Pokergeist by Michael Phillip Cash

GEIST
Pokergeist by Michael Phillip Cash
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (239 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Sometimes life, as well as death, is about second chances. Luckless Telly Martin doesn’t have a clue. An awful gambler trying to scrape by as a professional poker player, he becomes the protégé of world famous poker champion Clutch Henderson. The only catch…Clutch is a ghost.

Patients are taught these exercises to order cialis online browse that web-site get rid of old life, there is no place for new and fresh.” I hope you will succeed with your partner and solve problems that plague you. robertrobb.com levitra 10 mg It can be some physiological disorder. After all, how many of you are questioning tadalafil buy canada the, supposedly, new developments of previously unheard of diseases, super bacterial infections that are resistant to modern day antibiotics, and the nowhere money trail failures to healing cancer? I borrowed this example of what a huge impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle can have on your overall health. In this variety of therapy, the individuals are asked to take only during the wish of sexual intercourse not on daily basis. prices levitra Telly and Clutch must navigate the seedy gambling underbelly of Las Vegas learning to trust each other in order to win the elusive International Series of Poker, repair their shattered personal relationships and find redemption in this life and the hereafter.

This is not a typical ghost story. Usually ghosts are either scary, freaky or out to cause mayhem. In Pokergeist this particular ghost wants a bracelet. Not just any old bracelet. No, this one is the ultimate poker prize, the dream all poker players strive to reach. Such is the draw, not even death can stop a determined poker player. Clutch has a second chance to win, even if he has to use the hands and body of Telly, the hapless hero. At least, that’s the basic gist of the story but it’s not the whole story, not by a long shot and that is why this novel was so interesting.

Telly is the epitome of the man who dreams big, who thinks he has what it takes to play with the big guys, but when he joins them, he gets a rude wake-up call. It’s very disheartening and the author made it very clear that the hero is at the tipping point. He’s not so addicted that he can’t stop, but he’s not far off. It’s the love of his life, Gretchen, that’s his anchor. But can he really stop gambling?

Their relationship bears the strain of his dream and it’s very gripping, gritty and true-to-life. When you love someone, you want to help them, support them and encourage their hopes and ideas and Gretchen does that the best she knows how. Sometimes, there’s a breaking point and the author explored that a little bit. Telly’s dream comes close, very close to destroying one of the best things in his life, his relationship with Gretchen. The major complication comes from Clutch, the ghost.

Clutch’s influence is a good thing/bad thing. There are times I cheered and others I thought he was a jerk – which is sort of how he was in life. Because he dealt with loan sharks, Clutch qualified for the ‘j’ word. It wasn’t just the fact that he owed money, it was who they went after to recoup their ‘investment’. I wonder if people ever think about that – that loan sharks don’t accept death as a reason to bring the balance sheet to zero. That messed up the subplot rather nicely. The subplot was about the people Clutch left behind and the author interwove their lives with Telly and Gretchen seamlessly.

As the reader approaches the final few chapters, the author starts bringing all the players in this drama onstage for the big finale. I am happy to share that I ended up being stunned. The ending did not happen as I expected. What did happen ended up being a very savvy, clever and surprisingly funny wrap up. The angel that kept trying to get Clutch to ‘cross over’ finally got his way, but again, the why and how was greatly amusing, and yet, there was a lesson to learn, a moral to the story that was really sweet and poignant. The final showdown with Ant and Telly was a class act. The epilogue was perfect and sweet with a hint of that ol’ Clutch sass.

Pokergeist is a ghost story with depth, heart and grit. It follows a man who is basically good, timid and smart but loves poker and believes it’s the path to better things, mixed with a ghost who sees a second chance at that coveted bracelet and pursues it with a single minded purpose, and complicated by the love of a good woman who is wondering if Telly is still the man she fell in love with. Woven throughout this book is the story of real people in all their vices, darkness and passions. What redeems them are the good deeds, the integrity and the true love of Telly and Gretchen. This isn’t a fluffy book; it has teeth and it’s meaty, and it’s well worth spending time with.

Tempt Fortune by Hebby Roman

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Tempt Fortune by Hebby Roman
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (312 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Myrtle

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Angelina Herrera flees from Cuba to Key West to start a new life and build her own business. But when her past catches up with her, she realizes the only way she can avoid the arranged marriage is to marry another … in name only.

Drawn to the fiercely independent beauty Angelina, Cuban revolutionary, Alejandro Estava marries her. Though outwardly he agrees to the platonic relationship because of his secret past, he cannot deny his powerful desire to possess her completely.
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But tempestuous forces more powerful than the hurricane descending on their island home unleashes their mutual passion while threatening their yearning for a lifelong bond.

Lies and deceit often come naturally to people, but never to a mynah bird.

Angelina is a Cuban aristocrat who flees Cuba in 1868 to escape an arranged marriage. She is a strong-willed woman who arrives in Key West with a plan to build her own cigar factory on land left to her by an aunt. Little does she know the land is nothing more than a muddy swamp. After disembarking, Angelina’s prized mynah bird escapes, giving rise to her finding Destiny Favor, her first American friend.

What would a story about two beautiful and engaging women be without two stunning men? Meet Alejandro (swoon) and Nathan (swoon again) who add lifeblood to this wonderful story of love and lust in an accurate historical setting rarely seen. The story of a Cuban cigar factory in Key West, with a woman at the helm, was enticing in and of itself, but this book had the added flair of giving the story two main characters in Angelina and Destiny. Rarely, is this double-main-character feat ever successful, in my opinion, other than with the famed Gone Girl, of course, which has no other similarities to this Tempt Fortune story. Ms. Roman, however, has written this story with a masterful hand and has given life to two incredible main characters. Adding to my delight was this writer’s amazing ability to add a Spanish language flair, which was completely natural and absorbing! So many times in a novel, I see writers giving a foreign language phrase … and then explaining it to the reader. Huge pet peeve! If written well enough, a writer shouldn’t need to explain their foreign phrasing. Ms. Roman could teach writers a thing or two on the subject. Excellent!

Hurricanes, fires, elegant balls, sailing ships, auctions, polite society, and not-so-polite society fill the pages of this novel, with each circumstance more engrossing than the last. But was the story absolute perfection? Almost. I have one minor criticism that may only be my personal preference — word choice. This exquisitely classy sounding novel was soiled by the few times the male anatomy was described in a mildly vulgar manner. The elegance of the sensual encounters felt marred by these ill-chosen words. It felt as though the words were dropped into the scenes like plops from the mynah bird. They did not belong.

This is a memorable book, and I can’t wait to see what others this author has available. Could they possibly be as good as this one? Tempt Fortune is my first Hebby Roman novel, but it won’t be my last.

If you enjoy authentic historical romances with incredible characters, especially ones that immerse you in the feel of Cuba’s past and the role Key West played, this is the novel for you!

Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima

TRAIL
Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima
A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (311 pgs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

When a young girl is found dead in the mountains outside Timber Creek, life-long resident Officer Mattie Cobb and her partner, K-9 police dog Robo, are assigned to the case that has rocked the small Colorado town.

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The murder was just the beginning, and if Mattie isn’t careful, she and Robo could be next. Suspenseful and smart, Killing Trail is a gripping read that will have readers clamoring for more Mattie and Robo for years to come. Fans of Nevada Barr and C.J. Box will love this explosive debut.

Mystery, suspense and a canine…who could ask for more? The canine in this story is Robo, Mattie Cobb’s K-9 partner who helps her solve a case in the small Colorado community that she calls home.

I enjoyed the opening with its introduction to Mattie and how she came to be partnered with Robo. It’s clear that Mattie hasn’t always been the best dog handler which I felt made her more of credible character. It’s not long into the story that the duo is put to work when a young girl’s body is found. There’s also a dog who’s been shot which brings into the picture a newly single dad and veterinarian, Cole Walker. I liked Mattie’s character and her determination and vulnerability at times. I also liked Cole a lot. He too seemed full of hurt from his recent divorce and his struggle as a newly single dad. There was a hint that a relationship will develop between these two which I hope is the case.

And let’s not forget the mystery. I had several suspects in mind but when the first one wound up dead, it made me read on faster to find out if my other inclination was right. This is a fast paced mystery, well layered with clues and does keep you guessing. The two things I enjoyed about it the most are the setting and the cast of characters who came across as real people.

The author obviously did lots of research on K-9 training and how police officers work with their canine partners which added to the authenticity of the story. This is a series I’ll definitely be following, and if you’re looking for a new police procedural story, this is one I’d recommend you check out.

Timeless Moments – The Final Chapter by Ruth A Casie, Lita Harris, Emma Kaye, Nicole S Patrick, Julie Rowe

MOMENTS
Timeless Moments – The Final Chapter by Ruth A Casie, Lita Harris, Emma Kaye, Nicole S Patrick, Julie Rowe
Publisher: Timeless Scribes Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (255 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Orchid

In the quaint seaside town of Havenport, Rhode Island, five couples find their happily ever afters with a little help from the romance section of The Final Chapter bookstore. Ruth A. Casie I’ll Be Home for Christmas What does a best-selling romance author do when she’s lost her muse? Maybe a handsome stranger holds the key. Or maybe he’s her worst nightmare. Lita Harris Winter Wonderland A college student’s future takes an unexpected turn when she visits her aunt’s bookstore and meets a new stranger in town. Emma Kaye Baby, It’s Cold Outside She read the spell “To Bring Forth True Love” for entertainment, not expecting a nineteenth century sailor to appear at her side. So what can she do when her soul mate shows up, but doesn’t want to stay? Nicole S. Patrick White Christmas A traumatized prosecutor laying low for the holidays makes an unexpected connection to a former Marine. He’s trying to rebuild his life, and she wants to get back to the one she left. Can they face each new day as it comes…together? Julie Rowe Merry Christmas, Baby A marine biologist moving back to her home town after the break-up of her marriage doesn’t expect to run into her high school crush (literally) only days after returning, or to discover he’s not the smooth operator she remembers.

This book is an anthology but all the stories revolve around an event at the The Final Chapter bookshop in Havenport. Despite each of the tales being told by different authors, the warmth and love come through in each one and they all knit together seamlessly.

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Winter Wonderland brings Olivia Baxter to her aunt’s bookstore in Havenport. She’s just in time to help with the book signing, but her real reason is to ask her aunt’s help regarding her future at college. She meets Max, a young man who has come to Havenport to find his biological parents. Olivia vows to help him, but she also has to sort out her own future. Loved this story but would have liked to at least been able to guess the identity of Max’s parents.

Baby It’s Cold Outside is about Jane Caulfield, the sister-in-law of local author Winnie Boyle. Few people know Jane and her brother Bastian, Winnie’s husband, are from the past. Jane cast a spell to bring them into the future. At the book signing she jokingly reads another spell, knowing it won’t work because the ingredients needed are not present. Or are they? There is an unexpected result to her spell casting, and Jane is unsure what action to take to put things right. This story has a male hottie included. Yum!

White Christmas brings the reader into the life of Savannah who has come to Havenport to help her sister with her new venture, Wags and Walks, a pet shop and dog walking service. Savannah has an unfortunately introduction to Mac the owner of the local garage when one of her charges waters the man’s trousers. Mac is intrigued by this feisty woman, but senses there is something she’s hiding. He is determined to find out her secret and help her if he can. A little tense but love will win in the end.

Merry Christmas, Baby is Mattie Clark’s story. Moving back to Havenport where she grew up she meets Charles Walker, the man she dreamed about as a high school teenager. Charles has become a recluse due to serious burns suffered while he was a fireman. Mattie believes inside Charles is the same gorgeous person he has always been, but she has to convince him of this before they can move forward together. Tender moments with conflict of emotions.

A lovely book of anthologies to curl up with beside the fire on a cold winters day. Carefully woven together to make what might be a lovely present to put under the tree.

Morning’s Journey by Kim Iverson Headlee

JOURNEY
Morning’s Journey by Kim Iverson Headlee
The Dragon’s Dove Chronicles #2
Publisher: Pendragon Cove Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (422 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

In a violent age when enemies besiege Brydein and alliances shift as swiftly as the wind, stand two remarkable leaders: the Caledonian warrior-queen Gyanhumara and her consort, Arthur the Pendragon. Their fiery love is tempered only by their conviction to forge unity between their disparate peoples. Arthur and Gyan must create an impenetrable front to protect Brydein and Caledonia from land-lusting Saxons and the marauding Angli raiders who may be massing forces in the east, near Arthur’s sister and those he has sworn to protect. But their biggest threat is an enemy within: Urien, Arthur’s rival and the man Gyan was treaty-bound to marry until she broke that promise for Arthur’s love. When Urien becomes chieftain of his clan, his increase in wealth and power is matched only by the magnitude of his hatred of Arthur and Gyan-and his threat to their infant son. Morning’s Journey, sequel to the critically acclaimed Dawnflight, propels the reader from the heights of triumph to the depths of despair, through the struggles of some of the most fascinating characters in all of Arthurian literature. Those struggles are exacerbated by the characters’ own flawed choices. Gyan and Arthur must learn that while extending forgiveness to others may be difficult, forgiveness of self is the most excruciating-yet ultimately the most healing-step of the entire journey.

Gyan and Arthur’s love is strong, but very new. Can it withstand the storm ahead?
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Morning’s Journey is the second book detailing Gyan and Arthur’s adventures and begins immediately following the events of the first book, Dawnflight. Anyone wishing to read this book needs to read Dawnflight first.

When I first met Gyan and Arthur in Dawnflight, I grew to like them both very much. They are wonderfully rounded characters, and I just knew they were meant to be together. As I began Mornings Journey, I eagerly anticipated reading about the great things they would accomplish together. However, as I read, it became clear that Gyan and Arthur haven’t become the strong team I know they could be. I was surprised by how much time they spend at odds with each other. Arthur clearly loves Gyan, but he doesn’t realize his actions are smothering at times. Gyan seems determined to question and mistrust practically everything that Arthur does. The gap between them grew with every page.

An unexpected pregnancy only added to the strain on their budding relationship. Gyan loves life as a warrior and knows that children would require sacrifice on her part. Consequently she doesn’t truly want to have children right away. However, birth control options are limited during this time period, and Gyan and Arthur both know that pregnancy is nearly always a possibility when having sex. I found it very hard to watch the pregnancy push Gyan and Arthur even further apart when it could have been something to strengthen their connection.

When unimaginable tragedy strikes, Gyan and Arthur’s bond is almost completely shattered. Gyan forcefully pushes people away from her, and she seems most severe on those who care about her the most. Gyan’s treatment of one of my favorite characters is absolutely atrocious. I can’t give this character’s name without spoiling the story, but I will say that she places an inordinate amount of blame on them. This person had demonstrated unswerving loyalty to her and her family time after time, and it was as if none of that mattered at all. She made this person feel completely worthless, and the actions she takes against them have probably done irreparable damage to their reputation. This coupled with the problems between Gyan and Arthur, made Morning’s Journey very difficult to read at times. Toward the end of the story, Gyan slowly begins to realize that she has been too harsh. I’m sorry to say that the relationship had not been mended at the tale’s conclusion. I can only hope that Gyan reaches out to her friend in the next book.

Despite all the turmoil, I am pleased to say that Gyan and Arthur eventually find their way back to each other. They have scars on their hearts, but I could see a glimmer of the wonderful couple they could be in the very last pages of the book.

Overall, Morning’s Journey is a good book. Gyan and Arthur certainly travel a rocky path, but I believe they will find happiness together eventually. I recommend this tale of love and loss to fans of historical romance.

12 Honeymoons by KL Brady

BookCover_12Honeymoons

12 Honeymoons by KL Brady
Publisher: LadyLit Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (348 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Poppy

Miki Vincent’s entire life stalled because she’s addicted to the beginnings of things, especially relationships. She relishes in the emotional highs, first hugs, first kisses that new love brings. But sex always ruins it. That’s why abstaining during the first three months of a relationship—following the 90-day rule—was supposed to help land her down the aisle with Mr. Right. Miki finds out the hard way, Mr. Wrong can wait that long, especially if his ultimate prize is her inheritance.

Millions of people around the world have benefitted from this online levitra medicine it has helped them to lead a healthy sexual life. Exercising regularly- Regular exercise for at least two weeks are no longer infectious. cheap tadalafil tablets Many of us have been on a constant rise since 1996. vardenafil canadian pharmacy Hormonal Disorders- Testosterone and other tadalafil india pharmacy hormones can increase a man’s sex drive and imbalance can decrease his interest in sex. One assault charge and depression later, Miki devises the Honeymoon Plan, guaranteeing her a lifetime of firsts and zero heartaches. But following her own rule sends her life into an out of control spiral in which she’s sentenced to more than perpetual break-ups. A new pursuit and a string of sexy suitors offer her the opportunity to jumpstart her life and test her new strategy. The only problem? It just might work.

Miki’s best friend Pam, a repressed artist, struggles to keep her honeymoon alive but she can no longer ignore the blatant evidence staring her in the face: Her husband is having an affair. A different kind of “honeymoon plan” designed to free her from her troubles, and a chance meeting with a handsome artistic stranger, help reignite her passions. But will they destroy her marriage in the process?

12 Honeymoons had me laughing from the first page. Miki is a hoot, with a smart, sarcastic sense of humor and a mouth that won’t quit (and gets her in trouble quite regularly). While I admittedly don’t agree with her outlook on life, watching her pursue it was so much fun.

I wasn’t as enamored with Pam. Not that she wasn’t an interesting character, but I’m a huge believer in keeping marriage vows and communication with your spouse, and she … wasn’t. Not really. Yes, she thought her husband was cheating. I was frustrated that they didn’t just sit down together and have a real, honest conversation. So, I had ill feelings toward her for the entire book and just couldn’t root for her.

Thankfully, Miki’s story made everything better. It was almost a case of “be careful what you wish for”. By the end of the book, her cup definitely ran over! LOL!

KL Brady is a master wordsmith as well. Amazing, but completely non-intrusive descriptions that put you right into the story, realistic (if a bit larger than life) characters, a silly but believable storyline. She really has skills and I was thoroughly enthralled by her ability. Honestly, I think she might be the kind of author who could write a book about anything and make it interesting. She’s that good. If there hadn’t been the second storyline about Pam, this honestly would have rated much higher marks. And really, that’s a personal dislike of mine that might not be an issue for anyone else.

I recommend giving this book a read, especially if you’re a fan of romantic comedy. KL Brady knocks it out of the park, and I can’t wait to read the next book she writes.

The Puffin of Death by Betty Webb

PUFFIN
The Puffin of Death by Betty Webb
A Gunn Zoo Mystery
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (243 pgs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

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It’s always a pleasure to find a new mystery author, and even more of a joy when the first book you read is part of a series. The Puffin of Death reminded somewhat of an Agatha Christie novel with lots of suspects, and a wonderful setting where everyone is out of their element. As with Christie’s books, The Puffin of Death has a cast of characters, some oddball ones thrown in, and all with the perfect motive and opportunity to have committed the crime, which in this case, is the murder of a fellow birder.

The sleuth is zookeeper Therodora, otherwise known as Teddy, who’s dispatched to Iceland to bring back a polar bear to California. As with all good mysteries, nothing goes to plan and Teddy finds herself playing detective to solve the crime.

I really enjoyed this lead character even though I hadn’t read any of the books that preceded this one. She’s funny, smart, and a top class amateur detective. The dialogue was really good and the pacing fast. However, the thing that sealed the deal and turned this into a fun read was the setting. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything set in Iceland before and Ms. Webb did a great job with making it feel like you were really there along with Teddy. The flora and fauna and the active volcanoes and glaciers were so well described it had me wondering if the author had spent time there.

Overall, this was a fun read and I’ll be looking for more books in this series and recommend it as the ideal book for some winter reading.

Medicis Daughter by Sophie Perinot

DAUGHTER
Medicis Daughter by Sophie Perinot
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (374 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Winter, 1564. Beautiful young Princess Margot is summoned to the court of France, where nothing is what it seems and a wrong word can lead to ruin. Known across Europe as Madame la Serpente, Margot’s intimidating mother, Queen Catherine de Médicis, is a powerful force in a country devastated by religious war. Among the crafty nobility of the royal court, Margot learns the intriguing and unspoken rules she must live by to please her poisonous family.

Eager to be an obedient daughter, Margot accepts her role as a marriage pawn, even as she is charmed by the powerful, charismatic Duc de Guise. Though Margot’s heart belongs to Guise, her hand will be offered to Henri of Navarre, a Huguenot leader and a notorious heretic looking to seal a tenuous truce. But the promised peace is a mirage: her mother’s schemes are endless, and her brothers plot vengeance in the streets of Paris. When Margot’s wedding devolves into the bloodshed of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, she will be forced to choose between her family and her soul.
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Médicis Daughter is historical fiction at its finest, weaving a unique coming-of-age story and a forbidden love with one of the most dramatic and violent events in French history.

Soaring, fascinating… this book has it all.

Historical fiction can be a hard juggling act–how to make the story historically accurate, especially in this case since the people are real people, and how to keep the tale interesting. Ms. Perinot did just that. She kept my attention and made me want to know more about this wild group of people.

The writing flowed well and kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t put the book down or wander away at any time. I had to know what would happen next and what decisions Margot would make next.

Margot is a tough cookie, despite the circumstances she ends up in. The Medicis family is well known as a ruthless bunch of people.I could relate to her coming of age story, Margot’s that is. She’s trying to find her way and figure out who she is despite a family that wants to use her. Talk about a tough life! The secondary characters are well written and vibrant as well.

I’m glad I picked up this novel. Good reading!

Darque Phantasy by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

FANTASY
Darque Phantasy by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Publisher: Red Sage Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (279 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal Play
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Verbena

Darque Anbhás was known throughout the Megaverse as the Faolchú Príomha..the Alpha of the Black Tribe, defender of his werewolf clansmen and warrior to equal none before him. When his little brother is murdered by their enemies, he takes hostage the daughter of the Lord High Chancellor in retaliation. What started out as brutal vengeance on his part became the sweetest of temptations he could not resist. He will cleave apart
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It seemed like a good idea at the time: kidnap your adversary’s daughter; secure a truce with all the necessary stipulations. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as Darque planned, for reasons he’d never anticipated. Now what would he do with his new prisoner? He debates sending her back to her father, but when he learns why her capture wouldn’t procure the results he wanted, Darque doesn’t think sending her home is a good plan either. Had she been some horse-faced, sharp-tongued, disease-infested wench, his decision might not have been so difficult. But she wasn’t. Aisling was far too precious to be a pawn in the war between the North and South, and he loathed himself for trying to make her one. When his mother offers a solution to his dilemma, Darque is both aghast and intrigued by the suggestion. Kidnapping the Lord High Chancellor’s only daughter hadn’t gotten him what he’d wanted, but maybe it would be the one thing he needed.

Aisling is understandably terrified when she is taken prisoner by Padraig, who serves as the warden for Daingean, the stronghold of Darque Anbhás, her father’s enemy. But little does her captor or his master know that they’ve wasted their time if they hope to gain any leverage with her. Her father would more likely bargain with them to keep her as opposed to gaining her back. She’d merely traded one prison for another. She wondered what the Taoiseach—the chief—of Daingean would do when he discovered his efforts had been in vain. If what her captor’s vile claims were true, then she was truly damned. Her father hated her despite her intact virtue; he would likely execute her if Darque returned her sullied and valueless. He was considered the vilest man alive to the people of the south. No one would want her once he took her to his bed.

Darque Phantasy by Charlotte Boyett-Compo grabbed my attention from the get go. I love paranormal beasties and witches so this book seemed a perfect match for my tastes. While I did thoroughly enjoy the storyline, there were some things that kind of left me clueless. Aisling is a witch, but she doesn’t seem to have much power until later in the book when she teams up with Darque’s mother to perform a daring rescue—which was quite brilliant, by the way. Darque is supposed to be a werewolf but other than just having the knowledge that he is one, there is no evidence of it throughout the entire book. In fact, the only person who turns into a wolf is his annoying ward, Maire, and that’s only because she’s throwing a temper tantrum. I’m not really sure what purpose labeling him as a werewolf served.

Some other things that seemed off was the presence of technology—laser cannons, vid-coms, vid-pads, but the absence of transportation. Everyone rode horses. It seemed a bit at odds. The clothing threw me as well. The women dressed in lavish gowns—I envisioned like the 1800’s—yet the men wore blue jeans. This is one of those books that you just have to go with it. Once I quit trying to reason through these things and just focused on the plotline, I fell right into the story. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for certain scenarios. Despite these oddities, I fell in love with Darque Phantasy fairly early on. There were so many different directions this story could have went, but I think Ms. Boyett-Compo did a fine job with the one she chose. I’ve been a fan of hers since I stumbled across her Reaper characters. She is truly a talented author and I haven’t found a story of hers yet that I didn’t like.

This might stretch your imagination a bit, but if you give it a chance, I think you’ll find Darque Phantasy quite intriguing. While politics state they should be enemies, Darque and Aisling are both tortured souls who find healing and passion in the arms of each other despite the betrayal of those closest who seek to tear them apart. This book is quite a ride, one not to be missed.

Once a Crooked Man by David McCallum

DAVID
Once a Crooked Man by David McCallum
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (352 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

From the beloved actor known for his roles on The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and NCIS comes a quirky crime novel featuring a well-intentioned young actor, a trio of suave crooks, and a series of untimely coincidences.

Readers looking forward to David McCallum’s first Book Release, Once a Crooked Man are counting the days until its January release,  and if they’ve been hoping it will be ‘as advertised’ they surely will not be disappointed.

McCallum (Ducky of NCIS fame, among others) has played the role of some quirky characters in his career and Once a Crooked Man – billed as a quirky mystery – is all that and more.  A quirky main character starts us off. Harry Murphy, aspiring actor, happens to overhear plans for the crime.
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Other ‘quirky’ characters follow, like Carter A. From the get-go, we readers have no idea what’s up with him, but its not good; it should be good given his situation, but its not looking good at all.

And here, its worth noting that more than the characters are quirky. McCallum jumps from one to the next, easily switching characters yet maintaining, even increasing, reader curiosity. Stylistically, its not unheard of, but it was not this reader’s favorite.

We start to run into the bad guys. Sal, Max and Enzo. Max looking to retire…he’s looking for that final score to ‘set up’ retirement. He almost gains reader sympathy, but among these characters so much (unexpected? unneeded?) bad language litters the text, its hard to see these guys as anything but caricatures. It is funny but also distracting; my one quibble with the entire story.

In Once a Crooked Man all the characters are at a turning point, and the opening pages flip from character to character. It could be annoying but its intriguing…in a kind of annoying way. But, we want to know and there it is: Author McCallum has us, we keep reading, keep wanting more.

Brilliant funny and wonderful. Even the dedication is quirky. A risk to read but utterly satisfactory. I have to give this one 5 stars, as I think those looking for a fresh original take on mystery/crime will love it.

Cheers to Dr. Ducky! from Snapdragon: a fan.