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The Color Guard #1
Evangelina Green
NOTE: This is alternate/updated cover edition for ASIN B005GRB3IU.
Evangelina Green Maddox thought the remodeling of her childhood summer home could have gone a lot smoother. Construction problems, rain delays, werewolves, vampires... yeah, just a few things had gone wrong.
Her two other 'summer sisters' arriving early, completed the chaos. One was gravely ill, with a mysterious blood disorder, and the other now had her own problems. No spoilers! They each had their own talents. Lina spoke with ghosts and had an affinity with animals. That power was now doubled.
But the romance with Keaton Wolfe was the biggest change. Why her? She thought herself plain and ordinary. He saw her as she really was. Sexy and VERY desirable. Would she blow it or let him into her bed and into her heart?
With a black witch on their trail, under a demon's command, and wolves circling the property, what else could go wrong?!
Evangelina Green Maddox thought the remodeling of her childhood summer home could have gone a lot smoother. Construction problems, rain delays, werewolves, vampires... yeah, just a few things had gone wrong.
Her two other 'summer sisters' arriving early, completed the chaos. One was gravely ill, with a mysterious blood disorder, and the other now had her own problems. No spoilers! They each had their own talents. Lina spoke with ghosts and had an affinity with animals. That power was now doubled.
But the romance with Keaton Wolfe was the biggest change. Why her? She thought herself plain and ordinary. He saw her as she really was. Sexy and VERY desirable. Would she blow it or let him into her bed and into her heart?
With a black witch on their trail, under a demon's command, and wolves circling the property, what else could go wrong?!
Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2012
115 people want to read
About the author
Susan Firtik
3 books13 followersI won't bore you with my birth date. Or where I was born, because I live here and now.
(OK, I'm 66 going on 42)
---Life interrupted - I'll be back--- (5-1-2019)
I decided to become something I've always BEEN, but never... BECAME.
An author! I am a (self) published author! I read constantly. I love paranormal romance. I love words. So, I put them together and became a writer of paranormal romances.
It's not like I don't have enough to do. I live in rural Arkansas. I raise pygmy goats as pets I have cats and dogs inside and out. I have flower gardens all over the yard but since I recently (reluctantly) retired... I have more time to fight writers block! Whew!
I LOVE writing and will continue for as long as I can! I have two books published and I'm not sure if #3 will ever "gel". I'm in he middle of writing the first book of a new thread... wish me luck!
(OK, I'm 66 going on 42)
---Life interrupted - I'll be back--- (5-1-2019)
I decided to become something I've always BEEN, but never... BECAME.
An author! I am a (self) published author! I read constantly. I love paranormal romance. I love words. So, I put them together and became a writer of paranormal romances.
It's not like I don't have enough to do. I live in rural Arkansas. I raise pygmy goats as pets I have cats and dogs inside and out. I have flower gardens all over the yard but since I recently (reluctantly) retired... I have more time to fight writers block! Whew!
I LOVE writing and will continue for as long as I can! I have two books published and I'm not sure if #3 will ever "gel". I'm in he middle of writing the first book of a new thread... wish me luck!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 8, 2013
I don't know about anybody else but when a friend asks me to try something new that they've spent a long time creating, I have that feeling of trepidation. Will I like it? What do I say, if I don't? Is it better not to say anything at all and spare hurt feelings? Reading Evangeline Green for the author, a friend on Goodreads bought about the same feeling.
Well, as can be seen from the three stars, I liked it. Two stars means that it was okay but it deserves more than that. It had all the elements that make a paranormal romance; three sisters with a mysterious lineage, shifters, vampires and a mysterious old mansion bequeathed to the three sisters that seems to have secrets of its own. Oh! And some very steamy romance scenes. It would hardly be a romance without those now would it?
Evangelina Green, or Lina as she's known is the titular protagonist of the book and is overseeing the renovations of the big old mansion where she and her two sisters; Tatianna (Tashi) and Antionetta (Netta) spent there summers with a couple the three regarded as their grandparents. As part of a plan to restore the house and revive the nearby town, they are also going to have an onsite veterinary practice and it's not long before Lina literally bumps into Keaton Wolfe someone she considers to be out of her league.
Before we know it, shortly after her two sisters arrive, Tashi is smitten with Victor a vampire no less and despite being ill with an unspecified affliction, Netta is getting the most intense dreams courtesy of Tomas, one of the mansion's resident ghosts. Of course, nothing is smooth sailing and it soon becomes apparent that they are surrounded on all sides by foes of various kinds.
And so I come to why I could only given this book three stars and it has all to do with the pacing which is best described as frantic. There is a lot going with a lot of threads all attempting to be woven together and it doesn't quite fit together. I think I recognise what's happened and that is that the author either whilst plotting or writing has been overwhelmed with ideas and has tried to get them down before they are forgotten.
However, as I've stated this has led to a lot of plot lines but they suffer from not being fully fleshed out. For example, there are shifters being hunted resulting in innocent humans being killed, one of the sisters is kidnapped, a demon and his black witch servant want the sisters and their seems to be a malevolent presence in the mansion that is attempting to prevent the Lina and company from finding out who they really are. These are all decent and intriguing plot lines and given that this is the first book in a series I'm of the opinion that perhaps just one should have been picked and leave the others for future books.
Related to this ball of threads is the constant switching of points of view between characters. The majority of books that I read are told from a third person perspective and the usual fashion is to devote perhaps a chapter to one view before switching. Or at least there is a very clear delineation between the differing views. It seemed to be the case that there was a constant back and forth between view points that was a little jarring.
I'm hoping that this has come across as constructive and not scathing because I did like this. And I've certainly never produced anything like the length of this book when I've written. Overall, I'm rather impressed with the effort put in by someone who is not a professional author but has taken her passion of the genre and tried her hand at the craft.
Well, as can be seen from the three stars, I liked it. Two stars means that it was okay but it deserves more than that. It had all the elements that make a paranormal romance; three sisters with a mysterious lineage, shifters, vampires and a mysterious old mansion bequeathed to the three sisters that seems to have secrets of its own. Oh! And some very steamy romance scenes. It would hardly be a romance without those now would it?
Evangelina Green, or Lina as she's known is the titular protagonist of the book and is overseeing the renovations of the big old mansion where she and her two sisters; Tatianna (Tashi) and Antionetta (Netta) spent there summers with a couple the three regarded as their grandparents. As part of a plan to restore the house and revive the nearby town, they are also going to have an onsite veterinary practice and it's not long before Lina literally bumps into Keaton Wolfe someone she considers to be out of her league.
Before we know it, shortly after her two sisters arrive, Tashi is smitten with Victor a vampire no less and despite being ill with an unspecified affliction, Netta is getting the most intense dreams courtesy of Tomas, one of the mansion's resident ghosts. Of course, nothing is smooth sailing and it soon becomes apparent that they are surrounded on all sides by foes of various kinds.
And so I come to why I could only given this book three stars and it has all to do with the pacing which is best described as frantic. There is a lot going with a lot of threads all attempting to be woven together and it doesn't quite fit together. I think I recognise what's happened and that is that the author either whilst plotting or writing has been overwhelmed with ideas and has tried to get them down before they are forgotten.
However, as I've stated this has led to a lot of plot lines but they suffer from not being fully fleshed out. For example, there are shifters being hunted resulting in innocent humans being killed, one of the sisters is kidnapped, a demon and his black witch servant want the sisters and their seems to be a malevolent presence in the mansion that is attempting to prevent the Lina and company from finding out who they really are. These are all decent and intriguing plot lines and given that this is the first book in a series I'm of the opinion that perhaps just one should have been picked and leave the others for future books.
Related to this ball of threads is the constant switching of points of view between characters. The majority of books that I read are told from a third person perspective and the usual fashion is to devote perhaps a chapter to one view before switching. Or at least there is a very clear delineation between the differing views. It seemed to be the case that there was a constant back and forth between view points that was a little jarring.
I'm hoping that this has come across as constructive and not scathing because I did like this. And I've certainly never produced anything like the length of this book when I've written. Overall, I'm rather impressed with the effort put in by someone who is not a professional author but has taken her passion of the genre and tried her hand at the craft.
October 22, 2011
After a convo with the author I thought I'd post what I wrote to her as my review.
I was actually going to write a review for you but life got in the way. You know how that can be. So here's what I thought and why I gave you the 4 stars.
I thought that for a first time author your story had all the components to keep me interested, you had women with supernatural abilities, sexy wolves, smoldering vampires and a ghost which also happens to be the man of our dreams, yum!! You did a great job of weaving story and sex so that one didn't supersede the other.
I have to say I honestly loved the retro feel that Evangelina's vernacular had, it made her a little peculiar which totally matches her personality. The girl was a little quirky but in a very cute way.
My favorite character was Jason, probably not a common answer but I always have a thing for side characters. Often times he was there to rescue Lina and even helped with the séance. I loved his sense of humor and I just found myself wanting to know more about him and hoping that maybe there's a sister out there for him too.
I didn't mind the cliff hanger, kinda figured it would end that way since you're making it a series. You are making it a series, right? LOL!! I can't wait to read Tatianna's book, I actually didn't read your teaser chapter because it would make the wait the much harder, I guess I could always sneak a peek when desperation sets in. =)
I was actually going to write a review for you but life got in the way. You know how that can be. So here's what I thought and why I gave you the 4 stars.
I thought that for a first time author your story had all the components to keep me interested, you had women with supernatural abilities, sexy wolves, smoldering vampires and a ghost which also happens to be the man of our dreams, yum!! You did a great job of weaving story and sex so that one didn't supersede the other.
I have to say I honestly loved the retro feel that Evangelina's vernacular had, it made her a little peculiar which totally matches her personality. The girl was a little quirky but in a very cute way.
My favorite character was Jason, probably not a common answer but I always have a thing for side characters. Often times he was there to rescue Lina and even helped with the séance. I loved his sense of humor and I just found myself wanting to know more about him and hoping that maybe there's a sister out there for him too.
I didn't mind the cliff hanger, kinda figured it would end that way since you're making it a series. You are making it a series, right? LOL!! I can't wait to read Tatianna's book, I actually didn't read your teaser chapter because it would make the wait the much harder, I guess I could always sneak a peek when desperation sets in. =)
October 28, 2011
Excellent Story! The plot was very original. It had vampires, wolves, witches but each character had endearing qualities that really drew me in. I'll definately be reading the other books in the series. Great first novel from new author Susan Firtik!! Write faster Susan!
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April 22, 2013FREE on Smashwords with promo code PQ55A until the 23rd!
December 21, 2011
Evangelina Green has recently undertaken the mighty job of restoring her and her sister’s childhood summer home into its former glory; coincidently she is trying to, hopefully, help revitalize the town as well. However, being back to this house doesn’t only bring back memories; it also brings back secrets and stirs huge trouble that is somehow connected to her past. More intriguing it is that all the unraveling events are somehow connected to her unknown father; demonstrating that when destiny knocks on your doorstep there is little you can do to avoid it.
The authors of most – if not all – of the series I have read so far, when having multiple characters to develop, have a tendency to give each characters his/her own book to fully explore their story; meanwhile those character’s participations in other installments of the same series tend to have little showcasing. Something I found refreshing and ended up enjoying about Firtik’s writing is that she took the time to feature other sisters and their love interests; even thought this seems to be a series just like any other. However, I felt that it chopped the story a bit in some places while in other there was a natural transition between the intertwining stories.
The world construct presents sexy werewolves, mysterious vampires, an evil witch and a demon; all very well defined characters. My only complaint is that, in a few parts, the action in the story slowed to a crawl; this parts usually where too centered on brushing and cleaning and re-building the House to its former glory. The House is another character in the story; one that hopefully will have a major plot line in future books. However, this is the first book of a series so the foundation for the story needs to be set.
Overall I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to the next installment, Tatianna Yellow (from which an excerpt is included at the end of the book). Her story was left hanging and I want to know what will happen to her and her sexy vampire.
Parts of this review were originally posted in my blog.
The authors of most – if not all – of the series I have read so far, when having multiple characters to develop, have a tendency to give each characters his/her own book to fully explore their story; meanwhile those character’s participations in other installments of the same series tend to have little showcasing. Something I found refreshing and ended up enjoying about Firtik’s writing is that she took the time to feature other sisters and their love interests; even thought this seems to be a series just like any other. However, I felt that it chopped the story a bit in some places while in other there was a natural transition between the intertwining stories.
The world construct presents sexy werewolves, mysterious vampires, an evil witch and a demon; all very well defined characters. My only complaint is that, in a few parts, the action in the story slowed to a crawl; this parts usually where too centered on brushing and cleaning and re-building the House to its former glory. The House is another character in the story; one that hopefully will have a major plot line in future books. However, this is the first book of a series so the foundation for the story needs to be set.
Overall I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to the next installment, Tatianna Yellow (from which an excerpt is included at the end of the book). Her story was left hanging and I want to know what will happen to her and her sexy vampire.
Parts of this review were originally posted in my blog.
June 7, 2012
This was not a bad story; however, the story was scattered and I hink it would have been better if the stories were separated, as opposed to combining Lina and Keaton, Tashi and Victor, and Netta and Tomas' story all into one book. I get that Susan Firtik was trying to spark interest in the other books in the series but the initial story of Lina and Keaton seemed to become disjointed because of the interjection of the secondary character story mixing.
I have to say it...I just have to say it...The dialog was cheesy with a capital "C" in some spots. "Oh Keaton my wolfman...I'm all achy for you." Lina's virginity really caused her to be inexperienced in the sexy talk department :).
I think the story would/could have been better if it had not had too many story line, distinct story lines that detracted from Lina and Keaton's story. I hope the next book places singular focus on Tashi and Victor and only superficially touches the secondary characters.
I have to say it...I just have to say it...The dialog was cheesy with a capital "C" in some spots. "Oh Keaton my wolfman...I'm all achy for you." Lina's virginity really caused her to be inexperienced in the sexy talk department :).
I think the story would/could have been better if it had not had too many story line, distinct story lines that detracted from Lina and Keaton's story. I hope the next book places singular focus on Tashi and Victor and only superficially touches the secondary characters.
August 31, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book by new author Susan Firtik. It was funny, sad and kept me on the "edge of my seat" wondering what the heck was going to happen next and just HOW everything was going to tie together. I can honestly say that I can't wait until the next book comes out. This author is self published so there are a few errors through out the book, but that is easy to overlook since the story is captivating.
The book follows Evangelina Green and 2 of her "sisters" who move back to their summer home to help the sister who is ailing. The story brings in a little of everything from vampires, werewolves and witches then just for good measure ghosts. Lina meets sexy Vet Keaton and her world turns upside down and inside out.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves Paranormal Romance! Give this one a try, you won't be sorry!
The book follows Evangelina Green and 2 of her "sisters" who move back to their summer home to help the sister who is ailing. The story brings in a little of everything from vampires, werewolves and witches then just for good measure ghosts. Lina meets sexy Vet Keaton and her world turns upside down and inside out.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves Paranormal Romance! Give this one a try, you won't be sorry!
December 31, 2011
I thought the plot was interesting. I did feel like Keaton and Evangelina didn't the romance that they deserved because there was too much going on in the story and with the other characters to really give them a chance. I thought that it made their mating a lot less romantic.
There was a lot of plot left open, so there really wasn't anything resolved in this one.
I also would have liked more editing. There were a lot of fragments and misplaced commas that made reading difficult at times. Also, there was shifting points of view that weren't made obvious, so it got confusing.
Overall, I give it 2.5 stars.
There was a lot of plot left open, so there really wasn't anything resolved in this one.
I also would have liked more editing. There were a lot of fragments and misplaced commas that made reading difficult at times. Also, there was shifting points of view that weren't made obvious, so it got confusing.
Overall, I give it 2.5 stars.
December 14, 2011
This first novel by Susan introduces us to several wonderful characters. A hunky werewolf, a sexy vampire, a sweet ghost, and 3 sisters that are supposed to save the world from evil.
This is the beginning of the series The Color Guard and is mostly about Evangelina "Lina" and Keaton her werewolf mate, turn on the fan because these two burn up the sheets!
Although this novel does have an ending spot, it is mostly a cliff hanger going into the next story and I am looking forward to finding out what will happen next!
This is the beginning of the series The Color Guard and is mostly about Evangelina "Lina" and Keaton her werewolf mate, turn on the fan because these two burn up the sheets!
Although this novel does have an ending spot, it is mostly a cliff hanger going into the next story and I am looking forward to finding out what will happen next!
November 26, 2011
This was an exciting story. I found that I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. It captured my attention and engaged me with the overall story. The characters were interesting and not too cookie cutter as some paranormal stories tend to fall into.
There were a few plot errors that needed some editing in order to help the story flow more smoothly. I also think the introductions of the sisters and there love interests seemed a bit forced into the Lina and Keaton storyline.
Overall, an entertaining read and I look forward to reading the next book.
There were a few plot errors that needed some editing in order to help the story flow more smoothly. I also think the introductions of the sisters and there love interests seemed a bit forced into the Lina and Keaton storyline.
Overall, an entertaining read and I look forward to reading the next book.
December 8, 2011
3.5 stars. Overall a promising start to a series. Although, i don't quite understand how Lina and Netta can go about fixing the mansion when Tashi was gone and didn't have any idea where she's at. The men were indeed yummy.. Keaton, Victor, Jason and even Thomas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2012
Enjoyed reading this book, liked the characters and the storyline.
This author has a lot of promise & I am looking forward to more from her in the future.
This author has a lot of promise & I am looking forward to more from her in the future.
how-about-no
October 17, 2014due to condescending comments
August 2, 2012
I couldn't get into this one. Good premise, good characters, needs a lot of editing to tighten it up. confusing.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews