Tag Archives: witches

July 2, 2017 · 5:00 am

Hiring the Tiger: Heart of the Mountain, Book 1 by L.J. Longo (Book Review)

Evernight Publishing (May 1, 2017)

Length: 52 pages

A tiger shouldn’t be picking tea-leaves and carrying luggage, but that’s the only job Navarro sees in his future. He’s learned to be humble since he and his friends, a wolf pack, exchanged their former careers as highway robbers for prison.

Then Lady Jasprite Doughton, a merchant with all the grace of the far East and the wealth of the West, whirls through the village on the back of a dragon and reminds Navarro what it means to want something. With her dominating sexual tastes and her powerful personality, Jasprite challenges his body, his lust, his loyalty to his friends, and his own worth.

After all, is gold enough to buy a tiger?

 

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

< Image is of a Tiger’s Eye gemstone> 

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

 

If a story laced with heavy doses of kink (erotica) is your thing, then you’re going to most definitely want to purchase Hiring the Tiger. From first introductions, Jasprite wasn’t shy about taking control of Navarro. She literally took him in hand to make sure he had the right goods to satisfy her carnal needs. I guess with her size does matter. 😉

Nav was momentarily stunned by her brazen behavior. Her red chest filled with sexual pleasure items also briefly took him aback. He wasn’t accustomed to women having whips, collars, and various sex toys, which they planned to use on a man. Jasprite definitely opened his eyes as she parted her legs.

Between the items used to heighten the experience and her bluntness (commands on how to please her), Navarro’s mind was blown. He allowed her to whip and collar him, use his body, treat him as a sex slave, but he had a hard limit — no shackles. His reluctance to allow himself to be shackled was a nice touch to humanize him in a reader’s mind. We all have our hard limits so why shouldn’t a shifter. They are “human” too after all.

Even though I did like parts of the dominating sex scenes, I cannot get behind partners calling each other BITCH or other degrading names. For me, words of that nature will ruin the steamiest of scenes. 

Also, I love erotica but I want a more balanced read as in equal parts nakedness versus plot. However, if your tastes prefer about 90-95%% of the story being kink related, then you’ll jump on this story faster than Jasprite jumped on Nav.  😉

 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)

Score: ❤❤❤

 

Kindle Purchase Link

 

L.J. Longo is a queer author, a geek, a feminist, and is ARe best-selling author of Erotic Romance. The Dishonest Lover is L.J.’s first solo project through Evernight Publishing, though you can also find L.J.’s stories in Dark Captive: Manlove Edition and in Owned by the Alpha: Manlove Edition. Find more thoughtful, hot erotica at Graceful Indecency where L.J. offers free erotica and contests to win romance e-books. L.J. also sometimes takes a break from writing and messes around on Twitter and Facebook.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

June 25, 2017 · 5:00 am

The ‘Eternity Road’ Series by Lana Melyan (Author Showcase)

~~ BOOK ONE ~~

YA Paranormal

 

When her best friend’s brother tells her that two strange men are following her, Amanda thinks that Craig is just being overprotective. Amanda has nursed a secret crush on Craig for years, but he’s never seemed to notice or care about her before.
But Craig’s warning coincides with a strange dream, and Amanda starts to get the sense that nothing in her life is what it seems to be—and that perhaps nothing in her life will ever be the same again.
Then Hanna and Craig start acting really strange. They forbid Amanda from going anywhere without them and insist that she’s in danger.
What Amanda doesn’t know is that Craig and Hanna are Hunters. And their job is to protect Amanda from the vampires chasing her so that she can fulfill her mission. The only catch is that Amanda has no clue she even has a mission to fulfill…

Click —-> HERE <—- to be redirected to my review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Kindle / Paperback

 

 

 

~~ OUT NOW ~~

 

Finally, a hundred and sixty-two years later, the Hunters’ powers are back. More vampires arrive in town and Green Hill isn’t safe anymore. 

Eleanor is full of anger and she needs time to adjust. Some of her actions frighten Kimberly. Will Kimberly be able to accept this new person her friend has become? 

