Tag Archives: fantasy

June 28, 2016 · 5:00 am

Lethal Tide by CJ Matthew (Book Review) (CONTEST INCLUDED)

 

 

Dolphin shifter Conley Nash began his second three-year mission armed with a kick-ass agenda and an attitude to match. Since their team leader was killed, the men in SBW field ops have lost their nerve. Determined to restore the hard line, Conley can’t wait to show them how it’s done, facing down a greedy oil company in Long Beach. Until Conley meets his new partner…and finds his powers of persuasion need work.

First-time shifter Betty Brett can’t believe she finally made it into the male-centric field ops team. Since the first female agent was murdered, before Betty goes solo, she’ll spend four months teamed with an experienced operative. But did it have to be Conley? No matter how temptingly handsome he is, Betty refuses to take grief from a trigger-happy male and certainly not one whose knuckles drag the ground.

When the oil company resorts to violence protecting its illegal fracking operation, Conley finds himself out-gunned. Either he and Betty compromise, fast, or they’ll be dead before they can unravel the perplexing feelings they have for each other.

—–> Kindle Purchase Link <—–
 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Dolphins are not the most popular shifters out there in the literary world, but CJ has once again constructed a story which is more memorable than most shifters stories I’ve read to date. 
 
The SBW missions do center around hazards to our water sources, a topic not so thrilling, but CJ has made the journey to the final showdown far from boring. 
 
It’s mostly due to the great cast of characters and their interactions with each other. 
 
A) River: the comedian. He had me in stitches in the scene with the cracked ribs.  I know you’ll be laughing when you read it, too. 
 
B) Seth: curious little neighbor boy and honorary “agent”. He earned his title because without his countless assists, they would’ve been up shit creek without a paddle. 
 
C) Conley: Alpha dolphin/shifter who learned the value of teamwork. Yup, there’s no I in TEAM.
 
D) Betty and Marina: two hot geekettes who proved guns weren’t always the best weapon of choice. Nope, sometimes it’s best to let your brain fight your battles for you. 
 
There are many more characters but I’ll stop there. 
 
Memorable moments:
 
1.) Chapter 14 – sex in the shower: Sex in the ocean as dolphins. Sex in the shower as humans. Makes no difference to dolphin shifters. Water is sensual whether on or off dry land. Am I right? 😉
2.) Chapter 21: River went to Taco Bell where the lovely Kam was his server. This section absolutely, positively made my day. <3
 
I could keep going on about what I liked about Lethal Tide, or I could just end my review with 3 simple words……

Buy Lethal Tide!! 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
 
—–> Kindle Purchase Link <—–
 
 
 
Now that you’ve had a sneak peek at CJ Matthew’s hot new book, Lethal Tide (LT), WHO IS READY TO WIN?
Ladies and Gents, CJ is offering ONE LUCKY WINNER a stupendous prize package. 
In it, the winner will receive the following items: One SBW tall metal water bottle, a SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of Lethal Tide, a LT book mark, a fancy LT keychain, plus trinkets: which are little plastic dolphin key chains, temp. dolphin tattoo, dolphin stickers. 
 
 
 

And guess what? This amazing contest is open to anyone; no matter where you call home!! 

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below. 

So if you like paranormal tales (shifter books), then I encourage you to ENTER TODAY. 

You’ll have until WEDNESDAY (midnight, central time) to enter. THURSDAY morning, I will post the winner’s name and attempt to message you. Please follow the comment thread or come back on Thursday to see if you are the lucky recipient of this amazing prize package. 
Good luck!!!
 

CJ Matthew is the author of paranormal romance suspense series Dolphin Shore Shifters. Her debut novel, Blood Tide, features a pod of dolphins posing as humans that work through their oceanic conservation corporation Save Blue Water, based in Santa Barbara, California, to protect the oceans at any cost.


CJ grew up in an Air Force family that travelled all over the U.S. and around the world. She spent her high school and university years living in California, which inspired her love of marine life and the Pacific Ocean.

A member of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW) Romance Writers of America, CJ lives and writes near a lake in the woods northeast of Atlanta. When she isn’t writing or reading romances, CJ likes to travel and to spend time with her two grown children, a brilliant grandson and a feisty cat named Max.

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June 12, 2016 · 5:00 am

Chasing Rabbits by Erin Bedford (Book Review)

Alice was wrong – Wonderland wasn’t so wonderful after all. 
 

Kat never expected to be back in her hometown, but when house sitting turns into a mad rabbit chase, Kat finds herself with a whole new set of problems.
A two headed bird with a Game of Thrones obsession, a party full of tea addicts, and a Cheshire Cat who could seduce the pants off her grandma? And if the citizens weren’t bad enough their prince was off his rocker.

This wasn’t your run of the mill Wonderland. This was the Fae world, where rules are rules, and some things are exactly as they seem.

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll, you’ll encounter many unique beings in Chasing Rabbits. Example: two-headed birds, a talking wall, and a brownie. You also see some familiar names in Underworld but, trust me folks, these characters are NOT as how you remember them. 
 
Case in point: Caterpillar is a woman who seems to fancy both genders. Cheshire Cat reminded me of Dave Navarro (Ink Master and musician) but with a tail, and Trip (the sort of rabbit) spoke like Sméagol from the Lord of the Rings series. 
 
Chasing Rabbits sounds pretty damn interesting, huh?
 
How about if I say this all takes place in the world of Fae?
 
If you are familiar with them, you know their allure and the trouble interacting with them can cause.
 
Yeah, I think some interests have certainly been peaked. 
 
Oh, one final character worth mentioning —- Alice. She’s also featured in Chasing Rabbits but her role has been altered greatly. I always thought she was a snotty twit in Carroll’s tales but in Chasing Rabbits I found her to be ….. the same. 🙂 


Me and her, without a doubt, wouldn’t be bosom buddies. Heck, no one seems to be particular fond of her in Underworld. 
 
Wonder why? Then buy the book and gather your own opinion of her and this tale. 
 
Happy Reading!! 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
 
    KINDLE LINK 



 

Erin Bedford is a new fantasy romance author, a computer programmer by day, and a hobby hoarder. She enjoys playing RPG games alongside her husband as well as inventing nonsensical games for her daughter’s amusement. Erin lives in the Omaha Nebraska Region and dreams of one day moving where the word snow is nonexistent. Creating fantastical worlds has always been a secret passion of hers and she couldn’t imagine writing any story without some kind of lovey-dovey or smexy goodness in it.

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April 15, 2016 · 5:00 am

Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words by Valerie Ryan (Book Review)

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Syntyche is a fifteen year old girl who lives in a world struggling to survive the aftermath of religious wars and a growing controlling government. Her unique abilities to see guardian angels has left her feeling like an outcast but little does she know that her gifts will soon expand with a blessing from the archangel Barachiel. She discovers that she is part of an old prophecy that must bring together angels, sins and virtues to close the gates of Hell – all seven of them. In order to do this they must defeat each demon that guards the doors.

There are many dangers in her future but Syntyche knows she will survive to see the day when a great prophet can preach without the fears of evil getting in the way. With the help of a griffin, phoenix and dragon what could possibly go wrong?

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Let me start off this review by stating Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words is 500+ pages long so if you’re looking for a fast read, this isn’t the book for you. Also, if you are seeking out a story that doesn’t require you to really pay close attention to details, again you might want to pass on this. 
 
Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words had so much going on, so much information to absorb, that I was tempted to take notes. I’m sure readers will be wishing for a cliff note version. 


Between comprehending the prophecy, the various angels (the hierarchy of the angels), and the creatures that arise…… Not going to lie, it’s a lot to retain. Good thing I have a mighty good memory. 🙂
 
On the positive, Valerie imagination knew no bounds. Her visions, descriptions of the angels and beasts were very detailed and creative. Ex. dog-aroo: big black hair mutant kangaroo dog on steroids.  See what I mean? Inventive.
 
On a final note, this book did not end with the final page. Yup, you’ll have to wait for part 2 to see what happens next. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤1/2
 
Purchase Links
Amazon – Print
Kindle
Barnes and Noble
Black Rose writing
 
 
 
Valerie lived most of her life in Indiana and considers herself a Hoosier at heart, however, she now lives in the Tampa Bay area in Florida with her husband and two beautiful children. She has always worked with animals and has been a groomer, veterinary technician and dog trainer. She loves to write and cannot think of a time when she wasn’t thinking of a story to share.

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April 3, 2016 · 5:00 am

Destiny Series: Five Novelettes With A Twist by Casi McLean (Book Review)

FREE TODAY!!
GET IT WHILE THE OFFER LASTS!! 
—–> KINDLE LINK <—–
 
 

A note from the author:

I designed The Destiny Series to give readers a taste of my writing and leave them wanting more. Five short stories that capture the essence of my genre and style: ethereal, supernatural, romantic, paranormal, heartwarming, all rolled into one book, sprinkled with a touch of magic. I hope my shorts entice you into my novels.

Allow me to introduce you to:

Self-reliant Reagan Nichols is no stranger to challenges, but ever since twilight fell over Spirit Lake and that murky mist oozed inland, everything felt surreal. When she finds a little girl wandering through the eerie fog, Reagan vows to save the child’s father from the bowels of a ghostly vessel adrift on the lake. Will the three survive a confrontation with pure evil in order to meet their Destiny?

Savanna Bradford’s impulsive reaction to her boyfriend Ryan’s proposal spirals her into a rendezvous with fate and a mystical gift that could alter her future. Will the timeless struggle between dreams and passion bait her into repeating history, or will a simple gift from her bizarre encounter steer Savannah toward her true destiny before it’s too late?

Sabrina Wentworth’s bewildering gift swept her into the sensuous arms of a dream lover. Every night, sometime after midnight, she slips into an illusory world drenched in passion. But the sands of time run out tonight. Can Brie find the key to her fantasy world before the reality of her ex boyfriend’s deadly plot plays through or will she be destined to death after midnight?

Prominent heart surgeon, Sierra Norton, performs minor miracles on a daily basis, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would live one. When lightning strikes her flight the aircraft plunges, swirls through turbulence, and catapults Sierra into a treacherous past––the attack on Pearl Harbor. In a whirlwind blur, Sierra’s courage, skill, and passion challenges her sanity. Can the convergence of three strong women reset history to fulfill her destiny?

When New York Time’s best selling author, Katlyn Harris, discovers a timeworn painting in the attic of the isolated home she mysteriously inherits, she feels a surge of déjà vu that spins her into a mysterious fantasy. Can dreams pierce the realm of reality or is Katlyn’s mystic connection to the antique painting the fulfillment of a promise torn from the pages of history?

Just when you think you’ve got the story figured out, BOOM. Romance, suspense, time-slips, mystery and a touch of paranormal, all wrapped into one book.

 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

1) Destiny: This supernatural short story wasn’t exactly spooky but it had a very precious ending. 
 
2) The Gift: I concur with the message in this tale – “It’s the people in life that matter, not the things.” No truer words have ever been spoken.
 
3) After Midnight: I don’t blame Sabrina for wanting to stay in her “dream world”. Aidan (dream guy) was a million times more the man than Derek (real world man). Aidan was loving, sweet, a true doll. Derek, on the other hand, was a despicable man who lied, cheated, and threatened her life. Dream vs reality —> Pretty easy choice!!
 
4) Convergent: This tale would’ve made an excellent episode for the Twilight Zone!!
 
5) The Pegasus Chronicle: Another quick, magical read about lovers overcoming unworldly obstacles and finding each other again. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤


—–> KINDLE LINK <—–

 

 

Casi McLean’s fascination with writing flourished even before she learned to read. At three she beamed with anecdotes entertaining family and friends and, at eight years old, had published her first short story, The Apron String Captain. But when her fourth grade teacher read aloud Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle In Time” Casi’s creativity spun into high gear and she knew she was destined to pen novels of her own.
 
Casi grew up in McLean, Virginia, a suburban Washington DC. After graduating from the University of Georgia, with a major in design and a minor in education, she returned to Virginia to teach English and creative writing. Now the mother of two adult sons, Casi lives in Atlanta. where she writes stories to stir the soul with mystery, fantasy, and romance.
 
Beneath The Lake, her debut novel and the first book of a time travel trilogy, follows her five mystical novelettes released in 2014 and reveals the quintessential manifestation of Casi’s imagination sparked by her childhood dreams.

Website: casimclean.com
Twitter: @casimclean
Facebook: Casi McLean
FB Author Page: Casi McLean-Author
Goodreads: Casi McLean
Amazon Author Page: Casi McLean
 

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March 24, 2016 · 5:00 am

Charm Me by Tena Stetler (Book Review)

 
Summer Dawn Riley’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a woman’s weapon’s class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer. 

Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has. 

Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?

 

Getting to her feet, she brushed the dust from her black yoga pants, tugged at the bottom of her bright orange tunic, and flipped the light switch on. A soft glow of florescent lighting flooded the large room, soothing Summer’s nerves. Guess she would never be the same carefree individual she was before the incident. Oh, shake it off. You’re safe and it’s time to get on with life. “Come on Pip, let’s get this place open.”

A massive stone fireplace towered in the corner.  She picked up an arm full of wood and flung it in the general direction. Logs landed in the fire pit and neatly arranged themselves in a tepee shape. With a magic flick of her finger toward the hearth, flames raced up the aspen logs. “That’s better.”

She raised her arms, about to send the yoga mats back to their proper place when the heavy wooden front door creaked open. Piper rushed toward the door, teeth bared and a growl rumbled in her throat. Summer whirled around and yelped as Devlin ambled into the room, black hair tousled and glistening with melting snowflakes. His nonchalance at the dog’s approach surprised her as he slowed to a stop. Piper sniffed around him, backed up a few inches, then stood at alert in front of Devlin.

“You scared the bejeebers out of me.” Summer held her hand to her chest as her heart thundered.

“What are you doing here?”

“Call your guard dog off and I’ll tell you.” The corners of Devlin’s mouth curved up into a smile, a faint light twinkled in the depths of his dark eyes.

“Piper, leave it…come.” The dog gave Devlin a last sideways glance, trotted back to Summer and sat at her side.

 
 
Purchase Links:
 Amazon
Wild Rose Publishing
Kobo
Barnes and Noble
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
With the skittishness of Summer around the dangers lurking in the dark, I thought more would’ve unfolded which might’ve created a more in-depth plot. Maybe if this was a full length novel rather than a short story, my wish would’ve came true. However, this was a short story who’s main focus was on love —hence it being a Valentine’s story. 
 
True to form with all LOVE stories, there was romance and romantic gestures. Devlin sure knew how to woo a woman. Lucky witch (Summer).
 
All in all, not a bad read. Short, sweet and (for lack a better word) charming. 🙂
 
HEA
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)  
Score: ❤❤❤
 
 Amazon
Wild Rose Publishing
Kobo
Barnes and Noble
 
 
 
 
With the majestic Rocky Mountains for a backdrop, Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance author with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Tena finds stories in the strangest places, while camping, kayaking, or hiking in the mountains. Even at a gun club, weapon class and Agility training for her chow dog she found a story, Charm Me. So far, she’s only found one dead body (imagined not real) during a camping trip, turned it into an exciting paranormal romantic suspense that’s nearly complete. For many years, Tena worked as a paralegal for a criminal law firm. You won’t believe the tales she can spin from that experience! Colorado is her home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.  She loves the adventure of a road trip. Together with her husband and their companion animals, they have logged thousands of miles in their RV visiting over three-quarters of the United States.  The great northeast and Alaska are still on the bucket list. Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn. 
 
 

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