I Feel So Unnecessary

(image: http://hollylynnpayne.com/books/damascena/) Damascena: the tale of roses and Rumi Author: Holly Lynn Payne 348 pages Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Skywriter Books , June 2014 Source: Free copy via publisher Young Damascena ( named after the rosa damascena) is an orphan born in a monastery in Bulgaria. She is raised by a cruel monk, but as an adolescent flees him and discovers her gift for turning roses into rose oil. She then travels to Turkey where she meets Rumi, who recognizes her as his final spiritual companion, and unlocks the secret of the rose. I admire Rumi, but don't know much about him. Even though this is a work of fiction the setting, characters, and dialogue seemed so real that I felt I got to know him a little better. It's a beautifully written book. A little slow going at times but worth the read. So, I'm giving it... 1/2 teacups Here's what others are saying: “ Damascena is a stunner. Holly Payne ta...

The Perfect Game By: Stephen Paul Genre: Supernatural Thriller 254 pages Publisher: Telemachus Press Publication Date: February 2014 Get it here: Amazon Smashwords * I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In a dark Manhattan alley, a young woman suddenly collapses from a brain hemorrhage. The statistics say it’s rare to have happened to someone so young and healthy, yet all signs point to natural causes. But when Kyle Vine, the man she was supposed to meet that night, learns she wasn’t the only victim, he knows there’s something more going on and soon discovers a mysterious link to the sudden success of a journeyman pitcher for the New York Yankees. As the lethal brain bleeds continue to strike, Kyle and the woman’s eccentric uncle work together to unravel a mystery unlike any the world has ever seen in order to stop a ruthless killer from striking again. Stephen Paul’s debut supernatural suspense thriller, The Perfec...

Moonless (Maiden of Time # 1) By: Crystal Collier Genre: YA Historical 323 pages Publisher: Raybourne Publication Date: November 2013 Buy it here: Amazon B&N * I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor's estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world-especially later when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night. Among the many things to change for her that evening are: her physical appearance-from ghastly to breathtaking, an epidemic of night terrors predicting the future, and the blue-eyed man's unexpected infusion into her life. Not only do his appearances precede tragedies, but they're echoed by the arrival of ravenous, black-robed...

* I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. 354 pages Publisher: Itoh Press ( Dec. 2012) Synopsis: Nineteen year old Emylene Stipe is a 2nd generation Goth who, like every teenage girl, is trying to find her place in the world. One night she comes upon an old painting in an antique store and is compelled to purchase it. When she brings it home an image of a young woman appears in the sketch and then magically materializes in her apartment. Emylene nick-names her 'Poinsettia' and they soon become fast friends. But Poinsettia has an ulterior motive for her sudden and strange intrusion into her host's life which causes Emylene to question her whole belief system. My Thoughts: The author writes with vibrant, descriptive language and had the voice of a 19 yr. old down perfectly. I felt as if I was there with Emylene and her parents. It was also a fresh twist on a vampire tale and that kept the book interesting for me. I ...

I was given a copy via the author in exchange for an honest review. Where you can find it: Amazon    Add it on   Goodreads Synopsis: Mother Earth, wounded by the human race and its disregard for her resources, will recruit human souls to serve Her and turn against humanity. A rising force festers; Gemini, a clan of paranormal beings will systematically possess and destroy towns, cities, and states. Amidst the chaos, a forbidden relationship between Onyx, a lead Gemini, and Violette, a human, begins. They will both find themselves in the middle of a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world. My Thoughts:   A fresh perspective for YA paranormal novels that doesn't include vamps or werewolves. The author gives us the Gemini- beings that live in the Earth's core and do Mother Earth's dirty work. She's mad and she's got a plan- using the Gemini to fight back humans who have taken advantage of her resources.I found them ...

* I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Formats: Kindle   Paperback   Nook Published 2013 by AltWit Press 317 pages Synopsis: Nathaniel Taylor was a Christian who thought believers were exempted from "dark times." That was until he entered his own long time in the dark. When he meets Lilly, a young woman in danger, it sends him on a journey to discover the difference between night and day and that during dark times, the light is hidden, not gone. My Thoughts: I thought the book started off slow but towards the middle it picked up and I found myself enjoying it more. Nathaniel was a great character and while I found Lilly to be a little annoying at first she quickly grew on me. I know the theme of the book was light vs. dark but I found it to be a little heavy handed at times- I thought the point the author was trying to get across could have been more subtle. That didn't stop me from enjoying the book though a...

Nook, Kindle, or Paperback formats 245 pages Publisher: Stuart Jaffe (Sept. 2012) I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis:   It was supposed to be a new beginning - good job, good pay, and a lovely home in North Carolina. But when Max Porter discovers his office is haunted by the ghost of a 1940s detective, he is thrust neck-deep into a world of old mysteries and dangerous enemies. One in which ghosts, witches, curses, and spells exist. One in which a simple research job can turn deadly. Review: I enjoyed the book, I thought it was an interesting mystery. I also how he had the history of Winston-Salem thrown in the plot. I didn't know there were POW camps in North Carolina. However, I thought Max could have been a stronger character, like his sassy wife and Drummond. I also thought the plot was confusing at times, like there was some information missing but that could just be because I'm blonde. Overall I did have a ...