Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

Unknown's avatar

The MacKinnon’s Bride

by

I found myself enjoying this historical romance more than I anticipated. Initially, it didn’t captivate me, as the story began on a rather unexciting note, but it eventually won me over. The book felt slightly longer than necessary since I deduced the identity of the traitor within the first few chapters. However, I grew fond of the main characters once they took center stage, with their interactions unfolding as expected. The secondary characters elicited varying levels of engagement from me.

When Laird Iain MacKinnon’s son is captured and delivered to the English by a traitor, the Scottish chieftain retaliates by abducting the daughter of the man detaining his son. His intention is to exchange the girl for his son’s return. Unexpectedly, after his son is returned, FitzSimon instructs Iain to keep the girl, claiming she is of no use to him. Page FitzSimon suspects Iain of deceit when he doesn’t send her home, yet deep down, she knows he isn’t at fault.

Two narratives are unfolding: the romance between MacKinnon and Page, and the tale of MacKinnon’s quest to confront the traitor who kidnapped his son.

This book is a tapestry of love, honor, suspense, and passion. I enjoyed both reading and listening to it, with the audiobook being particularly engaging thanks to Braden Wright, who vividly brings the characters to life. The Scottish accents are well-executed, although I’ve seldom heard one in person. The exchanges between Iain and Page are intensely passionate and often infused with humor. I would recommend this book to anyone fond of Highland warriors or simply looking for a compelling romance.

My rating: ⚝⚝⚝⚝

Unknown's avatar

Midnight Labyrinth

by

The first three novellas provide a solid introduction to the series, acquainting us with key characters in Ben and Tenzin’s story. I give it 4.5 stars for the significant enjoyment it offers. Though not immediately gripping, by the second chapter, I was fully engaged and eager to see what would unfold next. The introduction of new characters and the return of familiar ones is appreciated after some time.

Benjamin Vecchio has abandoned his tumultuous life in New York, where he was raised by a famed vampire assassin. Now an adult, he comes back to the city that once brought him sorrow, intent on establishing an identity separate from his aunt and uncle. With Tenzin at his side, Ben begins to set up an antiquities recovery business in New York, echoing Giovanni’s rare book enterprise in California.

On a business outing one night, Ben encounters Chloe, his high school sweetheart, and they rekindle their relationship. Chloe introduces Ben to the works of Emil Samson, her celebrated artist, at an art gallery. There, Ben is struck by two discoveries: a troubling story from a young woman tied to a missing artwork, part of a trilogy, which he pledges to find pro bono, much to Tenzin’s chagrin. Moreover, their endeavors rarely proceed without complications.

This installment brings just the right amount of thrill, setting the stage for future books. It also addresses a grave domestic issue with appropriate sensitivity and attention. The experience is highly enjoyable, particularly when experienced through an audiobook that brings the characters to life vividly.

My rating: ✯✯✯✯½

Unknown's avatar

The Demon Rift

by

This started out by confusing me and then just keeping me wondering. I enjoy a story that has monsters of both the human and otherworldly variety but this one did not really fully immerse me at any time. The blurb is a little deceptive because it makes it sound like one thing when it turns out to be something else altogether, though I will not divulge how it differs. The story jumps around a lot, mainly through time but also locations can change from chapter to chapter and sometimes sections. Once you know who is being targeted and why it seems unnecessary to continue moving through time.

The story is kind of predictable once you get into it and it is also a little overblown. With all of that, I never felt any dread or even a little frightened by what was going on. The characters while well drawn in most cases still did not make me like them enough to ever fully care about what was happening or going to happen to them. Plus the added headache of trying to keep straight who was related to who made me less than happy since I had to keep looking back to remember. I mostly just wanted to know how things were going to end for each. The locations are all familiar in that I know where they are even if I have never been there myself.

The story is told in a non-linear manner which makes it sometimes hard to follow. The ideas behind the story are interesting and I liked them, which is why I wanted to read it. The problem is that it didn’t hold up to what I expected.

The story begins in Victorian England in the year 1894 in the home of a minor noble who has brought together others for an evocation of evil. A young serving girl is curious and hides away to observe what these rich people are doing which requires her to do extra work. As the gathered nobles start their incantations something on the other side of a barrier finds the new life within the girl and decides that using it can further its goals. The child is touched and changed in his mother’s womb and so it begins.

Fast forward to 2004 in Ohio on Christmas Eve and we will find the culmination of all those years in between. The evil has grown up and needs to feed in order to open the door between world that will devastate the human race.

There were some glitches in the narrative with sentences ending abruptly leaving out words obviously in several chapters. The demons and the rift itself do not show up very often and when they do are less than scary. You also have words used in the wrong way or order and the wrong words being used on occasion, but you can usually figure out what is being said.

I liked this well enough though it did not tick all the boxes for me when it comes to a novel I know is supposed to be horror. I would recommend this to anyone who likes horror or supernatural stories.

My rating: 💖💖💖

Unknown's avatar

The Handbook

by

The story begins at a leisurely pace, introducing the main characters individually, but gains momentum when Nikki and Derek meet. While some characters are mere stereotypes, they serve to advance the plot effortlessly. More classroom interactions would have been preferable, as the main characters, particularly the teacher, often end up clubbing instead.

Nikki Sloan, after being dumped by her long-term boyfriend, spirals downward, despite the relationship not being right for her. As she starts to recover, a disastrous date sends her plunging back into despair. Discovering a notebook claiming to transform her into the ultimate seductress, she embarks on a journey to gain confidence and power.

Derek Anderson, a professor rumored to be involved with his students, finds himself coerced into taking over another instructor’s classes when the dean hears of his alleged affairs. This twist of fate brings him and Nikki together. Derek, who prides himself on bachelorhood, begins to see the potential for change.

Initially, Nikki appears immature, but she matures significantly as she follows the notebook’s advice. Derek, too, starts off seeming juvenile but reveals deeper layers. Although this genre isn’t my usual preference, I find these stories quite engaging and am open to exploring more.

This book should appeal to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt romance with a guaranteed happy ending.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Unknown's avatar

Omens and Artifacts

by

Although I adore the characters, they seemed somewhat underdeveloped in this instance. I missed the usual action associated with Ben and Tenzin as they strive to establish their business. The new characters didn’t excite me, but there’s always potential for growth if they reappear.

In the Elemental world, reputation is crucial, yet it’s a double-edged sword. Benjamin Vecchio is venturing into the world of antiquities hunting and is in dire need of clients. His uncle’s notoriety as a legendary fire vampire assassin has generated much intrigue but hasn’t translated into job offers. Benjamin needs a significant find to earn the recognition and prestige he seeks. If he can recover Brennus the Celt’s lost sword, he believes it could be his breakthrough. All he needs is for a descendant of Brennus to employ him for the search.

Securing his reputation might also endanger his life, but that’s par for the course in the perilous realm of ancient vampires.

It remains an excellent choice for fans of the series.

My rating: ✭彡✭彡✭彡

Unknown's avatar

Tales From Ara

by

Since the end of January, I’ve been attempting to read this book but have only reached page 162. No matter how many times I tried—and there were many—I couldn’t engage with the story. The characters, especially the main one, Harlette, didn’t captivate me enough to continue reading. Harlette often behaves in a childlike manner, despite being portrayed as a seductive woman. She frequently whines, throws tantrums, and behaves like a petulant child. The king of the land she enters is needlessly harsh and vexing to her and to anyone not in his immediate circle.

Harlette, single and a hopeless romantic, is an ordinary girl with just two dreams: to fall in love and to find her place in the world.
Her life, rather unremarkable until now, changes dramatically when she’s whisked away to another world, Ara, without any explanation or even proper clothing.
Clad only in underwear and stilettos, she ends up in Nimrod’s forest, where she is captured by Karayan, the elven king, and his guards. Nimrod is the mightiest kingdom in Ara, and Karayan is the most formidable of elves.
Although Karayan takes a strong interest in her, the appearance of humans in Ara is rare and often considered an ill omen, leading him to treat Harlette with suspicion and hostility…
Caught amid an escalating interdimensional conflict, branded as an intruder, and with no way back home, Harlette is thrust into a whirlwind of adventures. She soon realizes that this fairy tale, regardless of its cruelty or beauty, is not a figment of her imagination. Love is not as straightforward as in romance novels, and she must toughen up if she is to withstand the storm of events ahead.
Will Harlette uncover the reason for her abrupt transport to Ara, and does she possess the strength to confront the obstacles in her path?

The first thing I thought of when I started reading this was The Wizard of Oz because it has that same feel to it. Like a fairy tale that has a dark side but you have to really look deep to find it. There are elves, which makes the Oz thing not so much.

Though I could not find my way into the story someone else may. This just was not my cuppa on any level.

My rating: ✮

Unknown's avatar

Imitation and Alchemy

by

Once more, I was drawn into the world of these unique vampires with their fascinating lives. The humans connected to them are equally intriguing, living alongside predators who are just a moment away from turning on them. The seamless introduction of new characters gives an immediate understanding of their personas.

Ben expected a tranquil summer before his final college semester, but that was wishful thinking. Tenzin, intrigued by the prospect of locating a trove of invaluable medieval coins for the vampire ruling Naples, planned a trip to Italy.

Ben vowed not to get entangled in another of Tenzin’s plots. A year later, he finds himself on the brink of another Italian adventure with her, lacking crucial details. Once again, Tenzin’s actions surprise him, revealing hidden agendas. Yet, this apparent debacle might have a silver lining.

The sequel may lack the action of its predecessor, but it offers a more compelling narrative that delves deeper into Ben and Tenzin’s relationship. Ben contemplates his significance to Tenzin, who appears to have claimed him as her own. As they embark on their new partnership and living situation, their lives are bound to become even more entwined.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Unknown's avatar

Bronco

by

Summer Camile Sellers, once wealthy, has lost everything due to others’ arrogance. Her life, now a prolonged nightmare, finds solace only in her horse, Aria, and the hope of rebuilding. At 22, Summer faces her first job unprepared, journeying to Springhill Ranch in Colorado, clinging to hope for a better future.

My feelings towards Summer are mixed; her arrogance is evident, yet she acknowledges the need for humility. Nonetheless, she is a compelling character, capable of growth, which I appreciate.

Jake Lawson, the quintessential cowboy, has little patience for city dwellers but makes an exception for Summer, the attractive newcomer at the ranch. Both harbor secrets; Jake’s are closely guarded, yet Summer prompts him to contemplate a future he’s never considered—one with her alone. His uncertainty about her feelings, however, remains a barrier.

I was drawn to Jake immediately, perhaps due to his upright nature or simply my fondness for cowboys.

The sexual tension between them was palpable from the outset, escalating to a crescendo that was timely yet not premature. Their story is a tender tale of two individuals scarred by their pasts, who never envisioned finding a kindred spirit, yet they did in each other. While Contemporary Romance isn’t always my preference, this story captivated me, leaving me curious about their future—a testament to its impact.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟½

The cover has been updated since the original reading.

Unknown's avatar

Shadows and Gold

by

I’m thrilled that this author is continuing to build upon a world with characters I’ve grown to adore. The new series embarks on adventures with two previously secondary characters, Ben and Tenzin, whose dynamic promises thrilling escapades. We witness Ben’s world broaden as he navigates a realm filled with vampires.

Tenzin, after watching a news report about the devastation of a province in China, entices Ben into her plan to illicitly retrieve her treasure trove. Initially, Ben complies, eager to enhance his Mandarin with the new semester approaching, and China seems the perfect place for it. Upon discovering Tenzin’s true intentions, he consents to proceed, provided he can choose some items for himself.

Ben had intended to keep Tenzin out of mischief, but deterring a 5000-year-old wind vampire prone to trouble is no small feat.

This series opener is fantastic, and I’m eager to see where it leads in terms of settings and the evolution of Ben and Tenzin’s relationship. The story strikes a fine balance between tension and action, introducing compelling new characters. Fans of the Elemental vampires are sure to enjoy this installment.

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