***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato

After falling in love with Cruel Beauty last year, I was ready to see what else Rosamund had to offer. When I found out she had a new book coming out, and that it would be a retelling of Red Riding Hood, I was over the moon! This book was absolutely, a 100%, worth the wait. I stayed up until 5:30 in the morning finishing the book and I loved every single minute of it. Here are reasons why you should read the book.

1. The fantastic female lead. Rachelle is badass and she is almost an anti-heroine but you cannot help love her and want to cheer for her because even though she doesn't believe it, we know that she is a fantastic human being at heart.

2. Armand. ARMAND WAS SO SWOON-WORTHY and I cannot even. Whoever said good boys finish last? I know I didn't because good boys like Armand are definitely not going to finish last. The thing about Armand is that he is so pure of heart and so good but he isn't helpless. He is confident and knows how to take charge. He is a wonderful human being and I love him.

3. The romance. While the romance needed some more development (in my opinion) I will definitely say that it was one of the more enjoyable ones I've read. Armand and Rachelle do not have a case of instalove and it's so great seeing them fall in love with each other (even if it was a little sudden). They work well together and I just love them, okay?

4. The world building. Given how great it was in Rosamund's debut novel, it's not surprising at all that she put so much effort into developing this new world and it's intricate details.

5. The plot. It's well paced and maybe you'll even pull an all nighter reading the book like I did.

So basically, you should read this amazing book.

***This mini-review has also been posted on The Social Potato

This was one of my most anticipated novels of the year once I found out about it, and I am happy to say I wasn’t let down. I’ve read quite a few romantic suspense novels by Shiloh and she has yet to disappoint me. I just keep on coming back for more and more.

I think what makes this one so different from some of her other romantic suspense novels is the vagueness of the mystery. We know what’s going on. It isn’t hard to guess and the author doesn’t keep us in the dark, but it’s never really outright said. That CAN be frustrating for some readers, but it made so much sense in this case considering that neither of our main characters actually have the power to investigate. One is a contractor and the other is new to town. The only connection they have is Noah’s closeness to some of these kids and their stories will break your heart.

The main characters, even though they suffer from the "pretty-people-syndrome" were immensely likeable. You can see how much their pasts have affected their present but they still have the will to carry on and do it to the best of their ability. I think what makes them so endearing is just how likeable and loveable they are.Especially when it comes to Noah. That boy is SAWOON worthy. He is not a bad boy. He never was. He never will be. He had a rough past that led him to making some questionable choices, but he recovered and is probably the nicest person ever.  Trinity comes with her own set of baggage and the most adorable son ever, but she is such a great female lead. She’s not perfect, but she is strong and while relatable isn’t the term that would fit in this case, you will undoubtedly feel some sort of connection to her.

The chemistry between these two though. Oh boy. *fans self* It may read a little as insta-love but Walker has magic.Their relationship never bothered me once and I found myself rooting for them. It helps that they do have other things on mind. They may think about the other person often but there will be bigger issues at hand

I think the biggest qualm some readers might have is the lack of answers to certain things and while I would have loved having those answers I think I like how everything wasn’t wrapped up in a bow. Life is not perfect and things aren’t always going to be perfectly solved.

My final verdict is if you're a fan of the genre, DEFINITELY give this a shot.

***This mini-review has also been posted on The Social Potato

I had no idea how I would feel about The Eighth Day when I started it, but a couple pages in and I knew this book and I were meant to be.

A secret eighth day that only certain people experience? MERLIN? COUNT ME IN! This was the kind of book the pre-teen me would have loved and she was doing cartwheels in my mind as I read this.

Personally, I don’t think middle grade gets the credit it deserves, and I’ll admit to be one of those people that definitely need to pay more attention to it, because otherwise I wouldn’t encounter gems like this book.

Jax’s father recently died and he now lives with a guardian his father chose 3 weeks prior to his death who is barely out of high school. To say Jax is not happy would be an understatement.  Jax cannot quite understand why his father would choose Riley to be his guardian when his mother’s cousin was family and would have been HAPPY to have him.

But things slowly start making more sense as the mystery unravels and we get to know more about who Jax’s father was and who Jax is, a transitioner.

Jax is a marvelous character but my favorite is hands down Riley and while I wish I could elaborate, I won’t because I will go into fan girl mode and will start blurting out incoherent nonsense. But you should know, Riley is awesome.

Evangeline on the other hand, is a character I cannot make my mind up about. She is a descendant of Merlin and only exists on Grunsday (aka The Eighth Day). I guess we haven’t gotten to know her well enough for me to pass a judgment on her. I don’t particularly feel anything towards her at the moment but I do so love her relationship with Jax.

I had no idea this book would deal with Merlin until I started this (and then went back to check the blurb) and my expectations immediately sored and I am so glad to say I wasn’t let down. I LOVED the climax, I loved the mystery and I LOVED this book.

This book was exciting and always kept me on my toes and when it was over, I was seriously surprised as to how it could be over so soon.

If you love middle grade, READ THIS. If you don’t, you won’t know what you’re missing out on: a thoroughly engrossing and incredibly original tale with a marvelous set of characters you cannot help but love.

***This mini-review has also been posted on The Social Potato

The Luck Uglies was a fantabulous novel and while I absolutely adored it and probably even loved it, I cannot bring myself to give it more stars for the reason that at times, it was BORING. And the fact it was boring was not really the book’s fault. A weird thing to say, right? I’ll come back to this.

The Drowning Village is currently ruled by Earl Longchance, who quite simply put... is a douchebag. He has rules that make it hard for women to become educated even though elsewhere in the world (this book is set in) women have those freedoms. He’s also more about the money than he is about actually helping the villagers out but most of them don’t mind all of this because their fear of the Bog Noblins.

The world building in this book is fantastic. The author paints this world that I can imagine so vividly. I can imagine myself trying to jump over the rooftops, I can imagine myself trying to hide in the secret tunnel, I can imagine myself roaming around the village and I can even imagine the forest with all of its secrets.

Quinn is a character that is quite easy to adore but her friends on the other hand, not so much. It’s not that her friends aren't great, it’s just that I don’t think we were around them enough for me to develop any sort of fondness for them. Harmless on the other hand though. He is so bloody charmastic. I really just wanted to tackle hug him half the time. And his name isn’t actually Harmless, you should know that but you’ll find the story behind that one humorous.

Getting back to what I mentioned in the beginning, I think it was the 3rd person narrative that ended up causing problems for me. It’s funny because I don’t usually have that many problems with this kind of narrative but it really did make it harder for me to completely devour the book. There were just times I would drift off and then would have to re-read a page because I would have no idea what had just happened and that ultimately made it hard for me to give this book a higher rating.

I really do think this is a book everyone should give it a shot, especially if you, like me, miss those marvelous fantasy books you used to read as a kid. Or really, if you just want a fun fantasy to read. Do it for the Luck Uglies!!! They wear masks… and are supposed criminals.

Kraken by M. Caspian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read from December 25 to 29, 2013 — I own a copy

Cannot be less than 5 Stars!
It was a beguiling yet horrifying piece of erotica with strong plot and characters.
Starts with bang, ends with a Super Bang!

Kraken ticks off just about all of my tent-sex requirements. It's almost like the author heard my lamentations on the lacking I found in most of of my tent-sex books. It scored so near to what I want, it is a tad uncanny in a way. Like the power above decided to answer all my wishes at once. I want slick and slimy action, there it is! Even gooey and sticky was there. How about some erotic sounding by organic matter? Oh yes whatever you said master! I could only wish for that particular scene to be longer though. I am greedy. Yes.

The story was so thick with mystery, layers upon layers of it. Characters acting suspicious and ominous. It was totally unsettling yet you can't wait to find out why. Needless to say it was a gripping story, so compelling and satisfying. Would definitely please many horror addicts not to mention mystery and psychological fans too. That is, of course, provided they are into M/M noncon tentacles sexing up!

About the tentacles sex aspect, all was kinky and erotic it gives me goosebumps kinda way until.... I reached about 70%, then BOOM! Hell breaks loose! And I am starting to question the author's motive on writing this book. Was it a secret plot to convert us tentacles fans to staunch supporter of normal suction-cups-free sex? I am saying this because what comes after that point onwards was far... far...... from erotic. If I have nuts, it would have retreated posthaste with no hope of returning. Horrifying can't even come close to describe what the poor protagonist has gone through. I shudder while recalling some gruesome, sickening events that shocked my core. If you are the sensitive and squeamish kind, you might want to reconsider your plan on reading this. Then again, you may possibly survive just like weakling ol' me did and end up with one hell of an experience to share. I am very much wearing it like a shiny badge of honor.

I have to agree with Lisa's review that the writing was superbly evocative and the visual was utterly enthralling. I felt like I am walking along side the characters in that eerie woods, swimming in the dangerous dark blue sea and then bursting my heart running away from that berserk sea monster in pursuit of the good guys. Whew! I had to stop reading for awhile to calm my poor heart before I get a heart attack.

The visual sensation is just too strong to avoid being affected by it. I promise you would feel breathlessness throughout your reading. I suffocate along with the MC each time his breath was forcefully taken away. Drowning with him in his agony.

Not only was the world-building amazing, the characters are also well-built. They are certainly round characters, shows prominent growth and each of their voices are distinct. Who has my heart? It will be Will, our long-suffering protagonist. The author has ran him through the mill over and over again. My heart was pulverized along the way. THIS is what a good book should do to you. Oh and there's a sociopath in this book. He is fascinating to me since I like psychological element. Yes, the cray-cray captivates this moth.

If you want a tent-sex book with strong plot coupled with intense mixture of gripping horror and mystery elements, this IS your book.

And such a daring book it was. Would positively look great on the big screen. Both horrifying and satisfying. Not a chance in the world I would ever forget this amazing story. It is now forever etched upon my mind.

Dear Author, a big thank you for this crazy adventure. I had the wildest ride ever! May I request a tentacle non-con with mpreg next? Please? Pretty please, please?

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Kraken
Author: M. Caspian
Publication Date: December 22nd, 2013
Type: Novel, 63,000 words
Genre: M/M, Gay, Romance, Erotica, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror Thriller, Gothic Erotic Horror
Tags/Keywords: abuse, violent partner, adultery, unfaithfulness, age-gap, alpha dominant male, amazing worldbuilding, amorous persistent suitor, anal sex, oral sex, angst-storm, ass play, b-mod, bareback, bondage/restraints, brave protagonist, captive, captivity, confinement, contemporary, sea creature, darkfic, death, depraved, dismemberment, mutilation, disturbing, dominance-submission, drugging, dubcon-noncon, emotional, distressful, engrossing, erotica, fantasy, forced seduction, gay, M/M, genitalia torture, good characterisation, good plot, gore fest, handjob, hea_happily-ever-after, horror, immortality, injury_bodily-harm, intense_deep-feelings_tension, interspecies, intriguing, kept-man, magic, maledom, master-pet, matings-bondings, mcd-major-character-death, mind-control, mindfuck_mind-games, monster, murder-killings, mystery, psychological, not-for-faint-heart, physical-torture, pleasure-slaves_sexual-slave-pet, possessive-partner, profound-physical-size-difference, psychological-disorders, rape, realistic, reluctant-forced, rescue-damsel-in-distress, resentful-indignant-irate, restricted freedom, revenge-punishment, romance, rough-sex, sadism-masochism, scare-da-shit-outta-me, scorching-hot, sense-of-hopelessness-despair, sensual, erotic, sexual torture, shifters, sounding_stuffing_fisting, special-abilities-power_magic, supernatural-paranormal, tentacles_appendages_smexin, thriller_suspenseful, traumatic-traumatized, tyrant-dominant-male, unforgettable_stuck-in-my-head, unique-story, unstable-mind, unwilling-slave-pet-partner, violence, virgin-bottom, virgin, weak-defenseless-protagonist, edge-play, breathplay, aquaphobia

Description:
Kraken: A gothic erotic horror with tentacle non-con.

When boyfriend Parker gives him an ultimatum Will never dreams his heart is about to be ripped out: move to a remote off-shore island with him, or call it quits. But Will picks wrong, and now he’s heading into the unknown to fix his mistake. But why do the locals think they recognise him? And why can’t he seem to leave?

Reader advisory: This work of fiction contains explicit sexual activities between men that may offend some people. It also contains scenes of rape, extreme violence, tentacles, and reference to sexual abuse of children.

63,000 words

Available at Amazon for Kindle, and Smashwords in all formats



WHERE TO BUY:





* Reviewed on December 30th, 2013


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