SAMHAIN SCORCHERS ANTHOLOGY
RUSTY WICKS, J.T. SCHULTZ, B.J. FRANKLIN, MICHELLE HOUSTON, BETHANY MICHAELS, SHANNON PETERS, and MICHELLE MARQUIS
Paranormal Romance
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-59374-984-2
$5.49
eBook - Available now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
One Way to Venice by Rusty Wicks
A trip to a small island around Venice opens a new world and a new path for a lonely, single woman.
Destiny’s Star by J.T. Schultz
When a werewolf and a witch meet, sparks are bound to fly. The cloak of evil also threatens to close in on them at any minute.
Faith, Hope and Chastity by B.J. Franklin
Territorial markings are fiercely defended by vampires. Can a female vampire defend hers against a gorgeous vampire closing in on her? More precisely, does she want to?
Laws of Nature by Michelle Houston
When you’re a were, you mate for life. What happens if your mate is the quiet and very human guy-next-door?
Hart and Souls by Bethany Michaels
Dealing with ghosts and relocating them – all in a days’ work for a young woman. However, things take a new turn when she finds her perfect man. The catch – he is a ghost.
The Raven’s Curse by Shannon Peters
An Aerian is cursed by a witch to spend his days as a statue. When he finds the woman who can undo this curse, there is only one problem. She thinks he is only a piece of stone.
The Doomsday Incident by Michelle Marquis
He is a prisoner, she is his prison guard. The fight against an alien invasion, however, brings them together.
I admit I have rarely found a book I have devoured as rapidly as I did this one. The stories just flew before me, sapping my control. All I wanted, all I craved, was to read it all.
This, I suppose, can be attributed to the lovely and distinct voices of the authors. One author strikes out above the lot in this respect, and it is B.J Franklin with Faith, Hope and Chastity. Voice alone could have carried this story, and the often funny recounting of a vampire’s existence ran right along the storyline.
Or else, satisfaction can be found in the stories of love in every one of the plots. In this respect, the yearning and feelings of Hart and Souls by Bethany Michaels were heart-wrenching. The depth of emotions can only make the reader root for this couple, hoping against hope that they do find a way for their love to exist. The Raven’s Curse by Shannon Peters also captures the heart. Profoundly human characters grab your attention and a part of your soul as their own souls meet. One Way to Venice by Rusty Wicks nearly tore my heart with its bitter-sweet agony. The pain and sadness of the characters all but tears your soul. Yet, Ms. Wicks provides hope and a promise of a new future. Laws of Nature by Michelle Houston provided a strikingly ‘normal’ setting for the paranormal premise of her story. In a way, the love story she pens makes it even more credible and appealing.
Action and suspense were always around the corner too. The Doomsday Incident by Michelle Marquis captures this premise really well. The unlikely pair is brought together in a really realistic way which leaves no doubt in the mind. Destiny’s Star by J.T. Schultz also captures adventure and drama, heightening the pulse as the story progresses.
All in all, every story carried its own brand of magic. Magic of the storyline, and magic of the authors’ writing. It is one book I would recommend to everyone looking for a good time, an escape from reality, and also to anyone who wants to witness the magic of love happen across places, planes, and between unique individuals. Of course, the scorching sex scenes and the blazing heat in every story do help as well. But for once, the heat does not override the story, and is just one part of a bigger whole.
A delightful read! To be highly recommended.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
Sptember 2007
Saturday, October 18, 2008
THE YIN YANG EFFECT by Dana Littlejohn
THE YIN YANG EFFECT
DANA LITTLEJOHN
Contemporary/IR
Ocean's Mist Press
Sensuality Rating: Tidal Wave
ISBN# 1-934057-00-2
117 pages
$5.99
eBook - Available July 2007
Rating: 3 Enchantments
African-American twins Pearl and Opal Jefferson live a blissful life along with their best friend, and Latina chick, Debra Flores. They have a beautiful house, a car, a successful business, pretty faces and nice bodies. Theirs is a ‘simple’ life, rhythmed by parties, outings, and no-strings-attached sex.
Until the day Jake steps into their life. He falls for Pearl, which would be great, but he is Caucasian. Another white guy, Doug, has the hots for Opal, while African-American Rakim falls hard for Debra. There is also Jake’s racist brother, Frank, to contend with in this explosive multi-racial mix.
The girls are not really enthusiastic about the guys. Or so it seems. But things are not as they seem. Pearl crosses the line they had set – it’s no longer just for sex. She is in love with Jake, and wants more. A full relationship, in fact.
