Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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Rebel Obsession

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rebel obsession

Rebel Obsession (All The King’s Men #4)

This is one great series with some of the hottest men/vampires to grace the pages of any book. Each book manages to not only advance the secondary story line but give an in-depth look at the start of a romance that was fated but not expected. The writing is wonderful and makes reading a pleasure with few typos or grammatical errors to take anything away from it. The characters are more than fleshed out because you have had a chance to start your introduction to them in a previous book so that you are more than ready to continue their journey. The story is unfolding in a way that keeps your interest and makes you want to keep going until you get that final piece of the puzzle.

Io has managed to ruin a friendship that had lasted for over a hundred years because of his narrow-mindedness and refusal to see anything but his own side of things. But on that same night he met someone, Miriam, who was brought into headquarters with a cobalt overdose made him want to do things he had never considered before . There is only one problem, she is the King’s daughter and by law not to be touched by any male. Io touches her, though it is before he knows who she is, and wants nothing more than to touch her more when she is taken away by her fathers guards.

Miriam has been thinking about Io ever since their encounter but knows that it is unlikely they will ever see each other again. Because her life has not changed she goes out seeking another cobalt high only to end the night with an overdose. They both get their wish and are thrown together again but is love really worth dying for.

This is much more than just a love story about finding a mate. The sex scenes are extremely hot and well written, making me squirm. The action is a little low key here with no major fights but enough dark business to make you want more. And the fact that you can get a fix of your favorite early characters is a major plus.

Give this series a read if you have not started it and if you have keep going with this one. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!!

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

“Miriam woke up to find Io sitting on the floor next to her. His gaze brightened and he smiled. “How do you feel?” he said. He helped her sit up. “Like shit.” She groaned. “Don’t get me wrong, I feel better than I did, but damn, this shit sucks.” Who the hell had let in the army of Terminators to play Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em inside her body? Io chuckled at her surprisingly unfeminine manner of speaking and sat down beside her. “I gave you a potent detox with my venom. I needed to get the cobalt out of your system.” “Ah, I see.” She leaned her face into her hands. “Great. Just great. I don’t know whether to thank you or hit you.” How did she always seem to put her worst face forward around this guy? The one male she wanted to impress and all she did was behave like a strung-out junkie around him. The vampire version of Amy Winehouse. How could he not be impressed? Uh-huh, right.”
― Donya Lynne, Rebel Obsession

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Micah’s Calling

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micah's calling

Micah’s Calling (All The King’s Men #3)

I really do love this series! It is one of the few that can make me stop doing anything else so that I can catch up with these people. The story is always interesting and has enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the page. The vampires have such interesting powers and each one is just a bit different from one another that it keeps you guessing.have to say that I love the fact that these vampires actually purr when they are aroused, that sounds so hot. Everyone of them is so well drawn that you have no problem sympathizing with them or disliking those who are less savory.

The entire story takes place directly after the events in Rise of the Fallen. This is when Micah is in the depths of his Calling with Samantha. He is unable to go any amount of time without having sex and work is not an option. The only thing they really do is hang out with Traceon on occasion. There are secrets revealed and kinks uncovered for all.

I am so glad I got a chance to get a better understanding of Trace as a character. He has always been very mysterious and for once we get to know some of his secrets. Being a mixed blood has caused his powers to run out of control and Micah is about to find out just how powerful he truly is.

There is BDSM and voyeurism, humiliation, and revelation. No chases or major action but lots of heart.

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

In hindsight, he realized that his fall from grace a month ago had likely begun when he’d lost his love of BDSM, specifically domination. That should have been a sign that he was falling. Losing Jackson had just sped up his demise. But all that was behind him now, his zest for life as well as for BDSM surging once again with Sam’s arrival. And now it was time to show her that side of him.

