Sep 28, 2010

Dragon's Curse by Nancy Lee Badger

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Dragon’s Curse Author: Nancy Lee Badger

Author Site: http://www.nancyleebadger.com/

Buy Link: http://www.whispershome.com/book_pages/dragons_curse.html

Publisher: Whispers Publishing

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Length: Mini Novel

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 3

Overall Card Rating:

Reviewed by: yadkny

About The Book: Brianna MacLeod has accompanied a shipload of her guardian’s friends to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. She eludes these Highland hunters to keep her innocence…and her gift of sight. Her attitude against falling for womanly desires changes when she nearly drowns. Saved by the talons of a terrifying winged beast, she awakens—naked—in a cave, beside an unusual man.

Cursed by a vengeful witch to transform into a dragon at inopportune times, Draco MacDonald hides on this deserted island to live alone: until he plucks a servant girl from certain death. Fueled by jealousy, and tempered by fear for her safety, he succumbs to an unfamiliar desire to mate. Her kisses propel him to dare to make her his own.

Set in 1592 on the Scottish island of Staffa, the cursed hero battles a ghostly witch, a hunter set on rape, and his own growing desire for a young woman with premonitions of his death.

The Review: Draco is a dragon shifter cursed to be as such by a witch years prior for something Draco didn’t do. Brianna is a ward of the laird of Clan Macleod and has gone to accompany her guardian on a hunting trip, but there is another reason for the laird wanting to keep her close at hand. Brianna has a gift of being a seer. Her visions are to be used for his benefit and not to be advertised to any one else or they might think she is a witch.

The relationship between Draco and Brianna was a very sweet romance. I did feel that it was a kind of rushed romance in that the characters fell for each other fast without some of the sexual tension and frustration I find helps build a relationship so that the characters learn more about each other before being intimate. Having both Draco and Brianna as virgins was a nice surprise in that usually it’s the female that is the virgin while the male is the experienced alpha. In this case I didn’t think that Draco lost any of his masculinity by being a virgin and it only added to the sweetness of the romance between the characters.

The imagery that Nancy Lee Badger portrays in this story is fantastic. I really fell into the atmosphere quite easily. Although the individual characters are well developed, the plot lacked depth. However, I would still recommend this book to readers that are looking for a sweet romance with a paranormal twist.

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.

Adrian's Angel by Angela Ashton

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Adrian’s Angel
Author: Angela Ashton

Author Site: http://angelaashtonbooks.com/

Buy Link: http://www.champagnebooks.com/
Publisher: Champagne Books

Genre: Historical/Paranormal Romance (time travel)

Length: 374 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4 (Simple mistakes, like confusing bizarre/bazaar, threw/through, surly/surely, should have been caught by an editor.)

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating:

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: Plagued by baffling circumstances surrounding the loss of his childhood sweetheart, Adrian Birichino has spent the last twenty years trying to forget. When fate forces him to return to the town he loathes, his pervasive nightmares turn alarmingly real as a luminous angel steps out of thin air, inducing an accident that leaves his life in familiar hands. Real or not, she feeds a need burrowed deep in his soul. But if she’s just a figment of his hyperactive imagination, how had she managed to leave behind tangible evidence of her existence?

Having been catapulted to a sinister spot in time, Riley Gail must find a way to convince Adrian she is real and living in the heart of the infamous witch-hunt…else resign to be immortalized in the pages of history as one of Salem’s accused forevermore.

The Review: Adrian’s Angel stands out in a vast sea of novels involving the Salem Witch Hunts as one of the most refreshingly original works ever written. Ms. Ashton uses the tragic events as both a character and a plot device in her fast-paced, adventure-filled tale of two soul mates ripped from one another by fate. She does a wonderful job of using the hunts effectively without letting them overshadow the real story.

I couldn’t help but fall in love with both the tormented hero, Adrian, and the feisty heroine, Riley. Both were dealt more than their share of heartache and tragedy before they reached their teen years. It only got worse for them after that. Yet each of them displayed an indomitable spirit that made them interesting and worthwhile characters. Ms. Ashton’s skill at building characters is amazing. From the first page, I never doubted that any of them were real people. Even when she recreated historical figures, she made them real while still maintaining accurate portrayals.

This was a longer novel, and the plot was full of riveting twists and turns. Many characters added their viewpoints to build an intricate web of truths and lies. Ms. Ashton expertly wove everything together in a time-travel adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat with wanting to know what happens next. I am looking forward to reading more stories by this amazing author.

Pagan Elements: Though the story has an overtly Christian backdrop (it was Puritan times,) several characters use magic in order to grow as people. Adrian must learn to forgive and let go of his hate. He is aided in this by Fannie, the ‘real’ witch in the story, through the performing of several Pagan rituals.

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Battlesong by Allison Knight

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Battlesong
Author: Allison Knight

Author Site: http://allisonknight.blogspot.com

Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-battlesong-446500-161.html
Publisher: Champagne Books

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 209 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4 (some errors)

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating:

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: Their marriage begins with a lie. Tricked into wedding young Laren Blair, the daughter of a Scottish laird, Arthur ap Brynn Ffrydd, an English baron, abandons her at his keep. When he finally returns six years later she has won the affection of his people but all he sees are the changes she has made. Their battles begin.

She fears her life will be as miserable with Arthur as it was with her cruel father. He envisions losing his property to her Scottish clan. As they learn to tolerate each other, desire draws them together. When Laren is kidnaped and Arthur is wounded in battle they realize they love each other. Reunited, can their love withstand the strain of another lie?

The Review: Ms. Knight just keeps getting better. Battlesong is the follow-up to Heartsong, though one doesn’t have to read Heartsong to fully enjoy Battlesong. From the second I picked it up, I was whisked away to Medieval England. It’s a dangerous, romantic time that Ms. Knight vividly and expertly recreates.

The characters are fully realized and full of life. Laren is a woman to admire. Her grit and strength create sparks in any setting, but especially in this one where women were considered property. Arthur is rash, headstrong, handsome, and true to his values—a perfect recipe for a hero.

Battlesong is an enjoyable, relaxing read that provides the perfect escape for a rainy afternoon. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Harley Afternoon Delight by Molly Diamond

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Harley Afternoon Delight
Author: Molly Diamond

Author Site: http://mollydiamond.wordpress.com

Buy Link: www.breathlesspress.com/erotic/forthcoming/harley-afternoon-delight.html
Publisher: Breathless Press

Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance/M-F

Length: Short

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4-Very hot!

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4 (Found a few mistakes)

Story: 3

Writing Ability: 3.5

Overall Card Rating:

Reviewed by: Strega

About The Book:

The Review: This story is purely for titillation purposes only. There is no plot, no tension, no intrigue, and really no reason for this story other than an attempt to turn the reader on. I found the dialogue trite and unconvincing, the sex was under whelming and the characters were one-dimensional. I felt as if I was reading a letter to a girly magazine: Dear Editor, You'll never guess what happened when I looked out my window and saw my neighbor mowing the lawn in a thong…

When I read at the end of the story that the author had written for Hustler Magazine, I understood why the story had that trashy feel to it. I'm sure there are many who enjoy reading this type of work and for those, this will be a treat. As for me, the story just didn't do a thing.

Pagan Elements: None

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Aug 20, 2010

Pesto Packing Mama by Nan D. Arnold

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Pesto Packing Mama
Author: Nan D. Arnold

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher: Champagne Books

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy

Length: 310 pages

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 2 – the photograph of the red teddy, the teddy bear, and the basil plant was a great idea, but not well executed. The glare in the center gives it an unprofessional quality. I much preferred the snappier cover art shown on Ms. Arnold’s personal website.

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4 – few, but not many, errors.

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Reviewed by: Keri Stratton Alley

About The Book: Maggie Duncan’s love life goes from champagne and delphiniums to revelations of dead wives and dirty diapers in mere days. If that’s not enough, her stare down with a sociopathic loan shark in a caterer’s storeroom makes Maggie wish she hadn’t pushed well-meaning heartthrob Bruce Herring out of her emotional jurisdiction.

The Review: Brenda, Brenda, Brenda! After your spitfire, skin-tight-leather wearing, pistol packing performance in the previous story (Hitting the High Notes) I was sorely disappointed to find out what you were doing with that chef! And behind Big Dad’s back!?!

At first, my love for, and subsequent disappointment in, the ferociously feminine supporting character left me feeling less than thrilled about how Ms. Arnold chose to resume her tales of Maggie’s romantic woes. Yet I could not help but be won over by Ms. Arnold’s adorably realistic sense of humoristic timing, the way in which she portrays Maggie’s oh-so-true inner monologue, and the respect she pays to a real romance. So many romance novel writers leave their characters at the all-too-familiar “…and they lived happily ever after!” ending, without bothering to delve into the kind of commitment, gumption, and fear-tackling it takes to move a relationship from a froofy romance into a solid love. Thank you, Nan, for writing the second portion of Maggie and Bruce’s tumultuous story.

Pesto Packin’ Mama looks at down and dirty real life situations in a hilariously fun setting; friends that have affairs; emotional baggage from previous marriages; negative inner diatribes, miscommunications, mis-expectations, and learning how to trust again. In this world, as in our own realities, love is not simply seeing someone attractive, having great sex, and living happily ever after. Ms. Arnold portrays the realistic struggles of a menopausal widow seeking to establish a trusting relationship after a previously abusive marriage. She somehow manages to keep the necessary poignancy to create a sympathetic character while throwing in visits from an Italian opera star, stalking by a mafia hit man, a sketchy next door neighbor, and a nosy wannabe mother-in-law. A fantastic follow-up to the first novel starring Chef Maggie.

And Brenda, I forgive you.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Tides of Maryna’s Love by Donica Covey

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Tides of Maryna’s Love
Author: Donica Covey

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher: Champagne Books

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Length: 166 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 3

Story: 2

Writing Ability: 2

Overall Card Rating

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: "Single Witch Seeks Lonely Mortal" Maryna Duile has challenged her sisters to a find-the-mortal contest. She places an ad in the local paper, but when there are no immediate replies she heads for Olympus and an afternoon with her close friend Eros.

River Braddock is a marine mammal biologist and he's just discovered a new species of dolphin. What he doesn't know is that this is no ordinary dolphin, but Triton, chaperone to Maryna during her stay on earth.

Maryna's first meeting with River is anything but stellar, but the more she thinks of him, the more she needs him and the more she blunders her spells. Once she gets into the flow will she win his heart or be all washed up?

The Review: Maryna is a witch in the Samantha Stevens sense, except instead of twitching her nose she speaks Latin phrases. Tides of Maryna’s Love is a cute story with a lot of drama. At first, Maryna doesn’t care if her mortal lover ends up with a broken heart. After all, making him fall for her is part of a bet she has going with her three sisters. After she falls for River, Maryna has a change of heart, and that’s when things get complicated.

The characters were likeable, if underdeveloped. Maryna seemed a little immature for being a creature with an infinite lifespan and River didn’t seem to know whether he was coming or going. Their dialogue was at times stilted or confusing.

It’s a sweet story about a woman who learns to find her humanity and a man who is willing to put his heart on the line to save the woman he loves. At the end of the day, it’s those kinds of things that appeal to the romantic in all of us.

Pagan Elements: Maryna is a witch, but not in the Pagan sense. She casts spells, but it’s not a spiritual act.

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Touch Me, Tease Me by CJ England

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Touch Me, Tease Me
Author: CJ England

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press

Genre: Erotic Romance

Length: 43 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 3

Writing Ability: 3

Overall Card Rating

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: Gabrielle Rousseau has worked hard to put her unfortunate past behind her. She's finally doing what she loves, making her documentary and teaching lovers the benefits of sensual massage.

When the new owner of the studio, Clint Braddock walks in on an afternoon filming, he thinks he's walked into a skin-flick. Sparks fly and his instant judgment of Gabrielle and her work creates a barrier between them.

But there’s also instant attraction and it's only when he discovers why she is so gun shy that he is able to push past the walls surrounding her heart. But will Gabrielle hold on to her fear and refuse to trust a man again? Or will Clint be the one to finally touch her battered soul and tease her into loving again?

The Review: This is a classic tale where the main characters find one another instantly attractive, yet they manage to get off on the wrong foot. Their problem is solved fairly quickly (it’s a short read) and they spend the rest of the time exploring one another’s bodies. CJ England works in elements of the sensual massage to lend uniqueness to the sex scenes. I have high praise for England in this respect—she definitely knows how to put sensuality and romance into a shorter piece, something that isn’t easy.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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