Book Review of The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow (Haunted Series Book 1) by Alexie Aaron

Book Title: The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow

Genre: Supernatural Horror

Pages: 443

Author: Alexie Aaron

Date Published: 6 January 2012

Synopsis:

Little Mia Cooper’s ability to see the dead made her an outcast in her hometown. Several years later, she has finally managed to blend in, but her hard-won peace is threatened by the arrival of a bumbling team of paranormal investigators. Mia is drawn in reluctantly as an advisor on what, at first, seems to be a fairly straightforward case, only to discover that the Hollow has much more in store for her. An ancient evil is rising in Cold Creek Hollow. What begins as a ghost hunt will become a fight for survival.

Review:

The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow by Alexie Aaron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Haunted Series. I really enjoyed it.

Mia Cooper is a likable character. She has been able to see ghosts since being a child. However, her ability has left her a bit of a pariah and loner. When a ghostly sighting leads to a group of paranormal investigators visiting Cold Creek Hollow, she finds herself involved in a race against a malevolent and ancient evil that threatens the residents.

I actually purchased this book when I first bought my Kindle way back in 2012. Unfortunately, due to my large reading list, I haven't been able to read this book until recently. I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner.

I started to read the book and quickly became intrigued. I found myself completely riveted by the story, though I did find some of the characters to be a little under developed. I must admit that I did like Deputy Whitney (Whit to his friends) Martin at first. However, he also can be a thoughtless and chauvinistic jerk and I wanted to slap him on more than one occasion. He and Mia have a history (though not romantic on his part even though Mia had a crush on him - they went to school together). Whit is married to Sherry, who is an aspiring artist who wants to show her work in the Museum of Modern Art. The paranormal investigators are an interesting bunch. They are: Burt Hicks and Mike Dupree, who are the leaders, then there are Amber (presenter), Beth (researcher) and Ted (camera/soundman). Rose Malloy is the town's real estate agent and has a penchant for gossip, which she uses for her own gain. However, I think my favourite character has to be Murphy. He has a sense of humour to match his razor sharp axe. He also happens to be a ghost and can only communicate through mime to Mia, or by using his axe to chop wood.

The story is told through the eyes of several of the characters. This gives the reader an opportunity to see different view points, I must admit that I enjoyed this aspect. This story has a slow-burning undercurrent of suspense to it that completely had me hooked. I wasn't sure where the author was going with this story at first, but as the history of the Hollow and horror of it was uncovered, I found myself feeling sorry for the ghostly inhabitants that were caught up in a vengeful evil. I also found myself turning the pages in a effort to find out what would happen next, as there are several twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I also enjoyed the romance aspect between Mia and Burt and thought they made a lovely couple and were well suited.

I read this book in less than twenty-four hours and, to say it's a four hundred and forty-three page book, that's how engrossing it was. There is mystery, danger, horror and happiness within the pages and it took me on an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I did think that the explanation the author gave for the vengeful spirit's evil was a little disappointing, and I couldn't feel any emotional attachment to any of the characters apart from Murphy; this made me feel sad. I felt that the ending was a little anti-climatic for me, even though it concluded satisfactorily. Nevertheless, I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Ghostly Attachments, when I have the chance.

Alexie Aaron has written a wonderful supernatural horror. I love her fast paced writing style. However, I found the flow a little jerky at times. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be my last (I hope).

Due to scenes of a sexual nature (though not explicit), as well as violence and horror, I do not recommend this book to younger readers or those of a nervous disposition. However, I highly recommend this book if you love supernatural or paranormal horror. - Lynn Worton

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Purchase Links:

              

About The Author:

Want more information and updates on new novels in progress? www.Alexieaaron.com

After traveling the world, Alexie Aaron, a Midwestern native, returned to her roots where she's been haunting for years. She now lives at the top of the mitt with her husband and family.

Her popular Haunted Series was born from her memories of fleeting shapes rushing around doorways, an heirloom chair that rocked itself, cold feelings of mysterious dread, and warm feelings from the traces of loved ones long gone.

Alexie also writes the Cin Fin-Lathen Mysteries. These mysteries set in England and south Florida combine action and intrigue with a liberal dose of humor.

Come and visit Alexie at www.Alexieaaron.com or Alexie Aaron on Facebook.

ALEXIE AARON's HAUNTED SERIES (in order)

1)The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow

2)Ghostly Attachments

3)Sand Trap
Novellas: Eternal Maze 3.1 ~ Homecoming 3.2
4)Darker than Dark

5)The Garden 

6)Puzzle 

7)Old Bones
8) Things that Go Bump in the Night 

9) Something Old
Novellas: Checking Out 9.1 ~ Ice and Steel 9.2)
10) The Middle House: Return to Cold Creek Hollow 

11) Renovation 

12) Mind Fray
13) The Siege

14) Nola 

15) Never Forget 

16) The Old House 

17) Restitution
18) A Rose by Any Other Name 

19) The Long Game 

20) Given Enough Rope

Cid Garrett P.I. Series
1) Cid 

2) coming soon High Court

ALEXIE AARON'S CIN FIN-LATHEN MYSTERIES (in order)

1) Decomposing 

2) Death by Saxophone 

3) Discord 

4) The Wages of Cin
5) Unforgivable Cin: An Opera in Three Acts

Author Links:

Goodreads ; Amazon Author Page ; Facebook ; Website

New Release Blitz & Giveaway: Roman's Having Sex Again by Nikki Ashton @NikkerAsh @BarnardLaura

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Roman's Having Sex Again by Nikki Ashton is now LIVE!!

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Synopsis

Summer James has suffered a devastating change to her life, one that could shape her future and to make matters worse she now has a new boss. Not such a major problem, some would think, but that boss is Roman Hepburn. He's rude, grouchy and impatient and has a damn fine ass!

Very quickly her feelings for the dark, brooding, Roman change and it soon becomes evident that some highly charged sexual tension has been bubbling under the surface, and Roman makes it clear that he intends to make Summer his.

Will Roman succeed in getting the girl, and if he does will he succeed in keeping the girl? Or will circumstances and Roman's hilariously strange, but loveable family, send Summer tottering to the hills on her six inch heels?

This is a sexy, fun romance with some laugh out loud moments. Full of quirky characters, broody men and feisty women you won't be disappointed.

Goodreads

Head on over to Nikki's facebook page to enter her giveaway - 

https://www.facebook.com/NikkiAshtonBooks/

Audio/Book Review of The Healer by Christoph Fischer @CFFBooks @WriterCFischer

Book Title: The Healer

Genre: Medical Thriller

Pages: 198

Audiobook Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins

Author: Christoph Fischer

Date Published: 15 January 2015 (E-Book)
26 May 2016 (Audiobook)

Synopsis:

When advertising executive Erica Whittaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer, western medicine fails her. The only hope left for her to survive is controversial healer Arpan. She locates the man whose touch could heal her but finds he has retired from the limelight and refuses to treat her. Erica, consumed by stage four pancreatic cancer, is desperate and desperate people are no longer logical nor are they willing to take no for an answer. Arpan has retired for good reasons. casting more than the shadow of a doubt over his abilities. So begins a journey that will challenge them both as the past threatens to catch up with him as much as with her. Can he really heal her? Can she trust him with her life? And will they both achieve what they set out to do before running out of time?

Review:

The Healer by Christoph Fischer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an intriguing psychological/medical thriller. I really enjoyed it!

I received a complimentary gift copy of this book in audio format from the author with no expectation of a positive review. This is my honest opinion.

This audiobook is narrated by Georgina Tate. She has a clear reading voice. Unfortunately, I was not keen on her reading style. She read the story in a jerky fashion in my opinion, taking unnecessary breaths in the middle of a sentence where no comma should be, and her pacing was a little too slow for my taste. She also did not modulate her voice or change her tone often, which made some sections rather monotonous. She also didn't even attempt to give the characters different tones or accents. This, in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, as not many people can do accents. Nevertheless, it made me feel a little bored at times and I considered switching over to a different story. However, I persevered right until the end.

Erica Whittaker is an interesting character. She is a woman who has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. After a course of chemo that leaves her feeling extremely ill, she turns in desperation to a faith healer called Arpan, who has retired to the wilds of Wales, in an attempt to cure it.

I found myself intrigued with the storyline, which is told through the eyes of Erica. I also found some of the dialogue a bit clunky and repetitive, especially in the beginning where Erica first meets Arpan and tries to convince him to heal her. Arpan is an interesting character. He has retired from the limelight as a healer after a healing went wrong and his client died, which created a media circus. He is extremely reluctant to heal Erica and it's not until later in the story that one discovers the reason why. He also has an apprentice called Anuge (sorry, not sure of spelling). What got me curious about this situation is that if he's not practicing healing, why did he have an apprentice? Anyway, as the story unfolded, the mystery and suspense surrounding Arpan's apparent retirement comes to light when a drug company comes calling. I must admit there are several twists to this story that I didn't see coming, though I did have suspicions about a few things that I deduced correctly when they were revealed. The ending, however, left me feeling with a blend of surprise and disgust at how an innocent person can have their life ruined by either a potentially deadly mistake or a deliberate scam. The author has left the ending a little vague so a reader can make their own conclusion on this point.

Christoph Fischer is a relatively new author to me in that I've only read some of his short stories in an anthology he contributed to. Nevertheless, I love his writing style and, if I had read this book rather than listened to it, I think I would have enjoyed it better flow-wise. I would definitely read more of his books in the future.

Although there are no scenes of a sexual nature, violence or profane language, I do not recommend this book to younger readers due to the dark subject matter. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love psychological or medical thrillers. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

Purchase Links:

            

About The Author:

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small town in West Wales. He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘
The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; 'Sebastian' in May 2013 and 'The Black Eagle Inn' in October 2013 - which completes his 'Three Nations Trilogy'. "Time to Let Go", his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions”, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel “Conditioned” was published in October 2015. His medical thriller "The Healer" was released in January 2015 and his second thriller “The Gamblers” in June 2015. He published two more historical novels “In Search of a Revolution” in March 2015 and “Ludwika” in December 2015.
His latest novel "The Body In The Snow" is his first cozy mystery.
He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com
Blog: http://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer
Twitter: @CFFBooks, @WriterCFischer
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-fischer-95a9a468
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer

Book Review of The Survivors (A Jazz Nemesis novel Book 3) by L.M. Smith

Book Title: The Survivors (A Jazz Nemesis Novel Book 3)

Genre: YA Science Fiction / Dystopian

Pages: 537

Author: L.M. Smith

Date Published: 1 August 2015

Synopsis:

Abandoned by her lover.
Reunited with her father.
Ardently pursued by a man who has vowed to never leave her side.

From within the protective walls of Sanctuary, Jasmine and her friends find themselves numbered among a throng of refugees fleeing a world under constant assault from all sides. The horrors of The Maya Virus were just the beginning as nations emboldened by chaos succumb to the temptations of nuclear warfare, religious zealots employ drastic tactics against their rivals, and Mother Nature herself seems determined to destroy all that remains.

As governments crumble and factions unfold, the pressure is on for Jazz to take sides and declare her allegiance, but the rules are unclear and the lines may not be as cleanly drawn as some would have her believe. An ancient secret society disguised as a wealthy corporation creeps comfortably into a position of power; a struggling republic determined to maintain some semblance of normalcy clings to what little control it has left; a faithful crowd amasses to worship a newly emerged and powerful figurehead of myth and legend; an unlikely army forms in obscurity, it’s awesome power hidden from all who would seek to destroy it; and then there’s Damien, quite possibly Jasmine’s greatest temptation to date.

The fiercest war mankind has ever known is percolating on the horizon. What would you be willing to sacrifice to be counted among The Survivors?

Review:

The Survivors by L.M. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Jazz Nemesis series. I absolutely LOVED it!

Jasmine Marshall (Jazz to her friends) is an intriguing character. I really liked her when I first met her in The Citizens. Thanks to the experiments done to her (and her friends) in the first book, she has the ability to feel emotions of those around her and has become an empath. Together with the others in her group: Piper (a vampire), Kaori (a teenager with power of telekinesis), Beck (a US Marine inhabited by an angel) and Gabriel (a feisty Scot with the ability to become invisible whom they met in book 2), Jazz finds herself taking shelter in Sanctuary, an underground bunker protecting refugees from the Maya Virus that is devastating the world. There she comes face to face with someone she never thought she would meet again, her father.

I have been wanting to read this book for some time. Unfortunately, due to my large reading list, it's taken me longer than planned to get to read it. I must admit that it's been a while since I read the second book, The Refugees, and some of the original excitement I had for this series has ebbed. However, this is not to say that my enjoyment of this book was diminished, only more tempered.

This is a fast paced, thrilling ride of rollercoaster proportions and has had my heart pounding with dread and excitement in equal measure. The story is so well written it felt like I was actually there, watching it all happen. I found myself turning the pages, just to find out what mysteries would be solved, only to have more questions pop up! This book is told through the eyes of Jazz and Beck. This gives the reader an insight into their thoughts and feelings. This book also has more of a religious aspect to it, what with the mention of Armageddon and Beck's angelic role in it. But, there is also a feeling of an alien invasion (like Independence Day or The Day The Earth Stood Still) with a mysterious artifact from outer space threatening the safety of the world. However, to avoid any spoilers, I'll not say much more. I will say that there are several twists to keep things interesting and a few secrets revealed, though more are still lurking unanswered in the pages. Nevertheless, the author has left me eager to find out what happens next. Although the book doesn't finish on a cliffhanger as such, it concludes in such a way that it sets it up for the next book, which I am now looking forward to reading as soon as possible.

L.M. Smith has written a fantastic psychological thriller that also crosses several other genres, especially paranormal fiction and dystopian fiction. I love her fast paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. I have added this author to my favourites list, and will read any of her books in the future.

I highly recommend this book if you love psychological thrillers, paranormal fiction, YA dystopian fiction, horror or urban fantasy. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

Purchase Links:

               

About The Author:

L.M. Smith is both an avid reader and writer. Her favorite authors include Kim Harrison and Richard Adams. She began writing stories and poetry as a child and has always been fascinated by mythology, various global cultures, and the paranormal.

A self-proclaimed 'desert rat’, she lives near Las Vegas, Nevada with her soul mate, their three dogs, and one very sassy black cat. She is proud to be an alumna of the University of Phoenix and enjoys playing online video games, painting pottery, and binge-watching entire seasons of her favorite TV shows in one day with her sweetheart.

Thanks largely to the encouragement and vivacious faith of her wonderful fans, L.M. has finally allowed herself to hope that she may someday see Jasmine and all of her friends brought to life on the silver screen.

Author Links:

Amazon Author Page 

Goodreads 

Twitter

Cover Reveal: Roman's Having Sex Again by Nikki Ashton @NikkerAsh @BarnardLaura

     COVER REVEAL    

Roman's Having Sex Again by Nikki Ashton

Pre-order your next romantic comedy now!  myBook.to/NARoman

Synopsis

Summer James has suffered a devastating change to her life, one that could shape her future and to make matters worse she now has a new boss. Not such a major problem, some would think, but that boss is Roman Hepburn. He's rude, grouchy and impatient and has a damn fine ass!

Very quickly her feelings for the dark, brooding, Roman change and it soon becomes evident that some highly charged sexual tension has been bubbling under the surface, and Roman makes it clear that he intends to make Summer his.

Will Roman succeed in getting the girl, and if he does will he succeed in keeping the girl? Or will circumstances and Roman's hilariously strange, but loveable family, send Summer tottering to the hills on her six inch heels?

This is a sexy, fun romance with some laugh out loud moments. Full of quirky characters, broody men and feisty women you won't be disappointed.

Add to your Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33918586-roman-s-having-sex-again?ac=1&from_search=true

Audio/Book Review of Fire Country (The Country Saga Book 1) by David Estes

Book Title: Fire Country (The Country Saga Book 1)

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 402

Audiobook Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins

Author: David Estes

Date Published: 12 January 2014 (E-Book)
27 September 2016 (Audiobook)

Synopsis:

In a changed world where the sky bleeds red, winter is hotter than hell and full of sandstorms, and summer's even hotter with raging fires that roam the desert-like country, the Heaters manage to survive, barely.

Due to toxic air, life expectancies are so low the only way the tribe can survive is by forcing women to procreate when they turn sixteen and every three years thereafter. It is their duty as Bearers.

Fifteen-year-old Siena is a Youngling, soon to be a Bearer, when she starts hearing rumors of another tribe of all women, called the Wild Ones. They are known to kidnap Youngling girls before the Call, the ceremony in which Bearers are given a husband with whom to bear children with.

As the desert sands run out on her life's hourglass, Siena must uncover the truth about the Wild Ones while untangling the web of lies and deceit her father has masterfully spun.

Review:

Fire Country by David Estes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review 6*

I originally received a copy of this book in 2013 from the author in return for an honest review, which I duly posted. However, I am now editing my review to incorporate listening to it in audiobook format, which I purchased through Audible UK.

This audiobook is narrated by Khristine Hvam. I must admit that when I heard her narration I thought to myself, 'This doesn't sound like the Siena in my head as I pictured her.' However, as I listened to her speak, I realised that her voice is perfect for Siena's character. She brings a charm and warmth to the story. She also gives each character their own voice and accent, which brings them to life. Her diction is clear and precise and easy to listen to. I would definitely consider listening to more books narrated by her.

My original review:

OMG! This is a fantastically brutal dystopian novel. I LOVED IT!

Siena is a fantastic character! She is a young lady that I greatly admire. Her determination, independence and grit astounded me. As her sixteenth birthday looms, she has to make a decision that will change her life.

As I started reading this book, I was completely pulled in to a world that has been devastated by a disaster of biblical proportions. The Heaters are a tribe living in the most unforgiving conditions I have ever encountered in the pages of a book, but somehow, they manage to survive. Raging sandstorms, fires and unrelenting heat would sap the energy out of anyone, but these people have gained my respect with their ingenuity and sheer determination. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat more than once, as the story unraveled. I also found myself on a rollercoaster of swinging emotions; from disbelief, anger, sadness, happiness, disgust, joy, a few other mixed ones and back again! However, it is their laws that I found myself railing against. The one where they have to force girls of sixteen to procreate for their survival. I can understand the need to survive as a tribe, but it's the way they go about it that made my stomach clench! I wanted to shout "perverts", but as they are fictional characters, they wouldn't hear me! However, there are some really likable characters that redeemed the tribe in my eyes. These are Siena's friends: Circ and Veena. Circ is one of her closest friends and a wonderful character. He is a Hunter and the same age as Siena. Veena is a year older than Siena, and has already had a baby. Her attempts to get her no-good Call (mate) to take care of the baby made me giggle! This book is peppered with a whole slew of tribal slang, but it reminded me of some words I could picture the Australians saying (no offence to the Australians, I love their slang!). There are also a fair few twists and turns in this book that kept me hooked from the first page to the last! I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

David Estes has written a fantastic dystopian novel that has turned me into a huge fan! I love his writing style, which is fast paced and extremely fluid! His characters came alive, and the descriptions of the environs left me breathless! I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

I highly recommend this book if you love YA or Dystopian genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

             

About The Author:

Get the David Estes Starter Library (FOUR books!) for FREE when you sign up for his mailing list: http://s.privy.com/65XyQ6g

David Estes has written more than 20 YA and Children's science fiction and fantasy books. He has a love of dancing and singing (but only when no one is looking or listening), is a mad-skilled ping-pong player, an obsessive Goodreads group member, and prefers writing at the swimming pool to writing at a table. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his beautiful Aussie wife, Adele, his asthmatic cat, Bailey, and his rambunctious son, Beau.

Author Links:

Amazon Author Page ; Goodreads ; Facebook ; Twitter

Release Blitz & Giveaway: The Truth About Love by Anna Bloom @annabloombooks @BarnardLaura

☆.•°☆.•°*°•.☆ FREE NEW RELEASE & GIVEAWAY ☆.•°☆.•°*°•.☆

Anna Bloom's The Truth About Love is out now!

myBook.to/TruthAboutLove

Synopsis

Eve Harris has always had a point to prove: where you come from doesn't matter, it's what you aim for that counts. She has it all planned; find the perfect teaching job, live with her best friend, Cherry, and never get dragged back into the destructive world of her youth.

The last thing she expects is to bump into millionaire heir Cameron Wallis on her last day on campus. Nor is she expecting to discover that when she gives him a chance to win her over he's nothing like the playboy the newspapers paint him to be.

Will Eve be able to let go of her judgements and embrace a spontaneous affair with Cam that isn't part of her plan? Or will the constraints from both their families prevent Cam and Eve from discovering The Truth About Love?

The Truth About Love Vol.I is the first novella in a serial About finding love even when you're least expecting it. 

Goodreads link - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33983628-the-truth-about-love?from_search=true


Anna is also hosting a giveaway on her author page to win an ebook and signed paperback of your choice - https://www.facebook.com/AnnaBloomBooks/

Book Review of The Soul Catcher by Rowanne Carberry @RowRow1990

Book Title: The Soul Catcher

Genre: Supernatural Horror

Pages: 123

Author: Rowanne S. Carberry

Date Published: 30 November 2016

Synopsis:

Spirit-speaker. Death Seer.
To preserve her sanity, Jemma lives her lie—that she is normal. As a child, her psychic gifts cost her everything. So when she foresees a woman's murder, she does nothing to prevent it and unwittingly helps a serial killer get away with another murder.
Guilt-ridden, she reports the crime only to find herself thrown into a world she didn’t know existed. Coerced into working with the police, battling to keep herself alive and dealing with newfound emotions, Jemma is forced to use the gifts she sees as a curse, to save the lives of others.

Review:

The Soul Catcher by Rowanne Carberry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an intriguing supernatural horror story. I really enjoyed it.

Jemma is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She pretends that she is a normal woman, but she is not. She can see ghosts and interact with them. When a stranger bumps into her, triggering her psychic gift, she warns the woman of danger. Unfortunately, the woman doesn't take any notice and is found dead. Unable to live with herself after the event, she goes to the police to report her vision. What she didn't expect was to be thrown into an emotional nightmare.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no expectation of a positive review; this is my honest opinion. I started to read this book and was quickly hooked. Jemma's vision of the woman's murder is shocking and incredibly chilling. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. I was intrigued with the supernatural task force that works with the police and liked meeting some of the team members, such as Ripper and Aidan, who each have special gifts of their own. However, I am not overly fond of Detective Mitchell, the team leader. He is incredibly driven and, although I am not sure what his problem is, comes across as a sadistic b*stard and not an entirely likable person. He puts Jemma through hell in an effort to find the serial killer and basically kidnaps her and holds her prisoner until she complies with his demands. This is not the best way to recruit members in my opinion.

The story takes the reader on a journey of horror as the team gets ever closer to the serial killer. He's a soul eating demon and is growing in strength with every soul he eats. However, there is also a touch of romance between Jemma and Ripper. There are no scenes of a sexual nature (apart from kissing) between them though, as there never seems to be enough time for anything more. I found myself on a roller coaster of emotions throughout this book, from disgust at Detective Mitchell's behaviour to sadness at the brutal murders of the innocents by the killer. There's a huge fight scene between the team and the demon, and a surprising twist I didn't see coming towards the end. Although the book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, the author has written it in such a way that it is obvious there will be another book to follow.

Rowanne Carberry has written an intriguing supernatural horror story. This is her debut novel. I love her fast paced writing style, which kept me turning the pages. Her descriptive prose brought the story to grizzly life and it flowed wonderfully from start to finish. My only complaint is that I felt that some of the characters needed a little more development, though this could be easily rectified as the series progresses. I would definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.

Due to scenes of graphic violence and gore and some profane language, I do not recommend this book to younger readers or persons of a nervous disposition. However, I highly recommend this book if you love supernatural or paranormal horror/urban fantasy genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

              

About The Author:

Hi everyone. My name is Rowanne, as you may have guessed. I'm 26 and live in England.
I’ve been writing ever since I can remember and it is something I do with a passion. Without it, I'm not sure what I would do.
My genres vary with what I write and I will hopefully be publishing more in the near future. A poetry book is also in the works.
Thank you for taking the time read my page and I hope you enjoy my work.

Author Links:

To be the first to know what's happening with my writing head on over to Facebook and give me a like on www.facebook.com/rowanneswriting. I’m also on twitter @RowRow1990, Amazon Author Page and Goodreads.

Book Review of Scapulimancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 7) by Charmaine Pauls @CharmainePauls

Book Title: Scapulimancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 7)

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Pages: 292

Author: Charmaine Pauls

Date Published: 10 January 2017

Synopsis:

A woman on a mission to save the elephants…
An ex-convict who won’t part with his land…
When their passions and goals collide, the crash is volatile.

Sara Graham has no idea what she is getting herself into when she uses her forbidden art to protect the near-extinct elephants and their habitat in the Knysna forest, South Africa. From the minute she sets foot in the woodcutters’ bar, she endangers her life. The gift hunters who would kill for her art are not the only threat. The wood smugglers will sooner murder her than let the National Parks Board ranger stand in their way. Falling for woodcutter and ex-convict, Wayne West, only further complicates matters. Can Sara trust a man convicted of the cruelest of murders?

Danger comes to town with a green SANParks vest and a tight body. Wayne knows Sara is all kinds of trouble from the first time he lays eyes on her in the bar. Alone, she doesn't stand a chance. If he protects her, he will not only be branded as a traitor with the woodcutters, but he may also lose his job, and worse, his land. That is to say if they make it out alive. Even then, can he forgive her for taking the only thing he has left?

This book contains explicit language and consummated love scenes. Reader discretion is advised. Although this is Book 7 (ANIMAL) of the paranormal erotic Seven Forbidden Art series, the story also reads as a standalone. For best reading enjoyment and character insight it is recommended that the series be read in chronological order.

Review:

Scapulimancist by Charmaine Pauls
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

Wayne West is a wonderful character. I liked him a lot, though I thought he was a jerk at first. However, as I got to know him better I began to see why he acted the way he did at times. He is an ex-con and has lost more than most. He is determined to hold on to the last remaining piece of land that he calls home. Unfortunately, his land has been marked by the government as a reserve for the last remaining elephants of the Knysna forest. He knows that its only a matter of time before someone from the South African National Parks (SANParks) arrives, but he is unprepared for the feelings that Sara stirs in him.

Sahara (Sara) Graham is also a wonderful character. I liked her too. She is determined to do her job of tracking the Knysna elephants to see how many are remaining in the forest and relocate them to the new reserve. She did not, however, expect to run into the farmer who's land the government had appropriated. As she gets to know Wayne, she finds herself torn between her feelings for him and her job. As danger threatens, can she trust him with her secret of being a Scapulimancist, someone able to communicate with animals?

Having previously read the other books of the series, I was eager to get my hands on this book. I was contacted by the author to see if I would like a complementary copy to read, which I accepted.

This story is told through the eyes of several characters, though it is shown mostly through Wayne and Sara's point of view. I started to read the story and was quickly hooked. I found myself on a huge emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. I thought this book to be the best of the series so far. I enjoyed watching Wayne and Sara's relationship grow. The chemistry between them is hot enough to scorch the pages. However, I thought the first scene of when they met was rather harsh on Wayne's part. Granted, he is entitled to be bitter towards the SANParks for snatching his home from under him. However, it didn't endear him to me either. Having said that, he redeems himself in my eyes as the story unfolds and the reader gets to see the tortured man beneath his tough exterior.

The story introduces several interesting characters. Clive Theron is Wayne's boss and Thinus's father and Nelis's uncle. I took an instant dislike to all three of them. Then there is Bella, Wayne's only friend - I liked her a lot - and Dumile, the Nkosi (Chief) of the Xhosa tribe, who also happens to be Wayne's father-in-law. My favourite character though has to be young Khwezi, who made me smile. He's only five but definitely has an entrepreneurial edge to his character.

On more than one occasion I found myself holding my breath as the danger had me sitting on the edge of my seat. There is a lot going on, with some really intense scenes between the characters and, as I don't want to give any spoilers, I will not say much more. I will say that the paranormal task force is not as active in this story, though they do make an appearance close to the end of the book. I reached the end of the story with mixed feelings - sad that it was finished, but happy at the way it concluded. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series as soon as I can.

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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