Carries Book Reviews

The Dead Seekers by Barb Hendee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mari Kaleja has spent her life seeking revenge on whatever creature had killed her entire family when she was only ten years old. Having watched the attack and being the only survivor Mari had been pushed away and told she was cursed so revenge is the only thing she ever focused on since the incident in the woods. Mari has heard tales of the Dead’s Man and has followed the path to his doorstep seeking her revenge but before she kills him she must know for sure that he is the one that stole her family’s lives.

Tris Vishal is the one who is known as the Dead’s Man. He was born stillborn but regained life only to grow up knowing there was something completely different about him. Tris has the ability to control and vanish ghosts that have a hold still on this plain so he has put his abilities to use traveling from village to village helping those in need. When Tris meets Mari he asks her to accompany him on his latest task but he can see the hatred in her eyes and only wonders why.

The Dead Seekers is the first book in a new series but it is set in the world from the authors previous series the Noble Dead saga. I have not read the other series myself but one of my biggest concerns with this read was the lack of world building in the story so perhaps it would have helped to read the other books. This story however is different in the fact that those contain vampires and Tris has the ability of controlling the dead so they don’t seem connected otherwise.

Other than the world building I was also left with wanting more of an explanation to Tris and his abilities in the story. We do get to slowly know more about Tris and his upbringing and how he came to do what he does currently in the story but there was still more explanation that could have taken place to understand who or what he is. However, Tris himself does not really know about his powers so I think this is why there isn’t a better explanation.

Overall, not too bad of a start to the new series, I would be interested to see what happens with Mari and Tris in the later books after the ending of this one.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Little Heaven by Nick Cutter

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

DNF @ 45%

Official Synopsis: An all-new epic tale of terror and redemption set in the hinterlands of midcentury New Mexico from the acclaimed author of The Troop—which Stephen King raved “scared the hell out of me and I couldn’t put it down…old-school horror at its best.”

From electrifying horror author Nick Cutter comes a haunting new novel, reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian and Stephen King’s It, in which a trio of mismatched mercenaries is hired by a young woman for a deceptively simple task: check in on her nephew, who may have been taken against his will to a remote New Mexico backwoods settlement called Little Heaven. Shortly after they arrive, things begin to turn ominous. Stirrings in the woods and over the treetops—the brooding shape of a monolith known as the Black Rock casts its terrible pall. Paranoia and distrust grips the settlement. The escape routes are gradually cut off as events spiral towards madness. Hell—or the closest thing to it—invades Little Heaven. The remaining occupants are forced to take a stand and fight back, but whatever has cast its dark eye on Little Heaven is now marshaling its powers…and it wants them all.

Unfortunately Little Heaven turned out to be just not a book for me. This one gets off to an incredibly slow start that I had to force myself to continue reading. The actual plot described in the synopsis really doesn’t even start until 25-30% into the book with the beginning of the story being sort of a mashed up type of character building that I kept struggling to make sense of.

By the time the actual plot that I thought I was getting with this read began it really was just unfortunately too little too late to pull me into this book. The pace did pick up a bit but there were still random thoughts/remembrances the characters have that continued to make it drag to me. Those that are fans of the gory and gruesome may be entertained though but with not being connected to the story or characters I felt I was just continuing to read only to gross myself out. There are some disturbing things already happening in the first half of this so I can only imagine how it would turn out but after a couple of days of picking it up and putting it down I think it’s time to move on for me.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Catwalk, Dream
S.Q. Orpin
(Catwalk, #1)
Publication date: January 7th 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

In a world of glitz, glamour, and excess, sizzling hot Casi Roberts is the reigning queen. Swimsuit model by day and club girl by night, 29 year old Casi thrives in the LA culture, on the arm of her celebrity boyfriend, Alix Grey. Documenting her charmed life on social media, Casi has mastered the art of hiding her insecurities in a world obsessed with youth and beauty.

Ruggedly handsome, blue-eyed, Kyle Jensen has built an enviable life in Blackberry Falls, WA. When Casi walks into his life, Kyle’s carefully crafted lifestyle begins to unravel, igniting a passion in him that is electrifying. Captivated by her beauty and seduced by her provocative nature, Kyle is left reeling from their chance encounter.

As Casi’s life implodes after a tragic accident, she finds solace in a passionate relationship with Kyle, but the temptation of the glamorous lifestyle she has been living and the pressures of her career, threaten to shatter that dream.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Kyle was kneeling beside the redwood bar, which had been recently added to enhance the terrace for the residents. He had his iPod earphones in, and she could hear the faint throng of heavy metal music. He didn’t hear her approach, and she took a minute to admire him as he leaned forward to secure a hinge. A smile crossed her lips as she strode to the bar and placed the wine bottle down. Having been caught unaware, he sat back on his heels, kneeling before her, slowly removing the earphones. He looked at her with distrust, his sea-blue eyes lingering over her bare legs in the short dress. He looked as if her actions confused him, and he was unsure what to make of the situation.

“Peace offering,” she said, glad her words and tone, for once, were not that of a stunted third-grader.

She gave him a bright smile, but he narrowed his eyes and said, “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m not interested in your scam.”

Ouch, well that was well deserved. “I’m not sure what came over me the other day, and I apologize for what happened afterward. If you got to know me, you’d see I’m a much better person than that.” She extended her hand and said confidently, “I’m Casi Roberts. I’m twenty-nine, and I’ve been a model since I was seventeen. I live in one of the third-floor apartments with my boyfriend, Alix Grey, a well-known artist. I should be at his reception, but I felt like I should formally introduce myself.”

A smile reached his eyes, as he looked her over. He rose slowly and took her extended hand, leaning against the bar. “Hello, Casi Roberts. I’m Kyle Jensen, from Blackberry Falls, Washington. I’m thirty-three, and obviously, a custom woodworker. Do you come here often?” He gave a slight laugh at his pickup line.

“Only when I need to apologize for my bad behavior, so pretty much every Tuesday,” she joked back, shaking his hand, aroused by its strength and roughness.

He reached past her for the bottle of wine, and she could feel the electricity between them all the way to her toes. “Nice choice. Do you have a wine opener?” he asked.

“Damn it! I’ll be right back,” she said, as she ran down the stairs to her apartment.

Kyle shook his head and took out his phone, quickly sending a text to his brother. “The gorgeous woman who kissed me the other day, just came up to the roof where I’m working and brought a bottle of wine?”

Jake texted back, “She probably put a date-rape drug in it. Get out of there!”

Grabbing the wine opener, Casi glanced at her reflection in the mirror over the bar. “What the hell are you doing?” she asked the fresh-faced girl, staring back at her. She didn’t know what was about to happen, but for once she felt like living in the moment.

She hopped back up the stairs and handed him the wine opener. He kept his eyes on her, as he opened the bottle and filled the glasses. He took a sip of wine and said, “I’m not sure what you’re aiming for, but it’s not the first time I’ve heard mention of a boyfriend. You’re a beautiful woman, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to grab you and throw you down on the chaise and get to know you intimately. I have two weeks left on this job, and then I’m headed home. I don’t need the distraction of a spoiled model.”

Wow! This guy cuts to the chase. Casi set down her wine glass and stepped toward him. “Two weeks?” She cocked her head as she ran her hand over his chest, and looked into his deep, blue eyes, and smiled seductively.

Kyle put a firm hand on her hip, and moved her back. “Little girl, you need to take your games elsewhere.”

She again stepped forward. “I’m not a little girl, and I’m not playing games.” She brought his head to meet her, kissing him gently. She could taste the wine on his lips as she parted his mouth with her tongue. He hesitated and searched her eyes, trying to figure out what she wanted. He returned her kiss and pulled her closer. He trailed down her neck, as he caressed her back. He kissed her more passionately, growing in intensity, as he brought his hands under her dress and over the lacy panties she had carefully chosen.

She ran her hands over his t-shirt, feeling the definition of his chest muscles and toned abs, slipping her hands under his shirt to feel the heat of his skin. Casi liked to express herself sexually, an intimacy between lovers, but there was something different about Kyle. This feeling was foreign to her, the loss of control and willingness to let her body take over. She moaned as he slid his hands further up her dress toward her breasts, and she began to unbutton his jeans. He placed his hand on top of hers, stopping her from going farther. What the hell? Why was he stopping? Was he playing a game now?

Kyle stepped back and refilled their wine glasses. She wasn’t sure how to react to his apparent rejection. He turned back to face her and handed her the glass. The silence was suffocating. “Is this what you want? A quickie on the rooftop? Then you go back to your boyfriend, and I pretend like nothing happened for the next two weeks, and return to my life in Washington?”

Casi realized she hadn’t thought it through; this wasn’t a movie, magically ending with happily ever after. It was real life, messy and awkward. “That’s not what I want,” she surprised herself with the statement. “I honestly came to apologize for what had happened, but somehow ended up in the same place. Although I’m sure the sex would be mind-blowing for fifteen minutes, you’re right, we both have lives to return to.”

“Fifteen minutes? You’re seriously underestimating me.”

She loved the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed. She kissed him on the cheek and said, “Goodbye, Kyle, I have an installation to attend. I’ll be seeing you around.”

She straightened her back, and walked down the stairs to her apartment, feeling his eyes following her. As she closed the door, she realized she had been holding her breath. She walked into the bedroom and pulled the cotton dress off, exchanging it for the black jersey, halter dress. Black liner, red lips, chignon, and she was out the door in ten minutes.

Author Bio:

Canadian-born author, Suzy Orpin, has always had a vivid imagination and keen desire to write. Suzy views the world through her own narrative, weaving in the fascinating challenges, triumphs, and lifestyles of the people she meets. As a professional culinary instructor in Berkeley, California, Suzy is also intrigued by the diverse culture around her. Having travelled extensively through the Pacific Northwest, Suzy is drawn to the rich history and landscape of the area.

The Catwalk Series was motivated by an accident which redefined the life of her model-niece, Sterling. Wanting to give a voice to additional characters, Suzy expanded the original book, Dream, into a six-part series. Dream focuses on the struggle to overcome challenges and build a new life. Hope picks up where Dream ends, continuing to tell the love story of Casi and Kyle and the challenges they face. Casi and Kyle are the main characters in Trust, as well, but other key characters become an intricate part of the story.

All of the books are written in an omniscient viewpoint to give the effect of watching a movie, and allowing the reader into the thoughts of the characters. The story delves into deep, and sometimes, dark subject matter, weaving in back story and intrigue. The complexity of the characters was crucial to the plot, spanning almost five years, and told throughout the six books.

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In the Dark
Jen Colly
(The Cities Below, #1)
Published by: Lyrical Press
Publication date: November 3rd 2014
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance

Demons have returned, a vengeful enemy waiting to strike. Soren and Faith must find a way to survive the evil and darkness.

Faith’s spur of the moment vacation, meant to free her and boost her spirits, has left her lost on the streets of Paris. And apparently, Paris is populated with something more than just humans. Vampires, suave, seductive and oh so sexy, and one such warrior vampire has set his sights on her.

When Soren hears Faith’s terrified screams, he rushes in and saves her life without considering the consequences. Two problems: one, she’s a human and clearly aware of his vampire qualities, and two, the men who attacked her were not men at all, but demons. Their target, his beloved underground city of Balinese. He can never let Faith go home again, but can she learn to love his people…love him?

Goodreads / Amazon

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Beneath the Night
Jen Colly
(The Cities Below, #3)
Published by: Lyrical Press
Publication date: April 25th 2017
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance

Sometimes survival means surrendering everything . . .

Lord Navarre Casteel wakes from a long sleep to find the vampire city he rules forever changed and his future in the hands of a mysterious beauty who offers her life

for his. Fiery-haired Cat survives his feeding, fueling Navarre’s body and mind—as well as his suspicion that she is one of the Forbidden—a lethal mix of vampire and human blood. Yet that doesn’t stop the throb of Navarre’s desire, the feeling that she is destined to be his mate, to hell with consequences. . . .

A solitary fighter sworn to protect the children in her charge, Cat never expects to feel so much for Navarre in the face of his savage feeding. Which is why his offer of protection is nearly her undoing. For how can she let down her guard when she has always walked alone? But Cat has never faced an enemy like the one she faces now, never felt such a powerful need to surrender to the force of love . . .

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Jen Colly is the rare case of an author who rebelled against reading assignments throughout her school years. Now she prefers reading books in a series, which has led her to writing her first paranormal romance series: The Cities Below. She will write about anything that catches her fancy, though truth be told, her weaknesses are pirates and vampires. She lives in Ohio with her supportive husband, two kids, one big fluffy dog, and four rescued cats.

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Scoring with Santa
Theresa Roemer
Publication date: December 20th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance, Sports

A career-driven mom. Houston’s most eligible heartthrob. The irresistible attraction could destroy both their careers.

Rick Morehouse doesn’t date single moms. As the former quarterback for the Houston Texans, he’s Houston’s most eligible bachelor. But after the heartache of abandonment by his own mother’s string of boyfriends, he never wants to hurt anyone’s kids that way. When he meets Brandy Love, the drop-dead gorgeous owner of Phenomenal Physiques, he’s totally taken by the confident career woman. It’s too bad she has kids.

Brandy Love doesn’t have room in her life for a relationship. Opening a chain of gyms and parenting her kids already takes more time than she has. But when Coach Charming drops in on her gym, she’s sorely tempted.

When vengeful columnist roasts Rick to bring down his team at the playoffs, Brandy must decide if he’s worth fighting for. But even if she can save him, will he accept her and her kids in his life?

Devour this sexy and sweet holiday page-turner today!

“Flaming hot sports romance with a dash of Desperate Housewives–Roemer and Rose truly delight!” ~USA Today Bestselling Author Lee Savino

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

He caught her wrist as she moved out of his personal space. He had fast reflexes for a guy who had just been struggling to keep his hands interlaced behind his back. “Don’t stop,” he murmured, flashing that megawatt smile again.

She forced a chuckle. “Hey, I charge a lot for private lessons. That’s all you get for a freebie.”

He threw his head back and laughed, a deep rumbling sound that warmed her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. “Well, how can I go about scheduling one of those privates?”

She looked away, stepping toward the door and forcing him to drop her wrist. “Ah, you know, check with the front desk,” she said vaguely with a laugh.

“Actually, I was hoping for your number.”

“I’m sure you were,” she said over her shoulder.

“Really? You’re just blowing me off, huh?”

She stopped and pivoted. He sounded dead sincere now, which surprised her. “Wow, yeah. About that…I’m, uh, not exactly dating right now.”

Even if I were, I’d stay way the hell away from a player like you.

Her smile wobbled. This shouldn’t be so hard.

He shoved his hands in the pockets of his gym shorts, which few men could pull off and still look manly. He nailed it. She realized with a stab of guilt he was trying to hide the bulge of his erection. “Sure, I get it. No problem.”

Had she actually hurt his feelings? Impossible. He was a player.

She hadn’t meant to be a tease. She ought to be spanked.

By him. Just before he took her hard from behind…

Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling Author Renee Rose is a naughty wordsmith who writes kinky BDSM and spanking romance novels. Named Eroticon USA’s Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won The Romance Reviews Best Historical, Sci-Fi and BDSM awards, Spanking Romance Reviews‘ Best Historical, Erotic, Ageplay and favorite author, and was a finalist for The BDSM Writer’s Con Golden Flogger award. She’s hit #1 on Amazon in multiple categories in the U.S. and U.K., is often found on the list of Amazon’s Top 100 Erotic Authors and has been a regular columnist for Write Sex Right. She also pens BDSM stories under the name Darling Adams. To receive four free books from Renee, sign up for her mailing list here.

Author links:
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Beauty and fitness pioneer Theresa Roemer is proof that women can have it all! A successful entrepreneur with more than 30 years experience, Theresa continues to think outside the box and has an impressive list of accomplishments to prove it. Her insights in the fitness industry make Theresa a highly sought-after personal trainer. She has previously owned and operated her own health club and mentored young girls on fitness and nutrition through the highly acclaimed Barbizon Modeling Schools. Additionally, her fitness talents have been utilized by one of the Top 2 fitness chains in America.

As well as holding the title of Mrs. Texas United America 2010, and recently winning First Runner Up at the Mrs. United America 2010 pageant, Theresa also won Most Photogenic, People’s Vote Online and People’s Vote Audience in both of these pageants. She placed in various fitness and bodybuilding competitions between 1990 and 1999, and holds the bodybuilding titles of Miss Wyoming 1999 and Miss U.S. Open 1999. She is co-owner of an energy company, a certified personal trainer, a certified sport nutritionist, a licensed real estate agent, and serves on the board of directors for several entities. She also is an active spokesperson for the American Lung Cancer Association, Texas Children’s Hospital, and various other associations and organizations nationwide.

Theresa relentlessly donates her time to various committees and charities at the local, national and international level and truly believes that the biggest thrill and reward in life is to GIVE. One platform very dear to Theresa is Child Legacy International, a non-profit relief organization that seeks to change the face of Africa from despair to destiny by increasing the quality of life and self-sufficiency through the development of sustainable programs.

Theresa is married to Houston businessman Dr. Lamar Roemer, and together they have six children and four grandchildren.

Author links:
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