Lynn Worton

Biography

I am a professional copy editor and proofreader, as well as an avid reader and reviewer and I love to read different genres. My favourite genres are: Fantasy, YA, Dystopian, Thrillers, Mystery, Romance/Erotica, Action, Adventure, Crime, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Paranormal, Supernatural, Children's books and some Horror.

Smashwords book reviews by Lynn Worton

  • Midnight Hunter Book One in the Midnight Hunter Trilogy on June 19, 2012

    Review 6****** I was won this book by the author in a competition a while ago, but have only just now got to read it. I'm berating myself for not reading it sooner! This is a fantastic book! I struggled to put it down! Donna is a great character. She has a very steady head on her shoulders, and when she finds out there's vampires in the world, she doesn't panic. I would certainly be freaking out! Mo, Donna's best friend is also a great character. She is feisty and has a take no prisoners attitude that I loved! Hunter is hunky! Donna is one lucky lady! Not only is he her Eternal Partner, he's the love of her life. There are some other great characters too: Sammie, Trent and Dante. There are also some really bad guys too! Stephen is creepy, but Michael is even more so! They gave me the chills! Bonnie Bernard has written a fantastic novel filled with action, danger and everlasting love. I am now looking forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a YA book with a completely unique storyline that will keep you hooked!
  • Leap Day on Aug. 05, 2012

    I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. This is a collection of seven short stories that uses the one extra day we add on to our calendar every four years to keep our seasons straight. They range from scary to the bizarre. Each story is well written and gave me chills! Although not exactly horror, these tales are quite dark. I especially enjoyed a few of these stories. The first one, Leap Day, made me shake my head at the audacity of the protagonist, Bill. You would think he should know better! The next story I enjoyed was The Bridge. It was a poignant time travel tale that had a twist in the tail. Lastly, there was the tale called Andrea. It was a ghostly tale that sent shivers up my spine! The other tales were just as entertaining too. Mozart has a fantastic writing style that flows beautifully. Each story reminded me of the TV shows, Tales of the Unexpected and The Twilight Zone. Those stories used to creep me out when I was younger. However, now I'm older, and hopefully wiser, these stories, although dark, don't creep me out as much and I find them seriously entertaining. I highly recommend this book, and will keep an eye out for more tales written by this author in the future. If you like your short stories to be on the dark side, this is the book for you.
  • Project ELE on Sep. 04, 2012

    Review 7******* I was given a copy of this book by the authors in return for an honest review. WOW!! This book is fantastic! Willow Mosby is a fantastic character. She is very smart and, although she is only fifteen, she has a maturity about her that comes from growing up in a post apocalyptic world. The other characters add depth to an exciting read! I love Connor, Claire and Alec. They each bring a uniqueness to the story. This is a fantastic story. I could almost call it Dystopian in style, as it is set in a future time where there has been a third world war and the ozone layer has been patched in places. I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotions; I was in tears in places, and full of giggles and laughs in others, as I looked into the world where Willow lives. There were a lot of twists that kept me turning the pages, and made me want to know what was going to happen - I struggled to put the book down long enough to sleep! There is a major cliffhanger at the end that made me gasp, and now I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series! I love stories like this, but they frustrate me in equal measure, as I am not one of the most patient of people when it comes to books with cliffhangers! I want to know what will happen NOW and not later! :) Rebecca Gober and Courtney Nuckels have written an amazing first book in a series full of adventure, danger and romance that had my heart pounding for many different reasons. I am now kicking myself for not reading their other series, The Night Marchers, sooner. I'm going to have to remedy that! I highly recommend this YA Dystopian novel to everyone. - Lynn Worton (WaAR)
  • The Art of My Life on Sep. 23, 2012

    Review 6****** I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review. This is a fantastic romance! But it is also a story of one man's chance to turn his life around. Cal is a fantastic character. He is a wonderful artist, but he has a problem; he is a marijuana addict. He has always loved Aly, but feels she deserves someone better. Aly is also a wonderful character. She also loves Cal, but doesn't believe that she has a chance with Cal. By going into business with him, she hopes that she can show Cal what he is missing. There are actually two romance stories in this book, but the main focus is on Cal and Aly as they start a charter business. This is a fantastic book filled with some danger and a lot of weed! It is also Cal's journey to find himself and what he really needs and wants. I really felt for him. His journey is not an easy one, but I applaud him for trying. It takes guts to admit that he has a drug problem and do something about it. He is a fantastic artist, but like everyone, has insecurities and doubts. There are a lot of nautical terms used in this book, but there is an index if you are not used to them. Luckily I didn't need to use it, as I have been sailing before and knew what the terms meant. The story flowed well, and at the beginning of every chapter there was either an observation or comment by Aly from her blog. It made the characters come alive. Ann Lee Miller's descriptions were such that I would love to see Cal's art for real. I do not recommend this book for younger readers due to the mention of drugs (marijuana) and sex (which was neither explicit nor erotic). However, if you are looking for a fantastic romance then I highly recommend this book that had me hooked from the first page. - Lynn Worton (WaAR)
  • Harvest Moon on Dec. 26, 2012

    I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. I love the Moon Coven series, so when I was offered a chance to read this book by the author, I grabbed it with both hands! This is a wonderful YA paranormal series novella that introduces you to the main characters in the novel Compulsion. Lochlan Moon is a wonderful character. At only seventeen, he is still mastering his witch skills. He is a loving son and brother, who is faced with a terrible decision when someone that he loves is killed. Will he make the right choice? This novella follows Lochlan Moon, Lilyann's father, when he was seventeen, and the choices and sacrifices he made whilst protecting his family. His story touched me deeply. I felt his despair after the deaths of one of his friends and his father. This story gave me a bigger understanding of the Moon family, and why Lochlan had decided to give up his magick. I loved this story, and I am now looking forward to reading the next Moon Coven book, whether it be another novella or the second novel in the series. K.B. Miller has written another fantastic novella that captured my attention from the first page. Her characters seem so lifelike, and I wish I could meet them in the flesh. Although a novella, this story is a fast paced, action packed rollercoaster ride! This story could be a stand alone read, but I suggest reading the other books in the series too (Harvest Moon and Compulsion). I highly recommend you read this novella if you love YA/paranormal genres or stories of witches and vampires. - Lynn Worton
  • Where the Sun Sets on Jan. 30, 2013

    This is a very touching story. I enjoyed it very much. Antonia Dal Santo is a wonderful character. She is very loyal to her friend. In fact, I would say that Antonia sees Josephine as a sister. She has had a very tough life, but has retained her spirit. I loved this character, as she is very strong and protective. Josephine Ferrero is a character that set my teeth on edge. She is not a bad person, but she is exceedingly self centred, and seems to have tunnel vision when she wants something. She is always wanting to be the centre of attention. When Antonia is hurt, Josephine has a sort of wake up call. This is a most intriguing psychological thriller. These two characters are both sent to the same convent school at the age of seven and strike up a friendship that lasts for decades. This tale is told in a very short time frame, but there are several flash backs to their childhood. This gives the reader the opportunity to understand the dynamic between the two friends. This book is full of suspense and mystery, not to mention danger. I was completely hooked from the first page. However, I did find that I wanted to throttle Josephine for her blinkered outlook; Never mind living on another planet, I think she lived in a completely different universe! I don't know how this woman functioned! That being said, once the danger sank into her brain, she began to see the bigger picture and actually started acting like a human being. I actually began to like her. There are a few twists in this tale that I never saw coming. All in all, an entertaining read. Ann Marie has written a tear jerker of a book that took me on a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. A word of warning: There are some scenes of sexual abuse. Therefore, I do not recommend this book to younger readers or those of a nervous disposition. However, I recommend this book if you love thrillers or suspense. - Lynn Worton
  • Thunderstorm on Feb. 22, 2013

    This is a fantastic paranormal romance! I loved it! Dika Edens is a wonderful character. She is the eldest of four sisters. She is 150 years old, but doesn't look a day over 30! Her longevity is thanks to her Grandmother, Lilith, the first woman created by God. She has, unknown to her, a protector in the form of Chrome Jai, a Dragon Guardian. Chrome Jai is a sexy, but extremely protective, guardian. He was created as soon as Dika was born. He is a Thunder Dragon Guardian; he turns into a dragon, but he also has the ability to become a man or a type of mist. I wouldn't mind him being my guardian! ;) This book is an intriguing take on the lives of Lilith, Adam and Eve, and their offspring from the Bible, although there is very little in the way of religion in this tale. The story is told through Dika and Chrome's point of view, and gives the reader an insight into their thoughts and actions. I loved the interaction between the characters, especially the sisters as, just like my relationship with my sisters, they have their moments. Unfortunately, when they have disagreements, or emotions run high, they tend to affect the world around them. Dika has an affinity to electricity and can control weather; I certainly wouldn't want to get on her bad side! The mutual attraction between Dika and Chrome is just as explosive! It basically makes the pages smoulder! There is plenty of other action too, which makes this book an exciting read! The danger faced by the sisters and their guardians has only just begun. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series. J.M. Schroder has written an incredibly fast paced and sexy paranormal romance - I loved every moment of it! Because of the sensual scenes in this book, I do not recommend it for younger readers. However, if you love a steamy paranormal romance, then this is for you! - Lynn Worton
  • Baby, Species Intervention #6609 Book One on April 14, 2013

    Wow, I love science fiction, but this book is much more! It's a love story. Netty is a wonderful character. Unfortunately, she is forced to endure abuse from her rapist husband. Although badly treated, her spirit is not broken. When an opportunity to escape arises, she takes it. I loved her warm and generous heart. When she finds a hurt creature, she takes it in and looks after it. She names it Baby. Baby is an alien, who has a mission. One that gets blurred once he meets Netty. I grew attached to Baby. He has a unique way of looking at things, almost childlike. However, his mission is not altruistic. Wil is also a fantastic character. He is loving and kind, and just what Netty needs. Together, the three of them make themselves a unique family. I knew going in that this book would be dark, but I felt a bit like a rabbit caught in headlights! I was totally fascinated with this story! The violence is very disturbing, but I found myself completely hooked. I found the characters very life like, and I became very sympathetic to them. I also took an extreme dislike to Netty's husband. He deserved worse punishment for his crimes! The book is very fast paced and before I knew it, I had reached the end. The ending was a complete shock, and had me in tears. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Echo. J.K. Accinni has written an amazing science fiction story that tugs on every emotion: anger, disgust, hate, love, happiness, sadness and terror. Due to the extreme violence (abuse and rape), I do not recommend this book to young readers, or those who are squeamish or of a nervous disposition. I do, however, recommend this book if you love a well written science fiction/love story that will stay with you long after you have finished the book. - Lynn Worton
  • Echo Species Intervention #6609 on April 14, 2013

    This is the second book in the Species Intervention #6609 series. Scotty and Abby are brother and sister. They are both fantastic characters. Scotty is a lonely boy due to his illness. Abby, although sick herself, is more outgoing and popular. When their mom finally decides to leave her abusive husband for the open hills of Sussex County, all of their lives take a turn for the better. Jose is also a wonderful character. Having survived a vicious attack that left his parents dead and his little baby sister kidnapped, Jose is suspicious of everyone and everything. It's not until he goes and lives with Scotty and Abby that he begins to trust and love again. Echo is the offspring of Baby. She has been observing the humans, and getting ready to carry out the mission that Baby was meant to start a hundred years previously. Then she meets Scotty and thinks he's "The One". I am completely enthralled with this series! I cannot say that I enjoyed it, but I will say that I absolutely loved it! I know this is a bit of a contradiction, but this story is as dark, if not darker, than the first one. There is violence and some really disturbing scenes that are definitely not for the faint of heart. The things that people (Armoni and Kelly) do for fun in this book is very disturbing indeed! However, I found myself completely absorbed in the story. I struggled to put my Kindle down! I nearly burnt supper whilst waiting for it to cook; it had me that engrossed! Again, I was like a rabbit caught in the headlights! The story twists and turns in such a way that I just HAD to know what was going on! The ending left me wanting to know more! I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Armageddon Cometh. J.K. Accinni is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Her writing style is flawless and fast paced. She has created characters that are extremely lifelike; I find myself empathising with a lot of the characters, and completely disgusted with a few too. I must admit that this series brings out a lot of emotions in me! I don't recommend this for younger readers, but I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love science fiction or dystopian fiction. - Lynn Worton
  • Armageddon Cometh, Species Intervention #6609 Book Three on April 14, 2013

    This is the third book in the Species Intervention Series. Abby is a wonderful character, who has faced many hardships, but even she is struggling to cope with the stress of trying to organise the rescue of the animals at The Big Cat Sanctuary. She is also seems to be growing closer to Captain Cobby. Scotty is also a wonderful character. He has a very gentle soul, and I have grown fond of him throughout the series. Being only 17, he is still in teen rebel mode, and goes on a rescue missions of his own with Echo. He also meets and falls for a girl called Chloe, who lives in a nearby house. There are also some old faces that pop up in this book from the first two books. Armoni makes an unwelcome return, along with Ginger Mae. There are also some new faces, namely Chloe and Kenya. I love Kenya's sassy attitude! She is a teenager, but she is very streetwise and has a bit of maturity to her that belies her youth. Chloe is a sweet 15 year old, who has been sheltered by her parents from violence. Although this book is not as dark as the first two, with regards to violence, there was still plenty to be had! I had the rabbit in the headlights situation again! I struggled to put this book down and found myself completely absorbed in the story from the first page! I have come to the conclusion that I must have a morbid streak in me, because even though Armoni doesn't feature as prominently in this book, I was wondering what he was doing. He is the most vile, disgusting, masochistic psychopath I have ever come across in a book, but he fascinated me. However, I think that my feelings of relief outweighed my curiosity! I was just starting to enjoy the relief of not having Armoni in the picture, when the author introduced a character just as depraved, but even more deadly; A terrorist willing to do anything for his cause. This twist sent chills up my back! Speaking of twists and turns, this book has so many that I felt a bit of whiplash! However, this just kept me turning the pages to find out what was happening next! The ending has a HUGE twist that I didn't see coming! I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Hive, as soon as I can! J.K. Accinni is now most definitely on my favourite authors list. Her writing style is fast paced, but extremely descriptive. I could easily picture these characters and places in my mind. I do not recommend this series to younger readers due to the violence and the language, but I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love Science Fiction, Dystopian or Apocalyptic Fiction. - Lynn Worton
  • Hive, Species Intervention #6609, Book Four on April 14, 2013

    This is the fourth book in the Species Intervention series. I still cannot say that I enjoy this series, as it is so dark, but it sure has me hooked! I do love it though! Abby, Scotty, Jose, Echo and Chloe, along with Captain Cobby and his son, Kane, Peter, Ginger Mae, her daughter Daisy and Kenya are thrown together in a race against time to get to the Hive before the terrorists strike. Along the way they meet Johno and the herd of elephants he is transporting to The Bronx Zoo. As the first bomb falls, a woman and her grandchildren are caught in the horror. Trying to survive and get to her husband, who is waiting for them, will take all her courage and wits. As I said previously, this is not the most enjoyable of series, but just like an observer watching a disaster unfold right in front of my eyes, I am completely fixated! The story is fast paced, edgy and very topical. This series is completely addictive, and just like a drug addict, I cannot wait for my next fix! There are just so many twists! Just when things are seemingly going along pleasantly (as much as they can in a disaster), the author throws the proverbial spanner in the works and the story spins in a completely different and (darkly) unexpected way! There are some shocking revelations, and more than a few unanswered questions, by the end of the book that have me itching to get hold of the next installment! J.K. Accinni has written an amazing series that shows the darker side of humans that frankly disgusts and shames me. On a personal note: What I would love to do to those characters like Armoni and company would more than likely have me sent to prison, but I would feel no remorse as they would deserve everything they got! I think that even though I'm from the human race, I would side with Baby, Echo and every other alien who decided that they would wipe us off the face of the earth. The things that people do to animals and each other is disgusting and depraved. We, as the human race, need to somehow cure this disease (violence towards animals and each other) that is pervading society It seems to me, the more we progress technologically, the more unattached (emotionally) we have become to nature and ourselves. Maybe wiping humans out IS the solution! (Sorry, rant over!). Due to the violence and bad language, I do not recommend this book or series to younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love Science Fiction or Dystopian genres. - Lynn Worton
  • Once Upon a Zombie Apocalypse - Kylee on April 19, 2013

    I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. This is a fantastic read! I loved it! Kylee Mahafferty is a character who is very business orientated. She is comfortable with the pressure and stress of rushing from book conventions to book signings, and back to conventions. However, the stress of fighting off zombies may just break her! I liked her sarcastic and witty thoughts as she observed the world going to hell around her. She is an incredibly brave woman, and she can run in high heels! I can't even walk in them without tripping over something, even imaginary things! She has my respect for that talent! This is a fantastic zombie novella! I'm not a huge reader of zombie novels, but this story is an extremely entertaining read! The story starts out innocently enough, but little did I realise what I was in for! This is one heck of a ride! I read this in one sitting, as the book was extremely hard to put down! The action was quite intense, and there are some scenes that could be disturbing for some readers. I am now looking forward to reading more of these novellas, as I am dying (no pun intended!) to find out what happens next! I'm also looking forward to reading Jade's point of view of the same timeline, which has been written by Jennifer Malone Wright. This series is a collaboration between two great authors, K.B. Miller and Jennifer Malone Wright. Their writing styles are slightly different, but I have a feeling that they compliment each other beautifully. I love K.B. Miller's writing style, as the story flows effortlessly off the page. I was a bit unsure as to whether she could write horror stories, as she had previously only written YA romances, but my fears were unfounded. I am a huge fan of her work, and will read any other books she writes in the future. Due to the violence in some of the scenes, I do not recommend this book for younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love horror, or if you are looking for a change in genre. - Lynn Worton
  • Armored Hearts on May 07, 2013

    I have previously read books by Melissa Turner Lee, but I haven't read anything by Pauline Creeden before, so I was curious to find out what these two authors could come up with. This is a fantastic story! I loved it! Tristan Gareth Smyth is a fascinating character. Unable to walk, he uses a wheelchair to get around. I liked this character very much. He did have a tendency to mope, but he also has a pragmatic outlook on life. He pushes people away by being surly and difficult; I think he does this to avoid either pity or getting hurt, which is understandable, but (in my opinion) unnecessary. When he rescues a young girl, he finds out a shocking secret about himself. He can fly! I can honestly say that I have never read a book like this! It is completely different to anything I have read before. There are elements of romance mixed in with an action/adventure that was very refreshing! I have heard of Steampunk in fashion (i.e. utilising old fashioned clothing with a modern twist), however, I never actually thought about it outside of the abstract. This book takes the Victorian era and puts a modern twist into it. I was completely fascinated with the "Bonnet Club" and what the ladies actually got up to. I suppose that if you liked tinkering with machines or inventing in those times, it was considered "un-lady-like". However, I slightly digress. This story took me on an amazing adventure, with secrets and revelations, mystery and suspense, combined with a touching romance. (Oh, and Seelie fairies!) I am most definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series! Melissa Turner Lee was already one of my favourite authors, so I am going to have to add Pauline Creeden to the list too! This was an amazing collaboration, and I hope these two authors will continue to work together for a long time to come! I highly recommend this book if you love action/adventure, paranormal romance or Steampunk. - Lynn Worton
  • Alien Species Intervention Books 1-3 on March 11, 2014

    Review 6****** This is an anthology of three of the six books from the Species Intervention #6609 series. I absolutely LOVE this series, so when I found out the author was combining her books into an anthology, I jumped at the chance to get a copy! "Baby" is the first book and introduces us to Netty, Wil and Baby. Their story is far from a happy one, but had me completely gripped from beginning to end! It is a dark tale of violence and abuse, but there is something about this book that made me fall in love with it! "Echo" is the second book and moves forward 100 years into the future, introducing new characters and new terrors. Again, this story is just as dark and disturbing, if not more so, and although I was disgusted by some events, I was completely enthralled! "Armageddon Cometh" is the third book and continues the darkly violent theme, but it is not as severe or shocking as the previous two books. That being said, I still had the "rabbit in the headlights" feeling whilst reading the story. This is a great way to get to read this fantastic science fiction/dystopian/post-apocalyptic series, but be warned, it is not for the feint of heart! There is violence and sexual abuse, as well as foul language that may disturb some readers. However, the author has woven a tale that contains a message that is close to my own heart; that all life is precious and if we want to see our children's children's children's children inherit this planet we call home, we have to take better care of it, or face possible extinction by our own hands (or alien ones!). In fact, I'm seriously considering jumping ship and joining up with Baby and Echo's mission! That being said, this is a fantastic series that has stayed with me long after I finished the books. There are plenty of twists and turns, surprises and a plethora of emotions to contend with whilst reading these books. I am looking forward to reading the last three books in the next anthology. J.K. Accinni is definitely on my favourite authors list. Her writing style is fast paced and extremely descriptive. I could easily picture these characters - Armoni *Shudder* (not saying anymore!) - and places in my mind. I do not recommend this series to younger readers due to the violence and the language, but I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love Science Fiction, Dystopian or Post-Apocalyptic Fiction. - Lynn Worton
  • Suicide Song on July 26, 2014

    This is a very poignant short story, which deals with an unsettling and upsetting topic, and follows a young man who meticulously plans and executes his suicide. It is based on a true event. This story was very touching and left me feeling a little emotional, as I have known people who have taken their lives in the belief that they are worthless, and the world would be a better place without them. This is not true. Every person on this planet has a worth - self worth. But due to bullying, self loathing, low self esteem and/or depression (either due to emotional or financial issues), many people falsely believe that no one cares whether they live or die. I was devastated when I found out that the two people I considered friends ended their lives. I wished I had known that they were in a dark place. Unfortunately, I had not, and so was unable to help them. My one question will always remain as "Why?". Taking one's own life is never a solution to a problem. It just creates bigger problems for the family and friends who are left devastated, and wondering if they could have helped in some way. If you, or someone you know, has been bullied, hates yourself/themselves or suffers from depression and has contemplated ending it all, I would seriously recommend seeking help. There are several organisations and charity groups, not to mention family members or friends, who would be willing to listen, even if they cannot completely understand what you/they are going through. Although this story is based on a true event, Wanda Hartzenberg has written a deeply philosophical take on the subject of suicide. I found her writing to be very descriptive and almost lyrical in it's presentation. Her story, though short (only 5 pages long), sure packs a rather large emotional punch, and, with the inclusion of lyrics from Neil Diamond's song "Hello Again" made me picture the scenes with chilling clarity. This is her debut story in the writing world, and I am looking forward to following her career with interest. I highly recommend this story to everyone. - Lynn Worton