Guest Review By BookMarks - Roses at Dusk by Maree Ward-Russell

For a fan of most things supernatural (ok, all) when I was offered a chance to review Maree Ward Russell’s Roses at Dusk, well, keen would be an understatement. I’m constantly on the search for new trilogies to keep me occupied and as an opener, this one certainly left an impression.

 

 

I won’t spoil the story for you (I do hate it when book reviews do that) but I will tell you to banish all your expectations - the plot takes a whole different direction from the one you expect. I’ll admit, even a supernatural literature junkie like me did not see this coming.

 

However unexpected the storyline, it is well thought through and detailed in its character background and analysis. The hero Felix is more heart than hunk, and what’s more, the heroine Hannah is likeable and down-to-earth; for once there’s no over emphasis on how ‘stunning’ she is - she’s just an average, good-looking girl with an overenthusiastic gal-pal and a demon problem. Y’know, just like the rest of us. 

 

How to Read it: 
With a cup of tea and a packet of biscuits. You’ll need the comfort food.

 

Top Tips:
If you really want to get the most from it (and I know this will sound strange) brush up on your Paradise Lost - or at least google it. There are some religious and demonic themes that, while readily understandable whether you’re a Milton devotee or not, you’ll be able to read much more into if you know the background mythology.

 

Age: 16+
Although it’s classed as ‘teen/young adult fiction’ the themes touched upon are quite adult so I wouldn’t recommend it for younger readers.

 

Fantasy: 7/10
I personally enjoyed the whole ‘fallen angel’ vibe of the book and how it was intermingled with the more realistic scenes of modern America.

 

Language Difficulty: 5/10
On the whole it’s fairly straightforward, only a few bits of supernatural jargon might confuse the inexperienced. For the first few pages I found myself distracted by the short, staccato sentences but after that either they elongated or I became sufficiently distracted by the story not to notice.

 

Entertainment: 7/10
I wouldn’t exactly say ‘I couldn’t put it down’ (although I do believe that will be the case for some readers) but I did look forward to the brief interludes at work when I was secretly able to scan a few chapters.

 

Other Books in the Trilogy soon to be released
Snowdrops Wilt at Dawn

Amazon - HERE

 

AUTHOR’S WEBSITEwww.mwrussellbooks.com

Maree on Facebook - Here

 

Mission Statement - BookMarks is dedicated to providing you with reviews full of the things you actually want to know about a book.

Twitter: follow @jenniferjaffa

 

Review from Amazon

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Roses with a strange and exotic perfume.

 

By Mary Cade (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roses At Dusk (The Demonic Series) (Kindle Edition)

Roses at dusk is a poetic title suggesting a romantic lover but these roses are the gift of a dangerously fascinating being. What is Hannah to do?

I was very struck by the art work and the author's description of this book and bought it almost as soon as it was published. I have waited some time before reviewing it because this story surprised me and I needed time to think about it. The author writes with passion and total commitment and the intensity of the central relationship is expertly described. It is very hard to write about what happens without being a plot spoiler but this book offers hope to anyone who feels trapped by negativity and fear, whether teen or adult. The roses also contain beauty and joy! The themes of the book reminded me of ancient fairy/folk tales, the ones passed down through generations containing hidden advice and warnings. Hansel and Gretel for example. The author appears to have a very serious purpose mixed in with a sense of fun and a wild imagination. All very much appreciated by me. I am very interested to see how this writer develops. It is amazing that she has found time to write such a thought provoking and original book while being the mother of five teens, another example of her commitment. I am very much looking forward to reading the next part of the story.

 

 

If you have enjoyed reading this book review by BookMarks, please share it wit your friends.

Many thanks, Patti Roberts

Supporting Indie Autors





What would you do! This book is AWFUL...

Recently, I received a message from a friend of mine (30 years in the editing business) who just finished reading a yet to be published book, and thought I would share it with you.

If you were the book reviewer in this predicament, how would you handle the situation?

If you were the author, how would you want to be told...?


Honey, I loved the title of the author's book so much I read a copy. Meanwhile, we've been messaging, but, honey, this book is AWFUL. Terrible writing. Breaks every rule in the book. It is actually uneditable... he just can't write. I need to tell the author something, in all honesty, but  not sure how to go about it.

