AS ABOVE,SO BELOW by Maria Isabel Pita

Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Date published: November 2009
ISBN: 9781419922152
Fantasy Romance
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Author


CLICK TO PURCHASE! On a distant world, great stone castles dot the landscape and ancient lords are worshipped by the people. One such lord falls for a local woman and between them a child is born….a child destined to bridge both dimensions that separate the lords from the people. Mirabel is that child and when her mother disappears, she finds her entire world turned upside down even as she finds secrets of her father and a past that keeps giving her more questions than answers. When she falls for the Prince of Visioncrest, events happen that will change the course of the world she lives in and the world.

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW sounded like a really cool story but it was very hard to get into. Told in first person, which normally doesn’t bother me, but this had me confused and scratching my head many times, especially as the characters Mirabel and Loric felt one-dimensional and flat. It was hard to get invested into the characters which was a disappointment. The writing was tight though the pace of the story dragged a bit at times and got very confusing at times.

Mirabel grew up isolated on the top of the mountain with her mother, a famed seamstress. She is full of questions about her father that are not answered by her mother. Mirabel finally gets off the mountain when her mother disappears and she is brought to the Prince of Visioncrest. Then her strange powers manifest and questions swirl around Mirabel even as she craves the dark desire the prince invokes within her with his touch. First off, I just could not get into Mirabel and her reasons for doing some of the things she did. It was hard to even like her half the time. The characters felt very off-putting, one-dimensional and flat. It was very hard to read as there were many characters to keep track of and it felt like I needed a score card for them. The Prince of Visioncrest, Loric, was a hero I hated. He came off as a stern alpha male with very little redeeming qualities to my liking. Some secondary characters felt like they were there just for window dressing and to keep the story rolling along though even they were flat as well.

Overall, the author started with a great premise but fell far from the bar with this one. AS ABOVE, SO BELOW had potential to be a really good fantasy story but fell well below the mark. I was very disappointed in this one though the writing tried to save the story itself to no avail. If you enjoy this type of fantasy romance, then I suggest you run over and grab it.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DAMIEN’S DESTINY by Jean Hart Stewart

Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Date issued: July 2009
ISBN: 9781419921636
Paranormal romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie



CLICK TO PURCHASE! Damien, a mage is enjoying the nature and watching the ocean when suddenly a young girl shows up on the beach and to his horror, walks into the ocean. He immediately goes after her and rescues her. He brings her back to his home, Tregaron, where he and his sister take care of her. During her delirious ramblings they learn that she had been abused by her guardian. When she recovers, Damien realises that this girl will become very special to him, but Torie is afraid of men. He packs her off to a school, to keep her out of her guardian’s way until she is eighteen, then he brings her back to Tregaron. Unfortunately, Baron Heath has not given up on Torie and when he sees what a beautiful woman she has become, he is more determined to have her and will stop at nothing. Damien will need all his magic powers to protect the woman he loves and all the patience he can muster to help her to overcome her fear of men.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I read it in one sitting, hardly daring to put it down. Jean Hart Stewart writes not only an emotion filled romance, but packs her story with a good plot and a subplot that carries the reader along wondering what will happen next. I appreciate her straightforward writing voice and I liked the episodes with Damien’s sister and his best friend, which were just as exciting as the main plot. Baron Heath is a despicable person and I was anxiously awaiting his come-uppance. Damien is a hero to fall in love with. Handsome and brave, he has learned not to miss-use his magical powers. He could have easily enchanted Torie to his bed, but with patience he waits for her to come to him willingly. You can certainly sympathize with his pain and forgive Torie, because of the things she had to endure when she was so young. The actual romance was emotional, poignant and very sensual. I have only praise for this story and always look forward to Jean Hart Stewart’s releases.

CAPTIVE HEART by Kelly Kirch

Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Date published: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-41991-839-1
Romantic suspense
E-book
Reviewed by Tammy


CLICK TO PURCHASE! Suspense. Terrorists, government agents, secrets and betrayal set the stage for Kelly Kirch’s latest romantic suspense, CAPTIVE HEART.

Naya’s entire world changes the day men break into her apartment and kill her roommate before her eyes while she is kidnapped. Before she has a chance to figure out what is going on, she is rescued from her Farsi-speaking kidnappers only to find herself a prisoner of yet another group of kidnappers, this time Americans. After several attempts at escape, Naya learns from the American soldier in charge of bringing her in that her parents are sleeper agents for Iran and she is suspected of helping them betray her country. Though she refuses to believe her parents are terrorists, the proof he offers has her pleading for his help to find her parents and straighten out this enormous misunderstanding.

Special Agent Jake Bart is just trying to complete his mission. Collect the girl and return her for questioning. Unfortunately, Naya is not cooperating and it doesn’t take Jake very long to realize she might just be the innocent she appears. But even if she is innocent, terrorists are chasing her and it is very possible that she knows something that might help Jake.

Kelly Kirch’s CAPTIVE HEART is romantic suspense set against a backdrop of Middle Eastern terrorists attempting an attack on US soil. Reader interest is instantly riveted to the action as Naya and her roommate are set upon in the opening chapter and her roommate is murdered. Like Naya, readers are left wondering what is happening and why, especially when Naya is rescued only to find herself once again held by persons unknown against her will. Though scared and confused, Naya’s spunk is never ending. This girl has one horrific thing after the next happen, yet she keeps a clear head and is constantly thinking on her feet. The sexual tension between Naya and Jake is frustrating for both of them and leads to some very interesting scenes. While Naya is trying to figure out why her country thinks she is a terrorist, Jake is simply determined to fulfill his mission. Jake is red, white and blue through and through. He is well trained and focused on stopping terrorism in its tracks. He is also completely unprepared for the tender feelings that Naya evokes in him. These two characters have such wonderful chemistry; they set the pages ablaze.

The storyline is complex, fast paced and very believable. Readers really feel the sense of urgency and desperation that builds higher and higher as the story progresses. The feelings Naya experiences when she realizes the truth about her parents runs the gamut from disbelief to betrayal to fear and hope. This story starts out with a bang and keeps building momentum throughout.

This reader thoroughly enjoyed Kelly Kirch’s CAPTIVE HEART. Terrorism is such a timely subject these days. A strong, intelligent, and yes, well-built American soldier and the innocent woman he is bound to fall for while saving the world from terrorism are the perfect setting for romantic suspense.

Title: DRUID IN FLIGHT Garland of Druids book 8 by Jean Hart Stewart

Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Date issued: January 2009
ISBN: 9781419919442
Paranormal romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie




CLICK TO PURCHASE!Triona and her bother Colin have to flee. Her sister died and her brother-in-law is a lecherous cad. Colin helped her to flee by hitting their brother-in-law, Fergus, with a poker leaving him with a broken arm. They flee to their cousin in Wales. Sianna is a Druid and is married to Dr. James Randall. When they arrive, Aiden Thomas is there as a guest and the Randalls are away. Aiden at first refuses to let them enter, thinking they are just a couple of waifs. But when Sianna and James return, Sianna immediately recognises her cousin. When Triona lets down her disguise and changes into a beautiful young girl, Aiden is immediately attracted. But Fergus is on their heels and Aiden has his own troubles with a cruel father. He needs to not only protect Triona, but also his mother. Danger abounds, especially when Fergus finally catches up with Triona and is bent on her destruction.

This is a fabulous story, interwoven with adventure and a sensual love story. There seems to be so many obstacles between Triona and Aiden, but love does conquer all. I especially enjoy the Druid aspects in this story, and some characters from previous books make their appearance and help the couple. You can read this story as a ‘stand-alone’, but I do recommend you read the whole series. This story had me captivated until the last page and even then I didn’t want it to end. I have enjoyed each and every story in this wonderful series and can highly recommend them. The characters leap from the pages, the plot reads easily and each thread is nicely tied up at the end. The romance is sweet, sensual and had me on the edge of my seat. I do hope Jean Hart Stewart will entertain us with more of this series in the near future.

DRUID TRIUMPHANT: THE GARLAND OF DRUIDS, BOOK 6 by Jean Hart Stewart

Publisher Cerridwen Press
Date published May 2008
ISBN 9781419915253
Paranormal Romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie



CLICK TO PURCHASE! Adam, the last of the Dellafield brothers is a handsome man who never lacks for female company. No woman would turn him down, until Slaide, a beautiful ballerina. Adam is furious when she snubs him and walks away. He plans on persuing her and getting his revenge. Then he finds out that she has secrets that are destroying her and threatening her young niece, Becca. He has to help her, but she refuses. When an accident leaves Slaide unable to carry on dancing, Adam sees his chance and persuades Slaide that now she needs his help. She can’t help but sucumb to this handsome man’s care, but she doesn’t want him involved in her troubles. The danger is very real and becomes life-threatening. Now Adam must call on all his Druid powers to save Slaide and her niece, but will it be enough and in time? Will he be able to fulfil his dream of love?

I have eagerly been following the Garland of Druids series and have loved each and every book. This one is no exception as Jean Hart Stewart tells the tale of Adam, a successful businessman. And again, a druid finds their life mate, needs to protect, love and need to initiate that person, in this case, Slaide into the powers that are very real in his life. I found this book even more sensual than previous ones which in no way deters from the very exciting plot, but adds a bit more of a tingle. This story was also very emotional, and in parts brought a tear to my eyes. I love Jean Hart Stewart’s writing style. It’s clear, concise and easy to read. I also loved the doggie characters, the kitten and of course, dear Becca, who certainly won my heart as she did everyone else’s in the book. Now I am eagerly waiting for the next one.

DRUID REDEEMED – GARLAND OF DRUIDS Book 5 by Jean Hart Stewart

Publisher Cerridwen Press
Date published March 2008
ISBN 9781419913976
Sensual, paranormal romance
E-book
Reviewed by Val



CLICK TO PURCHASE!

Devon Dellafield is a man used to living free and fancy. In times gone by, he would be known as a rake. He is handsome, masculine and women fall at his feet. He sees no reason to change his life. He could never be as perfect as his parents and he sees no reason to try. Then, Jocie enters into his life. She’s a feisty suffragette. She tempts him, but he knows that any relationship with her would not be flighty. He feels he must stay away from her to protect her and himself. But he needs to crack a code for the government and Jocie holds the key and they are both in danger of their lives. Jocie wants him to accept his Druid heritage and he needs to use and accept his Druid powers to protect her and serve his country. Will he become the man he is destined to be, or turn his back on true love?

Another stunning book in this delightful series, Jean Hart Stewart keeps her fans satisfied by penning a story about a man who seems at first to be rather shallow. But there are powers on the move that are going to change this man’s life and turn his world upside down. Jocie is a force to be reckoned with. She’s not the usual, well-coiffed, experienced woman he is used to, but her charm, her beauty, her honesty pull at his heart strings. Ms. Hart packs a lot of emotion into this story and this reviewer had to reach for the tissues at the end of this entertaining story. The love scenes are tender, sensual and very satisfying and the sexual tension is high throughout. There is also the added thrill of a secondary romance as well as the adventure of someone who is trying to kill both Devon and Jocie. This reviewer can highly recommend this series and is waiting for the next book!