Tag Archives: Paranormal

BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE by Janine Eaby -review

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BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE (Beyond the Water’s Edge 1) by Janine Eaby -review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2024

What you don’t know can’t hurt you—at least that’s what people say. Those people have never harbored a secret others would kill for.

Alaira Hughes is preparing to graduate high school, but her once-clear future is changing. When she makes a magical discovery in the woods that seems too good to be true, she’s reluctant to tell her friends. Plagued by realistic nightmares and a cascade of seemingly impossible events, doubts begin to seep in.

When she meets a captivating young man who holds the answers to her mounting questions, a new path is set before her. If she walks away, she may never get the answers she seeks, but if she chooses the new path, she may find more than she expected. She must fight to learn the truth.

And the truth can be deadly.

••••••

REVIEW: Magic/mystery and a budding romance (maybe 😉) what more could you ask for? Young adult read. And a first time author. So congratulations on getting published.

Alaira is ready for the next journey of her life. She’s going to be studying Biology in a university that requires her to stay there. She’s a little sad that her best friend won’t be coming to the same one, but excited about new adventures. But her dreams are plaguing her, she’s not sure what they mean. And now her waking moments are beginning to worry her, is she dreaming these moments, or are they real?

Alaira, I felt was a little naive at the beginning of the book. But I loved how she looked at this new world that she’d discovered. Very wide eyed and full of wonder.

Meeting Enver is a revelation. He assumes she’s aware of what she can do…. When she asks questions, he quickly realises she’s not aware!

There is a key that is needed to travel from one place to another. No key, no travel. Enver has lost his key, he’s also lost most of his memories, and he’s desperate to go home. Can Alaira help? She’s not sure what key she’s looking for, but something in her memories is triggered!! She might have what he’s looking for…..

From there, the book takes you on a fast paced adventure. But with adventure comes danger, and Alaira comes face to face with danger! (And it’s at this point I’m not sure if I trust Enver! 🤔)

We meet new friends, possible allies, and beings Alaira needs to stay clear of! Oh! And apparently Alaira has powers/abilities. 😉 That will only get stronger as time goes by….

I would have liked the appendix that appeared at the end of the book to have been in the front (personal opinion) I did worry that I might have looked at the last page (luckily that didn’t happen)

I’m hoping we get the next book soon as I’m anxious to find out what happens next….

It’s not a cliffhanger, but it does leave it open for the next story.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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A VAMPIRE’S STAR by Marie-Claude Bourque-review tour

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A VAMPIRE’S STAR (The Order of the Black Oak-Vampires 5) by Marie-Claude Bourque-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 25, 2024

An Unexpected Pregnancy Slow-Burn Paranormal Romance

When music producer and banshee Tilly Davenport learns that her pregnancy puts her and her child at risk from evil sorcerers who would use her as sacrifice to unleash powerful magic, she has no choice but appear at her powerful vampire baby daddy’s concert to ask for his protection.

Easy-going Montreal immortal and rock star Cass St-Amand is shocked when his one-night flame shows up heavily pregnant with his child, disturbing his carefree lifestyle. But panic gets the best of him when a mysterious prophecy threatens the life of his expected child, and he vows to protect mother and baby at any cost.

•••••

REVIEW: A VAMPIRE’S STAR is the fifth instalment in Marie-Claude Bourque’s contemporary, adult THE ORDER OF THE BLACK-OAK VAMPIRE paranormal romance series. This is music producer and banshee Tilly Davenport, and immortal vampire / rock star Cassiodore ‘Cass’ St. Amand’s story line. A VAMPIRE’S STAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Cass and Tilly) A VAMPIRE’S STAR follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately eight months earlier, rock star Cass St. Amand spent a glorious night with his music producer Tllly Davenport, and in the ensuing time he never forgot about the woman he left behind. The band’s latest tour stop in Montreal finds Cass face to face with our story line heroine, a woman who is pregnant, claiming she is carrying his child but Tilly is desperate, and in need of protection, as she is now a target, for anyone hoping to sacrifice to the Underworld. As Tilly and Cass begin rebuilding their friendship and relationship, someone else is taking aim at our story line heroine.

The world building follows several pathways including the implosion of the band; a family history of abandonment and betrayal; rekindling relationships between Cass and Tilly, as well as Tilly’s desperate attempt to stay alive in the face of a fight for power.

The relationship between Cass and Tilly is one of second chances. Cass never believed he could father any children, and the arrival of Tilly threatens the future of the band and the tour. With only weeks left before the baby’s birth Tilly is targeted for who and what she is. There are no $ex scenes.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters including the member of the band, Cassiodore’s brothers, their spouses, and Tilly’s godmothers

A VAMPIRE’S STAR is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating and detailed; the romance is subtle; the characters are supernatural, powerful and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of A VAMPIRE’S FATE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

She watched him silently, studying his features deep in concentration, and was hit with a tide of woefulness. He’d had that exact same face in the studio. No longer Cass St-Amand, charmer rock star adored by the masses with the fast smile and twinkle in the eye, but Cass the artist. Deep into his creations with the serious expression on the well-cut jaw.

Cass, her one-time lover. 

And now the father of her baby. She couldn’t deny the feelings she still had for him. Couldn’t forget how he’d made her laugh, had made everything lighthearted and easy when he’d been around.

But being strongly attracted to her baby’s father was not part of her plans.

 

Marie-Claude Bourque is a Montreal-born Seattle-based author of slow-burn paranormal romance and the winner of the American Title V award with her first novel ANCIENT WHISPERS.

Her writing features modern-day fantasy skillfully weaved into infinitely romantic supernatural stories between smart strong women and complex passionate heroes. 

Happily Ever After always absolutely guaranteed!

On the web:

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BAD DEMON (Hell on Wheels 1) by Sherliee Gray-review

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🧡BAD DEMON (Hell on Wheels 1) by Sherliee Gray-a review🧡

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /  Apple Books​

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 21, 2024

It was Fern Honeycutt’s eyes that gave her away. Not witch. All demon.

Her coven saw her as an abomination, handing her over to pure evil.

She escaped, but a lone female is an easy target. When breeder scouts start hanging around her store, the only way to protect herself is to break the rules she swore to uphold—adding a whole new problem.

Relic, an emotionless and arrogant hellhound, witnessed those crimes and now he’s stalking her. But the unpredictable beast is the only thing standing between her and mortal danger, so Fern chooses the lesser of two evils and plays dirty, forcing him to protect her.

However, the sinfully handsome Relic isn’t easily controlled. He surrounds her with a quiet dominance and easy affection that’s breaking through her pain—and as hard as she tries to protect her heart, he’s even more determined to claim it…

•••••••

REVIEW: BAD DEMON is the first instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult HELL ON WHEELS, dark, erotic, paranormal, fantasy series-a spin off from the author’s THE THORNHEART TRIALS series. This is six hundred year old, Hellhound Relic, and witch/ demon Fern Honeycutt’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fern and Relic) using present day and memories from the past, BAD DEMON follows the building relationship between Hellhound Relic, and witch/ demon Fern Honeycutt. Fern Honeycutt has spend most of her life imprisoned, tortured and experimented upon but in an effort to discover the truth about her family and her past, Fern finds herself ‘paying’ someone else to find the information. Hellhound Relic is struggling with the woman who claims to be a witch, a witch who is more than she appears to be but someone is targeting our story line heroine, and Relic has proclaimed himself guardian and protector of the woman with whom he will fall in love. When the past refuses to let go, Fern is once again pulled into the nightmare that was once her life, a nightmare that refuses to stop.

The world building focuses on the building relationship between Fern and Relic. Relic knows Fern is his mate but he suspects Fern is not ready to accept a Hellhound as her happily ever after. As Relic slowly seduces our story line heroine, Fern struggles with the possibility everything about Relic is a fabricated lie.

The relationship between Fern and Relic is that of fated mated but Relic bides his time with the woman that calls to his soul. Fern believes she has magically seduced the man that calls to her heart therefore everything they shared is based upon a lie. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are magical and powerful . Several characters and couples cross over from the author’s THE THORNHEART TRIALS series, as well as the introduction of a number of witch/ demon hybrids: Fern’s great grandmother Agatheena, Phoebe, Sutton, and Hellhounds Lothar, and Jagger. The requisite evil has many faces.

BAD DEMON is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, magic and madness, acceptance and love. The action packed premise is dark, dramatic and twisted; the characters are dynamic, sensitive and determined; the romance is fated and spicy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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

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

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

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Graveyard Dog (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones-review tour

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Graveyard Dog (Charley Davidson 13.9 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Darynda Jones-review & excerpt tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19,2024

Michael Cavalcante has one thing on his mind when he knocks on Izzabel Walsh’s door at two in the morning, half-dressed and a bit toasted: fix the woman’s heater and get back to bed. He vows never to cover for his maintenance tech again, especially after he gets tased and knocked out with a frying pan for his efforts.

Izzy thought she was safe. She’d dyed her hair, changed her name, and moved 1,500 miles away, and still they found her. When a member of her ex’s motorcycle club knocks on her door in the middle of the night, supposedly to fix a perfectly good heater, Izzy panics. Not only have they found her, but they would soon discover she has a daughter. Aka, a weakness. Aka, leverage. She needs time to think. To plan. To figure out how to keep the sexy neanderthal quiet. But she has no idea how to, short of murder. Can she win him over to her side? Or will he be just like all the others once he finds out what she is capable of?

Michael has one chance to convince Izzy he doesn’t want to harm her or her daughter, but more than that, he wants to know who does. And why. And where he can find them. After all, how else is he going to make sure the two sprites, who have wound their way into his heart, are safe?

••••••

REVIEW:GRAVEYARD DOG by Darynda Jones is a contemporary, adult paranormal romance novella set in the author’s CHARLEY DAVIDSON series, and a part of the multi-authored 1001 DARK NIGHTS series. This is Michael Cavalcante, and single mother Izzabel Walsh’s story line. GRAVEYARD DOG can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and back story I recommend reading the series in order or having some background knowledge of the series.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Michael and Izzabel) GRAVEYARD DOG follows in the wake of the attack against our story line hero. Michael Calvalcante owns the building wherein single mother Izzabel Walsh and her daughter Emma reside but a late night phone call finds Michael struggling with an attack by our story line heroine. Izzabel and her daughter Emma are on the run, and Michael’s appearance threatens their safety and their future but Izzabel and Emma are more than they appear to be, and it is Izzabel’s special abilities that keep her on the run, ahead of anyone trying to control her life. When the past returns, Izzabel struggles to keep Emma safe, and knows in her heart, Michael is willing to do anything to protect Izzabel’s daughter.

The world building covers approximately twenty-four hours in the life of our story line couple as Michael begins to suspect his presence in Izzabel’s life has been ordained by the heavens, or at the very least, the daughter of two powerful gods 😉. Izzabel is desperate to keep her daughter safe but it is Izzabel’s special abilities that have placed a target on their backs.

The relationship between Izzabel and Michael is one of immediate attraction but Izzabel’s attack on Michael has left our hero with a number of questions. Unaware that Michael is more than capable of accepting the specialities in both Izzabel and Emma’s lives, Izzabel struggles with revealing the truth, a truth that Michael and his ‘friends’ are able to see. The lone $ex scene is passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters are familiar and flirty, powerful and determined. We are reintroduced to Donovan St. James and Sia, Elwyn aka Beep, Eric Vause, and Agent Carson. I am so pleased that Darynda had plans for Donovan and the MC.

GRAVEYARD DOG is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, magic and the supernatural, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and inviting ; the characters are animated and determined; the romance is limited but seductive. There is a slight twist you won’t see coming.

Reading Order and previous reviews
First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Straight Ahead
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Fifth Grave Past The Light
Sixth Grave on the Edge
Seventh Grave and No Body
Eighth Grave After Dark
Brighter Than the Sun (novella)
The Dirt on Ninth Grave
The Curse on Tenth Grave
Eleventh Grave in Moonlight
Trouble with Twelfth Grave
Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave
The Graveyard Shift
The Gravedigger’s Son
The Graveside Bar and Grill
The Grave Robber