The author will be slaughtered by reviewers if they keep this book out there in its current form. Any ideas on how to break it gently to the author without making them hate me?

Not only is the punctuation terrible, the sentence structure and dialogue and description are all atrocious. Worst I have ever read. Help!

(The sender of this message is anonymous for obvious reasons)

So what would you do? How would you handle this situation?

 I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment box, Patti

If you have enjoyed reading this post, please forward it your Facebook and Twitter friends.

Author Interview with Nikki Broadwell. Author of the Wolfmoon Trilogy)

Hi Nikki, where were you born and where do you call home?~I was born in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, if you can believe it. I'm an army brat. I now live in Tucson, Az and that's home, at least for the time being...

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share. ~I moved here in April of this year--it was big, considering that my husband and I had been in Portland, Oregon for over fifteen years.  Rainforest to the desert--about as opposite as you can get! 

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?~The Wolf Moon is # 3 in a trilogy and is not published yet. It's the culmination of a story that starts 25 years earlier (The Moonstone) and encompasses an epic battle to save a mystical world.

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say? ~My protagonist, Maeve would probably say: "Thanks a lot for putting me into a nearly impossible situation. Who does this to a person? I was going on with my life, minding my own business when--poof--I'm transported into a place where myths are actually true...

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?~I'm working on a sequel to Wolfmoon Trilogy called 'Valley of the Moon' and the protagonist is a minor character from Book 2 and 3..

What books have influenced your writing? I started reading early, so a lot of fairy tales, all the fantasy childhood books like Alice in Wonderland, The Borrowers, Doctor Dolittle...as an adult, Jung, Huxley, Tom Robbins, Orwell, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Margaret Atwood, Iris Murdock, Murakami, Pullman and more recently, A Discovery of Witches, by Deborah Harkness, Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon...too many to name!

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet? ~I think it would be Margaret Atwood or Tom Robbins

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? ~quality paperbacks

Where do you prefer to buy your books? ~I usually order used or new from Amazon. When I lived in Portland I went to Powell's City of Books where they also have used books..

Are you a self published (Indie) Author? ~Yes

What book would you like to read again?~I don't usually go back, but maybe The Lord of the Rings, although now with the movie and all it woudn't be the same...

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?~I think they did a wonderful job with the The Golden Compass, by Phillip Pullman and was disappointed that the series wasn't continued...but I loved the books...

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)? I'm reading Shadow of the Night, second in the series by Deborah Harkness---first vampire story I've read...not like any of the others out there since she's an historian

Are there any Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?~I've been enjoying Susanna Kearsley--she writes what I might call time-travel love stories. I've bought several books from Indie authors on Facebook but haven't finished reading them to make a comment as yet...

Who designed the cover of your book?~ Createspace did Book I and II and Patti Roberts did the cover for The Wolf Moon  (thank you Patti!)

Patti says: My pleasure Nikki!

Do you buy a book by the cover? ~Covers definitely attract me. But then I open it up and read the first paragraph..or use the 'look inside' feature on amazon

Do you have a book trailer?~I have a youtube trailer but it's a bit hokey...

What are your thoughts on book trailers?~ I like the idea of them...would love to have another for Book III but don't have a lot of extra cash to spend. 

Do you have any advice for other writers?~ Have your book edited by a professional before you put it out there--but make sure they understand you and what you're trying to do...you and your editor have to be a fit--and keep writing! it's the best teacher...

Do you write under a pen name?~ Not yet but I'm working on a fictionalized version of my parent's life together and I may have to use a pen name to avoid criticism or outrage from relatives. 

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like.~I'm a capricorn, born January 7th. Stubborn as a goat!!!

Patti says: I'm on the cusp - January the 20th :)

Do you have a nickname?~My real name is Louise, after my mother and grandmother, but I was nicknamed Nikki early on--and that stuck.

Did you have a favorite toy as a child?~I had two stuffed elephants--Fanty and Cornelious. My daughters still have them, although they're falling apart!

An early childhood memory~thinking I saw a fairy in the corner of my bedroom--the beginning of my writing career?

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?~ absolutely!

Patti says: Me too!

What are your pet peeves?~I don't like to be interrupted when I'm writing. 

Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?~I have a beautiful cat and dog...I would be happy to share a pic!

White wine or red?~I prefer red but I'll drink white if that's all there is!

Coffee or tea?~Coffee, (latte) but I also like black tea with milk and honey...

So you like to cook?  Do you have a favorite food?~I've grown lazy about cooking--just ordered a cookbook, The Meditteranean Diet--I love pasta and curries...kids used to say that's all I cooked when they were little! (not true)

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?~I like both

What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?~I usually make an egg and toast and sometimes I add spinach to the pan...this is after coffee, of course...

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?~purse which contains my lipsticks, a writing pad and pen and water...

Sleep in or get up early?~I'm usually up by 6:30 or 7:00...

Laptop or desktop for writing?~ I work at my desk..

Your favorite gadget -~espresso machine 

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?~I write at all times---my desk seems to be my default setting...

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - ~I just got my first 1 star...I wasn't upset, just surprised because I didn't agree with the reviewer...I'm okay with constructive criticism but of course I want people to love my books!

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?~Einstein, Groucho Marks and Tom Robbins or possible Carl Jung

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?~I want to go to Australia and New Zealand

One of your favorite quotes -~don't believe everything you think

List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?~Mariana and The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley, A Discovery of Witches, by Deborah Harkness

List 3 of your favorite movies?~The King of Hearts, Sophie's Choice, Avatar

An actor or a book character you have a crush on -~Vigo Mortenson

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?~I loved the series, Battlestar Gallactica

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?  Feel free to add pics.~I've thought about this because I can see my books as a movie...(when I write I see everything as though it's a movie) Bonnie Wright might work for Maeve, my main character in Book II and Book III--the main guy, Harold, Maeve's boyfriend...maybe Tom Welling? He has to have a toughness but also be easy-going

 

Where can your readers stalk you?~

My blog:https://niksblog-authorinprogress.blogspot.com

My facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/nikki.broadwell

My Goodreads author page:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5321050.Nikki_Broadwell

Twitter:https://twitter.com/nikkibroadwell

Amazon:HERE

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?~The Moonstone and Saille, the Willow are both in paper as well as kindle--I'm working on getting them on Smashwords, Nook and KOBO

Editorial Reviews

Review

Cindy Taylor--AllbooksReview: ...This is truly an enchanting story written in a magical way with descriptions that flow like a paintbrush bringing a blank canvas to life....there is an air of mystery and the unknown throughout the whole story that kept me turning the pages non-stop...I'm so excited this is the first book of a trilogy, and I'm going to find it very difficult to wait for the second book....This story held me spellbound from cover to cover and I highly recommend it.

From the Author

I began this book for my 'fun' writing while I was working on a more serious work. From the moment I started the story I felt like it was being written through me. I love the story and the characters who appeared on the page and took over my life for the several years I spent on this project. 

Breaking Dawn Part 2 - Movie Review by Shalini Boland

I wouldn’t class myself as a Twihard, but I loved the books and I loved the movies. So maybe I am. Okay I definitely am. I’m a Twihard. My birthday also happens to be in November, so it’s a no-brainer that my husband would buy me tickets to see  Breaking Dawn for my birthday treat this year (and last year).

 

I didn’t read any of the reviews before I went. Firstly, I don’t like spoilers and secondly, what would be the point? I knew most of the press would pan it. Liking Twilight would ruin their coolness. Me, I like a bit of heart-on-the-sleeve paranormal romance. I also like the classics, zombie horror and the X-Factor. I’m not ashamed of my tastes. I embrace them ;)

 

So anyway, back to the movie. We’d left BD Part 1 with Bella having given birth to Renesmee and finally she had transformed into a beautiful red-eyed vampire. Now, in BDP2, we see a shift in Bella’s attitude. She is finally who she wants to be and she looks good on it. I loved watching Edward’s reaction to her as she masters her vamp skills. Robert Pattinson’s proud/amused smile is perfection as Stewart kicks ass. I bet she absolutely loved playing ‘Bella the vampire’.

 

The only ‘off’ bit in the whole film for me was the baby Renesmee - They did that annoying thing where they put CGI adult expressions onto a baby face which only ever results in creepy babyness. Don’t do it, Hollywood people. Do not do it. Step away from the CGI machine and leave the baby alone.

 

I thought Taylor Lautner portrayed Jacob really tastefully, considering the whole ‘imprinting’  scenario. I wouldn’t have wanted that role – it’s a bit icky. Funnily enough, I didn’t find it at all questionable in the books, but when faced with the adult Jacob and the child Renesmee on the big screen I did curl my toes a little.

 

The Volturi were their usual terrifying selves: Jane always makes me shudder with her ‘pain’ thing and Caius and Alec are the archetypal baddies. But it was Michael Sheen as Aro who truly shone. He outdid himself. I think he was the star of the whole movie. I loved how delectably evil he was. I almost wanted him to do a proper wicked laugh like the Count in Sesame Street (okay, that would’ve ruined the movie, but it would’ve been fun!).

 

 

Now I was worried that this second part of BD might fall a bit flat as a movie. I couldn’t see how they would make an ending deserving of such a great series, but boy was I wrong. I did not see that one coming. I’m not going to ‘spoil’ a thing, but as I watched the climax, I was thinking ‘what the…!!’ and ‘they can’t do that!’ But they did do that and they did it brilliantly. Yes. Yes they did.

 

All in all, Breaking Dawn Part 2 was the perfect combination of visual spectacle, action, love and humour. Sure there were a few clunky moments and the CGI wasn’t as smooth as I would’ve liked, but in the overall context of the Twilight Saga novels and movies, it was the perfect ending to a cracking series.

 

And now I’m sad it’s over. Shalini Boland.
Read more about Shalini Boland, Author - HERE

If you have enjoyed this post, please share. Many thanks. Patti Roberts.

The Reading List: The Blood that Binds - A Review of Paradox: Bound By Blood

Book review by Megan:

 Just because Juliette has returned doesn't mean that either she or Grace is safe. The Grigori are still waging a war against the Burgardians. Even worse, the Grigori have brought their fight to the new world and Grace must use clues from Juliette's past to prepare for new and unseen dangers. But time is running out for both women and with their enemies close will they be able to recognize friend from foe?

Review:

*May contain minor spoilers!*

Surprises are everywhere in Bound by Blood, Patti Roberts' third book in her Paradox series. One of the things that I love about this series is that I probably care about the secondary characters just as much as I care about the primary characters.

In the third book we learn more about Grace's friend Angela who I mentioned in an earlier review is one of my favorite characters in the series. Angela had only been a secondary character up to this point and her main role was to sort of look out for Grace. Her background is further explored in this book and her wit and cynical nature begins to make sense considering that Angela isn't exactly what she appears to be...

We learn more about the House of Grigori  and we begin to find out just how evil this band of vampires can be Abaddon can be downright ruthless. We also find out the reason behind for Cerberus' less ruthless tactics. Don't get me wrong. I don't want you to think he drinks pigs blood and is on the road to redemption, but he is less heartless than his brother Abaddon. His back story is surprising and not at all what I expected.

Grace still has incredibly detailed dreams about Juliette's past lives, but now that Juliette has finally made herself known it seems like Grace's dreams continue to get more intense. It's clear that there is something more to Juliette and there's almost the feeling that she wasn't just human? But only time will tell.

It has been a long time since I read a series where I felt that each book successfully added to the overall storyline. The Paradox series as a whole does this and does it well. Roberts makes sure that each action or explanation moves the plot along in a swift but easy to follow manner. This helps the reader get to know the characters but doesn't take unnecessary detours with side plots.

 

Roberts also does a wonderful job with the scenes between Damon and Juliette. Their interactions are so heart wrenching and sad you can't help but tear up. This coming from the girl who likes romance novels as much as she likes root canals. Which is not at all.

 

The key is that the romantic bits are done tastefully, are believable and don't overtake the entire story. 

 

Bound by Blood is a great third addition to the series. It combines numerous supernatural elements and creatures in a way that makes sense and adds to the intricate world of Altair. The ending was shockingly suspenseful... and I can't wait for the fourth book!

 

 Rating: 5/5

 Bound By Blood - Amazon - HERE  All other ebook formats - HERE

Book 1 The Angels Are Here - HERE 99c

Book 2 Progeny Of Innocence -  currently free - HERE

You can visit Megan here - The Reading List: The Blood that Binds - A Review of Paradox: Bound ...:  

Book Review By Ella Medler - Deadly Addiction By Kristine Cayne

Deadly Addiction is book two in the Deadly Vices series. I have read book one, Deadly Obsession, and I have enjoyed it very much. When I picked up Deadly Addiction, I expected improvement, of course, but what I didn’t expect was how thoroughly dynamite it was. Kristine Cayne has topped all my expectations with this book.

I found the background of relationships between the Iroquois and the perceived white oppressors a stroke of genius, perfectly observed and relayed with all its contemporary intricacies and complications. I learned a lot, and at the same time I was able to identify with and understand a lot of the predicaments faced by mixed-race individuals and the hurdles they must jump in order to be accepted.

The storyline touches lightly on book one, but the plot is a complete story in its own right, very well spun, with clever twists, and presenting the characters with circumstances that pose moral and ethical questions, besides the simple challenges posed by physical attraction and, in Alyssa’s case, staying alive.

The characters are real and believable, easy to identify with and engaging. I especially enjoyed the part where sweet Alyssa has one drink too many – that was so funny. The fine humour in the dialogue is pure skill.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-moving story. I didn’t want to put the book down, and the last fifty pages or so were an uninterrupted adrenaline rush. The ending was very satisfying, even better than the one I envisaged and I absolutely loved Kristine for coming up with such a smart solution to a very real problem.

There are only five stars I can award to any book, and I have to say Deadly Addiction more than deserves every single shiny star there is. If I could award it more, I would. This is one author I will definitely keep an eye on. Ella Medler gives this book a "Life Changing Read" Award

 Ella's Blog - HERE

Hell arrives 28th October 2012 Paradox - Bound By Blood.

Bound By Blood - the story continues in the Paradox Series…

Love is not counted in years

Love is counted in heartbeats

Love is not bound by distance

Love is bound by blood

In the Ancient World

In the New World

Love will prevail

Some will kill for love — Some will die for love

Some will love until it hurts

Evil has a name… Grigori...

The Blood thirsty Fallen Angels, the true Demons behind the legendary Vampire stories.

From an Ancient World they came…

Enter to win... But remember to ask yourself one question before you do.

Is your Guardian Angel from Heaven or Hell?

One lucky winner will receive:

The 3 Ebooks
1 x Spiral Notebook
10 x Postcards

2nd to 4th Prize:

The 3 Ebooks
10 x Postcards


How to enter -

• Follow this blog
• Tweet about this giveaway - make sure you include the hashtag #ficstory 
• Facebook this post - paste a link to your Facebook post into the comments area below along with your email address so I can contact the winners.

This competition is open to both Australian and International entrants.

Drawn: 28 November 2012 at 6:00pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

All is not as it seems!

Chapter  – The Dance Of The Dragonfly

 If you have enjoyed reading this post, please share. Many thanks, Patti Roberts

The Broken Destiny - By Carlyle Labuschagne

Carlyle Labuschagne

Prologue
All my life, I had searched for something, something I thought I ought to be. I felt like I was living someone else’s life, waiting for the awakening of my own. I felt like an empty shell burning for life. That was, until the day I lay dying in the prince’s chambers. I could no longer feel the pain from the tear in my gut. The only sensation left was a hollowed-out feeling that I had made a huge mistake in assuming that taking my own life, would have stopped the ancestors’ spirit from raging out. I had given up. I didn’t want to see myself killing the ones I loved. I was the Chosen one, but I threw it all away for what I thought would save a life. Could you end a life to save a life? I did, and I have regretted it ever since. I realized then that things like me are not meant to exist. What had been missing my whole life? It was I. To find myself, I had to lose myself in the worst possible way. The consequences of my actions became the legend of The Broken.

 

Amazon - HERE 

Book Description

An amazing new sci-fi series begins with The Broken Destiny: Book One of The Broken Series. Ava is the great granddaughter of the founder of their kind: The Broken were genetically enhanced to survive evolution during the last years on earth, after which their experiments were abandoned and they moved to another planet, named Poseidon. Ava carries a secret journal of her mother's, which leads her to believe that her people are not what they seem. Ava has to decipher her mother's rantings in the journal, differentiating truth from madness to determine The Broken's true identities and origins. A few of The Broken will soon experience a "change," and each generation's change differs from the previous. (Ava's generation has been labeled the make it or break it generation.) Weeks before Ava's seventeenth birthday, an attempted kidnapping by Zulu warriors changes her destiny forever. Saved by a Minoan boy, she is taken back to his village where all the lies about her kind's existence (and how they came to be exiled to planet Poseidon) are brought to light. The Minoans are an ancient race that carries a secret tying in with Ava's prophesied destiny. Her destiny is to rise above the fall, to become what she hates to save them all. The story continues in the next book Evanescent. About the Author: Carlyle Labuschagne is a marketing and PR consultant in Johannesburg, South Africa. "I have always wanted to be a storyteller, to deliver a message, to help people believe in themselves and see the beauty in life." 

 

Publisher's website: http://www.sbpra.com/CarlyleLabuschagne

 

 

If you have enjoyed reading this post, Please share on twitter and Facebook.

Many thanks, Patti Roberts - Indie Author

Win a Kindle Touch for Christmas!!! Supporting Indie Authors.

 

The winner is 

 Heather Smiddie Robbins

 

Merry Xmas Heather!

 

thank you to everyone that entered! Your support was greatly appreciated!

Patti Roberts.

UPDATE  - THE PRIZE IS BEING UPGRADED TO THE KINDLE TOUCH (Specs) - here

US $119.00 At time of posting. 

 (FREE EBOOKS FOR YOUR NEW KINDLE TO BE ANNOUNCED PRIOR TO DRAW)

Participating Authors:Ronald Dahle
Lana Davison
Kristie S Haigwood
Robyn  Koshel / Edin LanglandsElla Medler
Amy Metz
Patricia Puddle
Maree Ward-Russell
Glenn Starkey
Patti Roberts
John Hovey - Gamer


The books you will win with the prize and will be gifted to you by the authors are currently

Alexia Purdy - Reign of Blood

 

Patti Roberts - Paradox – The Angels Are Here & Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence

Julia Crane - Dark Promise (Between Worlds)

Ron – First 2 books in the Churning Cauldron series

Mary Ting – Crossroads

Ella Medler – Blood is Heavier

Natalie Hancock - Eternal Darkness

James Eggebeen - Foundling Wizard (Apprentice to Master)

Suzy Turner - The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw!

Amy Metz - Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction.

KaSonndra Leigh - Lost Immortals and Hacienda Moon

Glenn Starkey - Solomon's Men and The Cobra and Scarab

Julie Campbell - Serpent Queen.

Karli Rush - Crescent Bound and an anthology

Patricia Puddle - TBA

Maree Ward-Russell – Roses At Dusk

Jenny Maree - Under Ground (The Diamond Mini-Series, Book 1); The Core (The Diamond Mini-Series, Book 2)

Lana Davison – Avalon BK 1

Kristie Drennin Haigwood – Save My Soul

Solease M Barner – Secrets Of The Ghosts

Shalini Boland - Hidden

Don't forget to leave your tweet and facebook post promoting the giveaway to be eligible below in the comments box along with your email address so we can contact you if you win!

 

Good luck!

 

 

Roses At Dusk - A psychological thriller with a supernatural twist By M. W. Russell

What do you do when the one you trust can no longer be trusted? Where do you turn when the one you gave your heart to, your body, your blood, the murky depths of your soul, defies mortality's rules? What do you do...YOU RUN!


Hannah Malcolm has been through more in her short lifetime than any young woman should have to bear. So after the well publicised death of her family, Hannah decides to leave the bustling streets of Chicago and seek refuge, in the sleepy seaside town of Bar Harbor, in Maine. A new job, new friends and a quaint cottage on the cliff overlooking the sparkling waters of Frenchman Bay give her just the opportunity she needs.

But complications have always been a speciality of Hannah's and Bar Harbor is to be no exception. The town is reeling after an unexplained murder and several random assaults, which have small degrees of separation from her. One disaster after the next begin to swirl at Hannah's feet and to add to her worries her new found man is starting to appear not quite as he seems.

Bone chilling and a lesson in trust Roses at Dusk is a psychological thriller with a paranormal twist that will have you questioning your judgement with everyone you meet. 

A Heart Pounding Original, September 6, 2012

By 

K.S. Haigwood

This review is from: Roses At Dusk (The Demonic Series) (Kindle Edition)

I must take a moment to catch my breath. Ms. Russell definitely put a spin on evil with this one, and it's hard for me to believe this was her debut novel, although she is not new to writing. The way I hear it she has another novel about to break into the publishing world, with another two works in progress. Wow! Sounds like an author that could keep a reader satisfied to me. Anyway, I must move on and tell you a bit about why my heart is still in my throat and I may or may not be looking over my shoulder right now. And I will try my best not to spoil it for you.

Hannah Malcolm attempts to start her life anew in a slower-paced town. Bar Harbor isn't at all what she was used to in Chicago, but that was the point. She had to find a way to escape, and possibly forget, the horrible memories she had of the death of her family. With the case closed, and no answers found, staying would have only been the end of her sanity.

With a brand new job and a few friends made, Hannah agrees to be dragged against her will to a club with new friend and co-worker, Penny Pilkington. What she found there was Marcus, a guy that any girl in the club or town would have done just about anything just to get his attention. Hannah was shocked by the evident fact that Marcus didn't seem to notice anyone but her.

Marcus' interest seemed to grow even more through the weeks, and Hannah found that she was completely besotted with the devastatingly handsome rogue. Strange things began to happen, but ignoring them was a whole lot easier than facing them and ruining what seemed to be the perfect relationship.

A brutal murder and a serious accident that almost took the life of Penny, had her nerves on end. And she realized when the bruises lasted longer and Marcus' words sounded more possessive than loving, that she may not have been seeing the real Marcus at all. She also realized that the only way to get out of the relationship may cost her her life.

With the help of a friend, and some disturbing discoveries about Marcus' secret life and her own past, she takes the chance and runs.

I can't tell you anymore, because it would spoil it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who craves a little danger in their life. Roses at Dusk will have you dreading the setting sun. It receives 5 stars from me.


Book reviews/bloggers - please contact the author for further info

Amazon - HERE
Smashwords - HERE
Web/Blog - HERE

Maree Ward-Russell on FACEBOOK 

Biography

Maree Ward-Russell is a writer, a Registered Nurse and Mother to five teenagers. She has been writing Short stories and Novels since she was a teen herself. Born in New Plymouth in 1965 she attended Spotswood College and later graduated fromTaranaki Polytechnic as a Registered General, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nurse in 1985.

After travelling for some years she has since settled with her family in Auckland. More recently she has completed an Advanced Diploma in Novel writing with the New Zealand Business Institute - receiving a Merit Endorsement.

The first of her work available is the Castle Trilogy...
 
THE TRANSIENT, THE SOUL KEEPER and THE DARKEST ANGEL. Dripping with atmosphere, adventure and epic romance, THE TRANSIENT is the first in this series. It is a tale of centuries old mysteries, ethical dilemmas and heart breaking decisions that Melodie Gibson and her friends must face when she and her father move to Heartworth Castle in upstate New York.

ROSES AT DUSK is also completed. A psychological thriller with a supernatural twist, this novel has risen from the ashes of THE CASTLE series and involves one of its more evil protagonists. Marcus, a demonic angel sets about establishing himself amongst mortals with devastating consequences for one young accountant - Hannah Malcolm. The target audience maybe slightly more adult but the tale just as enthralling.

Incomplete, but steadily growing is a novel that will capture the hearts of younger teens. Think C.S. Lewis, think Paolini and Tolkien and you have The DRAGONS OF THE YEW MAZE. A delightful story of two cousins who find themselves in another world fighting for the survival of a race of elfish people and their dragon protectors. This story, with battles and excitement will particularly entice young teens with a need for adventure.


If you have enjoyed reading this post, please Tweet and Facebook. Many thanks, Patti Roberts - Indie Author.