Review: Fighting Fate - Leigh Morgan

Fighting Fate

*Looks around corner* Hi guys! Remember me? I used to review her regularly and then went all gypsy and started travelling. Then there were ringers, beach bums, cowboys, knights and oh, I sorta, might have, you know, forgotten about reviewing for B. But I’m back now and I’m here to tell you all about Leigh Morgan’s Fighting Fate a story that is really underappreciated if I judge the lack of buzz out there. It has such a pretty cover too!

Fighting Fate is book two in the Dojo Chronicles. I reviewed Sparring Partners back in 2010 and was pleasantly surprised by how good the story was. Like with Sparring Partners, Fighting Fate was a breath of fresh air. That’s saying something because I can’t remember the last time I read a m/f romance book and liked it. That might actually have been a book reviewed for B. 

Back to the book. Fighting Fate focusses on Jesse Mohr, who is on a quest and Taryn Campbell who is the quest and not in the way you think. Though, the start of the book had me doubting that, because it starts out pretty creepy on Jesse’s part. Luckily that picks up soon! 

Jesse is on a quest to find the long lost child of his adoptive mother, a child given up for adoption. Taryn is that child. But Taryn doesn’t want to be found and isn’t all that sure she wants to meet her mother. At first glance this seems like a pretty straightforward romance with some angst and some drama, but there is much more to it as there is much more to Taryn, as the blurb suggests. I won’t tell you what, that’s something you have to figure out on your own. It would give too much away, but trust me when I say, discovering Taryn and Jesse and company and the quest they undertake? Worth it.

Like with Sparring Partners the writing threw me. It’s really good and organized for a new author. It’s stylish and draws your right into to the story to the extent that it feels like you’re right next to Jesse, Taryn and the other. 

Yes, despite the fact that Fighting Fate can be read as a standalone, I think, there are tidbits from the previous story. I loved seeing the other characters again. 

What threw me a bit was the supernatural angle. I wasn’t really expecting it, though I shouldn’t have been surprised. It fit the story. 

The characters are well done, they make the story and I was glad to see that the story didn’t just focus on Jesse and Taryn. There is a solid cast of support characters that make the story and fill it out. I absolutely loved Jesse and wanted to install a filter for Taryn, cause she needs it when she’s drugged but who is also a strong woman who kicks butt! I do so love me a good, strong independent woman who makes the sheets go up in flames at the right times!  

Then there was Merlin….wicked cool! 

So to conclude: GO PICK THIS BOOK UP!  

----Note from B:

I seem to have misplaced Lis' pic, so here you go ;)

I fear the pic went missing in the The Great Photobucket Purge of images I can't use of 2012

Jesse Mohr longs to reunite his adoptive mother, Reed, with her child she gave up for adoption years ago. Taryn Campbell is about to embark on the expedition of a lifetime, trying to decipher the cryptic archaeological clues left to her by her now deceased father. When Taryn learns her true identity, will she accept it or fight her fate?

Review: The Future Perfect - Kirk Mustard

Vonnegut and Douglas Adams rewrite Brave New World and find The Future Perfect 

Published: 2010

Genre: Sci-fi parody meets dystopian satire

Review by Lis

Good science attempts to save the planet from bad science. A funny, insightful look at humanity, its destiny and relationship to the Earth. When the Earth's last wildlife preserve is destroyed and the planet is dying, society turns to a fictional animal to make things right again.

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The Future Perfect by Kirk Mustard is something new. Well it was for me. It's not the kind of book I usually read, but something in me couldn't refuse it when B. offered it to me.  It's also not an easy book to review. Not that I didn't like it, but more that it's one of those books you actually have to read for yourself to fully understand it.

The Future Perfect is a book that is a cross between Douglas Adams and Wall-E. It's a future of earth where mass consumption has become so massive that there is nothing else. Set in this world are several characters that live in this absurd world and you get to see how they go about their days. All the while this books explores some heave themes in a satirical manner. Central in this book is the theme of science and how it has taken over every aspect, even our afterlives. There is no nature, everything has been stripped.

It was both fun and scary reading this book. The mind of this author must be a scary and brilliant place to come up with some of the things in this book (trying not to give too much away here, so stay with me).  It's funny, evoking and scary at the same time.

The only thing that really bothered me about this book was how badly edited it was. There are many a typo and grammatical errors that could have made this story perfect.

Despite that, The Future Perfect is one of those books you just have to have read. So go on, off to the store with you!

Keeping Grace alive - Annie Lee

Series: Pocono Mountains series #1
Genre: Romantic suspense 
Published: June 2011
Review by Lis

Keeping Grace Alive is the first in the Pocono Mountain series and what a start it is. It’s romance at it’s hottest. If it wasn’t so hot here already it would have burned the house down around me. 

Keeping Grace Alive is pretty much lives up to its title. It’s mainly about socialite and rebel Grace, who got on the bad side of her wannabe politician-but crime lord behind closed doors step-father. Thinking of finally getting rid of Gracie, Rudy orders a hit on her. Enter sexy as hell, yummie-schmummy hitman Jesse Connors. Fortunately for Gracie, Jesse is smitten and rather wants Grace in his bed than in her grave. However, keeping Gracie alive proves to be a not so easy task. 

Judging by the title, you’d think this is a pretty straightforward romance story. While that is true, it also has a few more layers that gives a few curves to this story. Which is, of course, why I really liked reading this story. Keeping me entertained with a m-f story is no longer an easy task as I get easily bored with the airheaded bimbo’s. 

While Gracie is a socialite, fortunately for her, she’s a likable one. As is Jesse. Bother character have their faults, but they are perfect for each other. In a way they complete each other. Jesse may be a hitman, bit holy damn shit, he’s a sweet one. If all hitmen were like him I may have to order a hit one someone myself! While Jessie and Gracie are perfect for each other they have that Romeo and Juliet thing going on it that they can’t be together. It’s for you to find out if they get their heads on straight and if Gracie survives her step-ass’ shenanigans!

(Yes, this means I loved the story and that I can really recommend it!)

Rudy Talbot, head of one of America's largest organized crime rings, hires his main hit man, Jessie Conners, to kill his step-daughter Grace. Jessie Conners is a seasoned hitman who has never missed a hit before. That is, until he met Gracie five years ago and fell in love with her. Gracie is a rebellious socialite in her mid-twenties. Refusing to marry the current Senator's son, Phillip Proctor, Gracie stands in the way of Rudy Talbot and his political dreams. Rudy knows both Jessie and Phillip have feelings for Gracie. Attempting to play the two men off of each other, Rudy's plan backfires when Jessie stages an abduction to whisk Gracie to safety. But Conner's had no idea that falling in love with Gracie would lead to the seemingly impossible task of keeping Gracie alive as her own medical conditions and step-father threaten her every move. Hiding her in his Pocono Mountain cabin, it soon becomes apparent that the only person who can keep Gracie alive is herself. And the only thing that guarantees her safety, going back and facing her past, will most likely get her killed. Jessie Conners goes against everything he knows in a struggle to save the love of his life. Suspense, mystery, and romance await readers of Keeping Grace Alive.

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My flash fiction for this week

Review: The Wicked Day - Christopher Bunn

Series: The Tormay Trilogy #3

Genre. Fantasy

Published: 2011

Source: For review

Review made by Lis

The third and final volume of the epic fantasy saga that began with The Hawk and His Boy, and continued with The Shadow at the Gate, The Wicked Day tells the conclusion of the story of Jute. Tracking the kidnappers of Giverny Farrow, Jute and his friends discover the Dark is on the march. Tormay teeters on the brink of war, and the duchies look to Jute as their last and best hope. But there is an ancient evil waking that even all the power of the wind cannot hope to defeat.

Remember my earlier squee over the Tormay trilogy? I’m back with some major squee in tow for the third and final book in the series. Once again I apologize for it being late. While the book entertained me all the way from Paris to Singapore, I got caught up in backpacking and therefore a lot late in reviewing. 

But back to the book here. When I got my hands on the first book, I was suprised how good a story this was for fantasy. While that hasn’t changed, the conclusion of the series does live up to one of the fantasy genre’s traps: the black and white theme of good versus evil. While it was always there throughout the series it is never more pronounced as in The Wicked Day. Not that it bothered me too much. 

The Wicked Day focuses once again on Jute and his companions as the track the kidnappers of Declan’s (Ronan) sister Giverny Farrow. It become more and more apparent that Tormay is on the brink of a big ass, unavoidable, war and it shows in the story itself. It’s very moving and there is always something going on. The story moves from one action to the next, from one battle scene to another and let me tell you, the battles are epic! At the same time this also a niggle for me, because so much is happening. It’s like watching a hamster on speed. It’s hard to keep up. At the same time the writing flourishes, because it’s not always easy to write so many descriptive scenes without the reader getting bored of it. 

Like in the previous books we see more of the characters and how they grow throughout the story. In this third books they undergo most of the change. My favorite has always been Jute, but there were occasions in this book that I just wanted to hit him over the head with a frying pan. While still lovable, there is a long struggle for him getting the hand of his power. Fortunately for the reader, when he does, it’s awesome. 

What also had me sit up and take notice (which is hard to do in airplane seats) was that Owain got more page time and what a treat it was. It was nice to see more of him. 

It’s not easy to review this book without giving to much away. What I can say is that this conclusion was perhaps the hardest to write because everything comes to a head. This shows a bit in the story as well. There are minor issues in the continuity of the story and there may have been a little plothole. Though it’s not so bad that it takes the reader away from the story in irritation or annoyance. 

All in all, this was a fine conclusion to a series and very well done. It’s a series I can most definitely recommend reading. Even in a cramped airplane! 

Review: Second Chances - Leigh Morgan

Genre: Contemporary romance

Published: July 2011

Review by Lis

History professor, Rhiannon Thorson, flees her life in Milwaukee to pursue research in Southern Wales and get a new start in life. Ramsey Macleod, international rock star, is burned out from life in the fast lane and is looking for a new lease on life. When they meet in a small village in Glamorgan, sparks fly, music is made, and they may get a second chance at love, life and happiness.

Rember how a while ago I reviewed Leigh Morgan's Sparring Partners? Second Chances is her second book. You know how wine only gets better with age? Well this author's books get better with practice. While I liked Sparring Partners I really liked Second Chances. That's saying something because I primarily stick to m/m romance books. The books I review here are the expections to the rule. Anywyas, I'll stop rambling and tell you why I like this book so much!

Romance has a tendacy to be a lot about drama, stalkers, abuse and a lots of other dark themes. Not so for Second Chances. It's a fun, light, funny read with fantastic characters.

History professor Rhiannon packs it up and moves to Southern Wales to do research and just start over. Let me tell you, it takes a lot of courage to just up and leave everything you know behind, but I love how Rhiannon goes about it. One there she meets jaded rock star Ramsey Macleod who is looking for a new look on life. Yes, while it's obvious they will hook up and have a Happily Ever After, I loved the story in between.

No I'm not telling you anything. This is one of those stories you have to discover for yourself. There are just so many funny scenes in this story that I can't even begin to tell you. Poor sheep. It not only had me laughing, but crying at times as well. Okay not literally, but almost.

Both Rhiannon and Ramsey are wonderfully written characters. They are not your everyday romance perfect couple. They have their flaws and made their mistakes, but they are both looking for a second chance in life and well... you know...once they meet. There is also a very solid (and very vain) support cast that makes this story a wonderful read!

Like in Sparring Partners the writing is superb, both witty and funny and well worked through. Something you don't always see in romance writing.

Second Chances is a book I'd like to go into great detail about (yes, I liked it that much) but in doing so I would give a lot away and I don't want to do that. You just have to discover this one for yourself!

So I recommend you just pick this book up yourself. It's not expensive, nor too long, so, yes, you just have to go get it! My only critique is at myself for waiting so long to read this!

Review: Clearwater Dawn - Scott Fitzgerald Gray

Series: The Exile's Blade #1

Genre: Fantasy

Published: 2011

Review by Lis

An apprentice guard in the royal household of Brandishear, Chriani is a capable young warrior held back from attaining his full potential by a lifetime of dark anger. Lauresa is a princess about to be set aside as heir and married off for the sake of treaty -- and the only woman Chriani has ever loved. When his mentor is murdered preventing an assassination attempt within the palace, Chriani is forced to become Lauresa's protector -- the two reconciling a forbidden passion even as they find themselves caught up in a maelstrom of political intrigue, ancient racial hatred, a society living in mortal fear of sorcery, and a decades-old plot to plunge five nations into genocidal war.

Don't judge a book by its cover they say. Oh well, I did. When I got the request for this book, I was instantly intruiged by the cover that accompanied this book. Alright, the backblurb didn't sound so terrible either, so I asked B to send it over. While not a terrible book, this was not my knight in shining armour amidst a herd of white horses.

Clearwater Dawn is the story of Chriani and Lauresa. Chriani is a warrior, apprentice, bodyguard in the royal household of Brandishear. He has a lot of potential, but also a lot of anger and as Mr Myagi would say: the two don't mix. In fact, I think Chriani would be painting a lot of fences if in the care of Mr. Myagi.

Lauresa is a princess in a bind. She's about to be dumped as heir and uses as a bargaining point int a treaty.

All that changes when there is an assassination attempt in which Chriani's master dies and a big can of worms is opened.

Clearwater Dawn is likable enough to read, but I'm a reader of action and this book is slowgoing at first. There is a lot of thought and a lot of background and I found the way it was interwoven with the story, didn't quite work for me. It reminded me a bit of my old philosophy professor. Droning. Though at other points in the story the writing was quite provocative and nicely done.

Fortunately for us, there are a few twists and turns in the plot that keep us going and made it more interesting to read.

I found that I didn't much care for Chriani or Lauresa, but that is more my problem than it is that of the characters. You just can't like everyone you come across. However, their characters are well thought out and not just cardboard enterprises. I did foudn that sometimes the character, both the main cast and the supportive cast, got lost in the narrative.

All in all Clearwater Dawn was a book that didn't work for me, but I'm just one person. In the hands of the right person this book my just put the reader on the edge of their seat and unable to put it down.

Review: Fistful of Reefer - David Mark Brown

Series: Reeferpunk #1

Genre: Dieselpunk

Pages: 357, ebook

Published: July 2011

Review by Lis

The year is 1918. Chancho Villarreal and his Native American friends, Muddy and Nena, live a quiet life on their goat ranch and marijuana farm north of Del Rio, Texas. But when ghosts from Chancho's revolutionary past combine with local panic over stories of the demon El Chupacabra, the three friends inadvertently draw the attention of Texas Ranger, T.J. McCutchen. 

McCutchen has made it his personal crusade to prevent the little known intoxicant, marijuana, from corrupting his borderlands, despite the dark secret that he depends on its medicinal properties to control his seizures. When he discovers the remains of the marijuana field his worst fears are confirmed — the drug is being grown in Texas soil. 

To stay ahead of McCutchen's brutal brand of justice Chancho, Muddy and Nena, are forced to pack up all their worldly possessions, including their marijuana harvest and herd of goats. What follows is an action-packed ride across the wilds of a weird-west, dieselpunk Texas haunted by rumors of El Chupacabras behind every bush.

Well hell… this was something different alright and that coming from the girl who recently read the most disturbing book in my reading career!  Not only does this author take elements we don’t often get to see, he creates a unique story with them too. I have to admit that I was browsing a bookstore; I would never have picked this up. That’s the beauty of review books, you read stories you’d normally never read. Sometimes that’s a bad thing, but in this case it’s good. 

This story is about Chancho, a Mexican, Nena, his wife and Kickapoo Native American and Muddy an African American man. They are a sort of family together and own a marihuana farm along with goats. The antagonist in this story – depending on the way you see it – is Texas Ranger T.J. McCutchen. He is the law and very strict about the rules. Even if he bends them a little for himself. Can you guess where this is going?

No you can’t! Trust me. Every time I thought I had a grasp on the story something else happens. At time I found it a bit preposterous and well weird, but it fit the story. I especially loved the Diesel Punk elements, but that’s an acquired taste. 

It’s an action packed story and that’s where the strength lies. The characters are also not half bad, but they are an acquired taste and you have to like them! Especially Chancho and McCutchen. They all have a certain amount of wickedness to them and never quite are what they seem. 

It’s hard to really explain this book, because it was so different, yet likable. I found myself enjoying the story and if you really want to know about this story, all I can tell you is to pick it up for yourself!

Review: Voodoo Dues - Stephany Simmons

Series: Lian and Figg #1
Genre; Urban Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Published: July 2011
Review by Lis

From the beginning of Figg’s employment, there is something not quite right about the bar. There are few customers, a parade of neighborhood psychics and pentacle adorned visitors, all coming to hold court with her enigmatic boss. Figg is not sure what is going on, but she is determined to find out! 

When the local voodoo queen shows up, and the next morning her grandson ends up dead outside the bar things get interesting. Figg pesters Lian into telling her the truth about his former life, and is thrust into a world where the things that go bump in the night are real. There’s a murder to solve, zombies to lay to rest and a villain that neither of them saw coming. 

Voodoo, Intrigue and Funny are ingredients of choice at the moment after reading a bunch of disturbing books that almost turned me away from (m/m) romance forever. Voodoo Dues was therefore a very welcome and much needed light read. At least it didn’t have aliens, eggs and an orgasm machine *shudders* What it does have is funny and lovable characters, a mystery, romance and voodoo and a murder. Need a Scooby Snack yet?

Figg is a bartender in this first person story in a bar where something shady is going on. From pentacle wearing customers and local psychics, they all come to flock to her boss like moth to a flame. Naturally Figg is curious and sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong. 

She gets in way deep when the grandson of the Voodoo Queen is found murdered outside the bar. Suddenly there are zombies, along with other things that go bump in the night and on top of that, her straight-laced, yummeeeeee, boss shows her a whole different side of himself. 

This is a funny light read that could have done with a few more pages. It’s a lovable story that would have been a little less confusing if it wasn’t seen from the first person view of both the characters. It’s a much criticized technique that not everyone will like. 

However, I found that it didn’t make me like this story any less. The characters are sweet and strong. Figg is lovable, but strong and touch. She doesn’t break down when she’s thrust into a world she doesn’t know anything about. 

Lian, her boss, is a very sweet man who’s trying to escape the horrors of his past. At times I found him a bit too girly, but not to the point that I no longer liked him. 

The plot itself in well thought through, but nothing big. It fits the story. 

You know who else fit the story? The secondary cast of characters! They are a good bunch. They are who actually sold the story to me. Romance needs a good cast of secondary characters and this story doesn’t disappoint. 

So, all in all, this story had me believing there is hope for romance yet! 

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Note from B
My flash fiction for this week

Review: Dark is the Night - Brindle Chase

Genre: Paranormal  romance

Pages: Ebook, 173

Published: June 2011

Review by Lis

Katherine Wells is Cleveland's top homicide detective and she's hot on the trail of the Antoinette killer. The string of burnt and beheaded bodies have little in common, except they keep turning up. In search of clues, she encounters Alexander. His intoxicating old world persona captivates her and she suddenly finds herself in a torrid love affair. The passion is overwhelming and her sense of law falls into blissful chaos. 

As an elder vampire, Alexander struggles for anonymity in the modern world. Killing isn't personal; it's to prevent them from becoming the undead. His kind can't be discovered. With Katherine's investigation getting too close to the truth, the other vampires demand he eliminate Detective Wells. Katherine discovers Alexander's supernatural secret and he learns Katherine's the detective he must silence. The revelations are shocking. He's everything she ever wanted and everything she stood against. Torn between a love like no other and the law she's sworn to uphold, she must choose. Against time, the police and the other vampires, they must destroy the evidence she's collected and join the undead.

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It’s all about vampires this Halloween weekend and it’s on in Brindle Chase’s Dark is the Night. When B. send this book over, I expected a typical romance with vampires it. Nothing was further from the truth. This book kept me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time while melting me in a puddle of goo at certain parts. There may have been a bit of hiding behind the couch too! Needless to say, hell yeah I enjoyed Dark is the night. That’s not an easy thing to do with me anymore. So I guess now you want to know all the details, right?

Dark is the Night is the story of Katherine, a homicide detective and Alexander, a vampire who keeps others in line to keep their secret from getting out. Katherine is hot on the trails of a serial killer that leaves bodies beheaded and burned left and right when she meets Alexander. There is a connection there that almost set the pages on fire. Little does she know that Alexander is actually the killer she seeks. Lucky for you there’s more to it than that. 

Make no mistake though. This is a dark story where vampires are every bit the predators from the legends of old, needing to kill to survive. There’s no romanticized version here your get all the dark, gritty and violent details. However, that is exactly what makes this story so very good. It sets it apart from all the other vampire stories currently out there. There are a lot of stories out there with sex and violence in it, but a lot of them are just for the sake of violence or the story is written around an act of violence. This story is very well written. The author knows his words and how to draw a reader into the story without giving you that which is right in front of you. This author actually knows what he’s doing. 

Besides the world building in this story – which is nicely done, I might add – the characters are well-written and drawn out. I loved both Alexander’s and Katherine’s characters. Alexander is both sweet and more than a bit creepy, but in a good way. It’s interesting to see how he sees the world. 

Dark is the Night is a suitable book to read for Halloween. It will have you jumping at every shadow after you’ve read it. At the same time it’s unbelievably hot. There is a lot of sex in this book, so you might want to keep that in mind if you don’t like to read about sex in detail. 

So there it is. If you’re looking for a good, creepy, dark, scary, hot book to read for Halloween then Dark is the Night is definitely a good book to pick up. I’ll sure be thinking about this one tomorrow!

Happy Halloween! Whatch out for walking corpses and grisly ghouls and vampires. Unless, they’re really hot of course!! 

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(ps from Blodeuedd, I got this last weekend ;) But hey here it's All Saint's Day today so Happy Halloween works :)

And a note from Sourcebooks

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November: 5 British Babes for $1.99! 

11/01/2011 – 11/07/2011

Title: Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell
Newly single Tilly Cole impulsively moves to a small town, only to find she's arrived in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue, and rampant rivalry for the most desirable man—Jack Lucas, whose reputation is beyond bad.

Title: The Greatest Knight by Elisabeth Chadwick
William Marshal is plucked from obscurity when he saves the life of Henry II’s formidable queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In gratitude, she appoints him tutor to the heir to the throne.

Title: I am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick
Harold Godwinesson, the last Saxon King of England, is a respected, quick-witted man both vulnerable and strong, honorable and loving -- and yet, in the end, only human. After the political turmoil and battles leading up to 1066, we all know William the Conqueror takes England.

 Title: Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley
When a nice girl asks twelve men to get naked, it’s sure to cause a scandal... Emma Tremayne leaves her high-powered PR job and moves to the Lake District looking for peace, quiet—and celibacy. So perhaps it’s not the best idea when, in the spirit of “community-mindedness,” she agrees to help the local mountain rescue team fundraise by putting together a “tasteful” nude calendar.

Title: Mr. Darcy’s Diary by Amanda Grange
The only place Darcy could share his innermost feelings was in the private pages of his diary... Torn between his sense of duty to his family name and his growing passion for Elizabeth Bennet, all he can do is struggle not to fall in love.

Review: Vampires Rule - K.C.Blake

Series:  The Rule 1
Genre: YA UF
Pages: 247, ebook
Published: 2011
Review by Lis

They don't call him Jackpot for nothing. 

Jack has always beat the odds... at least until now. When he was attacked by a werewolf, vampires saved him. When he got tired of living the vampire life, another werewolf attack freed him, making him human again. Now Jack just wants to live a normal life, but what's normal about a hunter girlfriend, a brother who wants to stake him to be on the safe side, and a head werewolf building an army to rule the world? 

Judging from the many vampire books out there, we all know Vampires rule in some way or another. I recently had a discussion with a friend and it came to my attention that I know waaaaaaay too much about modern vampires than is probably good for me. So, I agree, Vampires Rule. 

However, that is not what this book is about. It’s about Jack Creed, a boy who was human, but turned into a vampire when his parents were killed about a werewolf and turned into something more than human when he’s attacked by a werewolf while trying to save a beautiful girl. Confusing yet? Nah, it’s not really, but it did have my head shaking back and forth. On top of that there is Jack’s not so little brother Billy who’s now a hunter out for revenge, who isn’t quite convinced that his brother’s not an animal blood sucking vampire anymore. 

While reading this book I was turn between liking it and condemning it, and I’m afraid I’m still somewhere stuck in between. It’s not a bad book to read – in fact it’s quite entertaining – but it also doesn’t have me sitting on the edge of my seat. 

Both Jack and Silver – the girl he rescues and with whom he has a great big destiny awaiting him – are likable characters. As are the brother and big evil baddy teacher sprouting poetry: Jersey Clifford. Jack is all about being the tortured vampire, much alike to Stephen from the Vampire Diaries. All he wants to be is normal and human. His character is fleshed out. Silver, I found, while likable was a little over the top. Sweet, tough and guiding, she and Jack do fit together. 

Lucky for us, the story is mostly angst free. Very unlike Twilight, for which I was happy. Though at points I found it a little too emotionally detached. However, that could just be me. 

So why didn’t I like it as much? Well, one of my major hang-ups with this book was the problem with most self-published books: lack of editor and spell and grammar checking. There were a lot and the book would have benefitted from a good check. 

My second problem was with the plot itself. It’s riddled with prophecy and destiny, which makes this much like the great fantasy novels: the great big evil which needs to be defeated. I found it was a bit too big for this book and the story would have benefitted from an easier start, because now there were all this holes which make the story unnecessarily complicated. 

Overall, this book wasn’t too bad and while it was not my werewolf on a full moon night, it might just be your bloodsucker in a crypt. So, while I didn’t like it as much, you just might.  

- Self-published. Bit problematic

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Note from Blodeuedd:

I am guest reviewing today over at Book Lovers Inc, come say hi :D
 The Girl on the Cliff by Lucinda Riley


Could a secret from 1914 end a century of heartache?


A tiny figure stands at the cliff edge - hair flying in the breeze. Grania Ryan is hypnotised by the enchanting vision, unaware this young girl, Aurora Lisle, will change her life in countless ways. For Grania is suffering and has returned to Ireland and the arms of her loving family, in the hope her wounds might heal.


As their paths begin to entwine, Grania's mother becomes deeply troubled … because almost a century of entanglement has brought nothing but terrible tragedy to their two families.


The past is set to repeat its sorrows. A suitcase hidden in the attic of a magnificent house in London during the First World War is where it all began, but could it now hold the key to ending the heartbreak that has beset the Lisles and the Ryans for so long?

Review: The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu - Michelle Franklin

Series: Haanta #1
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 185, ebook
Published: June 2011
Review by Lis

The Kingdom of Frewyn is being invaded  and at the forefront of the battle is Boudicca MacDaede, a First Captain in the Frewyn armed forces. Her regiment is charged with defending the borders between the two nations, but when Frewyn’s last line of defense falls, Captain MacDaede enlists the assistance of a Haanta, one of giants from the islands to the far north. Promising to free him from his imprisonment in exchange for his help, she gains his trust long enough for them to win the battle and save the Frewyn border from being breached. The giant’s freedom is granted, but Rautu cannot return home unless he redeems himself in the eyes of his people for his past transgressions. He is offered a place by the captain’s side, and together, they defeat the Galleisian forces and become the saviors of Frewyn.

One year later, King Alasdair Brennin takes the Frewyn throne, Boudicca is made commander, and Rautu is granted an invitation home. He is eager to return and see his brothers but finds it difficult to leave Frewyn without Boudicca at his side. Rautu invites the commander to the islands in hopes of finding a way for them to remain together, but when they arrive at the white shores of Sanhedhran, not everything goes as planned: one of the dangerous Haanta magi is freed, Rautu’s three brothers are strangely missing, and the neighboring nation of Thellis leads an attack on the islands.

Alrighty, remember my very first review here? Cattitude by Edie Ramer? Remember how I wrote that I would never have read this book if B. hadn’t ‘forced’ it on me? I just love to be proven wrong when it comes to books, covers and blurbs. It was vaguely similar with Michelle Franklin’s book Den Asaan. When I first read the title, I was: Oh hell! Now way no how! But I made myself read the blurb and I was strangely intrigued. So I said yes. And you guessed it, I was proved wrong. 

Despite the weird title, this is an exciting, intriguing romance story that starts when the borders of the Kingdom of Frewyn are attacked by the Galleisian army. Things don’t look good and First Captain Boudicca MacDaede knows she has to do something, so she enlists the help of captured giant – a Haanta – called Rautu, in exchange for his freedom. Things work out and invasion is averted. 

This is actually where the real story starts. Rautu doesn’t leave right away – as he needs to redeem himself first – and he sticks close to Boudicca, who is later promoted to commander. Rautu finds himself attracted to her and when he’s invited home, he finds he doesn’t want to leave her. So he invites her home with him. And that folks is where the story really starts, because all is not well at home and they find themselves in the midst of magic, adventure and mystery. 

There is quite some world building in this book. Combined with the author’s skill with words and language, make that she can pull this very ambitious story off. Not once does it fall short. I was very impressed with how this author wrote the world surrounding Rautu and Boudicca. There’s vivid imagery and at times I almost found myself walking beside them.  Quite a bit of thought went into this world, the people in it, culture, social behavior and the religion’s governing this world. 

The characters are awesome. Well worked out and strong, they have their own unique voice and quirks in this story. While a romance, they are their own persons. Lucky for me they didn’t fall of the typical cliché’s in romance either. 

I loved Rautu. He’s a giant, fierce and scares those he first meets. He very strongly believes in his own culture and that shows in his behavior to those he meets. In a way he reminded me of Conan the Barbarian a bit. Only more cultured! I loved his replies to Boudicca’s teasing! 

But I especially loved Boudicca. She is so not your typical lovely, well-shaped – with curves in all the right places – romance woman.  But she is a warrior and that earns her the respect of not only Rautu but also her peers. 

As you may have guessed, I liked reading Den Asaan. While I most likely never would have picked this book up for myself, I’m very glad I got to review it. It’s a book I can very much recommend to you! 

Review: Born of Tyranny: Port of Errors - Steve V.Cypert

Series: Born of Tyranny #1
Genre: Historical fiction/adventure
Pages: 249
Published: May 2011
Review by Lis

Black-Hearted is the most feared pirate on the Eastern Atlantic seas. Captain Daniel Stirvin is the most revered and courageous captain in the Queen's Royal Navy. As Black-Hearted and Captain Stirvin get closer to the inevitable battle that will leave only one man standing, a past is uncovered that will leave both men regretting the unseen outcome. With love, brotherhood, loyalty and betrayal, Port of Errors is an epic adventure that doesn't stop moving.

Ahoy, me mateys!! Set yourself down for a tale of friendship, betrayal, heroicy…and pirates. Yes, I said pirates! Don’t we love them all? When B. send this request over, I just couldn’t refuse. 

Port of Errors is the first book in the Born of Tyranny series. It’s the story of Davey and Joseph, two friends who are thicker than thieves and closer than brothers. They strike up a friendship when they meet as young boys in an orphanage. Tragedy soon strikes and they are separated. For Davey and Joseph, however, it’s not out of sight, out of mind. As they grow up, they never forgot about each other. They grow very different from each other, though, and face very different challenges. 

Joseph is adopted and renamed Daniel. He grows up to become a Captain in the Navey. Davey isn’t so lucky and he becomes the dreaded pirate Black hearted, feared by all. 

Can you guess where this is going? I bet you can, and it’s a very good read because of it. Even if it complex with the multitude of characters and flashbacks in the story. Especially so because when the orphans were sold off, many names were changed. So you have to keep your focus with this story. However, it didn’t bother me as it was nicely done. 

It did put in question as to the audience of this story. According to Smashwords its intended audience are young adult readers, but reading Port of Error I found it to be more for either advanced readers or adult readers. It could be both, but there is a lot of violence in the story as well that made me question it. Then again, I was 14 when I started reading adult Vietnam war fiction. Sometimes books will attract the right audience. 

Both Davey and Joseph are likable characters. They are well thought out and have a solid place in the story. Many of the other characters lacked this, depending on their role in the story. Some just made a short appearance while others were recurring. They are fillers as well as part of the story, but they aren’t rounded.

I enjoyed reading this pirate story, but there was one thing that bothered me immensely and that were the spelling and grammatical errors. There were quite a few and it made me doubt if this book was edited or spell proofed. In theory is story is an awesome read, but so many errors put a bit of strain on the story. It made it sloppy. 

All in all, I can really recommend Port of Errors and I look forward to the next book! 

