Tag Archives: Barb’s Reviews

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan – a Review

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Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan – a Review

 

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Description:
“What the gods did not give us, I would take.”

As the heir to Tianxia, Liyen knows she must ascend the throne and renew her kingdom’s pledge to serve the immortals who once protected them from a vicious enemy. But when she is poisoned, Liyen’s grandfather steals an enchanted lotus to save her life. Enraged at his betrayal, the immortal queen commands the powerful God of War to attack Tianxia.

Upon her grandfather’s death, Liyen ascends a precarious throne, vowing to end her kingdom’s obligation to the immortals. When she is summoned to the Immortal Realm, she seizes the opportunity to learn their secrets and to form a tenuous alliance to safeguard her people, all with the one she should fear and mistrust the most: the ruthless God of War. As they are drawn together, a treacherous attraction ignites between them—one she has to resist, to not endanger all she is fighting for.

But with darker forces closing in around them, and her kingdom plunged into peril, Liyen must risk everything to save her people from an unspeakable fate, even if it means forging a dangerous bond with the immortal… even if it means losing her heart.

 

 

Review:

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a standalone romantic fantasy. Liyen, our heroine, is the heir to the throne of Tianxia (Mortal Realm); she suffers from a near-fatal poisoning. Her grandfather, who runs Tianxia, gives Liyen something he holds for the Immortal Queen; as he gives her the Divine Pearl Lotus, which will save her life, healing her of the poison.  Liyen is now at full health; but her grandfather dies, and now Liyan ascends to the Tianxia throne. Liyan knows that she needs to renew her kingdom’s pledge to serve the immortals, who always protected them from vicious enemies.

The Immortal Queen is angry, with the Pearl Lotus is missing; she sends the God of War to find the Lotus.  Zhangwei, our hero, who is known as the God of War, has a reputation of being a bloodthirsty warrior. He is the strongest immortal, bred and raised for war. He also has his own motivations regarding the Lotus pearl for himself.

Liyan is summoned to the Immortal Realm, where she is determined to learn the secrets of the Immortal Realm; in order to safeguard her people. Liyan finds herself spending time with the God of War, a man she was meant to fear, which slowly changes.  They are drawn together, igniting their attraction, with their chemistry rising; the banter between them was amazing.

Zhangwei was devoted, witty and truly in love with Liyan; especially when she saw her past life and learned the truths.  Liyan was a terrific heroine, a bit stubborn, difficult, flawed, and a brave leader; but once she learned the secret truths that allowed her to know Zhangwei, as well as the Queen.  I liked a few of other characters, but I really loved Zhangwei and Liyan together. The last quarter of the book was mindboggling.

Immortal was a great romantic fantasy, with lots of twists, exciting action, captivating, emotional, danger and magical throughout. Immortal was so very well written by Sue Lynn Tan. I was unable to put the book down, and I suggest you read this wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Dark Hope (Dark /Carpathian 38) by Christine Feehan-dual reviews

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Dark Hope (Dark /Carpathian 38) by Christine Feehan-dual reviews  & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2025

Silke Vriese Reinders knows a war is coming. The demon slayer has seen it over and over again in the cards—and the battle won’t just be for the survival of her remote village, but for all mankind. Silke knows the only way to win will be with the help of the Carpathians. A fact that fills her with trepidation, as she is fated to be the lifemate to one of the ancient supernatural warriors—bound to a complete stranger and responsible for his soul.

One of the oldest, most dangerous Carpathians, Benedek Kovak is more beast than man. Locked away for centuries, the only thing that has stopped him from becoming one of the monsters he’s sworn to defeat is the thought of his lifemate. When Benedek senses the impending danger, he sets out to find her before it’s too late. But their enemy has laid a trap that pushes him closer to turning than ever before.

For so long Benedek has felt nothing. Now, some dark art is compelling him to indulge in cravings he thought long buried. He has no hope that anyone can restore what’s left of his tainted soul, but Silke is nothing like he imagined. Perhaps she’s strong enough to fight back the darkness. Perhaps together they can defeat an adversary hell bent on destroying them all….

••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW:DARK HOPE is the 38th instalment in Christine Feehan’s adult DARK /CARPATHIAN erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on a group of powerful warriors known as Carpathians. This is ancient Carpathian Benedek Kovak and demon slayer Silke Reinders’ story line. DARK HOPE 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.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul, eventually turning the male vampire or forcing him to greet the dawn.

Told in several parts from several omniscient third person perspectives (Silke and Benedek) and the occasional tarot card, DARK HOPE continues to focus on a new direction for the series with the inclusion of dragons, serpents, demons, vampires, mages (from the Underworld commanded by Lilith), and a new character – witte wieven (wise woman) aka spirit walker aka healer. Silke Reinders is a demon slayer, and Lilith has commanded her demons and followers to destroy our story line heroine. Carpathian warrior Benedek Kovak knows Silke Reinders is his mate but as he journeys towards the woman who carries the other half of his soul, he, along with Nicu Dalca, Tomas, Lojos and Mataias encounter an uprising of demons and vampires, signifying the threat of war.

The world building focuses on Benedek’s search for his lifemate; Silke’s need to protect her mother; and the encroaching demons and vampires commanded by the underworld. The action packed story line follows the take down of a powerful demon and his minions with another protracted fight scene wherein our couple must fight separately and apart.

The relationship between Silke and Benedek is one of fated mates. Silke has been taught by Carpathian female Tora that she hold the other half to a warrior’s soul but Silke has no intention of taking orders from an ancient male. The lone $ex scene is intimate.

We are introduced to Carpathian female Tora Kros, one of the guardians of the gate; Silke’s mother and healer Fenja; ancient dragon Szelem, as well as the return of Nicu Dalca, Tomas, Lojos and Mataias. The requisite evil has many faces.

DARK HOPE, once again, focuses on the continuation of new story line arc: from Tarot cards that tell the ancients of the existence of a mate, gate keepers, demons and demon slayers, hellhounds and the Underworld, as well as the woman in charge, who perhaps has the assistant for a powerful vampire and mage. The arc also renegotiates the scarring of a Carpathian, and vampires that continue to work in tandem with someone else. The slow building, action-packed premise is engaging but familiar; the romance is fated and seductive but limited as our couple spend most of the story line apart. The characters are desperate and powerful.

_________

Barb’s REVIEW: Dark Hope by Christine Feehan is the 34th book in her Carpathian series.  Silke Vriese Reinder, our heroine, knows there is a war on the horizon. Silke sees in her cards that the battle will begin soon; with the evil Lillith & her army, planning to arrive at her village to find the demon slayer. Silke is secretly the demon slayer, as well as she holds the soul of an ancient Carpathian, who is her lifemate. She knows she will need the help of the Carpathians to save their village.

Benedek Kovac, our hero, is one of the oldest and dangerous Carpathians, who has given up hope to find his lifemate, and after long years fighting against evil, is feels he is at the brink. But he senses impending danger, as he sets out with some of his long-time friends, to find his lifemate, before it’s too late. After a few attacks, Benedek and his group, manage to defeat some enemies, and they arrive in the village, where he will meet Silke.

At first, Silkie and Benedek will spend a lot of time to negotiate terms of their mating, especially Silkie determined to not become his mate.  Her mother pushes her to open her life and give him a chance. Silke was trained from a very young age as a demon slayer, and is having a hard time letting go of her solitary life to partner up with Benedek; even though she finds herself attracted to him.

Benedek begins to see Silke in a different and happy life, as he looks at the world through Silke’s eyes. He finally sees what her life is like in their village, and how he would be happy; with family, friends, and love; and her light changing his dark and chaotic life. Benedek had no hope that anyone could restore what’s left of his tainted soul, but Silke was strong enough to help him fight back the darkness. 

Together they will begin to accept each others purpose and hope. Silke and Benedek worked separately, with him and his group determined to defeat a dangerous enemy and Silke, with her friends doing all they can to stop Lillith’s demons, vampires, mages and creatures in the village.

Dark Hope was an intense, wild, dangerous story that kept me glued to my seat.  I really enjoyed how Silke and Benedek slowly knew they were destined to bond as life mates.  There is more to come, as 4 of the men working with Benedek will eventually find their own lifemates. Dark Hope was very well written by Christine Feehan.

 

Copies supplied for review


Excerpted from Dark Hope by Christine Feehan Copyright © 2025 by Christine Feehan. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

 

Silke was fourteen when Astrid’s now familiar voice told her to go to Tora and ask questions about a species of people called Carpathians. Silke always looked forward to listening to her mother’s voice and hearing her advice. This was the first time the recording hadn’t been just personal advice from mother to daughter. There weren’t her usual thoughts on the recording or even tips on fighting demons. Astrid instead detailed how important it was for her to learn about the Carpathian species and reiterated several times that she was to rely on Tora to educate her.Silke had grown up speaking an ancient language, one that Tora referred to as Carpathian. She’d asked, of course, where its origin was, but Tora had simply said she would reveal all to her in time. Silke was so busy learning everything from fighting skills to other languages that she had stopped asking. Now, her mother had specifically instructed her to learn what she could about the Carpathian people from Tora.

Tora had been her best friend almost from the first day Silke could remember, even before she could walk. Tora was kind and patient, and Silke considered her family, a sibling. Since both of her parents had died, as a child Silke clung to Tora. She always seemed older, although when they were children, she couldn’t have been more than five years older-at least that was what Silke had thought at the time.

“When I first asked you about the Carpathian species, you told me they were warriors, hunting vampires,” Silke said to Tora. “At that time, you said they slept in rejuvenating soil and drank blood without killing their donors. You told me they had tremendous powers, including shape-shifting and flying. You were very matter-of-fact. I didn’t have any trouble understanding or believing. Mostly because I knew you. When you told me that every gift comes with drawbacks, and you explained that Carpathians were nearly immortal but would become paralyzed during daylight hours and come out only at night, I realized you were Carpathian. You visited me at night, never during the day. Only once in that conversation did you mention demons and Carpathians in the same breath. I thought you meant vampires, but you didn’t, did you?”

Tora shook her head. “Carpathians view vampires as just that-vampires. They’re wholly evil and prey on every species on this earth they can. They create flesh-eating puppets and ruin the land. They have made alliances in the underworld recently. Banding together and making alliances is new, from what I’m told.”

That didn’t explain the demon reference Tora had so casually made all those years ago. Silke knew where vampires came from. When she turned fifteen, she learned that aside from being a demon slayer, her mother had also passed on another responsibility-a huge one. Silke guarded the soul of a Carpathian warrior. If that wasn’t fantasy, what was? When a Carpathian male was born, his soul split. He retained all the darkness, and somewhere, a female child was born with the other half of the soul made up of his light. His task was to find her and bind their souls together. It wasn’t easy to find their lifemate, and many of them succumbed to temptation, turning vampire, forcing friends to hunt them. The woman could die, and the soul would be born again and again for as long as the Carpathian male still existed.

The thought of such a responsibility at fifteen was disconcerting. Still, at fifteen, none of the things she learned about Carpathians seemed real. They were larger-than-life heroes, hunting vampires and keeping mankind safe. They were warriors fighting for others despite the constant whisper of temptation to kill while feeding just so they would feel a rush. Those were facts she’d learned from Tora.

 


 

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

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The Reading Cafe and Berkley are graciously offering a copy of DARK HOPE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis-dual review

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The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2025

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. But after an unbearable tragedy strikes, Charlotte knows her future will never be the same.

New York City, 1978: Eighteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for iconic former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.” Though Annie soon realizes she’ll have her work cut out for her, scrambling to meet Diana’s capricious demands and exacting standards.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art, wants little to do with the upcoming gala. She’s consumed with her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

That is, until the night of the gala. When one of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing . . . and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening.

As Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they’re to have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

••••••

SANDY’S REVIEW:THE STOLEN QUEEN by Fiona Davis is an adult, historical, women’s fiction story line loosely based in on the history surrounding the discovery and life of Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Charlotte and Annie) following two timelines (1936 and 1978) THE STOLEN QUEEN focuses on anthropology student turned assistant museum curator Charlotte Cross. In 1936, at the age of nineteen, while on an archeology dig in Egypt, anthropology student Charlotte Cross fell in love with archeologist Henry Smith; discovered an ancient Egyptian artifact, and in a matter of months her life spiralled out of control. Fast forward to 1978, now sixty-two year old Charlotte, working as the assistant museum curator at the Metropolitan Museum Department of Egyptian Art would have to face down her memories, when the theft of a familiar antiquity brings with it heartbreak from the past.

Meanwhile, nineteen year old Annie Jenkins, whose own life is changing in the face of rejection, has been hired as the personal assistant to Met Gala fashion coordinator Diana Vreeland, a position that puts her up close and personal with the theft of the Egyptian artifact. A journey to Egypt for both Charlotte and Annie comes full circle when Charlotte confronts the past, and Annie recognizes a possible connection to the Metropolitan theft.

THE STOLEN QUEEN is a story of mystery that blends fact with fiction; history with mythology; heartbreak and resolution. Fiona Davis pulls the reader into a mystery of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession. The premise is dramatic and entertaining but the conflict resolution is cursory and hurried. The characters are determined, desperate and charismatic.

 

BARB’S REVIEW:  The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis is a historical novel that switches between 1930’s in Egypt and the 1970’s in New York City.  The story revolves around two women; Charlotte (in her 60’s) currently leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art; and Annie (18 years old), who gets a job working for Vogue fashion editor, Diana Vreeland.

In Egypt, 1936, Charlotte was an anthropology student, working on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.  She loves her work, falls in love and will discover a burial chamber with a collar necklace. After a devasting tragedy, she eventually returns to New York, grieving her loss. 40 years later, Charlotte is a successful curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and becomes disturbed when a valuable Egyptian artifact is found missing.  

In New York City, 1978, Annie is excited when she gets a job working for Diana. On the night of the gala, chaos unfolds, when someone destroys things, and the Cerulean Queen is now missing.  At first, Annie is questioned, but Charlotte does come to her rescue.  Charlotte decides she needs to return to Egypt and discover who is behind the missing links, as well as trying to find the truths about the tragedy. Unknown to Charlotte, Annie will also go on the same plane heading for Egypt, in order for her to help Charlotte, as well as protect her.  Charlotte and Annie work together to uncover dangerous trials, deceit, finding the stolen artifacts, as well learning more of the secrets in the past.

I really loved the friendship that grew between Charlotte and Annie.  Charlotte began to realize that Annie had an uncanny sense of observing valuable insights. Annie was very sweet and was determined to help Charlotte, especially finding clues to help her.  They both were wonderful, as their stories intertwined. The storyline of Charlotte’s past comes back to haunt her, leading into a heartbreaking story.  It was a wonderful ending, with revelations slowly being revealed.

The Stolen Queen was a terrific story about the two unforgettable women, filled with history, mystery, tragedy, emotional, secrets of the past and an Egyptian curse.  The Stolen Queen was very well written by Fiona Davis.

 

 

 

 

 

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Remember When by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Remember When by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

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Description:
The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, née Greenfield, has just presented her younger daughter to the ton, and the rest of her life belongs only to herself. She returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But the summer has other plans for her.

Born a gentleman, Matthew Taylor has chosen to spend his life as the village carpenter. Growing up, he and Clarissa were close—dangerously so, considering his family’s modest fortune. As a young man, he never would have been a suitable match for the daughter of the wealthy Greenfields. Clarissa married Caleb Ware, the Earl of Stratton, so Matthew married another, though he was widowed soon after.

Now everything is different—Clarissa has already lived the life expected of her by society. And Matthew is as attractive and intriguing as he was when they were young. As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change—essentially the same man and woman they remember being back then, but with renewed passion and the potential to take their lives in an entirely new direction.

 

 

Review:

Remember When by Mary Balogh is the 4th book in her Ravenswood series, with this being Clarissa’s Story. Clarissa will soon turn 50, as she is now The Dowager Countess of Stratton; Devlin’s mother.  Clarissa returns to Ravenswood, after spending time in London, where she presented her youngest daughter, Stephanie.  Clarissa is happy to return to Ravenswood, giving herself quiet time alone, as well as peace.

Clarissa goes to see Matthew Taylor, and old childhood friend, as she commissions him make a crib for Ben and Jennifer.  Matthew is a fantastic carpenter, with people becoming fascinated by his work. It’s been many years (30) since they have met again, as they were best friends, but Clarissa decided to marry the Earl of Stratten, and Matthew later married another woman. 30 years later, their friendship deepens into a possible romance, as they begin to enjoy spending the summer going on long walks

Clarrisa enjoys her private time alone, but her children keep visiting her, as they worry about her.  Rumors start of her growing friendship with Matthew, with her family learning about these rumors. Clarissa dreams of having her own cottage on Ravenswood land, but closer to the river.  Both spend a lot of time together, and Matthew enjoys helping Clarissa on what the cottage would look like.  Matthew and Clarissa become closer with renewed passion and the chance to change their lives in a new direction.

 When Devlin visits his mother, he agrees with what she wants, as he will pay for it, but she will pay for what is inside the cottage; Clarissa is thrilled.  Matthew also learns some thoughts from his younger years, as his older brother (previously estranged), now becoming very close again, visiting his family.  I really loved seeing so many of the previous families, especially when they all get together for the epilogue, where Clarissa and Matthew marry.

Remember When was a sweet second chance romance, with them finding their renewed love.    Remember When was so very well written by Mary Balogh.  If you are a fan of this series, you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard – a Review

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The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard – a Review

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Description:
To save the realm from eternal darkness, she’ll have to choose between the truth and the lie—stand and fight or kneel and die.

“His Imperial Majesty, King Zarek requests your presence as his esteemed guest.”

When the gold-dusted court invitation arrives at Suraya Saab’s forge, she believes it’s a joke. Nobles might seek her skills as a bladesmith—one of few who can imbue her work with precious jadu, the last source of magic in the realm—but she has no qualifications as a potential bride for the crown prince. Still, the invitation is the chance at adventure, and the means to finally visit the capital city her late mother loved.

But what awaits her in Kaldari is nothing she could have imagined—and fraught with danger. It’s not the crown prince, but his impossibly handsome, illegitimate half-brother, Roshan, who draws her interest…and her ire. The invitation isn’t a quest to find a suitable bride, but a veiled hunt for the starbringer—a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood. And across the city, unrest is brewing between the noble houses and the rebel militia.

When the rebels carry out a brutal strike, Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, trying to deny their simmering attraction and the knowledge that Suraya herself might be the starbringer. But Roshan is hiding secrets of his own. And with no control of the power that seems to be stirring within her, Suraya has drawn the attention of the old gods themselves…and the interest of one dark god in particular might be the biggest threat of all.

 

Review:

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard is an adult romantasy. Suraya Saab, our heroine, lives with her family, and to her shock, she receives an invitation to participate in a selection to become the Crown Prince’s Bride. Suraya is a self-taught smith on making powerful blades, using ‘Jadu”.  Little do the selected girls know that they are searching for a woman who is supposed to have an ability of great power that would change the world. A veiled hunt for the starbringer; a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood.  Suraya decides to accept the invitation, looking forward to visit the capital city her late mother loved.

All the women who arrive are quickly put to the test of cruel trials, with many getting killed.  During the trials, Suraya meets Javed’s distant brother, Roshan, and immediately both of them enjoy their banter, and the chemistry between is strong.  In a short time, Javed discovers that Suraya is the girl he is seeking, who will be forced to marry him.  Before the crown prince can push for the marriage, an attack comes from a group trying to fight the prince and his mother.  Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, especially now that Roshan knows she might be the starkeeper, and is determined to keep her safe. The journey together is action filled and a magical adventure, with Sura discovers her powerful abilities, as well as her falling in love with Roshan.

I really like both Sura and Roshan together, as we can feel their strong bond.  It was also nice to see the  female friendships along the way; Laleh, Clem, Amma and her memories of her mother. Roshan was charismatic, and he truly loved Sura; but he also held a number of secrets.  Sura had many dreams, with the shadow god connecting to her visions; with no control of the power that seems to be stirring within her.

The Starlight Heir is a fast-packed mythology, epic fantasy, romance, betrayal, love, deceit, with a Persian/Indian inspired theme. The Starlight Heir was a very good story, that kept my attention throughout.  The Starlight Heir was very well written by Amalie Howard.  I suggest you read this book, as it looks like more books to come for this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz – a Review

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Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz – a Review

 

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Description:
Amelia Rivers, a member of the Lost Night Files podcast team, hires private investigator Gideon Sweetwater to catch the stalker who has been watching her. Amelia suspects the stalker may be connected to the shadowy organization responsible for the night that she and her two friends lost to amnesia—a night that upended their lives and left them with paranormal talents.

Gideon suspects that Amelia is either paranoid or an outright con artist, but he can’t resist the chemistry between them. He takes the case despite his skepticism. For her part, Amelia has second thoughts about the wisdom of employing the mysterious Mr. Sweetwater. She is wary of the powerful attraction between them, and deeply uneasy about the nightmarish paintings on the walls of his home. She senses they were inspired by his own dreamscapes.

Amelia knows she doesn’t have time to find another investigator, and Gideon is forced to reckon with the truth when he disrupts what was intended to be Amelia’s kidnapping. Now the pair is on the run, with no choice but to return to the haunting ruins of the old hotel where Amelia’s lost night occurred. They are desperate to stop a killer and the people who are conducting illegal experiments with a dangerous drug that is designed to enhance psychic abilities. If they are to survive, they will have to trust each other and the passion that bonds them.

 

 

 

Review:

Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krenz is the third and final book in her The Lost Night Files trilogy.  Amelia Rivers is the last of the 3 ladies, from the Lost Night podcast. Amelia has the ability to see auras and energy prints, particularly at night; she has become aware that someone is stalking her. Amelia decides to hire private investigator, Gideon Sweetwater, since she feels, he can relate to her psychic abilities. 

Gideon is a very good investigator, especially with an amazing psychic talent; and is currently using a cane as he was injured in his last case. Gideon accepts the case to help Amelia, but they both disagree often on what needs to be done. 

Amelia and Gideon uncover more clues about Amelia’s (and her partners) lost night. Amelia herself has had her psychic gift enhanced; and slowly Gideon learns more about Ameila’s ability to see things in the dark. Learning more about their discoveries will lead both of them to know that a deadly enemy must be stopped; desperate to stop a killer and the those who are conducting illegal experiments with a dangerous drug that is designed to enhance psychic abilities. They investigate the haunting ruins of the old hotel where Amelia’s lost night occurred.

Both Gideon and Amelia begin to have feelings for each other, I really like them both, as they made a great team, as well as a couple.  Shattering Dawn is an excellent contemporary romance and suspenseful story.  The story was at times intriguing and intense, with psychic enhanced villains that will stop at nothing to kill.  The epilogue ends the trilogy of The Lost Night Files, as Amelia, Pallas and Talia were able to resolve everything.  There is a possibility that the three of them and their significant others will continue to investigate other paranormal cases. Once again, Jayne Ann Krentz gives us a fantastic book, as Shattering Dawn was very well written. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

              SHATTERING DAWN  – Excerpt

Maybe the stalker would not return tonight.

Maybe she had imagined the ghostly figure in the hoodie and running sweats. Maybe no one was watching her. Maybe she was falling into a vortex of delusions and hallucinations.

No. She might be losing it but she was not that far gone-not yet, at any rate. She was not hallucinating. She was a rational, logical woman descended from a family tree that had produced a lot of highly successful individuals in fields ranging from psychiatry to engineering.

Okay, so she wasn’t one of the overachievers, and yes, there was the occasional self-declared psychic like Aunt Cybil dangling from a branch or two. The point was, none of them had wound up in an asylum. As her mother said, every family had a few eccentrics.

Amelia Rivers hovered in the shadows of her second-floor apartment balcony and struggled to suppress the stirring tentacles of panic. The balmy San Diego night seemed to close in around her.

Dr. Pike was right. She was developing a full-blown phobia, complete with anxiety attacks and excuses. At the rate she was losing ground she would soon become a total recluse after sundown. Pike had warned that the fear would eventually creep into the daylight hours. She probably should not have canceled the last two appointments with him. He meant well. She did not doubt his concern for her mental health. But she no longer had any real hope that he could help her deal with the visions.

She checked her watch. It was almost one o’clock. She clutched the old-school film camera in one hand and waited. The stalker would either show up or not. She no longer knew which outcome she wanted. Both were equally scary. If the watcher was real, she was in danger. If she had hallucinated him, she should probably check herself into a psychiatric hospital.

From where she stood, she had a view of the lushly planted courtyard and the glowing blue pool in the center. The four wings of the two-story apartment complex surrounded the gardens on all sides. There were four entrances. Each was guarded by a high wrought iron security gate and there were cameras, but it was easy enough to slip onto the grounds if you waited for an opportunity to follow a resident inside.

There was no roving guard or drive-by security service. Amenities on that level were only available at the more expensive properties. She was on a budget. It was tough to make a living as a photographer.

Last night the stalker had arrived from the service lane gate, which was veiled by a couple of palm trees and a bunch of strategically planted bushes. No one wanted to look at the massive garbage and recycle bins.

The walls of night seemed to move in on her. She would not be able to stay outside much longer.

Stupid phobia.

She was coming to the grim conclusion that she had imagined the stalker when she glimpsed a slight movement in the shadows near the service lane gate. She almost stopped breathing.

The figure in the hoodie emerged from behind the mass of greenery that shielded the entrance on the far side of the courtyard. The vintage Nikon camera that she had purchased from an online collector shook a little in her fingers. She was already tense but the fresh dose of fear-driven adrenaline sent shivers through her.

The stalker went swiftly along the path that led to the pool and disappeared behind the equipment shed. Something about the smooth, efficient-one could even say predatory-way he moved was as disturbing as the silent shriek of her intuition warning her that she was the stranger’s target. Dr. Pike could blame her nerves as much as he liked. She no longer gave a damn. She knew this creepy sensation all too well. This was not the first time she had been hunted.

________________________________________
Excerpted from Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz Copyright © 2025 by Jayne Ann Krentz. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

 

 

 

 

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Home Is Where Your Bark Is by Debbie Burns- a Review

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Home Is Where Your Bark Is by Debbie Burns- a Review

 

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Description:
Love means learning to trust again.

Jake Stiles has no idea what he’s signing up for when he dashes into the rain to help a stranger and her dog who have been in a car accident, but fate has stepped in. Jenna Dunning was on her way to return her sister’s high-energy border collie to a shelter after another failed attempt at a forever home for him when a distracted driver ran into them. Jenna is being taken to the hospital and must rely on a caring stranger to take charge of the terrified canine. 

When Jake and Jenna reconnect, Jenna’s delighted to learn Jake has taken on fostering the poorly trained border collie, who they name Seven because this will be his seventh chance at being adopted. Jake’s not looking for a relationship—he just ended a disastrous one—but he realizes Jenna may be the key to making Seven’s fostering successful. The timing might be all wrong, but as they grow close, he has to admit that he’s falling in love.

 

 

Review:

Home Is Where the Bark Is by Debbie Burns is a sweet romance, and wonderful dog. We meet Jenna Dunning, who is on her way to return a dog to the animal shelter, as her sister/husband/kids, due to possible issues, can no longer take care of the dog.  The dog (later named Seven) is a high energy dog (Border Collie) who keeps getting returned to animal shelters.  Seven has endured a tough life in his young age, and when Jenna heads to the shelter, she gets injured in a car accident.  Jake Stiles, quickly runs out of his car to help rescue Jenna, as the other person did not stop. With the ambulance coming, Jake tries to calm Jenna, and she begs him to take the dog to the shelter.

Jake agrees to stop at the shelter, but they were closed, so he takes the dog to his condo, planning to take the dog back to the shelter the following morning.  After learning some of the dog’s history, Jake decides to foster Seven; who now uses his new name, especially since 6 times Seven was returned. Jake is determined to train Seven, teaching him to trust others who have not abused him.  When Jenna gets out of the hospital, she offers her place with her big yard to help train Seven. Jenna loves that Jake has taken to fostering Seven, and together they both do everything they can to give Seven a chance to find a forever home.

In a short time, both Jake and Jenna begin to have feelings for each other; with them also bonding with Seven.  I loved both Jake and Jenna, as they were perfect for each other; he was kind and caring, and Jenna was always so sweet.  Seven mostly steals the story, as he needed to trust humans again; as he slowly began to overcome his fears, becoming happy with Jake and Jenna.

Home is Where the Bark Is was a heartwarming, uplifting and emotional sweet story, that tugged my heartstrings.  Once again, Debbie Burns gives us another sweet wonderful story, which was very well written. I loved their growing relationship, as well as their love for Seven. Wonderful epilogue.  If you love dogs, this book is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Bellevue by Robin Cook – a Review

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Bellevue by Robin Cook – a Review

 

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Description:
Twenty-four-year-old Michael “Mitt” Fuller starts his surgical residency with great anticipation at the nearly 300-year-old, iconic BELLEVUE HOSPITAL, following in the footsteps of four previous, celebrated Fuller generations. The pressure is on for this newly minted doctor, and to his advantage he’s always had a secret sixth sense, a sensitivity to the nonphysical which gradually plays a progressive role, especially as one patient after another assigned to his care begin to die from mysterious causes. At first he thinks it is just the ‘luck of the draw’, but as the numbers mount, he’s forced to think otherwise. As he struggles to find out why these people are dying while simultaneously having to deal with the unreasonable demands of being first-year resident, things rapidly spiral out of control.

Between fatigue, stress, and nerves, it’s no wonder that these first few days and nights of his surgical residency are tough ones. What is surprising, though, are the visions that begin to plague Mitt – visions of a little girl in a blood-stained dress, hearing bloodcurdling screams in the distance, and worse. As bodies mount and Mitt’s stress level rises, he finds himself drawn into the secrets of the abandoned Bellevue Psychopathic Hospital building, which to his astonishment still exists, defying demolition a few doors north of the modern Bellevue Hospital high-rise. Forcing an unauthorized entry into this storied but scary structure, Mitt discovers he’s more closely tied to the sins of the past than he ever thought possible.

 

 

 

Review:

Bellevue by Robin Cook is a suspense, horror, gripping medical thriller with a supernatural twist. We meet Michael (Mitt) Fuller, who starts his surgical residency with Bellevue Hospital; a three-hundred-year-old famous hospital in New York City.   He follows his earlier ancestors from many years ago; Mitt is a first-year intern; being sleep-deprived. The pressure brings upon fatigue, stress, and nerves, with the first few days being tough ones.

Mitt also has a secret sixth sense, and though he has done well working with the other residents, he begins to worry that all of his patients that he was assigned to, begin to die from mysterious causes. From the start, Mitt began to see visions from the past, such as a young girl in a blood-stained dress, as well as others who show up out of nowhere.  Things begin to spiral out of control, especially with all his patients ending up dead; as well finding himself drawn to the long-closed Bellevue Psychopathic Hospital. With this leading to a supernatural ghost element and Mitt finding himself anxious and stressed. Mitt tries to explain to his friend, who is also just starting out, and worries that he is being affected by his so-called visions.

Mitt will meet someone who also has visions, and learns more about what his ancestor did all those years ago.  Mitt will discover that he be more closely tied to the terrible scary things done by his ancestors.  Two of his ancestors were controversial; such as being opposed using anesthesia after it was widely accepted, and other also causing serious pain. Bellevue was a suspenseful, scary, thought-provoking, and tragical medical thriller. The last third of the book was very intense, with a number tragic events.  I will say that I was shocked with the way things ended in this book. Bellevue was well written by Robin Cook, but again, I did not like how this did end.  Overall, this was a good book, but the supernatural element changed drastically.  If you are a fan of medical thrillers, then you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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