The fact that Fray saw Kimberly with Ruben puts her in danger. Will Ruben be able to keep her safe?

Meanwhile, Samson and Craig depart on a secret mission, leaving the Hunters with a task to find the transitioning hybrids. Riley and Ruben are the only ones who know where they’re heading, and what they’re after.

 

~~ SMALL TEASER ~~

The lock on the thin, metal backdoor of the gas station seemed a little complicated. Riley wedged the crowbar between the lock and the door-frame, and the second he pushed it, a book-sized plastic box attached to the wall on the other side of the door exploded with such power that the three of them flew back twenty feet in different directions. The blow shot a huge amount of dust into the air. The pieces of euro pallets and shards of concrete showered down on them.
“What the hell was that,” wheezed Eleanor, sitting up and shaking the dust from her hair.
“Sorry, honey, did it ruin your new outfit?” said Ruben, looking at the blood on his jeans, torn on the hip. “Look at the bright side,” he groaned, pulling himself up and rubbing his back, “The door is open.”
 
 
 
 
~~Review~~

 

In the war between good versus evil, there are bound to be casualties on both sides. It’s inevitable. In The Eternity Road – The Return, Lana wrote several sections demonstrating each side’s strength and why they should be feared. Yeah, be prepared for some bloody crime scenes where vamps left a trail of carnage behind. The hunters did bag a few bloodsuckers as well but I do think Fray’s side proved more victorious than not. 

In the final moments of The Eternity Road – The Return, we see a glimmer of hope that finally some answers to questions touched upon, but never clarified, will be unveiled. Most Hunters are in the dark. Fray wonders what Samson is up to and so did I.

For me, I don’t think enough time was spent on Samson and Craig’s secret mission. They seemed more like an afterthought to the storyline. However, based off the final paragraph, I know they will be front and center during part III.

For now, let me state I did enjoy reading the emotional ride of being a Hunter and loving one. Poor Ruben, Lana shown us the internal struggle he faced every day to do his job without casting fear in his love’s eyes. Luckily for him, he had nothing to worry about. As for Kimberly, unfortunately, her problems aren’t over yet.

Lana, I can’t wait to see what you have planned for them next.

 

 

Heart Rating System

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

 Score: ❤❤❤❤

 

 
 

When she came home from work one day and, tired, crashed on the couch in front of the TV, she found her daughters (13 and 17 years old then) watching some TV show with horrible monsters. She couldn’t convince them to switch the channel, so she watched it with them. Later she would love that show as much as they did. That TV show was “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.” She was always interested in supernatural stories, but this was something new, something different, that made her want to create her own story in that genre.

 
Twitter: @lanamelyan

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 18, 2017 · 5:00 am

An Empire in Runes: The Runes of Issalia, Book III by Jeffrey L Kohanek (Book Review)

A Long Forgotten Magic That Might Save the World …Or Destroy It

Led by a boy named Brock, a small team of teens urgently assembles a force to confront an army of monsters, one that ravages and destroys anyone or anything in its path.

In a race against time, Brock attempts to train a group of recruits to wield the powerful magic known as Chaos, a magic that he himself is still learning to master. All the while, they must remain vigilant against a secret organization within the Ministry that will do anything to prevent the return of Chaos.

As foretold by an ancient prophecy, the human army must face and defeat their ancient enemy on the Tantarri Plains. For if they fail, all will be lost.

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Print Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

Print Purchase Link (UK)

 

 

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

I knew the battle against the banshees was going to be fierce. Standing ten feet tall, with red eyes and sharp talons, they would strike the fear in any man, woman, or child. Their wail alone leaves their opponents frozen in place, but to see them actually engage in battle is a sight to cause night terrors. Hell, that is if you survive their rampage. With their immense power, they can and will rip you limb from limb and then devour you — dead or alive. To them, it makes no difference. A meal is a meal.

However, there were many a men and women who wouldn’t stand by and watch the towns fall. They fought back and with a vengeance. The battle lasted many chapters but Jeffrey knew not to rush such a pivotal moment in their lives. The humans used magic (runes), flash bombs, swords, fire-tipped arrows, and much more to hinder the banshees’ path of carnage. Many lives were lost, two especially I hated to see go. The losses hit the survivors hard. I felt their grief as my very own & wished they could be brought back to life. Sadly, there was no coming back. 

Once the battlefield had grown quiet, Jeffrey led the team to another battle — with humans. This is the point where everything is explained: The Hand, banshees, bacabras, Chaos…..everything!

There were multiple happily ever after’s. Some old characters reappeared. Plus, the ending showed us that the future looked remarkably promising; a major turnabout from hours before when death was thisclose to knocking on their door. 

Great job, Jeffrey. You’ve written three wonderful tales, full of triumphs and tragedies. And most importantly, each was more intriguing than the last. 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Print Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

Print Purchase Link (UK)

 

 

Catch all the action from the very start……..

 

51zwpiyzorl-_sx331_bo1204203200_

 

Discover a lost magic, long buried and forgotten…

Without a rune marking his role in society, Brock is doomed to a life below the lowest rung of the social ladder. Unwilling to accept his fate, the teen risks his life to obtain a fake rune that marks him as a member of the Empire’s ruling class. He then embarks on a quest to join an institution where the Empire’s future leaders are trained.

As a student of the Academy, he soon uncovers a chain of secrets kept hidden for centuries, secrets that expose cracks in the foundation of Empire society. Among his discoveries is a powerful magic, long buried and forgotten.

Brock’s compassion and sense of justice are seeds that sprout tight friendships and a blossoming romance. An unwillingness to be bullied earns him a dangerous enemy, growing into a feud that escalates to a climactic showdown.

Print Purchase Link

Kindle Purchase Link

Link to my review – 1/07/17

 

 

51wy6qi-9sl-_sy346_

 

As they strive to become Masters within the Ministry, Brock and his friends resume their training at the Academy, an institution founded on magic, science, knowledge, law, and combat. They soon discover an expansive web of conspiracies and deceit within the Ministry, hidden behind a veil of benevolence and piety. The exposure of one of those secrets forces Brock and his friends to flee the institution with their lives in the balance.

Joined by a fierce Tantarri warrior, the group embarks on a quest to locate a mysterious throne that has been lost for centuries. Guided by the cryptic words of an ancient prophecy, and backed by a forbidden magic that they are still learning to wield, they journey across the continent to save humanity from extinction.

 

Kindle Purchase Link

Print Purchase Link

Link to my review – 1/27/17

 

 

81zea4v9dwl-_sy200_

Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer’s imagination.

Now residing in southern California, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.

Website Link

Twitter Link 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

November 21, 2016 · 5:00 am

Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones by Sorchia DuBois (Book Review)

51qrqelguml

Granny’s dying, but Zoraida can save her with a magic crystal of smoky quartz. Too bad the crystal is in Scotland—in a haunted castle—guarded by mind-reading, psychopathic sorcerers.

Getting inside Castle Logan is easy. Getting out––not so much. Before she can snatch the stone, Zoraida stumbles into a family feud, uncovers a wicked ancient curse, and finds herself ensorcelled by not one but two handsome Scottish witches.

Up to their necks in family intrigue and smack-dab in the middle of a simmering clan war, Zoraida and her best friend Zhu discover Granny hasn’t told them everything.
Not by a long shot.

Kindle Purchase Link

Print Purchase Link

 

images-7(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

When Sorchia DuBois contacted me and asked me to review her story, I was more than willing to offer up my services. I love books about witches, old castles, and Scotland so all three rolled up into one…. It was a no-brainer. I just had to read “Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones” and you should too.

There wasn’t a chapter, a solitary page, where Zoraida didn’t encounter or reflect upon something magical. As we learn through flashbacks, there’s magic in all things and there’s those who weld the power of black magic. As in life, there’s always those who’ll do anything to quench their thirst for power and Michael Logan proved he was such person.

From the get go that man rubbed me the wrong way, Zoraida, too. He used his magic to tap into people’s thoughts and used seduction spells against them. That’s so very wrong. He’s so despicable. Sorchia, marvelous job on developing a character the readers will surely loathe and look forward to his ultimate downfall. Unfortunately, besides a busted nose, he’s walked away to fight another day.

As for the reason Zoraida came to Scotland — the Healing Stone. It wasn’t as simple as walking into the castle and walking back out with in her suitcase. Luckily for her, she made a sort of alliance with a mysterious and alluring sorcerer, Shea. Everything about him drew me in. His tales of the past, his broodiness, and his powerful aura. I can’t wait to see what Sorchia has planned for him in book 2.

For the ending, well, imagine the end of first Lord of the Rings movie. You know, the scene  with Frodo and Sam were looking out over the land that lain between them and Mount Doom. Well, “Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones” ending gave me the same impression the LOTR ending did. The scene just stopped and you just know when part 2 picks up, something major is on the horizon, and you can’t wait to see it unfold.

 

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

Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Kindle Purchase Link

Print Purchase Link

 

 

2g1-2

Sorchia Dubois lives in the piney forest of the Missouri Ozarks with eight cats. She edits technical writing and fiction part time, but she spends at least five hours per day tapping out paranormal romance, Gothic murder, and Scottish thrillers.

Her books delve into the riddles of life—Karma, reincarnation, psychic powers, mysticism, ancient cultures, and good old fashioned “ghosties and ghoulies and long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night.”

A proud member of the Ross clan, Sorchia incorporates all things Celtic (especially Scottish) into her works. She can often be found swilling Scotch at Scottish festivals. Online, you can find her blog, Sorchia’s Universe, at www.sorchiadubois.com

 Website Link

Twitter Link

Pinterest Link

Facebook Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 Goodreads Author Page Link

Google +

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , ,

November 17, 2016 · 5:10 am

Moon, Mist, & Magic: A Paranormal Romance Anthology (Book Review)

51dQOcFSKTL-1

  • Five fantastic tales of paranormal romance woven with moon, mist, and magic…
  • Get ready to be enchanted by mythical beasts, magical creatures, and moonlit nights.

COPYRIGHT © 2016 by Maureen L. Bonatch, L.A. Kelley, J. C. McKenzie, Abigail Owen, Sharon Saracino

Cover Artist: Abigail Owen

 

Anthology Blurb:

Get ready to be enchanted by mythical beasts, magical creatures, and moonlit nights. Enjoy your favorite author, and perhaps discover someone new, in these five fantastic tales of paranormal romance woven with moon, mist, and magic…   

 


odc91cQN_400x400

A Ghost of a Chance by Abigail Owen

Website – Twitter

What’s a girl to do when her brother’s ghost appears asking for help? If that wasn’t bad enough, finding her not-dead-yet brother’s body before he becomes permanently spectral isn’t her only problem. Josie can’t save him on her own. The only person who can help is the last person who would want to. Bryce Evans, a man she once wrapped hopes of her future around, can’t stand to be near her. How can she convince him when her evidence is a ghost he can’t see?

 

View More: http://photos.pass.us/headshot2Dangerous Dreams, by J.C. McKenzie

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | TWRP | Amazon | Newsletter

As a dragon shifter in hiding, Lara Stone wants nothing to do with others of her kind or finding a mate. No way, no how. She’s perfectly content to work for a security company, masquerading as a simple mage. When the leader of all the dragon clans personally requests her as a bodyguard, Lara fears her secret is blown, or worse. What danger could possibly make Rafael Dragoi, the powerful Astarot, seek protection?

 

zMlNHt4W_400x400Myths and Legends 101, by L.A. Kelley

Website – Twitter

Flickering lights. Strange drifting shadows. Unnatural cold. Anthropology professor Jim Calloway is convinced the recent eerie phenomena at Octavian College are due to his overactive imagination until he meets Keilana Yamada and her eccentric grandfather, Toshi. Dazzled by the beautiful Keilani, Jim volunteers to help hunt for an ancient evil roaming the ivied halls. Can a mild-mannered academic find his inner demon hunter and a way into Keilani’s heart? Or will a supernatural predator with an insatiable hunger destroy them first?

