Short Review of the Earth: 2100 Anthology.

Earth 2100: 18 Captivating Visions of a Sci-Fi Future Curated by J. Scott Coatsworth.

 Blurb: Earth on the Cusp of the Twenty-Second Century

Just think how the world has changed in the last seventy-six years. In 1948, scientists ran the first computer program, and "the Ultimate Car of the Future," the futuristic, three wheeled Davis Divan, debuted. Since then, a succession of inventions—the personal computer, the internet, the World Wide Web, smart phones and social media—have transformed every aspect of our lives.

How might the next seventy-six years change us, in ways we can barely even begin to imagine, as culture, climate change, politics and technology continue to reshape the world? Earth in 2100 will be as unrecognizable to us as today would be to someone from 1948.

Eighteen writers tackled this challenge, serving up an amazing array of sci-fi possibilities. From emotional AI's to photosynthetic children, from virtual worlds to a post-urban society, our writers serve up compelling slices of life from an Earth that's just around the corner.

So dive in and and take a wild ride into these amazing visions of our collective future.

My Review: I received this in exchange for an honest review. So, 18 really diverse visions of life in the future, should be an interesting read and a way to find new authors to follow, yes? YES! Some I couldn't quite get, some made me dread the future, but most were the kind of future I can look forward to.

I did consider listing each story with an individual opinion, but decided it would be much better for each reader to come to the book with the same knowledge I had on opening it. It will be worth it for anyone doing so. I'm sure everyone will find at least one story that will resound with them and have them still thinking about it days later (I know I did).

Review of The Envoy's Honor by Antonia Aquilante

The Envoy’s Honor (Chronicles of Tournai 8) by Antonia Aquilante 4*

BLURB: Second son of an earl and cousin to the Crown Prince, Griffen has worked hard to forge a career in diplomacy for the principality of Tournai, but he never expected his diplomatic skills would be necessary for a problem so personal to him and his family. A delegation from the mysterious kingdom of Ivria has come to Tournai to make sure the secret of their people—the magical Talent allowing them to change into dragons—and therefore their kingdom itself remain safe. The delegation is concerned for Corentin, an Ivrian, and the man Griffen’s older brother is soon to marry. The Ivrians seem to want to drag Corentin back to Ivria for the offense of revealing their secret, but Griffen refuses to let it happen. His determination puts him into contact—and conflict—with Kirill, a negotiator for the king of Ivria who possesses the dragon Talent himself. The two clash and connect, getting closer and pulling away as they try to negotiate the needs of their people and an unwanted attraction between themselves. However, just as trust might be growing between them, a plot is uncovered and a member of the Ivrian delegation murdered. Griffen and Kirill must discover who is behind both for the safety of their countries and the people they love…and for a chance to be together.

My Review:I was given this book in return for an honest review This is best read as the next part of the Chronicles rather than a stand alone. Without reading the previous books you could end up not understanding all the nuances and secrets that are within the storyline. I've read all the others, which is why I jumped at the chance of getting to read #8, in one of the most intriguing and fascinating fantasy series I've read since first reading The Valdemar Chronicles. In fact in breadth of world building and depth of characters it is on par with those stories. Even the magic is well intergrated and understandable, as is the romance between the two main characters. I highly recommend starting on this series if you enjoyed Valdemar Heralds, Pern, Green Riders, Song of the Lioness. or any other well written fantasy series.

Recent Release Review of Better Place by Jay Northcote

Better Place (Rainbow Place #3) by Jay Northcote 4*

BLURB: Joe deserves better. Meeting Dylan helps him see that.
After a recent redundancy, Joe takes a few months off to try and make it as a writer. His partner, Harry, is less than supportive but Joe is used to that after ten years together, just like he’s used to Harry’s controlling nature and his drinking habit.
Dylan, a server at Rainbow Place, is fascinated by Joe as he sits in the café and works on his laptop. His attempts to flirt are met with awkwardness at first, but gradually Joe opens up. Dylan is disappointed when he learns Joe isn’t single. As their friendship develops he begins to worry about the nature of Joe’s relationship, especially when he witnesses Harry’s behaviour in person. Abuse isn’t always physical, and Dylan knows that from experience. His concern helps Joe see his relationship for what it is, and gives him the courage to end things with Harry.
Free to act on their mutual attraction, Joe and Dylan dive headlong into something that becomes serious fast. Joe revels in the passion and intimacy he’s been missing out on for so long, but Dylan is worried that Joe is on the rebound. He puts on the brakes, knowing that they need to slow down to make this last. For this new relationship to work, Joe needs to show Dylan that he’s ready to move on from the past.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone and has a satisfying happy ending.

My Review: I received a copy from Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review. It's quite late and I'm very tired but I really needed to finish this book. I didn't want to wait until tomorrow to find out how it all ends. I can tell you, without giving away anything important, that it definitely has a happy ending just like it promises. I have loved this series since the first book and loved meeting all the old characters and learning about Dylan and Joe in this one. Now I have my fingers crossed that a secondary pair of characters we get to meet will get their own book real soon. No I won't tell you who I mean, you'll have to read the book and decide for yourself - the hints are there. Right I have work tomorrow so I'm off to bed to dream about M/M loving.

Release Day Promo Post & Giveaway for Arrows Through Time by Nash Summers

Title: Arrows Through Archer

Author: Nash Summers

Genre: M/M Contemporary

Release Date: June 14th 2017

Blurb:

After the loss of his parents, Archer Hart is consumed by grief. Each day, he struggles his way through classes, parties, and trying to put on a good front for the sake of his best friend. But at night, he falls asleep to the sound of gunshots ringing in his ears.

Mallory is a man fighting a war of emotions all his own. When his son invites his best friend back home to Banff over a college break, he’s happy for the company.

Some time during the late-night talks, subtle smiles, and long, long silences, the two men begin to find solace in one another.

But love isn’t always easy, especially when it strikes you straight through the heart.

Excerpt

“What does she like?”

Mallory’s sigh was heavier than the collapse of a nation. “White wine. Reading biographies. Jazz music. Pasta primavera. Laughing. Swimming in the summer, skiing in the winter. My shirt.”

“All good things to like.”

“They are.”

“So?”

He stopped speaking. It wasn’t one of those comfortable silences full of hope and contemplation. The silence felt toxic.

“So,” Mallory said eventually. “So, I don’t know. You like puzzles and whiskey. And you listen to classic rock with me, although I’m painfully aware you don’t like it. And you love those chocolate cupcakes I brought home from the bakery last week, but you hate the bran muffins I make. And you like running and guns and silence, and Sarah doesn’t like any of those things.”

It was obvious now to see and hear how much he’d drunk.

“Mallory—”

“She doesn’t like puzzles.” Finally, Mallory turned to me, his eyes alight. “I want to be with a woman who likes puzzles.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You look so damn happy sitting at the kitchen table, puzzle pieces scattered around.”

I closed my eyes. “You should go to bed.”

“I know,” he said quietly.

I stood. “Are you coming in?”

He ignored my question as he stared down at his now-empty glass. “Puzzles make you happy, don’t they?”

Sharpshooter by nature, my instincts told me to go in for the kill. “It’s not the puzzles that make me happy, Mallory.”

Immediately, his eyes locked with mine. “Don’t do this to me, Archer.”

“Okay.”

Alone, I left the workshop, while Mallory remained behind.

Buy Link
Amazon

$10 Amazon GC + eBook copy of Arrows Through Archer

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Release day review of Equality by Helena Stone

Equality (Dublin Virtues #2) by Helena Stone 4*
Blurb : Love is love. But what if the fight for equality gets in the way of building a relationship?

Lorcan Barratt has never considered himself relationship material. After his parents made it perfectly clear they’d never welcome a partner of his into their home, he learned to love his own company and can’t imagine sharing his life with another. After a single passionate kiss with Eric Kavanagh—the night before he travels to Canada for three months—Lorcan’s no longer sure he wants to be on his own. The problem is, he has no idea what sharing his life with someone else might entail.

Eric Kavanagh grew up in a loving and supportive family and always assumed he’d end up in a committed relationship. Sure that he’s found the one, Eric doesn’t worry about the fact that Lorcan has no experience when it comes to love and relationships. They are good together, so what could possibly go wrong? 

When both men get involved in the marriage equality referendum in Ireland, it appears to bring them even closer together until Lorcan’s insecurities get the upper hand and he shuts Eric out. Will the fight for a yes-vote cost them their relationship or will they be able to find a balance between the love they share and the need for equality?

My Review: I received a free copy for review purposes.  I was looking forward to reading this having recently read Patience the first book in the series. It was lovely seeing the four friends interact again and I loved how Lorcan and Eric seemed to fall so easily into a relationship. Not that it was all hearts and roses as Helena sets the whole story around the Ireland referendum for Equality for LGBTQ People and their right to get married. I liked seeing this momentous occasion from the point of view of the people involved (even if they are fictional!) as it gave the whole story a sense of tension that didn't relate to the romance, mind, the romance wasn't without it's odd hiccups to add spice to the story. Over all I really enjoyed it and hope to read book three, Renewal soon.

Review of The Lake House by Jerry Cole

The Lake House by Jerry Cole 3*
BLURB: Lieutenant Carlos Vasquez is recuperating at his quiet family cabin after a traumatic incident of war left him emotionally scarred. A hard and stoic man, he has spent his life believing that true happiness could never be attained for a man like him. Having seen the world’s grimmest realities, he harbors a cynical view of fate and has decided that a person’s happiness is based on luck rather than whether or not they deserve it. A shell of a man, Carlos is shaken out of the grim pattern he is living when he encounters a young girl during a life-threatening incident. He is quickly pulled into her world of irresponsible rock star fathers and soft-hearted pastors. This colorful cast of new people in his life take Carlos on a series of events involving secret coves, fabulous birthday parties, and a long, dramatic, child custody battle.

By chance, the wise-cracking girl is connected to a mysterious man from Carlos’ past. The details unfold and the lieutenant discovers that the lives of the people in his life are a lot more involved and complicated than he initially anticipated. Having assumed the least in everyone, his perspective is challenged, but will it stay that way for long? Why is this mysterious man from his past in this girl’s life, and what does he want from Carlos? Will he sacrifice the happiness of a little girl if he pursues happiness, or perhaps, something more?

Assisting Carlos in his recovery and foibles in love is his force of nature grandmother, Abuela Maria, who has a history of war, love, and healing of her own. She pushes him further into the lives of others with no small amount of meddling, tough love, and confidence not often found in little old ladies her age. Will Carlos find the happiness everyone so desperately wants for him?

My Review: I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review. I must admit this book did not appeal to me as much as some of the author's other stories. For one I never really understood the relationship between the main two characters as most of the time I felt that Carlos was living a completely different reality to the one Rev was living. I also didn't understand Rev and his taking on the daughter of his ex wife, it jsut didn't seem to me a realistic thing for anyone to do. I gave it a 3 because of the character of Abuela Maria and just wish she had been in the book more as, for me, she was the most real person in it.

Audiobook Review of Outpost Hell by Jake Bible

Outpost Hell. Written by Jake Bible. Narrated by Andrew B. Wehrlen 2*
BLURB: After an opportunistic heist gone wrong, a squad of Galactic Fleet Marines set down on a remote planet hoping to repair their badly damaged ship and resupply quickly so they can be on their way to spend their new riches.
Finding the supply outpost occupied by less than normal residents, the Marines are soon fighting for their lives against a deadly force unlike any they've seen on the battlefield. It'll take all their training and skills to get out alive, let alone in one piece.
My Review: "I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.” I struggled to get through listening to this book as it was spoiled by the constant iteration of He said, She Said, They said every time there was a long conversation. On top of that I had a few hiccups with the playback as it kept jumping. I gave it two stars because apart from those two problems it was a good book and I did manage to listen to the whole story even though I almost gave up about three quarters of the way through. If you like an action packed military science fiction story and don't mind a constant iteration of he said, she said etc. then go listen to this one. Hopefully the playback issue was because of my laptop and not the recording.

Pre-release Review of The Castaway Prince by Isabelle Adler

The Castaway Prince by Isabelle Adler 3*
BLURB: Ostracized by his family for his sexual identity, Prince Stephan is forced to flee his homeland before his older brother ascends the throne.
Stephan has been drawn to feminine things for as long as he can remember, so when the dire need for secrecy arises, he seizes the chance to don the perfect disguise. With the help of his loyal servant, Stephan picks his way through hostile territory, hiding his identity by posing as a woman. His only hope for asylum lies with the man who had been his friend and lover three years ago. But when that man also happens to be the crown prince of a rival country, things are a bit more complicated.
With war looming on the horizon, the danger of discovery grows by the moment. With all odds stacked against him, will Stephan find a safe place where he can be his true self, or is he doomed to remain a castaway?

My Review: I received a copy from Ninestar Press for reviewing. This was a quick and happy read with good characters and a surprisingly well filled story. I love how Stephan finds what he was seeking only when he stopped looking elsewhere for what was by his side all along.

Reviewing Dreamer's Destiny by Tempeste O'Riley

Dreamer's Destiny by Tempeste O'Riley 4*

BLURB: Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dream walker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.

Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, Jose, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns Jose has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.

Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.
My Review: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Don't you love that cover? I did and it was only the first great thing that had my interest. I then read the blurb and who can resist the idea of meeting your other half in your dreams? I couldn't. So I then made the mistake of picking it up as a second book to read (I still tend to read two or three books at a time) and ended up reading it in one sitting. The characters were as real as all Tempeste's heroes are and even the secondary characters were fully fleshed.  Over all, this book was excellent both a romance and as a look at what dreams are or can be. I really hope that there are other books like this in the pipeline, I know I'd read them.

n.b. If you want to win a print copy of any of Tempeste's backlist you can enter the giveaway here.

Dreamers’ Destiny Blog Tour and Giveaway.

 (click HERE to find the full tour listing)
Welcome to the Dreamers’ Destiny Blog Tour. I want to begin with special thanks to Dreamspinner Press Blog for welcoming me today. I hope you’ll follow the entire tour. There are plenty of chances to win a signed paperback copy from my backlist, $25 at Dreamspinner Press, an audiobook of either Designs of Desire or Caged Sanctuary, and more!
Each tour stop will feature an excerpt along with some question that relates to the post. Check the Rafflecopter at the end of the post to enter your answer to the question. A few stops will have special (additional) giveaways as well, so make sure you check out the whole post!

People don’t just materialize into reality simply because you want them to so desperately that waking up breaks your heart. 

Dreamers’ Destiny

by Tempeste O’Riley

M/M Erotic Contemporary, Occult/Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Release Date: May 13, 2016 (ebook/print)

Length: Novel / 200 pages

Order:

♥ ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ All Romance ♥ Amazon ♥ ♥

Add to: Goodreads

Description:

Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dream walker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.

Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, Jose, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns Jose has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.

Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.

EXCERPT

Two days later, Liam stood in a kitchen he knew, but he was uncertain how he had ended up there. He looked around and found Cam bent over, rummaging in the fridge, his pert little butt in nothing but a pair of tight boxer briefs. Liam groaned as he moved closer to Cam and slid his hands over the smooth cotton, feeling the tight muscles beneath flex as Cam jumped and spun around.
“Dammit, Lee, don’t sneak up on me like that,” Cam groused, though the pout was ruined when the edges of his lips turned up in a small smile.
“Sorry, beautiful, but how could I resist such a tempting and delicious offering?”

“Uh-uh. Stroking the ego won’t help you this time.”

Liam smirked and slid one hand down to lightly rub up and down Cam’s length. Cam’s eyes closed as a low moan slipped out. His hips pushed forward, his body begging for touch. “Your ego wasn’t what I had in mind, baby.”

“Oh, God, Liam. Please,” Cam begged. He threaded one hand into Liam’s hair and tugged him down until their lips met in a hard clashing of teeth, tongue, and yum.

Liam slipped one hand inside Cam’s briefs, then wrapped his fingers around the hard shaft that had been hiding within. He pulled and stroked the hot, hard flesh as he continued to kiss Cam as if he hadn’t touched Cam in ages. He wanted Cam so bad he couldn’t think straight.

He captured the moans Cam let out as they continued to devour each other, relishing each one as if it were his first and last ever. Liam clutched at Cam’s hip, desperate for his lover’s touch. He ripped his mouth away, panting for breath, never letting up on his slow pumping of Cam’s cock.

“So prefect,” he panted, relishing the little mewling sounds Cam made every time Liam skated his fingers over Cam’s cockhead, how Cam’s eyes were blown wide in desire.

“I need you in me, Lee. I don’t wanna wait….”

Liam grabbed Cam’s briefs and tore them off his tight little body, desperate to be back inside his Cam. After slamming Cam against the wall, Liam kicked Cam’s feet apart before he dropped to his knees and swallowed Cam whole.

Cam screamed, but Liam didn’t care. He was going to take everything Cam offered and then some! Setting a fast pace, he bobbed up and down on Cam’s straining cock, making it wet and slippery. Using some of the excess wetness, he slipped his fingers behind Cam’s balls, rubbing them along Cam’s taint until he reached Cam’s tight hole. Teasing and tapping Cam’s needy entrance, Liam shivered as precome squirted on his tongue, the taste making him even harder than before.

Shaking above him, Cam pushed back against Liam’s fingers, begging with both words and action for exactly what Liam wanted to give.

Praise:

“I found it a beautiful tale of unhappiness changed to romance and then love with a happy ending.”

—Rainbow Book Reviews, on “Designs of Desire”

“Designs of Desire is a tough realistic book that is touched by violence countered by the growing love between the two heroes.”

—Sensual Reads, on “Designs of Desire”

“It paints a stunning image of rebirth as Deacon and Kaden's relationship begins to unfurl, like a rose as it opens its petals to the sun.”

—Carly’s Book Reviews, on “Caged Sanctuary”

“This is my favorite in this series so far. I love seeing how these characters are growing, all of them. As individuals, as couples, as friends, and as a family.”

—MM Good Book Reviews, on “Desires’ Guardian”

“The writer did an excellent job with the characters, they are likable and perfect. Not perfect in the way that they have no flaws, but in a way that they grab you and complement each other.”

—Love Bytes Reviews, on “Temptations of Desire”

“Tempeste created an amazing world for these paranormal species. I got lost in the story and wondering how all the pieces wove together.”

—Molly Lolly, on “Whiskers of a Chance” 

Other Works by Author:

Designs of Desire – Simple Desires*+ – Bound by Desire* – Desires’ Guardian – Temptations of Desire – Truth in Lace* – Desires’ Pride* – Signs of Desire

Micah’s Medicine+ – Caged Sanctuary – Whiskers of a Chance

*shorts in series +shorts in anthologies

About the Author:
Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud pansexual genderfluid whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what they couldn’t—defy the hate and come out. He has been their hero ever since. 

Tempe is a hopeless romantic who loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. They has done many things in their life, yet writing has always drawn them back—no matter what else life has thrown their way. They counts her friends, family, and Muse as their greatest blessings in life. They lives in Wisconsin with their children, reading, writing, and enjoying life—especially now that they have joined the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence® (as Novice Sister Eroti-Quill… can’t imagine where that name came from).
Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, WisRWA, and Rainbow Romance Writers. Tempe’s preferred pronouns are they/them/their/theirs/themselves. To learn more about Tempeste and their writing, visit http://tempesteoriley.com.

Website ♥ Goodreads ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Google + ♥ DSP ♥ Blog

♥ Tempeste’s Temptations ♥
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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n.b. If you want to know what I think of this book you can find my review here 
or on the book page at Amazon.co.uk and Goodreads.

Another Beauty and The Beast story to love

Review of Loving an Ugly Beast (Fairy Tales & Ever Afters) by Danielle Monsch 4*
BLURB: He may be a Beast…
Known as Beast in his village for both his hulking size and multitude of scars, Benton long ago resigned himself to a life without love and was content with his solitary existence. That is until Nissa entered his life.
...but she is no Beauty.
Plain and plain-spoken, Nissa came to the village three years ago looking for a fresh start and a quiet life. She had both until the day her friend Benton disappears and a new man arrives at the village – handsome, charming, and intent on courting her.
A fairy godmother gives Benton his greatest wish. Now that he is a beauty and not a beast, Benton intends to make Nissa fall in love with him. However, scars don’t have to be visible to exist. Will Nissa’s past destroy any chance of their Happily Ever After?
My Review: I love remade Fairy Tales and this novella was a really nice version of my favourite one. In this case the story was a very warm, sweet one about believing in Love and your own self worth. The characters were very real, especially the cranky pregnant friend! (She made me think of myself when I was pregnant :D)and I really, really liked the Hero.

Review of Protocol 7 (Arctica Trilogy) by Armen Gharabegian

Protocol 7 (Arctica Trilogy)by Armen Gharabegian 3*
BLURB: 2039: Simon Fitzpatrick, a brilliant Oxford professor, grieves over the recent and mysterious death of his father Oliver, who has disappeared in Antarctica. An unexpected friend from Simon’s past appears on his doorstep with an encrypted message from Oliver, leading him to believe his father may still be alive. Simon soon embarks on a mission which takes him half way around the world in search of his Father.
A recent quarantine of Antarctica by the United Nations makes his journey almost impossible and dangerous. Through this perilous journey to find his Father, Simon uncovers a conspiracy beyond his imagination; a revelation of global consequence and one of the greatest secrets ever kept.
My Review: This was a NetGalley Review copy Ever read a book that sounded as it it was edge of the seat exciting only for it to turn out to be like wading through the quagmire? Well that's what this book was like. There were some really good parts and the characters were all very interesting but it kept getting bogged down by unnecessary stuff.

Review of The Darwin Elevator by Jason M Hough

The Darwin Elevator by Jason M Hough 4*
BLURB: In the mid-23rd century, Darwin, Australia, stands as the last human city on Earth. The world has succumbed to an alien plague, with most of the population transformed into mindless, savage creatures. The planet’s refugees flock to Darwin, where a space elevator—created by the architects of this apocalypse, the Builders—emits a plague-suppressing aura.
Skyler Luiken has a rare immunity to the plague. Backed by an international crew of fellow “immunes,” he leads missions into the dangerous wasteland beyond the aura’s edge to find the resources Darwin needs to stave off collapse. But when the Elevator starts to malfunction, Skyler is tapped—along with the brilliant scientist, Dr. Tania Sharma—to solve the mystery of the failing alien technology and save the ragged remnants of humanity.
My Review: This was a NetGalley review copy The book didn't leave me on a cligghanger nor was I unsatisfied with the ending but some question were left at the end for me. Who are the Builders and why are they (maybe) helping humanity? Guess that means I'm ready for book two to find out. If you like traditional Science Fiction with mutants, unknown aliens and a really nasty bad guy then you will want to read this one.

A trilogy of reviews

The Morcai Battalion (The Morcai Battalion #1) by Susan Kyle (aka Diana Palmer) 4 *
BLURB:In the very dream of peace lurked a monstrous treachery The galaxy is on the brink of disaster, the long-awaited truce torn apart by an unprovoked attack. The colony whose residents represented more than a hundred planets has been destroyed, and the new vision for unity in the universe is at risk. Faced with a war that would mean destruction and chaos, one man has stepped forward to lead those fighting for their lives. Undeterred by insurmountable odds, his courage inspires a team--the Morcai Battalion--to battle for the cause of peace...and love
My Review I have read Diana Palmer's romances in the past but they don't hold a torch to this Science Fiction novel by her and I wish she would write more of them. She has a deft touch with aliens and their psychology and this story was especially intense with the conflict between the different alien races. The characters were memorable and made me want to read more about all of them, not just the main two. The whole story was exciting and dramatic and made me glad there were more books to follow.


The Morcai Battalion: The Recruit (The Morcai Battalion #2) by Susan Kyle (aka Diana Palmer) 4*
BLURB:A human female combat surgeon faces the loss of her military career, and her life, as she uncovers a secret that could destroy her alien commander in this first of two sequels to the 2007 science fiction hardcover. THE MORCAI BATTALION: The Recruit continues the saga of Dr. Madeline Ruszel, the only female member of the elite alien Cehn-Tahr Holconcom commandos. A new recruit threatens her place in the unit as the Rojok war escalates.
My Review The story continues with the same main characters and their on going relationship causing more problems for everyone. The emotions were even more intense than in book one and I was delighted with the storyline's progression. I also felt for the new character (Mallory), who is brought in to take over from Ruszel, as she had so much trouble fitting in it was almost comical. Again I was driven to experience deep emotions whilst reading this.

Invictus (The Morcai Battalion #3)by Susan Kyle (aka Diana Palmer) 4*
BLURB:For almost three years Dtimun, the enigmatic and mysterious Cehn-Tahr commander of the Morcai Battalion, has been at war not only with the Rojok Dynasty, but also with his feisty Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Madeline Ruszel. Now a surprising visitor from the future has charged them with the rescue of the enemy Rojok, Field Marshal Chacon. To ensure success, both Madeline and Dtimun must make personal sacrifices and attempt a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. Sparks fly as each twisting turn throws them closer together than they've ever been before—can they resist acting on desires they have long denied? If their plans are discovered, they face exile by their own governments and possibly even execution. But if they do not act, the future will see the end of civilization itself....
My Review This was a satisfactory conclusion to the trilogy, even though it had a lot more romance in it than I expected. I love the big reveal about Ruszel's 'old fellow' at the end (even though I had more or less guessed it for myself). I also loved the trilogy as a whole and can see myself reading all three books often.

As good as the prequel

Gabriel's Redemption by Steve Umstead 4*
BLURB: Can a disgraced Special Forces soldier find redemption, and will redemption cost him more than just his own life? North American Federation Navy Commander Evan Gabriel was dishonorably discharged after losing his covert team on a far off world called Eden. Now, he's being offered an opportunity to command a new team, on a new world, with a new mission, but the true motives behind the mission are unclear. From the decaying Caribbean to politically-charged South America, from the slums of Mars to a tiny colony on a planet six hundred light years from Earth, Gabriel's Redemption follows the disgraced Commander Gabriel as he leads a Special Forces team to an ice-bound world. Their given mission: to eradicate a drug cartel that is producing a highly-addictive stimulant brutally extracted from the bodies of the native inhabitants. Upon arriving, Gabriel and his team find the mission isn't exactly what it appeared to be, and that they weren't the only force dispatched to the planet. Gabriel's Redemption is a near-future military science fiction story of a personal journey seen from the perspective of a soldier who has lost everything; one who desperately needs to redeem himself not only in his government's eyes, but also his own. Interstellar action and political intrigue mix with one-on-one battles on the surface of a frozen planet in this exciting tale of salvation.
My Reveiw: As far as I am concerned the world building and the powerful imagery created by Steve Umstead was flawless.This was a lovely story with some really great twists and turns to it, along with wonderful characters and plenty of action, it was an experience not to be missed.

Could not finish!

A Month With Werewolves by K Matthew DNF
BLURB:A budding journalist trying to advance her career. A secluded werewolf reservation shrouded in mystery. A secret culture unexplored.
Taya Raveen has taken on the journalism assignment of a lifetime, the chance to spend a month in the infamous Blackfoot Werewolf Reservation, a government operated safe haven for werewolves that has never been seen by civilian eyes. Following a new detainee into the reservation, Taya will get a first-hand account of what it's like to be introduced to pack life.
My Review: Unfortunately this was not my kind of book even though the blurb seemed to say it was.
I know the main character is a journalist but I expected it to read less like a newspaper report of dry uninteresting facts than it actually did.

Space Wolf by Burley Ward 4*
BLURB:Girl One, Universe Zero
Dumped by Human Services into her brutish uncle's planetary homestead, eight-year-old Freedom refuses to lose. Null technology enabled man to flood the cosmos, spreading his ignorance and cruelty like a plague. When the rules of the universe are stacked against you, you have to make big plays. And Freedom is quite willing to make them. But her play gets her a puppy, Azrael, instead. A puppy? A special puppy? Right. Things couldn't possibly get any worse.
A word to the wise? Do not steal Azrael's little girl. Because he will find you. Even if you are light-years away.
When one's big moves cost friends their lives, one is a child no more. Everyone understands the rage social injustice brings. They demand it, even. But rage invokes an ancient justice, one that has stymied man since time immemorial. Freedom isn't the only player on the board, and hers are not the only moves in play. She is in a much bigger game than she knows. In the web of spacetime chaos, the little butterflies are the powerful ones.
My Review: A lovely story about the bond between a 'pet' & it's owner. I was a little surprised that the religious aspects didn't disturb me as I am not a very religious person, I think it was because it was such an integral part of Freedom's character. I know it was not intrusive nor did it attempt to convert the reader which is how it should be. I really admired the courage and fortitude of Freedom, she was a very special character. Mind you I have to admit to loving Azrael the Space Wolf best, he was a very, very special animal.


Reborn In Amber (A Bloodsworn Tale) by Kathy Lane 5*
BLURB:Sometimes you have to die to get a second chance at love. Princess Zurine, acting ambassador for Mystia, can hardly believe her eyes. Kiel was supposed to have died in a blizzard over a year ago. Not only is he alive, he's a Silver Blade, a warrior in the service of her brother's enemy. What else did he lie to her about—besides loving her? When Kiel became Blade sick, he faked his death and gave up the woman he loves. Now, the link with his Bloodsworn is fading, and he must see Zurine to explain. Without access to the planet's magic he will surely die, yet he prefers death to a life without her. Magic sparks a passionate confrontation when Kiel and Zurine face each other and the truth. Can two star-crossed lovers find their second chance at love? Or will a deadly plot prevent Kiel's rebirth in amber?
My Review: A Bloodsworn story that has all the magic, emotion and depth of character that any reader of the series could ever want.