Tag Archives: paranormal/fantasy romance

ANCIENT VENGEANCE (Ancients Rising 6) by Katie Reus-a review

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ANCIENT VENGEANCE (Ancients Rising 6) by Katie Reus-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27, 2022

She’s been sheltered her entire life…

Stella is from a fierce and ancient dragon line, but when her kingdom was invaded and half her family slaughtered, everything changed. She’s been taught to fight, to protect herself, but now that one of her sisters is back after being thought dead, she realizes it’s time to make some changes. After years of being smothered, she needs freedom, to spread her dragon wings and experience life. So when her grandmother tasks her with a job in New Orleans, she jumps at the chance to strike out on her own and prove herself.

He’s never met anyone like her…

Dragon shifter Rhodes is a killer. An assassin. And he’s been ordered to kidnap the dragon princess Stella as vengeance against her clan. He’s always finished his contracts—until he meets her. Now he’ll do anything to keep her safe. To claim her forever as his mate. But first they’ll have to overcome the danger stalking her—and then he’ll have to figure out how to get her to forgive him for betraying her.

•••••••

REVIEW: ANCIENT VENGEANCE is the sixth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult ANCIENT RISINGS paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is dragon shifter and assassin Rhodes, and Nova Princess dragon shifter Stella’s story line. ANCIENT VENGEANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, several dragons rose from their sleep, and in the aftermath destroyed much of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, in an apocalyptic showdown known as The Fall, but in doing so revealed the existence of the supernatural world to humankind. Ancients Rising focuses on the recovery of the city, and the group of supernaturals and dragons who have come to call New Orleans their home.

Told from several third person perspectives including Rhodes and Stella ANCIENT VENGEANCE focuses on the building romance and relationship between is ancient dragon shifter and assassin Rhodes, and Nova Princess dragon shifter Stella. Princess Stella has lived a shelter life in the Nova Realm in the years her beloved sister had gone missing and was presumed dead. Wanting her freedom Stella volunteers to head to the Earth realm to search for a stolen crown, but all does not go according to plan when our heroine is attacked, shot full of poison by the Domincary Fae, left to struggle on her own.Enter her savior and downfall, dragon shifter and hired assassin Rhodes, the man/dragon with whom Stella will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Rhodes and Stella, and the potential fall-out when Stella discovers Rhodes has been hired to kidnap and take her to the Dominicary Realm.

Stella never expected to come face to face with her future in the guise of ‘rogue’ dragon Rhodes but without our hero Stella may have never survived. Healing in the Earth Realm in New Orleans, Stella has lost her ability to shift but finds her inner dragon wants something more from our story line hero. Rhodes has no intention of taking Stella to be tortured by the Fae but Rhodes never expected to find his fated mate in Princess Stella but disobeying the King of the Fae places Rhodes in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Rhodes and Stella is one of immediate attraction predicated upon circumstance, a lie, and a poison arrow.Rhodes inner dragon wants to claim Stella as his own but the truth will push Stella out of his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Stella’s sister Juniper and her mate Zephyr, their parents Soleil and Ares, as well ancient vampire Christian, and feline shifters Axel, Harlow and Brielle. There is something developing between Axel and Christian. The requisite evil has many faces.

ANCIENT VENGEANCE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, desire and acceptance , forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the characters are powerful and energetic; the romance is seductive and provocative.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Ancient Protector
Ancient Enemy
Ancient Enforcer
Ancient Vendetta
Ancient Retribution

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

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Hunt of the Dragon by Juliette Cross-Dual Review & Tour

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Hunt of the Dragon (Vale of Stars 4) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review & tour

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GOODREADS: https://bit.ly/3fdGm1q

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2021

Photojournalist Krissa Nadeem ventures into the wilderness to record the destruction by the Larkosian army. When she captures on film the Morgon Guard’s top most wanted enemy in hiding, she sets in motion a journey that will change her life forever. Not just because of the secret she uncovers, but also because of the man who will become her protector. And more.

Bowen Huntergild, stealthy and deadly assassin, is at the head of the task force searching for the Bloodback witch who killed his sister in a blood sacrifice. When Krissa turns in her finding on film, he teams with her to discover the witch’s hideout in the wilds beyond Drakos. While he focuses on the job, his dragon stirs, warning him that destiny has more intimate plans.

What neither of them realize is that this one photograph could be the salvation or the doom of them all.

•••••••

Sandy’s Review: HUNT OF THE DRAGON is the fourth and final instalment in Juliette Cross’ adult VALE OF STARS paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on a dragon hybrid species known as the Morgons. This is twenty-something photojournalist and human Krissa Nadeem, and forty-something Morgon assassin Bowen Huntergild’s story line. HUNT OF THE DRAGON 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 cohesion.

NOTE: There is a novella companion series entitled NIGHTWING (Soulfire #1 / Windburn #2) that introduces several of the characters and some background history into the war between the Morgons and humankind. I would strongly recommend reading the Nightwing companion series before starting the Vale of Stars series. This is not a series about dragon shifters but a hybrid species with specialized powers, wings and the ability to fly.

Told from three first person perspectives (Krissa, Bowen, Mykah) HUNT OF THE DRAGON focuses on the hunt for the person responsible for killing Bowen’s sister Lena. Krissa Nadeem is a human, a photojournalist who has captured the image of Bekkanine Bloodback, a murderer, a priestess who uses dark blood magic for evil gain, and as such Bekkanine has now given birth to something the Morgons have not seen in thousands of years. In an effort to capture the witch who took his sister’s life, Bowen enlists Krissa Nadeem to reveal the location of the priestess and her son but to Bowen’s surprise, Krissa is his mate, and his ‘soulfire’ burns with the need to claim our heroine as his own. What ensues is a cross country journey on the hunt for the priestess, and the potential fall –out as a war is on the horizon with Larkos Nightwing and the Larkosian army, a marauding army of soldiers, killers, rapists and slavers.

Bowen Huntergild never thought he would find the one woman that set his soulfire aflame. Flying our heroine on a cross country journey finds our couple up close and personal as they search for the priestess who took Lena’s life. Krissa Nadeem is best friends with Moira (Waking the Dragon) and Jessen, already mated to Morgan men, and as such our heroine is acutely aware of the Morgon’s soulfire and their need to mate but Bowen and Krissa are on a mission, a mission that will see a mating, and the recovery of a young boy whose existence is unlike anything anyone has ever seen.

The relationship between Bowen and Krissa is one of immediate attraction but begins as a working assignment to locate a killer. The sexual tension is palpable; the chemistry is sizzling and hot. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is as large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples from both series including Demetrius and Shakara, Moira and Kol, Conn and Valla, as well as Lucius and Jessen, and Lorian Nightwing (Nightwing series). We are introduced to Mykah, and the return of Bastien Silverback. Here’s hoping the author has plans for new spin off series.

HUNT OF THE DRAGON is a story of betrayal, revenge, power and control; a story of family, grief, vengeance and reflection. The character driven premise is complex, detailed and entertaining; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are dynamic, charismatic, strong and determined. HUNT OF THE DRAGON is a wonderful ending to a fantastic series.

Reading Order and previous Reviews

Nightwing Series

Soulfire
Windburn
Nightbloom

Vale of Stars series

Dragon Heartstring .5
Waking the Dragon
Dragon in the Blood
Dragonfire

_______

Barb’s Review:
Hunt of the Dragon by Juliette Cross is the 4th and final book in her fabulous Vale of Stars series.  I am a huge fan of Cross, having read most if not all her books.  She is an amazing author, who never fails to give us terrific exciting stories (paranormal world), with great couples, fantastic secondary characters, action filed and steamy. Hunt of the Dragon was a great addition to this series, and as always, I loved our wonderful couple.

Krissa Nadeem, our heroine, is a journalist who also excels in taking great photos. She just came back from secretly observing the evil Larkosian army destroying various towns and people. One of the pictures she took and thought was destroyed has gotten the attention Kol Moonring, who calls her to a meeting.  As nervous as she is, she is surprised to see Bowen Huntergild, one of the most powerful Morgons, also attending the meeting.  Seems one picture Krissa took was that of a witch and her son (who is a dragon), and both men want to know where she took it.  The witch in question is the one who killed Bowen’s sister, and the boy is a rare full dragon.  Kol tells Krissa that she will go with Bowen to find the place she had been, in order to find the witch and her son, who they want to protect.

Bowen Huntergild, our hero, works for Kol and the Moonring Guard, and is determined to enact revenge for his sister’s death, but he knows that the witch maybe able to help them turn the tables against the evil Larkos Nightwing; and the boy needs to be protected, as he is the only living full dragon, whom Larkos will try to kill.   Larkos is known as the Blood King, and he has brought about destruction across all cities, moving along the way to destroy the remaining Morgons.  He needs to be stopped, but so far, the good guys have not been successful.  Will the boy who is a dragon, Mykah be the one to save them all?

When Bowen and Krissa begin their journey, they both begin to sense something between them. He fairly quickly, knows she is the one for him, as he can feel the soulfire within.  Krissa was a great heroine, smart, savvy, and tough, but she also knows there is something between her and Bowen that pulls on her emotions.  Bowen was a fabulous hero, not only a great warrior, but he was so sweet with Krissa, and treated Mykah like a son. I really liked Mykah too, as we watched him slowly trust our heroes, as well as see how quicky he magically ages and becomes powerful.

What follows is a very exciting, action packed adventure that will bring back many of our favorites from the earlier books, as well as those from the original Nightwing series.  I loved seeing them all.   In a short time, Bowen and Krissa will succumb to the soulfire burning within, with each bonding together.  I will say they made such a great couple; I loved them together

Hunt of the Dragon was a fascinating read, from start to finish. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and since this is the finale, you do not want to miss a thing, as this was an amazing climax.  Juliette Cross has done an amazing job writing this story with a wonderful satisfying conclusion. Hunt of the Dragon was exciting, action packed, suspenseful and steamy romance.  If you have not read Juliette Cross, what are you waiting for?

Copies supplied for review

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Amazon Author Page / Newsletter

 

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Rebel’s Karma (Dark Protectors 13) by Rebecca Zanetti- a review

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REBEL’S KARMA (Dark Protectors 13) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 8 2021

There’s no denying destiny . . .

For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .

Or desire . . .

Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger

••••••

REVIEW:REBEL’S KARMA is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS paranormal romance series. This is vampire/demon hybrid Benjamin Reese, and Karma’s story line. REBEL’S KARMA can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order or at the very least, this particular arc of the series focusing on the group of Seven beginning with book eight VAMPIRE’S FAITH, as there is a on-going premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: A thousand years earlier, a number of immortal warriors went through a ritual that, if they survived, hardened their bodies against attack, a ritual meant to create a group of Seven known as The Shield. The Shield was created to protect the world from an evil race of vampires known as the Kurjans, their sect group known as the Cysts, and ultimately a rogue warrior once considered a friend- Ulric-a male of immense power. To protect the human race, Ulric was captured, and along with two of the Seven, was encapsulated in one of three spheres for all eternity but the spheres are no longer capable of holding the ‘Seven’, and the warriors have returned to Earth. As the warriors search for the ‘Keys’ to perform the ritual, the ‘Lock’ must be protected in order to take down the evil that is hoping to take over the world.

Told from third person perspective REBEL’S KARMA follows the search and rescue of Benjamin Reese’s mate Karma. Three year earlier, having touched our heroine, Benjamin, one of the Seven, discovered that Karma was his mate when the mating mark appeared on his hand but Karma was in the custody of the Kurjan army, and it would take several attempts to rescue the woman with whom he would fall in love. Karma knew it was only a matter of time before one of the Kurjan’s would take her as his mate but our heroine was previously mated, and therefore no supernatural male would be able to lay claim to someone’s else’s mate. Upon her rescue by Benjamin, Karma would receive the virus that removed a previous mating, and in this our heroine would become fair game for any male wanting to claim her as his own. As the Kurjans attempted to steal back Karma, Karma continued to worry about the who and what she left behind. What ensues is the building relationship between Karma and Benjamin, and the potential fall-out as Karma is determined to rescue the people she left behind.

Karma sees spirits, and as such, she is often in communication with the ghosts who have yet to move beyond the physical world but Karma has been brainwashed and fears for her life and that of the future. Falling for Benjamin Reese means placing the man that she loves in the direct line of fire, and Karma believes that to return to her prison means safety for everyone concerned. Benjamin Reese knows that as one of the Seven means that he will always face death and danger at a moment’s notice therefore claiming a mate could mean the ultimate betrayal but falling in love meant a possible happily ever after.

Meanwhile, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood and her besties Libby and Paxton return but Hope’s ability to dream walk begins to reveal a potential betrayal with someone she once called friend. Kurjan teen Drake, who has befriended Hope in her dreams, proves to be more of a danger than a protector of her heart.

The relationship between Benjamin and Karma is fated by DNA and the supernatural; a love affair threatened by power, betrayal, obsession and control; by promises, secrets, lies and loss. Benjamin refuses to claim Karma to protect her from another possible future alone but Karma knows that it is only a matter of time before someone else demands Karma’s return. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters with plenty of back and forth teasing, sass, snark and humorous moments between the Seven and their mates. The requisite evil has many faces including Cyst Jaydon, and Kurjan Terre, who wants Karma for his own.

REBEL’S KARMA is a story of obsession, secrets and lies, betrayal and revenge. The fast paced premise is intriguing, engaging and edgy; the romance is tender and intimate; the characters are dynamic, intense and spirited. REBEL’S KARMA is a wonderful addition to the Dark Protectors series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fated
Claimed
Tempted
Hunted
Consumed
Provoked
Twisted
Shadowed
Tamed
Marked
Teased
Tricked
Tangled
Talen
Vampire’s Faith
Demon’s Mercy
Vengeance
Alpha’s Promise
Hero’s Haven
Vixen
Guardian’s Grace
Vampire

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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