Alternative-Read.com: December 2009

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Today's Feature Post

Bloody Passion by Laura Tolomei

Title: Bloody Passion 
Author: Laura Tolomei
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Published: Oct 31, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-55487-417-0
Format: eBook
Length: 158 Pages
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Gay, Horror, Ménage, Paranormal, Shape Shifting, Halloween, m/f, m/m, m/m/m

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Cedric was brought to a Druid for training when he was just a boy. “…he has dark connections,” claimed his mother. Perhaps, but these did not show through until one day, many years later, when his mentor abruptly left their village, claiming the darkness around Cedric and that which would certainly follow was too great to be overcome.

Sure enough, a creature of the night arrives and begins to steal the village’s animals as prey. The resultant hiring of a hunter and the friendship between he (Rory), the Druid (Cedric) and a young man named Newlyn, seals the fate of all involved.

One beast is killed, only to release an even greater and more evil monster. To capture this one, Cedric must solve the puzzle of a terrible nightmare that has plagued him for years, one he intuitively knows will reveal things better left buried.

In Bloody Passion Laura Tolomei has written a tight short story about the true, mixed nature of man, and what can happen if that nature is not controlled or put to work for the forces of good. I say short story, because the rest of her novel is filled with page after page of explicit male on male sex and an occasional m/m/m or m/f/m Ménage à trois.

This brings me to the critical portion of my review. First, Laura has/had no way of knowing I have publicly stated I will read no further works from eXtasy books. She sent me the book for review because we are internet friends. Having agreed in advance to the review, I will complete it.

There are the two issues I have with eXtasy books: Regarding the first book I read from this company, they stated quite clearly they were not taking editorial responsibility for the work being published; second, the sex was so much more prevalent than story, that I felt the story was nothing but a structure on which to hang the erotica. I went so far as to say there was an uncomfortable similarity to pornography.

Laura’s book? First of all, the editorial disclaimer does not appear in this book. Second, the overall calibre of writing is very good, although I did pick up on several misspelled, missing and misused words that a competent proofreader should have caught. The mistakes did not affect my reading experience. Third, while I feel there was again a disproportionate amount of sex to story, the work felt like a legitimate piece of fiction.

Bloody Passion
went beyond my comfort zone for M/M erotica, but the book kept me engaged from start to finish. Laura Tolomei writes this type of fiction with a sure hand and obvious skill. If sizzling hot m/m erotica interests you, then I would say Bloody Passion will reward you for your time.


Copyright: © Clayton Clifford Bye 2009



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Stitches in Time by Diana Hunter



Title: Stitches in Time
Author: Diana Hunter
Publisher: An Elora’s Cave Romantica Publication
Publication Date: 2003
ISBN: 97814119922633
Format: eBook, Novella
Length: 81 pages
Genre: Erotic Romance

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Do you believe in fate? How about leprechauns? Stitches in Time by Diana Hunter depends on both. You see, Liam Flaherty is the only man with the power to break a curse that has been lost in the distant reaches of his family history. When he and Maggie Andrews, the tightly wound daughter of his company’s owner, stumble upon a unique piece of tapestry, the depicted leprechaun speaks to him, promising Liam the love of Maggie in return for Liam’s help.

Liam is soon in over his head. The leprechaun is true to his word and helps Liam crack Maggie’s well-constructed armour, but Liam isn’t prepared for the lioness he’s released. By the time the two finish taking the edge off their mutual sexual tension, they’re head over heels in love and Liam not only finds himself agreeing to buy Maggie’s company so that she can pursue the career she’s always wanted (restoring historical pieces), he accompanies her as she races across the country in search of the rest of the strange tapestry.

Yes, Stitches in Time is a fun little novella. Well written and moving at a nice pace, it’s also a fine display of craftsmanship; the book just doesn’t require technical criticism. However, it’s not for everyone: Stitches in Time is an erotic romance filled to overflowing with explicit sex. The book also explores, in a mature and gentle way, the subjects of Bondage and Dominant/Submissive relationships.

I’m sure you would agree that with all I’ve mentioned this book packs a lot into into a small package. Don’t let that scare you away. Stitches in Time is pure entertainment for those who like spicy reads.


Copyright © Clayton Clifford Bye 2009



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REVIEW: There's More To Life Than Making A Living | Jack C. McDowell with Phil Needham


Title: There's More To Life Than Making A Living
Author: Jack C. McDowell with Phil Needham
Website of Publisher: www.faithwords.com  a division of Hatchett Book Group
Genre: Christian Living, Business and Economics
Publication date: November 2009
ISBN: Hardcover 978-0-446-55594-4;
eBook 0446571717
Length: 188 pages
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Reviewer: Lucille Perkins Robinson
Alternative-Read.com


Jack C. McDowell lays down six key essentials he has found very important in making your life significant to God and others. THERE'S MORE TO LIFE…gives step by step instructions on how to learn what God's will is for your life and how to accomplish that will. The Table of Contents divides the book this way: FIRST KEY ESSENTIAL: Find Your Calling then ACTIONS. ACTIONS list the things a person like you and me can do to find our calling. SECOND KEY ESSENTIAL: Learn From Your Experiences also lists ACTIONS you can perform to figure out just what skills and experiences you've had that can work in your favor. We can learn at each step what we can do to give something back to the world. Jack C. McDowell has developed these essentials based upon his own walk with God.


This is a very important book to those who may have had trouble in learning what God's will is for their own lives. I've spent a lot of years wondering and praying to find God's will for my life and feel I haven't found it; yet ministers just tell you to seek God's will and give you no idea how to go about it other than praying. Praying is absolutely necessary, but Jack C. McDowell has a gift for telling us plainly what to do and how to do it. By the way, many of these principles can work in other areas of our lives.


Author's Bio
Jack C. McDowell was born in Hollywood, California, during the Great Depression. He served the Salvation Army for thirty-eight years, devoting his life to the organization's financial needs and dedicated officers. In 2005, Jack endowed and sponsored the opening of the Salvation Army's School for Leadership Development. Its purpose is to build spiritually motivated leaders and equip them with the resources and skills to complete their missions with the Salvation Army.

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REVIEW: Kentucky Blood Lust by Sophia Danu from eXtasy Books


Title: Kentucky Blood Lust
Author: Sophia Danu
Website of Author:
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Thriller, Shapeshifter
Publication Date: October 2009
ISBN: 978-1-55487-409-5
Length: 204 Pages
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

Despite the images of the murdered girls being branded into her brain graduate student Kate Connolly knows she has to use her "gifts" to help her dad solve the crimes. After all, what good is being able to see ghosts or the future if she doesn't use it to do some good for those who have been destroyed. It's the book of spells with the weird cover and that crazy giant raven that has her a bit freaked out. Add in hunky and handsome who thinks he can decide her future- well....

Well, fate is surely laughing about him being thrown into some kind of "mating heat" right in the middle of running down an insane, power hungry Druid cousin who stole an ancient book of spells. Besides which the idiot called up a demon with a certain type of hunger and who should Sin Thiesson, Druid Order leader, find in Kentucky but his forever mate. Problem- Kate's not sure she wants to be mated and makes sure Sin knows it.

There's nothing like a strong-willed woman to make a man's life uncomfortable. I found this one to be full of some of the most vivid images and unfortunately some of them aren't pretty, though they are essential to the story. Ms. Danu has a good ability to put together words and make you "see" what she's describing. Though not a standard thriller, there were twists aplenty to keep the interest along with monsters, magic, mayhem, smokin' hot sex and a wry humor (for me anyway) that lightened it enough to keep it from being too dark.

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REVIEW: House of the Cat | Shelley Munro | Ellora's Cave


Title: House of the Cat
Author: Shelley Munro
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Romantica/Erotica/Shapeshifter
Publication Date: October 2009
ISBN: 9781419923906
Length: Plus Novel
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com


Losing her husband has left Camryn O'Sullivan with more than just loneliness. It's left her without a job as a jockey and just a wee bit of a drinking problem. When she's abducted by aliens to train their version of a horse, the last thing she expects is to have an immediate heavy duty attraction to the captain of the ship. But Ryman isn't just an alien, he's a hunky black panther shifter.

Banished for something he didn't do, Ryman Coppersmith is willing to do just about anything to clear his name. So a wager on a race is easy peezy, except he hasn't got a trainer. When he captures one from Earth the last thing he expects is for his feline to go nuts for the lovely Camryn. He's promised to return her, but if he has his way, he's going to find a way to make her want to stay-forever.

I gotta tell you their version of a horse is weird, but still interesting. What happens between alien races is cool, the sex is hot, and there are plenty of twists that just when I thought I knew where it was going it went that'a'way. I've always enjoyed the way Shelley Munro took a premise, turned it inside out, added things and made it into something fun to read.

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REVIEW: Once Wild, Breakin' Out Series | Carol Gambill | eXcessica Publishing


Title: Once Wild, Breakin' Out Series
Author: Carol Gambill
Publisher: eXcessica Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: October 2009
Length: Super Novel
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

When she clips a man with her car on a dark curve, Maria Bellicia learns that former bad boy Shaun MacGregor is out of prison and back in his hometown of Ashland, Pennsylvania. What she discovers is that not only can he turn her emotions into flames of molten lava, but he has become a man afraid to trust- in life, in love, in people.

Having spent the past eight years in prison, Shaun is unprepared for the impact that Maria has on both his emotions and his life. As she walks away with his heart, he has no idea the consequences loving her will have on him. But there is someone out to make sure that he will never stay in his hometown and the secrets are beginning to take their toll.

I'm not sure what I was expecting; perhaps a blithe treatment or gloss over of the time spent away. What I wasn't expecting was the real impact of what the incarceration would have, on him and other people. This is full of intense moments as well as some humor and steamy sex, but for me it was the intense struggle to find acceptance both within himself and society that made the story for me. I found it immensely satisfying.

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Hot Issues Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity & Put-Downs | Sandra McLeod Humphrey


Title: Hot Issues Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity and Put-Downs
Author: Sandra McLeod Humphrey
Author Website: http://www.kidscandoit.com/firstpage.html
Publisher: PrometheusBooks.com
Length: 133 pages
Format: Paperback
Reviewer: Sassy Brit
Alternative-Read.com

Giveaway details below! (THREE lucky commenters will receive an autographed copy of this book)

Written for children aged 10 and up, Sandra McLeod Humphrey tackles common problems that some kids may face such as confrontations with bullies, peer pressure, popularity and verbal put downs. Each story covers serious, often painful issues, which read from the child's point of view and they are asking for help. At the end of each vignette, the author poses questions under "More to think about" and "Trading Places" headings. The latter of which asks the reader how they would feel if they were that child and treated in the same manner. Even topics such as substance abuse are covered in a way the young reader can easily relate to as one of the characters and form an opinion and draw their own conclusions of the stressful situations some children face. Not necessarily for themselves, but maybe a friend who is being bullied or is facing another problem and they don't know how to help them.

To me, whether in a class setting or reading the book at home alone, there are ample opportunities to make the reader think, while raising important ethical and moral issues in a way that children of that age will be able to relate to and reflect upon by putting themselves in the shoes of both the bully and the victim. An invaluable achievement, and I'd recommend this book to parents, teachers and anyone who works with children.

Very importantlyHot Issues Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity and Put-Downs is a cool looking book. It has great cartoons of older kids that are not corny or "babyish", the writing is not condescending, and it does not look like a boring "self-help" book that many kids wouldn't look twice at or be embarrassed about reading.

Another good aspect I like about the book is the authors say these case studies are based on real stories from teachers and pupils who have either seen these events happening or experienced them for themselves. And when you read some of these stories that really makes an impression. Another reason why this works is that there are no "adult" this is what you should've done, this is where you went wrong - type answers. It is written in a way where the reader has to draw their own conclusions based on their own moral and ethical findings.

Sandra McLeod Humphrey ends with a short summary of her own research into bullying statistics, and for further information lists website references. In the afterward she expresses her concerns for both the victim and the abused, suggesting  ways to observe, act upon, and prevent bullying. She also explains how to understand the bullies themselves, or how to cope if you are an innocent bystander too scared to step in and stop the bullying in fear of becoming a target. It's not until the very end of the book, tucked right at the back, that the author steps in with her own views and solutions - and I like that. It gives a sense that every reader is given the opportunity to read the stories without adult input and aids its success by improving the overall affect that this is written for children in an influential and understandable manner where other manuals and text book versions fail.

Hot Issues, Cool Choices has received very positive endorsements from nationally recognised educators and is the recipient of a 2008 Mom’s Choice Gold Award and the 2009 Young Voices Foundation Silver Award.

Giveaway Details!


Sandra McLeod Humphrey has very kindly donated THREE autographed copies of her book: Hot Issues Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity & Put-Downs. Open to UK/International entrants. Closes Monday 11th January 2010.
  1. To enter - please follow the AR blog (publicly) 
  2. Leave a comment for the author here. 
  3. Make sure you also leave your email address too.
That's it. Good luck! As usual you may Tweet, Digg , add this comp to your blog, sign the AR Guest book! etc, just come back here to let me know you have - for extra entries.Thank you! Have a great weekend, and wrap up warm! LOL I know I will...

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A little bit of snow and everything grinds to a standstill...






I do apologise for disappearing! We had snow here. Blizzards, in fact. My mother said we should expect about 8 inches of the white stuff, which sounded rather like an exaggeration. It wasn't far wrong.

Now I love the snow, and my face just lights up, like a big kid, when I see it's been snowing (so close to Christmas - for once!) I have to be the first one tell the whole family to look out the window! LOL

But it always causes problems. Doesn't it? Our problems increased with a powercut, which started early yesterday evening and continued until today - only a few mins ago. So, I'm going to post this quickly and then post our next giveaway, which I would have promoted earlier had I some electricity. But I had to tell you this. We have warnings that this may all be repeated. So just in case - at least you'll all know what's up.

It's funny, I really enjoyed last night. Playing cards in the candlelight. We even broke open the Christmas chocolates LOL (I've been keeping the family off them, because once opened they'll vanish before Christmas has even arrived!)

Last night reminded me of when I was little, powercuts that lasted for ages where frequent and lots of fun. Kids don't worry about the food in the freezer being spoiled, or the money that is going to be wasted when the groceries get dropped off and we don't have anywhere to put any of  it - with no working fridge, freezer. Or if the grocery van couldn't make the delivery, then when wouldn't have any food. Not that we could cook, without power. And then there's the Christmas presents that are due to arrive in the post at this busy time of year, through the snow...

My teenage son's school closed down for the day. So, he suddenly went into "I'm bored" mode. I spent the time with him out with the dogs in the snow, down the local (white) green. It had a lovely atmosphere there. Lots of kids and dogs playing in the snow. Snowball fights, and sledges. When we got back it was time to dig out and dust down some more board games. Without the PS3 he was stuck. Gone are the days where he'd just go and read a book. Which is such a shame. I could quite happily go off and read several books back to back, but it's just not possible when there is so much needs to be done - all because we have no electricity. Plus reading by candlelight in the evening, is just so hard. I don't have the patience. All that flickering does my eyes in!

The worse thing for me was that it was SO cold! We take heat for granted. I got to the stage where I was dressed for outdoors and lighting candles just to take the chill off the room. How very Dickens! :) If I could have stayed in bed until the heating came back on, I would have done. Even now, the house hasn't had time to warm up  yet, and I'm finding it difficult to type - my fingers are so cold!

You know what I missed the most? A hot cup of tea. When our power came back on, it was the first thing I did - put the kettle on. Not the washing machine, or the vacuum cleaner, but the kettle. What does that tell you about the British, apart from everything falls by the wayside and we are useless when it snows? :)


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Janette's Tale by Mark Patrick



Title: Janette’s Tale: 
The Chronicles of the White Tower, Book One
Author: Mark Patrick
Lyrical Press, Incorporated
September, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-61650-073-3
173 pages
eBook
Fantasy


Buy Now from Amazon.com     
  
 

Janette is 16 years old and supporting her sick brother by working as a huntress for her village. When a mysterious knight saves her from being raped, Janette’s entire life becomes a whirlwind. First her brother dies (suspiciously), then some unpleasant people come looking for Janette or, more specifically, they come looking for a sapphire necklace her brother had passed on to her.

As it turns out, Janette and her sapphire are also the reason Conrad, her rescuing knight, is in the area. He explains his connection to the troubled order of the White Tower and convinces Janet to return with him to his order’s stronghold. When Janette goes to retrieve her hidden valuables within the local standing stones, she is unexpectedly visited by The Goddess and given a great gift: the power to heal through touch (laying on of hands).

Pursued from the very beginning of their journey, Conrad and Janette work their way toward his homeland, gathering many friends and becoming embroiled in the intense politics of the time.

Jannette’s Tale
reads effortlessly, which is a compliment to the author, Mark Patrick. The story is also mildly reminiscent of Robin Hood, which adds a familiar flair to an otherwise original tale. The characters fit loosely into a medieval world, both of which are described in believable fashion; Patrick knows how to create characters with depth and settings that work well for the story he is telling.

However, Mark Patrick’s story, while interesting, feels more like a child's or a young adult's fantasy adventure. The problem is simple: Janette is given enough special abilities she becomes too powerful to ever be in real danger. In fact, in every difficulty or battle, the reader will find that Janette and friends never face any trouble they can’t easily deal with. Simply put, Janette's Tale is too nice. The piece needs a rewrite, making the battle scenes and dangers much more threatening, much more challenging to solve and much more visceral.

I like Janette’s Tale. Mark Patrick just needs to understand the importance of writing to his audience.


Copyright © Clayton Clifford Bye      



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REVIEW: Here, Kitty Kitty | Jourdan Lane, Jamie Booth and Kit Zheng, Sara Bell | Torquere Press


Title: Here, Kitty Kitty
Author: Sara Bell, Jamie Booth and Kit Zheng, Jourdan Lane
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifter
Publication Date: October 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60370-830-2
Length: 187 Pages/ 74500 Words
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com


Saving Pride Jourdan Lane

Sometimes when you've lost everything more than once and have nothing left it's time to take the chance of standing your ground and saying "no more". Nathan decides it's time to stand with his lover Kane and face whatever comes their way. Only there are people in the pride who are determined they won't be around to face anything.

I liked this tale that shows how truly animalistic we humans can truly be, but it's the "mafia style" clan of shifters that made me really think about what we could become as people with the ability to "become". Totally enjoyable read of trust, faithfulness, deception, hot sex and betrayal.

The Tale of Tom Katt and Martin Rue Jamie Booth and Kit Zheng

Seduction is Martin Rue's specialty; the sly kitty survives on the sip of the soul he takes as payment for incredible sex he gives those he seduces. Tom Katt knows that Martin and he together can solve the dilemma that has driven both of them for many years. After all, two kitties are better than one.

Desperation, boredom, myths and more are just a bit of what awaited me within these pages. I found both men intriguing and especially enjoyed the way both Jamie Booth and Kit Zheng kept the twists interesting, with a nice thread of humor and an ending I didn't expect.

Beckett's Pride Sara Bell

Gideon is Beta of his pack and knows that his power usually scares off more people than it brings him friends. He's just hoping that Cyrus is one of those who might stay. Cyrus has a secret he doesn't share much and is scared at how Gideon is going to react if he finds out. Can two different shifters of two different types really come together without their families going to war?

I adored this one with it's many and varied characters. An Alpha who owns a bar in Montana, a snotty pride in Tennessee, a man with a secret he fears sharing, another one who fears being feared, jealousy, betrayal, love, laughter and so much more.

This entire book of stories has anything you want to read about- great sex, punishment, getting over on the man, incredible faithfulness, love, integrity, and most of all just plain good fun.

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REVIEW: When You Wish Upon a Pixie: Induction | Selena Illyria | Tease Publishing


Title: When You Wish Upon a Pixie: Induction
Author: Selena Illyria
Publisher: Tease Publishing LLC
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy, Erotica, Interracial
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60767-061-2
Length: 40,000 Words
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
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Ever wonder if doing a good deed might not be such a good thing after all? Well Raven has cause to wonder that very thing when saving a pixie gives her more headaches than help-especially when said rescuee demands she make a wish and Raven ends up with not only an unusual person, but one she's not inclined to know. There's nothing like having a Prince who's a vampire-dragon mixed up in your life to make things interesting.

Prince Pyre is learning the hard way not to short a pixie when you make a deal. They always find a way to make your life hell and Jessibell is no exception. What he wasn't counting on was the immediate attraction he felt for the human woman, Raven. Even more unusual is the fact she wants nothing to do with him. I certainly hope this is a series,otherwise this is a very disappointing ending to a very interesting story. The idea of vampire and dragon together is a very intriguing one and I hope to read more about it. The characters are already fully rounded out, but I want to see how this one expands as there is so much room for growth. Plus I adore the pixie and sometimes she truly steals the story.

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The A-Z Reading Challenge 2010


Challenge Title: The A-Z Reading Challenge 2010
Hosted by:  Becky!
Dates: January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.


I'm choosing this option:

Authors & Titles -- Commit to reading 52 books

 
I've got to go through my 2009 reviews for this 2009 A-Z Challenge since it is drawing to an end. As I remember I joined up late, sometime in June - not sure if I made it yet, but all books read and reviewed are better than none. Of course, some books read don't make it on the list, if the letter of the author or title has already been taken. A little frustrating, but also part of the challenge. Next year I'm going to be on the look out for those difficult to find letters!

OK, I've seen one more challenge and then I'll have to stop. Although, I wouldn't mind an audio book challenge if there is one about. I always have one of those on the go. I'd like one specifically for those. 

Sassy
:)

Here is my empty list for 2010 to start with:

Titles:

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Q -
R -
S -
T -
U -
V -
W -
X -
Y -
Z -

Authors:

A -
B -
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D -
E -
F -
G -
H -
I -
J -
K -
L -
M -
N -
O -
P -
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T -
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The 2009 A-Z Reading Challenge (Joined late in June!)

Alternative-Read.com: The "Inside Story" by Sassy Brit and her Gang!
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REVIEW: A Modern Day Witch Hunt | Kiki Howell | eXcessica Publishing


Title: A Modern Day Witch Hunt
Author: Kiki Howell
Publisher: eXcessica Publishing
Genre: Romance, Paranormal
Publication Date: October 2009
Length: Novel
Format: eBook
Reviewer: WitchGiggles
Alternative-Read.com

When a man who is prettier than one of the heroes in her fictional romances shows up on her doorstep telling her she has to leave because she's in danger, it's a good thing Kamillia has her Poppie to tell her it's okay to believe him; otherwise she might just get the wrong idea.
But on a trip to Italy, there are secrets she discovers that make her fearful of what the future holds for her. Being not only an immortal, but a Watcher from the River of Light, Luca is surprised when his human body and a part of his soul responds to the human charge he is sent to help on Earth. When they have to travel to Italy to clear a portal there, things for Kamillia become even more complicated and her future even more uncertain.

Although slow for me at the start, after I got into it, it was much better. This was definitely a different rendering of a witch hunt and I have to say that what was certainly hot sex there was in the story was perpetrated for the most unique reason ever given. But I must say that the ending is perhaps the most intriguing one there has been given to a tale that doesn't seem open to a sequel. Although just the tiniest bit convoluted in it's premise and perhaps a wee bit confusing if you don't read it slowly, it is nonetheless one of the most unusual reads I've had in a while.

Alternative-Read.com: The "Inside Story" by Sassy Brit and her Gang!
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REVIEW: Millionaire Under the Mistletoe | Tessa Radley today's guest author


Title: Millionaire Under the Mistletoe
Author: Tessa Radley
Publisher: eHarlequin.com
(Silhouette Desire #1985) Dec 2009
Format: Paperback
Length: 187 pages
Reviewer: Sassy Brit
Alternative-Read.com


Don't forget to check out the giveaway for Tessa Radley's previous title: Billion-Dollar Baby Bargain! Ends Wed 6th Jan 2010

When Miranda Owen walked back into Callum Ironstone's life she'd changed somewhat. The scruffy, childish urchin she used to be, had grown into a fine young woman. And he can't take his eyes off her. But why? She had caused him nothing but trouble in the past. She is prickly, difficult, and not as beautiful as his girlfriend, Petra. To get involved with her in any shape or form would be a fatal mistake. Yet willing himself to stay away from Miranda didn't seem to be working as planned. As much as he tried to deny his desire for her, he was hooked.

Unfortunately, Miranda didn't see him quite in the same light. Well, you have nothing to say to someone you blame for death of your father, do you? To say Miranda dislikes Callum, is an understatement. She loathes him with a passion. A kind of love/hate passion that ultimately leads to the bedroom; a foolish mistake in her eyes.  She then discovers he was going to propose to Petra and had just slept with her. Stupid girl. What was she thinking of? And as if things couldn't get much worse, her own mother turns out to be keeping family secrets from her. Secrets that lead back to Callum, his money, and his control over her and her family's life. Will she always be indebted to him?

Just when they finally get together, something happens to set their relationship back several paces.  And I liked this aspect of Millionaire Under the Mistletoe. I sympathised with Miranda, but could also see it from Callum's point of view, and when a book gets you like that there's only one thing to worry about -- the happy ever after. You know they are going to get together, but what's important, and most intriguing is how. I wasn't disappointed. Tessa Radley did a marvellous job with these two characters lives. She really put them through the paces, and made them work hard for that happy ever after. There are also some lovely examples where I could see the author's sense of humour shining through. One instance that springs to mind is when Miranda wakes up and realises she is in bed with Callum, and tries to escape without waking him up. I laughed out loud.

I enjoyed the bubbling tension, and flying sparks in this romantic, and provocative story. This was a lovely, snappy read and very festive for this time of year. I'd recommend curling up in front of a flickering fire, over the Christmas holidays to get you in the mood for both Christmas and love! I was pleasantly surprised. Why? Because I had a few doubts about this being too "soppy" for me. Was it? By the time I got to the end of the book my doubts had been replaced with warm and glad tidings. Let that be a lesson to me.

Alternative-Read.com: The "Inside Story" by Sassy Brit and her Gang!
~http://www.twibes.com/group/READERSandREVIEWERS~Chat and Promo Group~WHAT'S ON YOUR DESK WEDNESDAY? Book Blog Meme!~We are actively seeking staff!~ FaceBook~ LibraryThing~ AmazonUK~ GoodReads~ Technorati Categories:, , , ,, , ,, ,, ,, , , , , ,, ,, ,,, , , , , , ,

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