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

She had hair the same color as the girl’s, hanging in soft waves around her face and past her shoulders. A similar bow-shaped mouth and eyes the same ashen brown confirmed their relationship.
“She’s not my daughter,” she said, frantically clutching the girl to her.
Or not.
“Mama,” the girl pouted, placing the accent on the second ma, her lower lip jutting out.
“She’s the neighbor’s kid. They’re British. I just watch her from time to time.”
The girl tried to shake out of her grip. While she failed, she did manage to turn in the woman’s arms and look up at her. “Why do you always say that?” she asked in her soft British accent—one the woman didn’t have.
The laugh that escaped the older woman was so exaggerated and forced that Michael was appalled such talent had somehow eluded Hollywood scouts. She pulled the girl to her and petted her hair until he worried the child might go bald. “She’s a bit dramatic.”
The girl pushed at the brunette’s hands. “Mama, stop.”
“Look,” Michael said, growing impatient. And numb. “Like I said when you answered the door this morning, I got a call about your heater.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my heater.”
“Then why did you call?” he asked through gritted teeth.
“I didn’t. But you know that already.”
“I do?” He did? He was lost. Had he come to the wrong apartment? Damn it. How much had he drunk? He tried to count on his fingers but could no longer feel them.
The woman pushed the girl behind her as she walked closer to him. So close he could have easily taken her out with a single sweep of his leg and a triangle chokehold. And it wasn’t like an oven—dishwasher?—door handle could hold him if he didn’t want it to. Maybe for a few seconds. But he’d once fought a bear. Long story. He was fairly certain he could take an appliance door under the right circumstances.
Clearly not a criminal mastermind, the woman leaned close to him, the scent of peach shampoo washing over him, and said the oddest thing he’d heard all day. And he’d heard a lot of strange things already. “Be still.”
He could barely move as it was. How much stiller could he get?
“You will forget the girl in sixty seconds.”
“Mama!” the girl shouted in protest, tugging at the woman’s robe—a micro-thin garment that did little to conceal the curves underneath.
How the fuck was he just now seeing them? The curves. It was the frying pan; it had to be. Because as she leaned even closer, her beautiful face came into focus, and he felt a rippling punch to his gut.
Unhinged and beautiful.
Just his type.


 

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter /Goodreads

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a Rebecca, two Hold Medallions, a RITA ®, and a Daphne du Maurier, and she has received stellar reviews from dozens of publications including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and the Library Journal. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that tradition. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of almost 30 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found at www.daryndajones.com.

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Magic Unmasked/ Magic Undaunted (The Grimm Files) by Delta James

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MAGIC UNMASKED/ MAGIC UNDAUNTED (The Grimm Files 5 & 6) by Delta James

Magic Unmasked
The Grimm Files 5
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2024

A ruthless fae enforcer and a shifter must unite to save their worlds—even if it means crossing enemy lines.

Lillith Silverwing is a formidable fae enforcer sent by the High Council to retrieve the elusive Duvall sisters—four powerful fae warriors whose magic could alter the fate of realms. Her mission should be simple, but everything changes when she crosses paths with Ronan Rousseau, a brooding sabretooth shifter scarred by a past marred by fae treachery.

As the last of his lineage, Ronan harbors a deep-seated hatred of the fae. Yet, an unexpected spark ignites between him and Lillith, challenging everything he thought he knew. When Lillith uncovers a rebellion that threatens to unleash chaos upon both the fae realm and the mortal world, she realizes that Ronan might be the ally she desperately needs. Together, they form an uneasy alliance to protect the sisters and unravel a conspiracy that runs deeper than either of them imagined.

Torn between her loyalty to the High Council and her growing feelings for Ronan, Lillith must choose where her true allegiance lies. Can she defy centuries of duty to follow her heart? And can Ronan overcome his prejudices to embrace a love that could heal his wounds?

••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNMASKED is the fifth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult THE GRIMM FILES paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is fae enforcer Lilith Silverwing, and sabre tooth tiger shifter Ronan Rousseau’s story line. MAGIC UNMASKED 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.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspective (Ronan and Lilith) MAGIC UNMASKED continues to focus on Fae High Council’s determination to take down the powerful Duvall sisters-four fae warriors whose magic and power are considered dangerous and in demand. Hired to bring in the Duvall sisters, fae enforcer Lilith Silverwing finds herself with an unwanted partner, sabre tooth tiger shifter Ronan Rousseau, who is also, taking aim at the magical fae but all is not as is appears to be, and our couple will quickly discover there is corruption within the Council, and the attacks against the Duvalls may be a bi-product of power and control.

