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Dark Song (Carpathain) by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

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Dark Song (Dark / Carpathian #30) by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Stolen from her home at a young age and tormented for centuries, Elisabeta Trigovise is scared to show herself to anyone. Even though she has been rescued and is now safe within the Carpathian compound, she has lived in fear for so long she has no idea how to survive without it. She wants to answer the siren call of her lifemate–but the very thought terrifies her.

Before he found Elisabeta, Ferro Arany was an ancient warrior without emotion. Now that his senses have come alive, he knows it will take more than kind words and soft touches to convince the fractured woman that they are partners, not master and prisoner. For now, he will give her his strength until she finds hers, allowing the steady rhythm of his heart to soothe Elisabeta’s fragile soul.

But even as she learns to stand on her own, the vampire who kept her captive is desperate to claim her again, threatening the song Elisabeta and Ferro are writing together.

•••••••••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Dark Song by Christine Feehan is the 34th book in her wonderful Carpathian series. I was thrilled to find out that Elisabeta was our heroine in Dark Song, and could not wait to read it.  I am happy to say I loved the story and both lead characters, Elisabeta and Ferro.

Elisabetha Trigovise was rescued in the last book, and takes center stage in this one, as does Ferro Arany, an ancient who was close to death when he discovered she was his lifemate. Ferro comes across as hard and cold, but he turned out to be a fantastic hero and mate to Elisabeta, as he patiently protected her while she was slowly healing in the rich soil, and he would reach her mind singing a song that would become their own.  Elisabeta has been held prisoner for centuries by the evil Sergey Malinov, as he tortured, terrified and ruled her all those years.

Ferro was very gentle with Elisabeta, as he slowly brought her out of the soil and began to teach her how to cleanse and dress herself, as well as to learn to trust him and become confident in herself.  It would take awhile before Elisabeta can get past the memories of her suffering and terror, especially of Sergey coming back for her. Everyone in Tariq’s compound at first feared that Ferro was too strict and rigid for Elisabeta, but he was determined for her to rise up, and learn to use her powerful capabilities.   They really were the ultimate lifemates, with a strong bond that Ferro helped her build with his gentle patience.  I loved when he taught her to learn to shift into an owl and fly.  Despite her continued fears, Elisabeta’s growth over time was amazing, and she became such a powerful asset to all the Carpathians.

It was nice to see many of our favorites, with Gary, Tariq, Julija, Lorraine, and a few of Ferro brethens. But it was great to see an old favorite, Traian and Jolie, who came to the compound with Josef; especially for Traian to finally see his sister (Elisabeta) after all these years of trying to find her.  I also loved seeing many other favorites who came to help fight the vampires; such as Julian, Darius, Tempest, Desari, Maxim, Blaze, Charlotte, Dragomir, Emeline, etc. 

Elisabeta was a wonderful heroine, who despite her many years kept captive by Sergey Malinov, was able to use her memories to help the Carpathians be ready for the vampire attack, and stop them from destroying the compound.  What follows is an exciting, intense story line where both Ferro and Elisabeta have to be one step ahead of Sergey and his vampire cronies.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and a lot happens in this book.

Christine Feehan outdid herself with how she handled the romance between Ferro and Elisabeta, which was so wonderfully done.  The Malinovs have been villains’ throughout many of the books, as well as Xavier.  Will Dark Song be able to stop Sergey?  You need to read this book to find out.

___________

Sandy’s Review: DARK SONG is the thirtieth instalment in Christine Feehan’s adult DARK / CARPATHIAN paranormal, erotic, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Ferro Arany, and Elisabeta Trigovise’s story line. DARK SONG can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Elisabeta is Traian Trigovise’s sister (Dark Descent).

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

Told from numerous third person perspectives including Ferro and Elisabeth DARK SONG follows the building romance and relationship between ancient Carpathian warrior Ferro Arany, and Elisabeta Trigovise. Centuries earlier a teenaged Elisabeta was abducted by a Carpathian male nearing the end of his life of honor but in the ensuing years the male would turn vampire using and abusing our heroine, starving her in the hopes of recapturing his soul. Upon her rescue and recovery in the healing soil, Elisabeta would trigger Ferro Arany’s emotions, and find herself waking as the lifemate to an ancient warrior but all is not well as Elisabeta’s rescue has angered the master vampire, the remaining Malinov brother, and his vengeance will target many people at Tariq’s Carpathian compound. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ferro and Elisabeta, as the master vampire enacts a well conceived and intricate plan of revenge against the Carpathian warriors.

Elisabeta Trigovise grew up never knowing how to be a Carpathian female. Stripped of her memories of a time before her violent abduction, a fragile and broken Elisabeta struggled to perform the basic of needs yet within days of her claiming, our heroine would become one of the Carpathian’s most powerful females. As an ancient warrior, Ferro Arany knew very little about the modern world and battled to accept the rise of feminism in the Carpathian community thusly, Elisabeta, from a time long ago, is the perfect foil for a man who prefers his woman submissive and meek.

The relationship between Elisabeta and Ferro is a fated mating. Elisabeta’s rescue and ultimately her voice would trigger Ferro’s colors and emotions, and in this there are no questions as to the reality and truth of who is her lifemate. Elisabeta struggled with her freedom, preferring or opting to have Ferro speak when spoken to including the inability to acknowledge her brother’s love. Ferro ids a warrior who never thought he would find his fated mate. His patience and need to protect the woman he loves manifests with songs of love, nature and a time long ago. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. All of the Carpathians remain guarded at Tariq’s American compound. Several of the original Carpathians return to help fight the master vampire including Josef but much of the other’s presence is more by way of acknowledgement and mention. As to the master vampires, once again, Ferro recognizes a number of his former warriors and friends-the list of names and connections are many.

If you are a long time reader of the Carpathian series you will recognize a familiar format and pattern to the author’s latest story line-reminiscent of Xavier’s attempts to destroy the Carpathian’s and of one woman’s ability to heal the wounded. Saying that, when an author recycles and repeats a previous formula, I question the author’s lack of innovation and imagination as he/she is relying on the success of a former story line arc. I also struggled with the heroine’s earlier fragility and inability of comprehend basic personal needs and survival skills, yet within days she is one of the most powerful females with abilities beyond comprehension, and is able to direct the most skilled of warriors. The information she reveals and her competence and skill level is a complete shift in direction to her initial introduction and behavior yet there is no mention of hidden abilities that seemingly manifested overnight. She waffled between powerful or apprehensive on numerous occasions.

I would also like to note how Feehan’s vampires have evolved to modern day IT techs and wizards….something I didn’t see coming !

DARK SONG is an intoxicating tale. The premise is familiar yet captivating; the romance is seductive.

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Blood World by Chris Mooney-dual review

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Blood World by Chris Mooney-dual review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2020

A drug that makes the blood of carriers a fountain of youth, a psychopath who doesn’t care how many bodies he leaves in his wake, and an LAPD detective hopelessly compromised by a dark secret. Together, they’re an explosive mix that’s going to shatter the city of Los Angeles into a million corpuscles.

The most valuable commodity on earth is the blood of “carriers.” These young people hold within them a virtual fountain of youth. Those with the right genes produce blood that, when treated with a new wonder drug, cures disease, increases power, and makes the recipient a virtual superman.

It also makes the carriers targets. Blood farms filled with kidnapped children spring up around the country, and Los Angeles is at the center of this blood-dealing world. The police are overwhelmed.

Ellie Bautista became an LAPD officer specifically to fight this evil as a member of the Blood Squad, but she has been consistently denied a transfer to the prestigious unit–until the day she and her partner are ambushed during a routine stop. The resulting events plunge her into an undercover world more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.

A madman has found a way to increase the potency of the blood to levels previously unimagined. As he cuts a bloody swath through the already deadly world of blood cartels, Ellie is the only hope to stop him before the body count rises.

•••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: BLOOD WORLD by Chris Mooney is an adult, sci-fi, futuristic thriller line focusing on the fight for control of the fountain of youth.

Told from third person perspective BLOOD WORLD follows several paths including that of LAPD police officer Ellie Bautista. Desperate to secure a position on the Blood Squad, Ellie goes undercover in an effort to ferret out the people responsible for a series of kidnappings and missing persons known as carriers, people who carried the fountain of youth in their blood. A play for power and control of the blood carriers finds several powerful men vying for the top position in the world of illegal blood trade, and the use of specific drugs known to enhance the benefits of the blood’s use. As Ellie begins to work with some of the men responsible for the local blood farms, a fight for control turns into an all out war where the price for endless youth is indeed high.

BLOOD WORLD is a futuristic story line set in California, the playground of the rich and famous where eternal youth is a commodity very few have the money to pay. The discovery of the fountain of youth has provoked a hunger for power, the power to control the ultimate prize.

Chris Mooney pulls the reader into a what if story line. What are you willing to do? What are you willing to pay? Will you sell your soul to eternal youth? An edgy and dramatic story line; a thought provoking and intriguing tale of desperation, power and control.

______________

Barb’s REVIEW:
Blood World by Chris Mooney is a standalone Sci-Fi thriller.  I did not know what to expect, as this was a different kind of story line, but once you get past the beginning, as we learn the world building and characters, this caught my attention.

In this world, blood is a commodity, especially in the young, who are carriers. Their blood is able to produce drugs that have amazing results; curing disease, improve aging by years, increases power, improved body functions, etc.  The blood farms hold the kidnapped young carrier children, who supply the blood to those who will pay an exorbitant amount.

We meet our heroine, Ellie Bautista, an LAPD police officer, who happens to be checking a possible drug site, when they are ambushed, and her partner is killed.   Ellie talks to the police chief, desperately asking to be on the ‘blood team” investigations.  With an ulterior motive, Ellie has wanted to be on this team, because she is trying to find her twin brother, who was kidnapped years before at the age of six. Because of her knowledge of the blood drugs, and is a good cop, she is asked to go undercover, which she accepts.

Sebastian Kane is one of the leaders of the “blood world”, and he claims he treats the carriers with care.  He trusts no one but his close associates, such as Frank.  When Ellie goes undercover working for Anton, another leader, she is eventually transferred to Sebastian’s team, working mostly for Frank.  This plunges her into a dangerous world that puts her life in constant danger, especially as they keep a close eye on her. 

Sebastian has his hands full, as a war between him and his step son Paul, escalates into a full blown out, wild nonstop action filled escapade.  For every step Sebastian makes, he is stymied with losing most of his people, as Paul, who is evil and a sociopath, is one step ahead.  At this point, Ellie begins to work closer with Sebastian, since most of his people have left or are gone.  She learns though Sebastian is one of the bad guys, he insists he treats people good, and when he learns his ex is now in danger from Paul, who kidnaps the ex’s daughter, who turns out to be his.  This will push Sebastian to the max to find her, and Ellie determined to find her brother, goes along with him.  All hell will break out with so much violence and everyone in danger.  I can’t tell too much more, as you need to read this book to find out who if any survive.

I loved Ellie, who was a great heroine, and though under close watch, her expertise helped her survive the many situations she was in.  Blood World was a different kind of story, which was intense, violent and dark; and very well written by Chris Mooney.

Copies provided by Publisher

 

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The Unseen by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Excerpt

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The Unseen by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
Saying goodbye to their old life in the Wyr demesne in New York may be hard, but Dragos and Pia are determined to create a new life in the Other land of Rhyacia.

At first, everything seems idyllic. Rhyacia is paradisiacal. Accompanied by old friends and new allies, the future looks safe and bright for Dragos, Pia, and baby Niall.

But strange things are happening beneath the picturesque façade. Items move unaccompanied, buildings collapse without justifiable cause, and even the most Powerful residents of Rhyacia can provide no logical explanation for the events transpiring. Whispered rumors point to something called the unseen.

As Dragos and Pia investigate, they uncover a greater mystery than they could have imagined, and they realize the startling truth…

They’re not alone in Rhyacia. The land Dragos had thought was uninhabited hides many secrets, a shocking history that’s not quite ready to be buried, and something more.

Something ancient, evil, and hungry. Something that wants to consume Dragos and take everything he holds dear.

Something that just may be powerful enough to overcome the dragon…

 

 

Barb’s Review:
The Unseen by Thea Harrison is the start of a new 4 episode arc, which is part of her wonderful Elder Races series. I have always been a big fan of this series, and was thrilled to learn that Thea was writing 4 novellas around Pia and Dragos, who are two of my favorite couples. It was wonderful to see many of our favorites make cameo appearances.

Pia, Dragos and baby Niall are in the final days of leaving New York (and Earth), and moving to Rhyacia, the Other land to start a new and less stressed life.  Dragos has turned over his command temporarily to Rune until Liam (older son) is ready to take over.   Some of their friends such as Graydon, Ninane, Eva, Bel are also going to live there.  I got a kick out of Pia saving a dog (Skeeter), much to Dragos’s dismay, but she insists that the dog comes with them, and of course the dog falls in love with Dragos. Lol  Baby Niall is only a few months old, but he can shift into a unicorn (like Pia) and loves to stab anyone.  Cute.  It was also wonderful to see the love between Pia and Dragos, which is what makes them such a great couple.

But in a very short time, after they arrive in their temporary new home (another one will be built much bigger), Pia senses something strange that only she can see.  Some of the new buildings are collapsing, leading Dragos and others suspecting that they are not alone in this land.  When she notices a being in her home, everyone teams up to protect each other, especially taking turns watching Niall. 

The first part of this story was fun, spending time with Pia and Dragos, getting a kick out of the dog, Skeeter, enjoying Niall and his antics, as well as being with friends.  But the last third of the book was a surprising twist that took us by surprise, and as we raced to the exciting cliffhanger of a climax, we marveled at Pia’s strength and command, and loved how everyone returned to try and defeat the unknown enemy.  Of course, there was a cliffhanger that has us holding our breath, impatiently waiting for the next book. Thea has warned us that the next two books will also have cliffhangers.

The good news is that Thea will be bringing the other 3 novellas fast, and we won’t have to wait long.  The Unseen was a wonderful start to this story line, with the joy of spending time with a great couple, their friends and family; and then surprise turn of events that changes the game.  If you love the Elder Races, you need to read this new arc.  You can read The Unseen and wait like me for the future books, or just wait for all 4 and read it all at once.  Your choice, but don’t miss this.

 

Sandy’s Review:

THE UNSEEN is the first of four novellas in Thea Harrison’s contemporary, adult ELDER RACES paranormal/ fantasy romance series focusing on the former leader of the Wyr demes new in New York Drago Cuelebre, and his mate Pia.

Told from third person perspectives THE UNSEEN follows Dragos and Pia as they and 20,000 members of the supernatural Wyr begin a new life in the Other land of Rhycia but not all goes according to plan when an unseen force begins to cause a disturbance within the new society-misplaced items, collapsing buildings, and a threat to the life and personal safety of Dragos Cuelebre. Desperate to protect the man that she loves, Pia calls for assistance from Dragos current and former guardians and warriors, assistance that may be needed to save the life of the man that she loves.

THE UNSEEN is a welcome return and revisit to the Elder Races series. With a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters THE UNSEEN pulls the reader into a beautiful, magical but dangerous world of the ‘unseen’, whose actions are threatening the very existence of the eldest and most powerful dragon in this world and the Other. With a little bit of drama, intrigue, fun and familiarity, THE UNSEEN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

 

“I think this is the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me.”
He looked faintly mystified as he stroked along Pia’s cheek with his thumb. “I’ve bought you plenty of jewelry that cost a hundred or a thousand times what this makeup box cost.”
Amusement curved her lips. Yes, he had, and it was a measure of his love for her that he was able to actually give the jewelry to her after he had acquired it. But as much as she loved that the dragon gave her jewels, those outrageously expensive pieces never meant as much to her as they did to him.
This, however, was purely about her. He had seen her struggling to let go of something that was pretty minor in the grand scheme of life, and he had taken steps to make sure she didn’t have to. He could have had the makeup inserted into disposable cardboard shapes, and that would have been astonishing and thoughtful enough, but, being Dragos, he had to turn the whole project into treasure.
“Thank you. I love it with all my heart,” she said. Hooking an arm around his neck, she drew his head down to hers.
“That’s all that matters, then,” he said against her lips. His voice had turned husky.
She had told him what she could of the things she struggled with, but there were some things she could never tell him. Never. Savoring his mouth and every sensual detail of his long, hard body pressed against her, she locked down those secrets tight in the deepest, most private part of her soul.
After all, they had already discussed it, two months ago after Pia and Rune’s mate Carling had been kidnapped. The kidnapping had been a ploy by a crazed and embittered Elf to trap and destroy Dragos Cuelebre, who was known throughout the Elder Races as the Great Beast. During that nightmare, Pia had been forced to give birth to Niall in a cave and had met Dragos’s brother, Lord Azrael, the god of Death.
Once, she had just been a New York girl who wore makeup from Target and got freaked out over having feelings for a dragon. She was an herbivore who had to keep her Wyr nature secret, while he was the ultimate predator. Falling in love and mating with him had felt earthshaking and immense all on its own.
But coping long term with the reality of mating with Dragos was like opening an infinity of nesting puzzle boxes. As soon as she opened one and thought she had a grasp on things, she found another box to open, another reality even more immense than the one before.
She remembered the conversation they’d had after the kidnapping as if it had happened yesterday. How many Primal Powers are there? she had asked. The Elder Races only have seven in their pantheon.
You got me, Dragos had said with a shrug. I don’t really have anything to do with them, except I used to have a…let’s call it a certain rapport with Azrael.
He hadn’t been lying, exactly; her truthsense was deeply attuned to him and she was certain of that. But his gold gaze had slid away from hers when he had said it.
And Azrael had said to her, You, of all people, should know how closely related death and the dragon are.
She did, or at least she had thought she had. But there were consequences to that close relation that she had never before queried, until then.
When she’d talked to Dragos, she’d tried to make light of it. To make it safe, as she’d asked him, We’re not going to talk about the pressures of godhood or anything like that?
And he’d brushed the whole thing off. Pia, what does godhood mean? Tiago is a thunderbird. More than half my sentinels have been worshipped as gods in Egypt. Look at the Djinn and what they can do. Hell, look at yourself in the mirror—look at yourself when you’re in your Wyr form. Unless something or someone kills you, you are going to live indefinitely, and your blood heals any wound. That’s pretty damn miraculous in my book. There are many of the Elder Races who have been called gods at one point or other in history, and just as many who have been called demons.
His logic had been unassailable. He was right, but….
But.
Dragos was her husband, her mate, her dedicated lover, and most fierce protector, and yet in many ways he was still a total mystery to her. Some days, she couldn’t help but run that conversation through her mind again. Some days, she felt just like a New York girl who had gotten lost on a lonely road in a country so foreign she didn’t even know its name.
And the only thing that brought her home again was this: his mouth, his hands, his scent. Her body knew every exciting detail of his and craved it. She craved him.
When he shut the door to his office and turned back to her, his movements were tight with the hunger that drove him. She was already moving, stripping off her shirt and wriggling out of her jeans.
As she kicked out of them, he wound one hard arm underneath her hips and lifted her onto the desk. They often took their time with foreplay and teasing, laughing together under the velvet cloak of an indulgent midnight, but this was not one of those times.
He yanked off her underwear, and she eagerly wound her legs around his hips while she pulled his T-shirt over his head to reveal the heavy musculature of his tremendous chest. When he eased the thick, broad head of his erection against her opening, she was wet and ready. Her head fell back, eyes closed, as he entered her.
They fit together like the oldest, truest magic: yin and yang; female and male; dark and light.
It was only during times like these when she felt relief from the doubts and insecurities that plagued her. When all her doubts were vaporized in the heat of passion, and the deepest, most private part of her soul said to him, I don’t care who or what you are. You’re mine.
You’re mine.


 

 

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Desolation Road by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Excerpt

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Desolation Road by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
Torpedo Ink is Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov’s whole life. They’re his brothers, his family—his everything. But that doesn’t stop him from wanting something that only belongs to him. That’s why the tough biker has spent the last six weeks at the library, reading every book he can get his hands on and watching the prim and proper librarian who makes his blood rush. 
 
For the past six weeks, Scarlet Foley has been fantasizing about the handsome, tattooed man whose eyes follow her every move. She senses he’s dangerous. She wants him to get close enough to touch. She wishes she could let him know the real woman, not the one she pretends to be. But Scarlet has a plan to carry out, and she can’t afford any distractions.
 
Absinthe is well aware that Scarlet is hiding something. She’s a puzzle he intends to solve, piece by intoxicating piece….

•••••••••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Desolation Road by Christine Feehan is the 4th book in her Torpedo Ink series. Brief refresher for this series:  Czar is the president of Torpedo Ink, and together with the men and women he brought with him from Russia, they created their Torpedo Ink MC club in Casper (near Safe 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’ve all been through a horrible ordeal since they were children, with continued nightmares/demons. But they are never alone, their brothers and sisters always have their back, as they are determined to protect each other.

Absinthe, our hero, has psychic abilities that allows him to tell if people are lying, not to mention the pain and suffering he endures as he can hear or feel the pain in all his brothers and sisters. There are times when he goes into the memories of the past, that finds him having issues on coming out of them.  With the men starting to find the women of their dreams, Absinthe never thought he would have the chance to find his own, until he goes to the library for quiet time.  Meet Scarlet Foley.

Scarlet, our heroine, is the local librarian, and she immediately can feel the attraction to the handsome man who has been coming to the library daily.  Scarlet is determined not to allow herself to act on her feelings, especially since she has her own agenda, which she has worked on for many years. 

Absinthe finds himself having fantasies about Scarlet, with her red hair and green eyes, but most importantly somehow being near her quiets all his demons.  Eventually Absinthe will ask Scarlet out for dinner, and a very short time their relationship becomes sizzling hot.  Of course, Absinthe’s brothers and sisters secretly watch out for him, to make sure he is ok.  Torpedo Ink always investigates any newcomers, and soon Absinthe will learn how hard Scarlet’s life has been, and how she is planning her revenge.  They will eventually bring her to their club to protect her, and learn more about her, and the hit contract on her life.   I loved Scarlet, as she was really a badass, who worked hard to get into shape and plan her revenge for what someone did to her and her family.

What follows is an exciting and violent adventure, bringing the entire team together to stop the evil clubs from the horrible abuse to women and children; as well as teaming together with Scarlet to finally finish her plans.  I did have some mixed feelings, as Desolation Road was also highly sexual erotic, with Absinthe’s ‘kinks’, which seemed to carry over to too many scenes. Needless to say, I was not a fan of the ‘kitten’ play side. I do enjoy sexy romances, but I do feel the story should be more into the forefront.   

I thought Scarlet and Absinthe made a great couple; Scarlet was perfect for Absinthe, as well as the team.  I loved seeing all the Torpedo Ink family, as well as their wives we loved from the previous three books.  I love the concept of this wonderful group that are loyal together, and determined to save the abused children. 

Desolation Road is a dark romantic story, that is also very emotional, as we continue to learn through the eyes of the members what they had to endure in Russia (abuse, rape, torture, and murder).  But they are survivors, who are totally loyal to each other, and it’s fun to watch as each will slowly find their way to love.  Despite the dark violent story, Desolation Road was a great read, exciting, sexy, with a fabulous group of characters.

 

Sandy’s Review: 

DESOLATION ROAD is the fourth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult TORPEDO INK erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the men and women of the Torpedo Ink MC. This is Aleksei ‘Absinthe’ Solokov, and librarian Scarlet Foley’s story line. DESOLATION ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. 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 follow Torpedo Ink.

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

WARNING: DESOLATION ROAD contains scenes, and makes reference to voyeurism, graphic violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men. There are also scenes of animal role play, food play, anal play and the use of other items during sexual activities and therefore, Desolation Road may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. The eighteen 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.

Told from several third person perspectives including Absinthe and Scarlet DESOLATION ROAD follows Torpedo Ink’s Aleksei ‘Absinthe’ Solokov as his need for librarian Scarlet Foley helps calm the demons that continually run through his head. For six weeks Absinthe has ‘stalked’ our storyline heroine in an effort to get to ‘know’ the woman that calms the beast but Scarlet Foley is so much more than a sexy librarian, Scarlet is not without some supernatural abilities of her own. Years earlier, a horrific attack against Scarlet, and ultimately her sister Priscilla, led to the loss of Scarlet’s entire family, and in the ensuing years, Scarlet swore vengeance against everyone involved but meeting Aleksei Solokov meant Scarlet was about to place the Torpedo Ink family in danger, a danger the family was certain did not apply. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Absinthe and Scarlet, and the potential fall-out as Scarlet’s past is determined to finish the job.

At seventeen years of age, Scarlet Foley lost everything including her innocence, her family and the life she once knew. Years would pass wherein our heroine made preparations to enact revenge against the men who destroyed our heroine’s life, preparations that will now involve the men and women of Torpedo Ink.

Aleksei ‘Absinthe’ Solokov struggles with demons, the memories, and the PTSD of a time long ago. With the ability to ‘see’ into the mind of the people he loves, Absinthe is empathic about the pain, the suffering, and the horrendous acts that no child should have ever been exposed but it is the guilt of so many losses that continue to pull Absinthe into the abyss.

The relationship between Absinthe and Scarlet is one of immediate attraction; a highly sexual, demanding, intense role playing relationship in which the independent, strong willed and determined Scarlet Avery quickly bends to the will of the man that she loves. As per my warning, Desolation Road contains scenes of animal role play, food play, anal play, and the use of items not necessarily designed for sexual activity.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, broken and determined secondary and supporting characters including most of the Torpedo Ink family of survivors, who endured but barely survived years of torture, abuse and rape of the body, mind and soul.

As per my previous reviews, I have remarked on the author’s increasing violent story lines and abuse against men, women and children but in the case of the Torpedo Ink series, the violence is part of their history and lives-ingrained and imbedded –into their very existence, but their need for vengeance is as equally violent and abusive towards their intended victim-eye for an eye and so on. Like the previous instalments, DESOLATION ROAD focuses on the graphically detailed violence, abuse and rape, the sexual torture of children, and in this, I believe the author is going for shock value as opposed to dramatic affect. There is plenty of redundancy and repetition, leading to more fluff (albeit graphic) than substance. At times, the writing style flips as though there is more than one ‘person’ writing the book.

DESOLATION ROAD is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and revenge; of survival and loss; of heart break and love. The premise is dark, haunting and gritty; the romance is tragic and intense.

 

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Absinthe opened the door to the restaurant for her, scanning the room quickly for potential trouble before allowing her to do the same thing while he turned back toward the street and gave that another quick once-over. Certain no one was paying attention to either of them, he closed the door and followed his librarian’s amazing ass. She was in a black skirt with small white polka dots scattered over it. The material clung to her curves. He appreciated that particular skirt very much.
Absinthe held the back of her chair for her, ignoring the waiter who looked as if he might conk him on the head and abscond with the girl. She looked regal as she took the seat, smiling up at Absinthe, nearly taking his breath away. Whatever it was that she had affected him like some kind of aphrodisiac. Her small teeth. That mouth with her full, pouty lips that were made for a man’s dirtiest fantasies. He hadn’t had them until she came along. Not like this. Mostly he’d had nightmares. The erotic, very graphic dreams were a welcome change.
“Are you a wine drinker?” Absinthe didn’t know the first thing about wine. He could make her any kind of drink she wanted, or talk beer, but wine eluded him. If she loved wine, he was going to be taking a crash course. It wouldn’t take him long to catch up.
She shook her head. “I actually don’t drink very much. Once in a while, if it’s really hot out, I’ll have an ice-cold beer. But other than that, it’s a very occasional drink and usually I go for something girly like a cosmopolitan.”
“I don’t drink wine,” Absinthe admitted. “Like you I’m not a big drinker, but mostly that stems from wanting to be alert all the time.”
“You don’t put your feet up, relax and have tons to drink?” There was the merest hint of amusement in her voice. Mostly she was serious.
He loved the look on her face when she gave him her full attention. He focused completely on her once he was certain the few couples already eating or waiting to be served weren’t interested in them in the least.
“No, that wouldn’t work for me. I do like to put my feet up though,” he admitted. “I’m going to be very up-front with you.” It was confession time. If he didn’t say it straight up, she’d find out anyway. “I’m not good at this. I never know what to say and I come off stilted and awkward, but I don’t want to be that way with you.”
Her green eyes were hard to stay still under. She seemed to see right through his skull into his mind where chaos reigned—thanks to her.
“I’m not so great at this either,” she declared. “I guess we’re going to have to learn. I’m very competitive and I have a fast learning curve. Very fast. Wait.” She frowned at him. “You weren’t reading a help book on dating, were you?”
“Do they have those in the library?”
Her lashes swept down and then back up. A small smile teased the curve of her mouth, causing his heart to accelerate. He found himself staring. Shit. He was going to lose before he got started because he couldn’t stop staring at her.
She laughed. “I’m not telling you. I’ll read them and turn into a scintillating conversationalist in minutes, leaving you in the dust.”
He instantly learned three things. There were multiple self-help books on dating, she read extremely fast, and she really was competitive. He flashed a small grin, looking at her with hawk-like eyes, giving her the predator look just for a moment. Just to see the shiver that crept down her spine.
“I’ll have to be there first thing in the morning before your shift.”
“You know my shifts?” The smile faded, and she sounded uneasy.
He shrugged. “How was I going to ask you out? I went multiple times without seeing you, so clearly you had a shift and only came into the library during those times. I kept having to trade work with friends, and drive here from the coast, so, I found out when you worked. I came as often as I could, and just waited until we’d established a very tentative woman can charm the socks right off a shy man any day of the week.”
“Is that what we established?”
Her laughter got him every time. He found himself actually relaxing. The waiter hovered, and both guiltily studied the menu. She ordered a pasta dish and he ordered a steak. Fresh-baked bread was put on the table, and he suddenly realized he was very hungry. 


 

 

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Badger to the Bone by Shelly Laurenston – Dual Review

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Badger to the Bone by Shelly Laurenston – Dual Review

 

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Description:
She’s the woman he’s been hired to kidnap. But ZeZé Vargas has other ideas . . . like getting them both out of this nightmare alive. Just one problem. She’s crazy. Certifiably. Because while he’s plotting their escape, the petite Asian beauty is plotting something much more deadly . . .

Max “Kill It Again” MacKilligan has no idea what one of her own is doing with all these criminal humans until she realizes that Zé has no idea who or what he is. Or exactly how much power he truly has.

But Max is more than happy to bring this handsome jaguar shifter into her world and show him everything he’s been missing out on. A move that might be the dumbest thing she’s ever done once she realizes how far her enemies will go to wipe her out. Too bad for them Zé is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her alive . . . and honey badgers are just so damn hard to kill!

 

 

Sandy’s Review:

BADGER TO THE BONE is the third instalment in Shelly Laurenston’s contemporary, adult HONEY BADGER CHRONICLES paranormal series-a spin off from the authors PACK, and PRIDE series. This is honey badger /basketball player Max MacKilligan, and jaguar shifter, former US Marine and Black Ops member ZeZé Vargas. BADGER TO THE BONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from several third person perspectives including Max and Zé BADGER TO THE BONE follows several paths but continues to focus on the MacKilligan half- sisters: badger/ wolf Charlie; honey badger Maxie, and badger/ tiger Stevie MacKilligan.

In the aftermath of an abduction in the Netherlands of badger shifter Max MacKilligan. Max is surprised to discover one of her would-be rescuers is a jaguar shifter, a shifter who is unaware of his DNA. Upon return to American soil, Max would become ZeZé Vargas’ mentor in an effort to acclimate her foundling ‘kitty’ into the unfamiliarity of the shifter world but everything continues to spiral out of control as the fractured and broken MacKilligan family dynamic targets our heroine from a number of sides. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Max and ZeZé, as Max, along with Charlie and Stevie, must come to terms with the fall-out of their father’s life.

Like their human counterparts, the shifter world is constantly at war. From secret military organizations, to illegal money laundering, and the battle between shifter nations, specieism and discrimination are at the heart of everything that continues to go wrong. The MacKilligan family’s reputation is well known in the world of the shifters but Charlie, Max and Stevie are a weapon unto themselves. When another ‘secret shifter’ organization recruits Max to help shut down a human trafficking ring, Max knows, not only will her sisters be by her side, but her basketball shifter team that will always have her back.

Once again, as per Laurenston’s style of writing, the back and forth, frenetic energy between characters and situations is fast paced, humorous, snarky and fun. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters-many whom we have me in this (who doesn’t love the bears) and the author’s previous series, as well as the introduction of more members of the cat nation, and a surprising addition to the MacKilligan family. The premise is imaginative and thrilling; the characters are spirited, sassy and playful; the romance is passionate and enticing.

 

___________

Barb’s Review:
Badger to the Bone by Shelly Laurenston is the 3rd book in her wonderful paranormal shifter Honey Badger Chronicles series.  I have said this before, Laurenston is a master at giving us wild crazy and hilarious stories, and the Honey Badger Chronicles series is totally a wild, violent, hysterical action-packed adventure that has us engrossed in the story and laughing all the way.  If you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book, otherwise you may find yourself confused, not to mention you need to read about all three of these wonderful crazy sisters.  They are Honey Badgers, who are hard to kill, as well as terrifying to all their opponents.

Max MacKilligan, our heroine in this story, is kidnapped by someone who wants to use her to find her father. Even though the kidnappers are big strong dangerous men, they have no idea who they are dealing with, as our Max brings out her knives and kills them all, freeing herself, and an injured man, who doesn’t know he is a jaguar shifter.

ZeZe Vargas, is an undercover agent, and when he sees the cute Asian young girl, he wants to come to her defense; to his shock she quickly takes care of all of them, as well as taking him to her house to recover from his injuries, and find a way to tell him he isn’t human.  When Ze recovers, he also meets Max’s two sisters, Charlie and Stevie, who push Max to start proving to him he is a cat, and teach him how to be a shifter.  The chemistry between both of them was totally sizzling, and I loved them together.  In a short time, Ze will shift and realize he needs to be around the MacKilligan girls, as well as their family and friends to survive this crazy world. 

Though the main focus of the story revolved around Max and Ze, there were many other things going on with their father, cousins, and other shifters.  Make no mistake, this is a wild crazy family and a hilarious adventure throughout, which is the norm for Laurenston.  I loved Charlie, who has an uncanny ability to take control of any situation, and terrify everyone.  A riot all the way.  Max is also amazing, as she is totally fearless, not to mention a bit crazy.  Stevie, the youngest sister, who is a genius, also stepped up and was able to take a little more control.  Love this family that Shelly Laurenston has created.

What follows is an exciting adventure that was also fun-filled, wild & crazy action, three great sisters, wonderful secondary characters, and so much hilarious laughter.  When it comes to fun, crazy, hysterical and exciting, with fantastic characters, 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.  if you have not read Shelly Laurenston, you are missing not only a gem of an author that she not be missed

Copies provided by Publisher

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Crush the King by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review and Giveaway

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Crush the King by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review and Giveaway

 

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Description:
Queen Everleigh Blair of Bellona has survived the mass murder of the royal family, become a fearsome warrior trained by an elite gladiator troupe, and unleashed her ability to destroy magic. After surviving yet another assassination attempt orchestrated by the conniving king of Morta, Evie has had enough. It’s time to turn the tables and take the fight to her enemies. 

There is no better opportunity to strike than during the Regalia Games, a time when warriors, nobles, and royals from all the kingdoms come together to compete in various sporting events. With the help of her loyal friends, Evie goes on the attack at the Regalia, but things don’t turn out the way she hopes. Soon, she is facing a terrifying new threat, and she will have to dig deep and learn even more about her growing magic if she has any chance of defeating her foes.

Because to secure her throne and ensure her kingdom’s survival, Evie must think like a true Bellonan: she must outsmart and outwit her enemies . . . and crush the king.

 

 

Barb’s Review: 
Crush the King by Jennifer Estep is the 3rd book in her wonderful A Crown of Shards fantasy series. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep’s books, having read all her series.  In A Crown of Shards, I loved the first two books and I thought Crush the King was equally as good as the first two.  Fantastic series.

Evie, our heroine and Queen of Bellona, having survived a terrible tragedy when the King of Morta murdered everyone in her royal family, with Evie having escaped.  In Crush the King, Evie and her magnificent team of gladiators travel to the Regalia Games, where all the nobles of each kingdom converge annually to have their best representative play in various games.  Evie is determined to make new allies to help her defeat the powerful King Maximus of Morta, as well as possibly assassinate him. 

Evie was a fabulous heroine, who over time and training from her amazing warrior friends, became a fierce, strong, brave, cunning, savvy and loyal Queen.  She will have to use all of her power and smarts to be able to defeat the evil King. I loved seeing all her friends (Serilda, Paloma, Sullivan, Xenia, Cho) from the earlier books, who have all stood by her and help protect her

To say too much more would be spoilers.  What follows is an exciting, intense, non-stop action that has us on the edge of our seats.  Estep has done it again with wonderful fantastic worldbuilding that kept our attention from start to finish. This was an exciting and enthralling fantasy, with fantastic characters (even the villains); surrounded by magic, violence, death, war, and intrigue that has us holding our breaths throughout.

Crush the King was an intriguing exciting enthralling epic fantasy that was so well written by Jennifer Estep.  She has created a wonderful heroine, and great cast of secondary characters.  I strongly suggest you read this series.  

 

Sandy’s Review:

CRUSH THE KING is the third instalment in Jennifer Estep’s CROWN OF SHARD’S epic fantasy series focusing on the newly crowned Queen of Bellona, Queen Everleigh (Evie) Saffira Winter Blair, a young woman whose ascension to the throne is predicated on a murderous coup against our heroine’s family. CROWN THE KING should not be read as a stand alone. There is a continuous theme throughout the series as Everleigh sets her sights on avenging the deaths of everyone she loved.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Crown of Shards series is the focus of elemental magic, magic of which our heroine is believed to have not been blessed, but Everleigh’s ‘mutt magic’ is much more than anyone could have imagined. As the series progresses, Everleigh’s strengths and powers make her the target of a group of assassins hoping to destroy whomever wears the crown. With the power to ‘scent’ out emotions, as well as her ability to manipulate magic, Everleigh is a powerful Queen, indeed. With her own band of ‘gladiators’ and Lucas Sullivan, the man that she loves, Everleigh is a force unto herself, a force that is constantly tested by would-be assassins, and spurned kings and queens.

Told from first person perspective (Everleigh) CRUSH THE KING focuses on the preparations for the Regalia Games, a competition between kingdoms wherein Everleigh, as the new queen of Bellona, will prove she is worthy to wear the crown. Months earlier, the murder of her entire family, ordered by the Mortan King Maximus, left Everleigh the sole surviving member of the Winter bloodline, and as such our heroine is the ongoing target of numerous assassination attempts, all of which Everleigh has defended using her powerful magic but when the murderous plots continue to unfold at the Regalia Games, Everleigh knows that to stop the attempts on her life, she is going to have to take down and crush the king.

Like Estep’s Elemental Assassin series, the Crown of Shards series focuses on elemental magic. From weather mages, elementals, gem and metal workers, ogres, shifters and gladiators, the similarities are numerous and familiar. Jennifer Estep pulls the reader into an enchanting, detailed, complex, intriguing, and intense story of family, power, greed, and magic.

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from March 17- 21, 2020

 

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Yours In Scandal (Man of the Year #1) by Lauren Layne-Dual review

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Yours In Scandal (Man of the Year #1) by Lauren Layne- Dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 10, 2020

Fresh off being named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, New York City’s youngest mayor, Robert Davenport, decides it’s time to strategize. Next move: a bid for the governor’s seat. In his way: an incumbent with a flawless reputation. He also has an Achilles’ heel: an estranged wild-child daughter with a past so scandalous it could be Robert’s ticket to victory. And a charm so irresistible it could be Robert’s downfall.

Rebellion is a thing of the past for Adeline Blake. As New York’s premier event planner, she’s all about reform and respectability. Then she’s approached by Robert to organize the party of the season. Curious, considering he’s her father’s most formidable opponent. And alarming, too. Because Addie can’t help but fall for the righteously popular candidate with the movie-star smile.

Now it’s Robert’s choice. Does he pursue a future that holds his legacy? Or the woman who holds his heart?

••••••••

SANDY’S REVIEW:YOURS IN SCANDAL is the first instalment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult MAN OF THE YEAR romance series. This is twenty-eight year old, event planner Adeline Blake, and thirty-five year old, New York Mayor Robert Davenport’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Adeline and Robert) YOURS IN SCANDAL follows the building relationship between event planner Adeline Blake, and New York Mayor Robert Davenport. Robert Davenport’s second term as the mayor of New York is coming to an end and our hero wants to make a run for the Governor but his campaign chairman first wants dirt on the incumbent, and what better way than to pull skeletons from the closet, starting first with the Governor’s estranged daughter. Adeline Blake knows scandal and heart break better than anyone else, and as such, has distanced herself from her father, a man for whom she has no respect but when she is called to the Mayor’s office, our heroine is both surprised and leery when the Mayor asks Adeline to plan a party for the end of his term. What ensues is the slow building friendship and relationship between Robert and Adeline, and the potential fall-out as Adeline’s past is revealed with the intent to destroy our story line hero.

Adeline Blake was the proverbial wild child but secrets from her past destroyed all hopes for a future with her father, and in this Adeline changed directions in life, including a new identity, and no affiliation with the man she once loved. Meeting Mayor Robert Davenport sent warning flags for our story line heroine knowing the Mayor was hoping for a run for the Governor,against her father, a man she hates and despises. Robert Davenport never wanted to play dirty politics but his campaign chair insisted there was a story to tell. Thirty-five and single, Robert had never found his own happily ever after but meeting Adeline Blake gave Robert a hope for the future, a future that could very well be destroyed if Adeline discovered the truth behind their original meeting.

The relationship between Adeline and Robert begins as a business arrangement albeit a business arrangement meant for underhanded purposes. As the date for the party nears Robert finds himself wanting something more from our story line heroine but something more could mean disaster when the truth is revealed. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

We are introduced to Robert’s campaign chair Martin, and his chief of staff, thirty-seven year old Kenny Lamb; PA Darlene, as well as Adeline’s friends Rosalie and Jane Kim.

YOURS IN SCANDAL is a cute but predictable story line; a sexy and easy read with a playful hero, and reluctant heroine. The premise is interesting and entertaining; the characters are tenacious; the romance is energetic and encouraging

 

BARB’S REVIEW:
Yours in Scandal by Lauren Layne is the 1st book in her new Man of the Year series.  Robert Davenport, our hero, is the youngest Mayor of New York city, has just been named the Man of the Year and he is single.  As his term as mayor is about to end in a couple of months, he and his top staff make plans for him to run for Governor.  As Robert plans to have a party to end his term, his campaign manager tells him to hire an event planner, who he says is the long missing daughter of the current governor, in disguise; the manager wants him to find out any secret information on her father.  Robert is enticed to meet this woman, but is not keen on being sneaky.

Adeline Blake, has a newly successful Event Planning business, and we learn immediately that she changed her name and appearance, to get away from her mean father, the Governor.  Adeline was Addie Bennett, the media’s wild child, who had left her life 5 years ago, as her father treated her very badly.  She is surprised when the Mayor wants her to plan his event, and she is determined to stay out of the spotlight and anything political.  But there is something about the Mayor that draws her attention, as he is not only charming, but very handsome. 

 What follows is a slow burn romance between two unlikely people; the mayor and a political force and a woman with a bad reputation as a wild child.  I loved Robert and Adeline together, as their chemistry was off the wall, and they were so good together.  Will Robert succumb to his feelings for Adeline, especially with the threat of ruining his political ambitions?  Will Adeline allow her feelings for Robert to be pulled back into the political field, which she ran away from?

Yours in Scandal was a quick read, that was a sweet, light, humorous fun story, which was very well written by Lauren Layne.  I absolutely loved the wonderful epilogue which left me with a happy face.  If you enjoy pure romances, great couples, and secondary characters, you should read this story.  If you have not read Lauren Layne, you need to start now.

 

Copy supplied by Netgalley

 

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Wolf Gone Wild (Stay A Spell #1) by Juliette Cross – Dual Review

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Wolf Gone Wild (Stay A Spell #1) by Juliette Cross – Dual Review

 

Amazon / Amazon. ca / B&N / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
What’s the worst thing that can happen to a werewolf? Unable to shift for three months, Mateo Cruz knows all too well. His wolf has taken up residence in his head, taunting him night and day with vividly violent and carnal thoughts. Convinced he’s cursed, he needs the help of a powerful witch before he literally goes insane.

​Evie Savoie has always obeyed the house rules of her coven–no werewolves. They’re known for being moody and volatile. So, when a distempered, dangerous werewolf strolls into the bar and almost strangles one of her late-night customers, she’s ready to bounce him through the door. But the desperation in his eyes when he begs her to help him softens her heart and convinces her to bend the rules.

​What Evie doesn’t know is that Mateo’s wolf has a mind of his own. And now that she’s in his sights, he wants only one thing. Her.

••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

WOLF GONE WILD is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ contemporary, adult STAY A SPELL erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the Savoie sisters. This is witch, waitress and aspiring artist Eveleen ‘Evie’ Savoie, and werewolf/ metal sculptor Mateo Cruz’ storyline.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mateo and Evie) WOLF GONE WILD follows the building relationship between witch, waitress and aspiring artist Evie Savoie, and werewolf/ metal sculptor Mateo Cruz’. Mateo needs help. Someone has cast a spell, and our hero is unable to shift thusly allowing his blood lust to build to extraordinary levels. Hoping the Savoie sisters of New Orleans are able to help, Mateo approaches the witches in an effort to get the ‘hex’ removed. Enter Evie Savoie, witch and Hex-breaker, and the woman with whom Mateo will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Mateo and Evie, as Evie and her sisters struggle to unravel the hex that has spelled Mateo into something he’s not.

Evie Savoie is a powerful Hex-breaker but struggles with the spell surrounding the man that she loves. Unable to break through the layers of magic, Evie, along with her sisters Jules, Clara and Violet go in search of something else, a book that quite possible holds the cure to what ails Mateo Cruz. Mateo Cruz is a renowned metal sculptor who owns his own gallery in New Orleans but someone or something has bound Mateo’s powers, powers that are slowly tearing him apart, from the inside out.

The relationship between Mateo and Evie begins as a business arrangement as Evie is forced to work with a man she considers dangerous and dark. Witches and werewolves do not get along but something about Evie calls to Mateo when his Alpha demands Mateo make Evie their mate. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to three of Evie’s sisters Jules, Clara and Violet; their mother Serena Savoie; Mateo’s assistant Missy; his cousin Nico; fellow artist Sandra; ancient vampire and overlord Ruben Dubois; witch and seer Beryl; numerous employees at the family run bar the Cauldron; Bam, the comic store owner, as well as Mateo’s alter ego-the Alpha; Z and Fred the bow-time wearing rooster.

The world building introduces the Savoie sisters-their personalities, their powers, and the individual specialities, as well as the different supernatural beings that inhabit New Orleans, Louisiana.

WOLF GONE WILD is a story of power and control; of betrayal and vengeance; of family, friendship, romance and love. The premise is imaginative and engaging; the characters are sassy, fun and flirty-there is plenty of non-stop back and forth between Evie and her sisters, as well as between Evie and Mateo, and Mateo and the Alpha; the romance is heart warming and energetic. WOLF GONE WILD is an animated and sensual introduction to Juliette Cross’ STAY A SPELL paranormal, romance series.

_________

Barb’s Review:
Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross is the 1st book in her new Stay a Spell series.  I cannot say enough about Juliette, who is one of my favorite authors.   She never fails…never ever…to give us a fantastic story in an equally fantastic series.   Did I like Wolf Gone Wild??  I loved it, and was thrilled to see a different kind of series for Juliette.  Loved all the witches and werewolves….awesome.

Mateo Cruz, our hero, is a wolf shifter and has not been able to shift to his wolf for over three months; his inner wolf has been driving him crazy with loud, snarky and violent comments. He knows something is wrong, that he is cursed; so, desperation drives Mateo to seek out a witch who is known to be a hex-breaker.  The problem?  Witches do not help werewolves.

Evie Savoie, our heroine, is the hex-breaker in her witch family, the Savoie sisters.  Evie is working at a local bar, where she meets with clients, and immediately notices Mateo.  She tries to avoid him, knowing the rules…no werewolves; but Evie sees the desperation in his eyes, not to mention her immediate attraction. To make matters worse, Mateo’s wolf (Alpha) is constantly yelling to him about his insatiable desire for the pretty witch.

Evie decides to help Mateo, and brings him home for her to plead her case to her sisters, each of whom have their own powers.  They all agree to help Mateo find out who has cursed him, even though they discover that he has been affected by a powerful witch. 

What follows is an exciting, intense, and sexy adventure to save Mateo.  Juliette’s addition of Alpha, was not only downright dirty, but a lot of fun too.  I loved Evie and Mateo together (with the added comments from Alpha); they did make a fabulous sexy couple with amazing chemistry.  No surprise here, as Juliette always comes up with fantastic couples.  The sisters were also great, especially Jules, Violet and Clara, just to name a few; I can’t wait to meet them all in the future books.

Wolf Gone Wild was so well written by Juliette Cross.  To tell too much more would be spoilers.  If you enjoy a paranormal romance, exciting action, surprise twists, great secondary characters, and a couple that has sizzling chemistry; you need to read this book.  I cannot wait to see what Juliette has in store for us next. 

Copies supplied for Review

Link to Read First 3 chapters: https://www.juliettecross.com/single-post/2020/01/04/Wolf-Gone-Wild-First-3-Chapters

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

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

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