March 29, 2014

Book Reviews (XXIX)



Fires of Destiny
Linda Barlow
Book Description from Amazon
Publication Date: November 24, 2013
Love endures, even in the face of danger and death.

As a child, Alexandra Douglas adored her wild friend Roger Trevor, a troubled lad who turned his back on his family. Ten years as a sellsword and pirate have transformed Roger into an enigmatic stranger. His return to his father's castle in the wake of his brother's mysterious death ignites a passionate uproar in the bookish, sensible Alix.

Dangerous to know...

Surprised by his unlikely desire for his childhood friend, Roger is determined to encase his heart in ice. Haunted by his past and trapped in a lethal web of intrigue at the Catholic court of Queen Mary Tudor, he fears entangling Alix in a plot that could doom them both.

But destiny has set them on colliding paths, and Roger can no more resist the fire in Alix than she can turn away from his increasingly ardent touch.

New, revised edition of a classic, award-winning novel

When the original version was published in 1986, Linda Barlow received the Romantic Times award as New Historical Romance Author of the Year. Fires of Destiny was also a finalist for the Rita Award from Romance Writers of America. This special new edition has been revised and edited by the author, but her beloved characters and their sensuous, suspenseful adventures remain the same.

Accolades

"Linda Barlow's sexy, suspenseful page-turners are pure pleasure to read." Susan Elizabeth Phillips.



"Linda is a wonderful story-teller. She grabs you on the first page and plunges you straight into the tumultuous lives of her fascinating characters." Jayne Ann Krentz.

"Fires of Destiny is a bold and clever tapestry, provocative and seductive." Catherine Coulter.

Romantic Times said in their 1986 review: "Weaving together a strong historical background, an intriguing mystery subplot, along with a touch of mysticism, Ms. Barlow crafts a marvelously textured novel that mesmerizes the reader on every level. The timeless magic of this outstanding romance will guarantee recognition of Linda Barlow as a powerful writer with the talent to surpass all genre boundaries."

Don't miss this chance to grab a copy.


My Review
The story follows characters Alexandra Douglas and Roger Trevor. Here’s a small quotation from the book: …”He tipped her chin up with one sun-browned finger and kissed her upturned mouth in a lusty manner that was new to her. It happened so swiftly that she hardly had time to note the unfamiliar tingle that shivered along her nerves at the feel of his lips pressing on hers. It was pleasant—very pleasant—“ so that you could make an idea.

If you are looking for a book that has characters with depth and a storyline with great meaning, Fires of Destiny is it. This novel teaches the reader not to give up hope in the person you love and trust. Linda Barlow wrote this book with passion. I love how she introduces her characters, and how the story unfolds. I would recommend this to anyone who loves being taken back in time and treated to a love story that has depth. This story wraps you up in interesting people and places. I couldn't ask for more. It's a historical romance that peaks over and over again with every chapter. The characters are real and vibrant. You come to know each of them personally through Linda Barlow’s  talent of bringing them to life. The storyline is remarkable and believable. The author will make you laugh, turn you on with her incredibly seductive heroes and of course, make you fall in love with her story. Reading her book was truly a pleasure.  

If you haven't grabbed your copy of the historical romance Fires of Destiny, what are you waiting for?


                                                I rate it Five Stars
                                                 
                                   

March 25, 2014

Guest Promo (VIII)



It is my pleasure and joy to  host on my blog a promo for my  talented and dedicated mentor and editor Shawn Rost Howen, and congratulate her for the great achivement, finalist in Epic Award 2014!


            EPIC awards 2014 WINNER in the Paranormal Genre.

                     The Chief of All Time (Medicine Man #1)
                                                   Blurb
Shannon Running Deer is American Indian by blood, he has forsaken his people's ancient ways to embrace the "modern" world as a wealthy, highly successful trauma surgeon.

His comfortable existence begins to unravel when, seemingly by chance, Shannon finds himself gradually drawn into the past. Pursued by an ancient evil, he knows he can change the future, if he can survive the past.

In the tradition of Diana Gabaldon, S.R. Howen's MEDICINE MAN is a distinctive and atmospheric novel full of spirituality, mystical time travel, romance, passion, and suspense.
 

What do the readers say:

Interweaving ancestral lore and belief that slowly begins to gather force and impact, Shane is struggling with his vision of himself as a modern man of medicine against the visions that seem to be enticing him with the old ways. Gaele


WOW! if I could give this more then five stars I would! I am totally speechless! Most incredible book I have EVER read! truly! I have read a lot of Native American stories but this one, wow, it is just amazing! the intricacy of the storyline is beautiful, unique, interesting and deep and the characters are beyond amazing! Amanda Masters

That being said, this book is well written and intriguing. The story is compelling and the characters are definitely outside the bounds of what I have come to expect from many recent novels. The depth with which S.R. Howen created her background for each character is incredible and the descriptions she gives of them helps the reader clearly get an image of each one in their mind. Ionia Martin

                                   
                 Other books by the same author: