Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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The Departed

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The Departed by Shiloh Walker   The Departed (FBI Psychics, #2)
by Shiloh Walker

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Taylor Jones gets 4.5 stars from me because I like my men broody. I
really, really liked this! All the elements I love in a story were here,
we have a mystery, murder, betrayal, love, sex, and ghosts. This is the
kind of story that makes you sit up all night because all you want is
to make sure that things turn out the way they should.

Taylor
Jones is in charge of a special unit within the FBI which employees
psychics with varied abilities. These special people are able to solve
crimes which might otherwise go unsolved for years if not forever.
Desiree ‘Dez’ Lincoln has the ability to speak to and see ghosts, this
ability had overwhelmed her in the past, before she met Jones. Being
able to help those lost souls has helped her maintain her sanity.

When
Dez shows up a crime scene and insists on going in Taylor goes with her
but things do not turn out well. Dez is injured and Taylor takes it
very hard and demands that she take time off from her job, something she
cannot do without losing herself to the ghosts. She quits and goes out
on her own which takes a toll on her because she cannot forget about
Taylor and the ghosts have become more insistent. She finds herself
being called to French Lick, Indiana a small town where a ghost wants
her to make things right for him. It also happens to be the hometown of
Taylor who just happens to arrive there while she is in town. What is
going on in this small town is more than either of them could ever
imagine. Can they patch up their differences and stop the evil that
dwells there?

Shiloh Walker has crafted a world with hero’s and villains that are very real. As you get to know them you can’t help but root for them. Each story gives you more background into them as individuals. This is a wonderful series and should not be missed.

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How to Date a Vampire

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How to Date a Vampire by Rose Pressey   How to Date a Vampire (Rylie Cruz #2)
by Rose Pressey

 

This is a 3.5 star read. Rylie Cruz is a great character and I love her to death but she can be so out there sometimes. With that said, I do like the story here. It’s a fun quick run through the streets of New Orleans as Rylie faces yet another obstacle in her quest to finally get close to Jack.

When last we saw Rylie she was getting ready to rush to her parents house along with Jack. Well apparently when they arrive they end up in a fight with the vampires who have come looking for her Uncle Ernie. During the fight Jack is bitten and while Rylie hopes for the best, based on movie transformations, she knows that she may now be dating a vampire. Things only take a turn for the worse, as if things could get any worse, when the vampires comes and want to take Jack away for an unknown reason.

Also getting in on the action are Rylie’s best friend and roommate Jennifer Matthews, who is human along with Lily the crazy client and werewolf who will not go away. With various vampires who all seem to have varying agendas, Rylie has no idea who to turn to for help.

If you are in the mood for a light read with characters that are appealing and fun, then this is for you. I found myself actually laughing out loud at times and that means it definitely has merit.

Be aware however that it does contain some spelling errors, extra words, and missing words throughout. I know that can bother some, but does not detract from the story itself.

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The Wolf’s Captive

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The Wolf's Captive by Chloe Cox   
The Wolf’s Captive (BDSM Bacchanal #2)

by Chloe Cox

 

It’s 4.5 stars and could have been so much more.

I want to have my own Cesare with every kink in tact. This was a hot read with a story I could enjoy as well.

It is Bacchanal in J’Amel and Lucia is going to experience it for the first time after years of hearing the rumors of what takes place. What she cannot anticipate is that it will bring her more heartache as well as excitement than any time in her life. While she is attending the Dance of Seasons she spots Lord Cesare Lupin as Winter and finds herself drawn to him in a way she cannot explain, though she knows as a commoner she does not have a chance with him. Cesare Lupin also known as the Wolf has returned from the Berkari mountains as changed man, he can feel the beast within him trying to get out, and when he spots Lucia it no longer struggles as he finds his mate.

What neither of them are aware of at that time is that a plot to jail Lucia’s father for treason is moving forward and soon they will be caught up in a web of intrigue that could bring them together or tear them apart.

This is bacchanal a time to shed your inhibitions for a week and indulge yourself in all the pleasures of the body.

The paranormal elements are light but that does not make them any less relevant to the plot. This is a sexy, hot look at how to tame the beast within.

The language is graphic, so read with that in mind.

 

The leather pride flag, which has become a sym...

The leather pride flag, which has become a symbol of BDSM and fetish subcultures. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

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Fighting to Survive

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Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater   Fighting to Survive (As The World Dies, #2)
by Rhiannon Frater

 

This gets 3.5 for keeping my interest and having women at the front of all the action. Katie and Jennie are great. Zombie novels have become so numerous that it can be hard to find a good one in among all the hastily thrown out work. This series is definitely one of the good ones. Not only do you have two kick ass heroines you get a third for free. Nyreet is 60’s and a former Israeli Army sniper, she has the mind set needed in a situation like this and they are not afraid to use her expertise.

