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Secrets & Sorcery
It’s a bitch to love a witch.
Prepare to fall under the spell of 17 paranormal romance and urban fantasy romance stories filled with witches, necromancers, shape-shifters, aura-readers, demons, and more!
This anthology, from today’s NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, internationally best-selling, and award-winning authors, is a wickedly fun collection promising hours upon hours of reading enjoyment.
Each story in this limited edition anthology is new and exclusive, featuring unique magical abilities and spell-binding characters you won’t soon forget!
One Click Today to start this mesmerizing adventure!
Prepare to fall under the spell of 17 paranormal romance and urban fantasy romance stories filled with witches, necromancers, shape-shifters, aura-readers, demons, and more!
This anthology, from today’s NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, internationally best-selling, and award-winning authors, is a wickedly fun collection promising hours upon hours of reading enjoyment.
Each story in this limited edition anthology is new and exclusive, featuring unique magical abilities and spell-binding characters you won’t soon forget!
One Click Today to start this mesmerizing adventure!
890 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2017
65 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 22, 2017
Secrets and Sorcery: a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Anthology
June 17, 2017
Packed to the brim with denizens of the dark, the light, and the various shades of grey in between, the variety and number of supernatural creatures and beings is exceeded only by the number of stories included. The very first clues are inherent in its title. The Secrets and Sorcery, the PNR, the UF, are all components signifying a lot about can be found between its covers. The limited edition collection contains totally new (and unique) stories currently not able to be accessed anywhere else, for at least the first ninety days after its release. That standard is an Amazon protocol on new collections: any authors offering inclusions in the set cannot provide them elsewhere until after the ninety day stipulation expires.
Given the set is a limited edition there's also a chance that some may never actually find their way into independent or alternate publications. A fair number will become the sparks in the fires that will burn for multiple series to come. At around nine-hundred pages in length, that's hours of entertainment regardless if after starting some you decide to skip them for whatever reasons are salient at the time.
As with nearly every commodity that's a limited edition offer, such a detail should attract a higher purchase price than those that aren't limited, but not in this case; the LE status hasn't influenced the pricing whatsoever. Not only is the pricing a distinction that goes against the expected grain, there's also the fact that getting sixteen stories with an average length of roughly fifty-five pages for about $US0.07 each is a steel no matter which way you look at it. So forgetting any of the details regarding the high quality and caliber of the content within, just the economic consideration should guarantee your purchase.
Boxed sets, anthologies, omnibus, and collections aren't new by any means. But the trend in the past few years that see top notch authors, and newer authors monopolising on the chance to increase their exposure, basically throwing away the revenue usually earned by their efforts has been a turn that's heavily weighted in favour of the reader. This can be used to let us get to know the quality and nature of the authors, whilst providing the same for new series worth following. These initiatives are putting power into reader hands. Yeah, there's benefits to both groups, but by my own line of thinking you're still wasting dollars if you don't capitalise on these opportunities.
The quite substantial increase in the number of hours your library holds can jump by big chunks at a time. I don't even bother with the list of authors anymore; or get put off by the regularly absent contents list as long as the description mentions new or unseen. I just preorder or buy it automatically, especially as incentives are becoming associated, like additional free reads if you provide proof of purchase. Each and every time I pick up a new author or series from such collections, I know I've further increased guaranteed buying lists that don't waste my dollars. It isn't so much a case of there being an unending torrent of poor authors for whom to waste money on, it's more that we each are individual in what floats our boats, as it should be.
So at a dollar plus change there's no loss even if I fail to come away without extending that important list, and valuable gains if I instead come away with just one single addition. For the purposes of providing specific story reviews on an individual basis, I've chosen 2 stories as below: 1 novella + 1 short story, because in my opinion it's these two different types that match up with the broad formats found within.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DETAILS:
Winter's Curse is a short story novella included in the Secrets & Sorcery Boxed Set Collection. It's a companion story to an upcoming new series coauthored by Felicia Beasley and Amanda Pillar, which is called the Moonlit Hills Series. Winter's Curse is just one of their upcoming coauthored initiatives. Its bold blurb heading states that: On a bad day, Verity Winters can raise hell. Literally. Felicia's original saga is the wickedly wonderful Trenton Investigations Series, which includes three currently available titles. Trenton Investigations is classified as Urban Fiction (UF). I haven't provided any background information on Amanda Pillar's titles because until now, I'm not acquainted with any of her books.
Felicia's inclusion in boxed set collections will be at five within just over the next two months. There's the two mentioned above, and another three on the way, including: Alchemy & Arcana - An Urban Fantasy Novella Collection; Creatures - A Limited Edition Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance; and Myths & Magic - A Science Fiction and Fantasy Collection. Not including Secrets & Sorcery, and at current pricing, you can pick-up 83 decent sized stories for a little under $US6 between those four collections. Like the current boxed set example, you'd have to be bonkers to not go straight out and purchase them (all are accessible via the first link below).
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION - THE STORY:
Moonlit Hills was meant to be Verity Winters sanctuary, except that certain pasts are disinclined to be left behind. In a magical hotspot she hopes not to get lynched. Her magic is uncontrolled and undesirable. It definitely didn't matter where she lived, but in this hotspot she hoped that any hiccups would be better camouflaged. Her necessary and frequent daily mantra, by virtue of her freak of nature stature, is "Do not pity yourself. You are stronger than that." Yep, even the magical community, let alone the one without a scrap of it, were dead set on denying and forgetting that necromancers like her do exist (forgive the 'dead set' segue in poor taste, much like the flesh of those risen by its magic, woops! there it is again, just like the recently buried being there again, but I really need to stop, my sense of humour can be dry, ahaa - even you see this last 'dry' one).
Getting back on track, that the mantra remains frequent and necessary suggests that recital isn't the problem, it's that still she's an unbeliever. Its degree of frequency seems inclined to match the degree of pity she holds for herself. A rational mind, one not embroiled by emotions of lifelong memories to the contrary, would probably suggest that therein lies a good portion of her unassailable mountain. Just how much the respective community seeks to shunt her kind from their collective conscience, is indicative in the fact that despite incubi needing the energy of sex to live, she still can't get laid even when throwing herself at a hungry looking specimen.
The latest blip, her accidental reanimation of headless chickens scheduled for the diner grill, is just another nail in the coffin representing the bottom of her barrel, her capacity to pay the bills. Just another example of why her tale entails no job, no friends, and no life. Part of the attraction of Moonlit Hills was the obviously powerful magic associated with the shop supplying her kind, not her's specifically, more so magical beings in general. She hoped somewhere on its shelves was the answer to her dreams. She hoped with all her heart that something existed that would allow her to life her life free of the scorn, and the repeated catastrophes brought about, or perhaps if nothing else that control could be achieved. Ideally she wishes only to be human, even if her witch folk hated her for it. It would after all, be no different from that which she faces anyway.
For Gabriel (Gabe) Black, being born absent of any magic in a family riddled with it, meant early and steady labels such as black sheep, scoundrel, and even the milkman's throw in. Add into the mix a place in suburban Minnesota, where more than half the population is typically thought of as beings who should be found only in mythology, not living in communities were normal humans do. Such beliefs stuck to you like crap on your shoe. No matter where you come from or where you've been, it's an odorous stench people prefer not to look at or think about, which nonetheless they must. Lest the taint in need of rinsing stain their precious floors or blemishes your heritage, and dragged in on your shoe that should've been left at the porch. Gabe has had it up to his eyeballs, magic users who're no better than adolescents or children barely capable of restrained over-indulgence.
Successfully running his established business, Black Magic Books - as per his name and not the sort of magic implied, in a place where apocalyptic catastrophes are averted in their final few hours on a monthly basis, has drained what little patience and perseverance he had left; or to begin with. The literal reinforcement of busted kneecaps, what you're only supposed to set in Mafioso thrillers, are the sort of overdue payment his supplier, Terrance Wyllks, prefers. This job and this place had finally reached its inevitable conclusion. It'd already be done and dusted had it not become as difficult to sell the damn thing as it was to run it. Just one more stabbing pain from knocking his shattered kneecap on yet another obstacle, his patela now in several smaller pieces, and he'd look at trying a poster on the door that reads 'Business for Sale, $Free, and Enquire Within.'
On this day the hot, past prom queen, who walked into his store would shatter some of these preconceived facts about bipedal magical users. Their innuendo and mild antagonism at least made their interaction interesting. At a minimum she offered something no person before her has: a wish to be free of their magic. In all his years of business he could use one or two fingers at most to count the times when he'd heard that request. Wanting to max out their power, well he'd long ago lost count the number of times he heard that. Everyone who walked in either wanted something their magic couldn't do, a correction for what it had done, or the aforementioned making it bigger, blah blah blah, and so on and so forth. Despite his habits he couldn't help but be surprised and curious. Just what sort of magic does a blond bombshell oozing desperation have that she doesn't want it? Sure, he had an amulet capable of the job, but does she have the five-k it'll take to own it - magic ain't cheap? But as they'd find out, it's often in the things you don't say that it matters, not what you do.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPINION:
Despite the generic opening found in short stories needing to get to where they're going, Winter's Curse promptly changes from the few expectations able to be deduced from its blurb. With a detailed beginning about its magical theory, it's hard not to think of where the future might lead. The groundwork on the location is limited by the story's length, but like the aforementioned feature it also provides a tantalising image of possible future directions, and is none the worse for having less time to complete your impressions. The sorts of possible storylines from the quirky residents we're yet to meet, but as described, joins these tantalising components. The two conceptions of how Gabe and Verity might be likely to offer to each other what the other is missing, if it works that way in the end, is both a resounding example of opposites attract and a theme in the likes of those poetic romantic moments about two new lovers asserting the other completes them. As is often the case, these opposites culminate in volatile and heightened impressions of sensuality that's promised if they can get past their barriers, and the walls they've erected.
Between Gabe and Verity you have two peas in a pod. The pod where if they could swap what creates their personal anguish and also other's beliefs about them, then they'd each likely be commensurately more content or happier than they presently are. Gabe lives in a microcosm where being absent of any magic has caused him to be shunned pretty much since the day when it was finally accepted that it just wasn't going to happen. This included not only the people in the wider community, but also the very people who gave him his lifeblood, and were meant to cherish and respect him regardless of what he became (or as the case may be, didn't become). Conversely, Verity grew to a life shunned in most of the same ways, a byproduct of the type and strength of magic she did develop. It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to see thebirony in their pairing.
Together, they're possibly the flipsides of the same coin or the yin and yang, making them suitable co-starsaimed at providing tangible instances of how the "how the other half lives" as a less attractive supposition than they first make. Disregarding how Verity's magic developed into a type shunned with similar outcomes to Gabe's absent magic, in essence they could step into the other's shoes and potentially have the thing they crave the most. If there was ever a functional meeting of two tortured souls for the power the other has the potential to highlight unseen complications, then it would likely be such an instance. In most cases the most liberating experiences are those which have the capacity to reshape the things that are our greatest hangups. Without actively seeking it out, jurisprudence needs to be replaced by serendipity, regarding the chances to learn vicariously that the opinions we have and the desires we seek are not what we think of them.
Unfortunately, however, serendipitous anything is amongst the rarest kinds of occasions, especially if considering them from the singular most beneficial potential. The method with the least possible costs to already tortured souls, are those best rising because we witness them in others, where a good degree of removal is achieved, lightening any personal costs for two characters with the lion's share already. Lives on the precipice of destructive falls are best suited to vicarious learning; anything tangible and/or in person may be too much to come back from. Although, luck favours mostly only the prepared mind. Thus, even in jurisprudence or serendipity, unless you're able to see and conceive what you're shown, then no degree of anything is ever going to help. We must both be able and be ready if fate is to reveal our lessons.
For all its appropriate seriousness that should in morality be cautious about the topic of Verity's abilities, they do still unabashedly promise some jocularity and comic relief for matching senses of humour. The addition of what might be otherwise conceptualised as the necronomicon (magnum opus as it's called herein) is a nice touch. As is the use of historical accountings of the equivalent of prophetic instruction about Verity's magic, there's certainly a vicarious instruction present. Her situation is much like a doomsday just waiting to happen. All in all, if Winter's Curse is officially or unofficially the prelude companion story or its outright prequel, then I can't wait to read more of the Moonlit Hills Series.
But what's more, often things are not what they seem. Even assuming what is known is equal to the maximum of what a given person offers as full disclosure, then even it can be insufficient if they are absent of the knowledge we need and seek. After all, you just have to ask, what's the chances of the two most hunted and hated sorts of magic users meeting each other whilst being forced to use their magic at that time, essentially revealing what they are. The staggering changes in direction after the first few chapters are marvellous, transforming the story into an altogether different construction. The changing points of view completes this well, the two separate authors meshing well in their assignment of one of the two included. This story not only adds so much value to the upcoming series as stated, it ramps up the investment value of the boxed set collection.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Touch of Death by N.R. Larry and Margo Bond Collins
INTRODUCTION - THE STORY:
With its opening scene being that of the key character, Emerson (Em), at home in her recent move into her Aunt's graveyard residence, it's an immediate pondering that wonders if the title is about the location or the story. Still on the first two pages it's further passing comments that promptly balance out both sides of these scales. From there on many statements and descriptions bring that one in four words, the one right at the end of the title, to firmly ground one theme of this story. Em starts out firmly in the role of "all the king's men" whilst her friend, Riot, plays that of "humpty being put back together." Given her straying thoughts regarding the gore on freshly cleaned places, it's a little difficult to avoid thinking of superficial and less than emotional connections; unless it's frustration over the blood going everywhere.
Irony's in the details, or so it goes. Thus, it's ironical that before Riot arrived with his second foot following the first already planted in thehis grave, Em had already been contemplating the stillness and call of death; and by the time she did her best to patch up humpty she was much closer than she'd been; a fair effort given the multiple occurrences mentioned. The difficult part would be in delineating whatever meaning or message that the world was sending. Deliberation, however, would need to arrive at another time. Riot's appearance on her doorstep, requiring a healing effort that had her knocking on her own death's door, brought with it the greatest risk of death. The "I'm so sorry" and look of fear in his eyes made her own panic rise, and yet she wasn't meant to be afraid of dying; ergo, what is it that was making her fearful? Her brushes should alone be sufficient to make them old friends. Unfortunately, the emotions rising were not in keeping with her expectations.
COMMENTS:
With a storyline that's clear, concise, arousing, and contrastingly so well detailed despite its such short stature, it becomes one of those times and examples when you're taken aback by how short stories can be so pleasurable; even if you're habitually accustomed to longer lengths, and operate on the presumption that stories require being at x-length in order to push all your buttons. One of those times when your developed predispositions are navigated around, and can therefore change your unfounded prejudices, regarding short stories or more generally to bring about change for you. Captivating in the now, anticipation for the future, it's a story you can but hope it turns into a series; even if done with at least the ideas behind it, if the same characters aren't carried over.
The thing it has more of than the cauldron of interesting and quirky scenes is originality, and how certain lore, skills, and beliefs can be adapted to tell a thoroughly enjoyable story; irrespective of the purposes for respective ideas or its length. I'm still reeling over the fact that my aunt's, may her soul rest in peace, beliefs and practices can be uniquely adapted in such ways. Imagination is truly a glorious feature of human minds, well perhaps not 'our' so liberally, but definitely for a good many writers. Bangup job on both pieces of fiction these two authors have worked on together, and if I weren't already keeping eyes out for the Underground Resistance Series, then this little crowd pleaser would direct me to that end. Watch for this duo and take what you can get because from experience it'll shape originality and entertainment together to give memorable experiences.
Given the set is a limited edition there's also a chance that some may never actually find their way into independent or alternate publications. A fair number will become the sparks in the fires that will burn for multiple series to come. At around nine-hundred pages in length, that's hours of entertainment regardless if after starting some you decide to skip them for whatever reasons are salient at the time.
As with nearly every commodity that's a limited edition offer, such a detail should attract a higher purchase price than those that aren't limited, but not in this case; the LE status hasn't influenced the pricing whatsoever. Not only is the pricing a distinction that goes against the expected grain, there's also the fact that getting sixteen stories with an average length of roughly fifty-five pages for about $US0.07 each is a steel no matter which way you look at it. So forgetting any of the details regarding the high quality and caliber of the content within, just the economic consideration should guarantee your purchase.
Boxed sets, anthologies, omnibus, and collections aren't new by any means. But the trend in the past few years that see top notch authors, and newer authors monopolising on the chance to increase their exposure, basically throwing away the revenue usually earned by their efforts has been a turn that's heavily weighted in favour of the reader. This can be used to let us get to know the quality and nature of the authors, whilst providing the same for new series worth following. These initiatives are putting power into reader hands. Yeah, there's benefits to both groups, but by my own line of thinking you're still wasting dollars if you don't capitalise on these opportunities.
The quite substantial increase in the number of hours your library holds can jump by big chunks at a time. I don't even bother with the list of authors anymore; or get put off by the regularly absent contents list as long as the description mentions new or unseen. I just preorder or buy it automatically, especially as incentives are becoming associated, like additional free reads if you provide proof of purchase. Each and every time I pick up a new author or series from such collections, I know I've further increased guaranteed buying lists that don't waste my dollars. It isn't so much a case of there being an unending torrent of poor authors for whom to waste money on, it's more that we each are individual in what floats our boats, as it should be.
So at a dollar plus change there's no loss even if I fail to come away without extending that important list, and valuable gains if I instead come away with just one single addition. For the purposes of providing specific story reviews on an individual basis, I've chosen 2 stories as below: 1 novella + 1 short story, because in my opinion it's these two different types that match up with the broad formats found within.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DETAILS:
Winter's Curse is a short story novella included in the Secrets & Sorcery Boxed Set Collection. It's a companion story to an upcoming new series coauthored by Felicia Beasley and Amanda Pillar, which is called the Moonlit Hills Series. Winter's Curse is just one of their upcoming coauthored initiatives. Its bold blurb heading states that: On a bad day, Verity Winters can raise hell. Literally. Felicia's original saga is the wickedly wonderful Trenton Investigations Series, which includes three currently available titles. Trenton Investigations is classified as Urban Fiction (UF). I haven't provided any background information on Amanda Pillar's titles because until now, I'm not acquainted with any of her books.
Felicia's inclusion in boxed set collections will be at five within just over the next two months. There's the two mentioned above, and another three on the way, including: Alchemy & Arcana - An Urban Fantasy Novella Collection; Creatures - A Limited Edition Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance; and Myths & Magic - A Science Fiction and Fantasy Collection. Not including Secrets & Sorcery, and at current pricing, you can pick-up 83 decent sized stories for a little under $US6 between those four collections. Like the current boxed set example, you'd have to be bonkers to not go straight out and purchase them (all are accessible via the first link below).
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION - THE STORY:
Moonlit Hills was meant to be Verity Winters sanctuary, except that certain pasts are disinclined to be left behind. In a magical hotspot she hopes not to get lynched. Her magic is uncontrolled and undesirable. It definitely didn't matter where she lived, but in this hotspot she hoped that any hiccups would be better camouflaged. Her necessary and frequent daily mantra, by virtue of her freak of nature stature, is "Do not pity yourself. You are stronger than that." Yep, even the magical community, let alone the one without a scrap of it, were dead set on denying and forgetting that necromancers like her do exist (forgive the 'dead set' segue in poor taste, much like the flesh of those risen by its magic, woops! there it is again, just like the recently buried being there again, but I really need to stop, my sense of humour can be dry, ahaa - even you see this last 'dry' one).
Getting back on track, that the mantra remains frequent and necessary suggests that recital isn't the problem, it's that still she's an unbeliever. Its degree of frequency seems inclined to match the degree of pity she holds for herself. A rational mind, one not embroiled by emotions of lifelong memories to the contrary, would probably suggest that therein lies a good portion of her unassailable mountain. Just how much the respective community seeks to shunt her kind from their collective conscience, is indicative in the fact that despite incubi needing the energy of sex to live, she still can't get laid even when throwing herself at a hungry looking specimen.
The latest blip, her accidental reanimation of headless chickens scheduled for the diner grill, is just another nail in the coffin representing the bottom of her barrel, her capacity to pay the bills. Just another example of why her tale entails no job, no friends, and no life. Part of the attraction of Moonlit Hills was the obviously powerful magic associated with the shop supplying her kind, not her's specifically, more so magical beings in general. She hoped somewhere on its shelves was the answer to her dreams. She hoped with all her heart that something existed that would allow her to life her life free of the scorn, and the repeated catastrophes brought about, or perhaps if nothing else that control could be achieved. Ideally she wishes only to be human, even if her witch folk hated her for it. It would after all, be no different from that which she faces anyway.
For Gabriel (Gabe) Black, being born absent of any magic in a family riddled with it, meant early and steady labels such as black sheep, scoundrel, and even the milkman's throw in. Add into the mix a place in suburban Minnesota, where more than half the population is typically thought of as beings who should be found only in mythology, not living in communities were normal humans do. Such beliefs stuck to you like crap on your shoe. No matter where you come from or where you've been, it's an odorous stench people prefer not to look at or think about, which nonetheless they must. Lest the taint in need of rinsing stain their precious floors or blemishes your heritage, and dragged in on your shoe that should've been left at the porch. Gabe has had it up to his eyeballs, magic users who're no better than adolescents or children barely capable of restrained over-indulgence.
Successfully running his established business, Black Magic Books - as per his name and not the sort of magic implied, in a place where apocalyptic catastrophes are averted in their final few hours on a monthly basis, has drained what little patience and perseverance he had left; or to begin with. The literal reinforcement of busted kneecaps, what you're only supposed to set in Mafioso thrillers, are the sort of overdue payment his supplier, Terrance Wyllks, prefers. This job and this place had finally reached its inevitable conclusion. It'd already be done and dusted had it not become as difficult to sell the damn thing as it was to run it. Just one more stabbing pain from knocking his shattered kneecap on yet another obstacle, his patela now in several smaller pieces, and he'd look at trying a poster on the door that reads 'Business for Sale, $Free, and Enquire Within.'
On this day the hot, past prom queen, who walked into his store would shatter some of these preconceived facts about bipedal magical users. Their innuendo and mild antagonism at least made their interaction interesting. At a minimum she offered something no person before her has: a wish to be free of their magic. In all his years of business he could use one or two fingers at most to count the times when he'd heard that request. Wanting to max out their power, well he'd long ago lost count the number of times he heard that. Everyone who walked in either wanted something their magic couldn't do, a correction for what it had done, or the aforementioned making it bigger, blah blah blah, and so on and so forth. Despite his habits he couldn't help but be surprised and curious. Just what sort of magic does a blond bombshell oozing desperation have that she doesn't want it? Sure, he had an amulet capable of the job, but does she have the five-k it'll take to own it - magic ain't cheap? But as they'd find out, it's often in the things you don't say that it matters, not what you do.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPINION:
Despite the generic opening found in short stories needing to get to where they're going, Winter's Curse promptly changes from the few expectations able to be deduced from its blurb. With a detailed beginning about its magical theory, it's hard not to think of where the future might lead. The groundwork on the location is limited by the story's length, but like the aforementioned feature it also provides a tantalising image of possible future directions, and is none the worse for having less time to complete your impressions. The sorts of possible storylines from the quirky residents we're yet to meet, but as described, joins these tantalising components. The two conceptions of how Gabe and Verity might be likely to offer to each other what the other is missing, if it works that way in the end, is both a resounding example of opposites attract and a theme in the likes of those poetic romantic moments about two new lovers asserting the other completes them. As is often the case, these opposites culminate in volatile and heightened impressions of sensuality that's promised if they can get past their barriers, and the walls they've erected.
Between Gabe and Verity you have two peas in a pod. The pod where if they could swap what creates their personal anguish and also other's beliefs about them, then they'd each likely be commensurately more content or happier than they presently are. Gabe lives in a microcosm where being absent of any magic has caused him to be shunned pretty much since the day when it was finally accepted that it just wasn't going to happen. This included not only the people in the wider community, but also the very people who gave him his lifeblood, and were meant to cherish and respect him regardless of what he became (or as the case may be, didn't become). Conversely, Verity grew to a life shunned in most of the same ways, a byproduct of the type and strength of magic she did develop. It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to see thebirony in their pairing.
Together, they're possibly the flipsides of the same coin or the yin and yang, making them suitable co-starsaimed at providing tangible instances of how the "how the other half lives" as a less attractive supposition than they first make. Disregarding how Verity's magic developed into a type shunned with similar outcomes to Gabe's absent magic, in essence they could step into the other's shoes and potentially have the thing they crave the most. If there was ever a functional meeting of two tortured souls for the power the other has the potential to highlight unseen complications, then it would likely be such an instance. In most cases the most liberating experiences are those which have the capacity to reshape the things that are our greatest hangups. Without actively seeking it out, jurisprudence needs to be replaced by serendipity, regarding the chances to learn vicariously that the opinions we have and the desires we seek are not what we think of them.
Unfortunately, however, serendipitous anything is amongst the rarest kinds of occasions, especially if considering them from the singular most beneficial potential. The method with the least possible costs to already tortured souls, are those best rising because we witness them in others, where a good degree of removal is achieved, lightening any personal costs for two characters with the lion's share already. Lives on the precipice of destructive falls are best suited to vicarious learning; anything tangible and/or in person may be too much to come back from. Although, luck favours mostly only the prepared mind. Thus, even in jurisprudence or serendipity, unless you're able to see and conceive what you're shown, then no degree of anything is ever going to help. We must both be able and be ready if fate is to reveal our lessons.
For all its appropriate seriousness that should in morality be cautious about the topic of Verity's abilities, they do still unabashedly promise some jocularity and comic relief for matching senses of humour. The addition of what might be otherwise conceptualised as the necronomicon (magnum opus as it's called herein) is a nice touch. As is the use of historical accountings of the equivalent of prophetic instruction about Verity's magic, there's certainly a vicarious instruction present. Her situation is much like a doomsday just waiting to happen. All in all, if Winter's Curse is officially or unofficially the prelude companion story or its outright prequel, then I can't wait to read more of the Moonlit Hills Series.
But what's more, often things are not what they seem. Even assuming what is known is equal to the maximum of what a given person offers as full disclosure, then even it can be insufficient if they are absent of the knowledge we need and seek. After all, you just have to ask, what's the chances of the two most hunted and hated sorts of magic users meeting each other whilst being forced to use their magic at that time, essentially revealing what they are. The staggering changes in direction after the first few chapters are marvellous, transforming the story into an altogether different construction. The changing points of view completes this well, the two separate authors meshing well in their assignment of one of the two included. This story not only adds so much value to the upcoming series as stated, it ramps up the investment value of the boxed set collection.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Touch of Death by N.R. Larry and Margo Bond Collins
INTRODUCTION - THE STORY:
With its opening scene being that of the key character, Emerson (Em), at home in her recent move into her Aunt's graveyard residence, it's an immediate pondering that wonders if the title is about the location or the story. Still on the first two pages it's further passing comments that promptly balance out both sides of these scales. From there on many statements and descriptions bring that one in four words, the one right at the end of the title, to firmly ground one theme of this story. Em starts out firmly in the role of "all the king's men" whilst her friend, Riot, plays that of "humpty being put back together." Given her straying thoughts regarding the gore on freshly cleaned places, it's a little difficult to avoid thinking of superficial and less than emotional connections; unless it's frustration over the blood going everywhere.
Irony's in the details, or so it goes. Thus, it's ironical that before Riot arrived with his second foot following the first already planted in thehis grave, Em had already been contemplating the stillness and call of death; and by the time she did her best to patch up humpty she was much closer than she'd been; a fair effort given the multiple occurrences mentioned. The difficult part would be in delineating whatever meaning or message that the world was sending. Deliberation, however, would need to arrive at another time. Riot's appearance on her doorstep, requiring a healing effort that had her knocking on her own death's door, brought with it the greatest risk of death. The "I'm so sorry" and look of fear in his eyes made her own panic rise, and yet she wasn't meant to be afraid of dying; ergo, what is it that was making her fearful? Her brushes should alone be sufficient to make them old friends. Unfortunately, the emotions rising were not in keeping with her expectations.
COMMENTS:
With a storyline that's clear, concise, arousing, and contrastingly so well detailed despite its such short stature, it becomes one of those times and examples when you're taken aback by how short stories can be so pleasurable; even if you're habitually accustomed to longer lengths, and operate on the presumption that stories require being at x-length in order to push all your buttons. One of those times when your developed predispositions are navigated around, and can therefore change your unfounded prejudices, regarding short stories or more generally to bring about change for you. Captivating in the now, anticipation for the future, it's a story you can but hope it turns into a series; even if done with at least the ideas behind it, if the same characters aren't carried over.
The thing it has more of than the cauldron of interesting and quirky scenes is originality, and how certain lore, skills, and beliefs can be adapted to tell a thoroughly enjoyable story; irrespective of the purposes for respective ideas or its length. I'm still reeling over the fact that my aunt's, may her soul rest in peace, beliefs and practices can be uniquely adapted in such ways. Imagination is truly a glorious feature of human minds, well perhaps not 'our' so liberally, but definitely for a good many writers. Bangup job on both pieces of fiction these two authors have worked on together, and if I weren't already keeping eyes out for the Underground Resistance Series, then this little crowd pleaser would direct me to that end. Watch for this duo and take what you can get because from experience it'll shape originality and entertainment together to give memorable experiences.
June 17, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, but after reading the first story and figuring out how many stories total were in the anthology I bought it outright. That was probably a big mistake {The HIGHEST when rating was # / # was not quite averaging 3, if going with some of the lower possible ratings would be closer to averaging 2}. There were a couple or so really good ones such as Winter's Curse, there were quite a few 'average' ones, and there were too many why was this crap allowed in.SUGGEST: either finding the couple or so really good ones separate IF they are going to be offered outside the collection at some time, OF if have KU going that way. NOTE: that means Winter's Curse{5}, possibly Touch of Death {iffy 4}, Hell to Pay {5} would have, individually, gotten 5's or at the very least probably a 4. The rest {details below} lower or in some case MUCH lower.
Winter's Curse 5, Boxes by Irene 3, Touch of Death 3/4, Terrible Magic 3, Aura Aura 4, Hell to Pay 5, Summoning Destiny 2/3, Curses and Cupcakes 1 just maybe a 2, Tangled Tempest 2/3, Pictures of You 1/2, White Witch Magic/3 then 2, Love Potion #666 , Stolen Arrow 2, That Hoodoo You Do 2 maybe, Jagged Feather 3 MAYBE, Ravensgaard Queen 1
1 Felicia Beasley, Amanda Pillar Winter's Curse luved it 99%
2 Lindsey R. Loucks/Boxes by Irene /3 at most, writer needs to quit using sex/sexual innuendo/possible sexual situations as a story crutch
3 N.R. Larry/Margo Bond Collins A touch of Death 3/4 As if it was front to back, action all at start and then end just fizzled out
4 Monica Corwin/A Terrible Magic/3 badly to proof and differnces of women/woman, tails/tales,along/alone, quit switching tenses for no reason etc
5 Alicia Rades/Aura Aura/4 that could have been a 5 as makes depression seem as if it's something that can be dealt with in days or short months
6 Boone Brux/Hell to Pay/another 99%, but is I or Faye or missing something, leaving out no or not in sentences totally reverses meaning
7 Noree Cosper/Summoning Destiny/ about 2 or 3 for having sexual situations/F word where not needed, do nothing to futher plot, and make it drag
8 Catherine Vale/Curses and Cupcakes/1 just maybe a 2/F & GD bombs, pseudo sexual tension, try real not crap writing instead of padding 'story'
9 Jessica Hawke/Tangled Tempest/2 or 3 at best/ didn't really think the story made up a story, and it was disjointed and confusing.
10 Kris Austen Radcliffe/Pictures of You/1 or 2/meanders all over no sense, bruises don't show up boom, cameras don't just reappear
11 Juliana Haygert/White Witch Magic/3 then 2/at very least until it went into sexual unnecessary meaningless crap then nonsensical ending
12 Xandra James/Love Potion #666/1/from the very first words to the end, this 'story' made no sense, was stupid sexist gross and boring
13 Felicia Starr/Stolen Arrow/2/for being 90210 animal house and overall stupid frat nonsense
14 Cherita Smith/That Hoodoo You Do/2 maybe, really didn't make much sense and was extremely disjointed
15 Ainsley Shay, Miranda Hardy/Jagged Feather/3 maybe, would have been more but not the type of story good for short, should have been longer
16 Melle Amade/Ravensgaard Queen/1 no idea what this story supposed to be about or even what sort of genre
There are some in this collection that seriously need to 'get some' instead of putting all the useless crappy over hormonal filler in what is supposed to be a story about supernatural or even romance, and no romance does not equate to sex, it's bad writing and not a real story, and for the language in some of the stories, you're not Carlin and there's no reason to use it; I could and have made old Italian sailors blush, but for justifiable reasons, and never ever in writing for the public because it does not add a think except to show a lack of actual writing skill and to pad word count. There is also no reason for such glaring grammatical errors as using concious versus conscience. Also one does not 'scour' stainless steel, that scratches it to crap and back and those scratches pick up and keep bacteria so even more so would not do it in a kitchen. Some of the stories seemed to think they're being written for 90210 or some other silly teen angst crap, grow up already.
Winter's Curse 5, Boxes by Irene 3, Touch of Death 3/4, Terrible Magic 3, Aura Aura 4, Hell to Pay 5, Summoning Destiny 2/3, Curses and Cupcakes 1 just maybe a 2, Tangled Tempest 2/3, Pictures of You 1/2, White Witch Magic/3 then 2, Love Potion #666 , Stolen Arrow 2, That Hoodoo You Do 2 maybe, Jagged Feather 3 MAYBE, Ravensgaard Queen 1
1 Felicia Beasley, Amanda Pillar Winter's Curse luved it 99%
2 Lindsey R. Loucks/Boxes by Irene /3 at most, writer needs to quit using sex/sexual innuendo/possible sexual situations as a story crutch
3 N.R. Larry/Margo Bond Collins A touch of Death 3/4 As if it was front to back, action all at start and then end just fizzled out
4 Monica Corwin/A Terrible Magic/3 badly to proof and differnces of women/woman, tails/tales,along/alone, quit switching tenses for no reason etc
5 Alicia Rades/Aura Aura/4 that could have been a 5 as makes depression seem as if it's something that can be dealt with in days or short months
6 Boone Brux/Hell to Pay/another 99%, but is I or Faye or missing something, leaving out no or not in sentences totally reverses meaning
7 Noree Cosper/Summoning Destiny/ about 2 or 3 for having sexual situations/F word where not needed, do nothing to futher plot, and make it drag
8 Catherine Vale/Curses and Cupcakes/1 just maybe a 2/F & GD bombs, pseudo sexual tension, try real not crap writing instead of padding 'story'
9 Jessica Hawke/Tangled Tempest/2 or 3 at best/ didn't really think the story made up a story, and it was disjointed and confusing.
10 Kris Austen Radcliffe/Pictures of You/1 or 2/meanders all over no sense, bruises don't show up boom, cameras don't just reappear
11 Juliana Haygert/White Witch Magic/3 then 2/at very least until it went into sexual unnecessary meaningless crap then nonsensical ending
12 Xandra James/Love Potion #666/1/from the very first words to the end, this 'story' made no sense, was stupid sexist gross and boring
13 Felicia Starr/Stolen Arrow/2/for being 90210 animal house and overall stupid frat nonsense
14 Cherita Smith/That Hoodoo You Do/2 maybe, really didn't make much sense and was extremely disjointed
15 Ainsley Shay, Miranda Hardy/Jagged Feather/3 maybe, would have been more but not the type of story good for short, should have been longer
16 Melle Amade/Ravensgaard Queen/1 no idea what this story supposed to be about or even what sort of genre
There are some in this collection that seriously need to 'get some' instead of putting all the useless crappy over hormonal filler in what is supposed to be a story about supernatural or even romance, and no romance does not equate to sex, it's bad writing and not a real story, and for the language in some of the stories, you're not Carlin and there's no reason to use it; I could and have made old Italian sailors blush, but for justifiable reasons, and never ever in writing for the public because it does not add a think except to show a lack of actual writing skill and to pad word count. There is also no reason for such glaring grammatical errors as using concious versus conscience. Also one does not 'scour' stainless steel, that scratches it to crap and back and those scratches pick up and keep bacteria so even more so would not do it in a kitchen. Some of the stories seemed to think they're being written for 90210 or some other silly teen angst crap, grow up already.
June 18, 2017
I will start with Winters Curse by Felicia Beasley and Amanda Pillar. If all of the stories are as amazing as this one this will be the best anthology ever released. Verity and Gabe are by far the most interesting pair I have ever read about. They are utterly hilarious in their sarcasm and mess ups. A necromancer who hates being one and a stealer who thinks he is a regular human. The story line could not be better and I cannot wait to read more of this series! The attack of the zombie was by far the most hilarious zombie scene I have ever read or seen all while being epic. Oh and lord almighty book made from human skin (its less gross and more amusing than you imagine I promise) is quite the character. Why is it I can imagine him being the mentor thats brilliant one moment or so annoying you would rather go it alone the next. Add all that sass and sarcasm together and death has never been so funny. The next installment for this story better come soon!
A touch of death by N.R.Larry and Margo Bond Collins is next. I was intrigued the whole time. I know a bit about using Reiki in the real world but adding it to a magical world was a stroke of genius. Emerson and Riot are an unlikely pair considering she prefers to be alone and the embrace of death and he is rash and full of fire. I feel like they balance and compliment each other well despite that. Their friendship is one of those things thats unexpected but works. Emerson is a whole different ballpark than the normal girls you read about in fantasy these days. Usually there are two options victim or butt kicking but somehow she manages to carve her own little niche making this unlike anything else you will read. I cannot wait to get more of this series!
A touch of death by N.R.Larry and Margo Bond Collins is next. I was intrigued the whole time. I know a bit about using Reiki in the real world but adding it to a magical world was a stroke of genius. Emerson and Riot are an unlikely pair considering she prefers to be alone and the embrace of death and he is rash and full of fire. I feel like they balance and compliment each other well despite that. Their friendship is one of those things thats unexpected but works. Emerson is a whole different ballpark than the normal girls you read about in fantasy these days. Usually there are two options victim or butt kicking but somehow she manages to carve her own little niche making this unlike anything else you will read. I cannot wait to get more of this series!
June 23, 2017
Review for Curses and Cupcakes by Catherine Vale
Deanna is a witch that gave up everything to do with magic when she lost her grandmother and sister. All she wants to focus on is her bakery. Kingston is a mate in need of a witch that can create a potion to save his brother from a death curse.
When Kingston "popped" into Deanna's bakery there is definitely heat brewing between the two of them, but will Deanna let Kingsto's baby blues persuade her into using her magic again knowing that there could be dire consequences if she does.
Curses and Cupcakes is a quick enjoyable story, that provides you with great characters and a complete story that leaves you wanting the story to be just a little bit longer as most novellas do. If the rest of the stories in this anthology are as good as this one then you will not be disappointed.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of this story for my honest review.
Deanna is a witch that gave up everything to do with magic when she lost her grandmother and sister. All she wants to focus on is her bakery. Kingston is a mate in need of a witch that can create a potion to save his brother from a death curse.
When Kingston "popped" into Deanna's bakery there is definitely heat brewing between the two of them, but will Deanna let Kingsto's baby blues persuade her into using her magic again knowing that there could be dire consequences if she does.
Curses and Cupcakes is a quick enjoyable story, that provides you with great characters and a complete story that leaves you wanting the story to be just a little bit longer as most novellas do. If the rest of the stories in this anthology are as good as this one then you will not be disappointed.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of this story for my honest review.
June 27, 2017
Who can say no to a group of extremely talented writers !!! Secrets and sorcery in the best forms, romance of course to keep you entertained for hours. So far I have read two out of this box set which would be Winter's Curse and Curses & Cupcakes.
Winter's Curse
Gabe and Verity are so funny in this book with their constant sarcasm and screw ups. There was one part that cracked me up in regards to a book, but as I do not give spoilers you will have to read it to find out. I truly hope that there will be more to this story as I enjoyed every page and long for more.
Curses & Cupcakes
What does a witch do when she gives up her craft? She starts baking cupcakes of course! But in "pops" Kingston begging her to use her magic again to save his brother. Does she do it, and go back into her past? Guess you will need to read it to find out.
I will review the rest of the books in this box set once I catch up on all the other box sets that I so badly want to read xD
Winter's Curse
Gabe and Verity are so funny in this book with their constant sarcasm and screw ups. There was one part that cracked me up in regards to a book, but as I do not give spoilers you will have to read it to find out. I truly hope that there will be more to this story as I enjoyed every page and long for more.
Curses & Cupcakes
What does a witch do when she gives up her craft? She starts baking cupcakes of course! But in "pops" Kingston begging her to use her magic again to save his brother. Does she do it, and go back into her past? Guess you will need to read it to find out.
I will review the rest of the books in this box set once I catch up on all the other box sets that I so badly want to read xD
June 16, 2017
Review for just Winter's Curse.
I am a big fan of Ms. Beasley’s and am always excited to read something by her. After I read this story, I am now a fan of Ms. Pillar. This story was so fun! At first, I have to admit I wasn’t sure I was going to like Gabe, but I really liked Verity. However, it didn’t take long to really come to love them both. They were fun, interesting, and I can’t wait to read more about them…there is going to be more books, right?!? And there was also a character in this that I just have to mention because he was laugh-out-loud funny: Lord Vater. I can’t say too much about him as I don’t want to spoil anything. As I said before, this was a really fun read, as well as well-written, great plot, and great characters. Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
I am a big fan of Ms. Beasley’s and am always excited to read something by her. After I read this story, I am now a fan of Ms. Pillar. This story was so fun! At first, I have to admit I wasn’t sure I was going to like Gabe, but I really liked Verity. However, it didn’t take long to really come to love them both. They were fun, interesting, and I can’t wait to read more about them…there is going to be more books, right?!? And there was also a character in this that I just have to mention because he was laugh-out-loud funny: Lord Vater. I can’t say too much about him as I don’t want to spoil anything. As I said before, this was a really fun read, as well as well-written, great plot, and great characters. Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
June 17, 2017
I've read two of these stories so far, and I'm ready for more!
Winter's Curse by Felicia Beasley
This was a fun and quirky novel. I've never read about necromancers, so this was a new area for me. Throw in some sarcastic inanimate objects and a brassy ghost, and I was hooked. The main characters were enjoyable. I loved the snark and tension building between them. I look forward to seeing their abilities unfold and where their adventures take them.
Jagged Feather by Miranda Hardy
Jasmine returns! In this novelette adventure, she encounters witches... cursed, powerful, and evil. Is helping a cursed witch worth regaining your memories? Jasmine thinks so. She leaps head-first into a situation blind, naïve, and clueless. Does she succeed in helping the witch? Does she regain her memories? The ending leaves you wanting more.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of these stories.
Winter's Curse by Felicia Beasley
This was a fun and quirky novel. I've never read about necromancers, so this was a new area for me. Throw in some sarcastic inanimate objects and a brassy ghost, and I was hooked. The main characters were enjoyable. I loved the snark and tension building between them. I look forward to seeing their abilities unfold and where their adventures take them.
Jagged Feather by Miranda Hardy
Jasmine returns! In this novelette adventure, she encounters witches... cursed, powerful, and evil. Is helping a cursed witch worth regaining your memories? Jasmine thinks so. She leaps head-first into a situation blind, naïve, and clueless. Does she succeed in helping the witch? Does she regain her memories? The ending leaves you wanting more.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of these stories.
June 16, 2017
My review is about 'Winter's Curse' by Felicia Beasley and Amanda Pillar.
I received an ARC and voluntarily choose to review.
Absolutely loved it! Funny, witty and a great storyline. Unlike some novella/short books where you feel like it was rushed or half was just skipped. Not this one. It was perfect! Loved the interaction between the characters. The sarcasm, the comebacks everything worked with these two. Then there's the side characters who I found hilarious, magical talking/interacting items. Inspired! The story was so much bigger than expected and was definitely something different and unique to read. Glad to know there's more on the way with Gabe and Verity. I'm definitely on board for that! *grabby hands*
I received an ARC and voluntarily choose to review.
Absolutely loved it! Funny, witty and a great storyline. Unlike some novella/short books where you feel like it was rushed or half was just skipped. Not this one. It was perfect! Loved the interaction between the characters. The sarcasm, the comebacks everything worked with these two. Then there's the side characters who I found hilarious, magical talking/interacting items. Inspired! The story was so much bigger than expected and was definitely something different and unique to read. Glad to know there's more on the way with Gabe and Verity. I'm definitely on board for that! *grabby hands*
December 5, 2017
A new anthology with a number of authors with brand new short stories. One of those stories by Catherine Vale, Curses and Cupcakes, is well named. Deanna runs a bakery having given up on her craft. No more spells, potions, or magic. When gorgeous Kingston begs her to make a potion to save his cursed brother she tries to refuse. She put it in her past for a reason. If she agrees, what repercussions will she suffer?
You'll need to read to find out if she agrees. If she is successful and if she and Kingston become more.
It may be short on page but not on story, characters, or enjoyable reading.
This is my honest review of this advance reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
You'll need to read to find out if she agrees. If she is successful and if she and Kingston become more.
It may be short on page but not on story, characters, or enjoyable reading.
This is my honest review of this advance reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
June 22, 2017
Secrets & Sorcery an anthology of brilliant paranormal tales
One review of Curses & Cupcakes by Catherine Vale
Deanna has sworn not to use the Craft again but when a mage named Kingston Archer shows up at her bakery she is moved to change her mind. One decision like this is going to create a lot of interesting changes to Deanna’s life. Changes that you must read about to decide if they will be good or bad. I will drop you a hint, however, and that is you will not be disappointed in this Witchy tale by a very excellent Writer, Catherine Vale.
More to come as I read more books in this set.
Bella Doerres
One review of Curses & Cupcakes by Catherine Vale
Deanna has sworn not to use the Craft again but when a mage named Kingston Archer shows up at her bakery she is moved to change her mind. One decision like this is going to create a lot of interesting changes to Deanna’s life. Changes that you must read about to decide if they will be good or bad. I will drop you a hint, however, and that is you will not be disappointed in this Witchy tale by a very excellent Writer, Catherine Vale.
More to come as I read more books in this set.
Bella Doerres
June 16, 2017
My voluntary review is based upon an arc of Winters Curse by Felicia Beasley and Amanda Pillar, and I loved it enough to buy the book. This story by itself makes the price seem a great deal but there are 16 more stories in the anthology. I giggled from the first page of Winters Curse until the end. The sass between Verity and Gabe guarantees amusement and the evil necromancer book reminds me of Dresden's Bob the skull. A highly entertaining and addictive read that will hopefully lead to a very long series!
June 17, 2017
I received an ARC of Felicia Beasley and Amanda Pillar's "Winter's Curse" and thus far it's the only story I have read, so my review is solely for that story at this point.
I loved the story. I have enjoyed everything I've read by Beasley thus far, and this addition (written with Pillar) is no exception. The character interactions always have me chuckling to myself as I read and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Moonlit Hills series.
Thanks for the entertaining adventures ladies, keep up the good work. :)
I loved the story. I have enjoyed everything I've read by Beasley thus far, and this addition (written with Pillar) is no exception. The character interactions always have me chuckling to myself as I read and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Moonlit Hills series.
Thanks for the entertaining adventures ladies, keep up the good work. :)
June 16, 2017
so far I have read one of the books of the series and if it's any indication this boxset will be awesome
Winter’s Curse Felicia Beasley What’s worse than a necromancer that doesn’t want to be one? I don’t know that there is something worse since they are thought of as the worse of the worse or at least that’s how Verity thought. This cute short read is fun and full of adventure which lead to more. Verity will be just fine with a little help from her friends.
Winter’s Curse Felicia Beasley What’s worse than a necromancer that doesn’t want to be one? I don’t know that there is something worse since they are thought of as the worse of the worse or at least that’s how Verity thought. This cute short read is fun and full of adventure which lead to more. Verity will be just fine with a little help from her friends.
June 16, 2017
Review for A Terrible Magic:
Maddie has been in hiding since she escaped from the Institution. After they brutally killed her family, they kept her to steal her magic. Now she's after Liam, the guy who killed the children. What she doesn't expect was the alliance that could form. But will this knew found alliance shatter before its begin after Liam discovers a secret about himself? Loved this short story and can't wait to read for of this story to find out what'll happen next!
Maddie has been in hiding since she escaped from the Institution. After they brutally killed her family, they kept her to steal her magic. Now she's after Liam, the guy who killed the children. What she doesn't expect was the alliance that could form. But will this knew found alliance shatter before its begin after Liam discovers a secret about himself? Loved this short story and can't wait to read for of this story to find out what'll happen next!
June 17, 2017
What a wonderful collection of stories from some of my fave Authors!!! I especially like Pictures of You by Kris Austen Radcliffe. Ellie is a likeable lead who can see where magic is preformed by taking pictures and looking at the negatives. Her house moves without warning and she must adapt to whereever it lands next. I am truly looking forward to reading more in this series. I also enjoyed Winters Curse very much. It is a very enjoyable anthology.
June 17, 2017
I loved Amanda Pillar's story in this book. Verity can raise the dead she sees this as a curse and to make matters worse her powers are uncontrolled due to her being different and stronger than her parents.
After being fired from her job she goes to the one person who maybe able to help the cranky shop owner Gabe.
Can these two help Verity get her power under control.
Would I recommend this book YES
After being fired from her job she goes to the one person who maybe able to help the cranky shop owner Gabe.
Can these two help Verity get her power under control.
Would I recommend this book YES
June 18, 2017
I started this anthology with 'a touch of death'.
Totally not what I expected. Since I own this anthology, you can imagine that I like paranormal, but this short story is different.
So creative! I loved the characters. It is refreshing to have a new set of paranormal species, some twisted existing myth and I want to finish so badly. Well done ladies.
Am sure that I'll devour the other stories also in no time.
Totally not what I expected. Since I own this anthology, you can imagine that I like paranormal, but this short story is different.
So creative! I loved the characters. It is refreshing to have a new set of paranormal species, some twisted existing myth and I want to finish so badly. Well done ladies.
Am sure that I'll devour the other stories also in no time.
August 2, 2017
This review is for curses and cupcakes by Catherine vale
Deanna runs a bakery called cauldron and confections. She is a witch but doesn't use magic anymore. Then Kingston archer an elemental mage shows up at her shop begging her to help him save his brother's life.
This was a fun story with a few twist to keep ya guessing. I loved the characters. They were so much fun to read about. I couldn't put it down. Magic fans will love this one!
Deanna runs a bakery called cauldron and confections. She is a witch but doesn't use magic anymore. Then Kingston archer an elemental mage shows up at her shop begging her to help him save his brother's life.
This was a fun story with a few twist to keep ya guessing. I loved the characters. They were so much fun to read about. I couldn't put it down. Magic fans will love this one!
July 1, 2017
I read Catherine Vale's Curses & Cupcakes first. Easy flow from the first page. The characters came alive.
An amazing author who brings the story to life.
I so enjoy reading these books. I look forward in discovering how the other authors write and to be swept into another place. I highly recommend this book.
An amazing author who brings the story to life.
I so enjoy reading these books. I look forward in discovering how the other authors write and to be swept into another place. I highly recommend this book.
June 16, 2017
Winters Curse
4 stars
Buckle up for a wild ride. The characters were full of sass, snark yet sexy attitude. This story was quite entertaining and fun. I highly recommend this and definitely want to see more from these characters.
4 stars
Buckle up for a wild ride. The characters were full of sass, snark yet sexy attitude. This story was quite entertaining and fun. I highly recommend this and definitely want to see more from these characters.
June 16, 2017
Review is god Winter's Curse by Felicia Beasley.
absolutely loved it. a great start to a new series and has me wanting more. looking forward to more adventures and excitement from Verity while she learns about her Necromancy.
absolutely loved it. a great start to a new series and has me wanting more. looking forward to more adventures and excitement from Verity while she learns about her Necromancy.
June 17, 2017
5 stars for Winter's Curse!
Action, magic, interesting characters (both dead and alive) and a jolly good start to a series! Can't wait to read more about the trouble Gabe, Verity, the book and Granny M will no doubt find themselves in! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Action, magic, interesting characters (both dead and alive) and a jolly good start to a series! Can't wait to read more about the trouble Gabe, Verity, the book and Granny M will no doubt find themselves in! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 17, 2017
Good read. Could've been better had some of the story lines not leave you hanging on what will happen next.
Still enjoyed reading this book. Had some really hot and erotic moments. Exciting elements. But if it were a movie, I would've been disappointed.
Still enjoyed reading this book. Had some really hot and erotic moments. Exciting elements. But if it were a movie, I would've been disappointed.
June 18, 2017
I'm a contributing author, so I'm biased :)
June 19, 2017
I've only read Winter's Cursre which I was lucky enough to gifted with, in exchange for an honest review. It's a fantastic story, extremely well constructed, written and developped. I adored it.
June 21, 2017
This is a great set! Love Monica Corwin!
Enjoyed finally having a box set just for witches!!
Enjoyed finally having a box set just for witches!!
June 24, 2017
Hints of greatness
Here is your portal to paranormal. Many great authors and stories. All lead to a fascinating world of the different and lovely.
Here is your portal to paranormal. Many great authors and stories. All lead to a fascinating world of the different and lovely.
June 26, 2017
This anthology is filled with some nice, short, stories, made even better by both reading some of my favorite authors and finding some new authors, as well!
June 16, 2017
Review for Summoning Destiny by Noree Cosper
Just because this story is short, that doesn't mean that it's short on depth and action, too. As a matter of fact, Ava and Dominic's story is packed full of witches/warlocks and mystery that will keep you glued to the book. A nail-biting phase that will surely entertain and make a fan out of you!
I was provided a copy for review purposes.
Just because this story is short, that doesn't mean that it's short on depth and action, too. As a matter of fact, Ava and Dominic's story is packed full of witches/warlocks and mystery that will keep you glued to the book. A nail-biting phase that will surely entertain and make a fan out of you!
I was provided a copy for review purposes.
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