Tag Archives: Jennifer Estep

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.

Copies supplied for review

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Stings and Stones by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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Stings and Stones by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

 

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Description:

An Elemental Assassin short story Collection. Flash back to one of Gin Blanco’s many missions as the assassin the Spider. Learn more about Gin’s relationships with her mentor, Fletcher Lane, and her foster brother, Finnegan Lane, and see what trouble the other characters get themselves into when Gin’s not around. From a ghost’s lost love to a villain’s origin story, this action-packed collection has something for every urban fantasy and paranormal romance fan.

The Stings and Stones collection features ten short stories told by various characters.  

“Spider’s Bargain” — Gin Blanco
“Web of Death” — Gin Blanco
“Web of Deceit” — Fletcher Lane
“Poison” — Finnegan Lane
“Wasted” — Finnegan Lane
“Tangled Dreams” — Jo-Jo and Sophia Deveraux
“Tangled Schemes” — Bria Coolidge
“Spider’s Nemesis” — Mab Monroe
“Haints and Hobwebs” — Gin Blanco
“Parlor Tricks” — Gin Blanco

 

••••••

Barb’s Review:
Stings and Stones is a 67,000-word collection of Elemental Assassin short stories. Some of the stories previously appeared on Jennifer Estep’s website, while others have been featured in anthologies.

I enjoyed reading each and every short story, as it was so much fun. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep and her wonderful Elemental Assassin series. Gin, Fletcher, Finnegan, Bria, Jo-Jo, Sophie, Owen, just to name a few, were wonderful characters throughout all the books.

At the end, Estep added an excerpt from her Galactic Bonds series, which was ok.

But I am thrilled that there will be more of Elemental Assassin and our wonderful heroine, Gin Blanco. If you have not read this series, you are missing a gem of a series.

 

Sandy’s Review: 

STINGS AND STONES by Jennifer Estep is a collection of ten previously released  (newsletter or website) short stories and novellas in the author’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series focusing on assassin and elemental Gin Blanco.

Told from several first person perspectives including Gin Blanco, Fletcher Lane, Finnegan Lane, Jojo or Sophia Devereaux, Bria Coolidge or Mab Monroe, each story line can either be a  prologue or epilogue to one of the instalments in the Elemental Assassin series, or a side story in which the reader is up close and personal with the private and personal lives outside of the main story lines.

Fast paced, entertaining and intriguing, STINGS AND STONE is a wonderful addition revealing a little background and history of the story line characters.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

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SPIDER AND FROST (Elemental Assassin) by Jennifer Estep-dual review

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SPIDER AND FROST (Elemental Assassin/ Mythos Academy) by Jennifer Estep-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2023

WHEN AN ASSASSIN . . .

My name is Gin Blanco, and I’m on vacation. Sort of. As the assassin the Spider, it’s hard for me to completely relax, but I’m determined to enjoy a scenic train ride and a nice, quiet lunch before heading back home to Ashland.

My plans change when Gwen Frost boards the train. The girl says she’s heading back to Mythos Academy, the fancy private boarding school, but I can’t shake the feeling that Gwen is hiding something—and is in far more trouble than she realizes.

. . . MEETS A CHAMPION

My name is Gwen Frost. I might have saved the world from Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos, but I’m still chasing down Reaper villains. It’s all part of being the Champion of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

I’ve been assigned to protect some mythological artifacts that are being transported via train to Mythos Academy, but some Reapers are hot on my trail, and they’ll do anything to recover the artifacts—and kill me.

Also on the train is Gin Blanco, who claims to be the owner of the Pork Pit barbecue restaurant. My psychometry magic keeps whispering that there’s more to her than meets the eye, although I can’t tell if Gin is a friend, an enemy, or something else entirely.

Note: Spider and Frost is a 28,000-word crossover novella between the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and the Mythos Academy young adult series. It is told from the points of view of Gin Blanco and Gwen Frost.

Spider and Frost takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin series.

•••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: SPIDER AND FROST by Jennifer Estep is a cross over instalment in both of the author’s Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academy series focusing on elemental assassin Gin Blanco, and Oracle Gwen Frost.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gin and Gwen) SPIDER AND FROST follows in the aftermath of a rockslide that separates Gin and Gwen from family and friends . Gin, Owen, Fin and Bria were taking a well-deserved scenic train vacation in the wake of the war between Ashland and The Circle but all does not go according to plan when a rockslide separated Gin from her loved ones. With a push from her friends, Gin continues on with the tour wherein she will me an eighteen year old Gwen Frost, a young woman who reminds Gin of herself. From the outset, Gin and Gwen suspect one another but it is Gwen’s enemies, The Reapers, who are determined to take back what they claim as their own. Several attacks, a talking sword, and a young woman who can ‘see’ the past, finds Gwen and Gin on the defensive to protect one another’s backs.

SPIDER AND FROST is a quick read; a fast paced, short story that revisits Gwen Frost and some of the Mythos Academy characters, as well as Gin Blanco, and the family she loves. There is plenty of action, swords and knives, magic and mayhem, and just enough love and friendship to keep everybody happy. The premise is captivating and engaging; the characters are familiar and tenacious.

 

Barb’s Review: Spider and Frost by Jennifer Estep is a novella set in our two wonderful series, Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academy. I really got a kick out of Gin and Gwen getting to know each other, and learning what each can do.  It was lots of fun.

At the start, Gin Blanco (the Spider) is waiting at the train station, for her friends, Owen, Fin and Bria, as they are on vacation; but a rockslide has caused the others to be late; they tell Gin to take the scenic train ride anyway, and enjoy the ride. 

Gwen Frost is also watching out for her friends (Logan, Daphne, and others), who have also been slowed down by the rockslide.  Gwen has been assigned to protect a number of mythological artifacts, which are on the train, on the way to Mythos Academy.

Gin sees Gwen on the train, and gets vibes that she is possibly in danger, and decides to go into her section, just in case she may need help. When the train starts off, Gwen notices some of her Reaper enemies, who are determined to steal back the artifacts. In a short period, Gin and Gwen do become friends, knowing they will help each other.  When the Reapers attack, Gin is injured, with Gwen thinking she is dead; and is captured by the Reapers.

What follows is a wild, exciting, battle with both Gwen and Gin fighting together to defeat the enemy. I really loved Gwen trying to save herself, using Gin’s special knife and Gin using Vic (Gwen’s magical sword).  Gwen also used her psychometry magic to learn more about the amazing Gin Branco. They really made a great team, and I would love to see more of them working together. 

Spider and Frost was a fun, exciting, action-filled, fast read and very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I really enjoyed seeing Gin and her friends, as well as Gwen and her own friends. They did make a great team, and should be fun if they ever meet again (Jennnifer-?) to fight all enemies. If you are fans of either series, you should read this novella.

 

Copy supplied for Review

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ONLY GOOD ENEMIES by Jennifer Estep-dual review & giveaway

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ONLY GOOD ENEMIES by Jennifer Estep-dual review & giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

A WOMAN ON A MISSION . . .

My name is Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat, toiling away in obscurity developing brewmakers and other household appliances. But thanks to my seer magic and my own ingenuity, I’m now a Regal lady and the head of a successful corporation.

My mission? To destroy the Techwave, the dangerous group that has stolen my designs and plans to weaponize them against the Imperium. But when my mission takes an unexpected turn, I’m once again surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

Further complicating matters is Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord whose fate is bound to mine. Kyrion doesn’t realize the two of us still have an unwanted connection that puts us both in grave danger . . . or does he?

A MAN SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES . . .

My name is Kyrion Caldaren. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’ve been tasked with tracking down and destroying the Techwave before they seize control of the Archipelago Galaxy.

My other mission? Find a way to assassinate Lord Callus Holloway, the Imperium ruler who wants to take my psion power for his own. Holloway is also a threat to Vesper Quill, who haunts my thoughts, despite the broken bond and distance between us.

When I realize Vesper is in danger, my priorities change, and I vow to use all my telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities to help her. I will save Vesper from her enemies and mine—even if I have to burn down the whole bloody galaxy.

•••••

Sandy’s Review: ONLY GOOD ENEMIES is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult GALACTIC BONDS sci-fi, space opera focusing on thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist Vesper Quill, and thirty-eight year old, leader of the Arrows Kyrion Coldren’s story line. ONLY GOOD ENEMIES should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one ONLY BAD OPTIONS.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyrion and Vesper) and a final chapter from Zane, ONLY GOOD ENEMIES continues to follow the building relationship between thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist Vesper Quill, and thirty-eight year old, leader of the Arrows Kyrion Coldren in the aftermath of betrayal from the top. Vesper Quill saved millions of lives when she discovered someone had sabotaged a new fleet of spaceships, and when she survived her forced imprisonment on another planet, Vesper finds herself in charge of the former Kent Corp starcruiser plant but someone else is desperate for more power, and has targeted Vesper and Kyrion Coldren for who they are, and their connection to one another.

Meanwhile, Vesper, having believes herself an orphan, had previously discovered a past betrayal, and Kyrion is about to reveal, someone else whose DNA is matched to our heroine’s.

ONLY GOOD ENEMIES is another space-opera-esque, Cinderella-esque storyline and series similar in presentation, format, characters and plot lines to many of Jennifer’s other series. Once again, a dysfunctional family bloodline, the fight for power and control, the use of magic, minerals and stones, attraction and fated mates blend seamlessly such that the reader is pulled into a suspenseful and imaginative tale. ONLY GOOD ENEMIES focuses on betrayal and vengeance, obsession and a power hungry person in charge, who is determined to take everything, at everyone’s expense. The fast paced premise is imaginative and entertaining; the characters are magical, powerful and energetic; the romance is passionate and fated.

 

Barb’s Reviews:
Only Good Enemies by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her Galactic Bonds 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 now a Regal Lady, who runs a successful corporation, and has amazing abilities using her seer magic. She is determined to stop the evil Techwave, especially trying to prevent her own inventions from becoming lethal weapons.  But she is kidnapped by Techwave, as they want her to fix her inventions that would kill innocent people.  Vesper is fighting for her life, as they torture her, which alerts Kryrion, showing him that they still have a bond between them.  He races to save Vesper, before Techwave kills her.

Kyrion Caldare, our hero, is the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, and does everything in his power to save Vesper. Kyrion will use all is abilities, (telepathic, telekinetic, psion and other powers) to rescue her. Once they get away, they go to Erzton, to help Lady Asterin stop Techwave who are planning on killing all the people in her land, but when they are able to stop most of the attack, Vesper is once again kidnapped.  This time heading for Lord Callus Hollowy, who plans to take all her psion powers for his own, and also do the same to Kyrion, killing them both, since they are bonded.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. Vesper continued to be a terrific heroine, smart, savvy, with amazing abilities, as well as being able to see Kyrion in the beyond. I loved seeing Vesper & Kyrion work together to fight against their enemies, with a slow burn romance and partnership. The last third of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with some twists and surprises along the way.

Only Good Enemies was a non-stop adventure from start to finish, that was intriguing, with violence, torture, kidnapping, spaceships, and seer/psion magic.  Only Good Enemies was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Vesper and Kyrion, they were great characters. Can’t wait for what Estep has for us in the next book.  I suggest you read Only Good Enemies, as I fully enjoyed it.

 

Click HERE for the reviews of book one ONLY BAD OPTIONS

Copy supplied for review

 

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

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Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Heart Stings (Elemental Assassin 19.5) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
Heart stings can be the most dangerous wounds of all . . .

Lorelei Parker has had plenty of “heart stings” in her life—moments that are both happy and sad. With her grandmother’s recent marriage, Lorelei has had far more good times than bad lately.

That all changes when a ruthless Ashland underworld boss starts threatening her, but Lorelei is determined to figure out why the other crime boss is so interested in her thriving business. She vows to use her elemental Ice and metal magic to do whatever it takes to defend herself and her family.

Also in the mix is the mercurial Hugh Tucker. Lorelei doesn’t know what the vampire is up to, or if he’s a friend or an enemy. Tucker might even be something else, something more—if Lorelei can stay alive long enough to figure out whose side he’s really on . . .

Note: Heart Stings is a 38,000-word novella from the point of view of Lorelei Parker. It takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep is a novella (19.5 book) from her wonderful Elemental Assassin series.  This novella takes place after Last Strand (finale), and is focused on Lorelei Parker. Lorelei has become friends with Gin and her gang, and with Gin away on vacation, she helps her grandmother plan a wedding, since the last one was destroyed by an attack (Last Strand).

Lorelei is being threatened by the underworld boss, Clyde, who wants to buy her shipping business, and she keeps refusing.  She knows he will attempt to force her to accept, but Lorelei is ready to defend herself and her grandmother, with her elemental ice and metal magic ability. At a restaurant, having dinner with her family, Hugh Tucker stops over to say hello.  The attraction between the two of them sizzles, but both do not trust each other.  Lorelei overhears Tucker accepting a job working for Clyde, and is concerned if he is an enemy to her, or he has other plans. When she and Tucker end up in the same room, the both succumb to their feelings.

At the party, Lorelei is kidnapped by the underworld boss, and she learns the real reason for his wanting her shipping business. Clyde plans to find what he is looking for; he also plans to kill her; as well as kill Tucker. But Lorelei doesn’t worry, as she uses her elemental ice magic to stop Clyde, saving herself and Tucker, who also joins in to help defeat Clyde and his giants.

What follows is an exciting, romantic and wonderful story! I loved seeing Lorelei and Tucker together, as they were very steamy. Since this was a novella, it was nice to spend time with Lorelei, and see how she uses her powers to protect others.  Though I was not a big fan of Tucker in this series, he turned out very good in this story.

Heart Stings was very well written by Jennifer Estep, which was a fun short story, and I loved every minute.  Lorelei was a great heroine in this book. I hope sometime in the future, we get to see the heroes of Elemental Assassin, such as Gin, Finn, Owen, Bria, Silvo, Sophia, Jo Jo, along with Lorelei and Tucker. If you have not read the Elemental Assassin series, it is time for you to start now.

 

Sandy’s Review:

HEART STINGS is instalment 19.5 and novella in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal/urban fantasy series. This is business woman, ice and metal elemental Lorelei Parker, and vampire Hugh Tucker’s story line. HEART STINGS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading LAST STRAND for back story and cohesion. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. HEART STINGS takes places approximately one month after the events of book 19-LAST STRAND, and the disastrous wedding reception of Lorelei’s grandmother Mallory Parker and her new husband Stuart Mosley.

NOTE: Heart Stings first appeared in the Dirty Deeds 2 anthology in 2022.

Told from first person perspective (Lorelei Parker) HEART STINGS follows Lorelei, a one time smuggler turned shipyard owner who is struggling with the likes of crime boss Clyde O’Neal. A dead body in her backyard, threats against her life, and vampire Hugh Tucker working for Clyde meant Lorelei Parker was in the direct line of fire, as Clyde O’Neal demanded ownership of Lorelei’s shipping yard but there is something in the shipyard that Clyde desperately wants, and Lorelei is standing in the way of Clyde’s demands.

HEART STINGS is a story of desperation and greed, flirtation and attraction, forgiveness, acceptance and love.The fast paced premise is intriguing and enchanting; the romance is subtle; the $ex scene is passionate; the characters are magical and determined. HEART STINGS is an exciting and interesting addition to the Elemental Assassin series where two previous- secondary characters finds their own happily ever after.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

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

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9. Giveaway runs from May 8– 11,  2023

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Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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?⚔️Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway?⚔️

 

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Description:
Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley. Despite being a cunning spy and a powerful mind magier, Gemma hasn’t been able to track down the most dangerous enemy her kingdom of Andvari has ever seen. Adding to her worries is the Sword and Shield tournament. With gladiators flocking to the capital city of Glanzen, Gemma can’t tell who is friend–or foe.

Determined to protect Andvari at any cost, Gemma hatches a bold plan, but things aren’t what they seem. Soon, everything she holds dear is being threatened, including her burgeoning relationship with Prince Leonidas Morricone.

With the kingdom she holds dear slipping through her fingers, Gemma will have to conquer her fear and unlock the true secret of her magic–or watch her friends and family die and her beloved Andvari fall . . .

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep is the 3rd and final book in her Gargoyle Queen trilogy. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and I couldn’t wait for Conquer the Kingdom; I am happy to say I loved this series.  I hope there will be more to come from this world.

Gemma and her best friend continue to spy undercover, to search for Milo, her enemy, and find out what his evil plans are to destroy her Kingdom (Andvari).  Gemma makes plans for a Sword and Shield tournament, with gladiators from all over attending in Glanzen.  She even invited Maeven and those from Morta to participate in the tournament; in hopes of trapping Milo, who is determined destroy everyone and take over all kingdoms, including Morta .  Gemma continues to master her mind magier powers, and worrying about keeping everyone safe.

I loved seeing Leo and Gemma together, as they made such a great couple, even if the people in Andvari hated all the Mortans. I also really liked Delmira (Leo’s sister), as she was so great in helping Gemma.  It was also fun to see the Gargoyles and Strix, and I love Grimley, who has always been with Gemma since childhood. The baby Strix, Violet was cute, and I did like Lyra. We learn about why Maeven calls her the Gargoyle Queen. We also got to learn more about her mother, as she saw flasdhbacks of the past.

What follows is an exciting, tense, wild last half of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.  Gemma was an amazing heroine, and her powers became ultra-powerful, which saved her life a number of times.  The wild crazy climax was a thrill a minute, with all their lives in danger and me holding my breath to see if she would survive. At one point near the end, with her life on the line, Gemma rises up with help from her loyal Gargoyles/Strix and friends. 

Conquer the Kingdom was a fantastic finale, with so much magic, mystery, suspense, excitement, action, danger, with lives on the line, and a couple we rooted hard for. To say too much more would be spoilers, as you need to read it from start to finish. Conquer the Kingdom was so very well written by Jennifer Estep, which is no surprise, as I love all her books. I do hope Jennifer will come back to this world.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to start reading the Gargoyle Queen series, which you should start with the first book, Capture the Crown.

•••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

CONQUER THE KINGDOM is the third and (final ?) instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, GARGOYLE QUEEN dystopian, fantasy series, a spin off from the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series. The Gargoyle Queen trilogy focuses on the secondary characters originally introduced in the Crown of Shards series. This is twenty-nine year old, Andvari Princess Gemma Ripley, and Mortan Prince Leonidis Morricone’s story line. CONQUER THE KINGDOM should not be read as a stand alone as some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in book two TEAR DOWN THE THRONE but the author does recap some of the history and background using memories and reflections.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sixteen years earlier, Gemma Ripley lost everything including the ability to control her magic the day Queen Maeven declared war on her family, killing her mother, and destroying her heart in the process. As Gemma’s ‘mind magic’ becomes more powerful than she could have ever imagined, our heroine struggles to forgive and forget, knowing she will one day have to destroy the people who destroyed her life, including the man that she loves.

NOTE: If you have not read books one or two, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from first person perspective (Gemma) CONQUER THE KINGDOM focuses on the preparations for, and the events of the upcoming Sword and Shield Gladiator tournament in Glitner, Gemma’s home town and the Andvari Kingdom but Gemma is wary having invited Queen Maeven, with the knowledge, her son Crown Prince Milo will make an appearance in the wake of his numerous attempts to kill our story line heroine. Prince Milo has set his sights on Gemma; he wants to take control of Andvari, destroying everything and everyone who stands in his way. Gemma is the ultimate prize, the most powerful wielder of magic, and in this, Milo is determined to take down the princess by first conquering the land but Gemma has an ally and lover in Milo’s brother Prince Leonidis aka Leo, an ally who battles between head and heart knowing Gemma will take no prisoners, meaning Leo’s brother and his mother are Gemma’s primary targets. As the Gladiator games commence, Milo is amassing an army, securing help and power from an unlikely source.

The relationship between Gemma and Leo continues to struggle in the face of Gemma’s need for vengeance, including stopping Leo’s mother, and destroying Crown Prince Milo. Leo battles between head and heart knowing the pain his mother and brother had previously inflicted upon himself and upon Princess Gemma but Maeven is still Leo’s mother, and in this, Leo must choose between the woman he loves, and the woman who gave him life. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, for fans and followers of Estep’s books and series, there are many similarities to the author’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN story lines including the tragic death of the mothers at the hands of the ultimate evil; the use of ‘elemental’ magic, specialty stones and gems, and the odd assortment of friends and creatures with different levels of power including gargoyles and colorful bird like creatures called strixes. And you can’t help but notice the comparisons between the requisite evil including the similarities in names and powers (Maeven Morricone/ Milos Morricone- Mab Monroe/M.M Madeline Monroe-Gemma/Gin).The fast paced, action packed scenes, and the violence perpetrated against our story line heroine are also reminiscent of the aforementioned series in that Gemma Ripley and Gin Blanco are two powerful females who are targeted for who they are, and what they do, and in this suffer as they struggle to protect the people they love.

And not to sound like a broken record, as per my previous reviews, there continues to be a redundancy and overwhelming use of the words purple (79 times) and violet (62 times) pertaining to the Mortan Kingdom’s Royal colors, eye color, the name of a baby strix, and their world as a whole.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to spy and dragon morph Reiko Yamato, Gladiator Kai; gem worker and jeweller Alvis; Gemma’s grandfather King Heinrich, her father Crown Prince Dominic, and his wife Rhea Hans; gargoyles Grimley (Gemma’s familiar), Fern and Otto, and strixes Lyra (Leo’s familiar) and baby Violet; Leo and Milo’s mother Queen Maeven, as well as their sister Delmira, and Milo’s right hand man Captain Wexel. The requisite evil has many faces.

CONQUER THE QUEEN is a story of madness and vengeance, greed, power and control, misunderstanding and mistrust, acceptance and love. CONQUER THE QUEEN reveals the prophecy of three queens, and so far, we have focused on two: Everleigh (Crown of Shards), and Gemma (Gargoyle Queen), and the third queen has been revealed for the author’s next series. The premise is captivating, engaging and energizing; the romance is subtle and seductive; the characters are energetic, dynamic and charismatic. Jennifer Estep is a master at story telling.

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

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on TWITTER

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

6. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from March 7– 11,  2023

 

 

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Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS . . .

Most spies take a break for the holidays, but not me, Charlotte Locke. As an analyst for Section 47, a secret spy organization, I normally use my magical form of synesthesia to uncover lies and track paramortal bad guys from the comfort of my cubicle. But tonight I’m going out into the field, along with my partner, Desmond Percy, a powerful galvanist.

Instead of enjoying Christmastime in the city, I’m in a German castle, dressed like a toy soldier and masquerading as a waitress at a swanky Christmas Eve party. My mission? To gather information that will help Section 47 track down a dangerous enemy.

Despite the glitz and glamour, I can’t shake the sense that something is wrong—and that Desmond and I might not leave the party alive.

DANCES OF DEATH . . .

My name is Desmond Percy, although I’ve had many aliases during my years working as a cleaner for Section 47. But I’ve never had a real partner until Charlotte Locke.

My part of the mission is simple: pretend to be a guest and keep an eye on things at the party while Charlotte uses her synesthesia to track down the information we need. But what starts out as a sugar plum dream quickly turns into a holiday nightmare.

Forget the mission. All I want for Christmas is to keep Charlotte safe.

__________

Barb’s Review:
Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her Section 47 series.  I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  After reading the first book in this series, I couldn’t wait to read this book.   Refresher: Secret 47 is a secret government agency that handles paranormal, terrorists, criminals, and have magical abilities.  Their job is to gather information to prevent attacks, casualties, as well as to protect the mortal world; especially against those who create dangerous weapons.

Our main heroes are Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy; Charlotte is an analyst, with a magic of synesthesia to allow her to uncover lies and track bad guys; Desmond has powerful magical abilities, especially using energy.  They are sent as a team to a party at a German Castle, and have Charlotte sneak out later, when Desmond shuts the lights off, for her to find more information on their enemy. What turns out to be a simple assignment, turns into a nightmare, as all hell breaks loose. 

From start to finish, there was so much action with either Charlotte or Desmond fighting the enemies.  Desmond with help from Gabriel, managed to kill off the mercenaries in the ballroom, but he was worried about Charlotte. She found herself stuck in her plans to find information, and was caught, along with the lady in the house, as terrorist threatened their lives.  I really loved Charlotte, especially how she always managed to get out of death-defying situations.

Sugar Plum Spies was a fun, exciting story, that had constant danger and action, with some romance and witty banter.  The entire story revolved around one night, and lots of fun.  This was another wonderful intriguing urban fantasy that is very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Charlotte and Desmond, and look forward to more on them in future books.   I suggest you read Sugar Plum Spies, as I fully enjoyed it.

 

Sandy’s Reviews:

SUGAR PLUM SPIES is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary adult SECTION 47 paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on paramortal analyst / diner waitress for Section 47 Charlotte Locke, and assassin/cleaner Desmond Percy. SUGAR PLUM SPIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Charlotte and Desmond) follows Section 47 agents Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy on their latest assignment in Frankfurt Germany. Heiress Elsa Eisen moved her orphaned niece Lina to an historical castle in the wake of her parents’ murder. Hoping to give Lina a magical Christmas, Elsa sponsored a Christmas Eve Nutcracker fund raiser featuring a world famous ballerina and scenes from the play but all does not go according to plan when the reveal of the world-famous and multi-million dollar Nutcracker Ruby brings out an array of paramortal assassins, thieves, and Section 47 Agents. Hoping to learn the location of CEO and founder of Hyde Engineering Henrika Hyde, a chemist who has invented a powerful weapon in her war against the paramortal, Charlotte, Desmond and fellow agent Gabriel Chase finds themselves on the defensive when lives are threatened, and our couple face the prospect of losing one another.

The relationship between Charlotte and Desmond has been building since the first instalment, a relationship that is now passionate and intense. Desmond is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, and Charlotte knows that Desmond is the man that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are seductive.

The secondary and supporting characters included heiress Elsa Eisen and her niece Lina; ballerina Katarina Tanetsa, as well as the return of Section 47 Agent Gabriel Chase. The requisite evil has many faces.

SUGAR PLUM SPIES is a fast paced, action packed, violent story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, desperation and determination, magic and mystery. The premise is intriguing and exciting; the romance is impassioned; the characters are energetic and dynamic.

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

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on TWITTER

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

6. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from November 9 – 12, 2022

 

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Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
A WOMAN WHO SEES EVERYTHING . . .

Few people know the name Vesper Quill. To most folks, I’m just a lowly lab rat who designs brewmakers and other household appliances in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. But when I point out a design flaw and a safety hazard in the new line of Kent Corp starcruisers, everyone knows who I am—and wants to eliminate me.

I might be a seer with a photographic memory, but I don’t see the trouble headed my way until it’s too late. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

I don’t think things can get any worse until I meet Kyrion Coldren, an arrogant Regal lord who insists that we have a connection, one that could be the death of us both.

A MAN WHO CAN’T FORGET HIS PAST . . .

The name Kyrion Coldren strikes fear in the hearts of people across the Archipelago Galaxy. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’m used to being a villain, as well as the personal assassin of Lord Callus Holloway. Even the wealthy Regals who live on the planet of Corion are afraid of me.

But everything changes when I meet Vesper Quill. I might be a powerful psion with telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities, but Vesper sees far too many of my secrets.

Thanks to an arcane, unwanted quirk of psionic magic, the two of us are forced to work together to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and outwit the dangerous enemies who want to bend us to their will.

•••••••

 

Barb’s Review:
Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep is the first book in her Galactic Bonds 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 the first book, I can’t wait for more.

This series centers on Vesper Quill, our heroine, who works for Kent Corp, in their research and development lab.  Vesper is considered a lowly lab rat and a seer, she has uncanny ability to find flaws and fix anything in high tech equipment, as well as brew makers/appliances.  She discovers a terrible conspiracy, and before she can point it out, the tables are turned, and she is sent away to be eliminated. 

Kyrion Caldaren, is a powerful and arrogant leader of the Imperium Arrows, who is known to be the most notorious assassin, having killed many; he reports directly to Lord Callus Holloway. During a battle, Kyrion accidently meets the low lab rat, who is sent out to fight the battle in front of them, knowing Vesper was expected to not survive.  But she manages to use her seer knowledge and experience on the weapons used, Vesper manages to save herself and Kyrion. 

Kyrion, at first, is not planning on saving her, but in a short time, he finds her abilities intriguing. They start out as enemies, with Kyrion thinking she is a spy, and in time they become partners in stopping the evil Kent family, who have teamed with the enemy. 

What follows is an exciting, action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. Vesper was a great heroine, as she was not only smart, savvy, but her abilities was amazing; as some of her other abilities, allowed her to see things beyond, an discover many secrets. In time, I began to like Kyrion, who earlier was not really likable.  Only Bad Options had a Galactic theme, with seers, powerful psion, magic, telekinesis, telepathy, as well as spaceships, blasters and great technology. 

The last third of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with a few surprises along the way. I enjoyed watching Vesper and Kyrion begin to work together, as they eventually made a great team.  I will not tell too much more, as it would be spoilers, but it was a wild satisfying ending.

Only Bad Options is a different and intriguing Sci-Fi and Fantasy new series that is very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Vesper and Kyrion, and look forward to see what Estep has planned in future books.   I suggest you read Only Bad Options, as I fully enjoyed it.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ONLY BAD OPTIONS is the first instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, sci-fi GALACTIC TRUEBOND space-opera series. This is thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist Vesper Quill, and thirty-eight year old, leader of the Arrows Kyrion Coldren’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyrion and Vesper) ONLY BAD OPTIONS follows in the wake of our heroine discovering a possible fatal flaw in in the new line of Kent Corp starcruisers, a safety hazard that had already killed several hundred people. In an effort to keep Vesper quiet, our heroine is imprisoned and set to fight a war on another planet, a fight that is meant to end in her immediate death but Vesper isn’t about to go down without a fight, and alongside the infamous personal assassin of Lord Holloway, our couple manage to reach the relative safety of an enemy ship. With her ability to ‘see’ and ‘fix’ things, Vesper and Kyrian manage to escape only to come up close and personal with the people who want her gone but all is not well with our story line couple when blood contact reveals a Truebond mate, a mating neither wants or is willing to accept. As our couple must come to terms with their unknown future, the enemy begins to circle, hoping to destroy everyone in their way.

ONLY BAD OPTIONS is a space-opera-esque, Cinderella-esque, story line reminiscent of many of Jennifer’s previous series. Friends turned enemies, dysfunctional family bloodlines, power and control, magic and mayhem, attraction and rejection. The reader is pulled into a sci-fi fantasy of betrayal and vengeance, and a hierarchy of command desperate to rule without question. Like most dystopian story lines, there is limited to no romance as the couple must fight for their lives, all the while rejecting the attraction to one another, and the potential for a broken heart. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are numerous, powerful and determined. If you are looking for romance, there is none-only rejection and second thoughts.

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

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on TWITTER

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

6. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from September 21 – 25, 2022

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