Karma and Melodies by Katie Salidas

Posted first on The Romance Reviews

Katie Salidas is a writer that finds the places in your heart that create heat and passion. She is a strong voice in the Vampire Genre, one could say a speaker of the dead. In her usual way, she has given us that unique young man that tugs at your heart strings, the one you always remember. She sets her stage with strong female characters, and in KARMA AND MELODIES, she has also brought the music. This is a dark novel as most vampire stories are, but she brings humor and lightness with her witty prose. This is a fun tale of everlasting love. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The music scene was always Kendra's passion; it was when she was visiting her favorite hangout that she first met her Master. The vampire that turned her and now controlled her. But it was also at this same hangout that she met whom she thought was the man of her dreams, an up and coming musician just making the scene.

Escaping her master, she finds herself back in that place, a homecoming she did not expect. The band has gained notoriety and packs in a crowd. Even with her blood lust, she finds herself drawn to Marcus as he sings his song of love and loss. The heat of the crowd and the smell of blood almost distracted her, but like any fan, she is lost in the music and the idolatry of the man himself. Knowing she must leave before her need begins, she leaves the club to seek a place to spend the night.

Crossing the road to find the darker shadows, she is unaware of the car bearing down on her. The impact is brutal and weakens her body and resolve. Knowing she needs blood to rebuild her strength, she goes to the closest source, the driver of the vehicle. Little does she know until it is too late that the driver is Marcus, the man of her dreams. She has now become his Master.

This not only creates issues with his band mates, but her own Master has been seeking her and she is well aware that he will make an example of her rebelliousness. Every one of the band is now in danger. She has to trust them with her secret to keep them all safe, and because of this, there is a lack of trust, but certainly, something expected. Can she keep them from harm, as the Master tracks her and prepares to teach her a lesson? A lesson that does not allow love or friendship?

Kendra is a young woman turned by an unsavory and unscrupulous vampire to become his toy. Forced to do unspeakable acts time after time, she finally escapes his madness. Yet she belongs to him, she is still considered young in vampire years and she does not have the strength to stand up to him. But her love for Marcus has apparently never wavered. She had always loved him, and when they met again, that attraction was still there. But how would she know if he truly cared about her now? He is enthralled because in order to save him she has had to share her blood. Would she really ever know if he cared?

Marcus is enamored of Kendra. Even though she may not believe it, he remembers her from the club scene from years ago. All of his songs of love and loss are written with her in mind. She disappeared one night never to be seen again. He lost his opportunity with her and he felt as though there would never be another. Can he convince her that it is love, and can he save her from the very presence that took her from him in the first place?
This is an earthy and fun vampire story set in the music world. Fast paced, the story leads you on a merry chase. The interplay is both disturbing and at times quite funny. When push comes to shove though, all the band members line up behind Kendra, just as it should be. If you like vampire lore and stories of romance, you will enjoy this book.

Rating 4/5
Karma and Melodies

This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes

Article first published as Book Review: A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes on Blogcritics.

Helping an old friend in Florida after losing his job and reputation in New York gives Edward Jenner time and space to make decisions. Of course, it would have to be soon, money was running out. A forensic pathologist by trade, and brilliant in his field, he is in the area helping as a medical examiner.

Working second fiddle to his friend Doc Roburn his life is more sedate. Covering while the Doc is on vacation, Jenner realizes he will have to make his funds stretch to cover his expenses.

Jenner receives information about some bodies, and as he investigates, he finds not one set of bodies but two. The victims’ cause of death was hanging. Finding two sets of bodies, one set current, and the other from several months prior, is a surprise, hanging is no longer a common form of murder. Many farms and ranches dot the area so when the bodies are of Hispanic decent it is no surprise. Many illegals still work the area and it will be difficult to establish identities. Deb Putnum from the Ranger service joins the search, and Jenner finds her to be capable as well as attractive. Detective Rudge is also at hand and Jenner finds comfort in having someone he can trust.

Later, coming on the scene of a car accident, Jenner is shocked to find his mentor as well as his wife in the car, but the deaths are not due to the accident. Both are murdered, and Jenner finds the similarities to the other bodies found to be an odd coincidence. Is it possible the murders are related? Will his professionalism allow him to autopsy his old friend? He is not so sure.

When the murders attract national attention, Jenner is again in the middle of a controversy. The same reporter that dealt his career as a Pathologist in New York a death blow, is back on the chase with every intention of dragging him down again. Can he do his job and still maintain his distance? Little does he know that his life has just tilted again and he will not only be responsible for his life but that of many of the people involved. Can he find the answers before it is too late? Someone from the force is leaking information, and it takes a deft hand to stay ahead of the killers. Only with answers can Jenner stop the killing, but can he find them in time, his only hint at the truth lies in a small package found in the Doc’s car.
In A Hard Death, Jonathan Hayes has taken a community and cordoned it off from society. Small towns are often close and suspicious, but Jonathan takes it to another level. Jenner is scraping rock bottom, putting his life back together. Losing everything in New York, he is determined to begin again. Unaware how his life will shift with his friend and mentor’s murder, he thinks he can determine the cause of death. When more deaths pile up and those he most loves are in the cross hairs, can he find it within himself to dig out the answers? Hayes has written his character as a fractured soul with the heart of a hero. The character comes to life, and when attacked it becomes personal, as if he is our own family or friend. The depiction of who he is resonates.

His friends and coworkers become our friends and coworkers and when danger and death occur, we are mortified, sad and disheartened. The pathology, done with an eye to the nonprofessional is laid out for easy perusal. Jenner is brilliant, move over Kay Scarpetta; there is a new pathologist in town.

The story resonates and I read it in one sitting. I found I could not put it down; I was immersed in the menace and following the danger, willing it all to work out. This would be a great book for a reading group and a must for your library.

If you enjoy thrillers this is a first class read. Jonathan Hayes has found the perfect pace to keep the reader involved from the first page to the last. Make time, for you will not want to put it down.

Rating 5\5
A Hard Death

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Apostle Rising by Richard Godwin

Article first published as Book Review: Apostle Rising by Richard Godwin on Blogcritics.

In the age-old debate of nature versus nurture in the formation of a murderer, one has to wonder what happens when you put fanaticism in the mix. In Apostle Rising by Richard Godwin, you will find a dark and sinister mystery that may beg to answer the question.

Following the leads of a new and vicious group of murders, Detective Chief Inspector Frank Castle finds himself back in to the same nightmare that destroyed his family and life years earlier. In the original case, the murderer was known as the Woodlands Killer because of where he left his victims. Knowing in his gut who the killer was and yet not able to find proof created a living, breathing hell for Castle. His entire life became the case; it got inside his head in a way that was not healthy. His wife left him and he became a mockery due to press exposure of the case. Pressure from the case continued to hold sway and Castle turned to alcohol, another way to drown his pain.

Now many years later there is a copycat, killing in much the same way. Castle is convinced that his old nemesis is behind the game. He and his partner DI Jacki Stone, race against time to gather the clues and stop the new murderer before he kills again. Castle is convinced that Karl Black is behind these killings as well, there is religious fervor in the destruction of the body; the deaths are brutal and sadistic.

Drawn deep into the fabric of the newest killing spree, Jacki understands the hypnotic and psychological pull of the case. Her life has now begun to twist in the same fashion as her husband leaves her for another woman. Unable to pull back from the precipice she continues on the case to find this sick and masochistic maniac as bodies begin to pile up. Getting in the mind of such a killer is tantamount to losing your soul, but she understands that Castle needs her help. He cannot do this without her, and she believes she is strong enough to withstand the pressure without breaking. Can they follow the clues to find the real killer? Is Karl Black involved, or is it as the press portrayed, just another mishandling of a serial case from the prior years? Will Castle be able to redeem himself? The new killer is invisible but Castle is convinced that Black is the puppet master. Can he prove his theories?

In Apostle Rising, Richard Godwin has written a brutal and suspenseful mystery, dotted with murders and mayhem throughout. The murders are graphic; crafted with visual process the scenes bring the picture to mind. The story has a dark and fanatical backdrop, with threads that interconnect. The suspense and mystery are superb; you never understand the emotional depravity until the end. It is an end you never see coming.

Castle is a charismatic and likable character. His damaged psyche is a part of what draws you to his fragile and one-track mind. He is determined to track his nemesis and solve both sets of murders. He is often in the fog of alcohol, which is now a part of his life. His depiction keeps you eager to find his thoughts and solutions, hanging on his knowledge.

Jacki is tough and yet she too is a figure that draws your sympathy. Castle is like a father figure to her, and she feels as though he needs her strength. She is hurt by her husband’s treachery, but angry as well. Not sure if she can allow him back, she continues to push him away. She is slowing losing the battle to hold her mind and keep it clear from the psychological workings of Karl Dark.

I would recommend this novel for those who love thrillers. Be prepared as the scenes are visual and quite graphic. The pace is a bit slow with the evolution of the new killer, and with a look into the inner workings of his mind. The tension keeps the read going, and leads you in an unexpected direction. Godwin has created a great whodunit. This book stays with you long after the final page.

Rating 4\5
Apostle Rising

This book was received free from the author through his publicist. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Adoption by Victoria I. Sullivan

Article first published as Book Review:Adoption by Victoria I. Sullivan on Blogcritics.

In Adoption, an odd and yet remarkable story of genetics and test tube engineering, Victoria I. Sullivan has put together a story of extremes. Her Characters leap off the pages, and her background lends credence to the potential of the story.

Dr. Val Smythe is a Botanist who suddenly becomes the keeper of an intelligent and giant young girl at six years of age. Yet Mary Solven is anything but normal. She is already the size of a full-grown adult and just as capable. Yet she is a child in many of the ways that matter, she still needs her mother. However, her mother has just died, and she has instructed Mary to relay information and papers to Val, and let Val also know that she is now Mary’s Trustee.

At first, Val is mortified, she is not ready to be a mother, but worse, the story makes no sense. Mary is not a child. To Val it appears more than obvious. Yet she has the proof, and she is so childlike in many ways. As Val tries to find more background, she runs into roadblocks at every turn.

Thinking Mary is one of a kind, Val traces her birth to a fertility clinic, where the main scientist is also Mary’s father. Messing with genetics and using both plant and human DNA and characteristics, he has produced a child of scientific proportions. What she finds is that not only is Mary a part of this genetic research, he has been birthing a small army with the same genes.

Trying to find a way to live in the world as it is, Mary has had to grow up fast. When she meets others like herself, they decide to find a home unique to them. For the most part, they are a loving a peaceful group, but it only takes one man, angry and bitter to bring their house of cards down.

Now the government is involved, sterilization becomes the key to keeping them under control. As with any difference, there is discrimination, but it is worse because it goes all the way to the top and also topples into church doctrine. Will Val be able to save this group of Children, can they live in peace?

In Adoption, Victoria I. Sullivan has used her background in Science to put together a story of fear and discrimination, based on the differences of genetics. She winds the fabric of Botany into the story of human genetics and comes up with a possibility of an abnormal growth cycle complete with regeneration. It is an intensive book with depth and information, well researched to create believability.

Her characters are interesting, with their unique qualities and appearance, because they are still children regardless of their size and abilities, they are also still very immature and childlike. It is a story of challenges faced when others are afraid of the differences they do not understand. The societies involved bring to mind the narrow-mindedness of the Salem witch trials, where lack of understanding fanned the flames of fear, creating a frenzy of destruction.

Adoption is a story of extremes. It should resonate with science fiction fans and those that enjoy such genres. I would be an interesting addition to reading groups adding a different type of spice to their discussion. The author is knowledgeable and has put together a story of unique and yet devastating consequences.

Rating4/5

Adoption

This book was recieved free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding for the material.

Related articles

• Study suggests rare genetic variants most likely to influence disease (physorg.com)

Bullet Work by Steve O'Brien

Article first published as Book Review: Bullet Work by Steve O'Brien on Blogcritics.

Somewhat in the tradition of Dick Francis, Steve O’Brien has put together a remarkable story set in the background of the horse racing community. When prime horses begin to die or disappear, one trainer goes the distance to find the culprits. The background information uncovers the reasoning behind the nefarious dealings; it is a swindle to milk the trainers or their owners of money. The money required is twenty dollars a head on the horses to keep them safe. While on the surface it does not seem enough to put the beautiful beasts at risk, it is nevertheless a clever ploy at protection.

Many trainers understand the problem is only the tip of the iceberg, and understand that to give in could only create further blackmail and further demands. Dan Morgan takes it personal when his horses and team become targeted. He begins his own investigation.

Watching the denizens of the racing world, those that remain in the background, he discovers a young man, a boy really, one that seems to stand out. While looking for information and background on the people from the track, he cannot help but notice that there is something different about this youngster. Constantly bullied he remains unhurried and calm that is until it comes to the horses. Terror and pain are common in the racing scene for the animals, but A.J. Kaine, appears to have the ability of “horse-whispering.” Yet it is more, from Dan’s perspective it appears that Kaine is able to siphon the stress and pain from the horse to himself. He is intrigued and makes every attempt to become A.J.’s friend. That is something A.J. is not comfortable with, but Dan perseveres, and is able to gain his trust.

The killings and the insertion of A.J. into the very darkness of the repugnant deeds put Dan in the middle of a roller coaster ride of emotions. As everything he owns and holds dear seem to attract the men holding the card in this dangerous game, he must look to himself and his reliance of A.J. to find the answers. Will he succeed? Can he make a difference? Time is running out, already trainers are pulling their horses ready to give up hope.

In Bullet Work, by Steve O’Brian, we see the back stages of the horse racing community. It is about the trainers and crews that work the horses, and do the work not seen by the people attending the events. It is a hard but rewarding life full of dangers. O’Brian’s descriptions put you in the paddocks and on the track, making you feel the heat and sweat. The depictions of the situations are brutal, with an eye at realism.

Through it, all you get to know the characters, they are hardworking and gregarious. The horses are their love and they take pride in their jobs. Where winning is everything, it is sometimes a thankless task. However, the work and pride goes on.

A.J. is an anomaly, a lonely young man, except for the horses. They mean everything to him. He has a form of Autism, and is incapable of socializing, so is often the butt of jokes and often abused.

This is a wonderful story, full of stories of the people behind the scenes. It is a mystery and suspense, with a bit of paranormal overtones. People are often interested in the “horse-whispering” phenomena and Steve O’Brien brings it to another level in Bullet Work.

I would recommend this book for reading groups and book clubs. It is interesting and fast paced with plenty of discussion fodder. I would consider it a must read for the Dick Francis fans, just another direction for the aficionados of the horse racing field with is mysteries and suspense, but it is also a wonderful addition to the paranormal scene. This book is a must have for any library.

Rating 5/5
Bullet Work

This Book was recieved as a free copy from the Author through the Cadence Group. All Opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

No Rest for The Wicca

Article first published as Book Review: No Rest for the Wicca by Toni LoTempio on Blogcritics.

Having been responsible for her partner’s death during a homicide investigation, Morgan Hawkes has sworn off that particular department. Holding herself to blame for the death of her partner and best friend drives a wedge in her psyche. Now working the paranormal investigations department, she has decided it is her lot in life. Born part Wiccan she has the ability to communicate with spirits. She finds she is often working on Daemons and while the work is challenging she finds she is no longer fascinated with her job. When she receives an offer from her boss to work undercover on a murder investigation, she is ready. The job comes with danger, just what she likes, but when she finds out that each of those killed was Wiccan, she realizes that she is perfect for the job. She herself has a personal stake in the outcome. Besides, the job is not in homicide, so that is a plus.
As Morgan reports to the Special Forces unit, she is introduced to a new partner, which unnerves her. She was quite unaware she would be saddled with another partner after her prior one had died. She decides to decline the job, but not before she meets the man assigned to her, Cole St. John. Not just a man however, but a vampire — and not just any vampire either. He is one of the Inheritor breed, those most human, able to live as any other human but with a few slight variations. He is intense and extremely attractive, but Morgan convinces herself she is immune.

When her roommate and cousin is almost murdered by the same serial killer that has already killed three others, she decides to take the job after all. It is not only that Xia is her only family; she is now hearing the spirits of those dead young Wiccans asking for her help. Can she work with Cole and will they be able to find the pieces of the puzzle before it is too late?

In No Rest for the Wicca, Toni LoTempio has put together a wickedly funny and yet deadly tale of Voodoo and domination. She has created a story and filled it with characters full of charm and stubborn strength. The suspense and mystery surrounding the deaths is well written and told with an eye to confusing both the characters as well as the audience. The protagonists are both quite charismatic and yet have flaws that make them human.

Morgan is a heroine and yet she feels the responsibility of her partner’s death to her very bones. Unable to come to terms with her part in the death, she allows herself to wallow a bit in her pity, and yet she is still a kick ass character. She is sarcastic and has a sharp and biting wit. In a world where such things are a rarity, she is still a virgin. Never finding the one or even believing a true love even exists she is nevertheless quite attracted to Cole. She does a great job of deflecting that however with her temper and wit. It is entertaining and at times irritating.

Cole is a strong and handsome foil to Morgan’s strength. He is quite attentive and finds himself quite attracted to her in spite of herself. He is smart and perceptive in the ways of the Special Forces team, and he too has a temper. Morgan however brings out the best in him. He finds her to be the perfect person to round out his life. He will not let her push him away. He too has his human side and it brings out a characteristic in him that he was not aware he possessed. Tenderness. They are perfect together.

And together is what they need to be to find the answers to the murders. Each young woman is found butchered and is missing a part of their anatomy. Can Cole and Morgan find the answers before the next murder? Is Voodoo at the bottom of it all?

This is a fun and fast-paced book. I would recommend it for the reader that enjoys the paranormal element. The prose is precise and the dialogue is delightful. It is funny and yet intense, with an exciting love interest as well. It has all the pieces that make a mystery and suspense as well, something for everyone. This would be a great addition to your library.

Rating 4/5
No Rest for the Wicca

This book was received as a free copy from the Author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Favorite by Karen McQuestion

Article first published as Book Review: Favorite by Karen McQuestion on Blogcritics.

Angie Favorite is kidnapped as she stops by the dry cleaner to pick up the laundry. The man is someone she knew from around town by the name of Scott Bittner. He kept dragging her even as she pleaded to be let go. “No, you need to see something” was the only reply each time. As she swung her arm at him and screamed, he seemed startled and let her go. As she took off running, he finally reached up to her in a wooded area on the outskirts of the area where she had left her car. Tripping over a tree root and smashing her head, the last thing she recalled was the giant coming to where she lay and lifting a cradling her head. Then she knew no more until she woke up in the hospital.

Her grandmother whom she lived with was concerned and they had not been able to reach her father. Her mother had disappeared five years previous. She had headed to work and never been heard from again. Because her father was a struggling musician, she stayed with her grandmother while he was on the road. Scott Bittner, the man who had kidnapped and hurt her was captured. He committed suicide before he could give an explanation.

Now the man’s mother Mrs. Bittner wanted to meet and beg forgiveness for her son’s actions. When Angie agrees to meet her trying to find answers, she is almost overcome with fear as she reaches the massive estate. Mrs. Bittner wants Angie and her brother to stop by for dinner to talk about how she can help take care of them monetarily.

With her Grandmother off on a cruise, her father is there to stay with them. When he is called away unexpectedly for an interview, they decide stop by and follow up on the offer. Life has just changed and yet Angie is not yet aware of just how wrong things can be. Soon –very soon– she will find the answers. Will she be able to save those she cares about?

Angie and her brother have gone though some rough patches. They are still young and yet have had to grow up rather quickly. Losing their mother and with no answer forthcoming to the mystery, they have lived with the uneasy wonder of it all. Their father is absent frequently and their Grandmother is their primary care giver. She has never cared for their father so it is an uneasy alliance. They feel twisted between the two, but handle it well. Angie has never given up on the idea that somehow–someway–her mother will be found. She will never lose hope.

Mrs. Bittner is a lonely woman whose daughter died quite young. Her son, while not quite normal is by all accounts a rather nice man. She cannot understand what went wrong and why he tried to hurt Angie. However, she has secrets she does not want anyone to know. She lost her own family and now wants to give Angie and her brother a start in life, and yet she seems a bit needy, maybe even just a little creepy.

In Favorite, Karen McQuestion has put together a story of sadness and despair. We find the lengths that people will go to in an effort to hold on to what they may have lost. The story is strangely compelling and twists into some strange and chilling venues. Angie is a complicated character, and her father is physically detached although whenever there, very emotionally available. It is a strange combination and gives the ending a bit of a surreal quality.
This is a very interesting young adult novel. I would recommend it for the parents that are trying to get their child more interested in reading, but need something that is just a little more distorted with a slightly dark side. Something, that while it does have a bit of a dark side is instilled with suspense and mystery. It is an unexpected story set with great characters. An enjoyable read.

Rating 4/5
Favorite

This book was recieved from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.