Doreen Orsini, Undeniable

Title: Undeniable

Author: Doreen Orsini

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Vampires

Length: Super-Plus Size Novel

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419933790

Price: $7.99

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9418-undeniable.aspx

Reviewer: Rhonda Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

The vampires of Mina’s Cove have passed sentence. The vampire hunter’s daughter will pay for his crimes by becoming the very creature he hunts. Chosen to pass a drop of his blood then deny her, Sebastian is warned that Diana may be the one luring vampires into her father’s trap.

After one night, Sebastian realizes he would follow Diana into the light of dawn for just one more kiss…one more touch…one more taste. How can he refuse to sate her hunger when he’s grown addicted to her sweet blood and body? How can he destroy the woman he doubts even knows about her father’s crimes, the woman born to be his forever?

Diana believes she’s finally found her soul mate. But Sebastian only comes to her after the sun sets. A dark phantom she cannot resist. A lover whose scorching kisses sate a hunger that nearly drives her mad. She’d offer her body and soul to him, she’d tell him anything…except her father’s secrets.

Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title Hunting Diana.

Review:

Undeniable by Doreen Orsini is a true page turner. From start to finish, this book will keep the reader fully engaged. The vampires created by Mina and Dracula have found a peaceful place to live for many years. But now a vampire hunter stalks them, caging them out the sun to burn. The vampires have decided to fight back after the recent death of a beloved son. They vote and decide to send Sebastian, protector of the innocent to infect the vampire hunters’ daughter with a drop of his blood and turn her into a mindless monster.

Sebastian decides however, against his mother's wishes, to follow the daughter, Diana, and see if she actually is her father's accomplice in the deaths of his brethren. As he follows her, he comes to realize she doesn't even believe in vampires and must be innocent. Diana may even be his life mate, who he has been looking for for centuries. This does not please his mother, Olympia, because she has ulterior motives. Olympia uses a young and malleable vampire to stage the scene in regards to Diana and confuse Sebastian into choosing wrong and destroying his future life mate.

Will Sebastian choose wrong? Why does Olympia harbour such hate that she would destroy her own son? Is she even sane? These are all questions that will keep you turning the pages of this story until the wee hours of the night. Undeniable is a very enjoyable read!

Gabriel Daemon, A Glimpse Beyond the Veil

Title: A Glimpse Beyond the Veil

Author: Gabriel Daemon

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Mystery, Erotica

Sub-Genre: Horror, Fantasy

Keywords: Dark Magic, Undead, Prostitution

Length: Novelette

ISBN E-Book: 978-1609824426

Price: $3.99

Publisher: Excessica

Buy-Link: http://excessica.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=508&osCsid=cb15c627e20638b4dd3f712315ab6d37

Reviewer: Rhonda Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

We've all known those people who seemed a little strange, a little weird. Your third-grade teacher. The old man down the street. People you were sure just couldn't have been human.

You were right.

A Glimpse Beyond The Veil shows you the world hidden from us, the world of demons and goblins, wizards and monsters who live under our very noses. Watch through anthropologist Kyle Perrin's eyes as this world explodes with violent, horrific, and sometimes erotic drama.

A believer in the potentials of the unknown, Dr. Kyle Perrin – fringe anthropologist, traveler, and theorist – never expected to be given the opportunity to explore that unknown directly. But when a detective asks for his advice regarding a mysterious pair of coins found in the eyes of a weeks-dead corpse, he becomes hurled into a waking nightmare, guided by a stoic former Army ranger and an enigmatic benefactor. What begins as a grisly investigation becomes personal once Gina, Dr. Perrin's street-walking lover, gets entangled in the mire, hurtling them all toward a nail biting showdown.

A Glimpse Beyond The Veil is merely the first of a series of supernatural, erotic thrillers soon to be offered by Gabriel Daemon.

Warnings: This title includes the use of dark magic, dealing with the undead, and prostitution.

Review:

A Glimpse Beyond the Veil is an interesting adult version of a Spiderwick styled tale. While the summary does mention many other-worldly creatures, this tale actually only deals with zombies and the individual animating them. Gabriel Daemon's story seems as though it may be the first instalment in a future series of tales about Dr. Kyle Perrin's adventures with the group known as the Veil Society.

A Glimpse Beyond the Veil would then become Kyle's first indoctrination into the Veil Society and the beings from the other side of the veil. I do not know if that is the case, but I did get that feel while reading this story.

On its own, this is an interesting tale. Due to Dr. Perrin's loss of an arm 10 years before, he only feels comfortable at this stage in his life visiting hookers. By the end of the story, he seems to have found his confidence and moved on. The tale ends with his evolution from a somewhat sad professor into a man who may become a team leader for the Veil Society.

I did feel that a deeper explanation was required for the opening chapter when Kyle loses his arm. There is mention at that time that he is a follower of his current professor's indoctrination. Also that society feels his current professor is a crackpot. Then there is the accident in the amazing domed chamber during which his professor seems to die. No clear explanation is made about what it is that Kyle and the professor were trying to prove and no further mention is made about the wondrous domed cave or possibly the creature that may or may not have been in it.

Aside from that, the story was well written and enjoyable. The opening to what may become a series of tales about a team that protects unknowing humans from the dangers of the supernatural. I would say this is a “get to know the man” before he actually becomes The Man story. A Glimpse Beyond the Veil was an easy read and I would recommend it to fans of the supernatural. Enjoy.

Piers Anthony, Relationships 4 (Single-Author Anthology)

Title: Relationships 4

Author: Piers Anthony

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Erotic Romance (Single-Author Anthology)

Keywords: Ménage, F/M/F, Group Sex, Multiple Partners, Spanking

Page Count: 194

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60659-577-0

Price: $5.99

Publisher: Phaze Books

Buy-Link: http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Relationships+4/exact_match=exact

Reviewer: Rhonda Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

Get ready for another collection of stories on relationships from master storyteller, Piers Anthony.

From one of the best known names in fiction comes this fourth unique collection of stories about relationships--some intense, some sexual, some mild, some shockers.

This collection is intended for mature, thoughtful readers who care more about character and idea than adventure. A must for Anthony fans.

Warning: This work contains one scene of non-consensual sex.

Review:

Relationships 4 by Piers Anthony is a must read for anyone tired of the same perfect boy meets beautiful girl and they live happily ever after style romance tale. In Relationships 4, Piers explores the grittier side of sexual relations with couples who are not even close to perfect. Many of the tales are rather short and can be read easily in a sitting. While this collection is not for those looking for fairy tale romance, if what you’ve been missing is something grittier and perhaps truer to life, Piers’ stories may be just what you’ve been looking for.

Here you will find tales of an unattractive larger sized female prisoner and her unusually endowed prison guard. A young, untried male and four forty- something female friends on a week’s vacation tell their story. An unlikely pair with years between them, who share an unusual phobia, find ways to re-enter the world. Writers block is attacked from a new perspective and conception prevented in a novel manner. The stories are well written and sometimes thought provoking. Many of the characters allow the reader a glimpse inside of their heads.

This trip to the other side, as it were, is worth taking. While some of the tales are almost shocking, they throw a light into otherwise darkened corridors. Piers Anthony’s Relationships 4 is a wonderful read for anyone looking for something a bit “bad side of town.” If Cinderella is what is on your mind, this is the wrong place to be. However, if what you want is a bit nastier, something truly original, this might just be your perfect read.

Lynda K. Scott, Heartstone

Title: Heartstone

Author: Lynda K. Scott

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Fantasy

Sub-Genre: Romance, Science Fiction

Keywords: Shape-Shifter, Futuristic

Page Count: 229 Pages

ISBN E-Book: 1-60659-233-5

Price: $4.99

ISBN For Print: 978-1-60659-233-5

Price: $13.95

Publisher: Mundania Press, LLC

Buy-Link: http://www.mundania.com/book.php?title=Heartstone

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

Eric d'Ebrur is out of time. He must find the legendary Heartstone and fulfill the ancient Gar'Ja bond he shares with the Stonebearer. But when he finds her, he discovers that love can be more dangerous than the Gawan threat. Eric can defeat the mind-controlling Gawan but will it cost him the woman he loves?

After terrifying episodes of hypersensitivity, Keriam Norton thinks she's losing her mind. When handsome shapeshifter Eric d'Ebrur saves her from the monstrous Gawan, she's sure of it. But insane or not, she'll find the Heartstone and, if she's lucky, a love to last a lifetime.

Review:

Heartstone is an exciting, well written science fiction romance. The story begins in a small town on the Earth of today, but quickly moves into the realm of foreign galaxies and transportation portals. With an enemy so evil, it could reasonable be referred to as a mind controlling parasite, bent upon universal domination, our heroes have their work cut out for them.

Eric d'Ebrur has been sent from his planet to retrieve a woman known as Keriam Norton from Earth. She is the key to stopping an invasion in their home galaxy. Keriam is an unknowing expatriate who was bonded to Eric in infancy and has no memory of other worlds. The Gawan have also been sent to find Keriam, but for elimination purposes, as she is the only being in the universe that may have some hope of stopping the Gawan advance. Once our heroes meet, their childhood Gar’Ja bonds kick in and then all bets are off.

Ms. Scott’s tale was woven in such a manner as to draw the reader in. As each chapter progressed more secrets were unveiled pulling the reader on. Heartstone was an enjoyable story from start to finish. A wonderfully subtle example of science fiction romance that I would definitely recommend.

Amy Corwin, The Bricklayer's Helper

Title: The Bricklayer’s Helper

Author: Amy Corwin

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Historical (Non-American)

Sub-Genre: Romance

Keywords: English Tea Rose, Sweet

Page Count: 376 pages

ISBN E-Book: 1-60154-793-5

Price: $7.00

ISBN For Print: 978-1601547934

Price: $14.99

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/the-bricklayer%C2%92s-helper-p-4156.html

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

Sarah has masqueraded as Sam, a bricklayer’s helper, for years. But her past catches up with her in London. A thirteen year-old fire, deliberately set to murder her family, is smouldering, and the killer intends to ensure there are no survivors. Desperate, Sam turns to the renowned Second Sons agency for help. Inquiry agent, William Trenchard, is both troubled and fascinated by Sam, and immediately suspects “he” is a “she.” Unfortunately, before William can discover what lies beneath the brick dust and sun-bleached hair, they are plunged into a maelstrom of deceit and murder.

Review:

I found The Bricklayer’s Helper by Amy Corwin to be a delightfully entertaining read. The story begins among the working classes of Regency England with a young woman masquerading as a man. She immediately runs into trouble as she witnesses the murder of a man she was attempting to meet who had information for her. Throughout the day, while dressed and working as a young man, she believes she is being followed and possibly is in danger. That evening, Sarah, known to all as Sam, turns to Second Sons, Discreet Inquires in order to hire Mr. William Trenchard to discover who may have killed the gentleman earlier in the day.

I found the dichotomy between Sarah’s current lifestyle and that of her youth to be quite engaging. The character interplay between the spoiled but intelligent Mr. Trenchard and the hard working disguised Sarah/Sam put a wonderful perspective on class differentiation in Regency England. When mystery turns to romance, class distinction takes yet another surprising turn. Ms. Corwin’s mystery, which runs throughout the story, keeps one guessing up until the last moment. The Bricklayer’s Helper is a fabulous, all around mystery romance that is sure to entertain.

Diane Wylie, Adam's Treasure

Title: Adam's Treasure

Author: Diane Wylie

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Romance

Sub-Genre: Historical (American)

Keywords: Spicy, American Rose

Page Count: 318

ISBN E-Book: 1-60154-753-6

Price: $7.00

ISBN For Print: 978-1601547538

Price: $14.00

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/adams-treasure-p-4051.html

Reviewer: Rhonda Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

Coded letters, cryptic symbols, and a beautiful woman. Agent Skelding sets out to find stolen gold but soon discovers complications he didn’t bargain for.

Pinkerton Agent, Adam Skelding is on assignment. He must find the missing gold and stop the secretive Knights of the Golden Circle before they start another war. Following a suspect leaves him staring up a lady’s skirt and heading straight into trouble.

All Marilla Logan wanted was a way to avenge her brother’s death. When a dark stranger with the piercing blue eyes sneaks into her room, her life changes forever. Swept up into a life of intrigue, she becomes ensnared in a tangled web of clues, danger, and emotion.

Review:

Adam’s Treasure was a wonderful cloak and dagger style story set among the upheaval of the aftermath of the Civil War. James Bond style his and her spies, Adam and Marilla penetrate a secret society, Knights of the Golden Circle, who are bent upon restoring the South to its former glory and ousting the current government of the United States of America. Pinkerton agents, Adam and Marilla, must decode a treasure map and discover the hidden gold before the Golden Circle can use it to buy their way back into power.

Ms. Wylie’s story was great fun and a good all around read. Anyone that favours conspiracy, treasure hunting, mystery novels will enjoy Adam’s Treasure. The story flowed nicely from start to finish and I would definitely recommend it.

I didn’t feel that the cover depicted the conspiracy/mystery plot as well as it could of. Looking at it, leads one to believe there might be some sort of bondage aspect to the tale. In fact, that cover depicts one tiny scene of the group initiation into the Knights and may have been better served by a more Civil War couples type theme. Although, the gentleman on the cover is certainly attractive. The only other issue occurred on page 281 when Allan Pinkerton, the Scottish founder of the Pinkerton Agency, somehow develops an Irish Brogue after consuming too much whiskey.

Those minute details aside, the editing was great. You will love Adam’s Treasure from start to finish. I highly recommend this book.

Katalina Leon, Owned By Rome

Title: Owned By Rome

Author: Katalina Leon

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Romance

Sub-Genre: Historical

Word Count: 74,727

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419927843

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8348-owned-by-rome.aspx

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

On the edge of the Roman Empire, Queen Boudica’s rebellion has ended and a time of great tragedy has passed.

Atellus, a Roman magistrate living on the western frontier of Gaul discovers he’s no longer sympathetic to Rome and must now question every facet of his life.

A cunning Celtic woman with golden-red hair arrives in the slave markets defiant and angry-a danger to anyone foolish enough to purchase her. As punishment for her willful destruction of Roman property she is to be offered as a sexual favor to guests at a lavish feast and put to death for their entertainment.

For Atellus it’s love at first sight. He rescues and takes ownership of her. Together they embark on an erotic and turbulent journey through a lonely Celtic forest. He soon discovers his beautiful slave is harboring a painful secret and must never again speak her true name. Suspicions rise that she is Celtic royalty and the last of her kind.

In the heart of the forest, two strong-willed lovers clash, fall in love and catch a glimpse of what the future can be if both can learn to trust and forgive.

Review:

Owned by Rome is a steamy story right from the start and manages to continue that pace through to the very end. I enjoyed every moment of the tale and read it though in one sitting. The story stayed with me in the back of my mind throughout the day. I am sure that this is a story to be reread and savoured again at a later date.

The cover is definitely appealing and the characters are to be loved. This is a tale of initiation to the delicacies of bondage and as such was wonderfully done. Atellus is a heartbreakingly sweet man, for a Roman soldier, and his slave Rutilla, is no man’s slave. The irony that he sets one slave, Janni, free, who is complacent in her role as a slave and yet refuses to free Rutilla, who so wishes to be free was not lost on me.

The excesses of the Roman celebrations were so well depicted that I was both appalled and disgusted. Rutilla’s story is one of pain and suffering and to see her work through it until she reaches a new understanding and finally happiness, is enough to bring the reader to tears. I would definitely recommend Katalina Leon’s Owned by Rome and will remember it for some time. Wonderfully done Ms. Leon, I enjoyed it immensely.

Caitlynn J. Gabrie, To Stand with Angels

Title: To Stand with Angels

Author: Caitlynn J. Gabriel

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Sub-Genre: Horror/Western

Keywords: angels, demons

Word Count: 112,000 words

Page Count: 315

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-61572-093-4

ISBN For Print: 978-1-61572-094-1

Publisher: Eternal Press

Buy-Link: http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615720934

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Tagline: For seven years she’s fought her demons, but now a stranger has arrived and the real battle is about to begin…

Blurb/Summary:

In the wild Wyoming Territory, controlled by an evil cattle baron and his outlaw’s guns, one woman is hiding from her horrific crime and one man is seeking revenge. But when a deadly stranger comes to town, Evil takes on a terrifying new face. Now hiding is no longer an option and a revolver cannot kill the supernatural presence that is waiting in the dark city to claim the souls of those foolish enough to stand against it....

Review:

To Stand with Angels is an engaging paranormal tale set in the old west. The story is well developed and the scenes quite believable. I enjoyed the evolution of the characters from simple western farm folk into angelic soldiers in an apocalyptic war.

The character of Moriana, who is first seen as an abused woman in hiding, evolves throughout the story into something almost more than human. While that of Bradyn, begins as a murdering drifter, and becomes the world’s savior.

This is a story that while paranormal in nature, is more about the growth of the human spirit. Good verses evil, and redemption is possible in Caitlynn J. Gabriel’s story. While To Stand with Angels does wrap up rather abruptly, it finishes with an incomplete sentence which points towards the future continuation of this diverting tale.

Eric S Brown, How the West Went to Hell

Title: How the West Went to Hell

Author: Eric S Brown

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Horror

Sub-Genre: Western

Keywords: Demons, Wild West

Page Count: 120

ISBN For Print: 978-1617060120

Publisher: Pill Hill Press

Buy-Link: http://www.amazon.com/West-Went-Hell-Eric-Brown/dp/1617060127/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

Eric S Brown, horror author extraordinaire, takes readers on an Old West adventure of epic proportions. A bookish editor travels to Reaper's Valley, a small town set in the Wild West, to finish the macabre manuscript of a recently-deceased novelist. He arrives by stagecoach, where he is introduced to a classic bevy of characters who will join in the fight against the yellow-eyed demon bodysnatchers overtaking Reaper's Valley. A gun-toting, six-gun blazing tip of the hat to both the horror and Western genres.

Review:

How the West Went to Hell was a wonderfully gruesome tale from the very start. I enjoyed everything about it from the quaint western font beginning each chapter, to its amusing zombie like cowboy cover. The story begins with a prologue a year before describing a demonic possession but leaves the reader in doubt as to whether the correct action was taken.

A year later, we jump to an innocent group of individuals traveling west in a stage coach. Here we hear a “campfire” type tale of horror told by a writer/editor to the coach’s occupants. The editor is headed west to research and complete an unfinished story from another author who was found murdered, possibly ritualistically. From there, the tale continuously gains steam and takes the reader on a horrific journey into realms of horror.

This is an excellent example of a fireside tale brought to life and fleshed out. While not for the faint of heart, Eric S. Brown has created a tale worth reading for fans of the more noir genres.

Louise Crawford, What Lies Beneath

Title: What Lies Beneath

Author: Louise Crawford

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN E-Book:978-1-60394-429-8

Publisher: New Concepts Publishing

Buy-Link: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/louisecrawfordbooks.html

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

Robert Damien has never seen a mermaid and when he does she's a red-haired siren wearing a face mask. Is he hallucinating? You bet!

Suffering from nitrogen narcosis, he's losing consciousness when the ‘mermaid’ appears and pulls him to the safety of Goliath, an underwater habitat which Rob financed for Global Institute of Oceanography so that he could secretly dive for treasure from the Santa Marta, a Spanish ship which reportedly sank off the coast of Catalina Island.

Like the proverbial mermaid, his saviour disappears back into the sea.

When a red-haired vixen appears at the Millionaires' Costume Ball, Rob discovers she's the mermaid.

Gelsey Roarke can hardly believe the scuba diver she saved is the infamous Robert Damien, a millionaire who has a reputation as a love 'em then leave 'em ladies' man. Gelsey figures out he's the treasure-seeking playboy who practically stole her half-sister's company, then dumped her. So Gelsey decides to play along with Rob's seduction, to enjoy him, then recover the precious Spanish gold for herself and teach him the lesson of a lifetime. But it’s a lesson that two can play

Review:

What Lies Beneath by Louise Crawford is a fun-filled romance novel. It is a little bit adventure with some intrigue and fairy tale type romance dashed on top. The story was well written, the editing flowed nicely from beginning to conclusion.

As the story progresses, you learn what drives the characters has previously influenced their personalities. All is not as it previously appeared once the villains come clean.

This was a story that you won’t wish to put down. The characters will make you smile and possibly cry as you proceed with them on their journey from pride, to understanding and finally to love. What Lies Beneath is exciting mixture of romance and adventure that is sure to please. This story is well worth the read.

Karen Dales, Book One of the Chosen, Includes Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen

Title: Angel of Death; Book One of the Chosen, Includes Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen

Author: Karen Dales

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Horror

Keywords: Vampire

Page Count: 580

ISBN For Print: 978-0-9811965-0-3

Publisher: Dark Dragon Publications

Buy-Link: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Death-Book-One-Chosen/dp/0981196500/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245983847&sr=8-1

Website: http://www.thechosenchronicles.com

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Tagline:

The Vampires of London are being murdered and only the Angel of Death can save them

Blurb/Summary:

When Father Paul Notus is captured and threatened with a gruesome death by the Mistress of London and her vampires, the Angel is forced into a dark world of murder and deception to discover who is killing the Vampires of Britain.

Forced into a partnership with the Noble Fernando de Sagres, a vampire of sadistic tastes, and joined by the beautiful and mortal Jeanie Stuart, the Angel seeks out who is behind these killings.

Plagued by demons from his past and his increasing affections for Jeanie, the Angel walks a fine line between his heart and his fears. He discovers the culprits but at a high cost – the irrevocable discovery of what he truly is and the Destruction of one he loves.

Bio:

Karen Dales is the Author of The Chosen Chronicles. Writing fiction from an early age she went on to complete York University’s creative writing program. She has been published in numerous periodicals and has been interviewed by The Toronto Star and The National Post. Karen is married, has one son, and two cats. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Currently she is at work writing the next novel in the series, Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen.

Review:

Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen by Karen Dales was by far one of the best stories by a new and upcoming writer that I have read. I cannot wait for the sequel, and wish that I were able to continue the series right now.

The Angel’s story will bring you to tears. Unlike other currently popular angsty vampires, Gwyn’s turmoil and pain has nothing to do with the morality of dining upon humans, a re-occurring theme which is becoming over-used.

Like a breath of fresh air, Gwyn’s problems arise from the fact that he is a nearly seven foot tall albino, born into a medieval world completely unequipped to deal with such an individual. He also is not exactly a vampire, and may not have been entirely human before his conversion.

While he was never accepted among the medieval humans, and suffered torture which today’s population can scarcely imagine, he is also not accepted among the chosen.

The chosen fear that he is tainted, and believe he should be destroyed, like an animal. The Angel, is not even allowed love over the millennia that he is forced to endure.

While there is humour in The Angel of Death, this is a story of humanity’s failings. The one person that constantly shows true humanity in the face of 1000 years of abuse, is the one individual that may not in fact have ever been fully human.

This tale was wonderfully written. Every character has a complete and utterly unique personality. Various readers will be able to relate to someone within this story. While there were a couple of small editing errors, nothing could possibly take away from this story.

The Angel of Death will make you smile, and it will cause your heart to break. Very few stories are the equal to this tale. When you read this story, have a box of tissues handy. Ms. Dales I am trying to await the next instalment patiently, and it is not working out so well.

KUDOS!!

Anne Patrick, Ties That Bind

Title: Ties That Bind

Author: Anne Patrick

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sub-Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Keywords: Paranormal

Page Count:270 pages

ISBN E-Book:978-1-58749-732-2

Publisher: Awe-Struck Publishing

Buy-Link (If available):http://www.awe-struck.net/books/ties_that_bind.html

Reviewer: Rhonda J Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

FBI profiler, Jo McDaniels has an unusual gift. As with most
profilers, they are able to take the evidence, background of the victims
and crime scene photos and reenact in their minds what took place between
the killer and the victim. But what if there are no crime scenes and the
victims have been decapitated in order to hide their identity? This is
where Jo's unusual gift comes into play. Unlike most profilers in her
field, she is able to go a step further. Using her psychic ability she is
able to sense exactly what victims felt prior to their death. Her ability
allows her to get to know the victims better than anyone else. She not
only feels their emotions; she feels their pain.

Sheriff Austin Garrett doesn't quite know what to think of the sassy and
beautiful profiler that is able to tell him more about the victim after a
few minutes with her than the coroner knows. But he's willing to try
anything to catch the serial killer plaguing his community. In all his
years in law enforcement, nothing has prepared him for the monster he is
up against now. A killer so cruel and calculating that it leaves him no
choice but to turn to Jo and her unique gift.

Jo knows the risk she's taking by using her psychic abilities. The last
time she relied on it, it almost cost her career as well as her sanity. As
the case progresses and the body count rises they soon realize that Jo's
sanity isn't all that is at risk. She has become the killer's ultimate
kill.

Review:

Ties that Bind by Anne Patrick is a forensic mystery. A serial killer is on the loose, and psychological profiler is brought in to aid the local small town sheriff. The profiler happens to be a long-lost town local that is on the outs with her family. She also has some psychic abilities which she utilizes in the completion of her cases.

As a forensic mystery, for me, this one was not hard to solve. I had it solved correctly the moment the character was introduced and described. I did have to wait until nearly the end to be sure, but I was correct. There were not a lot of possibilities to confuse the reader.

The book itself read well and well edited. The story flowed nicely, and the two main characters also were nicely filled out. Even the cover looked good on this book.

However, the story contained an on-going under theme pro-Christian in origin to the telling of the tale. At first this was not detrimental to the story, but as the reader nears it’s end, it increases in frequency. Ties That Bind is an eminently readable short crime mystery.