Showing posts with label Kristin Manter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kristin Manter. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Tabitha Shay, Witch's Moon; Book Three of the Winslow Witches of Salem


Title: Witch’s Moon


Author Name: Tabitha Shay

Rating: Four Siren Stones



Genre: Romance


Sub-Genre: Paranormal

Keywords: Witches, Familiars

Page Count: 244


ISBN E-Book: 978-1-897559-58-1


ISBN For Print: 978-1-897559-66-6


Publisher: Eternal Press

Buy-Link :
http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781897559581

Reviewer: Kristin


Tagline:


A magical world teetering on the edge of destruction

Blurb/Summary:


Captain Koran T knows he's in serious trouble when the King of Ru-Noc orders him to kidnap Princess Kali. He's no different than any other male of his species at mating time so the urge to breed Kali is strong. But Koran T has a dark secret of his own, one that could have him banished from the coven.


Fall under the spell of a Witch's Moon--when dark forces gather to threaten the very existence of Ru-Noc--where Princess Kali and Captain Koran cross swords in a fierce battle only a witch can win!

Review:

Tabitha Shay delivers another brilliant fantasy with Witch's Moon!

The long-standing lust/hate relationship between Princess Kali and Captain Koran is enough to keep any reader on the verge of exploding with anticipation each time they are together.

The way that this extremely headstrong witch deals with her incredibly alpha male and his responses, gives the reader plenty of laugh-out-loud opportunities as well as reason to yell “What are you thinking!” aloud while reading. Their sexual tension alone delivers enough steamy conflict to keep the reader engaged, but mix that with the turmoil brewing in Ru-Noc, as well as the hidden identities Captain Koran T holds secret, but the true identity of the Princess, and you have a book difficult to put down.

Darkness, death, and sadness are powerful forces will pull at the reader throughout the book ; but, as in her previous instalments, the familiars (futhars) and banter between the characters provide balance with their comedic dialogue.

Witch's Moon is thoroughly entertaining. I cannot recommend it as a stand-alone, however, because of its abrupt ending and deeply planted storyline. Readers, be warned, you will want to have Book Four in your possession before you read the end of Witch's Moon, because you will be so enthralled in the tale that you will not want to stop reading.

Thorough editing. Professional layout.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tabitha Shay, Witch's Heart; Book Two of the Winslow Witches of Salem


Title: Witch’s Heart; Book Two of the Winslow Witches of Salem


Author: Tabitha Shay

Rating: Four Siren Stones


Genre: Romance

Sub-Genre: Paranormal

Keywords: Witches, Familiars

Page Count: 220 Pages

ISBN E-Book: 978-0-9804739-8-8

ISBN For Print: 978-1-897559-41-3

Publisher: Eternal Press

Buy-Link (If available): http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b66585/Witchs-Heart/Tabitha-Shay/?si=0

(E-Book) Buy-Link For the Winslow Witches Series: http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/TabithaShayeBooks.htm

(Print) Buy-Link For the Winslow Witches Series: http://www.amazon.com/Tabitha-Shay/e/B002BM3FCK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Reviewer: Kristin Manter

Tagline:

Fall under the spell of Witch's Heart-where Sage and Hannah discover love has a magic all its own . . .

Blurb/Summary:

Hannah Miller is starting over-new life, new location, and the grand opening of the Sugar 'N' Spice bakery with her best friend, Kirrah Walker. But Hannah soon discovers Sanctuary is not small town America. Trapped in a world of magic where humans are considered aliens-Hannah soon becomes the target of a waken assassin.

The male witch, Sage, is sent to terminate Hannah, the impertinent human who has dared to enter their sacred realm. Sage usually complies with the guild's orders, but he faces this assignment with dread. He hasn't forgotten what took place at the Salem witch trials in 1692 and has vowed to avoid all mortals-until he sees Hannah for the first time.
Caught up in the immortal conflict sweeping across Ru-Noc, the star-crossed lovers wage a different kind of war that set off more sparks than a witch's wand. . .

Review:


Only wonderful words for the Winslow Witches!!! Tabitha Shay proves her true talent in this, book two, of the Winslow Witch Series.

Witch's Heart is a roller coaster of emotion, action, adventure, and fantasy. The banter between the characters (especially between Sage and Dinka) provides the comedic relief throughout as true identities and intentions are revealed.

From the beginning, when Sage finds himself lost and powerless in a desert (a place he tends to think it worse than Hell) and is bitten by a rattlesnake in his, well....um.... “nether-regions”, the reader will be bitten by Witch's Heart.

As Sage sets out in his mission to kill Hannah, the danger and conflict builds as does his desire for the very being he has been ordered to assassinate. Despite the evil nature of his role, he is the least of the villains in this tale. Just as in the very first book, the vileness of the anti-heroes makes the heroine and her warlock that much more easy to fall in love with.

The relationship between Sage and Hannah develops from physical attraction at first sight to a deep, conflicted, and very romantic storyline that leads nicely into the climax of the book that will give the reader the surprises that Tabitha Shay is known for delivering.

This book is sensual and explicit. The language is, at times, dark as well as descriptive.

