Danielle D. Smith

The author has created scenery that comes alive, due to her ingenious descriptions and colorful imagery: the central theme to this particular story is a haunting. Although I read this as a stand-alone book, it really should be read as a part of the series. The conversations of Striker and Rose were mostly referring to past events and situations that were hard to follow, leading to scenes feeling more disconnected than necessary. Without the background information on the characters, the sex scenes felt unnatural rather than a part of the plot and their regular interaction. The characters are still well-rounded even with the questions that I had with the story. This is a good story overall but would have flowed a lot better reading it as part of the series.

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Also on http://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2012/11/ghosts-of-winter-black-dog-and-rebel.htm...… (mehr)

Non-Stop Action and Sizzling Sex

Known, among friend and foes alike, by his nick name Black Dog, Skriker had it all. He was handsome as sin and had amazing prowess when it came to satisfying a willing multitude of eager ladies or fighting ferocious battles against the evil denizens from hell and beyond. Yet he was also burdened - and blessed – with a secret. Alone and free with no room for pesky entanglements, that was the life he lived and the life he cherished, until, by chance, he met Rose.

Alluring and with an otherworldly beauty, Rose also carried a secret. She, too, was a top-notch warrior with sharply honed combat skills. Rose delighted in seeking out and wiping out all things evil. Determined to live life on her own terms, Rose was a loner with no room for romantic entanglements, until, by chance, she met Skriker.

Meeting by chance in the abandoned ruins of Paradise Hills, Rose and Skriker are instantly attracted to each other. Breaking their own rules, they fight together to clear the forsaken city of its evil inhabitants. It is during the course of their adventures together that secrets are unintentionally exposed – secrets that could mean the damnation of them both.

It is technically, I guess, a sequel to Psyche’s Gate but this book was easily able to stand alone on its own merits. While Psyche’s Gate was, for me, defined by its lyrical writing and brooding, gothic atmosphere I found Black Dog and Rebel Rose much more fun overall and easier to read – a rollicking fantasy romp.

This novella hooked me from the very first page. With non-stop, breath-taking action and sizzling hot sex scenes, the author effortlessly pulled me into the story of Skriker and Rose. The chemistry between the two protagonists was just delightful. Their conversations, at times poignant, were skillfully crafted. This was a fun, well-written yarn that should appeal to readers who enjoy tough, no-nonsense leading characters who are able to extradite themselves from sticky situations using intelligence and guile. It was superb entertainment for my Sunday afternoon. I Loved It!!

Laurie-j… (mehr)

Psyche is an extremely gifted young, unknown artist who is struggling day to day to earn enough for life’s necessities. Seemingly, out of the blue, she is offered a commission to paint a mural for a very wealthy, generous benefactor. She is overjoyed, believing her dreams will be fulfilled. What she finds instead is a nightmare of celestial dimension.

Shunned by his Immortal brethren, Alexius is a tormented soul cast out from his home thousands of years ago because of a consequential error in judgment. He has finally been given the opportunity to regain his rightful position as one of the highest ranking and most fierce of the Angelic Warriors. His mission is simple – the mural must not be created.

This novel casts the eternal battle of heaven and hell, good and evil into a sonorous mosaic. Very little is as it seems. This time the battlefield is on earth and Psyche the unwilling pawn upon which the outcome hinges. It takes every ounce of strength and determination that Alexius possesses to protect his beloved Psyche.

It is difficult for me to describe how very unusual and haunting this story was for me. The sentence structure flowed with a rhythmic cadence that was glorious. The author flawlessly created a gothic, brooding type atmosphere that was maintained throughout the entire book. The cadence of the story pulsed with lyrical complexity. Filled with Angels, Demons and all manner of other denizens of mythology this story will at times astound and shock with its brutal, unflinching candor.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes stories of immortal conflict written in a dark, gothic tone with richly patterned descriptions and who can overlook occasional excessive profanity.… (mehr)