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Note from B:
Here it finally is, my flash fiction for this week! And to make up for not posting last week I did my best to be my dark sunny self ;) You will see

Review: Odessa - Rebecca Ryals Russell

Series: The Serphym Wars #1
Genre: Steampunk/fantasy
Pages: 272, ebook
Published: 2011
Source: for review
Review by Lis

Myrna Ashlin Watts graduated from High School in Jacksonville, Fl just in time to find herself transported to a bizarre and primal planet corrupted by demon-dragons. And they want her DEAD. Her problem is she has been recruited to kill them, too.18-year-old Myrna is drawn into the middle of an epic battle between Seraphym and Demons. An average High School student from Florida, struggling with inner demons resulting from a rape two years earlier, she wakes one morning on the Steampunk planet of Dracwald, home of the demon-dragons responsible for her brother’s recent murder as well as many other atrocities in the news. She meets Michael, who becomes her guide and explains that according to prophecy, Myrna must gather the remaining six Vigorios (teen warriors with special talents) then train with the Majikals on an enchanted island.

Reluctantly, and knowing it is her only way to get back home, she agrees to lead, battling dragons and monsters while crossing swamps and mountains, forests and seas. She wrangles with the old inner demons when three very different men join her quest—a seasoned demon/dragon-slayer who irritates but beguiles her, a tender and sweet mentor in whom she trusts completely and a roguishly handsome Scientist who sets her senses aflame. How is she expected to lead the others and keep everyone safe with so much inner turmoil?

High school graduation is supposed to be the end of a period and the start of a new one. Well, Myrna’s is just a tad bit more unusual than most. She just graduated high school in Jacksonville only the find herself on the bizarre, steam-punk like primal planet of Dracworld. 

Oh yeah, did I mention there are dragons? Oh and Seraphyms. 

When I first got this book to review, I didn’t read past Steam Punk before I said yes. Heh, I may have mentioned I like Steam Punk before, right? While this book certainly didn’t disappoint, it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea either. 

Odessa is an ambitious piece of work that has a little bit of everything in it: from Steam Punk to Fantasy, from Religion to Romance. And some hunks! It is the story of sweet, strong Myrna; who, along with some demon dragons, has her own inner demons to slay. When she is transported to Dracworld, fate bitchslaps her with a great big destiny and a bit of prophecy: she is to find the remaining six Vigorios – that would be teen warriors with special talents – and train with them on an enchanted island (I want one of those!)

Fantasy is a big theme in Odessa and as such there is a lot of world building. You get to see the planet through Myrna’s eyes as well as a lot of history. Let me tell you, it’s a dark, disturbing and violent place to be. There are also a lot of creatures in this story and along with the characters they make this story pretty interesting. However, at points it was hard to follow. Not so much as in what was going on, just that there is a lot going on. 

As there are a lot of characters, besides Myrna, it was sometimes a bit hard to keep track of who’s who and who was leading in the story. But that also could have been me, ‘cause I was pretty tired at the time I read this. 

Odessa is a likeable first installment. It’s a pretty ambitious project. However, what didn’t work for me – but let me stress that this is a personal hang-up – were the Christian undertones in the story. There are a lot of themes going on here and Christianity and other religions have played many a part in fantasy stories – but in this one it didn’t quite work for me. Steam Punk and Fantasy, yes, Steam Punk, Fantasy and Religion, not so much. Add to that the Seraphyms – who are becoming a big thing in the fantasy world – and well it had me rolling my eyes at time. 

But don’t let that pull you off. Myrna’s story is a good one to tell and to read. 

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From Blodeuedd:

My flash for this week

Review: Eromenos - Melanie J. McDonald *Blog Tour*

Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 176
Published: March 2011
Publisher: Seriously good books
Source: Blog tour
Review by Lis

Eros and Thanatos converge in the story of a glorious youth, an untimely death, and an imperial love affair that gives rise to the last pagan god of antiquity. In this coming-of-age novel set in the second century AD, Antinous of Bithynia, a Greek youth from Asia Minor, recounts his seven-year affair with Hadrian, fourteenth emperor of Rome. In a partnership more intimate than Hadrian's sanctioned political marriage to Sabina, Antinous captivates the most powerful ruler on earth both in life and after death. This version of the affair between the emperor and his beloved ephebe vindicates the youth scorned by early Christian church fathers as a "shameless and scandalous boy" and "sordid and loathsome instrument of his master's lust." EROMENOS envisions the personal history of the young man who achieved apotheosis as a pagan god of antiquity, whose cult of worship lasted for hundreds of years—far longer than the cult of the emperor Hadrian.

In EROMENOS, the young man Antinous, whose beautiful image still may be found in works of art in museums around the world, finds a voice of his own at last.

**be warned: this review contains spoilers**

Melanie McDonald sent me a copy of her book Eromenos – which is Greek for beloved – for review and it’s actually the first m/m book to review for B.’s blog, though it’s not what you think. Eromenos is not the romantic man meets man and instant love ensues between two hot men. Far from it actually, though that didn’t make this book any less good. In fact, this is one hell of a good book with a lot of depth.

Eromenos is the first person fictional journal account of Antonious, a youth from Asia Minor on his relationship with Emperor Hadrian just hours before his death. It’s a story that sticks, that’s for sure. Antonious describes his youth and how he came to meet the Emperor to how he became Hadrian’s favorite to his lover. He accompanied Hadrian on his travels and went everywhere Hadrian went. 

On the surface this is an account of Antonious life. Just below the surface lies the story of a youth searching for his identity who he is and who he will be. Antonious grew up in the country and this defines how he sees the world and people. Because of the erastes/eromenos role between Hadrian and him people already see him as different, but he is also Hadrian’s favorite a position many desire. As a result he keeps himself apart from the rest of the court. His views on people and the world around him are very interesting to read. He’s also very detached from them. It’s almost as if he’s writing a scientific account on the people around him. 

Because this story is journal style, you don’t get much from Hadrian’s pov, you only view the emperor through Antonious’ eyes. This part was a bit frustration for me, because you never really know how Hadrian feels about Antonious. Though Antonious is a very insightful person and as a result you get a good view of Hadrian. One of the sad parts of this story is that Antonious thinks Hadrian never completely trusts him because Hadrian doesn’t have a firm grasps of what love is. Yet, I believe he was mistaken in that view. 

Antonious’ story is based on truth. His story has captivated historians through the ages. He really was Hadrian’s favorite and his lover and his death has been a riddle through the ages. Some say it was suicide because his relationship with Hadrian could not continue past his adulthood and something this book builds; others say it was an accident or even sacrifice. Hadrian simply said he fell overboard, which is entirely possible, but it something that will remain a mystery forever. 

The relationship between Hadrian and Antonious is not exactly equal. Hadrian is a man who likes to take and control. Their relationship is not exactly romantic, but there is something – if not love – between the two. Historically accounts tell of how distraught Hadrian was after Antonious death and how he grieved. Antonious was actually deified – same as Alexander did after Hephaistion’s death - and Hadrian created a city after his death. There were many busts and medals created in Antonious likeness. 

The story of Antonious is fascinating. Not only historically but also in this story. The writing is superb, skilful and rich. It’s a beautifully crafted story that has many levels, thoughts and philosophy. Melanie McDonald did an excellent job on writing Antonious story in Eromenos. It is most definitely a story I’d recommend, though you would have to like this sort of story. It deals with an erastes/eromenos relationship, which means it is a relationship between an older man and a young boy – and Antonious is young at the start of the relationship. Though there is nothing explicit it is hinted at. 

As said, the story is written journal style and divided into four parts: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. You’d have to like this style of writing. Though it’s most definitely worth it. I was glad I got the chance to review this book.  

There is much I could tell you about this book. There is a lot of depth into. As said it’s not merely an account of Antonious life. There are many layers and you have to delve into them to really understand Antonious and what he’s trying to say. So all I have to say is: this is a must read book! *hides tissues*

TOUR LINKS:

Facebook page:  

Link to Tour Schedule 

Twitter Event Hashtag = #EromenosVirtualBookTour

For more information on Melanie McDonald please visit her WEBSITE. 

Review: We, Robots - Sue Lange

Genre: Sci-fi

Pages: 96 (ebook)

Published: 2010 (2007)

Source: For review

Review by Lis

Avey, a personal robot purchased as a companion for a child must learn how to think like a human.

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Time for something entirely different. When B. fist send me the request for Sue Lange’s We, Robots I was expecting something entirely different than what I got. I expected more or less a light YA book, what I got was a fascinating in depth SF story that left my mind boggling. I can hear you thinking: Lis, what are you talking about?

Well, we’re talking robots today. Artificial Intelligence to be precise. We, Robots is the story of AV-1 are Avey, a AI Robot made to be a sort of nanny. He’s bought by Dal and Chit to look after their daughter Angelina. This is a time where robots are available in Wal Mart. Very scary. At first the story is very emotionless or static as Avey doesn’t have feelings or emotions.

However, this story settles around the notion of Singularity. Now singularity is a complex notion and even after reading this story, I’m not sure I understand it all. What it comes down to is this: singularity is the point where artificial intelligence becomes greater and thus surpasses human intelligence. It would be the point that AI’s no longer need humans for their creation. It is also linked to humanity shedding it’s mortal skin, but I’m not entirely sure on that. However, it’s the point that is feared by humans because it could mean that robot could turn on their creators.

Yes, I can hear you thinking. Humans are the top dogs and it never bodes well for when they are not. Thus, a chip is introduced that cause the robots to feel pain and a range of emotions so they can be controlled by humans.

It’s also the turning point in the story, because once you give something feelings it clouds the rational mind. I mean I so do not want to be recycled and I can understand robots not longer want that either.

All the events in this story are told from Avey’s POV. Suddenly he’s not longer just a nanny robot. He’s got all these feelings to deal with. The story is old as he watches Angelina grow up.

Avey is one cool, sweet, witty robot. He’s very sweet and caring and it’s very hard not to like him. At the end of the story there’s a spin that I think you’ll like.

We, Robots is very much the story that deal with injustice (let’s face it, we humans are cruel) and is told from the oppressed’ side. After reading this, I hated being human.

All in all We, Robots is not an easy Sci-Fi story to read. It’s very interesting because it also deals in “what if’s” What if the future is like this. What if we become like this. What if.. But at the same time it’s hard not to like Avey and his story. While an unlikely read for me, I’m glad I got the chance to read this.

Review: Where Demons Fear to Tread - Stephanie Chong

Series: The Company of Angels 1
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 358
Published: August 23rd 2011
Publisher: Mira
Source: For review
Review by Lis

Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure–seeking humans. He won't release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager…
After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again. Yet this sexy–sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries–old feelings. Now, their high–stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell.or a deliciously hot heaven.

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What’s up with Angels and Demons? It’s are a rising trend in romance books just as vampires and werewolves once were. It’s a bit scary to tell you the truth. I grew up on stories of myth, legends and stories from the bible where Angels and Demons are divine and devilish creatures. Especially Angels are glorious, divine, mystical and powerful creatures. It seems weird to humanize them and put them in romance books. At least, it seems to me. Alright, enough of my rambling. Can you guess what this story is about?

Where Demons Fear to Tread is the story of Serena who is new addition to the company of Angels (you can see heaven as one big celestial company), Julian, an Archdemon, and to an extend Nick, Serena’s ward. This is where the story begins, because Nick is Hollywood’s latest bad boy and partying hard while Serena tries to watch over him and teach him yoga to get him straightened out. This is apparently not an  easy feat and it’s proven when Nick parties in Julian’s latest soul ensnaring club. Serena follows and BAM, Julian sees a new project. In fact, Julian is quite taken with Serena. And it’s: let the games begin. The price? Souls. 

While this story is not at all bad, it was hard for me to like the character of Serena. The author created a typical black and white story where angels are the good guys and demons the bad guys. It’s only later in the story where the lines blur, but more on that later. Serena is your typical sweet, selfless and self-sacrificing Angel who believes in love. She seems too naïve to me. Almost as if she doesn’t know anything about the world. But she believes in her ideals. 

Julian on the other hand is a victim of circumstance and your archetypal bad boy. He’s been around the block a time or two and knows what’s out there. He’s jaded and burned by love. Yet, Serena’s light shines so brightly that he’s attracted to it and will do anything to have her… 

There is another important character in this book and that’s Serena’s ward, Nick. In a way he’s the foil for Julian. Julian is fiercely independent and makes his own choices and knows exactly what he’s doing. He doesn’t care who he breaks, who he hurts or what he takes as long as he comes out on top. Nick is the opposite. Sensitive and sweet and very ignorant, he feels misunderstood by his divorced parents and will do anything to get their attention. He believes the only right thing in his world in Serena. While trying to get everyone’s attention, Nick makes all the wrong choices. And where Julian moves towards redemption, Nick moves towards damnation. 

Where Demons Fear to Tread is also a story of redemption. In this case that of Julian through Serena. There are several more themes in this story, one among them is choices. Everything is a choice you can make. While I like that, it clashes with the black and white view of angels and demons, good and bad that the author portrays in this story. 

To me the view of Angels and Demons in this story was kept very simple. Both the Angels as the Demons portray very human characteristics. In fact, both Julian as Serena live among humans and Serena even owns a yoga studio. It feels weird and unlike what we know of them in the first place. It also made me wonder how it works, because if everyone upon death either becomes a demon or an angel… where do they put everyone. Doesn’t the world get crowded?

While Where Demons Fear to Tread is not essentially a bad one, you have to like it to love it. It left me mostly feeling annoyed with a need to kick Serena hard and thump Nick on the head and tell him to: grow up. Julian is deliciously evil, just the right amount of evil to still keep him likable. 

So if you love a sweet romance between an Angel and a Demon, than this is the book for you! 

Review: After Eden - Katherine Pine

Series: Fallen Angels 1

Genre: Paranormal romance YA

Pages:

Published: April 2011

Source: For review

Review by Lis

Devi knows she shouldn't trust the new employee at her favorite used bookstore. Sure, he's funny, smart and hands down the sexiest guy she's ever met, but something dark lurks behind his unassuming smile and sinful green eyes.

Still, a girl can't always afford to be picky. When an angel abducts your twin brother it should come as no surprise that the one person who can help you get him back is a demon--and only if you're willing to pay his price.

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Grrrrrr! That’s what I thought for most of this book. That and I wanted to shake some sense into the main character Devi. Girl, grow a pair! As you all know, characters sometimes are just like real people to me and I like my characters strong or written in such a way that their behavior is believable. Well, this story just left me a little annoyed after reading it and thinking of Bella from Twilight. While this story was most definitely not my cup of tea, it might just be what you are looking for. Curious about my ranting yet?

After Eden is the story of Devi, which starts the day she walks into a used bookstore. While there she gets a seizure but is rescued by the very handsome, but very mysterious new owner: Oz. So long has he touches her, she’s seizure free. Of course, this is the perfect opportunity to ask someone out, which Oz does. Okay, well, they go to dinner and Oz walks Devi home.

That’s actually where the real story starts, ‘cause once home the demon Forneus pops in to kidnap her and take her to the Prince of Hell. Well, that’s certainly some home coming. Luckily for Devi, there’s Oz. Did I mention that Oz is an Angel? No? Well… there ya go!

Can you feel the other shoe falling yet? Uhuh. Angels and demons. A very popular theme in young adult stories these days. There certainly are some interesting views on heaven and hell, angels and demons and devils in this story. You sure have to like this theme to love it. Personally I have no problem with demons, but angels and heaven/religion are subjects I rather not always touch in story. Especially with a whiny character that leans on a man too much.

After Eden is very much a character-driven story. There are looooooooooooooooooooong conversations in this story and that pushes the action to the background a bit. Have I mentioned I’m an impatient woman? While some of these conversations where most definitely needed, some were too long and overdrawn, jumping from one topic to the other.

To me this story would have benefitted from a good editor, because my other issue is: originally I thought this would be about Devi who searched for her missing brother. While the theme/topic is certainly around, it gets lost in the story sometimes. After Eden focuses on too many things, which makes this a complicated read. There is no real balance between the world building and the plot.

After Eden is certainly not a bad read and there are some who will really like this book. It would have been nice to see Devi grow a little in the story and maybe finding a backbone along the way and Oz being a little less overprotective. But if you like Angels and Demons, with some sweet characters than this book is for you!

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Note from Blodeuedd:

Flash fiction  HERE

Review: Treasure Me - Christine Nolfi

Genre: Contemporary romance /mystery
Pages: 415 (ebook)
Published: April 2011
Source: For review
Review by Lis

Birdie Kaminsky has arrived in Liberty, Ohio to steal a treasure hidden since the Civil War. She’s in possession of a charming clue passed down in her family for generations: Liberty safeguards the cherished heart. The beautiful thief wants to go straight. She secretly admires the clue’s author, freedwoman Justice Postell, who rose above the horrors of slavery to build a new life in Ohio. According to family lore, Justice left South Carolina at the dawn of the Civil War. Heavy with child, she carried untold riches on her journey north. As Birdie searches for the treasure, she begins to believe a questionable part of the story: a tale of love between Justice and Lucas Postell, the French plantation owner who was Birdie’s ancestor.

If the stories are true, Justice bore a child with Lucas. Some of those black relatives might still live in town. Birdie can’t help but wonder if she’s found one—Liberty’s feisty matriarch, Theodora Hendricks, who packs a pistol and heartwarming stories about Justice. Birdie doesn’t know that an investigative reporter who has arrived in town will trip her up—as will her conscience when she begins to wonder if it’s possible to start a new life with stolen riches. Yet with each new clue she unearths, Birdie begins to discover a family history more precious than gems, a tradition of love richer than she could imagine.

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Alright, when I first got this book, I made two observations: 

1. This book has the worst cover I’ve seen in a while for a romance book

2. Damn, this story sure is long (fortunately that wasn’t a bad thing)

The title for this story has a double meaning. It’s not only about our main character seeking a long lost treasure, it’s also about seeking love and acceptance. But let’s start at the beginning. 

Treasure me is the story of Birdie Kaminsky – a petty, small time thief – who’s come to Liberty, Ohio to liberate a treasure dating back to the Civil War. Only this is not like her usual cases. For one, she’s linked to the treasure by way of ancestry and this is supposed to be her last case, ‘cause Birdie is quitting. Oh and she gets more than she’s bargained for when she meets reporter Hugh!

Overall Treasure Me is a sweet story with bits of far-fetched fiction in it. It settles around the theme of a hidden treasure that was given by a plantation owner to a slave he loved at the time of the Civil War While romantic and sweet, I found it a bit over the top. I liked Birdie and Hugh’s story a lot better. They are both interesting characters with a story to tell. 

Hugh is a reporter who sniffed out a story in Liberty and he’s a perfect match for Birdie in every way. Only where she’s a well-developed and round character, Hugh gets the raw end of the deal. His characterization left a lot to be desired for. It was almost as if the author assumed we already knew Hugh. 

Birdie is a nice character who had a troubled youth. At the beginning of the book it’s hard to sympathize with her because she’s picking pockets, plus it takes a while for the story to pick up. Though you get her story it’s nevertheless not easy to like her – it’s hard for me to understand that she thinks there’s no other way – but the author makes it work. Especially with the help of the support cast!

Boy did I ever like Theodora. She doesn’t let anything or anyone get the drop on her. She is one fierce woman. In a way she’s the opposite of Birdy. 

I liked how the family histories mingle throughout the story as well. 

All in all it’s not an easy read, as it is long, but in the end it’s worth it! It has mystery, romance, treasure hunts, what more do you want? 

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Note from Blodeuedd:

Flash fiction to come later,  I have not written it yet  EDIT HERE