Guess who's back?! With a review, to boot!

That's right, our internet is finally connected at the new place! While these posts have been going up as scheduled, I've been resting, as per doctor's orders, and so am returning with a review of Cree Walker's awesome new release through Naughty Nights Press; Maple Lane Manor. I am giving it 4 stars!

This was my first novel by Cree. I’ve read blogs by her, but never ventured into her stories, though I always meant to. When I got the chance to review this, I jumped at the chance, especially since I had some time coming up to dedicate to it.

Maple Lane Manor is a fantastic introduction to Cree Walker’s writing. Full of humour, heat and emotion, it kept flowing. It has been a while that a new (to me) author has captured my attention quite like this. I even found myself staying up one night late to keep reading it. I just couldn’t put it down.

There were a couple small niggles, but no story is perfect. And when I say small, I mean small. I honestly am having trouble trying to remember them, and it was only one day ago that I finished it. The one that does stick is the speed with which it ended; it did come up pretty quickly and left me with that empty, awesome-book-now-finished feeling. However it was still satisfying.

The characters were fantastic. Stacy I hated with passion and I was filled with glee every time she was thwarted. Maple of course was endearing, feisty and reminded me a little of myself. Derek gave me incredibly wicked thoughts. And then there were the retired supernaturals. What can I say, they all had the usual family traits, and all loveable in their own frustrating way. However I believe Walter and Batman stood out for me. They were just the epitome of family for Maple. Grumpy old man and his bird, perfectly grumpy and protective.

The writing in first person initially threw me off, but then it’s not something that’s all that common anymore. Once I got used to it, it drew me into the story even more.

I finished this story hungry for more, yet satisfied, like when you’ve had a deliciously filling meal and your stomach is full, although your tastebuds cry for more. Definitely has me hooked for more of Ms Walker’s writing, and one I will be coming back to read again and again!

Fantastic read for those who want that familial feeling of mixed emotions, protectiveness and humour. 

Maple Lane Manor can be bought in all the usual places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, but most importantly, directly through Naughty Nights Press! It is also available in paperback. 

Review of Kim Faulks’ Emergence. Book 4 in The Fire and Ice Series

For the first time in quite some time, I'm finally doing a review again. Don't expect too many, as I don't have much time these days with everything going on, but from time to time, The Phoenix will once again post a review. Today, I'm thrilled to have reviewed Emergence, the fourth instalment in Kim Faulks' Fire and Ice series. So, if you will... 

Natalie Sommers is left to die in a filthy alley in the middle of nowhere.

Her body broken.

Her soul gone.

Her captor Kaige had one last parting gift for Natalie, the taste of Vampire blood in her mouth.

Natalie survives, and as the Vampire blood takes hold chaining her to Kaige for her immortal life something else happens.

Something that no one could have ever thought possible.

With the fire of her lover Malik in her heart, and the Ancient power of Makkah in her veins Natalie leaves humanity far behind and becomes not just a danger to others, but a danger to herself.

Can Natalie find a way back to her humanity? Can she find a way back to love?

Emergence is the next heart pounding chapter of The Fire and Ice Series by Kim Faulks

Kim wasted no time getting straight to the action in Emergence, with Malik and Alexander hunting for Natalie, trying to catch up to her. When they do find her in an abandoned church, she is not the Natalie they remember; she is crazed, and powerful, violent and wild. Chills rush down my spine just thinking about the opening scene. For those who have read the first three, it’s a haunting image that will jump out at you, but you won’t be able to stop reading. And frankly, who would want to stop?

It’s nice to also get a look in to Grayson, who returns from Reclaimed, though he does cross Natalie’s thoughts in Seductive Sands.  He’s a strong character filled with complexities, and it’s great to see a bit of their history.

Although I did spot a couple mistakes, the published copies don’t have major errors and considering it’s self-published, I take my hat off to Kim to have so few.  What little errors there were did not detract from the story, and I found myself reaching the end way too quickly, because I became so absorbed in the plot and characters. 

Once again, Ms Faulks delivers, never failing to surprise and astound a reader and hook them in.  And to leave a snippet of her Hells Angels series, one of which I’ve read, is just a tease, but utterly wonderful. Now comes the eager wait for the next installment.  I am impatient to find out what happens when Vampire Mistress and Vampire meet once more…

You can buy your own copy of Emergence here.