Tag: book 1

Undoing Time (The Fine Art of Deception: Book 1) by Alyssa Richards

The Fine Art of Deception: A Time Travel Romance Book Series (Book 1) by [Richards, Alyssa]

Publisher: 

Date of publication: January 18th, 2015

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

Series: Undoing Time

The Fine Art of Deception – Book 1

Somewhere in Time – Book 2

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

Art appraiser Addison Montgomery just wants a normal life. One where she can ignore the vicious ghosts who follow her. One where she’s free from her “gift” of touching an object and seeing the owner’s deepest secrets. And one where she can fall in love without having all of the above get in the way.

But when tall, dark, and dangerous gallery owner Blake Greenwood enters her life, normal is the last thing she’s feeling. The man has more secrets than the priceless art he sells, giving Addison’s quest for normal no chance. That, and he may just hold the key to uncovering the truth behind her father’s unexplained disappearance.

Despite her paranormal gifts warning her to stay away, she feels an inexplicable, captivating fascination for him, something that goes deeper than attraction. There’s something between them that’s older than time, and if she can learn to give him her trust, it may just save her life.

My review:

I felt awful for Addie in the first few chapters of this book. She had a horrific breakup with her ex-fiance. At first, she glossed over the details. He left her to be with her best friend But, no, her ex-bestie and himself decided to ruin Addie at her job. The author didn’t get into what they did, but whatever it was, it was awful and caused Addie to become a hermit of sorts. She didn’t find comfort at home. Addie has special psychic powers. She is an empath, can see and talk to ghosts, and if she touches an object, she can see past owners and events attached to the object. All 3 of these “gifts” have made her life a living hell.

I couldn’t even imagine living as she did. She barely slept, barely went out, and lived like a hermit. I am a homebody, but it would drive me nuts to not run to the store. Her only comfort is a sapphire ring that she bought while in Paris. For some reason, she dreams that she is the woman (named Sassy) and she has a lover named Jack.

She decides to apply for a job at her grandfather’s old art agency that is now being run by her grandfather’s partner. She has always loved art and decided that this would be a great career for her.

Now, this is where the book got fascinating. Addie meets Blake and has an instant attraction to him. She was almost pulled to him, and she was scared to death. I mean, who wouldn’t be after what she went through.

Speaking of Blake, I liked him…even when he was less than honest with Addie. But he did get on my nerves, a little bit, with his secretiveness. While I understand why he was so secretive, it still bugged me— what a way to start a relationship.

I also liked that the book was pretty cut and dry with who the bad guy was. No guessing, no red herrings…which was excellent.

The chemistry between Blake and Addie was intense, and the sex was through the roof. I did think that they were going to go “let’s go bareback because you haven’t had any partners for a while and I am clean” but it didn’t. I did a fist pump and praised the author for doing that. Hooray for fictional safe sex.

I will say that the ending was pretty satisfying. More secrets come out, and there were a couple in there that surprised me. Kept me interested enough to want to read the next book and see how everything is resolved.

How many stars will I give The Fine Art of Deception? 4

Why? Great storyline and great characters.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex, language, some violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World: Book 1) by P.C. Cast

Moon Chosen: Tales of a New World by [Cast, P. C.]

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin Griffin

Date of publication: October 18th, 2016

Series: Tales of a New World

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Moon Chosen – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon|Barnes and Nobles

Goodreads synopsis:

Mari is an Earth Walker, heir to the unique healing powers of her Clan; but she has cast her duties aside, until she is chosen by a special animal ally, altering her destiny forever. When a deadly attack tears her world apart, Mari reveals the strength of her powers and the forbidden secret of her dual nature as she embarks on a mission to save her people. It is not until Nik, the son of the leader from a rival, dominating clan strays across her path, that Mari experiences something she has never felt before…

Now, darkness is coming, and with it, a force, more terrible and destructive than the world has ever seen, leaving Mari to cast the shadows from the earth. By forming a tumultuous alliance with Nik, she must make herself ready. Ready to save her people. Ready to save herself and Nik. Ready to embrace her true destiny…and obliterate the forces that threaten to destroy them all.

My review:

I am going start by warning you that this book is long, 608 pages. One of the longest I have read to date. But the character and world building in it is beyond anything that I have read before.

Mari is introduced as she is sketching the myth, Narcissus and Echo. It is a game that her mother and herself play to amuse themselves. Mari and Leda are Earth Walkers, and Leda is a Moon Woman. A Moon Woman brings down the moon to Wash her Clan, males of anger and Night Fever and females of sorrow. This has to be done every three days, or the males go, for lack of a better word, batshit crazy.

We also find out that Mari is a half-breed. She is half Earth Walker and half Companion. Companions are a race of people who live in the trees. They have Shepherds or Terriers that are connected to them, and they can read each other’s thoughts. The Earth Walkers live in fear of the Companions. Whenever they appear, people disappear. So it was surprising that a Companion and an Earth Walker fell in love and had a child. Mari was an infant when her father was killed. He was killed for committing what amounts to treason in the Companion society. He took fronds from a Mother Plant and refused to tell where he was bringing them.

The book then shifts to Dead Eye, a young man chosen to be a Harvester of his People, the Skin Stealers. They are a cannibalistic tribe that lives in what used to be cities. Dead Eye has had an epiphany of sorts. He has realized that The Reaper, a Goddess that his people worship, has gone mute. She hasn’t spoken in years, perhaps decades. He realizes that eating the flesh of The Others is killing his people. While on a hunt outside his cities limits, he kills a stag and strips the body of its flesh, which he packs around his cracked skin. It heals him, and he takes it as a sign that he is the Champion. After pronouncing The Reaper dead (well that’s what I got from it), he kills the Watchers, older women, who can speak to her. That’s when he meets Dove, an eyeless brunette beauty who calls herself an Oracle of the God. She becomes Dead Eye’s mate.

We also meet Nik, a Companion who lives in the trees. Nik is upset because he hasn’t been chosen by a Guardian (the Shepherds and Terriers) yet. He is hoping that the newest litter will have a pup choose him. What ends up happening, instead, is that the last puppy of that litter disappears while Nik has taken him down to the ground to use the bathroom. This leads to some pretty significant events in the book that include Mari.

The author does explain what happens to divide a civilization. There were several solar flares that decimated Earth’s population. The flares drove people to the forests, to the trees, or they stayed in the cities. Beyond killing all technology, the solar flare mutated both animals and insects. Spiders and roaches are mentioned, a lot, and I got so skeeved out reading about them. The animals can communicate with their chosen Companions. The remaining people formed into the Earth Walkers, Skin Stealers and Companions.

I am not going to go into the book much more after this because this post would take forever. Friendships are formed, people are saved, people die, and new alliances are formed. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out because I want to see what happens.

How many stars will I give Moon Chosen? 5

Why? A well written dystopian/fantasy. The world building and character building in this book, like I said above, is beyond anything that I have ever seen and I think has spoiled me for other books in the future.

Will I reread? Yes!!!

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range? Adult

Why? Violence, a scene of the after-effects of rape and a scene of attempted rape.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Shadows of Men (The Watchers: Book 1) by M. Lee Holmes

Shadows of Men (The Watchers Book 1) by [Holmes, M. Lee]

Publisher: Self published

Date of publication: July 21st, 2016

Series: The Watchers

Shadows of Men – Book 1

Genre: Fantasy

Where to find: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

When Rhada, High Protector of Kaena, is commanded by the King to travel north to investigate a suspicious disturbance, she is less than thrilled to spend over a month on the road. As her companion, she chooses Captain Mayvard Stoneward, the only person who can bear her company. The two of them set off on a journey that will forever change their lives- a journey where Rhada’s past seems to follow her everywhere she goes- a past that the people of the realm have not so easily forgotten.
Meanwhile, Lord Ivran Cassius has plans to overthrow the throne, and at his side is the entire realm, eager to rid themselves of the man who calls himself King. Rhada’s absence leaves King Firion vulnerable, and Lord Ivran only needs to find the right moment to strike.
But none of them are expecting the darkness that has gathered in the north- an ancient sorcerer, seemingly returned from the dead. He is a man who can raise the dead from their graves and control the minds of his prey- a man desperately seeking vengeance. 
The realm of Kaena will have to come together to fight this new evil, and only one person can save them all.

My review:

This book starts on a horrifying note. Viktor, who is the High Protector of Kaena, is choosing his successor. That wasn’t horrifying; it was the way the successor gets elected. His sword tells him (well its more like a ringing, very hard to explain and is better described in the book) the name of who it wants. They go, get him, stab him through the chest, and the sword gives him his life back. Viktor is trying to ignore the sword because who the sword wants because of the gender of that person. After the 3rd person is killed, he tells his King who the sword wants, and the chapter ends. I got so frustrated at that point because I wanted to know WHO it was. But it compelled me to keep on reading.

In the next chapter, which takes place years later, it is revealed who the successor is. Her name is Rhada and she is the most feared and hated person in the realm of Kaena. It is explained that she is responsible for a massacre at a city called South Fort, which was done by the King’s command. She is summoned to the King and Queen after the Sorceress Myranda has a vision of a city. Her exact vision is this:

North, in the city of Tyos, the blood of the innocent people has flooded the streets and a great wall of flame has swallowed the Blood Sea entirely

King Firion and Queen Scarlet order Rhada to go to Tyos, investigate if it happened, and report back to them. She decides to take her Captain, Mayvard Stonewall, with her, which anger Myranda. They are supposed to be married within three days, and now the wedding is on hold. At this point in the book, I didn’t like Rhada. She came across as cold, mean, and unfeeling.

As Rhada and Mayvard are preparing for their journey towards Tyos, a group of rebels is meeting in the city of Mordrid to discuss A) when to kill Rhada and B) when to attack and kill the King. Unbeknownst to them, there is a spy for King Firion in their midst.

I won’t go much into the book after that point but to say that Rhada had a tough time of it for the rest of the book. I went from not liking her to feeling bad for her. I kept thinking to myself”Thank God for Mayvard“, especially at the end of the book.

There were a few smaller storylines that were wrapped up by the end of the book, but the main storylines were not. I was very disappointed when the book ended. There were a few things that I wanted to know and now I will have to wait for the next book to find out. I did find the epilogue fascinating.

How many stars will I give Shadows of Men? 4

Why? A great fantasy that kept my attention. The author did a great job writing vivid characters and a world that came alive. Also, and I never comment on this, the cover totally lived up to the book.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Violence, sex, a pretty graphic chapter of torture and one rape scene.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

The Delphi Effect (The Delphi Trilogy: Book 1) by Rysa Walker

The Delphi Effect (The Delphi Trilogy Book 1) by [Walker, Rysa]

Publisher: Skyscape

Date of publication: October 11th, 2016

Series: The Delphi Trilogy

The Delphi Effect – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Goodreads synopsis:

It’s never wise to talk to strangers…and that goes double when they’re dead. Unfortunately, seventeen-year-old Anna Morgan has no choice. Resting on a park bench, touching the turnstile at the Metro station—she never knows where she’ll encounter a ghost. These mental hitchhikers are the reason Anna has been tossed from one foster home and psychiatric institution to the next for most of her life.

When a chance touch leads her to pick up the insistent spirit of a girl who was brutally murdered, Anna is pulled headlong into a deadly conspiracy that extends to the highest levels of government. Facing the forces behind her new hitcher’s death will challenge the barriers, both good and bad, that Anna has erected over the years and shed light on her power’s origins. And when the covert organization seeking to recruit her crosses the line by kidnapping her friend, it will discover just how far Anna is willing to go to bring it down.

My review:

This. Book. Is. Awesome.

Not kidding you, it is. I have been reading reviews that have been giving it 5-star reviews. Usually, when I see all 5-star reviews for a book and then read it, I end up not liking it. I am picky, but that’s another post. I am happy to say that this book lives up to its 5-star hype!!!

I loved Anna. She went through so much in her life. She learned rely only on herself and her best friend Deo. Her only constants in her life are Deo, Dr. Kelsey (her psychiatrist) and the spirits that she picks up. Yes, she picks up spirits. Dr. Kelsey labeled them as ibbur (for the good ones) and dybbuk (for the evil ones). They take up residence in her head until she can resolve their issues. Then they can go to the light, leaving her with their knowledge/experiences. Remember the scene from Ghost when Patrick Swayze takes over Whoopi Goldberg to reconnect with Demi Moore? It’s like that except Anna refuses to allow her ghosts to take over her body. Well refused until she picked up Molly at a homeless shelter. She then got caught up in something that she never expected would happen to her.

Deo has to be the best secondary character that I have ever read. He is loyal to Anna and over the top vibrant. What I liked is that he was questioning his sexual preference. He might or might not like women, and he might or might not like men, and he might or might not like both. The author chose to add it as an afterthought during one of Anna’s inner dialogues. After that, it didn’t come up again during the book.

The storyline for this book was great too. Molly wants Anna to talk to her grandfather and give him the name of the man who killed her mother. That way, he can start to look into her death (he’s a retired detective). But Molly’s grandfather, Jerome Porter, is a skeptic and refuses to believe Anna. He takes her phone, talks to her psychiatrist, and has her investigated. After a meeting with him, where she lets Molly take over her body for 10 mins, he is convinced that she is the real deal. When they were shot coming out of Dr. Kelsey’s, the story takes a huge turn.

The ending was bittersweet. There is an unexpected death of sorts, a reunion and the beginning of a road trip. The author did wrap up Molly’s storyline, but she left the other storylines wide open for book 2. Which I cannot wait to read!!

How many stars will I give The Delphi Effect? 5

Why? A fantastic fantasy/mystery that gets you hooked. I couldn’t put the book down. Seriously, I couldn’t. I read while I cooked, looked over homework, gave baths/showers, did dishes…..lol.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Teen

Why? No sex (just one kiss), violence, language. There is a pretty graphic description of Molly’s death and the killing of 3 kids.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Isolated: A Jason King Thriller (Jason King Series: Book 1) by Matt Rogers

Isolated: A Jason King Thriller (Jason King Series Book 1) by [Rogers, Matt]

Publisher:

Date of Publication: August 14th, 2016

Series: Jason King

Hard Impact – 0.5 (Prequel)

Isolated – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

On a cold night in Australia, two construction workers driving along a deserted mountain road are gunned down inside their vehicle. The killings are fast. Efficient.

An assassination carried out with expert precision. The only witness to the crime is a man resting by the side of the road. Recently retired, he’d flown halfway across the world to escape his demons.

Ex-U.S. black ops operative Jason King.

Quickly spotted, King is targeted by those in the shadows of a small country town, ruthless killers determined to tie up loose ends. They have no knowledge of the violent past they are about to revive…

My review:

This book read just like an action movie, and I swear that is what part of the appeal of it. It starts so nice and calm, with Jason King just walking away from a bar and sitting under a tree. Then, BAM, people are getting killed left and right.

I loved it.

This book is action-packed, and at one point in the book, I started asking myself, does Jason King have superhero powers? He went through stuff that would kill ordinary people (being ejected through a car’s windshield stands out in my mind the most). Nope, he is an ex-U.S. Black Ops (Delta Force), and he is a killing machine that seems like he can take almost anything.

The storyline was a bit vague in the beginning, but after a bit of detective work and a beating of a local biker gang, he finally starts on his quest and the storyline even out. It seems that something is going on in Jameson, it isn’t good, and Jason King is determined to get to the bottom of it. And oh boy, did he.

Like I said above, Jason King was a killing machine. Put it this way, at one point in the book, he took on ten men at once and killed them all, by himself.

The ending of the book was what I expected, but it was rather sad. All of the storylines were wrapped up, and there was a couple of twists in it that I didn’t see coming. Also, while the storylines from this book were wrapped up nice, Jason King’s was not, and the author left it so that there could be a second book.

How many stars will I give Isolated? 4

Why? Great book that exploded within the first chapters and kept up the insane pace and action.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Adult

Why: Sexual situations (but not graphic), language and extremely graphic and violent killing scenes.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Nemesis by Anna Banks

Nemesis by [Banks, Anna]

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Series: Nemesis

Nemesis – Book 1

Ally – Book 2 (expected publication date is sometime in 2017)

Where you can find this book: Amazon|Barnes and Nobles

Goodreads synopsis:

The princess didn’t expect to fall in love–with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king’s servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora’s gift could save Tarik’s kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

A thrilling futuristic fantasy in which the fate of the world’s energy source is in the hands of a prince and princess who are rivals, by the New York Times-bestselling author of the Syrena Legacy.

My review:

This book has been in my TBR pile since I heard that it was going to be published. When I got an ARC from NetGalley, I was pumped. I couldn’t wait to sit down and read it. When I did, I was utterly absorbed in the story.

I loved Sepora. She was ballsy. Who would fake their death, trudge across a desert, take on slave traders, save a half-fish/half girl cannibal and then escape from the royal harem? She would. She also had to hide the fact that she is a Forger of spectorium, a rare metal that all the kingdoms need. Not an easy task since she produces it like sweat, but she has her ways.

I liked Tarik and felt bad for him. He had just lost his father to and incurable illness called the Quiet Plague that is running rampant through his people. At the age of 18, he is responsible for running the kingdom of Theoria. Which is a considerable task but he has a hidden ace up his sleeve. He is a Lingot. A Lingot is someone who can tell if someone is lying just by listening to them. An advantageous trait to have for a Pharaoh.

I was thrilled that the Theorians were modeled after the Egyptians. I have a strange fascination with Egyptian mythology and love when it is used in a book. I am still trying to figure out what Sepora’s people, the Serbulians, are modeled after. I want to say Vikings, but I am not too sure.

Sepora and Tarik’s romance was a slow burn. There was an attraction, but neither one of them did anything until the end of the book. It worked for me because they were able to work on other aspects of their relationship.

Sethos is my favorite secondary character, followed by Rashidi and Cy the Master Healer. Sethos was the epitome of a 15-year-old, and I loved it. From wanting into the pharaoh’s harem to just being the annoying younger brother, it was awesome. I liked Rashidi because he was older and gave Tarik some sound advice and Cy the Master Healer because he was a 13-year-old prodigy. He was willing to everything and anything to stop the Quiet Plague.

The ending of the book, I didn’t like. While I understand what happened had to happen, doesn’t mean that I like it. Nothing was resolved, and that meant everything in Book 1 would be carried over into Book 2.

I want to add that I LOVE the cover of the book!!!

How many stars will I give Nemesis? 4

Why? I loved the plot and the characters. The only thing I really didn’t like was the ending (see above)

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why: Very clean. No sex (just one kissing scene), no violence, no offensive language. Just some pretty descriptive scenes of the Quiet Plague

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Book of the Night by Oliver Potzsch

Book of the Night (The Black Musketeers #1)

Publisher: AmazonCrossing

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Series: The Black Musketeers

Book of the Night – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: young adult 

Goodreads synopsis:

In this thrilling adventure by bestselling author Oliver Pötzsch, thirteen-year-old Lukas has been trained as a swordsman by his father, a nobleman who was once a famed Musketeer. When the threat of war and accusations of witchcraft spread across the land, Lukas’s life is forever changed. He flees his home and vows to find his missing sister.

Surviving as an outcast, Lukas encounters thieves and mercenaries, a strange astrologer, and a master swordsman. He also meets three other fencers—Giovanni, Paulus, and Jerome. Each brings a special talent to their team that leads them to the Black Musketeers, the best fighters in the army. But living with the black-armored Musketeers is nothing like they imagined. In his quest to find his sister, Lukas learns of a legendary book that holds powerful magic. As he fights to keep the Book of the Nightout of the hands of his greatest enemy, Lukas discovers the secrets of his own family and what it really means to be a Musketeer.

My review:

I rarely read historical fiction even though I like reading it. I don’t know why I don’t read that genre. Maybe because 90% of the historical fiction that I have read is dry. It becomes boring because the authors usually stick to the facts.

That is what I liked about this book. While it was accurate, the author built a fictional story around those events.

I felt awful for Lukas. His whole world was ruined within a day. His father murdered, his mother accused of being a witch, and his sister kidnapped. If that wasn’t enough to break someone,he happened into town when his mother was being burned at the stake. Talk about traumatizing, and my heart broke for him.

After almost freezing to death and a run in with a group of children who were not good to be around, he fell in with a traveling group of performers. There he met Giovanni, Paulus, and Jerome, fencers who put on an act. He proves his worth against the Master fencer and is incorporated into their act.

After the troupe is attacked, the foursome decides to seek out the “Black Musketeers”. They are a group of legendary fighters in the King’s army. Lukas had found out that his father was part of the “Black Musketeers” and the fencing master in the troupe was also.  After a journey, they find the “Black Musketeers” and beg to join. After proving themselves to the leader, he allows them in.

Not going to go into the book from there. All I have to say is that Lukas finds out a lot of things about his mother, sister, and father from a few people. Also his fencing skill is put to the test as well.

The end was a bit surprising to me because I wasn’t expecting it. I thought that the opposite was going to happen and was preparing myself for it. I also loved that the author did leave the book open for a second book.

How many stars will I give Book of the Night? 4

Why? A great, engrossing read. I was up most of the night and got emotionally invested in Lukas’s character.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Adult

Why: Violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Exhume by Danielle Girard

Exhume (Dr. Schwartzman Book 1) by [Girard, Danielle]

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Date of publication: October 1st 2016

Series: Dr. Schwartzman

Exhume – Book 1

Excise – Book 2 (expected date of publication August 22nd, 2017)

Genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis:

Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman has finally found a place to belong. As the medical examiner for the San Francisco Police Department, working alongside homicide detective Hal Harris, she uncovers the tales the dead can’t tell about their final moments. It is a job that gives her purpose—and a safe haven from her former life at the hands of an abusive husband. Although it’s been seven years since she escaped that ordeal, she still checks over her shoulder to make sure no one is behind her.

Schwartzman’s latest case is deeply troubling: the victim bears an eerie resemblance to herself. What’s more, a shocking piece of evidence suggests that the killer’s business is far from over—and that Schwartzman may be in danger. In this pulse-pounding thriller from award-winning writer Danielle Girard, a woman must face her worst nightmare to catch a killer.

My review:

When I read the blurb, I was intrigued by this book. I love anything to do with medical examiner’s/CSI. I was a huge fan of Dr. G when it was on the air and CSI. It was a no-brainer that I was going to read this book.

Annabelle’s character touched me. She got her medical degree when being stalked by her ex-husband. She was paranoid about going out. She would never know when he would call and tell her that he knew what she was doing. No matter, how many times she called, the police couldn’t tie anything to Spencer MacDonald. Even worse, they didn’t believe her. “He’s an upstanding citizen,” “You must be imagining it,” “He would NEVER do anything like that.”

The story itself was fantastic. I didn’t know where it was going to take me, even though I knew who the bad guy was. I was kept wondering until the end if karma was ever going to catch up with Spencer and I did a fist pump when it did.

The subplots were brought together mid-book and merged into the main one. I was amazed that the author was able to do it so seamlessly. Usually, there is a lag in the plot, but not here. The suspense was kept up until the last pages of the book.

The ending was what I expected but with an extra twist to it. While things weren’t resolved, they were on their way to be, and the book was left open for the second book.

How many stars will I give Exhume? 5

Why? A great thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to the book. I couldn’t put it down!!

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Murder (graphic but the main character is an M.E.), spousal abuse and offensive language.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Errant Spark (Elemental Trials: Book 1) by Ronelle Antoinette

Errant Spark (Elemental Trials Book 1) by [Antoinette, Ronelle]

Publisher: Self published

Date of publication: July 1st 2016

Series: Elemental Trials, Book 1

Errant Spark – Book 1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

How can you afford to risk it all for love when your life is not your own?

They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but In Egalion’s Imperial court, you can’t tell one from the other…especially when they change at the flip of a coin. Behind the luxury and splendor lies a realm of treachery where cloak-and-dagger political maneuvering threatens to destroy the peace of two thousand years. 

Twenty-five-year-old Battlemage Jex Xander has a mouth that frequently gets him into trouble, while in contrast, Enari Namelum speaks not at all. When Jex becomes the target of a faceless curse-slinger, Enari, the girl he has protected since the day they met, must now protect him. A string of ritual human sacrifices coupled with Jex’s growing inability to keep his feelings (and hands) to himself only serve to complicate matters. Amidst the mounting chaos, passion and romance should be the last thing on their minds, but life and the Goddess seem to have other ideas.

In a world as enticing as it is perilous, love, danger, and magic will collide, leaving lives irrevocably changed. The events of a single summer stand to change the course of more than just the kingdom of Egalion and the ones dismissed as pawns may yet prove to be the most important players.

“Errant Spark” is the hush before the storm, the last deep breath before the plunge. The flint has been struck and it’s possible the whole world might go up in flames…because love in the Imperial court is as dangerous a thing as backroom politics and jealousy can be as much a driving force as silver and gold.
***
Fantasy? Action? Romance? Yes! This romantic fantasy novel by Ronelle Antoinette is a broad, epic, sweeping fantasy with more twists and turns and ups and downs than a wild roller-coaster! The first installment of the Elemental Trials series is one of those books that really is so much more than what the blurb can convey. Described as “surprisingly complex and visionary” by one reviewer, “Errant Spark” will leave you mesmerized from the first page to the last. 

Hailed by Amazing Stories Magazine’s Ricky L Brown as “a simple story about interesting characters with just enough romance and magic to make it work. […] Errant Spark is as complex as George RR Martin, with a world that is well-suited for conniving and cavorting. Rest assured, there is plenty of sex and violence, but not as raw and stabby as the aforementioned works. It’s more like a big kid’s version of a fairy tale.

Recommended for:
•Mature teens and up
•Fans of epic fantasy and romance
•Those looking for characters they want to eat…or take home and enjoy
•Readers who can appreciate a gorgeous tapestry of magic, myth, and mayhem
•Connoisseurs of fine love stories that complement the plot and that ‘slow burn’
•Lovers of surprises, twists-and-turns, and well-placed, necessary supernatural elements
•Anyone looking for sex, magic, love, fantasy, and a story that will sweep you away
•Those who don’t mind staying up all night so they can turn that final page

My review:

I am a huge fan of fantasy. About 90% of the books I read (and don’t review) are fantasy. When I was approached by to read Errant Spark, I was very excited and couldn’t wait to read this book.

I wasn’t disappointed at all.

The book starts with meeting Jex Xander, a battlemage, and his mentor, Eryk, the High Mage. Jex has a reputation of being somewhat of taking many ladies and men into his bed. He is a bit of a manwhore, and I loved it. The threesome scene was hot.

He is pursued by Sarene, the middle daughter of the Tor and Torina of Egalion. I didn’t like Sarene at all. She was rude and a spoiled brat.

The book jumps to Enari Namelum, a mute orphan who lives at the Cyrilan Temple. She is training to be a kvinna under the tutelage of Vasi de’Curande, the Master Apothecary of the Temple. She is shunned because of her exotic looks and her aversion to being touched. People say that she looks like a Vintyri (think Fae) and her muteness keeps her isolated from other people.

Vasi and Enari have been summoned to the Imperial Palace to assist Tora Aelani with the birth of her child. While crossing the plains, they are met by Jex, who has come to escort them across the plains. When Jex meets Enari,  there is an instant attraction. Note that I said instant attraction, not instalove, big difference!! Jex falls ill and almost dies on the journey home. The relationship was off while Enari and Vasi nurse him back to health.

Then the book gets good. Mysterious deaths are happening in the palace, around the same time Jex is brought in. Jex and Enari have sex and connect on a deeper level. I loved seeing that. The High Mage is brought into the investigation of the deaths.

There is a heartbreaking death that I didn’t see coming, a birth and a couple of revelations that did surprise me. One I did guess at but the other one, well it took me by surprise.

How many stars will I give Errant Spark? 4

Why? While a great high fantasy novel that kept my attention, I had issues with some of the titles and terms. If there was a guide, it would have been great. Other than that small issue, a great read.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why? sex scenes (including a threesome) and violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Serene (A Dr. Rachel E. Color-Me-Mystery: Book 1) by Jim Musgrave

Publisher: Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Member’s Titles

Date of publication: July 17th, 2016

Part of a series: Yes

Which series: Dr. Rachel E. Color-Me-Mystery

Serene – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis:

This is the mystery that establishes Dr. Rachel Edelstein as a sleuth with a super-power. Raised on an ashram in California, she is molested by Guru Bhagwan Sharma, but he pays for her college education after her parents are found dead inside a lab working on a secret experiment called “Serene.”

While working as a psychiatrist in the Israeli Army, she treats two IDF soldiers who had also been members of the Omshanti ashram back home. When they are murdered in a strangely anti-Semitic way, and no DNA evidence can be found, she decides to resign her commission and return to California to try to solve the murders.

After she teams up with another Jewish psychiatrist, Dr. Jacob Stein, who attends the same Kaballah study group, she is recruited by a scientist who worked with her parents on Serene. Dr. Joshua Lawrence implants the beta test device in her brain, but instead of allowing her to control her own libido, she is able to see the sex traumas of others.

This is the first mystery in a series that features illustrations that can be colored by the reader. Watch for more Dr. Rachel Edelstein and Dr. Jacob Stein Techno-Mysteries.

My review:

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. It is part adult coloring book and part mystery. I made the mistake of leaving my Kindle on with one of the pictures up, and my 11-year-old had a look. She had no clue what it was but still.

If I had the paperback (or even hardcover) of the book, I would have been coloring in those pictures. They looked fun to color and did go with the story.

The story, itself was also decent. In the beginning, it was all over the place, which is something I hate in a book. Once I got past Rachel’s backstory, the story progressed. The author did an excellent job keeping who the bad guy a mystery until the end.

Rachel had overcome a lot in this book. Her parents moved her to a commune when she was 10. She was chosen as a “bride of passion” and raped when she was 12. Then her parents died. That’s a lot for a kid, and Rachel has issues. She returns to the commune after two IDF soldiers are murdered in horrific ways. She agrees to become the beta tester for a project that her parents were working on when they died.

I won’t say much about the book after that point. I will say that it is full of androids, bizarre sexual practices, and one woman who is looking for answers.

I did like that the Kabbalah was mentioned here. Rachel was a student of it, and the author did get into some of what it is about, but not enough. I wished that he did because I find it fascinating.

The end of the book was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting the killer to be who it was. I am pretty good at figuring out mysteries, and this one I didn’t and it still chafes at me.

How many stars will I give Serene? 4

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes but with a warning about the coloring book pages.

Age range: Adult

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**