Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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Rise of the Fallen

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Rise of the Fallen by Donya Lynne   Rise of the Fallen (AKM, #1)
by Donya Lynne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to say that as soon as I started reading I was pulled directly into the world of Micah Black. Though I did not know who he was at first I knew that this was going to be someone I could like based on how dark and tortured he appeared because you know that he feels deep. The plot of this book is very straight forward and keeps moving at a good pace which allows you to follow the action without getting bogged down. There are no slow spots of weird changes to deal with, no shifts in time or tense to keep track of, you know what is going on every step of the way.

When you consider that most of the main characters are vampires, you can still relate to them and what they are dealing with as people. I could imagine knowing someone like Trace, a nice guy who is quiet and keeps to himself but is looking to make a friend of the guy everyone else avoids. I know sometimes the dialogue in these books can seem kind of stilted or forced, but that is not the case here. The dialogue seems to be very true to who each of the characters are, keeping in mind that some of them are quite old. 😉

Our main character is Micah Black who works at AKM (All the Kings Men) as an enforcer, he keeps the peace between the drecks (lower vampires) and upper level vampires. Micah has fallen into a dark place because of the lose of his mate and is looking for a way to continue living as he is or to die. Samantha Garrett is working as a stripper after leaving her abusive husband and simply wants to make enough money to get a new identity so she can feel free. They have nothing in common but when they cross paths it is salvation them both.

My favorite quote from Micah, “If they made a move on Sam, he’d fuck up their world so righteously the galaxy would shift from the gravitational pull of his wrath.”

Micah is not a man you want to get in the way of, he is fierce, passionate, and loyal. Who wouldn’t want a man to feel like that about them. You see these traits in all the characters, they are a group I cannot wait to find out more about! In this first of the series we get to meet Micah but in subsequent novels we will get more on the other enforcers at AKM. Each should be just as exciting and hot as this one. I will be reading them as fast as I can get them.

There is some talk of BDSM but it is fairly mild though some of the scenes are good and hot even without it. Also if M/M action makes you squeamish you may want to skip.

 

 

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Kade’s Dark Embrace

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Kade's Dark Embrace by Kym Grosso   Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, #1)
by Kym Grosso

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

This book was just WOW! I am totally and completely in love with Kade Isaccson. The start of this book is so laid back at first you have no idea where it might take you, then Kade spots a woman he is drawn to and you know that their paths are going to cross before long. I knew I was going to enjoy this at that point. If I am intrigued within the first few pages I have to be ready for an all night read.

Kade has been called to Philly from his home in New Orleans by his friend Tristan (an Alpha) who says that a rogue vampire is rumored to be in the city. When a body is found on washed up on the dock apparently drained of blood and with the looks of a ritualistic killing Kade is sure he is right. Detective Sydney Willows is assigned to the case and does not like working with supernaturals but she does not have any choice if the case turns out to be a vampire kill. An attraction between these two could cause more problems for their investigation than either is ready to deal with.

This is a sexy, romantic story with a killer who uses magic, voodoo, and vampire powers to wreak havoc on a city as well as those looking them. This story flows seamlessly from start to finish and pulls you in as it builds to the final showdown with an evil that has no limits.

Sydney and Kade are hot together and would make me blush if I weren’t enjoying it so much. This is a great read for anyone.

 

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Rocky

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Rocky by Bianca D'Arc   Rocky (Tales of The Were, #4)
by Bianca D’Arc

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A solid 4.5 stars for being a good fast read that made me like the characters within the first 20 pages and giving me a grizzly bear shifter. I have found another author and series of books that I really want to read. The writing is tight and concise, the characters are well fleshed out, and they seem real in how they react with each other.

Rocky Garibaldi, Maggie , and Antonio Fernandez grew up together and in the end only one could get the girl. Tony and Maggie were married and Rocky moved away because though he was happy for them he could never have the girl he loved. Years later Maggie shows up Rocky’s doorstep in labor with twin male cubs and the news that Tony has been killed by a mage and she has been running from him for the past eight months. Rocky is shocked at the news since his best friend and clan brother was also a powerful Shaman and whoever killed him would have to be as powerful or more. He is happy still to have Maggie come to him and vows to keep her and her children safe. Will she let him be more than a protector however?

There was not a lot of action here but you do have a few hot scenes, cute baby grizzlies, sweet love story, and a great vanquish. This may not be for everyone, but I’m a sucker for a long lost love story. Plus it has a guy shifting into a big bear!

 

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Black Sea Gods

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Black Sea Gods by Brian Braden   Black Sea Gods (Chronicle of Fu Xi)
by Brian Braden

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was not what I expected when I started reading. I was expecting a tale of gods and goddesses only. But this was definitely more than that.

This story builds on the mythology of the Black Sea. It starts out slowly but once you get past the first few chapters it gets very

interesting. I found myself liking the characters and wanting them all to survive, but that does not always happen.

The best way to give a look at this is through the blurb:

“The fish have disappeared from the sea. The animals have vanished from the land. All humanity, and even the gods, tremble under the specter of a pending cataclysm. The demigod Fu Xi races home from the edge of the world bringing news of a looming god war, but finds his land under attack by monsters he once called his children. He discovers a terrible curse has been cast, one intended to destroy the gods and all life. To his shock, Fu Xi learns mankind’s hope rest solely on him, a simple fisherman and a banished slave girl.

Beset on all sides, Fu Xi knows he must act quickly and races west to rescue the saviors. Unaware of the real doom that awaits, Aizarg the fisherman and his party begin a perilous journey across a dangerous steppe. They seek the last of the Narim, the legendary Black Sea Gods, who hold the key to their salvation. Leading them is the rescued slave girl Sarah, the only one among them who knows the path to the land of the god-men.

Over seven days the defining struggle of gods and humans begins under the onslaught of a powerful force whose true objective and origin remain a mystery. Fu Xi knows the secret to victory resides in a fisherman and a slave girl, whose lives he must protect, even if it means the rest of the world must perish.”

If you want something that will make you think and not just entertain I think this would be a good read. It took myths I had known all my life and gave them a spin I would never had considered. I really enjoyed it!

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Books to Movies

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I was at work the other day and we got to talking about books we had read and loved,  I mentioned Stephen King’s “IT” and said that the mini-series they did based on it was a big disappointment. The only thing I had liked about it was Tim Curry as Penny wise the clown because they had cut it up so much they lost a lot of what made it so good, and I was kind of shocked to be told that it was one of the best and scariest movies they had ever seen. I wasn’t surprised to find out that they had never read the book before seeing it and had not taken the time to read it after seeing it.

I have always loved movies whether television or the big screen. I have always been fascinated by the creative process and how they created the various worlds that I was able to immerse myself into. Now, I know that writing a script and writing a book are very similar but there seem to be subtle differences in how you go about making things tangible for your audience.  My problem, and maybe a few people would agree with me, is when the two are merged.  Books are an easy source for movie makers and many writers dream of having their work optioned by a studio. It means that they have created something that can really get to the widest audience which can only increase interest in their work, or at least that’s the hope. What film makers do after they get the book option is what bothers me. I cannot claim to be an expert or anything, but I really hate seeing books that I love turned into mediocre pap.

I understand the the concept of ‘artistic license’ but why bother saying a movie is based on a book if you only take the basic idea and title. When an author gives permission to do their book it sometimes is better if they are also given the option to write the screenplay for that work. I understand it is not always possible but they at least understand the story and can give their fans a real look at the book. Screenwriters have usually not read the book, though some are fans of their material like Peter Jackson who did a fantastic job with the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Over the years I have seen what I thought were good adaptations such as ; The Exorcist,  Carrie, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and The Stand (mini series). I have also seen some less than great ones like ; IT (mini series), The Shining (Stanley Kubrick), Interview with the Vampire, and Queen of the Damned. The problems with the movies I did not like run the gambit from bad casting decisions to making changes to characters and the setting.  I used to be excited when I heard a book I was reading or had read was being made into a movie, now I can only think about what they are going to do to ruin it. Maybe I just take it all a little to personal but the fact that they can have the perfect template for a story and still mess it up amazes me.

Cover of "The Shining [Blu-ray]"

Cover of The Shining [Blu-ray]

Just a little rant because I read World War Z and though I have not seen the movie yet I can tell just from the trailers that they have changed a great deal to add a story of family. And now that they have cast Fifty Shades of Grey, and I of course do not agree with their choices, I have another adaptation to look forward to or dread.

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Fierce Reads

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The Fierce Reads Anthology by Anna Banks   The Fierce Reads Anthology
by Anna Banks , Leigh Bardugo, Jennifer Bosworth , Emmy Laybourne , Marissa Meyer

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

I was very pleasantly surprised when I started reading this. Not only do we have short stories but the added bonus of an excerpt of the book the short is based on. The stories vary in length as well as genre but all are from fairly new authors with a twist. While I enjoyed all the stories, I have to say that two were my favorites, though I will now be purchasing all the books the shorts were based on. Oh my straining budget!

I would love to lay out each story for you but that would be silly since you could simply purchase and read them for yourself. So instead I will give a brief synopsis of my two favorites.

Legacy Lost by Anna Banks is a story about mermaid people who reside under a thick ice cover. They have two kingdoms which in order to stay united pledge a child to marriage. In this case Grom, a prince of the Triton’s has been told he must marry Nalia, a princess of the Poseidon‘s. Since he knew he as a child and did not like her he is less than thrilled and she is not any happier since she does not like him either. This is a love story that holds the fate of an entire race in its hands.

In “Dress Your Marines in White” by Emmy Laybourne you have the equivalent of a mad scientist who is so intent on human testing of her killer substance that she sees nothing else. Her assistant is a family man who is so horrified by the results of their human testing (he is going to a hypnotist to forget) is asked to write a report. his report will be used to decide if they move forward or stop the research all together. This is like the beginning of any apocalyptic story, you have a vial of something deadly and the question is, will it get out.

 

Emmy Laybourne at Kevin Geeks Out About Genre ...

Emmy Laybourne at Kevin Geeks Out About Genre Busters (Photo credit: 92YTribeca)

In the past I have shied away from young adult fare but find that some of it is worth reading even for someone like me who is well past that particular phase.

 

 

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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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