southern Michigan with her family (her dogs, her cats, her caged husband... you get the idea). You can reach her at her blog and find the latest on her titles from her publisher, MuseItHot.

http://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com

http://ravencraftrealm.blogspot.com

FB: http://www.facebook.com/kaydee.royal

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KayDeeRoyal

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5227617-kay-dee-royal

Amazon Author Page

VACATION ANNOUNCEMENT

2012-12-09T09:47:00.000-10:00

The Gothic Mom will be on VACATION from December 20th - January 13, 2013. During that time, NO book reviews will posted, nor will any requests be accepted.

Book Review: Girl of Nightmares

2012-12-06T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

Girl of Nightmares is the second and final installment in Blake's Anna Dressed in Blood series, and though I loved the first book I was a bit let down with this one. After waiting so long and being so excited, for it to end like this makes it just that much more worse.

The writing is still exceptional, and the premise is still good. There's even a healthy amount of drama thrown in. It maintained the level of gothic charm, but lacked some of the stronger elements I had come to depend on. In other words, the love was a bit lacking. Sure, Cas still loves Anna, and she loves him, but I wasn't feeling it as much as I did in the first book.

Cas' level of depression over the loss of Anna takes up a large portion of the book, and when the action finally gets started, it's over too quickly. I kept turning page after page, wondering when the story would pick up pace, only to find myself 3/4 of the way through the book when it began.

Thankfully the series is over, because if there was another installment I wouldn't even pick it up. I just hate when a first book holds so much promise for a series only to fall flat on it's a@@.

3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on.

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.

Book Review: All I Want For Christmas Is You

2012-12-03T07:00:00.000-10:00

                                     Today's review is on All I Want For Christmas Is You by Lisa Mondello

All I Want For Christmas Is You is a delightful and well written story of forgiveness, love, and the magic of Christmas.

Lauren Alexander's life was turned upside down when she became pregnant. Not only did the father of her baby leave, but her parents disowned her. She was supposed to go off to college and become a successful architect, not create a scandal. Taking her infant daughter with her, Lauren leaves her hometown and starts over.

Six years have passed by, and though Lauren struggles to provide for Kristen and herself, she tries her very best. But her best may not be enough this Christmas. This year Kristen wants the one thing that Lauren can not provide.

Kyle Preston knows the pain of being abandoned by a parent. He also knows the love of one too. Adopted at a late age, Preston becomes a member of a large and happy family. The love and care he received from them has made him a loving and giving man who dresses up as Santa each Christmas season for the children that visit his mall.

This year Kristen wants a Daddy, and that's exactly what she tells Santa. But is this something that even Santa can't provide?

A beautifully written book that will definitely leave you excited for the Holiday's! I wonder what would happen if I put "rich and handsome husband" on my Santa list???

3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

Estranged from her family, single mother Lauren Alexander is heartbroken when her daughter requests a daddy for Christmas from Santa. Sexy Santa, Kyle Preston, has gone from throw away kid to successful real estate entrepreneur. Taking these two stays under his wing, he sets out to make all their Christmas wishes come true.

NOTE: Cover image is from an older edition

All I Want for Christmas is You
Fate with a Helping Hand Book One
Lisa Mondello

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ASIN:  B005KDG236

Number of pages: 192
Word Count: 40,000

Amazon   Barnes and Noble  iTunes  Smashwords

Book Description:

Sometimes fate needs a little hand...

Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy. Delivering Daddies isn't Santa's bag.

But this Santa has a plan...

Kyle Preston knows what it is like to be abandoned too. Luckily he found the support of loving adoptive parents and has turned himself into one of the most successful Real Estate developers in town.

Building a house is easy. Building someone's trust is a whole other story. But with a little helping hand, a little Christmas magic can make all the difference in the world.

About the Author:

Lisa Mondello (a.k.a. LA Mondello) has held many jobs in her life but being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring! She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen.  Her first book, All I Want for Christmas is You, was the winner of the Golden Quill contest for Best First Book and to date has had over 400,000 downloads worldwide.

She is currently the author of 14 novels under the name Lisa Mondello and LA Mondello. You can find more information about Lisa Mondello at http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com

www.LisaMondello.blogspot.com

@LisaMondello

http://www.facebook.com/lisa.mondello.1

Book Review: The Darker Side of Heaven

2012-11-29T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on The Darker Side of Heaven by K.B. Cutter

This short 137 page adventure into the world of Angels, Demons, Vampires, and Shifters is a must read for those who enjoy the Paranormal. As an added plus, if you enjoy a little eroticism thrown in there, you'll thoroughly enjoy reading it. Cutter's ability to mix these elements together keeps the reader not only enthralled, but excited in the most intimate of ways. *wink* *wink*

The lines of good and evil are blurred as Chalice Noire, a mixed breed of Demon and Angel, sets out to not only stop the Fallen Angel Nikolai Voss from setting in motion events that will bring about the End of Times, but to also stay alive.

Dark, Edgy, and Sexy all wrapped up in one small package. Who could ask for anything more? Well, me. My only complaint about The Darker Side of Heaven is that, for me at least, it was a bit to short. Because of this, many times I felt that not only was the plot rushed, but the sub-plots as well, leaving me feeling a bit ripped off. I was hanging there wondering how did this happened? or simply saying AND?????? With that said though, I think this is a great book, just a little to short for me.

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
Book Description: via Amazon

Shadows lengthen over the world. Turmoil rages.

Something evil this way comes . . . .

Emotionally conflicted avenger Chalice Noire, product of an unholy union between demon and angel, is a slayer to the forces of darkness. Employed by shadowy benefactors in Rome, her sect is commanded by fallen angel Nikolai Voss, whose allegiance is not to the church but to the flame of vengeance that burns within.

But Chalice possesses a holy relic, a Weapon of the Mass, Nikolai desperately craves, and he will stop at nothing to retrieve it, destroying anything or anyone, including his own soul.
Renegade vampire Adam Blake is a recluse, attempting to bury his troubled past and the tortured memory of his former lover, Chalice Noire, in America's last frontier: the Alaskan wilderness.

Armageddon looms, the agents of light and darkness gather forces. The battle to be fought not on the sands of prophecy, but in the rugged beauty of Alaska, where Chalice and Adam once again cross paths. Can they reconcile their past to save humanity's future?

Book Review: Sororate

2012-11-22T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Sororate by K.R. Smith

I fell in love with Smith's characters B and Declan when I read Scent, and I must say, the snarling, growling, and passion in Sororate will keep this reader as a long time fan.

These two main characters embark on many an adventure that many times lead to life or death battles. they fought with Werewolves in China, Voodoo Priests in New Orleans, Vampires in Scotland, and much much more.

Both B and Declan live many a long life, but Declan ages both physically as well as chronologically where as B does not age physically. It's difficult enough to witness the death of a loved one, but it is even harder when you are close to three centuries old. So when Declan is close to death, B must make the decision on whether or not to turn him into a Circulator and evolve.

I laughed and I cried while reading Sororate, so make sure you have some tissue near by because you are going to need it. I can hardly wait for book three!!

An excellent addition to my overflowing library.

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

'Sororate' is seen through the perspective of Bianca Sabre nee Wisetail, the Last Circulator and first female Lokoti Werewolf. She and her mate Declan Sabre continue on in their unusual marriage. Their supernatural lifespan bonds them closer together, as their human family die of old age, or their Circulator relations evolve to the space time continuum.

Declan dotes on his mate due to the fact that he too, is the last... of the European Werewolf. But in a Werewolf marriage, claws do come out with Lokoti Werewolf wife challenging her European Werewolf husband. These two love to fight as much as they love to make love. In between, the two also travel the world and through time.This results in meeting other paranormal beings, like Asian Werewolves, North American Werewolves, European Vampires, South American Vampires, Witches, Voodoo and even humans psychic'd up on Yaje.

With all of this meshing of supernatural elements, B and Declan still butt heads over a problem even human couples encounter... B can't conceive.Whereas he's relieved not to create anymore European Werewolves; she's sensitive over her medical condition. However, just as Circulators are ever-changing as is the universe, is her condition permanent?

Book Review: Crash

2012-11-19T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Crash: A Mother, a Son, and the Journey from Grief to Gratitude by Dr. Carolyn Roy-Bornstein

First and foremost, I have to say that this is the most heart wrenching and heart warming book that I have had the pleasure of reading in a very long time.

A memoir of her son's tragic accident that left his girlfriend dead and him suffering from a traumatic brain injury, Crash takes the reader step by step on Bornstein's and her families grueling road through loss, recovery and acceptance.

Written so well and with such clarity, I could not help but be touched in some way or another from each and every page. Be it the description of Bornstein gasping for breath as she raced to the scene of the accident, the way she explained the fixed and dilated state of Trista's eyes, or the joy she felt when hearing Neil tell her that he "jumped", I was right there emoting along beside her.

Tragedy can happen in anyone's life at any given point, a concept many teens do not understand. It's something that we, as their parents don't want to think about either, but it is something that does need to be addressed. No one is indestructible. The alarming number of teen deaths due to drinking and driving, drugs, or suicide should be proof enough of that, but many times it just isn't. I wish that someone like Neil or his family could have spoken at my high school. Perhaps then, three of my classmates would still be alive today, all taken to early because of someone driving under the influence of alcohol.

An AMAZING Book that should be a part of any teen's library. I know I'll have my own two read it.

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

After 25 years of caring for children, first as a nurse, then as a pediatrician, Carolyn Roy-Bornstein finds herself on the other side of the stretcher when her 17-year-old son Neil is hit by a teenage drunk driver while walking his girlfriend Trista home after a study date. Trista did not survive her injuries. Neil carries his with him to this day.

Gratitude for her son’s survival ultimately gives way to grief. While initially told Neil’s only injury was a broken leg, Roy-Bornstein quickly finds herself riding in the front seat of an ambulance transporting her son to the ICU at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston; his brain is bleeding.

Roy-Bornstein is now not the patient’s doctor or nurse but his mom. The world she so easily navigates in a white uniform or a white coat now must be traversed, understood, and dealt with from the perspective of a parent.

There are many dividing lines in this story. The line that divides this family’s life in two: the events that occurred before the crash and those that came tumbling and faltering in its wake. The line that separates grief from gratitude: gratitude that her son is alive and as whole as he is; grief for his loss of memory and changed personality and for having his whole world shattered in an instant. The line that separates the world Roy-Bornstein knew so well as a doctor from the new one she must now navigate as the parent of a trauma victim.

In these pages she explores all of these boundaries: between then and now, grief and gratitude, before and after, us and them. Her many years as a "medical insider" bring her story authenticity and detail, while her newcomer status as the parent of a trauma victim add poignancy and warmth in this first memoir.

Book Review: Sweet Dreams

2012-11-15T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Sweet Dreams by Benjamin Daniels

Sweet Dreams is the second book in Daniels' Hell's Gate series that isn't your ordinary paranormal flavor. Yes, there are Demons, Angels, and Romance, but there is so much more. There is enough Eroticism to spark the flames of anyone's desire.

This 53K work book flows well, if not a bit "proper" in its writing style. However, even with that said it is still a good read. The characters are well developed enough that Sweet Dreams is a good stand alone book itself, but now that I have read it I'll have to go back and read the first book, Hell's Gate, to see if I missed any important information.

There are quite a bit of editing misses in Sweet Dreams, which is a shame. These missed mistakes make for "stuttered" reading and should be corrected in the future.

A delightful read that just needs a bit more work.

3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

Jahi's job is as a seductress in Lilith's house of pleasure. She can see into their sexual fantasies and give them every sexual desire possible.

Jahi is special; she holds a power beyond just sexual pleasure. She can transform into whatever the clients wish for, but what Jahi really wants is to fulfill her own desires.

Prescott is her one and only desire, there is only one problem....He doesn’t seem to notice her... Or so she thought.

Book Review: Whispering Cypress

2012-11-12T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Whispering Cypress by B.J. Robinson

Whispering Cypress is the third book that I have read by Robinson, and I have to say that this award-winning author has inspirational Christian writing down to a science. The way she weaves loss, love, suspense and drama while her characters maintain faith in the Lord is exceptional.

In today's busy world it is often difficult to maintain a strict commitment of going to church every Sunday, at least that is the case for me. But picking up one of Robinson's wonderful books reminds me that He is always there for me.

Robinson's books are well thought out and well written with characters you can't help but to fall in love with; sometimes with the "bad" guys too.

You can see a bit of BJ in all of her books. Whether the characters have a strawberry batch or just have a loving dog by their side. Either way, you can see how much love she has for her work and for her God.

Another successful hit with Whispering Cypress!!

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

You'll never have peace here. Leave the past where it belongs, or it will ruin you.

Spring Showers stared at the cutout newspaper letters pasted on a sheet of typing paper. Her heart pounded harder than any nail gun, and she placed her hand over her chest as if to still it. Nothing about the rundown campground prepared her for such a threat. Who could possibly care if she restored it?

After a decade of no contact, she purchases the campground a man from her past dreams of owning and hires him to repair and remodel the cabins. She still has feelings for him, and the sparks are still there -- smoldering like embers from a left-over campfire. A male friend from the city visits and trouble brews. A girl is attacked. Hackett is arrested. Did authorities arrest the right man? The girl is pregnant -- who is the father?

Book Review: Beyond the Highland Mist

2012-11-08T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen M Moning

If you want to read a love story that will really touch your heart, Beyond the Highland Mist is a MUST read. The writing style of Moning is, beyond a doubt, exceptional. This book is written so well that you can almost feel the mists from the ocean as the waves crash against the rocks below Dalkeith-Upon-the-Sea. Smell the rose bushes that grace the gardens, and feel the strong arms of the handsome Hawk around you.

A man that has never been in love, and a woman who's had her heart shattered, Beyond the Highland Mist is full of anger, jealously, trust issues, deception, and of course love. All of the things that make a fantastic book. And being that this is her first in this series, I can't wait to read the rest!!

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description: via Amazon

He would sell his warrior soul to possess her. . . .

An alluring laird...

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart—until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length—but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A prisoner in time...

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . . .

Book Review: Died on the Vine

2012-11-05T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Died on the Vine by Joyce Harmon

Died on the Vine is a pleasantly, cozy mystery that is a welcome retreat on a chilly and rainy day. It's pace is quick enough that you could sit comfortably, sipping your tea or your wine, and finish it in one sitting. With likable characters and a surprising culprit, this book will have you guessing until the end.

BOOK DESCRIPTION via Amazon

Tech writer Cissy Rayburn and her retired bureaucrat husband Jack own a winery in rural Virginia. One day, notorious MIA chaser Obadiah Winslow shows up and tells Cissy that he believes that her first husband Jimmy, shot down and reported killed in Viet Nam, survived the crash and is still alive in a Vietnamese prison. Cissy mistrusts Winslow, who has a reputation as a crackpot; she doesn't believe him, but finds his visit disturbing.

Three days later, Cissy finds Winslow dead in the vineyard, stabbed with Jack's pruning shears. To the local sheriff, Jack has a good motive to eliminate Winslow. Can Cissy find the real killer before the sheriff arrests Jack?

I really enjoyed Died on the Vine, even though the copy I received did have quite a bit of mistakes. Along with Cissy and her friends, I couldn't figure out "who done it", and was surprised when the true murderer was revealed.

A truly cozy read.

3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

HALLOWEEN CONTEST WINNERS!!

2012-10-31T07:41:00.000-10:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Lessia Champion!! You are our FIRST PLACE WINNER!!! You and Madison Daniel have the same taste in all things scary!!
My favorite horror movie has to be The Exercist. My favorite horror book is "IT" by Stephen King. on HALLOWEEN CONTEST!!

Direct from Madison: "Hmmm...fav horror book was Salems Lot or It.
Movie is a little tougher..when I was a kid it was A Nightmare on Elm Street...now it is the original Exorcist."

P. Creeden!! You are our second winner!!
Going Old School here - Favorite Horror Movie - "The Exorcist" (original) and Fav Horror Book - "Misery" by Stephen King :) on HALLOWEEN CONTEST!!

---------
Please contact the Gothic Mom herself at: amgiap@yahoo.com with your mailing address so that Madison can send you your autographed swag!!

Book Review: Deadlocked 2

2012-10-29T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Deadlocked 2 by Aaron Wise

Just as the first book in this series; Deadlocked, Wise is able to maintain the fast paced action and keep the reader interested and invested in the lives of Laura, her children, and Billy. But staying with Billy may put her and her children's lives in more danger than she bargained for.

When Laura finds that her youngest daughter is infected with the tainted food, she must leave both children alone so that she can search for the "cure". Like her husband David, Laura is set on doing everything she can to save her children. Even at the cost of infecting herself.

With the first book being written from the POV of David, Deadlocked 2 is written from the POV of Laura. I can't wait to see who's POV book 3 is written in.

3.5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description (via Amazon.com)

Part two of the series picks up immediately after the end of the first. David's wife, Laura, is forced to take over the protection of their family as the boat travels out into Hailey Bay, away from the zombies. However, the boat's pilot plans to dock back in the overrun city to rescue his own family, which will put Laura, Kim, and Annie in jeopardy.

Laura is forced to overcome unimaginable horrors as the zombie apocalypse explodes around her, but it is the evil intent of humans that present her greatest challenge. The reader is taken far beyond the edge of their seat as Laura pushes forward to the inevitable end. No one is safe in a world where the dead hunt the living.

Book Review: Deadlocked

2012-10-25T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Deadlocked by Aaron Wise

I'm usually not much for novella's, but after reading Deadlocked I have changed my mind. It's not that the writing was exceptional, but it was a well developed and entertaining read. Grabbing your attention right from the start, Deadlocked's action packed pace will keep you entranced through all 54 pages.

Tainted food has caused the cities population to die and rise again as zombies and all David wants is to get home to his wife and two young daughters. Faced with his own mortality, David will do whatever it takes to keep his family safe. Anything.

I really enjoyed this first installment and have already began reading the second. I'm looking forward to books 3 and 4 as well.

3.5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Description (via Amazon.com)

David was caught in the middle of the city when the zombie outbreak started. His wife and daughters were at home, stranded on the roof as zombies waited below. He would have to fight through hordes of undead, merciless other survivors, and a series of death defying stunts to get home. However, even if he makes it there, how can he be sure they're safe?

Deadlocked puts you into David's head as he struggles to get home. Then a final confrontation occurs that could guarantee his family's survival, but at what cost?

Book Review: Wuthering Frights

2012-10-22T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Wuthering Frights (Dulcie O'Neil, #4) by H.P. Mallory

I don't know about you, but I just can not get enough of this series! Each book has just enough of everything to keep me anxiously waiting for the next installment, and number four is no different!!

In the last book we found out that the Head of the Netherworld is none other than Dulcie's long and forgotten father, the one man responsible for the illegal potions entering Earth. Not only that, he tells her that if she is to save her boyfriend's life she has to "work" for him. She has to be his "eyes and ears in the ANC."

But where her "friend" Quillan has lost the drive to fight against the Netherworld's tyrant of a ruler, Dulcie may be just the person to bring him down. She just has to make sure that Knight's life continues to be safe from her father's far reaching arms. Sadly though, the only way Dulcie see's to keep her boyfriend safe is to break up with him. But this decision may ruin their relationship forever.

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Review: The 4 Hour Body

2012-10-18T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on The 4-Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss

While visiting a good friend and enjoying a cup of tea, our conversation drifted over to the subject of sex. Suddenly she started talking about Timothy Ferriss and this fantastic book that he wrote in which there is a section for men to learn how to bring a woman to the big "O". Now before you stop reading, give me just a moment.

Believe it or not, there are still millions of women who have NOT had one single climax. This tidbit of information may be shocking to you; it was to me, and it was to Ferriss, so he decided to do something about it.

Seeking out advice from sex therapists, doctors, porn stars, and who ever he could get information from, Ferriss was actually taught how to satisfy just about ANY woman in 15 minutes. How great would that be if true? I mean, how many times have you been on the very brink of release, only to have your partner move that 16th of a mm to the left, and toss it out the window instead of hitting a home run?

So, as soon as I returned home I downloaded the book to my Kindle and looked for the "holy grail" chapters. There are even pictures in the book that illustrate exactly how and what to do it!! Once I was done reading, I brought my Kindle out to my husband and told him to read the very same chapters. Now I'll have to do is make time for him to practice what's he learned. It's a hardship, but it's one I'm willing to suffer. All in the name of science of course.

I can only give this book a 3 star rating at this point. If it really teaches an "old dog" a new trick, then I will amend my rating.

3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Review: Bitten Shame

2012-10-15T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Bitten Shame by Olivia Hardin

Though this second installment had all of the characters we fell in love with, and those we fell in hate with, in book 1, this one focused more on the past and present life of Jill Prescott. In this book we learn how she fell in love, became a vampire, and how she lost the will to live without the one man who changed her life forever.

As the chapters flip from the past to the present, the reader is able to watch the love between Jill and "Doc" develop and grow. We are also able to feel the pain Doc feels when he is forced to change her into a vampire, and the pain Jill feels when Doc is murdered.

Now that their Sire is dead, Jill's only reason to continue living is to help her friend Devan take down the Org. Something that Doc himself had been working on as well. Once that is taken care of, she plans on ending her own existence. What is there worth living for anymore with the love of her life gone anyway?

But Doc's compassion while treating the kept children of the Org had not gone unnoticed, and he was given a great gift. With his passing his gift was passed to Jill, his one true love. Now she must choose what her heart desires the most. Revenge, Freedom, or Love?

I personally liked this installment more than the first. Perhaps it's just the romantic in me. I literally had to force myself not to skip over the "present" day chapters I was so enthralled with Jill's and Doc's love story! I just hope the third book is just as good.

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Review: Bleeding Hearts

2012-10-11T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

Believe me when I say that I have read just about every vampire book out there from Anne Rice to L J Smith. It now takes a book with a unique twist to not only keep me reading, but to also get a 4 star rating from me. Ash Krafton's Bleeding Hearts did just that. It is not just a story of good vs. evil, nor is it your average love story. It's a story of Hope and of helping others.

Sophie Galen has a big heart. Her undying optimism led her to seek out a career in nursing but sadly she cared to much. She became disheartened that the ones that really needed the help didn't always get it. Now she's an advice columnist for The Mag, has a purely platonic relationship with her ex-boyfriend, and still finds time to give change to the local bums.

Having basically given up on ever finding the kind of love she once shared with Jared, she is surprised to find that she is instantly attracted to a man she has just met. Marek is basically sex on a stick. Tall, Dark, Handsome, and exuding power. Little does she know that the hint of danger that she "feels" from him may very well be the death of her. Toss into a world where Vampires and Werewolves are real, deer sweet Sophie will never be the same again. And with her love, neither will Marek.

My one complaint about Bleeding Hearts centers around the character of Jared. As a character of such great importance to Sophie, he made a drastic disappearing act in the second part of the book, and well, didn't last through to the end. That, in at least my opinion, could be improved on.

Sexy without the sex is difficult but Krafton does a decent job. I could do with a little more though. You can show me a little more without being graphic. Don't hold everything back Ash.

All in all, Bleeding Hearts is a great addition to my bookshelf, and hopefully yours too.

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Review: Southern Superstitions

2012-10-08T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Southern Superstitions by B. J. Robinson

After reading Last Resort, I became an instant fan of Robinson's writing style. Though works of fiction, her books give the reader a sense that the characters are "real" people facing "real" problems. There is romance, love, and loss in them, but there is also always unwavering faith in God.

Myrtle was just 25 when her husband passed away, leaving her to care for their berry farm and their 4 year-old daughter, June on her own. She has always believed in God, but has also been a superstitious woman, and poor June found that she couldn't do many of the things the other kids did because of her mothers worries.

Now June is an adult, and though she tries hard to remind her mother to trust in God, her mother maintains her "silly" superstitions. So when a solid black cat crosses their path, any all all bad luck to come to them is blamed on it. Even after being blessed when June falls in love with a wonderful man and has a son of her own. But could there be something to her mother's superstitions and that darn cat?

When Andy doesn't return from a hunting trip June and her family fear the worst. As the years pass, June decides she must go on with her life and chooses to return to school to earn her teaching certification, all the while never loosing faith that her husband will one day return to her.

Because I myself am a Christian woman, I am not offended by the amount of "religiousness" within the pages of Ms. Robinson's work, and I feel that they are a great addition to any Christian library. But I also think that they have enough mystery, danger, and excitement that they would be a great addition to anyone's library as well.

Well developed, well written and all around well done.

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

Book Review: Cold Light

2012-10-04T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Cold Light by Traci L. Slatton

A good book is sometimes hard to find, and a good series is even harder. When I finished reading Fallen, I was amazed at how much I liked it, so much so that it is listed as one of the Books You Got To Have here on my blog. Now, Cold Light; the second installment in Slatton's After Trilogy, will be added to that very same list.

Slatton's ability to weave a tale that is filled with adventure, loss and love is unmatched. Her writing makes it so easy for you to fall in love with the characters so much so that you find yourself riding a roller-coaster of emotions. One minute you are mad, then your lips curl into a smile, and sometimes you cannot help but reach for a tissue.

After finding out that Arthur actually created the Mists that have basically destroyed the earth, Emma is heartbroken. And even though she loves Arthur with all of her heart, when her husband risks his life to fly to Europe to "save" her, she decides to leave with him and return to Canada. But the last year and a half hasn't been the same. There has been a change in their relationship. Emma cannot keep her mind from wandering to the wonderful memories she has of Arthur, and how much they love(d) each other. Those thoughts are pushed aside and have to wait though when her older daughter Beth is kidnapped by a rogue group.

Setting off on her own, Emma is hell-bent on finding Beth and bringing her home. Imagine her surprise when she sees Arthur and some of the others in the town where she has settled in order to "acquire" some supplies. Emma and Arthur's love and passion knows no limits as they seamlessly fall back into each others lives and each others arms.

When her husband makes an appearance, Emma is thrown into a game of tug-o-war. Should she return to Europe with Arthur, the man whom she loves more deeply than she has ever loved anyone, or stay with her husband, the man who she vowed to love "till death do you part."

The Mists are changing, and our favorite Russian cut-throat is back in Cold Light. But don't get me started on the ending. I only hope that the final installment comes out quickly, and things work out the way I want them to. (I am totally on team Arthur!!)

An exceptional series that will keep you reading and ignoring your family. So grab Fallen and Cold Light, grab a bottle of wine, head to your favorite reading spot and be ready to spend the next four to eight or so hours falling in love with this series.

A MUST have series!

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

HALLOWEEN CONTEST!!

2012-10-03T15:54:00.001-10:00

Gothic Mom's Book Reviews is glad to announce our HALLOWEEN contest!!!

Madison Daniels, the author of the Ember series and much more, is giving away a signed copy of Beyond the Never, two signed posters, and a signed post card!!!

To enter, all you have to do is let us know what your favorite Horror MOVIE is or your favorite Horror BOOK! It's that simple.

The winner(s) will be announced on October 31st, 2012!!

A big MAHALO (Thank You) to Madison for your generous SWAG!!

(we will post a picture shortly)

Book Review: Asleep Without Dreaming

2012-10-01T07:00:00.000-10:00

Today's review is on Asleep Without Dreaming by: Barbara F. Abate

Like the first book I read by Abate; The Secret of Lies, this second book left me with a feeling of loss so great that I had to wait a full 24 hours before I could totally bring my thoughts together. Written without the fluff and filler's that other writers utilize, Ms. Abate has the ability to tell the unsaid tales of those that have suffered irreputable damage throughout their entire life. Damage which cannot be easily repaired if at all, and the lasting effect that it has on them and those around them.

Willa Burkett's life is anything but the happy-go-lucky life of other children. With a mother that seems to only think of herself, it's no wonder her father left for work one morning never to return. Now it's only poor Willa that is left behind in the backwards town of Hoosick Falls with her.

Trying to stay off the radar, Willa is distressed to learn that her mother's flaws knows no bounds as she tries to "reinvent" herself numerous times, lies to get what she wants, and even uses Willa's name to gain the interest of men. But that all changes late one evening when Willa is awakened by her mother and told that they are finally leaving Hoosick Falls.

Driving along to some unknown destination, Willa tries in vain to think that things will be better once they get to where they are heading. But once their beat up car stalls on the highway, Willa knows that that is not going to happen.

Ending up in another dead-end town, Willa is faced with the truth of her life. She is sick of her mothers' secret's and her lie's. She's tired of the made-up reasons why her mother cannot work and leaves the housekeeping duties to fall on her, and she is tired of her mother's rants. The only thing she is not tired of is Jesse Truman.

But Jesse too has secrets of his own, and though she wants nothing more than to help him and to save him, she may be to late in the end.

Though Asleep Without Dreaming may seem a bit slow, it really isn't. If it were written any other way, the full impact would be lost in the end. It may even bring a tear to your eye's as it did to mine.

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon