Book Review of Nolan (Leech Book 3) by james crawford

Book Title: Nolan (Leech Book 3)

Genre: YA LGBT Science Fiction/Fantasy

Pages: 256

Author: james crawford

Date Published: 19 July 2015

Synopsis:

Every High school has its rock star. Maybe it's the quarterback, head cheerleader, or the valedictorian--the one student who outshines the rest. The one everyone knows will be successful in the years to come. For Nolan that was a lifetime ago, before he lost his sight, before he even knew what a Leech was.

Now, all Nolan wants is to see Caleo survive to fulfill his destiny. A task that is becoming increasingly difficult as the government wades into the war, new enemies appear and the number of people trying to kill them skyrockets.

Review:

Nolan by James Crawford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Leech series. I really enjoyed it.

Jack Barely is a fantastic character. I loved him from when I met him in the first book, Caleo. He is a very confident young man, who usually has a great sense of humour. However, he has one regret: that he didn't tell Caleo how he felt about him.

Caleo Anima is a wonderful character. I really liked him. He is a warm and loving young man, but because of his pale skin and snow white hair, he is seen as an oddity and is shunned by most of his peers. He is a Leech, someone with an extraordinary power. He can manipulate temperatures and can freeze people and things with only a touch. He also has a destiny as the one true Angel.

Unfortunately, due to my rather large reading list, I've not been able to read this book as quickly as I would have liked. In fact, it's taken me two years to get to read it since I purchased it and I apologise to the author for the delay.

This book continues on from the end of Jack (Book 2) and follows on with the view points of Caleo and Jack. The war between the two camps of Leeches is still raging. Caleo is still struggling with his growing feelings for Nolan, and Jack is determined to find both Caleo and Nolan and escape the clutches of Steve.

Although this book is named Nolan, I found myself slightly disappointed that there were no scenes in Nolan's POV to match the other books. I loved the first two books, but this one seemed to have lost something in its telling and it didn't give me that same excited feeling when reading. This made me feel a little sad.

As the story progressed, I realised how much I had missed the characters. They are likeable (apart from Alix and Steve) and lifelike. There are a lot of new characters introduced, but they never really made a huge impression on me and I can't even recall their names. I was glad, however, to get to know Mickey a lot more.

I was completely entertained by the fast paced storyline. This kept me turning the pages to find out what was happening. There are a few battles, as well as a few touching scenes that had me riding on a roller coaster ride of emotion. There are also a couple of surprising twists that I never saw coming. I love the way Caleo's and Jack's relationship has grown throughout the series. I think Nolan being thrown into the mix may not have done the storyline any favours as I am not a fan of love triangles at the best of times. However, other readers may have a differing opinion on this point. I will leave it up to you to decide for yourselves.

The story ended in such a way that I was satisfied with it; it does not end on a cliffhanger in case you were wondering.

james crawford has written another fast paced novel that kept me hooked from the first page! I love his writing style, it's easy to get lost in the world he has created. I look forward to reading more of his work in future.

This is a fantastic book in an amazing series. I highly recommend this book if you love LGBT, YA/Paranormal/Science Fiction genres. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

Hello I am james crawford. I know this is the part where I should mention all the fabulous awards I have won, and all the amazing adventures I have gone on, but that's not me. I’m not important or special. I'm just a man who lives in his dreams and writes them down for others to enjoy. One of those dreams turned into my Young adult book series Leech. As a boy growing up I realized there were too few Lgbt heroes for kids to look up to and even fewer that weren’t over sexed stereotypes. I didn't see anything that really represented me and those like me. This is why I decided to start writing Caleo- to give young adults a homosexual hero who is not defined by his sexual orientation.

Author Links:

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Book Review of Sleepwalker (Branches of Emrys Book 1) by Brandy L Rivers @BrandyLRivers

Book Title: Sleepwalker (Branches of Emrys Book 1)

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Pages: 346

Author: Brandy L. Rivers

Date Published: 16 May 2017

Synopsis:

He haunted her dreams.

Savon Roantree loved and lost the man she planned to marry. Nathan Taggert disappeared, taking her heart with him and her world fell apart. His father refused to tell her what happened to Nate. Broken-hearted she left, planning to never return to Silvertail Ridge and tried to move on.

After a bad break-up, she finally gives in to her brother’s pleas to move back home. She never expected Nate was living next door once more.

Nothing changed for Nate, not when it came to Savon.

A tragic accident tore them apart. By the time he recovered, she was gone. When his father threatened to kill Savon if he ever went to her, he did the only thing he could—followed in her dreams. No matter how hard he tried to reach her, she always ran. She even ignored his best friend, her own brother.

Twelve years later, he finally has a chance to right all the wrongs—if she’ll listen.

Silvertail Ridge has changed since they were kids. Both families have been pulled into an ancient battle.

Together they may stand a chance.

Review:

Sleepwalker by Brandy L. Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new series, Branches of Emrys. I loved it!

Savon Roantree is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is an artist who also happens to be part Sylvan Fae and Sorceress. She is able to control wild animals, as well as other sorcerers' familiars. She can also speak to the spirits of the dead. Twelve years ago, she fell in love with Nathan Taggart, but he broke her heart and she left home. After her brother convinces her to return home, she finds herself facing her past once more when she comes face to face with the man who claimed her heart.

Nathan (Nate) Taggart is also a wonderful character. I liked him a lot too. He is a dreamwalker and werewolf, and also happens to be a surgeon. Twelve years ago his life changed when a terrible accident ripped him from the love of his life. With his father's threat hanging over his head, Nate let Savon go, but now she's back and he's determined to convince her to give them another chance. However, danger is not very far away and ancient family secrets could tear them apart for good.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no expectation of a positive review.

I was eager to begin reading this book as I love the Others of Edenton and Others of Seattle series of books. This new series is an off-shoot of the Edenton series (though not sure if it also includes the Seattle side as I haven't had a chance to read all of the books in that series yet) and contains some old faces, as well as the new ones. Liz, Tremaine, Robert and Preston all make a welcome return. I must admit that I also liked meeting Savon's brother, Bran. He is also a wonderful character. He has his mother's Sylvan magic, but was turned into a werewolf after being shot.

The story is a mix of romance, magic and danger, and takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. I must admit that I raced through the pages as I was completely gripped by the story. The story is told through the eyes of both Savon and Nate, so the reader gets to see their thoughts and feelings. Although this is the first book in the series, I felt like I was meeting up with friends. This is because I have grown to love the world in which these characters live. This book has all the hallmarks of being another fantastic series. Savon and Nate have to overcome a heartbreaking past, but it's the future and what the secret group, Branches of Emrys, face that intrigues me now. I'm looking forward to finding out how the story arc develops and how the sub-plots fit in.

The story doesn't end in a cliffhanger, though it left me wanting to read the next book in the series as soon as I can.

Brandy L. Rivers has written an intriguing start to a new series. I love her fast paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. Her characters are lifelike and likeable. With her ability to write in both the paranormal and contemporary romance genres, she is one of my go to authors when I'm in the mood for a sexy read.

Due to explicit scenes of a sexual nature, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. However, I do recommend this book if you love hot erotic paranormal romances full of werewolves, vampires, fae, druids etc. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

Brandy L Rivers is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is kept busy writing the Others of Seattle, Others of Edenton, Combustible, and the Pine Barrens Pack series.
An avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. With every story her world of characters expands, pulling her new directions.
Living in rainy Western Washington with her husband and three kids, Brandy is already working on future stories in each of the series, and several other projects.

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Book Review of Bombshell (Hollywood A-List Book 1) by CD Reiss

Book Title: Bombshell (Hollywood A-List Book 1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 366

Author: CD Reiss

Date Published: 1 May 2017

Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author CD Reiss, a standalone romance about a nanny, a Hollywood star, and a love they never expected.

Hollywood bad boy Brad Sinclair always gets his way, whether it’s the role he wants or the bikini-clad model he has to have. But when a bombshell gets dropped in his lap in the form of a dimpled five-year-old from a forgotten relationship, he knows his life is about to change forever.

Cara DuMont isn’t exactly thrilled when she gets assigned to be the nanny for the latest box-office king. She has one rule: no celebrity fathers, especially single ones with devilish good looks and rock-hard abs.

But as soon as Cara meets Brad and his adorable little girl, she knows she’s in for a world of trouble. Because there’s something about the way Brad looks at her that makes her believe that some rules are meant to be broken…

Review:

Bombshell by C.D. Reiss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an entertaining read. I enjoyed it.

Cara DuMont is a character that I fluctuated between liking and being annoyed by her. She works as an agency nanny, but has a rule about not working for celebrity parents. When she meets a distraught five-year-old, her heart melts. However, her father is a completely different matter.

Brad Sinclair is an interesting character. I must admit that I liked him a lot more than Cara. He is a successful actor who has made it to the big screen, is in great demand and loves to party. He suddenly finds himself facing the daunting prospect of being a father to a little girl who he had no idea had been born. After a messy incident creates an instant bond between his daughter and Cara, he finds himself intrigued with the woman and tries to hire her as Nicole's nanny. But she's reluctant, which only increases his curiosity and desire to get to know her better.

I love reading contemporary romances, so when this book was offered on Amazon Prime to members first (before it's release), I purchased my copy. Unfortunately, due to my large reading list, I was not able to read it immediately.

I started to read this book and was quickly hooked. The story is told through the view points of both Cara and Brad. The characters are well developed and lifelike. I loved Nicole. She comes across as a bright and precocious child. I also liked Blakely, Cara's room mate and friend. She is working as a nanny but hoping to get a break as an actor. Unfortunately, due to a mistake in judgement, she finds herself in the newspapers for all the wrong reasons.

This is a rather formulaic romance, but I loved watching the relationship between Cara and Brad grow. As I said above, I found myself annoyed by Cara's character. This is because she comes across as a bit of a hypocrite at times. She doesn't want to become involved with gossip surrounding celebrity families, but can't help but fall for Brad almost immediately. I know, forbidden fruit and all that jazz, but I still found myself wanting to bop her over the head and tell her to wake up and get her head out of her butt.
Another reason I became annoyed with this book is the way the word 'bombshell' was used. It can be a bombshell to find out that you have a daughter you never knew you had, and you can be a beautiful bombshell, but the way the author used this word over and over again had a negative connotation that made me want to scream. Whether she did this on purpose or not, I do not know. However, by the time I reached the end of the book I was heartily sick of the word. Other readers may not have this reaction, so I will leave it there.

The story itself was sweet and the ending satisfactory.

CD Reiss has written an entertaining stand-alone contemporary romance. I enjoyed her writing style, which was fast paced enough for me to keep turning the pages and the flow was good. I have never read any of this author's books before, but I would consider reading more of her work in the future.

Due to scenes of a sexual nature that are a little on the explicit side, I do not recommend this book to young readers. I do, however, recommend this book if you love contemporary romances. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.

She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping that cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

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Book Review of Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy by Maxine Sylvester

Book Title: Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy

Genre: Children's Chapter Book

Pages: 88

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Date Published: 16 December 2015

Synopsis:

Ronaldo is the top flying cadet at the prestigious Reindeer Flying Academy. He dreams of getting his flying license and becoming one of Santa's reindeer, just like his hero, Vixen.

In the first adventure in the Ronaldo series, the second year flying cadets face their toughest ever flying test – The Endurance Challenge. Will Ronaldo be victorious and lift the silver cup? Or will mean brothers Dasher, Comet and Prancer ruin his chance for success?

Review:

Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy by Maxine Sylvester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This the first book in a new chapter book series aimed at 5-10 year olds. I loved it!

Ronaldo is a fantastic character. He is a young reindeer, trying to follow in the footsteps of his Granddad and his hero, Vixen, as a cadet in the Reindeer Flying Academy. He is determined to become one of Santa's reindeer. I really liked his determination, perseverance and courage.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no expectation of a positive review.

First off, I would like to say that I love the cover. It captures the story perfectly. Secondly, the story was completely entertaining. There are some interesting characters to go with the story and one of my favourites (besides Ronaldo) is his best friend Rudi. He is funny, kind and sweet, though he would probably deny it.

The story is short, but it is full of action. It also full of educational tit bits about hygiene, keeping warm in freezing weather, building confidence, perseverance and determination. There is also a little bit about bullying. I found it a joy to read. Being a chapter book, it is perfect for a child to read on their own (depending on reading ability and age of course), and will keep them hooked. If you have a child/children with short attention spans, it would be easy to read a chapter or two with them before bedtime. I loved the Endurance Challenge scene as I love hot chocolate too, so I could imagine Ronaldo flying around thinking about it keeping him warm; I know it keeps me warm on cold winter nights. The story is also peppered with humourous events that will thoroughly entertain the young reader. There are also illustrations of the characters and the events that are extremely well drawn and compliment the book perfectly. Ronaldo learns a valuable lesson in the story and, hopefully, the child reading it will too. I must admit that I did feel sad when I reached the end of the book. Not because it ended sadly (because it didn't), but because the story had finished. I am now looking forward to reading more of Ronaldo's adventures when I have a chance.

Maxine Sylvester has written a fabulous chapter book. I love her imagination. I also love her writing style, which is fast paced but not rushed, it also has a lot of warmth and humour woven into it and is easy for a child to follow. The flow is wonderful and kept me turning the pages. I would definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.

I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 5-10, but as this book can be read to children younger than this by their parents, I also recommend this book to children aged 3 upwards. I also recommend this book to adults who love reading chapter/middle grade books. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

Maxine Sylvester was born in London, England. She grew up with a passion for Winnie the Pooh and Paddington Bear. She also loved anything Disney and enjoyed drawing the characters.
Maxine's love of 'fun' art grew and she had the privilege of being mentored by cartoonist and caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. She completed further studies in children's book illustration with talented artist and illustrator, Jan Nesbitt.
She is currently working on Rudi’s Birthday, the third in the Ronaldo series, due for release in 2017.

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Book Review of Dead Time (Between Two Evils Book 3) by D. L. Orton

Book Title: Dead Time (Between Two Evils #3)

Genre: Time Travel/Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic

Pages: 495

Author: D L Orton

Date Published: 15 April 2017

Synopsis:

If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?

From award-winning author D. L. ORTON comes book three in the Between Two Evils series...

Shannon fights to stay alive inside a rogue biodome and discovers something totally unexpected... Peter. Lani is forced into the role of the reluctant heroine but rediscovers her street-kid mojo and sets out to find everything she's lost. Diego receives another dirty sock (and a note) from the poorly aimed fireball express: "The window between universes is closing." If Diego has any hope of getting back to Iz, he must get to the Magic Kingdom and power up the time machine before it's too late.

What could possibly go wrong?

Review:

Dead Time by D.L. Orton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Between Two Evils series. I think this is the best story so far. I loved it!

Diego is a fantastic character. I really liked him. He is kind and loving. In this book his cheesy/pun-y speech is not as prevalent. However, this is due to the more serious subject matter, as well as him not being the central focus as a main character so much.

This story continues on from the end of book two and the reader is taken on an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. This book focuses on three of the characters: Diego, Lani and Shannon, who each have their own chapters, though Shannon seems to be the main character focused on in this tale. There are also several new characters introduced and I must say that I felt sorry for Peter and the others living under the thumb of a meglomaniac (even though he was Peter's father). I really enjoyed watching Peter and Shannon's relationship grow. They make a really lovely couple and I wish them all the best. Meanwhile, Lani finds herself facing a life changing experience and locating a man long thought dead, and Diego is still determined to return to his Isabel in his universe.

Again, I found some of the story a little repetitive plot-wise, but there are a few twists that made up for it. There are also a few surprises thrown in for good measure, which kept things interesting. There is also an abundance of action, romance and danger that had me sitting on the edge of my seat more than once. This story doesn't end in a cliffhanger as such. There is an epilogue at the end that sets up the next book in the series and introduces a new character. Now I'm wondering what's going to happen next and I can't wait to find out.

DL Orton has written an intriguing time travel romance. I enjoyed her writing style, which is not as fast paced as some other authors I've read but it still had me turning the pages. The flow of the story is a lot smoother than the first book in the series and this made it a more pleasurable read. I would definitely read more of her books in the future.

There are no scenes of an explicit nature, and there is no mention of sexual activity (apart for some kissing) in this story. Having said that, I do not recommend this book to younger readers (under 16) due to the nature of the story, as well as some violence which could lead to a triggering event for some readers. However, I do recommend this book if you love dystopian or time travel romances. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR D. L. ORTON lives in the Rocky Mountains where she and her husband are raising three boys, a golden retriever, two Siberian cats, and an extremely long-lived Triops.

In her spare time, she's building a time machine so that someone can go back and do the laundry.

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Ms. Orton is a graduate of Stanford University's Writers Workshop and a past editor of "Top of the Western Staircase," a literary publication of CU, Boulder. The author has a number of short stories published in online literary magazines, including Literotica, Melusine, Cosmoetica, The Ranfurly Review, and Catalyst Press.

You can email her at dlo at dlorton dot com.

Book Review of Chiromancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 8) by Charmaine Pauls

Book Title: Chiromancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 8)

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Pages: 196

Author: Charmaine Pauls

Date Published: 25 April 2017

Synopsis:

Bono Black is not part of Cain Jones’s taskforce. He’s merely their pilot. The minute he walks into a sex club in Amsterdam, he is no longer an outsider to the war on their beautiful target, Sky Val. Bono wants her like he’s never wanted anyone, and he’s a determined man. The only snags are three major obstacles. One, Sky belongs to the most dangerous sex dealer in the Netherlands who’d see her dead before he lets her go. Two, she’s undeniably involved in the murders of a senator and president. Three, Cain has ordered her dead. But time is on Bono’s side. Before the team leader slits her throat, they need information on her boss. With the interest Sky has shown in Bono, Cain decides Bono is just the man for the job, and that seduction will be his choice of arms.

Life has never been good or kind. From where Sky Val is standing, life looks infinitely bad. Her existence is nothing but physical and emotional torture, but one motivation keeps her going. It is a secret she can’t give up on. Bought at the age of sixteen for her forbidden art to manipulate time, Sky’s owner constructed the perfect jail to confine her. The invisible chains he put on her are much more effective than a brick and mortar prison. She will do anything her owner or his boss demands, even make the handsome, caring Senegalese pilot, Bono Black fall in love with her. Love is, after all, a woman’s best weapon when her mission is to steal a man’s secrets.

Every wise person knows things aren’t always what they seem, but the truth becomes muddled in a war where the good guys suddenly seem bad, and the devil like a savior. In an upside-down world full of dangerous secrets and supernatural powers, many hearts will be broken, but only one team can win. Which one of them will walk away with their secrets and life intact?

* This is Book 8 of the Seven Forbidden Arts paranormal erotic series, but also reads as a standalone. The story contains explicit language and consummated love scenes. Recommended for an audience of 18+.

Review:

Chiromancist by Charmaine Pauls
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the eighth book in the Seven Forbidden Arts Series. I loved it!

Bono Black is a wonderful character. I really liked him when I was first introduced to him earlier in the series, but never really knew much about him, so I am glad to get a chance to do so now. He is not a practitioner of one of the forbidden arts, but a pilot in the employ of Josselin de Arradon (Joss to his friends) and Cain Jones. The team is still in pursuit of their nemesis, Godfrey. Their lead takes them to Amsterdam, where a powerful Chiromancist is hiding in plain sight. As Bono is the only human in the team, he finds himself going undercover. He finds himself drawn to Sky Val. As danger threatens, can he discover Godfrey's whereabouts and save the woman he has come to love?

Sky Val is also a wonderful character. I must admit that I felt really sorry for her as she has not had an easy life. She is a Chiromancist, and is able to use her power to either see into the past, as well as into the future. Sold into slavery, she works for her owner, a sex dealer, by using her art to tell the fortunes of his clients. When she meets Bono she is drawn to him, but she has a secret that binds her tighter than any physical tie to her boss. Can she break the shackles of the past and find a future with the Senegalese pilot?

This story is told mostly through the eyes of Bono and Sky, though there are a couple of scenes told through the eyes of other characters. I enjoyed getting to see the other characters from the team once more. This book is set several months after the events in book seven and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I said in my review of Scapulimancist that I thought it was the best of the series so far. I have now had to revise it to this book instead. It kept me hooked from the first page.

I found myself on a huge emotional roller coaster ride as Sky's past was revealed. I know that there is still slavery in the world (sex trafficking and other types), but have never really given it much thought apart from feeling sorry for those caught up in it and not knowing what I could do to help. However, I found myself unable to shake off the emotions this story stirred up in me that easily. Sky's story is not even unique (sadly), but the way the author wrote about it pulled at my heartstrings. Slavery may have been banned by law but it is still practiced today, though not as blatantly in the open as in the past. Unfortunately, wherever there is greed and money involved, the demand for this type of underground activity (be it slavery or even the ivory trade) will never diminish. This depravity sickens me and needs to be stopped. I am glad the author has given a voice to at least one victim (though fictitious) to shine a light on a dark practice and I commend her for it.

The story arc is reaching its climax, and I reached the end of the story with mixed feelings - sad that it was finished, but happy at the way it concluded. At the end of the book there is a teaser for the ninth and final book in the series and I am now looking forward to reading it as soon as I can. I must admit that once this series is over I will miss it, as the characters have become like friends to me.

Charmaine Pauls has written an entertaining standalone erotic romance. Her characters are lifelike and come alive on the page. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. I would definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.

Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend that you read this series in order. Due to the explicit nature of some of the scenes, as well as use of profane language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction, erotica, erotic romance or paranormal romance genres. – Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

Charmaine Pauls was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. She obtained a masters degree in Communication at the University of Potchestroom, and followed a diverse career path in journalism, public relations, advertising, communications, photography, graphic design, and brand marketing. Her writing has always been an integral part of her professions.

After relocating to France with her French husband, she fulfilled her passion to write creatively full-time. Charmaine has published six novels since 2011, as well as several short stories and articles.

When she is not writing, she likes to travel, read, and rescue cats. Charmaine currently lives in Chile with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.

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Audio/Book Review of Catch Me If You Can by Miss Mae

Book Title: Catch Me If You Can

Genre: Murder Mystery

Pages: 314

Audio Book Length: 5 Hours 51 Mins

Author: Miss Mae

Narrated by: Stephen Mendel , Dave Mallow , J.W. Terry , Toni Attell , Robin Riker

Date Published: 12 May 2016 (Paperback)
11 November 2016 (Audio)

Synopsis:

On an island bordering the coast of South Carolina, a convention is planned for "Catch Me" game enthusiasts. The game, designed by Stuart Harrington, wealthy businessman, is the genius behind the hottest game craze. But only ten guests are able to arrive before Brian, a category four hurricane, makes landfall. Lois Steinberg washes ashore on the beach. Amongst strangers, she has no idea who to trust and when Paul, the cook, is found murdered, events happen too eerily reminiscent of any "Catch Me" game that Stuart Harrington could ever conceive.

Review:

Catch Me If You Can by Miss Mae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I originally read a kindle version of this book a year ago. Since then, the audio book has been released and, when I heard the sample, I decided to download it. This is a new review to incorporate the audiobook format.

This is an interesting dramatization of the story. This is a fully immersive experience, with sound effects and music used in such a way that felt like throw back to the old radio dramatizations/plays. My only complaint about this version of story is that the wind sound effect, although used to great effect, annoyed the heck out of me. Granted, you can't have a storm/hurricane without wind, but I felt that it drowned out some of the dialogue. I am also used to listening to audiobooks narrated by one or two performers. However, this story had a whole ensemble cast. I did think that the actors used to play the various characters did a wonderful job in bringing the story to life and they need to be commended.

This is a wonderful murder mystery. I really enjoyed it!

Lois Steinberg is a wonderful character. I really liked her. Washed ashore on Hanibel Island, off the coast of South Carolina during a storm, she finds herself in danger; a convention for a "Catch Me" game turns deadly. As the intensity of the storm increases, the danger increases too. Trapped and afraid, she will have to keep her wits about her to survive. Not sure whom to trust, she finds herself fighting her attraction to Victor, a man with his own secrets.

This is a fantastic murder mystery. The intensity of the tale is kept all the way through. Ten strangers (or are they?) are trapped in Wycliff House Resort during a category four hurricane. When one of their number is murdered, everyone becomes suspect.

I found myself hooked by the story and it kept me intrigued. I enjoyed meeting Victor Helm and his dog, Mite, though I felt that Victor's character could have had a little more depth. All of the other characters have their own quirks and secrets. Jenna Milford is the owner/manager of Wycliff House. Paul is her cook. Jared Steele is one of the guests, as is Tia, B.J., Cookie, Rajah Singh, Bob, Victor and Pete.

I must admit that when I originally read this book, I had no idea who the murderer was even up until the end. After listening to the audiobook, even though I knew who the culprit was, I still found myself engrossed in the story. There are red herrings, twists and surprises in store. When I originally found out who the murderer was, I was completely taken aback. I never expected that. I am normally pretty good at ferreting out the culprit, but not this time. This made the ending exciting. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't work out who the murderer was, but it wouldn't be a good murder mystery if I had (I think).

Miss Mae has written a wonderful murder mystery. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful. I am a huge fan of mystery novels, and one of my favourite authors in this genre is Agatha Christie. However, Miss Mae is an author that I will be keeping an eye on in the future.

I highly recommend this book to readers who love murder mysteries and suspense or classic who-dun-its and dramatizations and are looking for a highly entertaining read. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

Miss Mae is an award winning, best selling author. "Said the Spider to the Fly" has consistently rated outstanding reviews and has won the esteemed title of Best Book of the Week for The Long and the Short of It Reviews and from The Romance Studio. It can be purchased both in digital format and in print. "When the Bough Breaks", a young adult coming-of-age story won the 2009 P & E Readers' Poll in the YA category.

Her first book, "See No Evil, My Pretty Lady" had previously only been available as a digital book. Now it can be purchased in print from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and CreateSpace. Visit her website (http://www.themissmaesite.com) for the links.

The highly acclaimed "It's Elementary, My Dear Winifred" won a 2009 Top Ten Read at MyShelf.com. Out of print for a couple of years, this fast-paced, action filled 'who-dun-it' is now back with a brand new cover! It's in print at Amazon and in digital format at various online estores.

Miss Mae also enjoys writing humor and non-fiction articles. Some of her publications can be found in The Front Porch Magazine, Good Old Days, and WritersWeekly.

Her alter ego, M.M., penned a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek fantasy tale titled "Ahoy Gum Drop!" where her bumbling, fumbling reporter, I.B. Nosey, is introduced to the world wide web of cyberspace. Check him out at Feeling Nosey? (http://feelingnosey.blogspot.com)

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