Monthly Archives: October 2018

Redemption (The Sin Trilogy #6) by Georgia Cates-a review

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REDEMPTION (Sin Series Standalone: Sin Trilogy #6) by Georgia Cates-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 18, 2018

A Sin Series Standalone Novel

I was on my way to having everything that I wanted… until I opened that door. That’s when my entire world shattered. In a single second, my happy life was gone.

She broke my heart. There, I admit it. But a Fellowship man doesn’t mourn the loss of a woman. He moves on to the next one. And the next. But what I quickly discover is that it doesn’t matter how many women I’m with. I’ll never find one who can replace Lorna Frazier.

I’ve been an arse, doing everything within my power to hurt her. And I’ve been successful at it. But it doesn’t heal the pain of losing the woman that I love. She is my everything, and I’m nothing without her.

Apart, we’re weak. Together, we’re strong.
Apart, we’re in hell. Together, we’re in heaven.
Apart, we’re broken. Together, we’re whole.

I won’t give up on us.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: REDEMPTION is the sixth instalment in Georgia Cates’ contemporary, adult SIN TRILOGY focusing on the men and women of the Scottish Crime Syndicates The Fellowship, and The Order. This is bar owner and Fellowship member Leith Duncan, and former barmaid Lorna Frazier’s story line. REDEMPTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion regarding the Fellowship and the Order, as well as Lorna and Leith’s tempestuous relationship.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Leith and Lorna) REDEMPTION follows the second chance relationship between bar owner and Fellowship member Leith Duncan, and former barmaid Lorna Frazier. Four years earlier Leith and Lorna proclaimed their love for one another but Leith discovered Lorna in a compromising position with Fellowship Leader Sin Breckenridge, a position that destroyed Leith’s heart. Fast forward to present day wherein another member of The Fellowship declares his interest in our story line heroine, an interest that threatens any second chance should Lorna accept the ill-timed proposal. What ensues is the second chance romance between Lorna and Leith, and the potential fall-out as Lorna is targeted by someone from Leith’s past.

The relationship between Lorna and Leith is quick to rebuild. Four years of loving one-another from a distance but four years wherein neither one moved forward until someone else is willing to take a chance on our story line heroine. All untainted women of The Fellowship are considered fair game but Lorna is neither untainted nor willing to move forward without the man who still owns her heart. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

REDEMPTION is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and revenge. The tight-knit Scottish crime families, once at war, now brought together by marriage and alliance, will once again fall victim to death and destruction as one of The Fellowship is targeted in an act of betrayal, jealousy and hate. The premise is engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are familiar and charismatic- all of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting roles. My only complaint is the quick rebuilding relationship following a four-year separation-I was hoping for more angst and uncertainty but such is the nature of second chance romance. And of course, book six in a ‘trilogy’ seems rather odd therefore ‘removing’ the word trilogy is definitely an option. The epilogue fast -forwards the series approximately seven years.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Necessary Sin
The Next Sin
One Last Sin
Endurance
Unintended
Redemption

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Reviewed by Sandy

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All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover-a review

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ALL YOUR PERFECTS by Colleen Hoover-a review

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About the book: Release Date July 17, 2018

Colleen Hoover delivers a tour de force novel about a troubled marriage and the one old forgotten promise that might be able to save it.

Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair.

All Your Perfects is a profound novel about a damaged couple whose potential future hinges on promises made in the past. This is a heartbreaking page-turner that asks: Can a resounding love with a perfect beginning survive a lifetime between two imperfect people?

••••••

REVIEW: ALL YOUR PERFECTS by Colleen Hoover is a stand alone story focusing on Quinn Whitley and Graham Wells.

Told from first person perspective (Quinn) alternating between the present and the past ALL YOUR PERFECTS focuses the building relationship between Quinn and Graham, and the breakdown of their marriage following ten years of romance, love, struggle and loss.

Quinn Whitley and Graham Wells met under unfortunate but auspicious circumstances, circumstances that would have otherwise resulted in heartbreak, pain, humiliation and hurt. Six months later, Quinn and Graham would reconnect on their road to marriage and a happily ever after, but happily ever afters are only for fairy tales as our couple struggle with what was, and what will never be.

ALL YOUR PERFECTS is an emotional, impassioned and realistic look at one couple as they struggle with hope and heartache, promises and impossibilities. Colleen Hoover’s ALL YOUR PERFECTS is not a story about the idealized view of romance reality but of true reality, itself. The characters are flawed and imperfect; the relationship endures too many heartbreaks, and unrealized expectations.

ALL YOUR PERFECTS is a raw and thought-provoking story of second chances that will break your heart, and shatter your soul. Not an easy read ALL YOUR PERFECT is likely to cause a tear or ten, tears that will remain in your heart for a long time, thereafter.

‘If you only shine light on your flaws, all your perfects will dim.’

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Consumed by J.R. Ward – Dual Review

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Consumed by J.R. Ward – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed…

By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.

Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse fire changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.

Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn’t believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again–until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the county, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

 

Sandy’s Review:

CONSUMED is the first full-length instalment in J. R. Ward’s contemporary, adult FIREFIGHTERS romantic, suspense series. CONSUMED is the continuing storyfocusing on firefighters Anne Ashburn, and Danny Maguire of the NBFD 499. I recommend reading the FREE prequel novellas The Rehearsal and The Dinner for backstory and cohesion.

Told from several third person perspectives including Anne and Danny CONSUMED follows the acrimonious relationship between firefighters and partners Anne Ashburn, and Danny Maguire of the New Brunswick Fire Department (NBFD) 499. Following an warehouse fire wherein both Anne and Danny were wounded, the story line picks up ten months later as Anne embarks on her new career as a certified fire inspector, a career change that has left her bitter and insecure. No longer working alongside her fellow firefighters from the 499, Anne struggles to find a place without the camaraderie and companionship of the men who had always had her back including the man who had stolen her heart. A tightknit group of friends, the firefighters of the 499 are more like family than the blood family back home.

Danny Maguire battles PTSD and remorse in the aftermath of a warehouse fire that went horribly wrong. Never ones to follow orders both Danny and Anne found themselves in a dangerous situation, a situation that was about to affect the rest of their lives and careers. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Danny and Anne, and the fall-out as an arsonist hits too close home, and accusations of another nature threaten the already tepid relationship between our story line couple.

JR Ward pulls the reader into a story of family, friendship, betrayal and power. Anne Ashburn comes from a family who have loved and lost in the line of duty but not is all as it appears to be as the perfect façade begins to crumble as secrets are revealed. Danny Maguire struggles to make sense of where everything went wrong but release does not come easy as the guilt of what happened weighs heavily and long.

All of the firefighters previously introduced in the prequel novellas are present and accounted. Anne’s brother Chief Thomas Ashburn struggles with his tentative hold over a collapsing department, a department he fears no longer respects the position he holds. Danny’s best friend Robert ‘Moose’ Miller is always ready with a helpful hand but it is his new bride Deandra that threatens Moose’s stability, and those of the people working the 499.

CONSUMED follows the breakdown of leadership, the loss of control, the drama and fall-out of a department threatened by an unseen power that is determined to win at all costs. The premise is suspenseful, detailed and dramatic: the characters are flawed, wounded and broken; the romance struggles in the face of pride, betrayal and demons from the past. CONSUMED sets the stage for a potential power match between law enforcement, business and the political elite-a powerful and volatile combination of chaos and command.

Copy supplied by publisher through Netgalley

Barb’s Review:  Consumed by J.R. Ward is the 1st book in her new Firefighters series. I looked forward to reading this new series by Ward, and I am happy to say that I really enjoyed the book.

Anne Ashburn, our heroine, is the only female member of the Fire Dept station 499. She is accepted by all the guys at the station, and her brother is chief; in fact her whole family were mostly firefighters.  Anne has a crush on Danny McGuire, one of the firefighters, but his reputation with woman precedes him.  She does her best to avoid him, but they did have a one night stand that both find difficult to forget.  We learned at the end of the two short prequel novellas, that Danny saves Anne on the scene of a fire, but she lost her hand in the process.

Consumed starts about 10 months later, with Anne having recovered, and trying to get used to prosthetic, as well as apply for a job as an arson investigator. She misses the action she loved at the station, but she no longer can work there, and is forced to accept this new position.  As in anything, Anne jumps in to take a case of a recent fire, and begins to tie in other fires that might be related.

Danny, who had his own injuries, pushes himself back on the job, and is determined to get Anne’s trust and win her over.  In a short time, their chemistry is so hot, there is no way for either of them to keep their hands off each other.  Each have their own issues, involving family, heartache, but their feelings for each other continue to escalate. 

Anne’s investigation leads her to a high profile person, who is determined to get her off the case.  Danny will try to help Anne with the investigation to find the arsonist; his is concerned for her safety, as now she has become a target from those trying to stop her.  What follows is an exciting, pulse pounding, intense, gripping story, amazingly written by Ward.   

As we race to the climax, there are some surprises that I did not see coming, which did throw me for a loop.  I loved Danny and Anne together, and Ward has created a wonderful group of secondary characters in this series, showing the comradery and loyalty of the crew.  I loved loved Anne’s stray dog, Soot that she adopted.   I also thought that Ward did such a fantastic job showing us the life of firemen, and what they go through.  Though the story has a satisfying ending, there are some open issues that will continue into the next book.

Consumed was a fantastic fast paced, exciting and action packed story; a wonderful theme, great couple and secondary characters, and very well written by J.R. Ward.  You need to start this series now.

 

Copies provided by Publisher

 

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James -Uncontrollable (Man Up #5) by Felice Stevens-Review & Giveaway Tour

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JAMES – UNCONTROLLABLE (Man Up #5) by Felice Stevens-Review & Giveaway Tour

JAMES-UNCONTROLLABLE
Man Up #5
by Felice Stevens
Genre: adult, contemporary ,erotic, MM, romance
Release Date: October 2018

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 2018

It’s time to travel with James and Malcolm through their twenty year history as they battle each other and struggle to hold on to a lifetime of secrets.
James
Never good enough.
Not the real son.
I will prove him wrong—prove everyone wrong.
I am someone.
I will succeed.
I don’t need my brother to help me.
I don’t need anyone.
My enemy holds my secret.
He teases me.
Taunts me.
Follows me with his eyes.
Our hot, angry kisses keep me up at night.
I don’t want him.
I hate him.
But I can’t stop thinking about him.
That there’s more to him
I want to discover him.
The truth is unexpected.
My enemy might not only be my friend but the love I never thought to have.

Malcolm
Live, love, laugh.
Life is too short to worry when you don’t know how long you’ve got.
I want every day to be my best.
Like it’s my last.
My friends see what I let them.
Not the real me.
Only one man has ever crawled beneath my skin.
He drives me crazy.
Makes me wild.
Makes me care.
A night of bad decisions changes the course of my life.
Everything I’ve known no longer makes sense.
My enemy now stands by my side.
I’m no longer running.
I want to stay.
I want a future.
Hate has changed to something new and wonderful.
Something terrifying.
Uncontrollable.
Love.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: JAMES-UNCONTROLLABLE is the fifth instalment in Felice Stevens’ contemporary, adult MAN UP erotic, MM romance series. This is Man Up nightclub owner James Rutledge, and fund-raising organizer Malcolm McHabe. JAMES-UNCONTROLLABLE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and history between James, Malcolm and Rhoades MacKenzie. James is Rhoades MacKenzie half-brother.

NOTE: JAMES-UNCONTROLLABLE contains scenes of MM sexual situations, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (James and Malcolm) focusing on both the present and the past, JAMES –UNCONTROLLABLE follows the acrimonious relationship between nightclub owner James Rutledge, and fund-raising organizer Malcolm McHabe. For close to twenty years James and Malcolm’s relationship has been tempestuous at best. Orphaned at thirteen, having never met his biological father, James Rutledge left the only home he had ever known in Fort Lauderdale, Florida landing in New York City into the unwelcome house of his father, and half-brother Rhoades MacKenzie. Embittered and alone, James would spend the next twenty years trying to prove he was worthy of his father’s love, but never having accomplished it before the old man died. A wealthy businessman who owns several successful male entertainment clubs, James would constantly be reminded about his colorful and dangerous past each and every time he faced his brother’s best friend Malcolm McHabe. What ensues is a twenty year struggle between James and Malcolm as James battles his attraction to a man who could destroy his life.

James is embarrassed about his less than upstanding past, and the only person who knows anything remotely about James’ previous life is his brother’s best friend Malcolm McHabe. Angry and hurt James set out to destroy the father never knew but in doing so almost destroyed his own life in the process. Malcolm knows how to keep a secret including a secret about himself that no one knows outside of his immediate family. Working tirelessly to promote charities helping children unable to help to help themselves, Malcolm must face the truth when his relationship with James steps up to the next level. A manwhore by reputation, Malcolm’s previous need for companionship and $ex destroyed any possibility of friendship between our story line couple.

The relationship between James and Malcolm is an enemies to lovers romance; a tempestuous, acerbic and impassioned twenty year relationship predicated on secrets, attraction and unrequited friendship and love. Malcolm pushes James’ proverbial buttons with every encounter; James fears Malcolm’s attempts at friendship is a prelude to humiliation, betrayal and heartbreak. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story lines couples play secondary and supporting characters. James Rutledge knows the degradation and shame of sexual promiscuity, and he has spent his life rescuing and saving men in a similar situation.

JAMES-UNCONTROLLABLE is a story of family, friendship, vengeance and struggle. The premise is reflective and dramatic ; the romance is provocative, tender and passionate; the characters are gritty, real and spirited. JAMES-UNCONTROLLABLE is an intoxicating tale of rebellion, hate, forgiveness and love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy 

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I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, My characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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Death is Not Enough by Karen Rose – a Review

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Death is Not Enough by Karen Rose – a Review

 

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Description:
Gwyn Weaver is as resilient as anyone could be. Having survived an attempted murder, she has rebuilt her life and reclaimed her dignity and strength. She’s always known about her feelings for defence attorney Thomas Thorne, but as her friend and a colleague there could be no chance of anything more… or could there?

Thorne has known violence and pain all his life. He’s overcome the hardships that have been thrown at him thanks to his own steel, and the love of his loyal friends. Now he’s thinking it might finally be time to let his guard down, and allow himself to let in the woman he’s always admired from afar.

Then Thorne’s whole world is torn apart — he is found unconscious in his own bed, the lifeless body of a stranger lying next to him, her blood on his hands. Knowing Thorne could never have committed such a terrible crime, Gwyn and his friends rally round to clear his name.

But this is just the beginning — the beginning of a brutal campaign to destroy Thorne, and everything he holds dear…

 

 

 Review:

Death is not Enough by Karen Rose is the 6th book in her Baltimore series, which is part of her overall Romance Suspense series, that is now at 21 books. In the Karen Rose fashion, Death is Not Enough was an exciting, action-packed intense  thriller.

In previous books of the Baltimore arc, we had met our two heroes, Thomas Thorne and Gwyn Weaver.  Gwyn decides to visit Thomas at his house to complain about his behavior in ruining her dates with other men.  What she finds is Thomas unconscious, and a woman dead next to him on the bed.

Gwyn will gather all their close friends to rally around Thorne, and help him find who is behind the murder and framing him.  We learn more about Thorne early life, where at 18 years old, he was also framed for a murder of a fellow student.  Some of the people close to Thorne, are still with him and together they will begin to see that what happened years ago may have some ties to this murder. 

Thorne is a great hero, a strong, smart and loyal man, who fears for the lives of his family & friends, as more murders are happening.  But his team will not allow him to do this on his own; convincing him that all of them will stand beside him, despite his concerns.

I loved seeing all those we met in the Baltimore arc playing such big roles in this story.  A fabulous group of secondary characters, such as Lucy, Clay, Taylor, Frederick, JD, Stevie, Ford, Jamie, etc. The team effort, especially with many of them facing danger and attacks, made this a great story. 

What follows is an intense story, where someone  is targeting all of Thorne’s friends, one by one.  No matter where they hide, the murderer is a step ahead, targeting those he cares about.  There are a number of betrayals along way that are surprises for them.  Who can they trust? 

We do know who the culprit is early on, and his intent is to destroy Thorne, hurting those close to him.  The chapters revolve around Thorne, Gwyn and Tavilla (villain)’s POV.  The villain was an evil bad guy, who was also a psycho, and he was relentless.  We never had a moment to breathe, as Thorne begins to realize who is behind the attacks, and in time the team will tie in things from the past, but not why this villain is determined to kill.  I thought Tavilla was a depraved and violent murderer,

There were a number of twists and turns along the way, that were surprising. With each revelation, they race against time to save others. In the midst of this thriller, was a sweet   friends to lovers romance developing between Thorne and Gwyn, which was nicely done, not taking anything away from the suspenseful story. They both had their own issues that left them scarred, but together they work to get past them.

Death is Not Enough is an intense thriller a minute, with nonstop action all the way.  Once again, I am in awe of Karen Rose, and her ability to create such masterful suspense stories, with fantastic characters you care about, as well as very evil villains.  If you love suspense, with a touch of romance and a thriller all the way, you should be reading anything by Karen Rose. I know I will.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Glorious Sinner (Lawless Kings 4.5) by Sherilee Gray-a review

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GLORIOUS SINNER (Lawless Kings #4.5) by Sherilee Gray-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2018

People say Tomas Mendoza is dangerous.

They’re right.

But he saved my life.

I owe him, and all I have to repay the ruthless crime boss…is me. I tell myself it’s not pity that burns in his eyes when I dance for him, that my walls are so high he can’t see how broken I am inside.

Now danger stalks me again, and Tomas swoops in, only this time he shows me a different side of himself. Fierce protectiveness. Raw hunger. A tenderness that could sear through the barriers I raised to safeguard my heart and soul.

My past taught me not to trust. But this glorious sinner might be the one man I need to learn to love again.

•••••••••

REVIEW:  GLORIOUS SINNER is instalment 4.5 in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult LAWLESS KINGS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is mobster Thomas Mendoza, and exotic dancer Stephanie Gable’s story line. GLORIOUS SINNER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Thomas and Stephanie first appeared in Ruthless Protector Book #4

NOTE: The story line contains scenes of graphic violence, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Thomas and Stephanie) using present day and memories from the past GLORIOUS SINNER follows Stephanie Gable as she must come to terms with the demons from her past. Married to an abusive man Stephanie knows should anything happen, long time family friend Thomas Mendoza is only a call away, a call that would eventually save her life. Seven years earlier, Stephanie caught a glimpse of her potential future when her then boyfriend Ryan started showing signs of abusive behavior; fast forward six years and our heroine is in for the fight of her life when Ryan leaves Stephanie alone to die, forgetting about her connection to local mobster Thomas Mendoza. With all potential threats against her life no longer in the picture, Stephanie returns to exotic dancing until the fateful night the mysterious messages and gifts start appearing at her door. Enter Thomas Mendoza, the man who has loved our heroine for a number of years but a man who believes he isn’t worthy of Stephanie’s love. What ensues is the building romance between Thomas and Stephanie, and the potential fall-out as Ryan returns to finish the job.

GLORIOUS SINNER is a story of power and abuse; friendship and love; second chances and a happily ever after. Sherilee Gray pulls the reader into an intense, gritty and emotional story line as one woman struggles to move on from her past, and one man battles his attraction to a woman who isn’t ready to move on with her life. The premise is raw, real and spicy; the romance is passionate; the $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text; the characters are broken, spirited and energetic. GLORIOUS SINNER is a dramatic and powerful story of healing and love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shattered King
Broken Rebel
Beautiful Killer
Ruthless Protector

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Reviewed by Sandy

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Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

Kill The Queen
Crown of Shards series – Book #1
by Jennifer Estep
Release Date: October 2, 2018

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Description:
Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

Barb’s Review:
Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new Crown of Shards fantasy series. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and love all her series.   I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Kill the Queen, and I am happy to say I loved it; it is epic fantasy at its best. 

We meet our heroine, Lady Everleigh (Evie), at the start, as she is helping making pies in the kitchen in preparation for a big gala at the Royal Court of Bellona.  Evie, though a distant overlooked royal, with very little magical powers, stays in the shadows as much as she can; only joining in when necessary.  As she leaves to see a friend, before she has to dress, Evie begins to notice many new guards and friends of her cousin, Vasillia; when she returns and attends the gala, she senses things that seem odd.  In a short time, Vasillia, who is the crown princess, leads a revolution that becomes a massacre of major proportions. When she comes across Evie, she uses her magic lightning power to attack her, throwing her over the cliff.  This was massacre that murdered the entire Blair royal line.  Vasillia, with her people is now the Queen of Bellona, and she plans to start a war by taking over other kingdoms.  This is just the beginning.

Evie was the lone survivor, running for her life to escape during the hunt for more survivors.  She goes into hiding, and joins a gladiator troupe, who are highly trained warriors that perform shows to entertain the local people.  Evie’s job is to make her famous pies, but the leader of the Black Swan troupe insists that all team members must train to be able to fight, no matter what their job is.  She meets Lucas Sullivan, who trains all the gladiators, and he is hard on Evie.  But over time, both will begin to have feelings for each other, which will stay in the background for most of the story.  This is not a romance, not yet.  However, I suspect we will see the two of them eventually find their way to each other, sometime in the next book.  The leader of the Black Swan, Serilda, was a great warrior, and sensed something about Evie, pushing her to practice more.

Like in any new fantasy, there is a world building that tends to go more into detail early on, which can make things a little slow at the early parts.  But make no mistake, in a couple of chapters in,  this becomes an exciting, ultra-action packed adventure that was impossible to put down. I loved how Evie became close to many members of the troupe, and when she is forced to fight for her life, she will learn how to use her magic that she has hidden all her life.  Great exciting action.

Estep does a fantastic job keeping our attention, as well as creating such a fantastic heroine in Evie. I also loved most of the members of the Black Swan that were awesome.  What follows is an amazing adventure that will allow us to watch as Evie, slowly gains more confidence in her powers and well as learning to become a good warrior.  Together with her new friends, they plan save the kingdoms facing a terrible war, and find a way avenge her family, save Bellona, and Kill the Queen.  Will Evie survive?  Can she even face the evil powerful Vasillia?

This was an exciting and enthralling fantasy, with fantastic characters (even the villians); surrounded by magic, violence, death, war, and intrigue that has us holding our breaths throughout.

Bravo to Jennifer Estep for creating another fantastic series, especially in the Epic fantasy world.  I strongly suggest you read Kill The Queen.  I for one cannot wait for the next book.

 

 

Sandy’s Review

KILL THE QUEEN is the first instalment in Jennifer Estep’s CROWN OF SHARDS epic fantasy series focusing on the Lady Everleigh Saffira Winter Blair aka Evie, a young woman of royal blood whose entire family was murdered in a coup for the throne.

Told in three distinctive parts, using first person point of view (Evie) KILL THE QUEEN follows Lady Everleigh Saffira Winter Blair aka Evie as she struggles to survive in the aftermath of a murderous rage that destroyed everyone and everything that she loved. Years earlier, orphaned at the age of twelve as a result of her parents’ murder, Evie entered the magical kingdom of Bellona, a kingdom ruled by her cousin Queen Cordelia, and her daughter Crown- Princess Vasilia. Believing Evie to hold no magical powers of her own, other than the simplified and basic ‘mutt magic’, our heroine, the now twenty seven year old, seventeenth in line to the throne of Bellona, has been virtually ignored for the past fifteen years. A royal celebration in honor of the Andvarian ambassador proved otherwise as Evie would be one of only two survivors of the Blair family massacre meant to destroy all those with any bloodrights to the throne. What ensues is Evie’s journey to the status of The Black Swan, as she and her fellow warriors and gladiators set into motion a plan to avenge the death of them all.

KILL THE QUEEN is awash in Jennifer Estep’s affinity for ‘elemental magic’. Like Gin Blanco in the author’s Elemental Assassin, our heroine Evie must become an assassin in order to avenge the death of the people she loves. From weather mages, elementals, gem and metal workers, ogres, shifters and gladiators, KILL THE QUEEN follows the magical journey wherein Evie must prepare to battle to the death in an effort to prove she is worthy of the throne.

Many of Jennifer Estep’s signature go-to story line components are present including Evie’s band of misfit elementals and warriors; a potential love interest; and the mention of the Delta Queen, as well as several characters from both her Elemental Assassin, and Bigtime Series-hint, hint Easter Eggs. Not withstanding the numerous and obvious parallel similarities between the Elemental Assassin and Crown of Shards series, KILL THE QUEEN is an intriguing, magical and infinitely detailed story of magic, honor, power and greed.

Copies provided for review

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering an $10 Amazon Gift Card to ONE  (1) lucky commenter and a paper copy of Kill the Queen to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe:

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