Book Review: Kindred Blood

                               Today's review is on Kindred Blood by Dawne Dominique

Kindred is the third installment in Dominiques The First series, and it's a series that continues to leave me wanting more and more. I don't know how long I have to wait for the next book to come out, but I know I'll rush out to get it as soon as it does.

At the end of Dark Diary, Aiden proposes to Daniella. After the loss of loved ones and Aiden's veiling, the couple enjoy a little bed rest; heavy on the bed, before deciding to get married in Scotland. The Hell that they had just gone through however was just the beginning. Unknown to them, Kon has taken over Damien's plan. At the death of Damien, he set his own contingency plan into action.

Aiden enters his first blood cycle and is taught how to "eat" from a young waitress. Drinking from her is not enough to satisfy the amount of his hunger though. He needs to replace all of his blood. But before Daniella can take him out for bigger prey she gets an urgent telepathic message from Connor. He is in trouble too.

With the urging of Aiden, Daniella rushes off to help Connor. When she returns, she finds that Aiden has been kidnapped. In order to find her love, she hires Spencer; an American P.I. living in Scotland, to help her. When his only friend in Scotland is murdered, he becomes even more determined to help her.

Kon has Aiden, and is keeping his blood cycle going by feeding him just so much. Because Aiden is Kindred to Daniella, she finds herself entering her own blood cycle early. They find Aiden, but they both get captured. Now they all will need an act of God; or of a god, to get out alive.

4 of 5 stars
Available @ Amazon
 

Book Review: Dark Diary

                                        Today's review is on Dark Diary by Dawne Dominique

After reading Dominique's first book in this series; Eden's Hell, I just had to keep going. Now after reading this second installment, I'm glad I did. In Dark Diary we are introduced to Daniella Rolfe. She is one of The First, and the last of her kind. She is a born vampire, able to walk in the sun and feed just once a month.

Like Addison from Eden's Hell, Daniella has be living her life alone. Yes, she has had love in her life, but the differences between her and other "made" vampires was just to much. Now she lives off of one night stands; when she is in her blood cycle, and snacks in between on the killers, rapists, and all around scum of Winnipeg.

Even though there are magical wards surrounding her 180,000sqft penthouse from other vampires, it does not protect against regular old humans. Her penthouse home, along with other tenants of her building are robbed.

Though Aiden has been investigating a string of strange murders, he has been pulled from the case because he lost his temper and hit a perp. Because of this, he is sent to Daniella's building to investigate the B&E.

Once Daniella and Aiden see each other they can't seem to get the other off of their minds. They even dream of each other, and those are some serious X rated dreams.

When it is found that the men that have been murdered have all been past lovers of Daniella, and one of them had the detective's name etched into the skin, the case takes on new meaning. Aiden has been ordered to stay with Daniella to make sure she is safe, and that is one assignment he doesn't mind.

As days go by, the attraction that Daniella and Aiden feel for each other becomes to much and they both give in. There is no mistaking it, they are in love. Now both of them will do anything to protect the other. But can they stop the crazed vampire that has been watching them? Not before some of the humans they love are killed. And not before one of their own lives are about to end.

Excellently written with still a bit to many mistakes, but I still could not force myself to put this book down. I only hope that the next is just as good. I will be starting that one today :)

4 of 5 stars

Available @ Amazon

Book Review: Eden's Hell

                                    Today's Review is on Eden's Hell by Dawne' Dominique


Eden's Hell is the first book that I have read by this author, but it most definitely won't be the last.  A fantastical tale, Eden's Hell is an original adaptation of what both Adam and Lillith's life had become after Eden, and the curse that was placed upon them.

Adam; now referred to as Addison Eden, is a refined vampire who only takes the lives of the scourge of Los Angeles.  In only taking their lives, Addison is hopeful that he may expiate for his sin's against God.  He is however a pragmatic man, and deep down knows that he will never be redeemed.

Living in his beach house, he has shut himself off from the world.  Condemning himself to a life of loneliness, he is surprised to find himself saving one of Lillith's; now referred to as Satrina, victims. Eva has unwillingly signed a contract to be one of Satrina's pets. And though he has never really cared about Satrina's other pets, he finds himself drawn to Eva and will do just about anything to keep her safe.  Hell hath no furry however, as Satrina sets out to reclaim that which is hers.

As Addison spends more time with Eva, he begins to experience emotions that he hasn't felt in a very long time.  He realizes, without a doubt, that he has fallen head over heels in love.  He becomes determined to not only win the battle to win her safety, but to also win her heart. 

A wonderful story filled with love and sacrifice.  Though there were some editing errors, the story was still enjoyable.

Good editing is a MUST, and I can not say that enough.  There is absolutely no reason for a book to be on the shelf with mistakes, and it is because of this that I have lowered my rating.

3 of 5 stars




Available @ Amazon

Book Review: The Green

Today's review is on The Green by Karly Kirkpatrick

Though a work of fiction, The Green poses a situation that I could see actually happening. When one is poor, both adults and children look at ways to earn more of what they need; money. When jobs are scarce many may even turn to selling drugs. This is what happens to Seventeen-year-old Ariceli (Ari) Pisa.

Wanting her daughter to have the best possible education, Ari's mother moves closer to Cambridge High School. With an education there, Ari's dream of attending Northwestern University could be a strong possibility.

Ari is a well rounded student. She's a cheerleader, a member of the National Honor Society, and; after she finds out that her brother has been giving his mother money for rent, she becomes a drug dealer selling premium quality weed for $375/oz.

Though selling drugs earns her enough money to help out with the rent and gives her more to save, it does have its downfalls. With a new boyfriend, homework, practice, and volunteering it is hard to meet all of her deliveries and get enough sleep. At least she's not dealing in Cambridge where she may be seen by someone she knows.

Everything goes to hell in a basket one evening when at her best friends party. After seeing her best friend and her boyfriend kissing, she runs into the hands of her boss. Ari's brother shows up, shots ring out, Ari is hit, and someone dies.

Love, Loss, and difficult decisions make for an amazing story. Well written and easy to read, I have become an instant fan.

4 of 5 stars

Available @ Amazon

Book Review: An Untimely Love

                      Today's review is on An Untimely Love by Tendai Huchu

Khalid Patel is a 20 year old Pakistani man who has left college in order to fight for the cause of Islam. He has never been more than an average man and is easily brainwashed into becoming a suicide bomber, a hero.

Initially thinking that he will be fighting face to face with the enemy, Khalid is surprised to be chosen to learn how to make bombs. With the enthusiasm of his comrades however, he is pulled further into the belief that what he is doing and will be doing is the right thing. He just didn't figure he would fall in love along the way.

Selina Ashraf is one of the three others that are chosen to be a suicide bomber on a series of trains. While on the journey to the train station, Selina and Khalid marry, knowing that they will never be together on Earth.

Reaching his destination, his love for Selina, along with a dose of human nature, Khalid does not set off his vest bomb as directed. He flees and runs to where his wife was to go and comes face to face with the realization that she has followed through with her mission.

Not is all lost however, Khalid later learns that Selina has survived. She is being held in a burn unit. With the help of his friends; Bishnu and David, he is able to be with her again. Tony has a different plan though and interferes.

After killing Khalid's parents; making Khalid one of the country's most wanted after also being identified as one of the suicide bombers, Tony kidnaps Selina.

Tony has a bigger plan in the workings and it's up to Khalid to set things right. Whether he is able to or not is the ultimate question.

I actually liked this book, though I would rather have had a bit more background on Khalid and Selina. The reader doesn't know much about either one of them or why and how they came to fall in love with each other. Since the title is An Untimely LOVE, there should be a little more on that part of the story. It is because of that, that I have rated the book as I have.

2.5 of 5 stars

Available @ Amazon

Book Review: Energy Book 1: Jasmine

                              Today's review is on Energy Book 1: Jasmine

Jasmine is the first book that I have read form this author, and was a nice change from the other paranormal type books that I usually read.

Jasmine is a 16 year-old girl who's life is in constant flux. Due to her father's top secret job in the military, they move frequently. Because of this, Jasmine has learned to fade in with the background. To not make friends, and keep to herself. That all changes however, when her and her father move to Omaha, Nebraska.

During Art class, Jasmine meets Yumi and has an unexplainable feeling that she has known her before. Yuim too, feels the same. She feels that somehow Jasmine will be the key to "the mission" she and her friends are on. She just has to convince them of that too, but it won't be easy.

It's only when Yumi is sick for a few days does Jasmine find out the truth about this group of friends. Not only are they rude, and mean, they're not even human.

This promises to be an interesting series. My only complaints are that first, Jasmine didn't find out that they were not human until almost the very end, and second, there were a bit more editing mistakes than I would have liked. (Though I don't like to see any in a published work.)
There is definitely room for improvement, and I will be looking for it in book 2.

3 of 5 stars

Book Review: Sparks

                          Today's review is on Sparks by Laura Bickle

Sparks is the second book in Bickle's Anya Kalinczk series, and in my opinion lacked the sparks of a sequel.

It's been a few months since the death of her lover Drake, and Ayna is trying to go on with her life. One morning, she is woken up with a call from her Boss. There has been a fire in the home of a hoarder.

What seems to be an act of spontaneous combustion, sends Ayna on an adventure to stop Hope Solomon, a con artist posing as a Spiritual Adviser from Miracles for the Masses, from capturing and collecting spirits. With the help of "Death"; in the form of Charon, she travels into hell to stop her.

While working the case, she is confronted with the closed-mindedness of the others in DAGR regarding ghosts. She knows that they have feelings just as live people, whereas the others feel that once a person is dead they have now rights, or they are all evil.

Babies are born, loved ones die, and ghosts find happiness in the Afterlife.

Though Sparks had a decent story line, Anya's inability to stand up for herself and her beliefs was just to disappointing. For example, she questions Brian's moral's, but still stays with him in the end. Where's the drama?

Sparks is an alright book, but nothing special. I'm not sure if I would be interested in reading the next in this series, unless the characters change drastically.

3 of 5 stars

Book Review: Embers

                   Today's review is on Embers by Laura Bickle

Anya Kalinczyk is an arson investigator with the Detroit Fire Department. Not overly feminine, she is an unexpected heroine, which is a good change from the various other books I have read. Anya is a smart, hard working woman, trying to live as normal of a life as she can with her abilities.

Anya is a Lantern. She is able to consume ghosts. Though she only consumes the "bad" ones, she carries a wound in her chest from doing so. When her friends from DAGR call upon her to consume the ghost that is tormenting a young girl, the wound seems worse than before. Something  has gone wrong.

Anya, unfortunately has a demon living within her now, and she is slowly taking control over Anya. Coupled with that, someone is setting fires all around Detroit leaving an unusual calling card.

Still dealing with the accidental death of her mother; which she blames herself for, Anya is fighting her attraction to Drake, the serial arsonist and fellow Lantern. She also has feelings for Brian; a member of DAGR. Where she is afraid she may hurt Brian with her power, she knows she can never destroy Drake with it.

As a debut, Embers is a success. I did find some editing mistakes, and that has a negative affect on my review, but all in all Embers was a great read. Believable to a point and original, I look forward to reading the next installment.

3.5 of 5 stars

Available @ Amazon.com

Book Review: Psyche's Search

Today's review is on Psyche's Search by Ann Gimpel

Psyche's Search is the second installment in Gimpel's Psyche's series. This continuing tale about Dr. Lara McInnis and her long-term boyfriend Trevor had me turning page after page into the burning dawn. Picking up right where Prophecy left off, Search had just as much drama, conflict, and surprises.

Thinking that her life will go back to some sort of normalcy after the threat from a vindictive client has come to an end, Lara goes back to work. Though she now knows that she is still in danger, she has agreed to close her private practice. Besides it not feeling the same without her long-time friend and receptionist Arabel, the fuel shortages and food shortages have created continuing riots. Feeding on the chaos, Gradosxt and his demon minions take action.

In an effort to get back at Lara, Officer Brad Dickey's daughter is kidnapped. Gradosxt's plan is to set a trap using Dickey and his daughter to capture her. He even goes as far as hexing a scarf and a photo that transports Lara to the DREAMING.

Danger is abound for Trevor as well, as he almost looses his life three; yes, three times in this installment. Luckily, he survives, but others are not as lucky.

As with Prophecy, the author continues to utilize her own knowledge of psychology; and more importantly Jungian psychology, to create a fantastic tale. Well thought out and expertly written, this is one of my favorite series.

4.5 of 5 stars

Book Review: Sandman

                   Today's review is on Sandman by Morgan Hannah MacDonald

At first, I wasn't so certain that I had made the right decision in accepting this book for review.  Once I got started however I was hooked.  I found myself looking at the clock late at night telling myself that I would read just one more chapter, or read for just fifteen minutes more.  I had to force myself to put this book down so I could get some sleep.  It was not an easy task.

Meagan McInnis has had the worst luck with men.  Having ended her engagement to Jay; who would constantly accuse her of cheating, she ends up dating a fellow hairdresser.  Oh he was handsome, but he was also an arrogant ass.  Even now, after breaking up with him, he still thinks that he she will give in and fall into his arms.  At this point in her life though, the only male she wants in her bed is her faithful dog Godzilla.  Thank God she still has her girlfriends.

On the night of her birthday, her friends take her to see one of her favorite musical performers.  It's a ladies night out, and it was fantastic.  The opening band wasn't to bad either, especially their lead singer Drew.  The way his attention was glued to her as he was on stage, it was like he was singing every song just for her.  The attraction was instant, and after his set, he set out to win her heart.

But not all is well in the county.  There is a killer out there, and as each body is discovered, it's clear that he is getting much more violent in his murders.  What's more, he is killing more frequently.  As more bodies are found on the beach or near a body of water, the media dubs him the Sandman.

Homicide Detective, J.J. Thomas is still getting over the death of his wife.  He hardly sleeps, and he drinks to much.  If he doesn't get his shit together, he faces suspension.  None the less, he is given the Sandman case.  By a fluke or a stroke of luck,  he discovers that Meagan may just hold the key to finding this psycho.

When Meagan herself goes missing, Thomas will stop at nothing to find her.  He already lost his wife, he was not losing Meagan too.  But can he get to her in time?  Can he save the woman he loves before the Sandman kills her?

Sandman is a book filled with mystery, romance, and twists that will keep you wondering who the real killer is.  A fantastic book, a MUST read.


4 of 5 stars

Available @ Amazon