 

3ee70839fa03cbe60796a049d9c9d0db_400x400The Keeper, by Sharon Saracino

Website – Twitter

When a stranger lands on her slab, poisoned with silver and reeking of vampire, Medical Examiner Olivia Duncan fears someone’s discovered her dangerous secret. Enter Nick Alexios, a mysterious man with a hidden agenda of his own. Olivia ignites his passion and challenges his loyalties, making him question his duty. Nick might be Olivia’s salvation…or her downfall. Will honor-bound promises drive them apart or unite them against threats from both near and far?

 

IYj220Rm_400x400Witch You Were Here, by Maureen L. Bonatch

Website – Twitter

Lucy is a witch with a successful business righting magical mischief. A call for help from her high-school heartache, Shane, prompts Lucy to manage his magical mayhem herself. No longer a nervous, hormonal, teenager, Lucy takes the case to force an apology and bury her past humiliation. To her surprise, Shane insists he couldn’t forget Lucy—because she hexed him ten years ago. Will Shane and Lucy put their past behind them, or will the spell prove permanent?

 

 

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

If you enjoy stories of the paranormal persuasion, then you’ll be pleased with your purchase of  “Moon, Mist, & Magic”. First of all, you get five (5) short stories by five (5) talented writers for about a dollar (kindle price). That’s truly a bargain! Second, you will be treated to a variety of supernatural beings including ghosts, witches, shifters, demons, vampire so you’ll definitely find something or someone you like. Probably more than one. 🙂 Really, I can’t imagine anyone not finding at least one short story they didn’t enjoy. For me, I found some stories sticking out in my mind more than others.

Let me break each down for you.

1) A Ghost of a Chance by Abigail Owen: Ok, I will admit on several occasions I found myself whispering, “I see dead people.” You all know the popular phrase and if you don’t you MUST WATCH The Sixth Sense (1999). It’s an amazing, spooky movie and one worth watching at least twice. Like the movie, I found myself wondering what would I do if I could see “dead people” and how life would be for myself and for my love ones. Josie became closed off to the world. Not an uncommon or unfathomed reason to her gift. But, I like how Abigail demonstrated the usefulness of the gift and set us up for more ghostly adventures.

2.) Dangerous Dreams by J.C. McKenzie: I love dragon shifters and wish I read more tales involving them. They are magical, majestic creatures who possess great power and command respect. And in this tale, we find out they are very horny too. There wasn’t any explicit sex scenes but you could feel their sexual nature through heated words and body language. In most cases, the promise of what to come is HOTTER than reading the actual “deed”. (There love story concludes with “to be continued”)  

3.) Myths and Legends 101, by L.A. Kelley: Out of the five paranormal tales, I found this story the least memorable. Yes, it had a nice twist when they finally met and battled the obake (succubus). I did cackle at Dickenson’s reaction to “it” because he was a d!ck and d!cks need to be taken down a notch or two. However, everything leading up to the explosive ending was just blah. It didn’t wow me, Jim and Keilana didn’t impress me, and whom the obake targeted/possessed didn’t surprise me at all.

4.) The Keeper, by Sharon Saracino: Leopard shifters, a gryphon who resembles a Greek god, werewolf, a vamp, and a couple other surprise shifters. My, oh my, how I loved this story. Why? Because I didn’t expect Olivia to be a ………… Oh, I am not going to tell you. I will say she’s something very special and not “something” I’ve read about in a long while. Bravo Sharon!! 

5.) Witch You Were Here, by Maureen L. Bonatch: Crossing a witch is never a wise choice. Teasing a witch in high school is doubly stupid because they can’t control their emotions, say things they might regret and YOU might get a magical tattoo right on your tight little tushy. Oh yeah, that’s what happened to Shane. Hilarious idea and a great ending tale to a wonderful collection of stories.

 

Congrats all around!! 

 

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

Score: ❤❤❤❤

 

 ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

 Amazon | Barnes and Noble |  Smashwords

 

 
 

5 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,