Tag Archives: Karina Espinosa

Song of The Shadow Prince by Karina Espinosa-review tour

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Song of The Shadow Prince (Dragon’s Ballad 1) by Karina Espinosa-review tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 25, 2025

My name’s Cat, and boy, do I have a tale for you. Imagine waking up to find yourself in a world utterly devoid of life’s essentials—no Netflix, no Wi-Fi, and, brace yourself, not a single Starbucks in sight. Where, you ask? Well, that’s a nightmare I’m still unraveling.

Here’s the scoop: one moment I’m pulling off a daring stunt on a Hollywood set, and the next, I’m gasping for air in a realm that’s straight out of a fantasy novel. This place? It’s overrun with werewolves, vampires, warlocks, fae and, to top it off, dragons. Yes, actual fire-breathing dragons!

But wait, there’s more—I’ve somehow taken the place of my doppelgänger Lady Arya Ryder, a noblewoman whose reputation is as tarnished as an old sword. Now, caught in the mess she left behind, I’ve got no choice but to navigate this medieval minefield. And then there’s Damien Drakonar, the third prince. He’s a dragon, yes, but not the knight-in-shining-armor type.

No, Damien is the sort who would sooner burn you alive than glance your way. He’s a perilous enigma, straddling the line between savior and destroyer. Despite our mutual contempt, our fates are ominously intertwined as we face the devastation Arya’s actions have unleashed.

Now my only option is to find my way back home and fast, but many obstacles stand in my way—including Damien. Will I ever make it back home? Only the shadows hold the answers.

•••••

REVIEW:This author can always be relied upon to deliver a detailed and amazing story. It’s got some graphic fight scenes. Yes it has a mild cliffhanger (next book not out till April!) But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this read.

Cat is a stunt artist, she loves her job. But on a shoot she’s transported to another world (literally!) This one has dragons/witches/vampires and real werewolves! She’s got a temper, but also a wicked sense of humour, and I feel she’s going to need it.

Damien starts this book off, he’s a dragon shifter about to shift for the first time…. But that’s not allowed! Why? Well…. Apparently he killed his mother in childbirth 😞 and his father hears of a prophecy and locks down his dragon and his son! He allows him to leave his cage to look for his mate, then he will be free to claim his throne.

Lady Arya has been replaced by Cat. But what of her story? Apparently she’s not a nice person (which given Cat looks/sounds and acts different from Lady Arya how does no one spot she’s missing?)

So many other characters in this book will either help or hinder our reluctance heroine.
A warlock (Garrick) who wants to help her return to her world (hmm, why do I think there is more to it than meets the eye!) Maeve (Arya’s servant) could she be friend or foe? She seems to want to help Cat find a way home. And the lovely Gianna, who is in love with Damien (that’s got to cause waves somewhere along the line!)

And the ending? Well! I wasn’t sure how it would end, but I didn’t think it would end that way! 🫣

Don’t think Cat is going home anytime soon!

If your in the mood for a world of doppelgängers/dragons/warlocks/witches and fae, then I’m going to recommend this book, I was captured from the first word.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Facebook/ Instagram /Twitter / Bookbub / Amazon Author Page /

Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy Author of the Mackenzie Grey novels and The Last Valkyrie series. An avid reader throughout her life, the world of Urban Fantasy easily became an obsession that turned into a passion for writing strong leading characters with authentic story arcs. When she isn’t writing badass heroines, you can find this self-proclaimed nomad in her South Florida home binge watching the latest series on Netflix or traveling far and wide for the latest inspiration for her books.

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Warrior Princess (Blood Weaver 3) by Karina Espinosa-review tour

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🧡 Warrior Princess (Blood Weaver 3) by Karina Espinosa-review tour 🧡

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 16, 2024

In the fantastical realm of Asteria, where ancient bloodlines and magical allegiances govern the land, Leila, a blood mage with a complicated past, finds her fate intertwined with Ronan, the fierce warrior from the Crimson Clan. When an insidious plot by Prince Caelan of Eldwain threatens to destabilize all of Asteria, Leila must harness her formidable powers and confront secrets that could shatter the very foundations of her world.

Together, Leila and Ronan embark on a perilous journey through treacherous territories, from the Grasslands, Keldara, the Central Plains, to the deceptive courts of Eldwain, to safeguard their people and uphold ancient alliances. As battles rage and loyalties are tested, the pair must navigate a tapestry of intrigue and betrayal, where love may be their most powerful weapon or their ultimate undoing.

With the fate of Asteria hanging in the balance, Leila must decide if she can go against the man she once considered her best friend. In this epic tale of magic, love, and rebellion, only the strongest will survive to tell the tale of their victory—or their defeat.

•••••

REVIEW:Book three starts, where book two ended. And from then on, it’s a fast paced story of betrayal and action. Suitors descend upon Leila to pursue/force/persuade her to marry them! There is no love matches! It’s all to gain power over the Demon Fox. That character grants one wish. But to obtain that wish Leila has to 💀! All but Ronan are happy to sacrifice the princess in order to gain that wish! I did like the prologue in this book, it explains the story/legend of the Demon Fox.

The connection is still strong between Ronan and Leila (even though he did betray her!) I think her faith and trust actually helped him to become a better person.

Leila is growing into her power more and more. Which is why her blood is so sought after! But I also liked that each book Leila had so much to contend with, and with each book she just grows in confidence and experience.

You definitely need to read this trilogy in order, skipping a book won’t make much sense. The story grips you from the first page, and I must admit I did reread the first two books (a refresh and just because I loved the books.)

I also liked the fact we got different points of view. I didn’t warm to Ronan at first, but with each book he proves himself to be a worth companion to Leila. (But his father is definitely a piece of work!)

What a way to end this trilogy. I loved every minute of it. And will go back and read all three again at some point. The fight/battle scenes are intense. Might be a little triggering for a few people. The descriptions are on point, you can easily imagine yourself travelling through different landscapes, and meeting new allies and battling adversaries.

Highly recommended read 👍🏻

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Blood Weaver
Lost Heir

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Facebook/ Instagram /Twitter / Bookbub / Amazon Author Page /

Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy Author of the Mackenzie Grey novels and The Last Valkyrie series. An avid reader throughout her life, the world of Urban Fantasy easily became an obsession that turned into a passion for writing strong leading characters with authentic story arcs. When she isn’t writing badass heroines, you can find this self-proclaimed nomad in her South Florida home binge watching the latest series on Netflix or traveling far and wide for the latest inspiration for her books.

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Blood Weaver/Lost Heir by Karina Espinosa-review tour

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🧡❤️Blood Weaver/Lost Heir (Blood Weaver 1 & 2) by Karina Espinosa-review tour🧡❤️

Blood Weaver
(Blood Weaver Trilogy Book 1)
by Karina Espinosa
Release Date: January 26, 2024

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As the last female blood mage, many would kill to claim the power surging through her veins.

For years Leila has hidden.

Who she is.

Where she came from.

What she can do.

But the long-lost Princess refuses to run forever. Those she loves lied to her. Betrayed her for a greater good. Even in her absence, she’s being used as a pawn in political power plays.

Now, Leila is determined to discover why.

As luck would have it, she has an unlikely ally on her side. Ronan, the audacious heir of a rival clan, feels the need to protect the beautiful, hidden royal any way he can. Despite the strife of their opposing lineages, theirs is a dance of passion and peril, where every stolen glance and forbidden touch sends ripples through their world.

Yet even his loyalty is tested when Leila’s fated calling is exposed.

Thrust into a world she no longer remembers, Leila must fight to discover who she can trust as malicious threats close in from all sides. In a world where the past casts long shadows, Leila will discover that the threads of fate can be rewoven … but not without a cost.

•••••••

REVIEW: A well thought out book, with a plot that is fast paced, full of twists and OMG moments!

Leila is the town healer, but she hides a huge secret, the only other person who knows this is her closest and only true friend. Being a blood mage has her hiding her ability, it’s a rare calling. Her blood can heal. So it makes her valuable, vulnerable and in her eyes just a commodity!

The story starts with a claim that the lost princess has been found and is being held hostage! It makes Leila chuckle, but mirth soon disperses and in its place is worry and caution. The Crimson Clan are coming to her town, and with their arrival, her world that she has created, slowly unravels!!

Hiding for ten long years from (we find out eventually) her past, Leila has worked hard to conceal her actual identity. So when the Crimson Clan come, it confirms her worse nightmare, then twist one comes into play….

There is a lot going on in this book, it actually felt longer than it was. Twists/turns/betrayal and allies who aren’t really what they seem! The book takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride. Your emotions will be all over the place by the time you read the last page. I didn’t leave it alone until I hit the last jaw dropping page….

You have to admire Leila as the hits just keep coming. She’s a loyal and compassionate character. So to hide from her family had to have been hard (although after reading certain parts of the book I do understand why) 🤫 people she thinks are friends betray her! And she’s even tortured by a so-called friend!

Ronan/Prince Caelan and even brother Prince Marcellus have roles to play. I’m not sure I really trust any of them at this point! But Leila can only see the good in them (that’s going to bite her on the a$$!!)

So, if you’re a fan of hidden identity, betrayal, romance and heavy on the angst then you are going to just inhale this book.

I’m looking to seeing where book two (Lost Heir) will take us.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

_________

Lost Heir
(Blood Weaver Trilogy Book 2)
by Karina Espinosa
Release Date: June 14, 2024

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

In the stunning sequel to the fantasy romance Blood Weaver, Leila—revealed to be Princess Lyanna of Valoria—faces new trials and deceptions. After escaping the harsh realities of the Central Plains, she returns to her homeland with Prince Caelan of Eldwain and Ronan, a hostage from the fearsome Crimson Clan of the Grasslands. But peace is fragile; the king of Valoria, seeking to avoid a war, commands the release of Ronan.

Now free, Ronan confronts Lyanna, begging forgiveness for deceiving her and unraveling truths that shake the very foundations of her beliefs. As they navigate their complicated feelings, a grand banquet hosted by Lyanna’s father draws not only dignitaries from across Asteria but also uninvited dangers. Shadows from within their own ranks threaten to turn the festive occasion into a nightmare.

Amidst these swirling conspiracies, Ronan and Leila must discover whether they can trust each other enough to confront what lies ahead. As the prophecy looms over them, their choices could save their lands—or lead them to ruin. Will the truths they uncover allow them to stand together, or is their fate already sealed?

•••••

REVIEW: Could not put this book down! It’s full of danger/intrigue/betrayal and twists. It has characters you will cheer for, and some you will want to see justice for how they treated leila.

This book picks up where the last book left off, so you definitely need to read them in order.

There are twists and betrayals almost from the beginning, we see characters true colours emerge (some will shock, others will have you saying to yourself that you were right not to trust them!)

And I was surprised at Leila’s parents. Her dad was great, her mother, well let’s put it this way, maternal feelings were definitely amiss!!

In this book, even more danger and intrigue are thrown at Leila! This character doesn’t really get a break!

I did get a little confused when characters kept calling Leila, Lyanna. But if you remember she’s in hiding, so took on an assumed name! 🤔

Leila wants to help Ronan, but when she does, all it does is put her life in peril!! But she’s resourceful (so I’m hoping there is a backup plan in place!)

We also see Leila slowly come into her power, her full potential isn’t there yet, but when it does, she’s going to be unstoppable.

I’m still on the fence about her brother (Prince Marcellus) and Prince Caelan, I’m waiting for them to choose what side they are really on! Ronan although part of the Crimson Clan (those want to rid the realm of Leila) is definitely trying to redeem himself with Leila. But it’s hard to trust someone that has betrayed you already!

But even Ronan will have to adjust to betrayal that is thrown his way! They really are going to have to work together to find away through this.)

Oh CLIFFHANGER warning!! It took me by surprise. And now I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens next!

So if you like an action-filled paranormal romance with lots going on, I highly recommend the previous book and this one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Facebook/ Instagram /Twitter / Bookbub / Amazon Author Page /

Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy Author of the Mackenzie Grey novels and The Last Valkyrie series. An avid reader throughout her life, the world of Urban Fantasy easily became an obsession that turned into a passion for writing strong leading characters with authentic story arcs. When she isn’t writing badass heroines, you can find this self-proclaimed nomad in her South Florida home binge watching the latest series on Netflix or traveling far and wide for the latest inspiration for her books.

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Killer Wolf / Captured Wolf by Karina Espinosa-review tour

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Killer Wolf / Captured Wolf (Sevyn Rose 1 & 2) by Karina Espinosa-review tour

KILLER WOLF
Sevyn Rose 1
by Karina Espinosa
Release Date: May 5, 2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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

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I’m known as the Grim Reaper of Chicago.
But to those closest to me, my name is Sevyn Rose.
As an assassin for the mafia, I’ve amassed a lot of enemies over the years. I’ve been on my own for eight years with one goal in mind—find my missing mother. She left me with simple instructions: leave the pack and contact the mafia. So I did just that.
Everything is going fine until I’m handed the name of my next target. Christian Ellis is the son of the pack leader and my most hated frenemy. Going after him could change the course of my life completely. And worse, it would get me involved with the pack again.
To top things off, a vampire shows up at my door with information on my missing mother—but that information comes at a price. If I want the truth, I have to help him take down the city’s vampire clan leader. Not only putting my life on the line, but that of the local pack.
Trouble is brewing in the city of Chicago. And I’m right at the center of it.

•••••

REVIEW:Book one in a new series /author that I’ve not read yet.

A Paranormal Romance that is occupied by a strong female main character. An assassin for hire! She’s at the top of her field of expertise. A wolf shifter that’s gone rogue with her pack! But Sevyn is happy where she is….. Until it brings Christian back into her life!!
Mates that can’t stand each other, but if in the same proximity, are drawn to each other!

An assassin that’s also now been pointed in the direction of her pack! Her new job is to assassinate the pack leaders son (who is none other than her mate Christian!)
Can she really kill the wolf shifter that is her fated mate? And why would an ancient vampire want to start a war with the wolf shifters? It could draw attention from the humans (who know of their existence, but both keep a low profile anyways!) but the vampire has information that could help her uncover what happened to her mother.

It’s a fast paced action/mystery book, with a fierce female in the lead role.
Nicely written with just Sevyn’s point of view. We also get flashbacks of her growing up with her mother (who was also the pack protector/enforcer) they didn’t have a real close relationship, it was all about survival and training! We also get to see Christian and Sevyn fight the bond when it clicks on at eighteen (both claim it’s only a bond that neither really wanted!)

It’s also a nice change to read about a bond that neither Christian or Sevyn want, the hate and the longing looks both give one another when no one is looking. The banter and the comebacks that Sevyn did have me chuckling. It’s also nice to see she can look after herself and handle anything that gets thrown at her. A quick mind and super fast reflexes helps her in her work. And I liked the fact Christian is a cop, Sevyn is a killer, so we have that vibe going on too (will he arrest her if she’s caught killing?)

Side characters are a mixture of love and hate for me. Her boss is mixed up with human mafia (those are the kills she’s sent out to do). The vampire leader knows more than he’s letting on too! And the pack she left don’t exactly like her either!

And there is a cliffhanger to contend with also!!

But a really good read. And I’m looking forward to the next book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

____________

CAPTURED WOLF
Sevyn Rose 2
by Karina Espinosa
Release Date: July 21,2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Amazon.US / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

In the captivating world of supernatural factions, Sevyn Rose emerges from years of obscurity, catching the attention of everyone around her. The key to their relentless pursuit lies in her elusive mother, whose sudden phone call sparks Sevyn’s curiosity to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.

Amidst the ensuing chaos, Sevyn becomes the target of vicious attacks by the witches, only to be repeatedly rescued by an enigmatic figure shrouded in mystery. Although this stranger refuses to reveal his motives, Sevyn finds solace in his unwavering protection, even if his presence borders on stalking.

Complicating matters further, Sevyn’s relationship with Christian, her mate, is strained and hanging by a thread. Together, they must confront a crucial decision: should they preserve or sever their mating bond?

Caught in a perilous tug-of-war between witches, mages, and vampires, Sevyn embarks on a relentless quest to find the answers she desperately seeks. Will she unravel the mysteries surrounding her mother’s disappearance? And, in the ultimate test of resilience, will Sevyn ultimately reunite with her long-lost mother?

••••••

REVIEW:Second book in the Sevyn Rose Series, and I’m totally here to see what happens next….
Book two takes up the story where book one left it….

Sevyn is being chased by a whole crew of people that want her (or is it her mother they really want?)

After saving Christian in the last book, she’s living with the pack for the moment. That’s awkward to say the least! No one really wants her there! And she doesn’t really want to be there either! Too many memories of her mother (and also the warning that if she didn’t come home, she was to leave the pack and find her boss Nicholas) and the unwelcome vibe she seems to be feeling!

Lots going on in this book, lots of stuff I don’t want to tell you about either. (Hate when too much is given away) lots of secrets that Sevyn is slowly uncovering. Plenty about her parents (even though her mother claimed her father died before she was born!) the human mafia still want her to kill Christian and the alpha of the group, but she’s also being targeted by them! The vampire leader is pushing for a kill too! And a rogue alpha is challenging both the alpha and Christian for their pack! And a mysterious stranger that turns up when Sevyn is in need! (See told you there was lots going on ?) oh and throw in a coven of witches!!

Sevyn is still a bada$$ character. I worry sometimes when a second book comes out, the character becomes a weak and clingy female… But she’s still as resourceful as ever, still sharp witted and full of snappy comebacks. Her main priority is still finding clues to her mother’s disappearance, and just when you feel like she’s getting somewhere, someone or something gets in her way!

And the bond between Christian and Sevyn? If she carries on behaving the way she does, then it’s going to snap!!! ? it’s a decision that both Christian and Sevyn really need to think about (and a refreshing change to see not all bonds are instant and forever) so they really want to be together?

And this stranger that appears and disappears is intriguing, who is he? Friend? Or someone with an agenda?

So are we any closer to finding what happened to her mother? Are Christian and Sevyn going make a go of their bond, or just break it and move on? Who is our masked figure, and what does he want?

Cliffhanger that I did not see coming!!!!

And now we wait for book three in this fast paced action filled story. I’m left with more questions. I also liked this one better than the first one.

You definitely need to read book one before picking up book two.

A highly recommended read ??

Copy supplied for review

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Facebook/ Instagram /Twitter / Bookbub / Amazon Author Page /

Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy Author of the Mackenzie Grey novels and The Last Valkyrie series. An avid reader throughout her life, the world of Urban Fantasy easily became an obsession that turned into a passion for writing strong leading characters with authentic story arcs. When she isn’t writing badass heroines, you can find this self-proclaimed nomad in her South Florida home binge watching the latest series on Netflix or traveling far and wide for the latest inspiration for her books.

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