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Hellfire and Handbaskets
A Time Traveler's Journey
Kathryn Hills
2019 Honorable Mention
224 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Hellfire and Handbaskets: A Time Traveler's Journey by Kathryn Hills is a stimulating mix of romance and time travel, with an interesting focus on the emotional development of the characters. Rick Hauser is an ER doctor who suffers from PTSD. He has been a combat medic and has seen the worst of humanity’s misery — so he thinks! But when Amelia Pennington, a blue-eyed, charming woman walks in and asks for his help, her beauty gets the better of him.
Rick doesn’t know then that Amelia Pennington had always wanted to be a doctor, but it seemed like society, including her mother, had conspired to make that dream impossible. She is a medical student running from a crazy man, running from the oppressive society of Boston, 1895, thanks to the rune stones that allow her to travel through time. While Rick would rather have nothing to do with a woman at this time, he can’t ignore it when he finds Amelia again sleeping on a doorstep. The attraction between the two is strong. But can Amelia leave her life back in 1895 in Boston and will Rick risk everything for this mysterious woman?
Kathryn Hills has crafted a spellbinding romance with characters that are rich and believable. Amelia’s background is well explored and it is one of the elements that make the conflict strong. She comes from a family that has many problems, including the illness that afflicted her mother, and an evil man determined to make her life a living hell. Rick is a genuinely flawed character, a man haunted by his past and a character that readers feel sympathy for. The plot is cunningly done and the prose delightful. It is interesting how the language changes, even the dialogues in the 1895 setting. The pacing is fast, and the emotional aspect of the conflict is strong enough to keep readers utterly engaged. Hellfire and Handbaskets: A Time Traveler's Journey is a great achievement and literary entertainment that will certainly delight many fans of time travel and romance stories.
Hellfire and Handbaskets: A Time Traveler's Journey by Kathryn Hills is a stimulating mix of romance and time travel, with an interesting focus on the emotional development of the characters. Rick Hauser is an ER doctor who suffers from PTSD. He has been a combat medic and has seen the worst of humanity’s misery — so he thinks! But when Amelia Pennington, a blue-eyed, charming woman walks in and asks for his help, her beauty gets the better of him.
Rick doesn’t know then that Amelia Pennington had always wanted to be a doctor, but it seemed like society, including her mother, had conspired to make that dream impossible. She is a medical student running from a crazy man, running from the oppressive society of Boston, 1895, thanks to the rune stones that allow her to travel through time. While Rick would rather have nothing to do with a woman at this time, he can’t ignore it when he finds Amelia again sleeping on a doorstep. The attraction between the two is strong. But can Amelia leave her life back in 1895 in Boston and will Rick risk everything for this mysterious woman?
Kathryn Hills has crafted a spellbinding romance with characters that are rich and believable. Amelia’s background is well explored and it is one of the elements that make the conflict strong. She comes from a family that has many problems, including the illness that afflicted her mother, and an evil man determined to make her life a living hell. Rick is a genuinely flawed character, a man haunted by his past and a character that readers feel sympathy for. The plot is cunningly done and the prose delightful. It is interesting how the language changes, even the dialogues in the 1895 setting. The pacing is fast, and the emotional aspect of the conflict is strong enough to keep readers utterly engaged. Hellfire and Handbaskets: A Time Traveler's Journey is a great achievement and literary entertainment that will certainly delight many fans of time travel and romance stories.
Recommend this book:
Genesis
The Infinity Series Book 2
Bellamy Westbay
2019 Bronze Medal
412 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Genesis is a work of paranormal romance by author Bellamy Westbay, and the second book in The Infinity Series. In the first book of the series, heroine Gwen found herself torn between her hardworking friend Ky, who has nothing, and the powerful Alexander who turns out to be an angel that is several thousand years old. In the first book, Alexander knew his destiny but loved Gwen anyway, and now the story continues as the love of his life lies dying. Now we follow Alexander as he races against the clock to save her, searching the universe for the gatekeepers who hide the cure. If it means betraying his God, then Alexander will still do it, or die trying.
