Fated

Torn apart by History
Bound for Eternity

A historical paranormal romance with sweeping consequences, “Fated” is sure to thrill.

Set in ancient Rome, you will find yourself immersed in the culture, drawn to the intrigue and yearning for the romance.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Carolyn McCray transports readers back to Rome, during the rule of Julius Caesar and just before the Ides of March, in her novel, Fated. If you ever wondered why Brutus, Caesar's closest friend, was the one to deliver the killing blow, McCray has created an intricate tale that tells why, coupled with a love story that lasts throughout eternity. 

Syra and Brutus are the main characters of the book, alternating perspectives. Syra is a warrior, who when discovered to be a woman, is sold into slavery. She's strong, brave, courageous, motivating, and has the mind of a military official. She's never felt love before and for is drawn to Rome by her dreams. Readers will enjoy her tom-boy personality, while respecting her for what she can do on the battlefield. She's a stubborn character who is full of pride and hope for the future. 

Brutus is a member of Rome's senate during a time in which the conspiracy to overthrow Caesar is born. Though, he believes that he's the illegitimate son of Caesar, readers know from history that he is the one to kill Julius. His character in the novel is intelligent, loyal, proud, trustworthy, friendly, and he is always trying to help anyone he can. Readers will love his guardian nature and be captivated by his story. 

The plot starts unfolding very quickly as readers realize that the Ides of March are coming soon and Rome's ruler won't survive. After Brutus and Syra meet (as owner and slave) they become enamored with each other. As their love grows, so does the plot to kill Caesar. Will they both survive the fall of the Roman ruler, or will Brutus be on the receiving end of a knife as well? Fated is fantasy, history, romance, and thrilling all at once. Wonderful book! 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Fated

Teaser Tuesday (48)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Fated (Kindle Loc 18709-10)
   - Carolyn McCray

The old man spoke to no one in particular. "Beware the Ides of March."
Brutus was not certain if the words were meant for Caesar or himself.


Should Be Reading @ Wordpress

HeartsBlood

A woman of science. A man of magic. Hunted for their HeartsBlood.

Dr. Salista Calon knew that she worked in a bad part of San Francisco, but nothing could prepare her for the horror that awaited her at the hospital.

After her best friend is slaughtered, Salista’s only clue is a mysterious man dressed in leather. A man who claims to know not only the secret behind her best friend’s death, but the key to controlling a force that could rend both their worlds...

Blood Magic.

Drawn into a world beyond her comprehension and control, Salista must choose between science and magic. Her mind and her heart.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Carolyn McCray restored my faith in the paranormal romance genre with her novel, HeartsBlood. I loved it! To say the least. 

Salista is a great leading lady as she defies her fear while helping Tyr (the man in leather) track a beast who threatens to destroy the world. She has a strong heart, an intelligent mind, and a uncompromising will. McCray's writing style pulled me in from the first chapter (which was actually last week's teaser) and I was reading at lightening speed to find out what was going to happen. 

The science behind the fiction was astounding! McCray really did her homework and it was incredibly impressive. The plot was so fast paced and intricate that I had trouble keeping up with it at certain times. It was as if I was Salista, thinking everything through, coming to the conclusion at the same time as the main character. 

The idea of essence and intent was creative genius. And when McCray applied it to atoms and inanimate objects, I was even more impressed. 

The only thing not impressive: the love story. Come on, can a girl get a happy ending once in a while? And can feelings ever be reciprocated without an ulterior motive? I must admit, I was surprised by the betraying end. 

But then again, I wouldn't have cared so much if the connection with the main character wasn't so strong. And McCray definitely bonds readers to Salista. Well played, McCray, very well played.  

Rating: 4/5 cups

HeartsBlood: A Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Thriller

Teaser Tuesday (31)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

HeartsBlood (Kindle Loc. 5527-31)
    - Carolyn McCray

"In the near-blinding flash of lightning, a figure lurked, wrapped in shadows that shouldn't exist. The only clear feature she could make out was a pair of sapphire-blue eyes. Sal tried to focus, to see the face beyond the eyes, but her mind refused to obey.
Then, something glinted.
A knife. Raised above her best friend's head."

Should Be Reading @ Wordpress