Promise Me Christmas by Gini Rifkin-review

Promise Me Christmas (Blackthornes of Darkenwald-review

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The nights are growing longer, and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.

As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle.

On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety.

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REVIEW:PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS by Gini Rifkin is a medieval, historical romance novella focusing Lord Guy Blackthorne and his Lady Vespa.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Guy and Vespa) PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS follows in the wake of the siege of the Darkenwald Castle. In December 1264, with the approach of Christmas, the Darkenwald Castle is surrounded by an unknown enemy, an enemy that is threatening the lives of those who live within. With supplies and food running low, fearing for the lives of his wife Vespa, and their children, Lord Guy Blackthorne must consider his path going forward but at every move, the enemy is always one-step ahead. Preparing for the possibility of no celebration of Christmas, Vespa and the women forage for supplies, while the men face down an enemy threatening their lives.

PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS is a quick read; a fast paced, simple yet sweet storyline of love and determination, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is entertaining and captivating -an easy read with limited medieval language and text; the relationship between Vespa and Guy is subtle yet passionate-the $ex scenes are mostly implied; the characters are determined and dynamic

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Fatal Recall by Gini Rifkin -a review

Fatal Recall by Gini Rifkin -a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2021

Hudson Kincaid prefers the wide-open spaces. But tracking down a serial killer means hanging out in Denver as he investigates neuroscientist Dr. Marilyn Monrose. So far, he can’t figure out if she’s city kitty in high heels, or a country kitten in cowgirl boots?

Marilyn’s experiments using ramped up virtual reality, captures the final moments of each murder victim’s life, a chilling discovery she’s trying to keep secret. The last thing she needs is a determined private detective barging into her lab—no matter how sexy he looks in his Stetson hat.

When word of her research is leaked to the press, Marilyn becomes the killer’s next target.
Now the woman Hudson races to save, is the one who has stolen his heart.

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REVIEW:FATAL RECALL by Gini Rifkin is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romantic, sci-fi, suspense thriller focusing on neuroscientist Dr. Marilyn Monrose, and former Denver police detective turned PI Hudson Kincaid.

Told from third person perspectives FATAL RECALL follows Dr. Marilyn Monrose in the aftermath of a number of murders in the Denver area, all attributed to a possible serial killer. Dr. Marilyn Monrose is a neuroscientist, and her latest high tech, experiments involve wiring the brains of the recently deceased in an effort to ‘see’ their final few moments of life but former Denver police detective turned PI Hudson Kincaid suspects there is more to our heroine than anyone expected, and finds himself walking into a futuristic forensic pathology lab, a lab that government may lay claim to its’ use. Marilyn’s experiments begin to reveal a pattern, a cause, and a possible identity but leave our heroine struggling in the aftermath with blinding headaches, nausea and pain. As the serial killer continues on their spree of murders, Marilyn and Hudson find themselves the victims of numerous crimes, crimes that may or may not be as a direct result of their current investigation. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Marilyn and Hudson, as our couple’s lives begin to spiral out of control when a killer targets our story line heroine.

Dr. Marilyn Monrose must keep her experiments a tightly guarded secret, experiments that center on the final moments of life but when PI Hudson Kincaid begins to suspect Dr. Monrose knows more than she is willing or able to reveal, our heroine finds herself confiding in a man with whom she will fall in love.

We are introduced to Hudson’s friend and police officer Marco Moretti; as well as Hudson’s ex girlfriend and reporter Jennifer, and Marilyn’s onetime romantic involvement Warren Jameson. Here’s hoping the author has plans to write a series involving Hudson and Marilyn, and a story for Marco Moretti, as well.

FATAL RECALL is a story of madness, obsession, murder and revenge. The fast paced premise is intriguing, and thought provoking; the characters are intelligent and energetic; the romance is captivating but mostly implied.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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