Monthly Archives: November 2020

BloodLaw (Vampire Chicago #1) by Blaise Ramsay-a review

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BloodLaw (Vampire Chicago #1) by Blaise Ramsay-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date November 25, 2020

Former ADA Alastair Maddox pursues Prohibition Chicago’s most dangerous monsters after witnessing the deaths of his parents and grandparents as a boy. When a former colleague in Chicago PD comes to ask Alastair for help, he comes face to face with the mysterious Alexandra DeLane. But something’s off. DeLane is way too calm and her eyes are the color of blood. After she escapes, Alastair goes on the hunt only to find himself the prey of an ambitious and mysterious mob boss who plots to have him murdered. The problem? Alastair doesn’t stay dead and comes back as something else. Something more dangerous and straight out of a horror novel.

••••••••

REVIEW: BLOODLAW is the first instalment in Blaise Ramsay’s historical, adult VAMPIRE CHICAGO paranormal, mystery series focusing on former Chicago ADA Alastair Maddox.

Told from first person perspective ( Alastair Maddox) following two timelines, BLOODLAW focuses on former Chicago ADA Alastair Maddox, before his death, and after he rises as a new born vampire. Former detective turned ADA, Alastair Maddox has faced down his enemies more times than he can remember but always lived to tell his tale. With Al Capone and Dean O’Bannion ruling Chicago’s underworld, Alastair Maddox, one of the few members of law enforcement not on the take by the Chicago mob, continues to clean up when and where he is able but a suspected serial killer, a woman named Alexandra DeLane, becomes the object of Alastair’s obsession, an obsession that renders our hero vampire and dead. Struggling with his new powers and need to feed, Alastair will be befriended by a stranger, Mason Downing, a mysterious man who knows about the who and what of our story line hero. As Mason and Alastair begin an investigation into Alastair’s death and subsequent rising, the Chicago mobsters target the former ADA, and in doing so, Alastair begins to piece together the story of his demise. Along with Mason Downing, Alastair Maddox works behind the scenes in an effort to solve the crimes riddling Prohibition era Chicago, and the mob’s stranglehold of law enforcement and the docks.

We are introduced to Alastair’s girlfriend and reporter Charlaine ‘Charlie’ Ware; Alistair’s former partner with the ADA Paul Stone; attorney Bill Thomas; vampire Alexandra DeLane; Mason Downing; and several members of the Chicago PD. The requisite evil has many faces.

BLOODLAW reads like a script for a Saturday afternoon detective series- think Sam Spade or Phillip Marlowe only our hero has special abilities, drinks blood and sleeps during the day. Alastair Maddox narrates the story of his new life, and the adventures of a former detective turned attorney turned vampire, struggling to make sense of his new world and his new powers. There were a few ‘eye rolling’ scenarios, and a few more questions regarding Alastair’s apparent acquiescence and easy acceptance of his new life style ( with little to no explanation about some of the how and why) although Alastair’s need for revenge is what fuels the new-born vampire forward. An interesting and imaginative story with over the top, 1920’s gangster/ law enforcement slang interspersed with modern day language –a bit awkward but not unexpected.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Wolf Untamed by Paige Tyler – a Review

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Wolf Untamed by Paige Tyler – a Review

 

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Description:

SWAT werewolf Diego Martinez has always had a protective side, so when he meets a newly turned teenage werewolf, and the kid’s intriguing mother, he readily offers to help Brandon learn what it means to be a werewolf. He also readily falls for for Brandon’s mother, Bree, and the attraction is mutual.

But as SWAT’s biggest case starts to converge with Bree’s family, Diego and Bree find themselves in danger they could never have imagined. It’ll take everything they’ve got to discover the truth and keep each other safe

 

 

Review:

Wolf Untamed by Paige Tyler is the 11th book in her wonderful SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team) series.  As mentioned in previous reviews for this series, I love how Tyler always gives us wonderful, romance suspense stories, that are exciting, pulse pounding action filled, as well as great couples and hot alpha men (werewolves) that are part of the SWAT team.

Diego Martinez, our hero, is the SWAT team negotiator, who is tries to talk down a crazed man who threatens to kill those around him in a diner.  Diego sees a mother and son trying to help a wounded victim, and senses something different about the young boy.  After the incident, Diego finds himself attracted to the mother, Bree and knows that her teenage son, Brandon, is in the beginning of being a beta werewolf.  Brandon had been shot awhile back, and Bree notices that her son was acting strange at times.  Diego decides to take them under his protection, and explain what is happening to Brandon.

Bree, our heroine, was an insurance investigator, and though it sounded farfetched, she saw signs that Diego showed her that her son was indeed becoming a werewolf.  I thought Bree was a great heroine, accepting what happened to her son, falling hard for Diego, and was willing to put herself into danger, when investigating her evil ex.   

Diego and his teammates were deeply involved in a strange case that has innocent people becoming violent and remembering nothing afterwards.  In a short time, both Diego and Bree realize that their cases are leading to the same conclusion.  Her ex is somehow involved in the robberies/violence, which also puts her in danger, since her ex wants her and Brandon back at any cost.

What follows is an exciting, intense, suspenseful, action-packed adventure that will keep us glued to our seats, especially when all hell breaks loose causing even teammates to react dangerously.  The last 1/3 of the book was a wild exciting race to stop those involved, before more deaths happen.  The romance between Diego and Bree was steamy, as they had sizzling chemistry. I also loved how close Diego came to Brandon, teaching him everything he needed to know and understand.

Paige Tyler does it again with another intense, intriguing, exciting and sexy story. I loved Diego and Bree, as they complimented each other, not to mention hot.  Wolf Untamed is another fabulous addition to this series.  If you have not started this series, I suggest you do so, as it is a fun, exciting and sexy read and Paige Tyler is an author you need to be reading.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Dusk (Dangerous Web 1) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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Dusk (Dangerous Web 1) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2020

“When your whole world is shaken from all the risks we have taken, dance with me. Dance with me into the colors of dusk.” ~ Ben Harper.

I’ve served my country, a man, and a cause. I’ve given my whole being while at the same time finding its true meaning. There was no way for me to know the day I met the men who were to become my best friends that they would introduce me to the love of my life.

Fiery red hair and hypnotizing emerald eyes caught my attention.
Creamy, soft skin, a stark contrast to mine, seduced my body.
Strength, devotion, and determination stole my heart.

I am Reid Murray, and I’ll kill without regret to once again dance in the dusk with my wife. This war has only begun. I won’t rest until it’s done.

From New York Times bestselling author comes a brand-new dark romance, DUSK, set in the dangerous world of Sparrow Webs. You do not need to read Web of Sin, Tangled Web, or Web of Desire to get caught up in this new and intriguing saga, Dangerous Web.

••••••••

REVIEW:DUSK is the first instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult DANGEROUS WEB romantic suspense trilogy set in the author’s Sparrow Webs world. This is Reid Murray and Lorna Pierce-Murray’s continuing story. DUSK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous series is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the other series as the story line premise references things that have happened in the author trilogies.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the storyline premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Close to twenty years earlier, Sterling Sparrow, Mason Pierce, Reid Murray, and Patrick Kelly served together in the US military, and have been one another’s best friend ever since. Upon university graduation, Sterling Sparrow took control of Chicago’s underground from his father Allister, and in the ensuing years, Sterling would gather his friends, in an effort to rid the world of human traffickers- in doing so he would become the sole ruler of Chicago’s underworld. These are their stories.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lorna and Reid) using two timelines (present day and nine years in the past) DUSK follows in the aftermath of the abduction of Reid’s wife Lorna, and Sparrow’s wife Araneae. As Reid Murray and Lorna’s brother Mason Pierce struggle to make sense of the security breach at Sparrow’s Montana ranch, the possibilities and probabilities are endless as to the who, how and why of the women’s abduction. Meanwhile, Lorna and Araneae find themselves locked in a cell, facing a stranger who demands information that reveals the women are not the intended victims. Separated from one another, battered and bruised, Lorna and Araneae struggle with what happened, and the loss of memories during the time of their imprisonment.

DUSK is an emotional and intriguing story of secrets, lies, power and control. Aleatha Romig pulls the reader into a heart pounding and captivating tale of betrayal and vengeance wherein haunting dreams are the reality of life. DUSK ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS
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Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

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Grave War by Kalayna Price – a Review

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Grave War by Kalayna Price – a Review

 

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Description:

Grave witch Alex Craft has forged an uneasy truce with the world of Faerie, but she’s still been trying to maintain at least some semblance of a normal life in the human world. So it’s safe to say that stepping up as the lead investigator for the Fae Investigation Bureau was not a career path she ever anticipated taking.

When an explosion at the Eternal Bloom threatens to upend the fae who make their home in our world, Alex finds herself in charge of the most far reaching investigation she’s ever tackled. And it’s only her first week on the job. With the threats mounting and cut off from half her allies, Alex can’t wait on the sidelines and hope the fae’s conflicts stay contained within their borders.

 

 

Review:

Grave War by Kalayna Price is the 7th and final book in her Alex Craft series. Refresher:  Alex is a grave witch, using her ability to rise the dead to talk to them, as well as learning her new planeweaver abilities.   After the end of the previous book, Falin is now the Winter King, and Alex has become the agent in charge of FIB (Fae Investigation Bureau).

Her first week on the job turns into chaos, as some of the agents in FIB now under her command, do not really respect her.  Alex begins to receive roses from an unknown source, with hints from various things going wrong; she suspects a former enemy is behind this. An explosion destroys the Eternal Bloom and the doors to enter Fairie; forcing many of the fae who live in the mortal world, unable to return to Fairie, and could thereby over time lose their magical abilities.  Desperate for help, she tries to contact Dugan, from the Shadow realm, and just when she sees an opening, she is kidnapped.  Turns out her enemy, the one she suspected, Ryese is behind the chaos and destruction.

What follows is an exciting and intense story that takes place in the mortal world, as well as in Fairie land.  Dugan and Falin manage to get Alex free bringing her to Shadow land.  There are so many twists and turns, keeping us guessing until the very end.  I loved seeing Alex with Falin, as well as her friendship with Dugan, and his father as they work together to find a way to stop Ryese, who is trying to become the High King ruling all of Fairie.  Alex worries about her friends either stuck in Fairie or in the mortal world, and her fears for all the Fae who have no way home.  It was very exciting, especially when she managed to get pulled into the High Court, and find a way to defeat her enemy and save the world.

This is a complicated review, as it would require giving spoilers, and since this is the final book of the series, I do not want to ruin it for you.  Grave War was an exciting, action packed, interesting and wild adventure, as Alex must stop a powerful enemy.  Kalayna Price pulls a mind boggling twist at the end, that was a totally surprise, but at the same time a very satisfying conclusion to this series.  It was great to see many of her friends, including Death. Alex Craft series was lots of fun and very well written by Kalayna Price. If you have not read this series, and enjoy paranormal, I suggest you read this.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Princess Knight by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

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The Princess Knight (Scarred Earth Saga 2) by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

 

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Description:
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

Gemma Smythe dedicated her life to the glory of battle. With her fellow War Monks, she worshipped the war gods, rained destruction on her enemies, and raised the dead when the fancy took her. Until her sister Keeley became the prophesied Blacksmith Queen, and Gemma broke faith with her order to journey to the Amichai Mountain and fight by Keeley’s side.

The Amichai warriors are an unruly, never-to-be-tamed lot, especially their leader-in-waiting, Quinn. But when the War Monks declare support for Gemma’s ruthless younger sister Beatrix, the immaturity of her key ally is the least of Gemma’s problems. She has to get to the grand masters, dispel their grudge against her, and persuade them to fight for Keeley and justice. If her conviction can’t sway them, perhaps Quinn’s irritating, irreverent, clearly unhinged, ferocity will win the day

••••••••••••••

Barb’s Review:
The Princess Knight by G.A. Aiken is the 2nd book in her The Scarred Earth Saga series. I am a big fan of G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston), and as I have said before, I will read anything she writes; as she is one author who I look forward with high anticipation to read her books, which are fun, exciting, enjoyable and so much laughter along the way. The Princess Knight is no different, as always it is another one of Aiken/Laurenston’s trademark of wild, crazy and wonderful characters.

In The Princess Knight, Gemma (sister to previous book heroine, Keely) is the main focus, but the storyline continues, with Queen Keely, the wonderful Centaurs (Quinn, Caid, Laila) and Princess Gemma (she is a war monk). I have to say I absolutely loved the demon wolves, who are loyal and adore Keely.  The story picks up two years after Keely became Queen of the Western Lands, and Gemma protecting her sister from the evil Beatrix (Queen of the East). Gemma being a war monk, is always ready for danger and has no qualms of killing Beatrix.  I did get a kick out of their younger sister, Ainsley, who is excellent at shooting an arrow.  I hope she gets a story in one of the future books.

Quinn, our hero, drives Gemma crazy, but though he pushes her buttons, he is always there to protect her.  We know there is a slow built relationship developing, but romance is in the background.  I did love Quinn, as he was funny, annoying and totally adorable and he was perfect for Gemma.

What follows is a non-stop action adventure filled with bloody battles, deaths, intrigue, power struggles and so much humor that has us laughing even in serious situations.  With Gemma bringing her war monks to help Keely, we get to see witches, nuns, monks, warlock, assassins and Gemma’s dead horse who is wild but still alive (though missing various parts lol).  Ragna is another crazy leader of the war monks who help fight the upcoming battles, and her interactions with Gemma and Keely are a riot.

The Princess Knight was a fun filled, exciting amazing ride, with fantastic characters that G.A. Aiken creates so well. The epilogue blew my mind, and I so look forward to the next book in this series wondering where Aiken will take us. If you enjoy Aiken/ Laurenston, you need to be reading this series. 

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Sandy’s Review: THE PRINCESS KNIGHT is the second instalment in G.A. Aiken’s the SCARRED EARTH SAGA fantasy series. This is War monk Gemma Smythe, and centaur/Amichai warrior Quinn’s story line. THE PRINCESS KNIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from several third person perspectives THE PRINCESS KNIGHT follows War Monk Gemma Smythe two years after her strange and emotionless sister Beatrix became Queen of the East, and her blacksmith sister Keeley ascended to the throne as the Queen of the West. Always Keeley’s protector and guardian, Gemma would go on the hunt for Cyrus, one of the Old King’s sons, who is murdering monks, ransacking and destroying religious communes in an effort to steal artifacts for their magic and power. Along with Amichai Warrior Quinn, amassing a small entourage of warriors, witches, warlocks, assassins, nuns, monks, virgins, and a zombie horse, Gemma will discover that Cyrus is not the only enemy desperate for power but her sister Beatrix is tunneling forward to a land of dragons and magic.

THE PRINCESS KNIGHT follows several intersecting paths as Gemma and Keeley set into motion a series of events that will culminate in the discovery of a number of underground tunnels wherein Gemma and Keeley’s psychopathic sister Beatrix would eventually execute her plans to usurp power from neighboring lands.

As per G.A. Aiken’s style of writing, THE PRINCESS KNIGHT is awash in sarcasm, humor and snark, seamlessly blending paranormal with fantasy in a cross-country adventure that culminates with a wonderful twisty surprise. The humorous moments are giggle worthy; the back and forth snippy yet playful banter is fast and furious; the familial dysfunction so reminiscent of the author’s Dragonkin series, it feels like coming home.

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Archangel’s Sun (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review

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Archangel’s Sun (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review

 

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Description:
The Archangel of Death and the Archangel of Disease may be gone but their legacy of evil lives on—especially in Africa, where the shambling, rotting creatures called the reborn have gained a glimmer of vicious intelligence.

It is up to Titus, archangel of this vast continent, to stop the reborn from spreading across the world. Titus can’t do it alone, but of the surviving powerful angels and archangels, large numbers are wounded, while the rest are fighting a surge of murderous vampires.

There is no one left…but the Hummingbird. Old, powerful, her mind long a broken kaleidoscope. Now, she must stand at Titus’s side against a tide of death upon a discovery more chilling than any other. For the Archangel of Disease has left them one last terrible gift…

•••••••••••

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S SUN is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is the archangel of Africa Titus, and Angel Lady Sharine, aka the Hummingbird’s story line ARCHANGEL’S SUN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order. For followers and fans, the Hummingbird is Illium aka Bluebell’s mother.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Titus and Sharine) ARCHANGEL’S SUN picks up in the aftermath of the Cascade that destroyed many of the Archangel’s strongholds and cities throughout the world. At the request of New York’s Archangel Raphael, Lady Sharine has been tasked with helping archangel of Africa Titus in his struggle to rebuild but the war continues in Africa as Lijuan and Chrisemnon’s creations-the reborn- are terrorizing and destroying everything and everyone in their path but a more dangerous weapon and heinous creature is about to be revealed, and with it the possibility of the destruction of angelkind. What ensues is the continued battle with the reborn, and the building romance and relationship between our leading couple.

Lady Sharine is an artist among the angels, the mother to Illium, and a mother –like figure to Archangel Raphael but Sharine’s past is shrouded in heart break and despair, and our heroine has struggled with the knowledge that everyone she has loved has been taken from her or destroyed her faith in the world. Believed to have been wounded, insane and broken, Lady Sharine is a strong woman, and an even stronger ‘warrior’ with a hidden ability of which nobody is aware. Titus knows he comes off as obnoxious and loud, preferring to yell rather than coddle his warriors but with the arrival of Lady Sharine something softens within our story line hero, as they work together to rid his holdings of the zombie-like reborn, and in doing so, search for a possible link and antidote to the flesh eating virus.

The relationship between Titus and Shirane begins acrimoniously as Titus believes Shirane is too frail and sickly to help with the rebuild. Centuries of rumors and innuendo regarding Shirane’s mental and emotional health have weighed heavily amongst the angels and Archanges but Shirane is about to surprise Titus with her abilities and powers, not only as an artist, but an angel worthy of being a consort. The lone $ex scenes is passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of virtual secondary and supporting characters most of whom we have met in the previous instalments: Archangel Raphael, Sharine’s ex and Illium’s father Archangel Aegaeon, Raphael’s mother Archangel Caliane; Archangels Suyin, Neha and Alexander; vampire Trace; Titus’ spymaster Ozias; angels Tanae, Tzadiq, Orios; as well as Titus’ sisters Zuri, and Nala.

ARCHANGEL’S SUN is a story of betrayal and revenge; recovery and revelations; friendships, relationships and love. The premise is edgy and tragic ; the characters are energetic, colorful, captivating and strong; the slow building romance is sensitive. Another wonderful addition to Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series.

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Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Sun by Nalini Singh is the 13th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.  Once again Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  The last book was so intense, exciting and mindboggling from start to finish, and I thought perhaps Archangel’s Sun would be at a slower pace; but even though this book was not as epic, it was an amazing wonderful story that also kept the flow continue to be seamless.

With all the world affected, the Archangels are all working overtime to fight the horrific situations throughout.  Titus, our hero, has taken over as the Archangel of Africa, where the evil now deceased Lijuan, created the horrible reborn (rotting creatures/crazed vampires).  Titus has his hands full, with all of his angels and warriors struggling and working night and day to kill the reborn; as well as trying to stop the other deceased Archangel Charisemnon’s (Archangel of Disease) creations that could be even worse.   To his surprise, Raphael sends help in the form of the infamous Hummingbird (Sharine); which he isn’t too pleased about, since she is a well-loved woman with gifts, but not someone who is able to help in this battle.  Of course, he will be in for a big surprise

Sharine, our heroine, (Illium’s mom, as well as Aodhan’s adopted mom) has been helping run Lumia, but accepts Raphael’s decision to go to Africa.  Sharine has spent many years slowly putting herself back together (recovering from her tragic fractured mind, and from a deep slumber),  to rise up become what she was meant to be.  I absolutely loved Sharine, her confidence, toughness, and her learning the powers she had fully forgotten about.  She was such a delight, and it was so much fun to watch her early on stand up to Titus, and his shock at her behavior, as she was supposed to be a quiet gifted and fragile woman who people adored, not someone constantly answering him back. 

Titus is a well-respected and fierce 3000 year warrior, who found himself after a rough beginning falling for the wonderful Sharine.  I loved watching them together, as she managed to bring him down a peg or two, especially when their feelings for each other became apparent.  Together they worked to find clues as to what Charisemnon was hiding, and we also got to see Sharine learn to use her powers to help Titus and his team.

Archangel’s Sun was a wonderful, sweet, fun, romantic, as well as emotional story that made this into a fabulous addition to this series.  Both Titus and Sharine were a fantastic couple that had us rooting for them from the start.   As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  Though enough details are given through the book, I do suggest you read the previous book for cohesion.  If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Bravo to Nalini for giving us a fantastic couple in Titus and Sharine.    Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

 

Copies provided by Publisher

 

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The Awakening by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Awakening by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
In the realm of Talamh, a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword—representing both power and the terrifying responsibility to protect the Fey. In another realm known as Philadelphia, a young woman has just discovered she possesses a treasure of her own…

When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious twentysomething mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father—and it’s worth nearly four million dollars.

This newfound fortune would be life-changing for anyone. But little does Breen know that when she uses some of the money to journey to Ireland, it will unlock mysteries she couldn’t have imagined. Here, she will begin to understand why she kept seeing that silver-haired, elusive man, why she imagined his voice in her head saying Come home, Breen Siobhan. It’s time you came home. Why she dreamed of dragons. And where her true destiny lies—through a portal in Galway that takes her to a land of faeries and mermaids, to a man named Keegan, and to the courage in her own heart that will guide her through a powerful, dangerous destiny…

 

 

Review:

The Awakening by Nora Roberts is the 1st book in her new Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy.  I am a huge fan of Nora Roberts books, especially her fabulous trilogies; I absolutely love each and everyone of them.  I was thrilled to find out about the first book in this new trilogy and am happy to say I loved it…another winner for Nora Roberts.

Breen Kelly, our heroine, is 26 years old and lives in Philadelphia; she hates her job, and is deep in debt.  Breen has strange dreams that keep her up many nights, with one message “Come Home, Breen Siobhan”.  With her mother away, she is cleaning up and discovers some papers that has an account with her name and a balance of close to 4 million dollars. Breen decides she wants to learn more about her father, and travels to Ireland with her friend Marco.  For two weeks they travel and enjoy Ireland, and when Marco goes home, Breen is determined to stay for a few months. She comes across a cute puppy (Bollocks), who leads her through a portal where she meets her grandmother, and learns her father is dead.

Breen will learn everything about the realm of Talamh, filled with magic, fairies, witches, dragons, elves, weres, falcons, as well as the beautiful incredible land and family/friends she knew when she was a young child, only to be taken away by her mother.  Roberts not only created a wonderful heroine, but I loved those family and friends in Talameh; Keegan (the young leader and love interest), Marg, Morena, Aisling, Mahon, Harken, Sedric, and her friend Marco, etc. In the midst of all these wonderful people, there is of course an evil villain, Odran, her grandfather, who is determined to kidnap her and take away her powers, which needs to be awakened. 

I do not want to give spoilers, as you need to read this from start to finish. What follows is a wonderful story that kept my attention throughout, unable to put the book down.  I loved watching Breen learn how to use her powers from her grandmother, as well as Keegan training her on how to fight with a sword or her own abilities such as fire.  I also loved how Breen wrote a children’s book about her puppy, and also starts to write a novel. 

The slow build romance between Breen and Keegan was nicely done, as they belong together, which I expect to see more in the next book.  I loved loved Bollocks, who was such an adorable puppy.  Breen needs to make a choice; does she go back home, or does she stay and help Talameh fight the oncoming evil. What will Breen do?  I loved everything about this book, as I devoured it from start to finish, and look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publisher

 

 

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CUSTOM BUILT (Fast and Fury #1) by Chantal Fernando-a review

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CUSTOM BUILT (Fast and Fury #1) by Chantal Fernando

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date November 23, 2020

After losing her job, saying goodbye to a lifelong dream and having an all-around cruddy year, Bronte Pierce needs a break. A job at Fast & Fury might be just the thing to reset her life, even though she knows nothing about custom motorcycles. But taking a job isn’t the same as keeping it, and her fresh start quickly turns into a fresh nightmare.

Starting with her boss. Crow is hard-headed, stubborn and brutally honest. He may be easy on the eyes, but he runs with an MC and he’s anything but friendly to Bronte. She suspects he has a softer side—just not for her.

Her whole life, Bronte has known that the only person she can truly count on to save the day is herself. But when a single murder turns into a conspiracy and the threat to her life is more than she can handle alone, it’s Crow who comes through—and her newfound family might just become her greatest strength.

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REVIEW: CUSTOM BUILT is the first instalment in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult FAST AND FURY erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s KNIGHTS OF FURY MC series. This is twenty-four year old, PA Bronte Pierce, and mechanic/Knights of Fury MC member Xeno Crow’s story line. CUSTOM BUILT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading TEMPER (Knights of Fury 3) for back story and cohesion.

Told from first person perspective (Bronte) CUSTOM BUILT follows the building relationship between twenty-four year old, PA Bronte Pierce, and mechanic/Knights of Fury MC member Xeno Crow. Bronte Pierce was let go from a job she loved as the assistant to a private investigator. With no other job prospects in sight, she reluctantly tells her father and uncle about her struggles when her uncle comes through with a new source of employment. Enter mechanic/Knights of Fury MC member Xeno Crow, the manager of Fast and Fury Custom Motorcycles. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Crow and Bronte, and the potential fall-out as the sins of the father demand payment in full.

Bronte Pierce is the only daughter of Freddy Pierce, and as such is the apple of her father’s eye but family secrets run dangerous and deep, and Freddy is about to pay the price for sins of the past. Caught up in the mayhem, Bronte calls in her former boss to start an investigation into the who, how and why, only to discover that her father and uncle’s secrets run much deeper than she could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Bronte and Crow begins acrimoniously as Crow appears to take an immediate disliking to our story line heroine but a night out with friends finds Bronte on the dance floor with Xeno Crow, and all bets are off for the foreseeable future. Crow had struggled to keep his distance from our story line heroine but the heart wanted something more than a working relationship. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to several members of the Knight of Fury MC: Temper and Abbie, Skylar and Saint, Renny and Izzy; mechanic and custom motorcycle designer Cameron, as well as Bronte’s father Freddy, and her uncle Neville; Bronte’s friend Billie; her former boss and PI Nadia, Crow’s sister Heidi; Jean and her daughter Anne.

CUSTOM BUILT is a story of family, secrets and sooooo many lies. Bronte Pierce was hit with the reality that everything about her life and the family she knew and loved was predicated upon a lie, and as such she was pulled into the fall-out of her father’s hidden life. The romance is seductive; the characters are colorful; the premise is intriguing but there was something missing. I felt disconnected from the characters; there was no palpable energy even though so many murders, deaths and threats to our story line heroine- it was like everyone was just going through the motions, like a bad B-movie.

As stated in a previous review for the author, I wish the story line was told in dual perspective as we are oblivious to Crow’s whereabouts on many occasions, and the behind the scenes happenings. Our hero would appear and disappear without explanation or reason, and in this I felt there could have been so much more detail to add the world building and the series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon’s Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers.

Follow Chantal: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

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