To Trust a Wolf (REVIEW) #ShortReadsSaturdays

 

To Trust a Wolf

Unnatural Alliances Book 1

Author: Danielle Hardgrave
Category: Short, Supernatural, Romance, Werewolves

Suitable for: Adults Only

My Rating: 4 Stars

Format Read for Review: Kindle copy provided by the author or publisher in return for an honest review.

Pages: 76

Description: Helen is an archivist for a museum and is planning a fundraising gala featuring a collection of Viking relics that have recently been discovered in an unusual location. These relics attract the attention of a mysterious and wealthy man, Rune, who shows as much interest in Helen as the artifacts. When things go wrong at the gala Helen is caught in the middle of a supernatural battle, unsure of who she can trust.   

In Short: This is a fun, quick read that is perfect for when you need a supernatural romance fix. This short romance novelette is the first in a series about a conflict between vampires and werewolves with a human woman, whose knowledge of ancient artifacts brings her right into the action.

Pros: This is a well written story with an intriguing plot that includes mysterious artifacts and characters. The ending didn't leave me on a cliff hanger but did make me curious to see what happens next, now that the powerful relic has found new hands. I liked the characters and dialogue but at first I had a hard time getting into Helen's character. To me, she came across very stuck up when comparing her accomplishments to that of her secretary's. I wanted to tell her to get over herself, but eventually her character developed, became interesting and sympathetic. As the story progressed I saw what a hard worker she was and how stressed out it made her. I was very happy for her in the end and I really did love the conclusion of this book. 

Cons: The supernatural themes could have been more pronounced for me. Even Helen didn't seem interested in the fact that vampires or werewolves were real. Besides their interest in the artifact there were no other conflicts created by the supernatural elements of this story. That being said, I do imagine those aspects could be explored more in the sequel as the action continues. Due to the short length of the story the romance develops quickly, a tad unnaturally and lacking suspense. I think to really appreciate the love story I'll need to read more of the series and watch their love grow.

Parent's Guide: Rated for adults, swearing, violence, sex.

#ShortReadsSaturdays

In effort to find more time for reading in my currently very busy schedule I had an idea to read a short story, novella or novelette on Saturdays. I'll occasionally review short books on Saturdays and I hope you'll join me in discussing great short reads!


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New Release Princess Dracula

Recently Released, Kindle Scout Selected Novella:

Princess Dracula

by John Patrick Kennedy

Retelling of Classic Dracula Lore

All power comes at a price…

Ruxandra learned everything she knows while growing up in a convent. Training to be the perfect nobleman’s wife, she relishes the prospect of a simple life. But everything changes when her father, Vlad Dracula, retrieves her on her eighteenth birthday. Securing her a marriage is the last thing he has in mind…

After he performs a mysterious ritual over her, Ruxandra gains uncontrollable supernatural powers. Alone, terrified, and faced with an unknown future, she is left to forge a new life for herself. There’s only one thing she knows: if she doesn’t learn to control her unnatural instincts, she’ll destroy every last shred of her humanity.

Princess Dracula is the first book in a dark fantasy horror series. If you like crisp writing, emotional gravitas, and intriguing retellings of classic tales, then you’ll love John Patrick Kennedy’s new twist on vampire lore.

Links:

Princess Dracula on Amazon

John Patrick Kennedy Official Site

John Patrick Kennedy on Twitter

Cover Reveal! Blood Moon by Lena Hillbrand

Blood Moon

Series- The Superiors # 1

Genre- New Adult Urban Fantasy

By- Lena Hillbrand

Expected Release Date- February 1, 2017

A world divided

In a world where vampires reign supreme, humans are little more than livestock. Their sole purpose is to satisfy their masters’ appetites.

A chance encounter

When Draven Castle, a lowly vampire who owns no livestock, captures a runaway human child, he defies his government for the first time in a century and takes what is not his to take—her blood.

Fates intertwined

Years later, he encounters Cali, the same human girl, now forced to work in a dangerous profession. As the secret they shared draws him back to her time and again, he realizes they are not as different as the government would have them believe. Humans are not just brainless animals. They are people. But if he is to save Cali from her cruel master, he must do more than remember his own humanity—he must forget it.

Amazon US- http://amzn.to/2jPxYa8

Amazon CA- https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01N10WAO2/

Amazon UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N10WAO2/

About the Author-

Like most writers, I've been writing my whole life--diaries, stories, poetry, journals...if you can imagine it, I probably at one time played around with it. I started noveling seriously a few years ago. I love reading, chocolate, Sweet Leaf tea, movies, being outside, and most of all, my family.

If you need to know anything else, just ask. I'm on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, blogger, and just about anywhere else you look. Come say hi!

     

Out of Time by Monique Martin (REVIEW)

Out of Time: A Time Travel Mystery

Author: Monique Martin

Category: Romance/Supernatural

Suitable for: 17+

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Format Read for Review:  Kindle

Pages: 296

Description: A college professor and his aide accidentally travel back in time. Haunted by disturbing nightmares the professor fears for their safety as they wait for their chance to come back home.

In Short: This book has a pretty interesting story. The majority of it is set in the 1920s and it has a suspenseful plot. There is a sweet love story but if you aren't into romances you will find the middle part of the book to be boring and drug out. I thought the title was a little bit misleading because there wasn't a mystery to be solved and very little time traveling.

Pros: The character development in this book is wonderful. The characters are also unique and even though the main characters are opposites they compliment each other well and work together well. This book has a decent love story that will appeal to romance junkies.I thought the narrative was really great. It switched between characters to give you a broader picture of the story and also a better impression of the characters but without being redundant and repeating scenes. 

Cons: I thought the middle of this book was very slow and not a lot of exciting stuff happened until the end. This definitely wasn't one of those books that I just can’t put down. Because of all the little hints throughout the book you pretty much know what is going to happen. I thought the story had a lot of potential but I was disappointed by how it all played out. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just say I thought there could have been more time traveling, action and sleuthing. 

Bill the Vampire by Rick Gualtieri (REVIEW)

Bill the Vampire

Author: Rick Gualtieri

Category: Comedy/Fiction (Vampires & Geeks)

Suitable for: 16+

My Rating: 5 Stars

Format Read for Review:  Kindle

Pages: 343

Right when I read the dedication: “To Spike, a good cat” I knew I was going to love this book. In that spirit I would like to dedicate this review: To Angel, a cool cat. Yes I too named my cat after a character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Admittedly Spike is cooler but whatever…

Description: Hapless nerd, Bill Ryder wakes up to find himself dead (poor bastard) but it gets worse! Unfortunately he is even less popular in death than he was in life and now he must fight to maintain his un-life before he becomes extra dead.

In Short: I was LOLing from start to finish! This unique vampire tale features a cast of interesting characters, a likeable hero as well as an action packed plot fraught with danger and comedy. The story is an original take on vampires and a refreshing change from all of the sparkly romantic vampire books.

Pros: This book is very well written and incredibly funny. The story is unique and creative and full of a lot of little details that make it extra special. I especially love all the goofy little nicknames the vampires have. I really appreciated that this book had a good conclusion. Even though there is a sequel this book had a complete stand alone story. The plot is fast paced and full of action. I never wanted to put it down.

Cons: I found no faults with this book.

Warning: This book contains mature language. I rated this book as suitable for ages 16+ because I figure the swearing isn’t any worse than what teens will hear in the hallways in high school. But just be warned, it's there. Oh yea, this book is also violent but no worse than a Jackie Chan movie.

Follow this link to find this book on Amazon

Fated by Alexandra Anthony (REVIEW)

Fated (The Vampire Destiny Series Book #1)

Author: Alexandra Anthony

Category: Erotica/Romance (Vampires)

Suitable for: Adults Only

My Rating: 1 Star

Format Read for Review: Kindle

Pages: 150

Description: A 28 year old psychic meets a vampire in a bar, she takes him home. They have sex many times.

In Short: This book has absolutely no plot and can easily be summed up in one short paragraph. *Spoilers* A couple of people meet at a bar and start a shag-a-thon. He leaves for a few days on a business trip and in this time she is so distraught she is nearly catatonic. Then he comes back and they have sex some more. The “bad guys” of the book, the vampire council summon them. They go see the council and have a little chat. Then they leave and the book is over. *end spoilers*

Pros: This book has no redeeming features. If you are looking for a book that is just sex with no plot you may enjoy this book.

Cons: This book has the most boring and uneventful plot. There is a lot of potential for plot but no follow through. The psychic never uses her powers for anything and the vampire is a sorry excuse for a vampire. In most vampire books you find a lot of danger and action but you wont find any of that in this book. This book is comprised of the same redundant sex scene repeated several times. Even to rate this as purely erotica with no plot the sex scenes themselves are still unimpressive and not worth reading. Their “love” happens at first sight. She brings him home after just meeting him at a bar and then has sex with him many times for many days. You never see the depth of their love and it seems like it is purely lust. The other characters in this book are incredibly annoying. Her vampire boyfriend and her friend are constantly arguing for no reason, making you hate both of them. The main character is overemotional and pathetic. The vampire though “hunky” speaks in Swedish half of the time so I didn’t know if what he was saying was even romantic or not, then I got to the end of the book and found a glossary. It turned out the Swedish bits were not romantic at all. He says things like, “I want to feel your mouth on my cock.” Romantic, isn’t he?  I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone and I don’t think it is even worth $1 or the time you will spend reading it. I honestly feel that all of the 5 star reviews on Amazon are a bit fishy especially with a lot of them being duplicated.

Turned by Morgan Rice (REVIEW)

Turned (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals) 

Author: Morgan Rice
Category: YA Paranormal/Supernatural (Vampires)

Suitable for: Teens and up

My Rating: 4 Stars
Format Read for Review: Kindle
Pages: 196

Description: A teen aged girl discovers she is changing into something she never before thought was real. She becomes part of a world she never knew existed where she is hunted and has few allies.

In Short: This book is an interesting take on young adult vampire books and a fun little teaser into the series. The story in this book is very short and without a solid conclusion. To find out what happens to Caitlin you will have to read the rest of the series. I see a lot of potential for this story to shape up into something really unique in the rest of the series and I plan to read this entire series of books. 

Pros: Fast paced and loaded with action. This book is well written and immerses you into the story easily. This book has just the right amount of darkness to still be suitable for teenagers without being boring and cheesy to adults. The characters are believable and the main character is likable so you find yourself rooting for her as she struggles to stay alive and learn her destiny.

Cons: This book is very short. It’s really more of a half story (which isn't bad if you get the free kindle version). In this book you get to see only the start of Caitlin’s story. Because I feel this isn't a complete book I knocked off 1 star. If I had not gotten the free kindle edition and instead paid for a paperback version I would give this book about 3 stars.

The kindle version of this book is currently free on Amazon.