Black Diamond's Book Reviews: PHE Ink

The MPire: In Search of the Lost by T. L. James

My 13 week challenge book 8 of 13

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: PHE Ink (June 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982447515
ISBN-13: 978-0982447512
Source: I won this autographed copy from PHE Ink!

About the Book:

In Search of the Lost is the story of Mallory Towneson Haulm, a sexy financial powerhouse, who lives in a quasi paradise in Austin, Texas. His opulent world is decorated with expensive toys and women more exquisite than an exotic candy shop. After fourteen years of separation from his family, Mallory is summoned to return home to join The Family Business. Poised for success, Mallory is focused on turning around the ailing business, not realizing that taking his assigned reigns will put him in a position of unrelenting power which he is unaware he even has. His world crashes as he reunites with his brothers and becomes Death, the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse. With every complication popping up in his life, the biggest one by far is in the form of an old lover from the past coming back to reclaim the spot in Mallory's heart.

Book Trailer:

Meet T.L. James

TL James graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University. At LETU, James cultivated an interest in biblical studies and research. Little did James know, but her love for research would become an integral thread in her writing style.

After many sleepless nights, James began writing her first speculative fictional book, with her newly born son tucked comfortably at her side. She developed the family drama storyline that showcases her love of research, biblical studies and literary classics (i.e., Chaucer, Shakespeare and Mythology). The MPire Trilogy was born.

In 2008, TL James revived PHE Ink, a Writing Solutions Firm, after discovering a number of gaps in the publishing industry. James works with aspiring writers, one-on-one, to develop their literary voice. PHE Ink, also, assists entrepreneurs with transforming their business dreams into defined objectives and business plans.

TL James currently resides in Houston, Texas with her son and immediate family.

My Review:

This book has been in my to-read pile, and I was so glad to finally get reading it! I will be reviewing the second book in this Mpire trilogy in the next few weeks as well.

Mallory Towneson Haulm had been away from his family for 14 years. He finally comes back and places a bet wherein if he loses, he has to run the family company for a week. You have to read to find out what happens, but let me tell you about Mallory. He definitely was a different character! When he was shaving and hydrating his body at the beginning of the story, I really started to wonder about him. The way he prepped himself just didn't seem like something the average guy would be doing. He did have sex with women a lot though, so I wasn't too sure. Maybe he was just a very neat and clean guy. After all, he did gargle vodka and then spit it out to take ...well certain odors from when he was with a woman... out of his mouth. The dance that he did with Amanda, when he lifted her up and his face disappeared under her dress...whew--HOT!

Mallory had a brother named Matthew. I was kind of surprised when Mallory and his brother Matthew saw each other. This is definitely a different twist. You will have to read to find out who Matthew and Mallory really are!

I loved this first book in the MPire trilogy! The majority of the book I read while I was at the beach! I really was drawn in to the story to see what was going to happen next! I highly recommend this book! It really wasn't what I expected at all! I can't wait to read the next book in this trilogy, called Death Cometh!.

My Rating:
5/5 diamonds - highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

View my previous post where you will be able to read an exclusive chapter!:

The MPIRE: In Search of the Lost by T.L. James BOOK TOUR, Exclusive Chapter & Giveaway!

Where you can find and follow T.L. James:

Buy the BOOK at:

Barnes and Noble Nook

Powell’s Books

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Mailbox Monday

is hosted by Jenny Q. @ Let Them Read Books (December Host)

We share what books that we found

in our mailboxes last week.

Wow was this ever a cool week for me! Let's see, where do I start?

Well, author Brian W. Smith asked if I would review his book. I was so excited when I got the package from him and it had 3 books in it, all autographed. They are:

Nina's Got a Secret by Brian W. Smith

Beater by Brian W. Smith

Deadbeat by Brian W. Smith

I got a surprise package in the mail from PHE INK!

They sent me a mug, a book thong and The Frog Pond by Otis Randolf! I was totally surprised by this! Check out their website at PHE Ink!

Their authors are Jazz Singleton (have not read anything by her yet), Jean Holloway (read Ace of Hearts, Black Jack and Deuces Wild-all awesome books), LM Blakeley (have her book Wikked to read), P Renee (need to read her book still), T.L. James (I have her MPire books at home to read!)

I also got a surprise from Simply Said Reading Accessories. Check out the cool bookmarks and book thongs they have. Here is what they sent me:

Here is all the book marks together

I did buy some books too:

Not a Good Look by Nikki Carter

These I also purchased from the Publisher at a very reduced price. Thanks Staci for the recommendation that you printed. Obviously I ordered it along with a couple others!