Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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White Trash Zombie Apocalypse

by

18182495

White Trash Zombie Apocalypse (White Trash Zombie #3)

by Diana Rowland (Author), Allison McLemore (Narrator)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Angel Crawford is back with her group of friends, family, and almost boyfriend. As is to be expected this was another great read with humor, mystery, revelations, and death. The story was fun and fast paced with enough new characters and old to keep things more than interesting. The plot is continuing to advance with new elements being added with each telling as we get more information on the characters and the forces they are aligned against.

They are making of all things a zombie movie in town at the high school with lots of extras. Before things even get going well there is a death on the set and Angel goes out to collect the body. But things are never as simple as they seem and soon Angel finds herself in the middle of another mystery that she will need to solve or risk losing her freedom or life.

I went through this quickly because I was engrossed in the story and wanted to see what would happen next to this girl who has made such changes in her life. Zombies have more of a life than a lot of people in this town. You have to read this series!

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Hers To Command

by

18482950

Hers to Command (Verdantia #1)

My rating:  5 of 5 stars

I got this book a while ago when it was suggested to me but never got around to reading it until now. It may have taken me a while to read but it was well worth the wait. I totally loved this and cannot wait to get to the next one! I fell into this world from the moment I stepped into it and did not want to have to leave. The world was so richly drawn with a planet which had a personality and love for those who lived on it. I liked all the characters including the bad guys because they were all so well fleshed and compelling. The story is told from various points of view not just that of the central characters and because of this you get a fuller look at what is going on with everyone involved.

Verdantia was settled long ago by a group of people who found out that the planet they had chosen to live on was itself alive. Verdantia is sentient and reacts to certain genetic traits by aiding in the protection of the people. But because some had become lax in their rites all the planet must suffer after they were invaded by the Haarb, a warlike race which wants to possess and use the bounty that exists on Verdantia.

Ari stayed away from his home for 15 years because he could not stand the thought of marrying someone not of his choosing, but returned to fight for the planet and people that he loves. Doral is a spy and assassin who is assigned to Ari and fights for and with him. Queen Fleur will do anything to keep her people safe, even risk her life in a ritual. Three people who have no idea that together they may be the only hope for their home.

I was so surprised by the concept but it actually made sense to me. I am not always comfortable with MM relationships in books but this not only had me comfortable I think I enjoyed it almost as much as the characters. The scenes were scorching hot but held a lot of tenderness as well. The combination of heat and real love made this a great read. The relationship between our three main characters drew you while the intrigue kept you guessing. Looking forward to the next one! Recommend highly!

“Madam, you can’t be more desperate than I.” He wound his arms around her and grunted. “The evidence is drooling on your stomach. I have not lost this erection for five days. Doral looks at me and winces. You have obliterated my dignity in front of my staff. I have become a laughingstock, a by-word for ‘pussy-whipped male’. Every time I walk into a room, the conversation dies. I entered the mess hall, yesterday—530 officers and enlisted men. Silence, Fleur. Dead silence.” She sniffed. By the gods, this must be a unique experience for him. I’m certain he has never been the butt of the joke before. “I don’t think you appreciate the torture and humiliation you inflict. Do you know how uncomfortable it is to ride a horse when I’m like this? Do you know how disconcerting it is to discuss cavalry deployment with Major Truillo while I’m sporting a cockstand to rival a stud horse? I couldn’t get the man to look me in the face. Worse, he thought I reacted to him.” She nuzzled her face into Ari’s chest and tried to contain her amusement. Her imagination supplied the picture of the very handsome, very homosexual, very short Major Truillo standing with covetous eyes riveted to Ari’s substantial erection, all the while discussing the dry topic of cavalry placement. “For half an hour all I saw was the top of his head.” He paused for a moment then threw out, “He has a bald spot.”
― Patricia A. Knight, Hers to Command
“Fleur to Doral:
“My love for you and Ari cannot be measured in words. It can only be measured by what I will do for you. Absolutely anything. By what I want for you. Absolutely everything. I would move Verdantia from her orbit to defend you from all that would hurt you.” She rose and crossed to him, sliding into his lap and snuggling into his broad chest. She hugged him fiercely.”You are mine, Doral, every bit as much as Ari. Those who hurt you do so at their peril.”
― Patricia A. Knight, Hers to Command

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Under by Treaty

by

23013422

Under By Treaty (Qui Treaty Collection 0)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read anything from this author before but am very happy that I have at this time. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and started to form a liking for the characters right then. All the characters were very dynamic with strong personalities that made you want to follow and find out what they would do next. The language seems perfect for the world that they inhabit and for the characters. Considering the fact that this is science fiction the earth they live on and the galaxy they travel to are real enough to truly visualize. The fact that the story is told from the point of view of both main characters is the perfect way to have the story told.

General Jaden has been fighting the war against the K’lahn for many years since the deaths of his parents at their hands. He hates them and wants nothing more than to destroy them. But when he is given to them for their Empress he learns that there may be things that he never knew about this species. Ambassador Sonil comes to Earth in order to broker a treaty that would give her Jaden as a consort in exchange for Earth retaining its freedom. She wants his devotion, he wants to strike a blow to the empire. They both get more and less than they bargained for.

I got some of everything I like in this story with sex, aliens, war, undercover operatives, and a lot more. I am totally into this story and am happy to follow along as it unfolds. I think everyone should give this a try. There is some explicit violence and torture scenes which might not be for everyone. This is pretty hot also! Highly recommend!

“Do not presume to judge the Qui, Mr. President. Your society aspires to an ideal that exists only at levels like the United Regions. Analyze your world’s history and you find pockets of feudal life that continue to exist today. Cultures where rape victims are killed so as not to dishonor their family; countries where the male of your species has so little self-control, the female is obliged to hide behind cloth for fear they will tempt them into carnal acts; regions where children are slaughtered for no reason. And this was all before our invasion.”
― Kayla Stonor, Under By Treaty 
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Angel 6.0: Enslaved

by

25470834

Angel 6.0: Salvage (Angel 6.0 #3)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received a free advance reading copy for my honest review.This was a great adventure with a girl that I am coming to like more and more. I had thought of Angel as childlike, which she was when this started, but she is maturing the more she is exposed to the world outside of Nugene. I like that the characters are becoming more clearly drawn as things go forward from book to book. The world they inhabit is more complex than you would at first think, but as you jet across the galaxy you see that not only the humans have a strange culture happening the Gran have their own way of viewing the world that may seem different but is actually quite similar to human culture in many respects. Everything is continuing to move forward smoothly giving a great trip through the cosmos as well as into how Angel is able to survive.

Captain Cronin comes for Angel on Cesar’s ship and is not planning on leaving her behind. Angel has had nice respite from dealing with overbearing Cat but has no choice but to return to him if she wants Cesar and his men to live. Before they depart Angel helps Cesar set up negotiations for trade and gives herself another chance to see him. Then it is the long ride to the Gran home world she must endure as Cronin continues to use her.

The Emperor and Empress are very impressed with Angel and invite her to stay with them while she is on their home world, keeping her away from the depraved Cronin. She becomes close to both their daughter and son who make her separation from Cesar at least bearable. But then she is once again on the ship for the trip for the negotiations and though she looks forward to seeing her man she still must deal with the insatiable Cat on the journey. Angel has endured a great deal since being taken from her home, how much more will she need to endure.

Angel has become a strong character who is able to work through whatever is tossed her way. The sex is usually very hot, whether inter species or just straight. The story pulls you in every time because you really have to find out what is going to happen with this woman as her intergalactic odyssey continues. It just keeps getting better and better. Do not miss this series!

**The title of the book  on Amazon is Angel 6.0: Enslaved, the title was changed after the I received my copy.

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Angel 6.0: Escape

by

25269581

Angel 6.0: Escape (Angel 6.0 #2)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This stepped it up and I am going 4.5 stars for this second entry in the tale of Angel and her adventures across the galaxy. Once again I was pulled into the story right from the start. The story is progressing and giving us more situations that Angel has to deal with. She grows during her journey, though she remains somewhat childlike in her thinking you can see the analytical side of her too. The new characters are somewhat interesting but could use a little more chance to be fleshed out.

Angel has settled into life on the Gran ship and is happy as long as she has Jason, the other prisoner who has a personality worth dealing with. Though she is being used by the Captain on the ship, it is not so bad because he knows what she is. She worries she will lose Jason if and when he finds out.

Jason said they would be rescued and he was right, in a way. When the rescue comes things do not go to plan for the rescuers and they find themselves with a passenger that they had not planned on. Once again Angel finds herself among strangers who hold her life in their hands. The thing is, does she even want to continue on.

The story deepens and Angel is still evolving and becoming more complex. The heat level drops a little but only because our girl is dealing with some issues that keep coming back to plague her. If there were not some complications it would not be nearly so worth reading.

Once again I highly recommend!

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A Shiver of Light

by

19417217

A Shiver of Light (Merry Gentry #9)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have been waiting for the continuation of this story since the last book ended and I think it was worth it. People complain about how descriptive LKH is about everything in her books, but this is not a short story and so I want to know what’s going on with everything I can. This is about creating a scene that is visual and brings you into the story itself, that is what happens here, you cannot help but be pulled in because you know what the setting is so well. It has been five (5) years and I was happy to have the men described to me in minute detail, it gave me a thrill to sit back and see them again after so long. I love this series and the characters who populate it. They are like friends who have been on vacation only to come back for a visit that is not nearly long enough.

Merry is very heavy with child and about to deliver any day, she cannot find out who the father or fathers are until then. That is both a good thing and bad thing since Taranis, the King of Light and Illusion and Merry’s uncle is claiming that he is the father of one or all of her babies from his rape of her. Though she was pregnant when he raped her, he is delusional and believes she consented and was grateful for his rescue. It’s hard enough becoming a parent without having your crazy, powerful uncle trying to claim them and you as a prize.

With everything else that is going on Merry is finding herself being taken to those who carry her nail around their necks as a talisman. She has become a kind of deity to them though she refuses the title. She and the men she love are all waiting for the children but are also dreading the fight they know they will face in order to stay safe and keep their children safe from harm.

This book was a lot more tame than any of those before it as far as violence and sex. With the coming of the babies things have been toned down for the time being. There is happiness, love, lust, pride, loss, and redemption to be found between the pages of this book. If you love or even like the of LKH you will be happy with this entry. I just hope it is not the last we will be hearing from Princess Meredith Nic Essus and loves.

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Hunted by Treaty

by

25482428

Hunted By Treaty (Qui Treaty Collection #3)

I received a free advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

As has been the case since the first book, this one is perfect in every way. The characters are richly portrayed and make you like them from the moment you meet them. The story while similar to the others is just different enough to keep the interest in what is happening in that world. I was immediately drawn into the story and the lives of the people on this new planet with a twist. I really like this series because the characters are so interesting and full of contradictions. They hate what they love and cannot fully reconcile the feelings sometimes but still move forward.

Raiss Tyrone escapes from his K’lahn captors and goes on the run in hopes of getting back and rescuing his team. He finds himself on a planet inhabited by humans and K’lahn seeming to work together. What he has found are some of those originally abducted from Earth in the first K’lahn raids and taken to be used as slaves in the mines on this planet. As he makes his way across the planet he finds only a lone half-breed girl willing to help him.

Crendea is the child of a human woman and K’lahn man. She hates what she is because she feels that she can never be accepted by humans or K’lahn’s fully. She has been able to keep from changing through sheer will but when she becomes stressed it becomes harder to do so. When she spots Raiss her first thought is to help him get away before he can be captured by the Qui who have come for him. She does not expect him to be much different from those she knows but finds someone who seems to understand who she is and how she feels.

The men here are all Alpha males but they also have a soft side, they actually cry, which can be sexy in its own way. The women are usually very strong, and this is no exception because she lives her life being mostly shunned but does so with dignity. The heat level was taken down just a bit but the story made up for it. Do Not miss this!

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Hard Wear

by

24958927

Hard Wear (Hot Alpha Billionaire Book 1)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review.

I give this 4.5 stars because I really enjoyed it but it did have some moments that slowed me down. The story is totally enjoyable and while it may not have grabbed me from page one, it more than made up for it as it continued. The narrative flows along perfectly, it is not rushed and allows you to get a feel for everyone as they are introduced into the story. The characters are very well realized and seem so real that you can’t help but feel what they feel. The love story is done just right for me, things don’t move to fast or to slow but the attraction is immediate and feels right.

Chase Tanner has everything he wants in life except someone to truly share it with. He goes to Laketon for a vacation and to check on his store when he spots a woman who peeks his interest. When he notices that she is wearing Soft Wear jeans he knows that she wants the same things that he does, now he will have to convince her of it.

Kali Benson is a divorcee who moved to Laketon to start a new life after she was more or less dumped by her younger husband. Kali has lived in Laketon for the past two years happily without any male companionship. She feels it is better to be single than have the wrong man in her life, the problem is she does not recognize a good one when he shows up.

I really liked Kali because she had been hurt but had found a way to take the sting out of her rejection and move forward with her life. I really, really liked Chase! He was the kind of alpha male any woman would be glad to have, I certainly wish he existed in my world. He is the kind of Dom I could go for. This had just the right amount of heat to make keep me happy. If you enjoy a bit of Dom/sub play, nothing to heavy, then you will like this.

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Angel 6.0: Concubine

by

25057922

Angel 6.0: Concubine (Angel 6.0 #1)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I was totally not prepared for this in the least. I have read this author before, and loved the other series but was not sure about a space opera. Well, I can say that I have been pleasantly surprised because I found myself liking this from the moment I started reading. I had a feel for the side characters fairly quickly and thought I understood the main character well also. The story flowed perfectly and gave a sense of where it was going to be taking you as it continued. The language seemed appropriate for each character and conveyed who they were.

Angel is different from all those on Nugene Station and she knows that better than anyone. She is an experiment but she is also more to the man she views as her father. The Gran area race of Cat warrior/flesh traders who come to Nugene for bodies to use in their trade.

Angel has been hidden from the Gran on their visits to the station, but in one fateful miscalculation they see her and decide that they must have her to add to their stock of human workers. That one glimpse causes Angel’s world to spin out of control and she finds herself on an adventure she would not have chosen.

Angel seems almost childlike at first, like even though she has the body of a woman she has not really matured. Then you get to see that she is just emotionally open to everything and everyone. I like her for the strength she has and the vulnerability. I can see her growing and becoming a powerful force. I will be continuing to read to find out. Oh yeah, and the sex is so hot it almost melts your device! 🙂 I recommend this highly!

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The Zombie Axiom

by

18883640

The Zombie Axiom (In the Time of the Dead)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked the idea of this story from the first time I read the blurb. It sounded somewhat different from the stories I had read in the past. With that being said it was very hard for me to become engaged with the story for a large portion of it. I never really did feel much for any of the characters, they never fully came to life for me. I was never really able to connect to any of the characters except for small instances near the end. The characters were not completely real to me, they seemed to almost be nothing more than stereotypes. The story did progress well and moved from point to point fairly nicely. The language was easy to follow and seemed to work for those characters as they were drawn. I will also say that I did not particularly like the way it was laid out, two chapters for a book of 311 pages made it hard to pace it.

After a meteor shower some of the people of Connisburgh start to act in murderous ways attacking their family and neighbors for no apparent reasons. Things start so slowly that at first no one notices what is happening. Three people get a front row seat to the apocalypse as it begins even though they are not sure what is happening right away. Virgil is a vet who would rather avoid people at all costs than get close to anyone, Sasha is a nurse who has an abusive home life but is a true survivor, then there is Derek, a Sensei in Akido who has a calm that nothing seems able to rattle.

These people and others will find that things may seem bad at first but that they can get even worse. There is an unknown variable that is pushing to help destroy humanity and our little band has no idea.

While it was not something that grabbed me and held my attention until the end, it did still entertain once I finally got into it. The confrontation could have come earlier since I had been promised that there would be one but it did materialize, if a bit late. I did find that the ending has at least sparked an interest in the next book. I do hope the alien aspect gets a little more play in the next installment.

Zombies good so if you like them I say give it a try.