Author Archives: Sandy

Ancient Magic (Magic for Hire 2) by Alexandra Ivy-review

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Ancient Magic (Magic for Hire 2) by Alexandra Ivy-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date. July 23, 2024

The Vampire Cabal meets only under the direst circumstances. But since Skye Claremont’s coven proved wild magic has returned, the cabal has gathered in New York City to decide the fate of the powerful mages.

Skye doubts her oracular powers can help. After ten years indentured to a demon gang, paying off her father’s gambling debts with visions, her freedom has come despite her weak abilities, not because of them. But when her father sends a text to demand a meeting, she doesn’t need to read the future to know trouble will follow.

The demons want her to kidnap Micha, the reclusive, fearsome leader of the New Orleans vampire cabal. As if a low-voltage witch like her could succeed. But when Skye looks into Micha’s eyes, she sees certain doom if she doesn’t take him to their stronghold after all. Spellbound more by beauty and intrigue than magic, the vampire follows her into the dark of a demon cell. When the door slams behind them, they’ll have to unravel the tangled threads of prophecy and politics that make the way forward immeasurably dangerous. But it’s desire that could undo them both .

•••••

REVIEW:ANCIENT MAGIC is the second instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult MAGIC FOR HIRE paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is mage Skye Claremont, and vampire Micha’s story line. ANCIENT MAGIC can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Skye and Micha, ANCIENT MAGIC follows in the wake of another betrayal. Skye Claremont is a mage and as such was once imprisoned by a demon gang but trust came at a cost, and betrayal was once again threatening our story line heroine. Enter vampire Micha, who suspects all is not well with our story line heroine. An ancient fable has attracted the attention of the demons and vampires, and Skye may become a victim of someone else’s greed. As Skye and Micha find themselves searching for the truth, someone else is waiting to take everyone down.

The world building is detailed and complex. The reader is pulled into a world of ancients vying for control, and the possible of the rise of a once powerful being.

The slow building relationship between Micha and Skye is threatened by Skye’s inability to believe in herself, or in the idea that someone like Micha would be interested. As Micha’s need to protect continues to grow, our couple will work together to uncover the truth. The lone $ex scene is passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting supernatural characters: demons, fae, vampires, mage, and a couple of unknowns. We are reintroduced to Skye’s friends and ‘sisters’ Peri (Valen), Maya, and Joe, someone who is not quite whom he appears to be.

ANCIENT MAGIC is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and determination, ancients and magic, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is meticulous and engaging; the characters are determined, powerful and charismatic; the romance is subtle.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WILD MAGIC

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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COURTING DANGER (Ruthless Empire 1) by Eve Riley-review

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💛 COURTING DANGER (Ruthless Empire 1) by Eve Riley-review 💛

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2024

Amidst deadly enemies and tense power struggles, the boundaries of love are put to the ultimate test.

Garrison Reyes is an ex-soldier struggling to make ends meet after retiring from the military due to a traumatic incident during his last deployment. When he is hired as a bodyguard, he sees it as an opportunity to put his combat skills to use. As Garrison becomes more entrenched in Alex’s world, he realizes that his new boss is not just a wealthy businessman, but the son of the head of the Italian mafia. He sees firsthand the violence and corruption that permeates their world, and begins to question whether he can continue to work for someone involved in such a dark and dangerous organization.

Targeted by rival crime families who want to take down his father’s empire, Alex Mariano is forced to take his father’s position as head of the Italian mafia when his father is incarcerated. Alex is struggling with his own internal conflicts. He wants to make changes that will help the family thrive and grow stronger, but he knows that his ambitions may put him in even more danger. As tensions within the mafia empire rise, Alex finds himself in the middle of a power struggle with the last person he ever expected.

Despite their vastly different backgrounds and a significant age gap, Garrison and Alex develop a powerful attraction to each other, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that they come from opposing worlds. Garrison struggles to reconcile his feelings for Alex with his loyalty to his own moral code. Meanwhile, Alex is torn between his love for Garrison and his duty to his family and the mafia.

Can love conquer all in a world where family honor and loyalty come first? Or will they be torn apart by the very forces that brought them together?

••••••

REVIEW: COURTING DANGER is the first instalment in Eve Riley’s contemporary adult RUTHLESS EMPIRE erotic, MM, Mafia romance series. This is twenty-five year old heir to the Mariano Crime family Alex Mariano, and forty-two year old, former US Army Ranger Garrison Reyes’ story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence and same $ex situations, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alex and Garrison) COURTING DANGER follows in the aftermath of an attempt against Alex Mariano’s life. Garrison Reyes is weeks away from losing his home, and with the advise of his best friend Caden, Garrison is hoping for a job at a local nightclub but everything begins to spiral out of control when an assassination attempt against Garrison’s would -be boss forces Garrison into action, immediate on the job training to save the man with whom he would fall in love. Garrison has no idea as to Alex’s Mafia connection, and in this, Garrison struggles with the who and what of his new employer. What ensues is the building relationship between Garrison and Alex, and the potential fall-out as the Mariano family is targeted including the man at the top.

The world building follows several paths including the building relationship between our story line couple. Not everyone is happy with the possibility of a gay man at the helm of the Italian Mafia, and Alex will be targeted along with the other members of the Mariano family. Meanwhile, the Mariano family is trying to stop a potential war between the Mariano, the Bianchi and Vidales crime families but someone else is setting up Alex to fail.

The relationship between Alex and Garrison begins when Garrison saves Alex’s life but Garrison struggles working for the Bianchi Mafia family, and is considering walking away without looking back but when Alex goes missing Garrison is front and centre in the hopes of rescuing the man with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and interesting secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Garrison’s friend Caden; Alex’s mother, his cousin Ghita, Uncle Lorenz; Alex’s father’s right hand man Valente Guerra, and D’Angelo Bianchi. The requisite evil was easily deduced.

COURTING DANGER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, homophobia and obsession, secrets and lies, family and acceptance. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is intimate and provocative; the characters are powerful, energetic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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SABOTAGE/Maverick (Toxic Warriors MC 5 & 6)by EC Land-review tour

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☠️💙SABOTAGE / Maverick (Toxic Warriors MC 5 & 6) by EC Land-review tour☠️💙

 

☠️💙 SABOTAGE ☠️💙
Toxic Warriors MC 6
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC, Romance

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2024

In a blink of an eye life can be taken, just as it’s given.

Sabotage

Years ago, I gave up on finding a woman to fit my life. I had everything I needed. My daughter. My club. My bike. Life was good. Then it wasn’t. I came into this life, knowing what I was looking for, but I got lost. When I was able to I traveled the world. Then everything fell apart. My daughter needed me.

Now she’s happy and wants the same for me. But the problem is, there’s only one woman who catches my eye and she doesn’t need to put up with my demons when she’s got her own.

Or so I thought.

Thrust into a situation where it’s her and me, no one else around, we’re stuck together. Together we have to figure this out. If not both our lives are on the line.

••••

REVIEW: SABOTAGE is the eighth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult TOXIC WARRIORS MC dark, erotic, MC, romance series. This is MC Chaplain Wesley aka Sabotage, and Ryann Branch’s story line. SABOTAGE can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Sabotage, Ryann, Warrant) SABOTAGE follows two years after the rescue of Sabotage’s daughter Fawn, Peyton, Ryann and Nevaeh from human sexual traffickers, and in the ensuing time, Sabotage has kept his distance from the young woman that calls to his heart. Allowing Ryann to heal, Sabotage will find himself spiralling when our heroine is once again abducted with a price on her head. Ryann struggles with the distance Sabotage has placed between them but another rescue by the man with whom she is falling in love finds Sabotage claiming our heroine in body and heart but the past refuses to let go, and another target has been place on Ryann’s head. What ensues is the building relationship between Ryann and Sabotage, and the potential fall-out as the MC is unable to protect one of their own.

The world building continues to focus on the take of a human trafficking ring but no one is aware of the true identities, and in this, the four young women are the only people who know the faces of the men who meant them harm.

The relationship between Sabotage and Ryann is one of immediate attraction but Sabotage has kept his distance while allowing Ryann to heal but threats against the woman he loves push Sabotage to claim our heroine, once and for all. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and anxious secondary and supporting characters as everyone is struggling with the reality of what has happened and why. Always one step behind, the Toxic Warriors MC find themselves facing the men want the return of what was taken.

SABOTAGE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark, twisted and tragic; the romance is passionate; the characters are wounded, animated and trying to thrive.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book four GRIMM

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

________

MAVERICK
(Toxic Warriors MC 5)
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 19, 2023

She was mine, and I let her go.

Maverick

The moment I saw her, I knew I was doomed.
Doomed to fall, but that’s something I swore I’d never do. She’s been through more than a woman should. Lived through being sold to a man who hurt in ways that gives me nightmares.

No matter how much I want more, I can’t. Not with everything she’s been through. Not even with the temptation being so great. But she makes it hard. Especially when she reacts to my touch.

When secrets result in chaos, it’s my job to keep it together. However, can I keep it together and watch her walk away?

••••••••

REVIEW: MAVERICK is the fifth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult TOXIC WARRIORS erotic, MC romance series interconnected with the author’s Satan’s Keepers MC series. This is Sargent at Arms, Vance aka Maverick, and Nevaeh’s story line. MAVERICK can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading the series in order.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maverick and Nevaeh) MAVERICK follows the building romance and relationship between Maverick and Nevaeh. Several years earlier our heroine was abducted on her eighteenth birthday, and along with several other women were used and abused until they were rescued by the Toxic Warriors MC. For two years Nevaeh has lived and worked with the other woman, watching as each slowly succumbed to love. Since her rescue Nevaeh has watched from afar as Maverick became her guardian and security until his latest assignment finds Nevaeh going along for the ride. A business deal is about to reveal an unlikely connection to family and a past Nevaeh is hoping to forget. What ensues is the building relationship between Nevaeh and Maverick, and the potential fall-out as the past is determined to take back what doesn’t belong.

The world building continues to focus on the investigation and whereabouts of a human trafficking organization, one of which, the Toxic Warriors MC has rescued many of the story line heroines but all is not well as the man in charge wants what he lost, including the woman with whom Maverick has fallen in love.

The relationship between Maverick and Nevaeh has been building throughout the series but Maverick has kept his distance in the face of Nevaeh’s abuse at the hands of her abductor. Having danced around one another for close to two years, Maverick is determined to claim Nevaeh as his own but a much needed push comes from an unlikely source. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Nevaeh’s brothers Banshee, Druid and Keller; their parents Daghda and Brynne; actor Romeo Cohen; gym owners Jasper and Milo, and Gizmo; as well as the return of several members of the Toxic Warriors MC including Pirate, Sabotage and Wrath and their president Viking.

MAVERICK is a story of recovery and healing, betrayal and obsession, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is familiar but emotional and intriguing; the romance is seductive ; the characters are broken but struggling to heal. MAVERICK ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A little about E.C. Land 

E.C. Land grew up in the country and has it deep in her bones. As she grew up, if she wasn’t out on the ball field or playing in the woods, she had her nose stuck in a book. Now she writes romantic suspense stories, specializing in MC (motorcycle club) romance. She plans to broaden her writing horizons in the near future and move into other forms of romantic suspense. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, three kids, and fur babies. 

Now 2 times USA Today Bestselling Author.

Social Media: Facebook / Amazon Author Page / Goodreads / Instagram/

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FALLING FOR NOLA by Katie Reus -review

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💚 FALLING FOR NOLA by Katie Reus -review 💚

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 16, 2024

They started off on the wrong foot…

When Nola’s firefighter neighbor wakes her up for the third night in a row with his loud motorcycle, she has some choice words for him.

Once they clear the air, sparks fly between them…

Kayce falls for his neighbor from the first moment she yells at him, and he’s not alone in his attraction. But since they’re neighbors, she’s worried about the fallout if they part ways. Only he wonders why she thinks they’d ever break up…

REVIEW: FALLING FOR NOLA by Katie Reus is an adult, stand alone, romance novella focusing of thirty-five year old, fire inspector Kayce Laurent, and twenty-five year old artist Nola Cartier.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Kayce and Nola) covering approximately six months, FALLING FOR NOLA focuses on neighbors Kayce Laurent and Nola Cartier. After a late night stumble, Kayce Laurent and Nola Cartier agree to be civil neighbors but the attraction between them cannot be denied. Fearing a fall-out, Nola tries to keep her distance but life and circumstance throw our couple together.

