Flora Reviews... Fractured Immortal by E.L. Wicker

Flora Reviews...

Fractured Immortal (The Bearwood Series #1)

by E.L. Wicker

Read: 20^th – 22^nd August 2016

Format: Kindle

My Goodreads Rating:  4 Stars

...So what’s this book about?

This novel is the first of E.L. Wicker’s two book Bearwood Series and is a paranormal romance story of approx 412 pages that features vampires, a shape shifter, witches and a couple of Immortal Guardians. As my regular followers will know, I don’t put any spoilers in my reviews, so here’s what the official blurb says;

After a terrifying vampire attack in 1810, Ilia Rose spends the next two centuries hunting Sol, the man responsible for turning her and her friends into vampires.

When Ilia discovers he’s run to the one place she’s running from, she’s forced to face her most painful memories back in her hometown, Bearwood.

There, Ilia finds herself face to face with Nathaniel, an insanely hot vampire, and despite the evidence he’s working for her enemy, Ilia can’t fight her attraction to him, especially when he seems to show up whenever she needs him most.

But Nathaniel is keeping secrets and as they begin to unravel, instead of running away from him, Ilia finds herself falling for him. When his last secret is revealed Ilia’s past comes together in a way she never imagined and she’s left with only one option: trust Nathaniel to help her kill Sol, or risk relinquishing her new found strength thus causing catastrophic and devastating consequences for her and everyone she loves.

Ilia begins a gut-wrenching battle to save her life and the lives of her friends, a battle which not everyone will survive.

A vampire tale like none other, love, pain, devastation and revenge, all weave together to create the first in a dark and unmissable new adult series.

Due to sexual content, this book is intended for readers age 18+

When I originally downloaded this book from Amazon UK back in June 2015 I got it for free - what a bargain!! Although, it’s not free anymore, it’s still reasonably cheap considering it’s length.

 ...So, what did I like about it?

I was very impressed with Ms Wicker’s first attempt at a published novel; her writing style and how she crafted her story. I felt that her tale’s timeline was easy to follow (even when our main character flashed back to the 1800s) and the locations used throughout this story were beautifully described; utilising all of the senses.

I understand that Ms Wicker has studied Social Science at university meaning that she understands our human society, social relationships and the implications of the myriad of interaction and choices we make every day. This may be the reason why the characters felt so real to me; the deep platonic friendship/bond between Ilia and Lucas, her valued friendship with Lana, the emotional turmoil between Ilia and her first love, Kyle and Ilia’s unrelenting obsession with hunting down and killing Sol.

Please be warned, there are a few very traumatic, violent scenes in this book that some readers may find disturbing but I think that Ms Wicker handles them very eloquently, giving us enough graphic detail to shock us with the horror of each situation but then balances that out with expressive prose to convey our heroine’s viewpoint and her emotional state of mind.

This story made me smile, cry, growl in frustration, blush and kept me turning the pages.  

...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?

Honestly, not much.

The final chapter in this book is a “present day epilogue” which does leave us with a bit of cliffhanger ending. Now as my regular followers will know I HATE big cliff-hangers, however, this isn’t what I call a life threatening cliff-hanger, e.g. “our heroine is running through the wood to escape her captors when suddenly she falls off a cliff…” or “…comes face to face with her enemy, who’s pointing a gun at her…” because those sort of endings leave the story up in the air and are very frustrating.  In this case, however, a bit of a cliffhanger was not unexpected as it is only two book series after all.

...So, basically what I’m saying is...

This paranormal romance story gripped me from the very first chapter; it’s got tears, angst, fighting and pain but it’s also got love, passion and laughter. Although Ms Wicker is a huge fan of Young Adult (YA) fiction and is labelled an author in this genre, I feel that Fractured Immortal has more “gritty/explicit” scenes than the average YA novel which some younger YA readers may feel uncomfortable with.

So, has my review of FRACTURED IMMORTAL sparked your interest? Just click on any of the links below to check out the book yourself, or to find out more about other books I’ve read, take a look at my profile on Goodreads.

See FRACTURAL IMMORTAL on Goodreads.com

Buy FRACTURED IMMORTAL on Amazon.com or through Amazon.co.uk

Visit E.L. WICKER ‘s own little corner of the web

Flora Reviews... Possessed by a Dark Warrior (Eternal Mates #9) by Felicity Heaton

Possessed by a Dark Warrior (Eternal Mates Series #9)

By Felicity Heaton

Read: 31^st May – 4^th June 2016

Format: Kindle

My Goodreads Rating:  5 Stars

...So what’s this book about?

Possessed by a Dark Warrior is an emotional, passionate, action packed paranormal romance story. It is classed as a long novel (approx 147,000 words 317 pages) within Felicity Heaton’s Eternal Mates series.  As with most of Ms Heaton’s work, this book contains material of a sexual nature and some graphic violence and as such is only suitable for adults.

The official blurb says

A powerful warrior and commander of the dark elf legions, Bleu is a loyal and devoted male, and one who has never failed in anything—except one thing. Love. When an elusive female dragon shifter surfaces in Hell again, giving him a mission to hurl himself into, he gladly returns to his hunt for her and the deadly blade she stole from his prince seven centuries ago, but as he closes in on his prey, fate reveals she is far more than his enemy.

Having escaped from the black market arena and her life as a slave, Taryn sets her sights back on the task she began seven hundred years ago when her brother stole a precious sword, but in the three centuries she’s been a captive, everything has changed. Corrupted by a craving for power, her brother has become dangerously obsessed with finding the blade and using it to claim the ultimate treasure—the position of King of Hell.

Faced with having to end her beloved twin to stop him from bringing all of Hell to its knees before him, will Taryn be strong enough to use the very blade he seeks against him? And when Bleu finally catches his elusive prey, will he listen to his head as it demands he complete his mission or his heart as it demands he claim his eternal mate?

Possessed by a Dark Warrior is the ninth book of the series and features many characters, references and revisits situations already described in previous books, so I don’t know if it can successfully read as a standalone story, although Ms Heaton uses her am sure that readers you don’t need to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, however,

 ...so, what did I like about it?

I am already a big fan of Ms Heaton’s Eternal Mates series and love her writing style! Her world building is amazing; it is her mix of fantasy and reality that captures my attention right from the start. Her characters are never black or white, good or evil but a complex mix of positive and negative traits and emotions which they either have to embrace or overcome; Bleu and Taryn are no exception. Their historical ‘baggage’ plays a major part in this adventure and has shaped them into who they are and how they deal with what life throws at them.

I have already mentioned in previous reviews how I love the way Ms Heaton makes the most explicit sexual scenes very romantic – I think she’s a very talented writer because, for me, a story is only really erotic if I’m emotionally connected to the characters involved, Ms Heaton gives her characters such depth that they do become real, but it’s not just her main characters, I find all of her characters complex, multifaceted and completely believable due to their very real human virtues and foibles even though most of them are mythical, paranormal beings.  We have learned a bit more about a few existing Eternal Mates characters here in this tale and have been introduced to a couple more that I’m sure we’ll be seeing again in future instalments.

This story made me giggle, gasp in shock and shed a tear or two. Of course, I got caught up with the passion (who wouldn’t *blush*) but the tender insights into both Bleu and Taryn’s doubts, their feelings of “mate-unworthiness”  and the growth of their trust in each other’s love was heart-warming to read.

So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?

Not a thing, the story was perfect.

(My only complaint is, I was already a bit in love with Bleu from previous books and feel a wee bit heartbroken that he can no longer be mine… ;-) )

So, basically what I’m saying is...

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance tale. It was a great read that made me smile, cry and feel all warm & fuzzy inside with well written erotic thrills, heart pumping fight scenes, breathtaking aeronautic acrobatics and tons of romantic gestures. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reading stories about the lengths we go for our siblings, betrayal, inner strength, forgiveness and of course, soul saving love. 

 So, have I ignited a spark of interest for POSSESSED BY A DARK WARRIOR in you? 
Just click on the links below and check out the book yourself or visit Felicity Heaton’s website to find out more.

See POSSESSED BY A DARK WARRIOR on Goodreads.com

Buy POSSESSED BY A DARK WARRIOR on Amazon.co.uk

Visit FELICITY HEATON’s website

Flora Reviews... Grave Attraction (Grave #4) by Lori Sjoberg

Grave Attraction (Grave #4) 
by Lori Sjoberg

Read: 24^th – 29^th December 2015

Format: Kindle

My Goodreads Rating: 4 Stars

...So what’s this book about?

This is a paranormal romance with more than one storyline running throughout but with a HEA (Happily Ever After) conclusion for our romantic couple. It is the fourth book in Ms Sjoberg’s Grave series but I read it without reading the previous books, confirming that it also works as a standalone novel too.

The official blurb says:

He’s a reaper who works by the book. But a sexy shifter will have him changing the course of fate just to be with her—if a killer doesn’t get to her first...

After four years as a reaper, helping souls cross into the afterlife is a job Adam Javorski has finally gotten used to. But when he arrives at the site of a serial killer’s latest victim, finding a living—not to mention gorgeous—hostage is the last thing he expects. The young woman captivates him in a way no one ever has—so much so, he breaks rule number one by helping her escape…

Marlena Walther doesn’t remember the man who rescued her. But when she sees Adam again, she recognizes him instantly as her soul mate. While the two work together to track down a killer determined to finish what he started, their undeniable attraction draws them even closer. Now Adam is the only one who can protect Marlena from a vengeful murderer—if he’s willing to sacrifice everything for her.

Although this book is not being published until 5^th January 2016, I was lucky enough to be given a digital version early from the publisher (Kensington Books) via Netgally.com for free in exchange for a fair review. 

Thank you.

 ...So, what did I like about it?

I haven’t read any of Ms Sjoberg’s books before but found her writing style very easy to read, I appreciated the way the story was told from both Adam and Marlena’s perspectives  and I enjoyed the way her tale unfolded. Her world is set here in our time (so it was easy to picture the places where her scenes took place) and is sprinkled with various characters/species with paranormal abilities; reapers, witches, demons, shifters who secretly live among us humans.

I liked the fact that our main male character, Adam, wasn’t a typical alpha male. It was a breath of fresh air; yes he’s had his fair share of romantic liaisons *wink*wink*  but he is a decent, good guy; he cares, he’s loyal to his friends, he keeps his head down and just gets on with his job of collecting the souls of the recently departed to move them on to the next phase.

I really enjoy it (begrudgingly) when an author can add depth of character to a story’s bad guy, making me feel sympathy for them and, for me, Ms Sjoberg did it twice in this book, Jeremiah and Adam’s boss, Samuel (ok so Samuel isn’t one of the bad guys per se but it’s made clear in this book that he isn’t liked – by anybody).

My intellect relished the triple storyline running throughout this book; Adam & Marlena’s romance, the threat of a serial killer on the loose, targeting Marlena and Samuel’s predicament. I love puzzles that add pace and depth to a tale and these separate but interwoven threads all added together to keep me absorbed, eagerly turning the pages, keen to find out what would happen next.

...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?

Ok, so it didn’t get 5 stars from me, my regular followers will know that it’s the little niggles that take the edge off for me, so what were they here?

As I said above, when an author adds mysteries to their tales of romance, I feel that it adds a further depth and pace. I liked that this book had two such storylines running through it; the serial killer and Samuel’s predicament.

I felt that the serial killer story arc is billed as the main threat to our romantic couple when reading the blurb but, unfortunately, it didn’t live up to all of my expectations. I loved the build up, his relationship with his accomplice and the fact that our killer was so careful, meticulous and patient, I just felt let down with was how it was concluded. I felt it was rushed to make sure that it was finished by the end of the book and I think that it was due to the development/escalation of the “Samuel’s predicament” storyline that the serial killer thread ran out of time.

I understand from a number of authors that word counts and page numbers is a very high priority and tightly restrictive when publishing a book so I accept (begrudgingly) the compromise made here i.e. no romantic or serial killer cliffhanger ending. ;-)

...So, basically what I’m saying is...

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance novel. It has action, romance, twists & turns and some *blushing* smexy scenes, so if that’s the sort of story you like to get lost in then give this one a try – it’s quite a ride.

Just click on any of the links below and read about the book yourself.

• Visit LORI SJOBERG’s own website
• See GRAVE ATTRACTION on Goodreads.com
• Buy GRAVE ATTRACTION on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy GRAVE ATTRACTION on Amazon.com
• Buy GRAVE ATTRACTION on Google Play
• Buy GRAVE ATTRACTION on Barnes & Noble
• Buy GRAVE ATTRACTION on KOBO

FloraReviews... Blood Magic (Wing Slayer Hunters #1) by Jennifer Lyon

Blood Magic (Wing Slayer Hunters #1) 

by Jennifer Lyon

Read: 2^nd – 3^rd November 2015

Format: Kindle

My Goodreads Rating:  4 Stars

...So what’s this book about?

This is a dark (and erotic) paranormal romance novel of about 386 pages.

Blood Magic is the first book in a new series but as Ms Lyon states “Blood Magic does not have a cliffhanger ending and is a standalone read” and as I write this it’s free to download for Kindle on Amazon UK – what a bargain!!

The blurb says;

A dangerous curse…

Axel Locke is the sinfully sexy leader of the Wing Slayer Hunters–a group of supernatural witch hunters who have vowed to never give into the curse driving them to slaughter innocent witches. But when his little sister is death-cursed by a demon witch, Axel will stop at nothing to save her. He rescues a beautiful witch from a killer, intending to force her to magically cure his sister. The only problem? She has no idea what she is.

A deadly passion…

Darcy McAllister grew up knowing she was different, but she never imagined she’s a witch. With the life of a child at stake, she agrees to work with the hot, compelling hunter to gain control over her newfound powers. But an irresistible attraction crackles between them, creating a dangerous dilemma—can Darcy trust the man hexed to crave her blood to satisfy her aching desire?

Will their forbidden love destroy them?

As Darcy and Axel race against the clock, their explosive passion deepens to a fiery love. But when Darcy attempts to heal his sister makes her a target for a demon’s revenge, Axel will sacrifice anything, including his immortal soul, to save her.

I was lucky enough to be given this book for free from the author via Netgally.com in exchange for a fair review. 

Thank you, Ms Lyon. :-)

...So, what did I like about it?

I haven’t read any of Ms Lyon’s books before and I found her writing style engaging, energetic and erotic (oh! What’s with all the “e” adjectives! Lol!). She has built a complex world of gods, demons, witches (earth base and demon bound) and witch hunters (some of who are rogue but all of who are cursed) with an interesting history and I’m intrigued to see where she’ll take us.

I must confess to needing a tissue while reading some of the scenes in this story (get your minds out of the gutter!), it gets quite emotional at times and I cried like a baby.

I love stories that highlight the fact that we all have choices and that the choices we make not only affect us but those around us too. Sometimes, the hardest thing is to take personal responsibility for those choices we make.

I’m a romantic soul and at the end of the day this is a romance novel. Two people meet, lust after each other, try to fight their feelings and don’t think they are worthy of love… (no spoilers in my reviews)

...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?

Well, disliked is too strong a word but if I’m honest, the only things that I struggled with were the sex and the number of pivotal main characters.

We are given a lot of information and introduced to a lot of characters in this book and most of the characters appear at the beginning! It took me quite a while to get them all straight in my head and what each of their story was. I know this is the first book in a series and realise that these characters (and their stories) will appear in the subsequent Wing Slayer Hunter tales so I’m not completely put off by this.

Now onto the sex. ;-) We all know the difference between the story line of a porno film and a film that happens to have great sex scenes in it. I just thought that the sex scenes between our main characters, Axel & Darcy, although passionate and emotional, came about in a less than smooth or subtle way. But, hey, I’ve still given the book a 4 star rating so I’ve not been completely put of by this either. ;-)

...So, basically what I’m saying is...

I really enjoyed this fast paced, emotional, passionate and sometimes dark paranormal romance novel.

If you like your hunky heroes with a dark edge and enjoy seeing your female MCs really grow and come into their own or if you have read and enjoyed Stephanie Rowe’s Order of the Blade series try this one, it could be right up your street.

So, have I sparked an interested for BLOOD MAGIC in you?

Just click on the links below and check out the book yourself.

See BLOOD MAGIC (WING SLAYER HUNTERS #1) on Goodreads.com

Buy BLOOD MAGIC (WING SLAYER HUNTERS #1) on Amazon.com

Buy BLOOD MAGIC (WING SLAYER HUNTERS #1) on Amazon.co.uk