Carries Book Reviews

The Panther Moon by Beth Trissel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Panther Moon is the third book in the Secret Warrior series by Beth Trissel. The series introduced Morgan Daniel and her younger brother who had been in witness protection after witnessing a gang murder but went on the run. They found themselves in the middle of the woods where there is a whole world out there that they didn’t know existed and they are a huge part of.

Each books has picked up after the last has ended full of action and adventure. Also introducing new elements in each to further along this paranormal adventure. There’s been shifters, aliens, witches, vampires and much more packed into the story to keep the reader’s interest along the way.

Stepping into this world of legends and curses has certainly been fun with each book that came along. The story grew along with the characters and I certainly enjoyed continuing to read each book not knowing what would come next.

Definitely a series to pick up from the beginning although each has give a bit a back story to catch up to where it picked up. Great young adult paranormal series I’d recommend checking out.

I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Divine By Mistake by P.C. Cast
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Shannon Parker is a high school teacher who in her excitement for her summer vacation has decided to treat herself and try to pick up something nice at the local auction house. Immediately Shannon is drawn to a vase with the Celtic goddess Epona on it and decides to make a bid. When Shannon finds herself the new owner of the vase though things go a bit weird from there.

Waking up in the world of Partholon Shannon finds that she has switched places with the Goddess Incarnate of Epona who was not a very nice person or leader. Not only does everyone seem to dislike her because of her predecessor, Shannon also finds herself promised in marriage to a Centaur and in the middle of the threat of war against the evil Fomorians.

Divine By Mistake was originally published under the title Goddess by Mistake under a smaller label but has been updated a bit and republished under the new name. I picked this one up on a recommendation from a fellow blogger and boy was I glad I did.

Anyone who follows my reviews may have noticed when books get a bit lengthy I get a bit impatient if they aren’t packed full of action. In this case I did find myself once or twice thinking it dragged a slight bit so I decided on 4.5 stars but overall I was entertained by Shannon throughout the read even during the slower moments because she is absolutely hilarious.

Bringing this modern woman into a more ancient time and mixing with mythological creatures was and intriguing enough story but toss in the quick wit and sometimes sarcastic commentary from the main character and I loved this one. It was a great fantasy read with an interesting mix with a strong female lead. Definitely one I’d recommend checking out for the fantasy lovers out there.

Illusion of Ecstasy
Nicole Loufas
(2nd Dose in the Thizz Series)
Publication date: October 21st 2016
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

When Dani discovered the cash hidden in her attic, she had no idea the problems it would bring. With the help of the Marino’s, Dani is able to launder her father’s dirty money, but their help comes with a price. Her relationship with Matt.

Not wanting to hurt Dani’s future or freedom, Matt removes himself from the equation until it’s safe to return. When it’s time to go home, Matt can’t leave his family. Will being with his dying sister cost him the love of his life?

Nick is determined to make good on all the bad he’s caused. Helping Dani launder her father’ money. Making sure Matt is taken care of. Finally, accepting his role as a Marino. Fate doesn’t make it easy for him. Especially, when he returns from Europe to find Dani is falling apart on her own. With Matt out of the picture, Nick contemplates a future with the only girl he’s ever loved.

In the conclusion to Thizz, A Love Story, follow Dani, Matt, and Nick on a soul-searching journey into adulthood. The Illusion of Ecstasy explores the emotional tribulations they encounter without the help of thizz. How to deal with real emotion becomes the biggest obstacle of all on their road to maturity.

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Author Bio:

Nicole was born and raised in California. She claims to be a San Francisco native, however she’s lived in both Northern and Southern California. She credits her creativity to the fact that she attended 12 schools between kindergarten and her senior year in high school. Her nomadic childhood allowed her to reinvent herself often. Some might say she was a liar. While others see the stories she told as a coping mechanism.

Twelve schools, in six cities, in twelve years – give her a break. Today she channels her storytelling ability into writing novels. Long story short – kids that lie become writers.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

One Was Lost by Natalie D. Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

During the senior camping trip things take an ugly turn when Sera and her group find themselves waking up to find half the group missing and their teacher unconscious. The group comes to the conclusion that they must have been drugged but really become suspicious when they find words have been written on all their wrists. Damaged. Deceptive. Dangerous. Darling.

One Was Lost is one of those reads that while it’s not really a new or unique story line or even amazing writing it still can hook you into the story as the suspense builds trying to figure out what had happened to these kids out in the woods. I was quite intrigued with what was going on to the characters all throughout and definitely didn’t guess at the ending.

This one was a rather fast paced action based read. Not a lot of character or story building in it but rather just dropping a reader right into the action and suspense really quickly to keep one turning the pages to see how it would all turn out.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

NEIL
Sybil Bartel
(Uncompromising #2)
Publication date: August 22nd 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Ex-Danish Military Special Forces, built like a legend, and uncompromising in every way—Neil Christensen didn’t walk into my life. The Viking-sized warrior crashed it like a hurricane.

The moment he showed up at my strip club, my life fell to shit. South Florida’s most ruthless motorcycle gang, the cops, the Feds—they all want something I don’t have, something the Viking took from me.

I thought I could run, but the motorcycle gang caught me. Now the only thing standing between me and an unmarked grave is a warrior I don’t trust.

I’m not afraid to die, but I am terrified of weathering the storm. Because when a Viking decides to unleash his fury, no one is going to come out unscathed.

Warning: This book contains alpha heroes, offensive language, violence and sexual situations. Mature audiences only. 18+

NEIL is a full-length, standalone novel and is the second book in the Uncompromising Series.

TALON, the first book in the Uncompromising Series is also a full-length standalone novel and is available now.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

He threw the gear in park, cut the engine and opened his door. The cab filled with the sound of cicadas and I glanced around in a panic. Before I could think what to do, my door opened and he undid my seat belt.

“Get out.” His features were more austere than in the warehouse.

I trembled. “No.”

“Not a request.”

Viking was alpha, all alpha. He commanded everything but he’d never forced me to do anything. Anxiety licked at my conscience but I swung my legs out of the truck because showing fear was worse than defeat.

My feet hit the ground and I looked up at him with every ounce of defiance I had. “Now what?”

His shoulders dropped, he leaned toward me and his body language went from tensed restraint to liquid seduction in half a second. “Look up,” he gently commanded.

Was this a trick? Was he only pretending to not be mad? Reluctant to take my eyes off him, I glanced at the dark sky. “What about it?”

“What do you see?”

I swallowed past the tightness in my throat. “Night.”

“The moon and stars,” his low, quiet voice corrected.

I didn’t like this. Him gentle, making me look at the stars, this wasn’t the man who’d killed to save my life. “So?”

Huge, warm fingers wrapped around the back of my neck. “The same moon that was there last night.” He moved closer. “The same stars that will be there tomorrow night.”

His body heat curled around me like everything I’d ever wanted and I pushed back. “Is this some kind of proverb?”

“Same as the night sky, I was there yesterday and I will be there tomorrow.”

My throat closed up, my chest tightened and I fought tears. It was the single most beautiful thing anyone had ever said to me. And it was a complete lie.

Author Bio:

Sybil Bartel grew up in Northern California with her head in a book and her feet in the sand. She dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew her into the world of storytelling. She loves the New Adult genre, but any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes her swoon.

Sybil now resides in Southern Florida and while she doesn’t get to read as much as she likes, she still buries her toes in the sand. If she isn’t writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in her backyard, you can find her spending time with her

handsomely tattooed husband, her brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…

But Seriously?

Here are ten things you probably really want to know about Sybil.

She grew up a faculty brat. She can swear like a sailor. She loves men in uniform. She hates being told what to do. She can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks her out. Her favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—she can’t decide. She has a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on her for driving directions, ever. And she has a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell her husband.

To find out more about Sybil Bartel, be sure to follow her on Twitter (she loves to hear about your favorite book boyfriend!), visit her website, like her on Facebook or join her Facebook group Book Boyfriend Heroes for exclusive excerpts and giveaways.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Facebook group

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