Monthly Archives: October 2018

Dragonfire (Dark Kings #14) by Donna Grant-Review & Giveaway Tour

Posted on by
24

DRAGONFIRE (Dark Kings #14) by Donna Grant-Review & Giveaway Tour

DRAGONFIRE
Dark Kings #14
by Donna Grant
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: adult contemporary, paranormal, fantasy romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / BAM / Indiebound / Powells

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2018

It was a soul-deep longing, one that got into his bones and settled there, sending whispers of desire through him. The need, the hunger, grew tenfold with every breath. . . .

As a Dragon King, Roman is sworn to protect all mortals–even though they no longer believe in dragons. But deep in the Carpathian Mountains, he discovers a beautiful and mysterious gypsy who possesses the power to see into his very soul. To reignite the fire in his heart. And to help him find the long-lost sword that could save the dragons forever…

Sabina remembers the stories her grandmother told her. Legends of dragons and kings, fire and ice. And she’s never forgotten the dark prophecy that filled her ancestors with fear–a fate they tried to prevent by stealing a Dragon King’s sword. Sabina knows that helping Roman is dangerous. He is a dragon betrayed, and more powerful than any man. He could destroy her in a single fiery embrace. But how can she resist the longing in his eyes–or the feelings in her heart–when their destinies are bound by desire?

••••••

REVIEW: DRAGONFIRE is the fourteenth full-length instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is Light Blue Dragon King Roman, and jewellery maker /Romani gypsy Sabina Gabor. DRAGONFIRE should not be read as a stand alone as the current story lines continue to follow an ongoing series arc.

SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Silver Dragon Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides but someone or something is determined to push the Dragons back into another war: Queen Usaeil of the Light Fae has set her sights on claiming King Constantine as her mate, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon in order to rule Scotland and the rest of the world. With the recent introduction of the Fae executioners known as the Reapers, the number of interconnected series continues to expand.

Told from several third person perspectives including Sabina and Roman, DRAGONFIRE follows Light Blue Dragon King Roman, and Dragon King Vlad aka V, as they go in search of Vlad’s missing sword, stolen thousands of year earlier while V slept in the Carpathian Mountains. Drawn to Romania in search of Vlad’s past, Roman will come face to face with his future-Romani gypsy and jewellery designer Sabina Gabor. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Roman and Sabina, and the fall-out as their search for the sword reveals past events linking Sabina’s family and Vlad, and the powerful magic meant to destroy them all.

DRAGONFIRE is a detailed and revealing story of magic, betrayal, vengeance and hope. With each instalment Donna Grant reveals a little more backstory and slowly exposes the conspiracy surrounding the fate of the Dragons, and the potential for war with the Fae, the Druids, and mankind. The gradual but deliberately slow, evolving series continues to expand, introducing new players and potential dangers as it meanders numerous paths taking the reader along for the ride. Light Fae Rhi continues to lament the rejection of the Dragon King she will always love; and Balladyn, now King of the Dark Fae, is determined to make Rhi his queen.

The Dark King series matures and expands with each subsequent addition. For followers of the series Ulrik and Con have made amends forcing the series to venture into another direction as the Dragon Kings face an old enemy that is determined to control them all. The romance takes a back seat to the increasing prospect of another Fae/Dragon war-a war of which the world may not survive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

 

 Donna Grant’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of DRAGONFIRE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Donna Grant on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from October 31 to November 5, 2018

Share

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

Posted on by
10

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / iTunes / Book Depository

 

Description:
When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen…but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she’d only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head…

 

Review:

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the first book in her new YA Origin series, which is a spinoff of her wonderful Lux series. I am a huge fan of Armentrout’s Lux series, and was thrilled to find out that she was returning to this world. I totally loved reading The Darkest Star, and so happy to be back home again.

Evie Dasher, our heroine, is convinced to go with her friend Heidi to Foretoken, a notorious club that Luxens and Humans can mix, but at seventeen, Evie is forbidden to go there.  While at the club, the place is raided, and she meets the club’s owner, Luc.  

Luc is extremely handsome, not to mention very powerful.  Much to Evie chagrin, Luc seems to know everything about her, and all she knows is that he is a Luxen.  Luc helps her escape the club, but her life is about the change, as he plans on being a big part of her life going forward.

Evie will find out her mother knows Luc, and as time moves on, other people close to her know him too.  In a short time, Evie finds herself attracted to the beautiful Luc, and meets some of his friends. She learns some of the truths from her mother about who her father really was. Why does Luc know everything about Evie? What are the secrets that some are hiding from her?

What follows is a wonderful story, where a rogue Luxen is killing some students, creating dissention in the school between those against the aliens, and those on their side.  The danger escalates putting Evie in danger, as the villain is someone from the days before the war. 

In time, Evie will learn all the truths and secrets about her life, and about Luc.  Though I understand her refusal to believe the truths, she was a bit stubborn early on, but in time she allows herself to open her heart to Luc, and accept the truth about her past, and forgive those who kept those secrets.

Armentrout does a fantastic job of grabbing our attention early on, and never letting go.  She keeps us on our toes, as she slowly reveals different twists or revelations that catch us by surprise.  The Darkest Star was an exciting, fast paced, intense & intriguing story that was also fun, with a sweet slow build romance between Evie and Luc. Evie will learn and see for herself just how powerful Luc really is.

I loved Evie and Luc, and also was thrilled to get to see some of our old favorites such as Daemon and Archer.  I also like some of the new characters, such as Evie & Luc’s friends.  It was great that we get to learn more about the Origins that was barely hinted in the previous series.

The Darkest Star was fantastic YA thriller, wonderful déjà vu sweet romance, and though the story ended satisfactory, there are so many questions still to be answered.  I cannot wait for the next book, and what Jennifer L. Armentrout has in store for us. Thank you Jennifer for bringing us back to this world.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Butterfly Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

Posted on by
10

The Butterfly Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Frederica Burghley wants to be married by Yuletide. Or else her father will set her up with one of his friends. The bonbon-loving illegitimate daughter of the duke wants to choose her own husband. Advertising in the newspaper seems like the way to go. But a sinister response, with threats against her life, leads her to enlist the help of her very handsome, dear friend Jasper Fitzwilliam, Lord Hartwell.

 

A father and widower, Jasper is not only tasked with keeping Frederica safe but also with helping his vibrant friend choose a suitable husband. The more he tries to keep the ever-surprising woman alive and find her a good match, the more Jasper realizes he cares for her. The two friends risk their lives for each other, so they should be able to risk their feelings for a chance at a deep and true love together. But he’s not looking for marriage and she’s not looking for convenience.

 

 

Review:

The Butterfly Bride begins with Frederica Burghley going up to her room, not feeling well.  The next thing she knows is that someone is coming in through her bedroom window.  Scared, but still feeling ‘off’, she flees her room, only to wake up some time later in a strange bed with none other than her longtime friend, Jasper Fitzwilliam.  Shocked to her core, she knows that if anyone finds out that she was alone with a man, even though she knows nothing happened, the scandal that followed would be, well, scandalous.  She convinces Jasper to climb out the window, and then makes her way back to her own room to discover that it has been ransacked and a treasured item that had belonged to her deceased mother had been taken.  Once her father, the duke, sees all of this, he makes the decision that she has to find a husband, or he’ll arrange one for her.

The duke is leaving on his own honeymoon, he entrusts her care and safety to Jasper.  Frederica finds herself, and those she cares for, threatened more than once.  Jasper vows that no harm will come to her on his watch, and also tries to help her find a suitable husband.  What he doesn’t realize is that the thing Frederica is most worried about is her heart………and his.

The Butterfly Bride is a nice addition to Vanessa Riley‘s Advertisements for Love series.  The first parts of the book were engaging and intriguing.  Frederica, being the product of an affair, has worked very hard to try and distance herself from said affair, all the while loving both of her parents dearly.  She’s feisty and loyal and tries to see the good in everyone.  Jasper, every so guarded, made me want to thump him a time or seventy.  I liked his character, but did not like the fact that it took him until almost the very end of the book to admit his love for Frederica.  I found the middle of the book repetitive and slow, but liked the overall story.  I did enjoy the two of them together, but I wished for more of a spark.  The revelation of the bad guy was satisfying, and as always, the secondary characters are well written and intriguing.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll enjoy the read.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Wolf Rising by Paige Tyler – Review, excerpt & Tour

Posted on by
11

Wolf Rising by Paige Tyler –  Review, Excerpt & Tour

Amazon / B&N / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

 

Description:
Werewolf SWAT Officer Jayden Brooks has yet to meet The One—but when he rescues teacher Selena Rosa from a hostage situation at her high school, he knows he’s in trouble. Her scent is irresistible.

There’s a reason for that powerful scent—and it isn’t an expensive perfume. Thanks to the traumatizing events at the school, the werewolf gene flipped on and Selena’s going through the change. Even scarier, she’s on track to become an omega—an out-of-control and violent breed. It’s going to take everything Brooks has if he wants any chance to pull her back from the edge…and ultimately win her heart

 

 

Review:

Wolf Rising by Paige Tyler is the 8th book in her wonderful  SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team) series. I love this series, as Tyler always gives us exciting stories that are pulse pounding action, with a great couple, and the hot men (werewolves) that make up the alpha swat team. Wolf Rising was another wonderful romance suspense that Tyler does so well.

Jayden Brooks, our hero, is sent with some of his teammates to a hostage situation at the local high school, where a gang member is threatening a student, as well as the teacher.  He arrives just in time to rescue them, and senses something different about the teacher.

Selena Rosa, our heroine, has stood up to gangs all her life, having lost her brother to one of them years before.  Selena refused to back down to the gang member, and when Jayden rescues her, she thinks he is badly hurt.  When she later goes to visit him at the Swat headquarters, she finds it strange that he was not hurt, since she saw blood, but accepts his explanation and soon a friendship starts.

We watch Selena put herself in danger when the student who she helped save, is again in the middle of a gang attack.  Selena loses control, and finds herself becoming strongly violent to scare off the gang.  She does not understand what has come over her.   Jayden can smell Selena’s scent and knows she is going through a change to become a werewolf.  After talking to his c- workers, it seems the traumatizing event at the school triggered the change in Selena.   How was he going to explain what is happening to her?

When their relationship becomes sexual, Selena panics when she sees that she bit Jayden and he is forced to tell her the truth, which she does not accept.  Jayden also sees how Selena is very strong, and out of control at times, which hints that she is an Omega (a more violent wolf).  In a short time, Selena will go to Jayden for help, and meet the rest of his teammates, and work with another experienced Omega wolf to learn how to control her urges.  It was a nice added feature to learn more about the other types of wolves, such as Omega or Beta.

The story line focuses on the gangs and the drugs they help sell.  One is a dangerous and at time lethal drug, and the SWAT team is determined to find the leader of this group creating the drug.  The chemistry between Jayden and Selena is hot, and he knows that she is the ‘one’ (his mate).  Selena has a nice best friend, Becca, who helps her come to terms with her change.  I also love the men on the SWAT team, and how well they get along. 

When things get dangerous, all hell will break loose, and Selena is once again in danger from the leader of the gang, someone she never suspected, (whom I did suspect from the start).  The last ¼ of the book was very exciting; I was unable to put the book down.  Paige Tyler does it again with another intense, intriguing, fun and sexy story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters.  I have said this before; Tyler manages to keep the story in the forefront, and still give us a beautiful sexy romance.  Wolf Rising is a wonderful addition to this fantastic series that you should be reading.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by  Publisher

 

The dayroom was big enough for the whole SWAT team to fit, as well as their extended pack, which was a good thing, since it was growing in leaps and bounds. In addition to the two couches and coffee table, there were beanbag chairs and a sweet big-screen TV. Since it was the holiday season, there was also a Christmas tree with all the trimmings. Brooks gestured to one of the couches, then sat down beside her.
“I’m glad we got a chance to talk in private,” Selena said. “I wanted to ask if you got injured in the rescue but wasn’t sure if I should bring it up in front of everyone else. I know guys can get embarrassed when women ask questions like that around other men.”
He was so distracted by the sexy curve of her hips as she crossed her legs that he almost missed what she’d said. “Injured? Nah.”
“You weren’t? Huh.” She frowned, confusion clouding her eyes. “There was so much blood on my clothes, not to mention the floor, and when I realized it couldn’t be Pablo’s, I naturally assumed it was yours.”
Brooks’s first instinct was to say nothing. That was the standard response anytime someone outside the Pack saw something they shouldn’t. But Selena looked so distressed, he had to tell her something.
“Oh, you must mean these.” He gestured at the freshly healed scars on his forearm from both the small bullet hole up near his elbow and the larger incision he’d gotten when Trey had dug Pablo’s bullet out of him. “I cut myself on a piece of glass picking you up. It was nothing.”
Selena studied the scars, her eyes narrowing a little before she looked back at him. Brooks had no doubt she was trying to figure out how scars that looked like they were a week old could possibly have produced as much blood as she’d had on her clothes. When she stared him straight in the eyes for several long moments, he wondered if this was what her students felt like when they’d been caught lying. He held his breath, sure she was going to call him on it.
But instead, she nodded and broke eye contact. “I’m glad it wasn’t anything more serious. You could have gotten shot shielding me like that.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. “It was nothing. I was more worried about hurting you. I slammed into you pretty hard. I didn’t break anything, did I?”
Selena shook her head. “No breaks, thank goodness. The doctor was worried I might have gotten a concussion, though. He could be right. My head was a little wonky last night for sure.”
“Wonky?” It was his turn to frown. “What do you mean? Should you be out of the hospital?”
Brooks subconsciously moved closer, his heart beating faster at the thought that he’d hurt her. He was half a second away from sweeping her up into his arms and hauling ass for his truck to take her to the hospital.
Selena must have read his mind, because she stopped him with a smile and a gentle hand on his arm. “I’m okay…really. I’ll admit my heart rate was all over the place when I was there, and I had a fever nobody could explain, but thankfully, everything went back to normal. As it turns out, the doctor decided my symptoms weren’t related to anything physical.”
“What was it then?”
She took her hand away from his arm as she shrugged. “He seemed to think I’m dealing with post-traumatic stress.”
A part of Brooks was relieved Selena wasn’t physically injured, but at the same time, he was worried. PTSD wasn’t anything to mess around with. He’d known a lot of good cops who’d lost their jobs, their families, and sometimes more because they’d gone through a rough situation they’d never been able to get past.
“Have you thought of talking to someone about it?” he asked.
She sighed. “You sound like my principal and vice principal. They want me to talk to somebody, too. In fact, they’ve essentially kicked me out of my class for the rest of the week, so I can take time off to recover. Whatever the heck that means.”
“Selena, this is serious,” Brooks said. “Someone tried to kill you. It’s normal to be affected by something like that. Normal to feel confused, scared, and freaked out as hell. It’s also completely normal to sit down and talk with someone about it.”
Her shoulders sagged. “I know. And to be honest, I am a bit freaked out by everything that happened—the parts I can remember anyway. But honestly, I’m not sure who I’d even talk to about something like this. I don’t know if I could walk into a therapist’s office and open up to someone I’ve never met. My grandmother is the only family I have left, but I don’t want to worry her any more than she already is after what happened yesterday.”
Selena thought a moment. “I suppose I could talk to my priest, but he’s such a gentle soul that I’m not sure I could bring myself to tell him all the things I was feeling in the classroom when Pablo was waving that gun around.”
“You could always talk to me,” he said softly. “I mean, I know you just met me, but at least you don’t have to fill me in on all the details, since I was there with you. And I do a pretty good job of listening, if I do say so myself.”
That gorgeous smile returned. “Well, since it seems like I have the rest of the week off whether I want it or not, maybe we could get together and talk over lunch?”
“Lunch would work,” he agreed. “But how about dinner instead? If you’re comfortable with that, I mean.”
Selena didn’t answer. Crap. Had he completely misread the situation? It hit him then that he’d never even considered the possibility she might have a boyfriend…or a girlfriend, for that matter. But then he heard her heart thump a little harder and realized she was definitely intrigued by the suggestion.
“I’ll consider dinner,” Selena said slowly, her lips curving in a surprisingly sultry way. “But only if you come to my place.”
Brooks certainly didn’t mind going to her place, but he was a little taken aback by the invitation. Then he picked up a very distinct scent filling the room. Damn. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear she was getting aroused. Which immediately got him going, too. The image of him humping her leg came roaring right back.
Down, boy.
“Are you good in the kitchen?” he asked.
Selena gave him a look that suggested she knew exactly what she was doing to him. “I’m good in every room of my place.”
He chuckled, loving the unexpected flirty banter, especially when her face heated up, making him think she’d been more shocked by the words than he had.
“Well, in that case, dinner at your place it is. Tonight work for you?”
She hesitated, and again he was struck by the idea that this wasn’t the way she normally behaved. But then she took a deep breath and nodded her head. “Tonight sounds good. Eight o’clock?”
“Perfect.”
They talked a little while longer…and flirted a bit in between exchanging phone numbers, too. Every once in a while, he’d pick up the tantalizing scent of her arousal.
But now, it was mixed with the one he’d picked up when he’d first walked into the admin building. He tried to get his head around the amazingly complex aroma. It was equal parts delicate flowers, exotic spices, and something feminine and uniquely Selena.
He couldn’t believe how different her scent was today from yesterday. It was almost like he was smelling a different woman.
But no matter what Selena smelled like, Brooks couldn’t deny how strongly her scent affected him.
Some of the guys in the Pack had experienced this sensory sensation before, and in every case, it involved stumbling across The One.
Did Selena’s amazing scent mean she was his soul mate, a woman he’d known for all of thirty minutes?
His head spun at the idea. Not because he didn’t believe in the idea of finding The One. It was simply that he’d never expected it to happen. He’d tried a long-term relationship once, and it had failed spectacularly. After that, he’d stopped trying.
But if Selena was The One, that would all change, right?
He was still wrestling with those thoughts when Selena stood up. “I’d better get to the store and pick up some stuff for dinner if I’m going have everything ready by eight.”
“You know you don’t need to do anything fancy, right?” He flashed her a grin as they walked to the door. “I’d be happy with another tray of brownies.”
Selena laughed. “You know, I think you mean that.
But putting together a good meal isn’t work for me. I love to cook. It’s what I do for the important people in my life. Like you.”
Brooks gazed down at her, suddenly robbed of speech. Selena slowly ran the tip of her tongue over her lips, leaving a moist sheen behind that made his gums tingle as his fangs threatened to slip out. He leaned in to kiss her, when suddenly, the door jerked open.
Brooks shot out a hand and caught Selena before she could fall, but that didn’t keep her from blushing as Khaki and Rachel stood there with knowing looks on their faces. There were some introductions, a few apologies, and a lot of laughter as Selena got her feet back under her.
Neither of them spoke as Brooks walked her to her car. When they got there, Selena opened her door before turning to him with a smile.
“I’ll see you tonight.”
The urge to kiss her was still there, but he held himself in check and returned her smile instead. “I’ll be there.”
As Brooks watched Selena’s car disappear down the street, he replayed the moment right before Khaki and Rachel had opened the door and interrupted them.
The thought of Selena’s luscious lips had him thinking about all kinds of things a couple normally didn’t do on a first date.

Share

Archangel’s Prophecy (Guild Hunter #11) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on by
25

Archangel’s Prophecy (Guild Hunter #11) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

:

ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY
Guild Hunter #11
by Nalini Singh
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, Urban Fantasy, paranormal

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Midnight and dawn, Elena’s wings are unique among angelkind…and now they’re failing. The first mortal to be turned into an immortal in angelic memory, she’s regressing. Becoming more and more human. Easier to hurt. Easier to kill.

Elena and Raphael must unearth the reason for the regression before it’s too late and Elena falls out of the sky. Yet even as they fight a furious battle for Elena’s very survival, violent forces are gathering in New York and across the world.

In China, the Archangel Favashi is showing the first signs of madness. In New York, a mysterious sinkhole filled with lava swallows a man whole. In Africa, torrential monsoon rains flood rolling deserts. And in Elena’s mind whispers a haunting voice that isn’t her own.

This time, survival may not be possible…not even for the consort of an archangel.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is the eleventh instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is the continuing story of New York’s Archangel Raphael, and his consort, human turned angel Elena Deveraux. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY should not be read as a stand alone as the story line continues the series arc focusing on the Cascade, and the growing evil surrounding two of Cadre.

Told from several third person perspectives including Raphael and Elena ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY follows Elena as she tasks herself with uncovering the truth behind a series of attacks and dismemberment against vampires and humans including the near fatal attack against her sister’s mate. As Elena begins to dig deeper into everyone connected with Harrison’s past, strange phenomena and environmental disasters begin to wreak havoc in Raphael’s New York territory, phenomena that directly affects our story line heroine. Slowly reverting back to her mortal self, Elena sees apparitions and warnings of impending danger and doom, doom that the Archangel Raphael is powerless to prevent or defeat.

ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a love story wherein one of the most powerful beings is unable to prevent the fall-out of power, death, rebirth and the prophecy. Struggling to stay one step ahead of the approaching destruction of his heart and his soul Raphael learns that the ultimate sacrifice is only the beginning of a new awakening and his chance for a future.

Nalini Singh’s ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a captivating story of unimaginable conflict; of pain and loss, of heartache and grief. As our couple battle that which they cannot see, others must battle that which remains to be seen. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a raw, real and powerful story; a startling and staggering look at devotion, love, sacrifice and the helplessness in the inability to stop the inevitable fall.

•••••••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh is the 11th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.   Raphael and Elena take center stage once again in Archangel’s Prophecy.  It is always great to be able to spend a lot of time with Raphael and Elena, as they are a great couple…the Archangel and his Consort.

But things are changing, as the cascade threatens again.  In China, a major threat to other Archangels threatens all. In New York, Elena is on a case to find out who attacked her brother-in law, thereby putting her sister and niece’s lives in danger. Slowly, Elena begins to notice things happening to her body.  She is losing her feathers on her wings, one at a time; cuts do not heal, and each day she becomes weaker.  Being the first mortal turned to immortal, Elena realizes that slowly she is losing her immortality.  The question is why?  No one has any answers.

Elena also hears voices from an ancient long asleep, warning her about the prophecy where she must give her life for another. Raphael is desperate to find the cause that is harming Elena, and brings his ‘seven’ to help.

In the midst of this, is the mystery as to who is killing vampires, including the attack on her brother-in-law.  These are the two main storylines that Archangel’s Prophecy centers on; with Elena pushing herself beyond to do what she can to stop this killer, in order to protect her family.  Her body continues to weaken, losing part of her immortality and powers along the way. Elena is determined to ignore the prophecy and using her will to try and force it to change to a different future.  Raphael was amazing throughout, showing how much he loves Elena, and knowing if he loses her, he will become the monster he always feared.  He also knows that an ancient archangel more powerful than any of the other archangels will eventually wake up, casusing a catastrophic war that could destroy them all.

I can’t say too much more, as you really need to read this book.  Archangel’s Prophecy was an emotional wild ride that had me rushing through the pages so that I can find out what happens, which of of course made me go back and reread the last 1/3 again.  It was great to spend time with Raphael and Elena, and I enjoy their love for each other; but there was anguish, fear, worry as we watched them desperately holding on to hope.  I loved seeing all the ‘seven’ and many of their mates.  I love Illium, and look forward to whenever we get his story.  The Legion was also very good, especially with them watching over Elena and Raphael.

Just so you know, the book ends with cliffhanger, and I cannot imagine waiting another year to find out what happens.  Will Raphael and Elena find a way change the direction of the prophecy?  What exactly happens to Elena if the prophecy holds true?  Too many questions, and too long to wait.  Nalini Singh once again gives us a sensational and maybe game changing story.  Archangel’s Prophecy is a must read.

 

Copies provided by Publisher

 

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Nalini Singh, 2018.

 

(Elena is in Raphael’s arms as he flies them across the night sky.)“I can almost understand what Jeffrey’s become,” Elena said. “The way he is now.” She ran her fingers through Raphael’s hair as the two of them flew on into the night. “It’d be as if you chose to leave me. I’d spend the rest of my life wondering why you couldn’t come to me, why you couldn’t trust me with your hurt and sorrow.”
I would never leave you, Elena. A lethal edge in every word. Such a thing is an impossibility.
“I know you’d never leave me, not by choice.” The Cascade shoving him full of power, other forces in the immortal world, sought to steal him from her, but Raphael would never make the choice Marguerite had made. “I was just using it as an example.”
Find another example.
Laughter burst through the anger, shattering it into icy shards that melted in the heat between them. Sinking into the force of his love and commitment, she used her most penitent voice to say, “I apologize for even using it as a hypothetical example.”
He gave her a stern look, before nodding downward. “See there.”
Following his gaze, she spotted a jetboat scything through the water. It was a sleek black thing with what might’ve been flames licking up the sides. It was hard to see in the darkness, the only light coming from the boat itself. “Fancy.”
“Look closer.”
She squinted as he dropped lower, but it was a wisp of scent that floated into the air—chocolate and fur and champagne—that gave her the identity of the man at the helm. “Dmitri? I didn’t know he had a boat.”
“That’s the Honor, Dmitri’s new personal launch.” A pause before he said, “Shall I name something after you?”
Elena pretended to think about it. “Maybe the next time you buy a jet,” she said solemnly.
“I will call it the Hunter Angel.”
Elena threatened to punch him. He laughed until his eyes were pure light and white fire danced over his primaries and it felt like intoxication. His kiss was food to her parched soul, the angel dust that coated her lips without warning luscious and erotic, delicious and addictive.


 

Nalini’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Follow NALINI SINGH   on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from October 30  to November 5, 2018

Share

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
21

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory – Review & Giveaway

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / iTunes / Google Play

 

Description:
When someone asks you to spend your life with him, it shouldn’t come as a surprise–or happen in front of 45,000 people.

When freelance writer Nikole Paterson goes to a Dodgers game with her actor boyfriend, his man bun, and his bros, the last thing she expects is a scoreboard proposal. Saying no isn’t the hard part–they’ve only been dating for five months, and he can’t even spell her name correctly. The hard part is having to face a stadium full of disappointed fans…

At the game with his sister, Carlos Ibarra comes to Nik’s rescue and rushes her away from a camera crew. He’s even there for her when the video goes viral and Nik’s social media blows up–in a bad way. Nik knows that in the wilds of LA, a handsome doctor like Carlos can’t be looking for anything serious, so she embarks on an epic rebound with him, filled with food, fun, and fantastic sex. But when their glorified hookups start breaking the rules, one of them has to be smart enough to put on the brakes…

 

 

Review:

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory is a standalone novel. Having read and enjoyed Guillory’s debut novel, The Wedding Date, I looked forward to reading this book.

Nikole (Nik) Paterson, our heroine, is sitting at a Dodger baseball game with her boyfriend and his friends, when she sees herself on the huge scoreboard.  When she looks down, her boyfriend of 5 months is proposing to her in front of the huge crowd, Nik is totally shocked, and speechless.  She never expected this, and with the pressure of everyone watching, she does not accept the proposal, which then angers her boyfriend, and the media is now ready to crash in.

Carlos Ibarra and his sister are also at the game, and only two rows behind the shell shocked Nik.  Knowing she is going to be bombarded, they come to her rescue pretending to be friends, and pull her away from the media to safety.  Not having a ride, Carlos and Angela will take her to a bar, where Nik’s best friends were waiting for  her, and they all talk about what happened, and get to know each other. 

Carlos and Nik become fast friends, but both are not interested in any relationship.  Nik is swearing off men (ok to be friends) and Carlos does not believe in true love or getting into a serious relationship.  They have fun together as friends, but in a short time their attraction to each other will heat up; but they are both determined to enjoy the benefits without anything more.  Each has their own baggage, as Nik knowing Carlos is a doctor, and her other relationship that failed was with a doctor who cheated on her;  Carlos takes care of his family, and because of his father leaving them, he doesn’t believe in love.

This turns out to be a very nice, sweet, engaging romance between two very likable people.  This is also a multicultural romance, with some great diverse secondary characters.  Guillory does this so well.  We have Nik, a beautiful black woman; Carlos is latino; his best friend is Korean and her best friends are gay or white.   It was a fun group.

 What follows is a difficult journey for both of them, with each falling in love with each other, but having to get past their own baggage.  You will have to read the book to find out if they open their hearts to their true feelings and allow love to lead the way.   The Proposal was a sweet fun read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jasmine Guillory’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of THE PROPOSAL to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Jasmine Guillory on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from October 29 – November 3, 2018

Share

Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost – a Review

Posted on by
13

Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / BAM / Google Play / Book Depository

 

Description:
The Rule Breaker

Master vampire Ian is unrepentant, shameless…and every shade of wicked. He’s made one too many enemies in his two centuries of existence, including Dagon, a demon who now lays claim to his soul. Ian’s only chance to escape Dagon is to join forces with a Law Guardian, but he’s never been able to abide by the rules for long.

The Law Maker

Veritas’ normal role is police, judge and jury to reprobates like Ian. But she has her own ax to grind with Dagon, so if she can use Ian as bait…well, all’s fair in law and war. As they scour supernatural hotspots to perfect their trap, Veritas soon realizes Ian’s devil-may-care, roguish image hides something much more powerful. And Ian discovers that Veritas has shocking secrets of her own. As they’re drawn to each other with a passion as intense as their peril, either love or justice will prevail. But each will have devastating consequences…

 

 

Review:

Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost is the 1st book in her new Night Rebel series, which is a much anticipated spin off from her wonderful Night Huntress series. Being a major fan of Frost’s Night Huntress, as well as her other spinoffs (Night Prince/ World), I could not wait to read Ian’s story. He is indeed the star in Shades of Wicked.

Ian, our hero in this series, is a master vampire that you love to hate, though he is considered friends to our previous heroes in Bones, Cat, Mencheres, and even Vlad (well he hates him, but will help him if needed), just to name a few. He is totally wicked in every way, but he is also loyal to his friends. Ian is desperate, as he knows his days are numbered, since he bargained his life and soul to a dangerous demon, who is waiting for the day when Ian willingly gives up his soul.

Veritas, our heroine, is a Law Guardian and vampire, who we have come to know as one strong powerful tough cookie, who always abides by the rules. But she has a secret that will make her find Ian, and get him to work with her.  Seems she wants vengeance against the same demon, Dagon that holds Ian’s soul.  

At first Ian wants nothing to do with Veritas, but she convinces him to work with her to destroy Dagon, which will be benefit both of them, as together they are strong enough to defeat him. Neither one of them trust each other, and when Dagon gets closer to finding Ian, they begin to work together to find a way to set up a trap for the demon.

What follows is an amazing story that puts together two unlikely people totally different, that will develop into a slow built romance that no one could ever imagine.  Ian has always been an egotistic manwhore, and Veritas is the opposite. But along the way, they each begin to learn more about each other; their pasts & secrets that made them what they were today.  Bravo to Jeaniene Frost for making us fall for both of them and have us rooting hard that they will stay together.  But will they?

The last half of the book was exciting, dangerous, sexy, fun and I loved every moment of it, as I raced to finish the book.  The romance was intensely passionate, and to my amazement I loved them together.  Shades of Wicked is a fantastic start to this new series.   I will add that there is sort of a cliffhanger, which is making me so impatient for the next book. You need to read this series.  Bravo again, Jeaniene Frost.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Blood Bond (Sentinel Wars #10) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review

Posted on by
15

BLOOD BOND (Sentinel Wars #10) by Shannon K Butcher-dual review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2018

Justice has never known freedom. She woke up ten years ago, naked and alone with no memory of who or what she was. Since then, she’s been a prisoner, compelled by powers she doesn’t understand. She’s roamed the country, doing whatever the fates demanded of her, good or bad. Completely alone.

Until now.

Ronan is starving to death. Like all the Sanguinar, his survival depends on finding the dwindling traces of blood left behind by an ancient, magical race. Weeks ago, Justice saved his life and since then, it’s been her blood he craves, her face he dreams about.

As evil closes in on all sides, threatening the only stronghold the Sentinels have to protect them, Ronan must find a way to gain Justice’s trust and free her from the dark powers that control her. Because if he can’t, the next person she is compelled to kill may be him.

••••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW:

BLOOD BOND is the tenth instalment in Shannon K Butcher’s SENTINEL WARS paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is Sanguinar Ronan, and Justice’s story line. BLOOD BOND can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and history, I would suggest reading the series in order as many of the storylines overlap and continue in each successive instalment. Shannon is an author who builds up future storylines in many of the previous novels.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Sentinels are three races descended from an ancient race of guardians known as the Athanasians, who defend and protect mankind from the demons at the door. The Theronai are the protectors whose Theronai lifemark-The Tree of Life-begins to lose its’ leaves if a Theronai warrior does not find his mate. The lifemark is a visual gage of a soul’s health, and all of the warriors suffering with the pain are running out of time. The Synestryn have killed most of the female Theronai and the warriors are in need of women whose DNA and heritage will match with their own: the Sanguinar are the healers (as well as blood feeders) and the Synestryn are the demons whose humanity has been lost for centuries.

Told from several third person perspectives including Justice and Ronan BLOOD BOND follows several paths as Justice is ‘compelled’ to retrieve a number of items from various locations. Weeks (or months) earlier Ronan was dying and our heroine was the only source of sustenance for the ailing Sanguinar, a source that now connects our leading couple. As Justice is coerced by an unidentified psychic entity, Ronan must ensure that the woman that calls to his blood survives her journey into the unknown. Several attempts on both of their lives forces Justice to walk away before doing further damage, damage she fears to destroy the man with whom she is falling in love. What ensues is the building romance between Justice and Ronan, and the fall-out as the Theronai compound in Dabyr is targeted by the Synestryn demons.

Meanwhile Madoc and Nika are awaiting the arrival of their first born child, the first born Theronai in close to two hundred years. The attack on the compound is imminent but from who or what remains a mystery. Preparations were made in advance of the attack but they never expected the overwhelming hoard or the identity of their ultimate prize.

BLOOD BOND is a fast paced, action packed story line of good vs evil; betrayal and revenge; power and control. The premise is engaging; the romance is fated; the characters are colourful, energetic and powerful. Shannon K. Butcher’s world of the paranormal is exciting and dangerous.

It has been close to three years since the last Sentinel Wars book was released, and I struggled to remember all of the connections, and various paths on which the Theronai travel. The war between the Theronai and Sanguinar, and the Synestryn has come full circle-a war in which not all will survive.

__________

BARB’s Review: 

Blood Bond by Shannon Butcher is the 10th book in her Sentinel Wars series.  It has been a long time (3 years) since the last book, and I had to go back to my reviews to refresh my memory. What I did know was that I loved this series, and Shannon’s wonderful writing.  Needless to say I am thrilled to be in this world again.  Refresher:  The Sentinel Wars series revolves around immortal warriors that protect the humans from the evil demons, Synestryn.  The Sanquinars are healers, who need blood to survive, and they are dwindling; and the Theronai, who are elite protectors, who need to find their life mates to survive.

We meet Justice, our heroine, from the start, as she is compelled to save a young girl, who is being kidnapped.  Justice has been besieged with voices (fates) telling her what to do, and has no memory of the past 10 years.  When she is attacked, and left to die, Ronan, our hero, will come to her rescue, saving her and the young girl.  But he needs to move her quickly, as the blood scent will draw the Synestryn demons.  Ronan needs to convince Justice to allow him to help her, as she remembers when she tried to help him previously; when he took a lot of her blood.  Her worry about the little girl and her weakness forces her to accept his help.

Ronan will bring both of them to safety to the Dabyr compound, where the Sanquinar and Theronai live.   In a short time, Justice will learn all about the people in Dabyr, and they are good people.  Though Ronan needs her blood to survive, she begins to trust him, and have feelings for him.  It is those feelings that will force Justice to follow her voices, and in so doing that, runs from Ronan, in fear of him getting himself killed helping her. 

What follows is an exciting, fast paced, action packed adventure, where Ronan and some of his warrior friends fight to save Justice, and then race back to help fight off a major  demon attack on Dabyr.  The Synestryns are determined to kill all the Theronai woman and children, in order to destroy the Theronai warriors.  As we raced to the finish, this was a wild crazy battle with so many of our old and new favorites in a fight to death; keeping us on the edge of our seats.  I loved the romance that was slow build between Ronan and Justice, and cannot wait to see what Shannon has in store for us.  As I said before, I loved seeing some of our old favorites, and there was a nice side story about the arrival of a Theronai baby girl, the first in 200 years.

I am happy to be reading the Sentinel Wars again, and Shannon Butcher has once again gives us a great exciting story, a great couple, and wonderful secondary characters.  If you enjoy paranormal fantasy, with lots of action and romance, then you should start reading this series.


Copy supplied for review

Share