Tag Archives: fantasy

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong – a Review

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The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong – a Review

 

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Description:
Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells “small” fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…

Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.

Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.

 

 

Review:

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong is a standalone novel, which is a cozy fantasy. Tao, our heroine, is an immigrant fortune teller, who travels with her mule, into many villages, offering only small fortunes.  Tao was born as Shinn, but lived her whole life speaking only fluent Eshteran. The story follows Tao, as she finds herself a new found family, filled with adventure and friendship.

Tao meets Mash, is a mercenary, (who is looking for his 4-year-old missing daughter): and his friend Silt, who is an ex-thief, who is charming, witty and funny.  Together the three of them travel to different villages, with Tao tells small fortunes, with Mash and Silt traveling with her; especially Mash continuing to look for his daughter. After visiting a few villages, they come across with Kina, who is sweet and loves baking, and decides to follow Tao, and become a part of the group. A short time later, we meet Fidelitus, who is a magical cat.  As they continue visiting different villages, they all bond together, as their friendship becomes more like family.

Tao is approached by a mage, who wants her to join the Guild, but she manages to escape, and they all continue to avoid the mages, who are hunting her.  Tao faces prejudice, as she wants nothing to do with the Guild, as she only does small fortunes, knowing privately she does have ability to be a seer, which she avoids at all cost; as Tao is bitter and resentful against the Guild.

Eventually, the army and mage, will find her, and bring her to the Guild, as they need to use her true ability to help read the truths. When Tao meets the High Mage, she learns more secrets that they need her help with.  She realizes that she is able to be a Seer, and help the Guild truly discover if there is war on the horizon.  Tao manages to reveal the truths, and accepts the High Mage allowing her to move on, but be available in future cases.  She manages to get some money, and free her friends, as well as the High Mage willing to find Mash’s missing daughter.

The Teller of Small Fortunes was a warm, wholesome, funny, cozy and wrenching story.  It was an emotional and thoughtful story, that was a terrific read.  The Teller of Small Fortunes was very well written by Julie Leong. A emotional comforting tale, with new found family, and wonderful secondary characters.  I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson – a Review

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A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson – a Review

 

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Description:
Lia is the princess of Locris, a dying desert nation cursed centuries ago by an earth goddess—one still worshipped by the thriving and adversarial nation of Ilion. Every year, Ilion offers the goddess a sacrifice: two Locrian maidens forced to compete in a life-and-death race to reach her temple. In a millennium, no maiden has made it out of Ilion alive. This year, Lia is one of the hunted.

An education in battle gives her a fighting chance, but the challenges are greater than she feared: Lia’s beloved but untrained sister Quynh has been put in the path of danger. The winding streets of Ilion itself have been transformed into a labyrinthine maze of countless choices and dead ends. And if the risks weren’t significant enough, Lia is reluctantly drawn to the commandingly attractive Jason, an Ilionian sailor she loathes to trust and desires like no man before.

The tribute game is on. It’s up to Lia to lift the goddess’s curse, restore Locris to its former glory, and change the fate of every young woman destined to follow in her path.

 

 

Review:

A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson is the first book in her new series, The Eye of the Goddess. Lia, our heroine, is the princess of Locris; a dying nation that was cursed centuries ago by an earth goddess.  Ilion is another nation that thrives, leaving Locris suffering for over 1000 years; the rival nation of Ilion annually brings food, and chooses two Locrian maidens to compete in a brutal life or death race, with men chasing the maidens. Lia is chosen as one of the maidens, and to her surprise, her younger sister, Quynh is also chosen.

On the ship before they arrive at Ilion, Lia meets a sailor, Jason, who both become attracted to each other; during the time on the ship, Lia and Jason become closer, with both able to have a connection during their dreams.  Jason was sexy, intense and romantic; and Lia was totally into him.

The moment Lia steps off the boat, she knows that they need to find the temple, as they are being chased.   Ilion men who are chasing the maidens from their enemy nation, but allow a chance at freedom and serving their goddess as a priestess. Things are hardest as Quynh is not very good running away, with Lia doing her best to force her along, until an accident causes her to fail. Lia manages to find the temple and in time she will play a large part of learning the abilities. 

I loved how Lia became close to a group of girls, who considered themselves ‘sisters’.  It was a great found family trope, as the group shared a very close connection between them; the sisters, Io, Suri, Zalira, Ahyana, Demaratus and especially Kungburu (a special pet).  Lia’s training excelled, and she did have an enemy (Artemisia), who was determined to force her out of the temple. Though she was happy at the temple, and her wonderful friends, she was still on her quest to find a way to discover the powerful relic of the goddess, and save her people.

What follows is an exciting last half of the book, that had some surprising twists and turns along the way.   A Tribute of Fire was a wonderful romantasy mythology that had me unable to put the book down.  Lia was a terrific heroine, who was captivating and determined, as had a wonderful sister’s group. A Tribute of Fire was so very well written by Sariah Wilson.  I will say that the cliffhanger was a total surprise, which leads us to hope that Sariah Wilson will us book 2 sooner than later. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

••••••••••

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

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

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

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

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The Grimm Files 1-4 by Delta James-review

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Magic Unleashed/Magic Unbound/Magic Unrestrained / Magic Unlimited (The Grimm Files 1-4) by Delta James-reviews

MAGIC UNLEASHED
(The Grimm Files 1)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date September 18, 2024

Mysterious deaths. Impossible magic. And the sexy dragon who might drive her to murder.

In the shadowy heart of modern-day New Orleans, where the supernatural simmers just beneath the surface, Phoenix Duvall is a force to be reckoned with. As a formidable fairy enforcer, she stands as the city’s last line of defense against the demonic threats that prowl the night. She’s trained from childhood and is armed with lightning-fast reflexes, mastery over fire, and deadly weapons, Phoenix knows she’ll only come into her full power when she finds and bonds with her fated mate. But Phoenix has never been one to wait for fate—until it throws her into the path of Griff Broussard, a hard-nosed dragon shifter detective with secrets of his own.

Griff has been investigating a series of gruesome deaths that defy all logical explanation. As their paths intertwine, Phoenix is forced to confront the Griff is her fated mate. Together, they form an uneasy alliance to combat a rising demonic cult. But as their chemistry ignites, so too does the danger surrounding them.

Griff becomes possessed by the very demon lord they’ve been hunting. Phoenix faces an impossible uphold her duty as a fairy enforcer, or risk everything—including her life and the fragile balance between worlds—for the man she’s come to love.

As the battle for New Orleans intensifies, Phoenix must confront her deepest fears and make a heart-wrenching decision in a final showdown that will determine the fate of both worlds.

••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNLEASHED is the first instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult THE GRIMM FILES erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is dragon shifter/ NOLA Detective Griff Broussard, and fairy enforcer Phoenix Duvall’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Phoenix and Griff) MAGIC UNLEASHED follows fairy enforcer Phoenix Duvall as she investigates a series of supernatural murders, all focusing on demonic and ancient dark magic. Meanwhile, NOLA Detective Griff Broussard has been assigned to track down a possible serial killer, an assignment that crosses paths with our story line heroine. As Griff and Phoenix begin their hunt for the truth, the discovery of a demonic cult with powerful connections is threatening to take control of everything they know.

The world building is detailed and entertaining. We are introduced to Phoenix’s sisters Geneva, Savannah, Catalina and their aunt Maeve, all fairy’s gifted with the knowledge of the Grimm Files.

The relationship between Phoenix and Griff begins as friends working together to solve a paranormal crime but the attraction to one another is immediate, and Griff’s dragon now’s Phoenix is their mate. The $ex scenes are erotic and impassioned.

MAGIC UNLEASHED is a fast paced story of power and control, betrayal and madness, magic and mayhem, family, friendships, and acceptance. The premise is engaging and intriguing ; the characters are magical and powerful ; the romance is limited but fated.

_______

MAGIC UNBOUND
(The Grimm Files 2)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 25, 2024

In the heart of New Orleans, a magical fae warrior and a tough, magic-hating detective must join forces as the supernatural world teeters on the brink of chaos.

Catalina Duvall, a fae with the power to command lightning, has always protected the city from demonic forces. But when a surge of dark magic ripples through New Orleans, she realizes something far more dangerous is threatening to tear down the barriers between realms.

Detective Zane Riker never wanted anything to do with magic. But when a high-profile murder tied to sinister forces shakes the city, he’s forced to team up with Catalina. Their partnership crackles with tension as they clash over everything, even as an undeniable attraction sparks between them.

As they dig deeper into a conspiracy that could devastate both the human and magical worlds, they uncover Cipher—a terrifying blend of magic and machine. With time running out, Catalina and Riker must learn to trust each other to stop the looming disaster. But in the heat of battle, will their fragile bond be enough to survive the coming storm?

•••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNBOUND is the second instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult THE GRIMM FILES erotic, paranormal/ fantasy series focusing on the Duvall sisters. This is demon hunting/ lightning faery Catalina Duvall, and bear shifter / NOLA Detective Zane Riker’s story line. MAGIC UNBOUND 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 omniscient third person perspectives (Catalina and Riker) MAGIC UNBOUND once again, follows in the wake of a series of supernatural murders. Someone or something is killing the people and the supernatural of New Orleans, and Detective Zane Riker has been partnered with lightning faery Catalina Duvall but Zane Riker struggles to trust more supernatural beings but most especially the fae who are known to to be untrustworthy. When Catalina is called to the faery realm, she begins to suspect a traitor in the family, a traitor who is targeting our story line heroine. As the walls between the realms begins to weaken, Riker and Catalina must work together in an effort to stop the complete collapse before it is too late.

The world building focuses on the hunt for a killer; a supernatural killer whose shifting abilities is not natural, who has employed the use of technology to destroy the world.

The relationship between Riker and Catalina begins acrimoniously. Riker doesn’t like working with other paranormal beings, and his inability to trust threatens the struggling investigation but forced together for work means the discovery that their attraction to one another is fated by magic. The lone $ex scene is passionate .

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Catalina’s sisters: Savannah, Phoenix and her mate Griff Broussard; bartender Finn O’Riley, Aunt Maeve and Captain Evelyn Moreau.

MAGIC UNBOUND is a story of power and control, betrayal and madness, magic and murder, acceptance and love.The fast paced premise is entertaining; the romance is subtle but fated; the characters are desperate and determined.

_______

MAGIC UNRESTRAINED
(The Grimm Files 3)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2024

In New Orleans’ shadows, a fae huntress and a half-demon bartender must unite against darkness—or watch their worlds fall apart.

In the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where magic seeps through cobblestone streets and jazz fills the night air, Savannah Duvall leads a double life. By day, she’s a talented graphic designer yearning for normalcy; by night, she’s a water fairy bound by destiny to hunt the demons that threaten her city. Isolated by her dual nature, Savannah’s latest hunt leads her to The Obsidian Lounge, a new nightclub pulsing with dark energy and secrets she can’t ignore.

Gage Tremblay seeks refuge in the shadows. Born half shifter/half demon … Rougarou, he’s torn between worlds that both reject him. Taking a job as a bartender at The Obsidian Lounge, he hopes to find peace but instead becomes entangled in a sinister plot that could unleash chaos upon the city he now calls home.

When their paths collide, an undeniable attraction sparks between Savannah and Gage—an attraction both intoxicating and dangerous. As demonic forces gather and a malevolent scheme threatens to poison New Orleans itself, they must set aside mistrust and unite their contrasting powers. Navigating a labyrinth of dark rituals, underground realms, and their own conflicted hearts, they discover that only together can they thwart an impending apocalypse.
In a world where magic is unrestrained and love crosses the boundaries of fate, Savannah and Gage must embrace their true selves to save not just the city, but each other.

•••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNRESTRAINED is the third instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult THE GRIMM FILES erotic, paranormal/fantasy series focusing the Duvall sisters. This is demon hunting water faery / graphic designer Savannah Duvall, and bartender / musician/ wolf-demon hybrid (Rougarou) Gage Tremblay’s story line. MAGIC UNRESTRAINED 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 omniscient third person perspectives (Savannah and Gage) MAGIC UNRESTRAINED follows Savannah Duvall as she tries to uncover the truth about a new hotspot known as The Obsidian Lounge where she will come face to face with her future in the guise of Gage Tremblay. Dark, demonic, old magic is brewing in the city of NOLA, and our couple find themselves caught in the middle of a demon uprising while trying to navigate their new found fated relationship.

The world building is fast and furious. Another Duvall sister finds her fated mate in the melee that is the NOLA world of the supernatural.

The relationship between Savannah and Gage begins a co-workers who are both investigating the dark energy seeping into their city but as Gage struggles to keep his demon side controlled, our couple will need all of their magic to take those the people in charge. The $ex scenes are impassioned and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited. Detective Griff Broussard, and Finn O’Riley return, as well as the introduction of Grungle the Sewer King, and ancient vampire Vesper.

MAGIC UNRESTRAINED is a fast paced, quick read focusing on power and control, acceptance and love, magic and madness. The premise is enchanting but the conflict resolution was over too quick; the romance is limited but fated; the characters are dynamic.

_________

MAGIC UNLIMITED
(The Grimm Files 4)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2024

She hunts demons. He is one. Their forbidden love could save New Orleans—or doom it forever.

In the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where jazz melodies entwine with whispers of the supernatural, Geneva Duvall leads a double life. By day, she’s an assistant medical examiner, unraveling the mysteries of the dead. By night, she soars above the city on shimmering green wings—a fierce fae warrior battling demonic forces that lurk in the shadows.

Geneva’s solitary existence takes an unexpected turn when Ash Shadowbane, a rogue half demon/half human with a troubled past, collapses at her doorstep seeking help. Despite her deep-seated distrust of demons, she can’t ignore the urgency of his plea—or the undeniable pull she feels toward him. Ash unveils a chilling a demon trafficking ring orchestrated by his formidable former master, Lord Asmodeus.

Bound by a common enemy, they form an uneasy alliance. As they delve into the underworld’s labyrinthine depths, their clashing worlds and simmering attraction ignite a passion that defies their very natures. Together, they navigate treacherous alliances and confront haunting specters of betrayal.

When the lines between good and evil blur and the city’s fate hangs in the balance, Geneva must decide if she can trust the demon who challenges everything she’s ever believed. In a battle where magic is unlimited and love might be the most powerful weapon of all, two souls will collide in a fight for justice and a future neither thought possible.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  MAGIC UNLIMITED is the fourth instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult  THE GRIMM FILES erotic, paranormal/ fantasy series focusing on the Duvall sisters. This is demon hunting/ assistant medical examiner/ fae healer Geneva Duvall, and half demon/ half human Ash Shadowbane’s story line. MAGIC UNLIMITED 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 omniscient perspectives (Geneva and Ash)  MAGIC UNLIMITED follows the building relationship between Ash and Geneva, as the couple hunts for a demon lead soul-trafficking ring. Crescent City but more specifically New Orleans is a mecca for demon hunting. A new group of demons is trafficking in souls, and Ash finds himself struggling to keep up with the mayhem, often injured in his fight to eradicate the darkness but a familiar foe sets their sights on our story line couple, forcing Ash and Geneva to work together to take down the baddest of the bad.

The relationship between Ash and Geneva is a frenemies to lovers. Geneva doesn’t have time for romance, spending most of her time either in the morgue or hunting demons but Ash is struggling to keep up with the copious number of demons, and Geneva must come to terms with her feelings for our story line hero. The $ex scenes are provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters include Geneva’s sisters Savannah, Phoenix and Catalina, and their mates; the siblings questionable Aunt Maeve, as well as several demons, and supernatural business owners.

MAGIC UNLIMITED is another story of power and control, magic and mayhem, danger and betrayal. The fast paced, novella length premise is action packed but the conflict resolution was too quick and barely noticable; the romance is passionate ; the characters are desperate and magical.

 

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Lightning in her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland-Review

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Lightning in her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland-Review

 

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Description:
Teal Flores is desperate for two things—control over her gift of weather, and a date to her ex’s wedding. The first isn’t possible until she finds her long-lost mother, but the second has a very handsome last-ditch solution: Carter Velasquez.

Carter needs Teal too. His chance at receiving an inheritance is dependent on him being married by age thirty (blame his traditional Cuban grandmother), so who better to pose as his wife than Teal? But fake marriage and cohabitation prove tricky when mutual attraction charges the atmosphere—quite literally for Teal, whose volatile emotions cause lightning strikes.

Together, Teal and Carter embark on a quest to find her mother and the answers she’s searching for. But along the way, they’ll discover something even better: a love that can weather any storm.

 

 

 

Review:

Lightning in her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is the 2nd book in her Wild Magic series.   Having read the first book in this series, I looked forward to Teal’s story.  Teal was only 4 years old when her mother left the family, and she was the only one who saw her leave. Each of the sisters have their own magical gift, with Sage (the oldest) having an affinity for plants; Sky (the youngest) has an affinity for animals; and Teal’s gift is the weather.  Teal has no full control over her gift, which responds to her emotions; but she learns many years later, that her mother took something from her the night she left; which causes her to feel unworthy; Teal also has a bipolar issue.

Teal has been best friends with Carter Velasquez most of her life, and when she moved on with a new boyfriend, their friendship fell apart. Now that Teal is no longer with her ex, she tries to convince Carter to go with her to her ex’s wedding, as she wants to resume their friendship. At first, he says no, but a short time later, he agrees to go to the wedding, if she will help him gain access to his inheritance.  Carter needs a marriage of convenience, and after some thought, she agrees to the fake marriage with Carter, especially with both gaining some money.  When they get married, both Carter and Teal begin to feel strong feelings for each other (as Carter has always loved her). Teal moves in with Carter in his gorgeous house. Along the way, the sex scenes between Teal and Carter are very hot and spicy; they were great together. 

Teal knows she lost something all those years ago, which causes her gift to not be where it should be. Teal, Carter, Sage and Sky embark on trying find her mother, to get her power in full control.  I was happy that Teal slowly knew she needed to improve herself, as well as being less selfish.  If they can find the missing mother, Teal will fully restore her ability.  The three sisters will find their mother, and they will need to get Teal’s full power back from the mother. 

Lightning in her Hands was an intriguing, fun, emotional, romantic and sexy story. Lightning in her Hands was very well written by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland. If you enjoy a paranormal fantasy, with terrific characters, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden – a Review

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A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden – a Review

 

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Description:
They must save the world—but can they also save each other?

Kane Ravenwood, King of Onyx Kingdom, would go to the ends of the continent for Arwen Valondale, but what if she’s beyond even that? Broken in ways he never imagined he could be, Kane must find a way to fulfill the prophecy and kill his father, Fae King Lazarus. And after what he’s endured, he’s willing to save Evendell by whatever means necessary—even if that spells his own death.

Little does Kane know, he’s not the only one fighting for revenge. Arwen is no longer afraid to fight—no sacrifice is too great, no enemy too daunting. Now, nothing will stop her from destroying Lazarus and his allies, because she knows if she fails, both realms will be doomed forever.

 

Review:

A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden is the 3rd and final book in her The Sacred Stones romantasy trilogy.  This picks up a few weeks after the end of A Promise of Peridot, with Arwen captured by Lazarus.  Arwen fears Lazarus, as he plans on making her have children as his blood heir; she has been unable to escape, with Lazarus making sure guards are constantly watching her.

Kane, thinking that Arwen is dead, is determined to find the Blade that will kill his father, Lazarus. He leaves behind his team, to find his father; and while sneaks in at the ball, he is shocked to see Arwen, dressed to the hilt, and alive. Kane rescues Arwen, and together they manage to escape and find their way home; to gather their soldiers, and hopefully negotiate with other alliances.

Kane and Arwen return to the Rose Kingdom, with Mari, Griffin, Briar and others that are surprised and happy to see that Arwen is alive. They will need all the help they can get to fight the war against Lazarus.  Arwen (the last full fae blooded born), is destined to kill Lazarus, accepting her fate in a prophecy meant to be her doom; but Kane plans on getting the Blade and ensuring that he is the one who will kill his father, and answer the prophecy of his death.

Arwen becomes so much stronger and a badass (she becomes a Phoenix), believing in herself, and her powers, as well as her confidence and outlook on her life.   Kane loves Arwen so much, that he will do anything to keep her safe. I really loved how much both Arwen and Kane love each other. Great couple. I really liked the found family vibes, with so many of the wonderful characters, such as Mari, Griffin, Dagan, Briar, Wyn, just to name a few. 

What follows is an intense, non- stop action, dragons, war and spice.  Kane is determined to find the Blade that will kill his father and protect Arwen. The last 1/4 of the book was full of adventure, danger, intrigue, fast-paced, twists and turns, with an epic battle at the end.  I was unable to put the book down, as it kept my attention throughout. It was also emotional, as well as steamy; with Kane and Arwen being together.

This was a wonderful romantasy, with the war, exciting, non-stop action filled; and romantic side with the emotional love and spice. The climax and epilogue were great, especially with Kane and Arwen together. A Reign of Rose was so very well written by Kate Golden. I hope that Kate Golden will give us more into this unique world; perhaps Mari/Griffin, Hart Renwick or Aleksander.  Let’s hope, as I do want more.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Grim Reapers Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara-Review

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A Grim Reapers Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara-Review


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Description:
Sometimes it takes working with the dead to start living.

Kathy Valence is forty-two, mid-divorce, and pregnant with her ex’s baby. She’s also a modern-day grim reaper employed by S.C.Y.T.H.E. (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences), but frankly that’s the easiest part of her life right now. Or at least it was, until her latest client’s soul goes missing.

When she finally tracks down seventeen-year-old Conner Ortiz, he angrily denies he died of natural causes, despite what his file says. He insists that someone at S.C.Y.T.H.E. murdered him, and he demands Kathy find out who and why.

Kathy has only forty-five days to figure out what happened to Conner and help him move on before the boy’s soul is doomed to roam the Earth as a ghost forever. She’s forced to rely on the help of her retired mentor, her almost ex-husband—and some sneaky moves by Conner himself. This is the wildest case of her career. . .and one wrong move could cost Kathy her job, not to mention her life.

 

 

Review:

A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxi Dara is an exciting paranormal story.  We meet Kathy Valence, who is 42years old, and in the midst of a divorce, even though her husband, Simon is thrilled that she is pregnant.  She is a modern-day grim reaper, who works for SCYTHE (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences (souls)). Her job is to collect a newly deceased person’s soul for processing to the afterlife; she is very successful at her job.

Kathy is assigned to case number 507032, who is known as Conner Ortiz, who was killed.  Conner is 17 years old, and Kathy cannot find him.  When she eventually discovers him, he tells her that he was murdered by someone wearing a SCYTHE badge. Connor at first was hostile, but in time, he was willing to work closely with Kathy, and find out who murdered him. Kathy’s mentor Jo, as well as her ex-Simon will also help her find out what is going on in the SCYTHE offices. Time is of essence, as Connor has a 45 day window, where if he doesn’t make it, his soul would be doomed to roam the Earth as a ghost forever.

I really liked Kathy, as well as Simon, who was very much still in love with Kathy, especially now that she was pregnant.  Her mentor Jo, was also lots of fun.  Kathy and Connor did become close, as she was determined to find a way to save him. They are racing against the clock, with Kathy, Jo, Simon and Connor investigate those who may be from the SCYTHE people; as she uncovers clues that could reveal what is happening.  I do not want to give any more information, as it could ruin the story for you. 

What follows is an exciting tense climax, with a few twists and turns along the way.  A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer was a fun story, with some humor, mystery, suspense and a bit of romance.  A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer was very well written by Maxi Dara.  As noted, this was a fun enjoyable story line, which I suggest you read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

                                  438 Melrose Court

I tapped the address in my file with the lid of the pen I’d been chewing on. Beside the front door of the sandy beige new build, swirly metal numerals confirmed my location. Four three eight. Weird. Definitely the right number, but this was all wrong. I turned from the house and glanced down the manicured lawn to the street sign across the road. It promised in no uncertain terms that this was Melrose Court, just as it was supposed to be. I shut my file with a defeated sigh and went back in through the open door a second time.

“Hello?” I called yet again as I stomped through the kitchen. It was a kitchen that belonged on a show about kitchens more than in somebody’s house: clean and white and open-concept, leading out into the high-ceilinged living room beyond. The “after” on a home renovation show. Not even a spoon in the sink or a crumb on the countertops. Which made the body sprawled across the tiled floor look even more out of place.

Now, slap a corpse on the floor of my dingy apartment kitchen and you wouldn’t bat an eye, at least in my line of work. But in a place like this, a dead body really spoils the ambience.

I rounded the island and reopened my file.

Case # 507032

Conner Mateo Ortiz

Age: 17

Cause of death: Seizure

Time to Collect: 4:30 p.m.

“Conner?” My voice ricocheted off the stainless steel and marble surrounding me. I crouched by the body and attempted to hover in a squat, but my left knee protested my weight with a defiant pop, and I wobbled forward. “Nope, nope, nope,” I muttered to myself, “no falling on bodies today. Not after last time.” I lowered myself to my steadily widening bum by 507032’s head. His rich brown locks fell over one closed eye, a spattering of freckles on his nose. I sighed, one hand at my stomach. Poor kid. He looked younger than his age lying there, long lashes pressed above bronze cheeks still full with the last remnants of baby fat. I’d found his basement bedroom not ten minutes earlier; a gallery of posters and mess and potential. It always felt wrong when they were young. Like their bodies should still have some life left in them. But of course, they didn’t. That’s why I was there.

Still, he was going to make me late, and the last man to make me late was the very reason I needed to get back to the office and then on my way home on time.

“Conner?” I tried again. Nothing. The house shuddered at my voice and fell still.

My phone vibrated in my back trouser pocket and I nearly puked, though I wasn’t entirely sure the two were related. I scrambled for the phone and hauled myself to my feet.

Simon. He got the table for six thirty instead of seven. Of course he did. Shit. If we weren’t already in the middle of a divorce, I’d consider filing over this.

This wasn’t the way it normally worked-the way it always worked. Death, for all its unpredictability and unknowns, was remarkably routine on my end. It was one of the things I loved most about my job. Someone under my department’s jurisdiction dies, I get the paperwork, carry out the collection, write up a report for Stu, and am on the couch watching Family Feud with a bowl of canned tomato soup by five thirty. That’s how it was, how it always had been for the six years I’d been a Collections Agent with S.C.Y.T.H.E. But somehow today was different. Case 507032 was different.

I glanced back over the boy. My client files were always pared down to need-to-know information, and in my position, there isn’t much I need to know. But it seemed clear enough from the body-long-limbed and dressed in faded jeans and a gray hoodie-that aside from his family’s apparent wealth, 507032 was your average, unremarkable teenaged boy. So the question was, why wasn’t he here?

I did a second tour through the house, Conner Ortiz’s name bouncing back to me in my own voice from the high ceilings of every starkly furnished room. By the time I’d circled back into the kitchen, it was after five.

“Conner,” I said into the definitively empty house, “I’m sorry.”

I closed my file for the last time and left 438 Melrose Court.

Excerpted from A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara Copyright © 2024 by Maxie Dara. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

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THE WRAITH KING by Juliette Cross-dual review

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THE WRAITH KING (The Rise of Northgall 1) by Juliette Cross-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

A brutal, bloody war against the ruthless Wraith King has cost the light fae more than innocent lives. Una Hartstone, Princess of Issos, learns the price the Wraith King demands to end the war once and for all. Her. In exchange for the safety of her people, she agrees to give her life-and her body-to her greatest enemy.

Gollaya Verbane is determined to fulfill his destiny and his god’s prophecy. When his seer points to the Princess of Issos as the key to the rise of the dark fae, he demands her submission. But when she finally yields, he realizes Una is much more to him than a priceless weapon.

A mystery that has haunted Una for years awakens when she is abducted and dragged back to Näkt Mir. The palace hides many dark secrets…and at least one traitor. A traitor determined to take King Goll’s throne-and all he possesses. What he doesn’t know is that Una’s magick is more powerful than he can imagine, and that Goll will burn the whole world to save her.

••••••

Sandy’s Review: THE WRAITH KING is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ adult THE RISE OF NORTHGALL paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is soon to be King, Prince Gollaya ‘Golla’ of Northgall, and Princess Tiarrialuna ‘Luna’ Hartstone Verbane’s story line.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives including Luna and Golla, THE WRAITH KING follows in the wake of the forced relationship between our story line couple. Approximately five years earlier, moon Fae Princess Luna was a prisoner of the Wraith King, a spoil of war but her would-be rescuer would eventually become both her enemy and lover. Fast forward five years, Luna is once again a prisoner of the Wraith King but in the wake of his murder, his son Gollaya would ascend to the throne, claiming Luna as his Mizrah, his future bride. To avoid the annihilation of her people, who have already been ravaged by the plague, Luna agrees to Gollaya’s terms, facing a lifetime of hatred for a man she will never love. Leaving behind her ailing father and brother Baelyn, Luna must endure the humiliation accorded to all Wraith King MIzrah’s, a ceremony meant to ensure the King lay claim to mother of his future children but all is not well within the Northgall Kingdom, a traitor has set sites on our story line heroine.

The world building is detailed and complex with numerous supernatural and paranormal creatures ; ancient gods and goddesses; myths and mythology; madness and murder.

The relationship between Luna and Golla is a forced relationship ; an enemies to lovers relationship predicated upon the spoils of war. Luna struggles in the face of surrendering for the good of her people while Golla is determined to provide an heir for the Northgall people. As Golla struggles to keep his distance, Luna will discover that her fate has been decreed by the gods. Golla knew the moment he met Luna that she would be his destiny, his fate but never expected to force our heroine into a life she knew nothing about.The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and destructive secondary and supporting supernatural characters: fae, sprites, demons, dragons, and an assortment of mythical beasts and gods all with special abilities and powers.

THE WRAITH KING is a story of war and survival, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The multi-layered premise is detailed, complex and enchanting; the romance is fated and seductive ; the characters are determined and dynamic. THE WRAITH KING ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

 

________

Barb’s Review: The Wraith King by Juliette Cross is the first book in her Romantasy series, The Rise of Northgall. We meet our heroine, Una (Princess of Issos), who was captured by the evil King, who had her imprisoned and tortured. An old woman, on death’s bed, gave her some of her magical powers; and Una managed to escape.  In another part of the wing, Goll (his father had him captive in a cage), also escapes, and helps the young girl escape with him; as he carried her to freedom, Goll brings her close to her home, and moves on.  Both Una (princess of light fae); Goll will discover each other again 5 years later.

Una once is again captured by the evil Wraith King. Goll has been builting his own army, to defeat his father, the evil King.  When he learns that the young girl, he rescued 5years ago, was captured, he is determined to save Una, and kill his father.  Now King Goll (dark fae king), combines Northgall and Lumera under his control, forcing Una to become his Miszar (wife), and produce him an heir.  She finally agrees, to save her people from war, especially with a bad plague affecting those in Lumera.  In a short time, when they consummate their marriage, love will soon follow, as they both open hearts; with a prophecy and quests that lead to their destiny.

I loved Una and Goll together, they made such a wonderful unique couple.  Una turned into a fantastic heroine, always caring about her people, generous, loyal and her powers evolving. Goll was also very good, being strong, independent and totally in love with Una. Drakmir, (Goll’s Dragon) was wonderful, with Una loving him.  I also loved all the wonderful secondary characters that were part of Goll’s group, who were all great; especially I adored Hava. We did discover that a traitor was within their team, a bit closer to the end.   To say too much more would be spoilers.

The last half of the book was an exciting adventure, filled with many quests to find the missing ‘words’ to reveal the truths to bring the light and dark fae together; with the final climax a wild ending.  The Wraith King was a fantastic story, with non-stop action, twists, betrayal, as well as having gods, goddesses, myths and mythology. The Wraith King was so very well written by Juliette Cross.  If you enjoy a romantasy story line, filled with intrigue, prophecy, violence and sexy, you need to read The Wraith King.

 

Copy supplied for review

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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