Knights of Stone: Bryce by Lisa Carlisle

November 3, 2016 By Leave a Comment

stone
Knights of Stone: Bryce by Lisa Carlisle
Highland Gargoyles Book 3
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (114 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

What happens when love interferes with plans, during the most unfortunate of times?

Choose the right one on proper consultation purchasing cialis online amerikabulteni.com with a doctor or pharmacist. With the availability of social media customers have found the medicines useful for their health by tablet sildenafil putting it second position among anti-impotent drugs. Nitric Oxide viagra india supplements are not banned by any sporting organizations and are considered health food supplements for users of both sexes and all ages. Reproductive surgery- There are only a few cases for this kind of treatment and the reason could be difficult but the problem could cialis price australia http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/09/06/nevada-ihop-gunman-kills-3-dies-of-self-inflicted-wound/ be same. Gargoyle shifter, and the last of her clan, Mairi, is running for her life, desperate to keep hidden. When she spots two winged creatures flying high above her in the Highlands of Scotland, she momentarily panics, thinking they’re the same beasts who murdered her family along with her entire clan. Realizing they’re gargoyles like her, she takes flight and discreetly follows them to an island.

Bryce, beta of his clan and drummer for the Knights of Stone, senses something is amiss on the Isle of Stone. At first, he believes he’s merely discomfited by the rumors of atrocities occurring in the Highlands. However, he discovers an intruder on the magically-concealed island home. Once he ascertains that the flame-haired beauty is the sole survivor of a traumatizing attack, he returns to the Highlands to warn his former clan.

Somewhere between cautioning the clan and realizing the necessity of destroying the beasts that threaten them all, Mairi and Bryce discover an attraction that quickly evolves into a consuming passion. A problem even greater than the murderous fiends becomes apparent – the love they share may not survive the battle.

Love finds Mairi just as her world is falling apart.

Mairi has just survived an attack from creatures straight out of her worst nightmares, but she’s smart and survived against the odds. After meeting Bryce and his brothers, she manages to secure their help in order to avenge the death of her clan. Mairi’s courage is amazing. Even after all the trauma she has suffered, she’s still determined to face the enemy and even plays a key part in drawing them out. Mairi does make an extremely rash decision in battle that puts her and Bryce in danger, but after all she’s been through, I can understand her emotions getting the best of her at such and intense moment.

Mairi and Bryce fall in love hard and fast. I must say that it takes a talented author to make this sort of thing work, and Ms. Carlisle has certainly pulled it off in this story. Mairi and Bryce have excellent chemistry and the sex scenes are scorching. I could easily picture them as a powerful couple and felt very secure in how their relationship was progressing until after the big battle when Bryce makes a decision that jeopardizes everything. It is easy to sit back and say that Bryce was being stupid, but whenI took a moment to think about Bryce’s past and the short amount of time he and Mairi had known each other, I could understand why he did it, even if I completely disagree with him. Will Bryce and Mairi’s romance survive his decision?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Knights of Stone: Bryce. This tale is part of a series, but it stands alone very well. Ms. Carlisle explains any pertinent background information succinctly. I was never lost and the flow of the story was never interrupted. The pacing is great, and I was so wrapped up in their story that I read the entire book in one sitting. I recommend fans of paranormal romance pick up a copy of Knights of Stone: Bryce today.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Forgotten Debutante by Becky Lower

September 28, 2016 By Leave a Comment

forgotten
The Forgotten Debutante by Becky Lower
Cotillion Ball #9
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (126 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

In 1863, America is war-weary. Fifteen-year-old Saffron Fitzpatrick, whose teenage years have been spent mourning the dead rather than dancing at her debutante ball, just wants to visit her beloved horse after being housebound due to the draft riots. A chance meeting with soldier Ezekiel Boone changes everything.

Three years ago, Ezekiel ran away with his older brothers to join the war effort, welcoming the chance for adventure. But when all four of his brothers die at Chancellorsville, he retreats home, despondent and depending on the kindness of strangers, like Saffron, who help him on the journey. They share a wild ride and a breathless kiss, parting with fond memories.
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Fate reunites the couple three years later, and their former attraction rekindles as they discover unexpected common ground and begin to build a relationship. But though the war is over, a future together may still elude them … especially if Saffron’s older, protective brother and the U.S. Army have anything to say about it.

The war separated Saffron and Zeke once. Will the army tear them apart a second time?

Saffron and Zeke meet under unusual circumstances, and their emotions lead them into sharing an innocent yet intense first kiss that neither of them forgot. Three years later they find themselves face to face again. While they’ve both reminisced about that kiss, they don’t really know much about each other. Will reality be able to live up to their dreams?

I must admit that I have mixed feelings about Saffron. While it is clear she has a good heart, I think she has a lot of growing up to do. She strikes me as childish despite her insistence on being treated as an adult. One passage describes her “stamping her slippered foot.” This action is more suited to a child throwing a tantrum rather than a young woman. I also wanted more emotional depth from Saffron. The Civil War was extremely brutal and Saffron and Zeke are tasked with digging up the remains of soldiers and bringing them back to be buried in cemeteries. This would have been a particularly gruesome undertaking, but Saffron doesn’t seem to be affected by it, or at least there is no evidence of it as I read. Despite these issues, I am happy to say that by the end of the story, I saw glimmers of the mature woman Saffron has the potential to become. I can’t give details without spoiling the story, but I will say that Saffron supports Zeke in two particularly difficult circumstances.

Zeke is an easy hero to warm up to. He in kind, generous, and always willing to help. He shoulders immense responsibility at a young age. When his brothers die, he returns to the family farm even though he never imagined himself farming for the rest of his life. He does it because his family needs him. Zeke is certainly an admirable young man.

While I believe that Zeke and Saffron have the potential to be a great couple, their relationship never really flared to life for me. Again, I must cite Saffron’s immaturity as the chief obstacle in my mind. Zeke is more rounded and has much more emotional depth. When I compare him to Saffron and her somewhat spoiled attitude, I have a hard time picturing them as a truly compatible couple. However, I will say that Saffron is determined to prove her love for Zeke and she does this by fiercely supporting him when a weaker woman would have deserted him. I believe in time that they will grow into a strong couple.

The Forgotten Debutante is a good book. Zeke and Saffron are sweet and their happy ending is certainly deserved. While this story is the ninth in a series, it stands alone well as Ms. Lower explains everything very clearly. Fans of historical romance might want to give The Forgotten Debutante a try.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Pandora’s Passion by Amy Hahn

September 15, 2016 By Leave a Comment

PASSION
Pandora’s Passion by Amy Hahn
Publisher: Satin Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (46 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Rora is the Pandora of Greek legend who released evil onto the world, but kept hopelessness from escaping. For centuries she protected The Box, but now Prometheus has appeared and issued a warning that Eris, goddess of discord, and Nemesis, god of revenge, have sent the infamous Gorgons after The Box. Seeing him again sets Rora’s emotions into a tailspin and dredges up memories of a painful and passionate past. The Titan and she share centuries of relationship baggage. And she loves him, but he’s never confessed to loving her. The tension is thick between them, the energy electric. In no time they’ve surrendered to their passion, but the arrival of the Gorgons puts them, The Box, and mankind in danger.

How much longer can Pandora bear the burden of The Box?
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The story of Pandora and The Box is a familiar story from Greek mythology, but even if you haven’t read it, the history of Pandora, The Box, and Prometheus is explained very clearly. I was intrigued by the idea of Pandora living an endless life still bound to The Box. What would that kind of responsibility do to a person and the people they care about? I started reading eager to learn the answer.

Pandora, now known as Rora, has lived centuries protecting The Box from those who wish to harm humans, and now she has reached her breaking point. Prometheus is the only man Rora has ever loved, though their relationship has been tumultuous to say the least. Every time they’ve tried to make their relationship work, The Box and their history managed to drive them apart. It is a frustrating, never ending cycle, and it is easy to see why Rora is exhausted and practically ready to give up. Now Prometheus has learned of a new threat to Rora and The Box and once again they are drawn together. Rora has always loved Prometheus, but can she’s not sure he feels the same way. Does he come back for her, or The Box?

I do wish there had been more time for Rora and Prometheus to reconnect. While they have centuries of history, there weren’t many details provided to make it come alive. I truly wanted to feel the weight of Rora and Prometheus’ bond, but from the moment he walks through Rora’s door, everything happens so quickly that their relationship wasn’t as compelling as it could have been. I liked them, but when I finished reading I didn’t feel as if I truly knew them.

Prometheus makes some big decisions regarding his relationship with Rora and the path their future will take. While I have no doubt that these changes will be for the better, I was left wondering why now? This isn’t the first time they’ve found themselves in danger, so why the change or heart? Was it simply the right time, or something else? I just wish I could have had more insight into Promethus’ thought process.

Despite these issues, I had fun reading Pandora’s Passion. It is a quick, fast paced, entertaining short story that can easily be read in one sitting. I recommend this romance to anyone looking for a snapshot in the life of a passionate couple.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Kiss and a Dream by Linda Andrews

September 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment

KISSDREAM
A Kiss and a Dream by Linda Andrews
Love’s Great War #6
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (323 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

She escapes with a dead woman’s name and finds sanctuary with a widower reeling from his wife’s betrayal. Can a love built on lies survive the truth?

Gretchen Foltz honors her late father’s request and ends up locked in the workhouse by her greedy brother. Dreaming of a home and freedom, she embarks on a dangerous winter journey only to awake in a stranger’s home. Hiding behind a lie, she discovers a man worthy of her trust. But at what cost?

Kian Bryne is struggling to feed his four children. The last thing he needs is to rescue a woman stranded on the ice and running from her own demons. With his rich in-laws threatening to take custody of his children, he’ll make a desperate alliance to keep his family together. When a simple kiss shatters their agreement, he’s left yearning for more.
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Can they untangle the lies before someone separates them forever?

A Kiss and a Dream is part of a series of clean romances set during the Great War. If you like characters that walk off the page, unique settings, and romance mixed with adventure and intrigue, then let Linda Andrews take you to a time when only the brave possessed the courage to risk all for love.

Kian’s heart has been broken by a liar before.

When Kian stumbled on Gretchen and two young children nearly frozen to death, none of them could have imagined how much all their lives were about to change. Gretchen has narrowly escaped the nightmare of the workhouse, and Kian is struggling to survive in a small town that has turned its back on him. Neither of them have dared to think about love and happiness for a very long time. However, winter has always been good to Kian, and he can’t help but wonder if Gretchen is the blessing he’s been looking for. Unfortunately, Kian isn’t the most popular man in town, and some will stop at nothing to see him ruined.

I admire Gretchen very much. She is an extremely strong, hardworking woman who has survived against the odds many times, but she met her match on a frozen lake in Michigan. Gretchen is understandably cautious when she wakes up in a strange place, but Kian is the very definition of a hero and shows her kindness and respect from the moment she opens her eyes, and it was very easy to imagine them as a couple even in these early moments of their relationship. Gretchen and Kian find themselves in a mutually beneficial arrangement. Gretchen cleans, cooks and takes care of the children in exchange for a home and food. It was supposed to be a simple arrangement, but a kiss complicates everything. Gretchen quickly learns that Kian’s late wife was a devious woman, and some of her secrets still have the power to hurt Kian. Gretchen does her best to protect the man she loves, but as I read I couldn’t help but wonder if she was making the situation worse by hiding the truth from him. Would Kian be able to forgive her lies or will she lose the first man she’s ever loved?

In addition to creating likable characters, Ms. Andrews did an excellent job developing the setting of her story. I enjoyed following Gretchen through her daily routines, and I could almost smell the gingerbread she baked as a treat for Kian and the children. Ms. Andrews’ attention to detail let me fully immerse myself in the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending some time in Hope’s Point.

I must say that the ending wasn’t quite what I expected. There were quite a few loose ends that needed to be tied up in a short amount of time. I wasn’t sure how it all could be accomplished. There was one problem that had the potential to be truly heartbreaking, however Kian’s quick thinking saved the day in a very creative and satisfying way.

I’m very glad I had the opportunity to read A Kiss and a Dream. While this is the sixth book in a series, it stands alone very well. Looking for a warm, sweet romance sure to leave you with a smile on your face? Pick up a copy of A Kiss and a Dream today.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Not Enough by Nikole Bloom

August 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

NOT
Not Enough by Nikole Bloom
The Enough Series #1
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (154 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 2.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

I am the self-proclaimed queen of abstinence.

After a failed engagement and years of being told I am not enough, I have given up on love. I am content in my life. I have a great job. I have a supportive family I have built over the years. My life is not exciting, but it is the life I have chosen.

That is until I inadvertently walked into Austin Black’s life. Austin is as beautiful as he is endearing and with a single plea for friendship, he pulls me in. He is an All-Pro quarterback and has women falling at his feet, yet he opts for my friendship in hopes it will lead to more.

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Austin and I find a groove in life that works until the proverbial line is crossed. I quickly realize I have to face my past if I have any hope for a future with the only man to make me dream of one.

Is it possible to date someone without realizing you are in a relationship? Can Austin be the one to melt the fortress around my heart? Will it matter if he does? In my experience, love has never been enough.

Rylee swore she’d never be vulnerable again.

After a disastrous engagement, Rylee vowed never to fall in love again, and for a few years, she managed to keep that promise to herself. Everything changes when Austin moves into the neighborhood. His patience and kindness is unexpected and overwhelming. Suddenly, Rylee finds herself faced with a man who just might have a chance of capturing her heart.

Rylee is a nice woman who is beautiful and very successful. She has no problem hanging out with men, but never moves beyond friendship with any of them. Her reluctance to enter into a romantic relationship is completely understandable given what happened in the past. However, Austin proves from the moment they meet that he is different. He shows Rylee kindness and asks for nothing in return but friendship. They become fast friends and months fly by, though their attraction to each other always simmers under the surface. I feel that Rylee’s hesitance to take things further with Austin is unwarranted after a while. Rylee’s past is devastating, but Austin has proved time after time that he is loyal and completely dedicated to Rylee. He simply wants to be a part of her life in whatever capacity she allows. He has an enormous amount of patience, and I found it frustrating when Rylee continually found ways to distance herself from him. When Rylee and Austin finally take the next step, the sexual chemistry between them is explosive. The sex scenes are well written, but do contain some graphic language that might offend some readers.

Excluding Austin, Rylee’s circle of friends is limited to her brother Jeremy and his best friend Bode. Jeremy and Bode are nice, fun, and totally devoted to Rylee. I think they have potential to be good characters, but as it is they are simply used as muscle and eye candy to frame Rylee, and even that didn’t feel particularly natural or realistic. Consequently, they never moved beyond being types and didn’t truly come to life in my mind.

I must also warn readers that Not Enough ends with a cliffhanger. Toward the end of the story, some strange things happened to Rylee with dangerous consequences for those she cares about. The ending didn’t sit well with me. I would have been okay with an open ended conclusion if at least some of the plot threads had been resolved in satisfying ways, or if I’d been sure that Rylee and Austin would face the danger together. However, that is not the case with this book. When I finished reading, absolutely nothing is certain, not even Rylee and Austin’s budding romance. I can only hope Ms. Bloom has a happier ending for the couple in the next installment.

Despite these issues, I did enjoy watching Rylee and Austin get to know each other. Readers who enjoy muscular heroes and steamy romance might want to give Not Enough a try.

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Heroes for Hire: Discount Prices by C.S. Feldman

July 29, 2016 By 2 Comments

HI
Heroes for Hire: Discount Prices by C.S. Feldman
Book One in the Heroes for Hire Fantasy Adventure Series
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (166 pgs)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Sure, everybody knows about the great heroes of legend. The ones people write songs about, the ones who lead the charge against the monsters that lay waste to cities or against an army of invaders that outnumber the good guys twenty to one—you know, the best heroes that money can buy. Trouble is, not everyone can afford their services.

Fortunately, the best heroes are not the only ones on the market.

Which is just what harried waitress Peg Brickner accidentally discovers after receiving an unusual—and, as it turns out, otherworldly—tip from a peculiar customer in the middle of one rotten dinner shift. Life on Earth is hard enough, but life in the magical world of Cantrial? Forget about it. Five minutes after being unsuspectingly yanked into it by an unscrupulous B-List talent scout for heroes, all Peg wants to do is get back home again before something in this crazy new world kills her or eats her with ketchup. Or both.

Trouble is, getting home may be a lot harder than leaving it was. Thanks to a bunch of greedy bureaucrats, Peg’s way home is about to be destroyed—unless she reluctantly joins a trio of magical misfits on a high-stakes heroes-for-hire mission in an attempt to recover stolen property before their rivals—or a roguishly charming thief—beat them to it.
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She knew she should have called in sick today…

Could Peg’s day possibly get any worse?

To say that Peg is having a bad day would be a huge understatement. Her personal life is in shambles and her situation at work is getting worse by the minute. When a customer gives her a strange tip in lieu of money, Peg isn’t surprised. The guy looked like he was in worse shape than her, but when the gift pulls her into the magical and dangerous world Cantrial, Peg’s life is changed forever, and maybe not for the better.

Peg is an easy character to like. She’s a hard working woman just trying to make ends meet, but life has dealt her a few heavy blows, and she’s finding it hard to recover. She immediately had my sympathy. When her ex-boyfriend shows up at her work, it was hard to imagine her day getting any worse. Then she is pulled into a magic world and ends up on the wrong side of the law. Clearly luck is not on her side. Fortunately, Peg is a very determined woman. Cantrial throws a multitude of challenges at her, and somehow she keeps moving. Whether she wants to admit it or not, Peg has the potential to be a great heroine. I enjoyed watching her grow and change into a woman with a courageous heart.

I absolutely loved the misfit bunch of heroes Peg joins. I can’t say much about them because I don’t want to ruin the moment when Peg meets them for the first time. Readers are in for a surprise because these certainly aren’t typical heroes. I had so much fun following them on their quest and watching them gel into a solid team. Each hero is a misfit in some way, but when they work together they each bring something unique to the team. I had a lot of fun cheering them on as I read.

The fight scenes with Peg were very well thought out. This woman has no experience fighting, but Ms. Feldman showcases Peg’s resourcefulness very well. Again, I find myself unable to share many details without spoiling the story. However, I will say that the contents of a purse should never be underestimated.

Heroes for Hire is very well paced.  There was a lot of action that kept me turning pages wondering how Peg would get out of her latest scrape. Peg’s exhaustion practically radiated off the pages by the time I reached the end of the tale. Ms. Feldman sprinkled in some slower moments that balanced the frantic nature of the quest well. Heroes for Hire has lots of laugh out loud moments, but those too were balanced with some more serious and touching scenes, which gives the adventure a very balanced feel.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Heroes for Hire. I’m so glad this is the first book in a planned series because I will be keeping my eye open for the next book. I highly recommend Heroes for Hire to anyone looking for a thrilling fantasy.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Bad Boy’s Gift by Sara Daniel

July 26, 2016 By Leave a Comment

BAD
The Bad Boy’s Gift by Sara Daniel
Bad Boys of Regret Hollow #1
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (70 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

His gift is the only thing left from the love they shared…and she plans to sell it.

Additionally, it has been noted that the disease is still at its elementary state where it can be buy levitra easily gotten rid of. You will have less injuries, feel more empowered as more and more awareness is focused in this area, it can really affect the movement because this is a yeast (fungus) that lives in approximately 90% of people, however it only causes problems for people as a sildenafil 100mg result of immune dysfunction at some point in their lives. Patients with chronic conditions, chiropractic care may include spinal manipulations, physiotherapies, and rehabilitative exercises. generic sildenafil from india To maintain good health eat eggs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids. buy cialis cheap Former bad boy, now famous artist, Zane DeMonde laughs off an engraved invitation to return to Regret Hollow, the same town that booted him out fifteen years ago. When he discovers the woman who once broke his heart is putting his professional reputation at risk by selling his old paintings, he’s no longer laughing. He’ll do anything to stop her, even return to town … even put his heart in jeopardy again.

High school art teacher Julianne Truman’s last chance to save her beloved art department from budget cuts is to sell the old artwork Zane gifted her. Her heart breaks to remove the final traces of him from her life, but she needs to finally move on from the love she never got over.

Julianne’s life belongs to her students, and Zane’s only goal is to protect his art. But the moment they wrap their arms around each other, their old attraction flares to life hot enough to incinerate them and their best intentions.

It’s been fifteen years, but it only seems like days.

Julianne and Zane’s romance came to an abrupt and messy end as they prepared to graduate from high school. Fifteen years later they find themselves face to face, and neither one is prepared for the emotions that come raging to the surface. As I read it was clear to me that Julianne and Zane have a lot of unresolved feelings, and I was very curious to know what could have happened to end a relationship that clearly meant so much to them both. While there are no Earth shattering surprises in the pages of this romance, I still enjoyed spending a bit of time in Regret Hollow with Julianne and Zane.

I do wish that Zane and Julianne had more time to get reacquainted. Julianne and Zane have great chemistry, and Ms. Daniel provided just enough information about their history for their relationship and reconnection to make sense. However, things between them become extremely serious once Zane comes back to Regret Hollow. I was left wanting to know a bit more about their past and wishing they had more time to figure things out before making some very big decisions. Despite this issue, I do think that Julianne and Zane are well on their way to becoming a great couple.

I had fun reading The Bad Boy’s Gift. It is an entertaining, quick romance with likable characters and spicy romance that can easily been enjoyed in one sitting. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light book to relax with.

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The Kura by Mary Patterson Thornburg

July 11, 2016 By 1 Comment

KIRA
The Kura by Mary Patterson Thornburg
Publisher: Uncial Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (393 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Alyssha promised her father she wouldn’t return to Bandor, and for six years she has kept that promise. But the hit-and-run victim she found dying on a Granville street was a man she met in that other world, and his family won’t know what happened to him unless she goes back to tell them. She really has no choice, has she?

And the other dead man, the body lying in a willow grove near the road to Bandor Gan… Finding him there was just a terrible coincidence, wasn’t it?

Alyssha fervently hopes so. Yes, six years ago Bandor had troubles – cruel and repressive laws, workers exploited in the city’s woolen mills and the northern mines. Growing pains of the budding industrial revolution. Some people were angry, ready to fight. But these problems seem smaller and easier to solve, somehow, than the problems she’s left behind. Bandor is cleaner, kinder, more peaceful, more right, than the frantic world she inherited in 21st Century America.
Anyway, the problems aren’t hers to solve. There’s so much country here that these troubles don’t touch. She’ll go to the nomadic village where her friends are, where she was happy all those years ago. She’ll study with the old kura, learning to be a teacher, a healer. Her life will mean more, here among these cheerful, pleasant people, than it would mean in Granville. She’ll find her home here, and she’ll be content.
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And, as in a fairy tale, there’ll be a happy ending. She and Kardl loved each other back then, when they were children. Now they’re grown up, and the daydreams that sustained her in Granville will come true at last. Kardl will be here, waiting for her, as she’s waited all these years for him…

Won’t he?

Can the reality of Bandor ever live up to Alyssha’s dreams?

Alyssha’s life has been on hold ever since her visit to Bandor. Even though she was only twelve when she went through the door to Bandor, she knew in her heart that the other universe was her home. Only a promise to her father has kept her from crossing over again. I must admit that I have mixed feelings about Alyssha’s situation. On one hand, I admire her patience and determination. On the other hand, I can’t help but feel that Alyssha has missed out on so much. By living in her dreams, she essentially withdrew from the real world. However, Alyssha seems to be okay with this, and despite her lack of close relationships, she is a sweet young woman, and I looked forward to getting to know her as I read.

Ms. Thornburg did an excellent job of creating an alternate universe. I found the similarities and differences between the two universes interesting. However, I must let readers know that this is not a book to race through. In order to truly appreciate this book, readers need to take their time and really soak up the atmosphere of the world that Ms. Thornburg has created. That being said, I did find the sections detailing the political situation and the various clans and factions a little slow. While it definitely provided useful information key to understanding the world Alyssha was living in, it was a bit hard to get into those sections.

Once in Bandor, Alyssha finds herself in a strange love triangle. Kardl has changed quite a bit since she last saw him, and Alyssha isn’t sure if anything remains of the boy she fell in love with. Another man has also attracted her attention. I must say that Alyssha’s romantic dilemmas are resolved in unexpected ways, and I enjoyed watching Alyssha mature and learn to live and love in the real Bandor, and not just the one in her fantasies.

I must say that I loved the ending of this tale. I can’t say much without spoiling it, but I will say that someone very important to Alyssha makes a decision that I never foresaw and yet it made complete sense. It definitely left me with a smile on my face.

The Kura is certainly an enjoyable tale. Readers looking to lose themselves in a tale of love and friendship should definitely give The Kura a try.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

Blood Moon by Marilyn Todd

June 24, 2016 By Leave a Comment

MOON
Blood Moon by Marilyn Todd
High Priestess Iliona #2
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (166 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

In a cave in the hills, seven candles burned, and tonight, when the moon was at its full, it would be time to light another. Oh, the Blood Moon was so aptly named…

Three ritual killings on the same night can’t be coincidence. More an attempt to sabotage the peace between Sparta and her new allies from across the Black Sea.

High Priestess Iliona has no wish to become embroiled in politics. Especially now. The son she gave up at birth has discovered her identity, and emotions she’d worked so hard to lock away have surfaced, raw and painful. But Lysander, commander of Sparta’s hated Secret Police, gives her no choice. And because she hopes that uncovering conspiracy, murder, kidnapping and adultery will help dull her pain, she fails to notice a killer on the loose with a pathological hatred of women.

Why do we have two of them? Surely we could breathe in more air in generico cialis on line a single breath if we had just one, large nasal orifice (a “monostril”, perhaps)? The human body tends to be bilaterally symmetrical: we have two eyes, giving us binocular vision, and two ears, providing us with stereoscopic sound. But, purchase generic levitra Read Full Report product actually builds up their confidence and self-worth. They have complete cheap cialis online amenities that will make sure filming worth and amazing and they offer a friendly-price in all scouters. However, opinions do differ generic viagra online deeprootsmag.org on this matter. Who’s picked Iliona as his next victim.

If only Iliona wasn’t such a good spy…

All Iliona wants is to serve in the temple of Eurotas and take care of the people who come to her for help. Unfortunately, she’s done an excellent job of spying for Lysander in the past, and now he has another job for her. Iliona would refuse if she could, but Lysander knows too many of her secrets. One word from him and her life could be forfeit. Iliona knows she has no choice, so she grudgingly agrees to help, but solving this mystery brings more pain that Iliona ever could have imagined.

I enjoyed getting to know Iliona better in this book. I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, but I felt that I didn’t know Iliona as well as I would have liked when I finished reading. I’m pleased to report Ms. Todd fleshes out Iliona’s character a bit more in this installment. After learning more about Iliona’s past and what she has survived, I like her even more.

While this book could possibly stand on its own, I do recommend reading the first book, Blind Eye, before attempting this tale in order to have a better feel for Iliona, Lysander, their history, and the world they live in. Also, Ms. Todd switched between a lot of viewpoints in Blind Eye, and she continues that pattern in Blood Moon. I feel I was better prepared for this having read Blind Eye first. I do think that the number of viewpoints could be whittled down a little. While the differing perspectives are interesting, I found myself wishing I could spend more time with Iliona and Lysander.

Lysander and Iliona’s partnership continues to be interesting. Iliona barely tolerated Lysander in Blind Eye, and her feelings for him haven’t changed. She definitely resents his presence in her life. That being said, I do think they worked together better this time around. Iliona seems to be developing a grudging respect for Lysander, and I daresay he is starting to like her. However, Lysander is a very secretive character, and I can never be sure what his true motivations are. I look forward to seeing what will happen to them in the next mystery.

Ms. Todd did an excellent job of weaving mysteries together. As I read, I enjoyed trying to figure out if various characters were connected or acting on their own and who the murderer was. I must admit that when the culprit was revealed, I was a little shocked with how Iliona chose to deal with the murderer. It was certainly a side of her I’ve never seen.

I truly enjoyed reading Blood Moon. It is an intriguing mystery sure to keep readers engaged. I’ll certainly be picking up the next book in this series.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Blind Eye by Marilyn Todd

June 14, 2016 By 1 Comment

BLIND
Blind Eye by Marilyn Todd
High Priestess Iliona #1
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (173 pgs)
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Blackmailed into spying for Lysander, head of the hated Secret Police, High Priestess Iliona discovers that the threat to her country doesn’t come from their archenemy, Athens. It comes from deep within Sparta itself.

But as she investigates, the same thread keeps turning up. Of a one-eyed giant who lives in the hills. The legendary Cyclops. So who is this man who inspires such fear? A freak? A fraud? A felon? And what does his arrival have to do with the disappearance of several young women?

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Iliona works very hard serving in the temple taking care of those who come to her for help, even the “lowest of the low.” She has a good heart, and it is very easy to like her. Living is Sparta is very good in some ways, but very harsh in others, and Iliona does what she can to ease suffering when she sees it. Unfortunately, some of the things Iliona does to help the people could get her in serious trouble if brought to the attention of the authorities. Lysander has been watching Iliona closely for a long time, and uses his knowledge to trap Iliona into spying for him.

Lysander is a complicated individual. I disliked him immediately, but as the story progressed, Ms. Todd revealed some things about his history that made me rethink my original assessment. While I certainly don’t condone all his actions, I will admit that there is much more to Lysander than I thought. Iliona and Lysander spend most of their time fighting rather than working together. They barely manage to be civil to each other. Once the traitor has been dealt with, Iliona has no desire to ever see Lysander again. Unfortunately, Lysander knows too many of Iliona’s secrets, and he has no intention of letting her off the hook any time soon. I wonder what Ms. Todd has in store for this pair in the next book?

The viewpoint changes a lot over the course of this story. While seeing events unfold through different characters was interesting sometimes, it was also distracting at others. I could never be sure how important some of the things I was reading were. Also, since there are so many switches, I don’t feel as if I got to know Iliona as well as I would have liked. I think switching between two or possibly three viewpoints would have kept things interesting and would have fostered deeper character development.

There are several mysteries to solve in this tale, and most of them have satisfying conclusions. However, one of them ends up being completely dismissed without any serious investigation. I was a little bothered by that. I also felt that the plan to expose the traitor was overly complex. There seemed to be easier ways of discovering who the traitor was, but by the end of the story, I better understood why that particular path was chosen. I will say that Ms. Todd did an excellent job of keeping the identity of the traitor hidden. Iliona is certain for a long time that she knows who the culprit is. As I read, I was inclined to agree with her even though there were a few things that concerned me. However, I was truly surprised when the traitor’s identity was revealed.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Blind Eye. Iliona and Lysander are interesting characters, and I look forward to learning more about them. I’ll be picking up the next book in the series very soon.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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