The relationship between Ronan and Lilith begin when both are targeting the Duvall sisters. Ronan will soon realize Lilith is his fated mate but Lilith refuses to accept the shifter as her happily ever after. The $ex scenes are limited but provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters include the Duvall sisters-Geneva, Savannah, Phoenix, Catalina, their aunt Maeve, as well as Fae leader Zephyr Windchaser, High Councilor Oberon Whisperwind and Morrigan.

MAGIC UNMASKED is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and mates, acceptance and love. The fast paced story is enchanting and entertaining; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are magical and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Magic Unleashed
Magic Unbound
Magic Unrestrained
Magic Unlimited

Copy supplied for review

__________

MAGIC UNDAUNTED
(The Grimm Files 6)
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2024

She’s the realm’s most wanted rebel. He’s her ex and the High Court’s most formidable enforcer. He’s decided he wants her back.

In the mystical outskirts of New Orleans, where the Whispering Woods guard ancient secrets, Elyria leads a daring rebellion against the tyrannical High Court of the fae. Once a princess of this opulent realm, she now fights to protect the lesser fae from a sinister threat—mysterious disappearances that hint at dark magic and treachery within the Court itself.

Stryker patrols the borders of Luminara with growing unease. Disturbed by traces of forbidden magic and haunted by memories of Elyria—the fiery rebel who once held his heart—he begins to question the very orders he’s sworn to uphold.

When their paths cross once more, Elyria and Stryker uncover a rogue human mage’s devastating plan to wield a weapon capable of unraveling the fae realm’s very fabric. Forced to join forces, their simmering attraction reignites, blurring the lines between past and present.

As battles rage and alliances crumble, Elyria must confront her past and make an impossible choice: trust the man who could betray her or risk losing everything to save a world that has forsaken her.

•••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNDAUNTED is the sixth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult THE GRIMM FILES paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is former fae warrior of Celestia Elyria Knightshade, and griffon shifter/ warrior for the Fae Stryker Landry’s story line. MAGIC UNDAUNTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Elyria and Stryker) MAGIC UNDAUNTED follows the search for the truth. Approximately one year earlier, Fae Warrior Elyria Knightshade was banished from the Fae realm of Celestia but she has never stopped hunting those determined to hurt the Fae but when she comes face to face with the man she once loved, Elyria is determined to prove she is not the betrayer the Fae Council has led them to believe. Enter griffon shifter and warrior Stryker Landry. Stryker has been assigned to search for the source of the powerful black magic, magic that is using and abusing the Fae but working alongside the woman he loves forces Stryker to prove he can be trusted in the face of perceived betrayal to our story line heroine. As Stryker and Elyria begin their search to uncover the source of the magic, old feelings pull our couple together in the face of darkness and death.

The world building continues to focus on black magic, and a possible betrayal from within the Fae Council. Someone is wreaking havoc, taking aim at the Fae on Celestia, all the while aiming for a complete control.

The relationship between Elyria and Stryker is one of second chances but Elyria struggles in the face of her banishment and the lack of support from the man she once loved. Stryker has faithfully stood by the Fae Council but within days of reconnecting with Elyria, the blinds are slowly lifted revealing a darkness no one suspected. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to several members of Elyria’s rebel alliance including her second in command Finnian, as well as the return of Lord Oberon; and Savannah, Phoenix, Geneva and Catalina Duvall, banished members of the Fae.

MAGIC UNDAUNTED is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and mayhem, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic; the rekindling romance is impassioned; the characters are dynamic and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

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Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.

Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.

Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.

With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.

Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will… but even that may not be enough.

 

 

Review:

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley is the first book in her new The Shards of Magic series.   I loved this book from start to finish, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. We meet our heroine, Kenna Heron, who is human, and every 6 years the Fae, 4 women are selected to live a life of luxury within the faerie land of Mistei. Kenna’s best friend was one of those selected, and she goes out of her way to follow the selected, only to find out their lives are in danger; with the 4 missing, Kenna becomes trapped in Mistei to become a handmaiden to the heir of Earth House.

Kenna slowly becomes close to Princess Lara, especially trying to help her survive the dangerous and deadly trials, which each house will need to complete the six trials, to get immortality and magic. Each of the faerie houses are, Fire, Earth, Light, Illusion and Blood. Kenna was strong, in her ability to fight others secretly for Lara, using her cunning intellection in facing grueling and magical tests, as well as monsters; but her sentient dagger was her strongest ally, talking to her mentally; and always needing blood from the victims. 

Kenna will find herself caught up in a secret rebellion against the sadistic King Osric.  She begins to have strong feelings for the rebellion’s leader, Drusten, Fire Prince, which will change as we get closer to the end.  Void Prince, Kellan early on managed to get Kenna to discover the secrets he wants to know about; though as truths are revealed, the real culprit becomes a dangerous enemy. This was a very dark story, that is filled with twists, romance, intrigue, betrayal and an evil cruel King.

Servant of Earth was a fantastic story that kept me unable to put the book down, with an exciting plot that had friendship, rebellion, spice, alliances, politics, danger, magic and secrets. Servant of Earth was so very well written by Sarah Hawley.  Kenna was a fantastic heroine, helping to survive the trials and finding a way to overthrow the evil king.  I cannot wait for the next book.  I suggest you read Servant of Earth, as it was a terrific read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Scandal (Stoneslayer 1) by Candace Lynn Talmadge-review

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Scandal (Stoneslayer 1) by Candace Lynn Talmadge-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo Paper /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

His power seeks to destroy it all. Can she rise up to stop him?

The Stoneslayer paranormal fiction series charts a lost world of political scandals, explosive family secrets, and the reincarnation of a line of extraordinary women who challenge the cataclysmic rampage of an ancient, demonic foe.

Book One Scandal

Lt. Helen Andros is a mixed-race outcast in Azgard. Saved from death when her true parentage comes to light, she now faces the outrage of the overclass, the lethal hostility of the mighty Temple of Kronos—and a powerful, high-ranked father she neither knows nor trusts.

Steering a volatile personal journey with her stranger parent, Helen is stalked. Will a hidden menace—the deadly Stoneslayer—plunder the mysterious green gem she inherited from her mother? Will political necessity bind her in marriage to a man she does not love and who cannot love her back?

•••••

REVIEW:Can I first say I loved the glossary (very helpful) but I personally would have liked it at the front of the book (I was worried I would read the last page and spoil the book!) secondly the family trees were a nice touch.

The glossary was a great help, as there were A LOT of characters. I made notes as I went along, but had to constantly look at the glossary for confirmation.

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and to be honest, if this is the first in the series, I want to know more….

The book had all the makings of a great read. Action/adventure/mystery/suspense and a paranormal angle.

But sadly it fell a little short….
Information is great, but maybe not at the end, as it felt like an avalanche burying the story!

And maybe the language (or use of Renaissance/modern/old world jumbled together) was a little off putting, once I got the hang of it, I could understand a bit better.

But I loved Helen, she was just so strong. Her resilience was tested time after time. A father who I couldn’t like nor trust. A person who has known hate and prejudice, Helen just took it all in her stride. She’s also tied to a man that is for purely political reasons (very archaic) can she really trust him? Only time will tell. Her wit and smart mouth has me smiling, her comebacks made me chuckle.

340 pages, and I was there for most of them. How Helen uses her (magical abilities?) family gem to heal people. How she had to always stay one step ahead of the demon.

The idea of reincarnation was a different angle and I really liked that.

But a word of warning ‼️ there is mention of assault and r@pe!! Maybe that needs to be addressed, as it was a little shocking (if I know it’s coming I don’t have an issue, I can prepare myself!)

I liked it, if it could just be re-jiggled a little then I think it would have the potential to be a really interesting series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Giving the Dragon Ice by Victoria Jayne-dual review

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Giving the Dragon Ice (Elemental Dragons 2) by Victoria Jayne-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2024

It could be fate or a bitter witch. Either way, someone is against them.

Alisa Roberts went to Manhattan expecting to meet the father she never knew. Finding her mate, though, that was one hell of an inconvenience. Especially when their bond cemented her curse. Destroying the witches responsible is the only way to end their spell.

When Declan Quinn answered the call of a golden dragon shifter, he rutted his way into a disaster. His new mate had a vendetta against witches. Unfortunately, his best friend happened to be quite magical.

When her fire and his ice clashed, they realized fate had a cynical sense of humor. Can the sins of the mother ever wash away? Or will Alisa and Declan pay the ultimate price?

•••••

Sandy’s Review:  GIVING THE DRAGON ICE is the second instalment in Victoria Jayne’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL DRAGONS paranormal, romance series. This is gold fire dragon shifter / bartender Alisa Roberts, and teal ice dragon shifter Declan Quinn’s story line. GIVING THE DRAGON ICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Declan and Alisa) GIVING THE DRAGON ICE follows in the wake of the fated mating of our story line couple. Fated mates between dragon shifters is rare, and the gold dragon shifter is even rarer but when Alisa’s dragon goes into heat, she finds herself in the throes of passion with a dragon she doesn’t know. Enter Declan Quinn, teal dragon shifter, and the man who answers Alisa’s call to mate but all is not well in the world of the supernatural, and Alisa’s line of gold dragons has been cursed by a coven of Ember witches in the wake of a former, perceived betrayal. As Declan and Alisa journey together into the unknown, Alisa is targeted for someone else’s sins.

The world building focuses on family and dysfunctional family dynamics both within the world of the dragon shifter and powerful witches. Alisa lost her mother at an early age, and she has spent her life in hiding with her grandmother who feared a curse placed on her family line. Meanwhile, Alisa will go on the hunt for the family she never knew, only to discover they are closer than she could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Alisa and Declan begins as fated mates but Alisa wants nothing to do with a relationship predicated upon magic and DNA but fate had other plans for our story line couple, and they will have to take precautions in an effort to protect their family and futures. The $ex scenes are aggressive and impassioned.

The secondary and supporting characters include Gideon and Ella (Giving the Dragon Fire 1); Alisa’s grandmother Lilian: her father Duncan Hayes, witch Josephine; witch Felicity; and Declan’s mother Sonya.

GIVING THE DRAGON ICE is a story of power and control,betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, magical and captivating; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are desperate and enchanting.

 

Julie’s Review

I’d read the first book in this new series (Giving the dragon Fire) which I loved. So I was looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Alisa is a gold dragon and is in town to meet her father, who she has never met before.

Declan is a teal dragon. He’s also a real player, ladies flock to our MMC, and he’s loving the lifestyle. He’s also a dragon that works for Alisa’s father!

Alisa hates witches with a vengeance! Declan’s best friend is a witch! (Can you see the situation here?) I did mutter “uh oh” out loud when I read that part.

And then being together sets Alisa’s curse off! The witches that want her 💀 now have Declan in their sights too! But unfortunately now they are mated Alisa can’t walk away and save Declan.

Fated mates is a real favourite genre of mine (the whole idea of a destined soul out their that is just for you, makes me swoon 😜)

We get to catch up with Ella and Gideon (Giving the Dragon Fire) which I always like (don’t like it when previous couples just disappear!) and there was a twist that I didn’t see, but I absolutely loved.

But saying that, you don’t have to read in order to appreciate this book. You won’t really miss anything (except a cute couple) if you start here.

As with the last book, it flows really well. We have steam, humor, danger, fated mates,, and a new family, it has enough spice to keep you hooked 😜 and plenty of drama to keep you turning the pages well past your bedtime. I was totally hooked, and didn’t stop until I was done.

So, will Declan aid his new mate in her quest for vengeance against the witches? Can Alisa’s curse be broken?

Oh and be prepared to cry towards the end….

I’m looking forward to the next book. 🦋

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one GIVING THE DRAGON FIRE.

Copies supplied for review

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Victoria Jayne is the epitome of a Jersey Girl. She doesn’t [know how to] pump her own gas, enjoys pork roll, and grew up on the Jersey Shore.

She’s lived throughout the state of New Jersey and remains there with her sports journalist husband and two darling daughters.

When not writing, Victoria enjoys baking with her daughters, rooting for the New Jersey Devils, thinking of home improvement projects, and staying up far too late chatting on Discord.

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