My Name Is A'yen (A'yen's Legacy #1) by Rachel Leigh Smith #futuristic #romance

Title: My Name is A'yen
Author: Rachel Leigh Smith
Genre: Futuristic Romance
Publisher: Rachel Leigh Smith
Available: Kobo, B&N, Amazon (351 pages $0.00)
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa


Blurb:
They've taken everything from him. Except his name.

The Loks Mé have been slaves for so long, freedom is a distant myth A'yen Mesu no longer believes. A year in holding, because of his master's murder, has sucked the life from him. Archaeologist Farran Hart buys him to protect her on an expedition to the Rim, the last unexplored quadrant.

Farran believes the Loks Mé once lived on the Rim and is determined to prove it. And win A'yen's trust. But she's a breeder's daughter and can't be trusted.

Hidden rooms, information caches and messages from a long-dead king change A'yen's mind about her importance. When she's threatened he offers himself in exchange, and lands on the Breeder's Association's radar. The truth must be told. Even if it costs him his heart.

What I liked:
I adore tortured heroes, and A'yen is probably the most tortured soul I've ever encountered. Just when you feel thing can't get any worse and you see a glimmer of hope, Rachel Leigh Smith has A'yen's plight tear out your heart again. Beautifully descriptive writing and a real emotional rollercoaster. Good romantic tension, and plenty of action, mystery and intrigue. The word building was multi-layered and interesting.

What I didn't like:
For me, the action/tension toward the end dropped off a bit. Considering how hard A'yen had to fight throughout the story to be seen as an individual rather than a thing and how his inability to control his life as a slave was abused, I felt some of the conflict/danger aspect from at least one individual could have been stronger.

In conclusion:
This was an excellent debut and a promising start to a hero-centric, potentially epic scifi romance series. Looking forward to the rest of the books!

Her Cyborg Awakes by Melisse Aires

Title: Her Cyborg Awakes (formerly titled Cybot Awakens)
Author: Melisse Aires
Genre: Sensual Scifi Romance
Publisher: Grand Street Publishing (first published February 1st 2009)
Available: $0.99 at Amazon
Rating: 4 stars
Rater: Pippa



From the publisher:
Sabralia lives a lonely but luxurious life in Emperor Sirn’s Harem, her only companion is her obedient servant, Qy, a cyborg. Her life has largely been controlled by others, but when Sirn demands his Harem pleasure his Commanding Officers at a victory celebration, Sabralia makes a daring plan to hide to avoid rape by Sirn's men.

The Palace is ambushed and her cyborg gets her off world. The impossible has happened−Qy the gentle cyborg becomes the man he once was, the warrior Kaistril. Pursued for valuable information, Sabralia is thrust into dangerous, unfamiliar situations where she must stand up to the challenges, or lose the man she loves. Sensual Sci-fi Romance Novella

Please note - I read the earlier release of this novella, and it's since been republished, so errors in the formatting and editing may since have been fixed.

What I liked:
The heroine was a 'plump little queen' rather than some kick-ass female warrior or skinny sidekick, but this fact didn't make her weak or unbelievable as a character. Despite her privileged background and lack of experience, she made up for it in inner strength, loyalty, and compassion, and her willingness to learn and take responsibility. It made a refreshing change to have a plus sized heroine, and one willing to take chances despite her natural fears. Her personal growth throughout this story was a massive highlight for me.

What I didn't like:
I'm not a huge fan of Alpha males, and despite Qy's submissive introduction, he's pure Alpha once he regains himself. But released from his cyborg slavery, he still holds himself back from claiming Sabralia as he could so I warmed to him. There were also more spelling and formatting errors than I'd normally forgive, including a couple of sentences missing so many words that I couldn't make sense of them - enough to pull me out of the story. There were also a few repetitions. However, as noted above, this novella has recently been rereleased, so I'm hoping those have now been fixed.

In conclusion:
For those tired of stereotypical heroines but who still like their males all Alpha (with a sensitive edge), this is for you. Enjoyable, sweet but with full on, passionate bedroom scenes, plus interesting touches of tech for the scifi fans.
 

Keep No Secrets by Julie Compton

Title: Keep No Secrets
Author: Julie Compton
Genre: Drama/Romance (?!)
Publisher: Fresh Fork Publishing (March 10, 2013)
Available: $5.99 at Amazon
Rating: 3 stars
Rater: Dihanna



From the publisher:
After the ultimate betrayal, which is more important: trust or forgiveness?

In KEEP NO SECRETS, the controversial follow-up to Compton's debut legal thriller TELL NO LIES, a district attorney struggles to redeem himself after a one-night stand damaged his marriage and professional reputation.

After surviving the private and public fallout from a one-night stand four years before, St. Louis DA Jack Hilliard wants nothing more than to be trusted again by his wife, Claire, and to earn back the respect of the community he serves. Since the day Claire accepted him back into the family, he's vowed to be true to these goals, and so far he's succeeded.

But all of Jack's efforts begin to crumble when the woman involved in his earlier downfall, Jenny Dodson, returns to town claiming threats on her life and asking for his help, and resurrecting for Jack long-buried emotions and questions of her guilt for the murder of a client. Just when he thinks the pressure can't get any worse, his son's girlfriend, Celeste, accuses him of sexual assault, and he suddenly finds himself on the wrong end of a criminal case, battling for his freedom.

Can Jack trust his freedom to the legal system on which he built his career? Or will the ghost of his one-night stand four years before come back to haunt him, causing him to be convicted on the mistakes of his past? 



What I liked: The author is skilled, and has woven a complex story. I believed it, and reading this story stirred a lot of emotions.


What I didn’t like: These characters are horrible, horrible people, most especially including the protagonist. Before I was halfway through the book, I hated him, and I ended up hating him even more before the story ended. I hated him and his horrible girlfriend. Neither have any redeeming qualities, and in fact, their selfishness and irresponsibility and sociopathology destroyed their families’ lives. This story made me angry; I have met and heard about more than enough bad men, and bad women. I sure don’t want to read about them.

In sum: If you secretly root for the bad guys, this one’s for you.

Beyond Forever by M.W. Davis

Title: Beyond Forever
Author: M.W. Davis
Genre: Romance/Short Story
Publisher: Champagne Books (April 1, 2013)
Available: $.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna


From the publisher:
Hanna’s organized life has been fractured by one mistake, one incredible night with a stranger, and now her world has descended into unbearable solitude. Days burning sunlight in a mind numbing haze, nights staring into the black void enveloping her empty bed, until a peculiar man lost within his own shadows, offers a path to resolution. To purge the memories that hound her thoughts and block her return to a normal existence, she must circle back to where it all began.


What I liked: Sweet, well written, and satisfying are the three words I’d use to describe this short story. The plot flows, you’re pulled along, and you don’t want it to end. Not terribly trite either, which was refreshing.

What I didn’t like: Can’t think of a thing!

In sum: Here’s a good one for us romance junkies. Pick it up.

Arabelle's Shadows by Fleur Gaskin

Title: Arabelle’s Shadows
Author: Fleur Gaskin
Genre: Women’s Literature/Inspirational
Publisher: Self/Amazon (November 19, 2012)
Available: $3.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Dihanna


From the publisher:

Everything in Arabelle's life is coming together. She has confidence, great friends, she's even dating Naak, a wealthy Thai socialite. But there are too many models in Bangkok. Arabelle’s broke, she can’t find an agent in New York, and Naak isn’t as wonderful as he first appears.

Slowly the Shadows creep back into Arabelle’s mind, bringing with them thoughts of hopelessness and despair. The vile Shadows know something Arabelle’s refusing to remember and, if she’s not careful, they’ll use it to destroy her.

Based on a true story, Arabelle’s Shadows takes us on a journey through the struggles of growing up, not quite making it as an international model, and attempting to overcome a crushing depression.

What I liked: This was a moving, emotional, and often heartbreaking story. The descriptions painted here make depression and despair as real as the walls caging Arabelle. Especially satisfying is the strength Arabelle digs up to get through her horrors. In all, what a very sad, and well-written story.

What I didn’t like: The depth and realism of the emotional traumas are not for the fainthearted. Keep that in mind when you pick this up.

In sum: You should read this, but not during a sad time.