This book can be read out of series order or even as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading after Witch's Brew, simply for history and entertainment value.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

The Siren's Book; Ayperi's Destiny, Chapter Two, by Kristin Manter

“Exactly where have you been, you insolent girl?!” My father's voice boomed through the dining chambers as he rose from his position at the head of the table and began (walking) toward me. His face deep crimson under his wiry white mustache and beard. “Thank the gods you are not the heir to my kingdom, surely it would crumble under the weight of trying to maintain itself while you satisfied whatever curiosity occupied your time.” His eyes studied me, judged me harshly, “Your inappropriate dress is a disgrace, you disrespect me and each member of the court by attending in your night garments!”

My eyes dropped to the floor and I clutched the book tighter against my chest. As if responding to my feelings of insignificance the book became warm against my breast. Beginning in my heart a melody pumped through my bloodstream and into my ears, drowning out the sound of the various members of the court seated around the grand oak table talking amongst themselves. A combination of peace and confidence filled me with each private note and my chin rose and my gaze met that of the king. I held my breath and my tongue as I awaited the inevitable continuation of his rant.

“The next time an enemy declares war on this land, I will offer your hand in marriage to the heir of that throne as I would ultimately have the victory when your thoughtlessness destroys them.”The stout man's height matched mine, our eyes fixed on one anothers and his finger pointed just inches from the tip of my nose.

Apart from the ocean blue eyes and fair skin, this man and I shared no other resemblance. In his youth, my father was a gallant figure. A prince who rode into battle at the side of his men, wielding a sword like no man in any nation or tribe. In times of peace, his laughter filled the halls and the ladies of the court were often caught daydreaming aloud about running their fingers through the golden waves of hair he kept bound at the nape of his neck. Only one woman ever won his favor, however, and she became his queen. My mother, the daughter of an Egyptian pharaoh, was tall and slender. The caramel color of her skin perfectly reflected the sweetness within her soul. Her eyes were the color of honey, her hair straight, sleek, and as black as onyx. She smelled of lilacs and there are still times when, in the still of the night, as I float off to sleep her floral scent will drift into my room and bid me adieu as my mind wanders to the land of dreams. When I look into the mirror, t'is her face that stares back at me and the loneliness that haunts me since her disappearance fades.

“Father, she is not worth your anger. We have serious matters to discuss and her presence at the meeting is more of a formality than a necessity,” My brother appeared behind my father and placed a hand upon his shoulder. His appearance, like mine, also favored our mother, however, the gods blessed him the same rich skin and eyes as she. His chin tilted upwards ever so slightly in order for him to look down his nose in disgust upon me. My grip tightened on the gift clutched to my chest and my confidence did not waiver. Again, I remained silent as I stepped just past them and took my seat to the left of the King's empty chair.

“Now that we are all in attendance, our (meeting) can begin. As you are all aware, we are a peaceful nation, on good terms with those we share borders with. We have gained the respect of counties near and far because of our ability to negotiate fairly and remain steadfast in our values.” The King began, still standing, hands planted firmly on the table in front if him.

“A testament to our leadership, my Lord!” A voice rose from the man midway down the table as he raised a goblet in recognition of my father's (leadership).

“Nonetheless, this is not a time to become complacent. There is danger afoot, a danger we could not have prepared for.” His face grew more solemn yet, and pain filled his eyes as he continued, “I have been warned by the High Priest that we are coming upon a time where we will face an enemy unlike any we have ever met. The Gods granted him nothing more than the warning.”

“Then how shall we prepare? How will we fight?” My cousin, a Duke and one of my only allies in our family rose from his seat, he drew his hand across his waist and gripped the (handle) of his (sword).

“Be seated, nephew,” my father paced behind him and lowered him back into his seat with the weight of his palm on his shoulder. “I suggest, let it come. We will conquer the darkness with light. We will we will have the upper-hand on familiar land. We will stand strong and put forth a strong defense.”

With each word he spoke, I felt the blood rise into my face. My stomach twisted in knots at the thought of a battle, of any measure, in my Kingdom angered me. The idea put those I love so much in jeopardy, innocent lives would be risked. This could not happen. I could not let this happen. The thick wooden legs of my chair screeched on the floor as it slid from under me and I stood, “I object! Father, you can possibly be serious. You would bring danger onto our lands and risk the lives of our citizens? Do you understand that even children will be affected by this decision? No, there has to be another way.”

“I agree with Mi Lady, Your highness. We should strengthen our forces, and watch for the enemy at our borders. Attack them before they even have the opportunity to reach our soil. This will have an element of surprise and may catch them off guard. Send men out near and far to report any suspicious activities or oncoming (troops).” As the duke spoke his brown eyes met each other pair of eyes at the table. Sincerity and concern for the people of Solstice blanketed every word he spoke. He was the only son of my father's youngest brother and exemplified the bloodline perfectly. Confident and brave, proud and pure hearted, he was devoted as much to his family as he was to the Kingdom. He appeared to be the child of the union between the sun and ocean gods with his crystal blue eyes, fair skin, and wavy golden hair. I so often wished it was he who was first heir to the throne as he would make a King who would carry on the legacy of my father's rule nobly.

“We have no time line, no idea of when we will face this enemy, we simply have the warning. We can send men to evaluate the safety of our borders, we could send them as far as a weeks ride to analyze the threat, but I fear that will only raise concern and create a feeling of unease amongst our citizens. The Prince and I have spent many hours discussing our options, evaluating our allies as well as our (enemies), and pouring over strategies. We have simply called you here to vote.” The king's face remain expressionless, his voice even.

