Rites of Romance Reviews http://rorreviews.wordpress.com Romance Reviews and More! Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:11:05 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ en hourly 1 http://www.gravatar.com/blavatar/8e0d48cb9006cec840a8ef9a9a2d029e?s=96&d=http://s.wordpress.com/i/buttonw-com.png Rites of Romance Reviews http://rorreviews.wordpress.com Vicious Circle by Linda Robertson http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/vicious-circle-by-linda-robertson/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/vicious-circle-by-linda-robertson/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:11:05 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=121 ]]>

Title: Vicious Circle

Author: Linda Robertson

Publisher: Juno Books

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-4391-5428-1

Release Date: July 2009

Format: Print

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel

Rating: Recommended Read

Reviewer: GJM

Persephone Alcmedi is a witch. When her friend Lorrie is murdered and leaves behind a young daughter, Persephone is manipulated by Vivian, the high priestess of the local coven, into taking a contract to kill the killer. Little does Persephone know that she’s being set up to go up against Goliath Kline, who just happens to be a powerful vampire. As if that’s not enough, master vampire Menessos becomes involved when Persephone finds herself in possession of his property, property he wants back at any cost.

When Persephone asks one of local werewolves who kennels in her basement during the full moon to do a background check on Goliath, it leads to Thea being critically injured when Goliath takes exception to someone poking their nose in his business. When the hospital won’t treat her because she’s a werewolf Persephone takes her home to look after her. Some of the local werewolves decided to stay at the house to help out. So now Persephone has a house full of werewolves– one who has a major crush on her, Lorrie’s young daughter Beverly who has been abandoned by her guardian and dumped on Persephone’s doorstep and her grandmother who has recently moved in with her after the assisted care home turned out to be a bad idea.

Oh and did I mention 2 ticked off vampires that turn up with their minions to cause havoc?

This book has it all it’s a paranormal readers wet dream: witches, werewolves, vampires and minions. Written with a witty style that will have you laughing in places—it’s a real page turner. Ms Robertson has obviously spent a lot of time on research and it shows. This is without a doubt one of the best paranormal books I’ve read in a while.  Refreshing and very witty, Ms Robertson earns a place on my must buy list.

]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/vicious-circle-by-linda-robertson/feed/ 0 adroland Who Mourns for the Hangman by S.A. Bolich http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/who-mourns-for-the-hangman-by-s-a-bolich/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/who-mourns-for-the-hangman-by-s-a-bolich/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:17:54 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=119 ]]>

Title: Who Mourns for the Hangman?

Author: S.A. Bolich

Publisher: Damnation Books

Available Sept. 1 ‘09

Rating 5– RECOMMENDED READ

Reviewer: ASH

Scraggy hangs the dead, with his supernaturally-touched noose helping him judge who deserves to die at his hand. When the rope glows more fervently than it ever has before, Scraggy knows his next appointment is something different. When he looks into the eyes of his victim, he discovers something he never expected.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started reading  this short story. The writing is amazing–instantly captivating, utterly mesmerizing, and one-hundred-percent haunting.

I hardly ever give Recommended Reads. This story is one of the most deserving I think I’ve ever given!

]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/who-mourns-for-the-hangman-by-s-a-bolich/feed/ 4 adroland Love’s Rescue by Tammy Barley http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/loves-rescue-by-tammy-barley/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/loves-rescue-by-tammy-barley/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:39:20 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=117 ]]>

Title: Love’s  Rescue

Author: Tammy Barley

Publisher: Whitaker House

Genre: Historical Inspirational Romance

Rating: 5

Reviewer: ASH

1863- Jessica Hale’s family flees their Kentucky home and heads for the Nevada territories. When Unionists believe the family to be Conferate sympathizers, a horrible fire is set and kills everyone except for Jessica.  A cattleman ‘kidnaps’ Jessica and whisks her away to his ranch. Even though she tries her best to escape, he catches her every time,  and  mysteries are slowly revealed.

Before you people think I’ve gone completely insane because I’m suddenly reading all these romance novels, you should know I do  enjoy them, totally on an in-the-closet way. Especially well written, original historical inspirational romances. You will still never catch me reading Amish romance, though. Just not my cup of tea…

Love’s Rescue fits the bill for what I like to read. I will openly admit  I’m not a fan of the title (but who am I to talk? I once named a Genesis contest entry ‘Love’s Return!), but I loved the story. The conflict is definitely grittier than most, with nearly an entire family’s  death by fire early in the story, and some pretty deep dealing with emotional trauma  throughout. A lot of authors will gloss over deep feelings of loss and pain so they can pimp the happy-fuzzy-wuzzy-all-obscuring “MESSAGE”, but  Ms. Barley  did a good job of keeping  it real. I can  honestly say the only thing I didn’t care much about was the  few times when Jessica would emotionally curl up in a ball and decide God didn’t care about her. It was slightly cliched and it felt a bit forced.

The romance was  great. It didn’t happen quickly, and it felt  realistic. Although the name ‘Jake’  is about as rare in romantic fiction as  the word ‘love’, I don’t hold it against him, and I liked him. Jessica had a couple of those  TSTL moments, but what chick  who is searching for her parents’ murderer/s while  trying not to fall in love  with a  yummy rugged rancher who offers her everything she wants, doesn’t have those lapses in judgement?

Yes, that last line could have been phrased so much better.

I definitely recommend this book to anybody looking for a great historical inspirational romance novel! I enjoyed it, and will be on the lookout for anything else by Tammy Barley.

]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/loves-rescue-by-tammy-barley/feed/ 0 adroland Love Thine Enemy by Louise M. Gouge http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/love-thine-enemy-by-louise-m-gouge/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/love-thine-enemy-by-louise-m-gouge/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:16:36 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=115 ]]>
Title: Love Thine Enemy
Author: Louise M. Gouge
Publisher: Harlequin– Love Inspired Historical
ISBN: 9780373828159
Release Date: July 2009
Format: PB
Genre: Inspirational Historical
Length: Novel
Rating: 4
During the American Revolution, Rachel Folger’s loyalties lie with the Boston patriots fighting for freedom from the Crown.  When a British plantation owner arrives in town, one who is loyal to the Crown, Rachel can’t deny her attaction—or her hesitance to get involved with a man who is against everything she believes in. When treacherous events come between the pair, Rachel and Frederick Moberly must uncover the traitor—to both their causes—and learn the rely on the love of God to show them true liberty.
First of all, I love that this book is set in central Florida. I love reading about my home state’s past, especially in war-time eras…which seems to be most of the time, pre-1900! Anyway, when I heard about this book I got in touch with Ms.  Gouge and begged for a review copy.
When I was a kid, I read a lot of Revolution-set inspirational romances. Must have been a trend in the early/mid 90’s or something! Reading Love Thine Enemy made me feel a little  nostalgic. The novel is well written, with a sincere message and compelling characters. I already know Ms.  Gouge is a great writer who has been blessed with an ability to reach readers through her novels, so I wasn’t disappointed!
I had a teensy bit of a hard time reading the novel, though. I can either blame this on the author or the fact that I’m an idiot and I tend to read a little too quickly. Now, this in no way  made like the book any less. At first I got the male characters confused. In fact, I had to look for whichever one was romantically attracted to  Rachel to figure out who the hero was at first.  Yes, I’m an idiot, so I’m going to take the fault  on this one…
Granted I’m used to reading ‘praire’ romances where the prose and dialogue is much more casual, so sometimes it was hard to clearly grasp what Ms. Gouge’s characters thought or said  or what was going on.  The book is written in a very formal  voice, so it definitely helps if the reader expects it. It’s a minor source of amusement to me how after reading so, so, so  very much ‘modern’  fiction and late-era historicals how drastic the  difference is in style from books set in early-era times, like Regency, Revolutionary, and even some Civil War periods! I give props to any author who successfully masters the ‘voice’ of those eras  in fiction writing!
So go ahead, if you enjoy reading historical romance set in a less-than-ordinary time! There seriously aren’t enough books set in early Florida. (Shameless plug– check out my book, Restoring Water, set in late 1800’s central FL, www.enterthemusehouse.net, available in print and ebook!).
Title: Love Thine Enemy
Author: Louise M. Gouge
Publisher: Harlequin– Love Inspired Historical
ISBN: 9780373828159
Release Date: July 2009
Format: PB
Genre: Inspirational Historical
Length: Novel
Rating: 4
Reviewer: ASH
During the American Revolution, Rachel Folger’s loyalties lie with the Boston patriots fighting for freedom from the Crown.  When a British plantation owner arrives in town, one who is loyal to the Crown, Rachel can’t deny her attaction—or her hesitance to get involved with a man who is against everything she believes in. When treacherous events come between the pair, Rachel and Frederick Moberly must uncover the traitor—to both their causes—and learn the rely on the love of God to show them true liberty.
First of all, I love that this book is set in central Florida. I love reading about my home state’s past, especially in war-time eras…which seems to be most of the time, pre-1900! Anyway, when I heard about this book I got in touch with Ms.  Gouge and begged for a review copy.
When I was a kid, I read a lot of Revolution-set inspirational romances. Must have been a trend in the early/mid 90’s or something! Reading Love Thine Enemy made me feel a little  nostalgic. The novel is well written, with a sincere message and compelling characters. I already know Ms.  Gouge is a great writer who has been blessed with an ability to reach readers through her novels, so I wasn’t disappointed!
I had a teensy bit of a hard time reading the novel, though. I can either blame this on the author or the fact that I’m an idiot and I tend to read a little too quickly. Now, this in no way  made like the book any less. At first I got the male characters confused. In fact, I had to look for whichever one was romantically attracted to  Rachel to figure out who the hero was at first.  Yes, I’m an idiot, so I’m going to take the fault  on this one…
