Book review: Deathwatch by Dana Marton

Deathwatch by Dana Marton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked Deathwatch. The length was just right, Kate and Murphy's passion took form and increased to sexual tension at a believable rate, and the ending was left open enough to let me (the reader) give it a conclusion. The author mentioned that Kate and Murphy will appear in her future work, but until then I have my own ending :)
What I loved the most though, was the writing. It was well balanced between sharing the main characters' backgrounds and the here-and-now action. No wasted words, no repeated narrative, and definitely no self pity.


View all my reviews

Book review: Zombie Books by Bart Gnarly

ZOMBIE BOOKS by Bart Gnarly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kyle Moore lost a lot to zombies, and these aren’t your average zombies. Some of them look normal enough until they get up close and personal…close enough to have a piece of you in their mouths.

I enjoyed reading Zombie Books because it offered a fresh look at the apocalypse. The terror was caused by zombies, true, but they weren’t the only danger out there.

The book would have benefited from better editing, especially toward the end. Its organization was strange to follow initially but the moment the story snared me, I stopped paying attention to anything except its development.

If you like to read about zombies and how a survivor can exist in their world and kick their collectively rotting rears, then pick up this book. You won’t regret it.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Irish Inheritance by Paula Martin

 Irish Inheritance

Book blurb: 
English actress Jenna Sutton and American artist Guy Sinclair first meet when they jointly inherit a house on the west coast of Ireland. Curious about their unknown benefactress and why they are considered 'family', they discover surprising links to the original owners of the house.

They soon unravel an intriguing tale of a 19th century love affair. At the same time, their mutual attraction grows, despite personal reasons for not wanting romantic involvements at this point in their lives.

A local property agent appears to have her own agenda concerning the house while other events pull Jenna and Guy back to separate lives in London and America. Friction builds over their decision about the house and its contents.

Will their Irish inheritance eventually drive them apart – or bring them together?

My review:

Two people from different parts of the world (English actress Jenna Sutton and American artist Guy Sinclair) inherit a house in Ireland. At first glance, they aren’t related and the decision to sell the house and split the money is the simplest and most logical application to their joint Irish inheritance.
But curiosity plays a big part in what unfolds next. The house is shrouded in mystery, most of it undocumented. Jenna and Guy go through their families’ history to determine their connection…for these two were attracted to each other as soon as they met at the airport, knowing about their ancestors and how they are related was necessary.
Jenna and Guy’s attraction, reactions, dreams, and even unreasonableness at times were real. This is a story that can happen and because of this I couldn’t put the book down. I had to understand the link between them, how they overcome life’s obstacles that separated them, be it preconceived ideas about one another or real problems.
Plus there’s the added advantage of reading about and falling in love with Ireland.
Totally worth the five stars and even more. Again, Paula Martin delivers and exceeds expectations.
Available from:
Amazon
B&N
Smashwords

Book review: Domingo's Angel by Jenny Twist

Domingo's Angel by Jenny Twist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Domingo’s Angel takes place in one of those villages whose image crop up in our heads when we imagine the perfect country life. The village is in Southern Spain and is a host to some of the most fascinating fictitious people I’ve ever read.
Angela is haunted by a secret in her past life, Domingo’s insecurities are intimidating him, Rosalba, the formidable shop keeper who knows things (and I love her,) has her own memories to deal with, Guillermo, the avaricious and flashy mayor, harbors the recollection of a dark shameful deed that has been eating at him for years.
There are many more of these people in this book, with their suffering, dreams, fears, and the fact that they had a war to dread. Yet, somehow the book is full of hope. The story carries many threads, and each one of them is tied in a neat bow by the end.

The night passed very quickly as I sat in my bed, reading Domingo’s Angel, hoping against hope that nothing bad would happen, for I felt as though I knew these people. I wanted them to be well and happy.

A fair warning: This book can compel people into time travel, will lure them into falling in love, and might break their hearts (only to mend them again.)
I totally recommend it


View all my reviews

Book Review: Witches by Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Witches by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amanda is a powerful white witch and a good-hearted woman who has lost the love of her life. She struggles with her grief even as a black witch, Satan’s favorite, plots against her. The black witch has her eyes on Amanda and her evil plan can change history and doom everyone. The first part of the book is Amanda’s back story, who she was and how she came to be where she was.

I loved the vividly drawn scenes be it at Amanda’s place, Jessie’s, or Rachel’s. I chose these three places because they are either separated by distance or time (you’ll know what I mean when you read it).
I wish there was more of Amadeus and Tibby, even a scene with both in it. That would've been hilarious.
Witches doesn’t have the trap most books fall into, the repeated self-doubting questions. On the contrary, it possesses a good balance that serves to remind us of Amanda’s loss or reason for happiness without rubbing it in.
The nifty ending was the perfect wrap-up.
This book is worth the time and money to read, I strongly recommend it.

View all my reviews

Book review: The Man Who Built the World

The Man Who Built the World by Chris Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Matthew Cassidy is a down on his luck writer, son, husband, father, and some sort of a brother. And then he gets the phone call that signaled the end.

We are introduced to the complexity of his life through entries in a diary, present interactions, and recalled encounters. The Cassidy family seems, at first glance, to have been under a curse that ruined the lives of its members. Characters behaved according to his or her predestined nature, even if that nature was of a paranormal variety.

The Man Who Built the World is dark, gritty, and can get right under your skin, the way good dark fiction should. When I wasn't reading it, I was wondering what new twist I'll discover when I go back to it because they will definitely change my perception, again. Some parts of it were starkly realistic, the one that stayed with me was Matthew's relationship with his wife, Rachel. Theirs was an abusive relationship, yet he wasn't a wife beater as she herself confesses. Yet she remained with him, listing all kinds of excuses. You might scoff at her reaction, but there are women who react the same way everyday around the world. They have hope that their partner will change back, that it was a misunderstanding, that maybe they're making a big deal out of nothing.

Now, that's real! And if you wish to read more of that reality in a fictional (and paranormal) work, go for The Man Who Built the World.


View all my reviews

Book review: The Merzetti Effect by Norah Wilson

The Merzetti Effect by Norah Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In need of a source of income, Ainsley falls for Dr. Delano Bowen's easy offer of a job and protection. Not knowing you're special is one thing, finding out that what makes you special puts you on every rogue vampire's hit list is another.
There isn't a dull moment in this book. Every word, twist, and situation served a purpose. Really loved reading Delano and Ainsley's love story edge by danger, but also was grateful for the sample given at the end of Aiden's story.
Great book. I have no clue how I missed Norah Wilson's work for so long!


View all my reviews

Book review: Away With the Fairies by Jenny Twist

Away With the Fairies by Jenny Twist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Away With the Fairies has it all, intrigue; magic, and smooth story-telling.
A treat that shouldn't be missed, especially at this affordable price. I'm reading it again tonight, this time to my son. Yes, adults and children can enjoy this gem.
This book absolutely captivated me.

View all my reviews

A great review of Hellbound

Hellbound received another 5 stars. Here's an excerpt from that fantastic review:

"...Hellbound is a collection of three stories.  They are definitely creepy, gory, and all things wonderful that go bump in the night.  Or in the dead of day, you can take your pick.  Either way, I flew through this book.  Some of it was very grotesque and scary.  Su really has a way with words that makes you want to be in a certain place, and not want to be there at all, all at the same time! ..."

You can read the rest of the review here: www.fictionalcandy.com/2012/07/review-hellbound-by-su-halfwerk.html

And if you leave a comment, you'll make this wonderful day even more wondrous!

Thank you, Liz! You already know how I feel about your reviews ;-)

Review of His to Possess (an oldie but a goldie)

In her review of His to Possess on Goodreads, Molly Allman said:

"When I give a book the full five stars, it means I couldn't put it down. I read it all in one sitting.

The story is a sweet romance with a spiritual element, which Ms. Halfwerk uses to tell a beautiful, touching story of a destined and lasting love.

From the very first page, my heart went out to Jeremy, who is a ghost in love with Stacy, a flesh and blood woman. He is bound to a mansion where Stacy is working as a book appraiser. She is unable to communicate with him…at first, but then she conjures him, which allows them to meet. But, other circumstances still stand in the couple's way.

I found myself reading, eagerly taking in each chapter; I had to know if Jeremy and Stacy would be together, and if so, how?

I don't want to give away the ending, so I'll just say it was perfect. I was not at all disappointed.

I look forward to reading more from this talented author."

Thanks, Molly for your kind words and highly appreciated opinion.
Link to the review on Goodreads is: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/331334912

His to Possess is available Here:

Devine Destinies   |   Amazon   |   Barnes & Noble  

Tony-Paul's review of Hellbound

Tony-Paul has graciously reviewed Hellbound...
Here's a tidbit:
"Well-written, easily chilling, thoroughly enjoyable with a great cover besides.  If there’s any complaint, it’s that..."

If you want to know what's the complaint, read the whole review here: 
http://www.tonivsweeney.com/tonypaul/Livre_Revue_Book_Review_/Entries/2012/6/8_Hellbound_by_Su_Halfwerk.html

Thanks, Tony-Paul!

Book review: Mind Game by Christine Feehan

Mind Game by Christine Feehan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


When I finished reading book 1 in the series, I hoped book 2 would be about Nico, and it is.
Nicolas Trevane is a cold and efficient killer, a good killer at that. He lives by his own code of right and wrong, and a big wrong is crossing people he cares about.
It is natural then, that he would go after the people trying to kill Dahlia LeBlanc, in whom he has an unusual interest that borders on obsession.
I like dark, silent, and strong men, and Nicolas is exactly that. However, Dhalia came across as too clingy at times. She has suffered a lot, her gifts are dangerous and out of control, and she has been betrayed...still, the way she needed Nicolas' undivided attention whenever she was close by(and she always was) was irritating at times.
These are all minor annoyances, the story itself is a good one. I especially loved the banter that went back and forth between Nico and Dhalia when they were in a good mood.
Ms. Feehand didn't need to repeat herself to make sure we got the point, the complexity of Nicolas and Dhalia's affair is very obvious.
I wonder, who would be in book 3?


View all my reviews

A great review of Hellbound

Jenny Twist did it again!
She'd written a wonderful 5 star review of Hellbound that--I'm sure--chilled some of the heat in Hell :-)

Here's the review on Goodreads:

"A delightful anthology of really creepy stories.
THE DEADENING tells the tale of a morgue attendant with a penchant for robbing the dead. When he helps himself to a note in the pocket of his latest customer he gets more than he bargained for - a LOT more.
THE SUBSTITUTE: Stan Malcovich was making a good living as a medium before he met Joanna. But when Joanna doesn't get what she wants he finds the dead really begin to speak through him and they don't say the things his clients want to hear. What does Joanna really want? And why does she have such tremendous power over him?
SCORNED: When Troy sees a trio of roughnecks follow an attractive redhead out the bar, he does the chivalrous thing and follows them. Sure enough, he finds them threatening the girl and wades in to defend her honour. Of course, Troy has an ulterior motive but then, so does Jenna............
If you enjoy horror you will love this book. Ms Halfwerk is an accomplished writer who takes you to places you never wanted to go. Each of these stories tells of one person's journey to Hell. Trust me. You really don't want to go there!"

Thank you, Jenny. I can tell you have a great taste in books LOL
Hellbound is available here:

 Amazon   |    Barnes & Noble   |   Double Dragon   |    Lulu (for print book)

Book review: Winter Wonders anthology

Winter Wonders by Jenny Twist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter Wonders anthology is of stories that took place in winter, mostly around Christmas time. They all had one thing in common…they warm the heart.

- Christmas Hope by Jane Wakely: 4 stars
What's sweeter than a man who cures animals and genuinely likes them? This story makes a great start for an anthology…Sweet and light on the heart. I'm glad the author didn't forget to punish Simon.

- Christmas Angel by Sharon Donovan: 3 stars
I was torn between liking and disliking the main characters in this tale. On one hand, Oliver came across as a chauvinist when he ordered his wife to have a baby even though they agreed not to before they got married. But then Eve wasn't a sweetheart herself. She was selfish, rude, and flirty with other men in front of her husband. My problem is that even though both characters had flaws, the focus was on Eve's.

- Mantequero by Jenny Twist: 5 stars
Happiness is found through the most outrageous methods and in the oddest of ways. June, overweight and she knows it, has given up on meeting prince charming. She could never be like her sisters, but I have a feeling by the end of the tale she got what she really needed. A well written, thought provoking story…the author went at it from an unexpected (and sweet in it's own way) angle.

- Hearts of Fire by Regina Puckett: 5 stars
Jordan and Samuel belonged together and the author gave them time to reach that goal. The story's development was paced just right to lead to a heartwarming ending. There's something touching about a fireman who has eyes only for his love.

- December Bride by S M Senden: 4 stars
Some people work hard to reach their targets, others take short cuts. Missy is of the latter group. She reached her goal, but at what cost?

- Burgers and Hot Chocolate by Angela Adams: 3 stars
The story is very moving and sweet. The characters were believable and I found myself rooting for them to be together. The problem was the first person POV switch between 3 different characters. Perhaps a dashed or starred scene break would have helped.

- Long Winter by Paul McDermott: 3 stars
Tom is a lonely man whose life is cold and desolate. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story but wish there were a stronger reason for the thaw at the end.

- If Only by Janet Durbin: 3 stars
If only I could understand the secret behind the instant attraction between Raymond and Jenny. I believe in love at first sight but usually there's something more plausible afterwards to sustain it.

- Saving Santa by Melissa Hosack: 5 stars
This tale is a creative and light take on how Santa finds and marries his missus. Santa hasn't been this sexy in fiction (at least the fiction I read.) I thoroughly enjoyed how he handled his future wife. A very suitable last story to end the anthology.

A definite recommendation to read any time of the year, but will be perfect on those cold nights in winter. Fireplace is for wimps :-)

View all my reviews

Book Review: Shadow Game by Christine Feehan

Shadow Game by Christine Feehan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In this first book of the GhostWalkers series, we are introduced to men of power and stealth experimented upon by Dr. Peter Whitney to enhance their psychic abilities and make them into the perfect weapon for deadly missions.
We're also introduced to the love story between Dr. Lily Whitney, who was a victim of her father's obsession with psychic enhancements, and Captain Ryland Miller. Ryland is a man committed to serving and protecting his country, even if that involved volunteering for this experiment along with his men.
We experience the romance, the danger, and suspense wrapped in this intriguing story. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Ryland expressed his love and total devotion to Lily.
Lily is educated, rich, intelligent, and in love…all of this is shown and not told. She never stepped out of character.
I would love to read more from this series as I'm curious about the other Ghostwalkers mentioned in this book and their possible matches.



View all my reviews

A review of His to Possess

It's a nice surprise to stumble across a good review of a book that's close to your heart. His to Possess was published in 2010, and though I didn't forget it, I admit this review warmed my heart all over again. I think I'll be re-reading it :-)
This is the full review: http://novellynice.blogspot.com/2012/04/review-his-to-possess-by-su-halfwerk.html
But I can share a tidbit here:

"His to Possess is such a sweet and heart-warming paranormal story. I found myself tearing up by the second page, but that's me.

Jeremy is a ghost who is haunting a mansion that Stacy was hired to appraise the valuable collection of books within its library. Jeremy has been dead for seven years and Stacy is the first person he really felt connected to..."

Hellbound Tour & Giveaway: It isn't over yet 8-}

I'm aware that the Rafflecopter was closed (technical issues,) but it's open again and that's only for today. Why, you might ask!
Well, it's for my last stop which comes with an awesome review of Hellbound. You know how some books grab you? this review grabbed me.
Read it here and enter the draw:

http://iheartreading.net/2012/04/book-review-hellbound-and-giveaway/

You might win:

PDF copy of Hellbound

Or

Amazon gift certificate worth $25/-

Hellbound Tour & Giveaway: "Manda-Rae's" stop

Today's stop is at Manda Rae's blog:
http://manda-rae-reads.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-tour-and-giveaway-hellbound-by-su.html


Manda has reviewed the book, and even though she's given it 3 stars, I think she made great comparison to a series of movies...
Join us, you might win

PDF copy of Hellbound

Or

Amazon gift certificate worth $25/-

Hellbound Tour & Giveaway - Today's stop

Today's stop is at Sweet Southern Home, and Carrie has done a great job with the post's formatting. Thanks, Carrie.
Here's the link:

http://sweetsouthernhome.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/book-tour-promo-giveaway-hellbound-by-su-halfwerk/

When there, remember to scroll down to Enter Here to go to the rafflecopter.
A quick reminder that by entering you might win:

PDF copy of Hellbound

Or

Amazon gift certificate worth $25/-

 Good luck everyone.

Hellbound Tour & Giveaway

I'm going on a Hellbound tour to promote the book (LOL, hell bound tour...get it!!!)
The tour will have combination of stops; reviews, guest posts, promo stops...etc. Follow the tour and enter the draw, you might win:

PDF copy of Hellbound

Or

Amazon gift certificate worth $25/-

The stops are listed here: http://enchantedbooktours.eternalised.net/2012/03/tour-schedule-for-hellbound
And I will announce each post's direct link here on Vivid Sentiments
So, without further ado, here's today's link to an awesome review:

http://ereadingonthecheap.com/hellhound-by-su-halfwerk-book-review-sweeps

See you there!