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Heart of the Warrior

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heart of the warrior

Heart of the Warrior (All The King’s Men #2)

I had already liked the first novel in the series and it took me a while to work up to reading this because it centered around the male enforcers I got a glimpse of in that book. I have never read a romance where it centered around two men before, but am really glad that I got to read this one. I was so pulled into this from the beginning and it totally surprised me how much I got into it. The characters were so real in their feelings and reactions that I found myself sympathizing with them or being mad when they did something totally boneheaded. The romance was sweet with a serious hot edge that surprised me, since I got totally sucked in, who knew I liked two guys together. The world they inhabit is well defined and in a known place which makes it even easier to identify with. The fact that they are vampires is secondary to everything else that goes on with them. This has opened me up to the possibilities and made me more open to try more in this vein, hopefully just as well written.

Severin has been pining away for Arion since their encounter in Ari’s kitchen six weeks earlier and does not know what to do. He has to see him every night at work and it seems that their brief contact has not affected Ari in the least. Arion has always had a hard time having relations with women but things were so different when he had his short lived encounter with Sev, it was explosive in more ways then one. Both of these men have secrets that they are trying to keep hidden from each other, friends, and family. This may be important to them but other factors are conspiring to make their lives even more difficult.

With cobalt use rising to epidemic proportions things are getting crazy on the streets for enforcers. Severin has more than his share of trouble brewing, his last boyfriends sister is looking to kill him and he has no idea when or where she might show up, his hated father is trying to make amends for his contemptible actions of the past and he wants none of it, and keep his lineage a secret could work for or against him. But with all that going on his main focus is Ari and how he can get him to love him, because the calling is upon him and he must have his mate.

I loved these two men together because they were hot, sweet, and so good for each other. Their romance was hard won and hard fought with family and friends who would not understand, and support from the most unlikely place. This book is more than worth the time as is the first book if you have not read it “Rise of the Fallen” is perfect. I am recommending this highly!! But be aware that there are multiple explicit sex scenes between our two hunky vampires. Very tingle worthy to me! MM Romance

**As I have done with the previous book I listened to this for my second time and enjoyed it just as much as the first. The narrator, Mikela Drew did a wonderful job with all the characters which enhanced the story. I remember feeling a bit squeamish when I first started reading this book but only found a very nice story in the end.

 

My rating:  5 of 5 stars

 

Yeah, I ain’t no human mix. Sev clapped his hands together in dust-off fashion and stood up. Good ol’ Dad had been a full-on, full-blood, virile vampire. Extremely powerful. And a jackass. Sev had only met his father once, but the meeting had left an impression when the two had nearly beaten each other to death.

 

Sometimes Sev felt guilty for what happened to her, as if he was to blame. They had to keep their relationship a secret because it would cause them both too much pain if people knew they came from two separate sides of the old war. She would be ostracized by the drecks if they knew she had kept a vampire’s offspring and carried it to term rather than kill herself. He would be seen as a threat or a dreck sympathizer if his teammates or other vampires learned of his half dreck bloodlines. This was what they called being between a rock and a hard place.

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Perspectives

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perspectives

Perspectives (LZR-1143 #2.5)

I like that the stories were short, sweet and to the point. When the zombies come not everyone will survive or want to. These stories for me are about what will happen to the vast majority of people if the dead started to walk and attack. Very nice!
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Birthright Trilogy

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the arrival

The Arrival (BirthRight Trilogy #1)

I am giving this 4.5 stars, not amazing but as close as you can get without being there. This story unfolds slowly but moves along to lay out what is important so that you can see it all tie together. The characters get a chance to develop in a natural way without having having to wait until the end to feel like you know who they are. Even the pets are allowed to have personalities that need a chance to get to know. The foundation is set to allow you to see that the girls are being prepared for all the things that they are going to encounter during their adventure and beyond. The thing that made this just a bit dizzying for me was the fact that it is told from the perspective of all the characters, even though they let you know at the beginning it is sometimes hard to be sure who is speaking/thinking until a name is given. It does make for more interesting however because you do not wonder about what they think about situations.

Catherine, Sian, Kassandra, and Laura are best friends and have known each other for years. They do everything together and support each other in all their separate and joint endeavors. Before the girls attend a costume party Sian convinces them to perform a spell to find their soul mates when they return home. When they arrive home they perform the spell and then all fall asleep on the floor right after never believing it would really work. When they wake up they find themselves in another place and confused as to how they got there, and also to how they can find their way home.