The world and character building reveal some family history, energetic siblings, and well meaning neighbors.

The relationship between Kayce and Nola is one of immediate attraction but life and Nola’s fear of possible ramifications in the face of an inevitable break up keep our couple separated yet not. New Year’s Eve beckons, and Kayce is determined to claim Nola as his own. There are no $ex scenes.

FALLING FOR NOLA is a cute, sweet, engaging and fast paced story. The characters are charismatic; the romance is subtle.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Mating Season by Kitty Thomas-review & giveaway tour

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Mating Season by Kitty Thomas-review & giveaway tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple / Smashwords /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 17, 2024

Pop Quiz: You’re a woman alone in the forest… would you rather run into a man or a bear?

I’m lost out in the woods when I cross paths with a strange man. He offers to take me back to his campsite, feed me, get me warm, but every instinct in me screams NO!

He is an opportunistic predator, and I am his prey.

I run. He chases. And just before I’m traumatized for life, I hear a loud roar as a seven hundred pound Grizzly bear rips the man off me and mauls him to death.

So…. Team Bear?

If only it were so simple. This isn’t just any normal bear. He’s a bear shifter, and he’s convinced I’m his fated mate.

I appreciate the life saving and all, but I have goals and dreams, and I won’t allow fate to play matchmaker for me, no matter how otherwise appealing the shifter in question may be.

•••••

REVIEW:Not read this author before, but I do love a fated mate/shifter romance. Apparently this author is known for her darker reads. It has a little element of dark, enough for a trigger warning, but I’d say it’s grey rather than dark (my personal opinion.)

It’s a short read, easily read in an afternoon. But that’s not to say it’s not detailed and well thought out.

Rosalie thought that hiking out in the woods in the day was ok. Then it wasn’t…. Getting lost, then watching as the sun disappeared has Rosalie worried! Things escalate quickly, almost being attacked by a man offering help (hmm, that sounded dodgy before he turns nasty!) luckily (but not for the assailant) she’s rescued? by a bear! Rosalie faints…..

And then the bear takes her to a cave and cuddles her!! (Me. I’d be freaking out!!) falling asleep, she just hopes that when she wakes up the bear doesn’t attack her! (I did wonder why she didn’t try to escape! But if he has her in his arms, then maybe she can’t! 🤔)

Cooper is minding his own business, when he comes across a man attacking a woman, but before he can shift and rescue the woman, his bear has other ideas! Mauling the male quietens the beast, and the Cooper makes the discovery….. the female is his mate! And that’s why his bear attacked! And taking her back to his cave seemed like the logical thing to do….

Trying to convince Rosalie that she is his mate (fated mate to be precise) has Cooper frustrated! But if he’s careful and patient, then his reward will be a mate. But Rosalie tests his patience a lot! 😆 She doesn’t believe him, she doesn’t want a husband either! She’s got a life plan and that doesn’t include him! But whilst she can’t walk (and leave) he has a chance to convince her.

But Rosalie is stubborn, she finds a way to escape….

And every time Cooper finds her.

But her last escape attempt could be her last!!

Vampires are always on the lookout for humans who haven’t finished the mating bond (it’s a long story, you’ll have to read to find out more) and if captured they are drained or kept as “pets”! And that’s the situation Rosalie finds herself in now!!

It does have elements of danger. But it’s got funny moments too.

I liked how Rosalie is introduced to the shifter world. I laughed as she constantly refused to believe Cooper. He even threw in the fact he’s a rich bear! But the fact she doesn’t want/need or require a mate is a refreshing change. So many characters just accept it story ended,. Cooper has the patience of a saint! But after seeing his brother literally pine away after his mate rejected him, Cooper has one choice, convince Rosalie they are meant to be together.

So can Cooper really convince Rosalie that they are meant to be together? Or will he have to accept that she doesn’t want him or the life he can give her? Will he let her walk away? Can he let her walk away, or will his bear take matters into its own hands (or paws?)

I love how authors find their inspiration. And this one was done about a debate from social media.

So, are you team bear or not?

Me….. #teambearalltheway 😜

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

NOTE: The excerpt contains strong language that may not be suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.

I start to move off the dance floor when someone comes up behind me. A male someone. My first instinct is to have an embarrassing freak out… but he smells… wow he really smells good. What is that?
It’s strong yet subtle at the same time. Warm, musky. But also mossy. But somehow in a good way. I’m not sure I’m describing it right. I’m not sure mere words could convey it.
And the solid warmth of him pressed up against my back feels… comforting somehow. His hands skim my sides to land on my hips as he urges me to move with him. His erection grinds shamelessly against my backside as his arm wraps around my waist, urging me to press harder against his length.
It’s a heady cocktail of that powerful scent, pure masculine strength, sensuous movements, and stark primal possession.
He hasn’t spoken a word to me, and given recent traumatic events, I should be panicked, but all I feel is calm—and other things I’m going to ignore. Dark animal things.
I’m hit with a bolt of such overwhelming lust that suddenly I want this man more than anything I’ve ever wanted. I want him to hike up my skirt and fuck me right here in the middle of the dance floor. I want him to put me on my hands and knees and drive into me from behind in front of all these people—sweaty, writhing hot bodies that could never compete with the inferno building between us. I feel hot and cold all at once and the arousal between my legs thumps heavy with the beat of the music. The pornographic images flitting through my mind only grow stronger the longer we dance.
If you could call this dancing.
One of his hands has moved up to grip the front of my throat, holding me in place against him as he brings us impossibly closer. His other hand starts to slide up my thigh, under my dress, between my legs, his fingers barely brushing against the heat and wetness of my panties.
And then my fear starts to edge out my lust. No! I can’t let this happen.
Forgive me if I don’t want to just jump back out there and let a man touch me after… the woods. It’s normal to feel a bit of disgust toward all men when one tries to hurt you like that. It almost feels shameful to let any man touch you ever again.
So why the fuck am I letting this stranger so close? Why am I rewarding any man for the bad behavior of his kind? Bad behavior I have personally suffered. I don’t know him. He could be a fucking serial killer.
I come back to my senses and pull away. He grabs me and pulls me back to him, and instead of more fear, I feel a kind of rage I’ve never felt before. I stomp down HARD on his foot with my heel. He lets out a yelp, and releases me.
“Rosalie, wait!”
I shouldn’t be able to hear him over the noise of the club, but I do. I turn around, and there’s Cooper. I shouldn’t be surprised. Didn’t some small part of me subconsciously just know? It’s why I didn’t look back at him—just let him be a stranger, because the stakes are far too high with him as he really is.
He’s wearing jeans and a black T-shirt that pulls tight over his muscles. His tattoos wind down his arms, ending just above his hands. Those warm brown eyes… that closely shaven beard… No. Absolutely not. His agenda might not look as bad on the surface as the guy from the woods, but it still involves his fucking boner… and controlling me. No. I’m not his mate. I’m not dealing with this alpha bro You belong to me, bullshit. I’m not going to just swoon into his arms because he’s pretty and saved me, as though a man doing the decent thing somehow now obligates me to give all my freedom away to him.
Men really are just living on an entirely different planet.
And he doesn’t get to just decide any of this.
I fight to get through the crowd on the dance floor, but his hand is around my wrist before I can get away.
“Let GO of me!”
A few people start to notice the conflict and back away, and I see a bouncer eyeing us. I’m pretty sure even as large as the bouncer is, that Cooper could take him.
He holds his hands up in surrender and takes a step back. “Just talk to me. I just need to talk to you.”


 

KITTY THOMAS writes dark stories that play with power and have unconventional HEAs. She began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling COMFORT FOOD and is considered one of the original authors of the dark romance subgenre.

To find out FIRST when a new book comes out, subscribe to Kitty’s New Release List: KITTYTHOMAS.COM

Author links:

Website / Instagram/ Goodreads/ Facebook/ Amazon Author Page/

 

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The Hanged Man / The Star by HP Mallory-reviews

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The Hanged Man/ The Star (Daughter of the Moon 2 &3) by HP Mallory

THE HANGED MAN
(Daughter of the Moon 2)
by HP Mallory
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, fantasy

ebook only 99¢ for a limited time: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2024

KATE:

After inheriting my aunt’s crappy castle in the rinky dink town of Maplewood, Vermont, my life will never been the same again. And I’m not even slightly exaggerating.

So why the pity party? Well, first off I’m now a celestial guardian (called a Daughter of the Moon) and prior to moving here, I didn’t even read my horoscope. Second, I’m the caretaker of a talking goat and a shrunken head and I’ve never even owned a goldfish. And third? I’m stuck with literally the WORST bodyguard in the history of terrible bodyguards. Magnus is about as fun as a hemorrhoid.

And let’s not even talk about the fact that as soon as I made my vow to the moon, my body decided to morph into a fertility statue (and I’m forty freaking five!) Still not exaggerating–the Andes have sprouted up on my chest and my ass needs it’s own zip code.

But that’s not even the worst part! Nope, not by a long shot.

The absolute kicker is that my sex-crazed, nudist of a mother has just decided to relocate to a town nearby which means we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other. That might sound nice, but it isn’t. Not at all.

At least I have Luke Montgomery to rely on—Luke’s a magician in town and he’s the only one who’s able to keep me from wanting to tear my hair out. Not only that, but Luke’s in a word: hot. And, yeah, I might have a crush on him…

As if things weren’t weird enough, they get even weirder when I start having dreams of an incredibly sexy man who appears to be stuck in a garden. I can’t decide if he’s simply the result of one too many snacks before bedtime or if he’s meant to teach me something about the newest tarot lesson I’m embarking on—The Hanged Man.

Sometimes life is truly stranger than fiction.

••••••

REVIEW: THE HANGED MAN is the second instalment in HP Mallory’s contemporary adult DAUGHTER OF THE MOON paranormal , fantasy romance series. This is the continuing story of forty-five year old, divorcee and author Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray. THE HANGED MAN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one THE FOOL.

SOME BACKGROUND : Following the death of her estranged aunt Artemis, Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray inherited her aunt’s castle, a guardian named Magnus; a magician named Luke Montgomery; Rocco the talking goat; Yolanda the shrunken head, and the mantle of DAUGHTER OF THE MOON.

Told from first person perspective (Kate) THE HANGED MAN focuses on Kate’s self-defense training with Magnus, and learning to use the magic buried within but someone or something is targeting our story line heroine. From the tarot to hellhounds, ghosts and vampires, warlocks, magic and dreams, Kate soon discovers all is not well in the world of Daughter of the Moon, or within the castle that is now a part of her life.

THE HANGED MAN is a story of secrets and magic, power and control. The premise is captivating and intriguing; the characters are magical and interesting-there are a growing number of potential suitors for our story line heroine.

Copy supplied for review

____________

The Star
Daughter of the Moon 3
by HP Mallory
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, fantasy

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2024

An irreverent, sexy, and hysterical romp through the tarot…

KATE:

I’m finally getting used to being a Daughter of the Moon.

Getting used to living in my aunt’s wacky castle in Vermont, getting used to my enormous… assets, and getting used to living with a talking goat, an annoying shrunken head, and my oafish barbarian of a protector.

The thing I haven’t quite wrapped my head around? The fact that my mother is now living in a nudist colony up the street.
And that’s not the worst of it.

Apparently, my mother has her own set of powers, she’s bumping uglies with my protector, and she won’t keep her nose out of my business.

But everything is taking a backseat to the fact that I’m worried my new vampire friend, Gray—a man I met while strolling the dream-world—might not be the man I hope he is.

In fact, he happens to be my #1 enemy.

Or he used to be. But he’s been atoning for his mistakes for the last thirty years, so I’m hoping he’s found his way to the light. Otherwise, the fact that I’m harboring a major crush on him isn’t going to go down so well.

And that’s not the only crush I’ve got (ahem, enter sexy magician, Luke), but life is complicated and I guess so am I.

Regardless, I’ve got a new tarot card mission (The Star) I need to conquer so I can find out what new power I’ve earned which hopefully will help me in the battle between light and dark…

•••••••

REVIEW: THE STAR is the third instalment in HP Mallory’s contemporary, adult DAUGHTER OF THE MOON paranormal/fantasy series. This is the continuing story of forty-five year old, divorcee and author Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray. THE STAR should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two THE HANGED MAN.

SOME BACKGROUND : Following the death of her estranged aunt Artemis, Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray inherited her aunt’s castle, a guardian named Magnus; a magician named Luke Montgomery; Rocco the talking goat; Yolanda the shrunken head, and the mantle of DAUGHTER OF THE MOON.

Told from first person perspective (Kate) THE STAR follows in the discovery of Kate’s vampire friend Gray is the vampire her aunt placed in stasis, locking down the evil that was once Valerian Shadowbane. Gray has been visiting Kate in her dreams but the reality proves that Gray’s intents may be a manipulation of someone else. Freeing Gray has Kate’s intrepid gang of protectors on alert including Luke who suspects Kate has fallen for the vampire. When Grey’s memories are restored, the vampire Valerian Shadowbane takes control, and Kate will find herself at the mercy of his demands but Kate has yet to come into her powers, and in this, she leaves herself unprepared and at a disadvantage when her mentors desperately try to instil the truth about her new reality, a reality that is about to get more dangerous and dark.

The world building continues to focus on residents of the castle; the cast of characters who all have a role to play in Kate’s life, and the surprising revelation with the appearance of Kate’s mother, a woman who may or may not have some magic of her own.

The large ensemble of magical and quirky characters add a significant amount of comic relief. Kate’s mother is a little eccentric; a woman whose own life runs towards the unconventional; a woman who finds herself falling for one of Kate’s guardians.

The relationship between Luke and Kate is struggling in the face of her attraction to Gray/Valerian. Valerian is a master manipulator, and in this, Kate refuses to heed to Luke’s warnings, and finds herself pulled into the aura that is Valerian Shadowbane.

THE STAR is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, magic and mayhem that relies heavily on the tarot. The premise is fun yet dramatic; the characters are bizarre yet charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Fool

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? THE FOOL book one is FREE for a limited time:

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ASSISTANT TO THE MAFIA (De Salvo Family 3) by Rose Wulf-review

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🌺ASSISTANT TO THE MAFIA (De Salvo Family 3) by Rose Wulf-review🌺

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 20, 2024

Grace Mariner, personal assistant for the CEO of DS Industries, has her life pretty well figured out. On the outside. Yet deep in her heart she knows that no amount of overtime will fill the void of loneliness waiting for her in her luxury apartment.

The problem? She’s thirty-years-old, overweight, works too much, and, oh yeah, she has a horrendous crush on the company’s COO, Romeo De Salvo.

Romeo De Salvo is more than a businessman. He’s the Underboss of the De Salvo mafia, and above everything, he’s a father. Letting outsiders close is not on his to-do list … with one forbidden exception.

So when the earthbound angel he’s been barred from pursuing calls him in the middle of the night, begging for help, he doesn’t hesitate.

He may not have been allowed to bring Grace into their world of darkness, but if that world has come to her, he’ll sure as hell be the one to catch her.

•••••

REVIEW: ASSISTANT TO THE MAFIA is the third instalment in Rose Wulf’s contemporary, adult DE SALVO FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty year old PA Grace Mariner, and COO Romeo De Salvo’s story line. ASSISTANT TO THE MAFIA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary..

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Romeo and Grace) ASSISTANT TO THE MAFIA follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Grace Mariner is the PA to CEO of DS Industries Dante De Salvo but a change in assignments finds Grace working with COO Romeo De Salvo, the man who has starred in her fantasies and dreams but all is not well; Grace will be targeted, and her fist and only call is to our story line hero. Enter Romeo De Salvo, the man with whom Grace will fall in love. The De Salvo’s have a target on their backs; the Ink Blot gang is taking aim, and not one but two more unknowns are determined to taken them down. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Romeo and Grace, and the potential fall-out as Grace finds herself facing down more than one deadly adversary.

The world building follows the De Salvo family, and the need for protection against more than one viable enemy. Dante struggles with Romeo’s need for our story line heroine, and in this, Romeo must prove he is worthy of his own happily ever after.

The relationship between Romeo and Grace begins as a professional working arrangement but quickly turns into something more. An insta-lust to love scenario in which Romeo is determined to claim Grace as his own, a woman who is about to a furious introduction to life in the mob. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, although only used once, more for shock value than anything else.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including the return of Dante De Salvo and his wife Iris: Christiano and Felicity: Mikey, and their mother Eleonora; Romeo’s daughter Lucia and her bodyguard Enrico,as well as several other security specialists, and enemies. We are introduced to Grace’s sister Cait, and Romeo’s ex Amber. The requisite evil has many faces.

ASSISTANT TO THE MAFIA is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate 11) by Sylvia Black

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Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate 11) by Sylvia Black-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2024

A vampire master with revenge on his mind.
A red-haired beauty who won’t stand for his rules.
When they find their targets, will the star-crossed lovers survive?

The mangy shifters and bloodthirsty rogue vampires have evaded us, using traitors from the underworld for
the very last time. Now, there is no escaping their doom.

All the stars are finally aligned for the purebloods. The master vampires will surely be victorious over our
enemies, as long as the pesky witches can be trusted to cooperate.

But destiny throws a curveball and places a goddess who insists on defying me at every turn, right in the
middle of the vampire war.

And when the enemies attack her, they make a deadly mistake. They will learn just how protective a master
vampire can be when protecting his mate.

Because no one messes with the woman I plan to make mine, no matter how many rules must be broken or
enemies must die.

They will learn that the hard way today.

••••••

REVIEW:MASTER BISTRITA is the eleventh instalment in Sylvia Black’s contemporary adult MASTERS OF THE CONSULATE dark, paranormal, romance series. This is pureblood vampire Master Bistrita, and bartender Chara’s story line. MASTER BISTRITA can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout, and many of the previous story line characters and couples play a significant role.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bistrita and Chara) MASTER BISTRITA continues to focus on the hunt for a betrayer. One of their own has formed an army of rogue vampires, taking aim at the members of the Consulate and their fated mates. With the forced help of the shifters, the rogue leader wants the ultimate power, and in an effort to achieve their position, takes aim at the vampires, their mates, and the coven of witches. Meanwhile Master Bistrita has discovered that female bartender Chara is his fated mate, and our hero is determined to introduce Chara to his dark side, his need to Dominate the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Chara and Bistrita, and the potential fall-out as betrayal from within begins to multiply as more vampires and rogues are pulled to the ‘dark side’

The world building continues to focus on the hunt for a betrayer, and the suspected betrayal by of a witch who is believed to be assisting vampire Lucas. As the pureblood vampires and masters slowly succumbed to their fated mates, a once powerful enemy will join forces with the vampires to hunt those who have betrayed their own.

The relationship between Chara and Bistrita is one of fated mates but there is little to no build up of palpable sexual attraction. Bistrita is a Dominant who is determined to make Chara submit to his will but Chara is a strong willed young woman who is struggling to find a place amongst the most powerful beings. Chara wants to become a vampire for many reasons, one of which is the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are limited but provocative and seductive.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines including the return of Benzini Crime family; Vampires Magnus, Gregor and Tylen. The requisite evil has many faces.

MASTER BISTRITA is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, acceptance and friendships. The premise is dramatic and captivating ; the characters are determined and charismatic; the romance is provocative but I struggled to feel any palpable sexual attraction-Chara spent most of the story ‘disobeying’ our story line hero as Bistrita considered all of the way to force Chara to submit.

Previous Reviews
Master Romano
Master Botosani
Master Oradea

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Beginning https://bit.ly/4d49cwb

Magnus: Present Day https://bit.ly/4f9LUa0

 

Sylvia Black is a master’s prepared paranormal romance author with a special love for old-world history and the folklore of Europe. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured this love and it grew more profound as a young child living for years in England and traveling extensively.

Sylvia likes to keep her readers on the edge of their seats one minute and fanning themselves as the heat rises in the next. Her novels feature handsome, dark-minded males who will stop at nothing to protect their mates.

The perfect day for Sylvia would be spent sitting on a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while enjoying an espresso as she writes.

While not writing, she spends time with her husband and family, including an adorable fur-baby. She enjoys traveling extensively, especially when researching for her next novel.

She also loves to spend time interacting with you, her readers, so please feel free to connect with her on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylviaBlackRomance

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