Sarah's Reviews: Super Born: Seduction of Being by Keith Kornell

An evolution in the Female Superhero, Super Born: Seduction of Being is an action packed romantic satire based on the quirky Journalist's search for a reluctant super woman. She is a single mother with 33 years of normal existence before super powers begin to show themselves and complicate her life. While she searches for her new place in the world she is pursued by both the good guys and bad.

Release Date: October 8th 2013
Publisher: Harper Landmark Books
Author Website

I was really intrigued by this as I do read a lot of comics and it had that sort of write up to it. Also I liked the female superhero element to it and the single mum storyline was certainly different. The title is slightly misleading as there isn't much seduction at all. So don't read this expecting any sort of erotica type story as this just isn't that.

The book is fun to read but after a promising start I did feel that the book tailed off towards the end. The different characters had their own chapters but I couldn't differentiate between them, they all seemed very similar and didn't feel I could hear their own 'voice'. It was a shame as I was really looking forward to reading this but I was disappointed. It is by no means bad but it could have been better.

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Marina's Review: Mind Games {The Disillusionists Trilogy #1} by Carolyn Crane

Mind Games (The Disillusionists #1)

by Carolyn Crane

Justine knows she's going to die. Any second now.

Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem.

Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.

• Release Date:  March 2010
• Publisher: Spectra
• Author's web site

* Minor Spoilers

First I want to start by saying that this trilogy has been sitting in my TBR list for a long time, so I made a New Year’s resolution and bought this first book.

All of my friends and blogs I follow (and trust) are giving this book 5 stars ratings and awesome reviews so I’m sad to admit I feel the odd one out, not that I didn’t like it but I just couldn’t connect with the characters enough to care what happens to them.

I found that the world building is unique and it feels complete, the setting is solid and the characters are conflicted most of all about their morals.

Our heroine Justine is a hypochondriac, suffering from the extreme notion that she has vein star syndrome (and her brain is going to start leaking any minute now) her life is hell until she meets Packard. 

Mr. Tall, Dark and Sensuous (a.k.a Packard) tells Justin that she can be free of her phobias if she channels them to somebody else, not just any random person but a dangerous criminal who after that procedure is going to have a major change of heart, he is going to be reformed, or Disillusioned!


At the climax of this story I felt that our heroes started deforming and loosing focus, I can’t understand the reasoning behind Justine’s actions; since she is able to forgive and forget a manipulative criminal why not Packard? And why since there are always two sides to every story she is willing to believe one and doesn’t even consider the other? 

And there is the matter of the language a lot of word felt strange and out of place….
“My entire being sighs into him, curling around his deliciously cucumber cock like it’s my new center of gravity.” …….!!!!!! I hope you understand what I mean.

Overall it is a good Urban Fantasy book and gives you a new and interesting world but I'd love it if things were a little different.

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Marina's Review Einstein Must Die! (Fate Of Nations #1) by Chris Kohout

Einstein Must Die! (Fate Of Nations #1)

by Chris Kohout 

1910 AD - Impending war with England has given Nikola Tesla the chance to build his dream: a weapon to end all wars. The American steam-powered Beowulf tank is larger than a house, and carries enough firepower to face an army. Beowulf also has a mechanical brain, embedded with the consciousness of Colonel Browning, America’s best military strategist.

But in England, King George has put Albert Einstein to work for his own war effort: zeppelins capable of reaching the former colony, and new, radiological bombs to remind them of the price of disloyalty.

When two brilliant pacifists wield technology to bring peace to a planet at war, the final outcome will surprise them both, and the world.

• Release Date:  September 10th 2013
• Publisher: CreateSpace
• Author's web site

*Spoiler Free

A war dragging between the American and the British nations is the setting of the book Einstein Must Die! Ruthless and cunning soldiers try to annihilate each other all the while scientists fight with time in order to create the most powerful weapon.

Tesla is trying to fuse together a human brain with a war machine with help of several American scientists.

On the other side of the Atlantic Einstein with the orders of President Churchill is creating super-bombs.

Einstein Must Die! is an interesting story for the agonizing effort to overcome yourself, create history (even in literature) and rise above your circumstances.

Great steam-punk addition for the fans of the genre.

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Marina's Review: Reaver (Lords of Deliverance #5) by Larissa Ione

Reaver (Lords of Deliverance #5 \ Demonica #10) by Larissa Ione 

WARRIOR OF HEAVEN

Reaver is an angel with a past, a record, and a less-than-heavenly attitude. Powerful enough to fight alongside the fiercest battle angels-and crazy enough to risk his wings on a one-way mission to hell-he's agreed to go where no angel has ever gone before...to steal the most seductive and dangerous prize of Satan himself.

ANGEL OF HELL

Harvester is one of the Fallen, a once-heroic angel who sacrificed her wings to work as an undercover agent in hell. But now her cover has been blown, and she's been doomed to an eternity of agonizing torture. Even if Reaver can snatch her away from Satan's lair, even if they can fight their way out of the underworld's darkest depths, there is one thing Harvester can never escape-her newfound thirst for an angel's blood...

• Release Date:  December 5th 2013
• Publisher: Piatkus Books
• Author's web site

* Minor Spoilers

In this 5th book in the Lord of Deliverance series we FINALLY get the story of Reaver the Heavenly watcher of the Four Horsemen!

Following the end of Rogue Rider (book #4) we are privy to a lot of revelations regarding Reaver, his relationship with the Horsemen and the truth behind Harvesters actions but we are left with a major issue Harvester is being dragged to Hell for an eternity of torture.

This is an action packed book, from the very beginning we are thrown in the Pits of hell, new alliances are introduced and unexpected characters put obstacles is our hero’s path. Twist after twist the new storyline regarding the rebirth of Lucifer is being woven but it feels a bit overwhelming, a lot of things happen at the same time and the romance is left behind. 

I know the MC’s share a past but they don’t know it, and instead of exploring one another lust wins and they jump each other bones without minding that the end of the world and their enemies are almost at their doorstep.

No matter my minor issues Reaver is a must read; we get glimpse of favorite characters from the Daemonica books and my favorites Horsemen, plus we get insight to Heaven and Hell. Beware this is not a stand alone book, read it only if you have read at least the Lord of Deliverance books.

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Sarah's Reviews: Fading Shadows by Susan C. Finelli

Mourning the death of her grandfather, Nick Straga, and the loss of her love, Daniel Torrelle, Kay Straga buries her sadness deep within her guilt ridden, broken heart. Although Kay marries Jake Crane, her heart retains its love for Daniel. More than twenty years later, Kay's daughter, Sydney, becomes the target of an elaborate plan by Reid Jeffries to seek revenge on Kay for a sin long ago committed, but not forgotten. Daniel Torrelle returns to Kay to protect her and her family, only to destroy family harmony and unlock the secret of his and Kay's past. A secret, that once divulged, keeps her locked in its clutches, from which there is no escape.

Release Date: June 15th 2012
Publisher: Publishamerica

Buy the Book

This is the sequel to Finelli's Behind the Shadows book which had received very good ratings on Goodreads and when I was asked to review this book I was very intrigued. It seemed that not reading the first wouldn't put off getting along with Fading Shadows... I think I was wrong.

I only think I was wrong because I felt like there were more factors than just missing the first part of this story that I didn't like. Firstly and the main part, I should have read the first one as I was missing parts of the story and I did get lost several times. I felt there were far too many characters to get to know and many side plots that I am not sure that Finelli kept up with it all either. The ending is disappointing, possibly even more so when you have just got to the end of a mediocre book and it has an abrupt ending. 

I do normally enjoy mystery stories and I found this one to be very disappointing, again I should have read Book 1 but there was just something not making me turn the pages as quickly as I have done with other books in this genre. I might one day take a look at the first book and start over but for now it's going on my 'confusing' pile.

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Marina's Review: Far Shore (After Trilogy #3) by Tracy L. Slatton

Far Shore (After Trilogy #3)

An old enemy wreaks new havoc at the end of the world…

After the mists’ lethal apocalypse, mankind’s only hope for survival lies broken and battered, the prisoner of a ruthless sociopath who will stop at nothing to hurt him. Emma sets out to rescue him. She faces an ultimatum and must relinquish everything she holds dear. As Arthur teeters on the brink of life and death, Emma’s healing ability fails. Her own despair tests her, and she must grow stronger than she ever dreamt possible as she confronts the truth of her own heart.

In a time of apocalyptic despair, love is put to the test…

A mystical odyssey, a haunting love...

• Release Date:  October 10th 2013  
• Publisher: Parvati Press
• Author's web site 

  

   

Far Shore is the third book in the After series by Traci L. Slatton.

In the Beginning of the book we find Emma with her family again but Jeannie one of her closest friend is in desperate need of her healing touch so Emma leaves once again for an adventure. 

Arthur, Emma’s unforgettable love interest, is at Alexei’s camp and all indications show that he is brutally tortured and maimed so, after finding and healing Jeannie Emma much go and rescue the love of her life.

What goes one from that point on is a page turning adventure with some supernatural elements and a magnificent story of love and self-sacrifice.

What I didn’t like about this book is the cliffhanger ending and Alexei. I practically hate the guy (amazing villain btw) but how can Emma ever forgive him and most of all how can Arthur forgive him?! A lot of things stay unresolved but I liked seeing the “gang” together again and I loved seeing Marcus healed.

For dystopian fans and only if you’ve read the previous book.

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Marina's Review: The Botticelly Affair by Tracy L. Slatton

The Botticelli Affair

Gorgeous, reformed art forger Laila Cambridge misses her father. She’s a grad student in art history and her father disappeared five years ago. She’s blocked writing her dissertation and she’s flat broke. She’s out drinking one night when she meets sexy, mysterious John Bolingbroke, who knows way too much about her. Then he bumps into her as she guides a tour around the Met. He tells her that her father is still alive—but in lethal danger.

Bolingbroke claims to be an art collector. Two weeks ago, he saw Robert Cambridge searching for a legendary lost Botticelli painting. Bolingbroke overheard a plot to pursue Robert, take the painting, and kill him. Bolingbroke knows that Laila has connections in the seedy art underworld; he wants Laila to help him find Robert and the painting. Time is short. The group pursuing Robert has unlimited resources. They have a week at most before the group murders her father.

From New York, through Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome, Laila pursues her father, the painting, and her own redemption.

• Release Date:  July 27th 2011
• Publisher: Parvati Press
• Author's web site

*Spoiler-free!

The Botticelly Affair is a book that has it all!

It has a good paranormal element with a new world that unfolds and a few unexpected turns.

It has a good art background and although I don’t have a clue about art I found myself searching the web to find all the artists and their works that are mentioned in this book.

And it was a solid storyline one that will keep you at the edge of your seat and bite your nails at the same time.

Laila is a former art forger with the unique ability to duplicate any painting with minimum effort, trying to survive the ups and downs of everyday life with her best friend Fern when she meets tall, dark and vampire who tells her that her long lost father might not be dead.

Laila and John Bolingbroke begin a journey all over Europe and the U.S trying to find and obtain a mythical Botticelly painting, a painting that contains secrets that people would kill for.

The only thing that troubled me with this book is that the almost instant attraction Laila has for Bollingbroke seems fake and that her voice is at times immature.

If you by pass those things then The Botticelly Affair is a book worth your time.

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