Will she be able to stand up for their relationship? Both her sister and Jake’s brother are against their association. And Pearl opens a whole can of worms with her decision – can interracial relationships really work, even in today’s times?
The book starts with a good premise. However, I have to say the main issue got lost somewhere along the way. Too much happening, too many episodes of day-to-day life, too many details - which in the end, prevented the author from really getting into her characters’ heads. The implications the premise raises are lost and barely touched upon. In a way, the story almost reads like chick-lit, but unfortunately, the reader is not drawn enough into the minds of the characters. In many places, the dialogue was also hard to follow, since the author places three or more female characters in a scene and refers to most of them as ‘she’. The identification of the speaker is lost, rendering a chaotic dynamic to the mix.
It still remains a book of acceptable standard, especially if one is looking for a light and time-passing read.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
DANA LITTLEJOHN
Contemporary/IR
Ocean's Mist Press
Sensuality Rating: Tidal Wave
ISBN# 1-934057-00-2
117 pages
$5.99
eBook - Available July 2007
Rating: 3 Enchantments
African-American twins Pearl and Opal Jefferson live a blissful life along with their best friend, and Latina chick, Debra Flores. They have a beautiful house, a car, a successful business, pretty faces and nice bodies. Theirs is a ‘simple’ life, rhythmed by parties, outings, and no-strings-attached sex.
Until the day Jake steps into their life. He falls for Pearl, which would be great, but he is Caucasian. Another white guy, Doug, has the hots for Opal, while African-American Rakim falls hard for Debra. There is also Jake’s racist brother, Frank, to contend with in this explosive multi-racial mix.
The girls are not really enthusiastic about the guys. Or so it seems. But things are not as they seem. Pearl crosses the line they had set – it’s no longer just for sex. She is in love with Jake, and wants more. A full relationship, in fact.
Will she be able to stand up for their relationship? Both her sister and Jake’s brother are against their association. And Pearl opens a whole can of worms with her decision – can interracial relationships really work, even in today’s times?
The book starts with a good premise. However, I have to say the main issue got lost somewhere along the way. Too much happening, too many episodes of day-to-day life, too many details - which in the end, prevented the author from really getting into her characters’ heads. The implications the premise raises are lost and barely touched upon. In a way, the story almost reads like chick-lit, but unfortunately, the reader is not drawn enough into the minds of the characters. In many places, the dialogue was also hard to follow, since the author places three or more female characters in a scene and refers to most of them as ‘she’. The identification of the speaker is lost, rendering a chaotic dynamic to the mix.
It still remains a book of acceptable standard, especially if one is looking for a light and time-passing read.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
SLAVE OF MY HEART by Roxanne Springer
SLAVE OF MY HEART
ROXANNE SPRINGER
Historical
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Sensuality Rating: Torrid Erotica (Controversial)
ISBN# 978-1-60313-040-0
332 pages
$5.99
eBook - Available October 2007
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
Riana Septimus agrees to marry Antonius Cassius, First Senator of Rome, to grant her father his last, dying wish. She does not love the malicious and cruel man, but is resigned to spending her life as his wife. There will be no love in her life. Well, she will just be like the hundreds of other Roman noblewomen. Until the day her gaze falls on Tan, a gladiator and slave.
Loving a slave, and even bedding one, is considered treason in Ancient Rome. But Riana knows her heart will only belong to the handsome Tan. She convinces Antonius to buy Tan as her personal bodyguard. But in the privacy of her home, Tan becomes her lover, and the husband of her heart.
However, Riana has to marry Antonius, and the man she finds behind the closed doors of their bedchamber is sadistic, cruel, and perverted. Knowing that she is pregnant with Tan’s child, and unwilling to submit to her horribly Machiavellian husband, Riana and Tan escape from Rome. They find refuge with a band of nomads, Anubians who descend from Egypt.
They believe life is shining down on them, but Antonius begs to differ. He will set an example in Rome where his runaway wife and this slave of hers are concerned. Sparing no means to track them down, he unleashes his evil revenge on the couple, sentencing both to fates more atrocious than Hell itself could impose.
I have enjoyed this book. Ms. Springer writes with clarity, and her depictions of Ancient Rome and the life of the times are startling in clarity and descriptions. Realism is poignant, but unfortunately, many of the instances where the cruelty, perversions, and violence of the era were recounted were a bit too shocking and heavy for this reviewer. One would need strong guts to read this book, and the story is not for the faint hearted. The violence was a bit too crude and in your face in certain occasions. This fact makes the book not one that can be recommended as an entertaining read. Still, if you want a taste of Ancient Rome, it is the book for you.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
ROXANNE SPRINGER
Historical
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Sensuality Rating: Torrid Erotica (Controversial)
ISBN# 978-1-60313-040-0
332 pages
$5.99
eBook - Available October 2007
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
Riana Septimus agrees to marry Antonius Cassius, First Senator of Rome, to grant her father his last, dying wish. She does not love the malicious and cruel man, but is resigned to spending her life as his wife. There will be no love in her life. Well, she will just be like the hundreds of other Roman noblewomen. Until the day her gaze falls on Tan, a gladiator and slave.
Loving a slave, and even bedding one, is considered treason in Ancient Rome. But Riana knows her heart will only belong to the handsome Tan. She convinces Antonius to buy Tan as her personal bodyguard. But in the privacy of her home, Tan becomes her lover, and the husband of her heart.
However, Riana has to marry Antonius, and the man she finds behind the closed doors of their bedchamber is sadistic, cruel, and perverted. Knowing that she is pregnant with Tan’s child, and unwilling to submit to her horribly Machiavellian husband, Riana and Tan escape from Rome. They find refuge with a band of nomads, Anubians who descend from Egypt.
They believe life is shining down on them, but Antonius begs to differ. He will set an example in Rome where his runaway wife and this slave of hers are concerned. Sparing no means to track them down, he unleashes his evil revenge on the couple, sentencing both to fates more atrocious than Hell itself could impose.
I have enjoyed this book. Ms. Springer writes with clarity, and her depictions of Ancient Rome and the life of the times are startling in clarity and descriptions. Realism is poignant, but unfortunately, many of the instances where the cruelty, perversions, and violence of the era were recounted were a bit too shocking and heavy for this reviewer. One would need strong guts to read this book, and the story is not for the faint hearted. The violence was a bit too crude and in your face in certain occasions. This fact makes the book not one that can be recommended as an entertaining read. Still, if you want a taste of Ancient Rome, it is the book for you.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
DIVINE ASSISTANT by Red Garnier
DIVINE ASSISTANT
RED GARNIER
Contemporary
Ellora’s Cave
Sensuality Rating: S-ensuous
ISBN# 9781419911507
112 pages
$5.20
eBook - Available August 2007
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Lucy Divine wants to make it big in the professional world. She has her career all mapped out, and she knows she’s damn good at what she does. So what better place to start than as personal assistant to a renowned investor?
Said investor is Patrick Holden. A man of dark, sizzling and brooding good looks. However, the charisma is only outward. Holden is a devil to work for, the boss from hell – arrogant, conceited, and too confident.
Minds and fantasies are bound to clash when these two meet. Lucy grinds her teeth to work for him, bending to his every whim and fancy, as well as every unreasonable demand he puts before her. No wonder no one has ever withstood the job of his assistant for long! Patrick, on the other hand, knows he cannot afford any distraction – and his bombshell new assistant is seriously testing him.
Why would Lucy have this effect on him? The thought of her becomes all-consuming. There comes a day when all Patrick Holden wants to be involved in is, not business takeovers, but the takeover – hostile, if needs be – of his divine assistant.
If I had to summarize this book in one word, it would be breathtaking! Simply ‘divine’! I couldn’t resist the pun, but all jokes aside, this is one read you definitely want to get your hands on. I rooted for Lucy from the moment she appears, and I fell all the way in love with Patrick. Not to mention the delightful inclusion of Patrick’s eccentric mother and his oh-so-proper British butler. The sex was sizzling, but what really carries this book is Ms. Garnier’s delightful writing voice. Humor woven with perfect characterization and descriptive scenes kept this reader enthralled, and I bet they will keep all readers as spellbound.
Ms. Garnier, if I could give you more than 5 Enchantments, I would have. Ms. Garnier is a lover of life and its pleasures. Sex is definitely on the list. However, her passion lately veers more towards the imaginary worlds she creates with her strong, chauvinistic heroes and just as strong, sassy heroines. She loves hearing from her readers, and can be contacted through her author’s page at www.ellorascave.com.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
RED GARNIER
Contemporary
Ellora’s Cave
Sensuality Rating: S-ensuous
ISBN# 9781419911507
112 pages
$5.20
eBook - Available August 2007
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Lucy Divine wants to make it big in the professional world. She has her career all mapped out, and she knows she’s damn good at what she does. So what better place to start than as personal assistant to a renowned investor?
