Disclaimer:

Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author/publisher to The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.
Showing posts with label 4 Tarots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4 Tarots. Show all posts

Apr 5, 2011

Demons Love Cinnamon by Kate Richards


The Pagan & The Pen Book Revies

Title: Demons Love Cinnamon
Author: Kate Richards
Buy Link
Publisher: Breathless Press 
Genre: Paranormal/Erotic Romance
Length: 40 pgs.
Reviewed by: Rob's Wife

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 4
Story: 5
Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating
                                                 

About The Book:
Archaic and powerful demon, Alessandro, knew never to disappoint his overlord, but Samhain night on Earth is a new experience for this red-hot guy. When a captivating scent leads him to a Halloween party, he finds Gwenny. The witch is everything he never even knew to dream of. The only problem is, he's due back in Hell in the morning with somebody’s soul…and it looks like it may be hers.

Unable to resist Alessandro's wicked allure, Gwenny doesn’t realize the danger she's in until their night of passion comes to an end. If Lucifer's demands are refused, will they both survive, or will Gwenny lose her heart and soul to her cinnamon-loving demon?

The Review:
Demons Love Cinnamon is a paranormal short story with a twist between a demon and a witch and I could not put it down. The storyline was well developed and flowed nicely at a pace that kept me turning the pages. The author's writing style was easy to read and I felt the emotion of the characters from scene to scene.

The only complaint I would have was that it ended way too soon as it was a very short read. I felt at times that the author seemed a bit rushed and could have fleshed out the story just a bit more, so the reader really had the time to get to know the characters a bit better. 

However, this small detail was not enough to keep me from devouring this story. I could not put this book down until I had finished and look forward to reading more by this author. Demons Love Cinnamon is in my keeper pile. It's a fantastic story by Kate Richards. 

Pagan Elements: Samhain Rituals

Black Hawke Down by Serenity Woods


The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Black Hawke Down
Author: Serenity Woods
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Erotic
Length: 38 pgs.
Reviewed By: Madeline Smoot

Ratings For:
Cover: 5
Presentation: 5
Editing: 4
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 
                                                


About the Book: (Blurb taken from the book)
Nature witch, Captain Imogen Williamson, is on the run, blamed for a murder she didn’t commit, hunted by the Supernatural Unit of the British Army desperate to keep quiet the secret Imogen’s discovered. She knows it won’t be long before she’s found, but doesn’t suspect it will be Major Cameron Hawke—Iron Warlock and ex-lover—who’ll be the first to find her.

Hawke thinks she’s defected to Chaos and knows he’s got to put aside his feelings for her so he can complete his mission, but a moment of weakness makes him falter. Captured and restrained like an animal, he finds himself at Imogen’s mercy. He thinks it’s only his life at stake, but when Imogen tells him getting pregnant is her only way of staying alive—and he’s going to help her whether he likes it or not—he soon realizes that his self respect and dignity might be on the way out to…

The Review:
Imogen Williamson is a captain and nature witch attached to the Supernatural Unit in Britain’s Army. Falsely accused of murder and treason the head officer of her unit sends Major Cameron Hawke to assassinate her before she is able to tell her side of the story.

Major Cameron Hawke is a warlock and the best tracker in the Supernatural Unit; able to conjure and command metal he attempts to make Imogen pay for her supposed crimes and for breaking his heart, but instead finds himself tied to her bed and completely at her mercy.

The book is filled with naughty fun, but the love scenes feel a little rushed. Every moment between Cameron and Imogen is awash in sexual tension reeling the reader into every touch and caress. The emotion and anger felt by Cameron when he finds himself trussed up and forced to endure the erotic torture that Imogen dishes out makes my mouth water and itch to join in the fun. While too short for my liking and some of the scenes feel a bit rushed, this is definitely a book to read and enjoy. This author’s ability is remarkable, but there are a few points in her technique that could be tweaked to make her second to none.  

The cover is beautiful in a harsh sort of way. There is no way I would pass this book without picking it up and sneaking a peak at the story within. The cover grabs the attention and demands that its pages be explored. The harsh and dirty background gives it something extra that nips at the curiosity of the casual browser. The story grabbed me from the very first sentence and refused to let me go 'til the very end.

Pagan Elements: N/A

Make Me by Jessica Lee



The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews 
Title: Make Me
Author: Jessica Lee
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Paranormal, Erotic Romance, m/m
Length: 30 pgs
Reviewed By: Madeline Smoot

Ratings For:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 4
Story: 5
Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                            

The Book:
Evin KinKaid has it all: the title of alpha of the KinKaid wolf shifter pack and the man he loves, his mate, Mason Thorne II in his bed. But across territorial lines, it seems another pack is conspiring to see just how badly he wants to keep them both. So when the Gregorson pack tests its boundaries, leaving Evin to find his home ransacked and his mate nowhere to be found, the rival shifters learn what it’s like to gain the KinKaid’s alpha’s full attention.

The Review:
Evin KinKaid finally has it all: he is the alpha of his pack; has his loyal mate, Mason, at his side; and everything in his life is going perfectly. Everything until the neighboring pack decides to test the boundaries of the KinKaid domain.

This book allows the reader to reintroduce themselves to Evin KinKaid and his mate, Mason Thorne, II. The powerful love between the two men is plain to see without being over powering. The fear and tension when Mason goes missing is palatable and drives home the feeling that this is a true love story. This book sends the reader on a nonstop ride of highs and lows; complete with naughty interludes that are beyond HOT.

Pagan Elements: N/A

Mar 20, 2011

Fledgling: Coiree Guardians: Book One by Mari Miniatt

                                         
THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Fledgling: Coiree Guardians: Book One
Author: Mari Miniatt
Print Link
Publisher:  Animated Liar Media
Genre: YA Horror/Urban Fantasy
Length: 204 pgs.  
Reviewed by: BettyJean Pryor

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 3
Presentation: 4
Editing: 2
Story: 5
Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating
                                                             

The Book: Fledgling is a story about a woman that becomes a vampire and learns how to survive. Beka has two teachers, Vincent, a friend before she walked in on him feeding, and the giant, Steopa. Under the nightclub, where she lives and works, is a secret, and a rival comes to town. Beka has to become much stronger than she thought she was to help protect her friends and end the murders. 

The Review:  In Coiree Guardians an amazing transformation takes place as the heroine, Beka goes from caterpillar to butterfly. The writing is strong and the author has a knack for drawing the reader into the story, so much so as to make you feel as if you know Beka personally.

Ms. Miniatt vividly depicts the story's setting, and the relationship dynamics between Beka and (hero's name) are so well written, they are nearly tangible. With this class of writing, the emotional and sexual tension all adds up to a fun, edge of your seat read.

Don't miss this one!
    
Pagan Elements: There are mentions of a New Age store, magic, and spells. The Coiree, itself, is supposed to be a magical object.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Tasting Camilla by Mary Corrales

                                           
THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Tasting Camilla
Author: Mary Corrales
Buy Link
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Erotic/Paranormal/Vampire/Short Story
Length: 35 pgs.
Reviewed by: Rob's Wife

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 3.5
Presentation: 3.5
Editing: 4
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                       
The Book: Camilla has been living with Brandt, a vampire bounty hunter, since she was thirteen. Camilla knows her blood is different from other humans but has no idea how or why. Camilla is kidnapped and given to an ancient vampire to awaken him from a long sleep and to feed from. Camilla tries to resist Vladislas but finds herself drawn to his power and sexuality.

Brandt, a vampire bounty hunter has been in lust with vampire Elisa for a long time. She wants him just as much, and sets out to entice him with her body. Will she succeed in winning him over? 

The Review: Considering this was a very short story, the development of the plot was great. The story was complete in both parts one and two: The first section is the story of Camilla and Vladislas; and the second section of the story is about Brandt and Elisa.
The sex scenes are hot and I didn't feel like I was left hanging by the story being told in these two sections. A great short read by Mary Corrales. I look forward to reading more of her work.

Pagan Elements: None

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Love Me Once, Love Me Twice (Montana Cowboys, #1) By Sandy Sullivan


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Love Me Once, Love Me Twice (Montana Cowboys, #1)
Author: Sandy Sullivan
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Genre: Erotic/Contemporary/Western/Ménage (M/F/M)
Length: 178 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 3.5
Presentation: 3.5
Editing: 4.5
Story: 4.5
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 
                                                 


About The Book: Home. They say home is where the heart is, but can coming back to Red Rock, Montana really be home? Natalie Bennington is about to find out.

Finding herself in a blizzard and stuck in a ditch, the last person she expects to rescue her is gorgeous ex-high school jock, Cade Weston. His light brown hair and baby blue eyes had many a teenage girl all a twitter including her, but being the shy band girl didn't garner attention from his type. When Cade's best friend Kale, and ex-football jock shows up, the stakes have just shot through the roof. Both men want her and she can't understand why.

Cowboy and all around good guy, Cade Weston is a born and raised Montana boy. Yes ma'am, no sir, hold the lady's chair, open her door - those things were ingrained in his upbringing, but every man likes a pretty woman. Natalie Bennington has grown up into one gorgeous female and he can't get her out of his mind.

Kale Dunn can't get over the changes in the shy band girl he remembers from high-school. Natalie sure turned into one hot woman. All legs, gorgeous body and breasts big enough to fill a man's hands. Would she be willing to share? He and Cade liked to partake in threesome's on occasion, but from what he remembered of Natalie, he didn't think she'd be the type. Was he wrong?

Wined, dined and loved by two men. Can she make the decision to love only one or will their possessiveness drive her back to Oregon?

The Review: Well you know what they say, ‘you can go home again’, but you don’t always know what to expect when you get there.

She was supposed to be convincing her grandmother to move to Oregon with her parents, but Natalie couldn’t help but be taken by the two strapping cowboys who’ve decided that she deserves some gentlemanly cowboy attention. She’s forgotten what it’s like to be treated like a lady, but Cade and Kale will make sure she never forgets again. Her suspicions and conflicted feelings are trying to get the best of her though as to what exactly do either of them see in her and more importantly what does she see with them.
Cade took one look at Natalie and just knew that he had to reacquaint himself with this at one time high school band geek. When Kale steps in and tries to do the same, the feelings that Cade experiences aren’t what he’s used to with his long-time best friend. Jealousy and competition over a woman has finally risen it’s ugly head and Natalie wants no part of it, but she can’t just walk away either. What’s a girl to do when two cowboys are vying for her attention?
This is my first read by Ms. Sullivan and it’s sure to not be my last. The first in a new series about Montana cowboys is all I need to know to continue with more of Ms. Sullivan’s fabulous work.

There were times when the story felt a little unreal with the fast progression of the relationships, since I thought Natalie’s character would come across as more reluctant given the histories and regrets of all three. However, it is a sweet romance with plenty of spice. The dialogue with the grandmother is absolutely hilarious and there were several times I had to stop and laugh before diving back in. Since there is a ménage element to the story, readers will definitely be surprised on how it all turns out with Natalie, Cade, and Kale. I do really love how it ended and would love to revisit these memorable characters in future installments.

Pagan Elements: N/A
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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Love Revisited: Nash and Paul By H.C. Brown


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Love Revisited: Nash and Paul
Author: H.C. Brown
Buy Link
Publisher:  Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: BDSM/Erotic/Romance/M-M
Length: 18 pgs.
Reviewed by: Gabrielle

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 4
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating
                                                


About The Book:
Everything is going well for badass Dom, Nash Mage, and his sweet sub, Paul, until Nash does a favor for Rio, the owner of Floggers' BDSM Club.

Expecting Paul to trust him implicitly, Nash's world falls apart when he finds his confused, innocent sub in the arms of his nemesis, Frank. Teetering on the edge of sanity and out of control, Nash is looking for revenge.


The Review:
This quick story of Nash and Paul’s was a great read. In it we get to see the love between the two men. Nash must keep everyone thinking that he is one mean and bad Dom. He can’t let them all see how Paul has his heart. So when he does a favor for Rio he ends up hurting Paul more than he realizes and he must show Paul just how much he really means to Nash.
Nash comes off as big and scary yet we see what a soft spot he has for his sub. Paul is devastated when he finds out Nash has signed a contract with another sub and the hurt he feels is evident. I really loved the play of emotions throughout this story. We get to see strong emotions from both men. Even in the intense scene that the two share, the love that they have for each other shines through. Paul and Nash make a great couple. I enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to see if we get to read more from these two.

Pagan Elements: N/A
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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Cyborg Doms: Fane By H.C. Brown


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS
Title: Cyborg Doms: Fane
Author: H.C. Brown
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Fantasy/BDSM/M-M
Length: 93 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 3
Presentation: 4
Editing: 4.5
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 4

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

About The Book: Fane Jacobs, or 636, is a genetically and robotically enhanced human, trapped on Terros 9 in 3010 with a psychopathic owner, Gryd. His duty is to entertain Gryd's guests with his skill with the whip and his twin cocks. Denied satisfaction, his dreams are filled with the image of a sweet sub. Cyborgs have no rights on Terros 9. After his friend, Jace, is pack-raped by a group of male guests, Fane and Jace steal a starship, and travel back in time to Earth in 2040. Jace goes looking for a night with the right man, while Fane explores the city. He goes to the aid of a woman being attacked and is shot. The woman resembles the sub from his dreams. What will happen when the woman, Dr. Tamara Bright, discovers his integrated neural matrix and other enhancements on the Bio Scanner? Will she turn away or will she fall for the deliciously, handsome cyborg?

The Review:
This was a wonderful story about love and trust. When Cyborgs Fane and Jace escape from a cruel world they end up on Earth in the year 2040. While out late one night Fane comes across a woman in distress. Tamara a doctor volunteering at a clinic is being attacked. While saving her, Fane is hurt and must trust Tamara to keep his secret.

I was pulled into this story right from the start. Fane and Jace are great men; even though they are cyborgs they still retain their humanity. I enjoyed getting to know both of them and watching the relationship grow between Fane and Tamara.

Tamara is a feisty woman who can and does stand on her own two feet. She proves this when the government takes her in for questioning after finding information on Fane at her clinic. Yet she still yearns to be a submissive and finds herself going to a BDSM club to slack her needs. Little does she know that Fane is a Dom and continues to push him away. Luckily Fane is a man who is willing to fight for what he wants and Tamara’s love is just what he wants. I loved seeing the love grow between Tamara and Fane. The two must learn to trust each other and depend on that trust to get them through alive.

Not only are the main characters a great couple but we also get to meet wonderful secondary characters in this book as well and I hope that they get their own stories. Cyborg Doms: Fane is a great read and I hope a wonderful start to a new series from this author.

Pagan Elements: N/A
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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

How To Sweeten A Mother-In-Law by Stephanie Beck


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: How To Sweeten A Mother-In-Law
Author: Stephanie Beck
Buy Link
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Holiday Anthology
Length: 9 pgs.
Reviewed by: Strega

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 3
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 
                                            


The Book: Facing your in-laws at the holidays is hard enough without your mother-in-law also thinking you've stolen her prized serving dish. What Lela's about to find out is that there may be other members of her new family that have an ax to grind.

The Review: This short story is part of the mystery anthology The Killer Wore Cranberry. I was drawn to it by the title, and then found the story delightful. In nine pages the author invites us to have Thanksgiving with newlyweds Thomas and Lela at Thomas's parents' house. Lela isn't looking forward to the dinner because her mother-in-law, Marcia thinks she stole a prized casserole dish the previous Thanksgiving. Marcia has spent the past year making Lela's life miserable.

I laughed throughout the dinner as Marcia does her best to make Lela as uncomfortable as possible, but when John stands up in defense of his wife, the accusations begin to fly and the entire family is nearly brought to blows.

Other than a few editorial errors, I found this story to be well written and completely delightful.

Pagan Elements: None
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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Midnight Star by Billi Jean


Title: Midnight Star
Author: Billi Jean
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: 295 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 5
Presentation: 5
Editing: 3.5
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating
                                           


About The Book: One mission could bring them together or cost them their lives.

Star has kept her guard up when it comes to letting others in to her life and for good reason. She lives in a lighthouse and that is the way she likes living – alone. She has adopted family that she is close to, but she doesn’t really feel like she belongs and is an outcast to her own kind. The “House” that she grew up in was not quite family oriented and it doesn’t help when your adopted family is part of a species that is sworn to hate everything about you before they actually know you, so in that regard she is an outcast on both sides. Two females and a few friends of similar outcasted circumstance, keep her grounded as much as possible. Since the meeting of one particular Lykae, her world has been turned upside down and she finds herself in constant battle of cravings and thoughts that she wished she didn’t have, but his disgust of her keeps her firmly away from him. Now all of sudden he’s decided to treat her differently, but she can’t fathom why. With ever-mounting distrust and much reluctance for several reasons, she agrees to go with him and a small team on a missing Lykae recovery mission back to the last place she’d rather be.

Ranger knows exactly who Star is and won’t be dissuaded by anyone from claiming her. Trouble is he made the error of waiting to long in wooing his female, so now her regard for him is even lower than it was before. Throw in the problem of a missing Lykae packmate and Ranger decides to combine the two in a ‘knock to birds down with one stone’ approach. Star’s unique ability and familiarity with the location makes her the perfect partner for the mission, but he knows she’s smart and doesn’t have any reason to agree, so he decides to obtain her cooperation with the use of a 10-year old and the promise of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. It’s a brilliant plan, with the exception of everything that could possibly go wrong, so will it be enough to change Star’s mind?

The Review: Any reader will fall in love with Ranger and immediately recognize his alpha-male characteristics especially with them all displayed in full Lykae glory and with a brogue accent no less. His brand of wooing Star isn’t exactly conventional but with Star’s personality, he wouldn’t have gotten far with her otherwise. Ranger is extremely possessive, as are all of the Lykae in this story when it comes to their mates, but it isn’t an unattractive, overbearing possession without choice for Star. He does make it awfully hard for her to resist him, but that’s part of the territory. The banter back and forth between the characters is entertaining and there are a few lengthy scenes with just the two of them, so it allows the reader to really focus in on their personalities.

Ms. Jean’s writing style is fresh and you never know what any of the characters are going to say, think, or do next. I could actually picture it from beginning to end like watching a movie. There are familiar creatures of all sorts to appeal to any readers taste and the world built around them is fantastic. The story gets going right from the beginning with the prologue and the reader will need to pay close attention so not a minute of the action is missed. There were quite a few moments of confusion for me, since all of the characters and situations are new, and not enough background is given to really set everything up. Almost feels like the reader is plunked down right into the middle of a brewing storm of character activity without a history base to hold on to, but I still couldn’t help getting swept away with it and neither will any other reader of this genre. Wonderful twist at the end and it sets it up nicely in case this is to be part of a series, since there are several other characters with stories that need to be told.

I’ll definitely be keeping my reading eye out for any other works by Ms. Jean.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Darkest Fantasy by Molly Diamond


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Darkest Fantasy
Author: Molly Diamond   
Buy Link 
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Erotic
Length: 15 pgs.
Reviewed by: Rob's Wife

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 5
Presentation: 5
Editing: 4.5
Story: 3
Writing Ability: 3

Overall Card Rating
                                                                                


About The Book: In the middle of the forest, Jonathan discovers an enticing beauty dancing with strange beings. Is she real or merely his darkest fantasy?


The Review:
The author put this story together very well and making Jonathon choose between a woman and the gems was an interesting twist. The author voiced her story well and left me wanting to read more.
This story was well written as it flows together nicely without jumping or being disjointed, but I had no idea where the author was going with it. I didn't know who the female was, or if she was good or evil. Ending too abruptly for my liking, the story left me feeling it was incomplete.
That being said, I did enjoy the writer's style and I would definitely read more of her work.

Pagan Elements: Yes

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Feb 5, 2011

Brotherhood Of Fire (Hearts On Fire~ Book 1) by Elizabeth Moore


Title: Brotherhood Of Fire (Hearts On Fire~ Book 1)
Author: Elizabeth Moore
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Erotic/Menage/Contemporary/Romance
Length: 192 pgs.
Reviewer: Janeen

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4.5
Presentation: 5
Editing: 4.5
Story: 5
Writing Ability: 4.5

OVERALL CARD RATING

                                                

ABOUT THE BOOK: At the Grand Falls Fire Department, brotherhood is the key to everything. It's the glue that holds firefighters together through thick and thin. When Garrett O'Neal realizes the brotherhood he shares with his mentor and best friend could be something that fulfills the erotic fantasy he has of sharing his wife, Carrie, it begins a journey that none of them will escape without being plunged into the depths of flaming passion. A hot and intense tryst becomes so much more than just a bedtime fantasy. As the three begin to navigate the boundaries of love and desire, the fires of passion and their passion to fight fire threatens to tear the three of them apart forever.

THE REVIEW: Let me begin by saying, Ms. Moore delivers a four-alarm fire straight out of the chute with Brotherhood of Fire. From the opening pages of the book, you are connected to the couple on an emotional level. You get a front row seat into the life of Garrett O’Neal and his wife, Carrie. Garrett immediately resonated with me due to his all encompassing love and passion for Carrie. Their relationship is a solid marriage with enough trust that they can share their wildest fantasies without fear of judgment or rejection from the other. Ms. Moore allowed the characters to approach the subject of a ménage that felt real, and allows the reader a glimpse inside their minds. I felt their internal struggle in bringing the fantasy from the bedroom to actually making it a reality.

I found it surprisingly easy to understand Carrie’s position on bringing a lover into their lives, and her uncertainty of what bringing the fantasy to life could mean to her marriage. Cue Garrett’s best friend, and firefighter mentor, John, and Ms. Moore had my heart on a hook. John tugged on my heartstrings, and had me cheering for him from the sidelines. With the most to lose in this love triangle, John’s fears and needs were palpable.

Not only do the trios' limbs and bed sheets become entangled, so do the emotions and lives of this incredible ménage. Ms. Moore takes the reader on a journey of heart-felt, gut-churning emotion. All the players come across as believable, tangible people.

Ms. Moore crosses her T’s and dots her I’s in this romantic ménage that won’t leave you wanting. The reader experiences a realistic view of the emotions of the characters, and the choices they make along the way, while discovering that love isn’t always packaged in pairs…sometimes it comes in multiples. I look forward to Ms. Moore’s future installments of this series.

Pagan Elements: N/A

Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & the Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

A Piece of My Heart/Constant Craving by Kemberlee Shortland



Title:  A Piece of My Heart and Constant Craving
Author: Kemberlee Shortland
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Genre: Romance
Length: A Piece of My Heart: 268 pgs.; Constant Craving: 22 pgs.
Reviewed by: Keri Stratton Alley

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 3
Presentation: 4
Editing: 4
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating:



About The Book:
A Piece of My Heart
Mick and Kate thought they were falling in love. Kate hadn’t been just the girl next door. She’d been Mick’s life, and he hers. When an unforeseen force draws them apart they’re left with wounds that refuse to heal. Now, ten years on, Mick’s father’s will should have been straightforward, except his addendum was like ice water in Mick’s face.
It’s essential that Mick and Kate work together to save his family’s farm. Mick doesn’t count on his new manager being accused of murder, and Kate doesn’t expect a dangerously seductive woman from Dublin to claim Mick is the father of her child.


Kate thought she was falling in love with Mick all over again; however this newest revelation is too much for her. She is determined to finally say goodbye to her childhood sweetheart forever, but Mick has other plans for Kate’s future. And none of them involve goodbye.


Constant Craving
The perfect life Mick and Kate thought they had was slowly dissolving. With Mick obsessing about the farm and Kate thrown into a life of domesticity, both lose some of what they'd fought so hard to regain.
It all comes to a head when Kate suspects Mick of having an affair. Kate’s parents step in to give each of them advice from their own years of marriage.
Now, both Mick and Kate have set their own romantic plans in motion, but it could all fall through when Kate nearly blows up the kitchen.

The Review: This pair of books presents an adorable and realistically romantic story of two high school sweethearts who never lost love for each other. Ms. Shortland writes Mick as the kind of many that any woman would love to have the chance to have, hold, and heal. Kate is a powerful, independent but innocent woman with a firm grasp of what love means.
In A Piece of My Heart, Kate and Mick share a lot of commonalities: an inheritance, a need to reconcile the past, and a sense of lost connection. Their reactions to each other and to the situations in which they find themselves are delightfully realistic, and their passion for each other is steamily respectful; a line that most authors have trouble walking. Predictably (why else do we read romance novels?!?) Kate and Mick work through their problems and the story ends with something akin to “…and they all lived happily ever after.”
One of my biggest problems with most romance novels is that they only deal with the heat, the passion, the chase that leads up to the long-awaited (and extremely satisfying) coupling. Yet few novels dare to delve into what happens when the after-glow fades and the couple is forced to live together with normal trials and tribulations. This is where Kemberlee Shortland shines.
Constant Craving is a wonderful short story that takes place a year after Kate and Mick buried the hatchet and shook the standing stones. There is little classical romance to be found here; instead Kate is tired, has baby blues from a recent birth of twins, and finds herself bogged down by housework. Mick is sexually frustrated (gotta wait for a while after babies are born!), tired from working the farm, and spends all his free time working on repairing the house. How they manage to rekindle the romance, and reconnect as lovers is a beautiful story and is more than just icing on the cake; it’s a story of REAL love, and how it endures, perseveres, and grows.
Pagan Elements: N/A

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