bookreviews – Page 13 – Sincerely Karen Jo

bookreview

divider3

eternalsoul

aboutbook

Published: November 16th 2016 by Karimah Colden

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery

Pages: Paperback 300

synopsis

Reign Elise La’ Roche is savvy in business, evasive in love, and private and protective when it comes to her personal life. Born in the flavorful city of New Orleans, she is also the descendant of powerful hoodoo magick, age-old African mysticism and dark family secrets. This Creole beauty is content living a charmed existence; that is, until a strategic retaliation against her father changes her life forever. Reign is suddenly tossed into a whirlwind of betrayal, magick and the awakening of a whole new world where nothing appears to be in her control.To protect and preserve her lineage, Reign soon learns that she must embrace the one thing she’d fought years denying…a bloodline of ancient power. And with time, Reign evolves from a successful artist and gallery owner, to a woman of unlimited means and potential with one climactic goal: vengeance.

image (1).png

divider4

mythoughts

An Eerily Alluring, Bone-Chilling, and Entertaining Story

3halfhearts (1)

In Eternal Soul, Karimah Colden introduces an eerily alluring world filled with curses, secrets, power, danger, and magick. A wickedly wild ride, Colden doesn’t disappoint and takes you on a heart-stopping and thrilling adventure as you discover the dark and terrifying world of voodoo and hoodoo.

I can’t recall if I’ve ever read anything with voodoo or hoodoo magick before and I’m also not too familiar so I really enjoyed reading about that in this book. The magical system and Colden’s artistic interpretation were fascinating. I liked the world-building and the lovely setting. I thought the descriptions were well-written, vivid, and very inviting. The plot moved at a decent pace and kept me interested enough. I thought the story had a nice mix of mystery, intrigue, suspense, drama, humor and romance. I found myself on edge and holding my breath a few times which was a bit surprising since I wasn’t expecting to feel that way at all. Never really knowing where the story was going made me feel uneasy and eager to find out what would happen next. I really liked that feeling and all the twist and shocking revelations. This was definitely a bone-chilling and entertaining read with an ending that left me wanting more.

The characters were well-rounded, but for some reason I wasn’t too crazy about any of them. Reign was intriguing and I enjoyed her journey and character development. She just didn’t really impress me (at least not in this book) and I personally couldn’t really connect with her. Alexa, her best friend, was an okay character. I liked that she seemed to want the best for Reign and was always supportive and honest. Krystian and Adrian did nothing to swoon me. I honestly don’t know why, but I just thought they seemed flat. I liked that Krystian was protective of Reign and he seemed genuine and nice. As a love interest, he just wasn’t charming me that much. I was actually more interested in getting to know more about Reign’s father Julien, her mother, Claudette, and pretty much all the other spiritual beings.

I also didn’t really love or enjoy the romance that much. It felt a bit forced and pointless. For me, it just didn’t make sense or fit in the overall plot. It was just there so the story could have romance. I did think it was quite entertaining and even a little swoony at times, but it did little to excite me or add any significance in the story. But, maybe it will later on.

Overall, Eternal Soul was an enjoyable read. With family curses, supernatural occurrences, secrets and betrayals, romances, and with danger lurking in the shadows, this book was thrilling, twisty, and entertaining. I was quite intrigued with the concept, the world-building, and the voodoo and hoodoo magick. It’s definitely worth the read and the ending will definitely make the readers desperate for the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

divider4 exclusiveexcerpt

Reign, still a little off balance, began feeling distressed. Her mind was screaming that something was wrong. But the only thing she seemed capable of doing was to lean into Krystian’s embrace as they stood next to the limo and waited for Adrian.

Resting in Krystian’s arms, Reign took notice of something. “A blood moon,” she mumbled.

“Yeah,” he said, looking up at the sky along with her. “It’s supposed to mean something crazy, but I really don’t believe in superstitions.”

“It’s not crazy,” Reign responded, looking back at him, “it means that blood has been or will be spilled.”

Krystian rubbed her arms when he felt her shiver. He had forgotten where he was for a second, and even if she didn’t partake in the practices this town was built on, Reign’s blood was rooted in it.

“Well, let’s pray for the poor soul it’s meant for. May they rest in peace,” he replied.

When Adrian arrived all four of them climbed into the car and before they pulled off, Reign was sound asleep.

“You got her?” Alexa questioned as they climbed out of the Towncar, Reign completely lax in Krystian’s arms.

“Do I look like I am struggling?” He replied sarcastically, walking to the front door.

