Tag Archives: mythology

CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2024

Death was never supposed to fall in love…

Fenn had long given up on knowing the warmth of another by the day he met her.
Sienna Jacobsen.

A woman who was somehow immune to the touch of Death.

With Christmas just around the corner, Sienna was once again desperate to find someone she could bring home for the weekend.

Talk about the perfect time to finally meet the very literal man of her dreams.

He was supposed to be investigating Sienna’s death-touch immunity, but the only touch on either of their minds was the kind he’d so long been denied. And he couldn’t keep his hands off.

Her sisters had their reservations about Fenn, but it was his personal stalker that threatened to ruin the holiday

••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is the first instalment in Rose Wulf’s contemporary, adult APOCALYPTIC LOVE erotic, paranormal, fantasy, mythology series. This is Death aka Fenn, and Sienna Jacobsen’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Sienna and Fenn) CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER focuses on the building relationship between Sienna Jacobsen, a woman with the ability to see the future, and Fenn, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Fenn has never known human touch or otherwise, and as one of the Four Horsemen, never expected to fall in love but the touch of a woman with powers of her own gives Fenn thoughts for a future even if only for a limited time. Sienna Jacobsen is a clairvoyant, one of three sisters with supernatural powers, and thought to be blessed by the gods, the Jacobsen sisters try to keep to themselves but a Christmas reunion forces Sienna to look for a plus-one, and Fenn is perfect for the time. Meanwhile Fenn has a stalker, a stalker who takes aim at our story line heroine, using her sisters as collateral damage.

The world building reveals some of Fenn’s history, and the introduction of the other Horsemen, as well as the deities and demi-gods seeking revenge or the ultimate prize.

The relationship between Fenn and Sienna begins by accident when Sienna touches a man who has never been touched.For years, Sienna, as a clairvoyant, has witnessed a stranger in her dreams, a stranger who is about to become her happily ever after. Falling in love was never meant to be, Sienna suspects her relationship with Fenn comes with an expiry date. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Sienna’s ‘magical’ sisters: Maya and Piper, and her best friend Sherri; as well as the other Horsemen: Cassian aka Famine, Sulien aka War, Rajan aka Famine; Florence Dossit; and Moirai Lauryn, aka Fate, and a demi-god with ulterior motives.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance,obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is enchanting and intriguing; the romance is provocative; the characters are magical and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Fangs So Bright and Deadly (Mythwoven 2) by Piper J Drake-review

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Fangs So Bright and Deadly (Mythwoven 2) by Piper J Drake-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

A Kitsune, a Kumiho, a Witch, and a danger not even their combined magic is strong enough to defy.

Marie Xiao lives a double life, moonlighting as a freelance consultant in corporate Seattle even as she dedicates herself—and her powers as a witch—to chasing down objects of myth and magic before they can be used to harm humankind. She carefully guards the bridges between worlds and has never once been tempted to stray.

Until she catches the eye of a pair-bonded kitsune and kumiho and her whole world is thrown into chaos.

Japanese and Korean fox spirits Yamamoto Kuro and Joseph Choe have been hoping to cross paths with Marie since their first chance meeting at an artifact retrieval gone decidedly wrong. They may work for Marie’s enemy, but they don’t see any reason why they can’t mingle a little work and play…especially when a (literal) dead man waltzes into their impromptu reunion, raising intriguing questions about a deeper magic that may be afoot. Temporarily teaming up, the trio investigate the unusual unrest…but as loyalties begin to shift and lines blur, Kuro, Joe, and Marie may find themselves at the precipice of something none of them are prepared to face…or deny.

•••••

REVIEW:FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY is the second instalment in Piper J. Drake’s contemporary, adult MYTHWOVEN erotic, Asian mythology, romance series. This is with Marie Xiao, and Japanese and Korean fox spirits Yamamoto Kuro (Kitsune) and Joseph Choe’s (gumiho) story line. FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: The relationship between Marie, Kuro and Joe is a threesome with some same $ex situations, as well as $ex scenes involving all three characters.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Marie, Kuro, Joe) FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY follows the building relationship between Marie, Kuro and Joe. All three are in a similar business, retrieving magical artifacts and objects for elite ‘customers’ but when Joe and Kuro failed to complete an assignment for Babel, they will be hexed by a pain witch, as our heroine struggles to find an answer or a cure. Meanwhile, Marie’s latest business contract for the Darke Consortium with Socrates Industries comes with an assortment of questionable quirks including a dead man walking, a blue lotus and, an Egyptian amulet with magical powers.

The world building is complex and detailed blending Asian and Egyptian mythology ;an assortment of supernatural and paranormal creatures including witches, fae, vampires, werewolves, and fox shifters kitsune and gumiho. The author encompasses and incorporates Asian cuisine, as well as Asian traditions.

The relationship between Marie, and Joe and Kuro begins as friends. Marie had previously met Joe and Kuro on a prior assignment but the cursed duo found themselves falling for our story line heroine. Joe and Kuro were a couple, whose attraction to Marie was mutual but the hex added limitations to their relationship. The $ex scenes are provocative and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large assortment of supernatural creatures including Rensho, a talking scroll. We are reintroduced to Thomas the werewolf, PA Duncan, winged Fae-Ashke , Punch (kinaree bird), Bennett, and Asamoah.

FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY is a story of power and control, magic and mayhem, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate and multi-layered; the romance is seductive; the characters are magical and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s reviews of book one WINGS ONCE CURSED

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Piper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans.

Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads | Youtube

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Cruel Seduction (Dark Olympus 5) by Katee Robert-review

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Cruel Seduction (Dark Olympus 5) by Katee Robert-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2023

He was my enemy. My lover. My husband. And the one man I swore by all Olympus I would destroy.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Aphrodite and Hephaestus (and Pandora and Adonis).*

Aphrodite has never flinched at getting her perfectly manicured hands dirty, and she’s not about to start now—even if that means marrying Olympus’s enemy number one, the new Hephaestus. She has a wicked plan to keep her deadly new husband off-balance, seducing the one person he seems to care about most in this world: Pandora, a woman as beautiful as she is sweet.

Two can play the seduction game, however, and Hephaestus is all too happy to put his new wife in her place. Her ex, Adonis, seems like he’ll do the trick. It doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous in the way of fallen angels, either.

The only problem with using seduction as a weapon? Hearts are all too quick to get involved. With Hephaestus and Aphrodite trading venomous strikes that feel a whole lot like foreplay, lines become blurred and emotions entangled. But a broken heart may be the least of their worries. With unrest in Olympus reaching new heights, these bedroom games may have deadly consequences for themselves, their city, and everyone they’ve come to love.

••••

REVIEW:CRUEL SEDUCTION is the fifth full-length instalment in Katee Robert’s contemporary, adult DARK OLYMPUS erotic, romance series-a modern retelling of the gods and goddesses of Olympus. This is Aphrodite aka Eris, Hephaestus aka Theseus, Pandora and Adonis’ story line. CRUEL SEDUCTION can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: CRUEL SEDUCTION is a story focusing on a polyamorous relationship including several same $ex situations, with multiple partners.

Told from four first person perspectives (Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Pandora and Adonis) CRUEL SEDUCTION follows in the aftermath of the marriage of convenience between Aphrodite and Hephaestus. Our couple are the newest members of the ruling Thirteen, and someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes. By marrying Aphrodite, Hephaestus all but secures his place in the hierarchy of Olympus but Hephaestus never expected to fall in love with the woman that pushes all of his buttons. Hephaestus reputation as a killer has earmarked him for assassination but targeting his wife means the possibility of two openings on the ruling Thirteen. Meanwhile, Aphrodite’s ex Adonis fears for Aphrodite’s life, and Hephaestus’ best friend Pandora is falling in love with Aphrodite. As Aphrodite and Hephaestus begin to navigate their acrimonious relationship, Adonis and Pandora will round out the four-some, ensuring a tight knit bond for security, protection and love.

The world building continues to focus on the fight for a position with the ruling Thirteen-think of it as the leaders of the strongest Thirteen crime families forging together to make the rules, and enforce their power and control but there is always someone else waiting for a seat at the table-death either by assassination or natural causes, is one way to take take the power from someone else.

The relationship between Aphrodite and Hephaestus aka Eris and Theseus is tempestuous at best. Eris and Theseus despise one another-Eris believes Theseus has targeted her for extermination but Theseus is a dead man walking as his reputation as a killer has made him persona non-grata, and at the top of everybody’s hit list. As our couple slowly set themselves on a path towards love, Adonis and Pandora find that they too, want to be part of the relationship with everyone else. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and intense with scenes of multiple partners and same $ex situations.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and questionable secondary and supporting characters many of who we have met in the previous story lines. We are re-introduced to Theseus adopted brothers Minotaur and Icarus, and their foster father Minos, all of whom has their eye on the ultimate prize.

CRUEL SEDUCTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed and entertaining but is often waylaid with the numerous first-person narrators such that I had to go back to double-check as to identity of the current speaker; the romance is passionate and steamy; the characters are struggling, embattled, determined and desperate. CRUEL SEDUCTION ends on a happily ever after-for now, there is no resolution in the fight for control.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Neon Gods
Electric Idol
Wicked Beauty
Radiant Sin

Please Note: The author has release several novellas and short stories that are not included in my reading order

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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ARCHENEMY (Angelbound Xavier 1) by Christina Bauer -review tour

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ARCHENEMY (Angelbound Xavier 1) by Christina Bauer

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /ibooks /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 9, 2023

Ancient Egyptians. Powerful gods. Lost loves. And one badass warrior with wings.

Welcome to the beautiful land of ancient Egypt… only it may not stay lovely for long. The chaos god, Set, plans to destroy the human world. Fortunately, the angel Xavier has the perfect plan to imprison Set and fast. Even better, Xavier can enact his scheme alone… which is just the way he likes it. No partners. No complications. No problems.

Suddenly, a gorgeous woman materializes. Calling herself Camilla, she declares she’s from the future. All of which is strange enough, but things soon go from bad to weird when Camilla announces that she and Xavier must work together—it’s the only way to defeat Set.

Wow, does Xavier ever hate that idea.

The warrior angel decides on a strategic retreat. In other words, Xavier works to avoid Camilla at all costs. Turns out, that isn’t so easy. This mystery woman has set Xavier’s blood on fire in a way he’s never felt before. No matter how hard he tries, Xavier simply can’t desert her.

But is Camilla another element of Set’s destructive chaos magic… or is she Xavier’s only chance to save both himself and humanity?

•••••

REVIEW: ARCHENEMY is the first instalment in Christina Bauer’s adult ANGELBOUND XAVIER Egyptian gods and goddesses, fantasy trilogy, set in the author’s ANGELBOUND ORIGINS world. This is the story of lower angel/warrior/Archangel Xavier, and Purgatory’s quasi demon Camilla.

Told from first person perspective (Xavier) ARCHENEMY follows lower angel Xavier as he struggles to contain tSet, the god of chaos, in the Red Pyramid of Egypt. Set went into battle with his brother Osiris, eventually killing Osiris, wherein Osiris would embark on a life ruling the Underworld. With Xavier’s aid, Set would be imprisoned in the Red Pyramid but Set’s magic is too powerful, and the god of chaos is about to reap havoc upon the world but not before warning Xavier about a woman in red who would be Xavier’s downfall. Enter Camilla, a quasi demon of Purgatory, and the woman with whom Xavier had fallen in love. With the help of magic, Xavier and Camilla go in search of three ingredients meant to contain the god of chaos but Xavier will soon discover Camilla is dying, and it may be his fault. As Xavier and Camilla journey together in the search for the magical properties, the gods and goddesses each inquiry of Xavier if he knows why he was chosen.

ARCHENEMY blends the mythology of Egyptian gods and goddesses with Christina Bauer’s take on power and control. The premise is engaging and entertaining but adolescent in presentation and story telling-this trilogy may be suited for a younger teen audience. The characters are magical; the romance is hidden by secrets and eons of love.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. 

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Blog: http://monsterhousebooks.com/blog/category/christina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorBauer/
Twitter: @CB_Bauer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_cb_bauer/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-bauer-481b12139/
Web site: http://monsterhousebooks.com/authors/cbauer

 

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The Midnight Realm by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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THE MIDNIGHT REALM (Chronicles of the Stone Veil 7) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

Amazon | Amazon. ca | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Print

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2022

Even kings who serve at the whim of gods break the rules every now and then.

As the newly anointed king of the Underworld, I’ve worked hard to clean up the mess left behind by my predecessor. The realm is in relative peace at the moment, my main focus now on deciding the fate of recently departed souls. It’s a tediously boring task, and honestly, one I despise doing. But just when I think I can’t stand another moment of the monotony, one soul changes it all.

Nyssa McKnight earned her ticket to Hell. She made her choices and even at the prospect of eternal damnation, she doesn’t seem to regret the actions that led her here. I can tell by her utter defiance that life has hardened her, a trait that has carried over to her in death. She should be begging me for mercy but instead calls me a “big old winged bat”. I should toss her right into The Crimson River for her insolence but instead I think I’ll keep her in servitude.

While I struggle to reconcile the intrigue—and attraction—I have for this human, I am forced to spend my days investigating rumors of an uprising in the Underworld. Unfortunately, my desire to keep Nyssa has provided a weak spot for the rebellious Dark Fae looking to gain control, one they’re quick to act on. Now, with Nyssa in danger and my throne threatened, I will stop at nothing to restore order, even if it means letting her go.

Can Amell, the king of the Underworld, find true love, or is he destined to rule alone until the end of days?

••••••

REVIEW: THE MIDNIGHT REALM is the seventh instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s adult CHRONICLES OF THE STONE VEIL paranormal/fantasy/mythology series. This is Amell, King of the Underworld, and twenty-six year old human bartender Nyssa McKnight’s story line. THE MIDNIGHT REALM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Amell and Nyssa) THE MIDNIGHT REALM focuses on the acclimation and survival of Nyssa McKnight in H*ll. Having lived a life of demons and darkness, Nyssa takes a life, before ending her own. Waiting for her judgment, Nyssa is defiant until the end, an end that never comes when she finds herself saved by the King of the Underworld, the man with whom Nyssa will fall in love. Amell doesn’t know why he saved Nyssa from the Crimson River but Amell knew that Nyssa was about to upend his world in more ways than mattered. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Nyssa and Amell, and the fall-out as Nyssa is targeted for who she is, she was, and who she will never be.

Amell’s punishment for interfering in the laws of the gods is to spend eternity serving judgement from his throne in H*ll but Amell never expected to meet his future in the guise of human Nyssa McKnight, a woman with more spunk and fire than anyone he has ever met. Amell’s control of H*ll is about to be tested when the Dark Fae take aim at the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Amell and Nyssa begins as prisoner and jailer. Nyssa has no idea why she was saved from the Crimson River of fire but going from the proverbial fire back into the frying pan means serving a man who is about to control her life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many we have met in previous story lines: Amell’s daughter Thalia (The Shadow Princess 6), god of life/death Zora, demigod Maddox; Dark Fae Truett, and his sister Sorcha, as well as several other Light and Dark Fae. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE MIDNIGHT REALM is another detailed and complex addition to Sawyer’s CHRONICLES OF THE STONE VEIL series, a series wrapped in mythology, angels and demons, Fae, daemons and demons, gods and goddess, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and death. The fast paced premise is intriguing, intricate and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are powerful , energetic, charismatic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Clash of Yesterday (prequel)
The Revelation of Light and Dark
A Discovery of Secrets and Fates
The Evolution of Fae and Gods
A Battle of Blood and Stone
The Rise of Fury and Fortune
The Shadow Princess

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM |  Join Sawyer’s Newsletter

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ROGUE (Talisman 6) by Tam DeRudder Jackson-Review & Giveaway Tour

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ROGUE (Talisman 6) by Tam DeRudder Jackson-Review & Giveaway Tour

ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2022.

Baz Cormac never intended to be a rogue, but fate had other ideas.

Being forced to pledge loyalty to the evil Morrigan is its own kind of hell. So when Baz discovers the lie she’s used to keep him and his band of rogues under her power, he concocts a plan to force the goddess’s hand, which drops him in the center of a cosmic tug-o-war. No matter which way he leans, someone is going to lose-and it looks like that someone may be Baz.

A talisman fights her fate…and her fatal attraction.

Delaney Ferrell has spent her life trying to live down her uncle’s choice to turn rogue. As a warrior-talisman hybrid, she’s done her best to serve the warrior community as a protector. But a cryptic letter sends her to an abandoned home where she encounters a lone rogue with fighting skills no rogue should possess. Instead of killing her, he kidnaps her and takes her to his lair. He presents a terrible danger to the community, one she must neutralize.

So why does he have to be so damn charming?

Discovering Delaney is his fated mate throws all of Baz’s plans into chaos. And when the goddesses come calling, Baz has to choose between a rogue’s freedom and a talisman’s love.

Will they have a chance at love, or will they be torn apart?

•••••••

REVIEW: ROGUE is the sixth instalment in Tam DeRudder Jackson’s contemporary, adult TALISMAN erotic, paranormal, Celtic mythological romance series. This is thirty-one year old, warrior turned rogue Kieran ‘Baz’ Cormac, and Warrior-Talisman Delaney Ferrell’s story line. ROGUE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Centuries earlier, the Morrigan cursed the male descendants of the Sheridan family- if they haven’t found their mates by their twenty-eighth birthday, the warrior may turn to the dark side, essentially going rogue, fighting against the people he once friended and loved. The curse had the potential to be broken with the mating of a warrior and his fated mate, a mate who would be his protector and his guardian. Desperate to prevent the breaking of the curse, Morgan and her sisters Macha and Maeve set into motion a series of battles that will pull the Sheridan family into a war where family and friendships will be tested. Morrigan is part of Celtic mythology representing the cycle of birth and death, but is also the patron of magic and revenge, prophecy and night.

Told from third person perspective ROGUE focuses on Kieran ‘Baz’ Cormac, a warrior who chose to turn Rogue on his twenty-eighth birthday, a choice he made in the face of having not found his fated mate but a chance encounter with Delaney Ferrell, an unattached Talisman, forces Baz Cormac to face the possibility that turning rogue may have been a little too hasty. Baz Cormac is the leader of a group of former warriors turned rogue, a group that is about to go to war with our story line hero. To prove he is ready and willing to change allegiances, the Morrigan sets into motion a battle between Baz and Delaney, and the rogues Baz once trained, and the zombie warriors resurrected to fight the war. What ensues is the building romance and fated relationship between Delaney and Baz, and the fall-out as Baz and Delaney must prove they are worthy of their own happily ever after.

Baz Cormac and his fellow rogues ‘acquire’ unmated warriors to build an army for the Celtic goddess Morgan but Baz never expected to come face to face with Delaney Ferrell, a woman he thought never existed but a woman he knows to be his fated mate. Delaney Ferrell finds herself forced to choose between her mate, and her friends, a mate who may not be accepted because of sins from the past.

The relationship between Delaney and Baz is fated by the gods and goddesses. Baz gave into the dark side too early and too easily, Delaney never expected to fall for a man whose reputation is tarnished and black. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in previous story lines. We are introduced to Baz’s fellow rogues Jamie and Rory, as well as Baz’s Druid Partland aka Party.

ROGUE is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, fate and love, forgiveness and family. The premise is detailed, encouraging and entertaining; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic, determined and charismatic.

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Talisman
Warrior
Prophetess
Bard
Druid

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

“You’re either the bravest woman I’ve ever met—or the stupidest,” Baz growled as he pulled his sword from its scabbard.
“Save your breath, Rogue. You’re going to need it.”
Delaney stepped to her left at the exact second Baz landed where he would have had the advantage of prodding the small of her back with the tip of his sword again. The man needs to work on his opening move, maybe vary it some, she thought with a smirk when she spun around to face him. As she pirouetted, she swung her claymore in a half arc, catching the tip of his on the upswing and knocking him off-balance. He staggered back a step then steadied himself. A feral gleam came into his golden-green eyes, turning them molten, and Delaney’s heart stuttered a beat in her chest.
“You’re definitely intelligent.” He thrust and she parried. “Still not too sure about smart.” He executed his own spin in the center of the floor where the three parts of the trinity met directly beneath the hub of the wheel of life in the ceiling. The execution of the move coupled with where he landed it intensified his roguish aura, making him appear larger than he already was.
“Impressive.” She feinted then thrust, nicking the back of his hand, drawing first blood. “But my brother has you by a couple inches and probably twenty pounds. I’m not afraid of you.”
His riposte had her backing up fast. When her ass encountered the edge of the bar, she ducked, tucked, and rolled to her left, coming back to her feet toward the middle of the room again. One raised brow was his only response before he feinted to his right and lunged. A series of thrusts and parries left both of them panting, but instead of wearing him out as she’d intended, he seemed to be enjoying himself.
“This is better than training with my boys,” he said, his tone conversational.
Narrowing her eyes, she waited on the balls of her feet.
“You’re giving me a workout like they do, but you’re much more fun to look at.”
Gritting her teeth, she lunged and thrust at the same second he stepped aside. As she flew past him, struggling to maintain her balance, he smacked the flat of his sword on her ass, and she sprawled flat on her belly on the floor. She had no time to fume at the indignity of his antics. Instead, she scrambled to her feet and faced her opponent with a two-handed grip on her claymore.
“This. Is. Not. A. Game,” she stated through clenched teeth.
Baz laughed.
She couldn’t believe he laughed. Judging from the way he tried to cover his outburst with a cough, he was as surprised at his laughter as she. The rich sound of amusement echoed through her, simultaneously arousing and irritating her.
Mimicking her stance, he faced her. “If you think about it, it’s all a game. You’re trying to wear me out so you can force me to give up the code to the door. I’m trying to wear you out so you won’t skewer me in my sleep.” He sheared the blade of his weapon along the blade of hers, a metallic whir ringing through the room. “Neither of us has any intention of killing the other.”
“What?” She blinked. “You don’t intend to kill me?”
“If I’d wanted to kill you, you’d be bleeding out on the driveway next door.”
Delaney started sidestepping, drawing Baz to follow her in a circle. “I might have been down then, but I was far from out, Rogue.”

Tam DeRudder Jackson is the author of the paranormal romance Talisman Series and the contemporary romance Balefire Series. Her favorite “room” in her house is her back patio where she dreams up stories of romance and risk. When she’s not writing her latest paranormal or contemporary romance, you can usually find her driving around with the top down in her convertible or carving turns on the slopes of the local ski hill. The mom of two grown sons, Tam likes to travel, attend rock concerts, watch football and soccer, and visit old car shows with her husband. She lives in the mountains of northwest Wyoming where she spends most of her free time trying to read all the books. Her TBR piles are threatening to take over her office, and she’s fine with that.

Author links:

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The Fortress/The Temple by M.A. Abraham – Reviews

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 The Fortress/The Temple  by M.A. Abraham – Reviews

 

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The Temple Description:
Ele is a powerful goddess in her own right, so she doesn’t worry about her safety as her sisters think she should. She is beautiful in ways that catches the wrong type attention. In order to keep her safe, her sisters blackmail a god from another world to take Ele into his care.
Sagan is a warrior god on his planet and every bit as powerful as Ele. He is also the epitome of what every woman thinks a god should look like. Without seeing Ele, he promises to keep her safe and keep his distance. After seeing Ele, he doubts if he can keep his word.

 

The Temple Review:

The Temple by M.A. Abraham is a novella that is part of the Sinners and Saints Anthology. Above is the list of authors participating in this Anthology and a brief description.  Since I read all of M.A. Abraham’s work, this review is only on her novella The Temple.   Brief description: Ele is a powerful goddess in her own right, so she doesn’t worry about her safety as her sisters think she should. She is beautiful in ways that catches the wrong type attention. In order to keep her safe, her sisters blackmail a god from another world to take Ele into his care.  Sagan is a warrior god on his planet and every bit as powerful as Ele. He is also the epitome of what every woman thinks a god should look like. Without seeing Ele, he promises to keep her safe and keep his distance. After seeing Ele, he doubts if he can keep his word.

At the start we meet Ele, our heroine, and her sisters, who fear their sister in law is planning on doing something bad to Ele.  Normally, Ele could handle herself, as she is one of the most powerful goddesses, but the sisters decide to make sure she is safe.   They call upon a warrior god, Sagan, to protect her and after being convinced, he takes Ele to his planet. Even though she is surprised, Ele knows why she is on this planet, and takes it upon herself to womanize the planet which is bare everywhere.  Slowly, Sagan finds himself attracted to her, and tries to win her over.

When Sagan goes away for awhile to handle his bad brother, he returns to find that his home, and his warriors have totally changed, due to Ele’s influence.  When his brother returns, he decides to make Ele his own, and the two battle it out.

What follows is a battle that will involve Sagan, his brother Chase, and their father, whom Ele saved.  Sagan manages to be a step ahead of Chase, but learns that the danger sits with the father. Will Sagan survive? What happens to Ele when she manages to escape and return home?  You will need to read this short story to find out. 

I really enjoyed this quick read, and was happy with how the story concluded. M.A. Abraham once again gives us a fun story line, with great characters.

 

 

Fortress Description:
A slip of the tongue by Riel’s older brother, Tash, has sent him reeling. Riel is the god of the sun, and until now he didn’t know that he was related to Sagan, who is known as the god of the sky. It doesn’t take much prodding to get him to travel across the great distance so he can get to know his brother, a man who is his identical twin.
Tash is a god of chaos, and although he is content to let things develop as they will, up to a point, this soon comes to an end when they arrive in Sagan’s home to find Ele’s sisters also visiting. As Riel quickly falls for the one sister, Tash plots to destroy everything and everyone around him.

Satirea and Aslea, Ele’s sisters are also in residence. One is a goddess of battles, the other a goddess of justice. It is Aslea who finds out about Tash’s plans and moves to stop him. The question is, can she before it is too late?

 

 

Fortress Review:

The Fortress by M.A. Abraham is part of the multi authored Twist of Fate (Gods of War) anthology.  This review is solely on The Fortress, which is a novella.  We meet Riel, one of our heroes, who is the God of Sun, and his half-brother, Tash, who is the God of Chaos.  Reil learns that the God of the Sky is his twin brother, Sagan, whom he has never met.  He decides he wants to meet him and plans to travel to his land and The Fortress.

Tash, has always been a bad boy, but is close to Reil, which convinces him to go with him to meet Sagan.  When they arrive at The Fortress, Sagan welcomes his brother and Tash, and introduces his wife, Ele to them.  Tash acts brashly to Ele, who has her own powers, which she turns on him, with fire ants, much to Tash’s dislike.   Both Sagan and Ele recognize that Tash is dangerous and needs watching.  Ele’s two sisters also arrived for a visit, and Riel finds himself in competing with Satirea (who is the Goddess of Battles) and by the time they are finished, they both end up falling hard for each other. 

Tash is jealous, and plots to destroy his brother’s relationship with an evil plan, that will also possibly hurt Ele and the other sister, Aslea (Goddess of Justice).  As Tash puts together his plan, Aslea overhears his plan and works with another friend of Sagan, to stop Tash at any cost.

What follows is Aslea and Cort getting help to turn the tables on Tash, which will eventually bring him in front of Sagan, Ele, Reil, who realize what he was planning in destroying them.  Before Sagan can do anything, someone from the past will return to bring justice. I did like most of the characters, with the exception of Tash. The Fortress was a quick read, and a good story that was well written by M.A. Abraham. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copies supplied for review

 

 

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A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross – a Review

 

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Description:
Jack Tamerlaine hasn’t stepped foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the mainland university. But when young girls start disappearing from the isle, Jack is summoned home to help find them. Enchantments run deep on Cadence: gossip is carried by the wind, plaid shawls can be as strong as armor, and the smallest cut of a knife can instill fathomless fear. The capricious spirits that rule the isle by fire, water, earth, and wind find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home. Adaira, heiress of the east and Jack’s childhood enemy, knows the spirits only answer to a bard’s music, and she hopes Jack can draw them forth by song, enticing them to return the missing girls.

As Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together, they find they make better allies than rivals as their partnership turns into something more. But with each passing song, it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than they first expected, and an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all.

 

 

Review:

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross is the 1st book in her new Elements of Cadence series.  I have become a fan of Rebecca Ross’s wonderful fantasy novels. A River Enchanted has a Scottish feel filled with magic, in the isle of Cadence, with two warring clans (East & West).  The focus of the novel, is centered on two childhood enemies that team up to find out why young girls are being mysterious taken.

Jack Tamerlaine (he is a Bard) returns to Cadence after a 10-year absence, studying music and getting a job at the mainland university, as he has been summoned home. Jack learns quickly that the person who really summoned him home, was his childhood enemy, Adaira, as she is now the heiress of East. Adaira explains why she needs Jack’s help, as the missing girls have not been found; she needs him to use his Bard music to bring out the spirits (fire, water, earth & wind). At the same time, Adaira makes an offer to the West to bring about peace, but can they be trusted?

Jack hasn’t seen his mom (Mirin) in all those years, and is surprised to discover he has a sister, Frae.  Torin is the captain of the guard, and is also one of the POV’s; his wife Sidra, is a healer, who also takes care of Maisie (Torin’s daughter from his deceased wife). Jack and Adaira agree to work together, and in a short time, their feelings begin to change, as they continually become closer.

What follows was an amazing, fantastic adventure in a world filled with magic, spirits, enemies, betrayals and a slow burn romance.  There are some surprising twists that will eventually change the game, with the East and West still very much divided. I loved Adaira, who was a fantastic heroine, as she was strong independent, determined, savvy and fierce. Jack was a very good hero, as I liked him too, but not as much as Adaira.  Ross has created a wonderful group of secondary characters, such as Torin, Sidra, Frae, Mirin, just to name a few.

A River Enchanted was a captivating, unique story filled with spirits, magic and folklore.   To say too much more would ruin it for you, as you really do need to read this fantastic book.  Rebecca Ross once again gives us a wonderful fantasy, with great characters and keeping me enthralled from start to finish. I wholly suggest you read A River Enchanted and anything written by Rebecca Ross, as I cannot wait for her next book, especially with the surprise ending.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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