The Quick by Lauren Owen

Reviewed by Desere


The year is 1892, James Norbury is a shy would be poet, coming down from Oxford he seeks somewhere to call home and ends up living with a young aristocrat.  This seems like any other newly acquired friendship as they build a relationship bonding over this and that, but it is also through this friendship that he is introduced to the drawing rooms of high society and unexpectedly also finds love. 

Thus everything seems to be falling into place for our young poet, but then he suddenly vanishes without a trace.  His sister, Charlotte is the one to come to his rescue as she immediately makes her way down the long winding road to find her lost brother, the road is filled with many sinister characters some willing to help her and others determined to make sure James is never found. 

This was a very riveting and gripping read, at first I thought from the blurb that it is a historical mystery all connecting back to the mysterious and very high class men's club, but as I got deeper into the read I found a whole other scenario.

The sister, Charlotte goes through various up's and down's trying to gain the confidence of those around the city's mysterious characters to aid her in her mission, it ranges from the "I can't tell you" to " Follow me and you will learn " types which made for a very interesting mystery. 

As she weaves her way into a world filled with the undead, yes you read it right, I said the undead, she finds that James has fallen into the hands of those who prefer to stay out of the light and only travel at night. By now am sure you have guessed am talking about vampires. 

Surprisingly it takes quite a while for anyone of the characters to actually come out and say the word, at first I thought this strange but then an afterthought reminded me that back in the 1800's people were not as forthcoming as today and most things were only whispered or simply ignored or called by another name for fear of being part of scandal or being implicated as one of the undead. 

The book did start out almost a little too slow, it focuses on Charlotte and James's childhood and all though it felt unnecessary as the story grows and the children turn to adulthood it links back beautifully showing how strong the bond between James and Charlotte is. 

The book comes in at whopping 544 pages and is not the type of book you pick up late at night after a long day, when you start and once you get past the slow buildup there is pretty much no putting it down,  the mystery within the mystery made it so fascinating and closing it off and saying you will go on the next day and then trying to sleep is definitely a HA not happening moment! 

I highly recommend this read for all fans that like to be transported into the past with great historical detail and a world like no other meets the world of the living.

5/5 star review 
" Be quick or you might be dead" 

***Copy provided by Random House Struik South Africa in exchange for a honest review 

Bitter Spirits A Roaring Twenties Novel by Jenn Bennett

Reviewed by Desere

I have always been a fan of good old fashioned ghost reads, yet they are so very hard to find. I was super intrigued by the cover and blurb of this book but of course not getting my hopes up, as I said good old fashioned ghost stories are hard to find.

I could not have been more delighted with this read, it had spine chilling ghosts, tremendously scary moments and gave me that very sought after " What was that?" feeling creeping down my spine and making me want to pop the book into the freezer!

And the bonus, it involved a very passionate romance between two exceptional main characters. The backdrop settings of the 1920's were a real treat and so exquisitely described by the author it left me in no doubt of the author's talents. 

I could vividly picture the dresses, the stunning little nick knacks of the time period, and it was not done to the overdone extent. Nope the author did not go all out to the point where it bored me and wanting to shout " Come on enough with setting the scene, I need the dialogue already!" Excellent work Jenn!

Both main characters were strong in their own right, but what most intrigued me about them both was that they were so different from each other yet so much alike, I loved how the author let them discover their likeness through their passion for each other. It showed that no two people are alike on the surface, but when you dig down deep there is so much of the same factor it becomes down right scary.

The dialogue was at times a little too crass for me, as I usually find in most paranormal related reads that the spirits and characters don't really go for the all out swearing match and more of the I'm scared out of my shorts manner, but with the intensity of the read and it all coming together so stunningly it can easily be overlooked. 

I will be looking forward to more reads from this author in the future.

I recommend this read for any fan looking for a brilliant and very spine chilling read laced with so much passion the spirits won't be the only thing going up in flames!

4.5 Star Review 

" The taste of bitter spirits leads to the sweet taste of passion" 

CHAMELEON by Christina De Mello

It's quite rare that I get the chance to review the work of an author I know, an actual friend and it has been a most unusual experience. Lucknow author Christina De Mello is a smart, cheerful lady with a ready smile and a clever sense of humour.  So when I came to know that she was having a work of fiction  published, I was naturally curious to know what type of content the book would have.  I never, in my wildest dreams, could have imagined that she would come up with a collection of horror stories.  "Paranormal stories, right?" was my immediate reaction.  She gave me one of her charming smiles.  "Horror stories," she replied.  No two ways about it.  I always imagine the authors of such dark, forbidding stories. would have an appearance to match, but as it has been said before, 'looks can be deceiving.'  That's certainly true in this case.  This is a collection which is quite encompassing.  Nine stories in one volume and let me tell you, they chill the blood.  The author takes you on quite a journey, to a variety of locations, both Indian and foreign, from the material world to the supernatural.  The truth is that the natural world is not too far from the supernatural world.  A mere veil separates the two and sometimes that veil slips and the two intermingle and when they two, the results can be pretty terrifying.  

The stories are quite a mixed bag, some historical, some contemporary and some both.  There's quite a malevolence in the supernatural entities who make their appearance in this book.  The story featuring my city of residence, Lucknow, THE ROTTING FACE,  had me riveted. A bunch of middle-aged Anglo-Indian venture out on a trip to see a deserted temple and find themselves caught up in a terrifying situation.  The story brings alive the congested atmosphere of north India with that tension which is always bubbling under the surface.  ISLAND OF DOOM is a swashbuckling adventure set in and around South America, a few centuries back.  ANGEL OF THE DEEP brings you to a submarine in the early twentieth century.  CHAMELEON goes back to the time of the British Raj, when a young English lady arrives in south India to meet her fiance and finds him missing while the locals remain tight-lipped.  Then there's GUARDIAN OF THE WOLLEMI, which brings you to Australia, not to the big city Australia but to the wilderness and the old aboriginal haunts.  THE OUROBOUROS FACTOR introduces us to some Indian prisoners, escapees of a Japanese POW camp in the jungles of Thailand.  We also travel to Egypt and Japan and the mysterious Mount Kailash in Tibet.  And it's quite a journey.

These stories are very dark and redemption never seems to arrive.  Yet the author's voice is that of the true storyteller, hypnotic.  You find yourself turning the pages, eager for more.  There are no vampires nor werewolves (although I spotted one shifter, a must in paranormal fiction today).  For someone who's looking for a read to charm and intrigue and surprise, this book couldn't be more recommended.

A word of warning - you'll find yourself looking over your shoulder for a couple of days after reading this. You never know who's watching.

Eighth Note by Kimberly Stedronsky

Reviewed by Shirley Buchanan

Although it has been some time since a novel has made me want to look in dark corners, be wary about pulling back a shower curtain or second guess a visit to a remote cabin in the woods, this new novel by Kimberly Stedronsky was that kind of read. Beginning the book fairly late at night, I couldn't put it down until I read the spectacular ending. A spinoff from the popular Roam series written by the same author, characters from the series were introduced and explained enough that you never felt lost or confused.

Smart, beautiful and feisty, Eva Reed has just about everything that she wants: the love of her life, her husband, Will, a beautiful young child, Perry, and a rewarding passion, her blog, Fire Ballad, but she is restless and bored. For someone who has saved not one, but two worlds, this everyday ordinary life leaves a lot to be desired. Cole Mathison, a friend from the past, suddenly appears presenting her with a problem that he thinks she is the perfect person to solve...a murder, a supernatural murder. With her love of music, magic and immortality, Cole believes she will be able to delve through the evidence and find the murderer. After all, everyone else dies after hearing the evidence, but being immortal, she can't die, but would only feel the pain. Believing she can withstand the trials and tribulations that will come, she accompanies Cole to a remote cabin in the Catskills to find the killer. Only things aren't what they seem. Solving this murder will test her love, her sanity and her resolve. Will she place everything on the line or is the price too hard to pay?

Can Will's love save her when she is pulled too far to the dark side?

Or will the supernatural murderer claim her as his prize?

A wonderful and excellent book of paranormal, mystery and intrigue with intense scenes enacted by well written characters. Enthralled from the first to last page, this book was a real page turner. I don't think there was an emotion that I didn't engage. The vivid descriptions, spicy dialogue and emotional content made you feel as if you were present and part of the action. Another fabulous read. Well done Kimberly! I can't wait for your next book.

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

Recommended to paranormal and romance readers.

5/5 stars Can true love defy the odds and save her?

The Children of the Mist by Jenny Brigalow

Reviewed by Desere 


As I mentioned in other reviews I have never been a major fan of YA paranormal reads but I also never judge a book by it's cover, and what a very lovely cover this book has, but of course it all depends on what is inside the pages.

In this read from author Jenny Brigalow she tells the story of vampires and werewolves and the details of their transformations, sound familiar?

Yes, it has been done before though there was a slight twist as this time the main characters are in their teens. And it's only in Scotland they can discover the secret to their past. But they discover more than they had bargained for. After all there is an ancient feud between vampires and werewolves. Can they both survive?

The author did a overall interesting new fresh read, but only for the younger generation, it might not sit well with the older folks. But then again it is marked as YA. So it is for Young Adults.

If you are a teen and into reading paranormal reads, this one is for you.

3.5 star review

"Appearing from the mist are the children of the future" 

The Broken Destiny by Carlyle Labuschagne

Reviewed by Desere

I have never been the kind of reader that goes out of the way to read paranormal reads. The back blurb has to seriously sound intriguing and like something I definitely want to find out the ending to, and as it happens it is only once in a while that I actually manage to find one that interests me to the point of any kind of interference will send me into a fit for the interruption, as was the case with this read, I wanted to stick a label on my head with the words " Go away I am reading!" .

The read had many and I do mean many, many fascinating characters all trapped in a world of fantasy and striving to find a way out, all written by the author with such vivid detail and such emotion it had me hanging onto the edge of my seat, crying, begging for more and wishing I could climb inside and get just a little closer to it all.

A story of searching to find where you truly belong for you simply do not feel as if you really fit anywhere and then discovering you are one of the most important links in saving the world as you know it.

Yes, I do realise I am not giving you much of what the story is really about but this is completely intentional as this book was so many magical elements tied with absolutely brilliant writing that me spoiling it would be a complete and utter tragedy to the readers of our world.

You simply need to go and read it for yourself. Looking at the blurb and not liking the sound of it? Let me set you on the correct path by telling you that you will be missing out on one of the most thrilling, exciting, brilliant reads of this year.

Secrets, destinations of justice, soul searching, self discovery, learning to trust, emotional heart-ship and even a little romance, the book had it all and all set in a world so magically empowering that you will be left breathless, mind blown and absolutely spellbound.

The characters each had their own set of secrets and problems to deal with, and there being so many characters to take in during this read added to the excitement and thrill of the unknown, I simply could not stop from digging to find out as much as I can, the author entertained and kept my attention all the way and delivered a punch on every single page!

The read also contained a very powerful message of our lives has a way of changing when we least expect it, but finding yourself on a path to a greater destination is sometimes the reason that will allow us to get to the point of looking deep within yourselves to see who we are truly meant to be.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of sci-fi reads, and if you have never tried the genre before this is the book that will change your mind and send you off to the shops in search of more. In my opinion this read will definitely be hitting the best sellers list in no time at all, and I place this author right up there with the big names such as Rae Rivers and Natalie Singh. Absolutely fabulous work!

Bring on book 2 Carlyle!

5/5 star review

"Being broken does not mean you cannot save the world" 

The Keepers: Archer by Rae Rivers

Reviewed by Desere


From my experience I have always thought witches to not run at the first sign of danger, they rather fight back right? Wrong, in this read we meet Sienna, she is yes a very strong and powerful witch but she is running, trying to find some form of a normal life , she wants nothing to do with her powers and she will do anything to keep it that way.

But the evil out to get her is not all she is running from, there are her three keepers, bound to protect her against anything and everything even if it costs them their lives. One such keeper is Archer and what a delicious keeper this man is!

He is one of those "Hold me close and never will I feel more protected simply because you are near me, and no it has nothing to do with being in your arms" kind of protectors.

He has been looking for her for two years and now that he has found her he will not let her out of his sight ever again, but getting Archer to let her be is a whole new set of spells this witch has no manual for. She is about to have the good old fashioned love potion number nine place her under a spell there is no getting out of!

Ultimately having to defend her home-town only adds to Sienna's rapid rise and fall of emotions, Archer being part of the mix only makes it so much harder for her to see the line between love and hate, between keeper and witch.

The character of Sienna was a real go getter, "Get out of my way or I will walk all over you, do not challenge me as in ever", kind of heroine, the kind that as reader always has me jumping out of my seat shouting "You go girl!" I could understand why she wants her independence away from her powers so much, as we all know being different whilst having feelings of knowing there has to be something else or somewhere else you are meant to be does make life a situation of go after it or sit still and shut up! But she also has a very hidden side to her, one that she does not let the world truly see and this made her more realistic, well done Rae!

The character of Archer was as I said before the perfect protect me hero, but what I simply adored about this man was that he is so headstrong and such a force of a character that it was as if he would jump out of the pages at any minute and sweep me off into the wild wonder that is his world, he is one of those hero's that simply brands you with is unique kind of passion and you are overwhelmed and breathless.

The dialogue and backdrop settings were exciting and entertaining, and the story moved with a very nice fast page, never boring in any manner. The characters were described by the author with absolute passion and emotion that if truly was as if they were real.

The one thing that made the book even more exciting was the love between Sienna and Archer which is so strong and so very obvious, however forbidden, it added a new level of mystery and suspense to a already great read.

I am taking away a message of trying to outrun your destiny never ever works , sooner or later you will need to face it and take it all in stride for others lives might depend on it.

I recommend this read for fans of paranormal reads that have loads or action and secrets to keep you glued to your seat, and a very strong, powerful emotional love between the two main characters, and an ending that will leave you jumping up and down for the next part of the series.

However if you find yourself not a fan of spells, witch crafts and all that it entails this read is not for you.

4 star review
" He will keep her safe at all costs, she will fight him every step of the way" 

Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review

Lottie Barrett Lives (Again) by Huge Centerville

Reviewed by Nas

LOTTIE BARRETT LIVES (AGAIN) by author Hugh Centerville is a paranormal story.

It is set in small town, Hope Mountain in 1966. A group of four 13-year-old high school students gather in the graveyard on Halloween night to try and conjure up the spirit of another 13-year-old, Lottie Barrett, who had died a century before. Charlene has an ancient book of spells, and Bobby, Judy, and Tommy are expecting a fun night.

Then the unexpected happens. Lottie Barrett, shows up in Hope Mountain. Charlene, power hungry is now attached to her mysterious book. She tries to control the lives of everyone around her. If Bobby, Judy, and Tommy don't do what she want, then all sorts of awful things might happen. Meanwhile Lottie likes living in 1966. She likes Bobby asking him to kiss her! And Bobby does so in spite of the fact that he loves Judy. What will happen? Will Lottie ever go back inside her grave again? What will happen to Bobby and Judy?

LOTTIE BARRETT LIVES (AGAIN) is a paranormal story, which will keep readers engrossed and keep turning pages late into the night. It has witty dialogue, humor with heart-tugging pathos. Only drawback may be the writing style which is certainly different. The small town setting is done realistically.

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Once upon a December Nightmare by Cherie Reich

 :

Reviewed by Desere :

I am no major fan of scary books or nightmares for that matter but I do love a good mystery and just from the back blurb I can honestly say I was intrigued enough to want to find out what happens ,and in the end very pleasantly surprised.

The book centres around four friends who take a unexpected detour one night and stumble upon way more than they bargained for.

The book in itself was brilliant ! Well written and fast paced with enough scary moments to make you double check what is behind you.

I totally loved the plot and the characterization was fabulous. The author focused on fear and used that to her advantage by scaring the living daylights out of me as reader more than once.

Definite nail biting suspense and horror of the good kind, as I have found that some horror related books do not fully convey the message it needs to and at a far seems scary enough but when reading you discover that there is something lacking to make your flesh really crawl.

Not the case in Once upon a December nightmare. In addition to being a brilliant horror read the author also very stunningly outlined and un-layered her characters to the point where I actually felt like I knew each and very one of them.

Brilliantly done Cherie,keep them coming !

5/5 star review

Gather The Bones by Alison Stuart

Reviewed by Desere

Gather the bones was a paranormal like no other I have come across before. It had mystery behind mystery and I at one point I thought I might be trapped in one of the tales from Ghost Lab,minus all the technical mumbo jumbo. 

Yes it was that good and so much more ! There was history,mystery,intrigue and so many interesting and mind blowing secrets that I read it in one sitting.

I read paranormals every now and then but I have never read a paranormal with such a intense level of excitement and thrills ,nor has one ever scared me right out of my socks(I love watching horror movies and not even those scare or speak to me as much as this book did). 

The author actually had me thinking I am hearing the voices,someone needs help ! The book was very,very realistic. 

It was one of those where you can tell the author packed true emotion into her writing with the eye on not only capturing the readers attention but to also bring across a powerful message...one from beyond that is!

It had the perfect ghostly setting the right dose of "normal" paranormal,not sure what I mean,well you get those books about vampires and demons and it is just so far fetched and unreal that yes you enjoy the book and yes you find it interesting but on a complete different level,yet at the end you think ......happening  as in never! 

But in Gathering the bones it just had all the elements for a good old fashioned ghost story !

Well done Alison,you will be seeing this reader again !

5/5 star review 



Reviewed by Nas

Gather the Bones

GATHER THE BONES by author Alison Stuart and is a October 2012 release by Lyrical Press.

Widow Helen Morrow arrives in England at her mother in laws invitation, so that her daughter could meet her grandmother.

At the family home, Holdston, though she is welcomed, Helen feels disquiet. She wanted some answers to the last minutes of her husband Charlie's live. So she is happy when Paul Morrow, who was in the same unit with Charlie arrived. But Paul was not up to answering any of her questions. How could he, when he had no memory of the last minutes as he, himself was very badly injured in the same explosion.

Then she starts hearing desperate voices in the old house. Is she going mad? But she can't believe that Paul doesn't hear the voices as well even if he denies it.
Then she finds a secret diary and together they start unraveling the mystery of their scandalous ancestor's disappearance.

Would they solve the mystery and let the spirits go to rest? What was the evil they could feel shadowing the house?

GATHER THE BONES is a fast paced, thrilling and keeping me on the edge of seat historical story. It's full of intrigue, tension and danger. Alison Stuart brought this gripping historical tale of second chances, past secrets and unexpected attraction and it's highly worth reading!

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Reviewed by Maria

Oh, my goodness.  What a wonderful read, I loved this.  It had everything I want in a good book.  An historical setting, a paranormal theme, attractive if slightly flawed characters.

Books about the great war have always intrigued me and I remember reading them with awe.  An entire generation of young men around the world totally destroyed....the Irish ballad 'The Green Fields of France' has the capacity to reduce me to tears - the story of one young Irish man who lost his life on a battlefield in a far away country.  Even soldiers and officers from India also perished. Although Ireland has always remained neutral since we got our Independence from the British Empire, hundreds of young Irish men perished on 'the green fields of France.

The plot of the book revolves around Helen, a young Australian woman, in the aftermath of  what is now known as the First World War.   Helen visits England to spend some time in the house where her late husband grew up, along with her young daughter.  The mother-in-law she never knew is not an easy person to live with (are they ever?) and her late husband Charlie's cousin Paul is walking wounded, damaged inside by the terrible things he has seen.

Even as Paul and Helen make peace with the loss of Charlie from their lives, the past impinges on the present....the historical present, because this is only around 1921.  Discovering an old diary and reading old letters, Helen comes to know about Suzanna, a former Morrow daughter in law from 1812, who caused a scandal back then by abandoning her husband and young children and running off to the colonies with her lover.  Various disturbing happenings around the huge house make it clear that until the past has been laid to rest, the future happiness of the members is in the balance.

Either story is fascinating, and either Helen's or Suzanna's stories would have made a credible novel in themselves.  It is the intertwining of the two stories that makes this such a meaty read.  It took me twice as long to read this as it would another novel of probably more or less the same length.  That's no bad thing.  The story was a truly satisfying read, exquisitely written and intricately woven.  Go and get it, you'll be glad you did.

Charon's Crossing by Sandra Marton

Reviewed by Nas

CHARON'S CROSSING

CHARON'S CROSSING by USA Bestselling author Sandra Marton is February 2012 release.

After Kathryn discovers that the mansion she inherited is rundown she is disappointed but she decides to work on it then sell it off. But there is a gorgeous man and he wants to killl her!

CHARON'S CROSSING is a paranormal romance with an edge of danger and thrill. It had me tearing up at the heartfelt emotion from each of the characters. It is a poignant tale of grief and self-discovery as much as recovery from emotional betrayal. Love and revenge does go hand in hand but what would triumph?

Readers would be kept on the edge of their seats and keep turning pages late into the night. It has witty dialogue, humor, danger, thrill and steamy sensuality.

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Reviewed by Maria

I was just reading Nas' review above prior to adding my own and I find myself nodding in agreement here.  That's exactly what happened to me.  I was up turning the pages (on my Kindle touch) late into the night.  

This is a fascinating story.  It's part historical and part paranormal.  A young Manhattan businesswoman, Kathryn Russell, inherits the family mansion from her father in a hidden corner of  a lesser known  Caribbean island.  She visits to get it renovated with a view to selling, and while doing so, discovers that it is the centre of local rumours with regards to being haunted.  She acquaints herself with the history of the house and comes to know about her ancestress, Catherine Russell,  the daughter of a British diplomat who lived there.   Chilling circumstances lead to Kathryn's discovery that the two men who the late Catherine had deceived are still haunting the house.  They had killed each other in a fight.  One presence, Waring,  is malevolently evil and the other, Matthew,  is rather angry, but a good man basically.  These spirits are tied to the house and locked into an eternal struggle.  Both initially  think that Kathryn is the old Catherine and  seek  to settle scores.

The love story of Kathryn and Matthew is the main focus of the novel, how they break through from their different worlds to reach a place of understanding.  Once I could get past the idea that a ghost and a human being could make love, that is ( I have severe difficulty suspending my disbelief on this matter, but the fact that I could enjoy this story means that the author did a good job).  The lovers face problems of course as the outside world seeks to encroach on them, not to mention the malevolent 'other' in the love triangle.

It was very touching to see Kathryn guide a fascinated Matthew, born in the eighteenth century,  to understand life in the 20th century (1996), not only with regard to new inventions, but also to the position of woman.  The old Catherine had been a coquette and a temptress.  The new Kathryn is a responsible, professional woman who has faith in herself and doesn't have to resort to manipulative wiles in order to achieve some sort of power and personal importance.  I also enjoyed the history, the amazing idea that an island which is now a hidden corner of the world was a buzzing commercial banking and finance centre in the past, a British colonial outpost.  The atmosphere of life in a sleepy Caribbean backwater was beautifully evoked.

A thoroughly enjoyable and well written story which would please lovers of historical romance as well as paranormals.

5/5


Reviewed by Desere

I completely fell in love with this fascinating read by the brilliant Sandra Marton. I have for a long time been a fan her modern day romances and I was very eager to  see what a already brilliant romance author could turn up with a historical paranormal.

And I was beyond impressed with the absolutely remarkable story that followed. One island once rich with history,one very tempting and dangerous woman and two men that fight till death for her love. 

And one new generation woman stepping from the shadows and straight into a ghostly romance filled with emotion, passion,love,secrets, revenge and self discovery.

I love history and ghost stories have long fascinated me and I have often wondered what would it be like it a human were to fall for a ghost that once lived many years ago? Sandra Marton has taken me into that world with a bang. 

I was amazed at the attraction between Kathryn and Mattheuw and torn for his lost soul and wandering spirit. I was stunned into disbelieve at just how thrilling a historical paranormal could be.

The author used descriptive scenes,stunning backdrop information, exhilarating characters and "ghosted" my world.

Brilliant,brilliant and again brilliant ! Well done Sandra I want more so please do get to writing 

5/5 star review 

Time Thief by Anna Hackett

Reviewed by Maria

A short but immensely satisfying read which kept me absorbed.

Bay has a supernatural power she was born with.  She can hold time still for short periods while remaining mobile herself. This is an ideal skill for a person who earns their bread by committing crimes.

Bay commits crimes, but not to enrich herself.  She only steals or attacks one person and never profits by her crimes.  The object of her hatred is the criminal boss, Gabriel Levin, who murdered her family and pursues her in order to misuse her power.  Her entire life is focussed on getting revenge on Levin, even if she dies in the attempt.  

When she meets and falls for Sean Archer, an ex Navy Seal who has been hurt by the same criminal, Bay learns that there is more to life than seeking revenge.  Will the healing power of love work it's magic for her?    The only way to find out is to read the story.  This has a touch of paranormal and more than a hint of sci-fi.  I loved the contemporary feel.  Bay's unusual power added a thrilling dimension to the story.  

And I can't wait to read parts 2 and 3 of the Anomaly Trilogy, of which this novella was a part.

4.5/5 stars.

Blind Lust by Annie Seaton

Review by Desere :

Fantastic characters,intriguing spells and fabulous scenes ! Yes you name it this book had it all ! I am no big paranormal fan but yes I have said it before and I will say it again Annie Seaton knows what she is doing when it comes to writing !

The book had a beautiful cute love story with a delicious twist that in the end after reading I truly had to take few seconds to come back down to earth ,yes the book had me going wow ,now that was really awesome!

The author has a way of making sure she gives you just enough edge and keeps the balance between love and paranormal so cleverly hidden that you will not even realize that your reading a type of book that you normal would not think about reading.

I only have one complaint and that was that the book had to end, I truly wanted it to last a bit longer. But overall a brilliant read ! Well done Annie !

5/5 star review

Fiery Icicle by Ju Dimello

Review by Maria

Fiery Icicle is the debut novel from author Ju Dimello.  This is a work of erotica and I am least qualified to review it. I love romance fiction although I'm more of a sweet romance girl myself. I don't necessarily shy away from blatantly sexual content.   It really depends on the author.  I was given a review copy of Fiery Icicle  so review it I did.  These are my thoughts.

The story is about the love life of an elemental witch named Madeline.  Madeline gets her psychic recharges courtesy of the sun.  She is the lover of a man of fae (faery) origin named Zach.  In a classic western mythological plot line (I'm thinking Lancelot and Guinevere here, or maybe Tristan and Iseult), Zach has to go away on a special mission.and leaves her under the watchful eye of Nathan, a close friend of his.  This is because Madeline is vulnerable to demon attacks.  Nathan is quite a bold fellow which is  not surprising, considering his demonic origins.  He's blatantly attracted to Maddie and she, poor girl, can't keep her hands off him either.  Decisions, decisions!  What's a girl to do?  I suppose there's an obvious (to some!) answer spelt m.e.n.a.g.e.

As this is erotica, you can be sure that there is plenty of sexual activity.  I'm quite surprised to learn that paranormal beings, whom I would have considered to be quite ethereal and ecstatic, seem to like nothing better than to make out like rabbits.  I thought it was only us mere mortals who like to get all earthy.  One of the reasons I don't 'do' erotica as in reading it is because to the best of my knowledge, there's only one sex act, albeit variations the same and repetition does not hold my interest.  Moreover, I love story and scenarios which  move the plot  forward which can't happen fast enough when  characters keep stopping the action to have sex all the time.  There's only so many ways one can describe the ins and outs etc.

For me, the decision to like a book or not is about the writing first and secondly the story.  Ju Dimello is a wonderful writer with surreal powers of description.  Reading her work makes you feel like you're floating on a cloud in a fantasia like atmosphere.  If she ever decides to switch over to contemporary or historical romance, I'll surely check her out.

And I'm certain that readers of erotica will love this.


Review by Desere

I agree with Maria , I myself am also more of sweet romance girl but in Fiery Icicle I did learn some new facts when it comes to a work of paranormal /erotica. I liked the characters and the plot was really good. The were a few words here and there that did concern me as I am no big fan of "god" being used in any book so that was a little bit of a turn off but overall yes a really well written story.

Madeline is a character unlike I have encountered before she gets put into a rather very tempting and daring situation, I mean which girl can resit the good looking Nathan ,who I must say the author described so well that I myself could picture the temptation in my minds eye ,well done Ju Dimello!

The author truly out did herself with descriptions I mean really there was nothing left for me to try and go OK so she says it looks like this but which is this and what would that be,no the author made me feel like I was actually inside the book viewing all these really very descriptive and I mean really,really descriptive sex scenes.

Now if like myself you are more of a sweet romance kind of girl than paranormal or erotica this book is not for you. If however you can take the time to really sit down and get interested in the world of paranormal and erotica with keeping in mind that romance can be found and described in more than one matter and that yes out there somewhere in this world we live in people do get down and erotically dirty ,than this is the book to start with.

The author will whisk you away to a whole new world that you never imagined existed. I recommend the book for any lover of erotica or paranormal erotica. 

Shadow Justice by Xandra James

Reviewed by Maria

Xandra James is a new writer for me. This novel is both a paranormal and an erotic romance. The world this writer has created is disturbingly vivid. Probably close to the truth as well. The premise is that there is another world, the meta world, alongside the physical world. Cerys, a moon witch, escaped from the meta world many moons ago, where her power was being abused. She lives a quiet life. Problem is, she's captured by Luca, a real bit of rough, albeit an attractive one. Luca's a bounty hunter, sent out by the evil fae guard, who seem to be the police force of the meta world. As Luca handcuffs Cerys and drags her away so he can claim the reward, the unlikely couple find themselves being pursued through the night by demonic forces. Luckily, Cerys has a filial relationship with the moon and can call up help from there and get a recharge of moon energy. This keeps them a step ahead of their pursuers every time. Then something strange happens. The pair realise that Luca too is being pursued. Now why would that be? As Cerys finds herself more and more drawn to her captor, her heart sinks. She recognizes that long back, before she escaped from the meta world, she was forced to use her powers to banish Luca from there. Luca is falling heavily for Cerys, but what will he think when he realises the role she played in his banishment?

It is the paranormal rather than the erotic which plays the dominant role in this paranormal, erotic romance. For a couple, supposedly of supernatural origin, Luca and Cerys have absolutely no problem getting down and dirty. This is not sex with a supporting cast of four poster beds, orchestral violins and lavish, extravagant flower arrangements. This is more sort of back alley sex, with a wall and a couple of dustbins for support, in all it's squishy, squashy glory. Since Luca handcuffed Cerys from the moment they met and she fell for him anyway, it comes as absolutely no surprise to learn that Cerys enjoys spanking and bondage games. But the harrassed lovers have no time to indulge in such luxuries now. Should they succeed in riding off into the sunset, the readers may get an opportunity to witness that particular sexual extravaganza (if Luca and Cerys are willing to share and the readers consent to be the audience) in a sequel, but right now, there are a couple of demons to bump off.

This writer has an unusual voice for a woman. She did the male viewpoint so well that I often felt that the voice was 'blokey' enough to be a male. She has an enjoyable sense of humour which had me giggling at times. Particularly the part where Cerys's bottom gets caught in a toilet window as she's trying to escape and Luca gets a chance to have a quick shag. Well, he would have if a demon hadn't interrupted him right then. I felt their pain, believe me.

My verdict? It was fun! With a few chills added.

Published by Siren Publishing.

This novel is the first in the Moon Magic series. You can grab your copy here, or here if you are in the UK.

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Winter of the Passion Flower by Annie Seaton

Reviewed by Desere

This was one heck of a book, it was time travel meets romance meets science meets action !


Indigo de Vargas is determined to exhibit her products at the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace,but she does not count on evil and mean evil of the worst kind,stopping her in her path.She also does not count on coming across the reformed Cornish Pirate that could be her savior. 


I love reformed characters and boy oh boy did the author give us one very delicious one . I loved how the author gave really incredibly vivid descriptions of the scenes ,the clothing the setting and the characters I mean she really did not leave me trying to come up with the image in my head which I totally loved !


I could find myself actually being there and seeing the scenes play out in front of me. This was my first Annie Seaton novel and I am looking forward to lots more.  I tell you now you will never expect the twits in this one, and a reformed man to me will never be the same again.Well done Annie 


4/5 Review 

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Vengenance Born

Reviewed by Desere

We all know that out there are quite a few fantasy romance books that focus on love between two very different kinds of "species". But what you might not know is that more often than not the love between the two types of different species just do not have that same kind of heat that a contempory romance book holds.And it is not often that a fantasy romance book is able to offer me the intensity and flair that I am looking for.

I was very pleasantly surprised with Vengeance Born. Not only did the author transport me to a whole new world she also incorporated the love and passion between Annika and Kalan with such a masterful stroke of the pen that it kept me glued to the edge of my seat till the very end.

The mistrust that turns into complete trust between Kalan and Annika and their fights that roll into one powerful and ultimate mission was stunningly penned by the very talented Kylie Griffin and I for one I am expecting many more awesome books from the author.

What I really loved about the book was that the author so beautifully captured the feelings of the characters and their different outlooks on life that it felt at one point that I was ready to jump in and help Annika and Kalan !

I highly recommend this one for any lover of reading out there as the book was so much more than just a paranormal/fantasy romance it was a real stunner of a read!

5/5 review

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Reviewed by Desere

Immortal Champion by Lisa Hendrix

Review by Nas

Immortal Champion (Immortal Brotherhood)

IMMORTAL CHAMPION by author Lisa Hendrix is about a man who lives under a wicked witch's curse.

Sir Gunnar lives life as a man during night time only to turn into a bull as soon as the sun rises.

Gunner is haunted by his solitary existence. He is an honorable, kind and brave man. He saves Lady Eleanor de Neville from a certain death when he goes to the aid of some people trapped in a burning building. At the time she was just a teenaged girl.

Lady Eleanor is unable to forget the incredible Knight who saved her.

Years later the two meet again and this time Eleanor is determined to win Gunner. She is betrothed to a young man but she does not want the marriage. She hopes that Gunner can save her from this fate. Lady Eleanor is bold, she knows she wants the mysterious knight and she sets out ways to snag his attention. She is aware that he has feelings for her. Will she succeed in her quest?

Gunner is enchanted with fair Eleanor and he believes she could be the one to break the spell but it requires a lot of trust on his part. Will Gunnar let himself trust Eleanor?

IMMORTAL CHAMPION is a touching story that will have the reader tearing up at the heartfelt emotion from each of the characters. It is a poignant tale of grief and self-discovery as much as recovery from emotional betrayal

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Secrets of the Knight by Nina Jade Singer

Review by Nas

SECRETS OF A KNIGHT by Nina Jade Singer is a paranormal romance story.

Thomas Bowden couldn’t handle, when he changed. But how had he changed? Who changed him? He had left his fiancée and his life back in Chicago and moved to a small island in the Caribbean. Once there, he could see in pitch black dark night. He couldn’t stand the daylight now. And he had splitting headaches when he had visions from the future. Then the Police chief called him in!

Young tourist girls were being kidnapped from the island. And one of the girl was found alive but she was not talking about what had happened. She just wanted her friend to be called. Her friend, Nicole Balian was Bo’s ex-fiancee! She wanted answers from Bo too. Why did he leave the perfect life with her and get to this tiny island?

And what was happening on the island? Why were these young girls being kidnapped? And now who was after Nicole and her unborn child? Most of all, how had Bo become a Knight?

Secrets of a Knight is a paranormal story which will keep readers on the edge of their seats and keep turning pages late into the night. It has witty dialogue, humor with steamy sensuality with heart-tugging pathos.

Nina Jade Singer brings this paranormal story alive with vivid imaginary. This steamy tale is a gripping story of second chances, past secrets and taking a chance on eternal love!

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