Tag Archives: fiction

November 1, 2016 · 5:00 am

The Last Immortal by Jenna Whittaker (Book Review)

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Death was alien to them. The people of the world never knew death for as long as any could recall; yet when their world slowed on its axis, the atmosphere disintegrating, the immortals felt death for the first time.

A wasting sickness ravaged their species. The old could not fight it, and the young who survived were permanently scarred by it, unable to ever bear children. Yet when it seemed that the sickness had passed, further destruction was laid upon them; the earth shattered. What was once a whole world became a mass of small shards of land held together, barely, with never-ending chasms separating them.

But when an immortal girl appears, Kyrilee, who cannot catch the wasting sickness, she tells a tale of dreaming thousands of years past, of giving birth to a cat. Most dismiss her as mad, but some believe she is the one they have been searching for. The one who holds the key to curing the sickness, who can bring the people together once more.

Kyrilee finds that she is no immortal, but instead a mortal body with an immortal soul, constantly reincarnating throughout the ages.
When she discovers the cats, the descendants of the one she birthed in her dream, and she realises it wasn’t a dream at all. These creatures hold the key to restoring the earth. She must take this key from them before they enslave the humans.

 

Kindle Purchase Link

 

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

For a science fiction book, I will admit there were certain elements of The Last Immortal which fell in beautifully with the sci-fi genre: immortal women, speaking cats, portals, and soul transference.  The cats, monstrous in size, were thought of Gods because of how they made their appearance to the humans. Humans whose lives were altered dramatically due to radiation and these cats. For the humans in the story, I would have appreciated more backstory on certain people: Marissa and Avery in particular. Jenna mentioned Avery loving her and her hating him in return. No explanation. No flashbacks. Nothing. Their part in the story felt incomplete and I think an expansion of their roles would have benefited their storyline greatly. I also wondered why they were the appointed leaders of their respected groups. Maybe this can be addressed in a prequel?

Now back to the cats, whose roles were the main focal part of The Last Immortal. I didn’t quite understand the whole concept of where they came from but science fiction is the genre of WTF. Basically, the impossible made possible through imagination and Jenna sure does have one helluva imagination.

However, due to the incompleteness with character development and the all-together feel this story was a sequel instead of a first in a possible series, I must dock it stars.

(Ends with a cliffhanger.)

 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤1/2

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

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My name is Jenna Whittaker and I am an Australian author who has been writing fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels for as long as I can remember! I love writing, my artwork, and caring for animals.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jen_W_95

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennawhittaker

Deviantart: http://ky306.deviantart.com/

Tumblr: http://jenna-whittaker.tumblr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCObXlq2opvKiBg5PjRhfXRg

Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/jenna_whittaker/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jennawhittaker

Sketchmob: https://sketchmob.com/user-profile/Jen144/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jenna.artwork

https://www.facebook.com/jennawhittakerauthor

Blog/Websites:

http://jennawhittakerart.weebly.com/

http://jennawhittaker-author.weebly.com/

 

 

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August 8, 2016 · 5:00 am

Law Of Attraction by Darlene Fredette (Book Review)

 

Lawyer Christina Crawford has a successful career and stable financial future, but is it enough? Her world is disrupted when a routine divorce case means working with a man she never expected—or wanted—to see again. During their first meeting, she can’t deny a connection still exists. Her head warns her to run, but her heart yearns to stay.

Steven Mitchell is ruthless in the courtroom, but outside those doors, his easy charm, good looks, and unlimited stream of female companions gives him an unscrupulous reputation. Six years ago, Christina saw beyond his façade, but the emotions she evoked scared him and he pushed her away. Now he wants a second chance and he is determined to get her back…even if he has to play dirty.

 
 PURCHASE LINKS:  KINDLE / PAPERBACK
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Five years ago, Christina meets Steven through work, they go from despising each other to liking one another to becoming much more (in a span of three weeks) and is it no wonder why trust wasn’t ever fully achieved. 
 
It takes time and patience to build up trust. Seriously, I don’t think this can be achieved in 3 weeks, especially given their rocky start. (He questioned her character upon their first face-to-face meet.)  
 
He goes from  0-60 without thinking causing him to make one disastrous judgment call after another. All those years ago, his rash actions got her fired, tarnished her reputation, and hurt her in every way possibly.
 
Stephen really needs to learn to think before he speaks. His actions/words keep hurting her, even after they meet again due to a case they are both representing counsel on. 
 
Present day: Stephen’s mouth doesn’t seem to know when to quit. He still hasn’t learned the importance of slowing the eff down.  
 
With their history and his present attitude, I’m thoroughly surprised how quickly she melted in his arms…. again.  
 
As you can guess, I wasn’t a huge fan of their coupling.  
 
Sure, he was sweet towards the end. The letter to her, nice gesture. IMHO, one small gesture doesn’t erase a multitude of  pain. 
 
The only saving grace was Vince. Now him, I couldn’t get enough of and I think you’ll agree with my sentiments after you get a taste of him. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤
 
 PURCHASE LINKS : KINDLE / PAPERBACK
 
 



An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loves to develop the stories swimming in her head. Following a career path in administration, she excelled in the art of editing and design, which eventually led to a position as Director of Administration and Marketing.

Now, making her dream come true to write full time, Darlene writes heartwarming contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners.

Darlene resides on the East Coast of Canada with her husband, daughter, and Yellow Lab. When not working on her next book, she enjoys spending time with her family.

  

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August 6, 2016 · 5:00 am

Asked For by Colleen L. Donnelly (Book Review)

Lana was young when Cletus asked for her. Barely more than a girl when he offered to give Lana a home and her grandmother a pittance to help her survive if Lana would become his wife. Cletus was older, a widower who wanted a wife young enough to be uncomplicated and give him sons. He cared nothing about pretty, and he had no desire for a bride. Just a wife, and only sons.

Lana gave Cletus more daughters than sons, lastly giving him James, the one Cletus referred to as That Boy, the one he claimed wasn’t his. Isolated and without love, Lana forged ahead as mother, as a disappointing wife, the beauty Cletus dismissed in her seen by others who offered their support. Jim, her childhood friend, who never thought she’d be taken away so young to be someone else’s. And Mr. Morgan, Cletus’ nemesis, who said to James, “Your mother’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”

Did she or didn’t she? Was Lana faithful or not? James has the key, That Boy who looks nothing like Cletus, but who walks in his shoes more than anyone else.

PURCHASE LINKS: 
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
From the very beginning of Asked For, it’s apparent Lana’s life was not going to be the fairy tale life most little girls dream about. While she’s still in 8th grade (time period 1920’s), she forced to wed Cletus. He doesn’t want a typical marriage with love, laughter, and equal partnership. No, he basically wants a workhorse who will bear his children….preferably sons. It’s obvious by his behavior girls are subpar. Heck, he showed no love for his sons either. 
 
Really, the only one he seemed to love was himself and that was debatable. 
 
Lana, though, loved her children with all her heart and, in time, grew to love herself. Glen, the true gem of the story, brought much joy to their family. He wasn’t her husband, nor the father to her children, but he showed more attention, love, patience, and support than Cletus. 
 
He was their family. He was the man Cletus should’ve been and the man James (youngest child) mirrored. 
 
Word of warning……
 
Asked For is not a fast pace, gotta keep reading until I fall asleep, story. 
 
No, it’s rather slow at times. 
 
However I believe every aspect of her life, the good and bad, were vital in us (the readers) understanding the true depth of Lana’s strength & determination to have a better life for her children. 
 
  
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest)  
Score: ❤❤❤
  
PURCHASE LINKS: 
 
 

Colleen L. Donnelly has her roots in the rural Midwest of the US, but moved around and explored other cultures as an adult. Those other areas were fun and they were exciting, but…there’s no place like home, so she’s back in the Midwest.

Colleen works as a laboratory technician by day, but spends her evenings writing, poised in front of her laptop until she can’t think any more. Her story ideas come from observing people, pondering their dilemmas, and adding a twist of her own.

Other interests are/have been bicycling, antiquing, anything outdoors, furniture refinishing, and raising pets or small barnyard types of animals. Last thing in the world she would be caught doing – “vegging” in front of a television. She loves a good movie on occasion, but most of the time, the TV is off.

colleenldonnelly@gmail.com
http://www.colleenldonnelly.com/ 
https://colleenldonnelly.wordpress.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/colleen.donnelly.568
ttps://twitter.com/ColleenLDonnell

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June 26, 2016 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase – G.E. Stills (Contest for “Blood Rage”)

 

Guess what ladies and gents, G.E. Stills is back on my blog with another hot release and a contest. For those who aren’t familiar with Mr. Stills, let me give you a brief overview of this talented author.

Normally zany and often naughty talking, G. E. has a serious and compassionate side if you can find it. He cares deeply for his friends and hasn’t met an animal yet he didn’t like. He is terrified of heights so hasn’t braved the tramway ride in his home town. He lives in the southwest while longing to live by the sea. He often says, “We have the sandy beaches but where is the water?”
 
G.E. Stills heeds the call of the many characters that pop into his mind and demand to have their stories written. Their tales are both serious and humorous. A multi-published author, his stories cover many genres including contemporary romance, paranormal romance and science fiction.
 
Most of his stories have action, adventure, and humor. Some of them are erotic and some are not, but all have romance. His paranormal stories involve witches, demons or vampires. You can find all of his books at his Amazon author page 

 

Website
Blog
Gypsy Shadow’s Homepage
Hot Ink Books Homepage
Personal Facebook Page
Twitter

 

CHECK THIS OUT!! 
 

Exploring caves by day, then partying and romancing all night with her all male team members, is a dream come true for Mia. After all, what more could a woman ask for than her choice of four handsome, muscular men who all adore her. Things are about to change for her, because an ancient evil awaits the team in the final cave they explore. This evil will rip her world apart.

Kindle Purchase Link
Paperback Link

 

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Their comical
banter ceased. In front of her, Bret climbed to his knees and stood. His feet
moved to the side, out of her view. She joined him and stood. One by one, the
rest of the team entered the chamber and climbed to their feet. Bret removed
one of the glow sticks, activated it, and held it aloft. It provided additional
illumination in the large chamber. Shane played out rope from the coil he
carried, allowing them to spread out while remaining linked. They moved apart,
testing each step before putting full weight on that foot. It wouldn’t be the
first time the floor had caved-in out from under one of them.     
“What the
hell is that?” Efren pointed across the room and all of them approached.
“What is a
wooden door doing down here?” Shane asked.
While Bret held
the glow stick high, Nash knelt in front of the door for closer inspection. A
wooden plank stretched across it, with two metal U-shaped brackets holding it
affixed to the rest of the door. The ends of the plank went through two
additional brackets secured to the rock wall. There were the rotted remains of
ropes that had additionally held the plank in place.
“Easily
removed from this side,” Nash said, “and impossible to open from the
other side.”
“Which leads
me to wonder what was imprisoned on the other side,” Bret mused.
“One way to
find out,” Nash said. With Efren’s help, he lifted the plank from its
brackets. The massive door hinges groaned when Nash pushed it open.
The tunnel beyond
was obviously manmade and large enough to walk through erect. The team
proceeded. After a few yards, the tunnel ended in another chamber, this one
much smaller, room-sized. Three human skeletons lay in one corner.
“Is that what
it looks like?” Efren asked and pointed to the metal box across the room
resting on the floor and against the wall.
The team crossed
the room and Shane knelt beside it. “It looks like a damn coffin.”
The hinges
squealed in protest when Shane pried the lid open. Mia looked down in shock.
Instead of bones, or the half-rotted corpse that she’d expected to see, the
body inside was so life-like she expected him to open his eyes at any moment.
“Damn,”
Nash swore when he cut his hand on a jagged part of the casket. Blood welled up
on his palm and dripped down onto the corpse. Two drops touched its lips. The
man’s eyes snapped open. His irises were grey, circled by red. He blurred into
action so fast her mind couldn’t absorb it. The next thing she knew, she was
flying through the air. At the same time, she heard screams and shouts. She
collided with the rock wall and slid to the floor. She closed her eyes and
passed out.
Mia woke to awful
pain. She opened her eyes, but it was just as black as when they were closed.
She couldn’t move her left arm or right leg, and her head felt like it was on
fire. She reached up with her good hand, and first discovered her helmet was
missing. When she pulled her hand from the back of her head, it came away
sticky.
What happened?
“Bret…Nash…Efren…Shane,”
she called out to each member in turn. “I’m hurt. Hurt bad. I think one of
my arms and legs are broken and I have a bad laceration on the back of my head.
Maybe a concussion.”     
Only silence
greeted her. She listened intently for any sound of breathing, both in the room
and over her earbud.
Nothing.
She felt her tool
belt then groped the floor around her, searching for her spare flashlight.
“Damn,” she said when she was unable to locate it. Her ears perked
when she heard a noise in the dark. “Is that you, Bret?” she asked.
“Anyone? I’m over here.”
The sound grew
louder, like wet bare feet slapping on a tile floor. A strange voice just
inches in front of her face whispered, “I’m here.”
Putrid breath
assailed her nostrils. A hand twined in her hair and snapped her head to the
side. Another hand pressed against her chest, pinning her back against the rock
wall behind her.
 
“Ouch. You’re hurting me. Whoever you are, don’t be so
rough.”
 
 
IT’S PRIZE TIME!! 
 
G. E. Stills and I really hope you enjoyed the excerpt from his latest creation. If you did, we’d love to hear from you. As a thank you for leaving him (us) a comment or question, you’ll be eligible to win a 
 
  

So, my lovely, followers, drop us a line below and put your name in the hat to win some Amazon moolah. 🙂



Contest ends Monday at 11:59 p.m. (central time). 
Winner selected Tuesday and their name will be posted on a comment so make sure and follow the thread. 



Good Luck!! 

 

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June 6, 2016 · 5:00 am

Dear Dad by John Hazen (Book Review)

 

 

John Foster is a product of the ‘60s. The question is: which ‘60s? Leading a sheltered, cozy life growing up in the small town of Fairbrook, Massachusetts, John is plucked from his secure cocoon in 1969 and dropped into the maelstrom of the Vietnam War. As he witnesses and participates in the horrors of war, John literally feels his very soul, as well his will to live, eroding away. His redemption only comes after he is seriously injured and awakens to find himself in 1862 Tennessee where he joins General Grant’s troops in the days leading up to the Battle of Shiloh, one of the Civil War’s bloodiest conflicts. As his father, a decorated World War II veteran, had always told him, he discovers that it is possible to be part of something larger than himself. His humanity is ultimate restored after he embarks on a dangerous mission to make right a brutal wrong from his past.

Print Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Print Purchase Link (UK)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
If you like movies such as Platoon, Hamburger Hill, or are a wartime history buff in general, then this is the book for you. Dear Dad has not one but two wars featured in a tale that took on a Twilight Zone feel around mid-point. The plot twist happened again around the 215 page mark, when another blast sent him home (literally and figuratively). 
 
The story didn’t end there. Ghosts from John’s past came back for a visit and it was not a happy reunion. I won’t say anymore (read the book).
 
BTW: this book does end with a HEA and a WTF moment. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 

Print Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Print Purchase Link (UK)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 
 

Connect with John via his website or on Twitter.

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