Tag Archives: Nalini Singh

Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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

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

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

 

 

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of PRIMAL MIRROR   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

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

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

6. Like and Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from July 23 – 27, 2024

 

 

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Raphael and Elena are experiencing their first ever year of true peace. No war. No horrors of archangelic power. No nightmares given flesh. Until…the earth beneath the Refuge begins to tremble, endangering not only angelkind’s precious and fragile young, but the very place that has held their most innocent safe for eons.

Amid the chaos, Elena’s father suffers a violent heart attack that threatens to extinguish their last chance to heal the bonds between them and make sense of the ruins of their agonizing shared history.

Even as Elena battles grief, Raphael is torn from her side by the sudden disappearance of an archangel. But worse yet is to come. An Ancestor, an angel unlike any other, stirs from his Sleep to warn the Cadre of a darkness so terrible that it causes empires to fall and civilizations to vanish.

This time, even the Cadre itself may not be able to stop a ticking clock that is counting down at frightening speed…

••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh is the 16th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  It has been ten years since Lijuan died, with the destruction having been rebuilt, and peace around the world. But now all over the world, the land begins to quake under the refuge, with buildings being destroyed, and other violent natural disasters. Jessamy and Vivek work together to uncover what is happening, as they find an old ancient language that might give them answers.

When an Ancient ancestor seems to be awakening from his sleep, Raphael will meet an archangel older than any of them; Marduk. He will explain his thoughts on why the world is falling apart.  Marduk will warn Rapheal and all of the Cadre of a darkness that needs to be fixed, or the future may not survive. All the archangels must work together to find the clues left behind by the old angelic ancestors and how to fix it.

The other part of this story revolves around Elena, whose father has a major heart attack, and may not survive.  She rushes to his bedside, spending time with her stepmother, and their kids, including her own sister, Beth. Elena begins to see signs, such as Beth’s hair turning grey, and the other kids growing up, and realizes that she will outlive all her mortal family and friends.  She is in the middle of keeping an eye on her father, but also dealing with Marduk and his suggestions to stop the destruction.

I love seeing Raphael and Elena together, as I loved their spicy scenes; as well as the love they have for each other.  It was also great to see many of our favorites, such as Illium,Aodhan, Dmitri, Jessamy, Keir, Sharine, Titus, just to name a few;  not to mention all the archangels (Cadre) who must work together to save the world.  Vivek, who is working with Jessamy, seems to play a big part in finding information on the destruction, as he also has help from a very old female vampire underworld leader, Katrina.  Where will this lead in future books?

All of the Cadre, including Elena will need to find the clues for each of them that was once used all those many years before. Marduk only knows so much, but they all will need to bring the parts together, and then Elena with help from Keir to hope that they all will survive. I will not give spoilers, so not to ruin it for you.

What follows was an exciting, intense and emotional last third of the book, with everyone pulling together.  As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  I loved having so much time with Elena, with her family, as well as the love between her and Raphael.  As always, Archangel’s Lineage was so very well written by Nalini.  If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

______

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is the sixteenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows several pathways including the ongoing relationship between Archangel Raphael and his consort Elena, as well as the collapsing infrastructure of the Refuge; a worldwide series of environmental disasters; the early sleep of a troubled Archangel, a the awakening of another, too early in time, and crumbling bonds of Elena’s human family. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE should not be read as a stand alone as there are numerous references to previous events and disasters.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives ( Elena and Raphael) ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows in the wake of a series of environmental disasters in each of the Archangel’s strongholds around the globe. It has been approximately ten years since the last war and the events of the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre), and in this, reparations and rebuilding have been at the forefront for Raphael and Elena but a meeting of the Cadre reveals an Archangel has chosen to sleep, and another may be responsible for the chaos around the world.

Meanwhile, Elena’s estranged father has suffered a life-threatening heart attack, and our heroine is battling between heart break and remorse. Elena’s father has struggled in the years since the murder of his children, and the death of his beloved wife, and in this, Elena has felt the brunt of her father’s grief, and rejection.

The world building is complex and complicated as the story line references numerous past events, and the possible connections to the current time line. All is not well with Angelkind, and in this, the Cadre of Archangels is struggling to maintain control of the vast territories, and betrayal by some of their own.

The relationship between Elena and Raphael continues to be loving , passionate and seductive. Elena is mortal yet not-Raphael sacrificed himself to save his beloved, a sacrifice that now connects our heroine to the past. The $ex scenes are limited but intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Elena’s extended family, as well as the introduction of Archangel Marduk.

ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, desperation and devotion, love and acceptance, family and love. The premise is dramatic, detailed, intricate and impassioned; the romance is heated and sentimental; the characters are compelling, authoritative, and dynamic.

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of Archangel’s Lineage   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

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

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

6. Like and Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from April 23 – 27, 2024

 

 

 

 

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There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh – a Review

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There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh – a Review

 

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Description:
They met when they were teenagers. Now they’re adults, and time has been kind to some and unkind to others—none more so than to Bea, the one they lost nine long years ago. They’ve gathered to reminisce at Bea’s family’s estate, a once-glorious mansion straight out of a gothic novel. Best friends, old flames, secret enemies, and new lovers are all under one roof—but when the weather turns and they’re snowed in at the edge of eternity, there’s nowhere left to hide from their shared history.

As the walls close in, the pretense of normality gives way to long-buried grief, bitterness, and rage. Underneath it all, there’s the nagging feeling that Bea’s shocking death wasn’t what it was claimed to be. And before the weekend is through, the truth will be unleashed—no matter the cost.

 

 

 

Barb’s Review:
There Should’ve Been Eight by Nalini Singh is a stand-alone mystery thriller. The story revolves around 8 best friends as teenagers, and now as adults, the group decides to gather at Darcie’s crumbling family estate to reminisce about the one they lost 9 years ago.  There Should’ve Been Eight is entirely told in Luna’s perspective.  With the group slowly falling apart, Darcie (Bea’s older sister) got them all to gather at the estate to reminisce and try and heal their grief.  Bea the one who died all those years ago, was Luna’s best friend, and she wanted to get more answers about why Darcie buried Bea in secret. Bea was the most popular of the friends, with all of them loving her.

They are all happy to be together, but in a short time things begin to change, drastically.  A terrible snow storm moves in, leaving them stranded, with no phone signals; soon accidents start happening, with danger and mistrust arising. Of the 7 friends, Luna, Darcie, Kaea, Ash, Nix, Aaron, Vansi and newcomer, Grace (Aaron’s girlfriend) was the 8th person. First Kaea hurts his foot (sabotaged boot) when a few went hiking; then someone puts Bea’s old creepy doll is on Darcie’s bed, freaking her out. Is someone secretly out to get them?

They are all stuck, with no way to get out, as the snow gets worse.  Then Nix falls down the stairs and breaks his neck. The tension escalates and no one knows who to trust. Soon Ash is missing, with Darcie desperate to find him, with Luna and Aaron helping search for him. Once they find Ash, who is injured with stab wounds, they rush him to the main room where they all are gathered, only to see that Kaea, Vansi, Grace and now Aaron have been drugged and Darcie is also wounded.  Luna suspects between two people who might be behind the attempts and drugging, and is desperate to find a way to get the injured help. Can Luna get them to safety, and will she learn who the real culprit was?

In the last third of the book, it was a wild, exciting and shocking thriller, with so many twists along the way. Without giving any information, since it would ruin the book for you, I was unable to put the book down, especially with the surprising twists.  Luna will learn more about Bea’s shocking death and the truths will be unleashed.

There Should’ve Been Eight was a fantastic compelling thriller that was so very well written by Nalini Singh.  If you enjoy mystery thrillers, with surprising twist as we reach the end, I suggest you read There Should’ve Been Eight.

 

Sandy’s Review: THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT by Nalini Singh is a contemporary, adult stand alone, mystery thriller focusing on a tight knit group of friends (Darcie, Ash, Kaea, Phoenix, Vansi, Aaron and Luna) who have gathered together to remember someone they lost.

NOTE : Due to the nature of the story line premise including murder, talk of suicide, and miscarriage, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective Luna , THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT follows Luna, and her group of friends as they venture together to the old manse owned by the Shepherd family. Approximately nine years earlier, Luna’s best friend, and Darcie’s younger sister Beatrice Shepherd committed suicide, something all of the friends struggle to accept. Fast forward to present day, wherein the surviving friends, plus Aaron’s new fiance Grace, have arranged a weekend together to address the proverbial elephant in the room but from the outset strange happenings, mysterious illnesses, death and poisonings threaten years of friendships when the group begins to point fingers at everyone present. As the friends begin to succumb to illness and possible murder, Luna struggles to accept that anything and everything has an intended victim, and the person(s) responsible maybe one of their own.

From the outset Luna drops hints as to the who, what and why. Luna herself is battling an hidden illness, one of which she has never revealed, but her suspicions will come to fruition when madness, jealousy, and a history of family troubles threaten to resurface as the storied past repeats itself, over and over, again.

We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of questionable and unlikeable secondary and supporting characters including twenty-somethings Darcie and Ash, Kaea, Phoenix and Vansi, Aaron and his fiance Grace. As the madness begins to spiral out of control, Luna discovers that someone else has declared themself judge, jury and executioner.

THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, madness and jealousy, greed and retribution, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and inviting; the characters are eclectic but often one dimensional. The person(s) responsible was easily deduced.

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RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.

This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares.

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . .

 

 

 

Review:

Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh is the 7th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. As I have noted many times, Nalini Singh continues to be one of my musts read go to authors, always loving her Pys-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.  She never fails to give us fantastic stories, great couples and fabulous secondary characters; not to mention her amazing ability to make sure her continued world building is totally flawless.

We meet Theodora (Theo) Marshall, our heroine, who has been tortured as a young child, by her grandfather, who was evil; since she was considered a low- gradient Psy.  Theo has a twin brother, Pax, who with the current death of Marshall Hyde (the grandfather who separated them), assumes control of the Marshall family.  Many years had passed when Pax and Theo were separated, but now that Pax is in charge, he only trusts his twin, who is assigned to check out an unregistered rehabilitation center that their grandfather controlled, and work with the Stonewater clan to discover who is still controlling the center.

Yakov Stepyrev, our hero, has had nightmares since he was young, and now recently the nightmares have come back.  Yakov (Yasha) has been assigned by Valentin (Stonewater leader), to meet Theo Marshall, and work with her to find the answers of who is killing innocent people, as well as who is controlling the center, that was created by the deceased Marshall Hyde.  When Yasha meets Theo, he is shocked to see that she is the woman in his nightmares, and his inner bear knows she is their mate. Yasha is determined to protect Theo, as well as prove to her that she is not a monster (since her grandfather did horrible things).

Yasha and Theo arrive at the center compound, searching for clues as who is behind the what is still happening at the center.  Theo cannot remember much of what the experiments her grandfather did to her, and when she sees the site, she has a panic attack, which brings forth rages in her body.  Yasha finds a way to help her out of the attack, and in a short time, as they are always together, the attraction between is very strong; Theo begins to trust Yasha, especially since their chemistry and bond were amazing..

Pavel (Yakov’s twin ) and Arwen Mercant have been together over a few books, and their relationship has made them a great couple.  Arwen, being an E psy and the heart of the Mercant family, plays a big part in helping Theo overcome her panic attacks and open her heart to Yasha. I really like Pavel and Arwen together.  Pax, Theo’s twin, is slowly feeling his life ending soon, due to the Scarab Syndrome; which I hope will resolve in the next book.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story, with me unable to put the book down. Resonance Surge was an emotional love story between Yasha and Theo, who was damaged, with a bond that will bring them totally together. The romance between them was wonderful and I love how the Stonewater bears accepted Theo into their clan. I really enjoyed Yakov and Theo’s story.  I also loved seeing many of our previous heroes, such as, Valentine, Silver, Kaleb, Ena, Pavel, Arden, and the rest of the Stonewater Bears.  

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

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of RESONANCE SURGE   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

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

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

6. Like and Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from July 17 – 21, 2023

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Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh-Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh-Review & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 25, 2022

For thousands of years, the passion between Alexander, Archangel of Persia, and Zanaya, Queen of the Nile, burned furious and bright, seemingly without end. But to be an archangel is to be bound to power violent and demanding. Driven by its primal energy, Alexander and Zanaya fought as fiercely as they loved. Locked in an endless cycle of devotion and heartbreak, it is only Zanaya’s decision to Sleep that ends their love story.

Eons later, it is the Cascade of Death that wakens them both. The passion between them a flame that yet burns, Alexander and Zanaya stand together in one last battle against the ultimate darkness. But even a warrior archangel cannot win every war. Alexander’s scream shatters the world as Zanaya falls, broken and silent…only to rise again in a miracle that may be a devastating curse. For is it truly the Queen of the Nile who has been resurrected?

Only one thing is clear: this is the last beat of their passionate, angry dance. The final song for Alexander and his Zani…

•••••••

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION is the fifteenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is Archangel of Persia Alexander, and Queen of the Nile, Archangel Zanaya’s story line. ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history regarding the Cascade.

Told in four parts, overlapping with several previous story line premises, covering thousands of years, using third person perspective ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION follows the life, the death and the life again of Archangel of Persia Alexander, and Queen of the Nile, Archangel Zanaya. Alexander and Zanaya have a colorful, riotous, and volatile history, and throughout the eons, separation would always rekindle with a violent clash as Archangel’s were not meant to be together for extended periods of time-too much power, too much ego, too many wars to protect or destroy but the time had come, Zanaya had chosen the ‘Sleep’ of the Archangel’s, leaving an embittered and heartbroken Alexander behind. Thousands of years would once again pass, bringing with it the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre) brought about by Archangel Lijuan’s descent into madness. A prophecy of death and destruction, resurrection and renewal, as well as the rise and fall of Archangels would be the Cascade, an imbalance that would see the death and injury of many angels and Archangels including the awakening , the fall, and the rebirth of the woman Alexander loved, Zanaya, destroyed by the madness of Lijuan.

ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION looks at Alexander’s brother Osiris’ decline and plummet into madness and fanaticism; Cassandra’s sight revealing pathways that converge and divert; Antonicus, Archangel of the lost city of Elysium, who had dared to cross Lijuan’s black fog, is alive yet not, rising to take over where Lijuan left off.

ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION is a slow moving, complex, and detailed story line of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and madness, love and understanding. The premise is intricate, startling and enchanting; the romance is complicated and resilient; the characters are powerful, charismatic and strong.

———

–Barb’s Review: Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh is the 15th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series.  Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series. Archangel’s Resurrection is centered on two wonderful heroes, as we learn everything about two ancient Archangel’s and their fantastic love over thousands of years. 

Alexander, the Archangel of Persia and Zanaya, the Queen of the Nile is a love story that lasts through eons, continuing to burn brightly, even at times when they separated over years, only to return to their true love.  Alexander is older, and when he became an Archangel, he knew he was attracted to the young Zanaya, but was determined to allow her to grow, until she became a General for her Archangel, and now Alexander claimed the woman he loved.  The relationship was strong and sizzling, but also tumultuous, causing disagreements that would last for a number of years, until they made up and resumed their deep loving relationship.  

Zanaya, after so many millenniums, decided to Sleep, leaving Alexander to live without her; temporarily shattering their love story.   When the evil Lijuan’s war happened, the cascade woke many ancient Archangels, with Zanaya waking up.  The passion between them still burns, as they stand together with other Archangels to fight Lijuan; and Alexander’s scream shatters the world as Zanaya falls being attacked by Lijuan.  Gravely injured in the battle, Zanaya is taken by Cassandra to heal; when she awakes after only ten years; she does feel a bit different, worried that she carries a small part of Lijuan. 

I loved seeing many of the other Archangels we have come to love.  In this story I loved Zanaya’s friendship with Auri, who became her best friend and her second; as well as Meher.  Avelina was also great as Alexander’s second.

Archangel’s Resurrection was a monumental love story over millenniums that was very romantic and very emotional throughout, which was a fabulous addition to this series.  I really loved Alexander and Zanaya together.

As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  Archangel’s Resurrection was fantastic, taking us through millenniums with war, peace, tragedy, destruction, and a magnificent love.   If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

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

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

6. like and FOLLOW Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA and CANADA only

8. Giveaway runs from October 25-29, 2022

 

 

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Storm Echo by Nalini Singh – Review & Excerpt

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Storm Echo by Nalini Singh – Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
Silence has fallen. The Psy are free to feel emotion. Free to love. But Silence was never a prison for Ivan Mercant. The biggest threat to his future lies dormant in his brain—a psychic monster that wants only to feed. And now, the brutal leash he’s kept on that monster is slipping. He prepared for this day, for the end of Ivan Mercant . . . but that was before he met Lei.

As primal as she is human, this wild changeling brings color into his life, laughter to his soul. Then the dream shatters in a rain of blood, in silent bodies in the snow. Lei is gone. Vanished without a trace . . . until he meets strangely familiar eyes across a busy San Francisco street.

Soleil Bijoux Garcia is a healer who has lost everything. She exists in a world of desolate aloneness . . . till the day she finds herself face-to-face with a lethal stranger. The animal who is her other half knows this man, but her memories are tattered fragments. Sorrow and a need for vengeance are all that drive her. Her mission? To kill the alpha of the DarkRiver leopard pack.

But fate has other plans. Soon, a deadly soldier who believes himself a monster and a broken healer might be all that stand between life and death for the entire Psy race.

 

 

Review:

Storm Echo by Nalini Singh is the 6th book in her wonderful Psy-Changeling Trinity series.  Nalini Singh continues to be one of my must read go to authors, always loving her Pys-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.  She never fails to give us fantastic stories, great couples and fabulous secondary characters; not to mention her amazing ability to make sure her continued world building is totally flawless.

Ivan Mercant, our hero, is the Mercant family security expert. Ivan considers himself dangerous, with an abnormal brain, able to go deep into the PsyNet with fears of losing control. When Ivan attends training sessions, he meets a young woman, who gives him strange vibes that he has never experienced.

Soleil Bijoux Garcia (Lei), our heroine & a healer, accidently runs into Ivan in the woods, and they both enjoy each other’s company. Lei is an ocelot, whose shifting side recognizes Ivan as their mate.  Even though it has been a short time they have known each other, Ivan finds himself becoming obsessed with Lei. When she doesn’t show up one day, he begins a search and finds a massacre at her pack, and Ivan tries to save her life, but the healers and medics arrive.  He uses all his powers to find Lei, but gives up after time; until one day almost a year later, he recognizes her.

Lei doesn’t remember Ivan, as she is hell bent on visiting Dark River (Leopard pack) to kill Lucas, since she felt he murdered her pack.  Slowly, her Ocelot recognizes Ivan, and she starts to remember some of her memories.  Ivan immediately goes into protector mode, and our wonderful Dark River healer, Tamsyn will help Lei, who will learn quickly that Lucas did not murder her pack, instead he saved most of the survivors, making them members of their pack.  At first Dark River, was not happy to have Ivan with Lei within their territory, but Lucas can see a bond, and in a short time, their relationship will heat up.  Lucas allows her to become a member of Dark River, knowing Ivan will stay with her. 

The bond between Lei and Ivan was wonderful to watch, especially the ocelot side, who was demanding.  Slowly, Lei and Ivan will succumb to their feelings, with her helping Ivan deal with the unknown physical intimacy; fully trusting her. I really loved them both together. 

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story that kept me glued to my kindle, unable to put the book down. Storm Echo was an emotional love story of two damaged people, with a bond that will bring them totally together.  Ivan was able to use his ability to go deep into the PsyNet, with Lei able to monitor him, as he discovers how everything is falling apart, due to the Scarab Queen. Will Ivan be able to survive? Can he find a way to stop the evil Scarab Queen?. 

I also loved seeing many of our previous heroes, such as Lucas, Kaleb, Ena, Tamsyn, Nate, Mercy, Canto, Arden, etc.   Storm Echo was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Storm Echo.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 


                                Chapter 1

The child has severe attachment issues. It is not Silence. He is simply psychologically damaged to the extent that he may never be able to form an attachment to another on any level. As such, his loyalty to the family cannot be guaranteed. He is a risk.

-Private PsyMed report on Ivan Mercant, age 8 (20 June 2059)

3 May 2083

In terms of age, Ivan fell in the older cadre of Ena’s grandchildren. Younger than Canto, older than Silver and Arwen. He’d also always been the one who gave the family the least trouble-no trouble at all really. Canto was as stubborn as a bull and Silver had a steely spine, and neither ever bent for Ena unless they wished to do so.

As for Arwen, gentle, empathic Arwen could be obstinate in his own way. Like water running over stone. Slow and persistent until the edges of the rock were no longer so sharp and the water had carved a new channel without the rock ever being aware of the change.

Ivan, in contrast, was more wont to say yes than no. Ask any of the other three and they’d never use the words “obstinate” or “stubborn” in relation to Ivan. One of the teenage members of the family had used the term “chill” to describe Ivan, and when Ena had looked up what that term meant when used in that context, she’d had to agree.

Ivan flowed through life, willing to bend, never opposing Ena . . . and still doing exactly what he wanted and nothing else. It had taken a long time for Ena to realize that the least openly stubborn of her grandchildren was also the most relentless in his quiet will. It was Ivan, after all, who’d never studied at the tertiary level, despite Ena’s strong desire that he do so; and it was Ivan who’d chosen to walk a path she’d initially forbidden him from pursuing.

Ivan did as he pleased . . . but he did have one vulnerability.

“Ivan?” she said now, as she watched him pack the final items for his journey to San Francisco. She rarely intruded in the suite he kept at the family compound, but with him leaving today, it was well past time to have this conversation. “Is all well?”

“Of course, Grandmother.” He unzipped a side pocket of his holdall, then reached for a small and flat black bag that could contain either his toothbrush and soap-or a weapon.

There was no way to know when it came to Ivan.

“Are you certain?” She remained in the doorway, for she would not push into the private area of his bedroom-though she knew Ivan wouldn’t rebuff her. That was the problem, and why she asked so little from him. Because Ivan would give it to her. He went his own way when it came to his life and the choices he made, but should Ena ever request he do a task, he’d do so without hesitation.

Whether it was to put a bullet in someone’s head or to allow her in his space.

That was Ivan’s only vulnerability.

From STORM ECHO published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2022 by Nalini Singh.


 

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Kiss Hard (Hard Play 4) by Nalini Singh-a review

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KISS HARD (Hard Play 4) by Nalini Singh-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 3, 2022

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who’s got the world at his feet. There’s just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis–Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she’s not about to allow Danny “Hotshot” Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn’t cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies… until a stranger’s reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They’re adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin.

••••••

REVIEW: KISS HARD is the fourth instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult HARD PLAY erotic, romance series. This is soon to be twenty-five year old, New Zealand rugby star Daniel Esera, and Paralympian Catie River’s story line. KISS HARD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Catie is Isa Rain’s sister (Cherish Hard 1), and Daniel is Jacob Esera’s brother (Love Hard 3).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Daniel and Catie) KISS HARD follows the frenemies to lovers fake relationship between soon to be twenty-five year old, New Zealand rugby star Daniel Esera, and Paralympian Catie River. A night on the town with friends finds Daniel Esera a victim of a drug assault at the local bar. Noticing something was wrong, Catie River immediately took charge, getting our hero to the hospital just in time. As both Catie and Daniel were fodder for the paparazzi and local sports news, Daniel wanted to keep everything on the down low but the possibility of a major fallout found Daniel and Catie embarking on a ‘fake relationship’ in an effort to keep the media at bay. As Daniel and Catie’s fake relationship begins to take on a life of its’ own, Daniel finds himself at a professional crossroad, a crossroad that is about to pull our hero away from the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the frenemies to lovers relationship between Daniel and Catie, and the potential fall-out as time apart forces our couple to reconsider the future with or without the person who has stolen their heart.

Catie River never considered her own happily ever after having watched her own parent’s relationship implode. Years earlier, an accident cost our heroine her legs, changing Catie’s life forever. Her relationship with Daniel has always been fraught with antagonism and irritation, anger disguising a palpable sexual attraction. Daniel Esera’s life as a professional rugby player has stagnated, and the recent incident at the local bar could quite possibly threaten our hero’s career. A fake relationship with Paralympian Catie River is the key to possibly redirecting his life but Daniel never expected to fall for our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We welcome the return of Catie’s sister Isa and her husband Sailor Bishop; Gabriel and Charlotte ; and Daniel’s brother Jacob. We are introduced to Catie’s friend Laveni aka Veni, and fellow rugby player Viliame Vili Serevi; Catie’s mother Jacqueline, and her father Clive and girlfriend Gloria; as well as Daniel’s parents Allison and Joseph.

KISS HARD is a story of family and friendships, relationships and acceptance; struggle and healing, love and understanding. The premise is inviting and captivating; the romance is flirty and energetic; the characters are ambitious and charismatic.

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

Cherish Hard
The Rebel Hard
Love Hard

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Archangel’s Light (Guild Hunter 14) by Nalini Singh-dual review

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Archangel’s Light (Guild Hunter 14) by Nalini Singh-dual review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2021

Illium and Aodhan. Aodhan and Illium. For centuries they’ve been inseparable: the best of friends, closer than brothers, companions of the heart. But that was before—before darkness befell Aodhan and shattered him, body, mind, and soul. Now, at long last, Aodhan is healing, but his new-found strength and independence may come at a devastating cost—his relationship with Illium.

As they serve side by side in China, a territory yet marked by the evil of its former archangel, the secret it holds nightmarish beyond imagining, things come to an explosive decision point. Illium and Aodhan must either walk away from the relationship that has defined them—or step forward into a future that promises a bond infinitely precious in the life of an immortal…but that demands a terrifying vulnerability from two badly bruised hearts.

•••••••

SANDY’S REVIEW

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is the fourteenth full length instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is angels Illium aka Bluebell, and Aodhan aka Sparkles’ story line. ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as Illium and Aodhan’s story line has been building throughout the series.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Illium and Aodhan, using present day and memories from the past ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT follows the life long friendship to lovers relationship between angels Illium aka Bluebell, and Aodhan aka Sparkles. Illium and Aodhan’s friendship has been damaged by demons from the past. For close to two years, Illium struggled with his best friend’s disappearance, a disappearance that resulted in the torture and abuse of the friend/man/brother that he loved but with Aodhan’s rescue and return, the resulting pain left Aodhan a changed man-a broken Angel- and in this, Illium battled with their friendship going forward. Now that Aodhan was helping to rebuild LiJuan’s former stronghold in China, Illium has been tasked by Raphael to aid the reformation wherever he is needed but coming face to face with Aodhan pushed our couple to revisit the past, not only their childhood but the demons that broke the man that he loved. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Aodhan and Illium, and the potential fall out as LiJuan’s previous control and hold on China continues to reveal the extent of her destruction, and the resulting evil that cannot be ignored. As Illium and Aodhan continue to unearth the damage, a surprise discovery has everyone on edge, including the most powerful beings in the world.

Nalini Singh reveals the background and history between our story line couple: the years spent as childhood best friends-their pain at parental loss both physical and emotional, as well as their connection to Archangel Raphael, the Cadre, and the Seven but Nalini also pulls the reader into the dark, raw and ugly side of a world controlled by Archangels and Angels, as the reader bears witness to the tragic events, abuse and torture of an Angel so coveted for what he is, that the resulting harm has left a damaged and broken man.

The relationship between Aodhan and Illium is a best friends to lovers relationship wherein Aodhan struggles with his attraction to a man whom he believes continues to hold a torch for someone else. As Aodhan battles between head and heart, Illium must come to terms with the potential loss of both the friendship and love of the man he has protected all of his life. There are no $ex scenes.

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, abuse and torture, recovery and love. The premise is heart breaking, emotional, and raw; the characters are energetic, broken, struggling but recovering; the romance is impassioned but is damaged by perception and misunderstanding.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Angel’s Blood
Archangel’s Kiss
Archangel’s Consort
Archangel’s Blake
Angel’s Flight anthology
Archangel’s Storm
Archangel’s Legion
Archangel’s Shadows
Archangel’s Enigma
Archangel’s Heart
Archangel’s Viper
Archangel’s Prophecy
Archangel’s War
Archangel’s Sun

 

BARB’S REVIEW:
Archangel’s Light by Nalini Singh is the 14th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.  We have been waiting a long time for Illium (Bluebell) and Aodhan’s (Sparkle) story, and once again, Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  Archangel’s Light was a wonderful story dedicated to two of our favorites.

Illium and Aodhan have been friends since childhood (over 500 years), with both growing up to be extremely close, but also very powerful.  The story picks up with Aodhan in China, as Archangel Suyin’s temporary second to help recover the horrific mess created by the deceased and evil LiJuan.  With so much to be done, and a year has passed, Raphael decides to send Illium to China to help Suyin and Aodhan.

The story goes back and forth between two timelines, Today and Yesterday. Yesterday gives us glimpses how their friendship and bond developed over the years, as toddlers, teenagers and how Sharine’s love for both boys were instrumental to how great they became.  Today follows Aodhan, Illuim, Suyin in there aim to move to a new area to be the home front, and destroy any horror left by LiJuan.   With both working together, there will be some discoveries that were horrific, proving what a nightmare LiJuan was.  I loved seeing how Raphael, Dmitri, other members of the Seven interacted with Illium and Aodhan as they grew up; as well as Elena’s fun relationship with them.  

With a year having passed, both Aodhan and Illuim had issues that needed to be resolved, especially with Aodhan now healed from his two year torturous captivity.  We have loved both Illium and Aodhan for a long time and in Archangel’s Light, their inseparable relationship borders on falling apart with each going their separate ways, or to repair their bruised hearts to become the true soulmates they were meant to be.   

Archangel’s Light was a tense, emotional and fantastic story, revolving around the disaster from the deceased archangel, and the impaired relationship of two people we have always loved.  To say too much more would be wrong, as you need to fully read Illuim and Aodhan’s story.  As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.    If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

Copy supplied for review

 

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