The fort, as they come to call it, has been bringing in more refugees and requires more room so they finally decide to clear out the hotel. This is not something that can be done easily or without loss of life , but they have no choice. In the midst of simple survival they are threatened by not only the dead but also the living. A gang has been attacking survivors and taking what they want, including women and young girls. Though they are known to those in the fort because they had killed Nyreets husband, it seems they are getting closer to them. There are those in the fort who do not like the status quo as it is and want changes made, even if they impact negatively. There is infighting among the survivors for actions taken that were necessary to ensure the safety of all. Just when things were starting to look up, they all start to spiral out of control.

There are some good zombie kills, great action scenes, and good characters. The writing is great and flows from scene to scene in a way that makes you want to continue long after you should stop reading.

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Blood and Sand

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Blood and Sand by Elizabeth Hunter      Blood and Sand (Elemental World, #2)
by Elizabeth Hunter

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I have loved all the books in this series, this one has to be my favorite. The reason is that we get a chance to really get to know a character who has been in the background for a while. Baojia was first introduced in the Elemental Mysteries series as a member of the family of Don Ernesto as well as his head of security. The character is well fleshed out and the writing is impeccable. The tone and pace and just right for the story which is being told.

Baojia has been exiled from Los Angeles and is currently residing in San Diego, he expected to be there only a short time but it has been over 2 years and he is bored. When one night Natalie Ellis, a reporter walks into his club and turns his world upside down. Natalie got his name from a mutual friend, who did not inform her what he was, but she is investigating a story which has ramifications she could not possibly fathom. All she knows is that women are dying in large numbers and she wants to find out who is doing it and bring them to justice.

For his part, Baojia is glad to have something to do besides look at numbers. He does want the human out the way though and that could get sticky. This installment also brings together many of the characters we have met before in past novels. Beatrice and Giovanni, Ben, Tenzin, Carwyn and Brigid, as well as Desiree and Matt all become involved in this situation and are willing to help even though they do not all get along with Baojia. If you know about the Elixir, then you know it is still a major part of the story and why.

These books are well written, entertaining, and hot! The action is great too!!

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Waterlocked

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English: The City of London skyline as viewed ...

English: The City of London skyline as viewed toward the north-west from the top floor viewing platform of London City Hall on the southern side of the Thames. In the foreground: Dixie Queen and Millennium Time at Tower Millennium Pier. This is a 5 segment panoramic image taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Waterlocked by Elizabeth Hunter  
Waterlocked (Elemental World, #1.5)

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Elizabeth Hunter

 

 

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

I only gave this 4 stars because I really would have liked to have had
more. This is a novella however and not a stand alone novel. It is a
part of the Elemental World series and gives us a more background on the
character and characters of Terry and Gemma.

Terry is a bit of
con-man and rogue in his own way. He originally wanted to align with
Gemma because of her connections and who her family was but as time went
on he found himself wanting more. Gemma is the daughter of Carwyn ap
Bryn and a force to be reckoned with, his family has a lot of influence
in Ireland and around the world.

While Terry is in charge of
London, he runs things with the help of Gemma. There have been
challenges to the authority of many heads of cities around Europe and
they are bracing to see from which direction a challenge will come to
them. But while they wait Terry has decided that it is time for them to
marry since they have been engaged for ten (10) years. The couple move
forward and the shady characters in the background make their moves,
which could prove deadly.

If you have not done so by all means
read the Elemental Mysteries series before moving on to Elemental World.
You cannot follow along if you do not know the players and the
background of the action which continues here.

If you didn’t
notice I love this series of books. The author has a great balance of
characters and I love the take on vampires as elemental’s making them a
part of nature and not outside it.

 

 

 

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  • Carwyn (chippyreader.wordpress.com)

 

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Forget Me Not and Testing Fate

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Forget Me Not by Belinda Boring                     Forget Me Not (Mystic Wolves, #2)
by Belinda Boring

I really like this series, I started reading and could not put it down. This has everything you could want in a story. Our hero’s are heroic and will not be pushed around or aside, the villain’s are crazy or just plain nasty and treacherous.

Just as Darcy and Mason think they can get back their life and plans a threat from Mason’s past shows up to make trouble. They have survived the murder of Mason’s sister and an attempted hostile take-over but what comes running through their door could be more than even they can handle. Amber, a past romance that Mason does not want to remember shows up and announces that she is the true mate of the Alpha making for a very awkward situation. The mating ritual is three weeks away and now they must deal with a situation which could become very dangerous for all involved.

This installment gives us a look at who Mason was before he became the Alpha of the Mystic Wolves and what he endured to get where he is. It also has an unrepentant woman, power struggles, attempted murder, manipulation, and black magic. There are also witches and vampires among other supernatural creatures. Give this series a chance and it will grow on you.

Testing Fate by Belinda Boring         Testing Fate (Mystic Wolves #3)
by Belinda Boring

Another great entry that had me reading all night. Maybe it’s just me, but I really love these characters and have to give this 4.5 stars. The only thing that kind of bothers me is that each book ends with a cliffhanger, hate cliffhangers, but at least it starts exactly where it left off.

After an accusation is made against Darcy the fates step in to verify that she is Mason’s true mate. The couple have no choice but to undergo a dangerous trial in order to prove once and for all that they are meant to be together. Devlin, the vampire enforcer goes along with Darcy on her trial in order to help her as he can. The question is will they be able to complete the trials and finally be able to move on with their lives or will they die trying.

Both of these books are excellent reads and I am looking forward to the fourth installment. Another cliffhanger ending. Ugh!

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First Online With Fran Episode 2: Brooklyn Theatre Arts High School Students Speak Out

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The Arts should be supported for all young people ! Where would we be if there was no outlet for all the creative people out there. These kids are the future.

drfrances's avatarFirst Online with Fran

On April 5, 2013 First Online With Fran asked a group of students from Brooklyn Theatre Arts High School to respond to this statement, “The Arts are extra-curricular and disposable.”

Here’s what they had to say…

“You can’t take away something from someone that goes to bed every night and smile about. . . It helps you find who you are as a person and where you belong in this world.” ~Justin Figueroa

This is a critical moment for the future of education in New York City.

There’s change everywhere in education, and it’s never been a hotter political topic. Major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland have seen civic leaders join with parents, students, cultural organizations and businesses to expand access to arts education. New York City needs to be on that list.

The NYC Roundtable, together with more than 40 other cultural and educational agencies, invited…

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Ascent of Blood

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Ascent of Blood by Elizabeth Marx

Ascent of Blood (The Red Veil Series, #1)
by Elizabeth Marx

My rating:  5 of 5 stars

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.

I truly loved this entry! After reading Descent of Blood I could not wait to find out what else was in store for The House of Imperials. Here we are transported from 1465 Cardiff to 1990 London and I was not disappointed!

When Dr. Everleigh Marbut, an American, comes to London in search of the Book of Descent she finds much more than she ever thought possible. She is studying vampire lore, though she does not believe in them, and the House of Imperials in particular. Her inquiry draws the attention of Prince Sebastian Pearce, the son of Severian and Meridian, who will rule the House of Imperials when his father steps down. When they meet there is an instant connection, but he cannot believe that after waiting 600 years for a mate, one who could carry immortal children, the fates would send him someone who seems to be so damaged. As Everleigh and Sebastian fight against their connection they do not realize that forces are aligning against them.

” Sometimes, love is conceived in the mind of a man long before it is ever realized.”

While this is a story of two people who are destined for each other but would rather fight than admit their feelings. It is also a story about genetic manipulation, betrayal, political posturing, and obsession. The House of Imperials is being targeted from multiple sides but can Sebastian stop the fall and still find the love he has sought for centuries?

   ” The destiny of his lineage, and the bond forged between them, now rests in their acceptance of each other AS THEY ARE.”

A book you will not be able to put down until the last page has been read. And then you will simply want more.

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Return to Hell House

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The Legend of Hell House

The Legend of Hell House (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Return to Hell House by Nancy A. Collins

Return to Hell House by Nancy A. Collins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this because it was not just a rehashing of the original story
but brought something new to the table. With that said it was still true
to the original in tone.

This novella is based on Hell House by
Richard Matheson. It is a prequel which gives an early view of Belasco
House and the power which was gathered within it’s walls.

Emeric
Belasco was a depraved man who built his house as playground for those
who were willing to participate in all manner of perversion and
depravity. When everyone died within its walls his body was not among
them but the evil lived on. In 1931 an investigation as launched that
resulted in the death of all involved. In 1940 another attempt was made
to investigate Hell House, this is their story. Dr’s Rand and Graham are
there to prove that ghosts do not exist, they have brought three others
as well. There is Grace Lauter, a mental medium who wishes to prove
that her ex-fiance did not commit murder in Hell House in 1931. Benjamin
Fischer, a 15-year-old physical medium who wishes to shed his moniker
as ‘Ghost Boy’ but has not been allowed to truly grow up. And finally
there is Professor Fenley a friend of Ben’s mother and a dedicated
spiritualist. What they find in Belasco House is stronger and more
terrifying than anything they could have imagined.

An enjoyable
and quick read for fans of Richard Matheson. This story can also be
found in ‘He is Legend‘ edited by Christopher Conlon.

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