What Kind Of Review Can You Expect?


If I could describe what kind of reader I am, I would hands down say I was an emotional one. When I read I want to fully experience the book, from the emotions coursing through the characters to reacting to the twist and turns of the storyline. I'm looking for those books that fire up my imagination and leave me breathless when it's over. It's for this reason why the reviews I write aren't so much what I think and are more on how I feel. My hopes in sharing my review in this way is that something will spark an interest and have you wanting to have the same experiences. This isn't to say I don't have issues with grammar, word choices etc. Trust me I do and most times all it takes is waiting for the story to grab hold for it not to matter. When I do include things about what I thought about the book (for example I've included comments about word choices and being too descriptive), I only do so because it directly affected how I felt. I hope this helps. Enjoy!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Where The Rain Is Made by Keta Diablo

Where The Rain Is Made
Keta Diablo
Paranormal Romance

A decadent-looking savage has captured Francesca DuVall and her brother, Marsh. Now she must spend every waking moment planning an escape. She didn’t count on the powerful draw of desire interfering with her scheme in the camp of the brutal Cheyenne dog soldiers.

Ethan Gray is a curator at a national museum...most of the time, but when he travels through time to help his beloved People he becomes Meko, leader of the most revered and feared tribe of the plains. Although their worlds are decades apart Meko can’t resist the dark beauty he kidnapped during a raid. He has many battles to fight but none he wants to win more than the one that will capture Cesca’s heart forever.

From the windswept plains of Colorado and the harsh life of a Dog Soldier to the placid life of a curator their love was fueled by passion and kindled by destiny.



Oh. My. Gosh. Where The Rain Is Made left me speechless. This was one of those reads where it leaves a lasting impression and you're grateful for the chance to have read it. I'd finished reading another story by Keta in her Kissed From Beyond anthology and loved it, so when this book came highly recommended, I jumped at the chance to review it. I went in expecting a fun read with some heat and passion. What I wasn't expecting was to find an epic tale of love, one that stole my breath and amazed me at every turn. I still choke up thinking about it and feel Keta deserves a standing ovation. I love it when the author delivers a well written romance but when they go that extra mile - adding powerful details to the story - I can't thank them enough. I read to be moved, to have my heart touched so if you're like me, this is a story you MUST read.

Where The Rain Is Made is the perfect blend of romance and history with a smidge of the paranormal. Ethan Gray is museum curator, specializing in Native American artifacts. Everyone is amazed at his knowledge but what they don't know is Ethan has a solemn duty to the Great Spirits - when called upon, he becomes Meko, leader of the Dog Soldiers and warriors of the Cheyenne people. He leaves behind his modern life and journeys back to key moments to help the survival of the People. Called on for a new mission, this time is different - his oath always comes first but there is a woman involved. Cesca is horrified when her home is attacked by fierce Indians and when she is taken captive with her brother, she is adamant that she would rather die than submit. But Meko, the leader who has claimed her, captures her attention and the chemistry between them is intense. This story shares the story of the unique Native American rituals and beliefs, a glimpse at the dangers they faced each day as their lives were constantly under threat. Being a white woman amongst the People, Cesca struggles to accept the violence she sees but is completely undone by the love she feels for Meko. The Great Spirits aren't happy with Meko's love of Cesca so what happens when they recall his mission, separating him from her, across time? This is a story that will make you feel all kinds of emotions - from happiness to anger to sadness to relief. It'll make you cry but also fill you with a sense of wonder. I'm so glad I was able to read it!

What I really appreciated from Keta was that she didn't hold anything back. This wasn't a book where you saw off at the distance the atrocities and pain that came to the Native American people. While she wasn't graphic either, she put me as the reader right in the thick of it. She gave me the full experience which added to the feel of the story. It helped me make the connection, it drew me in and held my heart the entire story. There were moments I had to stop and catch my breath, tell my husband what I was reading before jumping back in. I'm not sure whether Keta was sharing her heritage or whether the wonderful detail came from research but I'm extremely impressed because it made the story phenomenal. I got a taste of American history and I loved the way it was blended in with everything.

I enjoyed the epic feel of the romance, the intensity between Meko and Cesca and I couldn't get enough of them. They were just so real to me, I could picture them perfectly in my mind, right down to hearing them whisper in my ear. Cesca was such a firecracker and I loved her fiery nature. I don't know what I would've done in her situation and I enjoyed watching her slowly succumb to her curiosity for the Cheyenne customs. I loved that she was able to stand up for what she believed in, that she was able to question things and it broke my heart each time she was faced with violence. That was the amazing part of the love she shared with Meko. Even though the violence horrified her and angered her, she couldn't deny that she belonged with him. There was a struggle within her and she was such an incredible character to learn about.

I don't know how to describe Meko other than he was just so overpowering and masculine. For me, he was beyond Alpha - he had this incredible presence that filled the page and he would render me speechless at times. I found myself falling deeply for him. He had this dual existence, a mission and pledge to uphold but Cesca dug deep into his soul. I loved the way he treated her, the patience he had and the amazing tenderness. He was completely swoonworthy one moment and fierce warrior the next. A complete force to be reckoned with and I couldn't imagine the weight he carried. I'm sure all he wanted to do was whisk Cesca away, love and make babies with her, but as leader of the Dog Soldiers, his life wasn't his own. This is an amazing couple and I definitely added them to my favorites list.

I don't know what else to say but to read this book. I absolutely adored it and recommend it to anyone and everyone! You'll be left satisfied and the better for it. Without a doubt, this deserves me OMGSH award. Happy reading!

Rating:

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. Awesome review! I hadn't heard of this book before but I will definitely be reading it ASAP now. Thank you!

Belinda said...

It is soooooo good!

Paranormal Opinion said...

Ok, I am going to have to add this to my VERY long list of TBR books :)

Keta Diablo said...

O.M.G.S.H - I am speechless after that review.

I don't think I've ever read such a well-written synopsis of Where The Rain Is Made. Your review really captures the essence of the novel.

You put a lot of thought and time into this, and for that I am eternally humbled (and grateful). It means so much to an author when someone loves their characters and then portrays them to other readers with such clarity.

I am well rewarded by your review.

Well done . . . I'm honored.

Namaste, Keta

Lacey Weatherford said...

This book sounds fabulous!