Werewolves be Damned by Stacey Kennedy

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull's-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet. Book Description

Stacey seems to be quite a prolific author having several books to her name but I've not read any so far, so was interested to review this one. With vampires, witches, werewolves and the romance element it ticks all my favourite boxes.

I found it quite hard to get into at first, there was the action packed prologue that introduced us to Nexi and her need for vengeance – I worked out the connection later but at first reading this then going onto the section where she is in the Otherworld I just found it confusing. Once I placed who was what and how they fit in the story I enjoyed it more, but there were so many different characters for what’s quite a short novel that it was a lot of information over a small space of time.

Nexi was quite a difficult character for me to like, she clearly had strong morals which suited me but she was quite selfish at times, going her own way despite advice from and the danger to others. Kyden was a great character and the sexual spark between them was good. I do like some sexual tension – it’s more interesting when there's that combined with some personal friction between the characters and Stacey does that well here. There did – as I've said before – seem to be a huge number of characters for a shorter length book. I found that quite difficult to manage and remember just who was who. Nexi seems to take to her training incredibly quickly – one minute she's human and then just one month later she's taking out werewolves.....I'd have had more belief if a longer time had passed, similarly the way the top vampire, werewolf and guardian defer to her in the final adventure – some of these characters were hundreds of years old and though fantasy means suspending belief that was a step too far for me.

The story itself was interesting and allowed for several action packed moments. It was well written and all lose ends tied up – I hate to get to the end of a book and wonder “...but what happened to/when...” For me it was difficult to accept that Nexi could become a leader when for me she hadn’t yet had the experience to merit it. If she'd had been part of the action, but organized by more senior character I'd have accepted her role so much better – clearly she was a bit of a renegade and she'd have argued and sometimes gone her own way, but I think it would have been a better fit for me.

Overall there were parts I enjoyed – the developing romance between her and Kyden was good, with some fairly heated moments and the basic premise was sound but I struggled too much with the way Nexi developed from a mundane human to a person with super strength and more and more magical powers just when they were needed. In a longer novel and over an extended time span it could have worked but covering the few weeks it did it wasn't believable enough for me.

It’s priced at £3.79 for 529kb on kindle, I'm guessing around 120-150 pages, I don't have that info.

Stars: three stars, it had potential but didn't cut it for me to be more than just OK.

                                              Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

 You may purchase "Werewolves by Damned"  here :DarkissReads Bookstore

Forsaken By the Others (H&W Investigations) by Jess Haines

The Others--vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night--don't just live in nightmares anymore. They've joined with the mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem. . .

Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head. . .and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town--namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who'd like to turn her into a chew toy.

On Royce's suggestion, Shia temporarily relocates to Los Angeles. But something is rotten--literally--in the state of California, where local vampires are being attacked by zombies. Who could be powerful enough to control them--and reckless enough to target the immortal? Following the trail will lead Shia to a terrifying truth, and to an ancient enemy with a personal grudge. . .Book description.

I love urban/dystopian fantasy especially if it has a bit of romance in it. I'd read the first in this series when I originally stumbled on the genre a couple of years back when I ordered what I thought was a historical novel and it turned out to be fantasy.... Previously I’d never read this genre, assuming it was all Star Trek or middle earth Elves...how wrong I was! Anyway I didn't enjoy the first book; looking back it could be that the whole genre was just so new to me that I didn't absorb it properly. I do remember the delicious Alec Royce though (yum, a bad boy vampire is soo attractive), and if anything had tempted me into continuing with the series it would be him, so when I saw this book and that he was in it – I jumped at the chance to review.

Even though I’ve only read book one it wasn't difficult to pick up the storyline, Jess adds enough explanation without boring the reader so vis Shiarra's memories I was able to work out what had previously happened to a degree, and where it fitted within this book. I Loved Royce, but sadly he soon was off the scene except via a few phone calls :( As with most fantasy of this type Shiarra has problems caused by recent dealings with others, and needs to get out of town along with her friend and business partner Sara for a while. Royce arranges for them to stay with another vampire in L.A... All is not as it seems when they get there of course and Shiarra and Sara are plunged into further danger – they meet with a couple of acquaintances who help them, but it’s one rip roaring scenario after another – danger from the werewolves, danger from vampires and then danger from zombies and their necromancer master.

I enjoyed the book, it contains well thought out plots that join up perfectly and keep the reader guessing. I thought I’d guessed at the reason behind the Zombies but...I was only partway there – the answer was much more than I'd thought.

I loved the characters even though Shiarra annoyed me intensely at times – that doesn't matter, what does matter is that the people in a novel feel real and then so does the action and danger. What I didn't like – arrgghhh a damn cliffhanger. I know it’s the lead in to the next book and the mysteries of this one are tied up neatly, but I just hate being left in limbo. It feels like I ought to still be reading. I can deal with lead-ins but not on this huge cliffhanger danger style :(

The book itself is well written and edited and a decent length at 352 pages. Priced at £3.72 its also excellent value, having enough in it to tempt the reader into re reads. It’s definitely one for my keeper file. I'd like to go back now and read the books I’ve missed. and am so glad I gave the series a second chance. I think I'd enjoy book 1one so much more now I understand the genre better.

Stars: well I’d have gone for four and a half if not for that horrible hated cliffhanger at the end and the fact it'll be ages to wait before we find out what happens next...so I'm dropping half a star to give it four.

                                Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

 You may purchase "Forsaken by the Others" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Thunderstorm (Daughters of Eden) by J.M Schroder

What you thought you knew about the BIBLE is about to CHANGE. What if you found out you were the granddaughter of the first woman, no not Eve, but Lilith? After 150 years Dika Edens, the oldest of 4 girls each destined to live forever finds out that very thing. She is not sure if it is a curse or a gift from the Gods. All she knows is the man that has informed her of this has way too much guilt on his shoulders regarding her and her... past. Chrome is her Guardian but that does not mean he can protect her from everything. He should be the first one to know that - since he is the one telling her that she must save the world. Book Description.

This urban fantasy novel Thunderstorm is the first book in the Daughters of Eden series by J.M Schroder. Fitting nicely into the urban fantasy genre this book brings a slightly new twist to the bible myths that we know and love today. This first book follows Dika the oldest of 4 sisters born of Hungarian gypsy decent or so they believe with a few exceptions; special powers and the ability to outlive all the males of their line. Dika finds herself caught up in something bigger than she can imagine as her as she discovers the existence of  her Dragon guardian Chrome and listens as he explains that it is up to her and her sisters to save the world.

I really liked the story concept. I found it different and refreshing from some of the plot lines I have come across. It was evident that the author spent a lot of time thinking and plotting out the outcome of the story, so much so that I think she didn’t pay enough attention to how the story flowed. The one issue that I had while reading this story was the change of POV between Dika and her Dragon Guardian Chrome.  This was hugely distracting because none of the chapters were tilted and bits of the story were retold by both characters. I had to do a lot of rereading to figure out who was telling the story. I do realize that this is the first book in the series and often times the first book is a bit rough, and as the story progresses it smooth out in later installments. I feel with better editing this issue would improve the flow of the book greatly.

With a great number of characters in this story, of which I am sure we will get to know better in later volumes of this series, this book is Dika’s story. Dika is feisty, untrusting and a loner. Her past has created who she is today and there are dark bits of her past that come to play in this volume. Dika in the beginning was a bit two dimensional to me and I felt there were bits and pieces of her story that were not being told which were soon revealed in the end and we had a fully fleshed out heroine of this story.  Chrome who shares the lead character title with Dika, was not so, he felt very flat and one dimensional. He was almost robotic in a sense which really made his chapters hard to read. I do understand though what the author was trying to get across, he was a being that did not exist except to protect Dika, he had no other interaction with humans or his brethren which made him a bit cold. I would like to place an adult warning, there are quite a few sexual encounters between the characters at the most inopportune times. Though the steamy encounters were written well, however I felt that it distracted from the storyline.

I can find little fault with the author’s writing ability and I am looking forward to reading more to see how she evolves as a writer.  With that said I give this a rating of three stars, the rating would have been higher if not for the confusing POV chapters. I feel with a good once over with a good editor would be beneficial for this book.  If you are looking for an easy and quick read then I say give it a go!  

                                    Reviewed by Rayven

If you wish to purchase this book please visit the author's website :  Daughters of Eden

Eternal Samurai by B.D Heywood

Tatsu Kurosaki Cobb, the last of an ancient samurai house, will not stop until he takes the head of the vampire that butchered his family. But his vow of revenge means he gives up on any hope for that once-and-forever love. Then he crosses swords with Saito Arisada, second-in-command of Seattle’s vampires and the most beautiful creature Tatsu has ever seen. The sexual chemistry between them is pure, hard, and undeniable. Unable to accept Arisada might be the killer, Tatsu begins a dangerous game. A game driven by the all-consuming thirst for blood that will force them to the extremes of love and hate. Fukushu, vengeance. It is all that has sustained Saito Arisada for eight hundred years. Sohei monk turned vampire, he has searched for the returned soul of his lover who betrayed him and the Temple of Mii-dera. Arisada believes in only one thing—taking the head of the traitor. Yet, when Arisada sees that soul shining from Tatsu’s emerald eyes, his hatred shatters. He wants Tatsu in his arms and in his bed and in his heart. But Arisada’s samurai code of honor demands nothing less than Tatsu’s death. How can Arisada kill his unmei no hito—his soulmate? From the bloody battlefields of feudal Japan to a world where humans and vampires fight for survival, Arisada and Tatsu must choose. At stake is not only love but honor. Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content, violence and adult language that may be considered offensive to some readers. This book is for sale to adults only. Book Description

I received this from the author in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book. 

I enjoy books with backgrounds set in the Eastern part of the world – good ones immerse the reader in the culture and though this one is set in a future world based in Seattle, USA many of the main characters are Japanese as the title suggests, and there's lots of references to lifestyles and culture. It adds an extra dimension to the reading experience, the novel being peppered with Japanese references of history and language. Most of the language used is just odd words or phrases and the meanings clear from the context, with occasional translations to assist reader but done as part of the speech to another character. I felt that worked really well, giving a flavour of the people without confusing reader.

Then there's another of my weaknesses – vampires and romance. The vampires are “out” to the world, acknowledged and living mainly in an uneasy truce with humans, They have their indentured “feeders” and of course some of them are simply bloodthirsty killers, others are fine for a while but subject to blood-lust and frenzy at any given time. It keeps the humans (and the readers) wondering if those who are on the side of humanity can really be trusted, when they have to keep such a tight control on themselves and may turn without warning.

The romance – it’s really emotive starting with a monk Saito Arisada in 12^th century Japan and his young acolyte lover. Koji Nowaki, the young lover, betrayed the monastery and caused the temple and its inhabitants to be slaughtered. Arisada feels his honour has been lost and only stays alive long enough to see over the quick final death of the other minks who commit ritual suicide rather than be caught by invaders. This means his death with be slow and painful but he feels that’s what he deserves..however that’s not what happens of course.

 Fast forward to Seattle 2024 and we see Arisada is still alive, he's a vampire and Primary to a vicious, power-hungry tyrant. He meets Tatsu Cobb, last member of an ancient Samurai house who is out for vengeance for the slaughter of his family. He realises Tatsu is the reincarnation of his lover Kojii and his quest for retribution will be over when he kills him - but then love intervenes.

 It’s an epic novel of love and vengeance, jealousy, retribution, betrayals and forgiveness. There are some bloodthirsty moments but as one who shys away from anything too gory (I know – I’m a wimp) I didn't have a problems with the scenes here thankfully. The story itself is fascinating giving hints of just how honour and loyalty shaped the lives of the Samurai. The world created for the bulk of this book is set in a future where there has been twin disasters in 2012 devastating normal civilisation, where a virus is released that has created vampires and in the US allowing them to thrive. There are groups of hired mercenary hunters – out to kill the worst vampires when they can, that plot to keep a semblance of controls the authorities simply can't cope.

 When Tatsu and Arisada meet the sexual chemistry is volatile – Arisada knows who Tatsu is the reincarnation of, but Tatsu knows nothing of Arisada except that he is a vampire,and he hates vampires for killing his family. He doesn't yet know that Arisada has a connection to the killer of his line. They fight against their attraction, but inevitably there are moments when they give in, and those moments are erotic, sensual and very hot! Arisada struggles between his need for vengeance that has sustained him over 800 years with the knowledge that Tatsu has returned as his soul-mate. For Tatsu the struggle is his attraction to a potentially deadly vampire warring with his hatred of them for killing his family.

 There are other characters too that fill the tale, a few from Tatsu as he grows up and the main Hunters (called Lepers, with the groups being the Leper Colony) and we learn part of their motivation. I found them to be characters that seemed realistic and they worked well in the group and added to the realism of the tale. In the main they are men – there are very few women in this novel – so the sex scenes are all male/male but I found them very well written and not overdone. They are very graphic and explicit and the warning needs to be taken that if that offends you then don't buy this novel.

 It’s a long book – just what I love a chance to really get immersed in another world that only really works with novels of a decent length – we can really explore the backgrounds and motivations and emotions of the main characters. It’s written in 3^rd person and is one I'd happily re read. At 358 pages for £1.93 its fantastic value and I'm giving it a solid four and half stars; not quite a five star read but very close.

 A previous reviewer comments on the editing – it’s clearly been extensively corrected as I found it almost faultless so no worries now about that. It’s something that does crop up in kindle books from time to time and bad editing makes it difficult to enjoy a book but this was a real treat with no problems on that front.

                    Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Eternal Samurai" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Cold Angel Days ( The Dica Series book 4) by Clive S. Johnson

The ancient engers knew it as a theoretical entity, one so remotely implausible that the idea only survived in an obscure verse. How could an ages-old poem give rise to the reality of the days of the Cold Angel, days that threaten the realm’s very future? And why does a woman’s determination to do right by her sister put her at the heart of a mystery, one that threatens to destroy the only love that sister has ever known?

Someone’s lost memories lead her to a strange meeting with a man in an even stranger tower, one that pricked star holes in the sky until but a few days before. What of it now, though, and its keeper’s determination to put things right at all costs? How is she to deal with the painful dilemma he draws her towards - when she’s asked to weigh the love of her sister against a duty to save the realm?

To say that this was unexpected is an understatement, but a very welcome surprise indeed. The Author Mr Johnson asked if I would like to read a preview of number 4 in the Dica series, well that was a very easy question to answer. Yes was the prompt reply.

Even though this could be read as a standalone, seeing familiar characters again gave me a buzz & a good feeling, which if you’re reading about the World of Dica for the first time you will not be able to experience, but you will quickly realize that this is a World of surprise which could be an even better feeling. The writing as ever is excellent, complex, surprising at times and rich in atmosphere. Every time Dica has been visited new levels have been revealed as well as new characters, in fact the main character is new, but within an existing family group. Precinda the new main character is surprisingly liberated, and very astute. She provides a nice new edge & perspective, fitting in quite seamlessly to the storyline. As in the other books, you find that the story provides another layer into the already multi-layered proceedings. Juggling all these layers is a hard task, but one that the Author makes to look easy, and one that lifts the story. This book has all the elements that the earlier books have, and to keep it going over four books and still make it fresh is a wonderful skill to have. I can't say much more without giving anything away, so all I can say is that with this & the earlier books, Mr Johnson is now in my top ten Authors, which is something I have not changed for a few years. Keep up the good work, highly recommended, so I have no hesitation in giving this 5 stars.

                      Reviewed by Cardmon 

You may purchase " Cold Angel Days"  here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Shifting Selves by Mia Marshall

Aidan Brook's world was shattered when the actions of a brutal murderer revealed long-buried secrets about her past--secrets even she didn't know. A powerful elemental, Aidan discovered she possesses the wrong kind of magic. It's a secret that could cost her sanity-or even her life. What she needs is some peace and quiet. What she gets is a phone call from a division of the FBI so secret it doesn't even have a name, asking her help with a series of shifter disappearances. Before Aidan can settle into a new routine of pancakes and evenings by the fire, the case develops claws. She quickly finds herself caught between uptight bears, deadly mountain lions, overprotective parents, and unhappy federal agents. Throw in a stalled romance with an enigmatic shifter and the slow dissolution of her chosen family, and it's hard to say which will drive her mad first: her magic, or her chaotic life. Book Description.

I received this from the author in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.

 I love books with romance and paranormal elements and there's any number about vampires and shape shifters but far fewer involve people with talents derived from the Classical Elements – air, fire, water, earth. I read first in a popular series some years back that I didn't enjoy and this put me off until recently when I found the amazing series Elemental Mysteries by Elizabeth Hunter. Then I saw a description of this book and it hooked me in. Its written very much in the mold of the Hunter series, with people having talents derived from the elements and contains shape-shifters but no vampires, So far anyway :)

 I loved book one and it’s not often I rate a five star review to the first in a series but it was just That Good, so when I saw book two on Netgalley I was eager to review it. I wasn't let down; once again Mia has brought together the basic group and added in some new people. There's danger and mystery at every turn, gradually the plot emerges but as it dies it brings forward further surprises. The book takes up a month after the end of the last one.

Aidan learned at end of last book that as well as her water element she also has fire – she needs to learn to control her emotions so her Fire element is kept in check – without that control she faces a future of possible insanity, and if word gets out the Kill order will be given. She's back in the mountain cabin with sister Sera, cat shifter Simon and earth element Vivian. She wants to see Mac (bear shifter) again after their kiss...but he's so far been avoiding her. A phone call from the FBI secret division sets the team on the path of yet another mystery. What seems like a simple shifter runaway turns into danger for them all and betrayal yet again from someone close. Her family – water element mother and newly discovered, hot tempered, manipulative fire element father get involved in this case. They're both keen to try to entice Aidan into a quieter life to ensure her sanity but Aidan feels she's been lied to by them and is determined to keep her independence.

 I love Aidan's sense of humour – where she says she's fine with bad language but please don't use the “E” word (exercise) and her snarky comments that often come out at just the wrong moment (I know just how she feels when the mouth runs ahead of the brain...) Sera is a great foil for her and is trying hard to keep Aidan calm. She and Aiden were best friends for many years and work together really well, seeing to know what the other is thinking and delegating tasks best suited to each other. Sera is also a “take charge” person and yet there's never any conflict between her and Aiden about what to do, where they disagree they work it out between them. Simon is his usual enigmatic self – I love the way his speech is so oddly formal – its suits him perfectly, and then there's computer whiz Viv, and once again her skills come into play as an essential part of the novel. The FBI lads are not in evidence mush, but always there in the background. The team face life threatening situations yet again but manage to come through – though not unscathed and I want to see how Mia gets them working together in the next book. The characters – despite being supernatural – feel so real with all the petty squabbles and fallouts that real people have. I feel as if I’m there with them.

The POV varies from being written by Aidan at some times to third person at others but it all works seamlessly and never feels disjointed. Once again I was surprised at the culprit and how Aidan and Co resolved the issues. Mia's writing is so gripping, and the story is very intense and yet she makes it easy to follow what’s happening. There are no horrible plots holes, no awful cliffhanger ending and it’s a book that will join book one on my keepers list for re reading.  I don't have ebook price I can say the length is great. A nice solid long read for those like me who want a book to really get engrossed in and taken to another world .

 Stars: full five again – faultless : )

                                        Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Shifting Selves" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

The Conspiracy of Alchemists (Book 1 in the Chronicles of Light and Shadow) by Liesel Schwarz

In a Golden Age where spark reactors power the airways, and creatures of Light and Shadow walk openly among us, a deadly game of Alchemists and Warlocks has begun.
 
When an unusual cargo drags airship-pilot Elle Chance into the affairs of the mysterious Mr. Marsh, she must confront her destiny and do everything in her power to stop the Alchemists from unleashing a magical apocalypse. Book Description

Steampunk as a genre itself has taken off like gangbusters and we have seen an influx of stories being published and not all of them good. However Steampunk author Liesel Schwarz has done a fantastic job with “The Conspiracy of Alchemists”.  Keeping true to the genre this story is full of swashbuckling adventure, Intrigue, steam powered flying machines, myth and magic!  What more could one ask for?

The story follows the spirited heroine Eleanor Chance, who is in a class all her own. Captain of her own airship the “Water Lilly” she takes cargo from one city to the next. She lived a fairly adventurous life until the fateful day when her friend Patrice asked Elle to transport a special cargo and her whole life turned upside down, and much to her surprise her father the professor has been kidnapped. Ellie is thrown together with Viscount Greychester (Marsh) and the two of them embark on adventure that unknowing could result in the end of the world as we know it.

As with most Steampunk adventures I have read, the one thing that all the good stories have are well thought out plot lines. You can tell that Liesel Schwarz knew exactly where the story was going even with the multiple subplots throughout the book the author had one destination and that was to keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing. I will say there was a slight twist at the end that I did not see coming! 

As much as I loved the story, I found myself loving the characters as well. The Heroine Elle is complex and is full of spunk and determination and clearly has a mind of her own. Ellis is trusting and this I fear may be her one downfall, trusting the wrong people put her in danger. She is the only character that is fully fleshed out, but then again the series is about her. The supporting characters were two dimensional and could have been fleshed out more, however they brought much to the story. We get a glimpse of the kind of man Viscount Greychester is though out the story, how he is being driven by his feelings for Elle and throws caution to the wind to keep her safe from the Council and the Alchemists.  

 The book is extremely well written and I enjoyed the authors writing style, she kept me engaged and sometimes on the edge of my seat.  My favorite part of this story, was the feeling of intrigue and mystery.  So if you are up for a very exciting read then I highly recommend this book!

  The Conspiracy of Alchemists can be found on Amazon for $7.99 for the kindle version and is 352 pages long. Though it may seem a bit pricey for a Kindle book you are getting your money’s worth.  With that said I give this book 5 Stars!   Liesel Schwarz is definitely an author worth watching. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

                                                       Reviewed by Rayven

You may purchase "Conspiracy of Alchemists" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Koishi : Gatekeepers ( book one) by Annie Nicholas

GateKeepers, #1

Never make a deal with a dragon.

Sandra’s sister is dying. Doctors say nothing can be done, but she refuses to give up hope. She has depleted all their resources searching for a cure, when a little bird whispers in Sandra’s ear about secret worlds, gates, and the keepers who protect them. A dragon gatekeeper, who hoards magical treasure within his volcano home in Japan, possibly owns an item capable of curing her sister.

Gates choose their keepers, and Koishi thinks his did an excellent job in picking him. Not many dare to cross, and none who try survive. However, one tiny human female with either the courage of an army or the intelligence of a gnat has arrived on the island asking for him. Curious, he waits for the locals to steer her to his human servant—actually him, in man form.

Let the games begin…

A Lyrical Press Paranormal Romance.  Book Description

I've read some of Annie’s work before – a couple from The Vanguards series and the first in the Angler, so I knew her style is one I like though the books tend to be shorter than I prefer – but then lots of people want a quicker read. I've a friend who reads just a few pages at a time so anything over 100 pages she says is out as it takes too long. I'm a quick and avid reader though so long books for me preferably.

 Anyway, enough rambling...and on to this book. The description gives you a pretty good idea of the background, and Koishi the dragon is gatekeeper for one of the gates between the human world and the realm of magic ….It’s a realm shrouded in secrecy and few people know about it – Koishi's job is to stop either side from invading or interacting. Sandra needs to speak to the dragon and ask a favour – she wants an artifact to heal her dying sister who is her only relative left. Koishi appears in human form to interact with the mortal world and collect supplies, and its in this form her meets Sandra and is amused by her. After a while eternity gets boring so he looks forward to something that distracts him. Thinking to play with her for a while when he finds she wants to see his alter ego – Koishi – he tells her to wait at a certain spot and sing a song to attract the dragon... and from there he becomes entranced by her. He meets with her in his human form as Ishi and she falls in love with him. There are battles, love scenes and great tracts of humour in this easy to read book. It takes you to a paranormal world with for a change Dragons, but no vamps, no witches, no wolves, just a dragon – and his mum, and a few goblins and dwarves! It’s a sweet fun read with a little light drama and adventure and best of all a HEA. I do like those : )

 If you like some gentle paranormal adventure with your romance you'll like this book. It’s not a book you need to work too hard to enjoy even though Annie has included paranormal creatures as it’s an easy to follow read, and quite light-hearted. No deep dark drama but sweet and light (sounds like a saccharine advert! Buts it’s not a saccharine read)

 Well written and edited as you'd expect from a Lyrical Press book and priced at £2.61 for 126 pages. It’s a bit expensive for my taste as I'd read it quickly – about two hours maybe – and it’s not one I’d re read though I enjoyed it as a one off. Still, if you've a train journey or a hospital stay or something where you want a fun but easy to read story this is perfect.

 Stars: four stars – it’s a good enjoyable story but too short and light for a five star rating from me.

                                        Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Gate Keepers" here : DarkissReads Bookstore

Armored Hearts by Melissa Turner Lee & Pauline Creeden

When a crippled young lord rescues a girl falling from a tree, it reveals a secret about himself and his mother's side of the family that could put him at the center of a war with beings he thought only existed in fairy tales. Tristan Gareth Smyth lived his entire life stuck at home at Waverly Park, left behind while his Grandfather makes trips to London, all because of his blasted wheelchair. Then an American heiress falls in his lap, literally, and he must find a way to keep her at a distance to protect not only his secret, but everyone around him from an assassin sent to kill him. Book Description.

Steampunk seems to be my read for escapism at the moment, and as this one incorporated a Fantasy element, well I was sold. The book has two Authors, which if it works is a bonus, there have been some very good partnerships in the past, so my fingers were crossed both because of this & in the hope that a blend of fantasy & steampunk works.

  The start of the story was a little too obvious and predictable for me, the characters and storyline were fairly typical, and I was unable to take to what was looking like to be one of the main characters. A positive for me was actually the Steampunk element & not the fantasy which for me was always to the forefront of my reading. The story pretty much kept up this pattern until the end, and by the end the whole thing was enjoyable, but it didn't tick all the boxes. It did feel as though too much had been crammed into a small space, for me it would have been better if it had been longer allowing the story to grow and mature at a more sedate story building speed.

 Overall the story did move along at a fairly fast pace, the inventiveness of the female element was great, and the fact that it was a hidden pastime was a great nod to the Victorian attitudes of the time. I would have liked this part of the story to have been expanded, it was such a pleasant surprise, a different aspect of steampunk that I haven't come across before, and one that I think has so much potential that I find quite exciting. The fantasy side again showed potential, but for me it didn't quite fit, & unfortunately the characters at t

It has great potential, is an easy book to read, fairly enjoyable, but  not a book I would go back to read again, but the potential means that I will read the next one, in the hope that the characters work together more seamlessly, are more believable, and that the Steampunk element continues to grow from its interesting beginnings.

I would give it 3.5 stars, but would expect it to go higher for the next book.

                                                    Reviewed by Cardmon

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Bittersweet Blood by Nina Croft

Tara Collins just wants to be normal. Everyone else wants her dead.

Tara’s eccentric aunt raised her to be fearful of the world and follow the rules. But after her aunt’s death, Tara is ready to take control and experience life for the first time. But she quickly discovers that everything she’s been told is a web of lies. Determined to solve the mystery of who she is truly, she hires private investigator to help her uncover the truth.

Christian Roth is more than your average PI. A vampire and ex-demon hunter, Christian lives among the humans, trying to be “normal.” But recently, things seem to be falling apart. There’s a crazed demon hell-bent on revenge hunting him down, and a fae assassin on the loose with an unknown target. And the Order he abandoned desperately needs his help.

As the secrets of Tara’s past collide with the problems in Christian’s present, she finds herself fighting her attraction to the dark and mysterious investigator. Falling in love does not fit into her plans at all, but Tara soon learns that some rules are meant to be broken. Book Description.

Vampires and Romance love those books so I was eager to crack on with this one. Since Twilight however, it seems every other book has vampires of some description and some are really trite stories so I'm quite picky about which ones I pick. The sample on this was good so I wanted to see if the rest lived up to the early promise – the quick answer is yes!

Anyway the description covers outline pretty well so I'll concentrate on how I felt about the book. Firstly the storyline – it was clear that however much Tara wanted to be normal she wasn't going to turn out that way but I didn't work out what she was til; the storyline opened it up. It’s good to have things that keep you guessing in a book, unpredictability is what keeps us reading and interested. Jamie came as a total shock! Didn't see that one coming. Christian – and Piers- Vamp hotties, true Alpha males and I enjoyed the testosterone conflicts between them and also the werewolf Carl. Tara makes a good lead too – not easily knocked back despite her upbringing and able to stand up to Christian and Co.

I didn't work out the ending – that’s good as often its just so obvious, and it didn't involve the cop out of Tara suddenly developing new powers as so many fantasy books do when its all coming to a head and there's no clear way out. It’s a solidly plotted book, with characters that are realistic (well, as realistic as fantasy characters can be!) there's sex scenes but its done well and sensual rather than vividly in your face erotic – and who wouldn't want an encounter with Christian and all that he promises!

 The book has a variety of warring creatures among them vampires, demons, werewolves, witches and fae and in order to protect Tara Christian needs to find out who is after her and exactly what she is. She's come to him in his work capacity as a PI but they quickly develop feelings for each other even when she discovers he's a 500 year old vampire. If you like romance with a decent plot to back it up and stop it being a sickly love story then this book delivers. I really enjoyed it – will add it to my keepers list for re reading and look out for further books from Nina. The characters in this book and the ethics surrounding Order – the organization ruling the supernaturals, have plenty of potential for further books and I hope Nina develops this into a series.

 Its 246 pages for £2.65 so good value for money esp with the potential for re reads.

 Stars – A well-deserved four and a half stars from me, almost a five but not quite.

                                  Reviewed by Midnight Ruby

You may purchase "Bittersweet Blood" here : DarkissReads Bookstore