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Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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Only Cold Depths (Galactic Bonds 4) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

 

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Description:
A WOMAN WHO CAN’T CONTROL HER POWER . . .
Everyone knows the name Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat working in a Regal-owned corporation, but thanks to my truebond with Kyrion Caldaren, I’m now one of the most wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy.

Kyrion and I have spent the last few weeks avoiding bounty hunters, along with the Arrows, the elite Imperium warriors tasked with capturing us. Now we’ve journeyed to a distant planet that’s supposed to be a refuge for truebonded couples, but when new enemies appear, we’re once again in grave danger.

As a seer, inventor, and engineer, I’m skilled at figuring out how things work, but I can’t quite understand my growing magic and newfound psionic abilities. The clock is ticking, and if I don’t figure out how to tap into my power, I’ll doom myself to a gruesome fate, along with Kyrion.

A MAN WHO CAN’T LET GO OF HIS FEAR . . .
As Kyrion Caldaren, I’m used to being respected and feared, especially given my telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. What I’m not used to is being on the run, but as a rogue Arrow, I’ll do anything to protect Vesper.

Just when I think we’ve finally reached a safe haven, trouble finds us again, reigniting all my fears about losing Vesper.

When the cold depths of our enemies’ plan are finally revealed, the truth is more terrifying than anything I could imagine. Soon Vesper and I are fighting for our lives again, but even with our growing truebond power, this is one battle we might not survive.

 

Barb’s Review:  Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep is the 4th book in her Galactic Bonds Sc-Fi/Fantasy series. As noted, many times, I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  I was thrilled to learn that she was starting a different kind of new series, and after reading this second book, I can’t wait for more.

Vesper Quill, our heroine, is on the run with her truebond, Kyrion Caldaren; with both of them being the most wanted fugitives.  Always avoiding Bounty Hunters, Arrows, Psionics, and Imperium warriors determined to capturing them. They are now journeying to a different planet that welcomes truebond couples.

Vesper is a seer, as well as being a successful inventor/ engineer: but she still needs to increase her powers to use her magic or psionic abilities. Kyrion is also very powerful, maybe more so with his Psionic Arrow abilities; he is determined to protect Vesper at any cost.  Together their truebond continues to grow.

Vesper and Kyrion arrive at House Collier, who are accepted as they are truebond; the family allows them to live in their House.  Siya, one of the daughters, is in charge of the security, with her team using Hammers as vicious weapons.  Asterin, one of the other daughters, is friends with Vesper, and she helped solve some problems in past attacks in the Imperium. To Vesper and Kyrion’s surprise, they are invited to a ball, and they are shocked that House Zimmer was invited, bringing along Zane, Wendall and Beatrice. Vesper is not happy, as the Zimmer family have always ignored her as part of their family; but their appearance forces her to listen to some truths, which they want to bring her back into the family.  Of course, Vesper hates Zane, but by the end, she will begin to accept both Zane and Wendall. 

Vesper is early at meeting with Asterin, and notices someone is trying to steal equipment; which leads her to Esmine and Pollux, with their team.  Throughout most of the book, both Esmine and Pollux are determined to kidnap either Vesper or Kyrion, which will lead into and exciting, wild, suspenseful threat against Vesper, Kyrion, Zane and Asterin.  Will they survive?

What follows is an exciting, non-stop suspenseful, intriguing, violent captivating story that kept me unable to put the book down. Vesper continued improve her magic powers, as well as being mentally able to reach out to Kyrion. She was a fantastic heroine, smart, savvy, with amazing abilities. I loved seeing Vesper & Kyrion work together to fight against their enemies, with their truebond romance continuing to increase. The last half of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with some twists and surprises along the way.

Only Cold Depths was a terrific intriguing Space/Sci-Fi adventure filled with secrets, lies, betrayal, magic, elemental, tense and danger.   Only Cold Depths was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I can’t wait to see what Jennifer has in story of us.

••••••••••

Sandy’s Review: ONLY COLD DEPTHS is the fourth instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult GALACTIC BONDS sci-fi, fantasy , space-opera-esque series focusing on the former leader of the Arrows Kyrion Caldaren,and thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist / seer Vesper Quill. ONLY COLD DEPTHS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book three ONLY HARD PROBLEMS.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyrion and Vesper) ONLY COLD DEPTHS continues to focus on the truebond relationship between our story line couple, a bond both are having difficulty accepting as true in the face of the unknown. A bounty has been placed focusing on our story line couple who seek respite and refuge on a distant planet but another betrayal threatens the lives of Kyrion and Vesper, who find themselves battling the enemy and the instability of their truebonded power.

Meanwhile, a marriage mart for the hand of Lady Asterin Armas, once again, brings Vesper’s half brother out of hiding, a brother she has never trusted, a man she believes is targeting our story line couple.

ONLY COLD DEPTHS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and magic, greed and obsession, dysfunctional family values and deception. The premise is detailed, dramatic and inviting; the characters are animated and energetic; the romance is fated and seductive. ONLY COLD DEPTHS ends on a HEA for now-there is more story to be told.

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Betrayal Road by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

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Betrayal Road by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
The stranger frequenting Azelie Vargas’s local coffee shop is a sight to behold. He’s tall, dark, muscular, and a complete distraction. She’s worried one look from his striking silver eyes will have her acting a fool. But it’s not a look that sets Azelie aflame—it’s the way he boldly tells her every dark, dirty thing he’d like to do to her. She should be scandalized. Instead, all she wants to do is say yes.

Andrii “Maestro” Federoff is in San Francisco on club business. Torpedo Ink needs information to bust up a human trafficking ring, and Maestro has found his mark. After weeks of stealthy observation, he’s not sure if Azelie is involved directly, or if she’s just working for some bad people. What he does know is that he needs to get close to her fast, and soon he can’t get enough.  

What began as a setup quickly turns real. But no matter how hot they burn, Maestro’s betrayal could leave their hearts smoldering in the ashes.…

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Betrayal Road by Christine Feehan is the 9th book in her wonderful Torpedo Ink series.  Refresher:  Czar is the president of Torpedo Ink, and together with the men and women he brought with him to Sea Haven they built their Torpedo Ink MC club in Casper, which is close to Sea Haven.  Each of these members have suffered terrible abuse in their childhoods in Russia, being forced to all become lethal assassins; each still very much trying to find the light inside their darkness.  They are all determined to protect each other, and also work secretly to save children that have become part of human trafficking, as well as pedophiles.

Azelie Vargas, our heroine, works at the local coffee shop, goes to school; since she is a numbers expert, she also works as a bookkeeper for a bad man, who wants her keep things private. Azelie is a victim of a violent past, as her family was killed, leaving her alone. In the coffee shop, there are a few elderly ladies who treat her like their granddaughter, always encouraging her to find a boyfriend.  Azelie was very close to her coffee shop ladies, as they watched over her; Azelie also was always helping others.

Andrii “Maestro” Federoff, our hero, is trying to get information about a human trafficking ring, as the Torpedo Ink club needs find a way to save the women that have been kidnapped. Andrii starts coming to the coffee shop, as he wants to see if Azelie is involved with the bad man or just working as the bookkeeper.  Azelie is quickly drawn to Andrii, but she feels she has no chance with a strong hunk of a  man; but Andrii finds himself totally enamored with her. It will take Andrii time to prove to Azelie as she is beautiful, kind, caring, and always helps others: as his support and belief in her was wonderful, and soon she will totally fall deeply in love with him.  They made such a fantastic couple; loved them together. I will say that there was a lot of sex scenes, but the story line was intense.

As their relationship grows, Andrii is convinced that Azelie is only the bookkeeper, and begins to explain everything about his life all those years ago; Azelie sympathizes and quickly worries that her boss would try to kill him.  She knows something was going on inside her office, as she heard screaming, but she could never find anything.  Andrii is able to get some information how to enter the building, and when the team plans to find the ladies, Andrii insists that Azelie must stay home and lock up the apartment.

What follows is an exciting and violent adventure, as well as a highly streamy romance between two people who would be together.  This was really a beautiful love story that captured our heart, as I ended up loving both Andrii and Azelie. I enjoyed seeing all the Torpedo Ink family; especially the men who were determined to free the women in human trafficking ring.  The ending was wild, and Andrii was desperate to save Azelie, who was kidnapped, as suffered some damage.

Betrayal Road was a dark, emotional, exciting, tense and steamy story line, that kept me glued to my kindle. This story was a fantastic read.  Betrayal Road was so very well written by Christine Feehan.  If you enjoy this series, do not miss this one.

 

Sandy’s Review: BETRAYAL ROAD is the ninth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult TORPEDO INK erotic, slightly paranormal, romance series focusing on the members of the MC Torpedo Ink. The Torpedo Ink series is a spin-off from the author’s Sea Haven series but you do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow Torpedo Ink. This is Torpedo Ink musician / construction worker/ assassin Andrii ‘Maestro’ Federoff, and book keeper Azelie Varga’s story line. BETRAYAL ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

NOTE: Most of the characters including Torpedo Ink club president Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski, were first introduced in the final instalment of the author’s Sea Haven Series BOUND TOGETHER.

WARNING: BETRAYAL ROAD contains graphic reflections of , and makes reference to violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. The violence is a part of the history and lives of the Torpedo Ink crews. The eighteen (plus one) original Torpedo Ink members are the sole survivors of a Russian pedophile ring, and as such work towards rescuing children and women in similar situations.

SOME BACKGROUND: At the age of ten years old, Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski set about to save and rescue over three hundred children from a Russian child sex-slave operation but in the end only eighteen survived. The Torpedo Ink series focuses on the survivors: their stories, their history, and their happily ever afters.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Andrii and Azelie) BETRAYAL ROAD follows Andrii aka Maestro as he sets about to seduce our story line heroine. Azelie Varga’s past is mired in the murder of those she once loved but meeting a man whose darkness envelops her like a blanket of warmth pushes Azelie to fall for a man whose need for Azelie is more than she thought. Azelie works for a man Torpedo Ink suspects is involved in human sexual trafficking, and Andrii is determined to seduce our heroine in an effort to uncover the truth but as Azelie slowly falls under the illusion of friendship and love, Andrii puts a plan into motion to take down the people in charge. What ensues is the building relationship between Andrii and Azelie, and the potential fallout as Azelie is caught in the cross-fire of power and control.

The world building follows several paths including the backgrounds and history of our story line couple. We are up close and personal with the losses suffered by our story line heroine; and the ritual abuse and training of children too young to understand the how and why.

The relationship between Azelie and Andrii begins as a lie. Andrii aka Maestro is desperate for information and needs access to the club for which Azelie works, and therefore, targets our heroine in his effort to get close. Azelie’s issues of low self esteem make her the perfect target but Andrii quickly realizes there is more to Azelie than he could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous story lines-Code, Steele and Breezy, Keys, Player, Savage, Destroyer, and Lana. We are introduced to the neighborhood coffee clatch-Penny Atwater, China and her sister Blanc Christian, and their protectors Doug Parsons and Carlton Gray, as well as Azelie’s boss Alan Billows. Christine Feehan like to us triplets whenever she is able.

BETRAYAL ROAD is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies,love and loss, acceptance and family. The character driven premise is intriguing, dramatic and gritty; the romance is impassioned ; the characters are determined, animated and stubborn.

The moment Andrii entered the shop, she was acutely aware of him in the room. She didn’t have to look up to know he was there. She knew exactly where he was every minute. He had such a presence. She sat at her usual table, a small one for two people only, toward the back of the shop. She had a good view of the windows and could see two streets, as the coffee shop was on a corner. Instead of looking at the views-or at Andrii-she brought up the book she was currently reading. She hoped the novel would keep the butterflies from fluttering in her stomach.

With one finger, Azelie pushed back the glasses threatening to slide from her nose. The thick black frames annoyed her when they insisted on falling right when she was reading something exciting. She loved books and the adventures they could take her on. It wasn’t like she was ever going to be leading a wild and crazy life, so reading about exotic places and heroes and heroines appealed to her-especially ones that were monogamous. And happy endings were always important, no matter if there was murder, mystery or mayhem.

It was impossible to shut out the giggles of the merry widows. For no reason at all, color swept up her neck into her face. She was certain the women were gesturing wildly toward her. Sighing, she glanced up over the top of her glasses, blinking rapidly several times to bring her surroundings into focus. Her gaze collided with a pair of eyes more liquid silver than gray and very intense. His lashes, very black and thick, didn’t take away from his chiseled features. The fact that he wore his black hair longer, and it was streaked with fine threads of silver, only enhanced the entirely masculine vibe he had going. As far as she could tell, there wasn’t an ounce of fat anywhere on him.

Her stomach clenched. Her sex clenched. Her entire body wanted to seize. He was intimidating just because he was so gorgeous.

“Would you mind if I join you? As you can see, the shop is filling up quickly.”

She blinked up at him again, trying to catch her breath. Just looking at him made everything she had want to run. She had to look away, afraid she’d make an utter fool of herself if she tried to speak. She looked around the coffee shop. It was nearly empty.

“Zelie.”

His voice was smooth. Like the brush of velvet against her skin. She’d never heard a voice like his before. Not ever. He had the kind of voice that made her shiver in anticipation of . . . what? Hot blood rushed through her veins and under her skin, coloring her face a bright red. There was no controlling that wild blush any more than there was controlling the flutter in her sex. And Zelie? No one called her Zelie. It was always Azelie. But she liked the way he said Zelie. Still . . .

“How did you know my name?” To her horror, her voice came out small, not at all like she wanted to sound. A whisper. As if she were inviting him to be intimate with her. She never sounded like that. She might avoid men, but when she spoke to them, she was decisive.

The table was small, and he moved the chair close to her-too close. His thigh brushed along hers. Warm. No, hot. She was suddenly very aware of herself as a woman, every nerve ending springing to life. He was definitely a man.

“The barista calls your name when your order is ready,” he said simply. “I’m Andrii Federoff. I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful woman lost in her own world.”

No one called her beautiful. She wasn’t beautiful. She was . . . ordinary. Mousy even. There wasn’t a single thing remarkable about her. Not that she was complaining. The fact that no one noticed her helped her to disappear into the woodwork, where she could observe those around her without having to participate.

“Azelie Vargas,” she managed to get out without making more of a fool of herself. She couldn’t drink her coffee; her hands were shaking too bad. She threaded her fingers together tightly in her lap, wondering why a man as gorgeous as Andrii would choose to sit with her.

Excerpted from Betrayal Road by Christine Feehan Copyright © 2024 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.

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Only Hard Problems by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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Only Hard Problems by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

 

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Description:
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . .

My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.

But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.

The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect.

I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . .

 

Barb’s Review:
Only Hard Problems by Jennifer Estep is the 3rd book in her Galactic Bonds series. This story revolves around Zane Zimmer, the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer. Zane acts like a playboy, when the gossipcasts get his attention, but he is head Arrow for the Imperium, ruled by Lord Callus Holloway.

Zane is a powerful psion with abilities of telekinesis, telepathy, and a powerful stormsword in defeating his enemies.   Zane is determined to stop the evil Techwave, who are building powerful weapons destroying many lands, in order to take control.  Zane is also trying to find Vesper & Kyrion, who escaped in the last book, and learned that Vesper was his sister, which upset him, since his father and grandmother have hidden this.  Zane has mixed feelings, as he knows that Holloway wants to remove Vesper’s psion powers for his own.  Will he bring Vesper and Kyrion to Holloway or will he find a way to save them?

It is the Summer Solstice celebration, with Zane, his father and grandmother attending, representing House Zimmer.  With pressure from his grandmother, Zane is supposed to present Lady Asterin a gift, with both of them totally disliking each other. Zane notices a former guard in the shadows and tries to follow him, as he suspects Techwave are in the building.  All hell will break loose when the Techwave guard brings out mechanical Black Scarabs, to kill the Solstice guards, and bombs are activated within the celebration.  Asterin is kidnapped, and Zane gets shot, but he is determined to rescue her.  To tell too much more could ruin it for you.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. The last third of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with some twists and surprises along the way.

Only Hard Problems was a tense last half of the book, that was intriguing, with violence, kidnapping, and psion magic.  Only Hard Problems was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I did like Zane, and I suspect that somehow in the future, Asterid will be the one for him.  I can’t wait for what Estep has for us in the next boo, which will fully return to Vesper and Kyrion.  I suggest you read Only Hard Problems, as I fully enjoyed it.

 

Sandy’s Review: ONLY HARD PROBLEMS is the third instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult GALACTIC BONDS science-fiction, fantasy series. ONLY HARD PROBLEMS focuses on Arrow Zane Zimmer, and his assignment to uncover the whereabouts of Vesper Quill. ONLY HARD PROBLEMS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of ONLY GOOD ENEMIES

Told from first person perspectives (Zane Zimmer) ONLY HARD PROBLEMS follows Zane Zimmer at the Summer Solstice celebration, a multi-purpose party to be used by the Zimmer family. Zane has been ordered by his grandmother to court and marry a woman he despises but his ‘boss’ has ordered Zane to uncover the whereabouts of Vesper Quill.Vesper and her bond mate Kyrion Caldaren are on the run, in the wake of the many attempts against their lives. Zane is struggling with his need to protect Vesper, in opposition to the orders from the man in charge but an attack at the Summer Solstice celebration results in the theft of some new technological power, and Zane is now facing the possibility that everything is not as is appears to be.

We are reintroduced to Lady Asterin Armas, the woman to whom Zane does not want to be betrothed.

ONLY HARD PROBLEMS is another story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, magic, elemental stones, dysfunctional family values, and questionable facades. The fast paced premise is intriguing, captivating and imaginative; the characters are secretive and energetic.

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Born to Be Badger by Shelly Laurenston – Dual Review

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Born to Be Badger by Shelly Laurenston – Dual Review

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Description:
Emily “Tock” Meyerson-Jackson is on a mission to rid the world of shifters trafficking humans for hunting and cash. And now that she’s narrowed down her suspects to a brutal coalition of male lions, nothing will get between this honey badger and her prey—not even a dog-loving Tiger with absolutely no time management skills. Doesn’t matter that Shay Malone is ferociously adorable. With a war brewing between cat families, Tock doesn’t have time to lounge around with a football-playing tiger shifter. But when she realizes the coalition is also responsible for the death of Shay’s father, she’s forced to partner up with the flirtatious feline. . . .

Revenge is most definitely on the menu for Shay and his tiger shifter brothers. But when it comes to Shay’s alluring partner in crime-solving, so is seduction. Tock might be a bad-ass of a honey badger, but she’s awfully cute when she’s flashing her fangs, which she’s pretty much doing all the time these days. Good thing revenge is a dish best served hot. Because when it comes to Tock, Shay knows just how to turn up the heat. . . .

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Born to be Badger by Shelly Laurenston is the 5th book in her fantastic The Honey Badger Chronicles. I was happy that Laurenston was giving us more Honey Badgers, as this is such a great series, with so much fun from start to finish.  With the honey badgers being the center of this story, expect crazy badgers, violence, mayhem in a wild hilarious, pulse pounding story.  So many wonderful characters, with many from the previous books. No surprise, since everything Laurenston writes, is filled with not only great stories, but fun humorous laughter throughout each book she writes.

This book focuses around Emily (Tock]) and her magnificent honey badger team, and the start of a romance with Shay, a tiger (with his daughter Dani playing a big part in this story). Shay was immediately attracted to Tock, who loved his daughter, but she did not want him to be part their fight; when she learns that the coalition is responsible for Shay/Finn/Keane father’s death, she allows them to help.  Tock and her team are determined to stop shifters who are trafficking humans for a hunt or cash.  They set out to find them, only to discover that they are in the middle of an ambush.

Tock and Shay were a slow burn romance, with them being a great couple.  I loved how Tock and Dani became close, and loved the cute little puppies that Dani took care of. We got to see so many new characters, as well as many previous characters. Tock’s grandmother was a powerful badger, but Tock and her bonded team were so insanely amazing, with nothing stopping them.   I absolutely loved Charlie, who played a major role throughout the book. Everyone feared Charlie, especially with her amazing abilities; and always able to take control.  Not to mention that when Charlies was stressed, she baked, and all the bears, lions, wolves ran to get her baked foods.

What follows is an exciting adventure that was also fun-filled, with wild & crazy action, a fantastic group of characters, and so much laughter throughout.  In order to stop a coalition of shifters trafficking humans, the Badgers will team up with the badger family, lions and wolves to defeat the enemy and stop the war.

When it comes to fun, wild crazy antics, hysterical and exciting, no one does it better than Laurenston.  Telling too much more would be spoilers, and this is the kind of story that needs to be read and fully enjoyed.

Born to be Badger was another fun, hilarious story, with great characters, sweet romance, action, suspense and so much laughter.  I cannot wait for the next book.   If you have not read Shelly Laurenston, you are missing an author that always gives us fantastic stories, who should not be missed.

•••••••

Sandy’s Review: BORN TO BE BADGER is the fifth instalment in Shelly Laurenston’s contemporary, adult HONEY BADGER CHRONICLES paranormal, romance series-set in the author’s Magnus Pack and Pride Worlds. This is Amur tiger shifter and single father Shay Malone, and badger shifter Emily ‘Tock’ Meyerson-Jackson’s story line. BORN TO BE BADGER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

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

Told from several third person perspectives including Tock and Shay BORN TO BE BADGER follows several overlapping scenarios including the hunt for the person(s) responsible for murdering Finn, Keane, Dale and Shay Malone’s father; the take down of a human trafficking ring; and the ongoing investigation into a powerful drug created to take down the honey badger shifters.

Shay and his brothers are desperate to find the person(s) responsible for the murder of their father but without the help of some powerful shifters, Shay struggles to ferret out those responsible. Meanwhile, the honey badgers have been targeted, and Tock Meyerson-Jackson has found herself the victim of a powerful tranquilizer, a drug meant to incapacitate the violent badger. As part of a search and rescue team, that was ambushed, Shay becomes guardian and protector of our story line heroine, something Tock does not need in the face of her large extended vengeful family. The search for any and all suspects reveals a human trafficking ring and a possible connection to a larger coalition somewhere in Europe.

The world building is detailed, complex and elaborate with many references to a number of shifter sports league and powerful groups, including families and deep ops organization, most of whom we met in the PACK series. We are up close and personal with Tock’s broad circle of blood family and family by friendships, as well as the considerable extended matriarchal family of questionable cousins (The MacKilligans), aunts, sisters and close friends. If you have not read any of Laurenston’s previous story lines or series, I recommend starting with The Magnus Pack then the Pride Series where the author begins to build her fantastic shifter world full of snark and fun-you will have to have a sense of humor for some of the darker scenarios. Ultimately, all of the shifters are predators, and therefore, killing is part of the cycle of life.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous, powerful and energetic.-wolves, bears, lions, tigers, hyenas, badgers etc. We are introduced to Shay’s brothers Finn, Keane and Dale, as well as his daughter Dani, and the return of several Van Holtz including Ric and Niles, and the Dunn Triplets. The requisite evil has many faces.

The relationship between Tock and Shay is slow to build as there is limited break in the action, the impending war between the badgers and everyone else, and the take down of the people responsible. The Badgers are a powerful and vicious group of shifters, a group that every other shifter fears the most. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

BORN TO BE BADGER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, friendships and family, acceptance and love. Shelly Laurenston pulls the reader into a humorous and frenetic action-packed story of secret organizations run by animal shifters, and the fight for control. The fast paced, character driven premise is intricate and fantastic; the characters are determined, dynamic and boisterous; the romance is subtle.

;

 

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Peaches and Dreams by Juliette Cross – Dual Review

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Peaches and Dreams (Green Valley Heroes 4) by Juliette Cross – Dual Review

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Description:
Marly Rivers is not crazy. No matter what everyone says. They may think her dream is foolish, but she plans to prove them all wrong—one jar of moonshine at a time.

Single dad Wade Kelley is just fine. No matter what his best friend Jed says. He doesn’t need a woman in his life. But when his son Jake breaks a jar of moonshine, he sets something in motion that neither Wade nor Marly are prepared for.

A friendly favor turns into late nights, long dinners, and a romp in the woods. And in a deer stand too. By the time Wade realizes he’s fallen hard and deep for Mad Marly, it may be too late to tell her. When she falls into real and sudden danger with poachers, he may not even be able to save her.

 

Barb’s Review: Peaches and Dreams by Juliette Cross is her 2nd book in the Green Valley Heroes series.  We meet Marly Rivers at the start, as she works at a moonshine store, as well doing a podcast with her friend, Lola.  Marly is known in town as ‘Mad Marly’, since she is always outgoing, wild, fun and rambunctious; with many people thinking of her as a bit crazy. At the store, a young boy accidently breaks something, Marly tries to protect the boy, but his father saw what happened, and came across to Marly as a bit arrogant.

Wade Kelley comes across as grumpy, he is a single father, who loves his son, Jake; making sure to be the best dad and make his son happy.  Wade is a wildlife resource officer, and he has a great family that will do anything to help out Wade and Jake.

Marly is determined to win this year’s moonshine competition and open her own moonshine distillery.  She approaches Wade, if she can talk to his grandfather to learn more about what she needs to do in the upcoming competition. Wade does agree to connect Marly with his grandfather, who offers her his old cabin to use for her various flavored moonshine. Wade does finds her wild ways unnerving, but that will change in a short time. 

Wade took Marly to the woods where the cabin is, and explains that she needs to be careful and leave before dark; since getting lost in the woods is dangerous.  The more time they spend together, and with Marly constantly flirting with Wade, as he does help fix the cabin up, Wade soon begins to have feelings for her.  He cannot resist her charming and fun ways, and loved how close she had become to Jake. Marly was perfect for Wade, helping him come out of his comfort zone; with the sparks between them sizzling. I really ended up loving Marly and Wade together, as well as Jake being so adorable.

The last quarter of the book was intense and exciting, as Marly found herself in danger, with poachers, as well as getting lost in the wilderness. Can Wade save her?

I really liked Marly, as she was so wild and different, though very early on I found her a bit annoying, but she grew on me throughout the rest of the book.  Peaches and Dreams was a fun, heartwarming, passionate story in a wonderful small town. The secondary characters were all great; I also did love Scooter and Pooter. Once again, Juliette Cross gives us a wonderful romance, which was very well written. I really enjoyed this book.

Sandy’s Reviews:

PEACHES AND DREAMS by Juliette Cross is the fourth instalment in the contemporary, adult, multi-authored GREEN VALLEY HEROES romance series, set in Penny Reid’s Green Valley Universe. This is Wildlife Resources Agent and single dad Wade Kelley, and moonshine distiller and business woman Marly Rivers’ story line. PEACHES AND DREAMS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wade and Marly) PEACHES AND DREAMS follows the building romance and relationship between Marly and Wade. Wade Kelley is a single father; a grump of a Wildlife Resources Agent but finds himself attracted to our story line heroine. Marly Rivers is determined to open her own distillery but is in need of some up to date equipment. An accident at the place where she works, brings Marly up close and personal without story line hero, an accidnet that sets into motion Wade and Marly’s happily ever after. With the help of Wade Kelley, and Marly’s grandfather ‘pops’ Marly sets up shop in a cabin in the woods but all is not well as Wade is struggling to find one or more poaches, hunting black bear, poaching out of season. As Marly and Wade’s relationship begins to build, Marly finds herself struggling with a place in Wade’s life, and the less than welcome reception of the father she loved. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Marly and Wade, and the potential fall-out as Marley battles between head and heart ; and finds herself the target of some out of town hunters.

The relationship between Wade and Marly begins acrimoniously as Marly struggles with Wade’s grumpiness and over lack of enthusiasm when it comes anyone else but Wade is unable to sit by and watch Marly endeavor to begin her own business without some ‘muscle’ he is willing to provide. As their relationship grows, Marly begins to fall in love with Wade’s son Jake, hoping one day to see herself as somebody’s mom. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word.
We are reintroduced to Lola and Jed (Parks and Provocation 2), as well as the introduction of Wade’s son Jake, and Marly’s grandfather, and estranged father.

PEACHES AND DREAMS is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; trust and understanding. The premise is captivating and delightful; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and energetic.

 

 

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.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Amazon Author Page / Newsletter

 

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Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
As the head of the New York City Shadow Riders and his branch of the Ferraro family, Geno bears the weight of dual responsibilities on his broad shoulders. There’s nothing more important to Geno than protecting his territory and his famiglia. So when his own parents become the latest victims in a string of vicious murders, Geno is ready to go scorched earth. He thinks he has the assassin in his sights, but he’s unprepared for the firestorm their connection ignites….

Amaranthe Aubert’s lithe dancer’s body conceals a spine of steel. Even held captive and faced with the threat of lethal interrogation, she’s not about to cave under pressure. She had nothing to do with the murders, no matter what the ruthless man in front of her believes. But before Amara knows what’s happening, Geno connects to her in the shadows, stripping her bare of all artifice. Now, she has no way to hide her true reason for being in New York–and nowhere to run from the man who’s very presence steals the very breath from her lungs….

 

 

Barb’s Review:

Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan is the 8th book in her fantastic Shadow Riders series. I have note that I loved this book, as we got to meet the New York Ferraro family, and throughout the whole book we spend so much time with all of our favorite Chicago family.  So much fun and entertaining. Refresher:   Shadow riders have the ability to blend themselves to the shadows wherever they are, making themselves invisible to anyone.  The Ferraro family runs a legitimate business; they use their ability to help others in need to solve various problems and dispense justice.  They are an extremely powerful and close-knit family that is totally loyal to one another, also protecting the people that in live in their community.

We meet Geno Ferraro, the head of the New York Shadow Rider family. He protects his territory, and his two brothers.  Geno senses something is amiss, with a number or murders against shadow riders all over the US & Europe. He thinks he has found an assassin, and calls Stefano to help him interrogate this person. 

We meet Amaranthe (Amara) Aubert, our heroione, who is a famous dancer, now in New York to perform in the upcoming Romeo and Juliett show.  Amara, is captured by Geno, as he threatens her, thinking she is one of the murderers.  But soon he realizes with Stefano’s help, that she is a shadow rider working for the Archambault family to secretly find the enemies.  Amara knows that she needs to reveal her true reason for being in New York, especially with two powerful Shadow Riders leaders. Geno realizes that Amara is the one for him, and their attraction to each other is immediate, though Amara will not open up her heart, as she is determined to complete her mission. In a short period, Amara begins to fall hard for Geno, as well as his two fun brothers.  The romance between Geno and Amara was fierce and inspiring, as they were fantastic individuals, with Amara also being a powerful shadow rider.  Everything changes for both of them, as Geno never thought he would find the woman of his dreams, and Amara never had a family. 

As noted above, all the members of the Chicago Ferarro’s played such a big part in helping fight the enemy, as well as other riders from various states.  I just loved seeing all of my favorites, and the fun they had teasing each other. Amara was an amazing heroine, with her fast-moving ability within the shadows, including at one time saving Stefano’s life. 

Shadow Dance was an emotional story on many levels; the danger and threats from the evil shadow riders, as well as the sizzling romance between Geno and Amara, not to mention the wonderful bond all the Ferraro’s have for each other.  Geno wasn’t thrilled that Amara wanted to continue be a shadow rider, but he knew that any fears he had, resulted in her own fears for him. I will not give spoilers, as I do not want to ruin it for you; especially since this was a masterpiece. 

Shadow Dance was a captivating, exciting, suspenseful, action-packed from start to finish; especially the fantastic last third of the book; where all the Ferraro family was is in danger.  Their romance was sizzling and I did love Geno and Amara together. This was an awesome addition to this series, and I was very happy that we will get more Shadow Riders stories from other families.

Christine Feehan once again gives us a fabulous story, which was so very well written.  This is a fantastic Paranormal series (quickly becoming my favorite series).  If you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book.  If you have read them all, you will love this one.

 

Sandy’s Review:

SHADOW DANCE is the eight instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult SHADOW RIDERS paranormal, erotic, romance series focusing on the Ferraro Crime Family. This is Shadow Rider Geno Ferraro, and ballet dancer Amaranthe “Amara’ Aubert’s story line. SHADOW DANCER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: The Shadow Rider male must find his mate –a woman who is capable of riding the shadows-or at the very least with the ability to bear children with the shadow-riding gene. Within the family, the Ferraro siblings are tasked with finding a mate, fated by DNA, who is capable of continuing the family line. People with the ability to ride the shadows are few and far between, and future generations are at risk if no mates are found with the shadow-riding gene. The Ferraro’s are also part of the Chicago Underworld-a crime family linked to both legal and criminal activity.

Told from third person perspectives SHADOW DANCER follows in the aftermath of the murder of Geno’s parents Eugene and Margo Ferraro. Someone is killing Shadow Rider couples, and Geno is about to discover the Ferraro family has been targeted. Enter ballet dancer and elite investigator Amaranthe Aubert, the woman with whom Geno will fall in love. As Amara and Geno begin investigating a series of attacks against anyone connected to the Ferraro family, our couple will discover that all is not well in the world of the Shadow Rider, past sins are about to reveal a darkness that has targeted the Ferraro family. What ensues is the building relationship between Amara and Geno, and the potential fall-out as Geno’s need to protect Amara threatens their future and their own happily ever after.

The world building continues to focus on the world of the Shadow Rider: their ability to ‘ride the shadows’, and those who are trained to serve justice when a ‘rider’ cannot be sentenced through regular law enforcement. As each member of the Ferraro finds their own happily ever after, secrets will reveal a past haunted by neglect and abuse.

The relationship between Geno and Amara is one of fated mates but Amara has been tasked with investigating the people or person’s responsible, having been lead to believe the Ferraro’s may be the key. When Geno’s ‘shadow’ entwines with our story line heroine’s, Amara knows immediately that separating from Geno could mean death to them both. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including most if not all of the previous story line couples, even if just by way of mention of total involvement. We are reintroduced to Geno’s brothers Salvatore and Lucca, and Dario Bosco, a non-rider who is aware of the Shadow Rider’s existence. The requisite evil has many faces.

SHADOW DANCE is another dramatic story of family and relationships, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, fate and love. The premise is edgy, detailed, complex and dark; the romance is spirited and provocative; the characters are impassioned, desperate, powerful and determined.

She nodded, never looking away from his dark gaze. She did love his eyes. “I’m very sure. I’m not going to doubt us again.”
His smile was slow in climbing to his eyes, but when it reached them, it lit up the deep blue until her stomach began to perform loops and somersaults.
“You’re lethal to women, Geno.”
“Just to you, I promise.”
He cupped the back of her head gently and bent to brush his lips across hers, featherlight, before she could protest that she was wearing lipstick. As kisses went, it was fairly virtuous. It shouldn’t have made her heart pound like a drum out of control, but it did. He didn’t stop there. He shifted her, easily bringing her onto his lap, urging her to straddle his thighs.
Amaranthe knew better, but she couldn’t help herself. He mesmerized her. Large hands at her waist, he lifted her, and she settled one knee on either side of his thighs. His lips moved on hers again and again. Barely there. Whispering. Never hurrying. So light. Coaxing her with tenderness as if he knew everything she said was bravado. She was still afraid to go into his world with him.
Geno had kissed her with fire, but not like this. Not with tenderness. Not so she could taste raw emotion. He was giving her a gift—showing her how he felt. Her lips trembled beneath his. This was a terrifying moment even as she reveled in it. His chest was hard as it rose and fell against the softness of her breasts. His tongue slid along the seam of her lips, and her heart contracted.
I want you for myself, Danzatrice Ombra. You’re the only thing I’ve ever wanted for me. The only woman I’ve looked at and known I had to have, or it would be no one. If you turn me down, there will be no arranged marriage. No children with another rider. You are my partner, Amaranthe. I feel it with every breath I take. Feel it, too. Want me the way I want you.
He whispered poetic words like that into her mind, and she knew she would never be able to resist him. It didn’t matter that he was so far out of her league, and she had no idea how to be with a man like him, she knew she couldn’t walk away from him.
She saw his absolute resolve. He meant every word he said. His life had been dictated to him, his every path, his every breath and step. He was done with giving every aspect of his life to everyone else. He would choose his wife. The woman he would marry. If he couldn’t have the woman he loved, he would choose to be alone. She saw that determination in him. When Geno made up his mind, he was absolute steel.
I’m so afraid I’ll embarrass you, Geno. I have no idea what to do or say around these people. I don’t belong with them.
His mouth brushed across her lips again. Gently. Coaxing. So tender her stomach did a slow somersault and her sex clenched. She held herself very still, frozen in place, but the need for flight was paramount. Every inch of the front of her body was pressed tightly against him. His masculine scent enveloped her so that each time she inhaled, she took him deep into her lungs.
You don’t need to belong with them, Amara. You belong with me. I’m the one who needs you, not them. I don’t belong. Haven’t you noticed? I’m not the same as the rest of them and I make them uneasy. I’ve never minded, but I don’t want you to feel that way. I don’t want you uneasy around me.
How could he think that? Did she make him think it was him? She slid her palms up his chest and linked her fingers behind his neck, her mouth moving under his in answer.
It isn’t you I’m afraid of, Geno. I love being with you, and I’m comfortable with you. It’s the others in your world.
His teeth teased at her lower lip, tugging very gently while his palm curled around the nape of her neck and his thumb swept along her cheek.
Give yourself to me, la mia danzatrice ombra. I swear, you’ll always be safe with me. I’ll make you happy.
There was no resisting him. She didn’t even want to resist him. He was right.
I want you to know you will always come first. Always.
Excerpted from Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan Copyright © 2023 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.

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Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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?⚔️Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway?⚔️

 

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Description:
Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley. Despite being a cunning spy and a powerful mind magier, Gemma hasn’t been able to track down the most dangerous enemy her kingdom of Andvari has ever seen. Adding to her worries is the Sword and Shield tournament. With gladiators flocking to the capital city of Glanzen, Gemma can’t tell who is friend–or foe.

Determined to protect Andvari at any cost, Gemma hatches a bold plan, but things aren’t what they seem. Soon, everything she holds dear is being threatened, including her burgeoning relationship with Prince Leonidas Morricone.

With the kingdom she holds dear slipping through her fingers, Gemma will have to conquer her fear and unlock the true secret of her magic–or watch her friends and family die and her beloved Andvari fall . . .

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep is the 3rd and final book in her Gargoyle Queen trilogy. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and I couldn’t wait for Conquer the Kingdom; I am happy to say I loved this series.  I hope there will be more to come from this world.

Gemma and her best friend continue to spy undercover, to search for Milo, her enemy, and find out what his evil plans are to destroy her Kingdom (Andvari).  Gemma makes plans for a Sword and Shield tournament, with gladiators from all over attending in Glanzen.  She even invited Maeven and those from Morta to participate in the tournament; in hopes of trapping Milo, who is determined destroy everyone and take over all kingdoms, including Morta .  Gemma continues to master her mind magier powers, and worrying about keeping everyone safe.

I loved seeing Leo and Gemma together, as they made such a great couple, even if the people in Andvari hated all the Mortans. I also really liked Delmira (Leo’s sister), as she was so great in helping Gemma.  It was also fun to see the Gargoyles and Strix, and I love Grimley, who has always been with Gemma since childhood. The baby Strix, Violet was cute, and I did like Lyra. We learn about why Maeven calls her the Gargoyle Queen. We also got to learn more about her mother, as she saw flasdhbacks of the past.

What follows is an exciting, tense, wild last half of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.  Gemma was an amazing heroine, and her powers became ultra-powerful, which saved her life a number of times.  The wild crazy climax was a thrill a minute, with all their lives in danger and me holding my breath to see if she would survive. At one point near the end, with her life on the line, Gemma rises up with help from her loyal Gargoyles/Strix and friends. 

Conquer the Kingdom was a fantastic finale, with so much magic, mystery, suspense, excitement, action, danger, with lives on the line, and a couple we rooted hard for. To say too much more would be spoilers, as you need to read it from start to finish. Conquer the Kingdom was so very well written by Jennifer Estep, which is no surprise, as I love all her books. I do hope Jennifer will come back to this world.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to start reading the Gargoyle Queen series, which you should start with the first book, Capture the Crown.

•••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

CONQUER THE KINGDOM is the third and (final ?) instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, GARGOYLE QUEEN dystopian, fantasy series, a spin off from the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series. The Gargoyle Queen trilogy focuses on the secondary characters originally introduced in the Crown of Shards series. This is twenty-nine year old, Andvari Princess Gemma Ripley, and Mortan Prince Leonidis Morricone’s story line. CONQUER THE KINGDOM should not be read as a stand alone as some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in book two TEAR DOWN THE THRONE but the author does recap some of the history and background using memories and reflections.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sixteen years earlier, Gemma Ripley lost everything including the ability to control her magic the day Queen Maeven declared war on her family, killing her mother, and destroying her heart in the process. As Gemma’s ‘mind magic’ becomes more powerful than she could have ever imagined, our heroine struggles to forgive and forget, knowing she will one day have to destroy the people who destroyed her life, including the man that she loves.

NOTE: If you have not read books one or two, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from first person perspective (Gemma) CONQUER THE KINGDOM focuses on the preparations for, and the events of the upcoming Sword and Shield Gladiator tournament in Glitner, Gemma’s home town and the Andvari Kingdom but Gemma is wary having invited Queen Maeven, with the knowledge, her son Crown Prince Milo will make an appearance in the wake of his numerous attempts to kill our story line heroine. Prince Milo has set his sights on Gemma; he wants to take control of Andvari, destroying everything and everyone who stands in his way. Gemma is the ultimate prize, the most powerful wielder of magic, and in this, Milo is determined to take down the princess by first conquering the land but Gemma has an ally and lover in Milo’s brother Prince Leonidis aka Leo, an ally who battles between head and heart knowing Gemma will take no prisoners, meaning Leo’s brother and his mother are Gemma’s primary targets. As the Gladiator games commence, Milo is amassing an army, securing help and power from an unlikely source.

The relationship between Gemma and Leo continues to struggle in the face of Gemma’s need for vengeance, including stopping Leo’s mother, and destroying Crown Prince Milo. Leo battles between head and heart knowing the pain his mother and brother had previously inflicted upon himself and upon Princess Gemma but Maeven is still Leo’s mother, and in this, Leo must choose between the woman he loves, and the woman who gave him life. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, for fans and followers of Estep’s books and series, there are many similarities to the author’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN story lines including the tragic death of the mothers at the hands of the ultimate evil; the use of ‘elemental’ magic, specialty stones and gems, and the odd assortment of friends and creatures with different levels of power including gargoyles and colorful bird like creatures called strixes. And you can’t help but notice the comparisons between the requisite evil including the similarities in names and powers (Maeven Morricone/ Milos Morricone- Mab Monroe/M.M Madeline Monroe-Gemma/Gin).The fast paced, action packed scenes, and the violence perpetrated against our story line heroine are also reminiscent of the aforementioned series in that Gemma Ripley and Gin Blanco are two powerful females who are targeted for who they are, and what they do, and in this suffer as they struggle to protect the people they love.

And not to sound like a broken record, as per my previous reviews, there continues to be a redundancy and overwhelming use of the words purple (79 times) and violet (62 times) pertaining to the Mortan Kingdom’s Royal colors, eye color, the name of a baby strix, and their world as a whole.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to spy and dragon morph Reiko Yamato, Gladiator Kai; gem worker and jeweller Alvis; Gemma’s grandfather King Heinrich, her father Crown Prince Dominic, and his wife Rhea Hans; gargoyles Grimley (Gemma’s familiar), Fern and Otto, and strixes Lyra (Leo’s familiar) and baby Violet; Leo and Milo’s mother Queen Maeven, as well as their sister Delmira, and Milo’s right hand man Captain Wexel. The requisite evil has many faces.

CONQUER THE QUEEN is a story of madness and vengeance, greed, power and control, misunderstanding and mistrust, acceptance and love. CONQUER THE QUEEN reveals the prophecy of three queens, and so far, we have focused on two: Everleigh (Crown of Shards), and Gemma (Gargoyle Queen), and the third queen has been revealed for the author’s next series. The premise is captivating, engaging and energizing; the romance is subtle and seductive; the characters are energetic, dynamic and charismatic. Jennifer Estep is a master at story telling.

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The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga 3) by G.A. Aiken – Reviews

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The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga 3) by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Gods save the queen!

Ainsley Farmerson has always planned to break free of the family business—and the family drama. But what was once farming, smithworking, and bickering over the dinner table has turned into open warfare between sisters. Sides have been taken, lives are on the line, and Ainsley has no doubt which sister must be queen. She’ll do whatever is necessary to take down the soulless Beatrix. Even if that means joining forces with angry battle nuns, irritating monks, and overbearing centaurs.

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan has no time for human beings. And yet . . . there is something about the uncontrollable princess that he can’t ignore. Maybe it’s the way her eldest sisters underestimate her. Or her bravery facing down dragons and mad queens from distant lands. Whatever the reason, Gruff is willing to fight by this human’s side. Not only for the entertainment value, but because she’s right. Beatrix must never be queen. So whatever he has to do, whoever he has to destroy, Gruff will battle beside Ainsley. Fast. Hard. And with absolutely no mercy

 

Barb’s Review:
The Heretic Royal by G. A. Aiken is the 3rd book in her The Scarred Earth Saga series. I am a big fan of G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston), and as I have said before, I will read anything she writes; as she is one author who I look forward with high anticipation to read her books, which are fun, exciting, enjoyable and so much laughter along the way, with crazy and wonderful characters.

Ainsley is the third and good sister, with Queen Keeley and Gemma having had their story previously. Keely had become Queen of the Western Lands, with Gemma protecting her sister from the evil Beatrix (Queen of the East). Ainsley, who is excellent at shooting an arrow, steps up in this story.  Beatrix is the evil sister, who is determined to kill off all her sisters, as she continues to build her own kingdom.

Ainsley has always been the quiet sister, who likes to climb up to the trees to get away from the constant bickering between her sisters. Ainsley knows that she must join the fight against Beatrix, who must never be queen; even joining with centaurs, monks and to her surprise, Dragons

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan is a Centaur, whom we met with his sister and brothers, in the previous book.  Gruffyn rarely talks, just likes to grunt, but finds himself being attached to Ainsley, even talking to her; as well as protecting her. I really enjoyed the slow built romance between Gruff and Ainsley, which was at times funny. 

Of course, this is G.A. Aiken, which means the entire story was suspenseful, action packed, but totally hilarious; especially with the return of the Dragons.  It was so great and hysterical to see all of them again; as these wonderful zany characters are so much fun. We did not miss any of the amazing dragons, and Annwyl from the start, played such a major role. I loved every minute of these wonderful, wild, insane and violent characters, who spent time working closely with Queen Keely, Gemma and Ainsley. 

What follows is a wild, exciting, non-stop action adventure filled with bloody battles, deaths, and our fantastic dragons. The entire book has so much humor with me constantly laughing from start to finish.  I loved that Aiken brought the Dragons back, and allowed us to revisit these insane wonderful characters, who are bloodthirsty, violent, fun and totally entertaining.

The Heretic Royal was a fun filled, exciting amazing ride, with fantastic characters that G.A. Aiken creates so well.  It blew my mind that the Dragons returned, giving us a wonderful trip down memory lane. If you enjoy Aiken/ Laurenston, you need to be reading this series.

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Sandy’s Reviews: THE HERETIC ROYAL is the third instalment in GA Aiken’s adult SCARRED EARTH SAGA fantasy series set in the author’s DRAGONKIN world. Although focusing on several characters, and intersecting plot lines, THE HERETIC ROYAL follows the building relationship between Ainsley Farmerson , and Gruffyn, centaur of the Torn Moon Clan. THE HERETIC ROYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: Beatrix Smythe was prophesized to become queen, and her sister Keeley grew to protect her older sibling but Beatrix’ assent into power was driven by madness, and in the ensuing time everyone would come to fear the all powerful queen.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ainsley and Gruffyn aka Gruff THE HERETIC ROYAL is a flight into the fantastic as the author brings together our favorite dragons, their kin, the centaurs, and an assortment of undead horses, demon wolves, war monks and mythological gods.

With the appearance of Annwyl the Bloody, aka the Mad Queen, and a large assortment of squabbling dragons (Fearghus, Briac, Gwenvael, Gwenvael’s son Unnvar Reinholdt, and Morfyd, Bram, Ghleanna and Queen Rhiannon), Ainsley Farmerson and her sister Queen Keeley Smythe, knew all was not well with the world. Annwyl’s reputation has far surpassed all imaginable rumors but when Annwyl suspects one of the human queens is enslaving children and teaching them to kill, Keeley and Ainsley must come to an arrangement that proves to the Mad Queen that someone else is responsible for the annihilation of innocents. Meanwhile Ainsley has found herself with a guardian, so to speak, in the form of centaur Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan, a centaur who is willing to sacrifice himself to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. As Beatrix’ armies advance on Queen Keeley’s territories and lands, the Dragons find themselves making an alliance with Keeley, in advance of the terror that is about to reign down.

THE HERETIC ROYAL has a large ensemble cast of fabulous and fantastic secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in previous story lines. There is humor, snark and sarcasm as per G.A. Aiken’s style of writing. Once again, the back and forth banter between siblings in both dragon and human families is fast, furious and frenetic, as is the requisite crazy uncle, long suffering parents, and oblivious but powerful kin.  The inventive premise is detailed and fanciful with plenty of action, violence, blood shed, and fun. The characters are numerous, familiar, powerful and charismatic; the slow building romance is passionate and intense.

Copies provided by the publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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