Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington – a Review

Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Description:
Revna is no stranger to struggle. As the only member of the royal family without a magical ability, she is seen as an embarrassing mistake to her kingdom and a blight on her family tree. Luckily, Revna has found family in other outcasts in her kingdom. But when her two closest friends’ lives are put in danger, she is determined to save them by any means necessary, no matter the cost. The Bloodshed Trials—a competition where the last sibling in the royal family standing takes the throne—might just be the ultimate price.

Revna turns down her arranged marriage and commits to competing for the throne only to be kidnapped by the mysterious and terrifyingly powerful Hellbringer, the general of her country’s greatest enemy. He has the ability to rend souls with the flick of his wrist and is every inch as intimidating as the war stories say he is. But Revna wonders if there may be some humanity left in him—especially when he reveals there are other parties who want her on the throne for their own furtive reasons.

 

 

Review:

Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington is the 1st book in her Blood & Souls Duology series. We meet Revna, our heroine, who is a member of her royal family, but her family does not accept her; as she has no magic ability, and is considered an outcast. Revna goes out of her way to secretly meet friends in the kingdom, and works with them to protect others, who are treated badly. Revna, is a princess, and has no problem standing up to her family, which does get her into trouble many times; especially her brothers who have Lurae (magic ability), and she is Nilurae (without magic). Her father hates her, and seeks to pair her off in a marriage of convenience to get rid of her. When Revna’s two friends are put in danger, she is determined to save them.

Hellbringer, a deadly warrior, is her country’s enemy; he has amazing abilities, with the strength to kill hundreds with just a thought.   In a surprising turn, Revna is captured by the Hellbringer, determined to train her on the Bloodshed Trials, to take on her brothers, allowing her to become Queen.  His own Queen wants her to take the crown, becoming part their country, and he is committed to training her. Hellbringer wears a mask, as Revna wants to see his face, as he is enticingly masculine and attractive, but he continues to wear the mask. He is hard teacher, pushing her to learn everything.  In a short time, both Revna and Hellbringer (Soren) slowly find themselves growing becoming extremely attracted to each other. As the Bloodshed Trials is close, he arranges for her to be dropped off close to her home; as he leaves her. When the family finds her, they all were not too happy with her, but they rush to find the Hellbringer, to no avail. In that battle of soldiers, Frode was killed, and he was the closest to Revna.  

Revna adds herself to the Bloodshed Trials, which is a brutal horrific contest which the last surviving royal sibling will take over the throne. Jac another brother decided to take up Revna’s speech to run away from the games; leaving both Eric and Bjorn, who have no qualms in killing her. Volkan, the one she refused to marry, turned out to be a good friend, in helping her.

Blood Beneath the Snow was a very good fantasy, filled with intrigue, sinister, betrayal, tough and evil family along the way.  Blood Beneath the Snow was very well written by Alexandra Kennington.  I really enjoyed the story, and though some parts were slow, it was a very good story line. Revna was a fantastic heroine.  If you enjoy romantic fantasy, I suggest you read this book. I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

                       Ace Hardcover | On sale: March 11, 2025
                                        Excerpt

I tapped my foot, growing impatient. The ritual and ceremony were supposed to start first thing in the morning, while the sun rose over the hills in the east. But here we all stood, blowing hot puffs of breath over our numbing hands, still waiting as the sun ascended in the sky.

The chatter of the crowd closed in around me and I fumed at how normal the godtouched sounded. They discussed what might still be available at the market despite the shortages, what parties they were attending later this week, whether their spouses and children were due back from the front lines in this round of military rotations. All the while, their expensive jewelry flashed in the dappled sunlight and they basked in the warmth of their fur-lined cloaks-as if they all weren’t here to witness a murder.

I tried not to think about the godforsaken-my own people. The ones at the back of the crowd, dreading what the next hour would bring. Knowing they’d see blood of their own spilled on the altar of the gods and then be expected to go about their day as if nothing had happened. I wondered if any would lose toes or fingers from frostbite after enduring the frigid conditions of midwinter in their worn shoes and their thin cloaks, fraying at the edges. Whether their children’s ribs were showing in the wake of a war they despised. Whether they’d go home and cry silently for a few moments, hugging their families tight as they wondered why it was worth living another day.

My thoughts were interrupted by the temple doors swinging open. The crowd fell silent immediately, every head bowing low. I stared at the priests for a moment too long before Freja elbowed me, and I directed my gaze to the ground as well.

The holy men still managed to make me shudder, even after having spent a lifetime in close contact with them. They dressed entirely in white, in robes stretching from their necks to their wrists and ankles. Veils covered their hair and faces so that they blended in perfectly with the snowy landscape-except for the eyes.

The fabric of their veils was pinned to the necklines of their robes, meaning not a single inch of skin was visible on any of the priests. Above each one’s forehead was an eye embroidered with bloodred thread, eerie enough to make both the godtouched and the godforsaken feel the priest was peering directly into the depths of their soul.

I hated the priests almost as much as I hated the gods.

An endless stream of them flooded out the doors until they had filled the steps of the structure, the blades of their scythes winking in the sun. The last to exit brought with him a white cloth with another embroidered eye on it to drape over the altar. Fury ripped through me at the sight, but I forced myself to stay still. My fingernails bit half-moons into the flesh of my palms and I busied my mind with the reminder of what I was here to do.

“Every priest in the country must be here,” Freja whispered as we surveyed them. “I’ve never seen this many in one place before. Do you think they traveled for the ritual?”

“Who knows,” I murmured, feeling the telltale furrow of my brows appear. “I wasn’t expecting them all to be here. This might be harder than we thought.”

My friend nodded, readjusting the bundle of fabric in her arms. “Guess we’ll see how fast we can run.”

Another figure exited the temple. The queen. She’d once confided to me when I was a small child that the crown she wore today was her favorite: an arch that stretched from behind one ear to the other, hugging tightly to her hair, rays projecting out like a halo to frame her face. The gold of it glimmered in the morning sunlight, contrasting against her dark black hair. Her gown was a deep blood red, one of our national colors. It flowed like liquid, and I found myself wondering if she was freezing beneath the fabric. It certainly didn’t look warm.

She stepped to the center of the dais and stood before the altar. My eyes found my feet and I clenched my jaw as if the tension would prevent her from seeing me, recognizing me. A priest came forward to stand next to her, facing the crowd. In one synchronized movement, the other priests pounded the wooden handles of their scythes on the temple’s stone steps, sending a booming echo through the square. The ceremony had begun.

“Ready?” I asked Freja. My heart pounded with anticipation.

She nodded. “Let’s hope this works.”

The priest at the altar began speaking in a resounding voice. “Welcome to the Winter Ritual, beloved citizens of Bhorglid. Today marks the beginning of a new year, one filled with great hope for our country. Even now, we wage holy war against Kryllian, our armies drawing closer to taking over the southernmost country in the Fjordlands.”

A cheer erupted around us, and I suppressed a sigh of irritation. The godtouched in the crowd, whose partners, parents, and children fought on the front lines, were ecstatic to hear it repeated: their loved ones weren’t fighting in just any war. No, it was a holy war. Decreed by the gods.

The priest continued, “Generations ago, the Fjordlands were stolen from us. We, who communicate directly with the gods. Instead of harmony, discord was wrought and the Fjordlands were split into three. For thirteen generations, the gods have mourned with us as we have waited for their perfect timing. Now you are blessed to be part of the chosen few alive to see this miracle come to pass. Kryllian shall be rightfully ours. The gods have declared it.”

I tried not to let my emotions show on my face. The speech had been the same every year since the war began, but it never failed to make me wince. Halvar had been the one to explain to me years ago how the priest’s version of this story had been edited in Bhorglid’s favor. Only those who passed on the original stories verbally still knew the truth. He’d been lucky enough to come from a family that didn’t embrace the revisionist version of our history.

In actuality, the Fjordlands had been filled with wandering people, those with magical abilities and those without living in peace-until a pair with powers far beyond what was necessary for mortal man decided they could speak with the gods. And according to them, the gods said those with abilities had been blessed. Godtouched.

The rest of us were godforsaken. Forgotten by our holy pantheon, called unworthy from the moment we entered the world. While the godtouched enjoyed innate abilities that allowed them to manipulate elements of the world around them, the way the gods had once done as they walked the land millennia ago, the rest of us were normal. Shunted to the edge of a society where an invisible group of gods claimed we were lesser.

The speech grated against my nerves like the screech of a metal fork across a ceramic plate. Enduring the rest of this drivel was going to kill me. I was ready to move, ready to wreak havoc, ready to wrap my hands around the nearest priest’s throat and rip their veil off. Only watching the light fade from their eyes would be enough to calm me.

Freja snatched my hand and squeezed. “No,” she hissed. “We have to wait until they’ve brought out the child.”

My hands shook with fury against hers. But she was right. The priests enabled the foul treatment of the godforsaken, but we weren’t here to rid ourselves of them. Today was about saving a life, not taking it.

Even if I wished it were possible to do both.

The priest droned on, but I focused on Freja’s words and nodded, forcing myself to breathe deeply. The godtouched around us were too intent on listening to the priests to notice me acting strangely.

The ritual speech continued despite my swirling thoughts. “As we perform the new year ritual, this unholy blood will be a tribute to the gods. In exchange for our sacrifice, they will grant us their power. We will gain a powerful advantage in this war; with the vanquishing of this life, we will be able to defeat the Hellbringer. The gods have declared it so.”

Freja squeezed my hand again, barely in time to keep an indignant huff from escaping me. This part of the speech was new, the logic as incomprehensible as the rest. How would killing an infant grant us the power to stop the most powerful godtouched being to exist in any of our lifetimes and end the war? As Freja released my hand, the queen gestured to the side of the stage for several acolytes to bring someone forward. I glanced over but couldn’t make out the woman’s face; the figure was hunched at an odd angle and a low moan emanated from her mouth. There was a wriggling bundle clutched to her chest. My stomach sank, the way it did every year.

The priest took the infant out of the person’s arms and began to move toward the altar.

The figure left in the shadows-undoubtedly the child’s mother, a godforsaken woman-let out a haunting scream, her wail of anguish echoing through the square and silencing everyone, even the godtouched. I clenched my teeth. The screams were always the worst part. Worse than the blood. The mother collapsed to her knees and howling sobs cracked the silence.

Freja and I were the only ones who appeared affected. The priests’ expressions were carefully hidden behind their face coverings and the godtouched on either side of us were reverently silent, waiting for spilled blood to spell their salvation. The queen curled her lip at the bundle in the priest’s arms as he set it carefully on the altar.

As he laid it down, it wriggled, and a tiny hand emerged from the blankets.

Seeing the movement made my throat raw. The last child born to godforsaken parents each year was always culled-a horrifying euphemism-as a sacrifice to the gods. Only the youngest, freshest blood would do for this brutal tradition, repeated winter after winter.

“Now,” I said to Freja as anger sparked in my stomach. “We go now.”

Excerpted from Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington Copyright © 2025 by Alexandra Kennington. Excerpted by permission of Ace. All rights reserved.

 


 

Alexandra Kennington’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of BLOOD BENEATH THE SNOW  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Dead Man’s List by Karen Rose – a Review

Dead Man’s List by Karen Rose – a Review

 

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Description:
On a long-anticipated second date with police psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves—right as things are getting steamy—Kit stumbles across the mutilated body of a local San Diego politician. The politician is loved by many of his constituents but is hated and reviled by many more. That the suspect list is long is no surprise to anyone, but exactly who ends up on it stuns Kit and her team.

As the SDPD reveal the victim’s sinister dealings, Kit and Sam are forced to navigate the lawless world of the city’s most rich and powerful citizens to find answers. But time is rapidly running out, with their sources of information dropping like flies as the killer methodically eliminates loose ends—and anyone else who stands in the way.

 

 

Review:

Dead Man’s List by Karen Rose is the 3rd book in her terrific The San Diego Case Files.  San Diego homicide detective Kit McKittrick returns, as she is a fantastic detective.  Kit is finally planning a second date with Sam Reeves (psychologist), as she still dreads her anticipated date. Sam and Kit hike with their dogs in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and unfortunately, they discover a dead body.  Immediately, both Kit and Sam recognize who the dead man is; Brooks Munro, a well known local politician/councilman who was reviled by many. The vicious wounds all over his body, make it clear that he was murdered.

Kit and her partner, Connor, know that the list of possible suspects will be big, especially after they discover that Munro was blackmailing people.  After they find a list of the names of the victims that Munro was blackmailing, which had a number of powerful and influential people; that increased how many people who they needed to interview.

When more dead bodies continue to be found, both Kit and Connor realize that the killer is ruthlessly tying up loose end.  Conner was able to get his mother’s gossip information (she is rich and attends parties), and together Kit and Connor review all the possible candidates that Munro blackmailed. Sam, who was also a civilian police consultant, helped both Kit and Connor.   

Kit had a difficult childhood, until she moved into the home of foster parents Harlan and Betsy McKittrick, whom they adopted.  But Harlan and Betsy always provided love to many foster kids, whom Kit became close to.  She did lose a sister, whose murder was never solved, which continued to haunt her. Also, two other sisters had past problems: with Rita dealing with an upcoming trial, where her mother was murdered, and she was raped.   Akiko was contacted by someone claiming to have information about her birth mother, which Kit will help find the truth. All of this will probably be part of the next book.

I really loved Kit, who was awesome, and I got a kick out of Connor, who was also great.  Sam and Kit slowly began to realize that they both felt strongly to each other: as he was always so sweet and patient to her. I expect in the next book, more about Sam and Kit.

Dead Man’s List was a great suspenseful, great plot, mystery, crime, police procedurals, and addicting story.  Dead Man’s List was so very well written by Karen Rose, which is no surprise, as she writs fantastic stories.  I suggest you read the San Diego Case Files, as it was great.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery – a Review

Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery – a Review

 

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Description:
What would you do if you caught your brother cheating on your best friend?

While Beth is proud of her Malibu beach shop, Surf Sandwiches, she’s even prouder of her charismatic brother, Rick, who rose from foster care all the way through surgical residency. She makes subs, he saves lives. Things takes a turn for the happy after she finds out Rick is dating her new best friend, Jana. Then Jana’s handsome brother adds even more sparkle to Beth’s days…and nights.

But when she catches Rick with another woman—like, with with—her visions of an idyllic family future disappear in one awful instant. Either she betrays her brother or she keeps his secret and risks losing the man she loves and her best friend.

 

 

Review:

Beach Vibes by Susan Mallory is a wonderful standalone story set in Malibu.  We meet Beth, who owns a successful beach shop, Surf Sandwiches; which is located across the street from where people come to surf in Malibu. Beth bought the shop years ago, and after her divorce, she sold her house to her ex and used the money to make the sandwich shop bigger and better. She lives in a house with her Aunt Agatha, and has a younger brother, who is a surgeon.

Beth loved her work, with wonderful help, but she was at times lonely, as she wanted to have some friends, and since she volunteers at a food bank, she befriends Jana.  Jana plans on being a nurse, and has a young daughter, and soon both Beth and Jana become fast friends.  Jana lives with her widowed brother, Teddy (whose wife passed away a few years ago); he has three children, as well as Jana’s young child.   

Beth will learn quickly that Jana has been dating Rick, which makes her happy. She meets all of Jana’s family, including Teddy, Dex and the four children. In a short time, Beth strikes up a romance with Teddy, with both of them finding love along the way.  But when Beth catches Rick with another woman, she is sucked into Rick’s drama, but he promises her to keep the secret, as he will give up his other girlfriend, and keep Jana.  Beth worries that she could lose Terry and her best friend, Jana.  After a month or so, Beth runs into Rick’s old girlfriend, and discovers he is still with her.  In her anger, Beth reveals to Jana and Teddy the truth about Rick’s sociopath ways; with both Jana and Teddy, pulling away from her. Beth is beside herself, with Rick’s screw up, and she begins to see her brother in a new light, with his evil ways. Will Jana forgive her?   Will Beth ever have a chance with Teddy again?

Beach Vibes is a wonderful story about love, friendship, family, dating, heartbreak, siblings and betrayal.   Beach Vibes is very well written by Susan Mallery.  I really enjoyed this story, with some wonderful characters. I suggest you read Beach Vibes.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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Description:
A KING DESPERATE TO SAVE HIS BRIDE.
A QUEEN DISCOVERING THE DARK POTENTIAL OF HER POWER.
After nearly losing one another in a savage attack on the city, Vor and Faraine return to Mythanar fully committed to their marriage. But the situation in the Under Realm remains dire. With the world poised on the brink of collapse, Vor struggles to protect his kingdom. Though Faraine longs to support him as queen, she fights the weakness in her body at every turn . . . not to mention the strange changes warping her gods-gift.

When war drags them apart, Vor and Faraine face the consequences of their choices. How can Vor lead those who have lost faith in him? Torn between honor and desire, he must decide where his heart truly lies: with his kingdom or his queen.

Meanwhile, as Faraine explores the new dimensions of her power, she starts to believe the coming cataclysm may be prevented. But in doing so, will she unleash a darkness in herself far more disastrous?

 

 

Review:

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the 3rd and final book in her Bride of the Shadow King series.  Vor and Faraine return to Mythanar determined to fill their marriage vows. Upon arrival, the Under Realm situation is very bad, and Vor needs to win over those who have lost faith in him: as he struggles to protect his Kingdom. Faraine wants to help support Vor, as his Queen; but she begins to learn dimensions of her powers, which leads to massive changes to her body warping her gods-gift.

We follow Vor and Faraine as he knows his duty as King, leading to destructive battles ahead; Faraine is deeply plagued by Maylin’s powerful training.  Both Vor and Faraine spent too much time apart, as it did feel stagnant at times. Vor gathers his army to help Faraines’s father fight the Fae. Faraine stays in Mythanar struggling to understand Maylin’s training her to learn about god’s gift, as well as using her ability to become crystal stone. When the world is crumbling, Faraine will be the one who will save them, suffering from her pain, but proving herself worthy of being the Queen by saving Vor and the tortured souls of his dead people during a magical ritual, releasing the stone.

I thought a lot of the story was slow moving, at least till the last ¼ of the book. There was so much chaos and inner dialogue throughout. We did get a backstory about Maylin, who actually was Vor’s real mother. I really loved Hael, who was great.   I loved the ending, when Captain Hael will decide between Sur and Theodre.

Heart of the Shadow King was a very good ending, but I did think there was a lot of confusion within the constant changes and much dialogue.  Heart of the Shadow King does nicely end this trilogy, as Mercedes gives Vor and Faraine a happy ending.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Hidden Angels by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Hidden Angels by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description:
As the wall is peeled back, everyone falls silent. Then they see her. The near-perfect remains of a young female, two jelly bangles and a neon necklace being the only clues to how long she had been hidden there. But who was she? And who could have possibly wanted to take such an innocent life?

When the body of girl is discovered in the walls of a Woodbridge church, Detective Amanda Steele is immediately called to the scene. On arrival she meets FBI Special Agent Sandra Vos who explains that while negotiating a hostage incident moments before, a gun was fired. The bullet missed its target but exposed human remains.

The victim has been perfectly preserved, her jewellery and summer dress taking Amanda back to her own teenage years. DNA quickly confirms that the victim was taken over thirty years ago. Thinking about her own daughter, Amanda cannot imagine the devastation for the young girl’s family and vows to find the killer.

Amanda and her partner Trent determine the suspect behind the attempted shooting, Cameron Cofell, had a very clear reason for exacting revenge on the church’s priest. As they question the wider community, a neighbour reveals her long-held suspicions too. But when she is found murdered, Amanda knows this killer is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep their dark secret from ever coming to light.

Soon the investigation takes Amanda and Trent to an abandoned farmhouse—a place that haunts Cameron’s nightmares—where they find a faded photograph that holds the mystery of another chilling cold case. But just how far back does this evil go, and how much will Amanda and Trent need to sacrifice to find the killer?

 

 

Review:

Hidden Angels by Carolyn Arnold is the 13th book in her wonderful Detective Amanda Steele series. As I have noted previously, I am a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her books, and I love this series, which continues with another fantastic addition.  Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Prince William County, Virginia

When a local priest is held captive in his church, a shot is fired, hitting a wall in the Woodbridge church, which exposed a body entombed. Detective Amanda Steel and her partner, Trent are called to the scene. Amanda meets FBI agent Sandra Vos, who was negotiating a hostage situation in the church. Sandra was willing to help Amanda and Trent, getting more information for their needs.

The DNA quickly confirms that the victim was kidnapped from an amusement park over thirty years ago, with the child being 8 years old.  Her body was entombed within the wall at the age of sixteen. Cameron Cofell was the one who threatened the priest, as he thought the church was abusive, but his parents were the ones who abused him. Cameron’s parents were killed in an accident a few years ago, and it was suspected that the parents were the ones who kidnapped the girl, and killed her 8 years later.

Amanda and Trent are deep in investigating the past and the present, as they will work long into the night to find the truths. Amanda and Trent go to an abandoned farmhouse, finding faded photos that that holds the mystery of who helped the parents kill the girl.

Amanda and Trent are a great team, and I like them together. Amanda is a great detective, very strong, independent, and always able to solve any case. She also worries about her daughter, Zoey, because she always busy on a case, and feeling guilty about those long days that her job entails.   

What follows is an exciting, fast paced, suspenseful, compelling, intriguing, tense mystery, that kept me unable to put the book down, as this was another fantastic thriller. Hidden Angels was a fabulous crime thriller, that was another gripping addition to the Detective Amanda Steele series. Another wonderful police procedural, with great characters, edge of your seat thriller, with some twists and surprises at the end. Hidden Angels was once again so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, which is the norm for this author. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross-dual review

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A Rebel Without Claws (Southern Charm 1) by Juliette Cross-dual review

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After yet another bar fight and arrest, bad boy Ronan Reed leaves Texas to live with his Uncle Shane, alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Since werewolf cage fighting isn’t illegal in Louisiana, Ronan makes big plans to lead his own team in the ring. But when he sets eyes on sweet Celine Cruz, his whole world stops and she becomes a tantalizing distraction he doesn’t need.

As an Aura witch, Celine always wants to help heal the broken. She knows all too well what it’s like to battle anxiety, and so she’s dedicated her life to helping those in need. But the second she meets Ronan, she knows she’s in trouble. He’s everything her close knit family would hate: a werewolf with a hot temper and a sinful grin to match, who runs with a dangerous crowd. So why can’t she stay away?

Ronan thinks she’s a good girl. Little does he know, all Celine wants is to do wicked things with the bad boy werewolf, who revels in breaking all her rules. But as their forbidden romance becomes too tempting to resist, Ronan notices that the wolves are circling…and they’re coming after his mate.

••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ contemporary, adult SOUTHERN CHARM erotic, paranormal, romance series , a spin off , set in the author’s STAY A SPELL world. This is twenty-seven year old, MMA fighter/ mechanic/ werewolf Ronan Reed, and aura witch Celine Cruz’s story line.
 
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ronan and Celine) A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS follows the building romance and relationship between werewolf Ronan Reed, and aura witch Celine Cruz. Fifteen years earlier, following the death of his mother, Ronan found himself juggling between family members as his temper and grief refused to back down. Having moved to Louisiana, living with his uncle Shane, Ronan forges forward with a new MMA team, fellow shifters and friends who have his back but meeting Celine Cruz pushes Ronan out of his comfort zone, and the fact that Celine is his fated mate, makes the threats against our story line heroine, all the more dangerous. With an over protective father, and two brothers taking aim at the man whom she love, Celine finds herself falling for a wolf who is in a battle for his life.
 
The world building focuses on grief and loss; fated mates and acceptance; betrayal and obsession. Werewolf cage fighting is an outlet for Ronan as his struggles with his wolf, an outlet that now threatens the woman he loves.
 
The relationship between Ronan and Celine is one of fated mates: immediate attraction and palpable sexual energy but Celine knows that her family may struggle to accept the man that she loves, a wolf who knows Celine is his heart and soul. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
 
We are introduced to Ronan’s uncle Shane; his MMA teammates  Zack and Bowie: Celine’s cousins vampire Morgan and Samara; brothers Diego and Joaquin; their parents Evie and Mateo Cruz .The requisite evil has many faces.
 
A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS is a story of loss, family acceptance and love. The fast paced,character driven premise is exciting and entertaining; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are magical and determined.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross is the first book in her new Southern Charm series. This series is a spinoff with the new generation of the Stay a Spell characters that we have come to love, returning to New Orleans.  We meet Ronan Reed, our hero, who left his home in Texas to live with his Uncle Shane, alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Ronan makes plans to set up his own werewolf underground cage fighting team, which is legal in New Orleans.      

Ronan quickly meets Celine Cruz, an Aura witch, whom he immediately knew she was his fated mate. He is warned by friends to stay away from her, because of her scary family, such as father, brother, uncles.   

Celine is the daughter of Evie and Mateo (Stay a Spell), and it was fun seeing both of them, playing a part in Celine’s life.  Celine is a child therapist who does art therapy for supernatural kids, as she always wants to help others.  Celine also finds herself very attracted to Ronan, and in a short time the chemistry between escalates.  Celine learns from Ronan that he has not shifted in wolf form since he was 12-year-old, due to the death of his mother.  He ends up going to a therapist, that will help him deal with his past traumas, as well as being able to eventually release his wolf.

I really loved how Ronan and Celine fell in love, especially being fated mates. They made such a great couple, with both always there for each other, as well as being supportive.  I got a kick out of Ronan’s experience his first Savoie family dinner. It was great to see many of our favorite characters from Stay a Spell.  It was nice seeing Mateo and Evie (Celine’s parents), and loved when Evie would always keep him in his place. During the werewolf cage fighting, things became intense, and when Celine was in danger, Ronan’s wolf finally came out to save her.

A Rebel Without Claws was a wonderful start to this new series, in the same world as Stay a Spell; with witches, werewolves and vampires.  I really loved Ronan and Celine together, as they were the perfect fated mates. If you were a fan of Stay a Spell, you really need to read this new Southern Charm series.

 

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

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Made to Love You by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

Made to Love You by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

 

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Description:
She’s not looking for love, but a handsome veterinarian and a lost puppy have other plans…

Gorgeous and gifted, Annabelle Walker is a force of nature. A talented architect who has brought new designs and concepts to her family’s construction firm, Anna’s happy and doesn’t feel anything’s missing from her life, even as her siblings have all fallen in love this year. And then she finds an injured puppy on a bike ride.

 

 

Review:

Made to Love You by Nan Reinhardt is the 4th book in her wonderful The Walkers of River’s Edge series. We meet Annabelle Walker, who is an architect, creating designs for her family’s construction firm.  Anna has recently broken up with her ex-boyfriend, and seems content, happy about her life at the present, and is thrilled about her siblings all finding love. 

Anna is riding her bike, and comes across an injured puppy, who must have been dumped.  She hears a car, and a man turns up asking for directions; to her shock, the man happens to be a new veterinarian.  Sawyer Braxton is the new vet, and he helps Anna to try and save the dog. Anna will lead him to the John Price’s Animal Clinic, and he ends up being the dog’s first patient. While Anna is still at the clinic, Sawyer decides to name the female dog, Trixie.

Though Anna does not like pets, she is pressured to consider adopting, Trixie, who would remain at the hospital for a few weeks. River’s Edge welcomed Sawyer, into the town. Sawyer immediately finds himself very attracted to Anna, as she willingly teaches him how to bicycle ride, and in time, she agrees to temporarily volunteer to watch over Trixie. But as time passes, Anna will fall in love with Trixie, as well as her feelings for Sawyer. Sawyer is determined to win over Anna, to help her find new love with him and learn to trust again.

I really loved Sawyer, as he was sweet, kind and a total gentleman.  I also loved Anna, though she was bent on not becoming to close, having been hurt before; but she slowly started falling for Sawyer. I loved loved Trixie, who won both Anna and Sawyer’s heart.

Made to Love You was a wonderful addition to this wonderful The Walkers of River’s Edge series. Made To Love You was a sweet romance, wonderful couple, adorable dog, fun and great secondary characters.  Once again, Nan Reinhardt gives us another wonderful story in River’s Edge, which was so very well written.  No surprise, as I love all of her previous books.  If you enjoy romance, great couple, wonderful secondary characters, and fantastic small town, I suggest you read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied by Author

 

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First Time Caller by B.K. Borison – a Review

First Time Caller by B.K. Borison – a Review

 

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Description:
Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life-or lack thereof—she begins to question if she’s as happy as she thought. Maybe a little more romance wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending… even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

 

 

Review:

First Time Caller by B.K. Borison is the first book in her new Heartstrings series. I have to say that I loved this book, as it was so much fun and entertaining.  The story begins with Aiden Valentine, who is the host of Baltimore’s late night romance hotline, “Heartstrings. Aiden over the years on the hotline, no longer believes in love, avoiding any intimacy in his life

One night, Aiden receives a call from a 12-year-old girl, Maya, asking for advice for her 29-year-old mother. When her mother, Lucie Stone, hears her daughter, she interrupts the call, and she learns what her daughter is doing.  In a short time, Lucie finds herself in a conversation with Aiden, and the hotline goes viral.  The ratings jump drastically, and Maddie Lin, the station manager decides to get Lucie to join Aiden’s hotline, with listeners sky rocking. Lucie has a good job (mechanic), a wonderful daughter, family and is not sure why she needs this, but she also thinks about maybe she does need some romance in her life.

Aiden agrees to help Lucie in find her perfect match, with many nightly calls, and at some strange dates.   The banter each night on the radio show is delightful and fun, as they share a small booth. All of Baltimore begins to fall in love with Lucie, rooting for her to find her match. But Aiden starts to develop feelings for Lucie, and is determined to restrain himself, believing that she deserves someone good. Some callers begin to suspect that Lucie and Aiden might be falling for each other; as the sparks between them are sizzling.

I really loved Lucie, who was not only wonderful, but also tough, kind, brave and always caring about her family.  I adored Maya, who was also very sweet and smart.  Aiden turned out to be sweet and romantic when it came to Lucie.  I loved everything about Aiden and Lucie’s story, which will most definitely pull on your heartstrings. The chemistry between Lucie and Aiden was fantastic.

First Time Caller was a wonderful romance, filled with hope, joy, entertaining, and great banter.  First Time Caller was so very well written by B.K. Borison.  This was a fantastic read, as I loved every moment of it.  I suggest you read First Time Caller, as it is not to be missed.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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