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Comment by Victoria Howard on March 23, 2009 at 7:16am

Review for The House on the Shore by Victoria Howard

Romantic Suspense
Rating: 4 Cups
Anna MacDonald has had enough backstabbing and betrayal to last her a lifetime. When her longtime lover and coworker passes her up for some ‘blonde bombshell,’ she decides to cut her losses and go on sabbatical. As a creative writing professor, she has all the knowledge she needs to write a book of her own, so she heads to the one place she has a connection to, Tigh na Cladach.
Luke Tallantyre is a landscaping artist from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. When his portraits start to look like one another and there is no special quality in them, he takes his yacht and sets sail with no special destination in mind. Weighing anchor in the rugged northwest Highlands, he does not expect to find himself in Loch Hourn, otherwise known as the Loch of Hell.
Finding himself stranded until he can get a part for his yacht, Luke soon discovers a peaceful serenity in the village and the people within it. For Anna, having a rugged man such as him practically in her backyard becomes harder for her as she finds herself fighting an attraction for this handsome stranger. When her home is broken into and then she is later shot at, Anna must turn to Luke for help in hopes of finding the protection she needs. As the accidents escalate, a dear friend will be harmed, and Anna must decide if Luke is helping her, or if he is the evil force behind the attacks.
The House on the Shore is a sensually suspenseful story filled with non-stop action, romance, and mystery. The facts of Scotland are told with brilliant description that bring the land to life and leave you feeling as if you have stepped out of your world and into the pages. Ms. Howard uses such passion and emotion when telling her story, making the tale flow right along until the last page is turned. With many different characters that will keep you guessing, this novel is the perfect example of how a suspenseful story should be told. Thrilling until the very end, this book has a who-done-it attitude with such an aching tone of sensuality and love, it will keep you up all night just so you can finish this fantastic tale.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Comment by Baba Olutunde on February 24, 2009 at 11:49am

The Son Of A Warrior Griot, volume one.

Olutunde Olufemi gets two thumbs up for daring to talk about Black socialism through poetry and from his own perspective. In this folksy, but deep collection, he introduces readers to many facets of Black consciousness. This collection will poetically speak to you about people like Fela Anikolapo Kuti, Dr. Martin Luther King and Steven Bantu Biko, a South African man brutally murdered in prison on September 12, 1977. I found The Son Of A Warrior Griot to be an easy read and filled with excitement. I enjoyed and was inspired by poems like "We Are The World," "The African Holocaust (a ballad of remembrance)," An Ode to Nina Simone" and "Strange Fruit," a poetic version of a Billie Holiday classic. This book explores various areas of Black consciousness from African Spirituality to African socialism and the importance of knowing the truth about African people. This author's words are inviting and will cause readers to want to learn more. The Son Of A Warrior Griot, volume one is a wonderful read for those who need to be inspired and those who want to be exposed to just a little more of a brilliant writer who has successfully wed the verbal ebullience and mythic lore of Storytelling. The sentiments, love, poems and fables in this book will stir you up inside and cause you to want to become more informed. It's obvious that Baba Olutunde Olufemi is passionate about teaching and sharing information: most importantly, he makes a brave effort to poetically reach back and educate others about life changing experiences. As good as this volume is I can't wait to read the next two volumes. This book would make a fine Kwanzaa gift for a true Oral poetry, folktale and fable lover and book collector.

Reviewed by Dr. Al Franken, Educator & Poet

This is an excellent volume of poetry. It consists of a variety of poetic forms and styles that are easy to understand, such as acrostic, lyrical, rhyming couplets, narrative, quatrain and freeform. The essence of the poems serves as a teaching tool or a memory refresher, depending on one's knowledge of African social studies. Some of the poems
have a strong sense of sorrow while being very poetic at the same time. For instance, Baba's Olutunde’s version of “Strange Fruit “and” The African Holocaust (I am part of this) are outstanding." “Hurricane Katarina” really sends a message about the disregard of the safety of African and African American people in New Orleans. There are other
ingenious poems in the book, such as, "A Cry For Zimbabwe" "A Poem For My Homeland," Hear Us (We Are Africans) and "A Warrior's Song." Baba Olutunde's faith in Ifa really shines through this awesome book.
The poem "Babalawo" is so mystic and incredible. I had the pleasure once of being invited to an Ifa Priest Ceremony and it was just a moving experience. I could write a dissertation on this excellent book: however, one must read it for oneself and feel the humbling experience. I could not put the book down once I started reading, until I read the last poem, which filled me with a wind of inspiration. What a great way to end poetry with an awesome and uplifting poem like "Black Butterfly." This book is very poignant and has a positive experience awaiting you. Get your copy today and don't delay. There is an exciting collection of Oral poetry, fables and folktales.