These girls found themselves in a land very different from the one they left behind but a place of magic, myth, and technology. They have a destiny that they would never have dreamed possible and the love that they sought.

I don’t know what I was expecting but this was way more than I thought I would get. Once The story started moving I found I did not want it to end because I was coming to really like all the characters. The idea that all those creatures we think of as only existing in fairy-tales and as part of mythology are real and can be a part of your life. The romance is sweet and romantic, not just a sexual attraction but that kind where you want it to be special. I flew through this book because I was just completely entranced by the whole thing. And now I need to get to the next book because it left me on a cliff and I want to know if things work out.

 

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

 

 

awakening-birthright

Awakening (BirthRight Trilogy #2)

I fell in love with this trilogy with the first book and am glad to have continued. After being a bit confused with the writing style at first, changes between character pov was hard to follow, I was ready this time and it was much easier to follow who was being focused on. The main characters have grown and are becoming even more real for me. The situations are getting more tense and the side characters are starting to come more into focus as they start to interact more with the girls. The relationships are deepening and coming to mean more to everyone. I really appreciate that they are growing into their love for each other and not simply in the midst of instant love.

The story begins 2 months after the attack at the end of book one with Cat and Alek both asleep after stopping Jenviet, while everyone waits for them to Awaken. The other girls have been given the whole truth about their situation and have chosen to deal with it in their own ways. Loi ( Laura) has stayed at the castle to wait for them to wake up, while Sian has gone to stay with Citaan and Gredel to help the soon to be parents, and Kassie has gone to the home of her man, Rumal, to get away from the pressure. No matter where they are though, they still want their friends to finally wake up.

When Catherine finally wakes she is told something which changes her way of thinking about her past and present. She at least has a little time to assimilate it all while she waits for Alek to wake up as well. When he finally does it is time to start training in earnest for the attack to destroy an enemy who has no conscious and would do anything to gain their powers. But as they train they are also aware of the fact that they all may not come back, including the men they have grown to love.

I really appreciated the attention to detail, but could have done with fewer training sessions and trips to the practice room. But since we were there so often it would have been nice to get more background on Patel and Rashid since we got so much more into Ignatius and his warped thinking. I do not like Iggy, he is a creepy guy who thinks he is better than everyone and is a nasty kind of voyeur. Once again we end things with a cliff-hanger (not my favorite thing)but it was a good one and I just have to know what happens next. This left me in tears because I so wanted things to be different. I say, go for it.

 My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I started this series with a one click free book and found myself loving the world that it took me too. The characters became friends that I wanted to see get everything that they wanted, I worried about them and did not want to have anyone hurt or killed. I am totally caught up in the lives of the four girls and their soul mates. While I was waiting for the conclusion, I don’t think I am really ready for it to end. With that said I still find that things drag a great deal with a little more description about nothing filling up when we could use more about what they are feeling or actually doing.

Alek and Yakov have been kidnapped by Jenviet and presumed dead or broken. Cat’s link to Alek has been severed by Elena in order to keep her sane and spare the death of the man she loves. They are finally sailing to confront and destroy the evil that has tried to take over their world for centuries, she has only fueled their hatred by her actions of taking those they love. The girls are as ready as they can be for what lies ahead.

Ignatius is taking full advantage of Cat’s loss and hopes to worm his way into her affections and find himself as her King. But what they find at the end of their journey will surprise them all and bring back the hope they thought was lost.

I do love a happy ending and was afraid I was not going to get it this time. This is a great ending that ties everything up wonderfully and gives each of the characters a chance to shine in their own right. Good action, good romance, great villains!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Soldiers and allies of Elion, denizens of Gar’nyse, today we gather to do battle. Today we make a stand for those who can’t, for the innocent lives snatched, for those who stood against her and lost. For our loved ones in far away realms. I can’t guarantee any of us will make it home, but I can promise that victory will protect those loved ones and realms we left behind. Freedom from tyranny is a luxury few on Gar’nyse know. Here today we make a stand against the tyrant. Against those who desire to possess our world. Whether we rise or fall, all will know of this battle, of this stand we make. We will shake the ground. We will topple the castle and we will bring about the end of the DeNaga line!”
― Nicole MacDonald, Feel the Burn
“They said you’re an Elemental. You don’t look like an Elemental, more like a cheap maid from Slemnask.’ She spat the words out, the inference obvious. My rational voice had a field day while I observed her costume; a belt for a skirt and a belt for a top. ‘Pot, meet kettle,’ I replied in a pleasant tone.”
― Nicole MacDonald, The Arrival
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The Time Machine

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The Time Machine

The Time Machine

by H.G. Wells, Bernard Mayes (Narrator)

I have seen all of the movie versions of this book and this is the first time I have read/listened to it. I enjoyed it as a kid watching it and I totally enjoyed this original reading. The story is totally a product of its time with phrasing that would not be used today to describe members of other ethnic groups and the way they viewed the world was so different. But the thought that in 1895 anyone could imagine not only a time machine but be looking to the future.

We meet the Eloi and Morlocks in the year 8271. The more human looking of the two have become nothing more than cattle to those who reside under the surface.

If you have only seen versions of this in cinematic form you will appreciate getting a feel of what was intended.

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Black

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Micah Black thought he was the last of his bloodline. He was wrong. Dead wrong.

 Micah just found out he has a brother. Ronan, the cat burglar who broke into his apartment and stole the ankh he’d been entrusted to protect, has turned out to be none other than his own flesh and blood. But that’s not the only revelation he uncovers about his family. After centuries of thinking his father was killed during the war, he learns that his father is alive. Still suffering the loss of Micah’s mother, his beloved mate, but alive.

The discoveries continue to pile up as more tightly held secrets and shocking surprises come to light, upending Micah’s world, sending him into a whirlwind of emotions and memories of war, love, and death. But it’s what King Bain reveals that throws Micah for the biggest loop. One that will chart a new path for Micah’s future and change the course of the coming war between the vampires and the drecks forever.

In the much-anticipated eighth book of the emotionally-wrenching, heart-stopping All the King’s Men Series, you see Micah as you’ve never seen him before. You will meet new characters pivotal to the survival—and hearts—of the characters you’ve come to love. Aliases will be revealed, alliances will be formed, and new enemies exposed as paranormal forces converge in a battle to decide who will ultimately rule humanity.

Recommended for fans of J.R. Ward, Lara Adrian, Kresley Cole.

Books in the AKM Series, in reading order:

Rise of the Fallen

Heart of the Warrior

Micah’s Calling

Rebel Obsession

Return of the Assassin

All the King’s Men – The Beginning

Bound Guardian Angel

BLACK

 

PREORDER LINKS

AMZ – http://amzn.to/2sfGDG3

iBooks – http://smarturl.it/BLACKiBooks

Nook –  http://smarturl.it/BLACK-Nook

Kobo –  http://smarturl.it/BLACK-Kobo

Smashwords – http://smarturl.it/BLACK-SW

Excerpt

His head jerked around to the door, his awareness lighting up with Sam’s presence like a flame catching on dry kindling. She was there. Just outside, in the hall.

He started for the foyer as the door slowly opened. She stepped inside, squinting into the dark apartment.

“Micah?”

In a flash, he was on her, slamming the door with the palm of one hand as he spun her and shoved her against the wall with the other.

She gasped, but the scent of her arousal spiked, letting him know she was more than ready for what he required.

He gripped handfuls of fabric on either side of her scoop-neck collar and yanked in opposite directions. Her T-shirt tore down the middle with the satisfying growl of ripping fabric.

He pushed the tattered shirt off of her, along with her jacket. Leather and ruined polycotton blend puddled at her feet.

“I’m sorry,” he said, growling the words as he tugged harshly at her jeans. The metal button at her waist shot across the room and thumped softly on the carpet.

She kicked off her sneakers. “For what?”

“For not being gentle.” He clutched her bra between her breasts and tore it off as if it were made of nothing more than tissue paper.

“I don’t care. Whatever you need.” She pushed the waist of her jeans past her hips and wiggled her legs so that the denim fell to her ankles as she pulled him closer. “I can buy new clothes, but you can’t be replaced.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.” He hoisted her off the floor.

Her legs locked around his waist as her palm wrapped around the back of his neck. “With you, pain is pleasure.”

 

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Wild Card #1-6

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wild card 1

I am always glad to have another Dresden story. This one is going to have all his friends and family helping to find out who or what is killing in their town. If you need a fix of Harry while you wait for his next full blown adventure I think this will do.

Though it was super short even for a comic.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

wild card#2

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

wild card#3

Nice continuation but needed more

This was a decent entry but was way to short and did not really give much in the way of story. I liked it because it gives me my fix of Harry’s world, but I could do with something more. Fans of Dresden will feel compelled to read it.

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

 

wild card#4                                                                                  The action gets better

This is a great story with a bad guy who is definitely unique. Luck just wants to have fun and unfortunately this involves causing others to commit acts of violence he gets to enjoy. Wish it had been a bit longer but it got the job done. Dresden fans will be happy.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

wild card#5                                                                                  Vampires v The Mob v The Police

While there was not any real action in this story there were a few revelations about the situation that Harry and Chicago finds itself in. And really any day with Dresden is a 5 star day. Things are growing more tense with the factions as they all decide that it does not really matter if the crimes were committed by their enemy or someone else. This could be their chance to wipe out the competition.

Ready for the conclusion.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

wild card#6                                                                             Dresden does it again

Okay , I have been waiting and I was not disappointed. Though it was short and the battle could have been fiercer, it was still the perfect vehicle for Harry to face off against Puck. Dresden fans have to read the conclusion. Loved it.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

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Let the voting begin…

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Come and vote for your favorite.

Amy Miles's avatarPenned Con 2018

It’s that time of year when we get excited about meeting this year’s authors in person. All of us on the Penned Con staff are super book fans so we like to fan girl/fan boy with the best of them. And with 180 in attendance in 2017 we are beyond giddy!

Each year we like to give a special dose of love back to our attending authors by hosting our 4th annual awards ceremony. The initial round of nominations are done by the authors. From those, the top 5 authors are presented to the voting public for consideration. Today…the voting begins!

Help us decide which of our 2017 authors are the best of the best.  Cast your vote and make it count. You only get one!

Then join us Saturday, Sept 30th at our Casino Night awards party to see who will win.

Cast your vote HERE!

Don’t have your…

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Haunted on Bourbon Street

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haunted on bourbon street

Haunted on Bourbon Street (Jade Calhoun #1)

This  made me want to keep reading even though I had a million other things to do. This really surprised me, I expected a nice read but did not expect to get so caught up that I would want to finish it in one sitting. I knew who Jade was in a snap and liked her enough that I knew this was going to be entertaining. The characters really pulled me into the story because they seemed like anyone else I might know, minus the interesting abilities. The fact that it was mostly clear of typos and misplaced words was also a big plus for me. The story was well written and moved forward at a good pace to keep your interest with just the right amount of action thrown in.

Jade Calhoun moved to New Orleans from Idaho for a job and a change of scenery. She also has an ability which she wants to keep secret and what better way then around people who do not really know her. She is lucky enough to find a reasonably priced apartment on Bourbon Street above a strip club, which her landlord also owns. There only seems to be one problem with her new home, there is a ghost residing with her. When her attempts to get rid of the ghost do not work she calls in help, but then finds that while the ghost seems to like her, her boss Pyper is being tormented nightly. The race is then on to find a way to rid them of this ghost before he can cause real harm to Pyper. Oh, the landlord happens to be a hunky piece of man named Kane so you know this is just another complication.

I totally loved this for some reason that is hard to explain. I liked the fact that Jade had a tough side and could stand up for herself, but she was still vulnerable from her past and tried to work through it. Kane was the perfect man really, he was understanding, protective, sexy, and loving. But I really liked Pyper, she was a survivor who didn’t take anything from anyone, she was a friend who would stick by you through anything. This is more or less a light romp, but sets the stage for more serious things in the future. I would definitely recommend this book.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars