REVIEW: Donners of the Dead by Karina Halle

Donners of the Dead by Karina Halle

Genre: Historical, Horror, Romance

Purchase: Amazon / Smashwords

Synopsis:

***A Standalone Horror Romance coming February 2014***

A note about this book: Donners of the Dead is set in 1851 – couples were often thrust into marriage together with short courtships, racism was widespread and not overly frowned upon, and women had little to no rights. What wouldn't fly in today's day and age was unfortunately the norm back then - it is worth keeping that in mind when reading this book.

Jake McGraw was unlike anyone I’d ever known. He was brash, rude, unapologetic and arrogant; chauvinistic, close-minded, and terribly stubborn. He was built like a tree, tall with a hard chest and wide shoulders and hands that looked like they could wrestle a bear. He was a cigar-chomping, scruffy-faced, beast of a man. I was pretty sure I hated him. And I know he hated me. But among the flesh-eating monsters in these snow-capped mountains, he was the only thing keeping me alive

The year is 1851 and pioneers in search of California gold are still afraid to travel on the same route as the tragic Donner party did years before. When the last wagon train to go into the Sierra Nevada mountains fails to arrive at their destination, Eve Smith, an 18-year old half-native girl with immense tracking skills is brought along with the search party, headed by an enigmatic former Texas Ranger, Jake McGraw.

What they find deep in the dangerous snow-covered terrain is a terrifying consequence of cannibalism, giving new meaning to the term “monster.” While the search party is slowly picked off, one by one, Eve must learn to trust Jake, who harbors more than a few secrets of his own, in order to survive and prevent the monstrosities from reaching civilization.

***This is NOT New Adult***

THIS BOOK IS RECOMMENDED FOR MATURE READERS AUDIENCES ONLY. HOWEVER, THIS REVIEW ITSELF DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL.

My Jake and Eve:

* 5 STARS * Review:

18-years old half-native tracker girl and arrogant former Texas ranger. It’s 1851 when Eve and Jack, together with a group of poeple, set up on dangerous search expedition into the local cold mountains. If only they knew what kind of evil would be awaiting them...

I’m not sure how Karina Halle does it, but all her books are 100% movie material. This book is no exception. Historical romance, fascinating Indian’s legends, a lot of action and zombies. Donners of the Dead is without a doubt my new favourite!

Adventure; the best word to describe this book. Captivating and thrilling adventure, amazing and unique setting, strong and lovable female lead. You won’t be able to put this book down.

Fear and gore. Another words that come to my mind when I think of this book. My heart was racing whenever something dangerous and scary was happening. And I love that feeling of being completely immersed in the story, when everything else fades away. I was glad to find it while reading Donners of the Dead.

Jake McGraw is the best example of true alpha male. Skilled, powerful, fearless, confident and capable of protecting and taking care of woman in all ways that counts. I just love those silent (but passionate) types who always goes straight to the point, not caring what others think of them.

But most of all, I loved the tension between Jake and Eve. To create feel of anticipation, that is what Karina Halle excels at. There was no insta-love and I had this warm tingling whenever Jake and Eve were having their moments. So do not hesitate, and pick this standalone novel yourself. I highly recommend it!

"We’re still human even in the face of beasts, even with our lives at risk. When you’re close to death, love is sometimes the only thing that makes sense in life.”

REVIEW: Transcendence by Shay Savage

Transcendence by Shay Savage

Genre: Pre-historical Romance

Release date: February 14th 2014

Purchase: Amazon US / Amazon UK   

Synopsis:

It’s said that women and men are from two different planets when it comes to communication, but how can they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times when one of them simply doesn’t have the ability to comprehend language?

Ehd’s a caveman living on his own in a harsh wilderness. He’s strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it’s obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn’t know where she came from; she’s wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he’s determined to fulfill his purpose in life – provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.

Elizabeth doesn’t know where she is or exactly how she got there. She’s confused and distressed by her predicament, and there’s a caveman hauling her back to his cavehome. She’s not at all interested in Ehd’s primitive advances, and she just can’t seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive, but beautiful, man is a constant – and often hilarious – struggle.

With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.

* 5 STARS * Review:

Shay Savage is master of writing untraditional, unconventional and unforgettable stories. And Transcedence definitely proves it.

What happens when lonely caveman Ehd finds strange girl near his cave? He takes her as his mate. But how will he make her like him when they cannot communicate? And so starts this original and exciting journey of two souls that might or might not be destined for each other...

Transcendence is one of the most unique and interesting books I have ever read. I’m not sure if there is something similar out there. It was extremely fascinating experience to read about real caveman, his thinking, his way of living. And the most surprising thing of all? The fact that Ehd was sweet, caring and very sensitive person.

Yes, Ehd was manly man and made me laugh quite often with the way he was seeing things. I am used to jerk-like arrogant heroes in Mrs. Savage’s books and I love them. But Ehd was nothing like that. Yet, he really grew on me quickly and made an excellent narrator for this story.

But most importantly, Transcendence is an epic love story. Sounds unbeliavable when it comes to pre-historic times? This fictional story proves that true love can overcome all differences. It was emotional, powerful and all kinds of beautiful.

And a little note/fact/warning about this book so it does not catch you unprepared. Taking into consideration that we are talking about pre-historic times in this book, there is visible lack of real dialogues, conversations or direct speech. But believe me, it does not reduce the captivity of this novel. On contrary, it makes it even more special and unique!

Blog-Tour Giveaway:

Prize: 

2 Paperback Copies of Transcendence

5 Ebook Copies of Transcendence

 2 Ebook Sets of Shay Savage’s Books

 (Surviving Raine, Otherwise Alone, Otherwise Occupied, 

Uncockblockable, Otherwise Unharmed, Transcendence.)
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REVIEW + EXCERPT: Fix You by Carrie Elks

Fix You by Carrie Elks

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 12th 2014

Purchase: Amazon US /  Amazon UK

SYNOPSIS:

"Richard, we had a baby."

31st December 1999. Seventeen-year-old Brit, Hanna Vincent, meets New Yorker, Richard Larsen; a Columbia student and step-son of scion Leon Maxwell. Divided by wealth, distance and a common language, an unconventional friendship grows between the two.

From London to New York, from 1999 to 2012, Fix You follows the story of quirky, music-loving Hanna and handsome, driven Richard as they fall in love and are torn apart. Their tempestuous relationship leads to an explosive revelation that threatens to destroy them both.

Emotional and touching, this is a story of second chances. Is their shattered love beyond repair?

Fix You is a stand-alone novel.

My Hanna and Richard:

* 5 STARS * Review:

Engaging writing, realistic characters, believable storyline and no insta-love. Fix You is a love story about overcoming hardships and facing consequences of your mistakes; a love story that will touch your heart and stay with you forever. A must-read!

Story starts with prologue, when 29 years old Hanna who comes to her ex-lover Richard's office to tell him this huge secret which she doesn't want to hide anymore. Than, readers are moved back in time so they can see events that had happened prior to this moment...

17 years old Hanna doesn't have the best relationship with her father so instead of enjoying the luxuries of high society, she lives ordinary life in London with her beloved mother. But her life and future changes the moment she agrees to help her mum with New Year's Eve party at Larsen's Residence...

This epic story covers period of 12 years. It held my 100% attention from the beginning to the end. I couldn't put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it and it became one of my all time favourite stories, the one I will never forget. I loved it!

I enjoyed Hanna's humour and free-spirit and I felt in love with Richard's kind and self-sacrificing character. There were many other great characters who made this story unique but Richard and Hanna were definitely in the spotlight.

Fix You deals with some serious issues as well as ordinary human problems. Some parts were extremely sad and depressive, others were very emotional and my heart broke couple of times for the main characters. Reality was not making it easy for Richard and Hanna and their lives were full of drama and serious problems. This story will consume you and you definitely should read it. Author has beautiful way with words and I cannot recommend this story enough!

ARC REVIEW: After the End by Amy Plum

After the End by Amy Plum

(After the End #1)

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: May 6th 2014

Synopsis:

She’s searching for answers to her past. They’re hunting her to save their future. 

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there. 

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life. 

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie. 

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

My Juneau and Miles:

  * 3 STARS * Review:

17-years old gifted girl hiding from aftermaths of nuclear war and determined to do anything to protect her clan, suddenly finds out that her whole life was a fabricated lie. A spoiled boy who is used to always geetting his way and now he wants to prove himself to his dad. Can these two fundamentally different people help each other to reach their goals?

I liked that main protagonists were from completely different backgrounds. Once they were together (not in romantic kind of way), story caught spark and got interesting. It was fun watching nature-oriented girl who has no idea about modern world interact with spoiled "blissfully ignorant" rich boy. Paired together, Juneau and Miles were great and entertaining! But as individual characters, they were not strong or interesting enough. And that was exactly my biggest problem with this book. I lacked real connection with narrators (dual POV) and their character growth felt unnatural and too abrupt most of the time.

Moreover, I was slightly overwhelmed with all those new information and Juneau's skills coming out of nowhere through out the whole book. There were no hints and new revelations were popping out of nowhere when it was needed and it felt too convenient... It seemed like author made things up along the way without thinking it through before and it just didn't work for me.

As you can see, I am a little bit torn when it comes to this book. It wasn't bad, I definitely don't regret reading it because I liked some of the original ideas presented in this book. But I never loved it and missed a good angst since most of the problems were resolved pretty quickly and easily. This series definitely has some potential and I will probably check next book when it comes out to see where is author taking this story.

REVIEW+INTERVIEW: Sempre:Redemption by J.M. Darhower

Sempre:Redemption by J.M. Darhower

(Forever Series #2)

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Purchase: Kindle / B&N / iBook

Synopsis:

In this thrilling and sexy follow-up to Sempre, two young lovers struggle to keep their relationship intact after they become deeply enmeshed in the dangerous mafia-run crime ring they once tried to overthrow.

Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco have been through a lot. Haven was taken in by Carmine’s father, and with his family’s help, she escaped a gruesome fate. However, saving Haven from the dark intentions of a mafia family cost Carmine a steep price: he was forced to swear loyalty to them.

Now, still passionately in love, Carmine and Haven must face the fall-out of Carmine’s forced service, as Haven discovers terrifying secrets about the family that enslaved both her and her mother—and why she matters so much in this intricate web of lies.

My Haven and Carmine:

* 5 STARS * Review:

The world of mafia and loyalty to La Famiglia does not mix well with the love and emotions. Will be Carmine and Haven be able to survive the roughness of La Cosa Nostra?

I cried, I swooned, I laughed, I mourned, I was moment from heart attack... This book is pure brilliance and more than worthy sequel to Sempre!

I thought that I couldn't love and admire characters from previous instalment more that I did and I was most certainly wrong. I was inspired by Haven's strenght and ability to go on no matter what. I was fascinated by Carmine's unconditional and selfless love for Haven. I was touched by Vincent's determination to do anything for his loved ones. And I was surprised by my affection towards Corrado and my vehement need to see this deeply flawed man happy and at peace. Without the doubt I can say that Corrado and Carmine are one of the most interesting and fascinating characters ever written!

Nothing is just black and white in this book. There is good in bad people, as well as there is some bad in good people. And some people are purely evil. So whom to trust?

This is not just a love story. This is a message to all readers. Message about redemption and conscience, about honour and determination to live the best under given circumstances.

J.M. Darhower is a master in storytelling. Her characters come alive while you read her story and it is impossible not to be immersed in the world she creates. I love this series and recommend it to EVERYONE from bottom of my heart!

  

Interview With J.M. Darhower:

I was honoured to have a quick chat with J.M. Darhower, here is result:

* It is well known that you are huge fan of Godfather movies. What else inspired you to write Forever series?

It was my fascination with the Mafia and my passion about the subject of human trafficking that inspired the plot of Sempre and Sempre: Redemption. The two subjects have the same sort of themes to them that went together well. I wanted to write a story about love, and sacrifice, and redemption, and freedom… and explore the concept of what it truly means to be free.

* Now a though one. Who and why is your favourite character in Forever series?

Hmmm. I love so many different characters for so many different reasons, but I have to admit the one who gets under my skin the most is Corrado Moretti. I enjoyed writing him and exploring the mind of a character that is darker than most, who does what he does with no apologies (again, it's probably due in part to my Mafia fascination).

* Beside amazing Forever series, I also adore your book Extinguish. Do you prefer writing paranormal or contemporary stories?

I enjoy both, honestly, but I lean toward the contemporary. It feels more natural to me when I'm dealing with humans and exploring their motivations instead of delving into the paranormal and creating the unknown.

* What helps you to concentrate and gets you into the right mood for writing?

Music, usually… the tone of the music tends to influence what I'm writing, so whenever I need to get in a certain mood I just put on a song (the louder, the better).

* What is in store for your fans in the future? What can your readers look forward to?

I have some other stories in the works that I hope to have news about soon, including a new series that I think my readers will enjoy. Can't say much else about it right now except that some awesome things are definitely coming in the new year.

About Author:

JM Darhower is the author of countless stories and poems, most of which only she has ever read. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn't writing (or fangirling about books) she's usually ranting about those things.

Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a Twitter addiction. You can usually always find her there. 

CONNECT WITH J.M. DARHOWER:

Twitter / Facebook / Website