Review: Code Name Jack Rabbit (The Vampire Guard Book 1) by Elizabeth Noble

Rating: 4🌈

“Welcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.”

Code Name Jack Rabbit is a book the starts a new chapter in the lives of the couples and characters from Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Noble’s excellent paranormal series, The Sleepless City.

There, along the banks of Lake Erie in the town of Boggslake, Ohio, there was a haunted mansion called Bogg’s Castle. Home to a werewolf, several ancient vampires, a human, a dog, and the ghostly original owner, they solved murders, had many found family dramatic perilous moments, and found their mates.

Code Name Jack Rabbit picks up from the end of tumultuous events in Shifting Chaos. While recovered, each is dealing with the aftermath.

I enjoyed this and was somewhat sorry to see that the intriguing town and full found family is going to be left behind for the trilogy.

Two couples, Jonas Forge and Blair Turner (both vampires) and Henri de Fluer aka Declan and Lucas Coate (vampire and werewolf) are recruited by an ancient agency. And moved, along with Moose the dog, to another location.

Left behind in Bogg’s Castle is Simon and Ben (vampire and human). And the ghost of course. And while Noble’s storyline and the characters discussions themselves have this separation make perfect sense, they are after all extremely long lived, if not eternal species, it’s not as easy for the reader who loves them as family.

So it’s a major adjustment to have a new crew of people and players. They also are a foundation of their own, like those of Bogg’s Castle.

The mystery plays well against the type of paranormal creatures and murders they have already faced prior. And I’m sensing a link that may be forming between the series villains.

Anyway, it’s shaping up to be another exciting new series and a fast paced new group of characters.

I’m definitely recommending it. And read The Sleepless City too. It a much needed foundation for this.

It’s a rec for me. It a good lead in to a terrific sequel series. Read them in the order they are written.

The Sleepless City:

✓ Shades of Sepia #1 by Elizabeth Noble

✓ Electric Candle #2 by Elizabeth Noble

✓ Family and Reflection #3 by Anne Barwell

◦ Shifting Chaos #4 by Anne Barwell

Sequel Series:

The Vampire Guard by Elizabeth Noble:

The Vampire Guard:

✓ Code Name Jack Rabbit #1

◦ Quarry #2

◦ Endosymbiont #3

Buy Link:

Blurb:

Vampires and werewolves live long lives. The Sleepless City saga might have ended but the story continues…

Welcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.

Vampires make the best spies. Throw a smart-mouthed werewolf in with three vampires, mix well, and The Vampire Guard’s newest team is bound to become one of their greatest assets. Super spies with a full range of skills. Warrior, hacker, thief, and scientist. They get in, do the job, and get out before the bad guys ever know what hit them.

Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas are thrust into the world of high-tech spies and top-secret espionage conspiracies. Recruited into the world’s most elite and secret organization with one singular mission. Protect those who can’t defend themselves from ruin.

Together they must thwart an assassination attempt on the open waters of Lake Superior while tracking a previously unknown biological weapon controlled by the Qiguan—a weapon which may very well mean death for one of them.

• Publisher: Howling Corgi Press; 2nd edition (January 12, 2021)

• Publication date: January 12, 2021

• Print length: 249 pages

Review: Electric Candle (The Sleepless City #1) by Elizabeth Noble

Rating: 4.5🌈

Such a fascinating series! A four-book series, with two authors, each writing two books a piece to complete the arc and couple storylines. And it works beautifully, flowing pretty seamlessly from one author’s narrative to the next.

Barwell and Noble have created a really remarkable paranormal universe.

It’s got a found family of supernatural beings (werewolves , vampires, and a ghost), one human, one dog, all of which are living in a haunted castle near Lake Erie in a small town of Boggslake, Ohio. The group has an unusual set of backstories among them, including a current history of unrest and animosity between different paranormal species. Specifically, between werewolf and vampire species which often will impact the group dynamics.

The authors, especially Noble here, offer a very different approach on the typical soulmate/soul bonding process. I really found this to be such a surprising and fascinating element of these characters and storylines.

Noble’s characters include a very old vampire who needs antihistamines . And upon discovering the person who’s his soulmate, isn’t instantly rapturous over the thought but instead thinks that person is a bit of a naive idiot ,definitely not soulmate material. Nope, no instant love , more deep mortification.

Noble’s story involves a several current murders, possibly a deeper connection to mysterious deaths in the past, and plenty of slow revelations about each species and the dynamics within Boggs Castle, as the new relationships being forged.

I’m absolutely hooked. The characters are a marvelous combination of well developed personalities but leaving just the right amount of mystery to their respective backgrounds that the reader just needs to know more.

Plus the author’s folds in the Lake, as it’s called there, perfectly, using its unique allure, scary qualities, and beauty to a narrative charm.

I can’t wait to read all the books in this series.

Start here, it’s an excellent read and got so many new twists to familiar elements.

The Sleepless City:

✓ Electric Candle #1 by Elizabeth Noble

◦ Shades of Sepia #2 by Elizabeth Noble

◦ Family and Reflection #3 by Anne Barwell

◦ Shifting Chaos #4 by Anne Barwell

Sequel Series:

The Vampire Guard by Elizabeth Noble:

◦ Code Name: Jack Rabbit #1

◦ Quarry #2

◦ Endosymbiont #3

Buy Link:

Electric Candle (The Sleepless City Book 2)

Blurb

When a vampire finds his soulmate, the bond is forever. It’s love at first sight.

Or is it?

Homicide Detective Jonas Forge has been a vampire for centuries. He’s fought wars, seen life go from the simple colonial days to the modern high-tech world. He’s evolved with the times, adapted to each new era, blended into each new life. The one constant is his best friend, mentor, and lover, Declan. Even though not fated to bond as soulmates, Forge and Declan are happy and settled in their life together.

Until Forge’s real soulmate falls, literally, into his life.

Forge isn’t thrilled with the guy, despite the pheromones attracting them to each other, and the feeling seems mutual. While trying to adjust to his clumsy soulmate and equally awkward feelings, Forge is also on the hunt for a serial-killer witnesses can’t identify who’s leaving a trail of bodies in its wake.

Will the bond Forge is finally forming with his soulmate be destroyed when the hunter becomes the victim?

If you like fated mates who aren’t perfect for each other, a paranormal killer who might not be caught and found families then you’ll love Elizabeth Noble’s Electric Candle

A MelanieM Review: Marked Yours (Sentries #1) by Elizabeth Noble

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

When one society fell, assaulted by natural disaster, in its place rose another, molded into something entirely different. Protectorates were divided by beliefs and distance. Slavery was accepted and threats both natural and supernatural were commonplace.

This became a world where sentries were needed. Trained almost from infanthood, these tough men and women lived in a society within a society. They were warriors and protectors, ferreting out evil and defending the citizens of New Colorado Protectorate from inhuman terrors and, on occasion, human ones.

Todd Ruger was born into life as a sentry. Raised by a hard father into a hard life, Todd becomes the consummate sentry, tough, dangerous, and good at what he does. When he wasn’t quite into his teen years, he was bonded to a special young slave named Nick. For years their only interaction was through letters. Friendship turned to a sort of courtship between them. Todd lived for the day Nick became of age and Todd’s ownership would take effect. That was the day Nick would leave the village with Todd. They’d begin a life together. They’d make a difference.

Raised as a slave, Nick never wanted to be special, but nature had other ideas for him. He grew up in a village with other slave children and was taught to be useful to his future master because he a gift … or curse. The tutors responsible for his upbringing didn’t understand what Nick could do, what he was; they were afraid of him. If sentries hadn’t bought him, it was likely he’d never have lived to see the age of five. All that changes the day Nick leaves the village with Todd. He’s cared for and shown a new, better life with a man who loves him honestly and wholly.

But after being together barely a day, Nick is brutally attacked and injured. Though he recovers without incident, Todd’s heart fills with revenge. The guardian in him turns into a dangerous, driven assassin, a wolf on the hunt.

Todd’s obsession with tracking down the men who hurt Nick and making them pay could very well get them both killed. Can they survive and build the life together they’ve both dreamed of for years?

NOTE: This is the third edition of Marked Yours. The first and second editions were released by another publishing house. This story has been revised and re-edited with the end result being a better, stronger story

I am a fan of this author’s stories so I was eager to see what Marked Yours (Sentries #1) by Elizabeth Noble contained as far as characters and worldbuilding from this author I admire so. And while I did enjoy many elements, I also found myself questions that many more, more than I would have normally expected to find in one of her novels. Some I will chalk up to my distaste for slavery stories. I read this one because of the author and you never know exactly what take each writer will have on a master/slave relationship and world building. So I was curious as to what I would find here, which was a mixed bag at best.

The characters here were very well defined and layered within the restrictions of the world they lived in and the relationship as it developed. I think my issue here is honestly with the world building, less with the characters. Perhaps.

They exist within a state with depends upon, recognizes a Master/slaves economy. Treatment of those slaves vary from master to master, but those slaves are still considered a product, not a being. A tool as it were and are raised as such from childhood. They are bought and sold as commodities. Now, and here I have a problem. Nick has special abilities which are recognized early. He was given special training as a child slave which makes him an incredibly valuable tool/slave. In this society and economy, it should follow that his price and value should rise as well. Also for all that training, he’s curiously inept. It’s like making a knife incredibly sharp and then leaving it in a draw for 15 years. In this case a sentient one. Why all that training and then not showing him why or how to use it? It makes no sense, even as a slave. Here let’s make you great with weapons but you can’t ever use them. SMH. So no, that’s not working here for me.

I got the writing and letters. Cute but again. Slave/master and not realistic. Especially given the Sentinel society, Todd Ruger’s father’s attitude towards slaves, and Nick’s own status. Plus whatever anti slavery feelings that develop are never acted on, just voiced here. Again, this is just the only story in this series I read so maybe that changes in other books. But the acceptance of the extreme inequality in their relationship here, that they will be “ok” as long as they are in private …well no. That if anything happens to Todd , well Nick will just be “willed” to a nice person….not freed mind you, willed away. For me, that is never a solution that works, here or in any story that I could recommend.

Also in a semi spoilery sort of way. The only anti slavery country is treated in a less than favorable light.. So wth. We are supposed to go all in for the slavery government because these two are happy? Ah no. There’s just a ton of mixed messages here, most of which just don’t work for me no matter the romance or characterizations.

So, for the characterizations, Marked Yours (Sentries #1) by Elizabeth Noble gets a 3 star rating, for everything else? A 2. Honestly not a story or series for me. Whether you wish to read it, I will leave it up to you.

Cover Art is really a disconnect from the story which has wagons, horses…seems right out of a western, as well as slaves. That cover could be science fiction. Are we looking at 2 different stories here?

Sales Links: Amazon | JMS Books LLC

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, Revised and re-edited 3rd edition, 218 pages
Published October 12th 2019 by JMS Books LLC (first published May 23rd 2011)
ASINB07YNZNS1C
Edition Language English
Series Sentries #1
Characters Todd Ruger, Nick Ruger
setting New Colorado
West Caldera
New Colorado City, New Colorado

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble and John Solo (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This review is of the audio version, and I’m pleased to say John Solo’s narrations get better each time I hear him. For this one, the emotion, the pace, and the voices were spot-on. New-to-me author Elizabeth Noble brings a sweet tale of redemption as Colt Hale explores a distillery on the rest stop his bus makes as he’s heading for Charleston, SC, and he realizes he needn’t go any farther to find his place in the world.

Surviving on the streets of his hometown becomes impossible, so Cole heads south to wherever his funds will take him, but the stop to visit the distillery pays off when he learns of a job opening for a janitor, and he manages to convince them he’d be good at it. Not only is he good at that, but also at every other job he takes on his climb up the ladder. When he hears the company is looking for a spokesman, he even gets that job, and that’s when he meets the man behind the scenes: Malone Kensington. Mal is the driving force for the whiskey and moonshine-making business, but he’s not one to stand out and wants no part in being the spokesman. He’s more than happy to let Cole take over social media, photo ops, and other public appearances. And during the getting-to-know-you phase of their relationship, he realizes he likes Cole more than as an employee.

This is, after all, a Dreamspun Desires story, so it follows the old romance tropes but is executed very nicely. The two fall in love but have a spat over paperwork Cole is forced to sign by the Board of Directors, and then Cole’s past catches up to him. There’s lots of excitement mixed in here with the sweetness and romance. Let’s just say it was very enjoyable, and I didn’t want it to end, though at that point Mal and Cole were into their HEA and likely wanted me out of their private lives. LOL. I highly recommend audio format for this story. It’s not only a great way to spend leisure time, but it left me with a nice warm and fuzzy feeling.

The cover by Alexandria Corza features a handsome young man in front of whiskey barrels. It’s attractive and is obviously Colt, the young man who finds a new home at Kensington Distillery.

Sales Links: Amazon | Audible

Audio Details:

(Listening Length: 6 hours and 52 minutes.)

Audible Audio, 7 pages
Published June 20th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press (first published January 15th 2019)
ASIN B07SF7YBRS
Edition Language English

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble

Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

Drunk on love.

Like a well-aged whiskey, master distiller and old-money entrepreneur Malone Kensington is elegant and refined. Unfortunately he’s also a perfectionist who is more dedicated to the success of his generations-old company than his own love life.

That company needs a public spokesman.

What Colton Hale lacks in sophistication, he more than makes up for with the charisma that’s allowed him to survive on the street from a young age and charm his way into the lucrative—if overwhelming—public position at the Kensington Distillery. When Mal takes Colt under his wing, hoping to polish off his rough edges, opposites attract and a passionate romance blossoms despite the differences in age and background. But can it survive a Kensington Board of Directors who believe Colt is nothing but a gold digger and a kidnapper determined to profit from the love of Mal’s life—dead or alive?

I enjoyed Whiskey and Moonshine, a Dreamspun Desires title by Elizabeth Noble as I do most of her romances. She created two wonderful main characters in Colton Hale and Mal Kensington, as well as including a age difference/economic level advantage to make it interesting. On top of that? The basis and foundation of Whiskey and Moonshine is a famous family held whiskey/moonshine distillery along the line of Jack Daniels so the reader gets some fascinating inside details on how whiskey is cured and stored. I really could have used a little more of that. But what we get is enough to provide an authentic “flavor” and framework for Mal and the Kensington Distillery.

I actually found the novel the strongest when it had Colton working in the janitorial department and scanning the company boards for jobs to work his way up in a company and place he was clearly meant to be. Touching, real, and given his background, easy to connect with his struggles to move forward. And delight in a company that continued to accept him.

When the company chooses Colton to be the ‘face” of the distillery, then the novel moves into several new stages. The romance stage and changes in dynamics for many of the relationships here, including Colton and Mal. We lose that intimate connection Colton was having with the distillery oddly enough as he becomes it’s spokesperson and it removes him from the actual jobs itself. Colton keeps saying he wants to learn the business but that’s impossible when your job is public relations and “the road”. That’s one hole that never gets completely filled in this story.

The warm, loving relationship between Mal and Colton is lovely and sweetly based on complete truths on Colton’s background. A nice changeup from other novels. But it’s also a bit of a reality bump for me in the story. I didn’t have issues with their relationship, not the age difference or anything else for that matter. Mine was more of a corporate common sense one. Colton had lived on the streets for years, turning tricks and doing what he had to survive. He told Mal and the people who hired him. Admirable and truthful. Hire him for lots of things. But not the very public “face” of Kensington Distillery who appears on The Tonight Show for all his former johns to see. I really don’t see that happening in RL, nor that he didn’t have even one charge for soliciting after all those years on the streets in Toledo for someone to find. So that all that strike me as realistic? Uh, no, not really. That strikes me as a public relations nightmare.

Does it come up? No. Other things yes, this huge one no. So there are things here you either just pretend to overlook or they don’t matter to begin with, because you are enjoying the romance so.

And that’s ok, it’s a really sweet romance with some angst and drama in the wings. It all gets sorted out in time for a HEA in the Smokies. If you like contemporary romance, Elizabeth Noble, and the Dreamspun Desires line, then Whiskey and Moonshine is another story you will want to grab up.

Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza has done a fine job with the cover and story elements. Great job.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 238 pages
Published January 15th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 139781640803824
Edition Language English

Elizabeth Noble On Ebooks, Writing, and her new release Whiskey and Moonshine (author guest post)

Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble

Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Elizabeth Noble here today on tour with her latest release Whiskey and Moonshine. Welcome, Elizabeth.

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interview with Elizabeth Noble

Hello and welcome to another stop on my Whiskey and Moonshine tour. Thank you so much for everyone at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for hosting me today. They asked me a few questions!

Do you feel there’s a tight line between Mary Sue or should I say Gary Stu and using your own experiences to create a character?

I think when writing a book there are many instances where, as a writer, my own experiences influence the plot. There are times I don’t even realize what I’ve done! I don’t believe I’ve ever set out to write a story based on some part of my life. However, we all have different experiences in life and some of those details work their way into a story. There are little things, such as I almost always have a character with certain likes and dislikes similar or the same as mine. I don’t necessarily consider this as inserting myself into the story in the way a Mary Sue would be.

Does research play a role into choosing which genre you write? Do you enjoy research or prefer making up your worlds and cultures?

I write in the genres I write because those are the ones I love reading the most. I enjoy research maybe a little too much but it’s the other way around. I pick the genre then I do the research, formulate a plot and develop characters to fit within that genre. Even with world building and creating new cultures there is a certain amount of research that’s needed.

Has your choice of childhood or teenage reading genres carried into your own choices for writing?

Yes, very much so. I’ve always enjoyed scifi and mysteries and as a child those were amongst my preferred books. I don’t like horror, so the discovery of urban fantasy made me happy. I think I got into that genre a little later in life.

Do you like HFN or HEA? And why?

I’m not a fan of tragedies and am definitely a person who needs a good outcome to a story. The HFN or HEA doesn’t have to be flowers and weddings, but I want everyone happy by the end of the story.

How do you feel about the ebook format and where do you see it going?

I love ebooks and ezines! It’s great to have one device, whether it be a phone, Kindle or tablet, with the ability to store all sorts of reading materials. I get my newspapers that way too. Convenience isn’t the only aspect that matters to me. With eBooks there is no need for massive amounts of paper or physical storage space and of course, shipping anywhere is free. It’s really a more environmentally sound choice. As technology improves and more people develop more of a proficiency with that tech I think eBooks, ezines, digital newspapers will become more of the standard.

How do you choose your covers? (curious on my part)

The covers for the Dreamspun Desires books are stylized, so there were far fewer choices to be made. I like to have something on the cover represent the story as a whole. In this case it’s the whiskey barrels in the background. I try to match cover models to at least one character

Do you have a favorite among your own stories? And why?

I’d have to say Quarry from The Vampire Guard series and Collared Souls from Sentries would be my two most favorite stories. In both books I was able to delve more deeply into the characters and their worlds while filling in some backstory. They were fun and satisfying books to write.

What’s next for you as an author?

I’m alternating between an urban fantasy/romantic suspense series and a contemporary romantic suspense series.

The urban fantasy series is called El Corazon. It revolves around a family of werewolves, one of whom is a bounty hunter. In the series there are four different types of magical humans and I plan one book for each type. I hope to have book one, Scintilla, out later this year.

The romantic suspense series is called Gang of Thieves and the heroes don’t always live inside the law.

Blurb:

Drunk on love.

That company needs a public spokesman.

Excerpt:

Mal climbed down from the SUV and waited for Colt. “We have to be back at the studio in—” He glanced at his watch. “—six hours. I’m going to bed.”

“Okay,” Colt agreed brightly. As they rode the elevator to their floor, Colt said, “I think I liked the spiced cranberry the best. But damn, I understand why you drink the nonalcoholic stuff most of the time. We probably shouldn’t have sampled so many flavors.”

“Hmm, got that right,” Mal whispered.

When they left the elevator, Colt stumbled, and Mal grabbed him around the waist to steady him. Colt put one hand on Mal’s chest and smiled, sending warmth spreading through him from where Colt’s hand rested. Mal’s room was closer to the elevator, and Colt leaned against the door, searching his pockets. “I think I lost my keycard.”

Mal swiped his own card through the door lock. When it opened, Colt fell backward into the room. He would have landed flat on his ass had Mal not darted forward, grabbing him again.

“You sorta like taking hold of me so I don’t fall,” Colt murmured and leaned in close enough their lips almost touched.

“You’re sorta uncoordinated.” Mal skimmed his lips over Colt’s cheek.

Winding one arm around Mal, Colt inched closer. “I’m drunk. That doesn’t count.” He licked so lightly over Mal’s ear it made Mal shudder.

Mal kicked the door shut, then turned Colt so he was trapped against it by Mal’s presence. Colt hauled Mal closer and dipped his head so he could kiss Mal’s neck and trail his lips over Mal’s jaw.

About the Author

Mystery, action, chills, and thrills spiced with romance and desire. ELIZABETH NOBLE started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into books and fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M fiction. Being able to share her stories is really a dream come true. She has a real love for a good mystery complete with murder and twisty plots as well as all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural.

Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by an adorable mixed breed canine princess, a spunky Cardigan Welsh Corgi and their sidekick, tabby cat. She lives in her native northeast Ohio, the perfect place for gardening, winter and summer sports (go Tribe and Cavs!). When she’s not writing she’s working as a veterinary nurse, so don’t be surprised to see her men with a pet or three who are a very big part of their lives.

Elizabeth has received a number of amateur writing awards. Since being published, several of her novels have received Honorable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards. Jewel Cave was a runner-up in the Gay Mystery/Thriller category in the 2015 Rainbow Awards. Ringed Love was a winner in the Gay Fantasy Romance category of the 2016 Rainbow Awards.

Website (please include at least this link) http://www.elizabeth-noble.com

E-Mail: elizabeth.noble19@gmail.com

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A Chaos Moondrawn Advent Review: Twenty-Nine Hours to Eternity by Elizabeth Noble

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

A Story from the Warmest Wishes: Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar

Being gay and pagan can make for a lonely holiday season, as Ian knows well. He’s used to celebrating alone. The last place he expects to meet a like-minded guy is at LAX during a twenty-nine-hour layover.

Ian’s never felt so comfortable or compatible with another man, even if there is an air of mystery to Race.

Race is no stranger to holiday isolation, and he decides they should seize the opportunity they’ve been given and observe the Saturnalia the way it was meant to be. A grand celebration ensues, where every moment is special and every meal a feast. The ancient traditions take on new meaning as the men find meaning in each other. But each of them has a destiny and for their paths to continue together, it’ll take a kind of magic that hasn’t been seen in centuries.

This short story is about Ian and Race who meet at LAX and decided to celebrate the last day of Saturnalia together. Ian has to work Christmas eve and is about to fly out to Hawaii when disaster strikes. This story is not told in linear time, but through flashbacks. The authors shows them spending the day and evening getting to know one another. This story is explicit. There is a real connection between them, but Race is not who he seems to be. I don’t want to spoil it so you’ll have to read it, but the title should give you a clue.

The cover art is by L.C. Chase. While appropriate to Ian, it’s not very exciting.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 30 pages
Published December 1st 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
ASINB07L1S2QV5

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: High Test by Elizabeth Noble and Colin Darcy (Narrator)

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

At times elementary, this story is loaded with trope—though in a way that’s to be expected with these Dreamspun Desires stories. Some of the writing was too unpolished and not what I expected. It’s possible though, that some of my impression of the simplistic prose is from the narrator, who told the story in a somewhat singsong voice, although thankfully, he used a different voice for each MC. The non-dialogue portions of the book sounded as if a high school kid were standing in front of the class trying to read in a way sure to please the teacher.

I liked the overall plot concept and I especially love May-December romances, though this one was a bit much—one MC was twice as old as the other. Neal Kirchner, wealthy and well-known architect meets Hayden Owens at the Owens Coffee Company shop one morning when he stops by to try a cup of their brew. He strikes up a conversation with the cute barista and from then on, coffee becomes a part of his morning, and sometimes evening, routine—especially when Hayden is working the closing shift.

He and Hayden go out together, though Hayden never lets him see his apartment and soon becomes convinced that Neal thinks his family owns the Owens coffee shops. Hayden is finishing graduate school, majoring in auto design and engineering, and he and Neal find they have a lot in common due to their technical interests. Though he tries several times to tell Neal that he’s not wealthy and is in fact a poor, struggling student, something, or someone, always interferes just when he’s ready to spill the beans.

Naturally, this causes an issue when the truth comes out, but it’s not what Hayden thinks it’s going to be and it was entertaining and interesting, even though it was a tried-and-true romance trope. I did want to smack Hayden upside the head a few times and I wanted to fast forward my audiobook each time he fell into his self-inflicted angst, but on the whole, I liked the story and the characters, and I think much of my negatives simply came from the narrator’s performance.

If you are interested in May-December romance and like the old romance tropes many of us grew up with, this one should fill the slot.

Cover art by Bree Archer depicts an older dark-skinned man in a business suit against the backdrop of a coffee shop—the perfect depiction of Neal Kirchner, the older architect who falls for the young barista.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio. Length 5:12
Published March 22nd 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
ASINB07BFHXHHQ
Edition Language English

A MelanieM Release Day Review: High Test by Elizabeth Noble

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

The coffee is rich. Hayden isn’t. But Neal doesn’t need to know that—yet.

Hayden Owens is just your typical graduate student working his way through school as a barista for the Owens Coffee Company—no relation. But he keeps the “no relation” part to himself when he meets dashing architect, Neal Kirchner, a successful older man from an old-money family. Hayden doesn’t exactly lie, but he figures it can’t hurt for Neal to believe he’s a rich kid. After all, Hayden doesn’t want Neal thinking he’s a gold digger.

The closer they become, the harder it gets for Hayden to come clean. Something always seems to get in the way. When a company bankruptcy and a jilted, vindictive woman threaten to expose his charade, Hayden thinks it’s all gone down the drain. Luckily Neal is ready with some innocent trickery of his own.

High Test by Elizabeth Noble is a sweet contemporary romance from Dreamspinner Press’ Dreamspun Desires line. While not exactly Cinderfella, it does have the rich man/poor man trope down as part of the storyline. Student Hayden Owens meets older rich Neal Kirchner at his university function for his department. Their attraction is mutual and a relationship is built over a succession of dates.

The author’s characterizations are solid and multidimensional. We immediately like both men and understand the attraction between them, the age difference notwithstanding. The same goes for the vast disparity in station and income…we are able to see the imbalance through the descriptions of Neal’s attire, house, etc. but his mannerisms are such, that he gently makes that fade away in his actions towards Hayden. This is a lovely romance and their interactions and personal dynamics as they work their way towards a relationship will have you rooting for the couple.

There is some drama as there should be and then a wonderful finale. All ends well and downright as romantically as you would have hoped for. Such a sweet, warm hearted read that I can’t help but smile as I recommend it to all lovers of romantic stories.

Cover Artist: Bree Archer. I love the cover art and the character it represents. Just perfect.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 202 pages

Expected publication: December 1st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN13 9781635339642

Edition Language English

In Our New Release Spotlight: Quarry (The Vampire Guard #2) by Elizabeth Noble (author interview and special excerpt)

Quarry (The Vampire Guard #2) by Elizabeth Noble
DSP Publications

Available for Purchase at

DSP Publications

and Google Play

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Elizabeth Noble here today. Welcome, Elizabeth. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your latest novel.

Thank you for having me on your blog today! I loved the questions you sent.

Are you a planner or a pantzer when writing a story? And why?

The short answer to the first question is yes. I do a bit of a combination and my story planning is something akin to chaos. Honestly, sometimes I don’t know how I pull it all together to create a book. I know there are authors who have detailed outlines for every chapter.

I’m not one of them.

Generally, I start out with a few scene ideas that turns into a plot. Then I’ll complete a rough story synopsis and general outline for the book as a whole. My outlines or story overviews are mostly a few lines of this, that, and something else that needs to happen somewhere begin Chapter 1 and The End. I take those few scene ideas and write a story around them. No one is more surprised than I am at how I interconnect those scenes. It’s a discovery and journey I love taking with each and every book.

As to the second question, the why…I really have no idea. I’ve accepted that’s simply the way my mind works. I’ve tried various method of detailed outlines or mind maps and they turn into a log jam every time.

How early in your life did you begin writing?

Honestly? Before I could write. I remember when I was very little making up and telling stories to anyone and everyone who’d listen. I think at that time in my life I was a constant chatterer and probably drove those around me nuts. I lived with my grandparents and though I have siblings I spent very little of my life with them. So, in essence, I grew up an only child. My grandparents, particularly my grandfather, loved books and encouraged my storytelling. I think they were happy when I learned how to write, however. I was always gifted with pads of paper and pencils!

Were you an early reader or were you read to and what childhood books had an impact on you as a child that you remember to this day and why?

I don’t remember being read to, but I’m sure I was. I do remember reading books even before I started school, and I remember my grandmother teaching me to read. She used to get frustrated when I was in early grade school and only brought home books on birds and wildlife from the library instead of storybooks.

The books I loved the most as a child were ones like Black Beauty, King of the Wind, Call of the Wild and Lassie. After those I loved books by Jules Verne and read all of them.

Blurb

The members of the Vampire Guard—Jonas Forge, spy and soldier turned cop; computer hacker extraordinaire Blair Turner; Declan, thief, con man, and ex-pirate; and medical examiner and werewolf Dr. Lucas Coate—face a dangerous and elusive enemy.

And this time, it’s personal.

Over the course of three hundred years, a man has touched each of their lives in ways they are only just realizing. When a hunt for a psychotic killer in the present resurrects memories and clues from the past, they discover how they have been affected and are bound by the existence of a ruthless vampire criminal. Now, while preventing a heist at a high-tech art show and thwarting several large-scale explosions, the team must employ their unique blend of science and supernatural abilities to put an end to the machinations of the man toying with their lives.

This time, he won’t slip through their fingers.

This time, it’s more than a case. It’s a hunt, and Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas won’t stop until they’ve captured their quarry.

Excerpt (this was one of those scenes that lead to the rest of the book):

Jonas laid his hand on Declan’s shoulder for a few beats. “It’s okay.” He settled on the ground beside Blair and pulled him close. “You’ll be fine.”

Blair reached over and ran two fingers down Jonas’s cheek. “You’ll do okay without me.”

Jonas sighed and shook his head. He shifted his weight so he squatted as much as possible behind Blair instead of beside him and slipped his hands under Blair’s arms.

“Ready?” Declan asked. Jonas nodded.

“We can do this,” Lucas said. He, along with Ori and Kai, positioned themselves with Declan at various points along the chunk of concrete pinning and trapping Blair. Even with all four of them, it was a strain lifting what had at one time been a wall. They got it up far enough so Jonas could haul Blair out.

Blair shouted through clenched teeth and shuddered. He reached around and gripped Jonas’s shirt with one hand. Shifting him carefully, Jonas hefted Blair up and held him in his arms.

“I don’t want you to die,” Blair whispered. He rested his head on Jonas’s shoulder and ran his fingertips over Jonas’s cheek again. “Declan promised he’d take care of you.”

Jonas raised his eyebrows and sighed. Declan pinched the bridge of his nose for a few seconds and said, “He’s lost a lot of blood.”

Jonas leaned to the side and stared down at the dark puddle under the chunk of concrete. “I see.”

Blair gasped a few times and touched Jonas’s face again. “Don’t die. You don’t have to die if I do.”

“I have no plans on dying, and you’re not going to either. Not today anyway,” Jonas said softly.

“Normal folks die from blood loss. You vamps are cool. All you do is become delirious.” Lucas patted Jonas’s arm. “Get him on the stretcher so I can see what we need to do.”

Once Blair was on the stretcher, Lucas ripped the material covering his leg. Bones stuck out in places they shouldn’t have, and his leg bent sideways right below his knee.

Lucas reached up and put his hand on the side of Blair’s neck. “The good news is, you’re a vampire, and this will be healed in a week or two. The bad news is, you’re a vampire, and there isn’t a lot I can do about painkillers.”

Blair licked his lips and nodded. “Quick. Do it quick.”

About the Author

Elizabeth Noble lives by the adage “I can’t not write”. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t make up stories and eventually she learned how to write them down. A part of every day is spent living in worlds she created that are filled with intrigue and espionage. Using a real love of scifi and urban fantasy highlighted by twisty plots she crafts stories taking place in a slightly altered version of our world.

When she’s not chronicling the adventures of her many characters Elizabeth is a veterinary nurse living in her native Cleveland, Ohio. She shares her little brick house with an adorable canine princess and her tabby cat side-kick. Elizabeth is a fan of baseball, basketball (go Cavs and Indians!) and gardening. She can often be found working in her ‘outside office’ listening to classic rock and plotting her next novel waiting for it to be dark enough to gaze at the stars.

Elizabeth received several amateur writing awards. Since being published, several of her novels have received honorable mentions in the Rainbow Awards. Her novel Jewel Cave was a runner-up in the 2015 Rainbow Awards in the Gay Mystery/Thriller category. Ringed Love was a winner in the Gay Fantasy Romance category of the 2016 Rainbow Awards.

Please visit Elizabeth Noble at:

Emotion in Motion: http://www.elizabeth-noble.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.noble.77
Facebook group: On the Patio with Elizabeth Noble: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551582581800123/
Twitter: @elizabethnoble1
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/elizabethnoble1/
Elizabeth’s direct email is: elizabeth.noble19@gmail.com

Visit The Vampire Guard:

The Vampire Guard website: http://bit.ly/232TyHH
Email members of The Vampire Guard: jr.vampx@gmail.com

Other links:

Circles website: http://bit.ly/2aryKUQ
Dreamspinner page: http://bit.ly/1OiVC6j
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2bqjwCc

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Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble

Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interview with Elizabeth Noble

Blurb:

Excerpt:

About the Author

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Quarry (The Vampire Guard #2) by Elizabeth Noble DSP Publications

Available for Purchase at

Blurb

Excerpt (this was one of those scenes that lead to the rest of the book):

About the Author

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Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

Quarry (The Vampire Guard #2) by Elizabeth Noble
DSP Publications