Alexa picked the spare front door key from her keychain and let them in. Reign had nightlights strategically placed throughout, which illuminated the house enough that they didn’t need to turn on any lights.

Krystian followed Alexa to the bedroom and laid Reign’s heavily sleeping form in the turned down blankets of her bed. He gently took off her shoes and pulled the covers up over her.

“I’ll be in the car,” she said, noting the care Krystian took in tucking her friend in. “I’ll leave my keys in the door. Just lock it and bring them with you on the way out.”

When Krystian was alone with Reign, he just stared at her in the dim lighting, listening to every breath she took. After a few minutes, he brushed her tousled hair aside and kissed her forehead.

“You are so special, and I was so wrong about who I thought you were,” he whispered as he got up, then walked toward the bedroom door. Looking back, he could still see her sleeping form; still hear rhythmic breaths of her deep slumber.

Unfortunately, what he did not see or hear was the figure that took refuge in the darkest corner of Reign’s bedroom. He had been patiently awaiting the return of Reign Elise La’ Roche for the past three hours. And now, with her finally here in the same room, he was filled with anxiousness and anticipation. Eagerness mounted while waiting for the sound of the latch to the front door to turn securely in place. Shrouded in silence and still hidden, his gaze focused on where Reign slept soundly in her bed.

Had he known of the eminent danger, he never would have left her. He broke his promise; he would not keep her safe. And with one deafening click as Krystian turned the key, Reign’s fate was sealed.

divider4

authorinterview

Hugs and all the love to Karimah for taking the time to do this interview.

What was your inspiration for the Eternal Series?

I have always been drawn to the unexplained and mysticism in life. Between an insatiable curiosity and the lure of everything New Orleans, I feel that the Eternal Series was always brimming just under the surface of my creative mind just waiting to be set free.

Who is your favorite character from Eternal Soul?

My favorite character in Eternal Soul is Reign. I enjoyed creating her as a multi-faceted woman with limitless supernatural powers and obvious underlying very human vulnerabilities and conflicts.

Have you always loved writing?

Ever since I was in high school, creating teen crush poems, writing has been a passion of mine.

What is you favorite part about being an author/writer?

My favorite thing about thing an author is that I am able to create worlds and characters that people can enjoy and fall in love with. I also love being able to take any idea and transforming it into something magical and different.

Which authors have inspired your writing?

Jude Deveraux, Stephen King, J. K. Rowling, Anne Rice,and Elizabeth Lowell are a few of my favorite authors. However, J, K, Rowling’s story in particular is uplifting and hits closest to home for me. Directly relating to her plight as a single mother with limited financial means who had faced rejection many times and on multiple levels, but continued to persevere. Knowing the amount of energy that goes in to creating a world and a story but having others constantly tell you that you’re not good enough is hard; but to have the fortitude to continue is admirable.

If there was a zombie apocalypse and you could only take 3 books with you, which ones will you choose?

My favorite book of all time, A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux, The Coldest Winter Ever by Sista Souljah and Lasher by Anne Rice.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I would love to be able to turn invisible, that way I can observe life and nature in its purest form. Also, I’d be an amazing detective.

If you could have any other job/profession other than being a writer, what would it be?

I would love to be an actress. In a perfect world I world portray the characters I create in my novels.

What are some of your current favorite TV shows?

I am a HUGE Game of Thrones fan. I have been watching since the very beginning and not once has an episode disappointed, I also repeatedly binge on all 13 seasons of Supernatural. I fangirl for Dean Winchester and Christian Keyes as Michael.

Again, thank you so much Karimah for answering my questions. I hope you lovelies enjoyed reading this as much as I did.

divider4

abouttheauthor

Bio taken from the author’s website

My name is Karimah, but almost everyone in my life has a nickname for me. Kream, Rimah, Karma, and Kima just to name a few. I have always been highly emotional and empathic, so it made sense that from a young age I gained an unshakable interest in poetry. Well, it makes sense to me because all of those emotions had to go somewhere. And by the time I reached high school, a friend introduced me to romance novels, which solidified my love for words and books forever.

For the majority of my life I focused on evolving my gifts and indulging in my love of books a secret. I mean, people already looked at me strange because I never seemed to fit in nor could I keep my head out of the clouds. However, life, and time, forced my creative powers to mutate, grow and evolve into that of a spoken word artist and novelist (just call me MsPhoenix).

Initially seeing my natural talent for writing only as a hobby, I was eventually encouraged by friends to test this skill with the masses. To my surprise my work was very well received, so an entirely new world had opened up to me. Now, I am a full-time mother of twins desperately fighting to claw my way out of a mundane nine-to-five existence and into that of a successful author. I am working towards living a dream that my fifteen year old self created; I am fighting to create the life I always wanted and know my kids deserve. I always believed that anything is possible, and fortunately, this is no different!

authorlinks

Website: http://www.kdcolden.com

IG: @MsPhoenixRising

Twitter: @NativePhoenix

Amazon: http://a.co/blbMHEC

divider3

Thanks for stopping by lovelies!! Don’t forget to add this book on your TBR.

sincerelykjologo

blogtour

Lead The Way
Brittany Carter
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: April 22nd 2019
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Fresh off the high of college graduation, Melody James is back in her Podunk town. She needs a job, but first, she’ll spend a lazy summer with no agenda at all.

But life’s got other plans for Melody, ones she’d sooner ignore. When the next-door neighbor passes away, his son returns home to take care of his affairs. Thane Cohen hasn’t been home in ten years. The last time he was, someone accused him of murdering Melody’s parents. Now, after major efforts to recover his self-worth and start a construction company, Thane wonders if enough time has passed for him to clear his once good name.

At the time of the murders, Melody was the only person who didn’t believe Thane was responsible. But how could she even suggest otherwise when just about everyone in town was convinced of Thane’s guilt? Her brothers would never allow it. With nothing to lose before, Thane packed up and left, leaving the town and Melody behind. Now that he’s back, rekindling an old flame in Melody and proving his innocence are critical.

When several car windshields get broken and fires start unexpectedly, the world inside their little town is tossed upside down. With Melody’s brother against her, and Thane fighting every attempt she makes at breaking down his walls, Melody’s push for answers leads her to a frightening conclusion. Thane may actually know more about her parents’ death than she was lead to believe. Can she trust him, or has everyone else been right about him all along? Only time will tell if she can let love lead the way.

—

*Author previously wrote under the name, Alla Kar

divider4

mythoughts

Dangerously Sexy and Addictive Romance that Made My Heart Race

4halfhearts

Dangerously sexy and addictive, Lead the Way was an absolute page turner romance that made my heart ache and race at the same time.

With plenty of drama, conflict, intrigue, steam and a hint of suspense, this book was such an utterly thrilling and wonderful love story. I loved Brittany Carter’s writing style. It was engaging, emotional, and captivating. My heart felt so heavy, but also filled with hope and happiness as I experienced everything the characters were feeling. I laughed and I swooned like crazy. I felt delicious anticipation. I held my breath and clutched my heart. And I was in tears… I felt so damn much going on this journey with Melody and Thane and I enjoyed every moment of it. The ending was perfectly realistic and bittersweet and wrapped up the story so beautifully.

The forbidden romance between Thane and Melody was absolutely electrifying and swoony! They had intense and sexy chemistry. Their attraction was palpable and I felt their desire for each other. I also really loved the playful way they teased each other and all those window scenes. I loved the build up and the titillating moments, their sweet kisses, and their heartwarming scenes. They were both passionate and protective about each and I loved that they were willing to fight against all odds to find a way to be together.

Melody was an amazing heroine and I admired her so much. She was strong and determined. She was also kind, smart, caring, and selfless. She fought to prove Thane’s innocence and never gave up on him. Thane had my heart from the beginning. He was misjudged and mistreated and I just wanted to give him the biggest hug ever!

The supporting characters were well-developed and likable. I liked Sammy and how he helped Melody. I loved that both Melody’s brothers, Jackson and Hayden wanted what was best for her. I absolutely adored Mrs. Arlene. She was funny, spunky, and kind. Even Lucas who was annoyingly creepy was hard not to like cause he definitely added some conflict to the story that made it more entertaining.

The mystery about Melody’s parents’ murder was always in the back of my mind, but I was honestly more invested in the romance part and how the story would play out and lead the way to Thane and Melody’s HEA. That being said, I did really enjoy the suspense and never could have guessed who the kiler was. I was actually quite shocked and disturbed by the revelation. Totally did not see that coming.

Heartwrenching, poignant, and achingly beautiful, Lead the Way had me glued to the pages. I loved the gorgeous writing, the broken but wonderful characters, and the storyline that kept me on my toes. It was an enjoyable read to the very last page and I cannot wait to read more books from Brittany Carter!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opiniosn are my own.

divider4

abouttheauthor