The Falcon Prince (Princes of Jikkar, #3) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Falcon Prince (Princes of Jikkar, #3)
Author: Rebecca Goings   

Author Site

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Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotic/Fantasy/Romance

Length: 149 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                             

About The Book: He’ll teach her exactly how to please a man. 

Zara Nedal is blind, yet through her magic, she can make stunning pieces of jewelry. In order to sell them, she must travel to Suridesh, but only a caravan prince can take her. And only one caravan prince will do–the Falcon. 

Khalil Dehriq has had his eye on Zara for three cycles. It’s been a long time since he’s taken a lover, but she cannot see the horrible scars that mar his body. Khalil isn’t sure if that’s a blessing–or a curse. 

As they ride the dunes, their passion heats the night and ignites their hearts. But the witch called Mother has different plans, and vows to kill Khalil at any cost. The only hope to save his throne is to conceive an heir, and now the Falcon must decide if Zara’s love is enough to heal his tortured soul

The Review:

They always say that blood runs thicker than water, but add a dash of greed, jealousy, and an alliance with a powerful mage and there will be bloodshed.

In this third installment to the Desert Princes of Jikkar series, the overall plot is much more darkly twisted than previously suspected. The fallout of this betrayal could lead to the conceiving of an heir as well as the death of a prince.

Zara has all of the qualities of a really remarkable and likeable heroine. She's giving, even when she doesn't have anything to give; she's kind, even when others are not; she's accepting, even when she meets with resistance to her beliefs, but she's most definitely not a pushover. While discovering Zara's character, I almost forgot she was blind yet regardless of her handicap, she pursues Khalil aggressively.

Zara has and continues to overcome many challenges in her life, but Khalil has yet to overcome any of his demons. Due to a past trauma, Khalil is left with deep physical scars, but the healed over wounds run much emotionally deeper than Zara expected. Khalil is a haunted, emotionally and somewhat physically distant character, but Zara pushes and challenges him to discover the beauty of life and eventually love.

Intelligent, emotional, and captivating are just some of the words I would use to describe Ms. Goings' writing. She writes much more erotically this time around and readers will definitely enjoy the creative spiciness, but it also comes with a touch of innocence. Once again, I find the plotline to be unpredictable and addicting. It is impossible to know what will happen next, which kept me riveted to the story. The characters are portrayed fantastically, regardless of if they played a major or minor role.

There are many pivotal and emotional moments to the story, but I wasn't prepared to be crying within the first 10 pages. So please take note and heed the warning that Ms. Goings has left for her readers before beginning this story, but once you've started you'll be glad you did. I daresay I don't want this series to end.

Pagan Elements: No major pagan elements other than a really powerful mage trying to flex her magic spell casting muscles.

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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.

The Scarab Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #2) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Scarab Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #2)
Author: Rebecca Goings   

Author Site

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Publisher:  Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotic, Fantasy Romance

Length: 185 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                    

About The Book: Trianna Pramtash must be punished for her assault on the Viper Prince’s intended bride. Not wishing to do so himself, the Viper gives her to his best friend, the Scarab Prince, to mete out her sentence--the one man who’s held Trianna’s heart since childhood.

Qadir Hadmas is overjoyed Trianna no longer belongs to the Viper. His heart broke years ago when she left Suridesh engaged to his best friend--but she never married Tariq. She belongs to him now, and he’s not about to let her go.

Neither of them is prepared for the sensual delights Trianna’s punishments turn out to be. Their fragile childhood bond turns into a raging inferno--one they cannot deny. But when Trianna is taken from him in a spectacular sandstorm, it is up to the Scarab Prince to claim the woman he has always wanted, and make her his in truth.

The Review: There is absolutely nothing sweeter in romance than childhood friends finding love with one another after years of being apart and not knowing how the other felt.

As far as obsession goes, I have become thoroughly obsessed with the Desert Princes of Jikkar. Ms. Going’s did not disappoint in this second installment to the series. If you haven’t read the first one, I highly encourage you to do so since The Scarab Prince picks up right where The Viper Prince left off.

Once again we find ourselves in the desert, but with a different prince to fawn over. Our focus has changed in that we learn what Trianna’s punishment will be for inflicting harm on Sabine. I have to say that while reading about Trianna in the first book, I was not at all looking forward to reading anything more about her. She was vindictive, spiteful, and bitter, so I judged her without second thought. Trianna’s transformation throughout the book to reformed mean girl status is inspiring and I compliment Ms. Goings’ ability to make the before and after believable.

If all punishments were passed down so erotically then more people would be deliberately looking for trouble. But in this case the punishment went both ways and not just for Trianna. Qadir also punished himself by allowing his already growing attraction for Trianna manifest further by acting on dormant feelings. Knowing that their life could have been so different if only they had known the truth is what makes this all the more bittersweet. They reminisce about the past and what would have been. I cried when Trianna and Qadir's reunion was finally realized only to have a bleak outlook for a future. She believed herself not worthy and he set out to make her believe otherwise.

Regardless of the harsh weather climate, if I could, I would move there. Just look at the cover and tell me if that is not enticement enough to read this book!

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.

Candy Coated Clown by J. Morgan

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Candy Coated Clown
Author: J. Morgan

Author Site

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Publisher: Champagne Books

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Length: 60 pgs
Reviewed by: Karmyn Klein

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

                                         

About The Book: When Candice’s birthday stripper is a no show, clown-napping seems like a good idea—one that leads her right into the arms of true love, floppy shoes and all.

The Review:

So far Candice Sullivan’s 30^th birthday has been terrible. After a bad day at work, her birthday seems to take a turn for the worse (or is that better) when, instead of the planned birthday stripper, a birthday clown shows up.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. I thought the same thing when I realized the male romantic lead was a clown. Eek! I mean is there anything less sexy than a clown? But somehow author J. Morgan manages to do the impossible. Not only is Ash the clown a total hottie, he’s able and willing to handle crazy Candice and her manic birthday mood, all while making the reader laugh in delight.

Reading Candy Coated Clown was a lot like taking a ride on a rollercoaster. When I say Candice is crazy, I mean she is a total fruit loop, a natural clown, if you like, while Ash the clown is her counterbalance, the straight guy, the peanut butter to her jelly. They are a match made in romantic comedy heaven!

If you want to laugh and fall in love all at the same time, you need to read Candy Coated Clown. This story is a true treat and unique read in a sea of the same ol’ romance stories. I’d love to read more stories about Candace and her clown, and hope J. Morgan writes a sequel.

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.

The Viper Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #1) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Viper Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #1)
Author: Rebecca Goings   

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Erotica

Length: 52,000 words
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating:

About the book: A successful romance author, Sabine Santiago's latest book is about hot desert sands and a sexy caravan prince. She's dreamt of him every night since buying a coiling viper armband at her local flea market. Little does she know the trinket is about to transport her to another world.

Tariq Sayed is the Viper Prince of Jikkar. For a millennia, the six princes of the Golden Desert have ruled their caravans, providing water for their people and protection from the hot desert sun. Punishment for stealing water is death, so what is Tariq to do when the woman he’s been dreaming of is caught drinking from his oasis?

When their worlds collide, Sabine is dropped right into the plot of one of her books. One look at the sexy Viper, and it's clear that the line between fiction and reality is slim to none. But Tariq has been promised to wed the niece of the Jackal Prince, which will form a strong alliance for his people.

Now, the Viper must choose between his duty and the woman who burns his very soul.

The Review: Two totally separate worlds in the cosmos clash because of an enchanted armband. Completely unaware, Sabine and Tariq are thrust together through a series of events that no one would think possible.  Sabine an author from Earth where water is abundant and Tariq the Viper Prince from Jikkar where water is so scarce the death penalty may be enforced if laws are broken against it.

Rebecca Goings literally crash-lands the reader in an exotic and sensual world of princes and hot desert nights. The imagery and writing is fantastic and I wouldn’t change anything about it. I honestly didn’t think very much from reading the synopsis alone on this book, but decided to give it a try anyway. I’m so glad that I did! It is unlike any other story that I’ve read where a romance author is taken out of her own existence and thrown into one of her very own books. The ‘dreams’ Sabine used as the plotline of her book are actual meetings in another existence with Tariq. The rest of the cast played their roles quite nicely to add depth and elements to the story outside of the two main characters. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more well rounded read other than to say that I wish it was longer so as to give a glimpse of what happens now in the life of Sabine and Tariq. After meeting a few of the other princes featured in this story, the rest of the series looks very promising as well. This story is sexy, romantic, suspenseful, magical, and above all absolutely brilliant! I’m proud to say this book is going in my re-read pile.

Recommended reading for those seeking a highly sensual magic carpet ride and horse ride through the desert with one very sexy Viper Prince.

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.

The God's Wife by Lena Austin

The Pagan & The Pen Reviews

Title:  The God’s Wife

Author:  Lena Austin

Author Site

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Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

Length: 222 pgs.

Other:  M/F/rape

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

The Book: Hatshepsut is a God’s Wife, a member of a secret political society of Egyptian noblewomen who use whatever it takes for the good of Egypt—money, assassination, even sex. Royal by birth, her entire life is spent in training to be the consort of the Pharaoh, Tutmose.

Despite her love for Senmut, who as a humble scribe is an unacceptable husband, Hati succeeds in winning the Pharaoh’s affections. But when Tutmose dies unexpectedly she is left as Regent of Egypt and pregnant with the dead Pharaoh’s heir.

Akenmose, her husband’s brother, is plotting to kill her and the babe—and to take the throne of Egypt for himself. Hati must protect Egypt against his deadly schemes until her son is old enough to take the throne. With Senmut and the God’s Wives standing behind her, Hati will use every weapon she finds to keep her infant son alive. Will her sacrifices be enough to save Egypt? Or will Akenmose’s schemes succeed despite the power of the God’s Wife?

The Review: Hatshepsut has long been a controversial figure from ancient Egypt.  She was the first female regent to exercise the full power of a Pharaoh.  She assumed the appearance of a man to keep others from challenging her claim.  Not much is known about her historically because everything she left behind was obliterated.  Her name and face were removed from pillars and tombs.  The discovery of her existence was accidental.  Scholars have ideas about why this might have happened, but no hard evidence.

Lena Austin takes the mystique behind Hatshepsut and spins a wonderfully believable tale about what kind of person she might have been and how the events in her life might have unfolded. Adding in the concept of the God’s Wives, a group of women who secretly wield all the power in Egypt, Ms. Austin creates one of the best tales I’ve had the pleasure to read. The God’s Wives are good women, charged with keeping all of Egypt safe and healthy. Not since I, Claudius have I been so enraptured by the tale of an ancient ruler. 

Rarely does historical fiction take a reader so into a time period that an interruption in reading causes the reader to blink and wonder why she isn’t in Egypt. The details of the description create vivid pictures for the reader without overwhelming them with information and needless facts. Even someone unfamiliar with ancient Egyptian culture would have an easy time figuring it all out.

Though it was not a quick read, it moved fast and it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next. This is one of those undiscovered gems that should be on the New York Times Bestseller list. Lovers of historical fiction will find this one of those novels you want to read over and over again because the characters and the story are so riveting. Upon rereading it, discoveries will be made about details that seemed irrelevant or just there for the sake of description. They will reveal themselves to be important background knowledge or foreshadowing.

I loved the strong characters and how real they became to me. This story had it all—love, hate, sacrifices, murder, betrayal, sword fights, espionage, royal intrigue, soul-searching, and true friendship. The complex plot is worthy of the complex characters.  The God’s Wife is an expertly woven epic tale that should be read by everyone.

Pagan Elements:

The God’s Wives are a group of women with different abilities. Some have the gift of precognition, others can sense or control the emotions or thought of people around them, and others are trained in the properties and uses of herbs, flowers, etc. The secretly rule Egypt, keeping it safe from evil. Whether or not you recognize the specific Egyptian Gods and Goddesses they cite, all Pagans will recognize and appreciate the underlying principles guiding The God’s Wives.

Cover (Rated 1-10): 7-Shades of gold and hieroglyphics catch the eye, but it’s a generic cover that could go with any Egyptian romance novel.

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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.