*[Blog Tour Review] Witch in the Wind (Bandit Creek #17) by Brenda M. Collins

 

Summary:

 

Bandit Creek (Montana), has a new magical dimension, The Otherland. When murder strikes in Bandit Creek, and the victims aren’t who they seemed, powerful guardian warlock, Marcus Egan, is sent from The Otherland to investigate. What he doesn’t expect to find is Avalon Gwynn, the grieving daughter of the victims, who has no idea she’s an extraordinary, hereditary witch. And Avy’s pent up magical abilities have just been set free in the mortal world. Can Marcus catch a killer while making sure Avy doesn’t bring Crow Mountain crashing down on the town—destroying Bandit Creek for the second time?

Length: 149 pages (E-book)

Source: Review Copy

Available formats: E-book

Publication Date: May 1st 2012

 

Witch in the Wind really surprised me after I finished reading it. I'm not usually one for novella's but considering this one was on the longer side I felt that the length is a big part of why I enjoyed it so much.

 

In 149 pages Brenda Collins was able to create wonderful Paranormal romance that despite its length was filled with remarkable details, enough plot twists and some pretty awesome characters and a whole lot of paranormal action, romance and comedy to keep me on my toes.

 

This was the first book in the Bandit Creek series that I've had the opportunity to read and now that the book is done I'm really glad that I gave it a try. While the book is the 17th in the series it can be read as a standalone which I thought was great because I hate going into a series without having read the preceding books only to find out it's a requirement in order to follow the series. Luckily this was not the case with Witch in the Wind.

 

I really enjoyed the way the author told the story of Avalon and Marcus and I loved the chemistry between the two of them and I like how their relationship developed. I enjoyed how neither one of the characters was too over the top. While Marcus is definitely an alpha male in the book he doesn't exhibit it in an extreme way. Avalon was a really likable heroine for me she was spunky and funny and not really as ditzy as I first thought her to be.

 

The writing, characters and storyline were all really well thought out and I thought the novella was really well rounded. I would recommend this one to anyone who loves a good, quick paranormal romance and I really look forward to reading the other books in this series soon. This is a clean read and while there is quite a bit of sexual tension there is no sex in this novel for those who enjoy cleaner reads. All in all this was an enjoyable read a lovely debut for author Brenda Collins

 

* I received a FREE copy of this book in exchange for my FREE and HONEST review. I was not compensated in any way to provide a favourable review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

 

 Really Liked It!
★ ★ ★ ★

 

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Excerpt:

 

(from Chapter 2)

 

Marcus debated if he should fade into the background. In his line of work, his talent for making even another witch’s eye look past him without registering his presence was useful.

He felt another power surge. “What the—

 

The woman wasn't the magic source. Fierce, dark eyes locked on him, not in a friendly, or mortal, way. And the beast already knew Marcus was there. What the hell is a familiar doing here? Familiars couldn’t be summoned. They appeared only when gifted by a more powerful spirit in times of great danger. There hadn’t been such a creature around The Otherland for centuries. So who sent this one to the mortal world, he wondered. And why?

Pushing away from the wall, Marcus wandered over to the reception desk. By habit, he moved with quiet steps, yet the young woman seemed to sense his approach and turned in his direction. She pulled the cap from her head, pushed loose wisps of hair from her forehead, and looked up at him.

His breath stopped in his throat and his mouth watered. The little nymph was more than the usual pretty combination of golden blond hair and flawless fair skin. Her electric blue eyes, even smudged with fatigue, jolted his gut in a way he hadn’t felt since his teens, when his magical energy was working overtime along with his hormones.

 

He smiled and managed to keep his stance casual as he kept one eye on the familiar and one on the woman. She seemed startled for a second but then returned his smile with a brilliant one of her own. The familiar didn’t. He bared his teeth and growled.

“I mean you no harm.” He didn’t want the familiar to blow his cover so he stood completely still as he spoke to it directly.

To the woman he said, “Is he always afraid of strangers?”

The familiar rumbled again as if insulted.

 

“Only you as far as I know,” she replied. Her voice, a rich alto, wrapped around him like a siren’s song. “He was fine with me, and the sheriff, yesterday.”

 

He blinked trying to regain some control of his brain. “What’s his name?” He eased his hand, very slowly, towards the familiar murmuring reassurances that only the magical beast would understand.

 

“I don’t know really. I found him last night with no collar.” She shrugged and a light flush colored her cheeks. “I’ve been calling him Busby. You know, after the big furry hats the guards at Buckingham Palace wear. When I first saw him on my porch, that’s what he reminded me of.”

 

That answers one question, Marcus thought. He’s here to protect this woman. But does she know that? With his hand dangerously close to the familiar’s mouth, he let the beast scent the strength of his power. Warlocks were a level above most magical creatures, having been bred for generations as warriors. Of course, that didn’t mean the familiar wasn’t as strong, or even stronger. No one knew how familiars travelled from witch to witch and many assumed they were from the spirit realm.

 

Finally, the creature eased back on his haunches.

“Busby’s giving me a reprieve.” He very slowly withdrew his hand. To the familiar he said, “Giving me a chance, aren’t you, Busby. But you let me know who’s got the teeth when it comes to this woman.” He stepped back.

 

Author Bio:

Brenda M. Collins has wanted to write romance since she was twelve years old. At the age of twenty, she spoke to an editor in Toronto, Canada, who expressed an interest in her story; however, she soon realized it takes more than an idea to be an author. She joined a number of writing groups to learn about ‘the craft’ and completed two mystery manuscripts. To help her fellow writers develop strong business skills, Brenda has published articles, and delivered workshops to hundreds of writers, on career planning, professional networking and presentation skills. Her most recent article, entitled How to Improve your Presentations, is in the 2013 Writer’s Market (Brewer, R.L., ed. F&W Media Inc. p. 153).

Brenda’s debut novel, WITCH IN THE WIND, starts with a murder, but comes to life with witches, warlocks, a canine familiar and a magical dimension called The Otherland. For upcoming titles in The Otherland Chronicles, and other stories, keep an eye on Brenda’s website www.brendamcollins.com and follow her on Twitter.

 

 

*[Blog Tour Review] Family Ties by Krista Kedrick

Summary:

She’s all country…
He’s all city…

Grace Tucker thought she had her life put back together - with the help of her over-protective brothers. She had a quiet, predictable life operating the family hardware store in her hometown and spending her free time with her friends, the Caldwell family. That was… until a tragic accident took her two best friends and left their daughters orphaned. If that wasn’t devastating enough - Dirk Caldwell, the egocentric brother no one’s met, blows into town.

Dirk Caldwell realized he wasn’t in California anymore when he stepped from the redneck, rattletrap airplane and was smacked in the face with a cold breeze laced with manure. It was exactly what he’d expected from the backwater town his brother called home. But going head to head with Grace Tucker was not.

When two worlds collide can they form a bond strong enough to tie a family together?
Summary & Photo provided by Black Lion Tours
Length:  326 pages
Source: Review Copy
Publication Date: May 18th 2012

This was such a refreshing read for me! I've been rather bogged down with some heavier types of reads so this sweet little contemporary romance was exactly what I needed. I'm not usually a fan of this genre.

This book really reminded me of the Katherine Heigl movie Life As We Know It which is surprisingly one of my favourite movies so the fact that this one reminded me of the movie so much had me loving it from the first page.

I love small town romances with a bull headed strong herioine like Grace. I thought her character was a lot stronger than I was expecting her to be. I went into the book expecting her to be a push over when it came to Dirk Caldwell's stubborn and annoying tendencies and his attitude but I am so glad she was able to stand her ground.

This was a sweet read even though the story starts off with a tragic even with the Caldwells dying and leaving their children in care of Grace. I thought the story line was great and I really loved the characters. The thing I do like about contemporary romances is that the characters are a lot more approachable for lack of a better word.

The story was excellently written and I really felt like I was a part of the book. I highly recommend this book ro everyone who loves romance novels especially contemporary romance novels set in a small town. This is another author to look out for.

*I received a free copy in exchange for my free and honest review. I was not compensated in any way and all thoughts and opinions expressed therein are my own.

Really Liked It!
★ ★ ★★

 

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Excerpt:

“Push that tape down so it don’t stick to your butt.”Twelve hours ago Dirk Caldwell would’ve never imagined another man making reference to his butt.  Ever.  It just wasn’t done.  Then again, twelve hours ago he wouldn’t have pictured himself struggling to get inside a tiny, run-down, four-seater plane carrying his own luggage.     He would never have been anywhere near a man who’s idea of style was Wrangler jeans paired with scuffed cowboy boots, Nebraska Huskers t-shirt and a dusty camouflage baseball cap with the phrase “That’s Mr. Redneck to You” emblazoned on it.  He hadn’t realized people like that existed let alone were allowed to hold a pilot’s license.  Yet here he was bumping elbows, knees and any manner of body parts with him while juggling his way around the cockpit.     “Just toss yer’ bag back over there.”     Dirk looked in the direction the work-worn hand pointed and balked.  He was supposed to put his $4,000 Bottega Veneta on top of a pile of dirty rags, maintenance manuals and something that looked like it came straight out of the engine of this nineteen-seventy something Cessna?  Yeah right.  He surveyed the tiny plane, finally resigning to set his bag on the floor beneath the mess.  The distinct sound of tape being pulled from its roll drew his attention back to the pilot in time to see him tear a strip free with his teeth.  At least they were clean and in the vicinity of white.    The weathered hand held out the wide silver tape motioning towards the co-pilots seat populated by other such strips.  With a sneer, Dirk took it and laid it across the most obvious spot.    “Good as new.”  The pilot smiled and tucked the roll back under his seat.     Oh Christ!  They were going to end up dead in a fiery inferno in the middle of some cornfield.  Well, then he wouldn’t be any worse off than his brother.  His chest constricted the instant he thought that.  Danny.  Tears stung his eyes, he swallowed hard and they disappeared.     Dirk loosened his tie.  Not his favorite.  He normally went for a flashier style, but it was a Christmas present from his brother and it just felt right to wear it for the occasion.  The tears threatened again, he blinked rapidly, but they welled further.  Thank God for his Ray-Bans.  He quickly swiped a finger beneath them while pretending to check his pockets with the other hand.  “If you’ll get buckled up, the tower said we’re next for take-off.”    Dirk was grateful for the distraction.  He wondered if the seat belt was also secured with Duct Tape.  He wouldn’t be surprised.  It was amazing this rattle-trap passed inspections, but then he wasn’t sure if privately chartered planes to nowhere had to go through inspections.  Probably not.  The seatbelt seemed secure enough.  At least he would be strapped in when they crashed.  The pilot adjusted his headset and communicated with the tower.  Dirk was surprised he actually used professional pilot jargon.   Instead of   “Gee, y’all we’re ready to git the heck outta here now”. His estimation of a safe arrival notched up a fraction.  Even though, his full attention was on the runway and horizon until they were safely up and cruising.  Dirk pulled his phone from his pocket with the intention of getting some work done, except it wasn’t working.  He poked at the screen anyway.  They hadn’t even left the state of Colorado and already he felt the constricting weakness of being disconnected from civilization.  It was like being naked in the wilderness.  He unbuttoned his top shirt button.    “Sorry you won’t be able to use that for a while, probably not til you get home.”Dirk twisted his head to the pilot.  “I’m sorry….”  He honestly couldn’t remember the guy’s name.     “Clive.”  The pilot nodded.  “Name’s Clive.”  He returned attention to the sky   Of course it is.  “Clive.  I can’t go two hours without contacting my clients, let alone two days.”     Dirk didn’t like the assessing once-over he got from Clive.  What did he know anyway?  He probably communicated by smoke signal.  Dirk adjusted his cuff links glancing at his watch.    “I’ll getcha there on time.”[   Dirk looked sideways at Clive, whose concentration was still on the horizon and his gauges.  If it weren’t for the sympathetic half smile on his face, Dirk wouldn’t have known the man said anything.  He was really tired of those smiles; he had seen them on his girlfriend’s face for twelve straight hours.  At least it looked genuine on Clive’s.    “Did you know Danny?”     “Of course.”  Clive smiled warmly, as if remembering better times.  “He was a good man.”    Dirk waited for him to say more, wanted him to say more, but Clive fell silent again.  He seemed to be a man of few words, not something Dirk was used to.  In his line of work people never shut up.  They jabbered just to hear their own voice, thinking if they stopped they might disappear from the spotlight.   It was that very thing that kept him busy twenty-four hours a day covering media, defusing situations and bailing clients out of trouble or jail.  So busy, in fact, he hadn’t seen his brother in more than a year.  He hadn’t even met his youngest niece and she was nearly five.  Not that Danny hadn’t asked him to visit; there just was never a right time.  Public relations never slept. When Dirk’s phone had rung two nights ago he thought that’s what Danny was calling about.  Another trip.  A vacation to Nebraska.  Nebraska.  Not exactly the ultimate dream destination.  Corn fields and feed lots.  Seemed like a place of misery to Dirk.He had ignored the first call.  He would listen to Danny’s lighthearted message and subtle plea later.  He was making progress with a smoking hot redhead at the club and didn’t need any distractions.  Of course in L.A. you never could tell what was fake and what was real, so smoking hot was all relative, but that was part of the fun.   Dirk loved his life.  He was successful; at least it appeared that way.  His bank account wasn’t too awful to look at.  He worked and played with the rich and famous.  They liked having him around and it was nice to be needed by them.  He had been gifted with the amazing talent to twist anything into an advantage.  He was the ultimate bull-shit slinger and the people loved him for it.

Author Bio

 

 

Krista was born and raised in Nebraska.  Her first years were spent on a ranch near the Stinkin' Water Creek in Chase County with her family raising cattle, lambs and chickens and stirring up trouble.  After spending several childhood years in Colorado and Kansas her family returned to make Nebraska their home.

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Her light-hearted take on the world splashes the pages of her novels creating a wonderful mix of seriousness and humor.  And living in small communities has given her the inside view of small town people -their wholesomeness, kindness and appreciation of the little things in life.  These one-of-a-kind people are the heart of her characters.

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She stumbled into broadcasting when her friend interviewed her on his show and a love for the microphone bloomed into a weekly broadcast of news and humor as a co-host for the online show @Random.

 

Krista makes her home in Nebraska with her husband, two daughters and basset hound where she loves to work in her yard, which supports her vivid settings in her novels.

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Her novels Under a Prairie Moon and Family Ties are available in both paperback and ebook on www.createspace.com, www.amazon.com, www.smashwords.com and for the nook at www.barnesandnoble.com.

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Learn more about Krista at: http://www.kristakedrick.com