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Deadly Storms by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

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Deadly Storms by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Shabina Foster does her best to lead a normal life. She takes comfort in her friends and her dogs and finds passion in running her own small-town café in the eastern Sierra. But she can’t help always looking over her shoulder, not after what happened in her past. Since then, Shabina has worked very hard to build herself up and live life to the fullest.

Still, there’s no denying the scars she carries. Truly opening up her guarded world seems like an impossible dream—especially when it comes to the one man who makes her feel safe. Shabina already feels like she’s ruined his life and is determined to keep her distance, even as the ghosts of her past emerge from the shadows.

Security expert Rainier Ashcroft knows firsthand that a storm is brewing and that Shabina is in real trouble. Threats are approaching on all sides—and there’s no telling when the next hit will strike. But convincing the woman he loves to truly let him in will be just as difficult as keeping her alive.

 

 

Barb’s Review:

Deadly Storms by Christine Feehan is the 3rd book in her Sunrise Lake series.  Café owner Shabina Foster, owns the Sunrise Café, having worked hard to get the café becoming very successful. Shabina suffers from PTSD, based on her kidnapping 10 years ago, when she was only 16 years old; having been rescued from a brutal time.   

Once every six weeks Shabina’s five best friends get together.  As a rule, she loved spending time with them and always looked forward to the one night that they planned to meet.  Shabina had a very large four-bedroom home that she’d done her best to make it warm and welcoming for her friends.  She loved her kitchen. Most importantly, Stella Harrison was responsible for making the Sunrise Café a huge destination for anyone coming to visit in Knightly. Shabina always made sure to have food ready for all her friends.               

Shabina had 3 Doberman pinchers (Malik, Sharif, Morza), who constantly surrounded her, as they were her constant companions, protecting and comforting her.  Her dogs were trained guard dogs, as she worked with them every day. She needed to know she could stop them if they attacked or were a threat; two larger dogs followed her, and Morza was the one who always looked out the window if any threat. Each of her friends had their own dogs; her friend Vienna, had a Persian cat named Princess.  Harlow had her own beagle, Misha; Zahra had had little Pyrenean shepherd. Last but not least, Stella arrived with Raine O’Mallory still recovering from several surgeries on her leg. 

Rainier Ashcroft is responsible for Shabina’s security.  He is the only one who knows what happened to her all those years ago; having rescued her and helps make her feel safe.  When triggers start appearing at her small town in her café, causing trouble and chaos.  Rainer will be the one to protect her, and be there when these people were determined to cause trouble. He has no qualm defeating the enemy posing threats to Shabina. Soon the evil monster who nearly took Shabina’s begins to stalk her, Rainer will be the to destroy him.  
    
Raine was close to Shabina, and managed to get paper work for her to find out who is threatening her. Raine was guarded by military personnel, as she was a very important, person on the staff.   Raine does find information, and warns Rainer to find the culprit.  When she was injured, she was guarded day and night by the military as if she was a mystery woman. 

Deadly Storms was an excellent, fun, terrific murder mystery, filled with action and a slight paranormal element. This was an exciting romance suspense thriller, as well as the fun bantering with her friends, whom they also wanted to protect her. Deadly Storms was so very well written by Christine Feehan. I suggest you read Deadly Storms. I look forward to the next book in this series.

 

Sandy’s Review

DEADLY STORMS is the third instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult SUNRISE LAKE dark, romantic suspense series. This is undercover operative/ security specialist Rainier Ashcroft, and café owner Shabina Foster’s story line. DEADLY STORMS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from omniscient third person perspective DEADLY STORMS focuses on a series of murders in Knightly, around Sunrise Lake near Yosemite National Park but our heroine, Shabina Foster’s small town life is anything but idyllic when the past returns determined to finish what it had previously started. Having survived a year and a half in captivity in the Middle East, and an eventual rescue by Rainer Ashcroft, our heroine returned a shell of her former self. Years later, Shabina set up a café near Sunrise Lake but the nightmares and PTSD hint at approaching danger that cannot be stopped. Someone is not only targeting our story line heroine, but also the people visiting Yosemite Park.

The world building is complex and detailed as the story line follows two to three interconnected pathways. Fearing she has been targeted, and the possibility of a serial killer in the small town of Knightly, our heroine finally calls the man who owns her heart but a man who is more of a ghost than anyone could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Rainier and Shabina began as a rescue, years before. Rainier is determined to protect the woman with whom he had fallen in love but often on assignment, a protection team as well as Shabina’s three dogs, were always on guard, in an effort to keep our heroine safe from harm. Rainer’s reappearance in her life is not a coincidence, our hero is a man who willing to prove Shabina is the only woman able to control his heart. There are no $ex scenes.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, and often questionable secondary and supporting characters but so many that is was often confusing. Numerous names of locals, tourists and many non-entities, often overwhelming to the point of unnecessary.

DEADLY STORMS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is twisted and dramatic but the repetitive nature of the world building is troublesome, and the conflict resolution(s) is quick and easy. There is quite a bit of reflection and introspection from the heroine’s POV. The characters are energetic; the romance is virtually non-existent, our couple do not connect until approximately half way through the story.

Reviewed by Barb/Sandy

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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To Kill a Badger by Shelley Laurenston – Dual Review

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To Kill a Badger  (Honey Badger Chronicles 6)by Shelley Laurenston – Dual Review

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Description:
Nelle Zhao is a social media maven who knows what matters. And the only thing that matters right now is survival. Not easy, though, when her honey badger teammates attract trouble the way she attracts attention. She didn’t know when it became her job to protect the ones she cares about from themselves, but even she has to admit…she’s really good at it. Too bad some people don’t appreciate when she’s being helpful. Especially Keane Malone, who doesn’t know how to accept a friendly paw. But Nelle excels at helping! And at ignoring other people’s irrational demands, such as doing it all alone. Keane, poor pretty kitty, doesn’t understand the kind of assistance a shit-starting honey badger like Nelle can truly offer . . .

Keane knows two things—he doesn’t like other people, and he is going to crush the de Medicis, an evil coalition of male lion shifters who are not only snatching innocent humans for fun and profit, but also killed his father. And for once, he may not be able to fight this fight alone, forcing him to let long-legged, jet-setting Nelle join the fight. And getting close to Nelle is suddenly bringing out his roar . . .

 

Barb’s Review:

To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston is the 6th book in her fabulous Honey Badger Chronicles series.  I am always thrilled to having more Honey Badgers, as this is a terrific series, with so much fun. Honey Badgers are centered in this series, with us filled with crazy badgers, violence, mayhem in a wild hilarious, pulse pounding story.  

Nelle Zhao is the star in this story, as she is a strong and independent character, who seems to be second to our amazing Charlie.  Nelle doesn’t show fear at all, as she knows that after Charlie, she is the one who protects her friends.  Keane Malone becomes aware of the evil de Medicis plans to destroy the badgers, and he joins the fight with Nelle; as they get other badger families to help deal with the de Medicis.  Mads’s Aunt Tracy and her band of crazy  friends, go to Paris to help deal with the de Medicis, and work with Nelle and Keane.  It was a crazy wild adventure. 

The complexity of this story revolved around so many groups happening at the same time; so many people involved throughout. Nelle is determined help Keane and keep her family and team safe. Nelle and Keane and other badgers are determined to eliminate the evil Medicis, with betrayals, attacks, stakes and wild moments along the way. Other badgers, lions, tigers, wolves, bears make appearances.

I really loved Nelle and Keane. The chemistry between Nelle and Keane was sizzling, as they continued to fall for each other.  Charlie is still the leader, as she always finds a way to solve everything, eliminating those who want to hurt her family.  I loved how Charlie always bakes for the bears and others.

To Kill a Badger is an exciting adventure, fun, with wild, crazy action and totally hysterical.  Trust me when I say, if you have not read Shelly Laurenston, you are missing not only a gem of an author, but so much fun as you read each and every one of her books. 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 Reviews:

TO KILL A BADGER is the sixth 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 Keane Malone, and Honey Badger shifter Nelle Zhao’s story line. TO KILL A 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 Keane and Nelle TO KILL A BADGER continues to focus on the take-down of a human trafficking ring, and the ongoing investigation into a powerful drug created to take down the honey badger shifters but the past is taking aim with the return of the large European Lion Pride known as the de Medici’s, a group of powerful lions who have targeted the MacKilligan family in the wake of the murder of their patriarch and father. As Nelle is best friends and part of the MacKilligan extended family, she is determined to end the war before it begins but the arrival of the larger extended family of Malones, she finds herself facing not only our story line hero but a family of she-lions determined to protect one of their own.

The world building is once again complex, complicated and detailed with numerous references to shifter sports league, powerful shifter control groups (The Group, BPC, Katzenhaus, The Board) including families and deep ops organization, most of whom we met in the PACK and PRIDE series. The powerful and often crazy MacKilligan clan of honey badgers whose dynamic abilities and persuasive tactics are at the heart of many ops and take downs find themselves at an impasse when their own patriarch forces their hand in an effort to end a war not of their making.

The relationship between Keane and Nelle begins acrimoniously as Keane wants nothing to do with the Badgers and their extended families but Keane is pulled into Nelle’s around the globe journey as she looks for help in taking down the de Medici Group, only to discover betrayal when it comes time to fight. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, supernatural, dominant and commanding secondary and supporting characters including wolves, bears, lions, tigers, hyenas, badgers and the return of the foxes. We are reintroduced to Nelle’s extended blood family and family of the heart (MacKilligan); Keane’s brothers Finn, Dale and Shay, several Van Holtz from a different generation, and the Dunn Triplets-always fun to watch the bears run when Charlie sets about on a baking frenzy.

TO KILL A BADGER is another comprehensive and intricate story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, espionage and madness, family and friendships, relationships and love. The action packed, character driven premise is edgy, fast paced and full of snark, humor and fun-the darker elements require a great sense of humor, after all, it is a paranormal story and ultimately, all of the shifters are predators, and therefore, killing is part of the cycle of life.

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A Touch of Treachery (Section 47) by Jennifer Estep -Dual Review

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A Touch of Treachery (Section 47) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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Description:
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS . . .
My name is Charlotte Locke, and I’m on a mission to capture my nemesis. As an analyst for Section 47, a secret spy organization, I use my magical form of synesthesia to track down paramortal criminals, but one villain keeps eluding me—Henrika Hyde.

Henrika claims to have answers about my father’s death on a Section 47 mission years ago, and she has also created a horrific new weapon capable of killing even the strongest paramortals, which makes her my number one target. Helping me is Desmond Percy, a powerful galvanist who is my partner both inside and outside Section 47.

Desmond wants to take Henrika down just as badly as I do, but our mission quickly goes sideways, and soon we’re surrounded by enemies on all sides with no idea whom we can truly trust.

A TROUBLING FUTURE . . .
The name Desmond Percy is well known inside Section 47, since I’m one of the organization’s top cleaners, aka assassins. Charlotte Locke and I have been tracking Henrika Hyde for months, and when we finally get a lead on her location, we jump at the chance to take down the weapons maker once and for all.

I’m determined to help Charlotte get the answers she is so desperately seeking, as well as taking my revenge on Henrika for killing my best friend.

But the deeper Charlotte and I dig into Henrika and her murky motives, the more dangerous our mission becomes. Henrika is playing her own spy game, and Charlotte and I are just the pawns she is using to achieve her own evil ends—caught up in a deadly legacy of treachery.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
A Touch of Treachery by Jennifer Estep is a Section 47 series. Refresher: Section 47 is a secret government agency that handles paranormal, terrorists, criminals, and have magical abilities.  Their job is to gather information to prevent attacks, casualties, as well as to protect the mortal world; especially against those who create dangerous weapons.

Charlotte Locke, our heroine, is an analyst, who is very good at her job analyzing various reports and files to find mistakes, patterns, and anything that looks like threats.  Charlotte also has some magical abilities, such as having synesthesia ability to sense danger and detect lies. Charlotte is determined to stop a powerful villain, Henrika Hyde; but importantly she wants answers as to who killed her father. Charlotte knows that Henrika knows the truth, and suspects Jethro Percy as the man who killed him.   Percy hates Charlotte, as her father was a Locke; but Desmond Percy is Charlotte’s partner and love interest.

Desmond, our hero, and also a Section 47 Assassin, who is considered one of the best; as he also has powerful Galvanist abilities, which he is able to use the energy around to prevent attacks as well as be able to heal.

Both Charlotte and Desmond are invited to Henrika’s mansion for a party, and they hope she will give them the list that Henrika has hidden, revealing all the names of Section 47.  They both attend, trying to make a deal to get the papers; and there are other people attending that are friends of Henrika, who are interested in the weapons that people want. Henrika is playing her own spy game, and being used as pawns, with Desmond being kidnapped, and Charlotte, despite Jethro firing her, she finds a way to save Desmond; with help from Joan and Gabriel.

When Charlotte gets a tip from Henrika, as to the truths about Jethro being part of her father’s death.  She puts together all information that will reveal Jethro’s past partnership with Henrika, and revelations will be revealed, leading information about all the terrible things, and money from the Locke family that Jethro stole.  This was a legacy that was a touch of Treachery.

What follows is an exciting, action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. Charlotte was a great heroine, as she was not only smart & savvy, but unbeknownst to others, lethal with a weapon, since she learned from her father.  I also loved Desmond, as he was not only a sexy hunk, but also very confident with his ability; and was very much in love with Charlotte.  He was the one who needed to stop his father.

A Touch of Treachery is another wonderful addition to this wonderful and intriguing urban fantasy series. A Touch of Treachery was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Charlotte and Desmond, and look forward to more on them in future books.   I suggest you read A Touch of Treachery, as was a great read.

 

Sandy’s Review:

A TOUCH OF TREACHERY is the third instalment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary adult SECTION 47 paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on diner owner / paramortal analyst for Section 47 Charlotte Locke, and assassin/cleaner Desmond Percy. A TOUCH OF TREACHERY can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: Paramortals make up approximately one percent of the world’s population, and most have hidden their magic from the ‘mortal’ world. Section 47 is a paramortal spy organization whose mission was to gather intelligence to prevent terrorist attacks but found themselves tracking those who use magic to commit their crimes.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Charlotte and Desmond) A TOUCH OF TREACHERY focuses on the investigation into CEO and founder of Hyde Engineering Henrika Hyde, a chemist who has invented a powerful weapon known as Redburn, in her war against the paramortal but at every opportunity, Section 47 agents Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy find themselves in a losing battle, and our heroine is about to pay the price for the sins of the past. Charlotte and Desmond are both Legacy agents, children of Section 47 operatives, but a target has been placed on Charlotte’s back, and our heroine is determined to follows the clues and reveal the truth. Henrika Hyde is hoping to sell Redburn to the highest bidder, and our couple are last minute invites to the bioweapon auction.

The world building is complex and detailed as Charlotte and Desmond find themselves in a fight for their lives. From auctions to fundraisers, abductions and murder, betrayal and vengeance, Charlotte and Desmond struggle to accept the revelations at face value, in an effort to uncover the truth and the reality of the who, how and why. For fans and followers of the author’s books and series, the similarities to her Elemental Assassin series are numerous and recognizable.

The relationship between Charlotte and Desmond continues to be strong in the face of perceived betrayal and dysfunctional family dynamics. Several agents question the validity of their relationship, and the people in charge are determined to separate and dismantle any future together. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful, energetic and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters including Henrika Hyde; Section 47 agents: liason Joan Samson, Gia Chan and Diego Benito; former Section 47 Agents Gabriel Chase, and Bryce Finkley, and Desmond’s father General Jethro Percy, head of Second 47 Board of Directors.

A TOUCH OF TREACHERY is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, mistrust and magic, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is heartwarming; the characters are determined,desperate and charismatic.

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Archangels Ascension by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Archangels Ascension by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Aodhan and Illium. Adi and Blue. Sparkle and Bluebell. Friends become lovers, their future a wild unknown.

Finally reunited in New York, they must now learn to navigate the monumental shift in their relationship. But for these two members of Archangel Raphael’s legendary Seven, there is no time to rest. As they investigate a case for the Tower that echoes the darkness from Aodhan’s past, they will be forced to confront not only the scars that mark them both, but the promise of a vast power that flickers in Illium.

The threat of ascension has haunted and troubled Aodhan’s Blue for too long, the forces of change immutable and without mercy…and uncaring of Illium’s fierce wish to remain part of the Seven. Change is a constant in an immortal’s life, and this new horizon will bring with it both terrible heartbreak and a joy extraordinary enough to reverberate through time…

 

 

Barb’s Review:  Archangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh is the 17th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series. We have followed both Illium and Aodhan for awhile now, especially in Archangel’s Light; revealing that their friendship runs deeper.  Bluebell and Sparkle now become lovers, in each other’s hearts. Illium and Aodhan are two valuable members of Archangel Raphael’s Seven; and Raphael knows that soon, Illium will finally Ascend.

Blue and Adi investigate a case for the Tower that close family and friends discovered two people who were murdered; which echoes darkness from Adi’s scars of the past. The first half of the book revolves around finding who was behind they murder; bringing them closer to an evil woman who was not liked by many.  While they continue to investigate, their relationship continuous to grow, with the love between them escalating.

With Illium finally ascending in the second half of the book, as he is filled with intense and strong powers.  It was emotional, when Illium faces Raphael, and tells him that he will always be part of their family, knowing he will always be his sire. Raphael knew he was losing two members of his Seven; as Aodhan will become Bluebell’s second.  Though they knew this was coming over so many years, as Raphael and Elena understood, and would always be there for him.  Illium was saying his goodbyes as he knew he could never be there the way he was before. Though he knew if anything was serious, he and Aodan would always be there to help.

It was a wonderful story, with so many wonderful characters from previous stories, as Raphael’s people were always considered family and friendship. So many memories, and they all loved Illium; happy for him now an Archangel, but they will sadly miss him (Raphael, Elena, Dimitri, Jessamy, Sharine, Titus, Honor, Keir, Galen, Nassir, Venom; just to name a few)

Archangels Ascension was a fantastic story finalizing Illium and Aodan story, as well as his new territory; with many people joining Illium in his new land.  Not sure where Nalini will take us in between Raphael (and Elena) or Illium?  Once again, Nalini Singh gives us a wonderful book, that was so very well written.  I really enjoyed this book, and loved Bluebell and Adi.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the seventeenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is the continuing story of Aodhan and Illium, whose story has been developing throughout the series, and is told in book fourteen ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT. ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the start of a new series arc but some background knowledge is recommended.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives following a non-linear timeline, ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION advances the series approximately seven hundred years in which the world of Archangels and Angels has been in recovery since the Cascade that destroyed so many lives and the infrastructure of Archangel Raphael’s New York. Illium has never wanted to ascend to the status of Archangel but the heavens have chosen our story line hero. As Illium and his lover Aodhan struggle with Illium’s new status as one of the most powerful beings in the world, time flashes back to the early days of their relationship and the betrayal of one of their own.

The world building follows several timelines jumping seven hundred years, back and forth. Illium and Aodhan are members of Raphael’s Seven but now must forge ahead to establish their own center of power in the world of the Archangels, with the help of their family and friends.

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is another riveting, complex and comprehensive story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and jealousy, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate, emotional, entertaining and thorough; the characters are determined and charismatic.

 

Copies supplied for review

 

Berkley is graciously offering a paper copy of Arachangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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3. Please LIKE and Follow Nalini Singh on Facebook

4. Please LIKE/FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from May 5-9, 2025

 

 

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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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