Review: Nefertiti`s Heart by A.W. Exley (Artifact Hunters #1)

 

Nefertiti's Heart (Artifact Hunters #1)

by A.W. Exley (Goodreads Author)

Cara Devon has always suffered curiosity and impetuousness, but tangling with a serial killer might cure that. Permanently.

London, 1861. Impoverished noble Cara has a simple mission after the strange death of her father - sell off his damned collection of priceless artifacts. Her plan goes awry when aristocratic beauties start dying of broken hearts, an eight inch long brass key hammered through their chests. A killer hunts amongst the nobility, searching for a regal beauty and an ancient Egyptian relic rumored to hold the key to immortality.

Her Majesty's Enforcers are in pursuit of the murderer and they see a connection between the gruesome deaths and Cara. So does she, somewhere in London her father hid Nefertiti's Heart, a fist sized diamond with strange mechanical workings. Adding further complication to her life, notorious crime lord, Viscount Nathaniel Lyons is relentless in his desire to lay his hands on Cara and the priceless artifact. If only she could figure out his motive.

Self-preservation fuels Cara's search for the gem. In a society where everyone wears a mask to hide their true intent, she needs to figure out who to trust, before she makes a fatal mistake.

When I first started reading, and by this I mean actually getting into books and appreciating them, when I was young, all I wanted to read was mystery books. I was introduced into this wonderful world by The Hardy Boys Mysteries. After a while, I kinda grew bored of the genre because its basically the same.

This book, Nefertiti`s Heart, OMG, did I enjoy it. This book reminded me of why I LOVED mystery novels to begin with. Neferititi`s Heart is not your ordinary mystery novel. It full of one hellfire cat, a devilishly handsome pursuer, pirates, steampunk, murder, and a mystery that you just wont figure out until the end. Unless of course you do what I accidentally did and pick up the book and see words and say "OMG I must read!" and accidentally give the ending away. But still, even when I read it from cover to cover, its a very solid mystery.

Another thing I loved about this book -- the mythology. Of sorts. While I find it odd that basic Egyptian mythology and legends found their way to Britain, I will say its pretty cool. I always enjoy learning new things about other countries, and Egyptian things are quickly becoming some of my favorite. Scotland, however, you will always hold the number one spot in my heart.

The secondary characters were amazing. They werent some boring, drab fillers. They each had spunk and I adored reading about them. I wish that there were small secondary stories about them.

I finished the book in about two days, so it was a pretty fast read. I didn't want to put it down. And lemme tell you, the ending is near about perfect. Not too much, not too little, and THANK YOU for not putting a cliffhanger!

I absolutely suggest this book to anyone who loves steampunk, or mystery, or even both! Its a perfect combination, and add in all the other elements -- Egyptian history/ mythology, sexy rouges, strong lead character, and steamy romance-- its honestly a perfect fit for any book lover. I'm glad I chose to read these books.

Also, a note to the romance -- this book is mainly suggested to a more mature audience due to sexual content.

I received a print book in exchange for an honest review. It in no way swayed my opinion. The author is just that good.

Review: Hatshepsut`s Collar by A.W. Exley (Artifact Hunters #2)

 

Hatshepsut's Collar (Artifact Hunters #2)

by A.W. Exley (Goodreads Author)

"Loving you is easy, it's living with you that's killing me."

An ancient Egyptian artifact is driving Queen Victoria insane, and that's not top of Cara Devon's growing list of problems.

Viscount Nathaniel Lyons is a man of numerous secrets, but there is one in particular that threatens his fledgling relationship with Cara. Stunned by Nate's revelation, and before she can absorb the ramifications of his actions, he is arrested, charged with treason and imprisoned in the grim Tower of London. He stole something the mad queen wants, and only has days to deliver, before his date with the executioner.

Although sorely tempted, Cara can't let him die on Tower Green, not when their connection means she would share his fate.

Only together can Cara and Nate figure out how to wrestle Hatshepsut's Collar from around the queen's neck, before she plunges Britain into a world war. The search for answers sends Cara to the opulent Winter Palace of St Petersburg and the frozen depths of Siberia, with every step shadowed by an enemy with his own dark plans.

Let me start off by saying that I was very  nervous to start this book. In past experiences, authors like to screw with people and mess up the main character`s relationship in the second book. I dunno why, they just do. I read the back of the book and a foreboding feeling came over me when I read that a secret Nate has been keeping will threaten his and Cara`s relationship.

Seriously? But I will admit, it wasnt that bad. Actually added a little bit of juicy drama to it.

And this book had plenty of drama.

While there really isnt a mystery to solve in this book, there is plenty more steampunk and even a dash of fantasy. Instead of them racing against time to find a killer, their racing to save on of their own from being killed - for treason.

This book made me wish I was more familiar with England`s history. Man, things are bloodthirsty. More Egyptian mythology and history is added, and these pages bring more lands than just same old England.

I cant say if this book was better than the first. I guess, in my opinion, they were both equally fantastic! I cant wait for the third book -- Im totally hooked on this series.

Again, those secondary characters I really loved are present as some point, and they only enhanced the book even more! I was looking for any betrayal among friends, and was poised on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. You will have to read the book to find out why I was so excited and turned the pages as fast as I could. Again, as with the first one, I had a hard time putting this book down. 

So, in fear of accidentally ruining this story in my excitement, there really isn't more to say. Its just one endless book of excitement, passion, betrayal and fantasy. 

I recommend this series to anyone who wants to try something new, or if you really like steampunk or Egypt or even English history. Its amazing, and you should check it out!

Promo and Giveaway: The Artifact Hunters series by A.W Exley

I'm excited to be hosting a stop for the Artifact Hunters tour that features Nefertiti's Heart and Hatshepsut's Collar by A.W. Exley.   This series is new adult / Mystery / Steampunk, recommended for ages 16+ (there's some mature content). The tour runs March 3-14th.  Check out the tour page for the full list of tour stops.

Review: The Sinner`s Garden by William Sirls

The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has everything! Murder, mystery, hope, forgiveness, a little bit of romance, and of course, faith.
I have never read a christian book that I am aware of. I always felt that they "preached" too much. But The Sinner`s Garden was amazing. It wasn't like any other christian book I have read. It was funny, sad, and like I mentioned above, had plenty of mystery in it. It doesn't follow one exact character, but a whole handful that are lost to God and I loved watching them grow.

Review: Chosen by Heather Fleener (Ancients of Light #1)

Chosen (Ancients of Light #1)

by Heather Fleener (Goodreads Author)

In the beginning...there were Vampire

Man’s fall from grace sparked the birth of the Dark creatures from the underworld. To counter the explicit threat to mankind, divinely-created immortals were brought forth. The Witch encompassed seven Castes of power; their magic was most effective against the nefarious agenda pursued by the evil ones.

She is Chosen...
Kaitriana’s gift of magic is unrivaled. A descendant of the most powerful Ancient in existence, her birth was foretold ages before her time. Destined to lead the Witch faction, she is betrayed by her own kind, destroying her birthright and all hope of delivering the Realm from the sinister shadow of the Ancient Dark.

He is the Key...
Lorcan is a mighty warlord in the Vampire species. His animosity towards the magical immortals is personal - his mother was their Queen. Having long since severed all ties with his former kin, his existence remains plagued by the repercussions of her treachery and a secret that threatens to be his downfall.

They are the Prophecy...
An arcane prophecy from the time of the Ancients proclaims that only two in all of creation can bring peace to the Realm. When Kaitriana miraculously appears seeking his protection, Lorcan must forsake his duty and disregard the dictates of his breed to shelter the female. Together they must combat the Ancient Dark and surmount the forces within their own factions that would oppose the Prophecy. Their fates have always been entwined and only when joined can they triumph over a blood feud that has shadowed the Light for millennia.

Let me just say, that I rate this book more of a 3.5. Its an interesting concept, and I will admit that there were factors in it that made me not want to put it down, but there were a whole lot of things that made me want to put it down at the same time.

Let me start by saying that the world is fresh and new, and I enjoyed sitting down and reading something different and unlike the worlds that occupy plenty of the books today. Thats why I read fantasy and paranormal genres. They offer something  that contemporary books don't.

Now, onto the characters. OMG, I swear I have a love hate relationship with Kat. Not even joking, and Im not even sure that healthy for a  book reader. Until about the middle of the book, I really liked her. She had spunk and wit and she was badass. But then she constantly put her foot in her mouth and made a fool of herself and it was emberrassing to read through that.

Lorcan, while I understand some of his issues... I just didnt like him. And I didn't like the pairing. They didn't fit. It was like trying to fit a square block into a circle hole -- you know those toys babies play with? Thats what Im trying to compare it to.

But I still pushed through the book. I mean, aside from the characters really pissing me off and being annoyed that in the middle of the book there is a plot twist that really confuses to story and is not needed and made the book unnecessarily long, I enjoyed this book. I might even read the rest of the series, just to see what happens.

And thats why its not a one star, two stars, or even just simply a three stars review. Its because Heather Fleener managed to catch my attention and make me want more. Luckly, I believe that the next book has two differnt main charcters, so maybe it was just a fluke that I didnt really like the two main characters of this one. All I can say is wait and see.

But don't let me dissuade you from reading this book. Everyone has their own opinions about characters and plots and who knows -- it could be your next favorite book! So, if you like plot twists, vampires, witches, and (of course) that power struggle between good and evil, check out the book!

Review: A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid

A Miracle of Hope (The Amish Wonders #1)

by Ruth Reid

How far can God's mercy reach?

Lindie Wyse is pregnant out of wedlock and thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve her future. Josiah Plank is certain he'll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined.

Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes Hannah's special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building. Will their growing love survive despite their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?

 

Review: Rome by Jay Crownover

Rome (Marked Men #3)by Jay Crownover (Goodreads Author)Sometimes the wrong choice can be just right . . .
Fun and fearless, Cora Lewis knows how to keep her tattooed "bad boy" friends at the Marked in line. But beneath all that flash and sass is a broken heart. Cora won't let herself get burned again. She's waiting to fall in love with the perfect man—a baggage-free, drama-free guy ready for commitment. Then she meets Rome Archer. 

Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He's stubborn, rigid, and bossy. And he's returned from his final tour of duty more than a little broken. Rome's used to filling many roles: big brother, doting son, supersoldier—but none of those fit anymore. Now he's just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the dark demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer through it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes a blinding flash of color in a sea of gray.Perfect may not be in the cards, but perfectly imperfect could just last forever . . 

Spotlight and Review: Whitney by Celia Kye (Alpha Marked #3)

Whitney (Alpha Marked #3)

by Celia Kyle (Goodreads Author)

Thirty and single? Well, getcha ass to the Gathering!

Whitney Wickham is at the darned annual werewolf Gathering all right. Only there's one problem: she doesn't belong there. Her sisters carry the Mark indicating they'll mate an Alpha Pair of wolves, while Whitney does not have that lovely, swirling scar. She's been hauled half way around the world to be stared at, and not-so-covertly sniffed, for no reason. Unfortunately the gorgeous, drool worthy, magic-mojo-wielding Wardens don't know why she's been summoned to the Gathering any more than she does. Which sucks. But at least they're hot.

Emmett Greene and Levy Walters are Wardens--keepers of the law and embodiment of the magic of the werewolves. They can never mate, never marry, and never form a lasting romantic relationship. It's a hard and fast law that keeps their powers pure of outside influence.

Rules are going to be broken.

One look at Whitney, one hint of her scent, and they realize their immovable laws might have to jiggle. She's got luscious curves, a wicked smile, and a mouth that would make a thousand men weep. No matter the rules, their inner wolves will claim her. The only things standing in their way are the Elder Wardens who will do anything... anything... to keep Emmett and Levy from discovering the truth: the laws are wrong. And being with Whitney Wickham is so very, very right.

I never really read the first book, but I did read the second one. I must say, I was more interested in the plot of this book than I was of the last one. It was very interesting.
The men are, of course, typical scary males and I didnt really get a shocker on their part. Whitney, however, I really, really liked. I didnt expect her humor. I liked reading about her character.

The story quickly picks up and becomes really smexy. It also takes a turn for the deadly, and the whys of that is not something that I am familiar of reading about. I was pleased with how this book panned out. I was not, however, satisfied with the ending. I felt it did nothing to really wrap up with the romance and just left a big gaping hole in the plot.
 

Guest Post: Author of Immortal Revenge, Mary Abshire

Small Town Setting

My book, Immortal Revenge, is about a human woman, Katie, who loses her immortal lover and home. She wants revenge, but there is much more to the story. As she seeks her goal, she learns she is part of a legacy. Naturally, she doesn't believe it.

When selecting a location for a home for Kyle and Katie, I needed a place close to big cities but not too small. Have you ever heard of the town of Mishawaka? It’s a real city in Northern Indiana, not far from South Bend. Chicago is due west and Michigan is North. Mishawaka is far enough away to hide the presence of vampire trouble for a while. However, the town is close enough to a city where the world COULD find out.

Although I haven’t visited the town, I imagined it having your typical establishments. It has the basic restaurants, fast food joints, bars and stores in town. Outside, you have farms. It’s Midwest America, so the farming community is going to be big, but not overly big. Mishawaka is very modern and not a hick town. In other words, thousands of people live there, not hundreds.

As I mentioned, the town is real. But some of the places in and out of Mishawaka are fiction. For example, I created a popular bar where my protagonist, Katie, and her best friend, Jules, work. The bar’s name: Tasmanian Devil. I also created an orchard outside of town. As I continue the series, I may create a few more establishments. After all, there has to be a roller-skating rink for Jules. (She loves her 70's disco and roller-skating.)

The events take place in modern day and the existence of vampires is a secret. Katie is one of few humans to know about them and their past. Riker, Kyle's long time friend, is a vamp who helps Katie, but he's more of a supporting character. The few other vamps are the villains.

Immortal Revenge is not a typical vampire novel, in my opinion. The novel and series is more about Katie, who is human, and her journey. The series is urban fantasy and is filled with action, violence, suspense, language and humor. Yes, humor.

If you’re curious to learn more about Katie Dillinger and her challenges in a small mid-west town, I encourage you to check out Immortal Revenge.

Immortal Revenge (The Legacy #1)

by Mary Abshire (Goodreads Author)

Vengeance comes with a price.

The Legacy, #1

Grief stricken Katie Dillinger is on a mission to claim revenge for the death of her lover. In a race against time to find the murderer, Katie reaches out to Riker, a man listed as her boyfriend’s emergency contact. The cold-hearted man comes to Katie’s aid, but she doesn’t completely trust him. To keep her friends safe, she insists they leave town immediately. But her efforts come too late. A friend disappears and a clear message is left in the wake: surrender or more people will die.

Katie’s world is turned upside down when she discovers Riker has vowed to protect her. She’s involved in a prophecy, one which her lover had been preparing her for before his murder. All the combat training he gave her suddenly makes sense, and as Katie fights to keep her friends alive, she’s forced to prioritize. Revenge now, saving mankind next.

CONTENT WARNING: Violence, Language

Review: Sugar and Salt by Pavarti K. Tyler

Sugar & Salt: A Sugar House Novella (Sugar House Novella Series)

by Pavarti K. Tyler (Goodreads Author)

This first of the erotic romance series of Sugar House Novellas is coming December 2, 2013.

After over a decade working in the sex industry, Janice Cane retains no illusions about the nature of relationships. Everyone lies and everyone wants something. Still, a part of her longs for a connection.

Review: Jet by Jay Crownover

 

Jet (Marked Men #2)

Jay Crownover (Goodreads Author)

With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl’s rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn’t want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet’s dark, haunted eyes. She’s afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire.

Jet can’t resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he’s tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships.

Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?

Ok, I'm just going to start out by saying that I was scrolling through the reviews on goodreads. People were giving low ratings because... and here is  what got me... they didn't like the female lead, Ayden. Here is my response to that. Seriously, people? Ok, so she annoyed you. I bet you annoy yourself too. I gave this book a five star rating mostly because of the trials and the drama that Ayden and Jet went through because Ayden was... well, Ayden.

Here is a little background, without spoilers. Shes trailer trash, put simply. She doesn't want to be that anymore, so she struggles to find what she and everyone else expects to be a solid future, and men are included. Jet is a rock star and not stable, but despite the little gnat in her ear whispering that she would only get hurt being with him, she goes for it.

One other thing that confused me was that they also blamed her for completely pushing Jet away. Uh, hello, Jet has his own problems. Hes a playboy, and just like in Rule, that has its effects. Add in the fact that he feels the same way that Ayden does -- that he isnt stable for her -- and you have DRAMA!

Im more of a paranormal romance fan. I dont know why, but it might have something to do with the fact that its just filled with less real life drama (dont ask how I came to that conclusion), but Jay Crownover has a way of sucking me into her stories and not letting me go. And I know Rome is going to be just as good, if not BETTER. I cant wait to get my hands on that book, and I am so glad that I agreed to read these books.

I love these marked men. Jet was an interesting character. While he wasnt as "scarred" as Rule, he did have his own problems and I loved watching him grow and learn to let go and step back and take his own happiness. I thought that Ayden was one of the strongest people in the book. She amazed me time and time again, and it was fun watching her learn to love not only Jet but her old past and to embrace her scars and to learn that the only thing that defined her was her present.

I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. I also could not put it down. This series should come with a warning of sleep depravity because these men are hot, the women are strong, and the love is SIZZLING. I recommend this to ANYONE who loved haunted tattooed guys and steamy, complicated romances. Hurry to the nearest store and pick it up!
PS. You should pick up the first book, Rule, before reading this one, if you haven't. You could possibly read it as a stand alone, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Promo and Excerpt: Shattered Silence by Ron C. Nieto (Ghostly Rhapsody #2)

 

Review: Rule by Jay Crownover (Marked Men #1)

 

Rule (Marked Men #1)

by Jay Crownover (Goodreads Author)

Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight--A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want--and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen.

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess-and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw-even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is.

But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails, and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love . . . or each other.

~Review~

Review and Giveaway: Daughter of Isis by Kelsey Ketch (Descendants of Isis #1)

Character Inverview: Protector of the Flame by Isis Rushdan

Character Interview: Meet Cyrus
The covers for my paranormal romance series, the Kindred Chronicles, feature the heroine, Serenity. However, there’s no love story without a sinfully handsome hero who has oodles of charisma. I’ll let Cyrus take it away from here so readers can get to know him better.

Spotlight and Giveaway: Red Hot Dragon by Lolita Lopez (Dragon Heat #2)

Spotlight and Giveaway: Sanctuary by Pauline Creeden

Sanctuary

By: Pauline Creeden

Blurb

In a heart-racing thriller described as Falling Skies meets The Walking Dead, Jennie struggles to find a safe place for what’s left of her family. But it seems as though there is no place sacred, no place secure. First the aliens attacked the sun, making it dimmer, weaker, and half what it used to be. Then they attacked the water supply, killing one-third of Earth’s population with a bitter contaminate. And when they unleash a new terror on humankind, the victims will wish for death, but will not find it…

When the world shatters to pieces around her, will Jennie find the strength she needs to keep going?

Buy Links

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/349503

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18222654-sanctuary

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/08/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for.html

Trailer: http://youtu.be/tVQNvPzk3rc

Author Info

Pauline Creeden is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy. In her fiction, she creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.

Website: http://paulinecreeden.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/paulinecreeden

Twitter: @P_Creeden

~ Giveaway~

Guest Post: Author of Crimson Dahlia (Book #3 of the Svatura Series), Abigail Owen

 My Writing Space:

As part of this blog tour I’ve done a few interviews. I find that one of the common questions authors get asked is where we do our writing and what our writing time looks like. So I thought it might be fun to share my writing space with you.

I am a working mom. So almost all of my writing happens at night after the kids are in bed and I’ve wrapped up anything for work that needs doing. My favorite place to work on my books is in my bedroom. I usually set up on my bed. We’ve had our furniture and bedding since we got married and I still love it. Our room feels cozy to me and is one of my favorite spaces in the house.

Guest Post and Excerpt: Author of For Love or Vengeance, Caridad Piñeiro

Many thanks for letting me visit with you today!  Since we’re at Celestial Reviews, it only makes sense to talk about the very celestial heroine in my latest paranormal romantic suspense, FOR LOVE OR VENGEANCE.

Helene Alexander isn’t your ordinary FBI Agent.  She’s Nemesis, the Goddess of Vengeance.  She’s got daddy issues and she’s filled with darkness.  She’s also made a deal she doesn’t really understand and which may result in her not only losing her powers, but her life.

Interview and Giveaway for the author of Rising Wind, Ken Floro III

1.    Where did your interest in writing come from?

I think I’ve always had the storytelling impulse, that drive to share ideas and experiences. Writing was a medium I could access and where I could control and shape the things I wanted to express, so that’s where I committed my creative efforts.

2. Do you have a "ritual" you do before you write?

Honestly, no. I wait for inspiration and then do my best to heed the creative call when it flutters down from the Muses.