Bellamy Westbay knows how to write a compelling romance. The intricate plot of the interpersonal lives of the main characters really adds to the spice and intrigue of the romantic plot and, though there’s not a great deal of romance for Alexander in this book because he assumes the hero role, he still has steam coming off him on every page. The light fantasy concepts of angels and gods were really interesting and added great background and flavor to the romantic plot, and as Alexander’s adventure builds and he travels around, those elements really come to the fore and make for a great adventure. Overall, Genesis: The Infinity Series Volume 2 is a highly recommended read for fantasy and paranormal romance fans looking for their next crush and their next OTP.
Genesis is a work of paranormal romance by author Bellamy Westbay, and the second book in The Infinity Series. In the first book of the series, heroine Gwen found herself torn between her hardworking friend Ky, who has nothing, and the powerful Alexander who turns out to be an angel that is several thousand years old. In the first book, Alexander knew his destiny but loved Gwen anyway, and now the story continues as the love of his life lies dying. Now we follow Alexander as he races against the clock to save her, searching the universe for the gatekeepers who hide the cure. If it means betraying his God, then Alexander will still do it, or die trying.
Bellamy Westbay knows how to write a compelling romance. The intricate plot of the interpersonal lives of the main characters really adds to the spice and intrigue of the romantic plot and, though there’s not a great deal of romance for Alexander in this book because he assumes the hero role, he still has steam coming off him on every page. The light fantasy concepts of angels and gods were really interesting and added great background and flavor to the romantic plot, and as Alexander’s adventure builds and he travels around, those elements really come to the fore and make for a great adventure. Overall, Genesis: The Infinity Series Volume 2 is a highly recommended read for fantasy and paranormal romance fans looking for their next crush and their next OTP.
Recommend this book:
 Thalestris tracking a wounded puma with her friend, doctor, and teacher Jax Nickius. Nya is the last descendant of the first Amazon Queen Oretta, people that are now called the Scythians. Time is fast a...){kind=link}
The Scythian Trials
Elizabeth Isaacs
2019 Silver Medal
372 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite
The Scythian Trials by Elizabeth Isaacs is a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy sci-fi story with a romantic flair. The story begins with Anya (Nya) Thalestris tracking a wounded puma with her friend, doctor, and teacher Jax Nickius. Nya is the last descendant of the first Amazon Queen Oretta, people that are now called the Scythians. Time is fast approaching for their trials in choosing their mates. Nya is not thrilled with the idea. When she was young she had a friend in Ireland named Penn that her parents disapproved of right from the beginning, so they continued their friendship in a hidden fort. When they were finally found out, her parents took her far away back to their home. Once the trials begin, males are vying for Nya's hand by competing against each other to see who will be her equal. She learns of an unexpected suitor and runs away, only to be kidnapped.
Isaacs does an impeccable job of creating an ancient culture that predates the bronze age that is for the most part still thriving, although not as secret as in a modern day world. Isaacs's epic story is loaded with very real heroes, rivals, and sinister villains from both sides. In between the martial arts and combat scenes, there are moments of intimacy and genuine friendships among rivals. At the center of it all is the most sought-after mate; headstrong and rebellious Nya. I was really impressed with the author's writing style, her knowledge of technology, weapons, and martial arts. This story captures the reader from the get-go, and from then on the pages fly by. Especially when Nya is missing, and her royal bloodline is in jeopardy. I was entertained on all levels with Elizabeth Isaacs's magnificently crafted The Scythian Trials. Brava!
The Scythian Trials by Elizabeth Isaacs is a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy sci-fi story with a romantic flair. The story begins with Anya (Nya) Thalestris tracking a wounded puma with her friend, doctor, and teacher Jax Nickius. Nya is the last descendant of the first Amazon Queen Oretta, people that are now called the Scythians. Time is fast approaching for their trials in choosing their mates. Nya is not thrilled with the idea. When she was young she had a friend in Ireland named Penn that her parents disapproved of right from the beginning, so they continued their friendship in a hidden fort. When they were finally found out, her parents took her far away back to their home. Once the trials begin, males are vying for Nya's hand by competing against each other to see who will be her equal. She learns of an unexpected suitor and runs away, only to be kidnapped.
Isaacs does an impeccable job of creating an ancient culture that predates the bronze age that is for the most part still thriving, although not as secret as in a modern day world. Isaacs's epic story is loaded with very real heroes, rivals, and sinister villains from both sides. In between the martial arts and combat scenes, there are moments of intimacy and genuine friendships among rivals. At the center of it all is the most sought-after mate; headstrong and rebellious Nya. I was really impressed with the author's writing style, her knowledge of technology, weapons, and martial arts. This story captures the reader from the get-go, and from then on the pages fly by. Especially when Nya is missing, and her royal bloodline is in jeopardy. I was entertained on all levels with Elizabeth Isaacs's magnificently crafted The Scythian Trials. Brava!
Recommend this book:
Dark Opius
Watchtower (Cursed Angel Collection)
Muffy Wilson and Dariel Raye
2019 Gold Medal
312 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Dark Opius is an exciting and highly accomplished work of fantasy fiction by co-authors Muffy Wilson and Dariel Raye. Part of the Watchtower Cursed Angel Collection, the themes of Heaven, Hell and Earth intertwine with love, adventure, battle and faith in this epic standalone story. Our central hero is the angel Gabriel, whose world and mission are thrown into disarray when his charge, Helen, loses her husband in an evil deed committed by the demon Asmodeus. Gabriel goes against the wishes of God to interrupt proceedings and help Helen, but in doing so he sets off a chain of events that will change him and the fate of all worlds forever.
The most intriguing thing about this highly compelling novel is the experiences of Gabriel on Earth, as he learns more about the power of human emotions than he ever thought possible. There is something striking about the first times he undergoes, endearing readers to him as, literally, all Hell breaks loose around him. The descriptions are of equally high quality, giving cinematic imagery of epic creatures and dangerous beasts, as well as strong character development in Gabriel and his love interest, Narsaé, the more that the story goes on. Plot-wise, the threads come together beautifully as more and more events take us towards the startling and brilliant conclusion, and all the while Gabriel’s inner narrative and his emotional battle add a poignant, deeper level to the action. Overall, co-authors Muffy Wilson and Dariel Raye have created a masterpiece in Dark Opius which is not to be missed.
Dark Opius is an exciting and highly accomplished work of fantasy fiction by co-authors Muffy Wilson and Dariel Raye. Part of the Watchtower Cursed Angel Collection, the themes of Heaven, Hell and Earth intertwine with love, adventure, battle and faith in this epic standalone story. Our central hero is the angel Gabriel, whose world and mission are thrown into disarray when his charge, Helen, loses her husband in an evil deed committed by the demon Asmodeus. Gabriel goes against the wishes of God to interrupt proceedings and help Helen, but in doing so he sets off a chain of events that will change him and the fate of all worlds forever.
The most intriguing thing about this highly compelling novel is the experiences of Gabriel on Earth, as he learns more about the power of human emotions than he ever thought possible. There is something striking about the first times he undergoes, endearing readers to him as, literally, all Hell breaks loose around him. The descriptions are of equally high quality, giving cinematic imagery of epic creatures and dangerous beasts, as well as strong character development in Gabriel and his love interest, Narsaé, the more that the story goes on. Plot-wise, the threads come together beautifully as more and more events take us towards the startling and brilliant conclusion, and all the while Gabriel’s inner narrative and his emotional battle add a poignant, deeper level to the action. Overall, co-authors Muffy Wilson and Dariel Raye have created a masterpiece in Dark Opius which is not to be missed.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/pure-healing&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Pz7wbm9YL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Pure Healing" by Aja James is a paranormal romance. It is initially slightly confusing in that the book starts with Sophia, the Queen of the Pure Ones, as the narrator but she soon becomes a secondary figure as the rest of the book focuses mainly on the relationship between Rain, the healer, and Valerius, an immortal Protector. There has been sexu...){kind=link}
Pure Healing
A Novel of The Pure Ones
Aja James
2018 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite
"Pure Healing" by Aja James is a paranormal romance. It is initially slightly confusing in that the book starts with Sophia, the Queen of the Pure Ones, as the narrator but she soon becomes a secondary figure as the rest of the book focuses mainly on the relationship between Rain, the healer, and Valerius, an immortal Protector. There has been sexual tension between them for over a decade but finally Valerius asks to become her consort and help regenerate her powers by allowing her to feed on his blood and his body. But he is not to fall in love with her. Valerius suffered brutality in the past and is full of self-doubt and is handicapped by his fear of intimacy. Rain also is constrained by her past but somehow between them they achieve fulfillment. The counter-plot runs alongside, centered on Sophia, a student at Harvard, who makes friends with the mysterious Ere, a teaching assistant, but you have to wonder if there is more to him than meets the eye. And in the background is an impending war between vampires and the Pure Ones. Vicious attacks by vampire assassins are taking place all too often.
This is a very intense, gritty book that really grips you. The author creates an intriguing yet overtly dangerous world. As with all series starters, there is quite a lot of groundwork to cover to set the scene for all the action that is to come, in this book and later ones. However, Aja James keeps the pace moving and keeps our appetites whetted. Plenty of questions are raised and issues touched on that are still to be resolved. In short, you’ll be hooked!
"Pure Healing" by Aja James is a paranormal romance. It is initially slightly confusing in that the book starts with Sophia, the Queen of the Pure Ones, as the narrator but she soon becomes a secondary figure as the rest of the book focuses mainly on the relationship between Rain, the healer, and Valerius, an immortal Protector. There has been sexual tension between them for over a decade but finally Valerius asks to become her consort and help regenerate her powers by allowing her to feed on his blood and his body. But he is not to fall in love with her. Valerius suffered brutality in the past and is full of self-doubt and is handicapped by his fear of intimacy. Rain also is constrained by her past but somehow between them they achieve fulfillment. The counter-plot runs alongside, centered on Sophia, a student at Harvard, who makes friends with the mysterious Ere, a teaching assistant, but you have to wonder if there is more to him than meets the eye. And in the background is an impending war between vampires and the Pure Ones. Vicious attacks by vampire assassins are taking place all too often.
This is a very intense, gritty book that really grips you. The author creates an intriguing yet overtly dangerous world. As with all series starters, there is quite a lot of groundwork to cover to set the scene for all the action that is to come, in this book and later ones. However, Aja James keeps the pace moving and keeps our appetites whetted. Plenty of questions are raised and issues touched on that are still to be resolved. In short, you’ll be hooked!
Recommend this book:
The Traitor's Bride
Keepers of Xereill Book 1
Alix Nichols
2018 Finalist
266 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Traitor's Bride by Alix Nichols is the first book in the science fiction romance series, Keepers of Xereill. Convicted without a trial for cowardice and sedition - a heavy and improbable transgression for one who previously has had praise lavished upon him as a hero - Lord Areg Sebi is publicly whipped to the roaring delight of an overly enthusiastic crowd. But there are a handful who are disgusted by the display, and one of them is Etana Tidryn, a female with the ability to potentially save his life. Whether or not she's willing to take the risk and has the courage to elevate herself from her lowly status in a caste of latent untouchables is another matter altogether.
I'm still in this world and mulling over this tale despite having finished The Traitor's Bride some time ago. Alix Nichols is a powerhouse writer with descriptive scenes and world-building without the usual information dumps often found in the genre. It helps that the story has genuine, palpable, delicious sizzle to it, which is also exceptionally well done. As it's a part of a series I was prepared for the cliffhanger. What I wasn't prepared for was the scramble that ensued after finishing to jump into the next book immediately. Luckily, book two, The Commander's Captive, has already been released...so...as soon as my husband falls asleep... I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone looking for science fiction that delivers both the fantasia of a new world and the heat of a searing romance packed into one creative punch. This was an easy five-star rating for me as the story and writing are divine.
The Traitor's Bride by Alix Nichols is the first book in the science fiction romance series, Keepers of Xereill. Convicted without a trial for cowardice and sedition - a heavy and improbable transgression for one who previously has had praise lavished upon him as a hero - Lord Areg Sebi is publicly whipped to the roaring delight of an overly enthusiastic crowd. But there are a handful who are disgusted by the display, and one of them is Etana Tidryn, a female with the ability to potentially save his life. Whether or not she's willing to take the risk and has the courage to elevate herself from her lowly status in a caste of latent untouchables is another matter altogether.
I'm still in this world and mulling over this tale despite having finished The Traitor's Bride some time ago. Alix Nichols is a powerhouse writer with descriptive scenes and world-building without the usual information dumps often found in the genre. It helps that the story has genuine, palpable, delicious sizzle to it, which is also exceptionally well done. As it's a part of a series I was prepared for the cliffhanger. What I wasn't prepared for was the scramble that ensued after finishing to jump into the next book immediately. Luckily, book two, The Commander's Captive, has already been released...so...as soon as my husband falls asleep... I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone looking for science fiction that delivers both the fantasia of a new world and the heat of a searing romance packed into one creative punch. This was an easy five-star rating for me as the story and writing are divine.
Recommend this book:
Endohuman
Love Vs Duty
Nick Dream
2018 Honorable Mention
316 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
In Endohuman: Love Vs Duty by Nick Dream, 18-year-old Adam Vanolf was raised by his grandfather to be the protector of good against evil. His mission must be kept secret and placed above everything as he tries to fit into society and live a normal teenage life. His loyalty to the mission is tested by his teenage hormones, which could destroy everything his grandfather has been preparing him for his whole 18 years. This could put the entire human race in danger. However, everything he has been raised to believe comes under question when history repeats itself, leaving two teenagers missing and the whole town on edge. Adam is desperate to find his missing schoolmates, but will he be able to handle the revelation behind the kidnappings? Just when he thinks he now knows the truth, his whole world turns upside-down one more time, revealing yet again that things are not always as they seem. Will Adam be strong enough to place the mission above his personal desires? And, what is the actual truth about his mission anyway?
Endohuman: Love Vs Duty by Nick Dream is a truly captivating read that takes you inside the head of a teenage boy as he deals with battles no one his age, or even older, should have to deal with. You will be glued to the pages as you attempt to understand Adam's mission, how it all comes together, the ultimate role of all those around him in the mission, and how he balances it all with the challenges of teenage life and mortal society in general. The character development is fantastic and Adam's inner turmoil and emotional conflict as he tries to balance his Endohuman life and his life among the mortals are especially captivating to follow.
In Endohuman: Love Vs Duty by Nick Dream, 18-year-old Adam Vanolf was raised by his grandfather to be the protector of good against evil. His mission must be kept secret and placed above everything as he tries to fit into society and live a normal teenage life. His loyalty to the mission is tested by his teenage hormones, which could destroy everything his grandfather has been preparing him for his whole 18 years. This could put the entire human race in danger. However, everything he has been raised to believe comes under question when history repeats itself, leaving two teenagers missing and the whole town on edge. Adam is desperate to find his missing schoolmates, but will he be able to handle the revelation behind the kidnappings? Just when he thinks he now knows the truth, his whole world turns upside-down one more time, revealing yet again that things are not always as they seem. Will Adam be strong enough to place the mission above his personal desires? And, what is the actual truth about his mission anyway?
Endohuman: Love Vs Duty by Nick Dream is a truly captivating read that takes you inside the head of a teenage boy as he deals with battles no one his age, or even older, should have to deal with. You will be glued to the pages as you attempt to understand Adam's mission, how it all comes together, the ultimate role of all those around him in the mission, and how he balances it all with the challenges of teenage life and mortal society in general. The character development is fantastic and Adam's inner turmoil and emotional conflict as he tries to balance his Endohuman life and his life among the mortals are especially captivating to follow.
Recommend this book:
Wolf Hollow
Wolf Hollow Shifters, Book 1
Nikki Jefford
2018 Honorable Mention
415 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Wolf Hollow by Nikki Jefford is Book 1 of the Wolf Hollow Shifters Series, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Sasha, the alpha of the pack, is under huge pressure. As a pureblood, it is her duty to choose another pureblood to help repopulate the pack. Nobody is going to stand in her way – except for a half-breed. Tabor is half werewolf, half wizard, a dangerous mix in dangerous times. Magic is prohibited and to use his powers could mean being banished from the pack. Tabor is strong but, because of his heritage, he is left alone. He views the pack as being short-sighted, unwilling to bend the rules and Sasha is just the same. Or is she? Sasha is about to show the pack that she is nobody’s fool, raising her in Tabor’s estimation. Tabor would do anything for Sasha; he wants to claim her as his own and, although the purebloods are dying out, Sasha is struggling to deny her own attraction. Sasha has a fight on her hands – not just from the predators that are threatening her pack, but from the elders who won’t approve of a match with a half-breed. Will the heart rule or will she take the sensible route?
Wolf Hollow (Wolf Hollow Shifters Series Book 1) by Nikki Jefford is an interesting take on the werewolf genre. It has a dystopian feel to it and very strong characters. The only thing I struggled with was the lack of backstory; there was little to tell us how the pack got to the point where the story began. There are lots of twists and turns and plenty of action in this story. It felt at times like a typical love story, you could see where it was going, but then something would happen that threw a spanner in the works. There is a bit more to this story; although it is based on shifters, there are undercurrents of dealing with prejudice and hatred, alongside loyalty. There are a few scenes of nudity but nothing that would offend anyone. Overall, an enjoyable story, but I think there could have been a little more flesh to it – maybe the next book will shed some light?
Wolf Hollow by Nikki Jefford is Book 1 of the Wolf Hollow Shifters Series, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Sasha, the alpha of the pack, is under huge pressure. As a pureblood, it is her duty to choose another pureblood to help repopulate the pack. Nobody is going to stand in her way – except for a half-breed. Tabor is half werewolf, half wizard, a dangerous mix in dangerous times. Magic is prohibited and to use his powers could mean being banished from the pack. Tabor is strong but, because of his heritage, he is left alone. He views the pack as being short-sighted, unwilling to bend the rules and Sasha is just the same. Or is she? Sasha is about to show the pack that she is nobody’s fool, raising her in Tabor’s estimation. Tabor would do anything for Sasha; he wants to claim her as his own and, although the purebloods are dying out, Sasha is struggling to deny her own attraction. Sasha has a fight on her hands – not just from the predators that are threatening her pack, but from the elders who won’t approve of a match with a half-breed. Will the heart rule or will she take the sensible route?
Wolf Hollow (Wolf Hollow Shifters Series Book 1) by Nikki Jefford is an interesting take on the werewolf genre. It has a dystopian feel to it and very strong characters. The only thing I struggled with was the lack of backstory; there was little to tell us how the pack got to the point where the story began. There are lots of twists and turns and plenty of action in this story. It felt at times like a typical love story, you could see where it was going, but then something would happen that threw a spanner in the works. There is a bit more to this story; although it is based on shifters, there are undercurrents of dealing with prejudice and hatred, alongside loyalty. There are a few scenes of nudity but nothing that would offend anyone. Overall, an enjoyable story, but I think there could have been a little more flesh to it – maybe the next book will shed some light?
Recommend this book:
Dark Desires
A Novel of the Dark Ones (Pure/ Dark Ones Book 3)
Aja James
2018 Bronze Medal
313 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
If you want romance with characters that share strong chemistry, have depth, and are sophisticated, then the third book in the Dark Ones series, Dark Desires by Aja James, is what you need. But there is more to the story than the romance: you’ll find exciting elements of science fiction and aspects of fantasy that add to the excitement of the drama. The Dark Ones' hunter, Ryu Takamura, never misses a target and he is ruthless. That is until he meets Ava Monroe, a gifted geneticist who may have the key to transforming the future of the vampire race. The moment he sees her, he knows he’ll break his professional code — he can’t kill her. But is she the right woman for his life and how can he handle her, the demons of his past and the enemies they are about to make?
Dark Desires is gripping and captures the sensual aspects of the story in a style that unveils deep emotions in the characters and that makes the conflict very strong. A hardcore killer who is also a vampire can’t resist his overwhelming attraction to a mortal. He has every reason to kill Ava, because Ava has the power to create deadly mortals from his kind, or her knowledge can. Here is the premise that makes this story irresistible. It’s a feral, terrific romance that works for its satisfying ending. Readers get to love the pair — Ryu and Ava — and they want to see what becomes of the chemistry between the two. Aja James weaves scenes that are focused and emotionally charged, allowing readers to feel emotions of the characters. I loved the writing, the steam, the realism that permeates the story, and the pacing. The setting is something else altogether and it is enjoyable how the author brings together the different elements of the story to create a very sensual read.
If you want romance with characters that share strong chemistry, have depth, and are sophisticated, then the third book in the Dark Ones series, Dark Desires by Aja James, is what you need. But there is more to the story than the romance: you’ll find exciting elements of science fiction and aspects of fantasy that add to the excitement of the drama. The Dark Ones' hunter, Ryu Takamura, never misses a target and he is ruthless. That is until he meets Ava Monroe, a gifted geneticist who may have the key to transforming the future of the vampire race. The moment he sees her, he knows he’ll break his professional code — he can’t kill her. But is she the right woman for his life and how can he handle her, the demons of his past and the enemies they are about to make?
Dark Desires is gripping and captures the sensual aspects of the story in a style that unveils deep emotions in the characters and that makes the conflict very strong. A hardcore killer who is also a vampire can’t resist his overwhelming attraction to a mortal. He has every reason to kill Ava, because Ava has the power to create deadly mortals from his kind, or her knowledge can. Here is the premise that makes this story irresistible. It’s a feral, terrific romance that works for its satisfying ending. Readers get to love the pair — Ryu and Ava — and they want to see what becomes of the chemistry between the two. Aja James weaves scenes that are focused and emotionally charged, allowing readers to feel emotions of the characters. I loved the writing, the steam, the realism that permeates the story, and the pacing. The setting is something else altogether and it is enjoyable how the author brings together the different elements of the story to create a very sensual read.
Recommend this book:
Wet Kisses
A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance
Susan Griscom, Zodiac Shifters
2018 Silver Medal
158 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Wet Kisses: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance by Susan Griscom is a stupendous achievement that blends paranormal and romance in a setting that will blow the reader’s mind. There are great books out there and awesome books about shapeshifters, but this one just stands out in a unique way — the intriguing mystery, the suspense, the mesmerizing setting, the intricacies of the plot, and the exceptional characters. Imagine a dolphin shifter, but he has the fire of a dragon in him as well. It’s Adrian Marlowe, the handsome CEO of Waterscape’s underwater hotel. Reese Briden is a confident, beautiful woman with telekinesis abilities and she has just secured her dream job at the hotel, but the moment she sets eyes on her boss, she knows she wants him, wants him badly. The problem is she may know some things about Adrian, but she doesn’t know about the dragon. Will Adrian come out and reveal what he really is or bear the burden of the secret?
Susan Griscom isn’t just a great storyteller; she knows what it takes to make characters interesting and this means that she knows how to make readers see what drives her characters, the internal conflict that defines who they are. For the dolphin shifter, it’s this newfound ability to transform into a dragon. The problem is: Can he tame the dragon? The writing in this book is impeccably good and it greets the reader as they begin the story with vivid descriptions that make readers feel the setting and get clear images of both locations and the actions. The narrative is focused and suspenseful, and the characters come alive strongly; they are complex, three-dimensional, and hugely relatable. Wet Kisses: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance is likely to appeal not only to romance fans but to the hard-boiled paranormal crowd as well. You’ll love the dolphin and the dragon, but you’ll want to meet the shark, too.
Wet Kisses: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance by Susan Griscom is a stupendous achievement that blends paranormal and romance in a setting that will blow the reader’s mind. There are great books out there and awesome books about shapeshifters, but this one just stands out in a unique way — the intriguing mystery, the suspense, the mesmerizing setting, the intricacies of the plot, and the exceptional characters. Imagine a dolphin shifter, but he has the fire of a dragon in him as well. It’s Adrian Marlowe, the handsome CEO of Waterscape’s underwater hotel. Reese Briden is a confident, beautiful woman with telekinesis abilities and she has just secured her dream job at the hotel, but the moment she sets eyes on her boss, she knows she wants him, wants him badly. The problem is she may know some things about Adrian, but she doesn’t know about the dragon. Will Adrian come out and reveal what he really is or bear the burden of the secret?
Susan Griscom isn’t just a great storyteller; she knows what it takes to make characters interesting and this means that she knows how to make readers see what drives her characters, the internal conflict that defines who they are. For the dolphin shifter, it’s this newfound ability to transform into a dragon. The problem is: Can he tame the dragon? The writing in this book is impeccably good and it greets the reader as they begin the story with vivid descriptions that make readers feel the setting and get clear images of both locations and the actions. The narrative is focused and suspenseful, and the characters come alive strongly; they are complex, three-dimensional, and hugely relatable. Wet Kisses: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance is likely to appeal not only to romance fans but to the hard-boiled paranormal crowd as well. You’ll love the dolphin and the dragon, but you’ll want to meet the shark, too.
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