Bonnie Bernard
Biography
I'm the proud birth-giver to The Midnight Hunter Trilogy - a paranormal, suspense-thriller that features a dash of romance, a sprinkle of mystery, an occasional murder, and a full, fun cast of Underworld characters. Some of them are kind, others are wicked - but all of them will tug at your heartstrings.
The Midnight Hunter Trilogy is published by Fin-S Press and is available in softcover and most ereader-device forms.
Where to find Bonnie Bernard online
Books
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Smashwords book reviews by Bonnie Bernard
- Energy - The Awakening
on Dec. 31, 2011
(no rating)
I give "Energy" 4.5 stars out of 5.
To describe it in one word - fun. The characters are enjoyable, the dialogue flows well, and the subplot sparkles. I appreciate a story that moves right along - Energy did not disappoint me. It features ample dialogue and plenty of plot movement. Nobody in this book sits around and broods; everybody is on the go, interacting with their fellow-characters, off to the next adventure. Most of the characters are quite enjoyable, several are downright lovable, and one is particularly Mischievous...
If you like fast-paced stories with plenty of dialogue, a hint of magic, and believable character interplay, you should read this book. Also, for my energy-worker friends, you will appreciate how the characters use, and sometimes grapple with, natural energy fields. I'm glad this is a trilogy, because I look forward to following the characters on the next leg of their journey - and I will be pestering the author for the next installment.
For those who have yet to discover the talent hidden beneath the mass-marketed world of reading pleasure, Energy is a good place to start seeing what you're missing.
- The Wardrobe Book One
on Jan. 14, 2012
(no rating)
The Wardrobe has its roots (figuratively and literally)in English history. The story, family, and furniture travel overseas to the US, where the wardrobe's disconcerting contents find footing on fresh soil. In present day, it's a rude awakening for the book's main characters.
This story takes some creative turns and leaves you keenly aware that mere mortals are at the whim of dark forces...and we don't even know it when we innocently open our closet door...
If you like history, mystery, a touch of magic, and well-crafted characters, then this book needs to be on your list. A few characters had me laughing, several had me cringing, and then there were those who had me cheering for their side. The descriptions are vivid, the story line plausible, and putting the book down can be maddeningly difficult. So make sure when you pick it up, you won't be interrupted. In fact, go to your room and lock the door...and keep the closet door shut, too.
Likable characters are a necessary ingredient for me enjoying any book, and this one has plenty of them. I found myself stressing over the characters' plight, much like I would if they were my own friends.
I don't want to inadvertently throw in any spoilers, so read The Wardrobe and see for yourself why you will never look at your closet the same way again.
- AirShip X
on Feb. 01, 2012
Airship X is one of those quick-reads you can pick up on Monday and have finished by Tuesday, because it's not long. But it IS dense - in the way any good Victorian story always is. It's the tale of Esme and how she finds herself by losing her inhibitions. The story is fun, the plot engaging, the imagery clear, and the characters well-rounded (a thing I don't always find in shorter books, but the author did a fantastic job of it here).
I started reading Airship X on an airplane ride and was so immediately smitten that I hoped the plane wouldn't land until I got the book finished. It was a four hour flight, and I spent every moment of it engrossed in Esme's coming-out story, even to the point of getting snippy with the flight attendant for trying to serve me sugar cookies and tea. I remained so caught up in the story's tapestries and complexities that I didn't want to be bothered with mundane tasks like fastening my seat belt for landing.
The book has an adult theme about it, but it's also a proper Victorian tale, so don't be surprised if the erotica is all in your head. Actually, that's one of my favorite parts about this book. It's so cleverly-written that more was conveyed in the parts that were not discussed. Very cool.
If you like steampunk and have a healthy imagination for the sexier things in life - you need to treat yourself to this one.
I highly recommend Airship X.
- Oceans of Red Volume Two
on Feb. 20, 2012
I loved this just as much as Oceans of Red volume one, and for the same reasons - thick, juicy plot, good character development, action and dialogue that sync up nicely, and new questions to ponder.
Without being too spoiler-ish, I'll just say - Remy is the girl next door who wakes up in a new, far-away neighborhood, while her siblings are busy exploring the stranger side of science.
These books read fast...and they're exciting. Never, ever a dull moment.
It's official - a fan is born. I'll be diving into the next book soon.
- TRANSITIONS-A Journey to Change
on Feb. 25, 2012
This short book of poetry details the journey of one woman's transition from male to female. Hheart-breaking yet empowering, Barbara's expressions of a changing self sheds light on the process of transitioning.
Whether you have transitioned, are in the process of transitioning, considering it, or even if you're like me - not transitioning at all...but maybe you have friends/family who are or have - this book offers insights into some emotions and physical changes of loved ones who are transitioning.
I loved all the poems, but perhaps the one I enjoyed most was, "Changes" because I truly felt the careful balance between Barbara's male side and female. She does honor to both very effectively and it shows.
Transitions is a gripping read, and a quick one.
- Flash Fiction Addiction 22 Short Short Stories
on March 16, 2012
Flash Fiction Addiction is 22 short stories, none of which you'll want to lull yourself into "sweet dreamland" with. Revenge, betrayal, anguish, and rage are the order of the day here, and each piece is a graphic flashing moment in time...raw, gripping, and gasp-worthy. But the stories aren't "horror" - even the ones with a supernatural spin feel as real as the first time you were purposely misled, or the last time somebody stomped on your heart. You truly feel the private anguish of the tortured souls in these stories.
This is a well-written book and the author's talent for vivid detail and plunging into the shadows of human consciousness is stunning. I recommend this read to anybody who enjoys bite-sized fiction, and especially to those who like it with a bitter edge. I have nothing but good things to say about this brooding, dark book.
- Bread of Fools
on May 09, 2012
Bread of Fools is the kind of book that takes you to different dimensions - I don't want to give away too much, but on one dimension, the concept of good and evil are somewhat arbitrary. I liked that. I also liked that my favorite characters in this story weren't good or bad...but a little bit of both. Another favorite aspect - the main character, Bruce, is confused and muddled through much of the story, and every time he turns around there is a new surprise or revelation for him to wrestle with. Poor guy.
I won't summarize the plot (I never do in reviews). Suffice it to say, the universe's balance is out of whack - and Bruce finds himself in the middle of trying to put it back. The problem is, Bruce is oblivious to his part in the puzzle. Whoops! He has a couple of helpers on his side...or does he? Ha! Read the book and find out.
:)
Don't make me wait too long for book two, Duncan.
- A Slow Return to Skinny Dipping
on May 10, 2012
Ellen Jackson does more than slowly return to skinny dipping...she learns how to love, stand her ground, trust the universe, and enjoy life's little surprises.
Scruff is sexy and the perfect compliment Ellen. I absolutely loved his approach to life.
Minotella is probably my favorite character - she's tough, gritty, and always there for Scruff, even when he thinks he doesn't need her.
I'm writing this at the beginning of summer...and I highly recommend this book as one of those to take out with you to sit in the yard on a sunny, summer afternoon. It's heartwarming, dramatic, fun, silly, serious, and tackles issues we all understand.
Good work, Tom. Get going on the next installment... :)
