Tag Archives: Science Fiction and Fantasy

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The Mall

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14759820

The Mall

There is a lot going on in this novel and it made for a hard read because of it. Its like everything was being thrown in to make it more interesting but what it did was keep me confused. There is science fiction with an automated Mall with robots and a central intelligence running things. Then we have a revisionist history which has figures alive and kicking who died in the original timeline, a paranormal leaning with psychic individuals and ghosts running around. With all of this I was still actually kind of bored while reading it. I never really felt anything much for any of the characters, though I did want them to survive if only because they were children. The mother was kind of unsympathetic and annoying for the most part. It felt like it was to long and could have been concluded sooner.

Lara is the mother of two children, Cora and Owen, the widow of Ben and not a great planner at all. She has been evicted from her home and finds herself homeless with her children and no backup plan. Lara is going to the one person she hoped not to have to ask for help, her mother-in-law who blames her for the death of her son. She lives in the residential section of the Mall, Lara hopes that she will allow the children to stay with her until she can make arrangements for a new place to live. But she wants to take the children and to brand Lara an unfit mother, so she leaves and decides to stay in the Mall.

Owen is ten years old and blames his mother for everything and anything. When she falls asleep in the movie he decides to sneak off and do something he wants, even though he is leaving his sister as well. Not surprisingly there is a power outage and he is cut off from his family, a killer is roaming the Mall, the robots are all offline, and Lara is panicking. There is an evil presence in the Mall and reuniting is more difficult than anyone could have expected.

When I read the blurb I was really excited about reading this book because it sounded good. I am not quite so enthusiastic about it now. It took me 8 days to read a book that should have only taken me three at the outside. This did not work for me but maybe it will for someone else. Just to much going on and not enough action or scares to keep me engaged. I finished it because I do not like to quit and find that I missed something.

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
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Devoured

by

22433773

Devoured (Brides of the Kindred #11)

My rating: 4.3 of 5 stars

This was another great entry in a series that I have come to love so much. The characters are ever-changing and yet still manage to allow time for characters which had been established in earlier books. The stories seem simple but have a complexity that makes them more interesting than if you had something just totally straight forward. The narrative flows very well though there are sometimes things that hold it back a little. The characters speak and act as you wold expect them to in most instances, though sometimes they seem to do things just to make the story progress.

Garron has been banned from his home-world, Pax because of his siding with his half-brother Truth when he had visited with his twin and mate. Garron is Rai’ku but his father was a twin Kindred who had lost his twin and mate. He is living on the mother ship and trying to come to terms with the new feelings that he has been having as well as the fact of his ‘other’ possibly coming out. Tess is running from an abusive spouse who could end her life and make it seem like an accident or something someone else did and has nowhere she can really hide. Her friend takes her to live at the Pairing House (pleasure-bots) for the unmated males where they figure her ex would never look for her. She has lived there for a week with no problems when Garron comes to choose one of the pairing bots and accidentally chooses her. Neither of their lives is ever the same after this.

I liked the story between Tess and Garron because they were both kind of lost. Tess because her ex had beaten her down so much she could not see the good in any man and Garron because he had loved and tried to protect someone he couldn’t and sought to punish himself forever. There was the requisite trip off-world which I have come to expect and look forward to since you never know what type of place it will be. I got to catch up with my girls from previous books to see what was happening in their lives. And we got to meet the next couple who will be brought together, and see what the malevolent entity in their midst will cause to happen. Really want that wrapped up because it just annoys me a bit.

Overall I would recommend this along with all the series as a must read!

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Divided

by

21457590

Divided (Brides of the Kindred #10)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been in love with this series from the very beginning and it just continues to get better. While each story has a different couple or trio, you are still able to check in with the couples that started it. The story is always interesting with an element of danger or something to be overcome in order for our people to get together. The planets that are visited are well constructed and fit in with what you would expect to find out in the big black of space. Cultures that are different but in many ways similar to ours make it easy to feel for what happens with them. And everything always moves forward and creates more story to follow.

Truth and Far are Twin Kindred who were separated at birth and grew up without their other half, something that is bad for this type of Kindred. While Far was raised on Twin Moons by an adoptive family he was still alone, without his brother or other real family. On the other side of the galaxy Truth was being raised on Pax in a society that frowned on everything that he and his father were. Far finds his brother but is disappointed when he does not seem to care for him or want a connection.

Becca stumbled into the middle of these two after eating a piece of bonding fruit cake at Kat’s wedding to her twin warriors. When she has an experience with the Truth and Far in the Sacred Grove she decides that she cannot take her vows to become a nun. Because of her upbringing she wants to choose between the brothers not realizing that she is doing harm to them by making it easy for them to stay apart. When they share a vision of the unmated males and a threat to the mother ship they must work together to keep it from happening. In the process they find that being together may be what they all need.

Another great book that gave plenty of tense moments where anything could have happened. There are some very hot encounters between our reluctant trio that made me wish I could participate. You cannot go wrong with the Kindred, these warriors are everything you could possibly want. Start with Claimed and read on through.

“Kat sighed. “Well, the first thing you’re going to need to do is keep in contact with both of them. Touch them a lot—and I do mean a lot—or you’re going to start getting sick.” “What? But I can’t,” Becca protested. “That’s what got me into this in the first place. And besides, every time I touch them, especially together, I keep wanting to…to…” She broke off, blushing. “Get down and dirty again?” Kat said sympathetically. “Yeah, I get it. Your body wants the full bonding experience. In fact, that’s probably what you ought to do.” “I don’t want to,” Becca said stubbornly. “I mean, Truth is on board with it and Far has always wanted the three of us together. But what happens when I have to tell my parents?” “Ask yourself this—who would you rather spend the rest of your life with?” Kat said. “Your parents or your guys? If you’d really rather move back home and never see Truth and Far again…” “No, I…” Becca put a hand to her throat. “I couldn’t. That…that would be awful.” “See?” Kat said. “Your heart knows who to choose even if your brain doesn’t.”
― Evangeline Anderson, Divided Evangeline Anderson
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Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories

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11279472

Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories (Serenity, #2)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s the crew of Serenity in more stories. Firefly was a great show and anything that let’s me continue following their exploits is a good thing. Brown coats unite!
This continues the story of our anti-heroes as they continue to go around the verse doing things only they can do in their own crazy way. Mal and his crew do not know how not to get into trouble and they would not be as entertaining if they did. This show was taken off the air much to soon and not given a chance to grow, but here you have a chance to see what could have been
I say enjoy!
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Hers To Command

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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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Exiled

by

 

 

 

15746918

Exiled (Brides of the Kindred #7)

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

It’s kind of obvious that I love these books and am always happy to read a new one. I have not been disappointed yet and will be continuing as long as they do! This was another great entry in the Brides of the Kindred series as far as I am concerned. From the first sentence I was ready to sit back and be taken away on my adventure to the stars. The story as always flows perfectly with multiple story lines to keep you aware of what is happening with all your favorites. The language is fun and flirty at times and at others deadly serious when needed when it suits the character. The characters themselves are well fleshed out, including the new ones, and have personalities that are diverse and give them a life beyond the page.

Lissa and Saber were raised as brother and sister when Lissa was orphaned as a child. By the laws of their clan they are not allowed to be together as mates, something that both of them want more than anything. Lissa is banished to First World and becomes a Priestess of the Goddess while Saber stays on his world and is being groomed to be the next Chieftain.

Lissa volunteers to make a trip to Yonnie Six in order to bring back scrolls which had been stolen and sold. These scrolls hold the key to getting rid of the Hoard and ending the darkness. When Saber hears this he asks to go with her so that he can protect her and make sure that she returns in the same condition she left in. Neither are prepared for what they will have to do in order to procure the scrolls and get away with their lives. Yonnie Six is a decadent planet where women use men as slaves, both sexual and domestic, and brutality is a way of life. Shy and reverent Lissa will be posing as the Mistress of Saber, her body-slave, and will have to get closer than either thought they would be able to.

Meanwhile, Draven has hatched a plot to cause chaos on the mothership and is using L a shadow caster who has her own reason for hating the Kindred. Together they hope to get revenge for the perceived slights that they both have sustained.

This was an exciting book that kept me on the edge for most of the book. I was ranting at it when I thought something I would hate to see happen seemed about to occur. I got a good laugh at the craziness on the mothership and felt for them as well. I got to catch up with characters who I have come to really like and appreciate. Not to mention that there were some really good, hot sex scenes to sink into. Love this series and hope it does not end soon!

 

 

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Chained

by

19035622

Chained (Brides of the Kindred #9)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well here we are at number nine in the series and things keep getting more interesting with each new bride and each new warrior we meet. Even though I can see a bit of a formula in the construction of the stories but this does not take anything away from the development of the characters or each unique situation these couples find themselves in. The worlds they travel to are always so different and strange but at the same time familiar in some way that makes you feel like you could travel there and fit in. I am drawn in every time and am never disappointed when I start my adventure across the galaxy with my kindred guy.

Korexiroth, known as The Demon on the blood circuit has been bought by Lady Pope’nose as her newest body slave and she plans to break him or have him die, she really does not care which. Maggie Jordon is an earth girl and scientist who has been given permission to go on an expedition to Gaia with a married kindred couple but first they must make a stop on Yonnie Six to make a delivery to Lady Pope’Nose. Maggie is a bit of a klutz and knows it, when she is asked to go down to Yonnie Six anything can happen and none of it all good. Her simple mission to trade a collar for documents belonging to the kindred goes side ways when she decides to free the slave that Pope’nose has paid a great deal for. Kor and Maggie end up traveling a great distance together and apart before they find their way to each other.

There were a few things that bugged me about Maggie like the fact that she kept talking about her fiance who was obviously not a good fit for her, but you would have thought he was the greatest guy around. The more I heard about Donald the more he annoyed me, it also seemed as if someone likes The Big Bang Theory a lot because he reminded me a lot of Sheldon from his aversion to kissing to the way he talks.

These are some of the hottest books with some of the hottest alien men I have read. The love scenes are super hot and always leave me with a smile. I laughed a little, cried a little, and was ready to yell at everyone a lot. My emotions were all over the place and they were not settled even at the end. Enjoy this entry.

“Her hand shook as she raised the loincloth and she gave a little gasp at what she saw beneath. Even only half hard, he was big. Way bigger than anyone else in her limited experience—especially Donald whose equipment reminded her of a shy, skinny worm afraid to come out of its hole.”
― Evangeline Anderson, Chained  Evangeline Anderson