Vampires of the Scarlet Order by David Lee Summers *print book*

In the beginning under the alliance of the Spanish Inquisition there was a group of Vampire mercenaries known as the Scarlet Order. They were used as soldiers to bring down the Ottoman Empire and any other enemy the Pope of that time period deemed necessary.

The master vampire Lord Draco is the Knight Commander of The Scarlet Order, he and his team of vampires carry out the tasks laid before them. But after three centuries of working for the Inquisition, the newest Pope Pius VII decided it was time to break the alliance because these vampires were demons and have been draining the Church’s funds for far too long. The Scarlet Order vampires each went a new way for centuries they would not have contact…until someone begins trying to form a new breed of vampires.

Marcella, Mercedes “Mercy”, Jane, Daniel, Drake, Rudolfo and a few other secondary vampires must team together to stop whoever is trying to make a new breed of super-soldier vampires. If too many of these creatures are created and must live on blood, eventually the humans will disappear leaving the vampires without sustenance causing them to die out completely from starvation. With the help of the Manitou that appear in oversized forms of a Spider, Beaver, and Coyote the small group of the new warrior vampires learn there are more secrets that have yet been untold.

David Lee Summers’ novel Vampires of the Scarlet Order is has a new take on vampires like none that I have ever read. It intermingles stories from history, to present day in the form of diary, journal or notes written by the vampires. I must admit Marcella’s story about Billy the Kid was my very favorite vampire “beginning.” Vampires of the Scarlet Order has a little bit of everything for every paranormal reader to enjoy, science, astronomy, war, love, and even the occasional lusty bite. Mr. Summers is an extraordinary writer and with this novel he defiantly delivers a tale that is near impossible to put down. 5 Hearts

David on MySpace: www.myspace.com/davidleesummers

The Language of Heaven: Poetry of the Divine Vol#1 by Chris Jacobs

"The poetry contained within this book was inspired by heavenly aspirations and hellish thoughts alike.Both exist in the same vessel. Both are designed to teach. One how to be, one how not to be. Choose your path, but do so as one being. For it is fated...time…is…time. Love is endless." Quoted from The Language of Heaven Poetry of the Divine Vol. #1

Chris Jacobs is the author of The Language of Heaven: Poetry of the Divine Vol. #1. Within the few pages of this small novella you can peer into Mr. Jacobs’ heart and soul. His feelings are imprinted on the poetry as the words are imprinted on the pages.

A couple of my very favorite poems are titled, The Brink of Human Despair and Eyes of Coal. The Brink of Human despair depicts our society right at this moment. We all see the dark side of things and know in our heart that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but the choice is ours and ours alone, do you choose the dark or the light?

Eyes of Coal is beautifully dark. You may have one great friend or many in this world, but truly never know what they’re feeling inside. Looking into cold unyielding eyes, the friend you used to know seems to have faded away into something more dark and sinister. Has this ever happened to you?

As always, I enjoy poetry, it is the expression that truly lets you see who a person is. Chris Jacobs is a fantastic poet, I wish there were more poems in Vol. #1 and some were a little too short, but lucky for me, I’ve already read Vol. #2 and let me tell you, you really want to read that one too! 4.5 Hearts

Chris on Myspace: www.myspace.com/chris_j_published_author

Wake by Lisa McMann *print book*

Janie Hannagan, 8 years old, has no idea what is happening to her. A man, balding, standing in the middle of a conference room, in underwear alone, his coworkers laughing, the shame. Then she is snapped back to reality, the ratty clothing, her drunken mother; she is left nauseous and confused. That is the beginning of a long struggle that Janie will have to suffer through. Dreams are not hers alone, she sees what other people are dreaming…or better yet she is part of the dream. Everyone calls out for help, but what can she do? Her voice does not make a sound so she is forced to watch the untimely events unfold before her.

It’s no secret that Janie had a constantly drunk mother, lived in the “white trash” part of South Fieldridge, and had dirty clothes and no friends. One day new neighbors moved in, with them a daughter, Carrie, about the same age as Janie. The girls became quick friends even though Carrie’s other friends did not like Janie. Carrie was plagued with dreams of a drowning boy, getting eaten by a shark, when Janie first was drawn inside of that dream she was speechless. Why had her best friend never mentioned this Carson kid?

Cabel Strumheller is the boy that looks strung out on drugs in his early high school days, the loner, no friends and very unapproachable. He is from the same part of town as Janie. He has horrible dreams, dreams that makes Janie more scared now than she has ever been. A man with knives for fingers that looks scary enough be Freddy Krueger’s brother; a man in a fit of rage setting Cabel on fire. Janie can only stare at the horror before her. She and Cabel have a connection…one that will pull them together; they need each other.

Janie’s secret as she calls it is only shared with Cabel after many years of the pain. He learns how to communicate with her in dreams. But it is truly the woman from the nursing home that teaches Janie that her dreams belong to her, and if she finds herself in someone’s dream she has the power to change things…to better things. Still there are secrets, how did Cabel get such nice clothes and transform himself over the summer…let alone drive a Beemer? He has a few secrets of his own.

Lisa McMann’s novel Wake is an addictive read. I was really impressed with Wake, it kept me turning the pages way into the morning, like it was stuck to my hand, and I could not put it down. I was curious to see what would happen with the characters, and am still kind of left wondering what happens to Janie’s mother. Ms. McMann is a master story teller, she has me hooked. From now on all of her other works will be on my book shelf. 5 Hearts

Lisa on Myspace: www.myspace.com/lisamcmann

Clearwater by Bobby R. Woodall *print book*

Clearwater by Bobby R. Woodall is a fast paced western set in Clearwater, Indian Territory. The year is 1879 and there is an escaped prisoner on the loose with killing in his blood. He has no remorse for any of his victims, he sees that it is his duty to kill these people, because if he doesn’t then who will? Destined to meet the hangman’s noose, he must get out of that prison cell before it is too late.

After killing 3 guards and escaping from prison, David Shannon White hears Mexico’s tequila and sweet senorita’s calling his name. He knows he must get some money and a mount to reach his destination. That is when he comes upon the town called Clearwater; and the Clearwater Community Commercial Bank. Robbing the bank and committing a few murders, he is about to make his getaway before he is discovered.

Sherriff Lee Wildman returns from settling some matters with out of hand cowboys to the robbery of the bank. He wrangles up all the willing men to help him go in search of the felon that would raise an upstart in his town. His posse consists of the bank manager, an Indian scout, blacksmith, retired Pinkerton operative, and last but not least the town drunk. All these men ride out together but not all will get to come home alive.

David escapes with his money in tow, and ends up putting together a gang of cutthroats. Later he is part of a plan to return back to Clearwater and when he does he is going to meet his fate… at his own hands. He eluded the noose once before but this time he may not make such a stealth escape.

Bobby R. Woodall makes the Old West interesting once again; he fills the reader in on how the West once was with robbers, gold, silver and the ever faithful lawmen. Clearwater was a joy to read, so if you’re a fan of westerns go pick this novel up. 4 out of 5 Hearts

Bobby on myspace: www.myspace.com/bobbywins1

Mercer’s Manor by Bobby R. Woodall *print book*

Bobby R. Woodall pens the western tale of ex-Union Officer Dan Mercer and his adventures. Dan was a prisoner during the Civil War in Andersonville, and after 10 months suffering in less than livable conditions he was released to resume or better yet restart a new life. California beckoned to him, but he would soon find out that a family by the name of Abernathy needed him more.

Along the way of finding out what to do with his life, he was acquainted with a female by the name of Glory B. Stahl. She tried to steal Dan’s horse one night after her escape from some out of hand confederate soldiers, but ended up being knocked out cold by Dan. When she came to, they made fast friends and after a short time of being together enjoying one another she up and left with no goodbyes or no reasoning. He however decided to stay with the Abernathy family and spiff up their ranch.

Seven years he spent being the man of the ranch; one day out of the blue he was approached by the United States of America Treasury Dept. Secret Service with news concerning Glory. Dan is asked to become an undercover agent of sorts in hopes of finding out the truth about the counterfeit ring and if Glory is indeed mixed up in it all. Dan agrees for one reason, to find out if the love he felt for Glory still burns, or if it is finally time to just let go.

Bobby R. Woodall is a very good storyteller, he mixes his western up with things from the good ‘ol west, saloon brawls and all. Mercer’s Manor was a joy to read, it being my first western without all that girly romance, I rather enjoyed it. 4 out of 5 Hearts

Bobby is on myspace at: www.myspace.com/bobbywins1

Smokin’: Carolina In The Storming by Jeanie Johnson and Jayha Leigh *ebook also in print*

Carolina Gilchrist-Williams was not a force to be reckoned with. Carolina was a curvaceous black southern woman that could cook the pants off any master chef, and had a temper that would frighten even the devil himself if the two would ever come face to face. Leaving her home to care for her pregnant niece better known as her “baby”, she would meet a man that would ruffle her tail feathers, bring out that southern temper, and make her believe in the possibility of love.

Mackenzie Roberts was the owner of a very reputable construction company in Colorado, he had been working on the expansion of his friend Samson’s home. With Samson’s wife’s pregnancy he knew that most of the females in her family would be frequently visiting so there must be room to accommodate all these southern hot tempered women, and who better than his friend to oversee the construction of his guest home? Mariana’s aunt Carolina was due to arrive in a very short time, only no one saw the fire storm that was about to brew when Mackenzie and Carolina came face to face.

From the get go, Carolina laid out a long string of curses into this tall fine white boy. He seemed to enjoy the verbal thrashing she frequently found herself throwing at him. So what that he was as tempting as sweet iced tea, she did not see him as the alpha male for her. But Mackenzie knew she would be his wife one way or another. It would take a whole lot of convincing to get Carolina to realize true love was right in her face, southern women can be quite stubborn.

A turn of events brings Mackenzie, Carolina and the rest of Carolina’s family together even more closely than I thought possible. This scraggly thin little boy is going to be the turning point on Carolina’s fierce heart, they needed one another to realize what love could actually feel like. Some problems still lay in wait for Carolina and Mackenzie; the boys father. And the fact that this boy harbors a secret unknown to anyone causes a whole stream of events, but not once did the family love him any less.

Smokin’: Carolina In The Storming is feisty erotic romance that will sure make you sweat. An interracial novel at its best, filled with colorful characters and an addictive storyline is well worth reading. I do have to admit there is a very strange twist, that in no way shape or form did I see coming. I loved the story as a whole but the twist is what made me stop and think about a few things. In a way this could also be considered fantasy. Jeanie and Jayha are two minds that are well put together, and are sure to be heard from more in the future. 4 Hearts

www.jeanieandjayha.com

Pajo by Karl L. Kruger *print book*

It seems the Kingdom of Streamire is at a loss of what to do now that the Queen has passed on during childbirth; leaving the only heir to the throne in the hands of his nursemaid. It is obvious that an infant can not assume the royal crown to rule over the people so someone must be chosen to step in until the Prince is of age. There are three applicable men that are in line to rule, but it is not in the stars for any of those men to claim what is not rightfully theirs. With an attempted assassination on the Infant Prince, the nursemaid has hidden him away in her rooms unknowing what else to do. She had to trust in the last words of her friend the Nirdehnian Monk, and hopefully this Bamatojasi would save the Infant Prince.

Pajajopi Bamatojasi is the last of the Potheem; a breed of long ago creatures covered in fur, bearing many animal characteristics, but still is educated enough to speak, walk and do most things a regular human can accomplish. Except the flaw in his speech, he can not pronounce the “th” in words so they’re substituted with d’s or t’s. He was raised by a Nirdehnian Monk from the age of 9, but now four years later at age 13 he is orphaned. He truly thought he was to be “just” a forest creature for the rest of his life, little did he know there was much in store for him. Starting with meeting The Healer, Jetha and her Nirdehnian escort.

Pajo, Crimson, Jetha, and the escort monk, Boqad are being tracked by an assassin Malluk Dominier; in hopes that they will not make it to the castle to rescue the Infant Prince. Along the way two other young men, Mikah, and Talm join the Healer’s entourage; when Malluk and Boqad are at war against one another they children are told to run and that Pajo would lead the way. The journey to Melasure is a long one, being tracked, as well as being visited by the apparition of a Healer past, Pajo is unsure of what to do, only he knows that he’s life now has a purpose filled with something he has never known; friendship.

Pajo written by Karl L. Kruger is a phenomenal fantasy that young adults and adults are sure to enjoy. Masterfully detailed scenes and characters bring the book to life right before your eyes. Mr. Kruger excels in storytelling, although a bit slow to get into, once past the first couple of chapters I was hooked! I can tell the story was left open, so I do hope Mr. Kruger continues with the sequel to Pajo, I will be sure to add it to my shelf. 5 Hearts

Contacting Karl: www.the3pillars.com

Tangled Minds by Yvonne Mason *print book*

Brianna Van Pelt was a seventeen year old spoiled little brat. She did not want to accept the consequences of sleeping with her boyfriend, Benny. When her son Joshua was born into the world, she hated him, hated the sight of him, hated that he messed up her teenage perfect popular life. She vowed to care for him, but never would she love him. Brianna blamed him, blamed her parents, but never blamed herself for the road she was about to choose; the road that will quickly take away her youth.

Punishing her parents for the wrong reason, Brianna ended up hatching a plan. Planning to move out, get a job, and take Josh away from his grandparents forever. Leaving him in the hot vehicle while filling out an application for a BBQ restaurant was the beginning of things worse to come.

There she met Bill, who introduced her to Ken. Bill Bredlove was a sleaze in every sense of the word; Ken Morgan on the other hand had a plan for Brianna, at least she would be well taken care of. She only had to do a few “favors” for Ken’s male clients. She would be paid quite well, have her own luxurious apartment, clothes, jewelry, and even a nanny for Josh. The selfish girl could not turn down the offer, no matter who it was Ken would have lined up for her to sleep with.

Ken and Bill were partners, but Bill began abusing the girls and Ken had to remedy the situation before something bad happened to the girls or Brianna. Only the threat didn’t keep Bill away, it only caused him to roll on Ken and get him sent to prison. Knowing the girls would need him eventually; Bill just sat back and waited.

Always lugging Josh around in the middle of the night, it was written in the stars that he would follow in his mothers footsteps, never taking the blame on himself, it was always someone else’s fault. Little did he know he would end up following his fathers footsteps as well when he is sent to prison for 10 years. Only knowing love from two people that were not actually related to him, Josh was delt a bad hand from the start of his life. Would life in prison change him? Would Brianna ever come to realize she caused her own fate? Only time will tell.

Tangled Minds by Yvonne Mason is a fast paced novel, that will keep you on your toes. So many events happening and well detailed scenes make the story fly by, you are finished before you know it. Ms. Mason pens a tale of very real events, that really makes you think. A wonderful read, I would highly recommend it. 4.5 Hearts

Yvonne is on myspace at: www.myspace.com/yvonnemason

Cat O’ Nine Tales by Deborah MacGillivray *print book*

Cat O’ Nine Tales by Deborah MacGillivray is a compilation of romance, spice, a little naughty and a whole lot of nice. Couples that have loved and lost, still hurting from the past unable to let go, come face to face with their soul mate. With a little help of course; from their beloved kitties.

A fast paced novel that you will absolutely fall in love with. Each story is different and very enjoyable in its own way. Humor tends to hide in the best places, along with a good selection of music thrown in here or there. Whether it be healing from a broken heart from divorce, or the lost love in a car accident, or the loneliness of wanting something you can not have, it is within the pages of this book.

Each story was perfectly written. I can not pick out one story that was more special to me above the others. But I will lavish upon the one entitled, All I Want For Christmas Is A Hula-Hoop & A Mother. This story is so beautiful. Keon Challenger and his small daughter Allison were about to receive the best Christmas gift possible. A woman for Keon to love and a Mother for Allison. Allison sent her list in to Santa via e-mail asking for a pony, kitty, hula-hoop, and a mother. When Keon decides to stay and help Miz Leslie set up for the ballet recital, he is smitten with her in an instant. Allison wanted a Mommy more than anything and with the way he was feeling, she may very well get that wish. A game of hide the pickle will be just the ticket. (You have to read the story to get the meaning). Only 3 more things on little Allison’s list, has she been a good enough girl this year?

Ms. MacGillivray always pens interesting tales that will warm your heart and make you cry at the same time. In her stories you truly believe love like the ones found within her characters and books can be real. Cat O’ Nine Tales is beyond a magnificent read, it is a book that you can curl up with beside that special feline in your life and enjoy many times over. Deborah delivers a purrfectly written novel with just enough naughty Scots to make you wish for your own braw lad with a Scottish lilt to warm your bed. 5 Hearts

Deborah on myspace: www.myspace.com/deborahmacgillivray