Reviewed by Orunmila Uranita, Playwright, Novelist and Poet

Comment by Rowena Cherry on November 2, 2008 at 12:10am

Question from a new member, so I do the right thing.
Is this group for posting our own reviews of other people's books? Or for posting other people's reviews of our books?

Comment by William R. Potter on November 1, 2008 at 12:23pm

A recent review from RebeccasReads.com...

Lighting the Dark Side: Six Modern Tales

Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads

“Lighting the Dark Side: Six Modern Tales” consists of six short stories, all of which are very different and unique, spanning the full gamut of fictional genres. The six short stories included in the book are: “Bent, Not Broken,” “In the Gray,” “Prominent Couple Slain,” “May 18, 2010,” “Blessing or Curse?,” and “Surviving the Fall.” After reading all three of the novellas and all three of the shorter works, I can honestly say that I enjoyed each and every one of them.

My favorite novella in the book was the very first one, “Bent, Not Broken.” It is about a man named Dwayne Johnson who is plagued by severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We watch Dwayne struggle as what are normal day to day activities for most of us are much more challenging for him. His anxieties are compounded by the fact that his co-workers gang up on him by moving things in his cubicle that he needs to have just so. You can’t help but to feel for the poor guy. Dwayne meets a girl and falls in love with her, but his many issues will be the cause of much strain and difficulty in the relationship.

It is in this first novella that the meaning of the title of the book, “Lighting the Dark Side,” is revealed as well. Dwayne’s girlfriend Dee-Dee is in a mud bath reflecting and meditating. On the phone to Dwayne she tells him that she is “just spending some time lighting the dark side.” She says, “everyone has a dark side” which is “that ugliness about our personality that scares the people who see it.” What we need to do “is to fight it, to turn a light against it.” (p. 65)

Each story draws you in within the first few sentences and will hold your attention through the completion. All of the characters are well developed and seem very real. I became so involved in each tale that I found myself wishing that these weren’t short stories and that each work was a full-length novel instead. Don’t get me wrong, the writing was very thorough and the stories were not lacking anything, but I enjoyed the characters and the writing style so much that I just wished that they were longer! In the author’s biography that was sent along with the book it states that he is “re-working two full-length novel manuscripts for publishing” and if these works are anything similar to “Lighting the Dark Side: Six Modern Tales” then I can’t wait to read them!

Comment by TL James on August 9, 2008 at 9:10pm

"WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE: DESTINY OR LOVE?" , December 14, 2007
By The Literary Lounge "theliterarylounge.com" - See all my reviews

When Mallory returns home to join the family business, he has no idea what that responsibility demands. For him to take over his rightful place he would need to take on the title of Death, the fourth horseman of the apocalypse, unleashing a power so great that not even he could fathom! To complicate things, his ex-love comes back harboring a secret that threatens to destroy everyone.

T.L. James new release is an undiscovered gem. This book captures the realism of choices and consequences through its realistic characters and its taut storyline. The author does an awesome job of transporting the reader into this wonderful story while not bogging it down with unnecessary adjectives. You can tell the author did her homework with this one.

Great job! I can't wait for the next installment!

The Literary Lounge
www.theliterarylounge.com

Comment by TL James on August 9, 2008 at 9:10pm

Family, Forbidden Love & Identity, April 24, 2008
By Books4u Publishing, LLC "P. Renee" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Mallory Townesom Haulm, lived a life style of confidence and success, with an unexplainable darkness lurking in the background. His conflict with self-identity and his struggle to balance good and evil, intensifies when he reunites with his brothers and is turbulently submerged into his family's dark life. Under the pretense of fulfilling a forgotten destiny, Mallory struggles with accepting his place in the family business. He's faced with the antics of Marc, a jealous brother; his feelings of contempt for his estranged father, and the unconventional love of Matthew, the family outcast.

The MPIRE is a unique story filled with intrigue and surprises. T.L. James engages the reader from the very start and does a great job of bringing the characters to life. As you read this novel, you'll distinctively visualize each character's personality and quickly see things from their individual perspectives. Mallory's obsessive behavior and arrogance, coupled with Marc's jealousy and contempt, and the daily struggles of relationships, life and forbidden love, only scratch the surface of the drama and controversy in this book. The story builds on an explosive mix of family divergence, sibling rivalry, the encumbrance of living up to the expectations of others, and Mallory's struggle to find his own identify.

Will Mallory find himself? Will good triumph over evil? Will he fulfill his destiny? This compelling story reels you in and leaves you waiting for the next chapter in the life of the Haulm Family. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of the trilogy.
--P. Renee,
Books4u Publishing, LLC.

Comment by TL James on August 9, 2008 at 9:10pm

Love Vs. Death: Not As Easy A Choice As It Seems..., July 10, 2008
By Apex Reviews (Durham, NC USA) - See all my reviews

(Official Apex Reviews Rating: 4.5 Stars)

If given the option, would you choose Love over Death? The answer seems obvious, but not to Mallory Haulm - whose destiny in life is actually death.

There has always been a darkness hovering over Mallory, and, as he discovers more about his fate, the cloud of darkness is almost suffocating. He is a flourishing business man, but after moving back home to Texas to help out with his family's company, Haulm Industries, he finds out that there's more to it than just business...

In order for him to fulfill his destiny, he must become the fourth horseman, Death, and bring forth the apocalypse. But, when his one true love returns home, the future of the Haulm family could be destroyed forever.

The MPire: In Search Of The Lost is overflowing with passion and mystery. In it, T.L. James' characters fight for what they believe in - no matter the consequences. The reader definitely gets a good visual of each character, as they all have such unique personalities. The story holds a lot of intrigue, and T.L. James pulls all the loose ends together nicely, showing the reader that love truly has no boundaries.

A great first book in what promises to be a compelling series, and there can only be more excitement to follow.

Comment by TL James on August 9, 2008 at 9:09pm

Lost and Found? 4.5 Stars, June 30, 2008
By Angelia Menchan "acvermen.blogspot.com" (Florida) - See all my reviews


The MPIRE: In Search of the Lost by T.L. James is a fascinating look at the light and darkness that live inside of man. Mallory Towneson Haulm is a wealthy, handsome, very sexy businessman who resides inside his own world. He has beautiful women at his beck and call and every expensive toy a man can dream of. However, he is haunted by his dreams and demons. How could a man with everything have such internal struggles?

Mallory has been estranged from his family for fourteen years and is called home to join the family business. He has already proven with his personal business that he is a financial wizard and only he can turn around the slowly deteriorating business. What Mallory does not know is that there are spiritual and supernatural motives at play and that he is in for the battle of his very life. The added component of an old lover reappearing only adds to his struggles. The question becomes with all Mallory has going for him, will he be able to conquer the ultimate battle, death?

The MPIRE: In Search of the Lost stretched me in ways that a book had not done in a long time. I had to stay focused on all the mysterious occurrences and the motivations of all the characters. There were many twists and surprises, but I was never left wanting. The mystery always came to a satisfying conclusion. There were times when I wanted to rush things but was ultimately grateful that the author took her time, allowing me to go where she was taking me.

I recommend The MPIRE to all readers who enjoy novels that can stretch them and take them on a satisfying literary journey filled with the mystical, spiritual and even a bit of the romantic.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

Comment by TL James on August 9, 2008 at 9:09pm

Reluctant Death..., March 15, 2008 5-stars
By The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

With clever manipulation of the literary classics and biblical themes, coupled with clear and concise mastery of the written word, author T.L. James pens a spellbinding and riveting novel that is simply unprecedented in THE MPIRE: In Search of the Lost.

Lustful Mallory Towneson Haulm has an insatiable appetite for all things beautiful and powerful. He has transformed himself from an abused child; suffering a painful past that he barely remembers into a multimillion-dollar business tycoon and connoisseur of fine clothes, furnishings, food and women. But no matter how he fights it and attempts to mask himself behind the glamorous life and the English accent, he is a Haulm and destined to join the family business. As he is repeatedly reminded, it all ends with him.

Upon that premise, T.L. James paints a complex and multifaceted portrait of Mallory's journey from the seemingly resistant heir of an earthly throne, to the powerful acceptance of his spiritual throne and truly horrendous inheritance. The novel is surrounded in subtle supernatural innuendos and occurrences, cleverly disguised throughout the tale so as not to portray the mystery to the reader. In order to figure this novel out, to understand the twisted motives and logic of the characters and why the family business seems all encompassing and omnipotent, the reader has to hang on to every word.

Remembering her audience, T. L. James scripts realistic characters and craftily designs sibling rivalries, friendships, familial bonds, reliance and trust as well as abuse. I enjoyed the fraternal component of the family business, down to their choreographed entrance ala the Brotherhood of the Masons. But most importantly, Matthew and the transformation of his relationship to Mallory adds a startling twist.

The only downfall I experienced was the length of time devoted to Mallory's forbidden love. While the depth of the romance was necessary to lay a solid foundation, it became all encompassing for a few chapters and slightly distracted what was, up to that point, a perfect read. But that was my only criticism.

As with all novels of this magnitude, upon its conclusion a true fan will have more questions, more analysis. What is Matthew? An angel or much more? If he is what he claims to be, what would that mean for mankind? What would the religious implications be? How will Mallory maintain the business, his power, and his destiny? On and on, this novel peaks the curiosity, stimulates the imagination, and leaves the reader craving for the next installment.

Reviewed by a. Kai
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers