Review of Solar Storm

Samhain Publishing, Jan 2013

Solar Storm
Mina Carter

Available now from Samhain Publishing

First impression: another fabulous cover from artist Kanaxa. Sometimes you really can and should judge a book by its cover. The combination of Mina Carter's remarkable writing and Kanaxa's top-notch artistry makes a powerful one-two punch. It's like they have the ability to reach into my brain and pluck out the secrets to what makes me spend copious money on books . . .

Okay, the longer I sit with that sentence the odder it it feels, so let's move on!

She’s the one who got away. Now she’s uncharted territory…

Ten years after rich-girl life fell apart, Rhys Devin is a changed woman—her name, her face, and her attitude. Now the fast-talking, hard-as-nails captain of the Grey Lady sails the most dangerous solar roads in the universe. Times are tough, but she gets the job done, sailing alone. Always watching over her shoulder.

The last thing she needs is a delay, but when she runs across a stranded sailor, she has no choice. The law of the road demands she rescue him.

Kelwin Sayeed is a soldier without a war. The retired War Commander’s latest and most ambitious hobby, the solar flyer Artemis, was supposed to prove him worthy of the famously reclusive Solar Sailors. Instead a catastrophic computer failure has him at the mercy of the most hazardous road of all: Icaria.

Confident he won’t be left to die in the golden spray, he waits for another sailor to come along. One that’s born and bred to the roads, with skin wizened like beaten gold. What he gets is a woman whose voice does things to his body that should be illegal. Whose golden-tinted skin sparks erotic fantasies.

The bride who ran from him a decade ago…

My reaction: holy crap, this is an awesome story. I can't believe there's a whole world of Mina Carter books out there, and I'm just now twigging to it. I thought Perfect Mate was wildly entertaining, but Solar Storm totally outshines it.

Carter's writing is unquestionably brilliant. So precise, so sharp and gripping. The concept behind this story--traveling through space by sailing along solar currents--would create a great sense of adventure regardless, but Carter's impressive imagery makes this story come alive. And once you're hooked, prepare to be absorbed. The setup, the details laid out--terminology, descriptions, histories--create wonderful depth and immersion.

The story starts off strong and confident, an instant attention getter. And despite the fact that this isn't a long book, there's plenty of action and, well, action to keep you satisfied. Carter doesn't waste a single word on fluff or filler--just concentrated, full-throttled fun.

And the really good news . . . This is one incredibly sexy book. Kel is the stuff of wet dreams--a badass super-soldier who's hardwired to want his sex hot, hard, and often. His chemistry with take-charge, no-hesitation Rhys is palpably thrilling. There's nothing dull or tepid about these two, that's for sure. Hell, this whole book is one hot number.

Mina Carter, I think I love you.

Perfect Mate

Perfect Mate by Mina Carter

"Monsters do exist...and they're the good guys."

Samhain Publishing (2012)

What you'll find: werewolves, vampires, and zombies. Practically the holy trinity of paranormal romance these days, but one must admit it's a potent combination when crafted by the hands of a skilled writer.

Mina Carter, for instance, is a shining star that helps guide paranormal beings out of the treacherous void of melodrama, poet shirts, and misplaced sparkles. She brings things firmly into the here and now with this book about military experiments gone wrong, wisecracking werewolves toting assault weaponry, and tough-chick heroines that like to do a bit of asskicking of their own, thank you very much.

Perfect Mate is the first book of Carter's "Mate" series and introduces a world where the US military has secretely been experimenting on soldiers in order to create elite fighters that can take a lickin' while ripping your head off with a smile. In short, the government is creating a covert force of werewolves, vampires, and—you guessed it—zombies.

One such experiment is Captain Jack Harper, a superior fighter and alpha of his lycanthropic squad. Jack has gone out of his way to make him and his men seem like obedient, mindless soldiers--all the while planning their escape.

Lillian Rosewood strives to be a competent hospital manager, but truthfully she feels like something is missing from her life. She longs for adventure and excitement—not  expecting to actually find it when Jack Harper's fatally wounded body comes through her door. Suddenly she must come to terms with supernatural beings, military assassins, and an inexplicable attraction to a perfect stranger that may actually be her perfect mate.

This is a wonderful addition to the scores of werewolf romances out in the world. From cover to cover, it's a non-stop joy ride of vivid imagery and tangible action. Rarely have I read a book where the character's personalities so easily crawled out of the pages and it my mind. Perfect Mate is remarkable in that aspect, and it made all the difference in my reading experience.

What's particularly refreshing about this book is the break it provides from the softer side of paranormal romance. Sometimes, you really want a little edge with your fangs and claws—and  not just the quasi-BDSM bedroom games that pop up in most paranormal romances today. I mean, blood and guts and bullets flying. And for that, there's nothing like a pack of military elite soldiers who just also happen to be angry werewolves. Throw in a cool-as-bloody-ice vampire assassin and some fresh-from-the-lab zombies, and you've got yourself a party.

Perfect Mate is a vividly engaging story that won't disappoint. It's sexy as hell, incredibly well-written, hilariously funny at times... and it has an exceptionally hot guy on the cover. Needless to say, I loved it. You better believe I'll be racing to get my hands on the next book, Blood Mate, which is currently a work-in-progress.

You can read other reviews at: The Romanceaholic / Long and Short Reviews / Not Now... Mommy's Reading

More About the Book
More About the Author