Granted I’m used to reading ‘praire’ romances where the prose and dialogue is much more casual, so sometimes it was hard to clearly grasp what Ms. Gouge’s characters thought or said  or what was going on.  The book is written in a very formal  voice, so it definitely helps if the reader expects it. It’s a minor source of amusement to me how after reading so, so, so  very much ‘modern’  fiction and late-era historicals how drastic the  difference is in style from books set in early-era times, like Regency, Revolutionary, and even some Civil War periods! I give props to any author who successfully masters the ‘voice’ of those eras  in fiction writing!
So go ahead, if you enjoy reading historical romance set in a less-than-ordinary time! There seriously aren’t enough books set in early Florida. (Shameless plug– check out my book, Restoring Water, set in late 1800’s central FL, www.enterthemusehouse.net, available in print and ebook!).
]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/love-thine-enemy-by-louise-m-gouge/feed/ 0 adroland Bestseller by Keith Latch http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/bestseller-by-keith-latch/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/bestseller-by-keith-latch/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:29:46 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=112 ]]>
Title: Bestseller
Author: Keith Latch
Publisher: Champagne Books
ISBN: 9781897445259
Release Date: December 2008
Format: Ebook
Genre: Thriller
Length: Novel
Rating: 3.5
Reviewer: Katherine Petersen
Rob Caulder always wanted to be a writer, an art that didn’t come naturally to him until after a car accident that nearly killed him. He knew his new-found talent came from something other than himself but didn’t understand the how. Rob had no idea what he would write until it appeared on the screen, and almost overnight, he became a best-selling author of horror novels. Yet with all good things come sacrifices: in Rob’s case he traded in his marriage and relationships with friends for fame and fortune, which translated into a high-flying partying lifestyle, filled with women and drugs.
Danielle Greer had left her previous job at a literary agency to strike out on her own, and when Rob’s first book landed in her inbox, she knew she had a winner. Although attracted to him, she kept their relationship on a professional level and is glad she did when Rob becomes heavily involved with women and drugs. She mourns the shift in Rob from a polite and kind young man to an arrogant schmuck who thinks he’s entitled to whatever he wants.
But Rob won’t ride high forever and his future will depend on what he does after he hits the crest of the wave. Danielle has always had a special place in her heart for the Rob she first met, but he may be gone forever.
Keith Latch has employed an interesting twist on the supernatural with Rob’s writing talent in this horror/suspense novel. Personally, I would have liked to see the darker aspect of the story appear sooner. An avid fan of horror, I found myself wanting more supernatural action as Rob traversed his path to destruction.
From what I’ve read in gossip magazines and novels and seen on TV, Latch provides an admirable portrayal of the ways of the rich and famous or should that be infamous? He has a solid writing style interspersed with some stellar descriptions. The story moves at a good clip, except during some extended party scenes.
Latch’s characters evoke an emotional response such as alternating between pity for Rob and wanting to give him a swift kick. For me, Danielle didn’t come across with as much depth. Overall, Bestseller was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to exploring more of Latch’s work.
Title: Bestseller
Author: Keith Latch
Publisher: Champagne Books
ISBN: 9781897445259
Release Date: December 2008
Format: Ebook
Genre: Thriller
Length: Novel
Rating: 3.5
Reviewer: Katherine Petersen
Rob Caulder always wanted to be a writer, an art that didn’t come naturally to him until after a car accident that nearly killed him. He knew his new-found talent came from something other than himself but didn’t understand the how. Rob had no idea what he would write until it appeared on the screen, and almost overnight, he became a best-selling author of horror novels. Yet with all good things come sacrifices: in Rob’s case he traded in his marriage and relationships with friends for fame and fortune, which translated into a high-flying partying lifestyle, filled with women and drugs.
Danielle Greer had left her previous job at a literary agency to strike out on her own, and when Rob’s first book landed in her inbox, she knew she had a winner. Although attracted to him, she kept their relationship on a professional level and is glad she did when Rob becomes heavily involved with women and drugs. She mourns the shift in Rob from a polite and kind young man to an arrogant schmuck who thinks he’s entitled to whatever he wants.
But Rob won’t ride high forever and his future will depend on what he does after he hits the crest of the wave. Danielle has always had a special place in her heart for the Rob she first met, but he may be gone forever.
Keith Latch has employed an interesting twist on the supernatural with Rob’s writing talent in this horror/suspense novel. Personally, I would have liked to see the darker aspect of the story appear sooner. An avid fan of horror, I found myself wanting more supernatural action as Rob traversed his path to destruction.
From what I’ve read in gossip magazines and novels and seen on TV, Latch provides an admirable portrayal of the ways of the rich and famous or should that be infamous? He has a solid writing style interspersed with some stellar descriptions. The story moves at a good clip, except during some extended party scenes.
Latch’s characters evoke an emotional response such as alternating between pity for Rob and wanting to give him a swift kick. For me, Danielle didn’t come across with as much depth. Overall, Bestseller was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to exploring more of Latch’s work.
]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/bestseller-by-keith-latch/feed/ 0 adroland The Marksman- Nanook Warriors Bk 2 by Mary Winter http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/the-marksman-nanook-warriors-bk-2-by-mary-winter/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/the-marksman-nanook-warriors-bk-2-by-mary-winter/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:27:28 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=110 ]]>
Title: The Marksman -Nanook Warriors book 2
Author: Mary Winter
Publisher: Pink Petal Books
Ebook ISBN: 9780982488584
Release Date: 07/09/09
Format: Ebook
Genre: Erotica, Paranormal, Shapeshifter (Polar Bear), Romance
Length: Novel, 65k
Rating: 3 ½ Lyres
Reviewer: GJM
Cameron Summers is a sniper working in the Arctic with European forces her job is to go undercover as a guide with supposed polar bear hunters and hopefully find out where they plan to dump there next load of contaminated waste. She doesn’t count on the attraction she has for Kjell one of the European forces soldiers she’s working with.
Kjell Tivet thinks that they can carry out the mission without Cam he feels there is little or no need for the sharpshooter besides he can think of a whole lot of other things he’d rather be doing with her. He also has a secret that he wants to stay secret and the more attracted to Cam he becomes the harder it will be to keep his secret.
There’s a lot going on in this story you have illegal waste dumpers, Spirit Guardians who become Night Demons when they feed on the illegal waste being dumped, ohhh and did I mention polar bear shifters. Cam and Kjell and the rest of the good guys team up against some nasty characters that want to contaminate the Arctic with really nasty chemicals that turn peaceful Guardians into ferocious killers.
To be honest I loved the start of the story and thought it was going along quite well till about half way through then the editing got very sloppy missed segments in places, which stopped the flow of the story. Misspelling of words which in places you’d have a sentence saying something completely different from what the Ms Winter intended. As an example “She sucked his tongue into his mouth”. Hence I’m only giving 3 ½ Lyres for me the errors got in the way of the story and made it difficult to enjoy to the fullest.
Title: The Marksman -Nanook Warriors book 2
Author: Mary Winter
Publisher: Pink Petal Books
Ebook ISBN: 9780982488584
Release Date: 07/09/09
Format: Ebook
Genre: Erotica, Paranormal, Shapeshifter (Polar Bear), Romance
Length: Novel, 65k
Rating: 3 ½ Lyres
Reviewer: GJM
Cameron Summers is a sniper working in the Arctic with European forces. Her job is to go undercover as a guide with supposed polar bear hunters and hopefully find out where they plan to dump there next load of contaminated waste. She doesn’t count on the attraction she has for Kjell one of the European forces soldiers she’s working with.
Kjell Tivet thinks that they can carry out the mission without Cam. He feels there is little or no need for the sharpshooter. Besides, he can think of a whole lot of other things he’d rather be doing with her. He also has a secret that he wants to stay secret and the more attracted to Cam he becomes, the harder it will be to keep his secret.
There’s a lot going on in this story. You have illegal waste dumpers, Spirit Guardians who become Night Demons when they feed on the illegal waste being dumped– ohhh, and did I mention polar bear shifters? Cam and Kjell and the rest of the good guys team up against some nasty characters that want to contaminate the Arctic with really nasty chemicals that turn peaceful Guardians into ferocious killers.
To be honest I loved the start of the story and thought it was going along quite well till about half way through. Then the editing got very sloppy with missed segments in places, which stopped the flow of the story. Misspelling of words which in places you’d have a sentence saying something completely different from what the Ms Winter intended. As an example “She sucked his tongue into his mouth”. Hence I’m only giving 3 ½ Lyres for me the errors got in the way of the story and made it difficult to enjoy to the fullest.
]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/the-marksman-nanook-warriors-bk-2-by-mary-winter/feed/ 0 adroland Craft of the Wise: The Rule of Three by Dee Carney http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/craft-of-the-wise-the-rule-of-three-by-dee-carney/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/craft-of-the-wise-the-rule-of-three-by-dee-carney/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:22:17 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=108 ]]>

Title – Craft of the Wise 3: Rule of Three

Author – Dee Carney

Genre – Paranormal/Menage Romance

Publisher – Phaze

http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=The+Craft+of+the+Wise+3:+Rule+of+Three/exact_match=exact

Reviewer – Ange

Rating – 3 LYRES

Liana Everton knows herself to be a cowardly, but good, witch. So when she finds herself arguing for the chance to be the one to travel to the demon realm and retrieve the Book of Shadows, it’s definitely out of character. But the book is both a threat, and a promise of power, that the witches can’t afford to leave in the hands of evil. As one of the most powerful witches in her coven, Liana has no choice but to step forward to save the day. With a set hard-bodied werewolves, who make her heart race and her body flame, as baggage.

Jarod is the “silent and broody type” but thoughtful, while his twin brother Ronan is more the outgoing type. Their mission is to defeat evil and show a certain curvy witch that there’s no need to choose between them, she’s THEIR mate. Rule of Three is written from the Liana’s point-of-view but in third-person narrative, but without the descriptions and deciphering of the hero(es) that a heroine necessary when a book is all from one view. The result of this is that I never really felt that I understood the twins. I was missing two large pieces of the puzzle because, unfortunately, the heroes’ actions, motivations, feelings and personality were not brought to life.

The basis of the story – hot, dominant werewolves, good witches protecting the world, evil witches with demons accomplices, destined mates and threesomes – made for an okay, but not particularly unique, reading experience. It was fairly interesting in the beginning but it flowed in fits and starts – almost like four separate sections that didn’t quite blend. There is some decent world-building, mission and action, and then, just as the reader is getting into it, the storyline abruptly switches to romance and sex, followed by another section of mission and action, only to be resolved quickly and switch back to focus on the mating. When in the “action” or “mating” sections, there wasn’t a good integration of the other elements and I didn’t see development of the relationship and sexual attraction other than a few lines thrown in “telling” the reader, instead of letting us experience it.


If you love a good ménage (with twin werewolves, no less!) then you’ll find Rule of Three a moderately sexy read. I have to say, I enjoyed the author’s physical descriptions of the twins, which included their “chocolate eyes” and “dark hair gelled within an inch of it’s life.” I also thought Liana’s character was unusually self aware but not self-depreciating. She acknowledges and accepts her shortcomings, as well as understands and utilizes her strengths.


]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/craft-of-the-wise-the-rule-of-three-by-dee-carney/feed/ 0 adroland Strong, Silent Type by Lorelei James http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/strong-silent-type-by-lorelei-james/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/strong-silent-type-by-lorelei-james/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:05:00 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/strong-silent-type-by-lorelei-james/ ]]>

Title: Strong,Silent Type
Author: Lorelei James
Publisher: Samhain
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-60504-521-4
Release Date; May 5th, 2009
Format: Ebook
Genre: Western Romance, Red Hots
Length: Novella
Rating: 5 Lyres
Reviewer: GJM

After fourteen years together, nine of them married Libby McKay has had enough of her husband Quinn’s silent ways. That fact that they haven’t been intimate for three months despite Libby updating her hairstyle and wardrobe isn’t helping Quinn’s case so Libby tells him to “Get Out”

Quinn McKay realizes Libby is serious three months after she kicks him out. Figuring he was wrong thinking it would all blow over in a week or two. Now he’s determined to get his wife back he’s prepared to do whatever it takes including learning how to woo her.

Anyone who has read Ms James Rough Rider Series will be familiar with the wild, rough housing McKay men Quinn isn’t as wild as his cousins in fact he’s been tame and contained for nine years but now the gloves are off and Libby may just find the cuddly teddy bear she married can turn into a bear when pushed and presented with the right motivation.

I loved this story and Ms James took us along on the journey where both Libby and Quinn had to face their issues and grow together as a couple. The plot was believable in fact I’m sure most of us know a Libby and Quinn. We were even treated to a few cameo appearances from the Rough Rider series. Once again Ms James has a winner on her hands.

]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/strong-silent-type-by-lorelei-james/feed/ 0 adroland Zoe’s Gift by Jory Strong http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/zoes-gift-by-jory-strong/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/zoes-gift-by-jory-strong/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:30:21 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=104 ]]>
Title Of Book: Zoe’s Gift
Author Name: Jory Strong
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419922824
Format : Ebook
Genre: Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Erotica, Romance, Menage
Length: Plus Novel
Other Info: Fallon Mates Series
Rating: 4 Lyres
Reviewer: GJM
Zoe’s Gift is the fourth book in the Fallon’s Mates series and while they can all be read as stand alone books the reader will benefit from reading them in order.
The planet Belizair is home to the Amato and the Vesti races who don’t always get along and don’t share the same ideals. The Amato are freer sexually than their Vesti cousins. For the Vesti a relationship has always consisted of one male and one female the Amato however feel if it feels right it doesn’t matter whether it’s same sex or multiple partners. So when the planet is infected with a virus that basically erodes any chance of conceiving children unless in a triad consisting of one Vesti, one Amato and one human with Fallon DNA, the Vesti have to battle their possessive natures and learn to share.
In Zoe’s Gift we are introduced to Iden who is Amato and Miciah who is Vesti. Iden is openly bisexual whereas Miciah has been fighting his attraction to Iden for years as it’s against the Vesti code, these pair are the closest match to the human Zoe so they team up to go and claim their mate together both males have preconceived notions of how their relationship will work out once they claim Zoe as their mate.
Zoe has problems of her own she has the gift of empathy trouble is it seems to focus of feelings of extreme grief and depression as a result to save herself  from becoming bogged down by her gift she constantly moves around. She has dreamt about both Iden and Miciah for a week so when they arrive in her life she welcomes them both and accepts their offer to become their mate.
Once back on Belizair the men find that sometimes you have to bend a little for the good of your mates and hurt feelings have to be put aside, when Zoe confesses to breaking rules that could lead to her being banished the trio find themselves determined to break with tradition and sacrifice everything if need be to stay together.
I loved the plot, totally loved the characters, enjoyed the inner turmoil that Miciah, Iden and Zoe went through Ms Strong again wrote an awesome story that kept up the pace and interest so the reader was sucked in from page one. However as much as I loved all that I was sorely disappointed in a few areas as far as editing went. There is one scene quite early in the book that is just impossible and the fact that it is just one word that causes this makes me wonder if the editor got lazy and didn’t read it and Ms Strong thinks her Editor has powers outside of a normal human and catches every mistake. This error was glaring I could forgive the occasional missing word but this error is the reason that I can’t give this book 5 Lyres and a recommended read as I would have if this error hadn’t stopped me cold. I seriously hope someone does a quick proof read before taking the book to print.
Title Of Book: Zoe’s Gift
Author Name: Jory Strong
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419922824
Format : Ebook
Genre: Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Erotica, Romance, Menage
Length: Plus Novel
Other Info: Fallon Mates Series
Rating: 4 Lyres
Reviewer: GJM
Zoe’s Gift is the fourth book in the Fallon’s Mates series and while they can all be read as stand alone books the reader will benefit from reading them in order.
The planet Belizair is home to the Amato and the Vesti races who don’t always get along and don’t share the same ideals. The Amato are freer sexually than their Vesti cousins. For the Vesti a relationship has always consisted of one male and one female the Amato however feel if it feels right it doesn’t matter whether it’s same sex or multiple partners. So when the planet is infected with a virus that basically erodes any chance of conceiving children unless in a triad consisting of one Vesti, one Amato and one human with Fallon DNA, the Vesti have to battle their possessive natures and learn to share.
In Zoe’s Gift we are introduced to Iden who is Amato and Miciah who is Vesti. Iden is openly bisexual whereas Miciah has been fighting his attraction to Iden for years as it’s against the Vesti code, these pair are the closest match to the human Zoe so they team up to go and claim their mate together both males have preconceived notions of how their relationship will work out once they claim Zoe as their mate.
Zoe has problems of her own she has the gift of empathy trouble is it seems to focus of feelings of extreme grief and depression as a result to save herself  from becoming bogged down by her gift she constantly moves around. She has dreamt about both Iden and Miciah for a week so when they arrive in her life she welcomes them both and accepts their offer to become their mate.
Once back on Belizair the men find that sometimes you have to bend a little for the good of your mates and hurt feelings have to be put aside, when Zoe confesses to breaking rules that could lead to her being banished the trio find themselves determined to break with tradition and sacrifice everything if need be to stay together.
I loved the plot, totally loved the characters, enjoyed the inner turmoil that Miciah, Iden and Zoe went through Ms Strong again wrote an awesome story that kept up the pace and interest so the reader was sucked in from page one. However as much as I loved all that I was sorely disappointed in a few areas as far as editing went. There is one scene quite early in the book that is just impossible and the fact that it is just one word that causes this makes me wonder if the editor got lazy and didn’t read it and Ms Strong thinks her Editor has powers outside of a normal human and catches every mistake. This error was glaring I could forgive the occasional missing word but this error is the reason that I can’t give this book 5 Lyres and a recommended read as I would have if this error hadn’t stopped me cold. I seriously hope someone does a quick proof read before taking the book to print.
]]> http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/zoes-gift-by-jory-strong/feed/ 0 adroland Steel Beauty by Dana Marie Bell http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/steel-beauty-by-dana-marie-bell/ http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/steel-beauty-by-dana-marie-bell/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:27:15 +0000 adroland http://rorreviews.wordpress.com/?p=102 ]]>
Titled Of Book: Steel Beauty
Author Name: Dana Marie Bell
Publisher: Samhain
ISBN: 978-1-60504-498-9
Format: Ebook
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifters
Length: Novella
Rating: 5 Lyres
Reviewer: GJM
The fourth installment in the Halle Pumas Series starts off with Rick Lowell the Alpha wolf being ordered to stay away from Belle Campbell his unclaimed puma mate while she heals from a broken hip and arm. He only agrees as the Puma pride has doctors and treatment centers that the pack doesn’t.
When they are reunited it takes very little time for belle to come under fire and be challenged by a dominant she wolf even though Belle is still unable to shift and considered vulnerable. Not only does the Gina want to be Luna of the pack she wants Rick and Belle is not about to sit back and allow that.
I loved this book at times I had to laugh as Belle is a heroine with a kick ass attitude and you have to laugh at some of her antics. You almost yes almost feel sorry for Gina though I get the feeling we have not seen the last of her. Poor Rick has his hands full with his mate, his pack and a trouble making she wolf. I hope to see Ben, Dave and Chela  in future books I’m already looking forward to book 5.
Title: Steel Beauty
Author: Dana Marie Bell
Publisher: Samhain
ISBN: 978-1-60504-498-9
Format: Ebook
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifters
Length: Novella
Rating: 5 Lyres
Reviewer: GJM
The fourth installment in the Halle Pumas Series starts off with Rick Lowell the Alpha wolf being ordered to stay away from Belle Campbell his unclaimed puma mate while she heals from a broken hip and arm. He only agrees as the Puma pride has doctors and treatment centers that the pack doesn’t.
When they are reunited it takes very little time for belle to come under fire and be challenged by a dominant she wolf even though Belle is still unable to shift and considered vulnerable. Not only does the Gina want to be Luna of the pack she wants Rick and Belle is not about to sit back and allow that.
I loved this book at times I had to laugh as Belle is a heroine with a kick ass attitude and you have to laugh at some of her antics. You almost yes almost feel sorry for Gina though I get the feeling we have not seen the last of her. Poor Rick has his hands full with his mate, his pack and a trouble making she wolf. I hope to see Ben, Dave and Chela  in future books I’m already looking forward to book 5.
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