Tag Archives: fantasy

The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop – a Review

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The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop – a Review

 

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Description:
A magical collection of stories new and old spanning across all of Anne Bishop’s most beloved fantasy worlds.

Here, together for the first time, the shorter works of New York Times bestselling fantasy author Anne Bishop are included in one dazzling volume.

A master of bringing fantasy worlds to life, this collection showcases Bishop’s impressive range, from rarities of her earliest writing to the Realms of the Blood, from darker fairytale retellings to the Landscapes of Ephemera, and from standalone stories of space exploration and fantastical creatures to the contemporary fantasy terrain of the World of the Others.

Includes previously published and unpublished tales, as well as two brand-new stories, written especially for this “Friends and Corpses,” a murder mystery in which the corpse has some decidedly unusual qualities, and “Home for the Howlidays,” a heartwarming return to the Blood Prophet Meg Corbyn and the shapeshifting Simon Wolfgard from The Others.

 

 

Review:

The Lady in Glass and Other Stories is an anthology of a collection of short stories written by Anne Bishop throughout her career.   Anne Bishop is a master in creating wonderful fantasies, which I have loved them all.  Some of these stories are previously published or unpublished tales from her fantastic fantasy world of amazing books; which include my favorites, Black Jewels, Ephemera, and the World of the Others. Two brand-new stories include Home for the Howlidays (The Others), and Friends and Corpses (unusual murder mystery).

Some of the collections were very short from her early days, and others were longer; such as from Realms of the Blood, Fairytales, Landscapes of Ephemera and the World of The Others. Of course, my favorites were from Black Jewels and The Others, though I have loved everything she has written.

Black Jewels has always been my go to all-time series (I never have enough from this series), and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  I loved reading more or reminding me of these two additions. It was wonderful to read more about Jaenelle, Lucifer, Daemon and Surreal.

Home for the Howlidays was a wonderful new addition to The Others, as this took place after Etched in Bone. I loved seeing Meg Corbyn, Simon Wolfgard, and all our favorites from this series; it was so much fun to read. I’m would love to have more from the Courtyard and the World of the Others.  The Dark Ship was also very good, with everyone, including the elementals trying to save two officers, as the Elders are creating havoc to stop the evil humans from killing.

Friends and Corpses is one of the new stories, which is a murder mystery, with corpses remaining alive for a short time. It is an unusual story, with solving the mystery, as well as the police controlling these zombies, it was actually good, but very different.

As noted above, I am a big fan of Anne Bishop, loving all of her series, as she is a master at creating wonderful unique fantasy worlds.  I look forward to what she gives us next.  If you are a Fantasy lover, I wholly suggest you read anything by Anne Bishop.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Night For Day by Roselle Lim – a Review

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Night For Day by Roselle Lim – a Review

 

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Description:
Exes Ward Dunbar and Camille Buhay thought they would never see each other again. They had broken up to pursue their dream jobs on opposite sides of the country—her to New York City, and him to Los Angeles. But years later, they unexpectedly reconnect in London, where they are interviewing for similar jobs. The spark they feel when they meet again—the attraction comes back like muscle memory, and they are reminded of what they had lost. When Ward and Camille discover they both got the job working opposing shifts, they vow to give their relationship another try.

Ward starts the day shift and finds the immortal clientele unusual and dazzling. When he clocks out at the end of the day, he finds the door locked and himself trapped in the building. After a horrific first night shift contending with restless spirits and ghosts, Camille is also unable to escape. In their respective prisons, they discover that they’re able to talk to each other a few minutes before dawn. This fleeting encounter incites longing for each other, but their promise to be together feels impossible. Because they are caught in the middle of a war of the gods—and their choices will determine the outcome.

 

 

 

Review:

Night for Day by Roselle Lim is an unusual and different kind of standalone fantasy novel.  The story begins with an epic war between the Gods (Western and Eastern) that has been around for many years, and the gods decide to try using mortals to find a way to stop the war, which will continue until a resolution.  We meet Camille Buhay and Ward Dunbar, who after breaking up their relationship two years ago, they both meet again in London, applying for jobs at the same company. Both Camille and Ward realize that they still love each other, and decide to resume their relationship.  Ward applies for the day shift, and Camille applies for the night shift.

They meet their new bosses, with Camille becoming close to the elderly Mr. Samson; and Ward must deal with the testy and angry, Ms. Selene. Ward starts the day shift, enjoying seeing the immortal clientele unusual and dazzling; but when he clocks out at the end of the day, the door is locked, with him trapped in the building.  During the night shift, Camille deals with gods and ghosts, and when she plans to leave, she too us unable to escape; with both of them trapped in an alternate reality, unable to leave.  On occasion, they are able to communicate with each other, trying to solve whatever riddles need to be revealed, as they each have to choose the outcome.

Besides Samson and Selene, the constant visitors (beside Camille meeting ghosts), are gods, such as Mr. King, Theo, Din and Eryna. Both Camille and Ward, are not sure who to trust; especially with both of them rarely unable to communicate with each other. Ward likes and trusts Theo, with Din; and Camille slowly begins to trust Mr. King.  When things get closer to the end, will they be able to solve the riddles and choose correctly on stopping the Gods war? There was a surprising twist at the end with the Gods voting.

Night for Day is wild, dangerous and magical alternate reality, with no escape; unless the gods can free them. Their journey is also about their love for each other, and finding a way to freedom.  Night for Day was very well written by Roselle Lim. I will say this was an interesting fantasy, entirely different from any other book I have read. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

                   NIGHT FOR DAY by Roselle Lim
Ace Trade Paperback Original | February 20, 2024

                                       Excerpt

Mistakes were meant to be in the rearview mirror-not walking, breathing, and able to cup your cheek to stoke every single smoldering memory long buried for self-preservation.

He shouldn’t whisper my name as if he never stopped doing so for the past two years.

Even now, my fingers itched to reacquaint myself with the beauty of his face, then to trace the slight cleft in his chin down his smooth throat, and ever farther down, to where our once shared intimacy implied permission and invitation.

“Camille, I never thought I’d see you again, let alone in London.” The way my name rolled off his tongue and slid through his lips always elicited the same response-it felt like a hot kiss at the nape of my neck.

Ward Dunbar. The mistake I’d commit again and again even knowing that the result would always be heartbreak.

“Job interview. If I get it, I’ll be moving here.” I adjusted the neckline of my buttoned dress shirt, expanding the view of bronzed skin below my collarbones. My traitorous body always reacted to him when he was in physical proximity. Easier to shut down my hormones through the sterility of a black glass screen.

He brushed an errant dark blond strand off his forehead. “I’m here for the same. Though I’ve passed the interview part.”

The skies overhead darkened-clusters of gray clouds huddling together in conference. It had been sunny five minutes ago. Late spring weather in London changed on a whim with wicked fickleness, and we were sliding into the heat of summer. I packed an umbrella and a cardigan in my lavender vegan leather tote, but I didn’t account for him. My purse didn’t contain what I’d need to cope with the nuclear fallout of a failed relationship.

Avoidance therapy was the only method that worked. Putting thousands of miles between us and preventing myself from checking his social media accounts fueled a comfortable sense of forgetfulness-the kind that allowed me to function on a daily basis, but didn’t prevent an occasional damaging slipup. It didn’t hurt that he hadn’t had any long-term relationships since then. Moving to Manhattan helped, and London should have cured me completely.

I was wrong.

Two days ago, I slipped and checked his Instagram. The selfie at an outdoor bookstall on the South Bank caused me to stop breathing for a few seconds. He was here and in the same city. I wasn’t thinking when I sent him a direct message asking to meet at this bookshop. It was pure instinct-I turned off my brain and my heart took over, grabbing the wheel and changing the direction of my life.

“I never thought you’d leave LA.” I resisted the urge to straighten the bent corner of his collar. No tie. I’d been the one responsible for those. His long, elegant fingers had other talents.

“I needed a change. This opportunity was as good a time as any.” He tipped his head toward the bookshop. “It’s going to rain. Can we duck in and chat?”

I followed him into one of the most beautiful little shops in Westminster. These buildings reminded me of an eclectic bookshelf-the windows and architectural details were charming, decorated spines of antique leather. Weathered stone, traditional painted wooden signs mixed with flashy modern ones and clean-line aesthetics. The mix of old and new fitting together in seamless coexistence.

To me, the past and present were constantly at war when I thought about Ward.

As if on cue, the curtain of rain began as he stepped into the shop. I caught a bit of it at the ends of my long hair and the back of my shirt. Again, I was reminded of what I’d be getting into if I decided to have another round in his bed-because that was where it always began.

He headed for the science fiction and fantasy section. He plucked the newest N. K. Jemisin novel from the shelf, tucked it under his arm, and continued to browse the titles, tracing his finger downward on the ones that perked his interest.

“So how does this affect your job in LA?” I took a step forward but maintained a safe distance. The scent of his subtle cologne along with the aroma of Irish cream coffee would undo my crumbling defenses. “Are you on sabbatical?”

Ward’s cushy position at a very exclusive and trendy art gallery in LA was everything he ever wished for-flexible hours, the heavy array of movie stars and wealthy client meetings, and the perfect conduit to maximize his appeal. No one was impervious. He disarmed you with his good looks and gentle tone, then went in for the kill with the way he could make you feel. Empathy combined with charm was lethal.

“I quit.”

I almost fell against a nearby bookcase. “You did what?”

“It’s . . . I needed a change.” He reached for my elbow to help me regain my balance. The heat of his touch distracted me. “I accepted a job yesterday and I start tomorrow. Now knowing that you’re here, I’d say it’s a great move.”

Ward didn’t let go yet. The worst part was that I didn’t want him to.

Excerpted from Night for Day by Roselle Lim Copyright © 2024 by Roselle Lim. Excerpted by permission of Ace. All rights reserved

 

 

 

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Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli – a Review

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Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli – a Review

 

 

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Description:
A steamy game of cat and mouse between witch and witch-hunter, played out against a backdrop of opulence, secrets, and bloody history.

On the night Rune’s life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is.

Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe – a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution – who she can’t help but find herself falling for.

Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow façade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting?

 

 

Review:

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli is the 1st book in her new romantic fantasy duology Crimson Moth series.  We meet Rune, our heroine, whose life drastically changed forever, when a terrible revolution, when witches became outcasts; hunted and killed. To save her granddaughter, Rune was told to pretend that she knew nothing about her grandmother being a witch, with Rune hiding what she is to survive. Devasted by the death of her grandmother, as well as all the deaths of witches, Rune changes her life.  During the daytime, she is a wealthy socialite and by evening she is the infamous Crimson Moth, who rescues witches before their horrifying deaths.

Gideon Sharpe is a witch hunter, who has unsuccessfully been trying to find the Crimson Moth.  He gets a clue that Rune might be using her ships to free the witches, and decides to pursue her and in order find evidence that she is a witch.  Gideon’s brother Alex, is Rune’s best friend, as well as Verity, and they both know that Rune is the Crimson Moth, but they are totally loyal to her.  When Gideon starts making advances, Alex is not happy, as he secretly loves Rune. Gideon plays the part of courting her, and slowly begins to fall for Rune, learning more about her intelligence, as well as being caring.  Rune also learns more about Gideon’s past life, hating the witches who killed his family and used him.

Though I understand Gideon’s past with a witch who destroyed his family, I found him to be a bit harsh, going to any length to discover if Rune was a witch.  I did love Rune, who was a cunning fighter, always trying to save the witches.  With both constantly changing their minds on what are their real feelings in in this game of cat and mouse. There were a lot of twists and turns as we get closer to the end, and saying too much more would ruin this for you.

Heartless Hunter was a fast-paced compelling page turner, that was intense, intriguing, exciting, and a forbidden romance. The last third of the book was wild and tense, with me unable to put the book down. Heartless Hunter was so very well written by Kristen Ciccarelli, was well as being a fantastic world-building. I look forward to the next book, especially since this is a duology.

 

 

 

 

 

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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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Broken (The Four #3) by Layla Frost-review

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Broken (The Four #3) by Layla Frost-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 1, 2024

You know the deal by now. Fated mates. Nefarious baddies. Grumpy-sunshine. And all the spicy tension.

I’d been called a lot of things.

Cold.
Cynical.
Jaded.

An antisocial basta—You get the point.

I’d say it came with being an overworked doctor, but that wasn’t the case. In my own personal purgatory, I’d lost touch with what I was meant to do—who I was.
Until I got stuck in a hospital elevator with a beautiful, broken woman. Comforting her through hell reminded me why I’d become a doctor in the first place.
I had no clue why, but the hippie goddess consumed my thoughts. I was obsessed. From the first touch, I knew I wasn’t going to let her go.
And that was before I got my memories back.

At the best of times, I was crap at relationships—and we were far from the best of times.
Thrust into a war I’d forgotten, I had to find a way to explain that we were targets of the soul stealing organization that’d cursed me.
That magicks, fate, Heaven, and Hell were not just tales.
That she was my mate.
The literal other half of my soul.
Unequivocally mine.

•••••••

REVIEW:Let’s see if I can keep this short and sweet…Broken is book three in the paranormal romance series by Layla Frost. The first two books, Styx and Stoned must be read before going into Broken, there is far too much goodness that happens in the first two books that readers can’t miss.

Lennon and Lilith’s story was the best way to start off the month of love. These two are such a kick in the pants together, even without all the other drama going on in the storyline, the two main leads will take you on the best adventure. Readers who love a little grumpy/sunshine romance, tossed in with fated mates and paranormal vibes, you will love Broken. Be warned though fellow readers, you will live in all your feels for a while after this one! I sure did.

Fantastic job to Ms. Author, we patiently waited for the next book in the Four series, and I can totally say it was well worth the wait. But I totally can’t wait to see what comes next of our lovely little group of crazies.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Follow: Goodreads / Amazon Author / Website / Facebook /

Growing up, Layla Frost used to hide under her blanket with a flashlight to read the Sweet Valley High books she pilfered from her older sister. It wasn’t long before she was reading hidden Harlequins during class at school. This snowballed into pulling all-nighters after the promise of “just one more chapter”.

Her love of reading, especially the romance genre, took root early and has grown immeasurably until it was time to write her own stories.

When she’s not writing, Layla Frost is an insomniac with a deep love of iced coffee, tchotchkes, plants, and her hens. She’s also the world’s okayest mom, but her kids think she’s cool… ish.

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INTO THE BARGAIN (Clandestine Magic ) by Colleen Cowley -review

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INTO THE BARGAIN (Clandestine Magic Fairy Tale) by Colleen Cowley -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2024

A young lady with no income—and shortly no home—must be in want of a wizard husband.

Pen Novak has two weeks to find someone to marry. Otherwise, she’ll be spirited off to live with her awful uncle. Fortunately, her town’s omnimancer is on the market, and he plans to choose someone at a ball in thirteen days.

Unfortunately, he’s not the type to appreciate cleverness, persistence or anything else Pen has to offer. Enter the wizard’s intriguing assistant, who makes her a bargain: a magical brew that could virtually guarantee her selection, in exchange for a favor. Which he won’t specify. Nor will he tell her his name.

Of course she shouldn’t accept. Especially as she starts to notice his fine eyes and tempting lips. But with all the job openings in town meant for men only, what other choice does a young lady—or, rather, a not quite so young lady—really have?

INTO THE BARGAIN is a fairy-tale-inspired fantasy romance set in the Clandestine Magic world, shortly before the events of the trilogy that begins with SUBVERSIVE. This quick read (21,000 word) novella is a standalone story with an HEA, perfect for fans of gaslamp fantasy, feminist awakenings and slow-burn romance with some steam.

••••

REVIEW: INTO THE BARGAIN by Colleen Cowley is an adult, fantasy romance, dystopian novella set in the author’s CLANDESTINE MAGIC world. This is twenty-five year old Pen Novak, and the omnimancer’s assistant story.

SOME BACKGROUND: Some time in the middle of the twenty-first century, America is controlled by wizards and magic, and women’s rights are behind by more than a century. Only men aka wizards are granted the use of magic, women are meant to be seen and not heard.

Told from omniscient third person perspective (Pen) INTO THE BARGAIN follows Pen Novak and her desperate attempts to find a husband. Two weeks before she will be homeless, Pen wants to meet the local omnimancer, a man searching for a woman to be his wife but the wizard is not at home. Pen finds herself returning daily, and with the help of the omnimancer’s assistant, is willing to stake her claim before anyone else. All is not as it appears to be, and Pen will find herself falling for a man whose own life has been destroyed by someone else.

The relationship between Pen and the assistant begins as a bargain, of a sorts. Pen visits every day, staying in the house owned by the wizard, while the assistant begins to slowly reveal the reality of the situation. Falling for the assistant was never in the plans but Pen will discover the secrets and lies of the man she was hoping to love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but mostly implied.

INTO THE BARGAIN is a novella length story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, magic and mayhem, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate yet dynamic.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Subversive
Radical
Revolutionary

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

1. “Colleen Cowley” is not my normal, everyday name. It is a family name of sorts, though.

2. In my teens, I wrote a really awful high fantasy with a portal and many other clichés. And then I took a novel-writing break that I thought would be permanent.

3. As much as I love The Hobbit, my favorite sort of fantasy is set in our world. There’s such possibility in the idea that something magical could be happening right under your nose.

4. I am a sucker for stories with billowing coats, banter and wizards.

5. All forests, I suspect, are at least a little bit magic.

6. Some of my books are available only to my lovely newsletter subscribers.

Follow author: Website /Twitter /Goodreads/

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War of Heavenly Fire 1-3 by Devyn Sinclair-review tour

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War of Heavenly Fire 1-3 by Devyn Sinclair-review tour

QUEEN OF DARKNESS
War of Heavenly Fire 1
by Devyn Sinclair
Re-Release Date: January 1, 2024
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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Three angels. One assassin. She’s fighting for her life, but they’re fighting for her heart.

I was born for two things: To kill, and to be a queen.

Trained as an assassin since birth, I’ve destroyed Hell’s enemies one by one. Now my throne is so close I can taste it.

One more assignment. One more seduction. One trail of broken bodies to lead me to my crown.

Three archangels can’t be that hard to kill, right?

Turns out, I’ve never been more wrong.

And this mistake? It will cost me everything.

••••••

REVIEW:I’ve not read the original version, so I have nothing to compare it with. But I do like the authors other series (based in an Omegaverse)

This is a why choose book and three book series. I’m aware of the cliffhanger, and I know my triggers…..

Queen of Darkness starts at a fast pace and continues at that pace till the cliffhanger ending….

The main character, Arielle has had such a terrible past and her present isn’t all that great either!! She’s been attacked physically and mentally and remodeled into a role that her father wanted her to be…

Arielle is a vessel for the infernal flame which is potentially the next ruler of the underworld! But it’s not an easy throne to obtain, task after task is thrown at Arielle, and she completes each and every one. Arielle doesn’t enjoy her tasks of killing, but the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about!

And now she’s been assigned the job of killing three archangels, she knows she’s good at her job, so she’s confident it won’t be hard…. So technically she’s on the side of evil? She has to kill to survive (does that make her bad?)

Cassian is an archangel, not sure why he’s in hell. And to be honest, he’s not my favourite character, he was hard to get to know. He taught Arielle to fight, he’s trained her hard, but there are feelings between them, both want more, but both understand they can’t have that! Malakai (Kai) Atlas and Solomon are known as the Trinity. And are on the side of good.

I liked the concept of this book. If angels fall they usually have turned evil, but not in this book. The struggle they face makes you want to read more of them and I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it.

Arielle really struggles with choosing the deaths of Solomon/Atlas/Kai or having the thing she most wants. You want her to choose the three archangels, but you’ve also watched her become more, so I wanted her to have both. But how do you choose between something that you have worked towards your entire life and the freedom that you’ve always wanted, or to finally be seen as the person you are and be loved.

What will be the consequences for choosing one over the other?

Highly recommend this book. And now I’m off to find the next book.

Oh…. And the cliffhanger…. That I did not see coming!!! ?

_______

QUEEN OF TORMENT
War of Heavenly Fire 2
by Devyn Sinclair
Re-Release Date: January 1, 2024
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

She sacrificed everything to save them. Now they’ll risk it all to save her.

Betrayal has consequences, and the price is my life.

Tortured every day for my betrayal, I’d choose it again if it meant the angels I love are safe. No matter the cost.

I don’t deserve their rescue, but my angels come for me anyway, risking the entire world to save my life.

Even though I’m free, Hell will never stop hunting me, and never stop trying to destroy Heaven. We have to end this.

But ending the war means going back to Hell once again, and this time, I may never come back.

••••••

REVIEW:If you thought the first book was good, then be prepared to be blown away by the next one.

You definitely need to read the first book Queen of Darkness before reading this one….

I’ll try not to give anything away, but this book does carry on from the first. Characters roles are fleshed out and we are given more details about the trinity, Arielle and Cassian.

The action doesn’t stop, and it was hard putting down. There is betrayal/passion and a few twists.

It shows us that good people can do bad things and vice versa. Arielle might have been brought up bad, but that doesn’t mean she wants to continue being bad!

I thought Arielle was a great character, she’s being constantly bombarded and bullied. But she refuses to become the weapon her father wants her to be….

I liked how Solomon/Atlas/Kai sought to forgive her and show her it was ok to want more. They are there for her, and that’s why it’s so hard for her to forgive herself and the actions she chose in the previous book.

I can’t wait to see where the third and final book takes us.

_______

Queen of Annihilation
War of Heavenly Fire 3
by Devyn Sinclair
Re-Release Date: January 1, 2024
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

They gave up everything for each other. Now they’ll give up everything to save the world.

I tried to end the war and failed.

Hell has a new queen. One obsessed with ending my life and the lives of my lovers. She will stop at nothing.

My angels and I are on the run, and nowhere is safe to hide. But the fate of the world is in our hands.

We unleashed Hell, and have no other choice but to destroy it.

I am the only one who can.

We have one last chance to defeat our enemies, or face our own annihilation.

••••••

REVIEW: With this being the third and final book in the trilogy, I was keen to see how it would play out. You definitely need to read the books in order before getting to this one.

Nissa (who is Arielle’s sister) now rule’s Hell! How did that happen? (You’ll need to read books one and two) and she’s out to end her sister and the men she’s fallen in love with!

All pieces fall into place and we get answers to questions I had in books one and two. But I did wonder if Arielle could win against her sister ?

The battle for good against evil was really well balanced. But the author never loses sight of the balancing battles with the plot. We get both written really well.

I liked that Arielle doesn’t immediately forgive and forget her past indiscretions, she battles with her conscience throughout the book. And even if the men she is now with have forgiven her, it’s not an easy thing for her to do!

So, the final battle with Nissa. Which way will it go? Will Arielle still choose the right side? Will the Trinity finally bond with her?

I’ve loved all three of these books, but I have to admit this is my favourite.

So if you like your heroine with a battle on her hands and the love of more than one male ? then this trilogy is for you.

A highly recommended read ??

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B?

Social Media: Goodreads/  Amazon Author / Website/ Facebook/ Instagram / TikTok

Devyn Sinclair writes steamy Reverse Harem romances for your wildest fantasies. Every sexy story is packed with the right amount heat, hot men, and delicious happy endings.

She lives in the wilds of Montana in a small red house and a crazy orange cat. When Devyn’s not writing, she spends time outside in big sky country, continues her quest to find the best lemon pastry there is, and buys too many books. (Of course!)

If you’d like updates about Devyn’s new releases, sexy bonus content, and the occasional dessert recipe, sign up for my newsletter by copy & pasting this link into your browser: https://www.subscribepage.com/devynsinclair

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ZORION (Demonic Disciples ) by Cassi Hart -a review

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ZORION (Demonic Disciples ) by Cassi Hart -a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2023

Kara
It’s no secret that I’ve been down on my luck recently. I’m not really one to complain, but today has been especially bad. I was late to work because of car trouble, and even though it was out of my control, I still got reprimanded. Now that I’m home, I can’t focus on anything. I need to clear my head. Usually, a walk in the woods behind my house works, but not this time. No, I stumble and fall, twisting my ankle. Now I’m in the middle of nowhere and there’s something coming towards me through the trees. Is it someone coming to help me, or some nightmarishly horrible monster?

Zorion
I may be a high-ranking demon with the Royal Legion at my beck and call, but even power feels lackluster after a while. I’m tired of these duties that keep me away from things that I love. To escape the stress, I find myself wandering in the mortal plane, taking in nature in all its glory. Every little plant and insect knows exactly what to do next in its life; I wish I could say the same. I need a mate to retire from the militia, but finding a mate is daunting. No one I’ve ever met before has ever appealed to me, but then a little bird quite literally stumbles across my path. Is this her? The mate I’ve been quietly searching for?
As Above, So Below.

The hunt is on. Six demonic brothers, sworn by evil to maintain the balance of nature by eliminating the creatures that bring chaos to it. Driven only by their primal instincts to find their mates so they can protect, possess and procreate with them. Only a blood moon eclipsing through the night sky will seal their bond and free them to chase their new prey. They’re cruel, dominating sinners with hardened souls, immense power and dynamic presences that won’t let anything stop them from finding and claiming their destiny.

•••••

REVIEW: ZORION by Cassi Hart is the fifth instalment in the multi-authored contemporary, adult DEMONIC DISCIPLES erotic, paranormal/fantasy novella series. This is twenty -one year old Kara, and gluttony demon Zorion’s story line. ZORION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Zorion and Kara) ZORION follows the quick building relationship between our story line couple. Zorion is a demon of gluttony; Lucifer’s favorite son, and he is a collector of earthly possessions but his vacation time finds himself drawn to Kara, a young woman who is struggling in her personal and professional life, and the woman with whom Zorion will fall in love. Zorion is also looking for his mate, and Kara is the woman that calls to heart. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Zorion and Kara, and the potential fall-out as a demon-hunter as tracked down our story line hero.

The relationship between Kara and Zorion is one of insta-lust. Zorion knows immediately that Kara is his mate but taking a human mate means leaving everything and everyone else behind. With a demon hunter on his proverbial tail, Zorion is summoned, leaving his mate in a precarious position. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

There are limited secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Kara’s grandfather, as well as a cameo by a demon hunter, and a local shop owner.

ZORION is a fast paced, quick erotic story line of lust and love, power and control, supernatural and acceptance. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are charismatic but not very well fleshed out.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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