Book Review Guardian of the Deep by Flossie Benton Rogers

Forbidden love in the fae realm…
The Succubus Layla has one job: to seduce dreaming men. Although emotional attachments are strictly prohibited, Layla has powerful feelings for the Guardian of the Deep.
Samael is a dark lord charged with maintaining order in his submerged domain. The Guardian is enamored of Layla, and they fuel their passion in his undersea home.
With forces stirring against them, the fae world becomes dangerous. Samael suggests a hideaway in the human dimension – a 1950 Montana ranch. Layla is thrilled. They can escape the threat looming over them, and she can indulge her cowboy fantasies with Samael.
When Samael disappears before their rendezvous, Layla’s dream turns to a nightmare. Peril is closer than ever. She must call on her deepest reserves and risk everything for the truth to come out. Is her love strong enough to hold the bond with her Guardian of the Deep?

                                              Guardian of the Deep

 Buy link: Amazon

My Review

I judge a book on its ability to hold my attention and keep me hooked until the very end. Guardian of the Deep did this for me. If you haven’t read any of Flossie Benton’s books this is a really good one to start with. Guardian of the Deep was a chance for me to get lost again in her wonderful characters and their lives and realms. A light read mixing sensual romance, paranormal and adventure both in the fae’s world and in Montana in the human world.

The author creates characters who are smart and beautiful. I couldn’t help but to fall in love with both Layla and Samael as they involve themselves in a dangerous relationship. Why dangerous? Because Layla is a Succubus and falling in love with Samael is considered a treacherous thing by her people. On the other hand, all those close to Samael consider Layla an enemy and don’t hide their disdain for her. As any forbidden fruit, their love is more enticing and full of unexpected surprises as, reading the story, one will discover. I won’t go into more details as this is a novella and you must read it and savor the thrilling adventure. Apart from Layla and Samael I also loved Sadie, a secondary character, a Wytchfae.

It amused me reading how Lyla went and had a cup of leftover coffee before leaving. So faes are also addicted to the black, divine drink. Good for them!

Another quote I enjoyed from the book, "She was trouble wrapped up in a bow. Gut instinct told him this woman could be the death of him.”

Guardian of the Deep is another amazing story by Ms. Benton-Rogers and the characters that she creates are second to none. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

I love Flossie Benton’s 's writing -  have loved Flossie Benton’s books since I read the first one - and this book is one of my favorites from her. She never disappoints.

Book Review - Shardai by Sandra Cox

Shardai is a large sleek cat with attitude. He has the courage of a tiger and the disdain of a king. The fearless feline has only one weakness: his guardian. He would do anything, even come back from the afterlife, for her.

 Buy link:Amazon.com

My Review

 I am a firm believer in rebirth so, if I admit it is possible for us, humans,  why shouldn’t it be also possible for the animal world?

As a pet owner – cats and a dog – I think I can characterize Shardai in two  words.  Delightful, touching. They describe Shardai to a tee. Other descriptions?  World building that doesn’t quit.  Wonderful  cat hero. The author has a way with words that makes the reader want to keep reading.  And so much more.

Even if Mrs. Cox’s book may be also  read as a story for kids , in my opinion,  it is much more than this. It is full of symbols and meanings. Shardai’s quest is full of dangers but he goes on looking for his human owner with whom he spent 12 years once and 7 years before that.  

A rainbow bridge links Catarau ( cats’ heaven)  to human Heaven.  I think it symbolizes the mutual love we, humans, and our pets share. I was hooked from the beginning. No matter what most members of the cats’ council say and the warnings they give him about dangers  - snakes, foxes, dogs, hawks, bad water,  toms, lack of food, but above all “MAN”,  Shardai must get back to his beloved mistress in the cruel and callous human world.

The feelings pervading the whole story – love, understanding, compassion, devotion. The end of this heartwarming book left me with a smile on my face and a tear in my eyes.

  Highly recommended to readers of all ages.

Book Review (LXII) The Crystal by Sandra Cox

Blurb

"Only the chosen ones or their mates will see the magic in the Globe."

Caught in a downpour, Gabriella Bell enters a trendy little shop and discovers a crystal ball. In it she sees the face of a hard-eyed stranger. Drawn by a force she doesn't understand she buys the crystal, unaware she is purchasing stolen property that belongs to the aunt of a premiere cat burglar known to polite society as Christopher Saint and to the underworld as The Tiger.

She soon learns that not only does the handsome, hard-eyed stranger want the mysterious globe but so does a beautiful ruthless jewel thief who will stop at nothing, including murder, to possess Christopher and the crystal ball...and Gabriella is standing in her way. Gabriella discovers the road to true love isn't just rocky, it's downright dangerous.

 Buy Link: Amazon
My Review

I loved this book because it is so very well written and sticks to the hands like glue until it is finished!

Gabriella Bell, struggling freelance reporter, fond of  murder mysteries and devouring romances.   She is an engaging central character, a focused and tenacious young woman who refuses to be thwarted in getting the mysterious crystal ball  back.

Christopher Saint is an extremely eligible bachelor and an indolent playboy. The Tiger, as he was known to the underworld, was a master cat burglar. "Ah well. You could take the boy out of the slums. But you couldn’t take the thief out of the boy."

Through the compelling plot and carefully structured narrative,  Sandra Cox gives voice to a richly woven story told at a breakneck pace which made it impossible to put down.  

Jericho, the Siamese cat and Ned, the brave Chow-mix make a cute, funny pair of second characters.  They create an easing of tension in  the action and are a clever addition to the main characters, Gabby and Christopher.

It all begins with Tamarilla, princess of the fairies, and her fiery emerald that is turned into a magic crystal ball, to protect it  for the women of her family who are to come.

The story is sprinkled with clever humor. Oh how I loved this fragment, “Be brave little one and embrace your destiny with dignity. Zan is not a bad elf. But he is a male. And they all have their failings.”

A special mention should go to Aunt Tamara, Christopher’s foster mother.

A good read for all, filled with Romance and plenty of action as the climax nears.  Definitely worth buying.