Said investor is Patrick Holden. A man of dark, sizzling and brooding good looks. However, the charisma is only outward. Holden is a devil to work for, the boss from hell – arrogant, conceited, and too confident.
Minds and fantasies are bound to clash when these two meet. Lucy grinds her teeth to work for him, bending to his every whim and fancy, as well as every unreasonable demand he puts before her. No wonder no one has ever withstood the job of his assistant for long! Patrick, on the other hand, knows he cannot afford any distraction – and his bombshell new assistant is seriously testing him.
Why would Lucy have this effect on him? The thought of her becomes all-consuming. There comes a day when all Patrick Holden wants to be involved in is, not business takeovers, but the takeover – hostile, if needs be – of his divine assistant.
If I had to summarize this book in one word, it would be breathtaking! Simply ‘divine’! I couldn’t resist the pun, but all jokes aside, this is one read you definitely want to get your hands on. I rooted for Lucy from the moment she appears, and I fell all the way in love with Patrick. Not to mention the delightful inclusion of Patrick’s eccentric mother and his oh-so-proper British butler. The sex was sizzling, but what really carries this book is Ms. Garnier’s delightful writing voice. Humor woven with perfect characterization and descriptive scenes kept this reader enthralled, and I bet they will keep all readers as spellbound.
Ms. Garnier, if I could give you more than 5 Enchantments, I would have. Ms. Garnier is a lover of life and its pleasures. Sex is definitely on the list. However, her passion lately veers more towards the imaginary worlds she creates with her strong, chauvinistic heroes and just as strong, sassy heroines. She loves hearing from her readers, and can be contacted through her author’s page at www.ellorascave.com.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
DIGGING HOLES IN PARADISE by Karen Mihaljevich
DIGGING HOLES IN PARADISE
KAREN MIHALJEVICH
Historical/Western Romance
Whiskey Creek Press
357 pages
ISBN# 978-1-59374-896-8/978-1-59374-895-1
$5.99/$15.95
eBook & Trade paperback - Available September 2007
Rating: 4.5 Enchantments
The year is 1859. The place – Missouri. Rumours of a brewing war between the North and the South cloud the air.
Josette Stratton is not really affected by it all. Her thoughts are on her impending arranged wedding. Josette dreams of being her own woman, but marriage is the way of a lady, isn’t it? Until she meets her intended. No way will she marry this, urggh, man!
The opportunity to spread her wings presents itself when a friend of hers dies. Polly was on the verge of leaving Missouri for the Nevada territory to work as a seamstress. Josette takes Polly’s place, and heads for freedom and adventure.
Until she arrives in this forsaken place, and she learns that seamstress is just another name for, uh, the oldest profession known to man.
Josette wants a way out. This too, presents itself before her, in the shape of a handsome and sexy gunslinger named Wolf. He needs an “employee” for his budding business, and assures her it is legal, reputable employment he offers.
Josette craves a way out, and Wolf looks like her only chance. Will she take it? And why exactly does he want to help her?
The story has a series of funny and twisted romps right after the other. I didn’t believe the author could do better than the opening she presents, but she does. She startled me with quirky and sometimes very amusing twists. The characters leap off the page, all but shouting out at the reader to take notice of them. The setting, the sensory description – this author pens it down so well. I could almost feel myself transported to the area. My only pique was that the plot dragged in some occasions. I almost wanted Ms. Mihaljevich to cut to the chase and dish it out. But I imagine if she did this, the story would lose much of its refreshing tone.
I can sincerely say this is one book you’ll find hard to put down.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
KAREN MIHALJEVICH
Historical/Western Romance
Whiskey Creek Press
357 pages
ISBN# 978-1-59374-896-8/978-1-59374-895-1
$5.99/$15.95
eBook & Trade paperback - Available September 2007
Rating: 4.5 Enchantments
The year is 1859. The place – Missouri. Rumours of a brewing war between the North and the South cloud the air.
Josette Stratton is not really affected by it all. Her thoughts are on her impending arranged wedding. Josette dreams of being her own woman, but marriage is the way of a lady, isn’t it? Until she meets her intended. No way will she marry this, urggh, man!
The opportunity to spread her wings presents itself when a friend of hers dies. Polly was on the verge of leaving Missouri for the Nevada territory to work as a seamstress. Josette takes Polly’s place, and heads for freedom and adventure.
Until she arrives in this forsaken place, and she learns that seamstress is just another name for, uh, the oldest profession known to man.
Josette wants a way out. This too, presents itself before her, in the shape of a handsome and sexy gunslinger named Wolf. He needs an “employee” for his budding business, and assures her it is legal, reputable employment he offers.
Josette craves a way out, and Wolf looks like her only chance. Will she take it? And why exactly does he want to help her?
The story has a series of funny and twisted romps right after the other. I didn’t believe the author could do better than the opening she presents, but she does. She startled me with quirky and sometimes very amusing twists. The characters leap off the page, all but shouting out at the reader to take notice of them. The setting, the sensory description – this author pens it down so well. I could almost feel myself transported to the area. My only pique was that the plot dragged in some occasions. I almost wanted Ms. Mihaljevich to cut to the chase and dish it out. But I imagine if she did this, the story would lose much of its refreshing tone.
I can sincerely say this is one book you’ll find hard to put down.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
CODENAME: COBRA by Stine Templar
CODENAME: COBRA
STINE TEMPLAR
Contemporary Suspense Romance
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-60313-052-3
$5.49
eBook - Available 2007
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Chloe Cavanaugh looks like the blonde bombshell next door. But under this appearance hides one of the deadliest assassins the US has in its army. Recruited by a secret organization, her codename becomes Cobra. Her mission: kill Alexander “Ross” Blake, within 7 days. Failing the deadline, she herself will become the target.
Ross Blake is a criminal lawyer. He’s been dragged to the coast by a bossy client. The trip will only mean losing precious time he could be using building his case. However, all notions of boredom fly out the window the minute he lays eyes on Chloe.
Chloe was all set to accomplish her mission in record time. But that was before she had her target in her sights. Suddenly, she doesn’t want to kill him. Not yet, anyway. She’ll toy with him beforehand, preferably in bed.
Things quickly heat up between the pair. But when the organization starts to get on Chloe’s back for dallying on her mission, things get even hotter. Ross, for the life of him, cannot resist this sexy temptress, the woman he’s been looking for all his life. He believes she will be the death of him. Little does he know how right he is...
Ms. Templar uses writing as a way of making her fantasies come to life. The eroticism present in her words is the mark of a rebellious nature. However, she reconciles it all by penning down her highly charged stories.
I am not a big fan of suspense. Still, the blurb for this book caught my eye. In for a penny, in for a pound, I thought. Well, let me tell you the read rendered more than a pound’s worth. Much, much more. Ms. Templar seems to have brought together all of the elements present in top movies of the genre lately and combined it all in one sultry read. 'Charlie’s Angels' meets 'Kill Bill' meets 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'.
What astounded me more and what won me over completely was the portrayal of Chloe and the progression of her own persona throughout the progression of the plot. Will Chloe fall in love? Will Ross break through her hard shell? Will Chloe eventually bend more to Ross than to her mission? The emotions and the suspense and sheer waiting were pure torture, but any book lover will tell you this is the sweetest torture for a reader. Ms. Templar kept me enthralled.
This is the story to read if you want good stuff.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
STINE TEMPLAR
Contemporary Suspense Romance
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-60313-052-3
$5.49
eBook - Available 2007
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Chloe Cavanaugh looks like the blonde bombshell next door. But under this appearance hides one of the deadliest assassins the US has in its army. Recruited by a secret organization, her codename becomes Cobra. Her mission: kill Alexander “Ross” Blake, within 7 days. Failing the deadline, she herself will become the target.
Ross Blake is a criminal lawyer. He’s been dragged to the coast by a bossy client. The trip will only mean losing precious time he could be using building his case. However, all notions of boredom fly out the window the minute he lays eyes on Chloe.
Chloe was all set to accomplish her mission in record time. But that was before she had her target in her sights. Suddenly, she doesn’t want to kill him. Not yet, anyway. She’ll toy with him beforehand, preferably in bed.
Things quickly heat up between the pair. But when the organization starts to get on Chloe’s back for dallying on her mission, things get even hotter. Ross, for the life of him, cannot resist this sexy temptress, the woman he’s been looking for all his life. He believes she will be the death of him. Little does he know how right he is...
Ms. Templar uses writing as a way of making her fantasies come to life. The eroticism present in her words is the mark of a rebellious nature. However, she reconciles it all by penning down her highly charged stories.
I am not a big fan of suspense. Still, the blurb for this book caught my eye. In for a penny, in for a pound, I thought. Well, let me tell you the read rendered more than a pound’s worth. Much, much more. Ms. Templar seems to have brought together all of the elements present in top movies of the genre lately and combined it all in one sultry read. 'Charlie’s Angels' meets 'Kill Bill' meets 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'.
What astounded me more and what won me over completely was the portrayal of Chloe and the progression of her own persona throughout the progression of the plot. Will Chloe fall in love? Will Ross break through her hard shell? Will Chloe eventually bend more to Ross than to her mission? The emotions and the suspense and sheer waiting were pure torture, but any book lover will tell you this is the sweetest torture for a reader. Ms. Templar kept me enthralled.
This is the story to read if you want good stuff.
Zee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS II: THE GATES OF LIFE by CJ England
THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS II: THE GATES OF LIFE
CJ ENGLAND
Sci-Fi/paranormal
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-59374-949-1
$6.99
eBook - Available now
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Being a modern woman is not easy in these trying times especially if you are really new to the world and have a mission of saving the world and are connected to six fantastic guys. In PEACEKEEPER II: THE GATES OF LIFE, Ms. England brings further along the adventures of the nymph Kira and six chosen: Gallegar - a vampire, Lucas Kane - a shapeshifter, Danolas - a witch, Patrick - a shade, Benjamin Cassidy - a suprahuman, and Koran - a faerie and Kira's brother.
Kira has figured out more about life and it challenges. While trying to figure out why the gates of heaven and hell are closed turning San Francisco in into limbo-land for souls awaiting their end reward, she must also sort out new feelings and emotions about two of her chosen. Is it love or lust, and will Gallegar and Lucas understand enough not to lose sight of their mission given to them by the Power, when she makes her final decision? And can she make a decision after seeing what the demons have in store for her and her chosen?
In the end the answer is yes, though failure to communicate and trust by all the chosen almost allow evils to win and turn the world into a perpetual hell. It is only when Lucus, Gallager, Kira and the rest of the chosen begin to understand the power of true love and its ability to be their ultimate weapon in the a battle for all the souls in the world does hope rein free again.
Ms. England, in this story has created the ultimate mind candy, skillfully blending together fantasy, romance, love and perils of the evil reborn. Added to the mix is her visual descriptivism that is so real you can almost taste the strawberries. Great second story for the series.
Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
CJ ENGLAND
Sci-Fi/paranormal
Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
ISBN# 978-1-59374-949-1
$6.99
eBook - Available now
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Being a modern woman is not easy in these trying times especially if you are really new to the world and have a mission of saving the world and are connected to six fantastic guys. In PEACEKEEPER II: THE GATES OF LIFE, Ms. England brings further along the adventures of the nymph Kira and six chosen: Gallegar - a vampire, Lucas Kane - a shapeshifter, Danolas - a witch, Patrick - a shade, Benjamin Cassidy - a suprahuman, and Koran - a faerie and Kira's brother.
Kira has figured out more about life and it challenges. While trying to figure out why the gates of heaven and hell are closed turning San Francisco in into limbo-land for souls awaiting their end reward, she must also sort out new feelings and emotions about two of her chosen. Is it love or lust, and will Gallegar and Lucas understand enough not to lose sight of their mission given to them by the Power, when she makes her final decision? And can she make a decision after seeing what the demons have in store for her and her chosen?
In the end the answer is yes, though failure to communicate and trust by all the chosen almost allow evils to win and turn the world into a perpetual hell. It is only when Lucus, Gallager, Kira and the rest of the chosen begin to understand the power of true love and its ability to be their ultimate weapon in the a battle for all the souls in the world does hope rein free again.
Ms. England, in this story has created the ultimate mind candy, skillfully blending together fantasy, romance, love and perils of the evil reborn. Added to the mix is her visual descriptivism that is so real you can almost taste the strawberries. Great second story for the series.
Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
SUGAR AND SIN: A TALE OF THE EVERVERSE by Stella and Audra Price
SUGAR AND SIN: A TALE OF THE EVERVERSE
STELLA AND AUDRA PRICE
Dark Urban Fantasy Romance
looking for a new publisher
ISBN# N/A
PRICE N/A
Rating: 3 Enchantments
Fallon is a teleport half-demon and partner to Feyd Nightly, another half-demon. They are a pair of mischievous devil-may-care jack-of-all trade thugs for hire. A bit on the oversexed side, they seemed to score and be ready to score at the drop of a swizzle stick.Astrid is one hot sexy rich witch who has a penchant for saving her friend Ashlyn Co’shott from hairy situations she seems to be always getting herself into.
Astrid and Ashlyn themselves have quite the passion for fine things and encounters that leaves them breathless and wet.
Fallon and Feyd find themselves hired to a supposedly easy snatch, recover the magic and eliminate job. The job becomes complicated when they find out the person to be snatched is Ashlyn who is under the protection of the witch Astrid, the one true love of Fallon. Too add to the complexity Feyd fall for Ashlyn and both girls are key to parts of the master plan of Cassiel, an exiled demon prince, to dethrone the current Demon Lord and become master of all demons.
To stay alive and enjoy their new found love in the forms of Astrid and Ashlyn, Fallon and Feyd must jump in with both feet into the murky and dangerous game of demon power politics and take out their boss Fallwell and his crew and chase down some magic that is supposed to halt death to keep from being smoked themselves, along with keeping two healthy women with very large sexual appetites satisfied.
The plot, though interesting, could play out better in the book. Too much emphasis is placed on trying to throw in every known sexual fantasy rather than the underlying struggles of all key characters. The underlying themes are rich for more exposure and would allow the reader a better and more fulfilling look at the craft and imagination these two writers have to share.
The Price sisters show that they have a good understanding of the elements of an interesting story, however they are rather stingy in sharing their great potential by replaying limited themes again and again. I believe they have the potential to develop not just semi-stimulating (erotic) content but also content that has substance and I am looking forward to reading their future work.
Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
STELLA AND AUDRA PRICE
Dark Urban Fantasy Romance
looking for a new publisher
ISBN# N/A
PRICE N/A
Rating: 3 Enchantments
Fallon is a teleport half-demon and partner to Feyd Nightly, another half-demon. They are a pair of mischievous devil-may-care jack-of-all trade thugs for hire. A bit on the oversexed side, they seemed to score and be ready to score at the drop of a swizzle stick.Astrid is one hot sexy rich witch who has a penchant for saving her friend Ashlyn Co’shott from hairy situations she seems to be always getting herself into.
Astrid and Ashlyn themselves have quite the passion for fine things and encounters that leaves them breathless and wet.
Fallon and Feyd find themselves hired to a supposedly easy snatch, recover the magic and eliminate job. The job becomes complicated when they find out the person to be snatched is Ashlyn who is under the protection of the witch Astrid, the one true love of Fallon. Too add to the complexity Feyd fall for Ashlyn and both girls are key to parts of the master plan of Cassiel, an exiled demon prince, to dethrone the current Demon Lord and become master of all demons.
To stay alive and enjoy their new found love in the forms of Astrid and Ashlyn, Fallon and Feyd must jump in with both feet into the murky and dangerous game of demon power politics and take out their boss Fallwell and his crew and chase down some magic that is supposed to halt death to keep from being smoked themselves, along with keeping two healthy women with very large sexual appetites satisfied.
The plot, though interesting, could play out better in the book. Too much emphasis is placed on trying to throw in every known sexual fantasy rather than the underlying struggles of all key characters. The underlying themes are rich for more exposure and would allow the reader a better and more fulfilling look at the craft and imagination these two writers have to share.
The Price sisters show that they have a good understanding of the elements of an interesting story, however they are rather stingy in sharing their great potential by replaying limited themes again and again. I believe they have the potential to develop not just semi-stimulating (erotic) content but also content that has substance and I am looking forward to reading their future work.
Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
LEADING HER TO HEAVEN by Kayleigh Jamison
LEADING HER TO HEAVEN
KAYLEIGH JAMISON
Erotic Historical Romance
Aphrodite’s Apples
ISBN# N/A
$6.99
eBook - Not currently available
Rating: 2 Enchantments
Resigned to her political marriage, Lady Susanna Cavendish sets off for the north and the wilderness of Scotland to be with future husband Lord Blair Ruthven. Along the journey to the wedding bed, events occur, changing the way she feels about herself, her sexuality, and eventually the man she learns to love.
Lord Blair Ruthven, a stalwart and intelligent man, has his world turned up side down when he meets his future bride and savior who is much more spirited than any English lady he has known.
Both learn of the power of their love and the ties that bind a woman and a man when an old clan-fueled feud is rekindled by an English rogue seeking revenge for a past encounter with Lord Ruthven.
Ms. Jamison brings to life an interesting mixture of history and eroticism. The story is laced with vivid imagery of what a roll in the clover would be like in early Stuart Scotland, in a language any hot blooded person would understand. Though at times, the metaphors miss the underlying story and the switch to more modern sexual language undercuts the beauty of imagery she has set in motion. Overall, it is a fair read and allows one to a brief and interesting way of looking into the past.
Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
KAYLEIGH JAMISON
Erotic Historical Romance
Aphrodite’s Apples
ISBN# N/A
$6.99
eBook - Not currently available
Rating: 2 Enchantments
Resigned to her political marriage, Lady Susanna Cavendish sets off for the north and the wilderness of Scotland to be with future husband Lord Blair Ruthven. Along the journey to the wedding bed, events occur, changing the way she feels about herself, her sexuality, and eventually the man she learns to love.
Lord Blair Ruthven, a stalwart and intelligent man, has his world turned up side down when he meets his future bride and savior who is much more spirited than any English lady he has known.
Both learn of the power of their love and the ties that bind a woman and a man when an old clan-fueled feud is rekindled by an English rogue seeking revenge for a past encounter with Lord Ruthven.
Ms. Jamison brings to life an interesting mixture of history and eroticism. The story is laced with vivid imagery of what a roll in the clover would be like in early Stuart Scotland, in a language any hot blooded person would understand. Though at times, the metaphors miss the underlying story and the switch to more modern sexual language undercuts the beauty of imagery she has set in motion. Overall, it is a fair read and allows one to a brief and interesting way of looking into the past.
Rowan E. Wagner
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
THE KNOWING by Larriane Wills
THE KNOWING
LARRIANE WILLS
Fantasy
Swimming Kangaroo Books
ISBN# 1-934041-11-4/1-934041-12-2
$10.88
eBook/Print - Available now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Let me introduce you to a young girl who is not in control of her life. Who is told what she can say, think, feel, and wear. She has never known any other way until one day she meets a man who challenges her to think for herself. A man unlike any she has ever encountered. Who gives her the courage to think and dream for herself.
Now for our hero. A man we first meet as a boy on his way to becoming an adult. Who encounters various people who shape who he is to become. A man with a gruff exterior that helps him hide the feelings that he is having for the girl unlike any he has ever met. A man who barely trusts his friends because of a past he is running from.
This is the story of two people of very opposite stations in life, who are drawn to each other even though they do not understand it. Could it be destiny? Only time will tell. But first, they will have to overcome the wall between themselves and the political maneuvering of those around them, the ones that only want to use them for political gain. Even their friends could become their worst enemies. They will have to learn to trust each other and become what they were destined to be.
I loved this story. It had a lot of the elements I like in a story – mystery, fantasy, and romance. It keeps you guessing from the beginning of the book until the end. You wonder about the true nature of the hero and heroine, just knowing there is more to them than even you can guess. You get so involved in the story the characters make you either love or hate them. You cheer on the good ones and you want to slug the bad ones. Read this book - trust me, you will like it.
I do not know much about Ms. Wills but she is a dang good author. Maybe one day, I will get to interview her and can tell you more.
Melanie
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
LARRIANE WILLS
Fantasy
Swimming Kangaroo Books
ISBN# 1-934041-11-4/1-934041-12-2
$10.88
eBook/Print - Available now
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Let me introduce you to a young girl who is not in control of her life. Who is told what she can say, think, feel, and wear. She has never known any other way until one day she meets a man who challenges her to think for herself. A man unlike any she has ever encountered. Who gives her the courage to think and dream for herself.
Now for our hero. A man we first meet as a boy on his way to becoming an adult. Who encounters various people who shape who he is to become. A man with a gruff exterior that helps him hide the feelings that he is having for the girl unlike any he has ever met. A man who barely trusts his friends because of a past he is running from.
This is the story of two people of very opposite stations in life, who are drawn to each other even though they do not understand it. Could it be destiny? Only time will tell. But first, they will have to overcome the wall between themselves and the political maneuvering of those around them, the ones that only want to use them for political gain. Even their friends could become their worst enemies. They will have to learn to trust each other and become what they were destined to be.
I loved this story. It had a lot of the elements I like in a story – mystery, fantasy, and romance. It keeps you guessing from the beginning of the book until the end. You wonder about the true nature of the hero and heroine, just knowing there is more to them than even you can guess. You get so involved in the story the characters make you either love or hate them. You cheer on the good ones and you want to slug the bad ones. Read this book - trust me, you will like it.
I do not know much about Ms. Wills but she is a dang good author. Maybe one day, I will get to interview her and can tell you more.
Melanie
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
September 2007
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