Carson Manor

Carson Manor #1

by Candace Dowds

Skyler has lived a tortured existence. Her head was always filled with other’s thoughts, and she could feel everyone surrounding her emotions. That is until she moves into a share house with three others.She can’t explain the quiet in her head and she doesn’t care what the cause for it is because she is now living in utter bliss. Bliss until she falls madly in love with one of her roommates. Jax wants to return the feelings and have a relationship with the girl he already knows is his soulmate, but he doesn’t want to bring her into his world. It’s killing him to have to keep his distance from Skye, but he thinks it’s for her own safety. And maybe it is. She knows she’s different, but she has to find the courage to let the others in on her secret, in a bid to find out more about herself and her father that was killed when she was only a young girl.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

257 pages, ebook

Published November 14, 2015

About the author

Candace began writing after the passing of her son in 2009. It has been an emotional release for her. She is supported by her family and friends. Other than the time she is writing, she sits back for hours reading books by her favorite authors, Tijan Meyer, Rachel Vincent, Richelle Mead, Colleen Hoover, Claudia Gray and so many more. That or she will go for a calming drive while listening to Eminem, Slim Shady, Marshal Mathers or The Rap God, whichever you would like to call him. Her kids are just like her, sarcastic, but fun loving. The rules she lives by 1 Don't take life too seriously 2 Don't live up to others ridiculous expectations 3 Surround yourself with people who love you for you 4 If life becomes too much, have a stiff drink and start again tomorrow.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. Well I'm not really into vampires but this book had me engrossed from the start, it was well written, and flowed wonderfully. The story was easy to read which for a first time vampire reader was fantastic. I would recommend this book to anyone, loved it. Well done Candace, you have done yourself proud.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So.....I have a love/hate thing going on with this book. The story line was interesting and the characters were likable, the dialogue between the character was good and it was pretty funny at times. Those are definitely good things, and I would actually recommend the book for someone who is interested in PNR, However, there were also things that I disliked. The beginning of the story felt extremely rushed to me. I didn't even feel like I knew what was happening and didn't get to know the characters until I was much further into the story. Also, there was quite a bit of repetition in the body of the book and the story kept jumping from one topic to something else. I feel like the book could have been made into a series or something because there were several different themes involved....like book one could have been a slower paced and more detailed meeting, making friends and falling love. Book 2 could have been about finding out that Skye wasn't human and learning how to live in her new world, and book 3 could have been focused on Skye and her vampire family helping Beth. Anyway....it was good, but it could have been a lot better.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a mess. The first few pages are blurbs that expand over a period of 10 months that say how in love Jaxson is with Skye. Then it jumps into the two main characters being in love with each and avoiding each other. Jaxson is a vampire. He reveals his secret to Skye when she threatens to move out because she wants him and he keeps himself at a distance to protect her. Skye then tells Jax she can read emotions and hear peoples thoughts, all except him and their roommates. He tells her he is vampire. The roommates think then think she is Fae. That is where I stopped reading. The character development and storyline are extremely lacking. I just cant get into to even finish.

[Tania Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vamps, Faie and HEA

You really get to know the characters in this book intensely. They come to life in all forms. They are solid - unless a ghost, reliable and loyal to each other. The book is a full story, taking you through the authors imagination. I love how Skye's father comes to life, really effective, takes you down a real journey. Such a good book, will definately read more of this writer. I don't rate many books 5 star these days, they really need to have the full works, this one does in abundance, if you like vampire, faie, ghosts and supernatural this is one to read.

[Carla Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read light, sexy and fun story

I loved Skye and Jax's story so much. Great paranormal story filled with fun moments to laugh out loud, dramatic moments to cry about, some to get angry and most of them flirty, sexy ones to dream to. This story made me feel a ton of emotions, sort of like a rollercoaster but in a good way. I can't wait to read Carson Manor 2. I can't wait to see what happens with all the characters in this story. Lila, Silas, Albie, Phillip and the rest of the gang too; how they evolve and if they find their happy ending. I definitely recommend it.

[Paula Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a little too similar to Kristen Ashley's 'Wild & Free' for my liking.
I stopped reading it halfway through because I got a little too sick of all the I love you's in every paragraph.
I like a romance, but felt that the author should have written the chemistry between the two characters rather than them just declare their love for each other whenever they were in proximity.
Sorry, just not for me.

[Sanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I saw an edition supposedly in another non- english language "xxx translation" on Amazon and I happen to know that language very well. The blurb on that language didn't make any sense whatsoever. An unreadable mess.

I clicked a sample and that was the same.
An unreadable google-translation butchered hot mess you cannot possibly read as a book as the sentences don't make any sense!
What kind of an author publishes something like that?!

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with amazing characters

I loved the bond between all the characters and how they all come together to get answers for each other. You can feel the love just seeping from each page not to mention some pretty hot sex scenes to get your blood pumping. There are subjects that sadly are true to reality and may effect some deep emotions but the way Candace wrote and handled them was perfect. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter for this bunch

[Ceeri Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept being turned around by the constant changing of tense.
Or to put it Candace's way...

I kept getting turns around by the constant changing tense-d.

Also the author told rather than showed, which just slowed it down for me

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a great read. The story line was interesting and Jaxon and Skyler stole my heart. There were lots of twists that I was not expecting, and plenty of steamy scenes to keep your pulse racing. I can't wait to read more! I definitely recommend you read it for yourself.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just OK. The F word was used way too much! I finished but it just was not the book for me.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had high hopes of this but didn't really enjoy it. Seemed to consist of two many I love you phrases. Had the promise of a good story but didn't grab me in the way I hoped. Hence three stars.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book my 1st vampire and fae book . You have me hooked can't wait to read the others ...Already in love with all the cast in the book .

[John Bequette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written but too much duplication for me.

Towards the end of the book having both characters telling the story just added to the length. Ending was short,like an afterthought.

[Susie Mitchell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too repetitive it drove me crazy

Characters started out good. Abused girl (who turns out to be a Fae) roommates with 3 people she does not know are Vampires. Quickly became exactly like a Trueblood book with to many similarities. Jaxson falls in love and immediately knows the second the new girl comes to be interviewed to be a roommate. He just must stay away. She instantly knows she feels pulled towards him but he ignores her for months. Jaxson has a new girl each day come to the apartment to feed off of glamour them into believing they had sex with him and sends them home. She thinks he is sleeping with ever girl on campus but him. Oh the three vampires all go to college even though two are over 100+ years old to gain as much knowledge as they can(at least it's not high school).
Then Skylar the human girl goes on drinking binges each night because she can't go home to her new appartment as Jaxson usually has a new girl each night. So she goes out to get blackout drunk in retaliation each night? Hmm. Oh and we find out when they get together before sex about how she was raped by her moms repeated new boyfriends from a very young age. Once Skylar and Jaxson get together they know from the moment they kiss they are each others SOULMATES! Several days later in a hotel they have sex in which in my opinion is where this book "jumps the shark" because this 109 yr Vampire keeps at each touch asking her if it's alright to touch her they could just lay all night holding each other. <- Yes completely understand the girl had been raped so he should ask the first time at every step of the way. But this 109 yr Vampire has sex with her 50 plus more times because she instantly turns into a complete sex addict. Where she is grabbing, demanding and riding his dick into the ground every time on top of him for the rest of this book. Crying because she doesn't know if he will live her like she lives him. Every. Time. They. Have. Sex. She never hesitates like an abused girl would, she even craves no demands his blood while they have all this nonstop sex. (Going back to beginning chaoters) Jaxson's ex Vampire girlfriend Kolby shows up at the apartment after that very first night Sky and Jax have cuddled in bed and almost kills Skylar by almost crushing her windpipe within minutes. This whole time Skylar is being crushed under this ex- fiance she doesn't know their Vampires. Jaxson needs to call in a elder " vampire doctor"(umm they don't have any college campus ambulance?)to come check his Skylar's no his soulmates health. Which leads doctor to believe she is Fae as her blood smells delicious and she is healing far too quickly. Leading Jaxson to be told by an elder Phillip from council to hunt Kolby for vampire jail lock up/ trial. Jaxson goes on this hunt a day away from home with Skylar by his side! The first night in this posh hotel because Jaxson knows their going to have sex and wants her first virgin sex (because when she was raped she never gave consent so she is still a virgin in her mind) From the very first time they have sex he's pleading with her is it ok to touch her in every place he touches or kisses her yadda yadda yadda.... got boring real quick. Oh and that very first time they have sex she stops him as she wants to guide his sick into her with her hand not his to prove she is ready to do this virginal sex with him. Only takes 2 days to hunt and find Kolby vampire fiance chick. Then they just take a private jet out to Ireland that same week after hunting down Jaxson's ex Vampire girlfriend to meet they only other Fae Vampire couple anyone knows about! Then she learns she can also while in Ireland see ghosts and help solve their murders. Yes it's a joke and too close to a spoof of the True Blood books. It was free but skip it

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Karen Shortridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive this for my honest review. This story grabs you from the start Skylar has had a brutal past no one should have and can hear/ feel people's emotions she moves into a shared house and for once she has peace she doesn't know why but Skylar enjoys it and becomes close to the others. Jax knows he needs to stay away from Skylar because his world is dangerous for her but he is drawn to her, he knows her feelings for him after her drunken night she spilled her thoughts to him. I won't do spoilers but the plot is full of twists, turns, surprises, friendship, hurt, loyalty, protection and love with powerful characters that learn about each other and themselves. You get plenty of steamy scenes to keep your pulse racing, if you like ghosts, vampires, werewolves and fairies they are all in this one story that makes great reading and I can't wait to find out more..........

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well now Im hooked and thats all I needed was another series to absolutely fall in love with. I love paranormal characters and this book is full of them. You fall in love with Skyler and Jaxon as they work out their relationship and survive the turbulent life that is before them. Proving that no matter how hard your life gets you can work through it and come out stronger and with the support of others a better person than before. With friends like Lila and Albie that are good friends and great backup, what more can you ask for?
This book has everything. It tears at your heart strings, makes you laugh, cry and pray at times that all is well in the end. It deals with some serious issues of todays society and really does them justice, not always ending the way we think but just in my eyes.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what can I say loved Sweet, sexy loving and mysterious Skyler moves in the 3 people unaware what they, does she know what she is though one thing she loves about her new roommates is the peace and quiet what does that mean you need to read to find out, and the heat you feel from Jax and Skyler can and will anything happen between them well you know what you have to do. Seriously a page turner and a book I never wanted to end I cant wait to see what happens next.

[donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vamps & faes

This book is awesome to read! If you live the supernatural, you'll love this book. You'll be laughing, tearing up & falling in love with the characters. I can't wait to read more!

[Noël · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, to start off I have two different ratings for this book. To start, the Forward and the Prologue almost wreaked what Ithought of the book. They almost felt rushed and I was a bit put off by how the editing felt and how fast everything felt like it went. BUT that all honestly changed as you got to chapter 1 and you get into the book. Then everything picks up. The speed and timeline all seem to slow down and fit together better. Which I better understood why things went so fast, but still it was so rushed that I still feel put off by the start.
I however did feel like the character development between Skyler and Jaxon really was built and put together nicely as the story went along. I'm not a big paranormal reader, but if I find something I like I stick through it and see where it goes, and this story pulls you in and makes you want to see where they are going and what is going to happen next.
There were twists that I was not expecting, and they were so gripping I just had to find out how they would build off of them and where they would go next with everything. It was all so fun and interesting.
I did however find that the last few chapters did seem to have a bit of rushing through again with editing. Which was a bit that I could look over.

Without giving to muc away, I do like how close Albie, Lila, and Jaxon were through out and even when Skyler came in they didn't loose that. Also when they added Silas it didn't seem that the closeness of them would change either. It was truly a wonderful thing..