Wherewolves by John Vamvas and Olga Montes

Title: Wherewolves
Author: John Vamvas and Olga Montes
Genre: YA/Horror/Social Commentary
Publisher: Self/Amazon (February 17, 2013)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 4 stars
Rater: Dihanna


From the publisher:

The underdogs, Jeffrey and Doris, do not want to go as they fear for their safety among the disdain and cruelty of the popular students. Sergeant Tim O’Sullivan, their teacher, as well as their dysfunctional parents pressure them into going, but it is an unforgivable act by their peers that propels the pair to go. Likewise, Elie, a student resented because of his Arab roots, is even more determined to prove himself this weekend. In the background, a news report cautions of a wanted couple with alleged super-human strength supposedly brought on by a new drug on the streets.

In the woods, the students hike, hunt, camp, and soon act in unity as the forest brings them closer together. But does it? O’Sullivan leaves them alone for the night. The students bond, chant, tell campfire tales, and quickly lose their fears and inhibitions. HOO-AH! Though sexual tensions are high, it soon turns to violence and everything quickly turns sour.

When the kids start disappearing one after the other, the remaining begin to unwittingly “act like the natives” carving spears, ready to face whatever is out there. What has gotten into them?

Amid the blood-curdling growls and the gruesome deaths, the story’s underlying layers are revealed. We see how misconceptions, prejudice, greed, fear, and hatred bring out the worst and best in us.

What is out there? Can it really be werewolves?


What I liked: This is a well written story, with crisp characters and a detailed, satisfying plot. The story moves, and keeps you entertained. It’s both horror and social commentary, and suggests a lot of bigger ideas that are worth contemplating.

What I didn’t like: Way, way too gory for me, and I would never let my teen read it.

In sum: If you like horror and YA, this will satisfy, but don't give it to your kids.

Paranormal Properties by Tracy Lane

Title: Paranormal Properties
Author: Tracy Lane
Genre: YA
Publisher: Pants on Fire Press (February 27, 2013)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 4 stars
Raters: Dihanna and Lauri


From the publisher:

The Weir family has just arrived in Dusk, North Carolina, one of the most haunted cities in America, to scope out some of the town’s 127 reported “paranormal properties,” which just happens to be the name of their own ghost hunting show: Paranormal Properties. What Jake Weir doesn’t know, and what his parents could never imagine, is that Jake can see ghosts! And hear them. And talk back to them! This talent comes in handy when he runs into Dusk’s oldest, most famous ghost: Frank Barrone, a one-time lounge singer made famous by his booze-soaked ballad, “Barroom Eyes.”

Frank was gunned down by a local mobster in 1951 and has been searching for his killer ever since. When he learns that Jake can see and hear him, Frank makes young Jake a deal: if Jake will help Frank find his killer, Frank will help his parents find a ghost to film for their upcoming Halloween Special on Public Access TV. Jake enlists the only friend he’s made in Dusk, an overweight tomboy nicknamed “Tank,” to help him track down Frank’s killer. As clues emerge and old leads heat up, Frank and Jake learn they make quite a team. But will Jake find Frank’s killer? And will Frank find a real haunted house in time for the Halloween special?


What I liked: I thought the book was so wonderfully cute, and that I just loved all the characters in it. Frank, the ghost, is looking for his body and finds a friend in the only person who can see him - Jake. I love the compassion Frank shows for Jake, and how he helps his ghosthunter parents. Gotta say I dearly love Tank (though see my caveat below) and was glad Jake and his family took her in. Lots of good messages here. With the one exception noted below, I found the book well written and a joy to read.

What I didn’t like: I don’t like the “overweight” word, and I am especially unhappy at its employment in literature to stigmatize a person, especially – especially! – in children’s books. I strongly recommend that the author read up on how damaging stigmatizing fat people, especially children, is and how that stance damages, sometimes permanently, the self esteem of children, which causes problems ranging from eating-disordered behavior to suicide. (Besides, we should not be equating "fat" with "unhealth," and teaching that critical thinking begins in childhood.) I recommend the wealth of information at NAAFA and HAES to the author, and anyone who wonders at this topic.

In sum: A fun book for kids, but watch for the pitfalls listed above -- and talk to your kids about these issues in this and every book.