Tag Archives: fantasy

Everything We Never Knew by Julianne Hough/Ellen Goodlett -Review

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Everything We Never Knew by Julianne Hough/Ellen Goodlett -Review

 

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Description:
When the stars align, anything can happen. On stage at an awards banquet is the last place Lexi Cole expected to drown. But as she accepts the award for top-seller at her realty firm, something unusual catches Lexi’s a man surrounded by a dark haze. Then she hears a woman screaming for help, and the taste of saltwater overwhelms her. Just as Lexi’s throat begins to close, the man leaves the room and the sensation of drowning abruptly stops. Later that night, the man dies of an overdose, and Lexi learns about the traumatic boating accident that killed his sons and tore his family apart. Lexi wants to believe it’s a bizarre coincidence. Any other explanation would disrupt the normal, comfortable life she’s worked so hard to build. Lexi is an expert at denial, a pro at fitting in. But as more strange events unfold, Lexi can’t deny the something is changing inside her. She feels other people’s emotions, sometimes even glimpses their private memories. By embracing her new abilities, Lexi can help heal people―though not until she confronts the past she’s spent a lifetime burying. But when a vision reveals her husband is in danger, Lexi must face her inner demons or lose the person she loves most. Atmospheric and emotional, Everything We Never Knew is the gripping story of one woman embracing her power, no matter what the world thinks.

 

 

Review:

Everything We Never Knew by Julianne Hough and Ellen Goodlett is a standalone novel. We meet Alexis (Lexi) when she is accepting an award for being the top-seller at her real estate firm. Suddenly, she sees a man, and hears a woman screaming for help’, and Lexi begins to taste saltwater, and just as she feels like she is drowning, everything clears up. Later that night, she learns that the man died of an overdose, as the family was torn apart when an accident killed his sons. Lexi begins to feel things changing inside of her, with glimpses of other people’s emotions, including private memories.

Lexi and Shane are married and seem to have it all; he is a firefighter and she surprisingly quits her job.  She begins to explore the emotional and spiritual journey, and finds herself at Bea’s Odd and Ends Store, with Bea, who is a reputed witch.  Bea will take Lexi under her wing, teaching her about sensing energies, as she navigates in her quest for self-discovery. Lexi slowly embraces her new abilities, and learning how she can heal people; as well as her own past (the loss of her baby and issues with her own family). I did like how Lexi opened up to Bea, and vice versa; as their friendship bond brought them together.  Shane and Lexi had problems, due to Lexi always working closely to Bea; her friends Tanya and Chloe also did not approve of Bea.  

As Lexi began her journey of healing others, as well as finding a way to heal herself from her past; it is Bea who was always helping her move forward, and when Lexi needed help, her friends, including Bea   they will be there to help her get past her family issues.  In time, Shane will open up and together their bond will heal both of them. 

Everything We Never Knew was an emotional and gripping story of energies and psychic abilities with human spirits.  I did like the story, but thought it was a bit slow early on. Everything We Never Knew was very well written by Julianne Hough and Ellen Goodlett.  If you enjoy spiritual stories, you should give this book a try.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Broken by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

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Broken by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

 

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Description
The world of the fifty-two domains finds itself fractured.

After the awakening of the rogue leader’s powers and the invasion of the dark creatures known as Vain, Neela answers the summons of the Card Holder of the Ace of Spades. He seeks to rigorously hone and strengthen her powers for the arduous battles to come as she plays her part in the prophecy of sibling gods.

Neela is put through a series of trials that not only challenge her physical abilities, but push her to an emotional limit. Doubts of past decisions fester as her morals are tested. Her fears of becoming someone unrecognizable grow with each passing day. As she reflects on her unsettling changes and increasing isolation, she can’t help but think…

Just one small push could send her plummeting over the edge.

 

 

Review

Broken by Kaitlyn Legaspi is the 4th book in her Card Holders series.  It’s been a while since I read the previous books. But once I dived into Neela’s world, I soon became engrossed…You definitely need to read in order as it’s an ongoing story.

It’s paced pretty well, we get a little back history, but not too much (that’s why I recommend reading in order.) Action is written really well, and we have the side characters that just add to the story. We have our love interest, but it’s not at the forefront, the story is Neela’s up and coming battle (with herself and what lies ahead.)

It’s really hard not to just spill out the story, but that ruins it for others, so I’ll just give my thoughts on the book and try really hard not to give away anything 😃

Neela is still fighting, surviving and trying to live as normal a life as possible. But losing loved ones take its toll, it takes a piece of you that you never get back 😔 she has people she cares about, but through the books Neela has lost people she truly loved. Her powers grow ever stronger, and a side that we don’t expect appears 🤐 and Neela finds herself scared and worried for the people around her!

And the ending…. Although not a cliffhanger in anyway, it does make me sad for Neela!

What a great addition to this series. I’m thinking of going back to the beginning to reacquaint myself with it all, as I’d forgotten how good they were. A highly recommended read. I’m fact I’d recommend the whole series. And at the end of the book, we find out there is another one to look forward to 😁

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

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Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s not easy serving the Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death…especially during the holidays; and especially when you’re out of eggnog and one of your pesky, freeloading mythic creatures has eaten your last cookie.

Roman would like nothing more than to be left alone, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard and begs for sanctuary, Roman takes him in. Now elite mercenaries are camped out on his property, combat mages are dousing the house with fire, and strange priests are unleashing arcane magic. They thought Roman was easy pickings, just a hermit in the woods, but they chose the wrong dark priest to annoy. For while Roman might be patient, he is the Black Volhv, filled with the love of his terrible god. For his adversaries, it’s a fight to the death, but for him, it’s just another day in the neighborhood.

 

 

Review:

Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews is a standalone novel in the World of Kate Daniels. We did meet Roman (hero), in previous Kate Daniels books. Roman is the priest of Chernobog, who is the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death, and in Sanctuary, we learn more about his backstory, which includes his chaotic family, as well as becoming Chernobog’s Black Volhv.   Roman is depressed, wanting no company during the winter holiday, and to his surprise, a boy races to his house and begs for Sanctuary.

Almost immediately, elite mercenaries appear on his property, wanting the boy and his puppy; with them thinking this was going to be easy, with the hermit in the house.  Of course, little did they know he was a powerful dark priest.  Besides the mercenaries, they are also attacked by mages, strange priests, unleashing magic and trying to douse the house with fire. Roman collects a hoard of witchy pets and demonic beasties, which he manages to bring out in the fight to death against those who want the boy at any cost.  While the attacks continue, Roman teaches Finn what not to use and what is safe.

We learn a lot about Roman in his early years, especially with his perfect older brother. His father was Volhv with Chernobog, during those years, and always pushed for the older son to follow him.  Roman was lonely and felts ostracized from his family.  But when he got older, the choice to replace the father, was a complete surprise as to who Chernobog chose. In the current time, Roman’s dreams show him dragging a tree to give to Morena (Chernobog’s wife), where he sees Andora, a girl he knew when they were very young; he also sees Farhang (the mage) who is in the dream and Finn, who is in for the ride.

What follows is an exciting and intriguing story, with Roman tied to the Slavic gods in this world, with magical siblings; not to mention his wonderful menagerie. Finn was a very good addition, and Andora, a childhood friend, who may become a potential romance.  It was fun to learn about his younger years, being lonely with his meddling family.  I look forward to seeing the possibility of a full novel upcoming. Once again, Ilona Andrews, our illustrious duo, gives us another wonderful masterpiece.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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A BOND IN FLAMES (The Thornheart Trials 6) by Sherilee Gray-tour

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🔥 A BOND IN FLAMES (The Thornheart Trials 6) by Sherilee Gray 🔥

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 26, 2024

Zinnia

No one escapes Death. Especially when you’re his consort.

Thankfully, the powerful god has mostly ignored me; we struck a bargain that allows me to travel between home and Limbo, then I’m his for eternity. I thought I had more time…except I just returned to find him without the cloak he always wears, and now everything has changed. I was forced to served him. Now, I burn for him.

Death sees all and demands my attention. But the unpredictable god cannot decide if he desires or despises me, and soon we’re forced to journey to the Night Realm to save his brother. I’m swarmed with visions I can’t explain and must uncover secrets that Death won’t share. The longer I take, the angrier he becomes…yet my soul comes alive when he touches me.

However, the shadows are gathering and it’s a race to uncover the truth. I must fight my way back to Death—or face a terrible evil that could tear my world apart.

•••••

REVIEW: A BOND IN FLAMES is the sixth and final instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary adult THE THORNHEART TRIALS erotic, paranormal, fantasy series focusing on the Thornheart females. This is twenty-eight year old witch Zinnia Thornheart, and Mors aka Death’s story line. A BOND IN FLAMES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Some of the events of A BOND IN FLAMES crosses over with some of the events of book three A TRIAL BY BLOOD.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Death and Zinnia) A BOND IN FLAMES follows the building but acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. Approximately thirteen years earlier, the god Death appeared to Zinnia in a dream, claiming our heroine as his consort, his intended mate but Zinnia refused his proclamations and in doing so, damned her life for all eternity. Fast forward to present day, Death comes to collect Zinnia’s cousin Rose, believing Rose is his intended mate until Zinnia reveals the sacrifice she made to protect herself. Agreeing to go with Death, albeit with some caveats, bargains and exceptions, Zinnia enters the Underworld to be forever bound to a man known as Death but someone else is working behind the scene s to ensure Death is alone for all eternity, and with it, the secrets reveal Zinnia’s true connections to our story line hero. What ensues is the building relationship between Zinnia and Death, and the potential fall-out as Death’s past refuses to let go, threatening our heroine in the process.

The world building is complex, detailed and dramatic. Zinnia must uncover the truth about her connection to Death, and in doing so, release the pain and suffering for the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Death and Zinnia is one of fated mates although Zinnia has the option of walking away but walking away would curse Death to a lifetime of pain and suffering, cursed by someone else. As Death and Zinnia’s relationship slowly turns into something more, Death must come to terms with his past, the potential loss of his brother, and the woman that has the ability to destroy his heart. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters. Most of Zinnia’s sisters and cousins return, as well as introduction of Death’s brother Somnus (god of dreams), their mother Nox, Death’s servant Egon, and Zinnia’s familiar Hemlock. The requisite evil has many faces.

A BOND IN FLAMES is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, magic and mayhem, gods and goddesses, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is haunting, twisted and edgy yet I easily guessed the who, what, how and why; the characters are enchanting, impassioned and magical; the romance is fated and seductive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Curse in Darkness
A Vow of Ruin
A Trial by Blood
An Oath at Midnight
A Promise of Ashes

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Goodreads  / Facebook / Instagram / Amazon Author

Sherilee’s always had a big (some say warped) imagination, and as a kid scared herself conjuring up horror stories full of ghosts and other terrifying creatures. She never dreamed of actually writing down any of those wonderful imaginary people or places, not until many years later when her sister introduced her to the wondrous world of romance novels, and her very large book collection.

She’s pleased to say, she still has the big imagination… only now her characters are chasing their happily ever after.

Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn’t writing sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.

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Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
Daughter of two ruthless high-gradient telepaths, Auden Scott is not the child her Psy parents wanted or expected, even before her brain injury. Her thoughts are scattered, her memories fuzzy—or just terrifyingly blank. The only thing she knows for certain is that she must protect her unborn baby…a baby she has no recollection of conceiving and who draws an abnormal intensity of notice from her dead mother’s closest associates.

Leopard alpha Remi Denier is a man driven by the primal instinct to protect. Protect his pack, protect his allies… and protect the mysterious woman who has become a most unlikely neighbor. With eerie eyes that see too much and a scent that alters in ways disturbing and impossible, Auden Scott is the enemy…but nothing about this strange Psy is what it seems, Remi’s feline heart as fascinated by her as the human half of his soul.

Then Auden asks Remi to help her shatter the wall of secrets that is the Scott bloodline. What they unearth will reveal a nightmare beyond imagination. This time, the battle is to the death…

 

 

Review:

Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh is the 8th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. I can’t say enough about Nalini Singh.  She has become my go to author, as I love her Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.   She never fails to give us a sensational story, wonderful characters, and each book continues to flow seamlessly.  No one does world building so smoothly and flawlessly better than Nalini Singh.   Once again, in Primal Mirror, Nalini has created a masterpiece that grabs hold of me and never ever let’s go until the very end.

We meet Remington (Remi) Denier, our hero, who is the alpha of RainFire, a pack of cats. RainFire is slowly continuing to grow, especially with Remi’s close connections with Lucas (leader of Dark River) and Aden (leader of the Arrows). Remi enlists the aid of the Arrows to track down who owns part of the land near their territory.

Auden Scott, is the daughter of two evil high-gradient telepaths (Shoshanna and Henry Scott), who were part of the Psy Council. Auden was considered a disappointment to her parents, even though she had a powerful psy gift. Shoshanna Scott was evil, and knew she was about to die; so, she set up a plan to experiment on Auden, to take over her mind. 

Remi first meets Auden near his land, and senses something is not right with her; as her scent is quick to change, as she seems far away. But Remi hears her talking about her ability to read about his mother.  Remi finds himself fascinated by Auden, and in a short time they will meet again; discovering that she is now pregnant. Remi is shocked, when during his security rounds, he sees Auden all alone, with no one to help her, in case of emergency; his alpha instincts rise to protect her. Remi does sense two different personalities, but it is the real Auden who asks Remi to help her shatter the secrets that are causing damage to her brain.  She knows she can’t trust her assistant and doctor who have been doing things without her overall knowledge; and her baby is part of their secrets. Auden and Remi slowly become close with both finding themselves falling for each other. Remi, with some help from his pack, will do all he can to protect Auden and the baby; with members of RainFire, as well as others making sure to protect them.

I did enjoy getting knowing the members of Remi’s pack (Rina, Finn, Lark, Angel, Kit, etc) who were wonderful secondary characters.  Loved how they all came together to help Remi and Auden, and Liberty (baby); not to mention Alden, Arrows, Lucas, Krychek, Zaira, Tamsyn, just to name a few.

While Remi and Auden are in the process to stop the enemies, and work on fixing Auden, the PsyNet is severely on its last days; as many will die, unless another network can be provided.  At the last moment, Auden’s baby might be a temporary solution, with her high gradient power, and the hope for Auden to survive against her mother’s nightmare.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story, with me unable to put the book down. Primal Mirror was a tense and emotional story between Auden and Remi, as well as, Liberty, The romance between them was wonderful and I love how the RainFire team accepted Auden and Liberty. 

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Primal Mirror, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Primal Mirror.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of PRIMAL MIRROR   to ONE (1) lucky commenter 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 onto 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 THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

4. Please FOLLOW and follow THE READING CAFE on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

6. Like and Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from July 23 – 27, 2024

 

 

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The Blood Coven World 4-6 by TM Smith-reviews

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The Blood Coven World 4-6 by TM Smith-reviews

THE RAPPER’S GROUPIE
(The Blood Coven World 4)
by TM Smith
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 3, 2024

The Rapper
D Monz is a rap icon on two realms—Earth and Scath. When threatening hate mail pours in, the Firebrands send aid.

The Groupie
Celie isn’t really a groupie. She’s a witch warrior who gets off on the wrong foot with the rapper when she’s sent to protect him.

The Romance
Because of D’s family genetics, he requires more sex than most of his demon breed. The problem is simple. With the threats, outside help for his situation could be dangerous. So, if Celie wants to protect the rapper, she has a decision to make.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE RAPPER’S GROUPIE is the fourth novella in TM Smith’s adult BLOOD COVEN WORLD erotic, paranormal/fantasy series-a spin off set in the author’s Blood Coven Series. This is rock star/animus demon D Monz, and Firebrand witch Celie’s story line. THE RAPPER’S GROUPIE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Celie and D Monz) THE RAPPER’S GROUPIE follows in the wake of death threats against our story line hero. D Monz is a world famous musician, and he has attracted the wrong kind of attention for his back stage antics. As a rock star and animus demon, D Monz feeds off of orgasms and $ex, and in this, D Monz is now facing the ire of an angry fan. Enter Firebrand Witch Celie, who has been assigned to protect our story line hero. Constantly needing to feed, D Monz finds himself with a new source of food, the woman with whom D Monz will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Celie and D Monz, and the potential fall-out as the death threats become more dangerous and personal.

The relationship between Celie and D Monz begins acrimoniously as Celie is revolted by D Monz’ apparent us of all the females but D Monz needs to feed regularly, and in an effort to protect the man with whom she will fall in love, Celie offers herself up as lover and nourishment. D Monz is a bit of a manwh*re, and in this, his reputation precedes his introduction to our story line heroine.The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the members of the band: Riot, Beast and Helms: publicist Lonnie, manager Marko, as well as several groupies and fans.

THE RAPPER’S GROUPIE is a story of obsession and madness, betrayal and revenge, acceptance and love. The fast paced novella is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is hot and heavy; the characters are desperate and determined.

Reading Order and Previous review The Blood Coven World
The Lawgiver’s Firebrand
The Firebrand’s Succubus
The Holy Man’s Sinner

Reading Order and Previous Reviews from The Blood Coven Series
The Firebrand
The Demon’s Fire
The Satyr’s Guilt
The Vampire’s Thirst
The Phoenix

_____________

THE FIREBRAND’S SHY LYNX
(Blood Coven World 5)
by TM Smith
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 12, 2024

The shy lynx…
Chloe, a local bookstore owner, is being coerced by her father, the alpha of her pack, to mate a loathsome male.

The Firebrand warrior…
When Mix, a rough-around-the-edges mountain lion-wolf shifter, happens to overhear her dilemma, he offers a way out.

Breaking free…
Their defiance and love in the face of tyranny could exact a high price. Are they willing to pay?

•••••

REVIEW: THE FIREBRAND’S SHY LYNX is the fifth instalment in TM Smith’s contemporary, adult BLOOD COVEN WORLD erotic, paranormal/fantasy novella series, a spin off set in the author’s BLOOD COVEN series. This is Firebrand warrior /mountain lion/wolf shifter Mix, and bookstore owner, lynx shifter Chloe’s story line. THE FIREBRAND’S SHY LYNX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to destroy the people of earth.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Mix and Chloe) THE FIREBRAND’S SHY LYNX follows the forbidden relationship between our story line couple . Chloe is a lynx shifter who has refused her father’s selection for a mate. Overhearing the aggressive nature of Chloe’s potential mate, Mix declares himself guardian and protector over our story line heroine but when Chloe goes missing, Mix calls in reinforcements, and faces a challenge to claim Chloe as his mate.

The world building is fast and furious. Mix is a cocky lion/wolf hybrid mix, and in this, Mix knows what he wants, and he wants Chloe as his mate. Standing up to the challenge, Mix is ready to kill or be killed for the right to claim Chloe as his own.

The relationship between Chloe and Mix is a forbidden affair; an immediate attraction and insta-lust to love, in which Chloe is defiant in her choice for mate,and is forced to stand up to the abusive alpha and his mate. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Amazon Kara,warlock Kilem and wolf shifter Lobo, as well as book store employees Adah and Magda, and Chloe’s mother Horatia.

THE FIREBRAND’S SHY LYNX is a story of power and control, betrayal and demands, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is entertaining and intriguing; the romance is fated; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

______

THE FIREBRAND’S PREY
(Blood Coven World 6)
by TM Smith
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 17, 2024

Lobo, a Firebrand wolf shifter, stumbles upon Faeth in the woods. Believing the captivating ylve with golden hair and enchanting blue eyes is with a drug ring, he pursues her.

When he captures his prey, the wolf’s primal instincts recognize her as his destined mate. She is more cautious, finding it hard to trust a shifter known for his impulsive nature.

In a world where mix-breed relationships are met with prejudice, Lobo and Faeth confront their own doubts and fears while betrayal lurks in the shadows. Their journey takes them through a fantastical realm brimming with passion, the eternal bond of love, and intrigue. Will the fierce wolf and the alluring ylve find solace in each other’s arms, or will the forces of hatred tear them apart? The strength of their love is put to the ultimate test.

••••

REVIEW:THE FIREBRAND’S PREY is the sixth first novella in TM Smith’s contemporary, adult THE BLOOD COVEN WORLD erotic, paranormal / fantasy erotic romance series-a spin off set in the author’s THE BLOOD COVEN world. This is wolf shifter /Firebrand warrior Lobo and Ylve Faeth’s story line. THE FIREBRAND’S PREY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but some previous knowledge of the original series may be helpful. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to destroy the people of earth.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Lobo and Faeth) THE FIREBRAND’S PREY follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Wolf shifter Lobo is one of the newest Firebrand warrior, and his latest assignment is to clear the streets of drug pushers and addicts but when Lobo mistakes Faeth for a dealer, all bets are off when Lobo quickly realizes the Ylve could be his fated mate. Days and weeks, in and out of one another’s lives finally culminates with a proclamation of fate, of love, and a promise for the future but not everyone is as happy as our story line couple, and Lobo will soon discover, his mate will be a victim of those who don’t want to see the intermixing of species.

The relationship between Lobo and Faeth begins as a case of mistaken belief, and in this, Lobo is determined to convince Faeth they are meant for one another but Faeth struggles to trust a wolf whose sexual aggression is over the top but an aggression that will be met by one of her own. The $ex scenes are provocative and erotic.

The secondary and supporting characters include Firebrand commander and jaguar shifter Nace, as well as Faeth’s co-worker and lynx shifter Ravine, and Faeth’s unbending parents.

THE FIREBRAND’S PREY is a story of betrayal and speciesism, power and control, fate and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is a seductive case of insta-love; the characters are dynamic and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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The Hanged Man / The Star by HP Mallory-reviews

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The Hanged Man/ The Star (Daughter of the Moon 2 &3) by HP Mallory

THE HANGED MAN
(Daughter of the Moon 2)
by HP Mallory
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, fantasy

ebook only 99¢ for a limited time: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2024

KATE:

After inheriting my aunt’s crappy castle in the rinky dink town of Maplewood, Vermont, my life will never been the same again. And I’m not even slightly exaggerating.

So why the pity party? Well, first off I’m now a celestial guardian (called a Daughter of the Moon) and prior to moving here, I didn’t even read my horoscope. Second, I’m the caretaker of a talking goat and a shrunken head and I’ve never even owned a goldfish. And third? I’m stuck with literally the WORST bodyguard in the history of terrible bodyguards. Magnus is about as fun as a hemorrhoid.

And let’s not even talk about the fact that as soon as I made my vow to the moon, my body decided to morph into a fertility statue (and I’m forty freaking five!) Still not exaggerating–the Andes have sprouted up on my chest and my ass needs it’s own zip code.

But that’s not even the worst part! Nope, not by a long shot.

The absolute kicker is that my sex-crazed, nudist of a mother has just decided to relocate to a town nearby which means we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other. That might sound nice, but it isn’t. Not at all.

At least I have Luke Montgomery to rely on—Luke’s a magician in town and he’s the only one who’s able to keep me from wanting to tear my hair out. Not only that, but Luke’s in a word: hot. And, yeah, I might have a crush on him…

As if things weren’t weird enough, they get even weirder when I start having dreams of an incredibly sexy man who appears to be stuck in a garden. I can’t decide if he’s simply the result of one too many snacks before bedtime or if he’s meant to teach me something about the newest tarot lesson I’m embarking on—The Hanged Man.

Sometimes life is truly stranger than fiction.

••••••

REVIEW: THE HANGED MAN is the second instalment in HP Mallory’s contemporary adult DAUGHTER OF THE MOON paranormal , fantasy romance series. This is the continuing story of forty-five year old, divorcee and author Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray. THE HANGED MAN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one THE FOOL.

SOME BACKGROUND : Following the death of her estranged aunt Artemis, Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray inherited her aunt’s castle, a guardian named Magnus; a magician named Luke Montgomery; Rocco the talking goat; Yolanda the shrunken head, and the mantle of DAUGHTER OF THE MOON.

Told from first person perspective (Kate) THE HANGED MAN focuses on Kate’s self-defense training with Magnus, and learning to use the magic buried within but someone or something is targeting our story line heroine. From the tarot to hellhounds, ghosts and vampires, warlocks, magic and dreams, Kate soon discovers all is not well in the world of Daughter of the Moon, or within the castle that is now a part of her life.

THE HANGED MAN is a story of secrets and magic, power and control. The premise is captivating and intriguing; the characters are magical and interesting-there are a growing number of potential suitors for our story line heroine.

Copy supplied for review

____________

The Star
Daughter of the Moon 3
by HP Mallory
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, fantasy

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2024

An irreverent, sexy, and hysterical romp through the tarot…

KATE:

I’m finally getting used to being a Daughter of the Moon.

Getting used to living in my aunt’s wacky castle in Vermont, getting used to my enormous… assets, and getting used to living with a talking goat, an annoying shrunken head, and my oafish barbarian of a protector.

The thing I haven’t quite wrapped my head around? The fact that my mother is now living in a nudist colony up the street.
And that’s not the worst of it.

Apparently, my mother has her own set of powers, she’s bumping uglies with my protector, and she won’t keep her nose out of my business.

But everything is taking a backseat to the fact that I’m worried my new vampire friend, Gray—a man I met while strolling the dream-world—might not be the man I hope he is.

In fact, he happens to be my #1 enemy.

Or he used to be. But he’s been atoning for his mistakes for the last thirty years, so I’m hoping he’s found his way to the light. Otherwise, the fact that I’m harboring a major crush on him isn’t going to go down so well.

And that’s not the only crush I’ve got (ahem, enter sexy magician, Luke), but life is complicated and I guess so am I.

Regardless, I’ve got a new tarot card mission (The Star) I need to conquer so I can find out what new power I’ve earned which hopefully will help me in the battle between light and dark…

•••••••

REVIEW: THE STAR is the third instalment in HP Mallory’s contemporary, adult DAUGHTER OF THE MOON paranormal/fantasy series. This is the continuing story of forty-five year old, divorcee and author Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray. THE STAR should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two THE HANGED MAN.

SOME BACKGROUND : Following the death of her estranged aunt Artemis, Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray inherited her aunt’s castle, a guardian named Magnus; a magician named Luke Montgomery; Rocco the talking goat; Yolanda the shrunken head, and the mantle of DAUGHTER OF THE MOON.

Told from first person perspective (Kate) THE STAR follows in the discovery of Kate’s vampire friend Gray is the vampire her aunt placed in stasis, locking down the evil that was once Valerian Shadowbane. Gray has been visiting Kate in her dreams but the reality proves that Gray’s intents may be a manipulation of someone else. Freeing Gray has Kate’s intrepid gang of protectors on alert including Luke who suspects Kate has fallen for the vampire. When Grey’s memories are restored, the vampire Valerian Shadowbane takes control, and Kate will find herself at the mercy of his demands but Kate has yet to come into her powers, and in this, she leaves herself unprepared and at a disadvantage when her mentors desperately try to instil the truth about her new reality, a reality that is about to get more dangerous and dark.

The world building continues to focus on residents of the castle; the cast of characters who all have a role to play in Kate’s life, and the surprising revelation with the appearance of Kate’s mother, a woman who may or may not have some magic of her own.

The large ensemble of magical and quirky characters add a significant amount of comic relief. Kate’s mother is a little eccentric; a woman whose own life runs towards the unconventional; a woman who finds herself falling for one of Kate’s guardians.

The relationship between Luke and Kate is struggling in the face of her attraction to Gray/Valerian. Valerian is a master manipulator, and in this, Kate refuses to heed to Luke’s warnings, and finds herself pulled into the aura that is Valerian Shadowbane.

THE STAR is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, magic and mayhem that relies heavily on the tarot. The premise is fun yet dramatic; the characters are bizarre yet charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Fool

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? THE FOOL book one is FREE for a limited time:

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Dragon Born (Dragon Kings 8) by Donna Grant-review

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Dragon Born (Dragon Kings 8) by Donna Grant-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 9, 2024

She’s the most dangerous being alive…and the only one I crave.

I feel her across realms. Through the vast emptiness of space, weaving among the stars. She is the Queen of Violets. Powerful, shrewd, defiant. Utterly exquisite. Feared among her own and pursued by all.

She is the Dragon Queen.

I was an ordinary MI5 agent before being thrust into the world of Dragons Kings, Fae, Reapers, and magic. But it was a world I soon discovered I was bound to by blood from my Druid ancestors.

The instant we met, I was hers. Forever. I would have ripped the moon from the sky for her. I would have razed worlds. Then she deceived me.

Yet, I can’t stop thinking about her. Craving her. She’s in my very psyche, like a fever that burns through my veins like dragon fire. Scorching and eternal.

When I sense a malicious danger closing in around her, I defy every rule to get to her.

My love.

My queen.

•••

REVIEW: DRAGON BORN is the eighth instalment in Donna Grant’s adult, DRAGON KINGS paranormal, fantasy romance series -a spin off from the author’s Dark Kings, which in turn is a spin off from several other fantasy series by the same author. This is Druid/ JusticeBringer Henry,and Queen of the Violet Dragons Melisse’s story line. DRAGON BORN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book seven DRAGON KISS. I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise including the search for a missing King, and the history as to how the dragons came to live in Zora.

SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine and the people of Stonemore.

Told from numerous omniscient third person perspective DRAGON BORN follows Melisse as she venture into the bramble thickets in search for a missing pink dragonling. No dragon has ever returned from within the brambles, and Henry is determined to find the woman that calls to his heart. Henry is a Druid, from a long line of JusticeBringers and Truthseekers, and in this Henry is determined to uncover the truth. Rescuing an injured Melisse finds Henry confronted by another powerful Druid, someone who is determined to destroy the dragons, one beast at a time.

The world building continues to focus on an enemy that has captured and taken prisoner a Dragon King. Much like the story line in many of the previous interconnected series, the Dragons face an enemy who is searching for revenge, the ultimate quest for power, and the take down of dragonkind.

The relationship between Melisse and Henry has been building for several story line but Melisse has refused all of Henry’s attempts at seduction, and in this, Henry is about to save the woman with whom he has fallen in love. There time together in the brambles reveals a haunting past for our story line heroine, a past filled with heart break and betrayal. 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 secondary and supporting characters including several couples from the Dragon Kings and Dark Kings series including the return of Con and Rhi.

DRAGON BORN is a story of betrayal, vengeance and mistaken beliefs. A tale of power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and impassioned; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined and dynamic.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Prequel-Ignite the Magic
Dragon Revealed
Dragon Mine
Dragon Unbound
Dragon Eternal
Dragon Lover
Frost Dragon
Dragon Kiss

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

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