“All in favour of the King's proposed mission, say Ay.” My brother's voice echoed through the hall.

Agreement followed, from nearly every voice seated at the table. Uncertainty on the faces and in the tone of each person. Respect for The King's judgement and leadership had shadowed rationality.

“All opposed, day Nay.”

In unison, the Duke and I loudly declared our opposition.

“Majority rules. We will wait for the foreseen enemy. Our army will continue to train under the impression of preparedness.”

Chatter filled the chamber once again and quickly I made my way in the direction of the exit, seeking the solitude of my bedchambers in the Easternmost wing of the castle. My cousin's hand gripped my elbow as I brushed by him, his gaze demanded my attention, “Your father is wise and cares much for the people of his land. Have faith, Ayperi, we may not see it as he does but he has ruled for many years and has much experience.”

“He is being ignorant. He has grown weak and passive with age. I will not stand by and watch the people of this land be put in harms way, and I know you will not either, Gavin.”

“I will do what is right for the people, and right now that means obeying their king.” He released his hold and I hurried to my sanctuary.

I closed the heavy wooden door behind me as I entered the spacious bed chamber. I Placed the Siren's Book on my bed and began lighting the candles that lined the walls of my room. I pulled the soft linen of my gown over my head. I fell to my bed, comfortable with my nudity in the soft glow of the candles mixed with the gentle light beaming in from the afternoon sun through the line of tiny windows along the very top of my room. A soft breeze lifted the sheer canopy that draped the parameter of my (bed). I did not open the book, simply placed an arm over it as I drifted to sleep.

“You must take control of this situation, Ayperi, it is more dire than your father knows.” A male voice startled me from my slumber. I sat up to find a tall cloaked figure at the foot of my bed. He brought the hood away from his face and off of his head to reveal smooth bronze skin, piercing dark brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a face as beautiful as any imagined by the most talented sculptors. The sun had gone dark as night fell upon the earth. The flicker of the candle danced off of him, further adding to his mystery as well as mystery.

“Who are you and how did you get past the guards?” The threat in my voice and the power behind each word shocked even me.

“You know me as Nalag.”


Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Mircea Catusanu, The Strange Case of the Missing Sheep

Title: The Strange Case of the Missing Sheep

Author: Mircea Catusanu

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Children's Fiction

Page Count: 32

ISBN For Print (If available): 978-0670011315

Publisher:Viking Juvenile

Buy-Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0670011312/?tag=gpfm-20

Reviewer: Kristin Manter

Blurb/Summary:

1, 2, 3 . . . hey, where'd all the sheep go??

In a place called Happy Valley, there live ten sheep. Every night, the ten sheep are counted into their beds by one Super Sheep Dog named Doug. But one day, the sheep are missing! Who could have stolen them? Might it be Wolf, who lives in the Dark Forest? And for what nefarious purpose? Does he want to knit them into a blanket? Bake them into a pie? Or maybe he wants to . . . count them?

With kooky, creative illustrations and an unexpected ending that will get kids giggling, this is a lively story about the fun of counting .. . and a bedtime surprise.

Review:

The illustrations in this book alone make it a solid Four Siren Stone Book! Quirky images, random objects, fun speech bubbles; each page is a wonderful opportunity for children to explore and giggle.

The language of the book was easy to read and follow, even if the rhythm wasn't the typical rhyming of most books written for this age range. This book challenges young minds to reason the possibilities of why the wolf would be luring the sheep away. This delightful tale ends in a way that will be a fun surprise that will ease their impressionable minds as well as give them a problem solving technique for bedtime troubles.

This is a great bedtime story, and a wonderful anytime picture book.


E. S. Redmond, Felicity Floo Visits The Zoo

Title: Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo

Author Name: E. S. Redmond

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Children's

Word Or Page Count: 32 Pages

ISBN For Print: 978-0763634445

Publisher: Candlewick

Buy-Link (If available): http://www.amazon.com/Felicity-Floo-Visits-E-S-Redmond/dp/0763634441

Reviewer: Kristin Manter

Tagline:

Follow a sniffly girl on a hands-on trip to the zoo, and you’ll find one miserable menagerie — and a comical ode to the virtue of tissues

Blurb/Summary:

ALL OF THE ANIMALS DOWN AT THE ZOO
ARE SNUFFLING AND SNORTING AND SNEEZING ACHOO.

Why are the hyenas crying boo-hoo? And what gave the rhino a sickly green hue? It starts when Felicity Floo wipes her red, runny nose and transfers the goo. . . . Kids will be happily grossed out to follow the icky trail as she pets one hapless, bleary-eyed creature after another. With whimsical, stylized illustrations showing Felicity’s handprints on every spread, this cautionary tale will have readers roaring out loud — and racing off to wash their hands!

Review:

There is nothing like green snotty hand prints on animals to instantly make a book a favourite among preschoolers! As Felicity spreads her “floo” to each animal she visits, it is fun ask your young child to find where Felicty petted the animal, count the handprints, and name the different animals on the page.

Learning that because Felicity failed to wash her hands and use tissues and, thus, spread the “floo” to the animals she loved so much, will help children understand the importance of proper hygiene and courtesy.

This book is written with easy to understand, yet very clever prose so that both children and adults will enjoy story time with this tale. The illustrations are great fun with kind of a Tim Burton meets Dr. Suess feel that further solidify Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo as a book to read time and time again.

This book is absolutely perfect for teachers and school nurses who wish to reinforce the importance of hand washing during flu season. An absolute must buy!


Tabitha Shay, Witch's Brew; Book One of the Winslow Witches of Salem

Title: Witch's Brew: Book One of the Winslow Witches of Salem

Author: Tabitha Shay

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Romance

Sub-Genre: Paranormal

Page Count: 424 Pages

ISBN E-Book:1897559402

ISBN For Print (If available):978-1897559406

Publisher: Eternal Press

Buy-Link (If available): http://www.tabithashay.com/books.html

Reviewer: Kristin Manter

Blurb/Summary:

Saylym Winslow regains forgotten magical powers, but is determined to ignore them. No way is she a witch; magic brings nothing but trouble. But when Talon, Waken Prince and assassin of witches is assigned to terminate Saylym by stealing her soul, she discovers being a real, spell-casting witch is only the beginning of her problems.

Talon is enchanted by Saylym's beauty and charm and refuses to do his duty. He is given a choice by the powerful Waken Guild: Handfast with the trouble-making witch to keep her in line or they will send Drayke, the most ruthless Waken assassin, to hunt her down.

Review:

Witches Brew has everything needed to make it an instant classic! Comedy, conflict, graphic detail and true love.

The way this book intertwined the times gone by of the Salym Witch Trials, world history and pure fiction is flawless and captivating. The heroine, Salym Winslow, will have the reader laughing as she discovers the magic within her, as well, her true identity as a witch while she adjusts to living in the enchanted Sanctuary. Her initial humour is perfectly offset by the pure evil and brutal abuse she faces.

The hero, Prince Talon, develops from being a cocky and literally royal pain, to being strong and passionate. And the piece that eventually fits perfectly into the puzzle of Salym's life.

The chemistry between the hero and heroine is full of resistance, passion, and raw heat. The villains are truly vile, their quest purely evil, their motives entirely dark, and their methods absolutely vicious. The reader will be drawn into this whirlpool of a tale woven with descriptive talent and expert story telling. Because of the intensity at the climax of this book, the ending is both refreshing and welcome.

Beautiful and gripping cover, easy to follow layout, and skillful editing keep the reader drawn to the book with minimal distractions.

This book is a great introduction into the Winslow Witch Series. A definite must-read, and highly recommended by this reviewer.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Rie Mcgaha, Calen-My Soul To Keep

Title: Calen (My Soul To Keep, bk 1)

Author: Rie McGaha

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones


Genre: Erotic Romance

Sub-Genre: Paranormal

Keywords: Time Travel

Page Count: 173 pgs

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60592-038-2

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Buy-Link (If available): https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=46

Website: www.riemcgaha.com

Reviewer: Kristin Manter

Tagline:

Rie McGaha...fantasy that keeps you up

Blurb/Summary:

When Calen MacLeod begins having dreams of an ethereal beauty who beckons to him, he passes it off as just having an itch he hasn't scratched in a long time. But when he leaves on a journey to find her, following the directions she's given him in his dreams, he begins to doubt his sanity. And when he finds himself high in the Mackinaw Mountains in a secret fortress with unicorns and a pink and white castle, surrounded by women, each one more beautiful than the next, it's a fantasy no man would want to wake up from. Calen’s life would be perfect, but there’s just one thing standing in his way: a 500-year-old demon intent upon destroying Arianna, Calen’s new-found love, and her entire world.

Review:

My Soul To Keep is captivating and beautiful. A tale told so eloquently that your heart beats in time with the characters. From the first chapter, Rie McGaha draws the reader in with a very powerful, sad account of murder and rape.

The story keeps the reader engaged with suspense, conflict, and passion. The feelings between Calen and Arianna, their mutual NEED for each other. The dynamics of their relationship create an intensity matching that of the challenges they encounter when battling the most evil of evils, working to save the entire race.

Damon, the villain is a vile creature. He is written just as dark and evil. But Arianna and the witches are written as light and pure. This is not a book to simply skim through, as there are many twists and turns, many revelations, and so much adventure. This fantasy is definitely worth reading again and again.

Layout-excellent. Editing-near perfect. Cover-nice but certainly not an accurate representation of the artistry that lies within the book itself.

This reviewer just can not say enough about My Soul To Keep. It has left an imprint in my mind that is sure to last for some time. This book has solidified Rie McGaha has an author I will follow and support in her craft. Very well done.


Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Tales Of Erosity, by Cindy Jacks, Kristin Manter and Kayden McLeod

Tales Of Erosity Blog

Tales Of Erosity Facebook Group


Offical Launch: May 10th 2010, (Monday)


There are places in this world where the otherworldly inhabitants are more abundant than others.
Erosity is one of them.
Welcome to a city, where sensuality meets the dark side of the paranormal, allowing the reader to slip into the world of vampires, witches, shifters, angels and demons. Leave your realm, and enter the underbelly of the farthest reaches of society; where not seen, heard or remembered takes on a whole new meaning.
See their real adventures, wherever they may take them.
Tales of Erosity will vary in heat ratings; anywhere from sweet to erotic, but will be given a rating with each posting. Follow the Tales of Erosity, to keep up on the latest drama or sexcapades that the otherworldly beings pursue.
Erosity Authors

Cindy Jacks
Kristin Manter
Kayden McLeod



Sample Story:

Title: The Demon Queen, Part I
By: Kayden McLeod
Rating: PG, with obscene language


A scream sounded from down one of the alleys I’d crossed, but paid no mind while setting my direct course to where I’d been bid.
Let the humans rot this night, I thought bitterly.
I walked down the darkened streets of Erosity, an hour past the twilight settling upon the horizon. I wasn’t in the mood to listen to their bitching and whining about inspiration, let alone their even more petty problems that had never concerned me.
My name was Liwet, the “angel” of inventions. However, I wasn’t pristine, as most thought me. I was shunned from the normal crowds, who knew what I was on sight.
I was a half-demon, half-angel; a dirty half-breed, to be pushed to the shadows, and forgotten.
But I had long since come to terms with it, tending to stay at the edges of society, and never really taking part. The angels shunned me, but the demons…
Well, most of them were arrogant assholes I could never stand. The unattached men liked to think me a different sort of notch on their bedposts. Though some were…acceptable to be around for short periods of platonic time.
I headed into a darkened alcove, toward the back entrance into the Willows, a bar that fronted the ocean cliffs. One a…dear friend owned; if I could call my brother that.
“Li,” Mastema said from the empty back of the kitchen. But I could hear the sounds of cooking food and clinking plates from around the corner, telling me it was a productive evening.
Mastema stared at me expectedly.
Of course he would know I was coming. He was a full demon, one who kept out of the lower realms by staying quiet, and running this bar. This surprised me, since his purpose was to tempt men toward sin. Yet he denied his most basic principles, to stay out of the hell realms I was almost always exempt from, unless I broke the sacred laws applying to being one of the Guides to humanity who resided on earth.
“Why have you called me here?”
“I need you to work tonight. We are unusually busy, and I do not like so many humans mixing with my people, without proper balance.”
In other words; he needed someone to kick ass, if his brethren stepped out of line. Someone, who wasn’t him. Great.
“Why me, Mast?” I asked, being “dumb” on purpose. Even though he didn’t let it show, it pissed him off.
And I was just in that kind of mood. Thankfully, half of my status put me almost on his playing field, almost. Plus, he had a millennia or two on me. Not that in the grand timeline of things, this mattered very much.
“You’re being unreasonably bitchy tonight,” he mused. His thick muscular body was covered in ritual blue-jeans and a t-shirt, just tight enough to show that he was ripped, but not enough to prove it. “In fact, a lot actually.”
I sighed, knowing even if I gave him the firm no currently on my mind, he would still “talk” me into it.
“What do you need?”
“You, on the bar,” Mastema muttered. “Nicor heard about a thunderstorm near to coast and…”
“Decided to go play in it?”
My brother nodded, but never with disgust. Those demons who chose to stay for a long time or live here, very rarely had the chance to act, or be who they really were while on this plane. But it was much the same for us half-breeds of different sorts, and then full-angels.
“I suspect the rush will only get worse the later it gets. But I do have to warn you… Oriax is here tonight with his friends.”
“What?” I asked slowly, what tiny bit of good-humour I’d possessed quickly fled me. “You expect me not to throw something at him in the course of an entire evening?”
My brother rolled his eyes at my mild dramatics, and then pushed his back off of the counter’s edge, a sleek roll of sinew.
I followed only somewhat dutifully. They emerged to the hustle and bustle of the busy portion of the kitchen, with ten or so bodies moving with fast precision, revealing not a one of human descent. Not that I expected less, from the last time I had been summoned here. It wasn’t like I came of my own free will. That was such a human ideal.
None looked up from what they were doing, their ligaments jostling this way and that, but their finished plates stunning as could be, for burgers and fries.
I’d grant that they were delicious and quite addicting, but there was only so far one could go to please this particular clientele. Demons didn’t care for their meat cooked, but the staff would barely sear it on the outside, so the humans who ventured in here couldn’t tell the difference.
I snagged a fry, and Mastema whirled, looking just behind me and glaring at whatever he saw that had displeased him so.
“What?”
“Have you fallen so low, that you walk among humankind with your wings exposed in such a fashion? Are you looking to get thrown back into the hell realms?”
“They cannot see them,” I replied coldly. “I will no longer be spurred under someone else’s terms, but only my own. Only full-bloods can see these black-feathered contraptions that condemned me from birth, and since they are such a disgrace to both heritages, I will be upfront about it. At least then, I can see their sneers upfront, and know what they think, before they even say a word.”
During my entire speech, all movement had stopped around me. Had my words been so very shocking?
“You are serious?”
“Just because I cannot see your wings nor horns, does not mean they are not there. You have modified the color of your skin, so it looks more tanned than burnt red, but it is only a secondary appearance to what you really look like.”
“And your point?”
I swore every set of lungs stopped breathing, awaiting for my answer. “This is what I look like.”
The lines of Mastema’s lips became cynical, falsely blue eyes hardening into ice-chips. Really, they were a pitiless black, stretching from lid to lid. He didn’t like my assessment, but he couldn’t find a way to reasonably argue the truth.
It was by this show of real emotion, which proved to me the seething rage on the inside was rapidly boiling. Would it burn me? Did I really care, if it did? It had been a low blow, and not a one inside the kitchen thought differently.
I was fast running out of patience for just about everyone, and anything, as dangerous as this was. We both knew it, but it was him that broke the rigid staring down contest that had developed.
“Let’s go then.” He ushered me past the swinging doors, into the ebb and flow of the bar.
Waitresses wandered around taking and giving orders from the customers, but I didn’t pay the inhabitants any mind at all, while I walked behind the bar, trying not to look for Oriax and crew sitting somewhere among the crowds.
Even with my heightened senses, I didn’t sense the much older astrology-obsessed demon. But I had no doubts in his own good time, he would find me.
I set about taking the first few orders, absorbing myself in the task, knowing the tips of my wings brushed against the bottles on the glass shelves behind me. When I was forced to catch a bottle of vodka before it hit the ground, I had to admit Mastema was right.
I hated to ever do such a thing! Without looking toward the doors where he still stood, the wings physically left my body, leaving me human-looking as I was going to get, short of losing my immortality.
A thick tendril of long black hair escaped being tucked behind my ear, falling past my line of vision and blocking the entire right-side of the front bar area. I wasn’t paying attention when a hand caught mine, the touch searing hot as only a demon’s could be.
“Hello, il mio dolce,” Oriax said in a heavily-accented voice, forcing me to cut off a sarcastic laugh.
He was always the pretender, making a life out of acting completely opposite to what he actually was, and taking pleasure in confusing the races. He had multiple personalities, the likes I’d never seen in another individual.
His friends stood around him like jackals they were; Berith, Cresil and Kobal. Demons. They were all testosterone and male arrogance. Not that he was any different, in fact making them all look far worse.
“Drop the act,” I demanded.
Che cosa, bellezza mia, io ti offendono?” Oriax looked affronted himself, but I didn’t believe it for a single second!
Sei davvero feccia. You are not Italian, Ori, you don’t even look as such!”I tugged my hand back, hating the reaction I always had around someone so absolutely vile.
“You know, I really love it when you call me that,” he responded without any harshness or reprimand. He was even harder to piss off than my brother.
“That you are scum?”
“No dear, that you think to shorten my name,” Oriax muttered, and his friends smiled maliciously, “like an endearment. Can we talk?”
“What for? I am working for my brother.”
“Yes, I know. I asked him to call you in. I knew you wouldn’t take it, if I phoned, let alone heed my proper summons, if you could help it.”
“He did what?” I whirled, my hair flying out and hitting him satisfyingly in the face, inducing the three stooges at his back into fits of unmanly giggles.
I couldn’t help but smirk, both at them and my brother, who stared back unrepentantly. Mastema shrugged, absolving himself of guilt as he ducked back into the kitchen.
Coward.
“Come outside with me for a moment. Kobal take the bar,” Oriax ordered, taking back my hand, pulling me down the length of bar and through the opening, toward the door.
“What is this about?”
“Just hold on to that thought,” he muttered, implying he wanted away from the many set of keen ears that had perked up at our swift moments.
I could almost hear them now; what was Oriax doing with the half-breed?
Fuck ‘em
, I thought. And if any one of them thought to say a thing to me, I wouldn’t hesitate to say it aloud.
The moment the door closed behind us, a layer of power spread over the small patio-style balcony, with stairs leading down the rocky cliff, to emerge at the beach below, the ocean crashing upon the surrounding rocks with ferocious velocity.
The city ran up and down the ocean, spreading out into the secluded valley, keeping a rather large population of the underworld races that most places on earth would never see by the light of day.
It was a “hot” spot. The demons congregated around the strongest of the veils between the realms, and the angels were here to counteract them. Then sprinkle in the vampires, witches and God knew what else, and then you had a party at random moments. Most times, they had to be quickly dispatched, lest too much drama unfolded and all of us would suffer for it.
Deep in thought, I ignored the man at my side. I felt this had to mean something, but it was convoluted and driving me mad.
“Liwet?” Oriax asked with strain in his voice.
“What?”
“I need you to do something for me,” he asked softly. “Something very important, one I need you to think over very carefully.”
“I don’t want to know this, do I?”
“No, you really don’t. And I wouldn’t ask this of you, if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.”
“Then spit it out, Ori. When we were…dating,” we both smirked at that, “you had no problem telling me anything on your mind.”
Yea, so, we had history. A lot of it.
“I need a wife,” he blurted out.
I blinked, not comprehending. “Excuse me? Why would you tell me this?”
“Because,” he admitted, his pupils bleeding out to the edges of his eyes, until they were completely black, “they chose you.”

***

Part II coming soon, along with many other fabulous stories from the Erosity Authors!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Celina Summers, Bride of Death

Title: Bride of Death

Author: Celina Summers

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Romance

Page Count: 110 Pages

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60168-279-6

Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Reviewer: Kristin Manter
Blurb/Summary:
When the mischievous god of love targets Hades, the god of death falls hopelessly in love with the spring maiden Persephone, the one immortal most ill-suited for his dark domain. Her mother Demeter will never allow the Lord of the Underworld to court her beloved daughter. The king of the gods proposes an unconventional solution: Hades may kidnap Persephone and take her to the Underworld to woo her. If Persephone agrees to marry hades, Zeus will support the match. But neither god has reckoned on Demeter's inconsolable grief at the loss of her daughter. If Persephone is not returned to her, the goddess has vowed to destroy all life. Can Hades win Persephone's heart before her mother discovers who has taken her? Or will Persephone make her own wishes known as the intended bride of death? Even in the world of immortals, time is not on Hades' side.
Review:
Forget everything you ever thought you knew about Hades, and dive into the Underworld, with the refreshed eyes of a virginal maiden goddess. Loose yourself in Celina Summers captivating tale of the Bride of Death.

Celina's vivid descriptions of the gods, their duties and the realms they rule, will give you a crash course in Greek Mythology, leaving you begging for more.

The brooding and stoic Hades will kidnap your heart, much the same way he did Persephone as he reveals his tenderness and love, shedding the veil of solemnest he’d worn since becoming ruler of the dark realm.

Persephone, in all her innocence and youthful curiosity; transforms flawlessly from daughter of Demeter to Queen of the Underworld, and fulfils her new role with grace.

Hades' courtship of Persephone is romantic, even as the connection they share is overflowing with passion. The purity of his feelings for her, and her devotion to him remain profound even until the very end of the book.

Kudos to Aspen Mountain Press for the beautiful cover and near perfect editing, as it further enables the reader's enjoyment of Mythos: Bride of Death. I highly recommend this book and will come back to it again and again as a favourite read.

Friday, April 23, 2010

The Siren's Book; Ayperi's Destiny, Chapter One, by Kristin Manter


When seeking great treasure, great risk is to be expected. When acquiring great treasure, great responsibility is at hand. He who chooses to think of only himself, will live a life prosperous only in despair.


***

I closed the book and stared at the austere leather binding holding the worn pages together. I had yet to discover why she had chosen me to give this book to. Why it would only open to this page. I was simply afraid to find out. My hands trembled as I drew the book closer to my chest and began walking toward the palace. The sun was only beginning to rise, and the warmth of the sun’s orange and pink hues kissed my face and shoulders with welcome contrast to the cool ocean breeze. My racing thoughts drowned out the sound of the incoming waves, the squawking of the sea gulls. It was I was the only living being on the face of the earth for this moment in time.


Awakened from a dream, a voice called to me. It beckoned me from the warmth of my blankets and comfort of my pillows.


Down empty hallways and through unfamiliar corridors the voice sang, enchanting me into its grasp. I could think of nothing more than finding its source. Not even the cold stone beneath my bare feet jolted me from the spell this thing had cast.

I had called the castle home since my birth and yet, somehow, found myself wandering halls completely foreign to me. My pace quickened as the song became louder, my pulse following suit. The candles in the sconces lining the wall remained unlit, yet I could see through the darkness as if the sun were shining directly above me.

The voice became as loud as steeple bells, consuming my soul. I knew I was getting closer . I had passed many doors somehow knowing that the siren calling out to me was not behind any of them.

The gauzy white linen of my night gown began to cling to my skin, while sweat beaded over my chest and the small of my back. Nearly running now, I wanted nothing more than to be free from its constraints and presence altogether.

Before having the opportunity to rid myself of the damp gown, the song abruptly ended. I stood frozen in place, the haze making me unsure of my location. I turned and looked back in the direction from which I’d come, and saw nothing but a crude stone wall.

When had that appeared? Perhaps in my haste, I had become disoriented. I turned and examined the space to my left, again a stone wall. To my right, was the very same. The walls were covered in ivy as if they had been left unattended for many years. Had I not just come through a hall?

The sudden silence left an excruciating void in my ears, and my belly tightened as fear crept in to fill the emptiness. I had come as far as the song had led me, only to find myself alone and frightened in a room with no passageways leading out. There wasn’t any natural light coming in to lead my way, and only a thick wooden door, and no helpful knob to aid me.

My siren was behind that door. Conflict and confusion ravaged me. My mind, belly and legs wanted nothing more than to run as fast as I could. Yet I couldn’t…

Surely my eyes were tricking me. I had just come down a hallway, yet there was none. Almost against my will if I’d had any, I reached for the door. Desire to meet the songstress behind it consumed me.

My fingers caressed the deep wood-grains of the door, gently following each line as if it held the secret of getting through to the other side. I found nothing.

The voice began singing again, and I felt her begging me to pass through. Tears filled my eyes, and trickled coldly down my flush cheeks. I pressed myself against the door, somehow wishing I could melt through it. Willing my body to become vapor and much like a ghost, pass through it.
As I wept from sheer helplessness, the Siren cried with me. She and I were connected, matching my desire note for note as my knees buckled beneath me. I slid along the door to a trembling mass on the floor. Frail powerlessness overcame me as the realization of my entrapment set in.
The hallway hadn’t reappeared, and I surely didn’t know how to make it.


She continued maddeningly to sing, although there were no words to the song, but I felt her call my name. I felt the urgency, but didn’t understand the cause.

Tears continued to escape through closed, defeated eyes as my sobs slowly turned to soft singing, along with the beautiful voice I heard emanating so closely, yet unattainably. Taking the Siren's lead, our collective tone changed from that of defeat, to one of hope.

I rose to my feet, wiping the tears from my face with the back of my hand. My eyes focused on an ethereal light seeping from underneath the door, the scarce source in the pitch darkness. At first I backed away from it, not so much afraid as unsure from where it came.

Its radiant heat and beauty solidified my suspicions, for it came from no lamp.

It could only come from my seductive siren. My song, our song was the key to her impassable door. Putting a tremulous foot forward, I dipped a toe in the warm fluorescence that escaped from its confines. As if it had the power to dissolve my body, I felt myself melting. Flowing liquid into the light's joy and rapture

I murmured soft prayers that I could stay lost in this brilliant glow forever, but my feet landed on solid ground, legs felt sturdy beneath me. I turned my head to find the massive, oaken door now behind me, an obstacle no more. And when I swiveled around again, I saw in place of the light the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes upon.

We continued to sing together as I floated toward her, emerald eyes memorizing me. She sat upon a large stone of quartz where the sand of the beach and the waves of the ocean became one. Dawn was close, and the brilliant stone sparkled in the moonlight, illuminating the mistress, making her seem angelic.

The waves brought with them a soft breeze that lifted her full length of gleaming silver hair away from the porcelain white skin of her face to reveal beneath the veil, she wore nothing. She was unnaturally flawless, long and slender. Her bust and hips perfectly proportionate, tiny waist accentuated the beauty of her feminine curves.

When I was finally within touching distance from her, she raised her arms toward me, beckoning me to her embrace. I had never felt such an attraction to another female but as she wrapped her arms around me, electricity tingled through my body, awaking all of my senses and as our bodies pressed against each other, I lingered in her clean, salty, oceanic scent and rested my cheek upon her bare shoulder as time stopped.

My Siren’s arms released their hold on me and I took a step back, knowing there was a reason I’d been summoned. I watched her intently as she brought her hands together, as if saying a prayer, her lips moved silently.

I looked down to see that she now held an open book, with a plain leather binding and worn pages, looking to be centuries old. I was drawn to the book, much like I had been the Siren.
I knew then, it was the gods who had summoned me to this place and time, to be with this woman.


She extended the book to me, and our eyes locked when she finally spoke, “Princess Ayperi, you have been called to greatness. The weight of the kingdom will rest upon your shoulders. This book holds the secrets to bringing all of your dreams and desires, into this reality. It has been gifted to you by our master, the God Nalag, to be used to ensure the prosperous future of your kingdom. Please, take great care with the power this book yields.” Each word held a note that came together like a melody in my heart. I took the tome from her, focusing on the page open before me.

When seeking great treasure; great risk is to be expected. When acquiring great treasure, great responsibility is at hand. He who chooses to think of only himself, will live a prosperous life only in despair.

When I looked up again to ask the Siren what this meant, and why I had been chosen, and not my father or brother; she was gone.

I closed the gift, and stared at the austere leather binding holding the worn pages together. Why she had chosen me to give this book to, I had yet to discover. Why it would only open to this page, I was afraid to find out.

My hands trembled as I drew the book close to my chest, and began walking toward the palace in the far distance. The sun was only beginning to rise and the warmth that the orange and pink hues from the sun's rays kissed my face and shoulders with was a welcome contrast to the cool ocean breeze. My racing thoughts drowned out the sound of the incoming waves, and the squawking of the seagulls.

At that moment in time I was the only living being on the face of the earth.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Rie McGaha, Grounded

Title: Grounded

Author: Rie McGaha

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Romance

Sub-Genre: Paranormal, MF, MMF (Ménage)

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60592-010-8

Page Count: 34 Pages

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Buy-Link (If available): https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=10

Reviewer: Kristin

Tagline:

Rie McGaha...fantasy that keeps you up

Blurb/Summary:

Patty James is having a bad day. She's just lost her job, and to make matters worse, she's knocked on her butt by a couple of ill-mannered teens while on her way home from the office. As she struggles to deal with her scattered possessions, torn hose and broken high heel, who should stop to help her but a man whose looks would rival the Greek gods.

Dionysus, God of Wine and Revelry, is having a field day on Earth. There's nothing he can't have and nothing he enjoys more than wearing himself out with endless days and nights of debauchery. He never sleeps with the same woman twice, rarely stays in the same city more than a few days, and has no desire to change his lifestyle.

So why is he suddenly having a hard time keeping one little mortal female from invading his every waking thought?

Review:

Humorous. Sexy. Imaginative. Highly Entertaining. These are but a few of the adjectives that would appropriately describe Grounded.

Rie McGaha has perfected the art of bringing ancient Greek Gods, and making them contemporary and relevant. Watching the way Dion wrestles with the emotions, not just feelings Patty evokes in him, will amuse the reader almost as much as knowing that his own mother. Aurora is the composer who orchestrated the strings that are tugging at him.

Patty is innocent and naive, overwhelmed by Dion's godly beauty, and develops into his perfect soul mate. Patty never loses her distinctive sweetness, and compliments the otherworldly attributes and actions of the Greek deity who has possessed her mind, body, and soul perfectly.

The cover, although sensual, did not seem to really represent what I read. For this reason, along with an awkward layout, this Four Siren stone story received Three And A Half Siren Stones. Grounded is definitely a book worth recommending to others, and one that I will read again in the future.